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30 April 2014

Surviving the First Trimester with a Little One

Those two pink lines are game changing. When we first saw them with Bug, we were beyond ecstatic. And very nervous. This was a new thing for us. Something we had never gone through before. A new chapter was opening. 

image source: Wikipedia

Fast forward 18 months later, two more pink lines appear. We are once again ecstatic and so excited! Bug was going to be a big sister! But we weren't nearly as nervous as we were the first time around. Unfortunately, those two pink lines didn't last and we lost our precious babe. We weren't going to give up hope and so we decided to keep trying.

The next month...two more pink lines show up on that stick! This time the emotions were raw. There was so much excitement and so much anxiety all wrapped up in those lines. So much anxiety in fact, that it took me a week to tell the hubs and even longer to share with my family. We were very cautious with our excitement. 

Weeks continued and my pregnancy progressed. With this progression came the beloved exhaustion and morning sickness - or should I say, all day sickness. At least that's how it was for me. It was brutal. Having a little one to chase around did not help the situation. 

Here are a few things that got me through my first trimester (and beyond...because it's taken forever to get over the morning sickness and get my energy back):

  • Nap when baby naps: Sound familiar? It holds true for being pregnant with a little one. If you have the opportunity to nap, take it! The chores can wait, it is important for you to get that sleep in!
  • Accept help: Sound familiar once again? I'm very blessed that my parents live not too far away. On my sickest of days, I was able to call them and they could come over and play with Bug for a little while to help me get over it.
  • Don't be ashamed of medicine: I personally hate taking medicine for anything. It's just who I am. But when I was offered Zofran, I jumped at the chance. It helped me a lot. Running after Bug is already hard, it's even harder when you're pregnant.
Most importantly...
  • Give yourself grace: Don't beat yourself up over the little things. It's okay to let it slide! You are now pulling triple duty: taking care of your little one running around, taking care of growing your baby, and taking care of you. Your body, mind, and spirit are being pulled three different ways. It's okay to let things go every once in a while and to turn down events and invitations as well.
I hope this helps anybody out there going through pregnancy again. I'm finally (at 22 weeks) starting to feel like myself. But it's moments that are few and far between. It doesn't help that Bug isn't sleep well at night now and is extra, extra clingy (which I have read can be a pregnancy side effect). I'm doing my best to enjoy every minute of this pregnancy just like I did with Bug, and I know that I'm very blessed that this little boy is happy and healthy and cooking just as he should be!

Now to get a certain Bug back to sleep (see what I mean? It's 9:30 and she's still not asleep right now...but at least she's not coughing!)

27 April 2014

Mommy Moments Blog Hop!

Hey mamas!
Welcome back for another great week of Mommy Moments Link Ups! Thank you for linking up and for spreading the word last week! We had some awesome links last week as usual. 

Motherhood has its seriousness and frustration as well as its laughs. That's why we are here. Life is much easier when traveled with companions! So mamas, let's join together in the spirit of motherhood and share our moments together. We want to hear the happy, sad, tough, terrible, hilarious moments that make being a mother the best job in the world!

 The top viewed link this week belongs to Paula from Beauty Through Imperfection and her post So You Think You're Pro-life. Paula's post is very thought provoking and challenging for everyone in regards to how we treat young moms and pregnant women! I'm so glad Paula shared this wonderful post with us last week and if you haven't already, I hope you stop by and check it out!
so you think you're pro-life

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The Not Quite Military Wife
 The Not Quite Military Wife


Beautiful Family Affairs

Now, link up your post!
Post can include anything related to mommy-hood, children, homemaking, pregnancy etc. If you aren't a mom yet, feel free to link up your preparation for motherhood, your journey as you try to conceive, or even a post that would be encouraging to the other moms in the party!

Then, explore some of the other posts in the link-up and say hello to some new blog friends! 

Please, pretty please, we'd love it if you would tweet or share the link up on Facebook so we can all make even more friends!
We would also love it if you could add the Mommy Moments button to your post or blog so everyone knows where you are linking up!
http://the-life-of-faith.blogspot.com//search/label/mommymoments" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank">http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k537/faithkonrath/cfa5ba11752f4e898055d03d33cf24e0.jpg
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P.S. We will be having a new guest host every week! Want to be a guest host of the Mommy Moments Blog Hop? Send Faith a message at farmprincess14{at}gmail{dot}com. We would love to have you!


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Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory
Colossians 3:17 
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.


24 April 2014

Oh baby baby: 20/21 weeks

This picture was taken at 21 weeks on Easter!

First up: 20 Week update

How far along: 20 Weeks

Trimester: 2nd - halfway there!

Baby size: Banana

Toes: It's sad, but they're getting harder to see every day!

Gender: BOY!

Movement: This little guy is getting stronger everyday! I just love feeling his kicks and punches!

Cravings: Spinach?

Aversions: My aversions are starting to change daily. 

Symptoms: Heartburn and hip pain is the worst.

Maternity clothes: There is nothing wrong with maternity clothes and I will proudly wear them. Baby has nowhere to go except out and my pants just don't fit anymore.

Best moment of the week: Deciding on a midwife!

What I'm looking forward to: Anatomy scan (it got moved)

And now for 21 weeks (where I'm at currently!)

How far along: 21 Weeks

Trimester: 2nd - less than halfway there!

Baby size: Cantaloupe 

Toes: It's sad, but they're getting harder to see every day!

Gender: It's a...(scroll down to see!)

Movement: More kicks and punches and some rolls even! I'm starting to be able to see him move and the hubs is able to now feel him kick!

Cravings: Spinach and feta

Aversions: They're still changing daily.

Symptoms: Heartburn, hip pain, and it's becoming harder to sleep at night.

Maternity clothes: There is nothing wrong with maternity clothes and I will proudly wear them. Baby has nowhere to go except out and my pants just don't fit anymore.

Best moment of the week: Our anatomy scan and our first midwife appointment!

What I'm looking forward to: Nesting! I'm hoping to start tackling our room soon! 



20 April 2014

Silent Sunday

Happy Easter friends!




I'm so thankful for this smiley Bug! She's such a joy to get to spend every day with and I love watching her grow and develop her own personality. I'm so curious and excited to see her become a big sister! I know she's going to be amazing, but for now I'm soaking up as much time one-on-one with my girl that I can!

Mommy Moments Blog Hop!

Hey mamas!
Happy Easter! What a wonderful day to celebrate the lives God has blessed us with as well as remembering the life of Jesus, God's Son!
Welcome back for another great week of Mommy Moments Link Ups! Thank you for linking up and for spreading the word last week! We had some awesome links last week as usual. 

Motherhood has its seriousness and frustration as well as its laughs. That's why we are here. Life is much easier when traveled with companions! So mamas, let's join together in the spirit of motherhood and share our moments together. We want to hear the happy, sad, tough, terrible, hilarious moments that make being a mother the best job in the world!

 The top viewed link this week belongs to Brittany from Sweet Country Roots and her post Easton's Home Birth Story. Wow what a story! Brittany had an unmediated home birth and after 4 hours of pushing was rewarded with this sweet bundle. Congratulations Brittany!! 
image

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The Not Quite Military Wife
 The Not Quite Military Wife


Beautiful Family Affairs

Now, link up your post!
Post can include anything related to mommy-hood, children, homemaking, pregnancy etc. If you aren't a mom yet, feel free to link up your preparation for motherhood, your journey as you try to conceive, or even a post that would be encouraging to the other moms in the party!

You would be our extra special favorite if you add the Mommy Moments button to your post or blog so everyone knows where you are linking up!

Then, explore some of the other posts in the link-up and say hello to some new blog friends! 

Please, pretty please, we'd love it if you would tweet or share the link up on Facebook so we can all make even more friends!

<div align="center"><a href="http://the-life-of-faith.blogspot.com//search/label/mommymoments" title="The Life Of Faith"><img src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k537/faithkonrath/mommymomentsimage.jpg" alt="The Life Of Faith" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

P.S. We will be having a new guest host every week! Want to be a guest host of the Mommy Moments Blog Hop? Send Faith a message at farmprincess14{at}gmail{dot}com. We would love to have you!


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Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory
Colossians 3:17 
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

17 April 2014

Oh baby baby: 19 weeks

American flag shirt: Motherhood two years ago

How far along: 19 Weeks (I'm a week behind)

Trimester: 2nd - and it's finally starting to feel like I'm actually in the second trimester!

Baby size: Mango 

Toes: It's sad, but they're getting harder to see every day!

Gender: BOY!

Movement: This little boy likes to kick his mommy, but doesn't like to let anybody else feel him kick, just like his sister.

Cravings: Anything salty, spicy, and spinach smoothies

Aversions: I can eat things, it just depends on the day. Oh! Salmon...there's an aversion for you.

Symptoms: Still exhausted, but it seems to be getting better. I am plagued by hip pain and charlie horses every once in a while, and if anyone has a good remedy for heartburn, I'd love to hear it!

Maternity clothes: There is nothing wrong with maternity clothes and I will proudly wear them. Baby has nowhere to go except out and my pants just don't fit anymore.

Best moment of the week: Getting to interview midwives!

What I'm looking forward to: At 19 weeks, I was looking forward to our second midwife interview (since then we have interviewed her...but that's for another blog post!)

14 April 2014

Mommy Moments!


Hey mamas!
Welcome back for another great week of Mommy Moments Link Ups! Thank you for linking up and for spreading the word last week! We had almost 80 links last week which is awesome! I loved reading all of your great posts!

Motherhood has its seriousness and frustration as well as its laughs. That's why we are here. Life is much easier when traveled with companions! So mamas, let's join together in the spirit of motherhood and share our moments together. We want to hear the happy, sad, tough, terrible, hilarious moments that make being a mother the best job in the world!


 The top viewed link this week belongs to Heather from Dandelions Picked and her post Our Birth Story!  I always love birth stories and this one is quite the story! 
\

We also have a very special guest host for the next several link ups. Pamela is sponsoring The Life Of Faith for the next 2 months and is also excited to be a part of the Mommy Moments Link Up during that time. Please welcome Pamela from Macdonald's Playland!



Alrighty, now it's time to get to know your hosts!

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The Not Quite Military Wife
 The Not Quite Military Wife


Beautiful Family Affairs

Now, link up your post!
Post can include anything related to mommy-hood, children, homemaking, pregnancy etc. If you aren't a mom yet, feel free to link up your preparation for motherhood, your journey as you try to conceive, or even a post that would be encouraging to the other moms in the party!

You would be our extra special favorite if you add the Mommy Moments button to your post or blog so everyone knows where you are linking up!

Then, explore some of the other posts in the link-up and say hello to some new blog friends! 

Please, pretty please, we'd love it if you would tweet or share the link up on Facebook so we can all make even more friends!


 photo 8be806cb-71a5-4eaf-aba2-ca2abb33f8db.jpg
<div align="center"><a href="http://the-life-of-faith.blogspot.com//search/label/mommymoments" title="The Life Of Faith"><img src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k537/faithkonrath/8be806cb-71a5-4eaf-aba2-ca2abb33f8db.jpg" alt="The Life Of Faith" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

P.S. We will be having a new guest host every week! Want to be a guest host of the Mommy Moments Blog Hop? Send Faith a message at farmprincess14{at}gmail{dot}com. We would love to have you!


Photobucket
Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory
Colossians 3:17 
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

07 April 2014

An Update: Bug

I feel with all this talk about my pregnancy, my beautiful princess has fallen by the wayside. It's hard to believe that she's almost 15 months! Where has all the time gone? She's gotten so big overnight it seems! I really want to put a heavy book on her head and slow this whole growing up thing down. 

Right now, allergies seem to be plaguing her like nothing else has. Last Friday she woke up gasping for breath. I never thought I'd be thankful for the bout of RSV she had back in December, but had she not had it, we would have spent Friday in the ER. You see, what happened was, both the hubs and I woke up to a funny sound over the monitor. I couldn't really place it, I knew it was her breathing but it sounded strange. Do you know how a child sounds after they've pitched a fit and are gasping for breath? That's what she sounded like, only she hadn't been crying. The hubs goes in and checks on her and the next thing I hear is "get dressed, she can't breathe." Mom mode kicked in. I grabbed my girl and rushed to the living room where her breathing treatment was. Asthma attack. It sounded like an asthma attack. Now, she's never had asthma before, so I have no idea where it came from. But I knew what needed to be done. I immediately get the nebulizer going and held her as I let the breathing treatment work it's magic. After that she calmed down and her breathing returned to normal. I called her pediatrician and got in first thing that morning. Her lungs were clear and everything checked out "normal," all we can figure out was a possible allergy attack. The pollen count was high the day before and she spent a TON of time outside. Since then, she's been really stuffy and snotty, but no more breathing scares. 

See why I'm thankful for the RSV? Without the RSV, we wouldn't have had the nebulizer and things might not have turned out as well as they did.

But enough of the dramatics. I have adorable pictures of my girl to share with you!


On a random pretty day, we were able to get out and go for a nature walk. This little girl discovered dirt and loved playing in it!


She was so excited to be able to get out and walk and explore on her own!


Sink baths have become our new favorite thing to do! Playing in the water as it comes out of the faucet seems to bring her so much joy! I love being able to do this with her, plus it's easy on this preggo mommy's back.


With the weather getting warmer (hello Summer, where did Spring go?) we've been spending our mornings outside soaking up as much sun as we can! Bug's new favorite thing is to grab our hands and pull us to the door to signify going outside. Or she'll go get her socks and shoes and bring them to us. This little girl LOVES being outside.


Is there anything cuter than a bubble butt and baby leg rolls? I mean, seriously?! Such a happy girl, once again, it's because we're playing outside.