40 weeks, 1 day

Well we are now past Miss Taysen's "official" due date... which as we all know, are just estimates anyway.  Only God knows when it is time for her to come out of the womb.  I am however, praying and hoping it's soon -- SO SO ready to meet her.  Tyler too, he can hardly sleep at night he's so excited.  He says's it's like Christmas Eve but worse because you can't tell yourself for sure when "it" will arrive.  I love that he's just as excited as I am. 

Went to the midwife today and no new news there.  I feel good so I get to keep working half days at work and walking in the evenings like I have been.  Until I get about 41 1/2 weeks we won't do anything, if I make it closer to 42 weeks we will do a sonogram just to check on the baby and make sure the placenta is good, she's getting enough blood form the cord etc.  Hopefully she will be here long before then!!!

I'm sure all of you will be getting a call or a text when she arrives until then just pray for His timing and for grace and patience for Tyler and I!!

Almost a full 37 weeks!!

Seemed like I would never get this far... but God created time for a reason right?! We've almost made it! At my last midwife appointment she checked my iron levels again and they went back up to 11.5 which is really good. I did my part eating better and taking my Floridex! Plus, Tyler banned me from drinking Dr Peppers which was probably a good thing, since caffeine robs iron along with who knows what else. So everything looks great!!

This Thursday our midwife will come over for our home visit, so she can see the house, know where it is and not be trying to find it in the middle of the night. Although, I'm praying Taysen arrives after a really great night of rest!!

We're very excited for her arrival but praying that we treasure each day that is left of pregnancy, it's been such a sweet time for us as a couple. God has been faithful and is growing our marriage even more each day.

When she decides to make her entrance we've decided to keep that special and between us. Tyler's mom is going to come over to help with the dogs and anything that the midwives need but only Tyler and I will be present (and midwives) when our new little miracle arrives. Mom will keep everyone updated via text, facebook etc but we're asking that everyone let us have our time with her before coming by. We welcome your prayers and are thankful for your excitement and once she is here we will let people know when it is ok to come meet our precious baby girl. Looking forward to seeing everyone in a few weeks!!

Almost a full 37 weeks!!

Seemed like I would never get this far... but God created time for a reason right?!  We've almost made it!  At my last midwife appointment she checked my iron levels again and they went back up to 11.5 which is really good.  I did my part eating better and taking my Floridex!  Plus, Tyler banned me from drinking Dr Peppers which was probably a good thing, since caffeine robs iron along with who knows what else.  So everything looks great!!
This Thursday our midwife will come over for our home visit, so she can see the house, know where it is and not be trying to find it in the middle of the night.  Although, I'm praying Taysen arrives after a really great night of rest!!

We're very excited for her arrival but praying that we treasure each day that is left of pregnancy, it's been such a sweet time for us as a couple.  God has been faithful and is growing our marriage even more each day.

When she decides to make her entrance we've decided to keep that special and between us.  Tyler's mom is going to come over to help with the dogs and anything that the midwives need but only Tyler and I will be present (and midwives) when our new little miracle arrives.  Mom will keep everyone updated via text, facebook etc but we're asking that everyone let us have our time with her before coming by.  We welcome your prayers and are thankful for your excitement and once she is here we will let people know when it is ok to come meet our precious baby girl.  Looking forward to seeing everyone in a few weeks!!         

September 9th, Midwife Visit

I think I've had two appointments since I've blogged last so I've decided to get back to it!!

I'm a full 34 weeks now so just a little less than 6 weeks left, that is SO unbelievable to me!!  We started our birthing classes last Tuesday, that was interesting.  I've read bunches of information so I don't think any of it was new to me, however it did make it much more REAL.  The class totally calmed Tyler down and he said he feels much less nervous about the birth now, which is wonderful.  However it had quite the oppositite effect on me, I started getting really nervous about not being in control of my body.  So.... we're praying through that now and I'm sure by the time Taysen arrives I'll be full of peace and God's grace will be sufficient for the moment.  We have 3 more birthing classes to go, which we're excited about because each one brings us closer to baby Taysen!!   

We saw our midwife again this morning and all is well.  My iron levels have dropped but she said that is completely normal because the baby is taking what she needs from me.  She does however want it back up before I deliver so she is having me take Floradex.  From my understanding it's basically an herbal supplement that is food based... so to give a visual it's like taking a handful of beets without actually having to eat them.  Thank goodness for supplememts I would never be able to eat enough beets to get that much iron!!

Until next time... we love yall... The Thomas'

p.s. SO SO SO READY FOR FALL AND FALL WEATHER!!

Last Midwife Visit

Hi Everyone,

My last midwife appointment was on July 29th and it went great!  She had me eat two hours prior to coming in, then she checked my blood sugar at the appointment --- which was awesome, she seemed shocked it was so good!  She said did you eat, I said yes and told her what I'd had... so she was happy and we were happy.  They also checked my iron levels, blood pressure and checked for protein in my urine, all were great!!  We heard the baby's heartbeat which was 155, easy for her to find and totally normal.  She felt around and figured out that little Taysen it still head up, her back is up against my right side and her feet down low.  She said that her position is totally normal but we don't want her getting "comfy" that way.  So, she instructed me to put headphones on my lower belly and play music for her.  The idea is that at some point, sooner rather than later, she try to get her head toward the music and be head down. 

Tyler set my mp3 player up with some praise and worship music and I've been playing it for her for a few hours a day --- I don't think she's turned just yet but I know she will at just the right time. 

Until next time friends!!! Love yall, Jenn

Week 29!!!

So... I'm not posting the fruit or veggie for these weeks because it's a squash.  A squash?!  They come in all shapes and sizes and it wasn't a very good comparison!  But here is what it had to say about baby Taysen's development weeks 29 - 32.

Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- as you’ve also probably noticed -- they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments.

So there you have it, she's growing and probably somewhere between 2.9 - 3.2 lbs at the moment... she loves punching, flipping, kicking and in general just moving around.  I LOVE being woken up 30 minutes before my alarm goes off because she doesn't want to be still!  Just Kidding, not a huge fan of that part, but it's totally worth it to know my sweet girl is doing well and growing fast. 

It seems like these next 12 weeks can't go by fast enough, yet I still feel like I have much to do.  My bedding is ordered, along with some fabric to match so that I can have Carrie Gant make me window treatments... my Crib and Changing Station are both ordered... and I have a couple of really cute shelves I need to hang... but most importantly I need all those things to come in so I can finish the nursery.  I say "finish" like I've started, which I haven't... my shelves and cute decorations are patiently awaiting the furniture and bedding to make sure they get hung in the right place.  Her room is going to be cowgirl!  I searched and searched for beautiful girly bedding that was both vintage and frilly AND would go with barnwood furniture because that's what we have in that room.  Well, never found any I loved BUT I did find a western set that I loved.  So I picked out a crib that was vintage and distressed looking because I knew it would make the western more girly and definitely go with the barnwood furniture already there.  I'll post picture when it comes in, don't want to ruin the surprise now. 

This weekend is my sweet nieces 1st birthday, the next weekend Tyler and I are taking our concealed handgun class, then I have two "free" weekends before my first baby shower.  I'm so looking forward to all of the fun events in August and am so thankful for my sweet family and friends who are throwing me a shower.  I know it's going to be wonderful and I can't wait to post pics of that either!

SO MANY BLESSINGS AHEAD!!  LORD, GIVE ME THE PATIENCE TO ENJOY EACH MOMENT AS IT COMES!!

 

Loving it!

I am really enjoying this part of pregnancy.  Her movements and kicks feel stronger each day, to the point that Daddy gets to feel them sometimes too.  Plus, when I'm working I actually "feel" like she's working with me :)   I've started back to prenatal yoga and started using the treadmill again, hopefully I will continue this routine until the birth!! 

Working on getting her bedding made right now, after we do, I'll post some pics :) 

Weeks 21 - 25

Weeks 21-24 (Month 5): Papaya

Watch what you say -- baby is now able to hear outside noise from down in the womb. Studies show that baby finds gentle music and your own voice most soothing. Nipples are starting to sprout, and that little face is fully formed. And, baby's starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop.

We have a name!

We have finally decided on a name for our sweet baby girl...

Taysen Jane Thomas

Taysen is something Tyler made up, actually when he was joking around and rhyming some names.  We were on a road trip to a wedding in Nac and he didn't feel like tossing around name ideas anymore so he started spouting off crazy things!  He said Taysen and I said YES... he said NO.  We had no idea if it was a boy or girl at that point so I just let it go.  Once we found out we were having a girl I decided to bring it up once more and it must have grown on him because he liked it.  Taysen Thomas just sounded too cute to pass up!!  To me it seems kind of like her Grandpa Timber - sweet yet opinionated :)  I can just picture her now!!  Tyler's Memaw was Peggy Jane, so that's how Jane came about.   In Hebrew, Jane means God's Grace or God is Gracious.  So it fits just perfect!! 

So... there we go, that is her name and I hope you all love it as much as we do!

Love,
The Thomas'

It's a girl!

We had a sonogram last Friday and received the news that our little critter is a sweet baby GIRL!  Now all I can think about is big giant bows and a girly room --- we are so excited and so blessed!!  Hopefully we will announce the name soon!

Week 20 and 21

Week 20: Cantaloupe

Baby's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. And, speaking of the diaper situation... baby's genitals are now fully formed!

Week 21: Banana


Baby gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for hydration and nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And, these days, those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth, babies are most interested in tastes they've already experienced through amniotic fluid. Meaning, think about what you want your future child to eat as you prepare your own lunch.

Pregnancy so far...

I consider myself very blessed for the pregnancy I've had so far.  Only had morning sickness one time and that was really no big deal.  I was really tired from about week 7 until about week 12 but since then even that has evened out some.  I've never been the person to need 8 hours of sleep but now, different story!  But I'm not trying to go to sleep at 9 anymore LOL, just as long as I get my 7 1/2 to 8 hours I have a good amount of energy.  From about week 10 - 12 or 13 I was nauseous alot.  Still wasn't getting sick just annoyed!  Thank goodness that stage has passed for the most part.  I still have my moments but it's nothing like the constant nausea, praise God :)  Allergies are probably my biggest complaint!!  I can't take anything for them so I just pray pray pray.  I go to the chiropractor from time to time to help with any allergy headaches but really if all of these allergens could just go away this whole pregnancy would be ALOT smoother.  So in short, Lord if you want to remove all the pollen, cottonwood and anything else I'm allergic to from the air, that would be awesome.  Currently I traveled too much for work and managed to either catch a cold or get a sinus cold if that's even a sickness.  More than anything it's frustrating because I seriously never get sick.  But I've learned my lesson, baby gets the immunities first, then me... no more running my body down by waking up at 4 am to fly out of state.  So, as of now I'm at home resting and waiting for my healing!  Tyler's brining me home some ecinechea some coloidial silver and some vitamin C.... that's what the midwife recommended along with lots of rest.  So i intend to try all routes, including continuing to pray for a supernatural healing!! 

On a happier note, I'm pretty darn sure I felt citter move last night!  It was cool, yet such a foreign feeling.  In the next few weeks as he/she gets bigger I'm sure it will be easier for me to tell if its the baby or not... although like I said, I know my body really well so I'm pretty sure it is.  Our next midwife appt is May 6th and then a few weeks after that we find out the sex of the baby.  We found out last week that our sweet cousins Jason and Lauren are expecting a BOY.  So excited for them!  Our turn to find out next! 

Blessing,
Jenn and baby critter

Baby Orange week is almost over... week 16 starts in two days with baby Avacado!

Week 16: Avocado

Watch what you say... tiny bones forming in baby's ears mean the little one can now pick up your voice. Eyebrows, lashes and hair are starting to fill in, and taste buds are forming. And, if you're interested, an ultrasound might be able to determine gender.










Week 15: Naval Orange

Continuing the march towards normal proportions, baby's legs now outmeasure the arms. And, finally, all four limbs have functional joints. Your fetus is squirming and wiggling like crazy down in the womb, though you probably still can't feel the movements.

Midwife Appointment Today

We had an appointment with our midwife today and planned on hearing Critter's heartbeat.  The appointment went well but unfortunately she couldn't pick up the baby's heartbeat with just the handheld doppler.  Shereally thought everything was fine because my uterus was growing as it should be, but she felt like possibly the placenta was in front of the baby and was "blocking" us from being able to hear the tiny little heartbeat.  Tyler and I were calm and confident that everything was fine but I know I was somewhat disappointed that we weren't going to be able to hear the baby for the first time.  Donna gave us the option to either do a sonogram or come back next week when the baby is a week older and try again.  We were both kind of lost as to what we wanted to do, mainly because I especially had my heart set on hearing it today!!  So, Donna suggested she could call the ultrasound place up the street and see if they could see me right then.  Next thing you know we, along with Donna and her assistant, are heading to get a sonogram.  What a blessing that they could get me in right then, God is SO good!  They got me back in the room quickly and next thing we know up popped our Critter on the screen.  He/she was bouncing around and bucking around as I called it.  The ultrasound tech even commented that he/she was doing crunches, it was so cute!!!  Clearly everything was perfect but they let us hear the heartbeat and got us an ultrasound picture anyway.  Tyler was in shock how much it looked like a baby!!  Critter's heart was beating 170 beats per minute and they said Oct. 20th for the due date.  It was such a special time getting to see my little resident, so glad we opted to go ahead and do the sonogram.  As a friend told me, now there is no room for Satan to bring fear, Critter is growing as planned and will continue to.  There is a picture below of the sweet little tiny blessing ... our hearts are so VERY full of JOY!!   

I'll try to take a better picture later and post it, we took this one with Tyler's cell phone.  The head is on the left and the body is on the right with tiny legs kicking around.  How stinkin cute can a baby get!!??

Love yall!

Prune week --- Yuck!

Okay, so I wasn't feeling so grand on Sunday and Monday, due to a virus I think, not the baby... BUT that's why I am late on the update.  Sunday started week ten for our baby prune, sorry Tyler I am not eating a prune this week, I can barely stomach raisins.  The baby seems to be alot more picky about what Mom eats than he/she was before this week and smells... ugh.  
Week 10: Prune
With bones and cartilage starting to form and vital organs beginning to function, baby is making major progress. Body length will almost double in the next three weeks, and arm joints are now working. (Soon, legs will too.)