100th post.

I was not planning on posting a traditional "2010 in review" post... until I saw that I had made 99 posts in 2010... and that it would be only appropriate to post once more to make that a round 100. :-)

2010 was most certainly a year to remember.  A rollercoaster of emotions - of sorrow and celebration and love.  Amidst all of it - I have MUCH MUCH MUCH to be thankful for.

So here it goes...

January

- I visit with the doctor for the first time to discuss fertility treatments.  We agree that due to my outrageously long cycles, clomid is the best bet.  I am hopeful/excited for the first time in months!

- Jordan's band, Those Eighty Acres, releases their first CD!

{my rockstar husband}

- My good friend, Mandy, gives birth to Lucy Joan and we are all oh-so in love and have the baby bug big time (as if we didn't already).

- Jordan celebrates his golden birthday - 28 on the 28th!

- I start volunteering at church with what is now called Realtime Crossroads.  This turns out to be a much bigger commitment than I anticipated, but I LOVE it!!

February

- I get very sick... I swear it was the H1N1... and it lasts for 2 months.  Not much to speak of in February except that I stayed in bed a lot.

- Then Jordan gets sick too, and it is tons of fun.

- We run tests on Jordan and I to check for possible fertility issues... all looks good with him, so we know the issue is me.  One step in the right direction.  Clomid it is.

March 

- I need a distraction and get into sewing.  I get a new sewing machine and become a sewing maniac.

- Jordan's band, Those Eighty Acres, are live on the radio for the first time - 88.1!

- I start my first round of clomid and it WORKS... except for the fact that we do not get pregnant on it.  I am still hopeful though, as I know it can take 3+ months to truly work.

April

- The Access of West Michigan First Annual Gala happens!!  It is a huge success and I continually feel blessed to work for such a great organization.

 {the girls at Access}

- Clomid round two begins.

May

- The month to remember... we find out at the beginning of May that we are indeed pregnant... only to find out that we are miscarrying about 3 weeks later.  I am totally devastated... totally and completely.  {but of course God is good... this journey has forever changed me} You can read more about it here.

- Realtime Crossroads launches at church and we are now in full swing!

June

- Jordan and I take a much needed get-away up north and spend a lot of time reflecting, enoying each others company, playing scrabble, and going to Mackinaw Island.

- Jordan's band takes a mini-tour in Philidelphia, PA!  

July

- On July 17 the unthinkable happens... we are pregnant again.  Without drugs... completely naturally.  I am thrilled and terrified at the same time.  More here.

- My good friend Erin gives birth to John David!  Yay more babies!

August

- I am frustrated with my OB... I was experiencing issues that I felt he wasn't paying attention to (especially given my recent miscarriage).  So, I switch doctors... and on August 5 I see my babes heartbeat for the first time.  Oh so amazing... and a true relief.

- I feel pregnant... sickness, food aversions, the whole she-bang.  And I am thrilled about it.  Although the rest of the summer is spent sleeping and puking.  

- We buy a mini-van!! (this is significant on the road to parenthood)

- My good friend Jess gives birth to Leah Grace!  Yippee!

- My friend, Mandy, tells me that she is pregnant again and due just 3 weeks before us!  Double Yippee!!

September

- We reach second trimester... another GREAT sigh of relief!!

- We get a surprise ultrasound and are amazed at God's craftmanship.

 October

- I turn 26!  Happy Birthday to meee!

- The Access of West Michigan County Wide Food Drive collects over 87 tons of food!  Way to go Grand Rapids!

- We go to Indiana for a family race!  Ben did the marathon, and the rest of us did the 5K (Mom and I walked).  Tons of fun!!

 - I feel the babe move for the first time between 15 and 16 weeks. :-)  So special!!

November

- A wonderful Thanksgiving with the Griffis/DeLooff family!

- Jordan is able to feel the baby move for the first time at 19.5 weeks.

- IT'S A BOY!!!

- My good friend Kaylee gives birth to Bella Grace!

December

- Jordan and I take a little "baby-moon" to Chicago and see Wicked!  Tons of fun!

- We are down to less than 100 days before we meet the little guy.

- We have an amazing Christmas week with my family.  We are so blessed!!

- And now we are looking forward to an amazing 2011... meeting our little boy and watching our lives completely change.

Happy New Year!!

 

Who are you?

Pregnancy is a weird thing when you really think about it.  I mean, there is another human being that is living inside of me - that I am the soul life support for.  And this human being will one day {soon} be out of the womb and thrust into a foreign world.  He will grow up to have his own interests, abilities, talents, emotions, behaviors, tendencies, etc.  I find myself wondering... who is this boy that is growing inside of me?  Will he be laid back or strong-willed?  Will he be outgoing or shy?  Will he have the same passion for music that Jordan and I have?  Will he have blonde hair or... not? {sorry baby boy, but pretty sure you are most certainly going to have blue eyes}  Will he be tall like his daddy?

I love dreaming about who this baby boy is.  But at the same time - every moment I have with him is so fleeting.  I am trying my hardest to enjoy every second of this pregnancy, as badly as I want to meet him, because I know I will only be pregnant with him once.  I will only feel him kicking inside of me for another 3 months {or so}.  I am trying not to wish the days away....

But... baby boy - I am so so so very excited to meet you!!!!!

{Who will you be more like?}

 

{baby Jordan}

 

{baby Lindsy... so sorry if you get these cheeks... but I am still holding out that you have a slight possibility of getting (and keeping) that dark hair (unlike your mama).}

 

{baby Jordan again... :-) } 

 

{baby Lindsy again}

Decision made.

I am happy happy happy.  I have been off work for the past week and have gotten to relax, spend time with family, and just focus on this little guy and dream about how our life is going to change dramatically in 3 short months. 

I am getting SOOOOO excited to meet this little guy.  Jordan and I have made a few BIG decisions (to me) in the past few weeks relating to life with this little guy.  First of all -- I have been struggling so much with the decision to work or not work or work part-time.  Access of West Michigan is a WONDERFUL place to work and they have always been super flexible with me.  Jordan and I always planned on me being a stay-at-home-mom, but since being at Access, in a career I love at an non-profit I love, I have had a difficult time just walking away.  So, I pretty much just altered my job description to express what I thought I could handle being a new mom, and presented it to our Executive Director to see if he thought it was do-able.  It looks like everyone is on the same page and I couldn't be more thrilled!  Beginning in March, I will be working 15 hours a week, 5 hours in the office and 10 at home.  I'll be focusing on grant-writing, writing appeals, etc... and less on community outreach (which calls for me to be in multiple meetings and out of the house/office frequently).  I really feel like this is a do-able plan and I am so excited to be able to stay home, while continuing to work for an organization I love.  I'll work until I have the baby, then take my maternity leave.  Yippee!!

The second decision Jordan and I recently made, is that we are planning for a natural drug-free birth.  I also felt very torn on this decision.  My family has a history of c-sections and for whatever reason I am more scared of that than of labor.  I also knew that studies show that women who have epidurals, etc, are more likely to need a c-section.  I just feel like I am at an increased risk.  Obviously -- if I need a c-section... then I need a c-section and I'll have my baby and it will be wonderful.  But, we decided that if I want to do what I can to avoid this, planning for a drug-free birth is the best way to have the birth experience I desire.  I've been reading tons and tons of birth stories of women who birthed naturally and just find myself excited and inspired by the whole experience.  I am not expecting it to be easy, but view it as a challenge that I am excited to take on.  Birth is like a race... it is mental, emotional, and physical all the same, and you need to prepare each of these areas.  I know that if I go in just giving a drug-free birth a shot without preparing, there is no way I'd be able to handle it.  My good friend Erin recently had a drug-free birth with her son, John, and introduced me to her doula and birth coach.  Her name is Karlye and she teaches a hypnobirthing* class and also serves as a hypbobirthing doula.  Now - I know hypnobirthing sounds kinda hippy/new age-ish, but I can assure you it is not.  It is more about just preparing yourself mentally and physically to handle labor and get your mind into a place where you release the tension and fear surrounding birth.  We have 5 weeks of childbirth classes to prepare us and our first one starts next week!!  I am so excited I can hardly wait.  I know I will get some push-back from people as I talk about it, but all I can say is that the birth you want is an extremely personal decision.  I am by no means against epidurals or c-sections (except that I am scared of them myself!), but Jordan and I feel that this type of birth fits in best with what we hope to experience.  It is so weird, I never "dreamed" about my actual birth before, but now I find myself just dreaming about the labor experience and getting excited to conquer it.  I'll obviously post my birth story once it happens in about 3 months to share with you how it went.

Now I must get on to sewing for my little guy.  On the agenda today -- curtains, crib skirt, and pillow covers.  I started my quilt, but haven't actually quilted it yet.  {Excuse the horrible photo quality -- these were taken on my phone.  I'll take more later on with my good camera.}

{one view of the nursery in the very beginning stages... i plan to paint the bookcase red for a pop of color}

 

{the quilt and crib}

*For those interested, the hypnobirthing class description:  HypnoBirthing is a complete, natural childbirth class that focuses on breathing, relaxation, and self-hypnosis. HypnoBirthing will prepare you physically and emotionally for your birthing day.  Its philosophy is that pregnancy and birth are normal, natural, and healthy. You will be taught about your birthing body and how your mind plays a crucial role in how your birth will be achieved.  HypnoBirthing will give you the knowledge to work with your body throughout labor allowing for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.

27 weeks.

3rd trimester is within reach... and I can feel it -- in my back, hips, sciatic nerve... oye!  But - we are closer to meeting this little guy now more than ever. 

 

Today's date: December 26, 2010 {Merry Christmas!}

How far along: 27 weeks

Total weight gain: 18 lbs. 

Size and growth of the baby: This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with his legs extended.

Sex: BOY BOY BOY!!

Maternity clothes: EVERYTHING-ish!!

Sleep: It is getting rougher and rougher.  I can't lay on one side for too long without being sore.  I am most comfortable on my back, but that is a no-no and if I stay that way too long, I feel like I am suffocating.  I am MOST comfortable on the couch right now.  Or with a bazillion pillows.

Best moment(s) of the week: Christmas of course!!  Celebrating the birth of our savior and spending time with family and friends.

Movement: More and more frequent!  But I am feeling more of the small movements.  There are fewer large kicks (because he is running out of space) but my entire stomach waves when he gets wiggly.  It is pretty surreal.

Food cravings/aversions:  Well... in the past week I have discovered Udi's Gluten-Free bread... A-MAZING!!!!!!  It is seriously the most "real" tasting bread I have found.  So I am back to eating sandwiches and bagels and everything bready and delicious because I can!

Morning sickness: Feeling good!!

 
Symptoms: Back aches galore... I need to see a massage therapist and a chiropractor.  Other than that, I feel okay these ays.

 
Labor signs:  Too soon... but not too soon to think about what kind of birth experience I want. (to come in a different post)

Belly button in or out:   In - but definitely feeling shallower! 

What I miss:  Being able to stand/walk for long periods of time... I am getting more and more achy every day.

What I'm looking forward to:  I have the rest of this week off of work and am looking forward to sewing more adorable things for my little guy and enjoying the week to relax.

What's happening this week:

 

He's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing his eyes, and perhaps even sucking his fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if he were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother him, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

 

Merry CHRISTmas.

John 1:14

¹⁴ The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

26 weeks.

*sigh*  I am bad at updating.  I suppose I could use the excuse that it is the BUSIEST time of the year... then again, I haven't worked since last week Thursday.  I am still busy.  Running errands, wrapping presents, catching up with friends.  So there is a good reason, and I'll stop neglecting you now.

Today's date: December 19, 2010 

How far along: 26 weeks

Total weight gain: 16-17 lbs.  But this was after two Christmas parties.  I'm justifying it.

Size and growth of the baby: He's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel.  {P.S. who has ever heard of an English hothouse cucumber??  Are they different from normal cucumbers??}

Sex: BOY BOY BOY!!

Maternity clothes: EVERYTHING-ish!!

Sleep: Sleeping well for the most part!  I will get sore if I spend too long on one side or another though.

Best moment(s) of the week: LOTS and lots of Christmas parties... loving it!!

Movement: He is a little acrobat in there.  It is a bit uncomfortable... he seems to like to rub me right on my belly button, which doesn't feel all that wonderful.  But I'll take it. :-)

Food cravings/aversions:  Nothing much!  I'm really trying to be mindful of how healthy I am eating - otherwise I'm sure I would be indulging in chocolate and sweets like CRAZY.

Morning sickness: Feeling good!!

 
Symptoms: Tired, expanding belly, horrible dry skin, acid reflux, and getting kicked/punched in the bladder. :-) 

 
Labor signs: WAY too soon.

Belly button in or out:   In - but definitely feeling shallower! 

What I miss:  Being able to stand/walk for long periods of time... I am getting more and more achy every day.

What I'm looking forward to:  CHRISTMAS this week!!  Seeing family for about 5 days and continuing to work on stuff for the nursery.  Then we welcome the New Year -- AND 3rd trimester!!

What's happening this week:

The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.

100.

In case you were curious...

My helper.

She can't wait to meet her little brother. :-)

25 weeks.

Sorry for the belated update!  25 weeks down and 15 to go!

Today's date: December 12, 2010 

How far along: 25 weeks

Total weight gain: 15 lbs - ish... varies by the day, but around 15lbs.  I am not sure that I am going to keep weighing myself at home, because I found that the Dr.'s scale is different (and nicer).  So we'll see. 

Size and growth of the baby: Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. His weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but he's beginning to exchange his long, lean look for some baby fat.

Sex: BOY BOY BOY!!

Maternity clothes: EVERYTHING!!

Sleep: Sleeping well for the most part!!  I know that won't last long though... the bigger the belly gets, the harder it is to get comfortable.

Best moment(s) of the week: The nursery is painted, the dresser is built, and hubby is assembling the crib as we speak!  I LOVE seeing this coming all together!! 

Movement: Baby had a growth spurt this week.  When that happens I usually have 1-2 days of aching round ligament pain... followed by 1-2 days of a very quiet sleepy and growing baby... followed by a feeling like my stomach is stretching the most it can possibly stretch (which obviously isn't the case as I'm sure we'll soon see)... followed by a CRAZY active baby.  We are in the crazy active stage and it is just amazing.

Food cravings/aversions:  Nothing much!  I'm really trying to be mindful of how healthy I am eating - otherwise I'm sure I would be indulging in chocolate and sweets like CRAZY.

Morning sickness: Feeling good!!

 
Symptoms: Tired, expanding belly, horrible dry skin, acid reflux, and getting kicked/punched in the bladder. :-) 

 
Labor signs: WAY too soon.

Belly button in or out:   In - but definitely feeling shallower! 

What I miss:  Being able to stand/walk for long periods of time... I am getting more and more achy every day.

What I'm looking forward to:  I work the rest of this week and then am off for 2.5 weeks!!  I have LOTS of sewing to do and can't wait to see the nursery come together even more!

What's happening this week:

Your baby is beginning to exchange his long, lean look for some baby fat. As he does, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he'll start to look more and more like a newborn. He's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

 

{Baby Eggplant... which is interesting, because we actually had eggplant for dinner!}

Update in photos.

I have been a horrible blogger the past 2 weeks.  So here is your update in photos.

THANKSGIVING

 

{Jordan's dad and brothers Kevin (18) & Joel (16) watching football on Thanksgiving}

 

{Jordan's mom getting dinner started}

 

{Typical Drew... who turned 14 this week, so happy birthday by the way!}

 

{The boys watching football... pretty much depicts our Thanksgiving}

 

 

{Jordan chatting it up with his Uncle Karl and Dad} 

CHICAGO WEEKEND

 

{Chicago belly shot.  I was 23w6d here. :-)}

 

{We tried to get a pic of us together... but didn't have a tripod or a good place to put the camera... so this is what happened.  I kind of like it though...}

 

{Is the timer working??}

 

{Finally a semi-decent, albeit dark shot.}

 

{Then we went here... and LOVED it.}

NURSERY UPDATE ... a work in progress as we speak!!!

 

{Before... the guest room... ignore all the diapers, baby clothes, and crib box.}

 

{Dori, say goodbye to your favorite sleeping spot}

 

{Before again... and my two shadows that follow me around.}

 

{Our WONDERFUL friends Jon and Dave (not pictured) helped to paint!  It will be a beautiful light grey.  My nursery inspiration can be found here.}

 

{Doing great guys!! :-D}

 

{Poor little Mae-pup gated away from the painted room.  Sorry girly!}