Indiana Seagos

Winter/Holiday Fun!

2011-02-09T19:13:00.001-08:00

So I guess I need to begin with an apology to anyone who has kept up with my blog in any sort of regular fashion for not updating in months! With that being said...here's what is going on with the Seagos since my last update.

November, we traveled to MS for Thanksgiving. We got to spend about six days down there, which was great! We really enjoyed seeing everyone, including some of Nathan's extended family who came over from Georgia. We also got to hang out with some great friends, the Laneys, and meet their new little addition!
We had gorgeous weather while we were down there. We were able to stroll around outdoors...way better than the weather they were having back home! I just love fall!
Once we got back, there was snow on the ground. We had to stay warm and we have enjoyed our fireplace this winter! We are trying to teach little Avery what 'hot' means and so far, she seems to understand. She likes to sit by the fire with daddy!
I got to host Christmas dinner this year for my family...my parents and my in-laws! We had quite the spread and I got to use my fancy Christmas dishes. I think it is just such a shame that it takes HOURS to make dinner, but only minutes to eat! Delicious though!
This is my "fancy" painting that I did as a gift for my in-laws this year. I am dabbling some in artwork as a hobby. This one turned out pretty good! Don't go salivating now, you Bulldog fans!
Avery got so much stuff for Christmas this year! She tries to give everything equal play time, but she really likes her cooking stuff from her Aunt Mary Helen and Uncle Stefan! She is obsessed at helping me in the kitchen!
Don't we look wide awake Christmas morning?
We enjoyed a visit with Nathan's parents for Christmas (their first Christmas in Indiana...and it was a white one!). They also just visited us last week for a "Birthday celebration" for mine and Nathan's birthdays. I'm getting older and he's just old! Haha!
My family also came over for Christmas. It's so great that we all can hang out! We also introduced my in-laws to the game "Farkle." It's a game my parents taught us at the beach last year and it is a blast! If you are into dice games, this one is great!
I love this picture!
This was after our ice storm and snow storms we had last week. This is just a chunk of ice that is about 4 inches below the new snow and there is about another 4-6 inches of snow under the ice! We haven't had a winter this rough in ages!
Avery sure liked it as this is really the first time she has been out to play in the snow. Nathan and I pulled her all over in the sled and let her go down a few small hills. She kept saying "ride, ride!" every time I would try to quit. I sure burned some calories that day!
Did I mention she liked to eat the snow?!
Well, I think that pretty much sums up the highlights for now. Hope to post again soon!

Avery's 12 month pictures and Family pictures

2010-10-21T21:20:00.000-07:00

Something to think about...

2010-10-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

I have been getting more and more frustrated with the amount of snide and sneaky comments that I see towards other people on facebook. I realize that this is a public forum and you are entitled to say whatever you want to say. I personally have been guilty of posting comments without naming names of people, but knowing fully that they would realize that my comment was meant toward them. I have also been on the receiving side of these comments. I must say, I don't enjoy it.

I have had to learn to bite my "figurative" tongue on facebook when I have things I'd like to say for myself or in response to others' comments. I guess my question is this: What is the motivation for doing this? If the intent is to hurt someone's feelings or wound someone's pride or reputation...I think that is succeeding.

I am saddened by the amount of Christians on this site who, instead of dealing with their problems face to face as the Bible commands us to do, are petitioning their friends in the facebook community to rally to their side and back-up their feelings. Do we really need that much of a confidence boost that we can't talk to the person/people we are irritated with and must enlist our closest 500 facebook friends to get our backs and assure us that our point of view is the right one?

Or why do people make vague comments that imply something terrible is going on, but then decline to discuss it? What are we seeking? Attention? Confrontation? Aggravation?

I think a lot more of our problems would be solved if we dealt with people, not with facebook. Facebook in some ways, has been the bain of my existence...getting me in trouble for things I have said, haven't said, haven't done, started rumors...you name it! If this wasn't pretty much the sole way that I keep up with so many friends from high school and college, I think I'd be off of here!

If you have something to say...say it! But I suggest saying it in the right way...in a spirit of gentleness, kindness, and love...and if you aren't capable of doing that...maybe some things are just better left unsaid...at least to the facebook world.

I am not targeting anyone in specific with this post, because then I would be ignoring my own advice. This is also NOT in response to anything that has personally been said or done to me...I am just noting a growing trend amoung many of my facebook friends. It is just a suggestion to anyone who cares to read the ramblings and thoughts of a 28 year old, sleep deprived woman...just thought it was something to think about.

Avery's 1st birthday, Chicago trip and Fall!

2010-10-19T08:58:00.001-07:00

For anyone who follows my blog on a regular basis, you'll have to excuse my tardiness! I have so many pictures of all the fun things that have been happening around here since my last post!

First of all, my little munchkin, Avery Elizabeth, turned one on October 5th! She is such a big girl!
As you can see, she loved eating her birthday cupcake and ice cream. At first, she didn't quite know what to do with it and then she went to town! It was hilarious!
Avery got lots of fun new toys and clothes for her birthday! We had lots of family at her party...about 40 people! We had such a great time and Avery really loved showing off for everyone.
I am so proud of myself.... I made the cupcakes for her party...24 each of yellow and devil's food. I also made the icing and decorated them myself. It was something I really wanted to try and I am so happy that I did. The devil's food ones were amazing!
I carved a pumpkin for my "punkin" as a centerpiece at her party. We kept the seeds to snack on!
Unfortunately, this picture is out of order, but we went to the Shedd's Aquarium in Chicago. Avery was really tired and slept through a lot of it, but she did get to see the most exciting parts...the whales and the dolphins! (this picture is a beluga whale)
What a great picture of Nathan! His parents came up to visit for Avery's birthday. His mom, Pam, had her birthday the day before Avery on the 4th. So, on the 4th, we took a train from Dune Park in northern Indiana into downtown Chicago. It was cheap, fun and convenient!
We had fun riding on the train! We unfortunately made a mistake on the return trip and got on a train that terminated in Gary (not the best place in the world to be stuck) so we got off at a nicer station in Illinois, had to buy new tickets and caught another train. Still fun!
We got all bundled up for a beautiful day in Chicago. It was a chilly 60 degrees, but very pleasant in the sun. Little Avery hung in there and did very well! I think one of the hardest things about traveling with kids like this is it totally throws off their naps. We managed to work around it somehow. :)
We had a wonderful lunch at Bubba Gump's on Navy Pier. We did quite a bit of walking after getting off the train. I believe it was about a mile or so from the train station to Navy Pier, but it was some beautiful scenery! The staff at the restaurant sang a cute birthday song to Pam and we had some delicious dessert!
A gorgeous day in Chi-town!
My beautiful birthday girl in her party dress! She is walking, running and talking like you wouldn't believe! She now says "Hi dada/Bye bye dada" and "Hi baby/Bye bye baby." She also says "birthday", "church", "bible", "ouch", "puppy", "doggie", "up", "down" and many other things! She can point to just about anything she wants!
She loves to swing! She has learned to say "whee!"
Still my Colts girl! It was so hard to find a Colts outfit for little girls this year! Fortunately we did, although those Colts need to step it up! We want another Super Bowl!
Avery has been getting sneaky. The other day it got totally quiet and it scared me to death. I went in the front room and we had a booster seat that we bought when a store in town was closing. It was sitting on the floor and she was quietly sitting and playing in the seat. It was hilarious! She will drag her baby doll in to the seat, put it in the seat, take it out, climb into the seat and then bring the baby up with her. So funny!
We have been remodeling our downstairs bathroom. It wasn't really something we had planned to do, but our upstairs shower and sink was leaking into the ceiling of the downstairs bathroom. We had to have a contractor come out, fix the leak, and put in a new ceiling. In the process, it kind of "threw off" the paint color in the bathroom so he said he would paint it for us and Nathan gave me permission to redecorate! I am loving it! The picture doesn't totally do it justice, but I am so proud!
Finally, Saturday we did a 1/2 day rummage sale. It was 40 degrees when we started and it was hard to keep little missy warm. So we got her all snuggled up and she played all morning! Hats, mittens, boots, coat...the works! She tolerated all the extra clothes well, so that is a good sign for this winter! We are going to go camping soon too (in a tent), so I think she'll do fine!

Well, I think I'm all caught up for now and Avery is waking up from her nap. Time for lunch! Have a blessed week!

Labor Day in Mississippi

2010-09-09T19:33:00.000-07:00

We just returned from our trip to Mississippi. I hate that all my pictures are out of order, but as you can see, we had a jam-packed trip! We did so many fun and awesome things, only made better by spending it with family.
This picture is taken from the top of The Peabody Hotel, a huge tourist attraction and one of the oldest hotels in Memphis. Nice view and a hot, humid breeze!
We got to meet up with my friends Brent and Katie Moody and their children at the Peabody and then had lunch at Huey's in downtown Memphis. I had the best burger that I have had in a long time! It was so great to see "old" friends...we went to college and camp together back in the day...and it's cool to watch our families grow.
This is in front of the famous Peabody fountain after the duck march (see the next picture).
Every day, twice a day, the famous Peabody ducks ride down the elevator from the skydeck to the lobby and march in a line to the fountain. It was quite the affair! Avery loved it!
The first day we were down in Mississippi, we drove down to Starkville and went to the season opener for Mississippi State football. They BLASTED the Memphis Tigers 49-7. It was such a fun experience. We sat on the club level so we got pampered a little bit and had some really good food...unusual to me for a football game!
On Sunday, we went to church where Nathan used to attend in college when he lived in Starkville and got to meet up with our friends Bradley and Amanda Carlock and their children. Bradley was in our wedding and Nathan got some of his first experience with kids while babysitting Andrew several years ago. Awesome to see them!
We had a family photo session now that we have a new addition. We went to a BEAUTIFUL house in the middle of nowhere that sits on 500 acres. They have two lakes, a gorgeous log house and a barn full of fun animals.
This is our little family. Nathan, Avery and I, Nathan's parents (Pam and Calvin), and his sister and brother-in-law (Mary Helen and Stefan) and our niece (Katlyn). We have so many great pictures, it's hard to choose!
Avery got to meet Macchiato the horse in the barn. She loved how he snorted and nibbled on her and she got to feed him a snack.
She also got to meet this little fella, a two week old donkey. His fuzzy fur made her laugh.
Avery turned 11 months while we were there...we are going to be celebrating her 1 year birthday in just a few weeks. I can't believe how the time has flown.

So as you can see, we had a fun and busy trip...and we enjoyed every second! It's so hard to get back into "real" life, but we hadn't even been back an hour before Nathan had to go into work. Such is life!

New Haircut

2010-08-26T21:36:00.001-07:00

I was told that if I tell everyone I got my haircut that I am to furnish a photo for everyone to see. It's not really styled or anything, but quite a bit shorter than what it was!

It's only been 1 day, but so far, I'm lovin' it!

4 Year Anniversary

2010-08-26T21:01:00.000-07:00

I am delayed a week in this post, but better late than never, right? Nathan and I celebrated our 4th anniversary on August 19th. It has been a great 4 years, full of highs and lows. Nathan says it feels like 40 years. I'm sure he means that in the best possible way. Someone once told us when we got married that we were so much alike that it would either be the best thing for us or the worst thing. I think despite some of the rocky moments we've encountered, it has been the best thing for us and the best part is, we both seek the Lord first in our marriage.

We've done a lot of things in the last 4 years. Here are the highlights:
-Moved (twice)
-Bought a house (first time for me)
-Bought a new car together
-Traveled internationally to Jamaica and the Bahamas (once on a cruise ship, again a first for me)
-Went to all 4 Disney parks in one day (not one of our smartest moments)
-Got new jobs (each of us has changed once since getting married)
And the best thing we've ever done in the last 4 years has to be...
-Having the most wonderful, precious little girl, Avery, who is about to be 1 year old already!

I have enjoyed immensely the last 4 years and I hope the Lord blesses us with many more and that He continues on with us through this awesome journey. Enjoy these pictures as a trip down memory lane with me.
Family of three
Celebrating my 10 year high school reunion
Nathan's first time to Topsail Island
Our first winter together and also the first snow
Our cruise to the Bahamas
The SEC basketball tournament in Atlanta (where we also survived a tornado!)

Thanks so much for the last 4 years Nate! I love you!

Avery's Day at the Zoo

2010-08-17T20:26:00.001-07:00

My cousins Rebecca, her mom Karen, and her son Ethan, my mom, Avery and I went to the Ft. Wayne Children's Zoo last week. We had an awesome day! Despite it being 99 degrees, we managed to survive and spent a whole day seeing all the animals. The kids were awesome and we all enjoyed it.
Avery got to see what it would be like being a little "joey." I think she would LOVE having her own kangaroo pouch to play in!
The seals were probably her favorite animals. They were swimming around in their tank and she loved to watch them pass by.
We got some dry corn and fed the ducks and geese. Avery thought this was hilarious!
We rode a manatee on the carousel. Avery thought it was so fun and cried when we got off. I'll have to remember to bring a few extra dollars next time so we can ride again. :)
The giraffes were really neat! There was a brand new baby giraffe that was only a few weeks old!
There was a big female lion (you can see her in the back right hand corner) but we didn't get to see the male.
This was a carpuchian monkey. It and its buddies enjoyed putting on a show for us (this is the kind of monkey from "Night at the Museum").

It was such a great day and I'm so glad we got to do this! We are planning a trip to the Memphis Zoo in September and they have lots of different animals that Avery and I didn't get to see in Ft. Wayne. We are checking out library books on the zoo and learning about all kinds of animals. Can't wait for the next trip!

Avery is 10 months old!

2010-08-10T15:49:00.001-07:00

Avery's favorite things: Playing with her train, music, Baby Einstein sign language video, swinging, cell phones, snacks, strawberries, sharing yogurt with mommy, talking on the phone, playing with other babies.

New milestones: Takes 3-4 steps without holding on, plays standing up without holding on, helps to "dress" herself (pulls her head/legs/arms out of her clothes), sticks out her tongue when you ask "where is your tongue?".

Dislikes: "Real" peaches, bananas, and melon unless mommy eats it first, loud dog barking, the car wash, bathroom hand dryers, laying down to having her diaper changed.

She is starting to look and act so big! The baby stage is almost over and we are moving on quickly to toddler stage. She is going to be walking and talking full force in a few more weeks. It's almost time to plan her first birthday party. This has been the most awesome year and while I'm so sad to see it pass, I am also so happy to see what kind of things this little sweet girl does in the future. I love you Avery!

Avery's 9 month pictures

2010-07-24T12:10:00.001-07:00

Back from the Beach

2010-07-22T19:40:00.000-07:00

We've been back from our beach vacation to Topsail Island, NC for almost a week now. I HATE coming back from vacation! It's so hard to get back in the rhythm of things. We left and drove overnight on 7/9 which worked really great for us. Little missy slept most of the time, waking only when we stopped and then went back to sleep. When we stopped in Beckley, WV, she got really excited when she saw a little boy. It turned out that they had the EXACT same birthday! It was so fun. We drove back part way on 7/17, had lunch in Greensboro, NC with our friend Amanda who we used to worship with in Fort Wayne. Then we stayed overnight in Charleston, WV and drove the rest of the way Sunday and made it back in time for a little rest before evening services.
We have a beach babe on our hands! Avery loved everything about the beach (I think it's inherited!). She wanted to go right into the water, didn't mind the sand at all (even the few mouthfuls she got) and took the BEST naps. Her doctor was very proud of us for not letting her get a baby tan!
We liked taking walks on the beach every day. Sometimes they weren't very far, but often they ended up in a nap for Avery! One day, the three of us walked down to the house where the rest of our family was staying....about 2 miles away. Avery took a nice nap in the stroller, Nathan pushed her and I looked for shark's teeth. It was great!
Avery liked going shopping at the beach stores and she wanted to check out this super cute Avery-sized chair!
Avery was super fascinated by Grandpa's fish. She really wanted to touch one, but as her hands frequently end up in her mouth..that didn't happen. She DOES have her own fishing pole now, though!
She is also practicing to be a Charlie's Angel. Check her out in her speed boat! It was a great way to unwind after spending lots of time in the car.

We really had the best time. She was great and usually quite a cheese. She took nice, long naps and went to be early every night...giving us plenty of time to boogie board during the day and play euchre at night. Our new car also did very well on the trip...glad we made the change so we had something roomy and reliable for the trip.

Avery is crawling full force now, standing for short periods of time without holding onto anything and pulling up on everything. I will have more pictures of her milestones to post soon. We also had her 9 month (can you believe it?) photoshoot today so those will be posted probably next week.

Well, I guess it's back to reality. The summer is going by too fast!

Fun on the Fourth

2010-07-05T19:53:00.000-07:00

Little Avery got all dolled up in her stars and stripes swimsuit for the 4th. She loves to swim and kick in the water. It was 90 degrees so a great day for swimming!
Avery got her new big girl carseat just time for our North Carolina trip!
Avery likes to eat sour pickles!
Hanging out in the water...
Getting ready for her first fireworks! She liked them although they were a little loud. She actually fell asleep during the last 15 minutes of the display!
On 4th of July morning, Avery got to get up and eat her first pancake before church.

Avery likes to get snuggled up and take walks with mommy and daddy. We'll be using this a lot on the beach!

We have a lot of things to get done before we go to the beach and I think none of us are really looking forward to the 14 hour car ride. We are leaving at night so hopefully little miss will sleep most of the way! So ready for a vacation!

Teeth, and Words, and Crawling...Oh My!

2010-06-27T20:34:00.000-07:00

My little Miss Avery has 7 teeth in now and 5 more that should appear before too long. My poor little trooper. We finally have had 3-4 nights of decent sleep for all of us. When her mouth bothers her, it could be waking up every 30 minutes to an hour. It's rough on everyone! I can't believe how different it makes her face look with all those teeth!
Avery enjoys playing a lot. She is getting new big girl toys like this little car. It's neat because it converts so she can stand and walk with it. It has lots of fun gadgets that she likes to play with.
I couldn't resist this picture. These bloomers were a gift from Nathan's cousin, Gina. So cute! This is the only time it's going to be acceptable for anyone to be looking at her little booty!
Avery has a little vibrating toothbrush that she likes to use. It is a lifesaver sometimes when we just need a few hands-free minutes. She likes to do big girl things like mommy and daddy do.
Her favorite toy is her yellow jingle ball. She likes the funny noises that it makes. She also likes playing peek-a-boo...and surprisingly, she LOVES to be scared!
She is also learning how to feed herself. She has a few little snacks that she can eat on her own, but she still really likes when someone feeds it to her. My dad had her eating it out of his hand and now she will eat a snack pretty much wherever it is laying. We are gonna have to watch out for that!

She is getting much more mobile. She rolls and crawls pretty much everywhere now. This also means that she is much more capable of getting into things, which she does quite often now. She also somehow manages to back herself into small spaces and corners, and then can't figure out how to get herself out.

Avery is also building quite the vocabulary. Although some words don't come with any frequency, she can say "da-da", "bye bye", "hi", "baby", and "uh oh." She can also use sign language to say "more."

Everything else seems to be going well in the Seago household. Work is going pretty well for both of us, nothing really eventful but we stay busy. We are looking forward to our Topsail Island vacation soon and for some R&R!

Memorial weekend

2010-06-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

I've been enjoying a few days off with my sweet little girl and Nathan's family has been in town for the last several days. We had a house full! Nathan's parents, Pam & Calvin, his sister and her husband and his daughter, Mary Helen, Stefan and Katlyn were all here visiting. We had a wonderful time and it was nice to know that you CAN fit 8 people in a 2000 sq ft house and all get along!
Avery just keeps growing! She will be 8 months on Saturday! Where does the time go? She is the best mannered little baby and she loves to smile and laugh all the time!
Summer is here! We have had lots of warm weather and sunshine. We blew up Avery's little kiddie pool and we've spent some time out there soaking up the rays. Avery LOVES the water and she can even kick herself around the pool a little bit. On Memorial Day, Avery, Pam and I went to a cookout/birthday party at my aunt and uncle's house. They have a big inground pool and we swam for a good hour. I think we could have been in there even longer! The best part... it tuckers Avery out which means some good sleepin'!
Avery enjoyed the time with her Pops and Gram. They made her a recordable storybook so she will always be able to hear their voices, even though they are far away. They are going to come up and help babysit Avery the first week of August while I do some PRN work.
We've been spending as much time outdoors as possible. Our yard and flowers have been amazing this year. We have worked hard at trying to make it all look nice and now it is SO nice that it is hard to keep up with it! Avery and I like to sit outside sometimes while Nathan works in the yard.
Although you can't tell it in this picture, Avery is getting two more teeth. That puts her total up to 4 teeth in the last 6 weeks. The top two are coming in and it makes her little face look so different. She just gets cuter all the time to me though!
She still isn't crawling quite yet, but she does know how to do it backwards. This picture reflects her frustration with that because she can't figure out how to get herself going forwards to get the stuff she wants. It is so funny!
Finally, I think she is starting to look a little more like me! I found a picture when I was about her age and she looks A LOT like I did. I felt so relieved because when she was born she looked nothing like me!
She likes to dress up in pretty dresses for church. She has started going into the baby bible class and has done awesome! She hasn't fussed at all and likes learning with the other babies. Plus, mom and dad get a break and can pay attention in our class!
We had a baby and grown-up play date with my cousin, Rebecca and her husband and little boy, Robb and Ethan a few weeks ago. The last time I posted a picture of these two together, I think Ethan was beating up on Avery, but now she can give him a run for his money! They are so hilarious together, always trying to out-do each other. Once the little ones were down for bed, the grown-ups played Wii Resort!
This last picture is after Avery's super good nap. As you can tell, she likes to lay on her hands. We've always called her ostrich baby because she likes to bury her head in whatever. Sometimes she will be face flat on the bed and it really used to scare me, but I just check in on her and she does just fine. Makes for a funny picture though!

My new jobs finally seem to be settling down some. It's been two months now and I am finally starting to figure it all out. We are looking forward to our beach vacation soon! I will try to post again soon. God bless.

Cinco de Avery

2010-05-05T12:07:00.000-07:00

Avery is 7 months old today! Check out how big my girl is getting!
Avery can spend a little time on all fours now...not crawling yet, but it probably won't be long!
Avery with her friend Amelia. They are 10 months apart.
Avery with her friend Miryam. They are 3 months apart.
She likes to "play" on the piano.

It's amazing how fast time goes! We love this little girl!

I'd like to thank....

2010-04-30T19:46:00.000-07:00

So, wow! I've been nominated for a beautiful blog award by my friend Kacie! This is very exciting for me! It makes me feel like "Ugly Betty" when she won a "blobby"! This is so fun because I started the blog during my pregnancy to try to keep friends and family updated on how things were going, especially Nathan's family in the south. Glad to know someone enjoys reading it!

As part of acceptance for this award, I have to do a few things:

1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award and link back to their blog.
As Kacie states in her blog, she and I have babies just a few weeks apart. Her beautiful little girl Caroline was born at the end of August and my cutie patootie Avery was born at the beginning of October. It's so fun chatting with Kacie because she experiences everything a few weeks ahead of me and always lets me know what to expect! We have never actually met in person, but I am good friends with her sister, Audra. I feel like we are bonded together because of so many things we've gone through with the babies. Thanks for the award, Kacie!

2. Pass the award on to 7 other bloggers who have a beautiful blog.

1. In continuing my first sentiments, I have to nominate Audra Laney (and Andrew) for her blog. Audra's was probably the first blog I ever really read. Audra and I have had a very interesting friendship. She and Andrew have been very protective of Nathan since Andrew and Nathan roomed together in Starkville, MS. I'm so glad that he has wonderful friends who love him so much, and they have become very dear to me too. We try to visit with them whenever we can. Now, if we can just get them to move to Indiana... ;)

2. Amy Tonagel. Amy and I used to work together at the Center Group. We talked a lot about babies and we've had a common interest in the silly "Bachelor" and "Bachelorette" shows. We've had some fun parties together for the finales...complete with chocolate chip cookies! Amy just had her second adorable little man and her husband is the basketball coach for IWU. I miss her!

3. My cousin Rhiannon Thompson. I actually just started following Rhiannon's blog, but she is detailed and way more of a computer whiz than I. She and I are pretty close in age and she has one super cute little boy. She owns a few of her own businesses and is a mostly stay-at-home mom. We share a lot of the same sentiments of balancing work and kids.

4. My friend Heather Brinker. She has 3 kids so she HAS to blog so we can keep up with them all! Heather and I used to worship in Fort Wayne together and we were camp site buddies at Pokagen a few years ago. Everything we learned about camping, we learned from Heather and Todd. Todd also does some mean spirit fingers.

5. My friend Stephanie Barr. Stephanie and I went to FC camp together and then to FC together. We haven't seen each other much since graduating FC, but she does a good job of keeping up with me through the blog. One of these days, we are going to try to get down to Bowling Green for a visit!

These last two I was following, but they haven't updated in forever!

6. Nathan's cousin Stacy Seago.

7. My friend Kristy Starr.

3. Notify each blogger of their nomination.

4. Write 7 things about yourself.

- I have recently started eating multigrain waffles with vanilla yogurt and chopped strawberries for breakfast every day. I can't get enough of it.

-I used to drive 30 miles one way to work, now I drive 1/2 mile.

-I hate winter except for the first snow, but I love sledding.

-I used to LOVE "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" and was madly in love with the Green Ranger. I just saw reruns of the show recently and I am not sure what I was thinking. No wonder people made fun of me.

-I can't eat squishy bananas. They have to be more ripe. When I was pregnant, I couldn't even stand the smell.

-I got certified as a quadriplegic rugby classifier, but have not been to a single tournament (unfortunately).

-I have been jones-ing for a caramel frappe since before I was pregnant, but I am too nervous to drink one because caffeine affects Avery sometimes and she won't sleep.

Okay, I have reached the end of this post. Thanks again Kacie for the nomination. Have fun reading lots of blogs!

Sunny Days!

2010-04-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

We have FINALLY been enjoying some nice weather on and off the last several weeks. I fortunately had some wintery and summery clothes for Avery from my showers since we have to keep jumping back and forth for what is appropriate for all the crazy temperature changes! It has been great to have some nice weather so Avery and I can get out of the house and play or run errands on my days off.
Speaking of days off, Avery and I had a little snack picnic in the backyard last week. We spread our new blanket out and had snacks and soaked up some rays. That lasted until I saw a wasp in the grass and we were back in the house faster than you can say run. Haha! Avery has been kind of drinking out of a sippy cup, but only if there is something other than milk in it. She refuses a bottle completely now and I still have a freezer full of pumped milk. She drinks a little water sometimes in her sippy now. Our pediatrician said he isn't a fan of sugary drinks or foods so if there was any way we were okay with not giving her juice, that it would be a good thing. She really just chews on the sippy now since she has two teeth that broke through on the bottom. So cute!
Grandma and Grandpa got to come over and play one day last week. Avery is fascinated with grass. I think she would eat it if we let her. Our Southern family is going to be coming up over Memorial weekend. The whole crew! We are so excited!
I can't believe how fast time flies. She looks so big to me! She claps now, shakes her head no (although she doesn't know what it means to do that just yet), and has a fake cough. She is hilarious! She laughs all the time and the kids at church have a fun time trying to make her laugh!
See! She loves laughing!
Avery is also trying to eat some table foods very occasionally. I've given her some "real" banana and some potatoes. This goofy face is from when I tried to give her a puff. She didn't like them at all at first, but we kept trying and now she'll eat a few at a time. We are trying to get her to learn to put them in her mouth on her own, but we aren't quite there yet.
Avery likes to play with lots of toys now and can occupy herself for longer periods of time. It's funny because she likes things we have laying around the house more than her own toys sometimes like... remotes, cell phones, spices, spoons, water bottles and lip gloss cases. She lets us know when she is done playing though!

I started both of my new jobs. It's been almost 3 weeks now! This is my first "regular" week on my new schedule. It has been great being home 3 days during the week with Avery. I am really enjoying the hospital, but having a harder time grasping the long term care setting. It's challenging in lots of ways.

Well, that is all for now. There is a lot going on in the next couple months so I'm sure I'll have a lot to post about again soon. Have a great weekend!

Avery's 6 month pictures

2010-04-15T12:47:00.001-07:00

Easter Pictures

2010-04-07T12:04:00.001-07:00

Avery is almost 6 months!

2010-04-03T19:46:00.000-07:00

So I have been threatened within an inch of my life to update this blog! Things have been very busy around here lately. Avery, Nathan and I have been spending more time trying to visit some of our shut-ins at church and getting to know more people that we worship with. It's amazing how much fun it is! I have also been baking like a fiend. I got a Betty Crocker 70 recipe book in my email and I have been finding any excuse to bake! I'm turning into a regular suzy homemaker!
Check out my gorgeous new flowers! These are courtesy of my wonderful in-laws...just a little gesture to support me in my new venture starting next week. Friday was my last day at the Center. It has been a good 3 1/2 years there and I have learned so much. It was much harder than I anticipated to leave, but things ended very positively. I start with some orientation things next week at St. Joe and we have lots of appointments going on. Then the following week, I start at St. Joe and Windsor. I'm excited and nervous, but really looking forward to spending more time at home with my beautiful Avery.
Look at my sweet girl! Thursday it was 80 degrees out so Avery and I went down to Highland Park and found some swings. She loved it! She just laughed and laughed. We might have stayed out longer, but neither of us had sunscreen on. I can't believe that we needed it! Last weekend, we were still wearing sweatshirts!
Avery is all smiles now. She laughs and smiles all the time! Friday night, her cousins had her laughing constantly. She really finds kids funny, especially her cousins. She also really likes being outdoors. We've been finding every opportunity in good weather to get out and about. She is also enjoying being out for strolls around the neighborhood in her jogging stroller. One of these days, I'm actually going to jog with her in it!
I guess the big deal now is she is sitting up all by herself. She mastered it so quickly! We had kind of been working on it, but then she decided to go for it. She went from being able to sit about 5 minutes to being able to sit and play and reach for toys at her leisure. She sits in highchairs now in restaurants, and in shopping carts in the stores. She likes the view much better!
I got her a little Baby Einstein piano that plays classical music and talks in 3 different languages. It is one of her favorite toys and she is quickly learning how to push the keys to make it work. I hope she follows her momma's footsteps and plays the piano!
My little barefoot baby in her bibs... Nate wants to make sure she stays in touch with her southern roots.
We're moving right along with foods and she is eating stage 2 foods now. This is her prune face, but we probably won't be feeding her prunes anymore because they kind of stir up her little digestive system too much. She liked them though.
This is yucky green bean face. Believe it or not, she actually really likes green beans (and peas too). The only thing she isn't enjoying right now is her rice cereal, but we are going to try oats next week. We finally bought her a highchair tonight because she is starting to figure out how to get out of the Bumbo. That has been so handy though.

Well, I have to go change over the laundry, but I am going to try to post some Easter pictures later this week. Have a great holiday and a blessed week!

Back from Nashville

2010-03-16T08:34:00.000-07:00

Avery had her first road trip to Nashville this past week. We drove partway to Louisville, KY and stayed the night. We got up and took our time getting ready. We even got to go for a dip in the indoor pool...Avery's first time! We had it all to ourselves. She is going to be my little waterbug!
So we made the rest of the trip down to Nashville. This is a picture of the championship game of the Mississippi State Bulldogs and Kentucky Wildcats. It was the most intense game I've ever been to! State lost by 1 point (75-74) in overtime. It was wild (and loud!)!
Our hotel was a mile away from the arena and we had to do a lot of walking and taking cabs. It was a major experience for Avery. The weather was pretty nice, a little cool and drizzly some days, but we were really lucky to be able to be out. We have cabin fever. Hello spring!
Avery got to spend time with her Gram and Pops, her great aunt and uncle, and several cousins on the Seago side. We had a really good time with everyone...it is always so great to catch up with family we may not see often.
Showing off our Bulldog pride...
Can't you tell Avery just loved the games? (Check out our seats....awesome!)
Avery got decked out in her "Baby Bulldog" gear...
One big Bulldog family! We had a great time and Avery did pretty well, although the time changing multiple times while we were there has done a number on her schedule. We have a lot of acclimating to do this week!

Hope everyone has a blessed week.

5 blessed months!

2010-03-04T17:12:00.000-08:00

Look how big our little stinker is getting! She is probably crossed the 15 pound mark by now. She is going to be 5 months on the 5th, the same day that Nathan's dad, Calvin, turns 70! Happy birthday Pops! We are getting ready for our road trip to Nashville for some SEC basketball!
Avery got to play with older cousin Ethan while mommy and daddy got to play some euchre. It's so great to get to see them grow up together! It seems like we've been so busy and all have been sick so it was nice to visit the land of the living.
My blue eyed girl. Would you believe that people follow us around in stores and restaurants, just to get a peek at Avery? It's flattering, but also very annoying when you've got a squirming baby with poo everywhere and people are trying to check her out! The other night we were out to eat with my parents and some family friends when Avery decided to "go number two." She was sitting in her Bumbo, so it squished out everywhere, on the tablecloth, on my lap, on her clothes...everywhere! So much fun!
She loves to play and goof around with daddy. She just adores him! It's so cute to just watch her stare. Something new and fun.... now if I hold out my arms and say "Come to mommy", she will hold out her arms and lean towards me! She loves her momma!
Bananas...
Sweet potatoes...
and carrots...oh my!

We've started some more solid foods and so far, she loves everything! We should be ready for green veggies next week though, so we'll see how it goes. She knows now when she sits in her bumbo and gets a bib and sees the spoon, what's coming. She also likes to help, as you can see in the last picture.

Avery has also started rolling back to front in the last couple days...which she really seems to like a lot more than front to back. It's not nearly as scary to her. She has been sleeping in her big girl bed every night now, although her waking varies from night to night. Naps are a different story...she hasn't seemed to make the connection to be in her bed during the day yet. Oh well, they are only small for a little while though so I don't mind holding her too much. Baby steps! That's what I keep telling myself.

Anyway, it's time for the little one to eat and get ready for bed. I'll be posting basketball pictures soon!

Mom Rant

2010-02-25T16:25:00.001-08:00

I am plain exhausted. EXHAUSTED. I have spent the better part of the day with a very fussy baby. I'm sure she isn't feeling well still, but finally today she is sounding better. We seemed to have made some serious progress with her sleeping and eating in the past two weeks and all the sudden, the last two days we have taken some big steps in the backward direction. I am emotionally and physically drained. It almost feels like when we first brought her home from the hospital...the type of exhaustion I feel. Up over and over in the night, constant nursing, crying every time I put her down and just bursting into tears for no apparent reason (both of us). I am sure this will pass and things will get back to "normal" and we will continue to make progress. I really hope I can just chalk all this up to her being sick this week.

Today I have been pooped on, peed on, puked on, screamed at, hit, clawed, and kicked. And then I have been smiled at and I wonder why in the world something so precious can be such a bear. For some reason, it seems as if she behaves differently with me than anyone else. She will have two or three good naps for my mom or Nathan, but doesn't want to sleep for me...especially without nursing to sleep. It's so frustrating and I wonder if I've started some bad habits with her that are going to be hard to break. I was really hoping that she would consistently be in her own bed by the time we go to Nashville in a few weeks, but I'm not sure if that will be realistic or not.

I am so ready to lose this baby belly, but in order to do that, my baby has to actually let me put her down so I can exercise or make a good meal!

OK, I am done. Whew! Nathan took her so that I could take a long shower and paint my toenails. It's amazing what a little red nail polish can do. Let's pray for a good night's sleep tonight!

Milestones!

2010-02-21T17:19:00.000-08:00

A Valentine's photo of the Seago family. My, how things have changed since last year! Nathan and I went to the Cirque du Soleil show "Alegria" for our birthdays/Valentine's. It was great! We enjoyed getting to spend a little time with just the two of us.

I guess it has been made public now so I have some news... I am going to be changing jobs and working closer to home. I am going to be working less days, not commuting (the facility is less than 1/2 mile away) and getting to spend more time at home with Avery. I never realized how life changing it would be to have a baby and that I would want to stay home so much. I do love my profession and still enjoy what I do though. It was also a tough decision to leave where I am currently, as I feel loyalty there and enjoy my coworkers and patients, but we ultimately decided this was best for our long term goals as a family. Please pray for us, especially me, as I embark on this new venture.
In other news, Avery is now sleeping in her own bed! We were so prepared for her to cry it out, but it was about 5 minutes and then silence! She does wake somewhat frequently, but goes back to sleep fairly easily and then wakes once for a feeding. She sleeps from about 10pm-7:30am. We are still pretty tired because we are sleeping lighter, waiting for crying, but I'm sure that will improve. Right now, she has a cold so that is no fun either. Runny nose and nasty cough...yuck!
Aunt Shelly got Avery an exersaucer because the doctor said she needs to stand and play more on her own. Happy early birthday and Christmas present that is going to be really handy in the coming days!
Avery is also now experiencing some rice cereal. We've given her about 1-2 tablespoons at night and she really likes it. She was showing signs of being ready so we went ahead. We will probably start stage 1 foods in another 2 weeks or so. She will love it!
We were bummed about the Colts' Superbowl loss, but Avery looked super cute supporting them!
Anyway, as you can tell, there's a lot going on in the Seago household....lots of positive things! We are looking forward to a trip to Nashville in a few weeks and Nathan's dad's BIG 7-0! Have a blessed week!

Go Colts!

2010-02-06T12:35:00.000-08:00

Avery can't wait for her first Superbowl party!

Lots of exciting things around the Seago house!

2010-01-31T13:33:00.000-08:00

Our little family of three enjoyed a day out with my family to celebrate my cousin's 16th birthday. We don't really get out of the house with all of us that much unless it is for church, and we are still spending a fair amount of time in the nursery. It is so hard to make trips out with Avery by myself because she doesn't like her carseat (at all) so she needs to be held every where we go. This is what you call a "high needs baby." A good baby...but needy!
She is really starting to get big! She weighed 12lb 11 oz on Tuesday. My mom got us an infant scale for Christmas so we can keep track of her weight. It has almost become a stupid obsession of mine since that first pediatrician made such a big deal about her weight in the beginning. This girl's got rolls! She is also reaching for things, holding them and playing with things. She is starting to bring just about anything into her mouth too these days. She slobbers like crazy... we think she is trying to cut some teeth and we can see two little white spots on her bottom gums, but they don't seem to want to actually break through.
HANDS FREE! When Avery and I are home together, she wants to nurse, be held (including for naps) or have me close while she plays. Finally the other day, I HAD to get some things done. I put her in the front carrier which she protested to profusely at first. Somewhere between making the bed and chopping up some celery, I bounced her to sleep in it. It was a great 45 minutes until the phone rang and woke her up.
My most favorite new thing is that she is starting to make lots and lots of noise, trying to "talk" to us. Sometimes it goes on for several minutes and she has the sweetest little voice. I can't wait to hear her first words...at this rate, it won't be long!
Did I mention that Avery is a huge Colts fan? She loves to watch the Colts play and she will be helping us root them on in the Superbowl next Sunday in her little Colts cheerleader outfit.
By the way, during this particular game, she also learned how to roll over from tummy to back going both right and left. She has only done it about five times, but the first time was hilarious! It scared her to death, but she got over it quickly.

Avery is going to be 4 months on Friday and Nathan is going to be 31! Pam and Calvin have been here visiting us for our birthdays ( mine was two weeks ago) and hanging out with Avery. Avery has been the best thing for us, because we have gotten to see a lot more of our southern family since she has made her debut.

There may be some big changes for our family in the near future. Please say some prayers as we evaluate things and try to make some positive changes for the benefit of our family. We are really hoping God blesses us to do some things we've talked about for a long time. I will eventually go into details, but just keep us in your prayers.

Hope everyone has a great week.

Avery's 3 month pictures

2010-01-14T18:00:00.000-08:00

Avery is 3 months!

2010-01-08T11:03:00.000-08:00

Our fun new thing is Avery is really smiling, sticking out her tongue and laughing now. It is hilarious to watch her!
She was exhausted after all the holiday excitement. I actually had to wake her up a few mornings. Unfortunately, she is starting to get REALLY fussy and throw tantrums when she is tired. She arches her back and straightens out her legs like a board. It's hard to calm her sometimes, but then her best naps usually follow.
We got all decked out in our Colts gear, just in time to watch them purposely blow a perfect season to the NY Jets. Why do they get paid the big bucks to sit on the bench? Grrrr....they had better win the Superbowl!
This is so cute... Nathan got me a beautiful 3 heart necklace to symbolize our family for Christmas. Obviously Avery liked it too.
Our first Christmas as a family of three.
Gram and Pops were excited to see little Avery for her southern Christmas. Check out their cute shirts!
Christmas in Indiana... Avery's shirt says "Daddy's favorite present." He did say that she was all he wanted for Christmas (but he is still enjoying his remote control plane...lol)!
Santa Baby...this was right before she started screaming...
Avery's first snow...brrrr
My little big girl...she likes the extra view of the world and mommy likes a few minutes hands free.

Things are going pretty good for us all in all and we are looking forward to God's blessings in 2010.

Smiley Avery

2009-12-13T14:32:00.000-08:00

Winter belle
Hilarious picture... it looks like she is holding the camera and taking pictures of herself!
Sporting her Colts turtleneck. Go Colts! 14-0
She found Santa boring... haha
Napping angel

Eventually I will get around to writing a post when I get some time! For now, enjoy the pictures!

Back to Work

2009-12-04T19:06:00.000-08:00

Whew! I am so exhausted! Wednesday was my first day back to work. I went in at 10, but we got up at 6:30am, Avery nursed, I got tons of stuff ready (my pump, frozen milk, extra clothes, etc), we drove 45 minutes to my mom and dad's house, Avery nursed again, then I went in. We ended up getting a big gap at lunch time so I actually got to go and feed Avery, then just worked another 3 hours. We went to church with my parents and then had a dessert reception with my coworkers. We didn't get home until almost midnight! Avery and I were so tired... we slept off and on until almost 11am.
Avery is starting to finally get used to riding in the car for longer periods of time. She will still fuss sometimes for the first 5-10 minutes or so, but today she was super quiet and went almost right to sleep.
Today, we had the same morning routine as Wednesday, but as I was getting ready to leave my parent's house, Avery projectiled all over the front of me. My shirt was covered and it went clear down the inside of my shirt too. I had to wash it out and we tried to dry it, but I ended up going to work with it damp.
I also pumped for the first time at work today. They asked me to pump in childcare, but there is a giant window in the front facing outside. I couldn't find an outlet and I couldn't get the child gates unlocked. I ended up sitting on the floor behind the gate with my back to the window. Not really ideal... I probably need to find a new place. Then when I got to my parent's house and was trying to put the milk in the freezer bag, I spilled almost 2 ounces. Talk about crying over spilled milk!
I had to dictate an hour of paperwork at their house, feed Avery, then we finally got home about 7:45pm. If anyone would say I'm not working "full time", I think I would slug them! I feel busier and more exhausted than I have in a long time (at least since Avery's first few weeks home).
What a week! I think it's time for bed. I am so glad it's Friday!

Weight update

2009-12-01T13:37:00.000-08:00

Avery weighed 9lbs 1 1/4oz today! She is due for her 2 month well baby check-up next week and the doctor should be pleased. It's also time for her 2 month immunizations. No fun!

Avery's First Thanksgiving

2009-11-28T19:06:00.001-08:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We spent the day at my parents' house....eating all day and playing lots of euchre. My mom was, unfortunately, sick all day and spent the day upstairs on the couch. :( Avery got to meet several great aunts/uncles/cousins for the first time. My youngest cousin, Bryce, was very proud that he had been one of the first cousins to see her! It was nice to be hands free for a little while since there was no shortage of people wanting to hold her...but I kind of missed her at the end of the day. I am really dreading leaving her when I go back to work Wednesday!

Avery has had her first cold this past week. I spent almost 5 whole days without leaving the house. She was pretty much attached to me the whole time and wanting to nurse constantly. She cried whenever I put her down. I would occasionally get a 30 minute break between feedings. We are getting her weighed again on Tuesday...if she hasn't really grown I will be shocked!

Avery is sleeping much better. We pretty much only get up once a night and she will usually sleep 4-5 hours straight fairly consistently. She has been doing better sleeping in the bassinet, but it seems like she always has a very messy diaper that wakes her and gets all over her sheets. We are lucky if we make it all day in one outfit anymore!

We put up the Christmas tree tonight. Avery sat in her swing and we listened to Josh Groban (and a little Bon Jovi) while I decorated. She loves music and I think she will love all the bright lights on the tree once it's done. I know she won't remember it, but I am excited for her first Christmas!

We have a busy week ahead. Same some prayers for our new schedule starting this week!

Weight update

2009-11-20T11:23:00.001-08:00

Today at Avery's weight check, she weighed 8lb 10 3/4oz! That is almost a pound gain in the last two weeks! She is also 23 1/2 inches...another inch! I think we have finally crossed over into steady weight gain as breastfeeding has significantly improved for Avery and I. I can actually say I am starting to enjoy it... unfortunately just in time to go back to work and her get more bottles.

Back from the South

2009-11-18T11:08:00.000-08:00

Avery had her first trip on an airplane this last week. She did great and slept almost the whole flight. She didn't fuss at all!
This is four generations on the Seago side. The church ladies at my in-laws church hosted a "sip 'n see" shower for me. Avery got lots of nice things!
My little girl is looking so grown up! She is 6 weeks old now.
Avery with her "GG"- great granny.
I just love this picture... doesn't she look comfortable sitting with our friend Audra?!

We had a great trip. We got to spend a lot of time visiting with several family and friends. Avery did great. She is only waking up usually once a night to nurse. When we got home on Monday night, she actually slept all night! She is starting to smile and coo a lot. She also is loving her baths now that I figured out that she likes them warmer and to be dunked down in the water. She is starting to outgrow all her newborn clothes lengthwise, but her 0-3 month clothes are still a little big in the waist. She is in a bigger size diaper too. She is growing so much. I am planning on getting her weighed again on Friday.

I go back to work on December 2nd. Two more weeks of maternity leave. It's gone way too fast and I am going to miss spending every day with Avery! It is going to tear me up to leave her!

Well, that's it for now. Have a great rest of the week!

Weight update

2009-11-06T12:39:00.000-08:00

At Avery's weight check at WIC today, she weighed 7lb 12 1/2oz. Almost a 3oz gain since Monday. Yeah!

Avery is almost a month old

2009-11-03T09:26:00.000-08:00

My pretty girl is getting so big, so fast. She weighs 7lb 9 3/4oz. She wouldn't fit in her ladybug outfit because she is so long and skinny, but we still had a fun Halloween handing out candy (Avery slept soundly the whole time in the sleepy wrap). She has been sleeping a little better at night...usually 2-3 hours then nurse about 1 hour off and on all night. We are getting ready for our first airplane trip with Avery next week. I also go in for my post-partum check up next week.

Enjoy the new pictures! She is such a cutie (but I am biased)!

Avery's Firsts

2009-10-30T18:29:00.000-07:00

My baby girl has been having a lot of firsts this week. How fast time flies. She has:

Been to her first restaurant. Olive Garden!
Had her first trip just with mommy to Marion to meet mommy's coworkers and have lunch with grandpa. We took a little 30 minute detour at the gas station at nurse and change a massive blowout diaper (complete with a totally dirty outfit). First time I've used my lap as a changing station.
Went to church for the first time on Wednesday evening.
Had her first bottle of breastmilk. First time to be fed by her daddy. (I cried the whole time... I can't believe how much I've gotten attached to breastfeeding, even though it still hurts sometimes.)
Tomorrow will be her first Halloween. Next week I'll post pictures of her in her little ladybug outfit.

Avery was weighed again today and is still progressively gaining weight. She has gained a little slower this past week than the week before, but it is good that she is still gaining. I am going to take her in again on Monday.

Avery is spending a lot more time awake in the mornings now. If we get a decent night's sleep, she is usually awake for 2-4 hours in the morning just hanging out and intermittently nursing. She really hates baths, but does like getting her hair washed. She really likes snuggling and nursing right after her bath in just her diaper. We are occasionally having some good nights where she will sleep 2-3 hours and then we'll be up about an hour for nursing and kind of do that for a while. Tuesday night though, she was up from 10p-6a without going to sleep. That means I was also up without sleep. Avery and I have been cuddling for some afternoon naps the last few days to catch up.

We leave for our trip to Mississippi in a week and a half and I go back to work in just over a month now. I can't believe my maternity leave is halfway over. :( I am going to have a really hard time going back to work and leaving this little chica! I can't believe it's almost November...that means the year is almost over and we'll be having Avery's first Christmas very soon.

I'll post more later... Avery is ready to eat!

Relief

2009-10-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

Avery enjoys her first time in the Sleepy Wrap.

Avery and mommy enjoy going for a walk with the Sleepy Wrap. She was as quiet as a mouse!

My hilarious cross-eyed little girl!

Avery and cousin Ethan (3 months older).

Trying to smile in her sleep. Nathan would say that angels are talking to her right now.

Avery let me sleep for 3 uninterrupted hours last night...twice! What a difference in the way I feel during the day. AND...right now, she is sleeping without me. She is in her carseat napping, but she isn't attached to my chest at the moment. Usually when I put her down, especially in her bassinet, she wakes right up and even if it has only been 30 minutes since she ate, she wants to eat again. This is wonderful!

I changed pediatricians today. I called to make her 2 month appointment and went ahead and changed her to the doctor we saw in the hospital. We were so much more impressed and really felt like he was on our side. I just have never quite felt settled with the doctor we started seeing, so hopefully this will be a better move. Unfortunately, if it doesn't work well (which I don't forsee), we can't change to anyone else in that practice and we would have to go elsewhere. Here's hoping!

Tomorrow, I am taking Avery to WIC and the lactation consultant is going to weigh her for me and work a little bit with us on nursing. People think the baby comes out and you just throw them on the boob, but it is SO not like that. Things are getting better though, but no signs of any schedule yet, except eating every 2-2 1/2 hours. The lactation consultant said that she would just weigh her to keep my mind at ease since the doctor decided to make such a big deal about Avery's "weight problem" (which I don't think exists). But at least this way, I'll know for sure she is gaining weight.

Overall, it has been a good week and I can't believe how fast time is going. Enjoy the new pictures!

Avery is 2 weeks old!

2009-10-19T14:11:00.000-07:00

Wow, time goes so fast. I can't believe my little one is two weeks old already. She went for her two week check-up today. All her reflexes were totally normal. She is also up to 7lb 4oz, which is just 3oz short of her birth weight. She should have no problem gaining that in the next few days.

Avery has been cluster feeding the last two nights. My understanding is that often happens when the baby is getting ready to go through a growth spurt. It is NOT supposed to mean that I am not producing enough milk or that she isn't getting enough. It's just a marathon session of nursing where Avery keeps Mommy up all night. Haha! The doctor told me that I absolutely should NOT let her do this because I will become one big human pacifier and I will never be able to do anything without her needing to suckle. I will never sleep and it's a terrible habit. Everthing I read suggests it is just a phase of a few days and then they go back on schedule. Nathan and I are heavily considering finding a new pediatrician for Avery.... one that is a little more breastfeeding friendly and doesn't treat us like idiots every time we are there.

She is supposed to go back in 6 weeks and she gets her immunizations at that time. I don't want to see my baby get her shots! Nathan's parents left to go home today, so Nathan, Avery and I are spending the first night in our home just the three of us. Tomorrow, it's just Avery and I! Hopefully all will go well tonight, and we'll get some sleep and have a good day tomorrow.

I will try to download some more pictures soon. Have a great week!

Avery's Pictures

2009-10-15T10:26:00.001-07:00

Weight gain and weight loss

2009-10-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

So, there's been some weight loss, but fortunately...it's ME, not Avery! Today I actually squeeze gracefully back into a pair of pre-prego jeans and couldn't believe they fit. We went to see Nathan's coworkers today and they couldn't believe I even wanted to wear jeans yet (but as I type, I am back in my comfy pants).

I took Avery back to the doctor to be weighed again this morning. She has gained 2 oz back (but they misrecorded her weight from the other day...but that's a whole other story to vent about). The doctor wanted me to feed her 30cc of formula to supplement and try to continue to boost her weight. I said, "Um, no...I don't want formula." She said I could pump and give her extra breastmilk by syringe every 3 hours then. She just wants to make sure Avery is getting full.

I guess my Aunt (who works on the pediatric floor of the hospital in Marion) talked to my former pediatrician the other day and told her our story. She said she would not be concerned at all, as breastfed babies do tend to lose weight. She isn't lethargic, she seems full and content, she has good color, etc... so why are we so worried about my 9 day old losing a couple of ounces that are acceptable? In the hospital, the doctor said she only lost 5% of her birth weight and they were okay with her losing up to 10%. I really feel like we are okay here, and I'm confident everything will work out. I've been saying lots of prayers for my little one and I am sure God is looking over her.

Anyway, I am going to snag a quick bite to eat while Avery is sleeping. Keep us in your prayers...that Avery will STAY healthy and I will keep my sanity!

Frustrated

2009-10-12T18:31:00.000-07:00

Today we went for Avery's one week weight check. I wasn't totally sure what to expect since she has really only had two good days of eating "the good stuff." So we went and she had lost 6 ounces since leaving the hosptial. The nurse was extremely rude to me and acted like I was an absolutely idiot about how I should feed my baby (I'll admit I don't know everything) and said she just wasn't happy and we needed to wait to see the doctor. So the doctor came in and the nurse had misrepresented several things I had told her. Once the doctor understood everything about how our feedings have gone over the last week, she said "Well it seems like you are on the right track now, which is good because I was on the fence about admitting her to the hospital." My jaw almost hit the floor! I was so irritated.

My take is this: Come on, I'm a first time mom, this is my first baby and I'm doing this all for the first time. Can you expect me to know everything? If I'm not doing something right, explain it to me...educate me. Don't be rude, treat me like I'm retarded, and tell me you might put my baby in the hospital. Let's just say that for most of the rest of the day, I have been pretty emotional. I have to take her back in Wednesday to be weighed again and have to follow the doctor's specific orders about breastfeeding. Hopefully she will have gained a few ounces and we'll be totally worry free. I had better not have that rude nurse again or I think I might mention my displeasure... and I probably will anyway when I meet with the doctor again next Monday.

I have had the hardest time letting Avery out of my sight or not holding her constantly today. I feel so protective of her, and pretty offended that someone would imply that I might not be taking care of my baby. I love her so much and I am doing the best I can! My discharge instructions said as long as I feed her, change her, bathe her and love her, that I'm a good mother. Not that I doubt it, but I am so frustrated!!!!

Nathan is going back to work in the morning and he is having a really hard time with it. He doesn't want to leave her either. His mom is here staying with us through the rest of the week and helping me out, so I fortunately won't be totally alone and I might still get some sleep in the mornings. Anyway, just wanted to vent. Tomorrow will be better!

Life with Avery

2009-10-10T15:10:00.001-07:00

Day 5 with Avery and things are finally starting to resemble some normalacy versus chaos. Our first night home was very frustrating and we were up most of the night. I think I slept maybe 3 hours and that was from 8-11am when Nathan took her so I could sleep. Friday morning about 1am, my milk came in...what an adventure in weirdness! The funny thing was Avery was acting so hungry all the time and at first she just wasn't satisfied. Then my milk came in and she wanted nothing to do with me. She would try to latch on, then scream the most high pitched scream EVER, and fight me all along the way. I cried A LOT that night.

When I woke up, I called the La Leche League and the advisor told me to pump out my milk and then feed her little bits of it on a spoon. Tried it and it worked wonders! She was a little more satisfied and a little less frustrated before she started eating. By midnight last night, she was latching the best she ever has and was eating for 40-50 minutes. The little girl has quite the appetite! It has been very challenging trying to pick up on all her hunger cues and feed her before it gets to that frustrating point for both of us. Because the feedings were more successful, so was the sleep. We slept 2 hours, up 2 hours, etc, for most of the night. It was so much better.

I am feeling better every day, but still having some pain from the tearing during delivery. I think that I kind of had a re-tear last night of a little bit because I have been slightly more uncomfortable and have had some extra bleeding, but it should improve in the next little while. Fortunately, I don't really need pain medicine anymore, but I do still take my antiinflammatories. It's hard sitting and laying on my back all the time, but Avery comes first!

Avery has had lots of family visitors the last few days. She is so happy to meet everyone. She had a wonderful visit this afternoon with both sets of grandparents. We will be making our first outing on Monday for her 1 week weight check.

Well, that's all the time for updating that I have...Avery is starting to wake up and I hear those little lips smacking. :)

Welcome our little miracle... Avery Elizabeth Seago

2009-10-08T11:21:00.001-07:00

Monday, October 5th, we welcomed our little girl, Avery Elizabeth Seago! She was born at 5:30pm, weighed 7lb 7oz, and was 20 1/2 inches long. Here's what we've been up to the last few days... In labor and exhausted already! We were at the hospital about 6:20am, and labor picked up about 9am. At 1pm, the doctor came in and broke my water and it was downhill from there! Within 20 minutes, I was having contractions 2 minutes apart and a lot more painful. By 3:30, I needed my epidural because my contractions were coming one on top of the other with very little break and I was still only about 4 cm dilated. After my epidural, within 10 minutes, I was feeling much better. It was a wonderful decision to have one! I was absolutely petrified having it and cried all the way through it, but thank goodness for it! I dilated quickly to 6cm, and by 4:30 I started feeling a lot of pelvic pressure. Sure enough, I had dilated to 10cm already and was just about ready to push. I could barely control my left leg, which made for some funny moments ( I could still move my legs with the epidural). I pushed about 40 minutes off and on, and then she was here! I had some tearing, but didn't know it (yet) and I got to hear the sweetest little cry on the whole earth.

Little miss Avery was born! She was very happy and alert for several hours and was a super pro at nursing. She loved meeting her grandmas and grandpas and her Uncle Jared. Nathan and I both started crying at this beautiful little miracle. I can't believe she is here!

My little stretcher! No wonder I felt her stretching all the time in the belly..she loves it! She was happy to get out of that cramped space. Look at all her black hair and blue eyes!

Mommy and daddy are so excited for their new little one. This picture was probably 30 minutes after giving birth. I was feeling pretty great!

Mommy and daddy get to take Avery home! A new family of three. (Man, we were exhausted!)

Avery is home and won't let mommy get any sleep! We were up from 12a-6a. She wanted to nurse constantly, but mommy doesn't have the good milk in yet. She gets very frustrated sometimes and has this super, high-pitched scream that she does that just breaks mommy's heart.

She has daddy wrapped around her little finger already. As we speak, they are napping together. Praise the Lord for Nathan, he took her about 8:30 this morning and let me sleep for 3 hours. He is so willing and helpful. He is a wonderful daddy and he loves his little girl.

We are expecting some more family over in a few minutes, but Avery wanted everyone to know she is here and can't wait to meet everyone soon.

39 week pictures

2009-10-04T19:57:00.001-07:00

Our last picture as a duo.

Hopefully!!!

39 week belly picture!

39 weeks...almost done

2009-10-04T12:07:00.000-07:00

So I guess the fact of the matter is that no matter when she comes now, it is almost over. I am so ready now and each day seems to just drag. The only thing I can honestly say that I will miss about pregnancy is her moving in my tummy. The rest of it, I'm so over it! I'm ready to meet my little one.

Here are some of my final insights and thoughts about pregnancy. Hopefully this will be my last pregnancy post!

5 Things I Couldn't have Lived Without During Pregnancy:
- TUMS, TUMS and more TUMS
- My Snoogle pillow
- Grilled cheese
- Under belly maternity pants
- Lemon lime Gatorade

5 Things I am Scared about with Labor:
- Pain
- Needles, especially the epidural
- Bleeding
- Possibly tearing or having an episiotomy
- Lack of modesty

5 Things I Absolutely Cannot Wait For:
- Seeing her little face
- Hearing her cry for the first time
- Giving her a name (finally!)
- The relief of no longer anticipating labor or whether I will get a late night wake-up
- Getting to share her with family

5 Things I am Thankful for:
- My husband, who has been wonderful throughout the whole process. I'm excited for him too.
- My parents, who have helped me mentally and physically along the way.
- A healthy pregnancy, and thus far, a healthy baby.
- Minimal, but normal, weight gain.
- A talented OB that I trust.

I am going to try to post some pictures later tonight. Thanks for all the prayers and well-wishes...hopefully she'll be here soon!

Slipping into the realm of miserable

2009-09-29T09:45:00.001-07:00

So I am 38 weeks and 3 days pregnant... at least 3 days past when I thought I might possibly no longer be pregnant. I can finally say that I am starting to be miserable...not necessarily from being "huge" or anything, but just the waiting factor. We were so pumped up that we would probably be having the baby this past weekend, and nope, no baby yet. We are hanging out, jumping at every little contraction or sign that might mean possible labor. Unfortunately, in my reading, it is possible to continue to efface and not dilate, as it is that you can do both without any serious contractions.

Last night, I started having contractions 8 minutes apart, but unfortunately after sleeping through the night, they are gone. I've been trying to clean the house up from the company we've had over the weekend and hoping that by vacuuming or doing some laundry, it might encourage her along. Nathan's parents came up last Thursday, but they headed back this morning since baby girl hasn't decided to make her entrance yet. There are still loose ends in Mississippi to tend to, and hopefully when they come back, she will be on her way.

It's hard not to sit around and feel discouraged by this whole situation, especially as I am now no longer working and having quite as much to keep my mind off of the concrete pillow still attached to my abdomen. The weather is also quite a bit cooler, which is super nice because I am usually pretty warm, but not as nice because I don't really have any maternity clothes for cooler weather and my closed toed shoes no longer fit. Every single pair of closed toed shoes do not fit...hopefully my feet will go back to their normal shape after pregnancy, although I've heard they may not...

I have another doctor appointment scheduled for Thursday. I would not be surprised to hear her say that she will induce me (as that was kind of the original plan, but I convinced her to try to let me go naturally) if the baby hasn't arrived yet. Sitting at 3cm dilated and 75% effaced and her full patient load (not to mention delivering me at a different hospital) might change some things. I have no idea what to expect at this moment.

So, that's my 38 week update. Keep us in your prayers that things will happen soon and that we will all stay healthy and sane in the process. Have a great rest of the week.

New update

2009-09-25T08:43:00.001-07:00

So Wednesday morning I woke up about 5am having contractions about 7 minutes apart. I called the doctor's office and they had me come in to get checked. I had progressed to 3cm and 75% effaced. I went back to the doctor Thursday and my cervix hadn't changed any more, but I was still having some moderate contractions. I think they have lessened up some since then, but I do continue to have some contractions. The doctor said that I am in kind of a "latent early labor" and it is just a matter of a few hours or days before I would go into active labor. She said that she is pretty sure that I won't be pregnant by my appointment next Thursday. Sounds hopeful!

They want me to watch out for my water to break, but said that the baby's head is really bearing down on my cervix so I probably wouldn't notice a huge "gush" if it does break. With the baby's head where it is and me still having contractions, it could be any time. I'm hoping she will just hold out maybe one more day (at least) until my parents are back in town. Nathan's parents got here yesterday evening and are anxiously awaiting any changes.

The doctor told me to go ahead and "tie up loose ends" at work, so I went in yesterday and chatted with the therapist covering my leave and finished up some paperwork. I guess I am officially done working until after my maternity leave is up.

I feel so much pressure now that some of this has started...like I should go into labor just to make it all real. I don't think that they thought I was in false labor because I had too many symptoms consistent with real labor, but that I was just in that early latent labor. I am kind of struggling with being patient for all this to happen, and still trying to rest so things don't happen prematurely. I am so excited and nervous that I can hardly stand it! I really can't wait to see her little face and touch her fingers and toes. Should be any day now!

Full term!

2009-09-20T11:29:00.001-07:00

I am 37 weeks pregnant today and considered full term! The baby should be able to come any time now with the expectation to "thrive." What a milestone for us mentally... to know that unless something really out of the ordinary happened that we should be meeting our little girl any time!
The nursery is finally finished! She will stay in the bassinet in our room for a little while, but she now officially has a home/room to come home to! I feel so much more relaxed knowing that I don't just have a ton of stuff left to do! Her laundry is done, diaper bag packed, and everything put away in its place.
This is my 37 week belly picture. You can definitely tell she is dropping. Some people even think I've lost some weight because my belly is starting to be shaped differently as she moves down.
This is catch up... 36 week belly picture.
Aunt Jill and Bryce came over yesterday and helped me clean house. We got all the bathrooms cleaned, the floors mopped, the stairs vacuumed, kitchen cleaned, and strollers put together. We even had time for some down time and visiting, which was a wonderful mental break! Aunt Jennifer is coming next week and hopefully we will be able to vacuum/spot clean the carpet and wash the windows. I am going to try to get my car cleaned and set up the car seat this week. I need to try to finish my thank you notes from last week's shower this week too. The fridge and freezer are stocked and ready! I am almost ready! My bag is packed... let me get a few more things done this week and let my parents get back safely, and I'm ready for her to make her entrance!

Quick update

2009-09-17T19:05:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't done my weekly update, but things have been hectic this week! I am 36 weeks and 5 days pregnant as of today. At today's doctor appointment, she said that I am almost 3 cm dilated and progressing well. I told her I was a little nervous that both of my parents going to be out of state in different places this next week, but she was optimistic that it wouldn't be this week, because the baby is still mildly high (but getting lower every day... as I can tell by my increasing sciatica!).

Sunday I had my shower in Marion. There were probably at least 75 people there and the amount of gifts was absolutely overwhelming! We got some really nice things and some of our bigger things too. I really enjoyed myself. My dad had to bring the gifts to our house in his trailer because there was so much! I was so overwhelmed with everything that my mom helped me put things away for 6 hours on Tuesday. Whew!

We are pretty much ready for her when she comes now. The doctor said it is now up to her whenever she decides to make her entrance. Sunday I will officially be full term! Wow!

I promise to post some pictures this weekend in my 37 week post!

News!

2009-09-10T18:02:00.000-07:00

I had my doctor's appointment today and I am 2 cm dilated and 50% effaced! The only thing is I won't be full term for another 1 1/2 weeks, so she really needs to stay put a little longer. If I went into labor in that time, she said they would probably try to stop the labor if possible. She said it could be a week or four...who knows?! They will check me again next Thursday and then Dr. Hoover might be able to give me a better idea as to what the plan might be.

Wow! It's almost time! Please say some prayers that she will be healthy no matter when she comes!

The end is in sight...and so is the beginning

2009-09-06T12:11:00.000-07:00

In the last week, I felt pretty decent for the most part. Yesterday, we went to Marion Airport with our friends, the Blackabys, to the "Fly in Cruise in" and got to see a whole bunch of planes and cars, as well as have an all-we-could-eat pancake breakfast. It was wonderful and the weather was perfect! Then we went to Upland to the town rummage sales and walked around for another few hours and topped the day off with some Ivanhoes. Yum! Needless to say, I was really worn out when I got home and ended up napping for a few hours. I woke up with some serious nausea and a crick in my neck. No fun!
35 weeks...only 5 weeks (or less?!) left to go! My next shower is coming up next Sunday, so hopefully I'll have everything laundered and things put up on the walls in another week or two in the nursery. We should also be getting our glider delivered this week and her room will almost be complete! I've started packing my hospital bag with a few things, but it's not ready yet.

This week, I have been battling a cold that one of my patients so gracefully passed on to me. We were standing almost face to face and he coughed right in my face. I have been really congested and extra achy so that hasn't been super fun. Then on Wednesday, I have a patient try to sit before she was instructed and I ended up having to catch her from falling and force her back into a standing position. It took three of us to get her in her chair after that. She was fine, but unfortunately, I was not... I have been dealing with a little back strain and some extra sciatica down both legs (occasionally) since then.

We have a beast of a week ahead of us at work with the holiday tomorrow and a lack of coverage for several that will be gone this week. We unfortunately found out that a coworker's parents were in a terrible car accident, and both of her parents ended up dying a few days apart from each other. My heart and prayers go out to her and her family. I guess if it is a little busier this week, it is the least we can do to help her out as she is mourning with her family.

I am looking forward to our last family get-together tomorrow before the baby arrives. I can't believe our next big outing she will be with us, Lord willing! Thursday, I have my next doctor's appointment where I will get my group B strep screen and be checked for dilation. Wow... it's almost time!

I can't believe in just a few short weeks that we will be meeting our little girl. Please keep us in your prayers over the next several weeks! Enjoy your Labor day.

6 weeks left!

2009-08-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

34 weeks! Wow! I am 8 1/2 months pregnant! The realization of the little one coming our way in the next few weeks is really becoming the number one consuming thought for both of us. My last appointment went well. They did give me some medicine to help with this occasional, but sometimes debilitating, nausea that I've been having again. She said at the next appointment, they are going to start checking me to see if I am starting to efface or dilate at all. Wow!

Surprisingly, I have been sleeping better the past week and my pain has been minimal except for when she makes abrupt movements. I took a nap Saturday and today, so I guess I'm still exhausted.

We are having a special gospel meeting series this week on "Family Matters." So far, we've had 3 really good lessons. These topics couldn't have come at a better time!

Other than that, nothing major to report. Let's hope things stay relatively uneventful for a few more weeks. Have a great week!

A Wonderful Baby Shower with the Church Ladies

2009-08-23T10:19:00.001-07:00

Two of my good friends from church, Stephanie and Sarah, organized a baby shower for me on Saturday with the ladies from church. It was wonderful! There was probably 25-30 ladies there and my mom got to come and enjoy it with me.
My cousin Brenda made my shower cake. It was so adorable and very delicious! She just makes cakes for fun, but she is very naturally talented!
Sarah made a cute diaper cake... which is very practical since I get to keep and use all the diapers!
They had Sarah's house all decorated up in Classic Pooh with little animals and books everywhere. The whole place was so cute! We got A LOT of really nice gifts including: lots of clothes, burp rags, blankies, toys, socks, hats, books, toiletries and a Classic Pooh pack 'n play. Everyone was so sweet and generous!
Here is my 33 week picture. Seems like I have really grown in the past week. I am starting to have a really hard time sleeping through the night. We are trying a few things to make the bed more comfortable and sometimes I have to take a Benadryl to get sleepy enough. I feel like I wake up like a zombie! The iron pills have been pretty rough on my system too. Lately, I've also been having quite a bit of nausea, sometimes quite severe. During the day Tums seem to help, but the nighttime nausea is only relieved by sleep (if I can get any). She is really getting up in my ribs now, and they are starting to twist and turn every which way, giving me quite a bit of pain sometimes. I had a massage on Saturday and it was the most relaxed and restful I have felt in the last few weeks. The weather has been cooler over the weekend, which has been a nice reprieve. I have another doctor's appointment on Tuesday, so hopefully everything is going well!

Please send up some extra prayers this week for me and the baby to stay healthy and safe as the end approaches. Have a great week!

Watch out for Uncle Jared

2009-08-16T10:55:00.000-07:00

32 weeks and moving right along! I am officially 8 months pregnant...and when I say that it seems like the end is getting closer so quickly! I won't deny it, I'm starting to get ready for it. She stays very busy in the belly. Sometimes I think she is trying to make an "Alien" exit because her foot comes 3 inches outside of my belly sometimes. I'm getting a lot more sharp pains now that things are really starting to stretch.
I can't believe the difference in this full picture from the last one I took just a couple weeks ago. I am definitely starting to feel rounder! The doctor said that I'm still "all belly" and so far have only had a 19 pound weight gain. My blood pressure and overall health has been really good. In good news, the doctor said there is a chance she won't induce me and let me go on my own. She still may want to control it some with pitosin once I go into labor depending on her St. Joe schedule, but I was so relieved to hear that.
It's been a busy and emotional week full of projects. Nathan started painting the front room on Monday and I finished up a good portion of it by Thursday ( mostly just trimming) and we got the furniture moved back. We finished the final bit of it yesterday and I am so relieved! Nathan's car broke down on Wednesday (we were supposed to take it in for service on Thursday!) and that made for a hectic Wednesday and Thursday with the driving situation. Thank goodness I don't work on Thursdays anymore! Did I mention that Nathan was running a fever and had a sore throat for two days? Finally, the baby's dresser came in (I saw it just sitting on the porch as I was leaving for work Wednesday morning) and we put it together last night. Her room is finally taking form! My first shower is this Saturday with the ladies from church and I'm super excited to start celebrating with everyone!
Uncle Jared decided to see whose belly was bigger when he brought his girlfriend over for a visit Saturday night. What do you think? I think it's almost even! We went to Outback and we all had AWESOME steaks! Yum! Baby and I love our red meat protein!
Then finally, to cap off the week, Uncle Jared decided to demonstrate what going through labor would be like. I am so thankful for my little brother's wisdom. I think I am going to have to closely monitor what he teaches my daughter! Haha!

This week should be pretty restful. I'm really happy about it and I think I really need it. Not much longer before I won't be able to control my personal rest time and some little lady controls it for me. Have a great week!

Koren's Top 10

2009-08-10T16:05:00.001-07:00

31 weeks! Hard to believe how fast time has flown! This past weekend, Nathan and I celebrated (although not yet officially) our 3 year anniversary. What awesome things the last 3 years have done for us and we are so looking forward to becoming parents together in just a few short weeks!

As for how I'm feeling, I'm still having some intermittent nausea and low back pain. Most recently, I've been able to enjoy the onset of some plantar fasciitis in my right foot which has done nothing to help all my other aches and pains. Overall though, still feeling good but not enjoying the HEAT wave!

I don't have anything particularly exciting to report so I've decided to write up my top 10 things I love/hate the most about pregnancy. Enjoy.

TOP 10 THINGS I HATE MOST ABOUT PREGNANCY
1. First trimester morning sickness
2. Low back pain
3. Everyone saying "the best advice is to not listen to anyone's advice" and then giving me advice anyway
4. Strangers touching my belly
5. Affectionate nicknames like "fat elephant" and "waddle lady"
6. People thinking I have the right to eat like a pig and not care about it
7. People thinking that I'm carrying in such a way that I must be having a boy and my ultrasound was wrong
8. People making comments about how small (usually the comment is "You aren't very big for almost 8 months pregnant!) I am
9. Baby kicking me in the ribs
10. Having to wear support hose which make my feet super stinky, as if they weren't gross enough being so swollen

TOP 10 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT BEING PREGNANT
1. Feeling the baby move
2. People saying "You look so cute pregnant"
3. The fact my husband finds me sexier
4. Planning the baby's room
5. Trying to pick out a name
6. Having a good reason for being grouchy
7. Looking at other people's newborns and thinking how much I can't wait to see my own
8. Teasing Nathan about having to change poopy diapers and clean up baby puke
9. Maternity clothes that are still cute and fashionable
10. Knowing that all this suffering leads me to meet my little lady and how much I can't wait to be a mom

Doctor's appointment tomorrow! Have a great week!

30 weeks- 3/4 of the way there!

2009-08-02T13:30:00.000-07:00

I know this picture overall makes me look bigger because my dress is very loose, but she is definitely a growing girl! My little squash is now consistently kicking me in the ribs and giving me nausea/indigestion because of her pressure on my organs. All 5 of her senses are now developed and her activity/sleep cycles are becoming more regular.

This week I begin my official 3 day work week! After last week, my body was definitely telling me that it needs more rest. I had a lot of fatigue, back pain and swelling last week. On Thursday I was working with a patient and she kicked me so hard that it almost brought tears to my eyes. I am really looking forward to a little more rest, but also getting some nesting done around the house.

In good news, I did pass my 3 hour glucose test so I am NOT diabetic. That was wonderful news! I have been taking my iron pills, but it has been a challenge with the scheduling of them because of the food waiting period and antacid taking. My nausea has made antacids almost a must again.

Saturday, Nathan and I went to our "Prenatal Blitz" at the hospital. It wasn't overly informative above what I've been reading already, but it was nice to know a lot of what the hospital does specifically. It also has made labor seem much more real to me and I'm starting to get nervous about what it will be like. But the thoughts of finally meeting our little one are also very exciting!

We also had some family/friends over to play cards on Saturday. It will probably be the last bit of entertaining that we really do at our house until after the baby is here. It's just amazing how fast time flies!

Anyway, it is time for my piano student to arrive so I must close this post. Have a wonderful week!

Progress

2009-07-26T20:44:00.000-07:00

29 weeks!
We have had a good week for the most part. Unfortunately, this past week, my nausea has made its re-entrance. It has happened somewhat randomly, not always along with meals or with being hungry. Sometimes the feeling has been pretty intense and I've had a rough time going to sleep. I have also starting taking my iron pills (no, my nausea is not from these pills) and I have to be careful when I take them. It has to be one hour before or two hours after food or antacid tablets. I also can't lay down for 30 minutes afterward so getting in a schedule has been rough.

I am starting to have a really rough time getting comfortable. My belly is starting to feel like a concrete pillow and I cannot stand having anything touching it. This is like undershirts, panels on my pants or pillows even. I had a really hard time during my massage the other day being comfortable because it was hard to breathe laying on my back (even though I was somewhat elevated) and that was a bummer because I couldn't enjoy it as much.

This weekend we got to babysit for our friends' little boy Gavin who is 5 1/2 months old. We had him several hours on Saturday and Sunday. It was so much fun and a good taste of what it will be like to have a baby around. Saturday we didn't have much planned and he was super content to hang out and play. Sunday, we were all sleepy and we had chores to do, but Gavin just really wanted to be held. It's so interesting how much just "normal" things change when you have a baby. But having him around certainly makes me more excited for my own to come!

I should get the results of my 3 hour glucose test on Tuesday at my next appointment. Then, I believe my friend Stef and I are going to the Baby Depot to look at baby furniture if I have the day off of work. This is my last "full " week of work! Woo hoo! Baby and I are looking forward to some rest before the big day and the house needs a lot of attention before October.

That's the news! Have a great week!

Third Trimester!

2009-07-19T11:38:00.001-07:00

The third trimester is here! While some sources will argue whether it begins at week 27 or 28, it doesn't matter, because I am in it no matter what now! Woo hoo! The second trimester went so super fast. Before we know it, in three short months, little girl will be here!

She is getting bigger all the time. Over the last 11 weeks, she has doubled in size! I can tell because she now spends a lot of her time kicking me in the ribs. I try not to complain too much because I take that as a good sign that she is facing downward and hopefully increasing my chances for natural birth. She could be born now and live outside my body (with assistance) and would be just a little bigger than our hands. My mom told me yesterday that she is predicting her to weigh somewhere in the 5-6 pound range... I'm not sure yet. We'll have to see how my growth goes this trimester. She can gain up to a 1/2 pound a week this trimester.

In mommy news, I go in for my 3 hour glucose test on Tuesday. I was able to get the whole day off because my caseload has been lighter so I can devote my whole day to that. Then back to the doctor next Tuesday to find out the results.

I have now been affectionately been nicknamed "BB" by my family because of my weird obsession with playing with my gradually progressive "outey" bellybutton. It has a little ridge on the top of it that I can't stop messing with! I just wish it would go ahead and pop out or stay in. This in between thing is weird!

We have lots coming up in the next few months:
Aug 1st is our "Prenatal blitz" class, Aug 3rd my work schedule changes, Nathan is taking TWO call weekends in August back to back, our 3rd anniversary is Aug 19th, Aug 22nd is my shower with the ladies at church, Sept 13th is my shower with friends and family in Marion, Sept 16th is my breastfeeding class, Oct1st is the end of teaching bible class, Oct 5th is our ladies' lectureship and then I am due Oct 10/11th! This trimester is gonna fly!

We are looking forward to meeting our little lady soon. Have a great week!

Not What I was Hoping to Hear

2009-07-14T07:48:00.000-07:00

Well, first of all in good news, I am only a few days away from starting my 3rd trimester. I'm 27 weeks and my belly really seems to be growing. Baby has definitely stepped it up a notch with her movement lately too. The last several days she has been very active throughout the whole day on and off. Yesterday, Uncle Jared got to feel her move for the first time! :) At my doctor's appointment today, I heard a nice strong heartbeat which is always music to my ears. She moves a lot when they take the doppler off my belly....I think it scares her or something from the noise of it. I'm right on track for gaining weight too. Really overall, I feel great.
So now for the bad news....

I am anemic. I was borderline in my first trimester when they tested me, so I guess I'm not totally surprised that the retest last week showed that I am. Most women revert back to normal after delivery, so hopefully that will be the case. I have to start taking an iron supplement, which in itself isn't bad, but the digestional side effects aren't always so pleasant. Yuck!

I also failed my one hour glucose test. She said my sugar was 176 and normal is 140s. It doesn't mean that I definitely have gestational diabetes, and there are several factors as to why I could have failed. SO, now I have to go spend 1/2 day in the lab and do a 3 hour fasting glucose test. Meaning... I can't eat/drink 10-12 hours before the test, I have to drink that fruit punch elixir again, and then they take blood after 3 hours and I can't leave the lab the entire time. Awesome, right? Well, the good thing is only 2-5% of women who fail the first one end up actually having GD. Hopefully I won't fall in that category, but we'll see.

I will leave this on one good note, Dr. Hoover did say she thought it would be appropriate for me to have 8 weeks off after delivery. That was wonderful news. I have been stressing a little about getting baby girl on a schedule for my return to work and plus with my job demands, she did feel that it would be an okay option. Yeah!

I officially start going to the doctor every two weeks until 36 weeks now. I'll know the results of my GTT at the next appointment. Your prayers are appreciated and coveted!

Have a great week.

Glucose test

2009-07-09T06:36:00.000-07:00

I just made it through my glucose test! My drink was fruit punch flavored and tasted mostly like "spicy" Hawaiian punch. Not bad. About halfway through it, it got harder and harder to drink. I had a big knot in my throat and I just kept thinking, "please don't throw it up!" Nathan met me at the lab this morning since they didn't have any cases until noon. We went for a walk up to the new Birthing Center at Howard. It was beautiful! The rooms are spacious and I think we'll do just fine there. We met some of the staff and everyone was very friendly. Nathan took me down to the cath lab to "show me off" to his co-workers and then I had my blood drawn. The ladies in the lab were excellent and very friendly, as usual. Now, I'm just doing a few errands at home, then off to work!

Whew! It's over! I should have the results by my appointment on Tuesday. :)

Let there be furniture

2009-07-05T18:36:00.001-07:00

So it has been a fun and relaxing weekend with "Gram and Pop" Seago in town for the last several days. I know baby girl has enjoyed them being here and has been putting on a gymnastics spectacular in my belly because she has been so excited. It seems like I'm growing more and more over the weekends, although certain outfits tend to flatter me and make me look more pregnant.
Today at church my two favorite comments were "We can finally tell you are pregnant" and "You look so cute pregnant." I guess there was some excitement for me in both comments. Random strangers are now asking me when I'm due and how I'm feeling which has been fun for me.
The only bad thing about another holiday weekend is I am EXHAUSTED. We had a weird schedule last week at work and by Thursday night, I was useless. I have barely lifted a finger to cook one single time except for a couple side dishes for Saturday's cookout. I have really got to watch my salt intake more closely because of my swelling (which wasn't bad because I was able to rest more over the weekend...hallelujah!) and my sugar (this week anyway) because my blood glucose test is coming up on Thursday. My schedule is all nuts again at work this week so I'm sure I won't be able to tell Tuesday from Thursday again.
In super fun news, Daddy and Pop got the baby crib assembled this weekend. It was very exciting and I can't stop going in her room to look at it!
My mom is working on this quilt for her bed (it's not done yet) but she brought it over to help me with my "inspiration."
The finished product looks wonderful. It has a drawer underneath, a changing table (converts into a shelf), 4 built in shelves and a laundry basket that pulls out. It also converts into a daybed, toddler bed and full size bed as she gets older. We will probably have to buy another bed of some sort once we have a second baby, but this has lots of options! I love it!

In other big news, in 2 weeks I will officially be in my THIRD TRIMESTER! Wow, has time flown (in retrospect)! August 1st, Nathan and I have our "prenatal blitz" all-day class at the hospital and August 3rd, I officially go down to a 3 day a week work schedule. I'm looking forward to getting some more rest and having more time to pace myself getting things done around the house before baby comes. I have a shower in August and one in September and before we know it, she'll be here! I'm getting more and more excited every day!

Have a great week!

25 weeks

2009-06-29T15:21:00.001-07:00

So officially in the 6th month now, my little eggplant is getting her immune system and her eyes are forming so that she will soon be opening and closing her eyes. Perfect for batting her eyes at mommy and daddy when she's in trouble, right? I also read that Nathan may be able to actually detect her heartbeat by putting his ear to my belly at some point this month. How cool! I'm not quite flexible enough to do that unfortunately. At some point this month, she should weigh around the 2 lb mark. Everyone at work cannot believe how much she grows over the weekends!

I had a couple patients today tell me that "as big as you are, you will probably have a big baby." Me, big? I think I'm still pretty small for 6 months pregnant. Wow. All those different opinions. I still have ladies at church swear I'm having a boy because I'm only showing and gaining right out in front.

Exciting thing of the week (for me anyway)... I believe that I'll be getting my pump for breastfeeding this week. A "nosy" (haha) patient asked me if I would be breastfeeding and I told her yes. She said her daughter had a pump that she was unable to use because of inability to lactate. It was basically new and top of the line. Come to find out, it is the pump that I was wanting. It is almost $300 retail in the stores and she only wants $125 for it. Yeah! That would be a huge money saver! Plus, the price to replace the shields and hoses is minimal compared to buying brand new. Hopefully this will work out and save me some big money!

The in-laws should be here by Friday. We are looking forward to their visit and I can't wait to shop with my mother-in-law for the baby's room!

I have the big talk with my boss tomorrow about work and my hours. I am petrified so some extra prayers that all will go well would be appreciated!

Have a great week!

Movin' right along

2009-06-23T06:23:00.000-07:00

We had a painting party with Aunt Shelly this weekend and got the baby's room all done. I don't think this picture really shows the true color though. We are so pleased with the way it has turned out so far. Now we just need to work on getting some furniture in there! I can't wait to see the finished product.
This is a picture of my cousin, Rebecca, and I just after we got back from Topsail. I am 23 weeks in the picture and she is 35 weeks. Our babies will be just 3 months apart. I don't think our baby girl will run out of playmates!
I would not normally post a picture of my bare belly, but I took one the other night and was absolutely amazed at the growth in the last few weeks. I am DEFINITELY looking pregnant now! So far, no stretch marks either, but I still have a lot of growing to do. I have had a 10 pound weight gain so far, and I'm hoping to gain about 1 pound a week until she is born.
The normal 24 week belly picture. She is getting more and more active every day. Saturday was the first night she has kept me up because of her activity. Last night, Nathan and I just sat on the couch and watched my belly for about 30 minutes because the movements it was making was unreal! I think she might have had the first hiccups that I could feel last night. It was so funny. We can also now start to feel where her body is in my belly. We found a little foot last night and it was an awesome moment. I was amazed at how cramped she is starting to get in there. I guess because she is still so tiny that I just pictured her floating around and doing whatever she wants, but now her growth will be the main thing that makes me bigger until she is born. AMAZING!

Check out the link if you are curious what I am talking about (shows a baby at 24 weeks gestation, but this picture is a breech baby):
http://www.babycenter.com/fetal-development-images-24-weeks

I am at my 6 month beginning mark! One more month until I reach my 3rd trimester. I have to get my blood glucose test on July 9th. Fun, fun! Last Tuesday's appointment went great and her heart rate was 148bpm and she moved all around. I am measuring normally for this point in pregnancy and the doctor's nurse practitioner called me "petite"! Woo hoo!

Can't wait for a visit from Nathan's parents next week. We'll post fun pictures of baby's Gram and Pop! :) Have a great rest of the week.

Back from the Beach

2009-06-13T13:16:00.001-07:00

Belly at (almost) 23 weeks
Lookin' prego at the beach
I miss the waves already
We love the beach! What a view, right?!
Last week's 22 week belly picture

So I have been delinquent in my blog post since we have been on vacation. I can't believe we are back already...it was the fastest week ever. Why are vacations always like that? We spent the week in Topsail Island, NC. Overall it was a really great week and I have a nice little tan to show for it! I got just a little burnt in places, but not bad.

As for Baby, she is rapidly growing and becoming more and more active. She would be very active at nights at the beach when I was really tired. She would also kick a lot if I was just sitting in the sun, but calmed down the minute I would go out in the water. Today on the flight home, she must not have enjoyed the pressure change because she was kicking me HARD once we started descending. The little papaya in my belly will do a lot of growing and finally weigh about a pound or more by now. She should still double in length before she is born and her little face is now completely formed. My next appointment is this Tuesday and I'm expecting a good report!

I was surprised how much the vacation actually wore me down. It was totally different than working, but I experienced more back pain and swelling than I ever have. By the end of my work week before we left, my feet were sooo swollen. Being in the ocean really helped, but they were really swollen yesterday because of the high heat and humidity. Nathan kept rubbing them and putting aloe on them because they were on fire and it felt like I had bugs running inside my feet. It was terrible! The flight also increased my swelling a lot so I need to spend lots of time with my feet propped for the rest of the weekend!

I also had a very emotional week this past week. The beach was so peaceful and therefore gave me a lot of time for reflection and anticipation. The realization that she will be here in 4 short months is unbelievable. The realization of how my body is really starting to change now is also very emotional and I just don't tolerate things the way I did when I wasn't pregnant. Food, activity, stress...it's all different now. I have to hand it to my hubby...he handles it very well when I'm emotional and I think this week really brought us closer and gave us some good energy to build up until baby arrives.

We are scheduled to paint next week and we have a lot of preparation to do in her room before we are able to do that. Here's hoping for a good, productive week!

Nothing like the flu to help a girl keep her girlish figure during pregnancy

2009-05-31T13:38:00.000-07:00

My little banana has grown this week! She is about 10 1/2 inches from crown to rump and weighs about 12oz. Most people are finally realizing that I am pregnant from my "look." I've been pretty sad about all the things that I haven't been fitting in these past few weeks, and my cousin Payge got to have a "shopping spree" in my closet of all the things I can no longer wear. The biggest thing has been my dress pants. I am not quite ready for maternity, but I'm also not really fitting in my regular ones anymore.

I guess the "big" happening this week was the reappearance of the flu in my wonderful life. I had it once in January (which was much worse than what I had this week) and then Friday morning about 12:30, I started waking up with terrible stomach pain. It actually hurt to even touch my stomach and I could barely go back to sleep. Finally, embracing my fate, I got up at 1:30 to let the fun part begin.

I have to say... my husband is so wonderful. I cannot imagine what it would be like to sit there and watch me get sick and hold my hair and get me cold wash cloths, but he is so nurturing during those times. He was up with me every time I got sick and then had to go into work after only a few hours of sleep. I felt so terrible for him! I also felt super bad for my coworkers because we had several out on vacation on Friday so it was the WORST possible day for me to get sick. Being sick makes me feel so bad for others...haha! I had to stay upstairs in bed all day because I couldn't go downstairs where the previous night's dinner skillet laid unclean in the sink, reminding me of all the late night festivities I had just been through. I'm sure that's enough image for most of you, so I'll just move on...

I am looking foward to vacation next week and hopefully getting a little R&R. I haven't been sleeping as well and I've had several headaches lately. Work is getting harder to be up on my feet all day and my poor back pain is just peaked by Fridays. Hopefully I can catch up on some sleep, get a little sun, and rejuvinate my spirit and body just a little.

Hopefully this hasn't been one big complaining session, but this week looks up comparitively so maybe next week's post will be a more enjoyable read. Have a great week!

HALFWAY THERE!

2009-05-24T12:07:00.000-07:00

As you can see by my 20 week picture, although I'm not "huge", baby and I have been growing! This week, she is about the length of a cantaloupe (6.5 inches). This week's interesting fact is that she is busy starting to make meconium (black, tarry, nasty poopy) which she will have in her first little diaper for daddy to change! :) I am enjoying rubbing this one in for Nathan! Last night we were at a friend's house and I was changing her son. As soon as Nathan saw that there was a little #2 in the diaper, out of the room he went! We are gonna have to work on this!

The past week has been wonderfully exciting since we have found out that baby is a girl. It's nice to be able to refer to her as a "she" because it helps give her some identity and makes it feel all the more real for us. Both sides of the family are super excited too.

She has been moving A LOT! Sometimes it just feels like she's rolling around in there and then sometimes she is full on kicking and punching. Nathan was able to feel her for the first time on Tuesday which was a wonderful treat for him.

I have bought a few cute little girl things for her which is so much fun! I have to try to show some restraint or I'll buy out the store! My friend Stephanie's littlest girl was born in October so she already gave me a bunch of the clothes that she wore in her first year. There are so many cute wintery things that I can't wait for her to wear!

Glad to have a 3 day weekend so we can get some rest and have some fun. It'll be busy at work the rest of the week, but so worth it. Have a good Memorial Day!

It's a......

2009-05-18T17:33:00.000-07:00

GIRL!

Little baby Seago is now officially "little baby GIRL Seago!" I had my ultrasound at 9:30 ish this morning. I woke up not feeling well at all and I thought 'Why of all days, today?' But by the time I was on the table I was feeling a little better. It was neat to see all the pictures of her and hear her heartbeat (and see it pumping!). Her HR was 138bpm which is really good and normal. She has all her fingers and toes and all her bones are there and intact! I also have gained 5lbs since my last appointment 6 weeks ago, which was a nice thing to hear. When they got to the part about telling us her gender, the tech was very dramatic....

"You guys... are having.... a .... little....................................girl."

The little stinker is stubborn... she wouldn't move her head (which is currently pointed downward) in a place where her brain could be measured so the tech kept hitting my belly with the ultrasound head. Not a good thing, because they make me pee in a cup every time I am there and I downed a bottle of water pretty quickly before I got there. I am not very excited about peeing in a cup, but I was so happy when she finally handed it to me. Ha ha!

Daddy Nathan is very excited and I keep hearing the expression "We are having a little girl!?!" over and over. It's adorable. He will be wonderful with her.

We bought her first little girl outfit. It's a little pink sleeper that says "Mommy and Daddy's Sweetest" with a big strawberry on it. It is soooo cute!

So everyone is excited and we can't wait to meet her in October!

By the way, we don't have any names picked out yet!

18 weeks

2009-05-10T11:58:00.000-07:00

So I am at the 18 week mark... just a few short weeks from being HALFWAY through! Wow! I really can't believe it because at my 6 week mark, I was going "how am I going to do this?" Glad to report that I am feeling really good except for headaches and back pain/SI joint pain. Both of those things can be pretty disabling at times.

So at 18 weeks, the baby has started moving like crazy, but I only feel it occasionally. One day I thought my pager was going off, but I realized that the vibration I felt was not where my pager was... I'm assuming that is the baby, but I'm sure I'll feel him/her much more soon. He or she is passing the hours yawning, hiccuping, rolling, twisting, kicking, punching, sucking and swallowing. It is about the size of a sweet potato now.

We have one more week until we find out the sex of the baby and get to see him/her for the first time! I haven't had any ultrasounds since they have been able to find good heartbeats each time I've had an appointment. What do I think it is? My feelings at this point say BOY. Who knows though... I could be wrong!

Because of my feelings that little baby Seago is a boy, several have asked what would we name him... Honestly, I have no idea. But my friend Holland from work suggested : Viggo Seago because of Nathan's uncanny resemblance to the actor Viggo Mortenson (see picture below). Hmmm, I'm not sure that I'm hooked on it, but it sure would be funny!
I probably won't post again until after my ultrasound on the 18th, but stay tuned!

Belly Explosion!

2009-05-06T19:32:00.000-07:00

This is a 17 1/2 week picture taken tonight. I have been fretting this week a little bit about how I haven't gained much weight, etc. The Lord must have heard me because overnight, I sprouted this belly. The baby must have REALLY grown in the last few days. Or maybe it's all that southern cookin' I tried to squeeze in this last week. Anyway, I just thought it was update worthy! Enjoy!

Back from Mississippi

2009-05-03T11:10:00.001-07:00

This 17th week is especially hard because the baby is now the size of an onion. The bad part is... I can't stand onions right now! Ha ha! The baby is about 5 inches long and should weigh about 7 ounces. He or she is now getting harder bones and has fingerprints! How cool!
We just got back from Mississippi on a whirlwind trip (at least it was for me...Nathan had 10 days off, while I had just 2) for Granny's 90th birthday. It was the first time that my mother-in-law's whole family has EVER been together! We had such a good time and it was very hard to leave this morning.
My in-laws were excited to see that I'm (kind of) growing. My mother-in-law Pam talked to the baby quite a bit. Mom Seago, I'm sure that he or she will definitely know that you are NOT a smoker! :) I got some advice from other family members on how to "look more pregnant." All in due time, I'm sure.

By the way, for those who haven't heard my rant yet... when I was getting an adjustment the other day, my chiropractor said "You can't tell you are pregnant yet, you just look kind of chubby." I wanted to punch her in the face! But, I chose not to let my hormones get the best of me and brushed it off my shoulder.

Well, I am in desperate need of a nap since we had to be up at 4am to make our 6:30am flight from Memphis this morning! I'll never function at church or work if I don't! Have a wonderful week!

Little Avocado

2009-04-26T11:43:00.000-07:00

The baby has grown almost another 1/2 inch in the last week. He or she now has eardrums and can hear my voice! I have been telling Nathan not to get too used to calling the baby a "boy" or "son" because if it is a girl, she'll be able to hear him and come out resentful! Ha ha! If I had an ultrasound this week, I could potentially tell whether the baby is officially a boy or girl. How exciting.

I took another goofy "Old Wives Tales of Gender Prediction" test and it said:

You have a 47% chance of having a boy.
And you have a 52% chance of having a girl.

And Here's Why...
You are carrying the extra weight out front, so it's a boy.
The hair on your legs is not growing any faster during your pregnacy, so it's a girl.
Boys are carried low. You are going to have a boy.
Sleeping in a bed with your pillow to the south indicates that you will be having a girl.
Your feet are not colder than they were before pregnancy. You are having a girl.
You refuse to eat the heel of a loaf of bread. You are having a girl.
Dad-to-be hasn't been gaining weight along with Mom-to-be, so it will be a girl.
The maternal grandmother doesn't have gray hair (dyed or natural), so a girl will be born.
You had morning sickness early in pregnancy, so you are expecting a girl.
You are looking particularly good during pregnancy. Therefore, it must be a boy, because girls steal their mother's looks.
Your chest development has been quite dramatic during pregnancy. You should expect a girl.
Since the sum of the mother's age at conception and the number of the month of conception is even, it will be a boy.
A needle on a thread held over your belly moves in circles, so you will have a boy.
Your urine is a bright neon yellow color, so you will have a boy.
You have a craving for salty or sour foods, which means that it is a boy.
Your nose hasn't changed during pregnancy, which indicates a girl.
You have been craving meats or cheeses, so it is a boy.
Your baby's heart rate is 140 or more beats per minute, so it's a girl.
You have no desire for orange juice, so it's a boy.
You are having headaches, so it's a boy.
Your belly looks like a watermelon, so it's a girl.
You show them the palm of your hand, so it's a girl.
You use the handle, so it's a boy.

It's so close! The last one I took which had a few different questions in it said that we had a 53% chance of having a boy and a 47% chance of having a girl. That is too close to know. I guess we'll just have to wait until May 18th. But you watch and see, the baby will probably have its leg crossed or something so we can't tell.

As for me, I am overall starting to feel much, much better. I do still have some icky moments of nausea, indigestion and headaches, but overall, I am significantly feeling better. My cravings at the moment are cheese sticks and pickles. The baby is giving me "automatic portion control" because as soon as I've had one bite too many, I immediately feel sick. I still haven't gained much weight, but my tummy is growing so I'm assuming that is a good thing!

I have a very busy week ahead with work, appointments, meetings and traveling. I am really looking forward to being in Mississippi this weekend for a (hopefully) relaxing end to the week and to help Nathan's Granny celebrate her 90th. I better enjoy my rest today!

Week 15

2009-04-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

So begins week 15. The baby is now about the size of an orange, probably about 4 inches long. His or her little legs are longer now and all the joints are fully functional! Pretty soon, hopefully in the next few weeks, I'll be able to start feeling him or her move. I can't wait!

Lately, I've had several good days mixed in with a few bad days. Last week, I had a headache that lasted almost 4 days, with the 4th day culminating in a doozie of a headache. Tylenol does nothing for me, so I pretty much take nothing except for using my "Head On" (which surprising does work for frontal tension headaches) and my heating pad. Saturday, I was having really sharp stomach cramps almost all day long, but I felt just fine when I woke up this morning.

Yesterday, my friend Stephanie and I went to a day spa and got spa pedicures. It was wonderful! I love having shapely, polished toes. Now if it will just last until our trip to Mississippi, that would be great!

Still not really noticing any major weight gain. I'm eating 3 normal meals and snacking intermittently throughout the day, so I'm not totally sure what is going on. I'll be officially weighed again at my May 18th appointment, so we'll hope for a little more growth by then. Overall, I should have gained about 10 pounds by my 20 week mark, but my 10 pound weight loss at the beginning didn't help much. I really can't eat a ton at each meal or else I really pay for it with that lovely indigestion. Although... I do have to say that I haven't been taking my Tums nearly as much lately. Yeah!!

I'm looking forward to an uneventful week before Nathan leaves on Saturday. Then it kicks in to high gear with friends, meetings, church and altered work schedules before I leave next Thursday. Whew! I can't wait to see our Mississippi family and spend a few quality days with them and helping Nathan's Granny turn 90.

Have a blessed week.

Easter Picture

2009-04-16T18:53:00.001-07:00

The innocence of children and the love of family

2009-04-11T06:26:00.000-07:00

The 14 week belly!

Yesterday at work, a little physically and mentally handicapped girl asked me if "I had a baby in my belly." I told her yes I did and I asked her if she wanted to feel my belly. She said "YEAH!" and then proceeded to ask me "when is he going to come out?" Ha ha! It was so cute that it put a smile on my face all day!

My cousin Olivia stopped by my work yesterday too, just to say hi! That girl is so busy, but she hadn't seen me since I told her that I was pregnant and she just needed to see how I was doing. She and her boyfriend, Tom, were both very excited that we are expecting and said they thought we would be wonderful parents. I am just loving the enthusiasm of my whole family! I think they all are ready for a baby in the family to cuddle on!

Last night, Nathan asked me what I wanted for dinner. I knew immediately that it was a "sausage thin crust pizza from Pizza Hut." Yum! I dreamed of it all the way home, and then...... disappointment. At Pizza Hut, if you want regular sausage, you have to ask for "pork topping" or they give you italian sausage. So I ended up with an italian sausage, lukewarm, kinda crispy, no sauce pizza. GRRRRR! And to make matters worse, it upset my stomach all night long! To make up for it, we are going to go out and get a yummy breakfast at Cracker Barrell this morning.

Nathan gets to pick out his early Father's Day present today...a new grill. Our old one has blown over in the wind and we've made due with some replacement parts, but a new grill would be nice. We still plan on doing some summer entertaining. And...I know the baby will want some steaks this summer too!

April 7th Appointment

2009-04-09T06:53:00.000-07:00

Everything went great. Dr. Hoover said I haven't gained any weight since my 8 week appointment, but that was okay and not unusual in the 1st trimester. I am in good health and I heard the baby's heartbeat again...about 150 bpm. The doctor said everything was "perfect." Yeah! The next appointment is May 18th for my ultrasound....will it be a boy or girl???

The Second Trimester Begins

2009-04-05T19:27:00.000-07:00

Today is the official start of my second trimester. I am still continuing to progressively feel better although indigestion and headaches seem to be the worst of it right now. Just knowing that I am 1/3 through my pregnancy is such a huge relief. I have another doctor's appointment on Tuesday, and I should get to hear the heartbeat again. I can't wait since I am finally realizing that there's a baby in there! Nathan is being super cute and starting to touch and kiss and pray more for the baby. My mom and I had a "shopping spree" to the Motherhood Maternity store Saturday. I went in just looking for a maternity swimsuit for our vacation to North Carolina in June and I got a whole bunch more stuff! I mean, I should have a reward for the last 8 weeks of not feeling good, right?

Yesterday and today were the first time that I've seen a lot of my extended family since "THE announcement." It was fun actually talking about it and seeing how excited they were. Today several of them really wanted to touch my belly. It was really funny. It's not like getting chubby because my baby bump is hard. I like to see peoples' faces when it's not what they expect. Maybe my bump is different...who knows?

I am getting jazzed up for the last casual work day that we are going to have at work tomorrow. The NCAA tournament has been a blessing because jeans, tshirts and tennis shoes have been very, very welcome. The chiropractor and massage therapist keep telling me what "a mess" my neck, back and shoulders are. No kidding! I'm pregnant and I work on my feet for 7-10 hours a day and have an hour commute each way. I had the most "painful" massage that I've ever had on Saturday. Her words were "I know you came in for a therapeutic massage, but your body needed deep tissue." Whew! It was intense!

We are just trying to figure out finances now and what all we want to do while we are still both working full time before the baby comes. Lots to figure out and decide.... I'm sure I'll blog about it eventually.

Anyway, thanks for reading and have a blessed week. Enjoy my 13 week belly picture. :)

My brackets

2009-03-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

So, I guess the baby must be mad too that Memphis disappointed in my brackets because he/she has been giving me some serious indigestion this week. Fortunately, it hasn't really been followed with any nausea so that has been a blessing.

I saw my brother today at the gym and he poked my belly and told me that "his nephew" was incubating in there. He said he knew I wanted a boy because boys are just so much easier. Haha. Ask my parents which one of us they thought was easier....

All the ladies at work and church are now starting to pat my baby bump. One lady at work today told me that I was looking "bloaty." Are you serious? Do NOT ever tell a woman gaining weight really for the first time in her life that she looks "bloaty!" Ask Nathan... one day he affectionately called it my "pudge." FYI...the list of acceptable terms to label my belly are: bump, bulge, pooch and pouch. If you call it anything else, be prepared to have a hormonal pregnant lady pounce on you!

Baby bump 11 weeks

2009-03-25T19:02:00.000-07:00

I am starting to show with my little baby bump. I have never been so excited to gain weight in my life! I lost 10 pounds in the first 8 weeks of my pregnancy from all the nausea and lack of eating 3 square meals a day. Fortunately, my weight is increasing at about 1/4 pound each time I've been weighed.

My "cravings"?: For the most part, I would say I've had major food aversions. It has been difficult for me to decide ANYTHING that I might want to eat. But right now, the smell of onions, bananas, and fruity chewing gum really turns me off. The two things I find myself wanting a lot of right now are 1. Gatorade and 2. Lunchables (meat, cheese and crackers). It can be Lunchables of any kind, but I prefer the ham although the turkey and bologna run a close second.

This picture is from our exciting trip to Tampa where we surprised Nathan's parents with the news that they are going to be grandparents. We went to the SEC men's basketball tournament in Tampa to support Nathan's alma mater, Mississippi State (who won the tournament, btw!) and I sported my "Future Bulldog" shirt to see how long it would take for them to figure it out! How many times do you get to announce that you're pregnant to a thousand Mississippi State fans?

So yes, we're pregnant

2009-03-24T07:10:00.001-07:00

I am 11 weeks and 3 days pregnant today. My baby is about the size of a lime! The last few days I have been slowly feeling better and haven't had near as much nausea. Nathan and I walked 2 miles last night and I was super hyper. He wondered what was wrong with me because my usual routine is coming home and going straight to bed after work! This past weekend I finally cleaned the house and finished my laundry. I can also finally make some dinner for my poor husband who has been living on ham and cheese sandwiches and take out for the last 6-8 weeks.

It's hard to believe that I'm 1/4 of the way through my pregnancy already...October 11th will be here before we know it!

Just thought it was time

2009-02-24T05:33:00.001-08:00

I know everyone just wants to know so much about us so I thought it was time to start blogging so I can post pictures too!