{9 months}

I have a whole bunch of posts I want to do of projects we've been finishing in the last couple of weeks. But for now, here is a picture of my 9-month-pregnant self. Hehe. Lance just kept snapping 'em so I gave him some cheese. 

Time for this baby to come!! :)

{No Baby Yet}

I have some of the sweetest friends and family! Everyone has been calling or texting to get baby news. And the news is... no baby yet :) Every week at my check ups I find out that I am still progressing slowly and surely which is great news.  But baby Walker just isn't quite ready to come yet. He thought he was ready a couple of weeks ago and then changed his mind.

We are in no hurry though. I am quite enjoying sleeping in every morning and getting more than ever done around the house. And Lance is working hard at getting our new business up and running on its own. We love laying at night before bed and talking about how our lives are going to change with this sweet little spirit. Lance loves feeling our baby boy kick and move around inside of me. I swear our little man knows when his daddy is feeling for him and he goes more crazy than ever. I can already tell the special relationship they are going to have.

I have the nursery almost ready. On today's docket are sewing curtains and buying paint. I will post pictures as soon as it's finished! 

{7 1/2 months}

{yup}

the pants are getting tighter
the scale is rising
the toenails are getting harder to paint
the shoes are getting really hard to put on
the girls are getting bigger everyday :)
the bed is getting smaller
the little guy inside of me is kicking, kicking all day long
the dishes are getting harder to do
the laundry is getting harder to do
the inny is now an outy
the tummy is tight from all the stretching
the love for this little one is growing
the list of baby to-dos is getting smaller
the excitement and anticipation are growing

Thank goodness for spring, slip on shoes, sun dresses, graduating in less than a month, only 10 weeks to go, a wonderful husband who helps me in every way he can, and a healthy little man who is growing inside of me :)

Yup. I'm pretty blessed.

{pregnancy}

For those of you who have been/are pregnant, this post may be a little boring to you. To everyone else; here are all the things I didn't know about pregnancy before becoming pregnant...

• It doesn't feel good. :) I always would see pregnant women and think, "Aww!" and now I think, "I feel your pain." Funny but SO true. It feels just how it looks; bloated and big. Even when I'm feeling well, pregnancy is a sacrifice.
• That my body would change SO much. It truly is incredible to see your midsection swell to enormous proportions. Lance and I are amazed at how the human body can do it and then return to normalcy afterward. I have always been amazed at this but way more so now that it is happening to my body.
• How much I would miss my flat tummy! lol
• Morning sickness really isn't in the morning at all. It can be, but for me its either all day or in the evenings.
• That pregnancy also comes with a list of not-so-fun symptoms including, but not limited to: constipation, very tender breasts, an achy back, peeing all the time (I knew that one), needing to eat every 30 minutes, prenatals can make you even more sick, crying for NO reason at all, dreams about Lance dying, feeling very tired, being unable to sleep on your stomach or back, etc.
• That every single woman I talked to who has been pregnant would instantly jump into tips and tricks to avoid/help morning sickness (they were just trying to be helpful but it got old really fast).
• That we would be able to interact with him even while he's still inside.
• How incredibly much I would love this little guy inside of me already.
• That I would be able to tell so many things about his personality already.
• How awe inspiring and spiritual the first ultrasound would be.
• How, when contemplating all the sacrifices Lance and I are going to have to make in having a little baby, it so doesn't even matter. It is already completely worth it! (Never thought I would say that after my crazy sickness the first 4 months :)
• That it would bring Lance and I so much closer together.
• That I would feel guilty for being able to experience this (even the downs) while there are so many out there who haven't been able to yet.
• And most importantly, I've learned that the Lord's timing is so much better than our own.

{baby boy}

Now that I know we are having a boy, I have loved looking for baby stuff! Who knew it could be so much fun??

I have to admit, I was pretty depressed looking for baby boy bedding at first. Not because I am not thrilled about our baby boy on the way, but because baby boy stuff tends to be SO cheesy. You know what I am talking about; monkeys and footballs and noah's ark and every other animal imaginable.  Can I please have baby boy bedding without some kind of HUGE bright applique? :)

So needless to say, I was pretty excited when I had an instant of inspiration and decided on a theme and colors for our little guy's nursery. My wonderful mother who can sew absolutely anything has offered to make the bedding. So now it's just off to find fabric! 

This next little jewel was my first baby purchase :) I was searching baby blogs and came across a post about these darling nursing covers. The best part? The 3 piece gift set (it includes the cover, a nursing bracelet and nursing pads) which is normally forty-something dollars is only $5 with the promo code "expecting". I got mine in the mail a few days ago and it's so cute! It also has a bone wiring across the top so you can still look down and see the baby. Click here to check it out.

My next baby purchase was this darling diaper bag from Pottery Barn Kids in red. And I love it :) 

Do any of you mothers out there have any suggestions on must-haves or favorites? I would love to hear them!

{It's a Boy!}

Baby bump: 20 weeks

We had our first ultrasound today and got the very exciting news that we are having a boy! It absolutely sent me for a loop. I've thought all along it was a girl. But we couldn't be happier :)

The ultrasound was so incredibly awe inspiring! Lance and I are still on cloud nine about it. To see our little guy moving around, twisting, to see the four chambers of his heart, and yes, even his little manhood; it's something I cannot describe. Everything about him is so absolutely perfect and tiny; the very mix of us both. There is one picture of his profile that I can't stop looking at. You can see his head, eyes, nose, lips and tiny chin so clearly! It is incredible such a tiny perfect being is inside of me.

The technician said everything is developing perfectly. And, surprisingly, he is not even small despite my extreme sickness for the first 3 months. She even kept commenting on how active he was compared to most of the babies she sees. I could have told you that a long time ago! When I told her I felt him at 15 weeks, she responded, "Normally, when women tell me that they've felt their baby so early, I would think they were kidding themselves but I absolutely believe you." I guess he takes after his daddy and is going to be a busy little bee. :)

The front view. Not very noticeable but you do notice I have NO waistline.

{Mean Prank}

I did something rather mean today. I didn't intend to, it just kind of happened. After Sunday school, the rest of the class had shuffled out and Lance and I were the only ones left in the room along with the teachers. They are some of the nicest people I know, especially the wife. She is soft-spoken, kind hearted, and so sweet. She caught my eye as I was standing up, put her hand to her belly and her face asked, "how far along are you?" or "how is your pregnancy going?". Do not ask me where this came from, but in the split second that followed, I decided it would be really funny to do the following: I looked at her with sort of a blank expression, shifted my eyes, and said, "I'm... not pregnant." I was wearing a rather baggy dress and I'm still small enough that it would leave room for question. She, of course, got a panicked look on her face and looked like she was going to cry! I immediately regretted pulling such a mean prank on such a nice woman and in turn, embarrassed I had done such a thing, went completely bright red and stayed that way for some time! I assured her that I WAS pregnant and that things were going great. And just kept telling her how sorry I was for doing that to her. Afterward, Lance made the comment, "Chrissy! Of all people to do that to! She is the very last!" But we did have a pretty good laugh about it. :)

Note to self: if you want to play funny jokes on people you know, don't tell them you're not pregnant when you are. That's just plain mean.

{creative stirrings}

Yesterday and today it is like magic....

All of the sudden, I feel like myself again!

And along with that, has come the usual barrage in my head of creative

stirrings :) I have to say, it feels really great to be myself again.

And so, I spent some time today thinking about all the little projects I can

start on for our little one on the way. Nesting, you might call it :)

First up! Refinishing the rocking chair my mother rocked me and my siblings in.

I can hardly wait!

And just for the record, we still don't know if its a boy or a girl.

You'll never guess what I think it is.

Oh, and Cancun pictures and baby bump pictures to come shortly.

Apparently my body decided the last 3 days were good ones to start showing.

I went from hardly showing at all to a nice full belly in literally 3 days!

And this little one is quite the busy one. Who knew something so little

could kick quite so hard? I feel it ALL day long.

What am I going to do when I'm 8 months pregnant? Pretty sure I'll die.

Ok. I am probably being a little dramatic but I am a little worried...

{a quick update}

We had a wonderful Christmas season spending time with our families and loved ones! I have especially enjoyed all the snow -from inside looking out of course :) Lance and I have both felt so blessed to have so many wonderful blessings. We missed having Kirstin, Bruce and little Savanah as well as Madsen here this year but we cant wait for next year when there will be two new additions to the family and Madsen (Lance's brother) will be off his mission.

Lance has surprised me once again this year with his amazing ability to choose and give fabulous Christmas gifts! He is so thoughtful and sweet in his gift giving. The one gift I absolutely cant wait to use is a spa package! Oh! He spoils me so. We both received so many wonderful gifts from our families. And we especially enjoyed spending time with those we love throughout the break. With our little one on the way, we both see the world a little differently :)

It has sure been a bumpy road with this pregnancy but I am happy to report that I am starting to feel much better! It's funny to say because I feel like my "much better" is probably "feeling sick" to others. But compared to where I have been, I am more than happy to take nausea and 1-2 throw-ups a day. There were almost 6 weeks straight where I literally could barley make it out of bed in the day. We had a doctors appointment today and I've gained 1.5 pounds since our last visit. Encouraging? You bet!

I felt the baby for the first time this last week- what an experience! Then today, while lying in the bathtub, I could feel the baby again and again. Lance was even able to feel it on the outside of my stomach. I've heard this is pretty early but I think with all the weight I've lost, that baby is right up by the surface and there is no extra room inside. We were both on cloud nine about it :) We find out next month what we are having.

In the meantime, we are off to Cancun this weekend with my family. We cant wait for the warm beaches, snorkeling, and just plain kickin back. I will be sure to update all we've been up to in the last moth when we return. Till then, Bon Voyage!

{sick}

I didn't want to put a damper on my earlier post, but the only thing the stork

has actually brought me so far is sickness. Really really bad morning sickness

that, (surprise!) is not morning sickness at all.

It came all too fast right around 6 weeks and has been my constant companion

for the last 2 months. I lost 15 pounds, weighing in at a disgustingly skeletal-like 90

pounds. We unfortunately spent Thanksgiving in the ER getting fluids pumped into me

(who knew Saline could be so wonderful?).

It's been a bumpy road. My sweet husband has cooked, cleaned, done

laundry, gone shopping, and at times spoon fed and dressed me when I was too weak.

He's tirelessly rubbed my knot of a back, my feet, and played with my hair; anything

to ease the tireless nausea and tummy ache. It's like having a really bad flu for 2 months.

Other close friends and family have also pitched in cleaning, running errands, and bringing

us meals. My good friend Emylee even strung our Christmas tree with lights because

I was so excited about it but was too weak to do it myself.

I am a weeping mess right now as I write this because I am so aware of the many

angels in my life who have come to my aid in my time of need. And I couldn't

be more thankful for them. It is true that the Lord is aware of us, our every need,

and He will provide for us always. The only true peace on this earth can be found

in His loving arms. I know this now more than I ever have.

I am pleased to say that at my 12 week check-up, we heard the strong and very healthy

heart beat of our baby :) And 2 nights later, I slept ALL the way through the

night. Things have gradually been getting better since then. I'm to the point now

where I can walk into the kitchen without throwing up. I can get dressed without losing

my breath. And I've gained back 5 pounds.

We are crossing our fingers it just gets better from here :)

I know I should just be focusing on the fact that I'm feeling better with

this little one, but all I can think about are the 6 other kids Lance wants!

He assures me we can just take them one-by-one. :)

{13}

13 stands for a lot of things. The unlucky floor, how many cats I had growing up, how many weeks before Lance and I said "I love you", and now, 13 stands for how old this sweet little baby is inside of me...

We are SO excited...

...and a little nervous...

To announce our new little one who is on the way and should make its debut on June 17th.

So...the question you are all wondering! Was it planned? And the answer is, yes & no :)

Mostly, the planning consisted of a 5 second conversation one morning:

Me: Let's have a baby!

Lance: Ok...

2 weeks later: positive pregnancy test.

9 months later: baby.

Needless to say, we were a little shocked (we took the pictures above just after we

found out). But we couldn't be happier to anticipate this baby's arrival. While

we both feel like we have a lot to do in preparation to be parents, we both

feel like the timing is perfect and cannot wait to welcome our little one into this world.