2012 Review in Pictures

What a year 2012 has been!

I threw Jon a 30th birthday beer tasting and mustache bash! 

We celebrated Jon's 30th birthday at Windrush Grill

We made it to our one year wedding anniversary!

We celebrated Easter at our house with family.

We visited wineries in south Texas to celebrate our anniversary.

We celebrated my step-dad's 50th birthday fiesta style.

We lost weight on the cabbage soup diet.

My best friend, Holly, had a sweet baby boy!

On Cinco de Mayo we celebrated being together for 6 years!

I left working nights in PICU and started a day job in adult oncology.

I watched my good friend, Micaela, marry her high school sweetheart.

We found out we were pregnant!

I turned 28!

Jon put on our very own firework show!

We went to Fort Worth to celebrate Julian turning 1!!

Our house went up for sale (only to never actually sell).

We found out Tiny Cox is a girl!!

Jon tore his achilles tendon and had surgery and a long road to recovery!

I went to my first LSU game!

We celebrated sweet Riley's 1st birthday!

Christmas was celebrated at our house with family.

This has truly been a wonderful year.  It was a roller coaster of ups and downs and disappointments and surprises, but I wouldn't change it if I could.  Jon and I feel very blessed and know that God is in total control of this life we have been given.  We are looking forward to all the exciting things in store for us in 2013!  Happy New Year!!

32 weeks on NYE

On the last day of 2012 we are 32 weeks pregnant!
We saw the doctor last week and had a great check up.  I only gained 1lb since seeing her last (2 weeks).  I was so excited!  She said everything is going well.  Lillian's heart rate was a strong 150, which is about what it is every time.  I am measuring right on target.  We go back next week and I was hoping for an ultrasound at that time, but it will be the appointment after that.  I talked to her about the chances of being put on bed rest and she doesn't see that in the future at this point.  My feet/ankles do swell at times, but they also go down once I put my feet up.  My blood pressure has been great.  It was very comforting to hear her say that she didn't believe bedrest was something we were headed towards.
I have felt pretty good lately.  I am more tired these days, but that's to be expected I assume.  Sleeping is not very comfortable these days.  I wake up with leg cramps and awful reflux at least once a night.  I think I had my first Braxton-Hicks contraction the other night, but I don't really know.  I just know my belly was really uncomfortable, almost hurting, and it was really tight, but it didn't last very long.  Lillian continues to be active, mainly in the mornings and evenings.  I am anxious to have an ultrasound done because I want to know about how big she is.  When she is moving around I really feel like she is a chunk!
So of course I have mentioned and shown pictures of my feet and how they tend to swell at times.  Well it's worse when I wear shoes that don't quite fit so I decided it was time to find some shoes that fit me better because I am down to my tennis shoes and a pair of black flats.  Jon and I went to a couple of stores this past weekend and I had no luck.  I normally wear a 7 1/2 or sometimes an 8...well I was having to try on size 9, and it wasn't because my foot was swollen, it was the length! OMG! Has my foot really grown that much?  They still didn't fit right either.  I know that some of it is swelling, but on this particular day my feet were looking pretty good.  I was so discouraged and disappointed that I refused to go anywhere else to look and I told Jon I would just wear flip flops.  I doubt I will be wearing flip flops and for now I will just wear my tennis shoes or black flats until I can find some other pair that fits.
We (more Jon than me) have been working on redoing the dresser/changing table for Lillian's room.  As soon as it is finished I will post some pictures.  I still need to clean out some things from her room so that Jon can get started painting.  It's coming down to crunch time so I really need to get a move on and get some things done!
While my sister was in town for Christmas she took some maternity pictures for me.   I haven't seen all the pictures yet, but I am happy with the ones I did see.  She is very talented so I am anxious to see all of them.  Of course I will post some once I have them!

32 weeks

Merry Christmas!

Christmas snuck up on me once again this year. It really does not feel like it should be Christmas already!  We just got our Christmas tree 2 days ago (yes, that's right, 4 days before Christmas day).  I have had my house decorated for weeks with all my holiday decor, but we never made a trip to get a tree.  Jon said he didn't think it felt like Christmas without a tree so he went Friday night and picked one out for us.  I told him that we will have to be more on the ball next year since we will be introducing a new life to the traditions of Christmas.  I will say that I do love the Christmas season.  Some of my favorite things to do during this time of year are...
-driving around to look at Christmas lights.  I love to get a mug of hot chocolate and jump in the car and check out all the houses lit up.  I will admit that some of the houses are quite amusing with the blow up decorations and the Clark Griswald wanna-be's.   We have been around a few neighborhoods a couple times this year.  I am looking forward to next year when we can dress Lillian in her Christmas PJs and drive around to show her all the lights.
-enjoy the music.  There is just something about Christmas music that makes you happy and want to smile.  Now there are some songs that become annoying after you hear them 25,000 times in a day on the radio, but for the most part all Christmas music is enjoyable.  For the past 2 years we have driven to Dallas to go to a Christmas music concert of sorts at Jon's uncle's church, Prestonwood.  It is a megachurch to say the least with an enormous choir.  They put on a wonderful Christmas program.  It always brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart!
-going to parties.  Whether it's a tacky Christmas sweater party, a night with the girls, or an office party, it's always nice to get together with friends during this time of the year.  My work had our Christmas party this year at Zocolo.  It was a lot of fun and made me even more thankful for my job.  I really feel appreciated where I work and I am so thankful for that!
-baking goodies.  I like to bake anyway, but during this time of year it really is fun.  I made some treats and bagged them up for the people I work with.  This evening I plan on making even more yummies, like fudge, cookies, and a pie!  I hope everyone is ready for some sweets.
-spending time with family.  My sister made it in town yesterday and will be here for a few days.  It's always nice having her in town.  We are heading out to my parents on Christmas eve night to eat and spend time with my parents and grandparents.  On Christmas day we are having lunch/dinner at our house and Jon's parents and uncles will be here.  Then Friday we are getting together with Jon's sisters and their families.  To me the holidays are all about family and spending time with one another, enjoying each others company, laughing and just having a good time.  I know this will be even more important to me in the coming years, since Jon and I will have a family of our own.    Jon and I have been talking a lot about traditions that we want to start with Lillian, and just the thought of having her around this time next year brings so much joy to my heart!  It's crazy to think that we will finally meet her in 2 shorts months!  I've been saying all along that once Christmas gets here it will be just about time for her to arrive.  Well Christmas is here, now it's time to get myself in gear and get ready for this sweet baby girl.
I hope that everyone has a very Merry Christmas and that we remember what the season is really about.  Take the time to hug your friends, tell your family you love them, and thank God for the many blessings he has bestowed upon us!

Hello 3rd Trimester

It doesn't seem like I am truly in the third trimester, the last leg of this pregnancy.  We went back to the doctor last week because I had to do the three hour glucose tolerance test to see if I in fact had gestational diabetes or not.  Before the appointment I had already convinced myself that I did and was ready to embrace the diet change and frequent finger pricks for glucose checks.  As soon as I arrived for my appointment they checked my fasting glucose which was 85 (it needed to be below 90).  I felt as though I got passed that part by the skin on my teeth.  I then drank the even sugaryer (haha, I definitely made that word up) drink than before and almost couldn't keep it down.  I asked what would happen if I vomited and she told me I would just have to drink more, so I forced myself to keep that mess down.  One hour later they checked my sugar and it was 124 (needed to be less than 180).  I almost cried because I was so excited.  One hour later (two hours after chugging the drink) they checked my sugar again and it was 129.  I just knew that meant I failed because my sugar had gone up, but she said I passed because it just needed to be below 150.  I really almost cried at this point!  I stood up and looked at Jon with the biggest smile on my face!  I was so thrilled and thankful not to have gestational diabetes!  We then saw the doctor and everything is going good.  Lillian's heart rate sounds wonderful (still music to my ears) and is a steady 150s.  We will start seeing the doctor every 2 weeks, so that puts us going back right after Christmas.
I am trying to continue to walk, but these days it's tough walking for an extended period of time without feeling like I might pee my pants!  My poor bladder is just super squished these days I suppose.  I told Jon that I may have to wear a diaper for my walks (of course I was kidding...maybe).  The temperature has also dropped significantly so walking outside is not so enjoyable anymore.  I may have to start walking the mall.  I guess I would fit in walking the mall with my diaper on....aren't most mall walkers at the age of needing Depends?!
We finished up with "baby classes" with a 2 session class on breast feeding.  It was taught by Brenda Dalton, who I hear could probably make a man lactate.  She was a great teacher and apparently is so helpful once the baby arrives.  I enjoyed the classes and feel I learned a lot, but I am still creeped out at the thought of breast feeding.  I don't know why?!  I know it's the most "natural" thing, but in my eyes, it still is somewhat weird for me.  I am going to do everything I can to make breast feeding work for me and Lillian, but I will not be completely heartbroken if it's not our thing.
I have been feeling pretty good lately, definitely more tired, but still feel good for the most part.  My ribs hurt a lot these days, but I think it's just because I am running out of room.  This past weekend my feet were ridiculously swollen, but after one evening of rest and elevation they were back to normal.  I know a lot of people are betting on me going on bedrest soon, but I am determined not to let that happen!  Lillian continues to be an active little girl, especially in the morning when I first wake up, and in the evening after I am off work.  I'm really looking forward to our next ultrasound (which will be in about 3 weeks), because I want to know what position she is in and about how big she is.  I'm betting we will have a chunky girl on our hands, which is fine with me! It is more to cuddle with!
This coming week my mom and I will be redoing Lillian's dresser/changing table so be expecting a post about that!

30 weeks

Christmas Card 2012

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

Every year I look forward to sending out Christmas cards.  Shutterfly has been my go to site for cards the past couple of years.  They have so many cute cards and options with each card that you just can't beat it, especially when you have a discount code you can use.  This year we did not have a professional picture taken, like we have in the past.  I waited too late to book anything, and also decided that I would rather spend that money on something for Lillian.  My sweet co-worker, Amber, let us borrow her nice camera and we had Jon's dad take our picture with it.  We took a TON of pictures but only have a few that turned out worthwhile.  I guess that's why photographers get paid so well! :)  Anyways, you can see above what our Christmas card turned out like this year.  It's not the best ever, but it's definitely not bad, especially since the photographer was free and I saved 50% off on the cards!
Happy Holidays!

28 week whammy

We are now 28 weeks along, which means 12 weeks until our due date. That is 3 measly months my friends! This week we had a doctor's appointment and actually saw the Nurse Practitioner for the first time because my doctor was out of town. I really liked her, although she seemed to be the bearer of bad news. I did not pass the glucose tolerance test. My blood sugar needed to be less than 134 one hour after finishing the drink and mine was 146. They scheduled me to do the three hour glucose tolerance test next Tuesday. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I pass it! I was told that I am anemic and needing more iron. The NP prescribed iron pills for me to take and instructed me to eat more red meat. I had some not so pleasant side effects from iron at the beginning of the pregnancy so I'm hoping I tolerate it better this time. The NP also told us that I am measuring at 30 weeks. We will have an ultrasound in two weeks and at that time we will be able to see for sure how big Lillian is and exactly how "old" she is measuring. Our appointment this week did not bring the best news, but it definitely could have been worse. I'm just thankful for a healthy growing baby! I will do whatever I need to to insure she arrives to this world!

the not so lovely "glucosoda"

I personally have been feeling pretty good.  My feet hurt more than they used to, but it's nothing unbearable.  Nights are becoming more sleepless.  I have numerous pillows I use to help get in to a comfortable position, but nothing really works.  Lillian loves to move around and I still think it's the coolest feeling.  We take time out together in the mornings to do kick counts.  It's a nice way to ease myself into waking up and get ready for the day.  It is also a very active time for her!

We went to another baby class. This one was an orientation to child delivery and also about anesthesia options. It was not exactly helpful. I don't know what my expectations were but it definitely didn't meet them. They showed two videos that were totally 80s. I think they need to review the material they teach and bring it more up to date. There are a lot of women these days that labor longer at home and do not jump into modern medicine practices. Also, a lot of women these days have birth plans and that should be something they discuss in the class as well. I think if I were not a nurse the class would have been more informative. I'm glad we went though, because if I hadn't I may be curious as to what I missed or could have learned.

This past Sunday Jon and I made a trip to Longview to get Lillian's crib! A few days before, my friend Meagan sent me a link to a Craigslist listing for a white wrought iron bed. I immediately responded to the listing and made a deal with the seller. I was so excited when we got there on Sunday and the bed was everything I wanted! When we first started looking at beds for Lillian I wanted a wrought iron bed but quickly changed my mind because it was not quite in our budget. I had given up on the idea, so when Meagan sent me the listing I was beyond excited! It is so beautiful and looks good in her room already!! Of course we still need a mattress and to have the bedding made, but just having a bed for her is a big relief! We have also picked out the color we want to paint her room. Hopefully Jon will be able to start painting within the next couple weeks.

This week I was again reminded that God answers prayers! We must be patient but He will come through on His own time!

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7