18 week bump

In this pic, I look like I ate a little too much!

You gotta laugh!

Last night I had a small bowl of cereal for snack, but I was still a little hungry. So I asked Chad to bring me the box of cereal so I could refill my bowl. Chad picked up the box and then in an instant he threw the box in the air...you know how sometimes you can't resist throwing something and flipping it in the air. Well, Chad likes to do that a lot, but at this instant... life went into slow motion....you see, Chad didn't know that the box was open...cereal went flying everywhere! Here are the pictures of our cereal covered living room. Let's just say we just had to laugh!

17 weeks already!

So yesterday we were officially 17 weeks! That means were in the 18th week which is very exciting. The baby should be starting to move around more and I should be able to feel "quickening" soon. So far the pregnancy has had it's adventures. Here's what's been happening.

I've noticed that acne comes in cycles...interesting to see the connection. Recently just as the acne was calming down on neck, my IBS acted up pretty severely. The Lord is definitely preparing me for childbirth, labor and being a mom because during IBS I get severe pain, sleepless nights, and of course fatigue. I'm not complaining though. Seriously, this would be a perfect opportunity to say "why me?!!!" But honestly, I've been appreciative of the pain tolerance I'm building up and the strength that I'm finding from God. Sure, it's frustrating when you can't move, eat, or stray far from the toilet or have to take baths every 3 hours (for only 10 minutes cuz you can't raise your body temperature too high). But it goes away and I continuously praised Him for never leaving my side. Chad has been a HUGE support too, he rubs my back and stays by my side as well. Maybe God's preparing him also for when he sees me in labor.

I'm also in the middle of what might be an interesting discovery. I might be developing a gluten/wheat intolerance. As I mentioned earlier, I wasn't able to eat anything for 3 days without it horribly reacting to my stomach. Then I tried some gluten free products and I could tolerate them! There's a pizza place that offers a whole gluten free menu (pizza, wings, etc.) Now, I'm still doing research and I'm in the process of determining whether the gluten intolerance only occurs during IBS or if it's a pregnancy related thing. Who knows. It was nice to know that my midwife's assistant, Allison, has IBS also and had to regulate her gluten intake.

Now my IBS is starting to feel better and showing signs of relief! Praise God! Then, I noticed a couple days ago that I've developed a rash on my sides of my body. Of course my midwife, Sue, is having me keep a close eye on it although I suspect it's my body's way of getting rid of something. Hormones can do wonderful things to a woman's body, but it's all worth it to have a gift from God growing inside of me!

So all in all, pregnancy is a beautiful thing. I've memorized Psalm 23 and have been reciting it daily. Although I'm not in the valley of the shadow of death....there were times when it hurt more than I've ever experienced. It's funny what verses you find that comfort you in crazy times.

I'll keep you all posted when I feel any "quickening"

Yummy Blueberry muffins

With blueberries in season right now, I picked up a boatload at costco and decided to make blueberry muffins. I used the Better Homes cookbook, but substituted whole grain (freshly milled) flour and agave for the flour and sugar. They turned out so yummy! I'm so excited, now I can really enjoy a muffin without feeling totally guilty from the sugar and low-fiber flour. I was so proud, I piled the muffins on a pretty little plate and took a pic! I even made some chocolate chip muffins for Chad to have after he comes home from his baseball game this morning! By the way, the prep time said about 10 minutes...it seriously only took 10 minutes! Wow...they weren't kidding when they printed "fast" next to the recipe!

News on the baby front!

We are in our 14th week...Yeah!!! I'm feeling great and no horrible morning sickness...I just had one day where I felt really yucky, but for the most part it was just a little nausea (thank you, Lord!). I have noticed I've been getting headaches a lot, but peppermint oil really helps (after I re-apply about 20 times!) So if you see me and get thissudden urge to sing Christmas carols or start to think about candy canes...it's probably just the peppermint on my head! LOL!

I figured I'd try to keep y'all posted about the baby and yes...we intend to find out the gender when it's possible (around 20 weeks). I know some people who waited, but Chad and I really want to find out. We want to start forming that relationship with the little one by calling it by his or her name. Chad wants to sing/play guitar/piano and really bond with the baby. For the record, I think it's gonna be a boy and Chad kinda thinks it's gonna be a girl. Of course, either way we know it is a gift from God and we will love it with all our hearts regardless of what it is.

Please continue to pray for us and our new little one. We know God has something really special planned for him or her. After all, He did make us this baby's parents..which means He definitely has a sense of humor cuz both Chad and I are a little...how do I say it...goofy/weird/spunky! LOL!

Thank goodness for sanitary cycles!

So early this morning I got up to go to the bathroom and noticed that all three cats we lying on my side of the bed. No wonder I kept dreaming that something was weighing me down! Anyways, I crawled back into bed after moving one of the cats away from my face. Surely I thought I would fall asleep quickly. Then, all of a sudden I heard the wonderful sound that cats make when they're gonna throw up. Both Chad and I instantly sat up, but it was too late. Our sweet cat, Daisy, had thrown up all over our comforter...YUCK! So, right now...as I type...my washing machine is vigorously working on the sanitary cycle to wash out the cat throw up. Thank goodness for sanitary cycles cuz that's just nasty stuff. Good times over here in Lynnland!

Baby's heartbeat!

We heard the heartbeat yesterday! It was soooo exciting. I wonder if my cats can feel the heartbeat too? It's weird cuz they are all over me and wanting to lay on my tummy a lot. Daisy especially will lay on my tummy and not get off unless I pick her up and put her somewhere else. I wonder if they know something's up....hmmmmm.