Only 45 days remain.

Braxton Hicks have become a daily part of my life.  So have swollen ankles.  Jason got a gift card for the movies so we went and it was the most torturous 2 hours I have ever endured in a chair.  Poor Jason wanted to help but what could he do?  When we came home, Jason read to Ethan and he calmed down. 

We went to Market Street to pick up dinner and check out was very frustrating.  The bagger asked me when I was due.  When I told her, "Valentine's Day" she immediately asked if there were twins.  I was very frustrated at that comment. 

Jason saved the day by telling me how pretty and glowing I was.  I love that man!  He's going to be a great father!

33 weeks 2 days

I can't believe Ethan will be here in 6 weeks.  It is amazing.  We still have so much to do.  Our nursery needs to get put together.  Jason has done a great job painting.  Our room looks great.  It's a work in progress, but it's coming along. 

I also have packed my hospital bag, diaper bag, and Jason's bag.  Whenever Ethan is ready hopefully we will be too.  My body is getting ready.  I have braxton hicks almost every day. 

Counting down 55 days to go.

I slept an hour at a time last night.  I can't breathe and feel like poo.  I went to the doctor and was told it will take me at least a week to get better.  Booo!  I will say a humidifier is the greatest investment ever!  When it's on I start to clear out. 

I wanna be better!  Any home remedies to clear the sinuses?

8 Months

I can't believe how fast time has flown.  I also can't believe that I am up at 2:00 AM because I can't sleep.  Who would have thought that my baby could wake me up and he's not even here yet.  The last week I have woken up when he kicked.  He's a strong little fella.

I think that 31 weeks was the hardest.  I actually felt pregnant.  If I don't wear my back support, I am in awful pain, need to sit constantly, and can't walk.  I wore it Sunday morning and it really didn't help much.

Saturday I got sick.  :(  I hadn't gotten sick in a long time so I couldn't believe I got sick then.  Ugh morning sickness.

I'm on Christmas break and I am very proud of my list.  I have done in two days a lot of things.
Day 1 and 2 clean out the garage-still working on it, but have gotten rid of a lot of junk.
Day 3 baking-I'm decorating cookies with girl friends and their four year olds. 
Day 4 and 5 shopping, wrapping and packing-Need to do this
Day 6 buy baby necessities  ie:  Crib, changing table, dresser, bookshelf, and carseat-everything is bought but the carseat.
Day 7-8 Put together nursery-we started painting and Jason is in charge of putting together the boxes of stuff. 
Day 9 Clean house top to bottom-We cleaned bottom, still working on top.

We may get to rest early.

Update since 2:00 AM.  I'm sick.  I threw up twice, can't breathe and feel like poo.  On a positive note, Jason did the first of four coats of paint in our nursery.  Very exciting.

Blessing Are coming and coming at 31 weeks 6 days

I give God all the glory!   Jason and I are walking in God's blessings right now.  We can not believe the generosity we have been given and the favor with man.  We went to Sears last night to purchase our nursery furniture.  We were told that only the crib was in stock so that is all we purchased.  We were real disappointed because the armoire and dresser were on sale real cheap.  We were told to go to a different Sears.  They couldn't tell us whether or not any would be in stock at any other locations. 

Today we went to Stonebriar mall and they had them in stock, but at the higher prices.  We were very disapointed because we wanted to pay the prices we saw at Vista Ridge Mall.  They told us to go to our store and do a "transfer" and we could pay those sale prices.  So we did.  We arrive at Vista Ridge and this time a manager helps us.  He informs us that not only do they have them in stock, but the prices shown were their cost prices.  He still gave us those prices even though they were marked waaay wrong. 

284.99 Vintage Estates Armoire We paid 175.38

239.99 Vintage Estates Dresser We paid 115.16

119.99 Vintage Estates Changing Table We paid 68.33

 Vintage Estates Crib We paid 204.99


Entire Nursery Total 917.95           We paid  608.97
But for Christmas, my In-laws told us they would buy Ethan his crib so we got that blessing too!  So our nursery only cost Jason and I $387.58. 

Just to put this in perspective, here is a crib at Babies R Us that is comparable to ours that cost MORE than we paid for the entire nursery.  THAT IS MAJOR BLESSINGS!!! 

Babies R Us Crib 399.99

Hopefully before Christmas break is up, our nursery will look like this combined with our furniture. 

Thank you Lord!

How far along? 31 weeks 3 days
Weight gain/loss: 144 +18 lbs
Maternity clothes? Sadly, they are getting too small.  Happily I bought a new pair of jeans that make me very happy. 
Stretch marks?  Nope
Sleep? Thankfully it hasn't been affected.  Second trimester was tough with peeing all the time.  
Best moment this week?  I bought skinny jeans and a nursing outfit that has a babies matching outfit. 
Food cravings:  Reindeer Chow.  
Gender:  Boy...Ethan Andrew
Belly button in or out? Flush. 
Movement? He is kicking and punching all over the place.  I let two girls feel his hiccups. 
What I miss?  Being comfortable while sitting on the couch.  The only place comfortable is bed.  
What I'm looking forward to:  Christmas break with Jason. 

Cons:   Being scolded for gaining too much weight. 

31 Weeks 2 Days

Last night we went to Jason's band concert and Ethan had a great time.   He loved Silent Night!  It is the most perfect song.  "Mother and Child."  Well, perfect except for the whole virgin part. 

I have been very nice lately.  I've let quite a few people touch my belly.  Now don't get any ideas.  That was a brief moment of kindness that seldom happens. 

We're watching season 8 of Friends and I am loving it because Rachel is pregnant through the series.  There are moments that it is my life!  I still have pictures of my sonogram that I don't know what they are. 

Countdown 8 weeks 6 days. Eek!

In 8 weeks we are going to have baby Ethan here!  I had my doctor's appt today and let me just say oops.  I got scolded.  Every week I have gained an average of 1/2 lb.  These last two weeks I gained 5 lbs.  She was not happy.  I hold tight that the scale lies.  I was wearing a ton of clothes.  Next time I'll wear light clothes.  :)

Two weeks ago I had my glucose test.  The day before I ate a lot of sugar.  Fun dip, snickers, etc.  The next day I took the test and after looked at the directions for it.  I told Jason I messed up.  It said avoid lots of sugar before taking it.  Oops.  Well, I got the results and...everything looked good.  We laughed and Jason explained why it was a big deal I passed.  Poor doctor.  She has a bad patient.

Today was such an exciting day!  We got our church shower invitation in the mail.  It was soo perfect.  I am uber pumped!

Best Husband part 2

I don't feel like I got to finish my praise on my amazing husband.  Here is a photo of yesterday's pancake.

 Jason is sooo good with kids.  When I worked in the church nursery, I use to call him the baby whisperer.  Anytime we had a fussy kid, I would hand them to Jason and within seconds they would be calm.  Put them back in my arms and "WAAA."  It is amazing.  My nephew and nieces have taken a liking to him as well.  I thought it was soo sweet last night when my nephew went up to Jason and crawled up in his lap and laid his head on his chest.  I know Jason is going to be such a great dad!  I look forward to seeing interact with Ethan. 

We all love Uncle Jason!

Jason is such a gentleman too.  He opens the car door for me, helps me up when I'm sitting, gives me his arm when we are walking, and opens doors for me.  Ethan has a great role model.

You can always tell how a man will be by how he treats his mother.  Jason loooves his mommy.

I really love this man.  He is a good man.  He loves the Lord, he loves me, and he loves his friends. 

Ethan's Daddy

Ethan is going to be one lucky boy.  His daddy is the most kind and selfless man out there.  Today I was reflecting on what a great man I married.  He will give me the last cinnamon roll just to be nice.  He drops me off at the door if it will be a long walk at stores.  He drives his piece of junk car with no A/C or heater instead of buying a new one.  He will make me whatever I want even if he is in the mood for something else.  He makes me heart shaped pancakes.

I was looking through old boxes in my garage and found a card he gave me.  I had forgotten about it, but our first year of dating he did something sweet for me days leading up to Valentine's Day.  So romantic. 

My Easter baskets always rock!

Only 65 days left!

1. What's the last thing you cried about and when was it? Was it a reasonable cry or a crazed and irrational hormonal pregnancy cry?
I have had a hormone week from "the bad place."  I have cried every single day!  One cry was silly but I totally think the rest were legit. 
2. What are you craving lately?
The only honest craving I have is ice water in a glass.  
3. Biggest pregnancy symptom right now? 
Up and down with the hormones.  
4. Best part of pregnancy right now? 
Feeling Ethan kick and move and flip and dance.  Watching my belly wiggle and jiggle.  
5. Most essential part of your wardrobe at the moment?  
This long sleeve shirt I got in Colorado Spring's Airport.  Love it!

Countdown 9 weeks 3 days

Golly my job is tough.  I didn't get home til 8:40 tonight and am beat!  I don't see it slowing down either.  I know with pregnancy I should take it easy, but I honestly think I went harder.  I helped plan in-service, I do a weekly broadcast with my kids that takes 90 man power hours an episode, I planned alone a pep-rally for the entire student body, I edited stuff for my principal, I have created some amazing lessons for my kids, I am making a video for the TAKS test, helped out anyone who is new, new to a program, or in need of any kind of assistance and more.  I have not let pregnancy be an excuse and am working all the way til my due date. 

I had a student give me a theory today.  He said, "I don't think you are really pregnant.  There is no way a teacher can be that bouncy and jump all around and be pregnant.  Since you're a theatre teacher, I think you are going to trick us at the end and say surprise I am not really pregnant."  I laughed. 

Countdown 9 weeks 4 days

Christmas to do list

I get 11 days at home and I want to make the most of them. 

Day 1 and 2 clean out the garage
Day 3 baking
Day 4 and 5 shopping, wrapping and packing
Day 6 buy baby necessities  ie:  Crib, changing table, dresser, bookshelf, and carseat
Day 7 Put together nursery
Day 8 Organize nursery
Day 9 Clean house top to bottom
Day 10 Organize loft
Day 11 rest

I hope I can stay on track with my to do list.  We'll see. 

Not the hormones!

The hormones have gotten to me.  I am highly emotional!  I have been depressed all day and that SOOO isn't who I am!  I pray tomorrow will be a better day. 

Countdown 9 weeks 6 days

WHAT?!  9 Weeks 6 days?  That is sooo quick!  I read my baby is the size of a head of lettuce.  Ha!  I got me some iceberg. 

Pregnancy brain is at an all time high.  I am no longer a trustworthy person.
Yesterday, I left my phone, driver's license, and debit card at home.  As I was driving to get it, I made a mental note to not speed.  I looked up and saw a cop and realized I was going 70 in a 60!  Eek!  I left the sink on after washing my hands, I have slowed down my getting ready time so I am running late a lot, and last night realized I forgot to eat supper. 

Last week we went to our home group thinking it was the Christmas party.  Nope we were off a week.  This week we are ready with our ugly sweaters. 

30 Weeks

1. Who do you want in the room with you? Just Jason, although after talking it over, we thought my dad would keep me distracted with his constant telling of awkward jokes. 
2. How old are you? 30
3. How far along are you? 30 weeks!  Ahh!
4. When is your due date? Valentine's Day, but my periods are longer so I think that is four days later. 
5. Are you ready? Ha!  We have no car seat, stroller, the nursery is an empty room, and I feel very unprepared. 
6. What are your plans for labor and delivery?  I liked what my sister did.  She told no one and then called us at 9:00 PM at night to have us come meet her newest addition.  The only problem is my in-laws live 6 hours away. 

7. What kind of movement are you having? He gets cute little hiccups and wiggles around like crazy.
8. What kind of symptoms do you currently have? Sleepy and back pain.
9. How long has it been since you've seen your feet? I had feet?
10. Are you excited to be a mommy? more than anything.  I pray that God prepares me to be the best mommy ever!

Counting down 71 days! Phew.

I looove to read.  I read every book I am suggested and love to research on the internet about every topic I'm interested in.  Currently I am reading a ton of blogs and boards on being pregnant.  Recently as Ethan is getting more active and his due date is coming closer, I have explored new sites and books.  I stumbled across these sites though that I thought were very interesting. 

http://health.howstuffworks.com/pregnancy-and-parenting/baby-health/newborn-development/elimination-communication.htm

http://www.freewebs.com/freetoec/

There are a ton of websites on this topic.  It is called Elimination communication.  It talks about babies as young as newborns can pee on command.  So you could in essence have a potty trained newborn.  I so would love to do this, but I fear that I would mess up Ethan forever. And this would be very difficult for a working mom. 

Countdown to Ethan 72 days

It was such a fun day!  We went to child preparation class and I loved it!  The teacher was awesome and I learned a lot.  I do want an epidural.  I don't want a "C" section.  There's some scary stuff with pregnancy.

After that, Jason and I got to take a two hour nap!  Ahh sleep.  I know I need to try to store that in me as much as possible.

We had our Christmas party tonight.  That was super fun.  I love my school!  Best job ever.  I get to work with some pretty awesome people.

Jason and I took this opportunity to get our Christmas card photo done.  Soo fun. 

Counting down only 73 days

I hate that this is the most debbie downer post, but I gots to let it out.  Today, I got two ugly comments back to back.  First I was told I looked plain.  :(  Then, I was told my announcements on the PA yesterday were the first time they didn't feel like gagging themselves.  :(

On a positive note, I didn't cry!  Hormones in check.

Tonight Jason is at a band playoff game.  Leaving me...bored.  I laugh because I need to embrace this feeling.  I doubt I will ever be alone or have an opportunity to be bored again. 

I got my hair cut and colored.  Here is my plain self.  :)  J/K.  Jason tells me daily I am beautiful  so it probably was good to be deflated a bit. 

29 weeks 3 days

Random Pregnancy thoughts-

My belly now bumps the steering wheel when I get in the car. 

One should not teach voice and diction in their third trimester of teaching.  All my exercises made me exhausted, my back hurt, and my body tense. 

It is hard to feel pretty when you don't fit in any of your clothes and even maternity clothes is getting tight. 

Child birth has some terrible after effects.  I hear my hear will come out in clumps and look thinner. 

I think I may have found my replacement for my maternity leave.  She seems super fun. 

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/parenting/sophia-and-aiden-lead-babycenters-top-100-baby-names-of-2010-2418678/

Ethan is the number four spot on top 100 baby names of 2010. 

My husband makes Ethan and I the best ham and cheese sandwiches in the world. 

My husband kicks butt at his smoothie making skills.  Gotta get my daily vegetables and fruit in.  Yummy.

Day 205 or 29 weeks 2 days

I had a friend deliver her baby and today we went to see her and the baby.  My friend Crystal and I walked into the hospital and there were two women sitting behind the front desk.  We told them we were looking for Labor and Delivery.  They looked at my belly then me and said, "Is it time?"  Ha!  We laughed and were like NOooooo.  They walked us up to the floor and we saw my friend. 

She looked so good for having had a baby.  The second I held her baby I started crying.  It was such a wonderful thought that I would be going through this same experience in just 11 weeks.  The miracle of life is so overwhelming. 

Day 204 or 29 weeks 1 day

Eeek!  It's so real.  Ethan is making a presence in our house and he isn't even here yet.  We are getting clothes from family and friends.  I washed a load of Ethan's laundry and get so giddy every time I pick up a newborn outfit.  It is so hard to believe he will fit in these outfits.  So cute!

Best day ever.  I check my registry pretty regularly waiting for the first item to be bought.  Lo and behold, the first purchase!  Ethan is going to have the cutest room ever!  Thanks Cindy! 

29 weeks went by fast!

I had my glucose test this morning.  I was dreading it so much.  I chugged it down in two minutes though so it wasn't that bad.  Ethan was a little wound up from it but no biggie.  We'll find out the results in a week. 

This morning Jason went with me to our appointment.  I really love the staff.  The receptionist that filled in was someone I went to middle school with.  Blast from the way past.  My gyno was very happy with my weight gain.  I hadn't done too well in the past.  Only a half a pound a week.  This time it was over a lb a week.  My doctor was doing all her regular checks and she picked up the doppler to find the heart beat.  She couldn't find it and seemed a little anxious.  Me, not so much.  I knew Ethan was playing hard to get.  Finally, after trying for so long the doctor let me have an ultra sound to get the heart beat.  I was so excited to see him happy healthy and strong.  He has gotten so big! 

All is well in the Brents home.  We are blessed!

78 days remaining

I'm getting bigger and bigger.

24

25

26

27

28

Countdown 11 weeks 2 days

How far along: 28 weeks 5 days

Growth: Baby is the size of a cabbage.

Symptoms:  This week I experienced many but they weren't long lasting.  I had nausea, headaches, bloody nose, and shortness of breath.  Oh and restless legs and numbness in arms.

Total weight gain:  17 lbs

Maternity clothes: I'm scared that they are going to get too small.  I fit them perfectly right now.  I just got a new batch from sissy that are cute!

Stretch marks: No praise the Lord.  And I pray it stays that way.

Sleep: Not being in my own bed this week was rough.  However, last night was fabulous.  I slept til 6 to pee.  Then slept two more hours.  It was great!

Best moment this week: Spending time with my awesome family and friends.  And buying Ethan this adorable outfit from Babies R Us that is sooo precious!

Movement: Like crazy.  He was wild in Colorado and on the plane.  Today I've only felt minimal movement.  I think he is catching up on lost sleep.  :)

Nickname:  Baby Ethan.  Not very original.  At least it is better than what Jason was saying.  "The Kid."

Food cravings: Lots of chocolate.  Yum.

What I miss:  Freedom.  So many don't in pregnancy.  Don't drink caffeine, don't drink egg nog, don't eat unpasteurized cheeses, avoid too much seafood, etc. 

What I am looking forward to:  Monday's appt. 

Milestones: Baby can cry in the belly.  But I hope he has no reason to.

Pregnant 200 days and counting

Strangers come up and talk to me all the time.  They ask me lots of questions and then go in to a diatribe.  The first thing people always talk about when discussing babies, is always negative. 

*Better get sleep while you can.
*You won't be able to go on fun trips when the babies come.
*Let me tell you my horrible birthing story.
*You'll never be on time when the baby comes.
*You'll be broke once the baby gets here.
Etc etc.  This list is so long but I don't want to dwell on them.

I know all these things, but why bring up the negative people?  Why not tell me the good?  Let your first instinct be to talk about the wonderful and positive experiences of being a parent.  Let's be Optimistic Olivias!  Not negative Nancy. 

Let me hear
*Being a mother is the greatest joy ever.
*There is nothing like your babies for first smile.
*A babies laugh is so fulfilling.
*It is so wonderful to be in love with something that has done nothing but be born.
*What a wonderful feeling to see God's creation. 
Etc. 
That's what I want to hear! And what every first time mother should hear. 

And yes I will try to make the most of my time as a married couple with no responsibilities.   Jason and I love our sleep.  We also enjoy some quality time together.

Popcorn and board games on a Friday night.

An attitude of gratitude

There us so much to be thankful for but I think my favorite is the life growing inside of me. I love feeling him move and kick. I love the ever growing belly and I love that all my pregnancy side effects only last a day. I couldn't imagine daily constipation or Braxton hicks or some if the unmentionable unflattering things.
This life I have been giving is the best gift and for that I will always be thankful and know that I am a very lucky girl. I pray I never take any of this for granted.

28 weeks 2 days

Sweet Ethan had a great day today.  We went to Focus on the Family and got to see what size Ethan is right now.  He is the second from the right.

 In the bottom of the place they had a place for all of us to show our heads.  Unfortunately, Ethan missed out on this picture. 

 Ethan really liked his lunch at New Panda.  Beef and Broccoli.  Yum.

My bestie from college and her hubby.  We had fun hanging out all day.  We got to go to lots of fun places.  And dinner was yummy. 

 Ethan also got to see the North Pole AND the Garden of Gods.  He is quite the world traveler.

The perfect end to a great day.  Mr. Biggs amusement park.  Aren't we a great looking crew?!

Baby Ethan in Colorado

He is having a blast.  I went to lay down and he would not let me take a nap.  Jason put his hand on my belly and Ethan kicked it off.  It was hilarious.  We could see my belly moving all over the place.  He was taking turns kicking my left and right ribs too. 

I'm surprised he didn't kick Addi.  She liked my story telling.  Her favorite was David and Goliath.  I made Goliath sound like Arnold Schwarzenegger. 

These are my big brothers.  They were trying to hurt each other behind my back.  Can we say goofy?  Ethan, if you have a brother, I hope you are more mature than these two.  

My prayer for Ethan

I pray that he will walk with integrity.  May he stay pure until marriage.  May he have a heart for the Lord.  May he live to his potential.  I pray he will be healthy, happy, and strong.  May his heart be guarded.  I pray he respects women and all authority figures.  My prayer is he lives his life to the fullest and always stays connected to the vine.  May his outer beauty only be surpassed by his inner. 

27 weeks 6 days

Pregnancy Revealed

What is your favorite thing about being pregnant?
I love the closeness I feel with little Ethan.   I love the kicks and movements.  I love talking to my belly.  
What is your least favorite? 
That is easy.  Right now I am cringing in pain because he is right where my ribs are.  Slightly uncomfortable.
How far along? 27 weeks
Weight gain/loss: 142.  Gained 16 lbs
Maternity clothes? They fit perfect.  I just got a new stash from my sissy!
Stretch marks? No
Sleep? Is my best friend.
Belly button in or out? Still in, but not for long.
Movement? Lots of rolls and kicking. 
Milestones:I had my first braxton hicks.  I thought they were growth spurts til I blogged about it and found it out what they were.  Luckily it only lasted one day. 

Baby Showers

I am super pumped about tonight.  I went to a formal baby shower.  Cocktail dresses was the dress code.  I had never heard of such a thing and was a little nervous when I thought about dresses that fit.  I wore one Monday for our awards ceremony in Austin, but it was dirty.  Here is a pic.

 After much stress and looking, I found two that potentially could work.  A brown and black.  I really loved the black one and tried it on and lo and behold it fit!  If you look close, you can see it is holding on for dear life. 

 My friend Kristi's shower was awesome.  She looked super cute in her pretty dress.  Here we are showing off our baby bumps.  Inside is Leah and Ethan who are going to be buds. 

 The shower had these games I had never played before that were a lot of fun.  This is a picture of what we thought Leah would look like.  We got magazines and scissors to cut out parts of the baby.  Our picture we thought was brilliant but unfortunately our group didn't win. 

 We still had fun though and didn't let it bring us down. 

Kristi was a beautiful mommy.  It was fun seeing all the adorable presents for her little one. 

It definitely made me excited about mine in January.  I can't wait!  Ethan is gonna be one styling dude!

Only 12 weeks and 3 days to go

It's coming so quickly!  Ethan is going to meet the world.  Will the world be ready for a mini Jason and Christina?  Back in the day Jason and I did a program that tells you what your kid will look like.  I wonder how close they be to accurate. 

Ethan?

Pregnant 192 days

Today is the first time I have truly felt pregnant.  My stomach is super tight and painful.  I've spent the evening crying.  To top it off, today is the day Ethan has decided to play kickball in my belly.  Jason is laughing it up because he can feel every kick, roll, and movement.  I'm crying because I can feel every kick roll and movement.  I think baby is going through a big growth spurt and my poor belly can't keep up. 

On a non whiny note, one of my students called me "mom" for the third time today.  She laughed when she realized she did it.  The other kids defended her saying she was just preparing me for Ethan. 

7 Months

I get asked a lot how many months I am.  I always have to stop and count from the beginning when that happens.  I can't believe it is 7 months!  That is insane! 

27 weeks 1 day

Ethan is so darn cute.  People want to touch him and he isn't even born yet.  Today I was standing in line to pay for my dinner and the waitress came up and announced she just had to touch my belly. 

Well, the other night we were at dinner and I felt Ethan rolling around like crazy.  It was so exciting I didn't want to keep it to myself.  I let people feel him and was ok with it. 

I am super excited now that it is the third trimester because he is getting bigger and stronger.  I can really feel him moving. 

27 weeks A.K.A. Third Trimester

 I'm in my third trimester.  It is very exciting but there are so many changes that it is crazy to not have any control.  This is a co-worker of mine that has given Baby Ethan a ton of hand me downs. 

 The oversized belly does come in handy as a shelf.

 The big booty is a tad annoying.

I almost look normal in this photo. 

Ethan loved his trip to Austin.  His mommy helped keep Austin weird.  These are my super sweet co-workers.  Ethan liked them a lot.