Know what I've been craving lately? LETTUCE. Am I crazy, or what?!
For a week now, all I've wanted is to eat salads and lettuce. It doesn't even need salad dressing on it. For lunch today, I wanted to eat a whole bag of baby carrots! Could I have some kind of vitamin deficiency or something?! Weird. I've never heard of someone else wanting to eat lettuce all the time.
GOOD NEWS: Mike's brother and his wife are PREGNANT! They are due just ten weeks after me! Ironically, they found out the day that we told them WE were pregnant. They've had 2 ultrasounds already and everything is going fine. Baby is due March 1st 2009.
We are SO EXCITED to be future aunt and uncle to this new baby! :)
I've been having funny dreams about our future. Last night I dreamed that my parents wanted us to have a baby girl, and name her Alicia. (In real life, they would never try to tell us what to name our babies.) Then in another dream, we were looking for a bigger house. I told our realtor that we wanted at least 4 bedrooms and 2 baths. But she kept asking me stupid questions like "What color would you like your house to be?" and "How many stairs should be on your front porch?" Incredibly unimportant questions. When I woke up, I laughed about it.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Friend from Church.
My friend from church is not doing so well. They suspect it might be an ectopic pregnancy. Her HCG levels are not normal. She will have more tests done in the morning, and plan to have a D&C later this week, to rule out additional complications.
I am just so saddened by all this loss. All the unborn babies, so many little ones who don't make it to earth. I can't make sense of it. It gets me so depressed!
I am just so saddened by all this loss. All the unborn babies, so many little ones who don't make it to earth. I can't make sense of it. It gets me so depressed!
Cleaning. New Deck.
Mike just finished "phase one" of the deck. It's not painted yet, but all the floorboards are securely nailed into place. That's good enough for me!
Now he is cutting the grass. I love days when we are productive.
Our pastor and his family are coming over for dinner tonight, which is the perfect excuse for me to do some extra cleaning. Honestly, not because I want to impress them (c'mon, we all have kids, and I saw their house at it's worst, the day they moved in!), but because it's a great excuse to clean things that I haven't touched in awhile. Like bathroom cabinets and floors. Or the never-ending pile of clean, unfolded laundry that always accumulates next to my bed.
And dusting. I hate it, but no one else will do it. I have no idea the last time we cleaned off Hannah's train table, or her play kitchen. And I found lots of dust bunnies (and some ants, yuck!) hiding in the corners of our kitchen. How did they get there?
Ok, back to folding clothes.
Have a good day! :)
Now he is cutting the grass. I love days when we are productive.
Our pastor and his family are coming over for dinner tonight, which is the perfect excuse for me to do some extra cleaning. Honestly, not because I want to impress them (c'mon, we all have kids, and I saw their house at it's worst, the day they moved in!), but because it's a great excuse to clean things that I haven't touched in awhile. Like bathroom cabinets and floors. Or the never-ending pile of clean, unfolded laundry that always accumulates next to my bed.
And dusting. I hate it, but no one else will do it. I have no idea the last time we cleaned off Hannah's train table, or her play kitchen. And I found lots of dust bunnies (and some ants, yuck!) hiding in the corners of our kitchen. How did they get there?
Ok, back to folding clothes.
Have a good day! :)
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Announcing the News. Church Plans.
At church this morning, we finally announced that we are expecting a new baby. (I'd meant to do it a few weeks earlier, but with vacations and a funeral and VBS and nursery duty, I didnt feel it was a good time.) Some people had started guessing already... okay, yeah, I am starting to show now.
After the service, another church member privately told me that she is expecting too. She just found out; she's due early in April. She's also had miscarriages in the past and is hopeful but nervous, understandably. She said "The more people we have praying for us right now, the better."
Another church friend has been trying to get pregnant, and is struggling. There are so, so many people out there who are struggling with infertilty and infant or pregnancy loss. It is hard for me to be joyful about my own situation when I know many other moms and moms-to-be who are still hurting, and waiting for a positive result of their own.
I have a check-up with my midwife tomorrow.
This evening, I was brainstorming and got some great ideas for MOPs. Now if only I can have help in implementing them, so that I'm not running this ministry by myself!
I also volunteered to help start a new AWANA program at our church. This church desperately needs to grow, or it will start to die very soon.
After the service, another church member privately told me that she is expecting too. She just found out; she's due early in April. She's also had miscarriages in the past and is hopeful but nervous, understandably. She said "The more people we have praying for us right now, the better."
Another church friend has been trying to get pregnant, and is struggling. There are so, so many people out there who are struggling with infertilty and infant or pregnancy loss. It is hard for me to be joyful about my own situation when I know many other moms and moms-to-be who are still hurting, and waiting for a positive result of their own.
I have a check-up with my midwife tomorrow.
This evening, I was brainstorming and got some great ideas for MOPs. Now if only I can have help in implementing them, so that I'm not running this ministry by myself!
I also volunteered to help start a new AWANA program at our church. This church desperately needs to grow, or it will start to die very soon.
Friday, July 25, 2008
ULTRASOUND RESULTS!
Im 18 weeks pregnant now - can you believe it?
Last night/this morning, I was nervous and kind of scared about what we might find during the detailed ultrasound today. I tried not to let it get to me, but I had a hard time sleeping last night.
Even though I was the second scheduled u/s of the day, there were some "emergencies" that came ahead of me, so we had to wait a loooong time. Hannah was really good in the waiting room, but once they started the exam, she was ansty, and couldnt sit still. Im glad my sis was around to entertain her. Hannah wasn't as interested in the whole ultrasound process as I thought she would be - then again, all she saw was a bunnh of fuzzy, black and white images, so it probably didnt make very much sense to her.
They spent a good amount of time, probably 20 mins, examining the heart. They had this program where they could track each artery and color-code it with red and blue, depending on the bloodflow. That was really neat. I'd never seen a heart up-close like that before. They spent so much time on it, I was beginning to think that there might be something wrong. But the tech and the ob doctor said that Baby's positioning was perfect, and it's rare to get such good, clear pictures of a healthy heart. They just wanted to play around with the machine, and get some nice pictures to show their colleagues!
They spent almost an hour looking at everything. It was really neat, and very much a relief, to see a healthy little baby. We got sooo many u/s pictures! :)
According to measurements, New Baby weighs about 8 ounces. Im 18 weeks along, and the average measurements were 18.5 weeks. Because s/he was measuring slightly ahead, they adjusted the due date to December 20th. Doesn't make a difference to me. I'll still keep telling everyone that the baby is due at Christmastime, and s/he will come out whenever they want to.
THANK YOU GOD for a healthy little baby!!!
The only problem they found was a small brain cyst. It doesn't affect thinking or brain development, and the cyst usually disappears in the third trimester. So hopefully it won't be a problem. But it does indicate an increased risk for Trisomy 18 - though our Baby doesn't have any other markers for it. Just something to watch for and pray about, I guess.
Overall, I'm very happy about this ultrasound experience. They spent an hour going over every single part of the body (except the sex organs, as we requested!), anbd explained everything to us in great detail. I feel very relieved, and very well informed. I have another check-up with my midwife on Monday, to go over the u/s results and recent blood tests, and see how much weight we've gained since March.
Hope you have a good weekend....
Nicole
Last night/this morning, I was nervous and kind of scared about what we might find during the detailed ultrasound today. I tried not to let it get to me, but I had a hard time sleeping last night.
Even though I was the second scheduled u/s of the day, there were some "emergencies" that came ahead of me, so we had to wait a loooong time. Hannah was really good in the waiting room, but once they started the exam, she was ansty, and couldnt sit still. Im glad my sis was around to entertain her. Hannah wasn't as interested in the whole ultrasound process as I thought she would be - then again, all she saw was a bunnh of fuzzy, black and white images, so it probably didnt make very much sense to her.
They spent a good amount of time, probably 20 mins, examining the heart. They had this program where they could track each artery and color-code it with red and blue, depending on the bloodflow. That was really neat. I'd never seen a heart up-close like that before. They spent so much time on it, I was beginning to think that there might be something wrong. But the tech and the ob doctor said that Baby's positioning was perfect, and it's rare to get such good, clear pictures of a healthy heart. They just wanted to play around with the machine, and get some nice pictures to show their colleagues!
They spent almost an hour looking at everything. It was really neat, and very much a relief, to see a healthy little baby. We got sooo many u/s pictures! :)
According to measurements, New Baby weighs about 8 ounces. Im 18 weeks along, and the average measurements were 18.5 weeks. Because s/he was measuring slightly ahead, they adjusted the due date to December 20th. Doesn't make a difference to me. I'll still keep telling everyone that the baby is due at Christmastime, and s/he will come out whenever they want to.
THANK YOU GOD for a healthy little baby!!!
The only problem they found was a small brain cyst. It doesn't affect thinking or brain development, and the cyst usually disappears in the third trimester. So hopefully it won't be a problem. But it does indicate an increased risk for Trisomy 18 - though our Baby doesn't have any other markers for it. Just something to watch for and pray about, I guess.
Overall, I'm very happy about this ultrasound experience. They spent an hour going over every single part of the body (except the sex organs, as we requested!), anbd explained everything to us in great detail. I feel very relieved, and very well informed. I have another check-up with my midwife on Monday, to go over the u/s results and recent blood tests, and see how much weight we've gained since March.
Hope you have a good weekend....
Nicole
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Sad day.
The Babysitting Mom had another miscarriage this morning. I feel so awful for her. This was her SEVENTH pregnancy. I don't know how she copes, other than a lot of prayers.
I watched the kids for eight hours today, to give her a much-needed break.
One of our fish died last night.
Hannah was quite saddened by that.
In other happier news, our ultrasound is tomorrow morning.
I'll let you know how it goes.
I watched the kids for eight hours today, to give her a much-needed break.
One of our fish died last night.
Hannah was quite saddened by that.
In other happier news, our ultrasound is tomorrow morning.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Another pregnant friend.
The Babysitting Mom just discovered that she is pregnant again. This is her SEVENTH pregnancy. Only one of those pregnancies has resulted in a live birth (daughter born at 28 wks due to pre-term labor). She is almost 46 years old. She is terrified that the odds are against her, and the new life inside her.
Please pray for her!!!
Please pray for her!!!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Movement
I just felt New Baby kick me four times in a row! About three inches below my bellybutton. (is my uterus even that high up yet? maybe?)
That was really cool.
I keep having weird dreams that this baby will be a boy.
Last night I dreamed that New Baby was bouncing around inside me, along with the three tiny babies I miscarried. THAT was a really scary image. They weren't actually formed babies though, they were more like little angel-shaped cartoon babies. You know, with wings and a halo. Still, it was disturbing.
Hannah is insisting that she MUST have a baby sister. Hah, I tried to tell her that only God decides what kind of baby we get. But I think that only confused her!
"Why, Mommy? Why can't we pick?" Her questions are getting harder and harder to answer!
That was really cool.
I keep having weird dreams that this baby will be a boy.
Last night I dreamed that New Baby was bouncing around inside me, along with the three tiny babies I miscarried. THAT was a really scary image. They weren't actually formed babies though, they were more like little angel-shaped cartoon babies. You know, with wings and a halo. Still, it was disturbing.
Hannah is insisting that she MUST have a baby sister. Hah, I tried to tell her that only God decides what kind of baby we get. But I think that only confused her!
"Why, Mommy? Why can't we pick?" Her questions are getting harder and harder to answer!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
VBS, and funny three-year-old questions
Really busy this week with VBS and meetings and other random outings.
I was kind of dreading being the co-leader of the VBS program this year. Even though it's not as organized and well-put-together as I would have liked, it's not so bad! It seems like the kids are actually learning and having fun, so who am I to complain?! Surprisingly, all the parents have been complimenting me, too. I can't really take the credit (it's all about God, and learning about the Bible, not me. Basically all I do is recite a script!). But instead of this week being a huge stressful hassle, it has been a good experience so far, for which I am grateful.
Mike is working the night shift this week, so every night, for at least 20-30 minutes, I've been trying to write a little more of my book.
New Baby's ultrasound is in eight days and twelve hours! I can't wait to see all the little fingers and toes, and healthy vital organs. I told Hannah that she can come to the doctor's office with us and see New Baby on a little TV screen.
Hannah has been asking a LOT of questions lately, and sometimes I find it hard to balance giving her the right answers vs. not giving her TOO much information. For example, as we were bathing tonight, she asked "Mommy, why do you have those things on your chest?" and then continued with "But why do you have TWO of them?" I finally just told her that was the way God made me. What else could I say?!
I was kind of dreading being the co-leader of the VBS program this year. Even though it's not as organized and well-put-together as I would have liked, it's not so bad! It seems like the kids are actually learning and having fun, so who am I to complain?! Surprisingly, all the parents have been complimenting me, too. I can't really take the credit (it's all about God, and learning about the Bible, not me. Basically all I do is recite a script!). But instead of this week being a huge stressful hassle, it has been a good experience so far, for which I am grateful.
Mike is working the night shift this week, so every night, for at least 20-30 minutes, I've been trying to write a little more of my book.
New Baby's ultrasound is in eight days and twelve hours! I can't wait to see all the little fingers and toes, and healthy vital organs. I told Hannah that she can come to the doctor's office with us and see New Baby on a little TV screen.
Hannah has been asking a LOT of questions lately, and sometimes I find it hard to balance giving her the right answers vs. not giving her TOO much information. For example, as we were bathing tonight, she asked "Mommy, why do you have those things on your chest?" and then continued with "But why do you have TWO of them?" I finally just told her that was the way God made me. What else could I say?!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Sick Hannah. New Baby?
Last night Hannah's temperature was 102. It's gone up and down since then, but it's still hovering around 100. Poor girl! She didnt want to eat dinner last night. I really hope she doesn't have an infection :(
Hannah did something really sweet yesterday. We were talking about New Baby, and she said she wanted to give the baby her favorite stuffed animal! But I told her it would be better if we got a new, different animal for the baby, so that she could keep her favorite bear. So, one day we will have a special shopping trip, just me and her, to make a Build-A-Bear and get some other gifts that she will give to New Baby when s/he is born.
I could be wrong, but I've been having dreams and feelings and premonitions that this New Baby will be a boy. The ultrasound is in 2 weeks and everyone is BUGGING me to find out the gender, even though we've already decided not to! I'm holding out until December.
Hannah did something really sweet yesterday. We were talking about New Baby, and she said she wanted to give the baby her favorite stuffed animal! But I told her it would be better if we got a new, different animal for the baby, so that she could keep her favorite bear. So, one day we will have a special shopping trip, just me and her, to make a Build-A-Bear and get some other gifts that she will give to New Baby when s/he is born.
I could be wrong, but I've been having dreams and feelings and premonitions that this New Baby will be a boy. The ultrasound is in 2 weeks and everyone is BUGGING me to find out the gender, even though we've already decided not to! I'm holding out until December.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Always tired. More belly pics.
I am just so exhausted every day. I get 9-10 hours of sleep a night, and I still wake up in a fog. How is that possible?! And I want to eat everything I can see. How am I going to function with a newborn all over again?
I had a quick check-up with my regular family doctor this week. Thyroid levels are still normal. I've gained six pounds in the past three months, and my blood pressure is the lowest it's ever been! 115/60! I am hoping that I DON'T have to deal with pre-eclampsia again during this pregnancy, but I'm also trying to mentally prepare, in case it does happen again. We just have to wait and see.
We're having a detailed ultrasound on July 25th! I am excited, and we are going to try to get Hannah in the room too. I think that will help make New Baby more real for her.
Lastly, here is my expanding midsection...
Here I am, 15 weeks pregnant, in my bathing suit no less!
16 weeks pregnant. Weird angle, I know. That's what happens when you take pictures of yourself.
Have a good weekend.
Nicole
I had a quick check-up with my regular family doctor this week. Thyroid levels are still normal. I've gained six pounds in the past three months, and my blood pressure is the lowest it's ever been! 115/60! I am hoping that I DON'T have to deal with pre-eclampsia again during this pregnancy, but I'm also trying to mentally prepare, in case it does happen again. We just have to wait and see.
We're having a detailed ultrasound on July 25th! I am excited, and we are going to try to get Hannah in the room too. I think that will help make New Baby more real for her.
Lastly, here is my expanding midsection...
Here I am, 15 weeks pregnant, in my bathing suit no less!
16 weeks pregnant. Weird angle, I know. That's what happens when you take pictures of yourself.
Have a good weekend.
Nicole
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Home Again.
We're exhausted, but home, safe and sound.
It was a very long trip and it's nice to finally sleep in our own beds.
More tomorrow.
It was a very long trip and it's nice to finally sleep in our own beds.
More tomorrow.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Our Week in PA.
It's been such a busy week. First we spent 2 days in Maryland with my family. I got to see my sister's new apt. in Baltimore. She wants to have a simple wedding, but I think now that it's almost here, she's getting very stressed about preparations. Friday was VERY busy, we were out all day visiting people.I love our family vacations, but it seems like we try to cram too much activity into each day.
Still, I appreciate how quiet and calm it is out here in the woods of Western Pennsylvania.We arrived in PA on Saturday afternoon. Basically unpacked, ate dinner, and rested. Everyone else played in the hot tub after dinner; I just watched. I feel like I can't be too careful, even if they do set the temperature at 96 degrees, so that Hannah can splash in the hot tub too.
On Sunday we celebrated my FIL's birthday. There were 14 people over. For the Hummel family, thats like a HUGE party. It was nice to see everyone. Hannah wore her new Big Sister shirt, and told everybody that a new baby would be coming to our house at Christmastime!
Hannah hasnt had any accidents in 4 or 5 days.
Maybe the change of atmosphere helped?
Whatever the cause, I hope it continues!
Mike and I got away for 48 hours. We spent Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday morning in Grove City by ourselves. It was very refreshing to just be alone, we bought some fun things at the outlet stores, and had nice quiet romantic meals... but I did miss my little girl. We've never been apart that long before! She didnt seem to mind that we were gone (she was too busy having fun to talk on the phone!), but when we got back she said "I missed you lots".
Pregnancy news: Doing great! Not much nausea lately. Ive gained 4 or 5 pounds altogether. I feel like Im noticeably pregnant, not just 'getting fat;' every day, my stomach gets a little bigger. Im 15 weeks, and New Baby is about 4.5 inches long and weighs over one ounce. I've been feeling vague baby movements for about a week, and this morning I felt a definite KICK! Yay!
So amazing. I love every minute of it. It's such a gift from God.
I know that so many people are praying for me right now, and I couldn't be more grateful. Thank you so much.
Now it's our last night here. Tomorrow we travel back to the chaos of my family in Maryland. It's been a long week, and after my sister's wedding and this big family party, Im sure all three of us will be anxious to get home.
Happy July Fourth.
Nicole
Still, I appreciate how quiet and calm it is out here in the woods of Western Pennsylvania.We arrived in PA on Saturday afternoon. Basically unpacked, ate dinner, and rested. Everyone else played in the hot tub after dinner; I just watched. I feel like I can't be too careful, even if they do set the temperature at 96 degrees, so that Hannah can splash in the hot tub too.
On Sunday we celebrated my FIL's birthday. There were 14 people over. For the Hummel family, thats like a HUGE party. It was nice to see everyone. Hannah wore her new Big Sister shirt, and told everybody that a new baby would be coming to our house at Christmastime!
Hannah hasnt had any accidents in 4 or 5 days.
Maybe the change of atmosphere helped?
Whatever the cause, I hope it continues!
Mike and I got away for 48 hours. We spent Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday morning in Grove City by ourselves. It was very refreshing to just be alone, we bought some fun things at the outlet stores, and had nice quiet romantic meals... but I did miss my little girl. We've never been apart that long before! She didnt seem to mind that we were gone (she was too busy having fun to talk on the phone!), but when we got back she said "I missed you lots".
Pregnancy news: Doing great! Not much nausea lately. Ive gained 4 or 5 pounds altogether. I feel like Im noticeably pregnant, not just 'getting fat;' every day, my stomach gets a little bigger. Im 15 weeks, and New Baby is about 4.5 inches long and weighs over one ounce. I've been feeling vague baby movements for about a week, and this morning I felt a definite KICK! Yay!
So amazing. I love every minute of it. It's such a gift from God.
I know that so many people are praying for me right now, and I couldn't be more grateful. Thank you so much.
Now it's our last night here. Tomorrow we travel back to the chaos of my family in Maryland. It's been a long week, and after my sister's wedding and this big family party, Im sure all three of us will be anxious to get home.
Happy July Fourth.
Nicole
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