Sophie is a night owl. She sleeps in the morning and then is active in the afternoon and evenings. Does this mean she will sleep in but then stay up late? We can only wait and see. That would be great for this summer! :)
Sophie loves music. She is very active when around music. I still haven't tried playing music for her but she loved hearing live music in New Orleans. I've been meaning to play some of our jazz cds and see what she does.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
A Look into the Past
Brian and I are in the process of doing some cleaning before we get started on the nursery. One thing on the to do list is to clean out a closet upstairs. Boxes from my childhood were in the closet. Today was spent going through the boxes and filtering out what needed to be kept. Along the way I found some treasured items.
Some of my favorite things I found today were memories from my Great Grandma Snook. I found letters she wrote me, a book she wrote about her life, and some items that belonged to her. I read part of the book about my grandma's life to Brian. I admired her so much. She was a teacher and reading about my grandpa and her brought tears to my eyes. I want to write a book someday about my life so that maybe my grandchildren can read about our life. I wonder how life will be then. Stories can always be told and memories made, but it different reading about their life from her words that can be referred to over and over.
Another treasured item are the letters from my family from when I was in high school and college. Reading those letters bring back so many memories.
I also found some belongings from my old room that may be able to be used in the nursery.
I am a believer in family. One thing that was confirmed again to me today is how important my family is to each other. The support and love we have for each other cannot be found anywhere else. Christa gave me a frame for Christmas that said, "Other things may change us, but we begin and end as a family." Through the fights and disagreements, my family is always there.
Some of my favorite things I found today were memories from my Great Grandma Snook. I found letters she wrote me, a book she wrote about her life, and some items that belonged to her. I read part of the book about my grandma's life to Brian. I admired her so much. She was a teacher and reading about my grandpa and her brought tears to my eyes. I want to write a book someday about my life so that maybe my grandchildren can read about our life. I wonder how life will be then. Stories can always be told and memories made, but it different reading about their life from her words that can be referred to over and over.
Another treasured item are the letters from my family from when I was in high school and college. Reading those letters bring back so many memories.
I also found some belongings from my old room that may be able to be used in the nursery.
I am a believer in family. One thing that was confirmed again to me today is how important my family is to each other. The support and love we have for each other cannot be found anywhere else. Christa gave me a frame for Christmas that said, "Other things may change us, but we begin and end as a family." Through the fights and disagreements, my family is always there.
Christmas
We held Christmas at our house for my family this year.
Decorating the sugar and gingerbread cookies
Hannah realized she could eat the cookies.
I got Gavin and Cody to wear aprons. haha!
The kids loved it!
Santa came early!
The stockings. All 14 of them!
The kids ready to open presents.
Emily had a cookie.
Mom's sewing machine case
Hannah playing with her makeup.
Five friends + One year later = An engagement + a wedding + planning a wedding + a pregnancy + a new house + new degree in progress
Kandice, Katie, Melissa, Laura, and me
The girls got together again this year for a baking night full of catching up and visiting.
I love our annual get together and look forward to it all year. Each year is different and this past year has brought a lot of great changes. This upcoming year will be full of even more. We all saw each other in August for Katie's wedding, saw each other for Christmas, and will all get to see each other again in February for Laura's wedding. That is 3 times within 6 months!!! This is probably the most often we have seen each other within a short period of time since high school.
Nawlins
Brian's family went to New Orleans during Christmas break. We got to go on a trip before I get too big or too uncomfortable to do so. It was the first vacation with all 6 of us: Mom, Dad, Lauren, Danny, Brian, and me. Brian and I haven't been there since college. It was a wonderful trip that was relaxing. We saw parts of New Orleans and places we'd never seen before. My favorite part was sitting in a cafe in the French Quarter our first night, eating poboys, and listening to jazz music. Sophie moves but it isn't constant movement. That night listening to the jazz musicians she was moving up a storm. It was a feeling I'll remember forever. She even stopped in between songs. I could not believe how much she was moving around. The next day we went to a jazz museum and heard some jazz music again. Sophie started moving again. If we get another ultrasound, I'm going to play some jazz music and see what she does.
I know it makes Brian so happy to think she is musically inclined. His grandparents are musicians and were music teachers, his dad is a musician and was a music teacher, and Brian is very musical. My family also has a history of musicians as well including my Grandma Tracy, my Great Aunt Peg, sisters, and myself. We hope to instill a love of music into our children as well even if they decide not to play.
I know it makes Brian so happy to think she is musically inclined. His grandparents are musicians and were music teachers, his dad is a musician and was a music teacher, and Brian is very musical. My family also has a history of musicians as well including my Grandma Tracy, my Great Aunt Peg, sisters, and myself. We hope to instill a love of music into our children as well even if they decide not to play.
Graduation
I graduated with my Master's in Educational Administration on Saturday, December 17th. It made me really happy to think that I will be able to tell Sophie that she was with me on that day. She was even moving a little during the ceremony. I wanted to have my master's before kids and that is what is happening. Stress played a big role in us getting or (not) getting pregnant, so it was great to be able to finish and get rid of the stress from school.
I finished my schoolwork in early August but had to wait until December to make it official. There are people in my life I need to thank for their love, help, and support.
To God: I am so thankful for the blessings in my life and for the opportunity to be able to earn a master's. When I prayed over assignment deadlines, internet issues, or the stress of it all, he was there to listen to my prayers.
To my husband: He stuck with me through my bachelor's and we made it through a master's too. I know those long nights of me working on assignments, screaming, crying, and having angry fits because of an assignment not being saved or those reoccuring issues with our internet, and not being able to have fun because of having work to do was a lot to deal with. Brian always supported me and encouraged me to do my best. He always helped in any way he could whether it was fixing the computer or internet, running to Starbucks to get me a drink to stay awake, or waking me up from my cat naps so I could finish my work. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be where I am today.
To Christa: For always listening to me while I vented, for being understanding when she visited and I was stuck in my room or in the office on my computer, and for being a life saver when it came down to the most stressful part of my internship. She always supported me and let me know how proud she was of me.
To Dana: For letting me borrow your laptop when I mine was acting up, which was a lot. For supporting me and dealing with me during my stressful times.
To my mom: For being a mom and always telling me to get my work done and nagging me. I can be quite a procrastinator (like her) and she would always tell me to get my work done. Without her, I would have probably waited to the last minute more often and then even been more stressed. I love her!
To Brian's dad: For his endless expertise in school administration and advice. I would have been lost without him. He is such a role model for me and I look up to him both personally and professionally. I know I will be seeking his help for many years to come.
I finished my schoolwork in early August but had to wait until December to make it official. There are people in my life I need to thank for their love, help, and support.
To God: I am so thankful for the blessings in my life and for the opportunity to be able to earn a master's. When I prayed over assignment deadlines, internet issues, or the stress of it all, he was there to listen to my prayers.
To my husband: He stuck with me through my bachelor's and we made it through a master's too. I know those long nights of me working on assignments, screaming, crying, and having angry fits because of an assignment not being saved or those reoccuring issues with our internet, and not being able to have fun because of having work to do was a lot to deal with. Brian always supported me and encouraged me to do my best. He always helped in any way he could whether it was fixing the computer or internet, running to Starbucks to get me a drink to stay awake, or waking me up from my cat naps so I could finish my work. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be where I am today.
To Christa: For always listening to me while I vented, for being understanding when she visited and I was stuck in my room or in the office on my computer, and for being a life saver when it came down to the most stressful part of my internship. She always supported me and let me know how proud she was of me.
To Dana: For letting me borrow your laptop when I mine was acting up, which was a lot. For supporting me and dealing with me during my stressful times.
To my mom: For being a mom and always telling me to get my work done and nagging me. I can be quite a procrastinator (like her) and she would always tell me to get my work done. Without her, I would have probably waited to the last minute more often and then even been more stressed. I love her!
To Brian's dad: For his endless expertise in school administration and advice. I would have been lost without him. He is such a role model for me and I look up to him both personally and professionally. I know I will be seeking his help for many years to come.
Brian and me outside the Montagne Center at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.
My nephew, Gavin, my niece, Hannah, and my adopted niece, Jaelynn. My sister, Christa, came too. Emily and Devon were antsy during the ceremony so she was with the kids in the car during pictures.
My mom and sister, Dana.
My mom and I.
My team teacher, Jackie, and her husband, Steve. We went through the program together.
The Ultrasound and Reveal
19 weeks
After waiting and waiting, 20 weeks finally came! I was exactly 20 weeks on our anniversary, December 13th. We scheduled our ultrasound for that Tuesday and decided to make a day of it. I realized that day that anytime you have a plan and want a day to go perfect--it never will. It is a control that I am learning to let go of. It was a lot like a wedding day, things will always go wrong, but in the end the important thing is that you are married and together. This day things didn't go perfect, but in the end the important thing was that we had our ultrasound, saw our baby for the first time in 14 weeks since the first ultrasound of our little "bean" at 6 weeks, and she looked amazing and healthy. She wasn't moving a lot so the tech had to keep shaking me to try and get her to move. It was around 8:30-9:00 in the morning so she was sleepy. I was so interested looking at the ultrasound and kept asking the tech a lot of questions, which I guess bothered her because she told me to just wait until she was done with her job of doing the pictures and measurements. She was low and liked the lower left corner. She was also on her belly with her booty in the air. Well, finally it was time for us to see her head, face, feet, and body. I loved seeing the spine and the four chambers of the heart pumping. I could have laid there all day watching that heart pump. The day before we had our 20 week checkup with our doctor and we heard the heart beat. It sounds so much more defined than in the beginning. It seems like it takes longer to find the heartbeat each appointment. I guess because she is moving around more. When the tech finished she went to print the pictures and show the radiologist. Usually they can't say anything looks normal or abnormal, but depending on which radiologist is there sometimes they will tell you if everything looks good. Well the tech came back and had the okay to tell us that everything looked great! Thank you Lord.
After we left we couldn't believe it. We were so excited about it being a girl and that she is healthy. Another prayer answered. We had a lot to do before that night when we were having friends and family over to deliver the news. Since my sister, Christa, wouldn't be there, we called her (still in the parking garage) and told her the news! Hannah was there and was so excited that I was on the phone. When Christa told her we went and got pictures of the baby, she asked why. Then we told her it was a girl and Christa explained to her that she would have a little girl baby cousin. Hannah shrieked and became so excited! It was priceless. I just love her genuine enthusiasm.
When we left the hospital, we headed to our bakery in Nassau Bay to pick up our anniversary cake. Jenny's Bakery make our wedding cake and each year we get a cake from there that is made with elements from our wedding cake. Brian and I look forward to this all year long and it is probably my favorite anniversary tradition. Here is this year's cake:
Once the cake was picked up, we drove home and took a nap. Neither of us had slept well the night before due to the apprehension of the ultrasound. It had been a very early morning as well. Then, we went and bought the baby's first outfit and little lovey, and started preparing for that night.
We had my mom, Brian's parents and sister, and our friends Alan and Jessica join us for the reveal. Dana wound up having to work so while we went shopping we shared the news with her too, but swore her to secrecy. We had each person wear pink or blue depending on whether they thought we were having a boy or girl.
As you can see, everyone wore blue (except for Lauren who wore pink and blue)! I'm happy she was indecisive. :)
My mom made pink and blue cupcakes for the reveal. They were yummy! Brian ate a pink cupcake before we told them, so his dad guessed it was a girl based on Brian's cupcake choice.
We made them wait long enough and finally revealed. They were good sports whether they wanted to or not. They should know by now that I will always have something planned.
It was a wonderful day and an amazing anniversary spent with family and friends. At the end of the day we got to see our baby, share the news with loved ones, and know that Sophie Ginger is healthy.
The next day I told my students and co workers. Most of my coworkers said, "I knew it!" My students were so excited and I even got a little giraffe stuffed animal gift from a boy in my class. My secret Santa, Renee', bought Sophie some adorable onesies and bibs. My friend Kelly surprised me with a beautiful afghan she had crocheted and some cute clothes. It was such a great day sharing the news at school.
I am so excited about this second half of pregnancy. The first half was such a waiting game. Wait to take a test. Wait for doctor appoinments. Wait til the 1st trimester was over to relax a little. Wait until the ultrasound. The second half will be busy busy. Busy with the nursery. Busy with registering. Busy with preparations. Busy with showers. I am excited for the busy part. I think it will pass all too quickly.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Hannah and the baby
Quick story before I forget it.
While at Brian's parent's house for Thanksgiving Hannah saw the onesie we gave Brian's parents when we told them the news. We told her it was for the baby and she said, "Okay, I will hold it for you." This is typical Hannah. She is so sweet and caring and always says, "I can hold it for you." She carried that onesie all around the house and told everyone it was for Aunt Stephanie's baby. Later in the night she went in the den to watch Elf and of course the onesie went too. After the movie she came back into the living room and realized before we left that she didn't have the onesie. She panicked and started asking where it was. We told her it was in the den and she ran and said, "I'll get it for you Aunt Stephanie!" She was so happy once it was back in her possession. Then we had to explain why she needed to leave it there. Oh how I love my Hannah. <3
While at Brian's parent's house for Thanksgiving Hannah saw the onesie we gave Brian's parents when we told them the news. We told her it was for the baby and she said, "Okay, I will hold it for you." This is typical Hannah. She is so sweet and caring and always says, "I can hold it for you." She carried that onesie all around the house and told everyone it was for Aunt Stephanie's baby. Later in the night she went in the den to watch Elf and of course the onesie went too. After the movie she came back into the living room and realized before we left that she didn't have the onesie. She panicked and started asking where it was. We told her it was in the den and she ran and said, "I'll get it for you Aunt Stephanie!" She was so happy once it was back in her possession. Then we had to explain why she needed to leave it there. Oh how I love my Hannah. <3
I'm the Mom???
What a wonderful Thanksgiving break I had! Spent Saturday and Sunday doing pretty much nothing except emptying my DVR and keeping the couch warm. Then I spent Monday and Tuesday in Lake Arthur with my sis and all the kids. Wednesday I brought a stowaway back with me and Brian and I ordered our Christmas cards. That evening the stowaway, Hannah, got to surprise Dana and Mom. They were so happy! We spent the night decorating the house with Christmas decorations. Thanksgiving Day was great! Mom made breakfast burritos, then Dana, Mom, Brian, Hannah, and I went and watched Arthur Christmas in 3D. Hannah really liked it and I thought it was cute too. Then we all went to Dayton and had Thanksgiving with Brian's parents and Lauren. Friday I went shopping (among the things bought were our crib, changing table, dresser, and glider!!!), hung out at the house, and then we took Hannah to the Dayton playoff game along with Mom. We all had fun despite the ugly outcome. Saturday we had to take Hannah back and I didn't want to take her and she wasn't ready to go. You know how kids are-one minute they can't wait to get home the next they are upset they are going home. Mom and I met Christa, Cody, and the kids in Beaumont at Babies R Us. It was fun walking around with mom and Christa. After showing them the crib and browsing bedding, the majority of the time was spent in the stroller aisle dissecting strollers and car seats. I let the pros take over and analyze each one because they know what they are doing. I just looked and said "Aw, this one is pretty!" Typical first time mommy. Today has been spent looking at a Pack-n-Play that was given to us by a family friend, (Thanks to Damien's parents!) looking at strollers and bedding online, and watching the Texans game. Unfortunately, I have had so much fun this break I have not been a productive teacher. Boo!
Time with my nieces, nephew, and sister this week made me start realizing that I am going to be a Mom. Not only that we are having a baby, but that I will be a Mom, forever. This is a realization I'm sure all moms-to-be go through. The only thing I can relate it to is my first day as a teacher. I remember distinctly being in front of a room full of children and thinking, "Okay, when will the teacher be back? Oh wait...I AM the teacher." During my interships and student teaching the teacher would always come back. I pretended for a little bit, but the real teacher would always come back. When I watch my nieces and nephew I take on the role of caretaker for a while, but their Mommy always comes back. In just a few months we will bring our little bundle of joy home and most likely have a moment where I think, "Okay, when is the Mom coming back?" Then I will realize it is me and think, "Now what?" This isn't a moment of panic for me, but just a realization that it is coming.
When I held Hannah while she got her ears pierced, and they finished the first one and it hurt, her mom was standing right there. It wasn't Aunt Stephanie she wanted anymore, it was her Mommy. When Emily wakes up in the middle of the night and Christa is by me, it isn't Aunt Stephanie she wants to hold her, it is her Mommy. For the past 10 years Christa has been "The Mom". She is an amazing Mom and I look to her for advice on so many topics. It is an odd feeling knowing I am joining the Mom group. Soon, someone will be crying for me to be the one to comfort them when they are sad, hurt, tired, or even happy because they took their first step, discovered something new, or scored a goal. I always knew I wanted to be a Mom and what a feeling it is knowing soon I will be the one he or she turns to during the good times and the bad.
Time with my nieces, nephew, and sister this week made me start realizing that I am going to be a Mom. Not only that we are having a baby, but that I will be a Mom, forever. This is a realization I'm sure all moms-to-be go through. The only thing I can relate it to is my first day as a teacher. I remember distinctly being in front of a room full of children and thinking, "Okay, when will the teacher be back? Oh wait...I AM the teacher." During my interships and student teaching the teacher would always come back. I pretended for a little bit, but the real teacher would always come back. When I watch my nieces and nephew I take on the role of caretaker for a while, but their Mommy always comes back. In just a few months we will bring our little bundle of joy home and most likely have a moment where I think, "Okay, when is the Mom coming back?" Then I will realize it is me and think, "Now what?" This isn't a moment of panic for me, but just a realization that it is coming.
When I held Hannah while she got her ears pierced, and they finished the first one and it hurt, her mom was standing right there. It wasn't Aunt Stephanie she wanted anymore, it was her Mommy. When Emily wakes up in the middle of the night and Christa is by me, it isn't Aunt Stephanie she wants to hold her, it is her Mommy. For the past 10 years Christa has been "The Mom". She is an amazing Mom and I look to her for advice on so many topics. It is an odd feeling knowing I am joining the Mom group. Soon, someone will be crying for me to be the one to comfort them when they are sad, hurt, tired, or even happy because they took their first step, discovered something new, or scored a goal. I always knew I wanted to be a Mom and what a feeling it is knowing soon I will be the one he or she turns to during the good times and the bad.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Sweet Sixteen
Brian and I went to our 16 week checkup on Monday. He got to go! Yay! He got to hear the heartbeat, and we recorded it with the video camera this time so it is better quality. I kinda look scared in the video though. I guess I'm just not used to having a camera rolling and having my stomach exposed...uh expecially when it is ever expanding. How do people go on those shows like Baby Story? I'm glad we are documenting it though.
So, here's the scoop: Everything looks good except that my blood levels were low so I am probably anemic. That doesn't surprise me because I believe I have had low iron in the past. I might have to start taking iron supplements. The baby's heartbeat was 155 and strong. Got approved to do any exercise where I am not laying down. Also, got approved to get some massages. I can't use my tooth whitening Groupon though, so I have to try and get them to extend the deadline. I'm excited that everything looks great!
Our next doctor appointment is on Dec. 12th and then on the next day we get to go for our ultrasound! Oh ya and it is purposefully scheduled for our anniversary. :) What better way to celebrate than seeing our precious baby?! I'm ready to fast forward the next few weeks and get to that appointment.
This week I have been praying that I make it to 40 weeks. In the upcoming weeks my prayers will be focused on regardless if it is a boy or girl that the baby is healthy and that everything looks great at 20 weeks.
I am looking forward to Thanksgiving break. I want to be lazy yet be productive. haha We'll see how that goes. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
So, here's the scoop: Everything looks good except that my blood levels were low so I am probably anemic. That doesn't surprise me because I believe I have had low iron in the past. I might have to start taking iron supplements. The baby's heartbeat was 155 and strong. Got approved to do any exercise where I am not laying down. Also, got approved to get some massages. I can't use my tooth whitening Groupon though, so I have to try and get them to extend the deadline. I'm excited that everything looks great!
Our next doctor appointment is on Dec. 12th and then on the next day we get to go for our ultrasound! Oh ya and it is purposefully scheduled for our anniversary. :) What better way to celebrate than seeing our precious baby?! I'm ready to fast forward the next few weeks and get to that appointment.
This week I have been praying that I make it to 40 weeks. In the upcoming weeks my prayers will be focused on regardless if it is a boy or girl that the baby is healthy and that everything looks great at 20 weeks.
I am looking forward to Thanksgiving break. I want to be lazy yet be productive. haha We'll see how that goes. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Baby's First Book!
Today was a day where I could have let all the small things get to me. Rough morning caused me to run late, didn't get as much accomplished today as I wanted, etc. Well, towards the end of the day a former student gave me the best surprise. The book fair is this week and she was so thoughtful and bought a book for the baby. The book is Merry Christmas Splat. At the back she wrote a note, "Mrs. Hayman, you will make a great mom soon but they didn't have a book about babys so.....Merry Christmas" (the errors are intentional). Yes, I teared up. The thought was so sweet and just touched my heart. I love this student and she is those that I will always remember. Of course this baby will have a ton of books, but I have resisted so far (so hard!), but I will always remember this is the first book that was given to me for the baby. It is moments like this that make the rough days go by a little easier.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
I found my symptoms...or they found me.
I'm not a person who analyzing every detail about my body. This is probably a flaw. It takes me awhile to make connections. I'm getting better, but it isn't my strong area.
Well...I finally realized that I haven't had a great night's sleep where I slept all night since becoming pregnant. If I have, there have been very few. This isn't just because of bathroom trips during the night either. I sleep for a few hours like a nap, and then am awake and toss and turn until maybe falling asleep for an hour before having to get up. This is unchartered territory for me seeing as how I am one of those people that is asleep as soon as the head reaches the pillow. Brian has often admired (and laughed) at this ability because he will often talk to me and then realize I am out.
I'm not sure if this is a side effect of the side effect, but I have been getting headaches regularly (like everyday!) Am I getting these headaches because I'm not getting enough sleep or am I getting them just as a symptom of pregancy? Not sure yet and not even sure it matters. I hate taking anything while pregnant, especially with them happening so frequently, but I have been taking Tylenol because they won't go away otherwise. I only have to take one dose and sometimes even only one pill instead of two so that is the upside to this situation. I'm going to try and observe if I get headaches on the weekends too. Maybe it is work. haha. Can I get on bedrest for headaches? just kidding...As I type the neighbor behind me is rebuilding his awning and hammering away. Hmm. If I have a headache later, I'm blaming him.
Even with these symptoms I think I'd still choose them over morning sickness. I am thankful I was spared from that misery, while at the same time praying I am spared in future pregnancies.
Well...I finally realized that I haven't had a great night's sleep where I slept all night since becoming pregnant. If I have, there have been very few. This isn't just because of bathroom trips during the night either. I sleep for a few hours like a nap, and then am awake and toss and turn until maybe falling asleep for an hour before having to get up. This is unchartered territory for me seeing as how I am one of those people that is asleep as soon as the head reaches the pillow. Brian has often admired (and laughed) at this ability because he will often talk to me and then realize I am out.
I'm not sure if this is a side effect of the side effect, but I have been getting headaches regularly (like everyday!) Am I getting these headaches because I'm not getting enough sleep or am I getting them just as a symptom of pregancy? Not sure yet and not even sure it matters. I hate taking anything while pregnant, especially with them happening so frequently, but I have been taking Tylenol because they won't go away otherwise. I only have to take one dose and sometimes even only one pill instead of two so that is the upside to this situation. I'm going to try and observe if I get headaches on the weekends too. Maybe it is work. haha. Can I get on bedrest for headaches? just kidding...As I type the neighbor behind me is rebuilding his awning and hammering away. Hmm. If I have a headache later, I'm blaming him.
Even with these symptoms I think I'd still choose them over morning sickness. I am thankful I was spared from that misery, while at the same time praying I am spared in future pregnancies.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
We heard the heartbeat!!!-12 weeks
I went for my 12 week checkup on Wednesday. Brian wasn't able to go because he was at fire school for work, so Brian's mom went with me. :) I was anxious all day at work. We were giving district assessments, so it was a whirlwind kind of day with all the new STAAR practices. Finally, it was time for me to leave. Once I got into a room it all happened fast. I did the typical weight and blood pressure, and then the nurse said, "Ok, let's see if we can hear the baby's heartbeat!" I was expecting to have to wait on the doctor or at least have to wait some more, but she did it and found it so fast! It was amazing! I spoke to the doctor for a little bit and then did some blood work and I was done. I love my doctor. She is so nice! Since I had blood work (and I hate needles-the lady asked if I was going to pass out, but I did okay and I was all by myself!) I decided we deserved some Sprinkles cupcakes. I got an extra one too since I will be getting my flu shot soon. :)
Many of the teachers and staff at work knew or were beginning to ask if I was pregnant. I had been waiting until this appointment before making it known at work. Not because I didn't want them to know, but so that the chances of my students asking me would be lessened. Now that I'm almost through my 1st trimester, I feel ready to tell my students. I am so excited!! I'm ready to see their faces and see what my former students say too! I'll write a post after I tell them on Monday.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Not the Same without Him...
I'm looking forward to my doctor's visit on October 19th. It is still in the air whether Brian will be able to attend with me. As one may imagine we are pretty upset about this. Brian didn't get to attend the first appt because it was unexpected and he was working. Thankfully my mom was able to go and I am so thankful, but it wasn't the same. I was so looking forward to Brian being able to attend this next one because we will be able to hear the heartbeat for the first time. Until now, I go through the motions of reading baby material, talking about my pregnancy, searching the internet for baby items, but it is still hard to believe when I lay in bed and all is quiet that our most precious treasure is growing inside me. I think that hearing the heartbeat will make it all feel more real. If Brian can't go, I am so lucky because Brian's mom is going to go with me and she is so excited. As much as I love her and my mom, I'm sure they understand that it isn't the same without Brian there. So until we know I pray and wait. If I had to choose (which I really hope I don't) I would obviously choose for him to be there in May versus now, but call me selfish I want us to experience it all together.
10 weeks...Axe 'em Jacks!!!
I remember being so excited when I turned 10 years old. I made a huge deal about it. Well, reaching 10 weeks makes me feel like I have accomplished something big as well, while I know I haven't done anything and this pregnancy has gone so well because of God's grace. It is through him that this pregancy has gone so beautifully thus far. It is neat to say I am 1/4 of the way through my pregnancy. So much has developed already in our little baby and so many miracles have taken place already, but I know there is much much more growing and developing to occur. I love looking at the pictures of how the baby has grown already and how the baby will grow so much in the coming weeks. I'm looking forward to reaching the 2nd trimester mark.
This week Brian and I are looking forward to:
1. The baby growing finger nails and toe nails.
2. Growing tiny buds for teeth.
3. Being the size of a prune.
4. The tail has disappeared and the baby looks more and more like a baby.
We know this is a very critical week in the baby's development. All the vital organs have formed so we are praying that each part grows and operates correctly and that the baby is healthy. It amazes me that when the baby is the size of a prune these organs are working, so I just keep praying everything works properly.
Brian has taken a picture of me at 6, 8, and 10 weeks, but I'm not posting them until I have more and a progression can actually be seen. We will have to start doing them every week. Some days I feel huge while others I don't. I think when I feel huge though it is due to bloating (super sexy...lol)
This Saturday Baby Hayman will attend her/his first football game! And, what better way than to hear mommy and daddy going crazy at the SFA/Sam game at Reliant! Hope the baby likes stadium food because I may be eating it up. Yum! ;^)
This week Brian and I are looking forward to:
1. The baby growing finger nails and toe nails.
2. Growing tiny buds for teeth.
3. Being the size of a prune.
4. The tail has disappeared and the baby looks more and more like a baby.
We know this is a very critical week in the baby's development. All the vital organs have formed so we are praying that each part grows and operates correctly and that the baby is healthy. It amazes me that when the baby is the size of a prune these organs are working, so I just keep praying everything works properly.
Brian has taken a picture of me at 6, 8, and 10 weeks, but I'm not posting them until I have more and a progression can actually be seen. We will have to start doing them every week. Some days I feel huge while others I don't. I think when I feel huge though it is due to bloating (super sexy...lol)
This Saturday Baby Hayman will attend her/his first football game! And, what better way than to hear mommy and daddy going crazy at the SFA/Sam game at Reliant! Hope the baby likes stadium food because I may be eating it up. Yum! ;^)
Saturday, September 24, 2011
When should I tell my students?
So while a lot of my coworkers know, my students do not.
Reasons for telling students now:
1. They hear other teachers talking about it with me in the hall,
2. Some students run and hug me tight and may be more gentle if they know.
3. I'm excited and want to tell them.
Reasons for not telling them now:
1. It's too early.
2. What if something happened?
Any input is appreciated. Teachers-When did you tell your students? Parents-When would you like to find out your child's teacher is expecting?
They probably wonder, "Why is Mrs. Hayman always having to pull up her pants?" I've been wearing maternity work slacks instead of buying new slacks that would be too small soon. I bought them kinda big though for the same reason, and they just don't stay up like regular pants. Eventually, I'm sure they will.I teach 3rd grade so many of my students have little brothers or sisters. They know what it means when someone is pregnant. I'm trying to decide if I should tell them now, wait until my 2nd trimester begins, or until I seriously start showing. I think they will be so excited as well as my former students.
Reasons for telling students now:
1. They hear other teachers talking about it with me in the hall,
2. Some students run and hug me tight and may be more gentle if they know.
3. I'm excited and want to tell them.
Reasons for not telling them now:
1. It's too early.
2. What if something happened?
Any input is appreciated. Teachers-When did you tell your students? Parents-When would you like to find out your child's teacher is expecting?
Sunday, September 18, 2011
An Unexpected Doctor Visit, But a Happy Ending...
What a busy busy week at school! It's Sunday night and am about to go to bed after grading papers and finishing my lesson plans. Hopefully this week will be easier than last week, because last week started rough and had the longest days thus far this school year.
Last Sunday, I started experiencing some issues and got worried. I have researched and read and know that things happen during pregancy that are completely normal. Well, it was harder to convince myself when things started actually happening. I called the on call doctor and long story short went to the doctor on Monday to make sure everything was okay. We were supposed to have an appt on Sept. 20th (when Brian is off), but went on Monday. Unfortunately, Brian was working, but thankfully my mom was able to go with me. I had an ultrasound and saw the baby for the first time AND....everything is fine!!! What a relief! I was so joyous, but at the same time was dealing with horrible migraine that led me to feel so nauseous. I gave Brian the good news and came house and got back in the bed to take it easy.
We were all praying and then giving thanks to God for keeping our baby safe. We love our baby so much already and couldn't imagine that God would have everything line up so perfectly and then for something to happen. If I could have had one more thing that day, it would have been for Brian to be there for that moment. It wasn't the same without him. Our next appt. is Oct. 19th (so far away!) and yes Brian is off, so hopefully we won't have another emergency visit. I saw the heartbeat, but hopefully we will hear it next time. Our official due date is May 1st.
I still feel pretty good. Trying not to lift or carry things. That is hard for me because I'm used to doing things myself like moving desks and carrying my crazy amount of papers to grade to my car. I am so thankful for my friends at work who have helped me. I hate to jinx myself, but I haven't had morning sickness or nausea. On the downside, I haven't been sleeping well at all and have been so tired, so I am hoping to get a good nights rest.
I'm looking forward to Week 8 beginning on Tuesday. :)
Last Sunday, I started experiencing some issues and got worried. I have researched and read and know that things happen during pregancy that are completely normal. Well, it was harder to convince myself when things started actually happening. I called the on call doctor and long story short went to the doctor on Monday to make sure everything was okay. We were supposed to have an appt on Sept. 20th (when Brian is off), but went on Monday. Unfortunately, Brian was working, but thankfully my mom was able to go with me. I had an ultrasound and saw the baby for the first time AND....everything is fine!!! What a relief! I was so joyous, but at the same time was dealing with horrible migraine that led me to feel so nauseous. I gave Brian the good news and came house and got back in the bed to take it easy.
This is not a great picture. She wasn't that good at using the machine.
Maybe you can see our little baby though.
We were all praying and then giving thanks to God for keeping our baby safe. We love our baby so much already and couldn't imagine that God would have everything line up so perfectly and then for something to happen. If I could have had one more thing that day, it would have been for Brian to be there for that moment. It wasn't the same without him. Our next appt. is Oct. 19th (so far away!) and yes Brian is off, so hopefully we won't have another emergency visit. I saw the heartbeat, but hopefully we will hear it next time. Our official due date is May 1st.
I still feel pretty good. Trying not to lift or carry things. That is hard for me because I'm used to doing things myself like moving desks and carrying my crazy amount of papers to grade to my car. I am so thankful for my friends at work who have helped me. I hate to jinx myself, but I haven't had morning sickness or nausea. On the downside, I haven't been sleeping well at all and have been so tired, so I am hoping to get a good nights rest.
I'm looking forward to Week 8 beginning on Tuesday. :)
Saturday, September 10, 2011
But if you have a baby, I won't be the baby anymore...
The world (or at least the facebook world) now knows of our pregnancy. Keeping it a secret didn't really work for too long. We are so happy to share our news, and so thankful for all the support and love from everyone. This baby is definitely loved. :)
Here are some pictures of how we shared the news with our family and friends. First, was Brian's parents and Lauren. His parents had left the house and we made them come back just to tell them. They knew something was up, and were SO happy. It was a great moment and we all kept hugging and crying. Here is picture of them with their onesie. It is a weenie dog holding balloons and says "Special Delivery".
Next was my mom. She was at work, so we went to Babies R Us and looked around. Then we waited at her work for an hour. Then we followed her, but she didn't see us. The woman went to WalMart! We scared her by popping up at her car window, went inside with her, and then finally went to her house because she invited us over for cake. We ate cake and talked and then Finally gave her the bag. She opened it and found her onesie. Mom asked, "Does this mean you are pregnant?" When we said yes, tears and hugs started all over again. Mom is so happy for us and to be a Grammy again.
Next, and the last person for that night was Dana. She was at Target waiting to pick up her roommate. By this point we were pretty tired, so we decided to just go there and tell her. We gave her the gift and she opened it, saw the onesie, and said, "Hey! I have a picture of this onesie on my phone. I love it!.......OOOOH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!! HAHA It was hilarious! The tears and hugs came again. We are so happy that all the tears shed today were tears from extreme happiness.
The next day I had to work. Wow it was hard not to tell anybody! We had more family to tell first though. I ordered a pink carnation with a blue bow to tell Christa, Cody, and the kids. Mom wrote a poem to put on the card, and Kendra did me a huge favor and went and picked it up.
Since Christa knew, then we called my grandparents and Brian's grandparents. We wanted to do something special for Brian's grandma though so we bought her a baby Brag book. She is so excited for us to be parents and to be a Great Grandma!
My birthday was a few weeks ago and Brian totally shocked me by buying me a baby carriage charm from James Avery for my bracelet. He said it was to remind me to keep faith and that it will happen when it is supposed to happen. Well, my wonderful husband didn't know, but it worked!
To tell my friends at work I pulled them together and showed them my new charm. When they saw the baby carriage they knew! It was so great finally being able to tell some of my closest friends. :)
And finally, last but not least was our little baby, Ava. When we first found out, Ava knew something was up and I turned to her and told her she was going to be a sister. If only she could read. One quote that keeps coming into our head is from the movie, Overboard. This is one of our moms favorite movies. I love the part when the mom tells Goldie Hawn, "But if you have a baby, you won't be the baby anymore!" We changed it a little to be from Ava's perspective. :)
Confession: Because of the excitement, we forgot to take pictures each time, so we had to get together to take the pictures.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
How do I feel?
We don't have the pictures yet to share about how we told our family, so that will be a future post. Since finding out I'm pregnant I haven't had too many symptoms thankfully. I have been super tired and nauseous a few times. It is like I can sleep all day. Thank goodness it is Labor Day weekend. Today I am 5 weeks and 6 days. It is exciting reading and finding out what is happening to the baby and to me.
Since I am a first time Mommy there will be so many new things I learn.
Here are the things I learned this week
1. You start counting your pregnancy even before you are actually pregnant. So, while I am almost 6 six weeks pregnant the baby is only 4 weeks old.
2. I shouldn't have lunch meat.
3. I can't take hot baths.
4. The smell of fish makes me instantly nauseous.
Things I am most looking forward to this week:
1. The baby's heartbeat to start beating.
2. The baby to look more like a baby (even if it is kinda alien looking).
3. Gathering the pictures from how we told our family.
4. Beginning to chart the progress of my body changing.
Since I am a first time Mommy there will be so many new things I learn.
Here are the things I learned this week
1. You start counting your pregnancy even before you are actually pregnant. So, while I am almost 6 six weeks pregnant the baby is only 4 weeks old.
2. I shouldn't have lunch meat.
3. I can't take hot baths.
4. The smell of fish makes me instantly nauseous.
Things I am most looking forward to this week:
1. The baby's heartbeat to start beating.
2. The baby to look more like a baby (even if it is kinda alien looking).
3. Gathering the pictures from how we told our family.
4. Beginning to chart the progress of my body changing.
Our Little Secret...
As our close friends and family know, Brian and I have been wanting to start a family. Although we were impatient at times, we knew God would bless us when the time was right. It is always amazing to look back and think, "Wow, I can see why it wasn't right then. Thank you Lord." Luckily, now is the time and we couldn't be happier. Many things good and bad have had to happen for us to get to this point, but we know it is all part of His plan.
Brian and I took a pregnancy test (well you know what I mean, I did the work...lol) on Sunday, August 28th. We walked into the bathroom together and couldn't believe what we saw!
The news took our breaths away and I will never forget that moment. I kept having to repeat it to actually believe it. We are pregnant! We are having a baby! We tried to decide when to share the news with our family, and decided we couldn't wait to share the news. Next blog, how we told everyone!
Brian and I took a pregnancy test (well you know what I mean, I did the work...lol) on Sunday, August 28th. We walked into the bathroom together and couldn't believe what we saw!
The news took our breaths away and I will never forget that moment. I kept having to repeat it to actually believe it. We are pregnant! We are having a baby! We tried to decide when to share the news with our family, and decided we couldn't wait to share the news. Next blog, how we told everyone!
So much to catch up on...
Well here I am again finally with some time to write. Know why? Because I have finished my Master's! Woo Hoo! <--that doesn't do a good enough job of expressing my happiness!!!
Even though school has started and I am busy again, I will make time to blog.
I changed how the blog looks so I hope everyone likes it. I think it is super cute.
So I still didn't finish talking about our vacation now two summers ago. LOL I'll wrap it up quickly.
After Vegas we went to California. We went to Anaheim, California and went to Disneyland. It was a lot of fun. Not as great as DisneyWorld but still a lot of fun.
Even though school has started and I am busy again, I will make time to blog.
I changed how the blog looks so I hope everyone likes it. I think it is super cute.
So I still didn't finish talking about our vacation now two summers ago. LOL I'll wrap it up quickly.
After Vegas we went to California. We went to Anaheim, California and went to Disneyland. It was a lot of fun. Not as great as DisneyWorld but still a lot of fun.
After Disneyland we drove to Long Beach but weren't impressed so we went to Santa Monica. We sat on the beach and put our feet in the water, but it was soooo cold! I love that we went here because one of my favorite shows, Private Practice, often shows the boardwalk and view from Santa Monica. After leaving the beach we went to Hollywood and had a horrible experience with a hotel so we upgraded to a much better one. The next day we walked around Hollywood Blvd, ate at Hard Rock Cafe, took a ton of pictures of the stars, and bought a few souvenirs. Then we headed to Beverly Hills to walk around Rodeo Drive and go to this little place called Sprinkles that the waitress at Hard Rock told us about. LOL Little did we know how much we would fall in love with Sprinkles. Oh how things have changed.
Once we had the best cupcakes of our lives, it was time to start the journey home. I-10 all the way home! Brian drove us to Phoenix where we stayed the night. The next day we ate at Heart Attack Grill and then finished our 2nd cupcake from Sprinkles. Then it was back on the road...oh my we felt horrible after eating all that food! We stopped in Fort Stockton the next night and then made the rest of the trip the next day. Brian was fabulous! He drove the entire way. We will never forget this trip.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Viva Las Vegas!!!
Like I said before, our next stop was Vegas (this was the destination Brian was most looking forward too). Brian had been as a kid with his family, but it was his first time to experience it as an adult. As for me, I was excited about the pool, seeing shows, and looking at all the hotels with some gambling on the side. I was in the middle of a class and had tried to get my homework done prior to Vegas, but it hadn't worked out. When we got to our hotel, The Mirage, I was tired from our early morning and seeing the Canyon that I took a nap. Brian went downstairs to the casino and unfortunately had no luck. We walked around the strip and saw the Treasure Island show and volcano. I loved Vegas! I must admit driving into the city I thought it looked rather small, but once we were down there I felt like I was in a whole different world. It was strange when I looked out in certain directions because I could see the mountains. For the next two days we walked around the strip and went in each hotel/casino. I really liked Caesar's Palace. I enjoyed seeing Vegas with Brian, because even though he had been twice before, we saw things and did things he had never done before. We walked and walked and walked. We would go in each casino and put $5 in a machine. Once that was gone, we'd walk around and then go into another one. I love how each hotel has its own atmosphere. We ate at Cheesecake Factory (Brian had never been!) and Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. We ate at Outback too, but that was a mistake. We went down to the amazing pool at The Mirage and swam and laid in the chairs. The water was surprisingly cold given it was around 115 degrees. Before we left Vegas on the last day we decided to walk the strip some more and see The Venetian and I really wanted to take Brian to M&M World. I had been to it with Brian's family when we went to NYC but Brian didn't go on that trip. The two places were in opposite directions and I had carried my big purse. We walked and walked and walked and just when we thought we couldn't go any further, we finally made it to M&M world. It was further than we thought but nonetheless very cool. Vegas is expensive and next time we want to just go to Vegas. We had to remember that we were not even half way through our vacation, and had to stick to our budget. We didn't see any shows and although I was sad by this, I look forward to going to shows our next time there. Here are some of my favorite pictures from Vegas.
Outside our hotel
Soaking up some sun
Being me
In Caesar's Palace and can't help to think of The Hangover
Las Vegas was a blast and I see trips back there in our future. Next stop: California!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)