week 19 & 20.

yeah, i know.
i'm behind.

with jr being off the last 5 days, blogging hasn't been a top priority,
but i promise to regain momentum!

photo challenge days 20-25, will be in one post.
{ps. not sure why my other posts haven't been connecting to facebook. boo}


anywho!
this week has def been one to celebrate!

20 weeks into, and 20 weeks and counting!
<3

but first, let's not forget the last leg of the 1st half! 

19 weeks.

here i am out and about doing some much needed maternity shopping. 

walked out with 2 pairs of pants, a shirt, and a pair of comfy shoes (and no, not the ones behind me. i only wish.

<3

20 weeks

this was taken before church, and after the very sleepless night i had.

can you tell? ::insert sad face::

this week, i am feeling VERY pregnant.

things are starting to hurt, and my head feels like its going to explode.

i guess with Bella being larger than average, the symptoms are hitting me faster than they normally would? not sure, but she is weighing heavy on my bladder, and toilet paper is still in high demand in this household. if i haven't gone every 45 minutes, its generally because i've held it wayyy longer than i should, which then causes me to painfully but quickly make my way to the restroom. ha! 

over all, this pregnancy has been very different from Aislynn's...

over all, i feel pretty good, however, symptoms are more apparent.  i know its because this is my 2nd pregnancy, and because i am already overweight, causing more strain on my back.  good thing is, i have yet to swell, which makes me a happy camper.  i know once its get hot, that will be a different story. ::waaa waaa::  i seem to have FINALLY gained weight... 2lbs, I THINK.  hopefully, now, i will be able to begin exercising. we'll see!  

anywho, 20 weeks.

wow.

<3

Faith & Love, 

Casey

Week 18.

week 18 is here.
seems like just yesterday week 8 was here.

in no time, she'll be here.

cuh-crazy.
so exciting!
and then some.

How far along? 18 weeks & 4 days.
Maternity clothes? Almost there! Leggings are MY thing, right now.

Stretch marks? Not yet. Not even the dark line... hmmmm....

Sleep:  Maybe I should just get a pillow and blanket and make camp by the royal throne. Every 45 minutes is no fun. =/

Best moment this week: Feeling Cupcake move and groove! Love it!

Miss Anything? My cuter tops. =(

Movement: Yes, she's a little gymnast!

Food cravings: Ice Cream! YUM!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Apparently, Whataburger. Very tragic, indeed.
Have you started to show yet:  Yep. Although yesterday I was told you couldn't tell... That made me happy, then sad. I'm not THAT naturally fluffy in my mid-drift.

Gender: Chickadee!
Labor Signs: Nope.  Thank the Lord!
Belly Button in or out? In.
Wedding rings on or off? On. <3
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!

Looking forward to:  Working on my nightly and morning stretches. They NEED to be done. OUCHIE!

Size of Baby:  Sweet Potato. <3

<3

ps. are ya diggin' my ghetto fab wanna-be instagram photos?
hehe

Faith & Love, 

Casey

Anabella Rose.

yep.
you guessed it!

its a GIRL!

we're having another princess, and i've already got princess fever.
not so much in the literal sense, but def in the figurative sense.

the other night i couldn't sleep, so while Jr headed to work, i opened my laptop, and went to town on pinterest.

5am.
Bella's room is a full pinboard.

yes.
i'm that obsessed.

http://pinterest.com/hoorayitscasey/bella-s-crib/

it was an exciting day!
its amazing to see how much she's grown since week 7. she has little arms, legs, hands, tiny feet, and such a personality.  i think she's stubborn like her sister, and umm like her mommy.  we got plenty of booty action and less pretty face action.  i guess she wanted to make it clear she inherited the Romero bootayyy.

clear it was.

i'm getting more and more excited to see her beautiful face, and we can't wait to see who she looks like, and see if the light brown locks and fair skin tone have passed down.

here are some pretty peeeektures of my baby!

^^ last image is of a thumbs up! haha

How far along? 17+ weeks
Maternity clothes? I think its time for maternity bottoms.

Stretch marks? Not yet.

Sleep: For some reason, more than usual as of lately.

Best moment this week: Well, today is only Monday, but Jr came home with a Treat Cupcake! mmmm

Miss Anything? An appetite. Still.

Movement: Yes! Very little, but it more apparent, now.

Food cravings: Slushies.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Yes, still most of any menu.
Have you started to show yet:  Fa sho!

Gender: Girl!
Labor Signs: No, but back is aching more and more. =/
Belly Button in or out? In, and it better stay that way. =P
Wedding rings on or off? On... for now.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy! Blessed! Grateful!

Looking forward to: Aislynn and daddy being able to feel Cupcake move.

Size of Baby: A pear or larger.  We'll find out more come 20 weeks. =]

ps. the day was SO busy, this was the ONLY picture I managed to take, and yeah, I'm sitting down. We'll shoot for next week, eh?

Other small updates:

** Eating is every now and then... I try and eat small meals, but all I want is fruit.  Its good to me and my nausea, which isn't severe... until I eat something my tummy disagrees with. 

** The "girls" generally eat more than I do. ha!

** My face and body were breaking out like I was 13 again, but thankfully to some new prenatals, all is good in the hood!

** I haven't gained a single pound, and am continuing to lose.  yay and nay. I'm scared to start working out because of this... Any advice??

** I went "back to work" after a 2 month hiatus! Love feeling creative and inspired! Makes my heart sing!

** Aislynn and I are getting to work on her reading, and she can ready about 15pgs on her own. 

<<<--------- Very proud mama! (video up, soon!)

Faith & Love,

Casey

16+ Weeks & a Gender

Lately, I've either been nesting or I've had enough of this nest that is a MESS.  Either way, I feel mucho productive and want to pat myself on the back whenever I get the chance! ha!

I've taken some much needed time off from work to refocus on pretty much everything, and I must say these past couple of week have been better than I thought it would be.  I have more energy, and besides the constant headaches and feeling puffy, I feel GREAT!

I honestly don't feel pregnant much at all. ::knocks on wood::  According to my personal scale, I haven't gained a single pound, and I'm still not sure whether to worry or not.  Its getting to the point where Jr is desperate to shove food down my throat, which before I was preggo, I wouldn't have minded at.all.  I've come to the conclusion that either its this pregnancy, or God diluting my appetite, or perhaps both.  Not sure, but this go-round, I'm extremely happy I haven't gained weight.  I only plan to gain about 15lbs total, and I guess if baby is bigger, then maybeeeee 18lbs.  And of course, I plan on losing it immediately after Cupcake is born.  I just pray, I don't say hello to postpartum depression, and eat everything in sight.  

Lord, help me.

As many of you know, tomorrow is a HUGE HUGE day.

::crossing fingers::

::knocks on wood::

Gender Ultrasound! 

Boy or Girl?
Nino or Nina?

Only God knows at this point, but tomorrow, God willing, we'll all know!

Baby Names as of today:
{I'm a woman, and change my mind. duh! but I have a feeling these are pretty set in stone.}

girl: Anabella Rose Ayala 

{"Bella" for short}

boy: Adrian Bryce Ayala

btw. 

Tomorrow, "Cupcake" will either reign, or we'll have to come up with a more manly name. ha!

suggestions are welcome. <3

Here are some of the nursery ideas, I've come across thus far.

girl:

{colors and theme}

boy:

{colors and possible theme}

For the boy's room, I will tell you how absolutely terrified I am.  I mean, I guess, in general, I'm terrified of having a boy.  I have 4 sisters, and huge load of female family members, and well, I have a girl of my own.  Boys terrify me with their violent manners and dirty clothes. ha! {i know all are not like this} I'm being total honest, here.  Jr, alone, scares me with his own tales from the sand box ages.  On the other hand, boys are mama's boys, and although Aislynn can stick up for herself, who doesn't want a brother to do it for her?  Plus, a man of God... so powerful!  And I know Jr will absolutely die and be completely over the moon and overjoyed with the extra testosterone up in here! ha! 

ps.  he has a strong feeling its a boy.  I, on the other hand, haven't a single clue. 

is that sad? =P

So back to the decorating.  I'm ready to start! 

Like 4 months ago!  And hopefully, I can, I mean, WILL, document the process! I've been such a slacker, and I would say, "lately", but in truth, I've been slacking since I began blogging.  errr.  so, yeah. Don't hold your breath, faithful readers.

Anywho, I have a couple more weeks before I am officially HALF WAY through my pregnancy! Weehoo! And yes, I already know I have a longgggg way to go.  I've already been pregnant in the past to live and testify to this (lol), but really, at this point, I'm enjoying it, and I'm glad God gave us 9 months to get ready, because I/we are in no rush for Cupcake to arrive.  Excited? yes! In a rush? Nope. (Aislynn is a different story) We have SO much to do before then, and we want to be as prepared as we possibly can, that way when Cupcake does finally arrive, we can fully enjoy him/her, and not have to worry about the stuff that doesn't need to be worried about. 

Tomorrow: D-Day!

3:20pm cst.

Oh, and one more thing! Cupcake, pleaseeeee cooperate for the family who loves you ohhhh sooo dearly!  I can't have my child taking "bad" pictures... What will that say about me, and my profession? Eh? Eh?   

EEEEK!! Can't wait!

 

How far along? 16+ weeks
Maternity clothes? Not really... Continuing to wear my regular clothes, which consists of leggings and a cute top.

Stretch marks? Not yet. ::knocks on wood::

Sleep: I'm not AS tired, but I'll take up a nap if its offered.

Best moment this week: Well tomorrow, duh. ha

Miss Anything? An appetite. Still.

Movement: I THINK I felt Cupcake move, but I dunno... Gas these days is horrific. =(

Food cravings: Homemade Cake!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Lots
Have you started to show yet:  Yep

Gender: Tomorrow!!
Labor Signs: Nope.  Thank the Lord!
Belly Button in or out? In, and it better stay that way. =P
Wedding rings on or off? On... for now.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Blessed! Happy! Productive!

Looking forward to:  Feeling the baby move, anddddd TOMORROW! ha!

Size of Baby:  Avocado, but Cupcake is 7 days bigger than average, so who knows. lol

ps. I'll try and get a recent pic up, tomorrow! <3

I'm wearing blue & pink to celebrate the day!

btw. the pink is a hot pink cardigan.  

(yes, you read right!)

For other Preggersville goodness, check out my Pinterest board:

http://pinterest.com/hoorayitscasey/preggersville/

Faith, Love, and Gender!

Casey

 

10 Weeks & the Double Digits

HALLELUJAH!!!

My fat, bloated butt has made its way to the DOUBLE DIGITS, and unfortunately, there is no "party in my tummy".  I still haven't been able to eat what my taste buds desire, and quite frankly, its putting me an ugly mood. 

This bloated belly.  Um. Ew. Its gross.  One of my BFF's is a few weeks ahead of me in Preggersville, and she's already feeling her bundle of joy move around.  Me on the other hand?  Yeah... all I feel is gas, and more gas... oh, and more gas.  Like, I need to open up my own station equipped with "Regular" and "Premium", and I almost want to add, "Diesel", because on some days, yeah, its that bad.  I said it when I was a tiny Princess, and I'll say it now as Princess of Whales, ladies don't fart.  Now, I know there is more room on the outside than on the in, but geez, there must have been some alternative as to where gas is released... Lord, its not lady like.  For men, yeah... its natural.  But for women?  C'mon, now.  Couldn't you have made some other outlet source? Maybe? Perhaps? eh?

Last night, in my attempt to "detox" my body, I whipped up so yummy eggs with chives and toasted some Kashi whole wheat blueberry waffles.  Yeah.  Total fail.  I nearly puked after a tiny bite of eggs. And the waffles??  They didn't help push everything down, but rather, everything went round and round... and round and round.  So round and round, I tossed and turned the entire night in whole wheat regret.  

Anywho... So last pregnancy... Okay, wait that sounds like I've been pregnant enough time to count on all five fingers.  Scratch that.  When I was preggo with Aislynn, I bought a nice little journal that I wrote in every.single.day.  I even went as far as to doodle and add quotation bubbles to the poorly drawn stick figures aka illustrations.  This go-round, that book is sadly collecting dust.  And seeing that dust collect after an entire month (today, to be exact), makes me wonder what kind of mother I'm going to be to this child?  Geez, I can't even fill out a couple of lines, each day.  What in the world makes me think I'm going to be able to run after one, while tending to the other?  The thought scares the heck out of me, to be quite honest.   How do moms with multiple little ones do it AND keep their sanity??  Lord, knows I couldn't handle all of that, and I think that was a major part of us waiting 5 years to get preggo again. 

But now... now, I've forgotten it all.  I've forgotten how to be a mother to an infant.  Aislynn is my little teenager, and to think I used to put diapers on her just completely blows my mind.  I'm sure once Cupcake arrives, I'll get slapped back into reality, but I'd much rather be softly placed with an automatic remembrance brain nudge.  That can happen... right??

So, my next appointment is on the 29th, and I can't wait to hear that sweet gallop of pitter-patter.  It warms my heart so, and it reminds that although I'm a whale in pain, this whale has a tender heart full of love ready to share!




Faith, Love, and Gas,
Casey

9 Weeks & a Cherry Bomb.

 **Warning** Post may be graphic for some. Sense of humor required**


 "Cherry Bomb" is what Jr used to call me back when I spat venom without a care in the world... back before I found Jesus and His love.  These days, I may have to unwillingly reclaim my title thanks to the hormones raging inside of this preggo bodice of mine.

And its not helping that some are trying to push my preggo buttons, which is probably not the best idea.  I'm not in the best of happy magical unicorns, radiant rainbows, and fluttering butterflies kind of a mood, and I may hurt some feelings.  Just being honest, here.  And while I more than likely won't mean what I say, I can't exactly control how my hormones will spaz.  Sorry, but you have been warned.   I still love you, though.

While in this first not-so-lovely trimester, I have every right to "complain" and rant and rave over how awful I'm feeling.  I try to dig down deep and find some comfort, and I usually can, but when you feel like this 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for weeks on end, its exhausting... more mentally than physically.  It gets to a point where you feel THIS is how its going to be forever... kinda like the last month of your pregnancy when you decide you're just going to be pregnant, forever. and ever. ha!

Now, I'm sure once I hold my sweet sweet Cupcake in my arms, all will be forgotten, but until that time comes, the discomfort is felt in every fiber of my being; from my full head of hair, to my frozen toes.  Like, I have to ask myself, "Is this normal?  God, what in the world were You thinking when you conjured up your lists of preggo symptoms and then put them into play?  Don't you love me and the preggo women of the world??"  Of course, I know the answer to that, duh.   I just can't help but keep reminding myself, "I didn't experience this with Aislynn...not to this degree", and that makes me wonder what in the heck is growing inside of me?  Cupcake, be nice to mommy.  Pwweeeese.



Let's oogle the typical symptoms of a 1st Trimester Pregnancy:
via: http://www.parenting.com/gallery/early-signs-of-pregnancy?pnid=357959

Whether you want to or not, read it.  Its good intellectual info that may gain you some type of insight as to why am I mouthing off and not being the sweet and loveable Casey that everybody knows and loves.

1) Shortness of Breath: 

I feel like I weigh 3,000 lbs, and haven't worked out a day in my entire life.

2) Sore Breasts:

Heaven help me... I can't even hug Jr tightly that is how bad it is... like he has some rare disease that I can die from simply by touching the man.  I can't sleep on my side comfortably without sharp pains. And my bras.... well they no longer properly fit.

3) Fatigue:

Yes, please.  I would LOVEEEE to sleep all.day.long.  Not because I want to, but because my body is telling me to.... and sometimes forces me to.

4) Nausea:

24/7.... I will however, admit, its getting SLIGHTLY better, and I am so grateful.

But considering how nauseated I am, its not much of a difference.  Don't put anything up to my nose to smell.  I will physically hurt you, and then possibly puke all over you.  Sowweee.

5) Frequent Urination:

I can't even keep count of how many times I get up in the middle of the night... basically enough to grab a pillow and blanket and sleep beside the royal throne.  And that's considering I have a VERY loyal bladder otherwise.  If anyone needs extra pee, I'm your go-to gal!

6) Backaches:

I have to continuously remind myself that I am ONLY 25, and not 85.  

7) Cramping:

Thank goodness, its gone... I felt like 13 again and on my period.  oy vey.

8) Cravings or Food Aversions:

I want a Strawberry Sonic Slush, and a zillion Firecracker Popsicles. 

Like, NOW!

9) Constipation and Bloating:

Geez, can't a girl just poop???  I mean really... it doesn't help me feel any less whale-like, that's for sure. =P

10) Mood Swings:

All of my preggo friends have rivers flowing.... Me?  I need to invest in a punching bag and go bare knuckles on that sucker.  I've already thrown something across my bedroom, and no, I'm not proud of that.  I felt like an idiot, but now, I know my BB is one strong piece of a technical device. But that alone, is enough to say a prayer for my anger management. =/

11) Elevated Basal Body Temperature:

I'm Jr's snuggle bunny @ night. However, he's like a grizzly bear directly in middle of hibernation.  The snoring is errr... yeah, I try not to complain, and I get shut eye once he's up and off to work. I know he's tired, too; he works hard.

12) Super Smell:

I think its become my new super power....but more like Superman and kryptonite...its not a good thing.

13) Dizzy or Fainting:

No fainting thank goodness, but dizzy, yes.... however, its very rare.

14) Spotting:

No, thank God, because I would continuously freak out... I've never "spotted" in my entire life, and this would def not be the ideal time to start. lol

15 & 16) Are obvious... Late period and positive pee stick. =]

Moral of the story:
Don't mess with a hormonal preggo lady!
This Messican/Scottish Irish blood + Alief/SWAT background + the influence of El Salvadorian ways + Busy photography season + 1 time mom already + ALL of the above = Your Worst Nightmare. =]   I'm sure I can think of other scary factors to add to the equation, but I don't want to scare you enough to pause your relationship with me until July 8, 2012.  


And for those, thinking I am being ungrateful for this blessing...  Really, I don't even think I need to address that.  Get a life, and quick nitpicking at mine. Please and thank you.




ps. I still love, everyone.   Just like my mother says, "At least, you come by it honest."
<3

Faith, Love, and HORMONES,
Casey

Week 8 & a Kidney Bean

Today, I am 8 weeks and 6 days!

How far along? 8 weeks and 6 days which equals to 2+ months! YES!
Maternity clothes? Yes. I needed some long sleeves, and saw some super comfy ones at Target that "grow with you", so I got me not one but two! One in the Sapphire Brst and one in plain White. =]

Stretch marks? No.

Sleep: Always sounds heavely.

Best moment this week: Getting on the scale to found I haven't gained a single pound! Weehoo!

Miss Anything? An appetite.

Movement: None yet.

Food cravings: Popcorn chicken seems to be the only SOLID goodness I can eat.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Pretty much everything.
Have you started to show yet:  YES!! (refer to pic above)

Gender: Not sure... the twins possibility is still in the air. haha (refer to pic above)
Labor Signs: Um no. ha
Belly Button in or out? In, and it better stay that way. =P
Wedding rings on or off? On... for now.
Happy or Moody most of the time:  I feel stressed because I feel lazy.  I feel lazy, because I'm so dang tired. (EXACTLY!)

Looking forward to:  Feeling the baby move... I know I have a while, but I can't wait!

Size of Baby:  Kidney Bean

Basically, I'm ready for this trimester to be over! Who said Number 1 was always the best??? ha!

Faith, Love, and Cupcake!

Casey

Tonight...

I sit and can't sleep.  I have 21% left on my comp battery, and 101% of life to type out...

Where to start?
Well, let's state the obvious, I'm a HORRIBLE blogger.  Maybe even BEYOND horrible.
yeah, okay... there I said it. =]

So, I've been feeling even more horrible than the horrible of my non-consistant blogging.  Like, deathly horrible.  Promise, I'm not being over dramatic, but ohemgee.  I've never felt so bad in my entire life.  Laying on the couch everyday for 4 weeks straight plus the worst type of nausea imaginable.  No no no no no... I'm a full time stay at home mom and business owner... my life was literally flashing before my eyes.  I understand it happens during every pregnancy, but this type of nausea... no.... its unbearable, and NOBODY should have to endure it "because making a baby takes a lot out of you".  Yeah, it does take a lot of you, but your LIFE?  No.  Plus, I'd rather my preggo behind be happy, up, active, and eating healthy, than suffering the rest of my 1st trimester, if I'm lucky it doesn't carry over into the 2nd or 3rd.  Muscular atrophy.... yeah, I saw that in my very near future had I not figured out what in the world was making me so sick.  I kid you not, I got up off the couch to pee, and feed my child, and THAT WAS IT.  I couldn't do anymore, no matter how hard I tried.  I love my baby Cupcake, but I need to LIVE.  Sooo, as of right now, I'm just waiting on the doctor to give me a call back regarding an alternative to these specific prenatal vitamins. Just imagine the stomach flu times a gazillion!  I can function with a stomach flu... did it when A was a tinyyy baby and Jr worked a thousand hours a week.  I'm fully capable of sucking it up, and moving on... mind over matter is how I see just about everything (call me insensitive, and not to toot my own, but I trained with US Marines every single day for over a year... never went on to become one, but that experience still lives deeeeeeep down in my heart and mind. "Pain is weakness leaving the body." Life is a mental game, and so on), but anywho... THIS... nah-uh.  I will not die to my family when there are alternatives just to save my pride.  Call me a horrible mother, nope... I don't care.  Your way isn't necessarily the ONLY way. Just sayin'. {<<<--------- Preggo hormones talking.}

ps. I'm already 2+ months!  Once, I get into my 2nd Trimester, I hope to take weekly photographs of myself.  We'll see how that goes! ha!  I tried to do a daily "Thankful" on my photo blog, and after Day 14, I feel like a total failure, because it looks like that's all the days I can count up to in the month of November.  Truth is, my camera was the least of my worries... I just wanted to lay on the couch and drown in my preggo sorrows. womp womp.


Work is coming along... Tonight, I stayed up and inspired... myself.  Its been a while since that last happened, and I think I'm finally ready to take the leap of faith with my business.  I want to photograph exactly how I envision my work... not just because people will "typically" like it, but because it stands out and becomes dare I say it, "ART".  I want to get out of the "norm" and jump into my "photographic dreams".  Truth be told though, I'm absolutely TERRIFIED.  The work I love... I haven't seen much in Texas... and quite frankly that freaks me out.... we're more of a traditional state with traditional values, but my work... I can honestly say, its not much traditional.  However, I feel like I need to clean out my website of all the wonderful work that made me smile, yet wasn't my vision.  Its going to hurt... really.really.bad.  But I know God is in control, and if He wants my business to boom or to boom in the hearts of only a few, I am blessed and grateful regardless.  Just asking for prayer... for me to have the guts to take that leap of faith, and for God's grace to shine in and throughout my entire business... I give it to Him.... Fully, this time.  {January 2012... here I come.}


Hmm... Thanksgiving was wonderful! I enjoyed spending time with my in-laws!  They're always great company!  The turkey... I could have puked on, it made me so sick to even think about... still does. BLAH!  BUT, it was a wonderful day!  Black Friday wasn't too shabby either!

Hope you all had an amazing holiday as well... minus the my personal turkey experience. ahem.
Gobble Gobble!

ps.  Meet Cupcake, who is already 5 days bigger than he/she should be! ha!

Love y'all!


Faith, Love, and Everything Going On NOW,
Casey

Week 6 and a Grain of Rice.

This week, I am feeling MUCH better.  Still have a bit of nose drainage, but other than that, the cold went out the door.  However, I'm still very much exhausted, and I know I'm making a baby, but I feel like making a baby has stopped me dead in my tracks to where I am unable to go on about my day as I typically would, and I'm still feeling guilty about not getting things done around the house daily.  Granted, I feel better, I'm just not 100%, and heck, I might not get there until after my 1st trimester, which is when I hear the tiredness usually dissipates.  Geez. I sure hope so.

The girls are ACHING.  Either its because I'm 2 cup sizes bigger than while preggo with Miss A, or this pregnancy is entirely different than my first.  Either way, its time for some new bras.

Hmmm... I haven't gained any weight, and I only plan (and strive) to gain 15-20lbs throughout my entire pregnancy.  However, my tummy looks like baby is already umm 3 months along or so.  Maybe, I'm over exaggerating, or maybe... just maybe, I am seeing truth.  After a summer of wearing workout clothes (thanks to my feet surgery), I went out this past weekend in search of some jeans.  I grabbed the biggest pair I thought my preggo butt would fit into, and thankfully, my sweet hubby, grabbed my "normal" size just in case, because I came out of the fitting room with a smile on my face; I still wear the same size!  ::insert big sigh of relief::

Not sure what it is, and I hear every pregnancy is different, but this one is on the other side of the spectrum.  The nausea, the exhaustion, the tender gals, and an extremely bloated tummy... all of which, I didn't have with Miss A.  Guess there's a first time for everything, eh?  =/  Jr is scaring me with his non-fleeting thoughts of TWINS.  Yikes! I know...  He says for some reason, he feels it in his knower.  Hmm... yeah... waiting on my 1st ultrasound. ha!

(I promise, I'll get a pic of me up here, soon.  Feeling so boo boo isn't having me in a picture mood.)

Today, I am 6 weeks and 5 days!

How far along? 6 weeks and 5 days.
Maternity clothes? No.

Stretch marks? No.

Sleep: That's ALL I want to do. =/

Best moment this week: Realizing I'm half way through my 1st Trimester. =]

Miss Anything? An appetite.

Movement: None yet.

Food cravings: All I want is fruit and cold cereal.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Pretty much everything.
Have you started to show yet:  I haven't gained any weight, but my belly sure does look preggo.

Gender: Not sure... the twins possibility is still in the air. haha
Labor Signs: Um no. ha
Belly Button in or out? In, and it better stay that way. =P
Wedding rings on or off? On... for now.
Happy or Moody most of the time:  I feel stressed because I feel lazy.  I feel lazy, because I'm so dang tired.

Looking forward to:  My first ultrasound!

Size of Baby:  Grain of rice. =]

Faith, Love, & Cupcake, 

Casey

Week 5 and a Sesame Seed.

Geez. 

This week has been something else.

Preggo.
Sick.
And Preggo.

It hasn't been the start of the pregnancy that I envisioned, but it is what it is, and I am just grateful I am able to stay home to rest and recover.  However, it hasn't been as easy as it sounds.  I'm used to getting up early and getting my day started, and keeping it going with everything under the sun to-do.  I'm used to having dinner cooked and ready for my husband when he gets home.

This past week has been a much different story.

The tv has been on longer this week than it has the entire YEAR.
My bed hasn't been made; not once.
The clothes are piling up along with the dishes.
I haven't gotten dressed and left the house, besides sitting on the door step watching my dogs prance outside in our backyard, enjoying the much needed cooler weather. 
I can't enjoy food. 
I can't kiss my hubby or Miss A.
My dogs feel neglected.
My nose is chapped.
My throat is sore.
I've had to cancel my photo sessions, and meet-ups with good friends. =/

ahi.

I'm sooo ready to feel BETTER!  I'm beginning to feel LAZY, and GUILTY for all that I haven't done this week, and for all that I am now, behind on.  With Jr working much over time this week, its just been me and Aislynn, and she has been THE sweetest helper.  Blessed!

2 nights ago, she also lost her VERY first tooth!  Stay tuned for that post, tomorrow! =D

Today, I am 5 weeks and 6 days!

How far along? 5 weeks and 6 days.
Maternity clothes? No.

Stretch marks? Besides the ones I already have from the 1st go round, nope, nothing... YET.

Sleep: Huh?? What's that??

Best moment this week: Aislynn losing her very first tooth!

Miss Anything? An appetite.

Movement: None yet.

Food cravings: Not this week.

Anything making you queasy or sick: The taste of phlegm with this cold.
Have you started to show yet:  Does being bloated count??

Gender: ? Jr and his co-workers think we're having twins! ha!
Labor Signs: Um no. ha
Belly Button in or out? In, and it better stay that way. =P
Wedding rings on or off? On... for now.
Happy or Moody most of the time:  Happy, other than being sick and feeling boo boo.

Looking forward to:  My first ultrasound this month on the 21st! WEEHOO!

Size of Baby:  Sesame Seed

Faith, Love, and Cupcake! 

Casey

A Pinterest Kind'a Surprise!

Since we planned for Cupcake, and since Pinterest in my new BFF, I figured.... hmm, let me browse the preggo world, and see what's new!  And um wow... Everything "new" these days, make Miss A seem like she's a century old!  I kid you not, I saw an ipad looking baby monitor at Target!  My jaw literally dropped, and my eyes went "cha-ching!"

After discovering Cupcake was baking in this oven, I knew EXACTLY how I wanted to tell Jr, only thing was, I'd actually have to keep it a secret for almost 12 entire whole hours!  Geez.   I can't keep anything from that man, and he's the same way with me.  We just love to share our excitement, even if its over how much we paid for gas that day. ha!  I made a promise to myself, and asked God to put His hand over my big mouth, and to give me patience and agility.  Yes, agility!  I had to make a bee-line to the store in between all of my errands for the day in order to get exactly what I needed and put it all together before baby-daddy arrived.

It HAD to be SPECIAL.  A phone call? No.  Text? No.  Trip to his job? Tempting, but no.
All I knew was that this may (and very may) well be our last baby, and I wanted to go out with a BANG! When first finding out Miss A was "Coming Soon", it wasn't exactly a scene from a Lifetime movie... or maybe it was... maybe Juno?? Yeah... Juno.

We looked at each other like this (picture it with me, now):

 

{Excuse the language, but I'm pretty sure this is exactly what we both said.

It was a scary time, and very surreal.  Obviously, we knew the consequences of not using protection, but we were two dumb kids in love, and obviously, nothing else mattered.  These days, we look back, and that was THE best "Oh Sh*t" EVER!}

SO yes!, Back to the SURPRISE! While browsing Pinterest, I came across this piece of brilliance:

And this is pretty much exactly what I did.  I really wish I had taken pictures, but I was in such a rush, I barely had time to even wrap the box. Boo.

The first piece to the surprise: 
Earlier that morning, my sister and I went painting with Miss A in honor of her birthday celebrations.
See?

I immediately saw this and immediately new I had to paint it:

Before:

That little opening, there?? What the heck is that for?? Any ideas?? 

Well, I used it to place my positive preggo stick.

Of course, I had to put my Picasso skills to use (ahem).
The result?

ps. please excuse my poor quality camera pix.  I have a Blackberry, and no, not the new ones.  

<<<--- Wishful iphone user. =(

My original idea for a box came from the Baby aisle at CVS in the shape of a pack of diapers, however, $25 for a present (or really, the box alone) just didn't seem wise.  Plus, the big bold HUGGIES lettering would probably give it away before the box was even opened.  Needing to improvise, I scoured my dad's office for a box.  Found one.  Headed to our local Dollar Tree, and grabbed some yellow wrapping paper as well as crumbled tissue paper in yellow, brown, and white (I now, regret the brown, but at the time, I thought it looked pretty)  I also scoured the balloon wall for the perfect "Baby" balloon.  Found one, had someone pump some helium in the sucker, and was out the door in a matter of minutes.

The clock was ticking, and Jr would be getting off work in 20 minutes, and it only takes him 3 minutes to get home, so time was of.the.essence.  PLUS, I had to explain and re-explain (or try to) why on earth we bought a "Baby" balloon when "there is no baby", said Aislynn.  This was tricky, because I knew the second Jr were to walk in the front door, Miss A would open her mouth, and spill the beans before I could even tell daddy I had a bean growing inside of my belly. {this was a task in itself}

I put together the box, thew in the tissues paper, tied the balloon ribbon around my painted baby bottle, carefully placed the balloon inside, making sure it would float to a nice distance, preferably eye level to Jr (I know. I know, I'm so thoughtful), closed the box, taped it, and wrapped it.

DANG! Forgot the pretty bow! Oh well!

Okay, now, let's make it look like I was doing something important... 

doodeedooodeeeedoooo.

Jr walked in, showered, changed, and with minutes to spare before we had to all head back out the door, Jr opened the box, and it happened just like I imagined (that hardly ever happens, so I was pretty giddy).  We laughed, we cried, we hugged.  And then REPEAT. 

It was a good day. 

A good day, indeed. 

Faith, Love, and a Pinterest Surprise, 

Casey

First Response.

Yes.

Let me tell you.


This test.
HA!



You see when I was in Preggersville with Miss A, we took about 20 at home pregnancy test... Okay, maybe not 20, but def more than 5.  I even had Jr take one to see how it worked.  Fail. ha!  So we took the test, and anxiously waited.  I read the directions and re-read the directions, and still, I do not think my brain of crazy comprehended what I saw before my eyes.  SO, I made up my mind, that test was indeed BROKEN; it was FAULTY, a dud... whatever you want to call it.  It just simply didn't work.  I wanted to see TWO CLEAR lines. CLEAR! So we headed to the store and bought the rest of our pregnancy test supply.  We took yet another one, and immediately that sucker read, "PREGNANT".  And as you all know, the rest is history. =]


Now, mind you, it has been 5+ years since I've taken a pregnancy test, and I really honestly didn't expect myself to remember EXACTLY what brand I originally took with Aislynn, so I just grabbed the one that was able to read hormones earlier than the next test.  Plus, there was an extra test in the pack FO FREE.

I waited a few days after purchase, and took the test.


waiting.... waiting...

NEGATIVE.  (one line)

hmm... okay... it still may be too early to tell.  So I waited until early Wednesday, morning.  I woke up, let my dogs out, fed them, and sat on the royal throne, preggo test in hand... still half asleep, but whatever.

A little tinkle here. A little tinkle there.

waiting... waiting...

ONE line.... OKAY!

Another....ehhhh... hmmm... what is that?? IS that a line??? I dunno... (half asleep still)


Geez... What the heck is that thing??

::searches YouTube::
Finds live pregnancy test! YES!! Exactly what I'm looking for!!!  Watches about 5-6 of the same videos!

hmmm...

::comparing test::

Geez!! Am I going to have to go out and buy another test, but this time one that reads "Pregnant" or "Not Pregnant"??  WAIT!! OMG! THIS is THE test I took with Aislynn!! No friggin' way! Way to go Casey! Way to go!

::compares again::


Googles, "First Response test results"

THERE WE GO!


::reads::

PREGNANT TWO PINK LINES in the Result Window. One line may be lighter than the other.  Appearance of the results may vary.

NOT PREGNANT ONE PINK LINE in the Result Window.

"One line may be lighter than the other."

OH.

I'm pregnant.  That's what it says!!

PREGNANT!


EEEEK!!!
And there ya go! I'm a preggo! A one way trip back to Preggersville!
Legggggooooo!

 ps. I then later read that I could have saved $2 on the test! Ayyyooo!  You can too... just sayin'.

pss. one of the videos I watched... I cried with her! Get a tissue ready!





Faith, Love, and First Response,
Casey