I haven't written on here in awhile, so I suppose an update is due! (excuse the pun). 12 days ago my midwife put me on bed rest because of hypertension. They were fearful of it becoming preclampsia, which is very serious, but thankfully they have now ruled that out. I just have pregnancy induced hypertension, which isn't quite as serious. I'm just taking it easy and trying to stay off my feet for the best part of the day. Fortunately, she let me go to my shower which was on Sunday, the 16th (a week ago). We had so much fun, even though I had to sit in a glider rocker the whole time. I'll post pictures from that whenever I can gather them from the people who took them.
Sunday my parents came over and Dad worked on putting up the wall that is going to divide the upstairs in order to create a bedroom for James. We moved our living room into the big room downstairs, thus making from for the baby. I'll post pictures of that, and of the nursery when it's all put together. It's reassuring to finally have progress being made.. for those of you who have done home remodeling, you know the progress can be so slow when you are low of funds, and have to work full time jobs. Anyway, but it's looking great, and I'm so grateful to my parents for their help.
It won't be long now!... I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I'm looking forward to seeing friends who have come from far and wide, and of course it's not the real meaning behind Thanksgiving, but I look forward to some great eats. I have been very slow to put on weight, so Donna (midwife) gave me blessings to eat all I want this holiday! WohOoo! This may be the best Thanksgiving ever!!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Baby Shower (work) Photos!
Cake for Hayden Herthel & James Mason
Me and Christal at our shower
CCU Got James a Car Seat!
My friend Elizabeth cross-stitched something for James' room :)
Charles and I opening adorable gifts...
Dear work friends--Donna, (me), Christal & Debbie
Cute picture Donna took of Charles and I (she's a professional photographer)
Monday, October 13, 2008
Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!!
I would like to send out special Happy Canadian Thanksgiving greetings to all of my friends/family who celebrate Thanksgiving on the wrong day (just kidding). I have been talking to Martha about the pros and cons of having Thanksgiving this early. One, is that the whole Christmas season starts earlier (which, if you enjoy this like we do, is a pro). You can have your Christmas decorations up longer, and you have more time to shop (and possibly more time to slow down and enjoy the actual meaning of the season). Another pro is that their Thanksgiving is on Monday, giving them a 3 day weekend. Many peopld could do this in America, but since ours is always on a Thursday, you may end up having to request Friday off work, and thus risk having that request denied. ha. A pro to the US Thanksgiving is that we get massive day after Thanksgiving sales which helps jump-start the Christmas purchasing. In Canada, they have Boxing Day, which is like the day after Thanksgiving sales, except you've already been expected to give gifts to your friends and loved ones by the time that this sale occurs. So thus for the purpose of saving money on presents, it's pointless.
Another side note related: I was on the phone with a member today at work, and mid-conversation he pauses and asks, "What part of Canada are you from?" and I of course said that I wasn't. And to curb his obvious confusion, I said that I was from TN but married to a Canadian. He said he could hear it in my voice. This just proves one thing.. I am a cameleon. ha!
Another side note related: I was on the phone with a member today at work, and mid-conversation he pauses and asks, "What part of Canada are you from?" and I of course said that I wasn't. And to curb his obvious confusion, I said that I was from TN but married to a Canadian. He said he could hear it in my voice. This just proves one thing.. I am a cameleon. ha!
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Funny Camping
We have wanted to go camping for awhile, actually, since we got married. Seeing as I am 7+ months pregnant now, I figured that it's "now or never!" So this past Sabbath we threw everything in the car and headed toward one of my favor places to camp--Gee Creek, on the Hiawassee river. It was a beautiful weekend, and thus, there were lots of people up there. On the way up, it struck me that this might not be a great plan, as there is only one bath house there, and a limited number of sites near to the bath house. We both prayed that we would be able to find a campsite near the bath house (since I have to visit places like the bath house a lot more frequently than when I wasn't pregnant). Fortunately, when we got there one of the only available spots to camp was right beside the bath house! First prayer answered...
We begin the task of setting up our camp for the night. After we fought with the tent and got it set up, I started dinner and Charles started inflating the air matress. After a little while, he informed me that our brand new air matress had a hole in it--not even on a seam. I was so upset and worried because I so needed a good night sleep away from my dogs (!). More prayers for answers to this dilemma. We prayed that someone would have duct tape. No one had duct tape. I was about to dispair, when Charles looked down, and right beside our car was a big piece of duct tape that had been folded in half and left by a previous camper! That would have to do for the night. Were it not for the duct tape sent from heaven, and my loving husband who pumped up the mattress every hour or so I would not have had a decent night of sleep. Still, it was rough, but better than being awake all night.
One other funny thing was that we forgot to pack cutlery. Fortunately, I'm married to MacGyver, and he was able to whittle us some fork/shovels to eat our eggs with the next morning at breakfast. Overall, it was an interesting and funny experience.
We begin the task of setting up our camp for the night. After we fought with the tent and got it set up, I started dinner and Charles started inflating the air matress. After a little while, he informed me that our brand new air matress had a hole in it--not even on a seam. I was so upset and worried because I so needed a good night sleep away from my dogs (!). More prayers for answers to this dilemma. We prayed that someone would have duct tape. No one had duct tape. I was about to dispair, when Charles looked down, and right beside our car was a big piece of duct tape that had been folded in half and left by a previous camper! That would have to do for the night. Were it not for the duct tape sent from heaven, and my loving husband who pumped up the mattress every hour or so I would not have had a decent night of sleep. Still, it was rough, but better than being awake all night.
One other funny thing was that we forgot to pack cutlery. Fortunately, I'm married to MacGyver, and he was able to whittle us some fork/shovels to eat our eggs with the next morning at breakfast. Overall, it was an interesting and funny experience.
Monday, September 29, 2008
28 Weeks Have Flown By!
Things are going well with the pregnancy–thanks to all of those who have asked. People are very kind and well-meaning, but sometimes I get tired of being asked how I’m feeling. I’ve been blessed to not have had much morning sickness (and have left that way behind since mid-year), and other than the persistent cold that no one wants to hear about, I feel great. I finally started to show a little bit around the 6 month mark, and now that I’m at 7 I finally have strangers ask me when my baby is due. (I guess they feel safe in asking now, ha!)
The baby is very active, and I’m sure he’ll be a handful once he enters the world. He occasionally gets the hiccups, which is weird. It’s like having the hiccups yourself, but not. It’s very difficult to describe, and even more frustrating to experience for more than a few moments at a time. Last night he woke me up with those about 3 am, and in addition to that, I think he was flailing all his appendages as well which created a very uncomfortable feeling. I was so wide awake that I feared I might never return to sleep with all his carrying-on. I prayed for deliverance and it worked! I somehow managed to fall asleep, and the baby did too. Sleep is a precious commodity these days.
On a different note, my dear friend Christal, who was two weeks ahead of me in her pregnancy, had her baby September 20. It was very unexpected, as he was only 29 weeks, but the Lord was looking out for little Hayden. He is doing well, though in NICU. I’m so happy that he is ok. Please pray for them as they are adjusting to this event not going quite as expected–and obviously there are a lot of changes that having a baby prematurely can bring to your life.
I will post more pictures soon (as I keep promising). I have taken so many lately that I need to organize them all and upload them to here and there.
A picture taken with my phone while at work. Please ignore goofy expression on my face. :)
The baby is very active, and I’m sure he’ll be a handful once he enters the world. He occasionally gets the hiccups, which is weird. It’s like having the hiccups yourself, but not. It’s very difficult to describe, and even more frustrating to experience for more than a few moments at a time. Last night he woke me up with those about 3 am, and in addition to that, I think he was flailing all his appendages as well which created a very uncomfortable feeling. I was so wide awake that I feared I might never return to sleep with all his carrying-on. I prayed for deliverance and it worked! I somehow managed to fall asleep, and the baby did too. Sleep is a precious commodity these days.
On a different note, my dear friend Christal, who was two weeks ahead of me in her pregnancy, had her baby September 20. It was very unexpected, as he was only 29 weeks, but the Lord was looking out for little Hayden. He is doing well, though in NICU. I’m so happy that he is ok. Please pray for them as they are adjusting to this event not going quite as expected–and obviously there are a lot of changes that having a baby prematurely can bring to your life.
I will post more pictures soon (as I keep promising). I have taken so many lately that I need to organize them all and upload them to here and there.
A picture taken with my phone while at work. Please ignore goofy expression on my face. :)
Friday, September 12, 2008
Random Recent Thoughts
I can hardly believe I am well past the 6 month mark. The baby tracker on my emails says that today is 99 days till my due date. This is a little freaky to me, mainly because I don’t see things with the house progressing at a rate that will have things done by December 20. They are laying carpet in the office downstairs which will complete the things that the construction company had to do after our little flood back in March. Apparently we weren’t enough of a priority for them to get their acts together and finish the job before now, as it has been quite a protracted affair. Fortunately, we are almost done with them. Yay.
Things are going well with le bebe. I had my Dr. visit last week, and everything went well. I’m not gaining too much weight, and I don’t have gestational diabetes, which is comforting. Fortunately too, my iron levels are fine, which I say, “fortunately” because my grandmother has always questioned whether or not I am borderline anemic. Ha. I guess we can give the good prenatal vitamins the credit for that. That, and I’m trying to be healthier.
Now, on to some pet peeves that have arisen. I must say that as a result I have become a little more outspoken than usual (yipes!) And have had to make very concerted efforts to not say everything that pops into my head (just ask Charles). On the flip side of the same word-coin is the words that people say to me sometimes get under my skin. Why don’t you try hearing, “Wow, you’re finally starting to look pregnant.” Before that everyone would say, “You’re not putting on any weight, are you sure you’re pregnant?” Comments like these are actually just as detrimental as the, “You’re so huge” type comments, as they make mothers worry about whether or not their baby is growing normally. Other comments like, “What a cute baby belly,” as they reach out to touch my stomach without even asking, are quite common. In fact this happens to me daily. I guess this is normal, although I have known lots of pregnant people, and never had the urge to reach out and touch their stomachs. Priscila made me feel her baby when he was moving around a lot in church, but at least I was invited. Oh well.
I need to post more pictures soon. Promise. I want you to be able to see how cute I am now. Ha.
Things are going well with le bebe. I had my Dr. visit last week, and everything went well. I’m not gaining too much weight, and I don’t have gestational diabetes, which is comforting. Fortunately too, my iron levels are fine, which I say, “fortunately” because my grandmother has always questioned whether or not I am borderline anemic. Ha. I guess we can give the good prenatal vitamins the credit for that. That, and I’m trying to be healthier.
Now, on to some pet peeves that have arisen. I must say that as a result I have become a little more outspoken than usual (yipes!) And have had to make very concerted efforts to not say everything that pops into my head (just ask Charles). On the flip side of the same word-coin is the words that people say to me sometimes get under my skin. Why don’t you try hearing, “Wow, you’re finally starting to look pregnant.” Before that everyone would say, “You’re not putting on any weight, are you sure you’re pregnant?” Comments like these are actually just as detrimental as the, “You’re so huge” type comments, as they make mothers worry about whether or not their baby is growing normally. Other comments like, “What a cute baby belly,” as they reach out to touch my stomach without even asking, are quite common. In fact this happens to me daily. I guess this is normal, although I have known lots of pregnant people, and never had the urge to reach out and touch their stomachs. Priscila made me feel her baby when he was moving around a lot in church, but at least I was invited. Oh well.
I need to post more pictures soon. Promise. I want you to be able to see how cute I am now. Ha.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Happy Tea-Day
Today, I needed a serious pick me up. After not having much sleep due to reasons I won’t take the time to explain (unassociated with pregnancy), I arrived at work feeling like road kill. I must say that I usually have a general disdain for Tuesdays anyway, as they are always kind of bland and unflavorful, like rice with no soy sauce. The setting for today was no less inspiring, as Hurricane Faye has come to land over our valley like a tropical depression that won’t leave. Don’t get me wrong, we need the rain, but at the moment, what I need is some sun.
So I found a tea bag that I had saved in the back of my desk for longer than I’m willing to admit. It was one of those fancy ones you get at hotels, that are made out of some sort of fabric mesh, rather than the usual thin tissue paper. As it absorbed into the steaming hot water, the fresh tea smell (wow, it still smells fresh) helped me to feel more awake. I pulled the silken tea bag from the water, and it did a twirling happy dance, like a little ballerina. The re-hydrated leaves, now resembling tiny tree bark, are a symbol of a far and exotic land–-a place that I’d rather be at the moment. And, as a bonus, as English breakfast tea usually does, it reminds me of being in England, one of my favorite places int he world. Maybe this day will get better after all. We can only hope.
So I found a tea bag that I had saved in the back of my desk for longer than I’m willing to admit. It was one of those fancy ones you get at hotels, that are made out of some sort of fabric mesh, rather than the usual thin tissue paper. As it absorbed into the steaming hot water, the fresh tea smell (wow, it still smells fresh) helped me to feel more awake. I pulled the silken tea bag from the water, and it did a twirling happy dance, like a little ballerina. The re-hydrated leaves, now resembling tiny tree bark, are a symbol of a far and exotic land–-a place that I’d rather be at the moment. And, as a bonus, as English breakfast tea usually does, it reminds me of being in England, one of my favorite places int he world. Maybe this day will get better after all. We can only hope.
Friday, August 22, 2008
We're having a son!
Well.. this is a little late coming, since we found out we are having a BOY about 3 weeks ago, but nevertheless, I need to put it on my blog! Charles, I and my parents were both really surprised because we thought we were going to have a girl. haha. Most people in our families have girls first, so we're breaking tradition. :) Not much else has been going on, other than the baby becoming stronger (as evidenced by the persistent kicking that has started :) ) We're having a yard sale this weekend to get more money for the nursery, and clean out the stuff we don't need from the house (since it's already getting taken over by baby goods). I'll keep you all posted on the name-game for now. His first name will probably be James, and the middle to be decided. :)
Here's a picture of me test "riding" the gliders at Target. yay. We're not buying a glider, as we have the perfect recliner to use, but it's a good excuse to sit down while shopping. This was two weeks ago, so I still didn't look big or anything, but if I was trying to hide it, I can't anymore. I will post more pictures shortly, of the ultrasound, if I could figure out how to convert a .pdf to a .jpg or other picture file.
Here's a picture of me test "riding" the gliders at Target. yay. We're not buying a glider, as we have the perfect recliner to use, but it's a good excuse to sit down while shopping. This was two weeks ago, so I still didn't look big or anything, but if I was trying to hide it, I can't anymore. I will post more pictures shortly, of the ultrasound, if I could figure out how to convert a .pdf to a .jpg or other picture file.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Week 18--There IS a bun in the oven
It was the morning of Friday, the 18th of July. 5 AM to be exact. I felt it. Very distinctly, I felt a little tiny someone flutter and then poke me from the inside. I have to say, especially if you haven't yet had a kid, this is a pretty amazing feeling. I said in a voice that was a cross between a yell and a whisper, "Charles.. are you awake??" He grunted, and I told him that I had felt the baby move.
According to the Rawsons, the baby will be born 5 months from the day I first feel it move. Charles hopes this is true, because he wants its bday to be December 18. That marks 5 years to the day that we first met, and also it is his parents anniversary. Very neat.
This Thursday we go to get the big major ultrasound. Yipee! We will finally know the identity of our child! I'm so excited.. it's like, you find out your pregnant, then have to wait 3 months to find out what you're going to have (or longer, if you're in the set that don't believe in finding out early. I'm much to impatient for that.) Oh well. Will post to share the happy news shortly...
According to the Rawsons, the baby will be born 5 months from the day I first feel it move. Charles hopes this is true, because he wants its bday to be December 18. That marks 5 years to the day that we first met, and also it is his parents anniversary. Very neat.
This Thursday we go to get the big major ultrasound. Yipee! We will finally know the identity of our child! I'm so excited.. it's like, you find out your pregnant, then have to wait 3 months to find out what you're going to have (or longer, if you're in the set that don't believe in finding out early. I'm much to impatient for that.) Oh well. Will post to share the happy news shortly...
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
4 month baby update
I’m so happy now that Charles is home. It was no fun being alone for so long. I got married for a reason, darn it, and it wasn’t to be alone! :) He had a good trip to Canada though, and got a lot done, so that is good.
Things with the baby are going well so far–had my 3rd appointment last week, and am now over 4 months a long this journey. (Can’t believe it’s going by so fast!) Charles got to hear the heartbeat for the first time, which was really special. As of that visit I have only gained a net of one pound, mostly due to not feeling well for the past few weeks. But since Charles has gotten home, I’ve been eating better (haha) and my clothes are starting to get tight!
We get to go back on the 31st of July to see our baby for the first real time (the first actual time was when it was the size of a lima bean, so small it took the Dr. awhile to find it.. This time we’ll actually be able to tell that it is a growing baby!) We are going to be finding out what we are having, since I like to plan and have a nursery that is not just green or yellow. :) Some people say that they can just tell what they’re having, even before the big ultrasound, but I really have no idea. I could see it going either way, so I’m not going to speculate.
I and my friend and co-worker Christal, who is two weeks farther along than me, decided to conduct a baby poll at work, to see who can correctly guess the gender of both of our babies. We are going to bring strawberry or blueberry ice cream (pink or blue, get it?) for everyone on the 31st, and the person(s) who guess correctly we’re going to give pink or blue cookies from Piece of Cake, the bakery who has the awesomest glazed/decorated sugar cookies on the planet. Yay!
So my next update will probably be in two weeks when our baby finally has a real gender identity, at least in our eyes. :)
Things with the baby are going well so far–had my 3rd appointment last week, and am now over 4 months a long this journey. (Can’t believe it’s going by so fast!) Charles got to hear the heartbeat for the first time, which was really special. As of that visit I have only gained a net of one pound, mostly due to not feeling well for the past few weeks. But since Charles has gotten home, I’ve been eating better (haha) and my clothes are starting to get tight!
We get to go back on the 31st of July to see our baby for the first real time (the first actual time was when it was the size of a lima bean, so small it took the Dr. awhile to find it.. This time we’ll actually be able to tell that it is a growing baby!) We are going to be finding out what we are having, since I like to plan and have a nursery that is not just green or yellow. :) Some people say that they can just tell what they’re having, even before the big ultrasound, but I really have no idea. I could see it going either way, so I’m not going to speculate.
I and my friend and co-worker Christal, who is two weeks farther along than me, decided to conduct a baby poll at work, to see who can correctly guess the gender of both of our babies. We are going to bring strawberry or blueberry ice cream (pink or blue, get it?) for everyone on the 31st, and the person(s) who guess correctly we’re going to give pink or blue cookies from Piece of Cake, the bakery who has the awesomest glazed/decorated sugar cookies on the planet. Yay!
So my next update will probably be in two weeks when our baby finally has a real gender identity, at least in our eyes. :)
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Tiny Wonder and Big Miracle
My nurse midwife (who will from now on be refered to as my "CNM, or Donna my CNM") told me that I could hear the baby's heartbeat later on with my moms stethestcope. Today was a quiet Sabbath afternoon spent at my parents house, so I decided to give it a try. I've only completed 15 weeks so far, so I don't know what I was expecting to hear. But I heard something! It sounded like splashing, moving, and maybe even hiccuping. hahaha. Mom listened and was as interested as me. It was so fascinating. I can't wait till Charles gets home so he can hear this too. It was a very mesmerizing way to spend close to 30 minutes! (Ouch! Those ear-pieces aren't meant to be in your ears for that long!).
I just got back from a wonderful trip to Nova Scotia. Charles has been up there since May 28, so I was very happy to see him. We had a good visit with his folks as well. He'll be home July 9, so after that I will be happy happy happy (right now I'm just one happy).
Here's a picture of what our baby looks like at the moment (well, not specifically, but you get the idea).
I just got back from a wonderful trip to Nova Scotia. Charles has been up there since May 28, so I was very happy to see him. We had a good visit with his folks as well. He'll be home July 9, so after that I will be happy happy happy (right now I'm just one happy).
Here's a picture of what our baby looks like at the moment (well, not specifically, but you get the idea).
Friday, June 13, 2008
Baby Update
Wow, so I decided to write this post in honor of the two people who read it from time to time–Kim and Kieren, maybe Kristen and Katie too. So this post is dedicated to all of the “K” friends in my life. Ha.
I’m sure I will be starting some sort of new blog in the future, possibly dedicated to the new realm of motherhood, into which I will be entering by the end of this year. That’s right–we’re going to be parents. Charles and I have had the great “baby debate” almost as long as we have been married–him, wanting to get on with it, and me being resistant. At last, I came around to it and realized that there is never going to be a “perfect time” to start a family. Nothing else in my life is perfection, so I might as well let go of that notion as well. It’s hard, but freeing at the same time.
The baby is due December 20, but hopefully will come a little before that. We think it would be neat if it came on December 18, because that would be 5 years to the day that we met, and also his parents anniversary. We’ll see. I would never have picked December for a child’s birthday, but you can’t always choose these things (we didn’t think getting pregnant would be that easy for us. I guess you never know till you try).
Yesterday we got to hear the baby’s heartbeat for the first time. Cachoo, cachoo, cachoo, cachoo.. 160 times a minute. Very awesome experience. The doctor says I’m very healthy, and doing great–so far so good. I’ll post more progress as it happens. Thanks for reading. :)
I’m sure I will be starting some sort of new blog in the future, possibly dedicated to the new realm of motherhood, into which I will be entering by the end of this year. That’s right–we’re going to be parents. Charles and I have had the great “baby debate” almost as long as we have been married–him, wanting to get on with it, and me being resistant. At last, I came around to it and realized that there is never going to be a “perfect time” to start a family. Nothing else in my life is perfection, so I might as well let go of that notion as well. It’s hard, but freeing at the same time.
The baby is due December 20, but hopefully will come a little before that. We think it would be neat if it came on December 18, because that would be 5 years to the day that we met, and also his parents anniversary. We’ll see. I would never have picked December for a child’s birthday, but you can’t always choose these things (we didn’t think getting pregnant would be that easy for us. I guess you never know till you try).
Yesterday we got to hear the baby’s heartbeat for the first time. Cachoo, cachoo, cachoo, cachoo.. 160 times a minute. Very awesome experience. The doctor says I’m very healthy, and doing great–so far so good. I’ll post more progress as it happens. Thanks for reading. :)
Monday, January 21, 2008
You know it's a cold day when...
10. You can go entire day in TN wearing a wool sweater without getting hot flashes.
9. Someone stands in the doorway of the restaurant too long and receives a hostile chorus of "SHUT THE DOOR--IT'S COLD!!"
8. You break out the long johns and have to wash the two pairs you own over and over because "it usually doesn't get that cold here."
7. The icy patch in the driveway doesn't go away for days.
6. You fear your dogs face might get stuck to the icy patch if he lingers there too long.
5. You give up shaving, since stepping out into the goose-bump inducing sub-freezing temperatures renders the shave-job useless. (this ones for Heather, since I didn't believe her for like 7 years, when she said this actually happens).
4. Flannel sheets, a wool blanket, and a down comforter all layered on the bed don't seem like an overkill.
3. You suddenly can empathize with the poor soul in your office who is always cold, even when its 75 in the office.
2. You start to imagine how cool it would be to have an ice skating rink in your front yard.
And finally... You know it is really cold when...
1. Your Canadian husband finally agrees, "Yes, this is really cold."
Feel free to add any of your own, these are mine!! --Amanda
9. Someone stands in the doorway of the restaurant too long and receives a hostile chorus of "SHUT THE DOOR--IT'S COLD!!"
8. You break out the long johns and have to wash the two pairs you own over and over because "it usually doesn't get that cold here."
7. The icy patch in the driveway doesn't go away for days.
6. You fear your dogs face might get stuck to the icy patch if he lingers there too long.
5. You give up shaving, since stepping out into the goose-bump inducing sub-freezing temperatures renders the shave-job useless. (this ones for Heather, since I didn't believe her for like 7 years, when she said this actually happens).
4. Flannel sheets, a wool blanket, and a down comforter all layered on the bed don't seem like an overkill.
3. You suddenly can empathize with the poor soul in your office who is always cold, even when its 75 in the office.
2. You start to imagine how cool it would be to have an ice skating rink in your front yard.
And finally... You know it is really cold when...
1. Your Canadian husband finally agrees, "Yes, this is really cold."
Feel free to add any of your own, these are mine!! --Amanda
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