lately

Not much is happening, except day-to-day life and preparing for Josie.
My mood has been sort of "blah" with a mixture of anxiousness.
I am worried about checking off the to do list before Josie arrives.
(yes, my OCD wants everything "just so" before our little girl's debut)

We only have 13 weekends left until her due date.
We plan to go out of town two of those weekends.
And Chris often works on the weekends.

Monday-Thursday, Chris leaves home at 6:15 AM and returns at 6:00 PM.  This doesn't leave much time to accomplish tasks through the week.

Our spring calendar is also starting to fill up ... more frequent doctor appointments, revival at church, childbirth classes, hospital tour, baby shower(s), birthdays to celebrate, etc.

Here's our to do list before baby arrives:
1.  Complete nursery
2.  Make all final purchases of things necessary for baby
3.  Finish home remodeling; namely painting
4.  Few random projects around the house
5.  Spring yard work; pressure wash house
6.  Open pool for summer
7.  Prepare garden

Oh, and then ... "what if" Josie decides to come early. 
That will sure throw a kink in the plans.
So, I really don't want to wait until the last minute to do these projects.

And delivery ... that word alone makes me uneasy.  How does one make a birth plan?  I'm not sure how you plan for that.  Not much can be predicted.  There are a lot of variables and unknowns.  I assure myself daily when that time comes I will do what I have to do.  I find slight consolation that my mom had quick labor and deliver; and also my dad's side of the family tends to have quick labors.  I know by the end of May, I will be ready for her to come no matter how she comes.  Oh, and I'm relieved to know that I'll not be in labor for more than 24 hours.  So, come how she may, and when she may ... Josie will come.

And after baby comes?  ...  I'm reading books and trying to be prepared for taking care of a baby, but I don't think I'll ever be fully prepared for what awaits.   Feeding, sleeping, crying, and going back to work are a few of my concerns.

But, in spite of the anxiousness .... every day I'm grateful for the life growing inside me.
Every.  Single.  Day. 
Not a day goes by that I don't feel blessed beyond measure.
Words can not express my thankfulness for this little miracle that kicks and punches me.
When I "talk" to Josie and tell her how much she is loved; tears can't help but fill my eyes.

I know we are on the verge of a life-changing event.
We will forever be her parents.  There's no going back or changing our minds.
It has reminded me of when Chris and I were planning to be married.
So many wedding preparations, excitement, getting our house ready, and some worries too.
It was my dream come true, yet, some days I thought "what am I getting myself into?"

I do not know exactly what the future holds.
I can only be prepared so much for what lies ahead - most learning will come from experience.
And that to do list ... well, Josie will not care if we have a garden or the pool ready this summer.
And I'm confident when we hold her in our arms, it will not matter to us (me) if things aren't "just so."

So, bring on summer.

twenty-five weeks

25 weeks (over 6 months ... and only 2 weeks til 3rd trimester ... 100 days to go!)

Pregnancy Highlights

Size of baby:  A "head" cauliflower - At about 13.6 to 14.8 inches and about 1.5 to 2.5 pounds.  She's enjoying her new sense of equilibrium -- she now knows which way is up and which is down.  She's growing more fat and more hair too! {info found on The Bump}

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  according to my home scales, I've gained 2 lbs this week.  (guess, I better stop eating so much chocolate ice cream)  =)

Cravings: I eat a bowl of chocolate ice cream almost every night. 

Symptoms:   I really feel "normal" ... I wouldn't really know that I am pregnant except for the kicks and punches in my stomach.  I read the possible pregnancy symptoms for this time-frame and I'm not really having any.  I feel blessed and thankful.  This week I did experience some pain in my left back/hip, but I think that was caused from moving in a weird position while working on the nursery.  Maybe I pulled or strained a muscle.  Rest and a heating pad occasionally helped.

Sleep: Sleep is okay - making one or two trip to the bathroom most nights and changing positions often.  Even slept through all night a few nights.  Trying to drink my water earlier in the day and not so much in the evening.

Movement:   It is the most fascinating, amazing feeling. It's such a comfort too. 

Gender: Girl - Jocelyn Faith

Maternity Clothes: Wearing maternity clothes more and more ... probably 80% of the time.  And while we are on the subject ... cute, "flattering" maternity clothes are difficult to find!  And most are expensive.  And since I only have a few months left to wear them, I do not want to spend a lot of money ... I'd rather be buying baby girl clothes.  =)

What I miss: Nothing really at this point - maybe sleeping on my stomach.

What I'm looking forward to: Getting nursery ready. 3D/4D ultrasound.

Best Moments this week:    Working on the nursery.  Matching up her clothes, shoes, socks, and hairbows.  Receiving her first valentine from cousin, Laurel.  Giving Chris and grandparents a sweet little charm/keychain for Valentine's Day.  Chris said it was among the best gifts I've ever given him ever. 

bows, bows, and more bows

 Ha!  

I'm not sure there is much truth in this statement.

But, at hopefully it does mean Mommy is accessorizing and clothing her baby girl.  ;-)

I do love a baby girl with a big bow in her hair.

And if she doesn't have hair ... use a headband or a little crocheted hat.

This also helps the public acknowledge that she is a girl.

When we found out baby was a girl, I thought of bows!

And I promptly went out to purchase her first of many bows.

One can't go wrong with pink and polka dots.  

And since the first purchase, I've been adding to the collection ... from consignment, friends, online, and even making some on my own.  

I'm making sure she has headbands, hats, and bows in every color.

 This is a bow holder I made with her initial and two strands of ribbon.

One night, my friend and I made about a dozen of the bows here.

We both had a stock pile of ribbon in the closet that we used.

This is another bow holder I made with an old picture frame and ribbon.

Both of these holders will hang in her room.

And believe it or not ... there are more bows not pictured (in holiday colors/ribbon).

And I've ordered more online that haven't arrived yet!  

Baby girl isn't lacking in bows!

operation: nursery

The nursery project is well underway.

New trim to be installed.

Walls and trim to be painted.  

Ceiling fan to be changed out. 

New blinds to be installed.  

Bedding to be sewn.

Glider/Rocker to be purchased.

Originally, I thought we'd use gender neutral bedding and decor - just made the most logical sense.

But I recalled a pink and green regular bedding set stored in the attic that I previously purchased.

Our house is 50+ years old and the bedrooms are large; 

so we had decided to leave the full-size bed in the nursery.  (hence the store bedding set)

Although, I'm not a big fan of the light, baby pink ... I do like bright pink and green together.

I asked Chris if he was okay with a "pink room."  He had no objections.  And we decided to go with it.

Here is a sneak peek of the colors and decor:

I CAN'T WAIT!!! =)
We hope to be finished by the first of March.  YAY!

filled with love

Today, I'm thankful for love.

All love.  All year.

My life is filled with love.

To feel loved is a deep desire in all humans.

And to be loved indeed brings happiness.

Love of my husband.

He shows it in many ways.

Taking care of me.
Making my bowl of chocolate ice cream each night.

Providing for our home and family.

Hiding love notes.
Taking out the garbage.

Sending random sweet text messages throughout the day.

Turning on my side of the electric blanket early, so it's toasty warm at bedtime.

And on and on.
 

Love of my family, both immediate and in-laws.

My mom prepares Sunday lunch for us almost every Sunday.

She does so many little things for us ... all our clothing alterations, thinks of us when she is shopping and finds a good deal, allows us to store things in her outdoor building, gathers sticks in her yard for us to use as kindling, and much more.

Chris' parents love me like their own.

My "other-mother" texts me occasionally to check on me.

They've ran errands for us.  And Chris borrows tools from his dad often.

And the rest of the bunch shows love in many ways.

Nothing says love like a big sincere bear-hug when I see my family that I haven't seen in a while.
 

Love of my friends.

I am blessed with true, encouraging, real friends.

Friends who aren't after a "return favor," but genuinely love me for me.
Friends I can be real and honest with.

Friends who send random text messages, sweet emails, Facebook notes, cards, and make phone calls.

It means so much to know I am thought of, cared for, and loved by others.

These friends I know I can count on through thick and thin!
 

Love of my God, most of all.

He gave His son to die for me and my sins.

That's true love.

Real love.
Unconditional love.

And nothing ...  not death, life, angels, principalities, powers, things present, things to come, height, depth, any other creature ... nothing will ever be able to separate me from the love of God.
 

May your day, your week, your year, your life be love-filled (with all kinds)!
Happy Valentine's Day!

twenty-four weeks

24 weeks

Pregnancy Highlights

Size of baby:  Cantaloupe!! (wowzers, she's getting big!) - At about 10.5 to 11.8 inches and about 12.7 to 20.8 ounces.  Movements and kicks are getting stronger every week. At week 24, baby’s progress isn’t just about internal stuff, it’s about her looks too. With pinker, more opaque skin, she’s looking more and more, well, like a baby.  And her skin's got a new pink glow, thanks to the small capillaries that have recently formed. {info found on The Bump}

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  at doctor's visit Wednesday, still down 12 lbs.

Cravings: I eat a bowl of chocolate ice cream almost every night.  And this week, I wanted cold banana pudding; which a promptly made for our dessert one night.

Symptoms: Stiff, sore muscles and joints; especially in my back. So thankful, that I'm not having more symptoms than this. So far so good.

Sleep: Sleep is okay - making one or two trip to the bathroom most nights and changing positions often.

Movement:  I love this little wiggle worm in my tummy.  It is the most fascinating, amazing feeling.  It's such a comfort too.  Often I think of the kid's song about the old lady who swallowed a fly and then a spider that "wriggled and jiggled and tickled" inside of her.  =)  She is definitely getting stronger ... a few times it has sort of "pinched" and I've definitely felt her kick my bladder a time or two.  And in bed, when I was snuggled up to Chris ... she kicked him in the back.

Gender: Girl - Jocelyn Faith

Maternity Clothes: Wearing maternity clothes more and more ... probably 80% of the time.

What I miss: Nothing really at this point - maybe sleeping on my stomach. Overall, I feel great ... few symptoms and I've got some energy back.

What I'm looking forward to:   Getting nursery ready.   3D/4D ultrasound.

Best Moments this week:   Reaching the 24-week viability mark!  Ordering her first smocked dresses.  Chris calling her "Josie."  (I knew he'd come around to it.)  Receiving surprises of cute little onesies for her (my mom is a frequent shopper at Belk and can't turn down a good deal).

At doctor's appointment this week, I heard her sweet heartbeat (160bpm) and my fundal height measurement was 23cms.  Once again doctor said everything was looking perfect; which makes me so happy and thankful.   After my doctor's appointment, I visited a co-worker from 2007 who is due 3 weeks before me with her first as well.  It was great to see her and compare pregnancies.  The weekend, Chris and I went to Babies'R'Us and we parked in the expectant mother parking.

twenty-three weeks

(probably not the best shirt to wear - but it's what I had on this morning)
23 weeks

Pregnancy Highlights

Size of baby: Grapefruit - At about 10.5 to 11.8 inches and about 12.7 to 20.8 ounces.  At 23 weeks, baby girl’s really getting ready for her big debut, listening in on what’s going on in the outside world.  She's forming little nipples.  Her face is fully formed now -- she just needs a little extra fat to fill it out.  She's listening to my voice and heartbeat -- and even to loud sounds like cars honking and dogs barking. {info found on The Bump}

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  still down 12 lbs.

Cravings:  I eat a bowl of chocolate ice cream almost every night. 

Symptoms:   Stiff, sore muscles and joints; especially in my back.  So thankful, that I'm not having more symptoms than this.  So far so good.

Sleep: Sleep is okay - making one or two trip to the bathroom most nights and changing positions often.

Movement:  She is moving a lot these days.  Friday, February 1st, for the first time, I saw her move on the outside of my stomach.  She was moving "big" ... not just a little kick or jab.  She must have been repositioning.  Also, I can already tell when she is all huddled up on one side ... my belly looks lop-sided.  :)

Gender: Girl - Jocelyn Faith

Maternity Clothes: Wearing maternity clothes more and more ... or lose-fitting, elastic clothing.

What I miss: Nothing really at this point - maybe sleeping on my stomach. Overall, I feel great ... few symptoms and I've got some energy back.

What I'm looking forward to: 24-week viability mark.  Getting nursery ready.  3D/4D ultrasound.

Best Moments this week:  Chris changed the closet door in the nursery.  Purchased a personalized diaper bag to take to babysitter's house.  Also purchased part of the fabric for her bedding.  Registered for our childbirth classes, breastfeeding class, and hospital tour.  Also scheduled 3D/4D ultrasound. 

Funniest Moment this week:    Earlier in my pregnancy, I read something about being off balance and having trouble with coordination.  I didn't really think much of it at the time ... but let's just say Chris has given me a new nickname, "Butter Fingers."  And the following story happened all in one day. I got up at 5:30 AM to cook Chris breakfast ... in the process I spilled 1/2 the canister of grits on the counter.  When I was getting myself ready for work a little later, I dropped my Happy perfume on the tile floor.  I wasn't too happy about spilling half a bottle, but now our bathroom smells happy.  Then I arrived at work at 9:00 AM and was getting myself some cereal and dropped my bowl onto the floor -- and yep, it broke.  ..... and when I got home that afternoon, I was cleaning up the broken bottle and again dropped the largest chunk and it shattered too.  So it's true, not just a myth, I guess.

reading stack

These are the books currently stacked on my nightstand.

I am caught up in reading What To Expect When You're Expecting ... learning about the changes in my body and discovering what is going on with the baby girl inside.  This book is very informative.  And has often been "right on the money" with symptoms I've experienced.

BabyWise is teaching me how to be baby wise.  =)  And wow! -- it is definitely teaching me a lot.  This book offers great tips on feeding, sleeping schedules, and baby personalities.  It all makes "sense" and I can see examples in the children I know.  I hope and pray I can put the plan into action.  

I haven't started Shepherding a Child's Heart yet.  But, I definitely plan to read before Jocelyn's arrival.  I don't think we can ever start to young in leading her to Jesus.

Lastly and self-explanatory, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding - instructions, tips, and encouragement.  

My, how my reading stack has changed.  

Although, I am technically already a "mama" ... real, live motherhood is just around the corner!

I am trying my best to be prepared as much as possible.

words

Recently, a high school class mate commended me on Facebook for being positive. 

On Facebook, I do attempt to be positive.  I don't like other's illusive comments that seem to scream "I need attention."  And I really dislike "slinging mud" ... leave personal matters, just that - personal.

So, I try not be one of "those" that I disapprove of. 

Personally, I feel that a person must "try hard" to use negativity and profanity on Facebook. 

First you must think it, prepare your thoughts, and type it out on the keyboard. 

This leaves plenty of time to back space, correct, and/or delete.

Definitely not as easy as falling prey to "speaking before you think."

 

I admit, I'm not always positive in person and one-on-one.

On occasion, I speak before I think.

Sometimes, when my feathers are ruffled, I'll vent (profusely) to Chris or a friend.

Or if I get started on a "issue" that gets under my skin, it's hard for me to control my tongue.

And I tend to complain a lot ... and sometimes even be pessimistic.

But this Facebook comment and a couple of blog posts really have me thinking on the matter.

 

Erin of the Blue-Eyed Bride blog wrote, "At some point on Friday, I completely lost my voice and it didn’t return until about mid-way through the day on Sunday.  Not having a voice can be so frustrating.  But it also made me think a lot about using my words carefully. ..., but when you don’t have a voice, you know you need to save your voice for when you really need it.  So I did my best not to talk most of the weekend except when I absolutely had to.  And so I’m going to try to carry that with me this week, with a perfectly fine voice.  I don’t want to speak too much “noise” into my family’s day, and don’t want to do it with my online relationships either."

by Ann Voskamp

 

And here is an awesome post by Holly Gerth about what to do when you find yourself in a conversation that drags you down:  http://holleygerth.com/what-to-do-when-a-conversation-drags-you-down/

And there was one other post that I can't seem to find right now ... oh well.

Bottom line -

Words are powerful.

Words can help or hurt.

Words can heal or destroy.

Words can encourage or discourage.

Words can "fill the air with noise" or inspire and fill a heart with hope.

Words reveal our heart, therefore, words show who we truly are.

So, I'm praying hard about this matter.

I don't want to be a complainer, a gossiper, or just a mindless talker.

I want to be optimistic, up-lifting, and speak words that have lasting, positive effects.

 

 

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.  Psalm 19:14

 

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."  Philippians 4:8

and she shall be called ...

We contemplated waiting until her birth to share her name ... but we knew if we were calling her by her name at home, one of us was bound to slip up and share in public.  Also, I can start monogramming and personalizing things.  And of course, family and friends didn't like the idea of keeping it a secret!  

So we are sharing ...

Choosing and deciding upon a name for our baby girl was a tough, long process.

We had already made a final decision on a boy name.

We had two girl names chosen for a few years.  However in the wait for our baby, acquaintances of ours used those names and we didn't want to duplicate.

We didn't really have a family name that we wanted to use.

And we really wanted a special, unique name.

We tossed around several first names.

Chris and I both are slightly opinionated in the matter.

Names beginning with "R" or ending with the "R" sound didn't flow with our last name.

We sorted through three baby name books and searched the internet.

We like Paisley, but learned that it is becoming very popular.

We like Mallory, but it's meaning is "unlucky and unfortunate."

And one day, as I was flipping through a baby name book again, I ran across Jocelyn as an alternate for Rosalyn.  I sent Chris and text message and asked him about it ... and he liked it!

Jocelyn's meaning is "cheerful" and "happy."  

Faith, Hope, and Marie were three possibilities for the middle name.

Marie is my middle name.

Faith and hope were our lifelines in the journey to our sweet baby.

After deciding upon Jocelyn we made the final decision of Faith.

And much to Chris' dismay, her nickname will more than likely be Josie. =)

He doesn't like forming a nickname already.  And he isn't crazy about the name Josie.

(He thinks of Josie in "Anne of Green Gables")

But, I think a cute little girl in pig-tails will be an adorable "Josie."

And of course, when she's older, Jocelyn will be more fitting.