Christmas 2012

We had a very full 3 days of celebrating Christ's birth with family!  Jeremiah loved pulling the wrapping paper off of the gifts!  Naturally, he didn't care too much about the gifts themselves, but now that the paper is gone they are more entertaining :)  

Helping Daddy hang an ornament on the tree :)

His first "big kid" dinnerware set from Grandma Becky and Grandpa Doug.  He was loving chewing on the bowl!

Jeremiah loved playing in the wrapping paper! :)

Helping Uncle Brett open his Christmas gifts . . . he sure does love spending time with his uncles! :)

Christmas morning with Daddy is the best! :)

Jeremiah loves his new "Monday the Bullfrog" book! :)

Jeremiah and Baby Kyla . . . he's 3 months older than her, but twice her size! :)  They had on matching onsies so we had to get the photo op! :)

Jeremiah LOVES Grandma Peeka!!  Every time we go visit her, he tries to get to her and smiles non stop at her!  It's no wonder, she's easy to love! :)

He sure loves his great Grandma Winsor, too!

Now it's boy time . . . hanging out with great Papa Winsor . . .

And great Papa Virgil!  All in all a great first Christmas . . . I just wish we had got our picture taken with Grandma Carol & Papa Hank! :)

Weigh in Weeks 3 & 4

This has been a crazy last two weeks!   Last week I was down three pounds and was really excited about it.  This week I was hoping at best to maintain, since we celebrated Christmas this week.  I pretty much ate whatever I wanted for three days, so I really expected to gain this week.  You can imagine how elated I was this morning to step on the scale and see that not only did I not gain or maintain, but I lost another three pounds!!!!  I am officially down 20 pounds!!  This is really exciting to me!  I knew when I started Weight Watchers that I would have Christmas coming up, I just hadn't planned on all of the candy/cookies in my house!  I am still thanking God for giving me the strength and endurance to get myself into shape!  I grew up over eating . . . I remember being 12ish and eating a Big Mac and large French Fries in under 10 minutes and telling my mom that I was still hungry.  Over eating is not a new thing in my life.  After 26 years of over eating it is only by God's strength that I am doing as well as I am!  We got gift certificates to Red Lobster & the Warren for Christmas, so I'll plan accordingly for those places.  My favorite meal that I get every time at Red Lobster is probably close to 20 million points, but I'm looking at it like I did Christmas - I know it's something I'm going to eat, so I have to behave myself the rest of the week!

Jeremiah has recently started going to sleep on my shoulder.  He never used to do that!  I have noticed that with losing the 20 pounds, my back doesn't start hurting right away like it did when I'm standing trying to put him to sleep.  Jeremiah started this about three to four weeks ago, and I couldn't stand to put him to sleep . . . I'd have to give him to Ben, I just couldn't stand with him that long.  With my bulging discs it is hard for me to just stand for very long.  If I'm moving I'm ok, but just standing hurts.  I'm so excited that this is becoming less of a problem! :D

Baby Food

Jeremiah was doing awesome at sleeping 7-9 hours at a time, but over the last few weeks we haven't had a night where we were up fewer than 4 times.  We decided to try him on some baby food and see if that helps.  I gave him prunes, because he hadn't had a Miralax bottle yet, and was supposed to.  He did pretty good for his first time with baby food!  After every bite he'd make a horrible face, and then he'd start laughing!  Oh, how I love that little boy! :)

Weigh in Week 2

I weighed in for week 2 yesterday, and was excited to see the scale down another three pounds! Last night the three of us went shopping to get a couple of things for Jeremiah, and I saw my "old love" . . . a candy bar!  I really wanted one, but managed to talk myself out of it...guess I'm really ready to do this!  I could have justified it, because I have all of my weeks flex points left, but chose not to.  It sounds silly, but that was a big accomplishment for me, it would have been nothing for me to grab a candy bar in the check out line and think nothing of it.  So I'm on to a new week, and hopefully a few more pounds gone! :)

Weight Watchers Pizza

I have a recipe for a whole wheat flour pizza crust that came on my flour bag.  I know the pieces of pizza don't look big, but it is thick crust and since it's whole wheat, it's pretty filling! The way I made it (with tons of pepperoni's and cheese!!!!!!) makes it work out to 5 points a slice.  I had two pieces and am quite full!

I'm pretty excited, I made the crust from scratch!  I usually can't manage to make things from scratch without goofing something up! ;)

All of the peppers are from our garden.  Ben pickled the banana peppers, so they were really tasty :)

Weigh in Week 1

Well, I've completed my first week on Weight Watchers, and I've got to admit, it was a lot easier than I figured it would be!  I lost 11.5 lbs in the first week!!  Ben and I are both dedicated to getting healthier, and I know it's going to take some time, but I'm excited to see our end results!  I'm thankful that I'm making these changes now, instead of down the road.  I want to be able to go do things with my kids without my back hurting.  My goal is to eventually start listening to my internal cues as to when I am full.  Right now that is still a problem that I struggle with, so I'm having to use my external cues and limit how much food I take in one serving.  After one week I'm already noticing that I don't feel so distended, and while I haven't changed dress sizes yet, I think that when I looked in the mirror, my tummy didn't look like it was sticking out quite so bad! I know a lot of that is because I'm not eating the large quantities I used to.  I also noticed that my stomach is shrinking quickly!  I had a burrito bowl from Chipotle last night, and it was almost more food than I could eat . . . that was not a problem that I had before!  :)  Well enough of my rambling for now . . . have a great weekend all!

Lifestyle Change

Well, when I was pregnant with Jeremiah I had morning sickness for the first 16 weeks, resulting in losing 20 pounds.  Once he was here, and I was nursing, I continued to drop weight.  I quit nursing when Jeremiah was 13 weeks old, and my weight has skyrocketed!  He will be 19 weeks on Monday, and I am heavier than I want to be, so I decided to start Weight Watchers.  I have done WW before and lost a substantial amount of weight.  My mistake was letting down my guard, and as a result, gained all of the weight back, and then some.  I am determined to get this weight off, not only so that I feel better about my appearance, but so that I am a healthy mom for Jeremiah and our future children.  I want so badly to be able to be active with my children, but right now (I really think it is because of my weight) my back often hurts if I'm standing/walking for too long . . . especially if I'm carrying Jeremiah.
Today was my first day back on Weight Watchers, and honestly, after I ate dinner, my first thought was that I must have done something wrong because I felt full!  I have spent my life trying to lose weight, and I am used to associating losing weight with being hungry.  I am really excited to see my progress and how much happier/healthier I will be by this time next year!  Ben has decided to make this lifestyle change with me, and I am so excited for the support we will be for each other!  I never could have imagined how much he would truly be my best friend . . . I know that trusting God will bring the rewards He wants for us, but I never could have imagined what a wonderful partner He had in store for me in my husband/support system/shoulder to cry on/one who can make me laugh when I'm sad/well, I could keep going on, but you get the picture . . . I'm thankful for Ben!

Growing Up

I know that Jeremiah is growing up quickly . . . he's four months old and already cutting teeth!  I have been ribbed a lot about swaddling him, but that is what he wanted.  He would not sleep without being swaddled ever since he was born.  This week Jeremiah decided that he doesn't need swaddled anymore.  I wrap him up, and he fights to get out.  I know he needs to grow up, and I want him to since that is what he is supposed to do, but it's kinda hard on my mommy-heart.  It doesn't seem like it was 18 weeks (and 3 days) ago that I delivered him, I remember every detail like it was yesterday.  Jeremiah is definitely the who my world orbits around! 

Jeremiah is 4 months old already!

I can't believe that my baby boy is 4 months old already!  It seems like yesterday that I was on the way to Wesley to get "checked" . . . I was mad about going, because I figured that I was going to be sent back home.  Looking back at the pictures from that Sunday morning (even though Jeremiah wasn't born until Monday morning at 2:06) I can't believe how much my life, and my son, have changed!

 Right after delivery, before we knew that he had to have surgery.

Jeremiah grew a lot the first month, but his facial features hadn't changed yet . . .

BIG difference between 1 month & 2 months! :)

Not sure what was up with the Kewpie Doll hair, but it was cute!

And here is my big boy now!

Not only is he 17 lbs at 4 months, but he has TWO teeth coming in!  The two front teeth in the bottom gum are visible.  They aren't through the skin yet, but I can see two white lines in his gum where they are coming up.

 I don't know why God chose to bless me so much, but I am very thankful for this little miracle! :)

Entertaining Angels

I've grown up hearing that we entertain angels unaware.  I've never put much thought into this saying, until tonight.  My Grandma Peeka is in the hospital (just over night, hopefully) because of some complications breathing.  She needed some things brought up to the hospital, so we left our house at 8:00 to go gather her things and take them up to her.  When we got there, she was nearly asleep, and looked so frail and worn out.  If you know my grandma, you know that she will do anything for anyone.  Seeing her resting tonight, she looked like an angel.  I have the privilege of calling her "friend".  She is one of the biggest blessings of my life, I have learned so much about having a relationship with Christ from her, just for starters.  I sincerely hope that each of you has the privilege of having a "Grandma Peeka" in your life.

Making Breakfast

Ben gets up for work at 3:00 am and has to leave by 3:30 six days a week.  We make pancakes and freeze them so that he has something quick to grab for breakfast.  Jeremiah was sitting in his Bumbo chair next to me watching me cook, when he saw my spatula . . . luckily I have more spatulas! :)

Ben woke up and decided to "help" Jeremiah . . . he wasn't so sure about what that!

Feeling the baby move!

In Jeremiah 1:5 God tells us "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart..."

The process of how a baby is knitted together is amazing to me.  The fact that a human life comes from two non-living cells is nothing short of a miracle.  This miracle was made very real to me today.  Even though I have seen my sonogram pictures it hasn't seemed to sink in all the way that I'm harboring a miracle in the making.  It just seemed surreal.  I have seen so many other sonogram pictures that it just wasn't registering completely that this baby is mine.  Today that surreal feeling was replaced with excitement and bliss as today is the first time I have felt the baby move!  It is the oddest feeling, it feels like I am having a muscle spasm every time the baby moves.  It doesn't hurt, in fact it almost tickles!  The baby has been very active today, which made reality set in all at once.  I can't explain the emotions that come along with feeling that little baby moving for the first time!  He/she has spent today on my left side.  I just can't wait to see the product of all of the care, concern, and love our Father is putting into creating our little miracle. :)

God cares for us in mysterious ways

I have been told that God watches over us and takes care of us in ways we'll never understand.  It has been brought to my attention this week in multiple ways - God has blessed us by watching over us and "swooping in for the rescue" just in time.  I have struggled a lot with being paranoid over the health and security of my baby, for some unknown reason, I was terrified that when I went in for my sonogram something would be wrong with the baby.  My paranoia hasn't been helped by being asked by multiple people if I've felt the baby move yet, and I haven't.  It also hasn't helped that I have cramps every day.  Of course, he/she is very healthy and looks wonderful.  God used Dr. Cline to calm my nerves because he, without knowing I was fighting with these thoughts, assured me that the baby had attached, and everything - even the baby's kidney function looked great!

My thoughts about God's protection over us took a lighter turn tonight.  Tucker was sitting on Ben's coat, and he matched exactly.  I didn't get her in the picture, but Talulla was looking for him to "play".  While watching them it occurred to me how amazing God's provision is for us...because Tucker matched the coat so well Talulla didn't notice him and kept walking, eventually finding Twilight.  God "hid" Tucker so he could get a little reprieve from Lulla.  I wonder, how often does He "camouflage" us and we don't even notice it?

Introducing...Guido

Ben's dad retired last summer from Spirit. Since then he has been finding little odds and ends to tinker with. Doug called Ben a few weeks ago with a surprise...he was building a miniature fork lift for our nephews/nieces/future kiddos! Normally it would have surprised me to hear of someone building a fork lift, but not Doug. He built a pull behind camper from scratch...his dad (Ben's grandpa) built an air plane completely from scratch! "Guido" came home to our house today. The kids will be ecstatic when they get to see it for the first time!

It even came with a little clip board so they can make notes :)

The seat...complete with a tail light!

The seat opens up and he even made a little flag so that they can "mark where they're working" :)

The fork raises on a pulley system.

And no fork lift is complete without home made palates and empty boxes to haul around!

Old wives tales...

It has been a standing tradition in my family to do the Drano Test when we're pregnant.  I did my test, and at first it didn't react...then it took off foaming like crazy!  If it doesn't react much and is an ugly brown, it is supposed to mean the baby is a girl.  If it turns blue and starts foaming the baby is supposed to be a boy. 

My neighbor, Kim swears by the Chinese birth chart.  Follow the mother's age at the time of conception, and the month the baby was conceived to find out (supposedly with 90% accuracy) what gender the baby is going to be.  Mine is high lighted to show...this also says boy!

Last, but not least of my Old wives tales, is the Wedding Ring test.  Hold your ring (or a needle) over either your stomach or wrist without moving it.  The ring will start to move.  If it swings like a pendulum it is rumored that the baby is a boy.  If it moves in a circular pattern, it is said to be a girl.  Every time I've done it the result is a very obvious...pendulum! 

Of course I know these are only fun, and we don't know for sure yet what gender Baby Stukey is, but it is certainly entertaining to see the results of Old Wives Tales :)

My first time

Ben wanted me to cut his hair because he was looking pretty shaggy.  I was hesitant to do it myself, but when he showed me that he had enough hair for a comb-over, I finally broke down and got some clippers and gave it a shot...

Yes, he needed a hair cut, no he is not bald now ;) 

Afterwards I grabbed my Tums (oh, the joys of being pregnant).  Ben started laughing and told me it's supposed to be the baby's hair that gives me heart burn, not his! ;)

Once the "scary" noise was gone, the boys came out to investigate :)

Our peanut isn't a peanut anymore...

I had my first sonogram at 9 weeks.  This is what we saw...

The baby wasn't attached yet (usually between 8 & 10 weeks) so Dr. Cline told me to take things easy for three weeks.  Things looked better when we went back this month.  The baby is attached and is growing exponentially!  It's not visible in this picture, but he/she was sitting with his/her feet crossed.  The hands are at the side of the face .  Four weeks later at 13 weeks this is what we saw...

New baby stuff!

I signed up on the Planning Family website because it sends me updates on what will be happening with the baby's development.  I got a coupon for a free sling, all I had to pay was shipping.  Of course, when I checked out I got another coupon for a free udder cover.  Since I am going to attempt breast feeding I am really excited to get such nice things for shipping only.  The udder cover came with a bracelet that helps remind you which side you have fed from and for how long.  I'm finally starting to get excited about breastfeeding.  I was originally wasn't crazy about the idea, but was going to give it a shot for the baby's sake.  I'm getting more excited about it now though :)

A fun night with the kiddos

Kristin and Brett went shopping to get Lucas' birthday gift, so we had the boys kids.  My neighbors Kim and Tony needed us to help out with the boys for a little while this evening.  The kids had a blast together!

Lexiann LOVED Bryson...the feelings weren't mutual - he kept running from her! ;)

Lucas loves kids, apparently they love him too! :)



Spoiling Baby Stukey...

I am blessed enough to live right next door to one of my best friends.  The Devoll family is one of the best families I have ever had the privilege to know.  Yesterday Kim was "babysitting" me, and gave me an outfit she bought for the baby "just in case" ;)



Lucas and Levi came over tonight, and brought over two books.  Lucas handed them to me and told me that they are for my baby.  He had other books, but he thought the baby would like these.  They're going to be such great cousins to the baby :)

Babyproofing? Already?

Okay, I know what it looks like...but I promise I'm not preparing prematurely...

But the mommy in me can't help but want to protect the babies around my house...

Our 11 month old niece, Lexiann, has started walking, and I'm scared she's going to fall into my coffee table or fire place!  Oh well, it's going to be ready for when Baby Stukey starts walking in about a year and a half or so ;)



Nursery-To-Be

This will be our nursery. Right now it's my sewing room, but by July it'll look different!

We were going to go with frogs for our nursery, but now it's going to be more of a farm. This shows why, I have just as many dogs and cows (hard to see, but there are two!) as I do frogs! If the baby is a girl I'll dress it up with bows and crowns on the animals on the walls. If the baby is a boy, it'll be easier to decorate and not worry about it :)