21 weeks

I should have invested in a digital camera by now...pics to come.

so, 21 weeks feels similar to 20 wks. Although some notable changes:

-even MORE activity from little Miles

-getting out of bed is a tiny bit more difficult

-sleepings requires more pillows, so i don't end up stranded on my back in pain

-maternity clothes that used to be comfy, aren't!

Emotionally, I've been feeling really good. I am enjoying being pregnant soo much. My summer schedule has helped me get extra naps in and relax a lot. However, I am getting a little nervous about the fall. I'll be working lots more, have committments almost every evening and be growing a HUGE belly. So, I am registering for baby stuff this week to have one less thing to do in the coming months.

So, that's the update.

In other news, ZOE WAS FINALLY BORN> after 36 hrs of intense labor for Mandy (and Matt). She is BEAUTIFUL! I was amazed at how beautiful she already is?! I am so happy for Mandy that it.is.over!

Her labor was really, really good for me to be around for because 1. I will be birthing at the same place and 2. This is the first friend who has had a baby since I've gotten pregnant. It was a great (vicarious) experience:)

Zoe!

20 wks

EXCITING NEWS!

1st. it is a BOY!! we had our anatomy ultrasound last week and got to see Miles Paul Boudreauon the big screen! It was exhilarating. We cried.

2nd. His kicks and movements are officially consistent. I feel him when I drive, sit, and especially at night when I collapse into bed to read. Last night I saw his little movements rippling across my abdomen. wow!! Matt felt him kick for the first time last week. finally! It was amazing:)

3rd. I'm digging deeper into the realm of cloth diapers and am fascinated! Hopefully this week or next, mom and I will go to a class to get some last bits of info before I decided which kinds I'll try to use...I'm not a purist by any means...but you save.so.much.$$! ($1,900/kid with disposables VS $100/kid with cloth...and that's if you have 3 kids, which I'd like to have four (!) so let's call it $75/kid:) haha.

4th. I've signed us up for our Bradley class that starts Sept 1st. I've started reading the book Husband Coached Birthing and it's already helped to ease my fears about the foreboding world of labor and delivery. But, I know the class will help both of us be informed and therefore prepared for what's to come...in the only way we can at the point. Plus, we gotta take it to birth at the ABC.

5th. Zoe isn't here yet. !! Pray that Mandy will go in to labor soon!

here are some half way pics. 20 weeks yay!!

Miles 1st gift from Zoe! 

the GI Joe that came w/ the onesie...and some flowers Matt picked for me!

I can still see my feet...

20 wks...

18th wk-kick!

Hi Everyone, Saturday I felt the first 'official' movement!! It was very exciting:) Matt and I have our next appt this Friday and then soon after, we'll find out the gender. I have absolutely no gut instinct on this and am very very curious. I'm compiling a list of questions for our midwife (like, can i get on a plane in sept for our two yr anniversary??). Also, I've started to investigate doulas or a labor coach. The research about their services is compelling:
"-women who have continuous one-on-one support during labor tend to use pain medication less often
-have slightly shorter labors
- are less likely to have a c-section or a forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery.
If you're serious about trying to give birth without pain medication, a doula may be your best ally." babycenter.com

I can't think of anyone better than Matt to be my labor coach, seeing as he's the best coach (type personality-irrespective of sports) I know, but he's still not too sure of himself on the labor scene and historically doesn't do well in medically stressful situations. So, as a backup for him and a comfort to us both, I think it'd be wise to have a labor coach this time!
We'll meet with a few in the next month and make a decision before we start our Bradley class in Sept.
next post: Miles or Isabella!!!

16wks

The belly is coming along. Pants are.not.buttoning! I've started to invest in elastic clothing!
I had a job interview this morning. It would have been a great fit. maybe. But, I'm realizing that my decisions do not just affect me now, but this little guy/girl inside! Wow, parenthood. Life changing...

Malachi 2: 15
Has not the LORD made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth.

Jess's pastor was talking about marriage and that the point is to produce godly children. Its the point! It reminded me of what we learned in Perspectives, about Abraham and his calling. It's an indicator that 'it' is not all about ME and my life, but about God getting all the worship that he deserves. So, we have children that will worship the Lord and will train their children and their children's children. Its about the generations and the gospel going forth...It's a very convicting and necessary point of view!

That concept (population growth for the glory of the Lord) is VERY counter -American- culture. Its irrespective of global warming, overpopulation, global hunger...all these fears that have reduced the population growth in America and Europe. [soap box-I'll spare you the rest...]
Anyway, I've always known that God loves family and that the family is being thwarted from every angle...Children are a blessing from the Lord: (Psalm 127:4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth.) They are gifts from God and we get to teach them about God and his kindness and might; it's just so overwhelming a task and opportunity!

ok, back to the pregnancy progress...
I'm feeling more and more new 'sensations' and strange feelings. I've tried laying super still, but am still not confident that I've actually felt a real baby movement yet...soon enough!
that's about all for now. oh yes, the photo of the green monster:


till next week!

15th week

So, I am in my 15th week!

And, amazingly, Matt has A negative blood!! yay!! no shots for me.:) We were both thrilled, relieved and so grateful to not have to go through that. Although modern medicine can set your mind at ease, its still annoying to have complications, etc.

So, onward thru the pregnancy! I bought some maternity shorts and ofcourse they are too big. The belly band helps with this clothing-awkard phase..holding on both big and small pants:)

This week has been Neighborhood Bible Clubs (our version of VBS) and I've been helping lead the songs at our club. Its has been really fun to get to know people I've gone to church with for years, and reach out to kids in their community that had never heard the gospel..ever! Needless to say, its taken all of my extra energy. Yesterday, I curled up in the darkest room in our house (thanks, rachie!) and slept for 2hrs straight...no problem! It felt great.

Lastly, my new favorite pregnancy food: GREEN monsters. Through a series of blog recommendations, I've finally tried this amazing drink. Even more amazing, Matt and I split it..he loves it! If you check out the recipe below, that means my husband is drinking approx 2 cups of spinach! I am so happy.:) And I just can feel the baby getting vitamins when I consume it...I'll post a picture next time.. here is the recipe:

Green Monsters: (Boudreau version)

1 c almond milk

1 frozen banana

1 spoonful almond butter

4 c fresh spinach

handful frozen blueberries
a few cubes of ice

that's all for now:) We have our next prenatal July 17th and shortly after that we find out the gender!

till next week,

13 weeks and 3 days (14 weeks?)

Hi All, Today was our 2nd prenatal visit to the Austin Area Birthing Center. Matt and I met Roswitha and she looked over my diet diary and said it looked good, especially the cheese and eggs (which is good, cause besides OHs! cereal, I feel like that is ALL I eat:) I gained 2 lbs since my last appt four weeks ago, which is good since its an average of a pound a week, but she said the baby will have growth spurts and some weeks you gain more than others. I need some bigger pants for sure!

And we got to hear a strong heartbeat today!!! 160 beat/min sounded like the galloping horses that people often compare it to. amazing! HE/SHE is in there and doing great:) This was our first time to hear it, since we just saw it last time, and it was very exciting to us both. We were both laughing in amazement!

The other big news from our appointment is that my blood type is O negative. This is a rarer blood type and we may need some extra precautions in week 28 if Matt is a positive blood type. So, he got his blood taken to see what we'll do next. I have some research to do, but if there is a chance the our baby will have a positive blood type (since I'm negative) they will give the me a preventative RhoGAM shot to ensure that my blood doesn't become hostile to the baby's, should they mix.

So other than that news, all is well. I am still pretty tired most of the time and must be vigilant about eating constantly to avoid feeling ill, but otherwise am getting more excited about being pregnant! I had my first baby dream last night and where I was holding the baby! I am working on a photo story for this pregnancy, so this looks more like a mug shot, but oh well...

till next week.

13 weeks

I am so tired! I feel like I could sleep all day long...or at least any moment now...at my desk.

Lately I've been feeling more pregnant; strange cramps that come on at random times, having to pee ALL the time, not being able to zip up ANY of my pants, eating constantly or else feeling the sudden drop in blood pressure and the IMMEDIATE need for food.

The other day I was remembering when Matt and I were in Pasadena, CA doing the Perspectives class with HSL and Joel's sister Leila was STARVING after church. We didn't know where we were or where to eat and everything in the area was super expensive. I remember the distress and panic in her eyes...and now I feel like I finally, truely understand.

Yesterday I had a tea/baklava with Jessica at the Ethiopian resturant. I had to go to the bathroom apprx. 4 times during our 2 hrs. there.

Saturday was Mandy's shower! It was so fun and so exciting to see all the stuff that Zoe will be using/wearing very soon. It does make it more real for everyone somehow, seeing all the 'stuff' for the new person.

Next Monday is my 2nd prenatal appt. I am keeping a food log this week...just ONE more thing to love about the Austin Birthing Center-they care about what you eat! They are so holistic in their approach...which makes sense and is so refresing!

Here is a pic of my belly last week. To be fair, I had just eaten A LOT, but still, things are growing! Miles or Isabella???!?