My hubby is leaving for a week :(

Tomorrow Bob leaves for the week on business. He is headed to California. One week is better than 1 - 3 months that it was going to be. I will be staying with my parents for the week, which will be nice because I wont be alone, and plus Kona is coming up there too, and so he gets to swim! I go to work with my parents now anyways, so it will save my brother the trip to our house to get me at lunch. Hopefully the week will go by fast...I am going to miss Bob. We really haven't been away from eachother that long since we have been married...honestly, since we have been together. We like to spend time together...we like all the same things, and we have fun together. He sure is going to be busy though while he is in California, so I wont be able to talk to him until late at night, but thats ok. He will be home on Friday, so its not quite a week. Tomorrow I have an OB appointment. My mom will be taking me. Its always fun going to the OB with my mom...if you knew my mom and I, you would understand why...lets just say we have some funny inside jokes, so it always makes for an amusing time! Hopefully at the appointment tomorrow, they will be able to make sure that my blood pressure is under conrtol...for some reason, it has been going up lately, and last thing I need to happen is to have preeclamsia or for the hemotomoa to come back...I am trying everything to keep the blood pressure down. Please pray it stays down, and I can relax now!!!!

Target!!

After 2 1/2 months of not being able to shop...I finally got to go to Target. I know...big whoop right?!?!? It was so nice to be able to go there though and walk around, although I was wiped out after just about 5 minutes. However, I did get a bathing suit top ( I can go in the pool) and a couple of shirts. i really dont need many more clothes...it is summer and I am not planning on going anywhere. I was suppose to be at a wedding this weekend, and then be in a wedding in two weeks, but, I can not travel because again, i am a big baby when it comes to planes, and I cant let my blood pressure rise...lame, I know! We walked around Target, looked at some baby stuff...they really dont have all that much there. Bob showed me hats that Bradyn is NOT allowed to wear. Ha! I finally said we needed to go because I was too pooped...this is a big store! We then went to publix to get our dinner, and then home. It was nice to be out and about.

Bob is going to California this week for business. I am staying with my parents, which will be nice. I have an OB appointment on Monday, so my mom will be taking me to that. I hope he says I gained some weight! It sure looks like it from my tummy! After this appointment, I have to be monitored for my blood pressure more often. I swear, I am made up of all the bad genes in my family...if someone has something wrong, I have it too!!! As long as Bradyn and I are healthy in the end of this, I dont care! Thanks again everyone for the prayers!

24 weeks down....16 more to go!

We had our 24 week ultrasound yesterday. Bradyn is growing strong and looking good. God is great! We were so excited to hear that there was no sign of a hemotoma or a tear! Now, this doesnt mean it cant come back, or that I wont have pre-term delivery, but it does mean that right now, we are doing good, and I can come off of bed rest slowly. I can even SWIM!!! Bradyn weighed in at 1 pound 6 ounces...so we have some growing to do in the next 16 weeks...but that did put him ahead! So that is awesome. The other thing that I have going against me is my blood pressure. the high blood pressure is what caused all of this to begin with. I am on medicine to keep it down, but for some reason, in the last week, it has gone up a little bit, so they uped my dosage, which is fine with me, as long as it keeps me from getting preeclampsia. So, Bob and I decided that since it is summer, and I really dont have anything to do....like I did before or something on bed rest...but anyways, we decided that I will not be doing any cleaning or cooking, and that I can get little things hear and there. I can go to the store with Bob, but not by myself, and I cant take the dog out. When I am home, I should be sitting and taking it easy...and drinking lots of water...during the week, I will go to my parents office and work, where I will be sitting, but no bending and such. I have to drink a lot of water...with all of this, and prayer...we know Bradyn will be born healthy in September!

Baby registry...I finally started to make it. We have to go and look at a few things still though...like a swing...any good ideas? I know I am anal about this, but I wanted it to match everything, and Chicco doesnt have a swing that mathces the high chair, so I was bummed. We also are looking into bottles and which ones are BPA free, as well as the whole breastfeeding thing! Here is where we registered at:

Babies R Us
Kids N Cribs ( this is the only place that had a registry that sold the color stroller we wanted)
Pottery Barn Kids

I dont know when the baby shower will be. Bobs mom and my mom will be setting that up, but with all that was going on, they had been putting it off...honestly, I dont care if it is before Bradyn is born...all I really want is a healthy baby...

Again, thank you so much for all the prayers and thoughts...they are working and we are so grateful for such awesome friends and family.

Happily Married for 3 years!!!

Today, Bob and I celebrate 3 years of being happily married. Gosh I can't believe it has been 3 years. 3 years ago today, I was totally freaking out because I was so nervous to walk down the isle in front of a huge crowd. Yeah, they were my family and friends, and ofcourse I was marrying my best friend, but I dont like being the center of attention. But as I walked down the isle, and saw Bobs smiling face, that all went away, and it was like it was just Bob and I standing there. We got married in Illinois. I was the best day of my life...I got to marry my best friend. We had been together almost 7 years! Everyday I thank God for blessing me with such a wonderful husband. This past 3 months I have really learned how blessed I truly am. Bob is such an amazing person, he is caring, and loving, and has such a big heart. He is going to be such an awesome dad. Just last night, as he was listening to Bradyn's heart beat, Bradyn was kicking the stick whereever Bob put it...we could actually see it on my stomach! I wish I had the camera out because Bob's face was AWESOME!!! It was priceless....he was just so excited! This fourth year of marriage is going to be just as great as the last 3...actually even better because we will have our gift from God that we have prayed for now for 3 years!!! Thank you Bob for being such a great husband...you show me everyday how much you truly love me and I thank you for all that you do. You are such a great daddy already, and I cant wait to see you hold your son in your arms, and play catch, and watch Lions games ( even while I cry because it isnt the Bears :) )

Today also we get to see Bradyn and make sure he is growing correctly, and that I am still healthy. I am soooo nervous...I just want to be a normal pregnant lady and have avery healthy baby growing! Please pray all goes well!!!!

The Tax Vote!

With this whole economic problem, the school systems across America are suffering. Here in Florida...they are suffering a lot. I find it rather funny that education is one of the first things to loose money. If you think about it, without education, there will no future for America...which means we will continue to head in the direction we are going in. So, it came down to our county increasing the taxes on houses in order to keep teachers in the classroom. Now, and increase in taxes sounds bad, especially when financially, families are suffering...however, we aren't talking about a HUGE amount. It is basically $30 - $40 a year for most families. The school board passed the tax last night, which is awesome because that means that I wont loose my job in the fall, and even better, because that means the class sizes can stay down. I am appauled at the messages people are leaving online about the situation. I cant believe that people would want to see more studnets in the classroom...do these people really think their kids are getting the best education with 30 - 35 kids in a classroom. Some people will say...when I was a kid....yeah well when you were a kid, there wasnt kids throwing punches at other students, swearing at the teachers and other students like it was a normal vocabulary, and 6th graders who were having sex....face it people, times have changed!!! My classroom this year had 28 at the high point...this is a lot of kids. With all different reading levels and behavior levels...trying to reach all studnets is a struggle...I couldnt imagine having more kids....heck, they wouldnt have even fit in the classroom! For those people who honestly think that teachers do nothing and that we are such horrible people who just want summers off...I give you the chance to come to my classroom and teach just one lesson...heck I wont even say the whole day...because I doubt you would last! The tax increase means that our kids have a chance...that they can better our future...without those kids education, there is no future!!!

Big Week!

Thursday, we get another ultrasound. This is big because we are getting to see Bradyn, and how he is growing. They will be checking to make sure that the hemotoma isnt coming back, and how well everything is going. On top of the hemotoma, I have high blood pressure, which they think is actually what caused the hemotoma to begin with. I am now on high blood pressure medication, which has been keeping my blood pressure down. For some reason, yesterday, my blood pressure went up. I was freaked, because all I could think about was it causing the hemotoma to come back. I tried to relax, and before I went to sleep, it had gone down. This morning, it was all the way down, so that made me feel a lot better. I just want these next 17 weeks to be healthy for both Bradyn and I. I pray that God continues to watch over us and keep us safe and healthy.

Thursday is also our 3rd wedding anniversary. (In August, we will have been together for 10 years!!!) These past three years have been wonderful. I cant imagine what my life would be like without having a husband like Bob. He has really showed me how much he cares about me, and how great of a person he really is. He takes good care of me, works hard, and is willing to do whatever it takes to make sure I am happy. I love him dearly, and I cant wait to see him be the father I know he will be. He already is a great father...he even bought Brady a football already! I love you Bob...thank you for everything you for all you have done... :)

Happy Memorial Day!

Today we honor those who have died for our country and have made the ultimate sacrifice. Yes, it is a 3 day weekend for many and a break from work, but it truly should be a day of celebration for the freedom that we do have. These men and women have come before us and have given us the gift of freedom. If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't have the opportunities that we all get today. Yes, we are in troubled times with a recession, and family and friends still at war, but truly, as an American, we are really blessed. I may not agree with all that is going on in The United States or how it is being handled, but I do know one thing, I am very proud to be an American. Some people just look to this day as a day off, and don't even think about why we are celebrating it. Yes, it is a day to relax and have BBQ's with family and friends, but lets not forget our men and women who allowed us to have this opportunity. I am proud of all the men and women who were proud enough to die for our freedom. Thank you United States Military!!! You all have a special place in my heart!

Shopping

Today I got to go shopping. I am suppose to be in a good friends wedding next month, and I wont be able to make it now. So, I am making her these programs that I had made for my wedding. We needed to get some paper from Micheals, so we went there. We went to the new one in West Melbourne. It is nice in there. There scrapbook section is huge. We got some paper there, and then quickly looked at the canvases to see what we needed for me to paint some pictures for Bradyn's room...yes I love to paint! We then went to Office Depot to get the rest of the paper. Although these trips were short, it is nice to get out. I am so scared when I am out because I dont know what is going to happen. In the back of my mind all the time, is preterm labor or the hemotoma coming back. Not to be gross, but I read all the time that your discharge increases when you are pregnant, but how am I suppose to know what normal discharge looks like now??? IN my mind, I am always thinking about the mucus plug coming out or something, so it freaks me out!.. I know...too much information, but hey, this is all so new to me. My mom is out of town, so it is hard for me to explain things to her. Usually, when I am with her, i know this is gross too, but I can show her, and she makes me feel better about it all...oh the joys of being pregnant. I mean, I love it, and I love this baby boy growing inside of me...I just wish I could be a noraml pregnant lady, thats all. I know I need to just trust God, and I am doing my best at that. It is just every cramp and back ache scares me. we have an ultrasound on Thursday, which can come soon enough! I wish it was Thursday so I can see Bradyn and make sure he is healthy.

Again, thanks for all the prayers and thoughts, they mean so much to my husband and I...please continue to pray for us all.

Kona is a swimmer!!

Although it has been raining all week, it cleared up enough for Bob, Holly, Jason, and I to take Kona and Duke up to my parents house for an afternoon of swimming and BBQ. My parents are in Chicago, so it was just my brother there. I of course sat on the lounge chair and enjoyed watching Kona jump in and out of the pool chasing a tennis ball. At first, he just cried because the ball was in the pool, and then all of the sudden he jumped in and had a blast the rest of the night. Poor Duke would not get in at all. He fell in once, and then jumped in two other times, but he did not like going swimming...we think he didnt realize where the stairs were. Bob swam with Kona and now has scratches all over him...Kona tries to race you in the pool. Joe grilled some good food. There was one little mishap when Kona snuck out the door with Joe, when he went to turn the heater on in the pool. Duke saw this, and tried to get out, but the screen stopped him...he fell, and went right through the screen...so KOna and Duke were loose on the golf course running wild...Bob, Joe, Holly, and Jason had to chase after them...I got to sit and watch! They did get them though, and then the guys fixed the screen. Glad the rain held off and we could all enjoy the outside. Hope everyone is having a great Memorial Day weekend.

Thanks for all the prayers and thoughts!!! This week we have our 24 week ultrasound...hopefully things continue to be good!!!

A short day out

Bob has off today which is always nice. He gets a four day weekend!! Since my brother has been so generous to bring me lunch everyday, we decided we would bring him lunch at work. I ordered quiznos and we went and picked it up. I went inside with Bob since it was ordered and we just had to grab it. Then we went to my parents office where Joe was and we ate with him. After we ate, we walked ( yes I said walked!!!) next door to Benjamin Moore, which is a paint store. Ok, the walk was like a couple of feet, but still!! We wanted to check out the potterybarn paint for Bradyn's room. They had to two colors, and so we got the paint chips, and Bob will get the paint from Richards paint, because he gets a discount there, and plus, we really like their paint. It is nice because the colors are right from Bradyns bedding. Then on our way home, we went to the plant nursery because we are redoing parts of our yard slowly...we are adding some stuff to our landscape. Bob wanted to check out the triple foxtails ( He is OBSESSED with palms). So I got to get out of the car, and walk about 10 yards total to see the palm, tell him I do like it, and then back to the car. On the way back to the car, I spotted some really cool looking plants so I had to check them out. We have a plant thingy at our front door, and I always kill whatever is in there...so I asked the lady who was watering the plants if these are easy to kill and she said no, they dont even require that much water...so BINGO...found the flowers to put in there. We left then because Bob wanted me to sit back down again. I know this probably sounds boring to you, but for me, this was awesome! I was able to get out a little, and enjoy the somewhat sun ( which I dont care...I like rain) and be with my husband, who has been doing all these errands on his own for two months now. I will post some pictures of the landscape once it is done. We are just doing the front yard and sides for now...still trying to decide if a pool is a good idea or not in the backyard...yes I know...baby on the way, water is dangerous, but...we would get the proper gate, and we have an alarm on the door already, so really, we will be ok...swim lessons start next march for him anyways!!!

Thanks again for all the thoughts and prayers!!!!

Kris Wins!!!

YEs I am a nerd, and I love watching American Idol. I loved Kris from the beginning. I always thought he was a great singer, and he did his own version of songs, just like "golden boy"Adam. The only difference is that Kris wasn't wild about it, and didn't get the opportunity to ALWAYS go last. I think Adam is a great singer, dispite his screaming, but I truly think American Idol judges ruined it for him. They put him up on the pedistal. They praised him no matter what...aloud him to go last all the time, and even allowed Katy Perry to wear an Adam Lambert cape while she was a guest singer on the show. How low is that??? All the hype really took away from his talent. Personally, it annoyed me, and if I was voting for someone else on the show, when they got kicked off, I would have never voted for Adam becasue of all the hype. My guess is that all those Danny votes, now went to Kris. You either loved Adam or hated Adam. Both will have great record deals, and I am sure Adam will be on Broadway soon. He is already somewhat known...he is in Wicked in California, and has been in muscials for a while...so really, he is a professional already. American Idol is about finding new talent, and when compare Adam to others, who have not been in front of a large crowd before singing, he really wasnt all that much better then the others. He does this for a living, so I wouldnt have expected anything less for him. He has been trained...Kris was never trained before this. Plus, Kris doesnt only sing, the guy can play an instrument AND sing at the same time...where was Adam's instruments all season???? Anyways...I am glad Kris won, and I actually plan on buying is CD....ok, I mean downloading it!

On another note...Bob finally got to feel Bradyn kick...it was pretty cool. Bob was amazed! About 17 more weeks of healthy pregnancy and I will be one happy mommy!!! Thanks again everyone for the thoughts and prayers...they are working!

Happy Birthday Tammy and Sarah!!

Wow, today is a popular day for births!! I have two friends who are celebrating their big day! Tammy's birthday is today. Tammy is a great friend who I work with. She has helped us out soooo much, and we cant thank her enough. Tammy, I hope you have an awesome day, and I am sorry it is raining! I wish I could go with you to Disney, but next year, I promise!!! I hope you enjoy your Billy Elliot book and learn all the songs, and put on a performance!!! Happy Birthday!!!!!!

Sarah is another friend whose big day is today. She lives in Michigan, so I cant hang with her on her big day. Sarah and Stacey ( my bestest) were down here for Spring break, and again helped out soooo much. Poor Sarah had a knee injury, so her and I were kinda bound to the couch. I have known Sarah now for a little over three years, and I am so glad to have her as a friend. She is very caring and funny. Hope you have an awesome day! Happy Birthday Sarah!

Rain!!!!

I am one of those weird people who absolutely love rain. I dont know why, but I just do. Growing up in California, it never rained!! So maybe that is why...I dont know. I love rain, just not storms. I sleep better when it rains too...I do know why that is though....living in California we had to deal with Earthqukaes...for some reason, in my mind, I told myself when it rained at night, there would be no earthquakes...so that meant I actually slept through the night, in my own bed!! So, I just really love the rain. It is finally raining here...and looks like it will be for a while...as long as we dont get flooded in I am a happy camper :)

On to pregnancy...I have only gained 3 pounds...yes 3 pounds! However, I am sure the doctor is going to say way more when I go again because I have been eating like crazy! One thing I noticed though is that my ring started to make my finger hurt. So, yesterday...off came my engagement ring. I still have my wedding band on...that is a little bigger I guess, but the diamond has come off. I am noticing my belly grow now everyday, and I love it! I dont care about stretch marks or getting fatter! I choose this, I want this, and I am happy with it. I will sacrifice whatever I need to in order to be a mommy! I am 22 weeks along, and cant wait for September...not because I dont like being pregnant...but because I want my baby here healthy, and this whole hemotoma thing really made me have a bad attitude about having a baby, and I really shouldnt be like that. Next week we have another ultrasound and I am very excited for that. We get to see how Bradyn is growing, we get to make sure I am still healthy, and we get to possibly hear that I can be a "normal" pregnant women!!! After next week, we will be making our registry! STay tune for that...I have been waiting FOREVER and EVER to make that! Also, the ultrasound is on May 28th, which happens to be our 3rd Anniversary! Wow!!! I love Bob so much, and I am so glad I was blessed with such an awesome husband and father to be!

Again, thank you for all the thoughts and prayers!!!

4 Months to go!!

4 months from today, September 18, 2009, our sweet baby boy is due. We can't wait for this precious day...we have waited over three years for this. I am 22 weeks now, and I am starting to feel a lot better. I pray everyday that God blesses me with healing and looking forward. I pray that God continues to keep Bradyn and I healthy, and that I go full term with him. We have an ultrasound next week on May 28th. The docs said that after this appointment, as long as I am still going good, and the ultrasound shows the same good news we heard last time, I can be a "normal" pregnant lady! I will still be causcious, I am at risk for other things, but I can actually go to a store, and hey possibly start to make a registry! Not like that will take that long, considering I have known what I have wanted FOREVER!!!!

For all people who are pregnant or have had a baby...how do I know when cramps are ok? I swear somedays I am crampier than others. I am sure I feel more then others because I am sitting most of the time. Also, sometimes, Bradyn is so active, it feels like he is going to kick right through my cervix...is this normal? All this is so new, and I love feeling him kick...even though I feel bad that Bob cant feel him yet...but soon!

Again, I want to thank everyone for their prayers...they mean the world to Bob and I...we cant thank you enough!

Garlic Knots!!!

I got to go out to dinner!!! I have been craving garlic knots now for about 10 weeks, and I was finally able to go out to dinner to the pizza gallery. Bob and I went with my mom and dad. Oh were they sooooooo good. I got pizza too, and even desert knots...which I brought home for breakfast this morning. Oh was it nice. I wish I could have walked around and went shopping, but I can wait! I will have plenty of time to shop and push the stroller with my pookie in it...I mean I have always told my mom how Sundays were shopping days, and maybe, she will get to push the stroller...maybe! After dinner, we went to my mom and dads house, where my dad made me chocolate chip cookies, and we all watched Billy Madison. Ofcourse Bob said every line before it was on the movie. That movie is funny no matter how many times you watch it. It was so nice to get out of the house. This past week was a great week, and I pray that the next 18 are the same!!!

End of the School Year

Well the end of the school year is here, and I am really missing being there! I was suppose to be the one in charge of all the end of the year activities, and I had a lot already planned before I left, but it wasnt completley done. The whole end of the year stuff for 6th grade was such a big deal this year, but I wont even go there...all I can say is this...those kids deserve to be rewarded for their achievements, and I wanted to do what I could to make sure it was done. Anyways, I feel so bad that I am not there. I feel like I abandoned my kids. I never ever planned on this happening, but I have to do what I have to do to make sure my baby and I are healthy.

I know this is a stressful time of the year, but I actually enjoy it. The reward for finishing it all is a nice 2 1/2 months off. I am an annual contract, meaning I am not tenure yet, so I dont know what is happening with me next year. Bradyn is due about a month after school starts, so I will be gone again to take care of our baby boy. Bob and I have been discussing what will happen if I dont get rehired, and we have a plan, so that is good. The nice thing about living down here is that my parents live here, and boy is grandma excited to have a grandson near her!! So, we have a babysitter :) Plus, Bob gets every other Friday off! So, that is a nice thing.

So, I wish I was able to help all the people who have been so generous to Bob and I during this time of need. I wish I could help clean out your rooms and make sure your cums are done! I feel so bad for the teacher in my room, because I was just getting organized for the end of the year stuff, so she was left with pretty much nothing started! I wish everyone luck on the end of the year, and hope all have a relaxing summer! You all deserve it!!! Hopefully I will see everyone in the fall!!!

Living on Faith

"Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe." == Saint Augustine ==

I saw this quote this morning on Facebook. I thought it really reflects what Bob and I are going through. Having no control over what is going to happen is probably the scariest thing to be going through. All we can do at this moment, is continue to trust in God, and have faith that He will bring us through. He is the one with the plan, and we have to have faith in knowing that His plan is for us to have this baby healthy. Wouldn't it be just so easy if we could see God right in front of us, and ask him what his plans are? However, as this quote says, we have to have faith, and faith is believeing what we dont see...and the reward, in this case would be a healthy little Bradyn! I struggle with this everyday. Somedays, when I spot more then others, I start to loose faith. I have these angels next to me...I collect angels, I love angels. In fact, I usually have a pocket angel in my pocket or in my purse all the time. When I feel myself start to loose a little bit of faith, I take out my pocket angel, and I just hold it. I know that God has a plan, and he isnt going to give us something we cant handle. Some of us have to go through obstacles to get what we want in life, and it makes that gift, that much more of a blessing!

Lord,
I thank you for everyday that Bradyn is still growing healthy inside me. I pray to you Lord that he continues to grown, and that the next 18 weeks are filled with both Bradyn and I being healthy, and Bob and I preparing for the arrival of our blessing. I pray for all women who are pregnant, and for those who are trying...may they be comforted knowing that you are there, and watching over them.

In Your Sons Name,
Jen

American Idol is such a set up!

Yes, I admit it...I have always been a fan of American Idol. I think the only season I didn't watch was the first. Every year it seems the judges pick their favorite and of course that person goes to the end. This year though, it was more than obvious, that Adam was their favorite, and they were going to do whatever it takes to make him look like this Awesome singer, who has yet to be found. He almost always went at the end. The judges gawked over him, and he could never do wrong. I do think he is a good singer, and has good stage presence...however, he should...he plays in Wicked, and has been performing for a years now. I cant stand his screaming though...it irritates me. On Tuesday night, in his first song, he started off awesome, then all of the sudden went to his toungue sticking out screaming! That ruined the song. Oh yeah, and he never played an instrument....doesnt make him a bad singer, but the others showed all their talent!!! When you compare Adam to another contestant who has never sang in front of a large crowd and who has not had the opportunity yet to perform and get trained...Adam really isnt all that good. I personally think the Judges talked Adam up so much so that the viewers would get hooked on him. Didnt work for me. I must say that I have always like Kris...I honestly didnt think he would be in the finals. I was shocked when he was the first one placed in the finals. Either way, both Adam and Kris will have albums. So the real competition starts when their Cd's come out...who do you think will sell more?

Getting out!!

So this past week, well since Sunday, I have actually been able to leave the house. On Mothers Day, we went to my parents house. I sat on their couch! It was nice to be somewhere different! Then Monday and Tuesday, I went to my parent's office and sat there. I did a little work for them...nothing big, just made files, and wrote letters for them. I can only do things where I am sitting. I was making files yesterday, and I kept dropping one of the labels...my mom and brother had to keep picking it up for me. I am glad I can get out a little. It really helps my mind a little.

Things look like they are getting better here. I hate to say that because it seems like every time I do, then the spotting comes back. I am sooo scared every time I go to the bathroom. I know I need to just contiune to trust God and continue to pray for Bradyn to arrive healthy in September.

On to a pregnancy thing...ok, so I am 21 weeks, and have actually lost a total of 3 pounds this pregnancy. The doctor says he is not too concerned and said some people do this. Bradyn is healthy and growing, so that is what is important. However, this past week I have been sooooo hungry. Yesterday, I ate Fruity Pebbles for breakfast. 4, yes 4 reeses peanut butter cups, s Cheeseburger from Sonics, a Large Tator Tots, 4 mozzerella sticks, a snack size of carrot sticks, nachos from smokey bones ( not all of them), and a thing of Kraft Macoroni and Cheese...is this normal??? I can usually never ever ever eat this much. I probably could have ate more, if it wasnt 10:30pm when I ate the macaroni and cheese! So, looks like the doc is going to be surprised when I go to the doc next!!!

Well again thanks to all for the prayers! 18 1/2 more weeks! Actually my due date is Spetember 18, so really 18 more weeks. I just know that the due date should be September 22. So I go from that date!

21 weeks

So I am officially 21 weeks. That means 19 more weeks until Bradyn is due. Three weeks until I an breath a little better, knowing if something did happen, he might have a chance. Our next untrasound is May 28, which happens to be our 3rd Anniversary. I will be getting an ultrasound now every four weeks. That is nice because I get to see my little buddy, and make sure he is growing the right way. I am getting better, and I thank God for that everyday. I pray all the time that I continue to get better and that Bradyn stays healthy and we have no more complications. I told my mom I didnt want a baby shower or anything until after 32 weeks. I mean, I know everything I want...I have since I was well, ok 5!

I work with some awesome people. Tammy for one, is the greatest friend. She calls or comes over everyday, and helps out so much. Thank you tammy...you are awesome! I got cards signed from everyone at work, and they will filled with such kind words. I also got a meal cooked, and bags of goodies...thank you so much Jupiter Elementary!!!

Happy Birthday Kacey!!!

Kacey at Sea World with the Seal she won! she named him Marley, after our cat.

My little niece Kacey turns 6 today. Wow...I cant beleive my little baby is 6 already. Kacey was actually born on mothers day 6 years ago. My mom and I rushed over to the hospoital, and we were fighting over who go to hold her first...ofcourse I lost....grandmas get their way....but, that didnt stop Kacey from being my little princess. She is such a little spitfire. She was my flower girl in our wedding, and she was soooooooooo adorable that day. When they came down here to visit, Kacey loves to spend the night over here...we dance, and play games, watch Hannah Montanna a million times, and make cookies at 11:00 at night! I miss my little girl...she lives in Michigan with her brother, Kent, who will be oh my....9 in december!!! Crazy! I wish I could be there with Kacey on this big day to celebrate with her. I love her and miss her like crazy! Happy Birthday Kacey...hope you have a great day, and get what you want!!! Love you pookie head!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mothers Day to my mom. She is the best mom ever. My mom has be awesome during this whole experience that Bob and I are going through. My mom went through the same thing when she was having my sister. Actually, what is really weird is we are almost exactly alike. It took my parents a while to get pregnant, and then they lost the first one at 9 weeks like Bob and I. Then they got pregnant right away like us, and ended up on bed rest for bleeding as well. So, this is all very fresh to her. One thing I admire her for is her strength and courage. As I am going through this, I am thinking Bradyn will be an awesome only child. How could I dare go through this again, and then put my poor child through it as well...I couldn't possibly imagine being on bed rest and being scared everyday with a baby already. However, if my mom would have thought that way, I wouldnt be here, and either would my brother. My mom is the most caring, warm hearted person you could ever meet. She is always thinking of others, and lives to help others. She has always supported my brother, sister, and I in what we wanted to do growing up. Ofcourse she let us know if something was a bad idea, but she did it with heart, and because she loved us. She is the best mom, and I hope I can be atleast half the mom she is. I love you mom..hope you have a good day!

Just a side note...Bob gave me a angel necklace today...my first mother's day gift! I love angels ( and so does my mom). Perfect gift. Now I have a guardian angel around my neck protecting our son and I! Bob you are the greatest...I couldnt have asked for a better husband....I am sooooo blessed!

Thinking Positive

I had an awesome day yesterday, and I am hoping it just continues like that!! The one thing I have noticed though is how big my stomach keeps getting, and I am happy because that means Bradyn is growing! He likes to moves a lot in the mornings, and I don't think he liked the fact that I hate spicy food last night. He doesnt have his dads taste buds, that's for sure. We tried Hurricanes Wings. I had the MILD buffalo boneless wings, and they were sooo hot. I dont like hot stuff, but I do like buffalo for some reason, as long as it is mild. These were hot though!!! Bob had to finish them.

The people I work with are soooooooo awesome. This week, I was brought some goodies. The whole faculty and staff signed cards for me with very nice messages and then a group of teachers sent me a goodie bag full of stuf. On Friday night, we were brought Baked ziti...pasta is my favorite. Thank you sooooo much everyone. The thoughts and prayers mean so much to us. We thank you for the goodies also....Bob can now pick up some dinner without us trying to figure out...what is he going to make tonight!! Thank you all soooooo much!

So tomorrow, I get to go somewhere and lay on a different couch. I am super excited for two reasons...one I get to leave the house and go somewhere else, and two...I get to go to my parents house. I am really excited...because it will be a different place, and plus, they have a pool so I can lay out side for a while and actually get some fresh air. It is mothers day though and I should be cooking my mom food, but she will be...wait a minute...I have a brother...shouldnt he do this???

Well today on the agenda is sitting on the couch and watching Lifetime. They have some good ones on today.

Again thank you all for the prayers and thuoghts!!!

Dear Lord

I thank you for helping me heal. I pray that I continue to get better and that the spotting goes away, and baby Bradyn grows healthy. I pray with all my heart Lord, that Bradyn delivers at full term, and that these next 19 weeks are healthy for both of us.

In Your Sons Name,
Jen

Kona is a good boy!

Kona has been allowed to be out of his kennel now for three days. It has been nice because it feels like I have a friend here with me...I know my life is sad! He usually just sleeps on the couch and doesnt do much. Before, he was put in his kennel in a room with the door shut. I cant take him out, so we were worried he would keep barking to ket him out if he wasnt in his kennel...but he hasnt really done that. This morning he did, so i gave him his Kong and he was ok.

I am doing better. I pray everyday that this is how it will be for the next 19 weeks. I cant wait for Bradyn to get here healthy, and at full term. He is the blessing we have been asking God for. I cant wait to see what he looks like. Ever since I was little, I have always wanted a baby of my own. I would go through magazines and pick out all of the baby stuff I wanted. Now I am here, and I just cant do it. I feel like if I do, I could be let down. So, I will be waiting until 32 weeks to post anything I want. Target has onsies on sale this week for 3 for $6. They look really cute, but I told Bob, we just cant do it. When it comes to clothes for our little one, I know I am very picky....I just, well lets face it...there is nothing cuter than a little boy looking like a little man. I cant wait to by Bob a polo and Bradyn and matching polo.

Following are some pics of the last 7 weeks of me being on bed rest...I will admit, they are rather boring!

Marley sleeping on my legs
My veiw I see all day/ every day!
Kona laying on my legs.Kona sleeping on Bobs bed. This is where Bob sleeps at night because he is awesome, and wants to make sure he is still right by me. He is the best husband anyone could have ever been blessed with!!!!

Marley wants out!!

So, as you all know, we have the weirdest cat ever. One of the things he can do is open doors. In our house, our handles on our doors are not the knobs, but are the kind you just push down on to open. I am sure there is name for them, I just dont know what they are called. Well, this makes it easy for the cat to just put his paw up there and push down. When we first moved in, Marley would be found in the garage, so Bob had to change that handle to a knob. At night, we have to lock our bedroom door because he gets in, and bothers the dog. Marley truly is crazy. So anyways, last night, Bob went for a run with the dog. He went out the front door. I wasn't paying attention because I was on the phone with Stacey, but I did think I heard the beep that goes off when a door opens. I looked at the front door, and it didnt appear open, so I let it be. Well, all of the sudden Bob comes in and asks if I am ok, and then says where is Marley. Well, he did find marley, outside!! So, he brings him in, and then puts a weight in front of the door, and takes off again. To my amazement, Marley goes up to the handle, stands up, and then presses on the handle until he gets it open. He then moved the weight, and took off. There was nothing I could do, but hoe that Bob was going to be back soon. This time, Marley actually went next door, but we did get him back. So now, Bob brings him in, locks the door, and we watch as Marley continues to try to get out. Bob taped it...so here it is below. As you watch, I know I yell out at the end that I want to take Ballroom dancing...I do...but I didnt know he was taping! Oh well...after Bradyns born, I really do want to take lessons.

My pants dont fit!

So yesterday my mom came to get me because I needed to go to the doctor because of the bleeding I had over the weekend, and to check me for an UTI. Since I sit on a couch all day, I wear my favorite Nike shorts, and a t-shirt. I have been able to wear most of my shorts without a problem. I guess I kind of wear them low anyways, so I was able to get away with them for a long time. So, yesterday I went to get changed so I could go to the doctor, and to my surprise, the shorts did not fit. I have to admit I was kinda of excited. I mean with all that has gone on, this is good news, I am growing. The baby is growing great, but I have actually lost weight. I am 2 pounds away from my pre-pregnancy weight. I lost 8, but have gained back 5. The doctor isnt too worried about it, and says Bradyn is growing so it is a good thing. So, I made it 20 weeks without having to really wear maturnity shorts. I do have a baby belly though, and it seems to grow everyday! So, hopefully I will continue to grow and Bradyn will be born healthy in September!

One thing that drives insane is that I sit here, and so I am very intuned with my body. Since this is my first baby, I dont know if this cramp or that sharp pain is normal, and it scares me like crazy. I was told that the pain in my right side is from ligament stretching. Sometimes, I get sharp pains in my pelvic area. they go away, but man do they scare me. Some days they are more then others. I am assuming that my uterus is stretching, and so there would have to be some pain. I dont know, it freaks me out. Also, sometimes I feel like if I lift my leg or move a certain way, there is like a pressure pushing up on my uterus...again, I dont know if this is normal or not so I freak out....someone who has had a baby help me answer these pains...are they normal????Everytime I go to the bathroom I am freaked as well. I just cant wait for Brady to be here healthy, and then I will worry about his health as a baby...I know, I know...I worry about everything. But man, this pregnancy has litterally driven me insane. I always wanted kids, and so it kinda makes me sad to think that I really dont want another baby right away. I dont know if that makes me selfish, but I just dont think I could do this, and have a baby at the same time. I want to devote all my attention to my baby, and help him be the best person he can be. Right now, I feel like I cant even give my husband great attention...I couldnt imagine what it would be like with a baby here already.

On to a totally different subject...wow, not even baby related...why has it not rained here in two weeks???? Ok, I know usually we dont want rain, but man, I really want some rain. I like rain. I love the smell of it, and the sound of it. I know this might sound weird, but it almost makes me feel better. I really want it to rain...not like it did with the tropical storm, but just have a good rain day or two.

Family is GREAT!

YEsterday, I didnt have such a good day. Bob had to work, and while he was gone, I had a lot of spotting. I was very upset because I got the good news on Thursday and then this happens and it really sets me back. So Bob came home and he stopped and bought Bradyn his first football...ofcourse it was Nike...only the best for our son :) Then my parents came over, and made us dinner. While they were here, I showed my mom the spotting I was talking about ( I know...gross...but she is my mom, who has been through this) and she said it actually appeared not red, and that it was the same thing she had. Then my cousin, Dr. Frank called. He is a well known radiologist who is just awesome. He gets my results and then explains them to me in human terms. He said that everything on the results looked good, and the fact that the baby is growing, with a strong heartbeat is awesome. He then explained where the spotting might be coming from, and that helped me out greatly. I was excited to see that i lasted the whole night with minor spotting, and I actually slept for over 4 hours straight...yeah! I cant thank Dr. Frank enough for all of his help...he is such a great guy, who truly cares not just about his job, but about his family. He is the one who discovered what was wrong with my dad's back, and got him started on therapy for it right away. He is just awesome!

I hope this day is the start of 20 weeks of healthy pregnancy. Bradyn will be here in 20 weeks, and we are excited for that. I really want to be excited, and stay excited. I know a lot of things could happen, and that the hematomoa could come back, but I pray and pray and pray that this does not happen. Thanks again everyone for the thoughts and prayers, they mean so much to us and little Bradyn!

Very Irritated

blood, blood, go away, DONT come back another day!!! I dont get it...there was no sign of the hemotoma, yet i am still having red blood. The doctor knows this, and didnt seem to concerned. I try to look up information about it all, but there really isnt much information out there. Guess I just have to conjtinue to pray that God is watching over us and making sure that baby Bradyn is growing healthy and that eventually the blood will work its way out.

Dear Lord

Please keep Bradyn growing inside of me healthy, and please help the spotting to disappear. I feel very blessed that you are giving us a little son, and we can not wait to meet the healthy little one in September. Please Lord, keep us healthy throughout these next 20 weeks.

In Your Sons Name,
Amen

Not Again!!!

So, for a little over a week, I had been spotting red. When we went to the doctor and he said there was no sign of the hemotomoa, we were shocked! I explained to him that I had gone for a while without any red, and that just in the last week or so, I would have it. He told me that it was just discharge that was colored from the hemotoma and needed to come out. So, I took his word for it, and went on our way. Well, I thought it was getting better because I had gone for almost 8 hours without red spotting. So, it was a major let down when I went to the bathroom and not only did I have red, and a lot of it, but ( DO NOT READ ON IF YOU DONT WANT TO GET GROSSED OUT) I had a pretty large clot come with it. I screamed for Bob, and he was like relax Jen...lets not panic. Which is awesome of him, because he was able to calm me down. I didnt have any pain, and we decided that maybe, just maybe, this was the hemotoma exiting, and that it probably will be followed by a little bit of blood too. So, I prayed pretty much the whole night, and again this morning, that this is what it is. I mean how can I get such good news one day, and then the next this happen?? I just want little brayden to be born healthy! He deserves to...he has made it this far, and his daddy and I love him so much. I did continue to bleed somewhat through the night, and now it looks like maybe it is letting up, but I can only pray this is what is happening...man I wish a docotr lived with us...it would make things less stressful.

Thank you to those of you who have us in your thoughts and prayers...please continue to pray for Brayden, Daddy, and I....thank you!!

Half-Baked

So, I am almost 20 weeks, and got great news yesterday. Now, I am still on the couch, and taking it easy. I am still spotting red, brown, and rust, so until that is gone, I have to be on bed rest. I have to keep reminding myself that God is awesome and blessed us with great news yesterday, and that prayers do work. It seems everytime I go to the bathroom and I see the spotting, I get down...so now I just need to stop and say a little prayer. Once this spotting stops, I will be the happiest mommy in the whole world...not that I am not happy right now, but I mean, I will be REALLY excited. I just cant wait for September to come so I can meet our little son. I still cant believe there is a baby boy growing inside me...we do have a name, but we are working on the middle name at the moment, we think we have it, but until it is set in stone, we will wait to share! Most of you already know the first name though!!!

Again, thank you for the prayers...please keep all three of us in your thoughts and prayers as the next 20 weeks go by...