First Bottle

Well, it wasn't the first time we tried a bottle, but it was the first time he acutaly took it.
It was so sweet to watch daddy feed him! Jaxon didn't flintch at the bottle at all either. The first time we tried to give him a bottle he was 3 weeks old. J said that he would suck on it, but as soon as he got any milk, he wouldn't have anything to do with it ... weird! ;o)
This time, he took it as if he was a bottle pro! ;o) We gave it to him, just to be sure that he would take one, if for any reason he ever needed it.


Then a couple of days later, I thought we should give it a go again. I figured, we have the milk so we might as well use it! ;o)
This time I gave it to T. Again, Jax took it no problem. When she was done I asked T if she enjoyed feeding Jaxon. I really liked her reply, "I enjoy watching you feed him better mom." :D I have to admit, watching him eat from a bottle made me kinda sad. I am thankful that he'll take one, but I was really missing feeding him myself. ;o) It may be a while before we give him another bottle!

Hello Again!

It has been such a long time since I have blogged!!!

Here we are heading into Christmas already! I can't believe it is that time of year again, but here we are!
We are now a family of six. The beautiful picture on this blog was taken by my friend (and sister in law) Marisa Haas.

With the new addition to our lives ... Jaxon ... I started to look at Christmas differently. In the years past we have bought so many presents and went to great lengths to decorate our home. It was pretty stressful. We have decided to focus more on the reason for the season, especially now. So, instead of buying a ton of gifts we have adopted a new tradition, (thanks to a friend sharing this idea with us). Everyone will get two of each, a want, a need, and a surprise.

As for decorating and all, we have decided that if it gets done, great, if not that is great too. Already we have been less stressed and enjoying the time together, shopping and all so much more!

Here is a picture of our tree before we were completely finished with it. While we were decorating it, Ethan and Owen came over to hang out with us for the evening and joined in the fun of decorating the tree with us. I have also decided that I need to spend more time with my camera again. There is so much I want to learn and the only way I am going to learn is if I play with it more. I took some time 'off' from my picture taking due to having Jaxon ... but he is three months old now, so I think I can pull it out and play around again. Jaxon does such a great job with his sisters that I'll have a bit more time for me. ;o)

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a great New Year!

Fun with Jaxon

This morning Jaxon was kicking like crazy. It was so much fun, I could feel his little heel, knee, elbow, or something like that. I called Kirstie in to see if she would like to try to feel him. She came so fast! ;o)

By the time she got in here and placed her hand on my belly, Jaxon decided to stop ... of course! I asked her to get me a flashlight. I read a couple weeks ago that at about this time of pregnancy, 26 weeks, baby's eye lids can open, and sometimes they'll respond to light. I thought, well it couldn't hurt!

So, I shined the light in my belly, pressing the flashlight all the way up against it. In just a couple of seconds he started kicking again! Kirstie got to expereince his little 'bumps'! It was so much fun!!! Then after a little bit, Jaxon actually kicked the flashlight, and we saw the whole thing bounce up! I was using a Maglite!!! LOL

Pregnancy is so much fun!!!
Blessings!

Hiccups

Well, last night we had the opportunity to go see Star Trek with our friend Doreen! What a great experience!!! We saw it on IMAX - whoa was it clear, cool, and loud!!! ;o) Lots of fun.

I think Jaxon liked it as well. He was moving around like crazy through most of the movie. However, at one point I noticed that he was 'hitting' the same spot over and over. Then I realized ... Jaxon has the hiccups!!! It was soooo cool!

Once we got home from the movie - it was late about 12.30am!!! - I got ready for bed, crawled into bed, ready for some much needed sleep. But ... Jaxon had other plans! ;o) He started moving around - big kicks at that! I was thinking to myself - well, he always gives one good one but then not much after that. Right after that thought - here came another big kick ... then another ... then another. At this point I thought that I should go out to the living room (J seldom comes to bed at the same time as me ... he is the night owl in the family! ;o) ) so J could feel him. As I was walking out there I thought - bummer, now he is going to stop because I have moved! But we gave it a try none the less. After settling in and laying on my side and getting comfortable, J waited paitently. After a couple of minutes ... there he was kicking! I was so thrilled and J kept saying stuff like 'Whoa! - Cool' and giving little laughs! It was so much fun!!!

So, last night was very cool night. We got to see Star Trek, Jaxon had the hiccups, and J felt Jaxon move all around!!! What fun!

Blessings!

Video of Jaxon

I hope you enjoy this video of Jaxon Wade!
Blessings!

Jaxon Wade

Well, yesterday we had the 'big' ultrasound ... however we already knew we were having a boy!

We were able to bring our kids with us to this one - and we all had such a great time! We were all crammed into the tiny room - although I was comfy on the table! ;o)

Our doctor talked more at this appointment than he has at all of our appointments put together! LOL I think it was due to the kids being there. He was being funny when he was raising the table, by waving his hands over me and saying "Rise. I tell you to rise." Goofy - but funny! ;o) As he was conducting the ultrasound he was giving us detail to everything we were seeing - it was great! We saw his arms, legs, toes, fingers, shoulders, knees, face - you name it! It was so amazing! We couldn't get a good/complete shot of Jaxon's head though - he was resting it right up against my belly so the uldtrasound waves were 'cutting through' his skull and we could see inside his head. Pretty amazing!

This is the better one we have. In this picture you can see his profile, ear, shoulder & arm. If you look just below his elbow you'll see his knee.
In this shot we can't get a complete view of his head because he is resting up against my stomach. But you can make out his little nose, eyes, and mouth. The curly thing there is the cord.
You saw the inside of my belly - now here are my 20 weeks shots. I happen to like the 'inside' pictures better myself! ;o)
Well - that is our most current update ... thanks for reading!
Blessings!

Jaxon Wade

Well, this week Jaxon's movement have gotten noticably stronger and more frequent ... I am so excited! For the last couple of weeks I have been trying to get J or the kids to feel him move, but one of two things would happen every time. One: he would stop moving all together; Two: his kicks wouldn't be strong enough to feel.

Well, last night he was kicking pretty hard. I placed my hand on my belly to see if I could feel it from the outside ... I could! So, I asked J if he'd like to try again. He is such a goober ... he places his hand on my belly and looks at me like 'I don't feeling anything' ... 'How long will this take' ... mind you he didn't say any of these things, it's just what I saw in his face. I said to him 'What do you expect it to happen right away?'

I felt Jaxon move a couple of times, but J couldn't feel any of them. I started to laugh, because just a moment before he was kicking hard and I could feel it. As I was laughing, Jaxon moved again - and I looked at J and asked 'Did you feel that?'. And to my excitment he said 'Yeah! It just felt like this (he lightly tapped my arm to where I could barly feel it)'. I said, 'Yep, that was him!'

What a great expereince! I look forward to more of them as Jaxon gets stronger and bigger!

This morning he was going crazy inside of me. I could feel him move in two different places at once - it was so awesome. He was so active and moving all over the place! I could feel his movement for about an hour! I was shocked that he was awake for so long - but then again so pleased to be able to feel him so much!

I hope you have a wonderful day!
Blessings!

Coffee???

As most of you know, I love drinking coffee. I had to give it up in my first trimester because I was so sick. So, I went through the headaches and all, but got better fast! In my second trimester I decided to work it back in ... I only drink a cup a day and not even every day. I thought this was a good pattern. Well ... I didn't drink it one day and ended up with a major headache. It took me the whole day through my headache to realize that it was from not having coffee. So I thought, I better be sure to drink it every day ... Then I thought ... if I am getting this headache, does that mean our baby will get one too - when I am breastfeeding?!?!? So, I have decided to give it up all together, I don't want to give our poor innocent little baby a headache ... not to mention I would have to deal with the crying! ;o) So, other than water, I had to give up my other two favorite beverages for this kid ... well worth it ... but I sure do miss them! At least I have my water ... now I'll drink some juice from time to time to change it up! ;o)

Also - here are some more pictures of me and baby. These are at 18wks 2dys.


We also decided on a name. Kyle and I are sad that we didn't use the name Jedidiah, but the new name just seems to 'fit' right. His name is going to be Jaxon Wade. ;o)

Blessings!

16wks 5dys

Well, the time is going by pretty fast. Even though for the first three months it seemed to drag on, here I am at almost four months pregnant now. I am feeling the baby move more and more as the weeks go on - and I am so excited about that!
I felt like taking a picture of my belly with it clothed ... I feel like I look more pregnant in this shot. I felt like sharing.
Blessings!

Photo Phun

Well - It's been such a long time for me to have taken my camera out for fun and just shoot. I think the last time I did that was when Marisa and I went to Botanical Gardens in November of last year!!!! That's too long.
The other day I went out into our front yard and started taking pictures of the flowers in our yard - it was so much fun. Here are a few of them.
I really had a great time. I have got to get out more with my camera - for fun - again!

Last week, I started to go a little clean happy in our home. I started in our bed room, vacuuming the heck out of it. Moving furniture - except the bed, dresser, and desk they are too heavy - going along the walls, the window sills, and the dogs bed. It took me forever! And this was after I did some cleaning and purging of old stuff! Then, I moved into the front room vacuumed all of our furniture, the carpets and down the hall!
A couple of days later I was at the gas station and while I was waiting for the pump to finish, I started cleaning out the car of all the trash, empty water bottles, etc. Kirstie looks at me and says, "Geez mom - you are nesting bad!!!". I started laughing and figured she must be right. I'd rather get it done now while I am still 'comfortablely' pregnant rather than doing it all with a huge belly in the middle of summer!!!

Blessings!

15 weeks

Time goes by so fast - however the first three months really dragged on ... due to morning, excuse me, all day sickness! ;o)
But here we are at 15 weeks and all is going great!

I actually felt the baby move. I thought I had felt him before, but wasn't quite sure, but I know now that it was him. Last week it felt like he rolled over in my tummy - very cool! ;o)

Here are a couple of pictures of us at 15 weeks 2 days.


Blessings!

Scare with a blessing

A week ago today, Friday March 13, (LOL don't get all worked up those of you who are suspicious!) I started with some major cramping and a pinching feeling at the same time. I was concerned so called the doctor's office. I had to talk to the doctor on call because the office was closed. When I explained to her what I was feeling the first thing she told me was that she couldn't rule out miscarriage. What?!?! Can't rule out miscarriage!??!?! I was 14 weeks, we saw and heard the heartbeat - what do you mean we can't rule it out?!?! All of this was going through my head. Then she went on to tell me that it could be a urinary tract infection. I would much rather a UTI at this point! ;o) She told me to increase my fluids and take it easy over the weekend. So I did.

The pinching feeling went away, but the cramping didn't. It was mostly at night or if I had been up and around for a while. Come, Monday I was feeling much better ... all day! Then evening hit and the cramping came back - stronger now.

I called the doctors office first thing on Tuesday. They told me to come in and give a urine sample so they could do a culture and that I should just stay down and relax until my next appointment ... on March 31st. Okay ... so I go to the office, but before I leave J suggests that I ask if they would see me so we could listen to the baby's heartbeat - for peace of mind.
So, even though I know that I am entitled to it, I still didn't like to ask when I 'didn't have an appointment'. Needless to say, they got me in right away. I had just picked T up from school so she was with me and exited to hear the baby's heartbeat! ;o)

After I talked to the nurse, explained the the cramping had gotten worse - but I wasn't bleeding and that I just needed to know that everything was okay (considering I had a miscarriage in September) she smiled at me and said "Of course you do!" ;o) Whew! Someone who understood. Then I waited for the doctor. He poked his head in and told me that they were going to move me to the ultrasound room. I was excited but scared at the same time, did they know something I didn't, were we going to get some bad news?!?! Then I told myself to relax ... I get to see my baby again!!! ;o)

When we got into the room, doc came in and as soon as he put the wand on my belly - there it was, plain as day ... THE HEARTBEAT!!!! Whew! All is well with baby. The baby looked so great in there! Legs, arms, spine, brain, eyes, fingers, toes, everything, even moved a little bit for us. I am thinking he was sleeping! ;o)

Then the doctor asked me if we wanted a boy or a girl. I told him that we were hoping for a girl. He looked at me as though I was blind. I looked back at the monitor and he said "That is a boy!". I looked at him and asked, "Are you sure? Is there any way you could be wrong?" I know, no the nicest thing to ask, but I am only 14 weeks, and isn't it too early to tell these things?!?! Being the good doctor that he is, he moved the wand around to make sure he was getting a clear picture and said, "Usually we can't tell this early. But baby is giving us a perfect view. It's a boy." So, we are having a son!!! We are so excited. Yes a girl would have been nice, but we are thrilled that he is healthy, strong, and growing just as he should be!!!

Here are some pictures.

In the picture above you can see where the arrow is pointing ... that is our boy! ;o) It was so amazing to see this human being, alive and well growing in side of me! What a miracle!
When I got home to tell J that we were having a boy, that's right, he wasn't with me, we didn't know we were going to get an ultrasound and find out the sex. He was so excited! Then he told me that he wanted to revisit the name we had picked out. We were going to name him Jedidiah Wade, but now we don't know. We will use the name Wade for sure, but the first name we are still working on.

So, I started off with a scare - but then we are blessed with great news! The reason I have had so much cramping is due to my uterus growing so fast. So, now cramping is good! ;o)


Blessings!

Civil War Day

Every year at Heritage Digital Academy they have 'Civil War Day'. It's a day full of activities for the kids - From 9am - 9pm!!! - ranging from riffle handling to cooking to war marching moves and how to load a cannon! Kyle had so much fun and learned a lot. They even brought in an 'Abraham Lincoln' actor to give a speech to the kids! What fun!

At the end of the day the kids are given an hour to get ready for the cotillion. I went and helped Kyle out - we had so much fun! We were supposed to put her hair in and up-do with curls. But Kyle was so cold that she asked if we could just curl it and leave it down. So, that is what we did. From 6pm to 9pm was the dance. They learned all sorts of dance moves, and put them into practice. Of course, boys will be boys, and they just didn't pay attention. The girls got frustrated (you know how much girls like to dance!) and kept telling the boys what the next move was and where to go! ;o)



Here is a picture I took of Kyle & Maddie. I wanted to get a 'period traditional' shot with them. So, I asked them to not smile...man was that hard for them. It was so much fun! After the 'serious' shot, I took one of them smiling - and boy were they happy for that one!

Blessings!!!

Kirstie's Play

Well, Kirstie was in a second production at school this month. I am so proud of her, she was so much more comfortable in the role than she was in her last one. She played the role of Marcie in "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown". It is so much fun to watch the kids perform. I know how hard they worked, and I also know how much fun it is to 'show off your stuff' when you finally get to the performance.

The program is taking a two week break and will resume again for their final production this year. They are going to do a play on 'Newsies' - I believe that is right - the Disney thing. But this time, they are going to have the students write part of to most of the script. This time instead of just learning how to act, project, dance, etc, they are going to learn how to write and all! I am so excited for them!!!

On another note, Kirstie is doing so well in school right now. We are just a little over half way through the school year, and Kirstie almost has enough credits to become a Sophmore! She is only ten credits away! She really has been bookin' through school this year. It is her goal to graduate early and get some of her college courses (gen-ed) done early so she can get a jump start on college! What a kid!!!

Blessings!

Second Trimester

Well, I am officially in my second trimester. Here are a couple of pictures of my belly at 13 weeks and 2 days. If you'd like to see more pictures visit: www.optimaphotography.com/Personal/Welcome.html


Blessings!!!

God's sense of humor and healing!

As many of you know, we had a miscarriage in September - September 9th to be exact - with an estimated delivery date of March 5th.

We are pregnant again, and due on September 12!!! Isn't that amazing?!?! Also, yesterday, March 5th, I had a doctors appointment. We heard the heartbeat that day, with the Doppler!!! I know now that the baby is growing, developing, and getting stronger just as it's supposed to!

What I think is so amazing, is that these dates could have been dates with memories of sadness and loss. I'll never forget the loss and the pain we went through losing that pregnancy, it will forever be a part of my life. But, now instead of those dates being surrounded with sadness, they will be days of life, renewing, and joy!!!

It wasn't easy to go through the miscarriage, but the closeness I experienced with God is priceless! I am so thankful for what I learned and how God revealed Himself to me during that storm! I would never want to give it up.

And He is so gracious, loving, and kind, to bless us with a baby, and adding joy. A joy that surpasses all understanding!!!
Saturday marks the beginning of my second trimester. It is such a blessing to walk with God and follow Him no matter how difficult, hard, or painful it may be, because there is always something more - something greater is yet to come when we place our confidence in God!

Blessings!!!

Busier now than ever!

I'm not surprised, I knew that being a SAHM - Stay At Home Mom - was a lot of work, I've done this before. But it still makes me laugh when I realize that I have more to do now than I did when I was working at the office!

However, for me there is nothing better than being at home with my kids, taking them to and from school, taking care of the house, and preparing meals for my family. I really feel like I am doing what I was meant to do, and that is so satisfying!

So far this week I have gone into Escondido 8 times, with two more on the way, done five loads of laundry, changed the sheets and washed the blankets on our bed. I've blogged on both of my sites. I've cooked two dinners this week (I know that doesn't sound impressive, but my family has been living off of left-overs, and fend for your self nights for a couple of weeks, I have been so sick and tired!). I've helped Kyle with school, which is so much fun for me! It's fun to relearn things and be a part of her education. I've had a parent/student teacher meeting. I've ran several errands, and I am only half way through Thursday!

I can't stop thinking about what a blessing all of this is though! I've wanted to be home again for such a long time, but in the grand scheme of things I wasn't even away for that long, just about two years. Things haven't exactly worked out like we had thought they would, but God has been in the middle of this whole thing and we feel like we are on the right track. He provides for our every need, and we pray that our every need is all we want.

Blessings!!!!

Home again, home again, jiggity jig!

Well, this happened sooner than I had expected, but I am still so happy about it! I am a stay at home mom again!!!! J is getting his mobile mechanic's business going so I can bet the stay at home parent.

This was my first day home, first 'work' day home, and it has been quite the day already! I got up at 6.30am to leave at 7.30am to take Kyle to school. While she was at school T and I took Kacey for a walk at Daley Ranch. It was so awesome! It was great to be out in the open again! ;o) After our walk we went to pick Kyle up from school. Then we ran to J's aunts house to pick up his phone. He forgot it there yesterday when we were there for lunch. We came home, I showered, ate some fruit...and now am thinking of taking a nap! ;o)

I haven't really 'worked' out since about 6 weeks pregnant cause I got so sick and I was soooo tired all of the time. Before I got pregnant I would work out about three times a week with the girls - for PE. ;o) I am now 11 weeks pregnant and I am starting to feel better, I'm getting an appetite back, and I am only sick at night now. So, I thought now would be a perfect time to slowly work in some exercise time.

T and I really had a great time. She walked the dog and we talked and talked! It was a great time alone with her! Time I am sure I am going to be thankful for in a few short years...actually...I am already thankful for it!

Well, that is about it for now. I'll talk to you all later!
Blessings!!!

First Appointment

What a relief! And what a blessing!

We had our first prenatal appointment this afternoon. It was a new doctors office for us, but it was great. I had my orientation at 2pm and the doctor appointment at 3pm. In between the two appointments I had my lab work done.

I have opted out of having all of the genetic testing done. I decided that no matter what happens, I am going to deliver this baby and it's all in God's hands anyway. So, why put myself through all of the stress of the testing and increase my chances of having a miscarriage?!?!

Once my appointment was finished with the doctor, whom we love by the way! - we went into another room for the ultrasound!!! I was so excited because I didn't think I was going to get an ultrasound! When the doctor first put the wand on my tummy, I panicked...it's amazing how fast your mind thinks...I didn't see anything in the monitor and thought 'great here we go again!' But then, not even a second later, there it was - the BABY!!!! It was so amazing, and so beautiful! We saw that heartbeat and all - it was AWESOME!!!! I started crying from awe and relief! It is such a blessing!!!

I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed evening/week!

Blessings!!!!

Still Sick! :o(

I know that morning sickness - obviously named by a man who didn't have a pregnant wife...I am sick all day long! - is a good thing. It means things are progressing as they should.
But, J shared with the team at Tuesday night practice that I have been feeling really sick, and that it is a good thing. So then Brad, prayed "God make Amy sicker than she's ever been before!" J came home that night and told me that if I get worse, I can blame Brad...well, thanks Brad! LOL It is obvious God hears his prayers, so I asked J to ask Brad to pray for a healthy baby girl next...and to lay off of the sickness part! LOL
It was nice to have a good laugh in the midst of all my 'green facedness'! LOL

I have been trying to eat - it's not easy because nothing sounds good and items are limited at work...I am constrained to what I pack! LOL The last couple of days the smell of anything turns my stomach so the idea of putting in my mouth isn't very encouraging!
However, I have found a couple of items I really enjoy! They don't make me feel any better, but at least I want to eat them! I feel bad because it's stuff like, soda, candy bars (the mini bite sized ones) and bread sticks! I eat an apple everyday along with my saltines, but they don't taste as good as the junk!

Oh well - this too shall pass!!!

Oh - I have been approved for maternity insurance!!! We got the approval yesterday and it kicks in on January 25th!!! I have a doctor's appointment set for February 10th. I am so excited about going! I can't wait to see a heartbeat and the little froggy in there! LOL

Have a wonderful day!
Blessings!

Oh the days....

Okay, I am so happy, thankful, and blessed to be pregnant! I just wish it didn't wipe you out so much. If I'm not sick to my stomach I am exhausted! If I'm not exhausted I am sick to my stomach...sometimes it's both! I find it so funny, that we choose to do this to ourselves. However, the outcome is soooooooooooooo worth it.

My family has been so great. They have swung through the mood swings with me, and continue to do so, and they have been so helpful and understanding. The kids are doing all of the house work right now, even preparing our dinner from time to time. I feel bad because while they are up working, I am down resting or sleeping on the couch. But, they are doing it with love in their hearts and a smile on their face. What a blessing!

I know this is only for a time and it'll be done soon. I just had forgotten how much work it is for your body to make a baby! Takes away all of your energy. I am so looking forward to the day that I'll be able to feel the baby move inside of me, and the world around me will be able to tell I am pregnant. This really is going to be a wonderful and fun journey.

Blessings!

What a beginning!!!

So, here we are at the beginning of the year, and I should be happy and excited. But for the last couple of weeks I have been edgy, rude to J (so rude that I had to go to him several time to ask for forgiveness, I just didn't know what was wrong with me) then to be so sensitive and bawling my eyes out the next day. Finally, on Sunday January 4th, J encouraged me to take a pregnancy test. I really didn't want to take one for two reasons, it was evening time and we all know it's best to use your first morning urine, and two I just didn't want to see a positive if it was. But, J being the wonderful husband he is, and so understanding, said to me that I should know either way so I can get my body 'on track' one way or another. So, I go into the bathroom and do the 'deed' and J comes in to see what's happening. He asks me what it is he's supposed to be looking for. I told him that he is looking for two lines. He said "I see one!" Then I told him that that is the control line, telling us that the test is working properly, and that he is looking for a second line next to the "T", the test line. He said, "I see one! I see a line! Do you see it?" I really didn't want to look down, but I did, and sure enough there was a line! He went on to say that it is faint, but I told him that a line is a line! He was so excited and thrilled! I was kind of disappointed. It just didn't feel like the right time this month. I was ready to wait one more month and see a + then. But, as He often does, God had different plans! It took me a couple of days, and it still doesn't feel real to me, but I am excited about it and looking forward to this new life! The baby is due in mid September, estimated due date September 14th, right in the middle of Summer, and usually the hottest I might add! Craziness! But, what a blessing! Thanks for letting me share our exciting news with you! I hope you all have a wonderful day! Blessings!

New Year & New Beginnings

It has been awhile since my last post, time has just gotten away from me! I hope you all had a wonderful New Years! The family and I spent it with some dear friends, the Stramecki's, and we actually stayed up till midnight - it was a lot of fun!

























I am not a sports fan, but I went to my brother's house on Sunday to hang out with the family as they watched the Chargers game. I like to learn what I can about football as we are watching, and I ask a lot of questions. It was so much fun though to watch everyone get so excited.


























Well, I don't know about you, but I am really excited about this new year! 2008 was a long year and full of many changes and challenges for us. It wasn't a very 'fun' year, but I am truly thankful for it because I feel that we are in a better place today because of everything we went through. We moved into a larger home, J changed jobs, which changed our home church, and we experienced the pain of a miscarriage. Change is never easy, but coming through on the other side of it is always rewarding! I am very thankful for all of it!
I pray that your year is better than you could imagine!
Blessings!