Baby #2 Update

Yesterday I had my monthly OB appointment. I had been dreading this visit for the last 3 weeks. I found out a few days after my last visit that my liver enzymes are starting to increase. I mentioned a few posts back that this same thing happened when I was pregnant with Bryson and they got so elevated we had to deliver 4 weeks early due to early stages of HELLP Syndrome and Pre-eclampsia. Ever since I found out about being pregnant with Jaxon Clay and I have been praying that we would not have to go through all of that again. My OB told us that she could not guarantee that I would make it to 36 weeks with my next pregnancy. That has been in the back of my mind these last 6 months. So when I got the call 3 weeks ago about them being elevated all my fears came back. And on top of that I have started having 3-5 contractions a day for the last week and a half along with some cramping (and that's after taking my meds).

Of course Tuesday night I couldn't sleep a wink. I was trying to make sure I remembered all the questions I needed to ask Dr. H and praying that everything would be okay. When I got to the office I had to start the dreaded Glucose test. Surely someone could invent a better drink than that nasty orange stuff. And drinking it on an empty stomach is even worse!!

Me and Jaxon waiting to see Dr. H

After I finished the test I went in to see Dr. H. We talked about my enzyme levels, the contractions and a some other concerns she and I have. She thought it would be a good idea to do the Fetal fibronectin test to check my risk for preterm delivery. I also had blood work drawn to check my liver enzymes and just for safe measure had an ultrasound of my liver to make sure it looks good. Jaxon's heartbeat was good, 158 and I'm measuring great! She also checked my cervix and PRAISE the Lord I'm closed and high!!! She also thought it would be a good idea for me to take a day off in the middle of my work week which I think will be another blessing and I promised her that I would do better at resting on my week off and let Bryson stay with my parents and Clay's grandparents a couple of days during the week so I can get some rest.

By the time I finished everything I was at the doctor for over 3 hours. And when I left I was starving. Ha!!! So I thought I would treat myself to Momma Goldberg's and a little retail therapy.

My favorite sandwich, Momma's Love with the Momma's Nachos and a cherry coke :)

I also stopped in one of the local baby shops next door and picked up a few things for Bryson and Jaxon. Did my grocery shopping for the next two weeks and then came home and crashed. I updated Clay on everything that had happened since he isn't able to go with me to my appointments and we are just praying everything turns out okay.

Late yesterday afternoon I got a call from the lab and one of our prayers had been answered. My fetal fibronectin test came back NEGATIVE!!! Now we are just awaiting the results of my liver enzymes, glucose test and liver ultrasound.

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

project 365: week three

I'm a few days late getting this post up. I haven't been sleeping very well this last week, so any extra time I have I've been taking advantage of it and getting some sleep. This week was somewhat difficult to get pictures. Mainly because I work at night and sleep during the day for seven straight days, so I'll warn y'all that on my weeks to work the pictures might be a little boring and may even repeat themselves. Ha!

January 15: Bryson is never in a hurry on Sunday mornings. For some reason he always has time to sit down, watch cartoons and eat his breakfast. Ha!
January 16: Ever since my parents gave Bryson the Woody doll he goes everywhere with Bryson, even nap time.
January 17: Playing with mommy's iPhone while I get dinner ready.
January 18: Since Clay has started his student teaching, I have to leave work early so I can get home before he leaves so Bryson isn't by himself. On this day Bryson had MDO and while I got my shower he sat in our bedroom, ate breakfast and watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
January 19: I was so excited to see this in the mail on Thursday. I can't believe I was able to snag a pair of these VS pajamas in my size! I'll be wearing these to the hospital when we have Jaxon.
January 20: My parents kept Bryson on Friday and my mom had to take my grandmother to the doctor. He looks like he's having a good time in the waiting room.
January 21: Our TV that Clay has had for over 10 years finally decided it was ready to kick the bucket. I took this picture Saturday right before it got hauled off.

27 Weeks {Baby #2} & a Name Change

Pregnancy Highlights


How Far Along: 27 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby W is the size of a head of cauliflower
Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 11.5 pounds so far.
Maternity Clothes: Yes!
Gender: It's a BOY!!!
Movement: He's moving non-stop. If this a sign, of my are we going to have our hands full!
Sleep: Not so much this week.
What I miss: Being able to tie my shoes. Ha! Bending over is getting harder and harder to do.
Cravings: This week it's been Arby's cherry turnover. I think I've had 4 or 5 this week.
Symptoms: My Braxton Hicks contractions are getting a little more intense. And I've started to have some mild cramping with them. Hoping having a week off will help this week.
Best Moment this week: I don't know if this would classify as a "Best Moment," but I have my doctor's appointment this week and I have a lot of questions and things to discuss with her since I saw her last month. Oh, and I get to see our little man on the screen too. :)



After talking it over with Clay we've decided that we are changing Jaxon's middle name. We really weren't set on Marcus and had some reservations about it since we talked about it. So baby boy #2's name is.......


JAXON CLAY

We are really excited about the name change and are looking forward to his arrival real soon. Good thing I haven't had anything monogrammed with his whole name just yet. Ha!!!

Bryson's Favorite iPhone Apps

If any of you mom's are like me (and I hope there are a few of you out there), my toddler loves playing on my iPhone. So I thought I would share with y'all a few of Bryson's favorite apps.



I would say Monkey Preschool Lunchbox is by far his favorite of them all. Every time he has my phone he will go straight to this app. It teaches about colors, shapes, counting, letters, matching, etc. His favorite is the matching game. Right now you can get this app for $0.99.



This app might be a little more for boys since it has to do with Cars. It's the Lightning Was Here: My Puzzle Book. It features several different puzzles, a scavenger hunt for stickers and a way to record your own child's voice reading the book. This app is also $0.99.



Now I wouldn't call Netflix and educational app, but it has some great uses when Bryson is wanting to watch Veggietales or Toy Story 3. This has been a lifesaver at the grocery story or when we are waiting at the doctor's office. Netflix is a free app however you have to be a member in order to use it.



Peekaboo Barn is another one of our favorite apps. The barn bounces up and down and then the doors open and an animal appears. Each time the doors open a new animal pops up. Bryson is always shouting out the animals he knows. Peekaboo Barn is $1.99.



Jumpstart Preschool Magic is an app I just downloaded a few weeks ago. This is a great app for preschoolers. It includes games that practice colors, shapes, numbers, pre-reading skills, etc. It is available for $2.99.


I hope there are a few apps that I've listed your child might enjoy. And if you have any suggestions please leave me a comment so I can check them out. Hope y'all have a wonderful Friday!!!

Gonna Give it a Whirl

Source: colorinc.typepad.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Those of you that don't know me personally or do not follow me on pinterest probably have no idea that I am obsessed with everything photography. A BIG thanks to my dad for this obsession! Ha! With the birth of our second child on the way, I've been going back and forth about having maternity and newborn pictures done professionally. The big factor in all of this is of course $$$. Which is something we are lacking at this time with the hubby in school. And I need to be mindful of what we can/should spend our extra dollars on.

So yesterday I casually mentioned to my mom about taking my own maternity and newborn pictures. To which she replied "Oh yes, I think we can do that. If I can sew the bedding for Jaxon's nursery, then we can take these pictures!" And thus began my search on the internet for taking good newborn pictures.

After researching off and on last night I really think this is something my mom and I can tackle. I found some great websites with some very good tips and suggestions that I think will help. My mom and I both have good DSLR cameras (mine is a Canon EOS XSi and my mom has a Nikon) and I still have a few more months to get more familiar with my camera and learn a few more tricks.

I will tell y'all that I'm extremely nervous about doing this. I have high expectations when it comes to photography (which is a fault of mine I know). I'm nervous that I won't do a good job and then years down the road I'll regret not having them done professionally. Especially knowing that this is probably our last baby :(

Pictures are priceless and capture so much in a small amount of time. Years down the road I want to look back and remember every detail of that moment. I don't want to have ANY regrets! Because when your babies grow up, move away, get married, and have families of their own all you have are those pictures to help you remember those special moments that we sometimes forget about.

Jaxon's Nursery - Inspiration

I kinda' had an idea of what I wanted to do for Jaxon's nursery since I found out I was pregnant. Something modern and completely different from Bryson's room. Not the typical boy colors (blue & brown).

Of course I've looked to the internet for inspiration. And thank goodness for pinterest! I don't know what I did without it. Ha! I'll admit that I'm a little nervous about how it's going to turn out. But I'm really excited about making the plans!!!

Source: sew4home.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

This Michael Miller Citron Gray fabric was the beginning of my inspiration for the nursery. I immediately new this was what I wanted and my mom was quick to order it and has started working on the bedding. She's finished the fitted sheet and pleated skirt so far. And it looks amazing! I'm so thankful for my mom and her taking the time out to do this for us. Thank you mom!!!

Source: chiccheapnursery.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

I love this chevron accent wall.

Source: etsy.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

I really want to incorporate something with "You are my sunshine" in his room. I have found several canvas prints and a few DIY's that I might could pull off.

Source: teamturnbow.blogspot.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

I think the stripes are more of what I'm going for. And how cute is that wall print?

I'm loving all these ideas and am really looking forward to starting on Jaxon's nursery.

26 Weeks {Baby #2}

Pregnancy Highlights


How Far Along: 26 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby W is the size of a English cucumber
Total Weight Gain/Loss: Lost 1 pound this week. Total is 10 pounds so far.
Maternity Clothes: Yes!
Gender: It's a BOY!!! Jaxon Marcus
Movement: All the time :) I can tell where is head and feet are. I get kicked a lot on my right side. Ha!
Sleep: It's getting better. Taking a few naps on some days.
What I miss: Feeling more uncomfortable. But it's all worth it!!!
Cravings: Haven't really craved anything this week. I'm just eating like a horse.
Symptoms: I started having a few mild contractions on Saturday. And I've had a few more since then. Hoping that if I go up on my meds it will help some. I've just got to find a way to take it easy. Easier said than done.
Best Moment this week: Clay will be starting his FINAL semester in school. Yay! We can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I can't tell y'all how proud of him I am. He has worked so hard these last 4 1/2 years and I cannot wait to see what all the Lord has in store for us this year.

project 365: week two

Well I'm two weeks in! I have to tell y'all I'm pretty proud of myself. Some days when we are just hanging around the house (which is alot these days), it's hard to get a picture that will tell about our day. And I think the in the winter months capturing a picture with a toddler can be a little difficult. That's my cue to bring on spring and summer. Ha!

January 8: Sunday Bryson thought it would be fun to brush Mr. Potato Head's hair after mommy had attempted to brush his. He's been doing alot of pretend play these days, which I find so adorable.
January 9: Monday night was the college football National Championship game. Even though we didn't have a dog in the fight I thought it would be fun to have something good to eat. So I found these easy little snacks on pinterest that were a big hit! And I added some vanilla ice cream to ours.
January 10: My mom has been working hard on Jaxon's crib bedding. I try and go over to my parents house a few times on my off week to help her out. She's been working on the crib skirt this week.
January 11: This is how my life has been with a two and a half year old the last several months. Oh my goodness has my patience been tested. For me this has been the hardest age so far. Tantrums after tantrums.
January 12: Bryson loves getting on Clay's shoulders. It's there new favorite thing to do together.
January 13: I have been craving some crazy things lately. Friday's breakfast of champions was chips and salsa.
January 14: Bryson is a bottomless pit. After getting haircuts for the boys we hopped over to O'Charley's for lunch and I think Bryson ate every roll that was brought out. I don't know what I'm going to do when he gets older.