Entering my 3rd Trimester (and a tribute to Edwin at the end)

 I have my next appointment on Monday (7 months!), so I'll post some updates and newest pictures then (because I keep growing; obviously). I also have my Glucose Tolerance test and was told I'll be there for a few hours. I HATE getting blood work and am prone to passing out. 

How am I going to have this baby?!

I've entered my third trimester which sounds CRAZY. Case (Kase?) is due in exactly 3 months from now. 

Bassinet- check

Baby bedding- check

Baby dresser- check

Glider- check

Registered- check

Registered for birthing class- check (mid April)

It's exciting to see Case's Corner in our room, and the only thing missing, is him! I say Case's Corner, because let's be honest; when you get to the 4th, you put them where you can! ...Especially when you live in a 3 bedroom house. 

I've FINALLY been able to take prenatals starting this week; without getting sick. It only took almost 7 months. I NEVER had morning sickness or anything; just got sick at night when I attempted prenatals! I certainly got nauseous and gagged a lot the first trimester though. Man, I'm glad thats over with. I also went to bed at like 8! 

It's super fun to see Case squirming around in my belly. Its bizarre to watch my stomach move around. I swear he's doing gymnastics sometimes! I've been trying all week to get a video with my Iphone to post, but every time I start recording, he stops! Typical. If it was a girl, I bet she'd show off. 

*My energy is normal; so far. 

*My appetite is increasing (but I try hard to eat fruit throughout the day! Well, to off set some of the sweets!)

*I'm sleeping pretty well (except waking up a few times to pee during the night, but Im used to it now)

*Keira told me she's excited its a boy!

* I still get heartburn, but not as often. I figured out that my nightly glass of Sunny D doesn't help! HAHAHHA. DUH!

* My back is starting to constantly ache. Yippie. 

* I started getting Braxton Hicks around week 24, and had 3 one night! I read that some people have had like 6 a day! As long as its not cramping or painful, its my body practicing. At least that's what I read. Hopefully this doesnt mean Case is going to try to come early!

* A little part of my belly button is starting to poke out. I was hoping I'd be a lucky one. 

* So far I've gained  1 1/2 cups.. haha. 

I really love being pregnant; yes, I"m one of those. I love my belly and dressing to accentuate it. I love feeling Case move and seeing him in my ultrasounds (I think I"m done with those though!). I would pay to have another one! If we didnt already have an army, I would become Michelle Dugger. Not because I want a bigger army, but I love this process of being pregnant. 

There's a part of me that gets sad and emotional, about not doing this again. Of course its easy for me to say I"d be open to more, because I dont have 3 children and a newborn right now! Obviously life is going to change, in a way that I've never experienced before. 

My husband thought he was done having kids, and I felt like I was never given the opportunity to begin. We both understand each other (I think), and I think it boils down to...4 is enough! We're both grateful for who we have, and how many we have. 

Let me tell you; I am INCREDIBLY thankful for Edwin. I am incredibly thankful for all he endured for this pregnancy to be possible. He could have told me no way jose, but he didn't. He endured a surgery and recovery for me, all because he loves me and wants me to be happy. 

His life dramatically changed, then our lives dramatically changed together, and now its another dramatic change for him to start over with a baby, and for me to feel like I'm just beginning. 

Thank you for listening. I've experienced some emotions during pregnancy! 

Until next week...

Baby Twitty's name is...

CASE HOLDEN TWITTY

Case has been Edwin's FAVORITE name, and I've been "warming" up to it. For Valentine's day I had this onesie made and gave it to him, to solidify the name as Case! Of course now we're tossing the idea around to make it "Kase" to go with our other "K" children! Kade, Kai, and Keira

Here's the latest. Edwin took this today

And we bought this sectional, in brown, today! Happy Valentine's Day to me!

The Dugger Family Rules

Family Rules.

 We dont have specific rules that we've posted, but rules that are "obvious" that we expect the kids to follow. It seems our few obvious rules are often times too difficult to follow! Unlike the Dugger Rules (TLC's 19 Kids and Counting), that are specific and lengthy, ours seem more simple and straight to the point!

Don't hit!

Sit down and eat!

Dont yell, scream, or argue!

Don't pout or whine when you dont get your way!

No attitude or sassiness! 

The most difficult time we have with behaving, is ALWAYS when family or friends are around. It seems the kids think rules dont apply when the parents aren't around, or if other people are over. 

Whats up with that?! We have really good kids; all three of them, and hopefully baby Twitty will be too! I think we all have areas to grow in though, as parents, and we can learn from others. 

Maybe the Duggers, and others that follow their rules, have so much success because their rules are more positive and Godly in nature. Maybe, just maybe, there's something to it! I dont want to bombard the children with a list of 14 rules. Perhaps there's a happy medium, and a way to introduce and post a few Dugger rules, and see what happens. I found the following on this blog.

The Dugger Family Rules

1. Always use soft words, even when you don't feel well.
2. Always display kind actions, even if you have been mistreated.

3. Show joyful attitudes even when no one is looking.
4. Have sincere motives with no thought of self-gain.

5. Think pure thoughts.
6. Always give a good report of others. Never tale-bear unless physical harm will come to someone. Use Matthew 18 as your standard.

7. Never raise a hand to hit.

8. Never raise a foot to kick.

9. Never raise an object to throw.

10. Never raise a voice to yell.

11. Never raise an eye to scowl.

12. Use one toy/activity at a time.

13. Never let the sun go down on your wrath. (Don't go to be angry or guilty.)

14. Amendment J.O.Y.: Put Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last. Make serving your family a priority.

Any thoughts?

6 months; ultrasound pics and updates!

Last week; 23 weeks

So....I had my first appointment this week with my NEW OB, and I am incredibly happy and thankful that I switched! She's fantastic and exactly what I was hoping for. 

My husband just laughs at me, and tells me I"m being controlling and just want someone to over communicate with me. Yeah, so?! 

This is MY experience, MY body, and I want to know what in the world is going on with it! 

I've gained 13 pounds so far, and apparently thats right on track. Thankfully, its all gone to the right places; the belly and.....the girls. 

I had my third ultrasound this morning (thanks to my sister in law for going with me!), and although I dont enjoy paying for them (we have a lovely deductible that started over with the new year!), I will gladly do it a fourth time to know everything is right and perfect with our baby!

Baby, no name, Twitty is perfect. He's measuring exactly how he should and has large feet! I was told to expect his weight to be close to what mine was at birth, which was almost 9 pounds. Seriously?!

Induce me please. I am not pushing out a 8 pound, or 9 pound baby. Nope. 

They were checking my placenta since it was low during the previous ultrasound. It's still low, BUT not an issue; thankfully. I'll know later on if my OB wants me to continue having ultrasounds to make sure it stays where its at, and doesnt cover my cervix (sorry if there are any fellas reading this!). Apparently its only an issue the last few weeks of pregnancy, and if it covers the babies way out! 

Good news; I"m in the clear for now and they expect that to remain the case. 

Baby, no name, Twitty is VERY active; although I dont feel all his movements. They always ask me how much caffeine I've had before I have my appointments! haha

I did have a very emotional week last week! I think I apologized to my husband over and over for being so emotional. I didnt feel the baby for a few days, and I got VERY nervous since he had been really active multiple times a day. After being told by a nurse, that its normal for movements to come and go at this point, I continued to feel upset and uneasy. After speaking with my mom, sister in law, and some friends, I left work and SHOWED UP at the OB's office!

Hi; I"m emotional right now and I dont have an appointment. Can you find someone to see me?!

After hearing the babies heartbeat, a HUGE peace and relief came over me. And then I began to feel him again. I will NEVER hesitate to wait again, even if its just to bring peace of mind. 

His head is still down under (like the last ultrasound), booty at my belly button, and feet curled up above my belly button. The nurse said he may just stay that way the whole time, or flip back and forth! 

It's interesting knowing his position, because it explains some "odd" feelings I've had! Pelvic pressure and throbbing (I guess his little head is just bobbing around; again, sorry for the TMI)

I've apparently had some Braxton Hicks contractions and just didnt realize it. I had one during the ultrasound and the nurse told me. 

I thought it was supposed to hurt like cramps?! I guess I'll get there soon enough...

So without any more delay; here are the newest pictures of our little peanut! 

Back, booty, and leg!

Leg up; kicking mommy. It was so cool to feel his kicks, and see his movements at the same time on the monitor! 

My little peanuts face

I can't wait to meet this little guy!