24wks (5.22.2012)

     Well, it has been a while since I last posted. But I have been a busy bee and spending quality time with my husband and family. Since here soon we will have out little one that will be occupying our time together. But we have been enjoying every second of it!
     Today marks my start of my 24th week. Only 16 more weeks to go. Man we sure can't wait for September to hurry up. I celebrated my first Mother's day this year. Yes I know my little one has not made his appearance yet but I have been a mother since I conceived our first angel baby who beat us home last year.  My wonderful husband gave me a baby book for Mother's day. That way I can start on it (since it has things pertaining to my pregnancy and stuff about Mommy and Daddy in it. I absolutely love it! I can't wait until Father's day. Man do I have something in store for him! Simple yet meaningful. I am actually starting on it today. I am making it my PLAN to start on it!
     The past few weeks I have spent it with family. I had some family fly in from overseas and my grandparents were in town. So Steve and I were spending as much time as we could with them. We sure do love our family. Our family has never been better. Yes there are quirks and those who we have out wall up and don't spend time with. But we both love our family.
     There has not been too many changes with the pregnancy since I last posted. Other than my belly is getting bigger (got to check out my FB page for weekly updates on that). I have been experiencing what is called "round ligament pain" which is basically all the muscles and stiff stretching in preparation for my ever growing son and belly. I have also begun to experience Braxton Hicks contractions. They are NOT painful at all. More annoying than anything. Literally your whole belly gets tight for a few min. However the Braxton Hicks along with the round ligament pain can be pretty painful together. One or the other it is not so bad. But joy and love of pregnancy. I have FINALLY began using the body pillow to try and help me get comfortable at night to sleep. It honestly does not really help much and we are thinking of getting me one of the Boppy Body pregnancy pillows. Hoping that it will help me get some sleep finally.
     We get to see our son for the last time until he is born on June 5th. This is when they will be doing the 4d ultrasound. I am so excited and can't wait. I think my daddy will be going with us to that appt. I will also be taking the glucose test that day as well. And after that appt I will start going in every 2weeks to be checked. WOW I can't believe it is already that close that I am having to go every 2 weeks now. Soon enough it will be every week and then BABY TIME!!!! After our appt on the 5th we will finally be per-registering at the maternity wing. Get that out of the way for when he decides to come we don't have to do that. And I am going to be making appointments to go interview pediatricians so Hubby and I can decide on which one we are going to choose to be  his pediatrician. I have a whole page of questions that I want answered. Which the answers will help in our final decision.
     Well, it is time for this mommy to get up and do a few things before my morning snack! Hope everyone has a wonderful day. Until next time.

21wks (5.2.2012}

    I know I've been slacking on posting again. But I've just had lots going on and been too busy.
     Yesterday marked 21wks. WOW..... I can't believe I'm already almost 6months. Where has the time gone? We have officially decided on a name for our son. His name is Jason Nathaniel Cross. We love it and it has a strong meaning. We wanted to include a name that meant miracle (for boy or girl). Since back in '09 I was told I couldn't get pregnant naturally. And if I was to get pregnant I would need medical assistance. Well, here we are on my 2nd natural pregnancy (without medical assistance). Yes we lost our first baby girl. Which has been rough, but she was too prefect for this world. Plus, God needed/wanted her with him to watch over her mommy and daddy (and now her baby brother). We still miss her every day and me with these hormones I cry a lot both for missing her and other things.
     But, to get back on track about his name. Jason means "healer". I kind of think him coming into our lives has helped us heal a little bit more. We will never fully been healed from our loss. And Nathaniel has 2 meanings. First off, it means "Gift from God/ miracle". So there is that meaning we wanted. But it is also a form of Nathan. And a very close friend of the family/brother to me was killed in Iraq in 2005 and his name was Nathan/Nate. He was and is my hero. So, to us our son has a very strong, meaningful name. Can't wait to meet him!!

     But onto what has gone on since my last blog. He has grown of course. Which means my belly has grown with him. I've got more energy than what I had in the 1st trimester. That's always nice. With the energy I for sure take advantage of it by cleaning. I'm going to be starting a few crafts in the next day or so. I'm going to be designing and making letters for his room to match the colors of the nursery we picked out. I'll also be doing one for myself (just because I can... Lol). There is so much I want to do for his room (make that is). But I have to decide what my favs are. But I enjoy how he is already consuming my time before he is even here. I LOVE IT!!! Steve and I also went on our "babymoon" in April. We went to North Carolina for about a week. It even snowed while we were up there. Which was such a great experience to get to spend together. It was our last major vacation before Jason arrives. While we were up there we also celebrated our 1yr wedding anni. Can't believe we have already been married a year but together for a year and a half. It's awesome. And we have been through so much together and still going and growing strong. Still feels like the beginning and no finish line in site (like we both saw in previous relationships)(mainly him with his last few; including his previous marriage he could see the "finish line" or feel the want and see the split up coming soon at about 8-10mo in). A week after our anni we celebrated my 25th birthday!! Woo hoo for lower car ins!! And this week my family from Cebu, Phillipines came in and are are until December!
     I was experiencing some pains so I called my OB so we could discuss them at my monthly visit. He wanted me to come in to be seen. Joy of kidney stones. I have had them before and I HATE them. They hurt!! But baby is fine. And that is all that matters.

     You know it really is true that you find out who your friends are when you are pregnant. I mean there are other situations where you find that out. But to me it's more so when you are pregnant. Which really kind of sucks. But then again I guess it's ok. Get those crappy friends out of my life. LOL....

     We have officially decided on the colors for his nursery. We are not doing a theme (monkey, jungle, trucks, pooh, etc). Simple, pretty/handsome colors and design. The crib is paid off!! Finally.... There are so many different things to think about with a baby. It's sometimes overwhelming.
     Our next OB appt is in June. They are going to do a whole bunch of stuff at this appt. They are doing a ultrasound to check my placenta and doing the 4D one too. Along with other fun jazzy stuff. Totally sarcasm there.

     Oh, and I started baby sitting for my friends kids a few days a week. I love it. They keep me busy and on my toes that's for sure.

     But, think it's time for this blog to come to an end. Until next time.

17weeks (4.4.2012)

     Yesterday was a very big day for us. We found out the gender of the baby. Along with all the baby's organs and anatomy was checked.
     I can tell you this, I thought that day would never come. For multiple reasons. I was afraid of something happening before we made it to the appointment. And second I just felt like it was going to drag and drag an drag. When the appointment was set back on Feb 22nd I thought to myself "this time is going to go by so slow." Well, it got to the week before and I was then thinking to myself, "WOW, this time really did go by faster than I thought. I only have one more week to see my peanut." My appointment was at 3:30pm. The day before the appointment I was not able to get any sleep and I was beginning to get so nervous. I was having mixed feelings about the appointment. I was filled with excitement and over come with joy, I felt scared and nervous that something was going to be wrong and I also was angry and upset that we didn't make it this far with our 1st angel baby.  But I knew God had his plan and had it all worked out. Well, the morning of the appointment came and the whole day just was going so slow and dragging worse than the past week. My nerves we so on edge and I literally could not stay sitting down as hard as I tried. I had to be doing something. Most of the time I just walked around my apartment.
     Steve finally arrived home to go to the appointment. We were both excited and nervous. As we are waiting in the waiting room for my name to be called I remembered that we forgot the DVD-R for the u/s to be recorded on. I FREAKED out. Steve rushed down to the gift shop to see if they had any and just our luck the shop was closed. We decided to ask the U/S tech if we could record it on our phone. Just so happens the day the ultrasound tech is running late is the day of our BIG appointment. We got called back and I almost started crying instantly. Luckily, Gale (u/s tech) had a bunch of the DVD-R and gave us one. THANK GOODNESS!!! She began the u/s. After 2 sec she then decided to discuss what all was going to happen during this u/s and she said "I already know what you are having I just need to know if you are wanting to know" We said, "Of course we want to know but are you going to make us wait until the end to tell us?" Her response was, "I don't know, Maybe..........(after like 5 sec of a pause) she said "You are having a BOY!!" I began crying even harder than before and we hugged for a second.
     To be honest I had a feeling it was a boy but was not going to get my hopes up and we wanted to have a boy first. But our mindset was as long as the baby was healthy that was all that mattered to us. And he is healthy. Every organ is where it should be and working as it should be. She explained the process of some things and it is just so unreal and amazing.
     We got some GREAT pictures of our son. There are 2 pictures where he is showing off his tiny bicep muscles.
     I have my next pre-natal visit on May 1st. This ultrasound was supposed to be my last one that insurance paid for. But of course I had the option of doing the 3d/4d optional u/s which is $200. We we contemplating on doing that or not. But my OB doc told me that he wants me to come back for a medical necessary u/s in min of 8wks. He wants to take another look at my placenta. He said it was thinner than what they want but that it was nothing to really worry about. I may experience some spotting but that I just need to call the office first and not freak out. So since when I come in to get that done I will be far enough along to have the optional 4d they are going to include it and give it to me half price. So we are not going to pass that up.
     We have both just been on cloud 9 since yesterday. Went over and told his parents (I called mine) and told his nanny and then drove over to tell his Aunt and Uncle and last visited his brother on his lunch break to tell him the news that he is going to be a uncle and he is going to have a nephew. He was thrilled!!! My dad is out of town and my mom lives too far to drive which is why I called. But everyone is super excited. Now that we finally know the gender everyone keeps asking about picking out names. We have some in mind but nothing set in stone yet. Once we offically decide then everyone will know. But we are not going to rush it and it s something that we are going to decide together without the opinion of others. Which is why are are not telling anyone the names that we have in mind either right now. Which is NO OFFENSE to anyone!!
     My hormones have for sure been in high gear the past week. I am ready for them to level out but not so sure when that or IF that will happen. But thank goodness the nausea has subsided. Yes there are days that I do get sick but not near as bad or as often as I was the 1st trimester.
     Well, it is lunch time for me and little peanut. I will update everyone soon.
-Rebekah and baby boy Cross

16wks, 4days

He is showing off his muscles already.

STRETCHING!!!!

Hi Mom and Dad, I'm a BOY!!!!!

11weeks (2.20.12)

Well, this week is my 11wk mark. Finally home stretch of the 1st trimester. 1 down, 2 more to go.

Since my last post both the baby and myself have made progress. The baby is now the size of a fig. I think it's funny how every pregnancy book, website, app, etc compares the baby growth to a food. I mean I know we eat more and all. Are they trying to tell us something we already know. That we should be eating healthy that is. It's always healthy food they compare the growth to. Why not a m&m opposed to a lentil? LOL.

I'm happy to say that the morning/day sickness is now mostly in the afternoon. Ready for it to be totally over though. Hoping to only have maybe 2 more weeks at most of it. Although the past 2wks or so I've felt really bloated. That's getting pretty annoying.

Work was beginning to get very stressful. I was either always sick, crying or just all over tense. So my husband and I decided it's time I take some time off and relax and have no stress or worries. I've begun to feel better since I did quit. I've been reading alot more. Even decided to do some crafts. Like crochet and some puzzles and few other fun things. Keeps me busy and it's fun and relaxing. Started doing some prenatal yoga and small work outs every other day. Being sure not to over do it.

This week we have another appointment. Meeting with one of the nurses to discuss what all our insurance is going to cover and what we will have to pay for out of pocket. Following that I'll be meeting with my OB for a full work up (blood work, pelvic exam) and we will get to ask any and all questions we have. He will also order the next u/s. Which will be performed between 16-18wks (depending on what our insurance covers). That u/s will be very detailed and focusing on the over all development thus far along with hoping to find out the sex of the baby. So exciting!!!

We made our first baby purchases since my last post. We bought a Graco travel set stroller. The ones with the carseat and 2bases. It's really nice and neutral colors for either gender. Next big thing will probably be the crib and changing table. I've already got the set picked out. I attatched a picture of the crib (bedding will be different of course) and the stroller.

Guess that concludes this post. Until next time. Toodles!!

The journey begins (2.4.12)

     I figured this would be a fun way to keep track of the things that I experience during pregnancy along with posting pictures.
     This is actually my 2nd baby. We lost our 1st very early into the pregnancy. It was very painful experience to go through. But we made it through. My husband and I were not sure if we were ready for kids when we first found out we were expecting. We got excited and were looking forward to being parents. Then the worst happened. Needless to say we lost her the day before the ultrasound and day before my birthday. We got stronger together and pulled each other through. There is not a day that goes by that we don't think of her. We then knew we were ready to be parents. So we decided to continue trying.
     I found out on Jan 5, 2012 that we were expecting our 2nd baby. I knew it weeks before but wanted to wait to be sure. I took 5 home tests and also did the blood work with my OB. The results of my blood work was even better than when I found out about the first baby. So we knew this baby is going to be different. And it already is. We are trying to not get as excited for a few more weeks though. Just for fear of losing it.
     I am currently going on 9wks (lost the 1st baby at 7wks). My due date is Sept 11, 2012. We had a scare the beginning of the week and went to the er just to be safe and gey checked. Everything was fine but we didn't get to see any pictures. Our 1st u/s (ultrasound) was Wednesday Feb 1st. We got to see the little peanut and hear the heart beat. I cried at the appointment. It was such an overwhelming feeling. So amazing. The baby has a strong heart beat of 162 beats a min. I recorded the heart beat and listen to it everyday. I can say that we are both more excited after the 1st appt than we were. We actually heard the heart beat and got to see the baby. OMG it was and is so amazing. I have a tiny human growing each day inside of me. It's a true miracle.
     My symptoms are for sure different than our first baby. That pregnancy I only had the sore boobs. This baby I have the sore boobs (going on 3mos sore), morning/day/night sickness, and emotional roller coaster already. I cry at almost anything sad on the tv or radio. But I also can't bring myself to change the channel or station. I guess you can say I have a micro baby bump growing. Its so cute and small. Weekly stomach pictures to start at 12wks. I have had such a hard time keeping food down that my diet is a bland food diet. Everything else either comes up 2min later or tastes so bad I feel like throwing up. Everything has a iron taste to it. Not good. My OB put me on phenagren for my nausea. It puts me right to sleep. I have been sleeping more. But I guess that comes with being a human incubator carrying a tiny human.
     It is time for this prego to try and get something to eat. Promise there will be more posts soon. And pictures too. Going to try and least do weekly updates. Think this is going to be fun!!!
     I decided to post the very first u/s picture. You can see the arms and the bump right under the letter H in here is where the legs will develop. It's about the size of a teddy graham cookie right now. I tear up looking at this picture. Good, happy, excited tears.