.my.hubby.

I just wanted to take the time to tell everyone what a great husband I have! He is really working hard to support his "growing" family.  As most of you know, my husband Bo used to be a police officer for the Brandon Police Department.  He was a Sergeant on the nightshift and the SWAT commander.  He absolutely loved nearly every second of his job - including his coworkers.  They were like family!  He had contemplated going to law school for the past few years because he likes the legal (investigative) side of law enforcement and mainly wanted to make more money.  As you know, law enforcement is extremely underpaid for what they do!  Anyway, long story short, Bo quit his job at Brandon in August to be a full-time law student at Mississippi College School of Law.  He figured he better go ahead and pursue it since we had nothing holding us down.  We saved up plenty of money and were fully prepared for him to be unemployed.  During his transition of being unemployed and a full-time law student, he had to deal with an extremely emotional and unstable wife due to my moms illness.  I know it was so hard on him!  

Then, after being in law school for nearly two and half months, we found out we were expecting!!  BIG SURPRISE!!  We knew he would continue law school and at first thought we'd be okay without him working b/c we had saved up.  Well, months into the pregnancy we soon realized there's no way to do this on one income.  I mean, I've got to have a whole new wardrobe, my nesting phase of wanting things around the house completed have already kicked in, and the horrible economy isn't helping much!  So Bo was somewhat on the hunt for a job - at least part-time.  With the economy so bad, no one was hiring!  I was really getting nervous!

I truly believe God was looking out for us because Bo now has a job!!  He has been employed full-time with the Rankin County Sheriff's Department for a full week!!  Yes - full time, which means benefits and everything.  A true blessing!!  He is currently working in the jail and as a reserve deputy.  He is working like crazy going to school full-time, then working full-time.  I just want everyone to know how much I truly appreciate his hard work and admire him for what he's doing.  

Another blessing is that Abby is not due until June, which means he will be out of school for the summer!  That means he will be able to take a few weeks off work and spend time with her.  

It's amazing how God has a plan for us.  OUR plans have completely been turned around by GOD'S plan.  As I've said before, Bo has been like a rock for me during the most difficult time of my life.  I know he will be the best dad ever and I can't wait to see him with Abby.  He even continues to tell me how "gorgeous" I am even though I have this tremendous belly!!  ;)  He just makes me feel better.  I love you Bo!! 

.big.belly.

Well, last week we went to our monthly appointment with Dr. Cole. There wasn't much done at this visit. We were actually in and out pretty fast, which is unusual. She measured my belly for the first time and we heard the heart beat again. They also gave me the lovely "orange drink" to drink for my next appointment. This is the dreaded sugar test! Next time they will draw blood!! YIKES! :(

Also on this last visit, they did the usual "weigh in." It was the worst it's been so far - 5 pounds!! That's 5 pounds in one month! Over a pound a week! Freaked me out a bit considering it's only been a pound at each visit in the past. I've gained a total of 7 pounds so far. I guess that's not too bad, but it's more than I really want to weigh. It's worth it though. :)

Speaking of the weight gain, my belly seems to be expanding by the minute. She seems to have had a growth spurt over night! It's very obvious that I am preggers now. People do double takes when they see me. :) I'm posting some pics so you can see too!

We are still in the process of finding some baby bedding. I am hoping I have a decision by this weekend. The nursery is coming along. Her papaw (my dad) bought her some furniture. It's a cute armiore and dresser/changer. Bo's mom also helped us buy the dream bed - an iron canopy crib!! I will post pictures soon!! We've also nearly decided on her name - Abby Grace. I have been "practicing" with it and try to refer to her as "Abby" as much as possible.

I am still feeling her little "movements." They don't feel like movements or even flutters. I would describe them as what feels like muscle spasms. I lay there and feel these little "spasms," but I know it's little Abby trying to get comfy. She moves the most when I settle down and get in bed at night - even though I feel her throughout the day. It's amazing!! I do wish mama was here. I have had a few break downs this month wishing she was here with me. I can't stop thinking about "how am I going to do this without her?" Everyone seems to have their mom through this special time. I know she is watching over us but I just want her here with me. :(

Anyway, not much new to post other than some pics of "the" belly. Here I am at 21 weeks, 5 days (and those are not stretch marks, they are scratch marks from my itchy belly):