18 Weeks and Counting!

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 18 weeks
Size of Baby: 5 1/2 inches long, almost 7 ounces, the size of a bell pepper!
Total Weight Gain/Loss: 4 pounds
Maternity Clothes: Yep!
Movement: I had my hand on my stomach and actually felt baby kick me twice. So neat! I tried to let Gabe feel, but of course, it didn't happen again.
Food Cravings: Oh, you know me, I just eat anything and everything and lots of it!
What I miss: My regular body. Trying to exercise more regularly. So far, so good this week.
Symptoms: Nothing really! I had a little more nausea with this pregnancy than my last, but that ended after my 1st trimester. Feeling pretty good!
What I am looking forward to: Our ultrasound on Wed, April 7th! I cannot wait to find out if this little baby is a boy or girl. I say it's a boy!

Everything is Bigger in Texas!

Madison and I will be leaving soon with my Mom and sister for Dallas, TX. Above is a picture of my mom's three sisters. We will be going to visit two of them and their families. This will be Madison's first long ride in the car. The longest trip we have taken so far has been Fort Smith, so I'm curious to see how the ride goes. I think she will do okay since she will be facing the front in her carseat and will have three chatty gals to look at and listen to. I'll also be bringing her DVD player along...just in case. It will be nap time about the time we leave so I really have high hopes for this journey! ;)

Oh, and just for the record, Madison slept through the night AGAIN last night. That makes 5 nights straight! Can you tell how excited I am about this? It's so great to sleep all night again...a whole year later!

4 days and counting...

We are soo proud of Madison. She has slept through the night for 4 nights straight now. I'm beginning to think she may just have this down. It's a good thing too, because tomorrow afternoon we are leaving for a mini trip to Dallas with my Mom and sister to visit my aunt's family. I almost hated to go since we're in the process of "training" Madison to sleep all night, but I feel like she may just do pretty well while we're gone. The last thing you want is a crying baby in the middle of the night at someone else's house! I also have been reading about these teething tablets. Madison is cutting several teeth right now, and has been a little crankier lately. These tablets are supposed to ease the pain and help them sleep better. Soo, I invested in some today and will probably drop a tablet or two into her last bottle right before bedtime each night that we are in TX.

Speaking of accomplishments, as of today Madison is drinking all whole milk from her bottle! Yay! The switch really was not hard at all. I think we did it in about a week and a half!

Yesterday, Madison had her 1-year old doctor's appointment. Yes, I know that she is now 13 months, but she had an ear infection on the day of her "first" 1-year old appointment, so we had to reschedule. The doc said everything looked good. She weighs about 20.5 lbs. I didn't get her height or percentiles. I guess you have to ask those things, because they have never told me. I thought she may have an ear infection since she's been rubbing her ears a lot , but the doc said no! It sounds like we are in the clear for now...

Sleeping Beauty

Madison has slept through the night the past THREE nights!

PRAISE THE LORD!

13 Months & Pregnancy Highlights

EDIT: 17 week pregnancy pic added!

Happy 13 Months, Madison!


Madison turned 13 months on Saturday. Gabe went fishing at the Little Red with some friends for the weekend, so I asked my parents if they'd keep Madison on Saturday while I went to LR shopping for some maternity clothes. We took a few, fast, & furious pics in the front yard before we left. As you can tell, Madison is contantly on the go. She's a busy little bee. Since her tubes, she really likes to love and be held. She liked that before, but she constantly holds her arms to me and says mama. She wants to be held and hugged. I guess I should enjoy it now while she wants me.

Her strong-willed personality had kicked in by this point and she was determined to get out of that stroller no matter what. She still is not fond of the stroller. Wait, she simply doesn't like to be confined in any matter!

Madison quit saying mama for a while, but is back at it! She has a bottom tooth coming in, as well as 4 top teeth that will be breaking the skin soon. You can see the while through her gums. She is still eating baby food, since she only has 4 1/2 teeth. We are currently in the process of trying to wean from formula and switch to whole milk. She is drinking 75% whole milk and 25% formula in her bottles right now. Almost there! She is a full-time walker. She crawls occassionaly, but not much. The past 2 nights she has slept through the night, Praise the Lord! She is a happy baby and fun to be with! She really enjoys time with her grandparents and with other babies/kids.

Pregnancy Highlights!

How Far Along: 17 weeks

Size of baby: 5 ounces, 5 inches long, the size of a turnip!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 3 or 4 pounds

Maternity Clothes: My jeans are starting to get a little tight and my regular tops just make my stomach look fat, so...I've starting wearing maternity clothes. I went on a huge spree on Saturday and got loaded up for the summer. The only problem is that I am WHITE and need a tan. I'm planning on laying out in the backyard during Madison's naptimes once it gets warmer. Hey, a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do!
Gender: We had an ultrasound on Thursday, but this baby was bottoms down and WOULD NOT open up its legs. So...our next ultrasound is in about 2 1/2 weeks on April 4th. Can't wait to find out!

Movement: Have felt a few butterflies, but nothing major. I got some weird sharp pains every now and then that feel like kicks or someone is pushing my belly, but I'm not sure what that is all about.

Food Cravings: Oh, you know me, I just eat anything and everything and lots of it!
What I miss: My regular body. I'm not even that big yet, but I was in good shape when I was training for the half-marathon and was able to run long-distance, and I do miss it. I just can't do what I used to could do. I already feel totally different than I did back in the day!

Symptoms: Nothing really! I had a little more nausea with this pregnancy than my last, but that ended after my 1st trimester. Feeling pretty good!

What I am looking forward to: Meeting this little baby! It may sound crazy, but I'm so ready for this little baby to be here. I see newborns at church and I miss having a baby that tiny. I hardly even remember Madison being so small. It's crazy how the memory of them being so small almost erases from your memory. I'm also looking forward to getting in shape again and loosing the baby weight!

Grandma took some cute pics of Madison from Saturday. Pics to come soon!

March MOMs Meeting

So, I've shared before that we have a group at church called MOMs. (Mothers of Miracles) It is modeled after MOPs (Mothers of Preschoolers). We meet the 3rd Friday of each month and consistently have about 30 moms who attend. I thought our meeting today went great and was so much fun.

Evelyn Denton, a member of our church, shared new spring and summer decor with us along with decorating tips and a devotional. Chrissy shared helpful hints on spring cleaning. Melissa & Bethany led us in a potted tulip craft. We wrapped twine around the pot and planted our flower. They turned out super cute. And last, but most definately not least, we enjoyed a bread bowl full of potato soup, a salad, and strawberry shortcake. I can't think of a better way to spend a gorgeous Friday...can you?

Gabe and I (okay, pretty much, I) have been "training" Madison to sleep through the night. She usually wakes around 3:30am for a bottle and then quickly goes back to bed, but since she is one now we've decided it's way past time for her start sleeping through the night.

So, first I tried to just rock her back to sleep when she woke up in the middle of the night. Nope, didn't work. She was used to taking a bottle and wanted one. I decided that the next night I would not even go into her room, I would just let her cry herself back to sleep. She woke up at 5:45am and cried for about 45 mintues and then finally went back to sleep. Of course, this is torture for Gabe and I. I mean, who really wants to just lay in bed awake waiting for their baby to quit crying. The next night, she slept through the night. I knew it wasn't set in stone yet, though. The night, she woke up again crying at 5:45am and only cried 25 mintues before going back to sleep. Last night, she slept through the night. So, you can see we are making progress. If she does wake up, it's usually around 4-5:45 and she's learned to go back to sleep and sleep until a decent hour. About every other night, she sleeps through the night. Yay! I'm actually beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel...somewhere...way down there.

She's a Big Girl Now

Gabe got out Madison's new "big girl" car seat last night. It was so cute because she stayed by his side from the moment he got home until she went to bed. Gabe was on the phone whenever he walked in the door and he hugged Madison and then dropped her off in the kitchen with me. He headed back to our room and she just followed him! She loves when her daddy gets home from work. I think it probably took Gabe a little longer to get the car seat set up because he had a little munchkin who wanted to sit in it and crawl all over him.

This morning was Madison's first time to try out her "big girl" seat facing the FRONT! It was a little hectic this morning because Madison had school pictures today at Mother's Day Out. I was running a little late and there was tears involved, so I can't say that she really noticed the new seat this morning. I think she did enjoy it this afternoon when I picked her up. She was jabbering and smiling at me.

Madison has been in a great mood the past couple of days. We can really see an effect of the tubes. She is happier in general and behaves better in restaurants. She is very lovey and touchy. She really likes to be held and hugged.

My friend, Megon, has a giveaway on her blog for a bondiband. You can check out bondibands at bondibands.com. Check out Megon's blog at oliverlane.blogspot.com.

Tonight we are going to watch the Tech game. Tech is in a tournament right now and everyone in town has been going to support them. Go Wonder Boys!

Tubes Are In!

Last night went pretty well. I fed Madison a bottle right before midnight and was hoping that she would sleep until morning, but she woke up at 4am. I tried to rock her back to sleep, but she wanted to PLAY! So, I let her play for about 30 minutes. She ended up going into her closet and playing with all of her goodies. After about 30 minutes, momma was ready to go back to bed so I tried to rock her again but she wouldn't have it. I ended up putting her back in bed. She cried off and on for a good while and then finally went to sleep. I kept drifting in and out of sleep hearing her cry. I was so worried that she would wake up screaming, wanting a bottle, but thank goodness that didn't happen.

The whole procedure went well this morning. She was only away from us for about 20 minutes or so. She was very grumpy when she returned to us, and stayed that way throughout the afternoon. She's had a high fever ever since, so we are wondering what that is all about. Her right ear is also red and seems to be bothering her so I may have to make a phone call to the ENT tomorrow to see if this is all normal. She also threw up this evening. Not sure if it was due to the fever or what. I just think she's in a lot of pain. Pray for our baby!

Tomorrow afternoon I'll be leaving with my church handbell group to go to our festival/contest in LR. We'll eat at several good places, play some bells, and get home Saturday evening.

I can't wait for Dad to get to be "MOM" all weekend. YES!

Prayers Please...

If this cute little face doesn't just melt your heart, I don't know what will. I took Madison to the hospital today to get registered for her surgery in the morning. She is schedule to have tubes put in at 8:30am. We are to arrive at the hospital at 7:30am. I'm a little scared about tonight because she cannot have any liquids after midnight. I put her to bed about 7:30 and will wake her up a little before midnight for one final bottle. I hope and pray that she sleep until we wake her up a little before 7:00. She normally wakes up around 3:30am to eat, but hopefully since she'll be eating at midnight she'll sleep on until we wake her. Please pray that tonight will go smoothly and she will sleep!

I haven't really thought about the procedure much, but being in the hospital today made me think about tomorrow. I probably will tear up when I hand her off. She will only be "out" for about 10 minutes, but the whole things is a little scary. I know that she will feel so much better afterwards and Gabe and I are both ready for that. Who knows? Maybe she'll start sleeping through the night. I wish...

So, I really like for people to think that my house is clean all of the time, but if you ever stop by without calling first this is what it will look like. Madison does all of her playing in the kitchen usually, and sometimes in the living room. The drawer that is pulled out to the left is the "candy drawer" and she has known it for quite some time. It has a child lock on it, but it will pull out as far as it is in this picture. It's amazing how much candy she can pull out of a one ince space. She is holding "razorback gum" in this pic. She usually cannot get the wrapper off of the candy, but loves to tote it around the house.

Please keep us in your prayers tomorrow. I'll be sure to update after the procedure.

Babies & Marathons

This weekend was packed full. It was very fun and exciting, but we are all worn smooth out! Saturday afternoon I helped host Lauren's baby shower...one of my best friends from high school. Baby Eli is due in 5 weeks. Such an exciting time. The second girl from the right, Stephanie, is pregnant with twin girls. She's due 5 weeks before me- sometime in July. I will officially find out the sex of our baby in 5 more weeks, but a friend of ours who is an OB nurse is going to do an ultrasound next week. Maybe we can just get an idea...unless it's CLEARLY a boy! I have a feeling it is, since I was more nauseated with this pregnancy than the last. We shall soon see.

Me & Lauren- I thought she looked radiant!

Lauren opening presents...LOTS of presents!

Lauren's mom, Dusqua. The ladies at the shower really enjoyed holding Madison.

More time with the older ladies...

My OB doctor, Dr. Vickie Henderson. She delivered Madison and will hopefully deliver baby Frey #2.

Madison playing with baby Eli's monkey.

Pretty baby getting into everything. I was worn out by the end of this shower. Grandma didn't arrive to "babysit" until halfway through the shower, so momma was a little tired. The house that we were at was by no means baby proof, which really makes a new momma nervous!

After the shower, we headed to LR and ate at The Olive Garden. Gabe and I spent the night in LR. I'm not sure how much sleep Gabe really got. Our room was right next to the elevator, so we heard "ding-dong" all night long. Sunday morning we woke up early and headed to The Peabody to meet all of the FBC Russellville Marathon Crew.

Larry giving the group a pep talk before the race.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. " Hebrews 12:1

FBC Russellville Marathon/Half-Marathon Training Group minus several others who had headed to the restroom.

Me & my handsome runner
(15 weeks pregnant)

26.2 miles of ROMPIN', STOMPIN', ROMANCE, BABY!!!

High five before the race. You can do it!

Starting the race with running buddies, Melissa & Robert

CONGRATULATIONS!

At mile 16- You Can Do It, Daddy! Doesn't she look thrilled? I think she'd rather brush her hair!

I think this is my favorite picture! Spreading some Newton Cheer! If this doesn't encourage you, what would?

Robert, Melissa, & Gabe heading up the hill at mile 16!

Madison giving Daddy words of encouragement!

"Throw your hands up in the air, throw... your hands up...in-the-air."

YAY!!! Waiting at the finish line for Daddy. Haven't seen him since mile 16.

Gabe crossing the finish line at 4 hours and 28 minutes. Way to go, Gabe. I'm so proud of you. What an accomplishment.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

2 Timothy 4: 7

Showing off the HUGE medal! Bling-Bling! It seriously was soo heavy!

1st Ugly Boo-Boo

Thursday was an eventful day! A friend and I took advantage of our Mother's Day Out day and headed to Conway for a very short road trip. We ate at Chili's and did a little shopping. The time passed by way too quickly, but it was fun to just get some "me" time.

When I picked Madison up from MDO, her teachers told me she had gotten a boo-boo, and it was quite the boo-boo. If you look at the picture above, you can see a scab on her chin in the shape of a backwards "c." Ignore the string of broccoli to the right of it. :) I normally don't care about things like this, but Madison had pictures scheduled for the next day (today). I knew the photographer could photoshop the "boo-boo" out of the pics, but you still always want your baby looking their best! Right?

Pictures went pretty well. Gabe went with me this time. He's so much better at getting Madison to smile. Pictures took about an hour and we were plum exhausted by the time we left. It's hard work getting a baby to sit, walk, stand, freeze, and smile! I could never be a photographer. We took one-year birthday pictures and Easter pictures. I brought zebra and pink balloons for the birthday pic and Madison wore her zebra and pink outfit from her 1st birthday party. For her Easter pictures, she wore her light pink Easter dress and posed by her Easter basket full of pastel eggs. I think we got some good ones.

Tomorrow Gabe and I will be heading down to LR. We are going to spend the night because Sunday morning is RACE DAY. Gabe has been training for this marathon for several months and he is ready. He is going to do great. My mom and dad are going to bring Madison down Sunday morning to help cheer him on. I just know he'll be encourage when he sees that sweet little face with a scabby boo-boo on her little chin. :)

Say a little prayer for Gabe on Sunday morning. The race starts at 8:00am and will take around 4 hours or so.

Madison tried broccoli out for the first time today. She liked it.

Madison LOVES talking on the phone!
"WHAT??!! I racked up the phone bill. Oh no! I'm soo sorry, Daddy!"

Posing in her new Easter dress.

Check out her ruffle socks and big girl shoes. They even have a slight heel!

Tubes Scheduled

Gabe and I took Madison to her ENT appointment this afternoon. The doctor said she still has fluid in her ears. She will be getting tubes put in her ears next Thursday morning at 7:30. I wish they could do the procedure sooner! We are so ready for her to feel better. Bless her heart, she's having such a hard time walking because she cannot keep her balance. I'm sure she will be a completely different kid after her procedure.

We will visit with the ENT next Tuesday for one final check-up before the procedure...just to make sure she is good to go. They'll also explain everything that we will need to know at this visit. Keep Madison in your prayers that everything will go smoothly and the problem will be fixed!

On another note, I've been craving ice cream from Big Red (a little old dairy bar in Russellville) for a few days now. The only draw back is that they close at 8pm. My mother always told me that little old dairy bars have the BEST ice cream and she is so right! Big Red may not be fancy, but they sure have some "slap yo' mamma" good ice cream. I got an oreo blitz and ate every bit of it. I think I would have even licked the inside of the cup if I could have gotten my tongue inside of it. Ha!

Does anyone else out there get as excited about food as I do?

The Bachelor

Well, I had a sinking feeling that he would pick her. The Bachelor, Jake, proposed to Vienna tonight. I was really rooting for Tenley, but I think she probably does deserve someone better. She seems like a great girl!

Tomorrow afternoon is Madison's ENT appointment. I am so ready for it! I'm just ready for her to feel better. It doesn't seem like the medicine she is on right now has really helped any. In fact, her nose started runny today so Gabe and I are both pretty sure she still has an earache. Please pray that the doctor will see the symptoms he needs to see tomorrow to make a decision on what needs to be done. I really think Madison will end up getting tubes...I just hope she can get them soon. I just can't imagine having an earache for over a month. Poor baby girl.

Tonight, Gabe taught her how to give high fives. It's so cute. When he first got home I gave him a big hug and Madison reached up to him with both arms like...it's my turn! She's such a cute baby and is growing up so fast!

Well, now that I've had a good cry (from the Bachelor), it's time to clean up the kitchen and then head to bed.