First and Last

This will be the first and the last pregnancy picture I will willingly have taken of me.
That's right. I have NEVER in my life taken a picture of myself pregnant, on purpose.
And this is why.


22 weeks

Can you tell I work out three times a week for 45 min.? Didn't think so.
Blah! And it only gets better from here.

Anyway, enough about the picture. Moving on....


About the pregnancy thus far:

I am feeling great and have lots of energy. It feels good to feel alive. I am loving the second trimester, which is quickly coming to an end already! The last of my monthly appointments will be next month. Crazy!

My new perspective on pregnancy has made this a more meaningful and fun pregnancy. I am not a fan of being pregnant, but this time around, I have found a lot of joy and appreciation in the journey. I feel blessed.

Gallbladder is still just as bad as ever, but I am managing quite well now with pain pills. (until the baby comes..then bye bye gallbladder)

I have the nesting instinct worse than ever! It has been really fun though, because this will be the first baby we will be bringing home to our actual home, so I can really truly nest. Ben and his parents moved us while I was in the hospital after having Mary. We brought her home to a living room full of boxes. We didn't even have the bed set up. I cried.
We were living with my parents when I had Sam. We moved to California 7 weeks later.
It is great to get our own home all ready to go. I have been in decor heaven. (as much as the budget will allow)The kids rooms are beginning to come together and look awesome. And the house is VERY organized. It feels good and it is fun. It gives me something to think about and look forward to as well.

It has taken me 5 years and 3 1/2 pregnancies, but I FINALLY got over the fact that I physically am not able to nurse (confirmed by a lactation consultant and some doctors). I got over the unnecessary guilt brought on by some ronchy WIC nurses and some insensitive mothers. I got my confirmation from the Lord that the baby will be just fine, and actually better off with formula. We will ALL be better off with formula. I almost can't imagine what it will be like not to dread feeding my baby. It will be great!
I feel a huge sense of relief. Not to mention...my "girls" will really appreciate me not putting them through the boot camp of months of pumping, mastitis, clogged ducts, lots of blood clots, tears, and not much to show for it. If momma and her girls ain't happy...ain't no one happy. I am welcoming the cans of formula with open arms.

About baby boy:

I had another ultrasound today. The Dr. wanted a better look at his heart and his face. It was a long ultrasound, and the nurse did a lot of it in 4D! Holy Crap this boy is cute! We don't have a scanner, and the pictures look blurry on the blog, but I have to get them on here, blurry or not. I can't stop looking at them. I am in love with this boy. And the best part...he has fat cheeks just like the other two! He totally looks like them. I can't wait to get him here in person.


His adorable fat cheek face, with his hand in his mouth. It really isn't blurry, but I guess it looks that way on here.


His cute little foot.


His face again...with fingers in mouth.

More good news: the ultrasound tec. measured him, and he is right on track for the June 4th due date. My Birthday! I am not getting my hopes to high, but how cool (and ironic) would that be.

He is incredibly active. He reminds me so much of how Mary was in the womb. My belly is constantly bouncing. The Dr. always has a hard time getting the heart beat because he won't stay still long enough.

The name game is still going. Boy names are so hard for us. We do have one that has stuck for a while now, so hopefully it will stay. I LOVE the name, and Ben likes it more every day. Stay tuned for that announcement....

That's it for now. I think I will go look at the pictures again...or go paint something.