.nursery.beginnings.

FINALLY! I have a painted nursery!  It's really becoming my "dream" nursery.  As you know, we have a bed and armoire for the nursery.  Everything else is on order and should be in soon! The next step was to paint the nursery.  And of course I couldn't just PAINT it and be done!  I have been wanting a harlequin (diamond) pattern on a wall in my house since we moved in.  Now, I had the perfect excuse.  I had researched exactly how to do it.  Bo was all for it - at first.  With him working full-time and going to school full-time I was really worried about when he would have time to take on this project.  Well, he used his spring break to do it.   It didn't take too long considering we were up really late 2 nights in a row trying to finish.  And thanks to cousin Jay for helping out!  It turned out PERFECT!  I am so proud of my hubby.  He has done a GREAT job!  I have posted a few pics below of the processes.  I hope to have the remaining furniture in soon and of course the much anticipated BEDDING!!

Phase 1:  White Primer and 2 coats of Baby Pink!!

Phase 2:  Draw a grid on the wall (we used baby powder in a chalk line).  Measure your diamonds and tape them off!  VERY TIME CONSUMING!!  

Phase 3:  Remove tape and ENJOY!!!

Don't you love Abby's night-light?? 

.4d.sonogram.

So this past week we had our famous 4D sonogram!! It was very exciting! We had it done on Wednesday around lunch time. I was exactly 26 weeks, which is when they start doing the 4D's. I was so anxious to get a glimpse of my baby girl I couldn't wait any longer.

I was really worried we wouldn't get any good pictures, but I think we got some. She wanted to keep her hands and arms covering her face the entire time. Her feet and legs were also up over her face half the time. It's like she is getting very cramped already.... mainly due to those long legs, thanks to her daddy! You can't really tell who she looks like but I see some chubby cheeks like her mommy! The 4D is really neat, but my baby looks kinda like an alien at times. It's amazing how technology allows us to take a glimpse inside my belly through all the fluid and everything!

You can view a short clip of the video of our sonogram at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3X8vj3PcNA. You will notice in the video the sonographer is tapping on my stomach to try and get Abby's hands out of the way of her face but she wasn't going to have it. Below are a few of my favorite pics from the sonogram.

.what.a.week.

I am very thankful that tomorrow is Friday because that means this week is nearly over!  This was not my favorite week. 

Tuesday, we went for our normal monthly doctor's appointment.  The difference with this appointment was the sugar test!  I was really dreading it.  The test was actually just a "screening" to see if you need the actual Gestational Diabetes test.  Gestational Diabetes is pretty common, but could cause complications.  I had a feeling I wasn't going to pass this screening.  I had basically prepared myself to not pass it - which I thought was no big deal.  A lot of people do not pass the screening part.  I had to drink a "sucrose" drink an hour before my appointment, which was totally NOT TASTY! I didn't have to fast or anything - which was good.  I had told myself I would do good with my eating the day before though, but that didn't happen!  I had a piece of King Cake and even some jelly beans that night.  I was told this wouldn't effect my screening test the next morning.  Anyway, long story short I did not pass the screening test.  I even told the nurse who was taking my blood that I would fail.  I did!  My sugar was 165 (wasn't suppose to be over 145).  I was fine with it.  They told me what I had to do, which was go to St. Dominic's hospital (their lab) and have the actual Gestational Diabetes test.  This involved fasting after midnight the day before, then getting your blood drawn every hour for 3 hours.  I was really concerned the more I thought about it.  I even lost is when I saw my doctor because I became really upset!  I mean diabetes is not a big deal, but I just wasn't ready for it.  It's on both sides of my family so I thought Gestational Diabetes meant a true diabetes later in life for me - which I will still probably have it one day.  Everything else went well at the doctor.  I don't even know what all went on.  I just know I didn't pass my screening AND I gained another 7 pounds!

So, because I was so upset, I decide to have the gestational diabetes test done the next day (Wednesday)!  I got to St. Dominic's at 7 a.m.  That, in itself, was not easy.  That's the first time I'd really been in the "hospital" part since mom was there.  Horrible memories flooded my mind.  I was just wishing she was with me!  She would have normally gone with me for something like this, but I was all by myself.  I mean I was going to be there for four hours - no one would have sat with me that long but mama.  Anyway, my blood was taken 4 times!!  Arms are still black and blue!!  After the first draw, the tech taking my blood informed me that I wouldn't have to drink the "sucrose" drink again if my sugar level was below 110.  Well, a few minutes later - I have to drink it!  I freaked out!  I just knew at that moment I had it.  

Long story short - I waited and waited for the phone call from the doc!  Finally today she calls me right before lunch.  NO GESTATIONAL DIABETES!  My labs look good she said.  What a relief!  Not sure what that tech was talking about b/c my fasting sugar level was only 79.  I was so happy!  I went to Chickfila with my coworkers and DID NOT get a salad! :)

I basically worried about that test all week long so I am ready for the weekend!  I have scheduled our 4D sonogram for next Wednesday! I am so excited.  I want to see what she looks like!!  I will post pics as soon as I get them.  As for now, my belly is just growing by the minute.  Check out my next pics below of me at 25 weeks. . . . 

.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):