Gabriel says, "Merry Christmas, y'all! Can't wait to celebrate with you next year!" (Heh, just kidding with the 'y'all.')
We're off to Dallas to stay in the Hilton, go swimming, and work out in their cool workout room. We're having dinner at the hotel restaurant, The Bonnie and Clyde Getaway. Looks yummy.
The Christmas treats are catching up with me; I gained 4lbs in the past week and a half, woops! I'll have to scale back on those (no pun intended)!
Yesterday, I made a big Christmas Eve breakfast: eggs with ham and mushrooms, turkey bacon, and turkey sausage links, and Sean one-upped me this morning with the same plus hashbrowns and toast. He made extra and we shared with the pups. I think Christmas is officially their favorite holiday.
I am excited to see everybody, and I am certainly looking forward to the shower.
God bless you, and may the true Spirit of Christmas fill you!
Love,
Mandy, Sean, and Gabriel
Friday, December 25, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Life Lessons I Found Inspiring!
One of my friends sent me this e-mail, and I thought it was so amazing. It is 45 life lessons learned by a fifty year old lady. They were all great lessons, but six of them really stood out to me, and I thought I would share them.
1) "Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about."
I LOVE this. How often do we compare our houses, our clothes, our struggles, our personalities, our paychecks, our blessings, our family, our friends, our past, present, and future with others? What's the point? We are each on our own UNIQUE journey in this world. We all have our own purpose, and our house, our clothes, our struggles, personalities, paychecks, blessings, family, friends, past, present and future are what makes us who we are and they help us complete our OWN journey.
2) "Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere."
Most of us, myself included, don't take enough time out of the day to enjoy the sun, the sky, little squirrels running around, flowers, breezes, rain... you name it. I encourage everyone to go outside and look at something of nature. Stare at its beauty for a few minutes. Think of its anatomy, its functions, how it formed, how it moves (if it moves), how it grows, etc. It really is a miracle. I love looking at big, beautiful trees, and when I pass by one, I think, "God put that there for us to look at it. He gave us this beautiful thing just to enjoy."
3) "If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back."
This is awesome, and I bet it is so true. This kind of goes along with #1. Everyone has struggles, and while we do go through hard times, it isn't that bad.
4) "God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do."
I need to remember this everyday! Christ died for us when we were still sinners. He loves us no matter what. I keep having this image/dream of me unzipping my flesh, literally, and walking in the Spirit. I have this flesh/shell that has its own desires and sins, but that is not the core of who I am. I am underneath that, and the spirit is full of love, joy, and peace.
5) "Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks."
This brings me peace, and I hope it brings you peace as well.
6) "Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."
True happiness and contenment aren't based off circumstances. Happiness is a choice that pnly we are in control of. Hope this blesses you in some way today!
1) "Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about."
I LOVE this. How often do we compare our houses, our clothes, our struggles, our personalities, our paychecks, our blessings, our family, our friends, our past, present, and future with others? What's the point? We are each on our own UNIQUE journey in this world. We all have our own purpose, and our house, our clothes, our struggles, personalities, paychecks, blessings, family, friends, past, present and future are what makes us who we are and they help us complete our OWN journey.
2) "Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere."
Most of us, myself included, don't take enough time out of the day to enjoy the sun, the sky, little squirrels running around, flowers, breezes, rain... you name it. I encourage everyone to go outside and look at something of nature. Stare at its beauty for a few minutes. Think of its anatomy, its functions, how it formed, how it moves (if it moves), how it grows, etc. It really is a miracle. I love looking at big, beautiful trees, and when I pass by one, I think, "God put that there for us to look at it. He gave us this beautiful thing just to enjoy."
3) "If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back."
This is awesome, and I bet it is so true. This kind of goes along with #1. Everyone has struggles, and while we do go through hard times, it isn't that bad.
4) "God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do."
I need to remember this everyday! Christ died for us when we were still sinners. He loves us no matter what. I keep having this image/dream of me unzipping my flesh, literally, and walking in the Spirit. I have this flesh/shell that has its own desires and sins, but that is not the core of who I am. I am underneath that, and the spirit is full of love, joy, and peace.
5) "Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks."
This brings me peace, and I hope it brings you peace as well.
6) "Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."
True happiness and contenment aren't based off circumstances. Happiness is a choice that pnly we are in control of. Hope this blesses you in some way today!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Gabriel 22 Weeks
Here are pictures of my man:
Gabriel 22 weeks
Doctor said that he is a "perfect little boy," and he looks very healthy. He checked out his brain, heart, and kidneys! He's so cute! He's breeched right now, but the doctor said he has plenty of time to flip around. We didn't get that many great shots because his feet and arms were all in front of his little face. Hope you enjoy!
Gabriel 22 weeks
Doctor said that he is a "perfect little boy," and he looks very healthy. He checked out his brain, heart, and kidneys! He's so cute! He's breeched right now, but the doctor said he has plenty of time to flip around. We didn't get that many great shots because his feet and arms were all in front of his little face. Hope you enjoy!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thankgiving Pictures
Here are 9 pictures from our Thanksgiving:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2021381&id=199600486&l=624b90536b
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2021381&id=199600486&l=624b90536b
Happy Thanksgiving: There isn't a better day to be pregnant!
Happy Thanksgiving. Gabe is gearing up to eat turkey, redskin potatoes, squash, corn, wheat rolls, salad, and stuffing. He's going to top it all off with cheesecake because Dad doesn't like pumpkin pie. Good thing Cheesecake is Mom's absolute favorite food.
Thanksgiving is a bit lonely because Sean is outside mulching, so I'm in the house alone cooking. I miss having family around! Moose and Butters are keeping me plenty of company, or just waiting for some of the food to fall, probably, but either way, they are here, and I get to feel Gabe wiggle around inside of me. I just remember how much I have to be thankful for. Many of the people that I love aren't here, but at least I am blessed with SOOOOO many wonderful people that I love. M heart could never be lonely.
Exciting things are coming up! Next Thursday, my wonderful boss, and a very sweet co-worker and friend are having a shower for me at the writing center with all my TAMU-C friends! It was so sweet of them to offer. I wasn't expecting it at all. I'm so excited.
On December 27th, my Mom is having my shower in MI, which you already know all about, and I'm SOOOO excited for that. It is going to be a blast!
Then, sometime late in February or early March, Christi and the CFC church are having another shower for us, and Sean is having a joint diaper party with Kevin in December. I'm very excited. The shower is going to be so fun. I love everyone in my church so much.
We go in for our long, anatomy sonogram on December 9th, so I'll have a new sonogram pic to bring home!
Sean and I are going out shopping for Black Friday. We need a video camera desperately so we can catch Gabe and all his cuteness and post videos. Walmart has a fairly good deal on one.
For Christmas, Sean and I are staying at the Hilton by the DFW airport. Mom bought me a maternity bathing suit so I can go swimming in their huge indoor pool. We're very excited. It's a nice hotel, and it will be good to have a mini-vaca with Sean! We always have so much fun together. Don't worry, we'll celebrate with the puppies the night before. They'll get their bones. Speaking of Christmas, we're putting up our decorations this weekend as well.
I posted 5 month (20 week pics) if you want to check them out.
We love you guys! We are thankful for you. Keep Mr. Gabriel in your prayers! Have a Happy Thanksgiving. Eat like me.
Thanksgiving is a bit lonely because Sean is outside mulching, so I'm in the house alone cooking. I miss having family around! Moose and Butters are keeping me plenty of company, or just waiting for some of the food to fall, probably, but either way, they are here, and I get to feel Gabe wiggle around inside of me. I just remember how much I have to be thankful for. Many of the people that I love aren't here, but at least I am blessed with SOOOOO many wonderful people that I love. M heart could never be lonely.
Exciting things are coming up! Next Thursday, my wonderful boss, and a very sweet co-worker and friend are having a shower for me at the writing center with all my TAMU-C friends! It was so sweet of them to offer. I wasn't expecting it at all. I'm so excited.
On December 27th, my Mom is having my shower in MI, which you already know all about, and I'm SOOOO excited for that. It is going to be a blast!
Then, sometime late in February or early March, Christi and the CFC church are having another shower for us, and Sean is having a joint diaper party with Kevin in December. I'm very excited. The shower is going to be so fun. I love everyone in my church so much.
We go in for our long, anatomy sonogram on December 9th, so I'll have a new sonogram pic to bring home!
Sean and I are going out shopping for Black Friday. We need a video camera desperately so we can catch Gabe and all his cuteness and post videos. Walmart has a fairly good deal on one.
For Christmas, Sean and I are staying at the Hilton by the DFW airport. Mom bought me a maternity bathing suit so I can go swimming in their huge indoor pool. We're very excited. It's a nice hotel, and it will be good to have a mini-vaca with Sean! We always have so much fun together. Don't worry, we'll celebrate with the puppies the night before. They'll get their bones. Speaking of Christmas, we're putting up our decorations this weekend as well.
I posted 5 month (20 week pics) if you want to check them out.
We love you guys! We are thankful for you. Keep Mr. Gabriel in your prayers! Have a Happy Thanksgiving. Eat like me.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
New Pictures for 5 months (20 weeks)
Flip through the album again and see the new 5 month (20 week) pictures:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2020238&id=199600486&l=882946ad5c
Love you!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2020238&id=199600486&l=882946ad5c
Love you!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
No Ultrasound :(
Well, bummer, for some reason the Doctor moved back our long, anatomy ultrasound to next month's visit. I think he got over-booked because he was really busy. We got to hear Gabe's heartbeat, and that was about it, but he said it sounds perfect! :) Now I just have to wait until December 9th!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Gabriel's on the move!
We finally got our registry updated and working. You can now find it under my name on the Target website.
I can finally feel Gabriel move. I've been feeling it for a little while, but I wasn't sure if it was Gabriel or my stomach gurggling. I've been feeling it so often lately though, and it is something I have never felt before, that I know it his to be him. It feels like a little flutter, as he is still not too big. I am only 4 1/2 months pregnant, so he is still a little guy. It is so exciting, though!
Sean and I go in on Wednesday for another ultrasound. We get to look at Gabe longer this time because the doc is going to check out his brain and other major organs. How cool is that? I'm excited to look at him again! I love seeing him!
Sean and I have been reading to Gabriel every night. We especially like to read Dr. Seuss books, Fox in Socks in particular. It is a tongue-twister book, and we can't help but crack up every time that we read it. We're reading to Gabe every night, and I am going to make it a point to read to him for an hour every day after he is born. We know how important reading to young children is. I can't wait to start writing stories with him, but I don't want him to grow up too quickly, of course.
Sean did an amazing job on the nursery, didn't he? Gabriel is lucky to have such a great daddy. Sean is going to be the best father in the world. He is already so in love with his son. He gets this big grin and his whole face lights up whenever he talks about Gabe. He's read several books about being a daddy, and he takes great care of me, making sure I take my prenatal, drink enough water, etc. He is also a wonderful provider, and he decided that he wants the best care for Gabe and wants me to stay at home with him. He is already putting his son first.
My mom is throwing me a shower on December 27th, and I am so excited for that. My mom and dad have done so much for our family. We wouldn't have been able to get married and move to TX without them. They threw us the most beautiful wedding and spent a lot of time and money getting us down here. I can't thank them enough. Now they are providing for Gabriel. They have gotten him so many things already, and this takes such a big financial burden off us. I know they have so many other places that they could be spending their money, but they are so selfless in their giving. Gabriel isn't even born yet, and they are already the most amazing grandparents. Of course, I knew they would be. They were/are the most amazing parents. We can't thank them enough for everything they do for us, including buying me my plane ticket so I can actually come home over Christmas! :)
We started obedience school with the puppies. They are kind of slow, but they are trying, and we are working with them.
I'll write more after our visit on Wednesday. Love you guys!
I can finally feel Gabriel move. I've been feeling it for a little while, but I wasn't sure if it was Gabriel or my stomach gurggling. I've been feeling it so often lately though, and it is something I have never felt before, that I know it his to be him. It feels like a little flutter, as he is still not too big. I am only 4 1/2 months pregnant, so he is still a little guy. It is so exciting, though!
Sean and I go in on Wednesday for another ultrasound. We get to look at Gabe longer this time because the doc is going to check out his brain and other major organs. How cool is that? I'm excited to look at him again! I love seeing him!
Sean and I have been reading to Gabriel every night. We especially like to read Dr. Seuss books, Fox in Socks in particular. It is a tongue-twister book, and we can't help but crack up every time that we read it. We're reading to Gabe every night, and I am going to make it a point to read to him for an hour every day after he is born. We know how important reading to young children is. I can't wait to start writing stories with him, but I don't want him to grow up too quickly, of course.
Sean did an amazing job on the nursery, didn't he? Gabriel is lucky to have such a great daddy. Sean is going to be the best father in the world. He is already so in love with his son. He gets this big grin and his whole face lights up whenever he talks about Gabe. He's read several books about being a daddy, and he takes great care of me, making sure I take my prenatal, drink enough water, etc. He is also a wonderful provider, and he decided that he wants the best care for Gabe and wants me to stay at home with him. He is already putting his son first.
My mom is throwing me a shower on December 27th, and I am so excited for that. My mom and dad have done so much for our family. We wouldn't have been able to get married and move to TX without them. They threw us the most beautiful wedding and spent a lot of time and money getting us down here. I can't thank them enough. Now they are providing for Gabriel. They have gotten him so many things already, and this takes such a big financial burden off us. I know they have so many other places that they could be spending their money, but they are so selfless in their giving. Gabriel isn't even born yet, and they are already the most amazing grandparents. Of course, I knew they would be. They were/are the most amazing parents. We can't thank them enough for everything they do for us, including buying me my plane ticket so I can actually come home over Christmas! :)
We started obedience school with the puppies. They are kind of slow, but they are trying, and we are working with them.
I'll write more after our visit on Wednesday. Love you guys!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
House Pics
A few pics of Gabe's nursery and our house. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2010703&id=199600486&l=99e7ad2efe
Target Registry
If you're looking for our registry and can't find it, it is because, for some stupid reason, it doesn't pop up under my name, so you have to search for it under Sean's name. We're trying to get that fixed.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Registery
We've just completed our registery at Target! It is under Mandy or Sean Deffendall. The name of the register is Gabriel Michael Deffendall's baby registery. Love you guys!
Big News
We have some big news. Sean and I have been doing a lot of talking, and we decided that I am going to be a stay-at-home Mom, probably until Gabe goes off to school. We weighed all of our options, and this seems to be the best. We really don't want to have to put Gabriel in daycare, and daycare is also very expensive. It would be impossible for me to continue working, going to school, and paying for daycare or a nanny. We want Gabe to get the best attention possible, and of course, what would be better than being home with mom? We talked about me taking classes online, but the fact is we can't afford tuition, and I can't work if I am home with Gabe, and my work does not cover more than my tuition. It would be different if we had family to look after Gabriel, but we don't have that luxury down here.
I am thrilled that I get to spend all of this time with Gabriel. What more rewarding job is there than taking care of your own child? Sean is very excited to have me home. Being in school and working means driving 2 hours nearly everyday, leaving the house around 7 and sometimes not getting home until 10:00 at night, only to leave at 7:00 AM again. It is just too much. We never see each other, and when I am home, I'm busy cleaning the house, doing my homework, or taking care of the dogs. We want more family time. We miss each other like crazy. My life is consumed by homework and work, and the stress is really wearing me down. I went through my undergraduate degree so quickly. I went through 153 credits in 4 years with a 4.0 while working. It was rough, and I'm a bit burned out with the whole school thing. I have applied to job after job here, but I have never even gotten a call-back. I guess 4.0 and work experience isn't enough these days. I think Sean is excited to have me home. It finally means that I will be home to cook him dinner, make him breakfast, and spend more time with him. He works really hard, and it means when he comes home, he has no responsibilites, as I will be taking over all house and yard work. He can just come home and relax too.
Money will be tight, of course, but we had many long talks about what is most important. Worldly things don't compare to time with family. So we can't go out to dinner as much or go to as many DMB concerts, but we'll have hours of extra time everyday as a family, and that is what is most important to us. Of course, if money gets too tight, I do have a college degree, and I am sure, God willing, I will be able to find a job.
Once Gabe is off to school, and assuming we don't have another little one at home yet, I will try to find job doing some sort of teaching/editing/writing. Who knows. We have learned over the past 2 1/2 years to just trust God. He'll lead us where we need to be if we trust him.
Until then, I am going to try my hand at writing. I am just about to finish a 50,000 word collection of short stories. Once school is out, I am going to begin a young adult novel. I will work on it day in and day out until Gabriel gets here. 4 months might seem like a long time, but not to try and write a novel. Writing has always been my lifelong dream, so it is a perfect time to really give it a shot. Who knows, maybe I will make it as an author. I'll also be busy preparing our home for Gabe.
Please don't look at this as me wasting my education. I am so thankful for my education, and I do plan on going back to work, possibly school, as soon as Gabriel is off at school. I could not get a job without my degree. I would also not be able to pursue my dream as a writer without learning everything I did at school, and for those of you have known me for awhile, you know that ever since I won Young Authors in 1st grade, I have wanted to be a writer. It's tough to get published and to make money doing it, but I want to try.
We're very excited about our decision. We feel that this will be best for my health and Gabriel's. We've been concerned of the affects stress is having on him because I can't seem to be okay with a 99% in school. I have to have 100%, and, as many of you know, that is stressful, and Grad school is a million times more stressful then undergrad. I need a break. Sean and I are very happy, and we hope you will be supportive. This is what is best for our entire family. Sean wants this as much, if not more than I do. He said, "There's no price tag on Gabriel." I think we can all agree that this is what's best for him.
I am thrilled that I get to spend all of this time with Gabriel. What more rewarding job is there than taking care of your own child? Sean is very excited to have me home. Being in school and working means driving 2 hours nearly everyday, leaving the house around 7 and sometimes not getting home until 10:00 at night, only to leave at 7:00 AM again. It is just too much. We never see each other, and when I am home, I'm busy cleaning the house, doing my homework, or taking care of the dogs. We want more family time. We miss each other like crazy. My life is consumed by homework and work, and the stress is really wearing me down. I went through my undergraduate degree so quickly. I went through 153 credits in 4 years with a 4.0 while working. It was rough, and I'm a bit burned out with the whole school thing. I have applied to job after job here, but I have never even gotten a call-back. I guess 4.0 and work experience isn't enough these days. I think Sean is excited to have me home. It finally means that I will be home to cook him dinner, make him breakfast, and spend more time with him. He works really hard, and it means when he comes home, he has no responsibilites, as I will be taking over all house and yard work. He can just come home and relax too.
Money will be tight, of course, but we had many long talks about what is most important. Worldly things don't compare to time with family. So we can't go out to dinner as much or go to as many DMB concerts, but we'll have hours of extra time everyday as a family, and that is what is most important to us. Of course, if money gets too tight, I do have a college degree, and I am sure, God willing, I will be able to find a job.
Once Gabe is off to school, and assuming we don't have another little one at home yet, I will try to find job doing some sort of teaching/editing/writing. Who knows. We have learned over the past 2 1/2 years to just trust God. He'll lead us where we need to be if we trust him.
Until then, I am going to try my hand at writing. I am just about to finish a 50,000 word collection of short stories. Once school is out, I am going to begin a young adult novel. I will work on it day in and day out until Gabriel gets here. 4 months might seem like a long time, but not to try and write a novel. Writing has always been my lifelong dream, so it is a perfect time to really give it a shot. Who knows, maybe I will make it as an author. I'll also be busy preparing our home for Gabe.
Please don't look at this as me wasting my education. I am so thankful for my education, and I do plan on going back to work, possibly school, as soon as Gabriel is off at school. I could not get a job without my degree. I would also not be able to pursue my dream as a writer without learning everything I did at school, and for those of you have known me for awhile, you know that ever since I won Young Authors in 1st grade, I have wanted to be a writer. It's tough to get published and to make money doing it, but I want to try.
We're very excited about our decision. We feel that this will be best for my health and Gabriel's. We've been concerned of the affects stress is having on him because I can't seem to be okay with a 99% in school. I have to have 100%, and, as many of you know, that is stressful, and Grad school is a million times more stressful then undergrad. I need a break. Sean and I are very happy, and we hope you will be supportive. This is what is best for our entire family. Sean wants this as much, if not more than I do. He said, "There's no price tag on Gabriel." I think we can all agree that this is what's best for him.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Good News. Link to pics!
I found a way to link my facebook pics to here without you having to get facebook. Click on this link and it should work. I'll also link you to some other photos of our adventures.
Pregnancy Pic Links:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2020238&id=199600486&l=882946ad5c
Pics with Mom and Dad
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2019795&id=199600486&l=277da87a3e
This is from my anniversary and our birthday
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2018433&id=199600486&l=29d4e8bae8
This is from the Dallas Aquarium and Great Wolf Lodge
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2018419&id=199600486&l=ec2ea1fc16
Trip to Oklahoma
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2017464&id=199600486&l=4bb79a3253
Pregnancy Pic Links:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2020238&id=199600486&l=882946ad5c
Pics with Mom and Dad
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2019795&id=199600486&l=277da87a3e
This is from my anniversary and our birthday
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2018433&id=199600486&l=29d4e8bae8
This is from the Dallas Aquarium and Great Wolf Lodge
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2018419&id=199600486&l=ec2ea1fc16
Trip to Oklahoma
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2017464&id=199600486&l=4bb79a3253
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Gabriel Michael
Woops. I originally posted this post to THE WRONG BLOG. I posted it for my English 675 blog...woops! I think I thoroughly confused everyone.
Well, I am starting my 15th week, and went in today and found out we're having a boy!!! Gabe has gotten so big! He's really growing, and he looks even more like a cuddly baby. I fell instantly in love with my son. It's so weird but awesome to say that! Sean is so excited. He's beaming. I don't think he could be a prouder papa. It's funny because one of my friends from church just had her baby, and it is a girl, my other friend from church is pregnant with a girl, my friend from school is pregnant with a girl, and two of my other good friends have little girls-- My guess, Gabe is going to be a little heartthrob. Of course he will if he looks like his daddy, right? We go back in in a month and the doctor will be able to check out his brain, heart, things like that, so keep up in your prayers. Love you all!
Well, I am starting my 15th week, and went in today and found out we're having a boy!!! Gabe has gotten so big! He's really growing, and he looks even more like a cuddly baby. I fell instantly in love with my son. It's so weird but awesome to say that! Sean is so excited. He's beaming. I don't think he could be a prouder papa. It's funny because one of my friends from church just had her baby, and it is a girl, my other friend from church is pregnant with a girl, my friend from school is pregnant with a girl, and two of my other good friends have little girls-- My guess, Gabe is going to be a little heartthrob. Of course he will if he looks like his daddy, right? We go back in in a month and the doctor will be able to check out his brain, heart, things like that, so keep up in your prayers. Love you all!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Get facebook!
Hey guys,
For some reason blogger isn't uploading my photos, so if you want to see the pics, you just might have to get a facebook account! Sorry, I've tried several times.
Love you!
For some reason blogger isn't uploading my photos, so if you want to see the pics, you just might have to get a facebook account! Sorry, I've tried several times.
Love you!
3 Months
I am three months pregnant today! One more week and I am done with the first trimester. The first twelve weeks are the scariest: 80% of miscarriages happen before 12 weeks. That's a relief. We had a few scary weeks in there. Thanks for all your prayers! :)
This morning I weighed in at 132.2. I usually weigh anywhere between 132 and 134 these days. When I first got pregnant I was between 130-131, so I am right on track where I need to be. The doctor said a lot of people make the mistake of eating way too much during their first trimester. The baby is tiny and only requires a few calories at this point. I know people say eat, eat, eat, but eating too much and eating too unhealthy is almost as bad as not eating enough, according to my doctor. He has me eating about 2,500 -3,000 calories a day since I exercise as well.
We go in 2 weeks from today and may be able to tell the sex!
That is all for now. Back to homework!
This morning I weighed in at 132.2. I usually weigh anywhere between 132 and 134 these days. When I first got pregnant I was between 130-131, so I am right on track where I need to be. The doctor said a lot of people make the mistake of eating way too much during their first trimester. The baby is tiny and only requires a few calories at this point. I know people say eat, eat, eat, but eating too much and eating too unhealthy is almost as bad as not eating enough, according to my doctor. He has me eating about 2,500 -3,000 calories a day since I exercise as well.
We go in 2 weeks from today and may be able to tell the sex!
That is all for now. Back to homework!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
11 Weeks
I'm just over 11 weeks now. Feeling pretty good, but I am still pretty tired. I am very excited to hopefully be getting some energy back in the next few weeks. No real changes yet. This weekend I will be running a 5K, which I am pretty excited about. It is a bit more of a struggle, though, with the fatigue!
Everyone is eager for me to get that belly. I should start showing maybe in a month, or so. Probably in time for Halloween, haha. I wonder how I might incorporate that in a costume.
Next weekend Sean and I are going to the DMB concert in Austin. I'm excited to take baby Deffendall to his/her first show! :) It will be good for us to get away from work and school for awhile.
That is all for now. I will post pics when I get the bump! :)
Everyone is eager for me to get that belly. I should start showing maybe in a month, or so. Probably in time for Halloween, haha. I wonder how I might incorporate that in a costume.
Next weekend Sean and I are going to the DMB concert in Austin. I'm excited to take baby Deffendall to his/her first show! :) It will be good for us to get away from work and school for awhile.
That is all for now. I will post pics when I get the bump! :)
Monday, September 21, 2009
Surprise!
Well, be jealous; I have the best husband in the world. Yesterday, he woke me up with a breakfast sandwich in bed complete with chocolate soy milk and a lovely flower. Today, he woke me up with french toast (my recent favorite), sliced potatoes, and soy chocolate milk in bed. He had to get up extra early, 5:30 a.m., just to make it for me. Man was I shocked! What a sweetheart. Got to think of a way to pay him back. We are all doing well! :)
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
We saw the baby, and he/she looks like a human!
Today I am 10 weeks! Sean and I got to go to the doctor today and see the baby! The baby actually looked like a human. He/she was dancing and wiggling around already. I think he/she is preparing for the Dave Matthews Band concert we are going to in a few weeks! :) It was so amazing to see the baby look like a baby. How he/she grew! We also got to hear the heart beat instead of just see it, which was also amazing. 180 beats per minute. The little guy/girl is going! The doctor said that the baby has a very strong heart beat and appears happy and healthy. We also got to see the blood flow through the baby and the umbilical cord, which was pretty crazy.
The doctor is going to "sneak" us in on October 14 to see if he can tell whether it is a boy or girl. He said if it is a boy, and he is positioned right, he will probably be able to tell. If it is a girl, it will take a little longer for him to know. We should know for sure by 18-20 weeks. :) Most people, including me, already think they know. For some reason, everyone thinks it is a boy. We'll see. Today Sean and I got Subway after our appointment, and he said it was certain it was boy. "That wasn't the umbilical cord" was his response, I think, haha. Of course. Sounds like Sean, right?
I'm going to try and scan the pics from the doctor's office. If I can't find a scanner, I would be happy to make copies and send them for those of you who want them. Just let me know! :) I got them to copy pretty well, actually.
No pictures of the belly yet, which is a good thing. I'm not supposed to have one yet with it being my first pregnancy. I've gained about 1.5 pounds, I think. It depends on the day. I'm eating plenty of food. Still haven't lost my appetite! I think I'm avoiding morning sickness for the most part! :) Got enough other symptoms to keep me busy, haha. It's all worth it, of course.
Sean is doing well. He's so cute. He asked me if I would make a copy of the sonogram so he could hang it up for everyone to see at the office. He's a proud papa! :) He's busy working on the nursery, making it perfect, and reading up on being a daddy. He's really into it, and it is so cute. The other day I really needed some fresh air and a walk, but it was dark, so Sean was a trooper, put on his shoes, grabbed a flashlight, and took me for a stroll around the neighborhood. I also got a craving for french toast, and I decided to give in on this one, so he cooked me up some. It was very sweet, and the french toast was delicious!
I have a really good friend who is an excellent photographer. He has his own gallery and everything. I think I am going to ask him to do baby pictures, and maybe some pictures of the belly.
School and work are going well. They are def. keeping me busy. Sean is very busy at work, too. Someone told him he was on fire yesterday. Be proud of him! He's an awesome engineer. Superman, I think.
Love you guys!
The doctor is going to "sneak" us in on October 14 to see if he can tell whether it is a boy or girl. He said if it is a boy, and he is positioned right, he will probably be able to tell. If it is a girl, it will take a little longer for him to know. We should know for sure by 18-20 weeks. :) Most people, including me, already think they know. For some reason, everyone thinks it is a boy. We'll see. Today Sean and I got Subway after our appointment, and he said it was certain it was boy. "That wasn't the umbilical cord" was his response, I think, haha. Of course. Sounds like Sean, right?
I'm going to try and scan the pics from the doctor's office. If I can't find a scanner, I would be happy to make copies and send them for those of you who want them. Just let me know! :) I got them to copy pretty well, actually.
No pictures of the belly yet, which is a good thing. I'm not supposed to have one yet with it being my first pregnancy. I've gained about 1.5 pounds, I think. It depends on the day. I'm eating plenty of food. Still haven't lost my appetite! I think I'm avoiding morning sickness for the most part! :) Got enough other symptoms to keep me busy, haha. It's all worth it, of course.
Sean is doing well. He's so cute. He asked me if I would make a copy of the sonogram so he could hang it up for everyone to see at the office. He's a proud papa! :) He's busy working on the nursery, making it perfect, and reading up on being a daddy. He's really into it, and it is so cute. The other day I really needed some fresh air and a walk, but it was dark, so Sean was a trooper, put on his shoes, grabbed a flashlight, and took me for a stroll around the neighborhood. I also got a craving for french toast, and I decided to give in on this one, so he cooked me up some. It was very sweet, and the french toast was delicious!
I have a really good friend who is an excellent photographer. He has his own gallery and everything. I think I am going to ask him to do baby pictures, and maybe some pictures of the belly.
School and work are going well. They are def. keeping me busy. Sean is very busy at work, too. Someone told him he was on fire yesterday. Be proud of him! He's an awesome engineer. Superman, I think.
Love you guys!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Gifts
Mom and Dad have showered us with gifts. What's new? Here are some of the hightlights:
-A travel system stroller complete with a car seat (very nice!)
-Baby Einstein Crib Aquarium
-Winnie-the-Pooh bouncer
-Winnie-the-Pooh crib
-Lots of clothes, bibs, blankets
-Tons of stuffed animals
-A play pen
-Activity mat
-Rattles, binkies, sheets
-Bathtub and bath supplies
-Maternity clothes
-Decorations
-A jogging stroller
-Oh, and did I mention, a car!
-A travel system stroller complete with a car seat (very nice!)
-Baby Einstein Crib Aquarium
-Winnie-the-Pooh bouncer
-Winnie-the-Pooh crib
-Lots of clothes, bibs, blankets
-Tons of stuffed animals
-A play pen
-Activity mat
-Rattles, binkies, sheets
-Bathtub and bath supplies
-Maternity clothes
-Decorations
-A jogging stroller
-Oh, and did I mention, a car!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Life Outside My Belly
I am in graduate school at Texas A&M-Commerce. I'm getting my M.A. in English with a focus on Creative Writing and Film. My goal is to teach at a college. My favorite class right now is Creative Writing Bootcamp. I am writing a collection of short stories, 50,000 words, in other words a book length manuscript, for this class. I hope to turn this in as my thesis, pending LOTS of revision, of course. This keeps me busy. It's hard to be creative when you're tired!
I work 20 hours, well probably more, but officially 20 hours, as graduate assistant at TAMU-C. What do do I do?
-I spend 12 hours tutoring in our writing center
-I spend 5 hours being the Outreach Coordinator for the writing center. Basically, I prepare seminars and workshops and teach them on campus. I also opened the writing center an hour specifically for creative writers.
-I teach English 100 lab.
-I teach English 110.
-I am assistant editor, and future editor of our literary journal, The Mayo Review. This, of course, keeps me busy with events!
-I'm also working on presenting some of my papers at academic conferences.
Did I mention, it is an hour drive to school? This, too, keeps me busy. 2 hours of driving a day is no bueno! It gives me time to develop my ideas for writing, though.
I work 20 hours, well probably more, but officially 20 hours, as graduate assistant at TAMU-C. What do do I do?
-I spend 12 hours tutoring in our writing center
-I spend 5 hours being the Outreach Coordinator for the writing center. Basically, I prepare seminars and workshops and teach them on campus. I also opened the writing center an hour specifically for creative writers.
-I teach English 100 lab.
-I teach English 110.
-I am assistant editor, and future editor of our literary journal, The Mayo Review. This, of course, keeps me busy with events!
-I'm also working on presenting some of my papers at academic conferences.
Did I mention, it is an hour drive to school? This, too, keeps me busy. 2 hours of driving a day is no bueno! It gives me time to develop my ideas for writing, though.
The 411
Due Date:
April 14, 2010
The Nursery:
Sean painted the crib, changing table, and cradle all white. He also painted white and silver leaves all over the nursery walls, which are forest green, and stenciled part of Psalm 139 on the wall. He has done an amazing job! We have Winnie-the-Pooh crib bedding, stuffed animals, a mobile, and rattles. Everything is green and yellow for now. We want to keep things pretty gender-neutral even though we plan on finding out the sex.
The Bookshelves:
Being an English major, of course I am busy stacking my baby's bookshelves. We've gone to Goodwill and bought out their selection. Mom and Dad have also bought us some beautiful books, including a collection of fairy-tales.
What We're Reading:
What to Expect When You're Expecting, Your Pregnancy Week by Week, Belly Laughs, Bun in the Oven, The Everything Father-to-Be Book, She's Having a Baby, and I'm Having a Breakdown, The Pregnancy Journals, and more to come, I am sure.
Names:
Gabriel Michael
Summer Grace
First Signs of Pregnancy:
-Extreme HUNGER (But, I've been eating healthily!)
-Fatigue (Didn't know it was possible to be this tired!)
-Whoa, I have boobs, and they hurt
-Stomach issues (We won't get into details)
-Acne (Yay!)
-Bloated
-Cramping
Diet:
I've been eating lots of fruits, veggies, whole grains, peanut butter, beans (for protein), yogurt, kashi bars, carnation instant breakfast.
Cravings:
-Burrito (Didn't give in!)
-Granny Smith Apples (Of course I gave into this one!)
-Pumpkin Donuts, Apple cider, and Chocolate milk (I resisted this one, too!)
Exercise:
I've been staying active, though not as active as I was as my pre-pregnant self. Before pregnancy I was running 3-5 miles a day, but I just physically do not have the energy anymore. I still run 2 miles most days. Days I don't run, I go for very long walks, do light toning, or swim. I generally get 1-1.5 hours of exercise a day, which is tough with school and work.
April 14, 2010
The Nursery:
Sean painted the crib, changing table, and cradle all white. He also painted white and silver leaves all over the nursery walls, which are forest green, and stenciled part of Psalm 139 on the wall. He has done an amazing job! We have Winnie-the-Pooh crib bedding, stuffed animals, a mobile, and rattles. Everything is green and yellow for now. We want to keep things pretty gender-neutral even though we plan on finding out the sex.
The Bookshelves:
Being an English major, of course I am busy stacking my baby's bookshelves. We've gone to Goodwill and bought out their selection. Mom and Dad have also bought us some beautiful books, including a collection of fairy-tales.
What We're Reading:
What to Expect When You're Expecting, Your Pregnancy Week by Week, Belly Laughs, Bun in the Oven, The Everything Father-to-Be Book, She's Having a Baby, and I'm Having a Breakdown, The Pregnancy Journals, and more to come, I am sure.
Names:
Gabriel Michael
Summer Grace
First Signs of Pregnancy:
-Extreme HUNGER (But, I've been eating healthily!)
-Fatigue (Didn't know it was possible to be this tired!)
-Whoa, I have boobs, and they hurt
-Stomach issues (We won't get into details)
-Acne (Yay!)
-Bloated
-Cramping
Diet:
I've been eating lots of fruits, veggies, whole grains, peanut butter, beans (for protein), yogurt, kashi bars, carnation instant breakfast.
Cravings:
-Burrito (Didn't give in!)
-Granny Smith Apples (Of course I gave into this one!)
-Pumpkin Donuts, Apple cider, and Chocolate milk (I resisted this one, too!)
Exercise:
I've been staying active, though not as active as I was as my pre-pregnant self. Before pregnancy I was running 3-5 miles a day, but I just physically do not have the energy anymore. I still run 2 miles most days. Days I don't run, I go for very long walks, do light toning, or swim. I generally get 1-1.5 hours of exercise a day, which is tough with school and work.
The beginnings
Sean and I found out we were pregnant early in August. We were unsure for a few days because I tested too early, and the line was too light. I was just too excited. Sean told me to wait, but I snuck off to Wal-Mart early one morning and bought a digital pregnancy test. When it came back positive, I called Sean right away. Of course he was excited. Next, I tried to call my parents, but my mom was in the shower, so I told dad. He was very excited, and he told mom, who called back ecstatic. I then called Mom Deffendall, and she was with Rachel, and they both flipped with excitement. Of course I had to tell Mimi next, and I don't think she could have been any more pleased. Grandma and Grandpa Kratky, too. Grandma got busy making a baby quilt!
We got pregnant our first month of trying. We were expecting it to take longer, but we should have known. I don't like to procrastinate. I get things done in a timely fashion! :)
We had some rough patches in the beginning. I had bad cramps and heavy bleeding. I spent a lot of time in the ER, hospital, and doctor's office. I was on bed rest for awhile. In fact, they told me that I miscarried, but called back, praise God, and told me I didn't. They were shocked. We weren't. We had lots of people praying for us!
Of course this was hectic, but what made it even more hectic was that I was in the middle of my very first graduate class, and, oh, did I mention it was a summer class, so it was only 5 weeks long! Dr. Duchovnay taught a film course on Clint Eastwood. Sounds fun, right? Well, yeah it was, but if you ever heard me talk about Duchovnay, you'd also know it is a lot of work. Good work, I mean, he is the best teacher I have ever had, but still, lots of work, none the less. The man was a saint and took a lot of stress off me. Thank God for that. I managed to pass the class with an "A," and I now know more about Clint Eastwood than any one person should.
We got pregnant our first month of trying. We were expecting it to take longer, but we should have known. I don't like to procrastinate. I get things done in a timely fashion! :)
We had some rough patches in the beginning. I had bad cramps and heavy bleeding. I spent a lot of time in the ER, hospital, and doctor's office. I was on bed rest for awhile. In fact, they told me that I miscarried, but called back, praise God, and told me I didn't. They were shocked. We weren't. We had lots of people praying for us!
Of course this was hectic, but what made it even more hectic was that I was in the middle of my very first graduate class, and, oh, did I mention it was a summer class, so it was only 5 weeks long! Dr. Duchovnay taught a film course on Clint Eastwood. Sounds fun, right? Well, yeah it was, but if you ever heard me talk about Duchovnay, you'd also know it is a lot of work. Good work, I mean, he is the best teacher I have ever had, but still, lots of work, none the less. The man was a saint and took a lot of stress off me. Thank God for that. I managed to pass the class with an "A," and I now know more about Clint Eastwood than any one person should.
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