Our Top 11 in 2011

As 2011 draws to an end I thought I would blog about our top 11 things we are thankful for this year. We were both in a hard time in our life last year and the beginning of 2011. Thankfully we kept our faith in God and He brought us through. After the school year ended things started to look up. I want to always remember to be thankful and remember the many blessings that God so graciously gives us.

# 11 We sold my junk car and bought a new dependable one. We were more than thankful to get rid of my escape. It was falling apart and not dependable. That was always very frustrating and scary. We got a great deal on a Dodge Journey.

#10 We celebrated our 6th year wedding anniversary. I can't believe it's been 6 years already! (I know I say that every year, but it's amazing to me how fast time flies) During our anniversary we went to visit my grandparents and mom in Horatio, AR. It wasn't really a celebration of any type but it was nice to be with family and enjoy their company.

#9 Cory got a new coaching job at Summersville High School. He is the head boys basketball coach, athletic director, and the high school PE teacher. We are so thankful for the move and happy to be in a place that the boys have good attitudes and a heart to play ball. It makes such a difference and he is very happy so far with his new job.

#8 I got my first teaching job at Summersville Elementary. I am one of the two first grade teachers and the Jr. high and high school cheerleading coach. There has been both good and bad times so far but I know a lot of that has to do with the fact that I am a first year teacher. I have enjoyed my first year of teaching but I am looking forward to next year when I have better knowledge and confidence.

#7 We were ecstatic to celebrate my mom's one year anniversary of her kidney transplant. Through out the year every week and month was a milestone to one year of everything going exactly the way it should. She ended up having no big ordeals and everything seems to be going very well! 

#6 Cory surprised me for my birthday with a sweet Boston Terrier, Abby. We love her to death and are so in love with her. I always thought people were ridiculous when they acted like their dog was their child, I now understand. She is the sweetest, cutest, stinker ever. We absolutely adore her!

#5 We found out we are expecting our first child! It was such a surprise after trying for 2 years. This is what I am most thankful for and can not wait for the arrival of baby Russell in late April!

#4 Finding out the gender of our baby- it's a girl! And seeing her move like crazy on the ultrasound screen. We are so thankful that Morgan seems to be doing great, growing like she should be and the pregnancy is going pretty good. We have had no concerns or scares so far.

#3 We have made two very close friends since we moved to Summersville and know that they have become life long important people in our lives. They are truly amazing people and we are so thankful they are here for us no matter what.

#2 My mom graduated from college. It only took her 30 plus years, but it's better late then never! Almost all of the family made it and we were very proud to sit in the crowd and watch her walk across that stage! Way to go mom!!

#1 Most of all I am thankful for my amazing husband! I truly have a great man who loves and adores me. He is a great provider, he helps out daily with the house, cooking, etc. He has great character and is a good Christian man. I can not wait to see him as a daddy to our baby girl. I know right now he is scared but I know he will do an amazing job!!

As 2011 draws to a close we reflect on the many blessings God has given us. We are thankful for His love and look forward to seeing what He has in store for us in 2012!



An Arkansas Christmas

Since we all went to Meme's for mom's graduation we decided to

go ahead and have our Christmas while we were all there. It was

a little hectic because everyone arrived on Friday night and had to leave

Sunday. Saturday was packed to the brim with graduation,

Christmas dinner,

and opening presents.

 It wasn't fun to pack it all in, but

I'm glad we got see each other and have some sort of a

Christmas. Hopefully next year it will be for longer and we

will actually get to enjoy our time together instead of cramming

it all into one day. Unfortunately Brian, Annie, and the kids

didn't get to come and neither did Amanda Shaw, Sarah or Cory but

the rest of the family was there and we had a great time. It's always

nice to get to be together as a family and I wish it could and would

happen more often.

This was the the first time most of us had gotten to meet baby

Kayden and he was such a cutie and such a good baby.

 I'm really

hoping next year we will get to all be together because we will

have two new little ones and all together have 7 young ones

running around the house. I have always thought Christmas

was so much more fun when there were little ones around.

Every year it's mine and Kobi's tradition to make Christmas

cookies. So while we were there I thought why not throw

that into the mix too. I wanted the grandma's to come and help

him but mom was busy and Meme had no interest at all. Kobi

finally talked Granny Jan into it but I think she thought it was more

of a hassle then anything. As they were mixing the dough Kobi

got into the silver sprinkles and dumped the whole bottle into

the bowl. That was really fun to fix.

Then the dough was sticking

to the table when Granny Jan was rolling and cutting and

she decided to make them super thick.

Needless to say by the time Kobi and Granny Jan were done,

the cookies were not edible. Just another thing I would like

all the grand kids to get to do together next year.

Hoping next year we can all be together!



Christmas at Alley Springs

Some friends of ours love to be outside and they always

find the most beautiful spots. So when they were

out taking a walk with their dog they found

that Alley Springs was decorated and looking

beautiful for the holidays. They wanted to take

some Christmas family pics there so we tagged along

and they took some of us too. I really like how they

turned out and can't wait until we get to have

family pics with our sweet Morgan!

~Enjoy~

5 Months

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 5 months

Size of Baby: approximately 6.5 inches long, 10 1/2 ounces

Gender: Girl!!! Morgan Amory Russell

Maternity Clothes: I wear the belly band a lot and I am
starting to wear maternity pants a little. I've only worn about 2
maternity shirts, most of my regular shirts I can still wear. I
can definitely tell a big difference now.

Weight Gain: 10 pounds

Movement: I started feeling her move about 2 weeks ago,
mainly when I was laying down. The past couple of days
I have been feeling her during the day. This makes me feel
so much better because I would go a couple of days wo feeling
her move and it would make me start to worry that there was
something wrong. Last night she was so active and I could feel
her move for about 10 minutes. This was the first time it was more
then just a little move, one time. I can't wait until Cory can feel
her too!! Our elementary had a Christmas concert and when the
music started playing I could feel her moving. It was super sweet!

Sleep: Sleeping good. I usually get up once to use the
bathroom.

Symptoms: Heartburn all the time!! Usually tums
takes care of it. It doesn't matter what I eat, I
usually get it. The hungry all the time has gone
away and so have cravings.

Cravings: None really. I'm eating just fine. Nothing
is making me sick and I'm not starving all the time
anymore.

Best Moment of the Month: Finding out baby Russell
is a girl!!!!! I couldn't believe my ears! My feeling was right!
Cory is still hoping the tech was wrong and she will come
out a boy. Silly man!!

It's a............................

Girl!!!

We would like to introduce to you.............

Morgan Amory Russell

We couldn't be any happier! Well Cory could be, but he'll get over it.

We went Thursday to find out what it was. I had some friends that told me

to drink orange juice and have a full bladder so the baby would be moving around

and would hopefully be able to see things better. When she started pushing on my belly,

I had to pee so bad!! She asked if we wanted to know the gender, of course we did!

I have had a feeling for about a month or two now that it was a girl but figured since

I wanted one so badly it would be a boy. Well after most of my class voted on a boy, and

about 3 people telling me I looked like I was having a boy, I was really freaked out

it was. I tried to tell myself it was probably a boy because I didn't want to start

crying or be upset if it really was a boy. I wasn't quite sure how I would react.

I was afraid I would be upset, and I still feel really bad about that. It's not

that I don't like boys, I just really want a girl and have for some time now!

Anyway back to my story..........

The tech had asked us if there were bets or anything, and I told her no, but

he wanted a boy and I wanted a girl. And joked that Cory might cry if it was

really was a girl. We were about 10 minutes into the

ultrasound when she asked us if either one of us was really going to cry

if she told us now, or did she need to wait until the end? Heck no! She

said "well I've looked 4 times and I'm pretty sure it's a GIRL, but things could

be tucked away." But she was pretty sure. We went on measuring things

and explaining things, half of which I had no idea what she was talking

about. Basically she said everything looked good, things were growing like

they were suppose to and she was measuring right on the original due date,

for now anyway.

Then at the end she said "well I'm sorry to tell you this Cory,

but I've looked about 15 times and theres no doubt it's a girl" Oh, I could not believe

my ears! I am was sooooo happy and Cory, well he just sat there with a big

smile on his face. It was so funny! She tried to get a 4D picture but baby girl

was pushed down into the placenta and we couldn't really see her face too good

and she had her hands up by her face. The tech had me go use the bathroom,

turn on my sides and that stubborn little girl would not come out. We got to see

her yawn, which was super cute and mover her mouth, which the tech said

she was drinking the fluid.

The tech did tell us that when we come in next time she would schedule

us and try for another 4D picture.

For the past two appointments Dr. Wright has been saying I am

measuring 3 weeks ahead but that he really thought it was from my

surgery and that my uterus is growing long instead of round. So while

we were with the tech I asked her what she thought. Like I said, she said

baby girl was measuring right on my due date and from the

way she was laying she agreed with Dr. Wright. Hearing this made me

feel much better. I don't know why but I was worrying just a little that

there might be something wrong.

I am pretty sure I have been feeling her move the past couple of days,

which is sooo amazing! It is mainly when I lay down, probably because

I am still and sometimes paying attention. I am ready to feel her all

the time. There are certain things I wear that I feel very pregnant

and then some things that I don't feel pregnant at all. So that with

not feeling her during the day makes me scared sometimes. I am always

happy to go to the dr. and hear her heartbeat because I start to get scared

that something is wrong. I will feel much better when I can really feel her

move and know that she is ok.

I still can't believe that I am really pregnant and now that I am really

having a girl!! God is so amazing and He truly does hear and care for

His children. It was very hard to wait to even start trying for 4 years, and

it was even harder to try for 2 years wo getting pregnant. But God knew

exactly what He was doing and His timing was perfect. Sometimes I have

to remember that God sees the big picture and He has a plan for my life.

If I would just stop trying to makes the plans myself, things would

probably go a lot easier. Thank you God, for loving me and giving us this

sweet precious gift!!!

Wives Tales for Gender Prediction

We are going to the dr. this Thursday to find out what we are having. (I have to add in that every time I ask Cory what he think we are having he says "a baby, what else?") Everyone know that I am wanting a girl and Cory is wanting a boy, and that I have a "feeling" it is a girl. Just for fun I thought I would look up the old wives tales and see what they said. Let me tell you, I am super excited! Even if it is silly old wives tales!

Heart rate: I looked up what they say about the babies heart rate

and it says that if it usually runs 140 or lower it's

a boy, higher it's a girl. Mine has been running 150-160

GIRL

Chinese Calendar: For this you have to put in your age and

 due date or conception date. Again I was told I was having a

GIRL

Cravings: They say if you crave salty things, it's a boy. If you

crave sweets and citrus it's a girl.Well I crave food period,

so I really don't know who gets it here except I did/do sometimes

crave orange juice so we will go with

GIRL :)

Morning Sickness: I read that if you have early morning sickness and

 terrible morning sickness it's a girl. So according to this it's a

BOY

Necklace with Pendant: This is test is the same as using your wedding

ring or the old pencil trick. You hold the necklace over your hand or your belly.

If it moves in a circle, it's a girl, back and forth, it's a boy. It went in a circle so

GIRL

Kids Know: Before I go to the Dr. I am going to have my students vote

on what they think it will be. I have always heard that kids know, so we will see.

I know there are several more things you can do but I'm sure you could go

on and on with it. Right now from the tests it is leaning towards a girl,

so I hope they are right!! We will find out in 4 days. I can't wait!!

Baby Dr. Appointment

Well I am 18 weeks and can't believe I am almost half way there. 20 weeks is just around the corner. Crazy how fast things go. I went this past Wednesday for another appointment. It was suppose to be next Wednesday but my appointments are all messed up. You see, Dr. Wright schedules all your appointments the first time you go. Well no one at the office ever told us that, and every time we went in we just scheduled the next one. Mainly because Cory is a coach and we are right in the middle of basketball season and he never knows when he will be free. Then it doesn't help that I am the cheerleading coach and we are both teachers. All you teachers are probably saying "enough said"!!!! The last time we went it had to be pushed to 4 weeks instead of 3 because we had a bball tournament and it was Thanksgiving. This time was suppose to be pushed to 4 weeks also because of another tournament. I wasn't sure if he was going to let us find out the gender this next week and all the teachers at school said I better call because he takes like an hour when he does it. So I called. It took me about 2 weeks to finally get ahold of his nurse because of Thanksgiving, etc. I finally did and explained to her what was going on and that if we didn't find out this time it would be after Christmas before we found out, and I did NOT want to wait another 3 to 4 weeks. She said she understood and we got an ultrasound scheduled for Thursday at 3:00. I am sooooo excited and can't believe that in less then a week we will find out what we are having!! I still have a feeling it's a girl but I'm sure since I want one so bad it will be a boy.

The appointment Wednesday went well. Since it was rescheduled at the last minute I had to go by myself. I was ok with that because I knew he wasn't going to do much. He asked me a few questions, how I was feeling, etc. Then measured me and said I was still a little big for my due date but that he still wasn't worried about it. My uterus measured 21 cm and I was told (not by Dr. Wright) that however big it measures goes along with how many weeks you are. I am 18 weeks but I am measuring 21 weeks. He has said he thinks that maybe my uterus is growing long and skinny instead of round, due to my surgery. I am hoping that there is nothing wrong and that on Thursday when she does the ultrasound she will measure the whole uterus and tell us that Dr. Wright it right. I have gained a total of 10 pounds in a little over 4 months. He said he figures I will gain about 25 pounds in total. I really hope he is wrong and I am so glad that the starving ALL the time is better. We listened to the heartbeat and it was running 150. It sounded so fast and strong. That was about it. I was in there for about 15 minutes and that was it. I was so happy things are still going good and super excited for next Thursday to come!!

I can't wait to find out what we are having so we can do our registry and buy things. I have been looking online for the bedding but I just can't seem to find something that I just love. I already know if it's a boy we are doing the room in Kansas Jayahwk stuff (unfortunately I was not thinking a couple of years ago and promised to Cory that if we had a boy we could do the room in KU. What was I thinking????) But if it's a girl I can't make my mind up on what colors I want to do. I have always said I would do brown and pink, but I am really loving either blue and pink, or green and pink, but I can't find a bedding set that isn't ugly or way too expensive. I guess I'll keep looking. Good thing I still have 5 months to find something. We do have our crib we just have to go get it. I can't wait to pick it up and make my husband put it together. He won't be thrilled about that but oh well.

Can't wait to post what we are having! Stay tuned!!!

So Many Things to Be Thankful For

We have so many things to be thankful for this year.

A new job for Cory

My first teaching job

A new puppy we adore

A cute little house

New friends

Old friends

Family

A new car

Our health

Our salvation

But most of all..........

A sweet little bundle of joy due in May!!

I Miss My Friend

She wasn't just a friend, she was my best friend. You know, that go to person, the one you talk to about everything, the one that knows everything there is to know about you and still sticks around. That was her. She was amazing. She was so beautiful, fun, and sweet. We helped each other through hard times. We laughed, we cried, we did everything together. That was then. Now, 10 years later she has no room for me in her life. See something happened. It was my fault. It was over a boy and her sister. He sweet talked me and actually a couple of years later we almost got married. To the point that he actually asked me to marry him. I was young and stupid and he was sweet and hot, and a liar. I wish I would have never let him sweet talk me. I wish we would have just stayed friends. I don't think she hates me anymore, and she will say a few words to me if I say something to her but that's about it. I sometimes think about deleting her off of my facebook but I still like to know what's going on with her and her family. I wish the friendship between me and my best friend was never broken. But it was and I still think of her often. I have never found a friend that I was as close to as I was with her. I have my two best friends from Hilltop who are absolutely amazing. We still talk to this day, but we live so far away from each other that it's hard to be so close. They are busy and I am busy and life gets in the way. I just wish I still lived in Austin and could maybe rekindle the friendship and get even closer to my two best friends. I can't believe that after 10 years it still makes me sad. You would think that after this long and I would be over it. I would have moved on. I don't think about it daily, but when she posts something it brings me back and makes me sad again.

Never Say Never

I have always heard "never say never" and have

always tried to not say "I will never............." about my kids.

But just like anyone there are things I hope to do

 or hope not to do. I will still not say that I will never, but that I hope I won't.

I hope..................

to breast feed. But I am not going to say that

I definitely am because I know it will bite

 me in the butt. I have heard both women who loved

it and women who hated it. I am going to try. I

hope it goes well, but we will just have to wait and see.

we don't let the baby sleep with us. Mainly when

it's an infant. I don't care if they come and jump

in the bed with us because they are scared, or

as treat every once in a while. But I really hope

we don't let them sleep with us all the time.

we don't let the baby suck it's thumb. I sucked

my thumb and did until I was about five years

old. I don't mind a pacifier because it can

be taken away. A thumb can not.

we don't let our child throw a fit and then

give in. This is more me then Cory.
Dealing with my nephew Kobi a couple

of times, I wanted to cry and just give in.

I make one meal and that's it. I was

always raised you eat what is fixed,

if not you can go wo it. Sounds harsh,

but I understand why she did it.

I make my own baby food. This sounds

good in theory but not sure it will happen.

we go see our families often. Both sides.

I want our babies to know our families

like we know them. I want them to be

close to their grandmas like we are.

we save up for their college. At least

help as much as we can. Neither one of

our parents were able to help us and it has

not been fun.

A Typical Weekend

I wanted to write a post about things we do now, before any babies. So one day when we say, "what did we do before we had kids?" we will remember.

A typical weekend during the school year usually consists of sleeping in Saturday morning till about 8:00, cooking breakfast, and then laying around all day or cleaning house. We are so busy during the week while school is in, that when the weekend comes all we want to do is rest. Sunday we usually go to church, then out to eat. The rest of the day is either spent lounging around or getting some work done.

Cory is not very spontaneous so it's not like us to just take off and go somewhere. There are many times that I would like to, but Cory just ain't having it. Some nights we go visit friends and end up staying until 11:00 or so, but not all the time. And never on a week day. During the week we usually end up going to bed at around 8:00. We may not go straight to sleep but we at least watch tv, and I am usually asleep soon there after. I am not a morning person so I have learned to go to bed early. Cory use to be a night owl, but he says I ruined him. I think having Abby is getting us a little prepared for when the baby comes. Cory gets up with her 2 of 3 times a night to take her out to use the bathroom, I do when I hear her but that's not too often unless she's in the bed with us. When she's in the bed with us, I'm awake like 3 or 4 times at least. Her moving and noises wake me up. So I'm sure I will be the same way with a baby, especially in the beginning.

During holidays we switch back and forth. One year we go see my family for Thanksgiving, and see his family for Christmas. Then the next year we switch. Now that Cory is a head basketball coach, and there are tournaments the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas, we don't get to see my family much. A couple of times I have just gone wo Cory, but he has always said that once we have children I can't do that anymore. I understand his reasoning, but I really want to spend time with my family too.

It's crazy to think that so many things will change in our lives. No more sleeping all night, sleeping in, going whenever we want, and I'm sure a lot of more things that we have no idea about. Our lives are so crazy busy during the school year and I am anxious to see how that changes after the baby comes. I am thinking it will be just as bad, in a good way. I can't imagine ball games with an infant and really hope he or she will do good with it.

I know there are many more things that will change once the baby gets here, both that I know about and things that I don't know about. But I am ready for a change :)



4 Months

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 4 months

Size of Baby: approximately 4.6 inches long, 2.8 ounces

Gender: Still don't know, but hoping to know in 3 weeks!!

Maternity Clothes: None yet. I bought a belly
band when we went to Branson which has thankfully
come in handy. I'm in the weird stage where my regular
clothes are getting tight, but maternity clothes are
way too big. I have had comments from people
that I am starting to show, or I'm getting a little belly.

Weight Gain: 5 pounds

Movement: None

Sleep: I have still been sleeping ok. I get up about

2 to 3 times to use the bathroom.

Symptoms: Thankfully the morning sickness has gone

away, but the heartburn is back. It comes and goes. Some

weeks I have none, and the the next week I will have tons.

Still starving ALL the time!!

Cravings: Sub sandwiches and milk

Best Moment of the Month: Realizing that the

morning sickness was gone!! :)

We go back to the dr. in 3 weeks. I will be 19 weeks so

hoping he will let us find out what we are having. He said

at 20 or 21 weeks, so maybe he will. I would really like

to know before Christmas.

Teaching After 3 Months and Stroller of My Dreams

Wow, I can't believe it's only been three month since school started. Feels like we have been in school for a lot longer then that. It was very tough in the beginning. First grade is a tough grade anyway, but add being a first year teacher onto it, and it's even worse. First grade is when you teach them everything. You teach them how to read, the fundamentals of writing and math, and are still teaching them how to sit still and be quiet. It's alot. But I am finally getting into the groove of things. Three months ago, even two months ago I honestly hated it. I really asked myself what the heck was I thinking? Why did I ever choose to be a teacher? There are still days when I ask myself that but they are few and far between now. I am still looking forward to next year because I will have a better idea of what I am doing. This year was kind of like teaching in the dark. I am in a whole new world, with people I don't know and no idea what I am doing. Thankfully my teaching partner is very good and has been a lot of help during this transition. She really knows her stuff and has taught me a lot.

I am very grateful for the upcoming breaks and hope they will give me time to rejuvenate and release some stress. I don't think I could go all year wo a break. I definitely need time to get organized, finish some things that have needed my attention and just take some me time.

I found a stroller and car seat that I have been eyeing but wasn't sure about it. It's a little pricey and wasn't really sure if it was worth it. Saturday I saw a women that had the exact stroller I had been looking at. First I saw her in Old Navy, then I saw her in Hobby Lobby. I thought "what the heck, I'm going to ask her how she likes it." She LOVES it! She said it was so easy to fold up, was really sturdy, was easy to steer, and she couldn't be any happier with it. She said one of her friends had gotten another brand, then got this one and loved it. Wished she hadn't wasted her time with the other. Well that's all I needed. I'm hooked. I want it now!! No doubts. I love the colors which will work for either a boy or a girl. It's so cute! So hoping I get it now!!



Chicco Cortina Travel System Stroller in Miro

Cravings at (almost) 4 months

Spicy BMT from Subway!

 Lettuce, tom, cheddar cheese, mayo,

salt and pepper, and oil and vinegar.

Nothing beats it right now! It really

hits the spot. Yum, yum!!

Things that make me sick or gag:

spaghetti

chili

hummus

chicken and rice casserole

saucy burritos

chicken and dumplins

eggs

breakfast burritos

brushing my teeth

The morning sickness is gone,

everything just makes me sick.

Wednesday I will be 4 months! Super excited!!

Second Trimester!

Today we had another good dr. appointment! He said I had gained 5 pounds since the beginning. Actually 7, but I lost weight in the beginning and he said it equaled out to be 5. I'll take it!! Said if I could keep it to 5 pounds a trimester I would be ok, but that it would get hard in the end. With the way I am starving all the time, I don't know if that will happen. I always said I would be and eat healthy while I was pregnant and not gain 40 plus pounds, but when you are starving ALL the time, and a lot of foods make you sick just thinking about them, you eat what you can. Unfortunately most things healthy do not sound good. Popcorn, cheese, pasta, sandwiches, sound more like it. Thankfully I can throw in some vegetables and a few fruit and be ok. The morning sickness has gone away, but the heartburn is back. I'll take the heartburn over morning sickness any day! Just about anything makes me gag but if I can settle myself down, not think about it and drink some water I am usually ok.

We didn't get to do an ultrasound this time but we did get to hear the heartbeat. It was about 150 which is right where it needs to be. Every once in a while the monitor would make a noise and Dr. Wright said it was the baby kicking. So cool to hear. He measured my uterus and said it was measuring large for almost 4 months, but that it was no big deal. He thinks it is because of my surgery and it may be growing long and skinny instead of round.

He also talked to us about the down syndrome test and the pros and cons of taking it. Said next month would be when we would need to do it, if we were. We have already talked about it and decided we didn't want it done. For one, it is not very accurate and causes uncertainty and secondly even if it did have down syndrome or something else wrong we would not terminate. So we really don't see a need in doing it. From what Dr. Wright said, he pretty much agrees with us.

We go back in 4 weeks, which will be 19 weeks. I am hoping he will let us go ahead and find out what the sex is. It will be a week earlier then what he likes to tell but hopefully one week won't be that big of a deal. I still have a feeling it's a girl, but not sure. Hope I'm right!! :)

Into the second trimester and feeling great!

Abby 5 Months Old

Miss Abby is 5 months old. She now weighs 15 pounds. She is thankfully a pretty good dog. She doesn't bark unless prompted, she hasn't chewed any furniture or anything of importance up yet. She loves all toys given to her and usually tears them apart in a couple of days. She loves all people and all dogs. She doesn't run off but does run from you sometimes. That she is getting better about. She is weird about eating. She use to gobble her food up, but now she waits several hours before eating unless it is soft food. She still does not like to be alone and follows you from room to room. We think she is afraid of the dark and noises that she doesn't know what it is. She loves to bark at the broom and vacuum. She loves to snuggle and wants to sleep in the bed with you. She absolutely loves taking baths and would take one everyday if you would let her. She knows how to sit, lay down, and shake. We are so happy we got her and have really enjoyed having her.

Cory and Abby

November Already?!

Wow! I can't believe were already into the first week of November. Before we know it Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here and gone. I am thankful for this time of year because it gives many breaks from school! It gives for crazy hectic days before and after, but the middle is the greatest! Time to catch up, relax, and get my sanity back. This time of year always goes so quickly because it's always jammed full, starting with October. I always want to get Christmas shopping done early and always have good intentions but before I know it time has gotten away from me and then it's like 2 weeks until Christmas. We got a little done last weekend when we went to Branson, but not as much as I had wanted to get accomplished. I really wish I knew what I was having because there was a lot of good deals on baby clothes, and some really cute stuff!!!

Honestly, I have a feeling it's a girl. Not really sure why. Maybe just because that's what I want so bad, but I just have a feeling. So hoping that I am right. Cory on the other hand has no idea. He says it's a crying, snotty baby. I can't wait till we find out and can start calling it by it's name. I think he'll change his thinking a little. We did get Baby Russell a KU outfit while in Branson. I have to admit, it is pretty cute. Some of our friends got us a little KU shirt a couple weeks after we found out we were pregnant. It's for a girl, so I'm hoping they are right!! lol

KU outfit we got Baby Russell

Sweet little shirt from Merlyn and Amy

I just realized that the first thing that was ever bought for our child to wear is Kansas! How sad is that!! Why didn't I marry a Texas fan? My poor child has no chance! Not only will my child be a KU fan, but our dog is a KU fan. It's going to be 1 against 3 in this household.

Abby with her KU shirt and KU collar

I go to the Dr. on Tuesday and will be 15 weeks on Wednesday. The time really is going fast. We should find out what we are having the beginning of December. I was hoping sooner then that but I guess I can wait one more month. I know it will be here before I know it! My sweet friend Courtnee is almost to the end of her pregnancy. Everything has gone really well for her so far and I have been praying she has a really good experience with the delivery. I can't wait to meet sweet little Roman. He's going to be long and lanky. My sister in law has about three months left and things seem to be going good for her too. I really hope her delivery goes better then Kobi's. It wasn't terrible but could have gone much better. I am getting a little niece named Kathryn and I can't wait!! Just one more reason I am hoping we have a girl so they can grow up together. Not that they wouldn't if it was a boy but two girls would be so fun!  

Hopefully on Tuesday we will have another ultrasound so I can show off Baby Russell. Dr. Wright did one last appointment but forgot to give me my pictures. :( Maybe he will do one this time and accidentally see what it is!! hehehehe

Hope your having a great weekend!!  Till next time!

Feeling Better!

I have been feeling better thank goodness!! I think the morning sickness is going away and that makes me sooooo happy. I know it wasn't too bad but being sick still isn't fun no matter how bad it is. I still get hungry all the time and I do start to feel sick if I let myself get very hungry but that I can deal with. Really hoping I'm not just having a run of good luck and that it doesn't return. Now that it seems the morning sickness has gone away, I am feeling pretty good. Not anymore tired then usual. I have noticed more sensitivity but Cory says that's just me. He may be right. :) I am so glad to almost be done with the first trimester, which means we are that much closer to finding out what we are having! Super excited about that. Excited to call our child by him or her and by it's name, to do a registry and everything else I have dreamed about for years. I "shop" online all the time but it's so hard to shop when you don't know what you are shopping for.

 I told my mother in law the names we picked out and she said we would probably change our mind 10 times before the baby got here, she must not know me very well. We've had names picked out since before we got married. So ready to "officially" announce the name. I'm finally getting a belly. The three month picture I took makes me look a lot bigger then what I really am. Course the way I'm eating, I might really be that big. I have a couple of friends who are pregnant also and it is so fun to see their weeks creeping along also. Makes me excited to be at that point.

I finally told my class that I was going to have a baby, all their eyes went from my face to my belly. It was so funny. I then explained that the baby was really small right now and as the baby grew so would my belly. They were so funny and excited. Little smiling faces with a big secret to tell. Was too cute!

Fall is finally here and I am loving every minute of it. We are in Branson this weekend and everywhere you look is Christmas decorations already. Seems crazy to me that Halloween hasn't even came and they already have Christmas stuff up. I do have to admit it has gotten me in the holiday spirit!! Ready to get out the Christmas decorations and wrap presents!

Hope you have a great weekend of rest and relaxation. I'm hoping to get a lot of Christmas shopping done!!

3 Months

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 12 weeks

Size of Baby: When we went to the Dr. on
Wednesday he did an ultrasound and
said the baby measured a little bit over
an inch.

Gender: Don't know yet. I asked at the last appointment
when he would let us find out and he said it wouldn't
be until 20 or 21 weeks. Seems so far away. I was really
hoping to find out before then but guess I will
have to wait.

Maternity Clothes: None yet. But I have started to
notice things not fitting as well. I'm in the weird time
where the regular clothes don't fit but maternity clothes
are too big.

Weight Gain: 4 pounds and at the rate
I'm eating I'll be as big as a house.

Movement: None yet. Still too early.

Sleep: I've been sleeping ok. I fall asleep
fine but get up atleast 2 times to use the bathroom.

Symptons: The morning sickness has set in. Though
I can't complain because I know several people who
have it way worse then I do. Mine is at night sometimes
and if I let myself get hungry. I am also starving ALL the time.
There quite a few things that make me gag like brushing
my teeth, smells, and certain foods. There are also certain foods
that I cannot eat or even think of eating; like spaghetti, chili,
 and hummus. I have alway had car sickness
but the pregnancy has seem to made it ten times worse.

Cravings: Orange Juice, Chocolate Milk, creamy
things, if that makes any sense lol!!


Best Moment of the Month: My mom getting
to go to a dr. appointment and getting to see
an ultrasound. I was hoping she would get to go to
one but didn't figure she would since
she lives so far away. Loved that she got to go!!

The not fun part of being pregnant

I wrote this post last week and never finished it. So here it is I guess.

My day was good, until right before lunch. Not sure what happened. It just hit me. And once it hit me that was it. I had to immediately run to the bathroom and yell at the secretary to please watch my kids. Thank goodness she was in the office because nobody else was. It was not fun. Running to the bathroom to throw up is not fun at all. I really thought I would feel nauseous for a little bit and then have to throw up. Nope, not this time. It hit me and that was all she wrote. I did feel better after that but the experience sure wasn't fun. Really hoping this is not of things to come. Still very thankful that I haven't been too sick. I know things could be ten times worse.

On a good note, my mom is on her way to my house as I write. She called me yesterday afternoon to ask if I wanted company this week. Always!! And she couldn't have come at a  more perfect time. Tomorrow is another dr. appointment and now she will get to go. I was really hoping she would get to go to at least once. And Cory just told me that he may not get to go because he might have to go to a meeting tomorrow. So now I won't have to go alone. Not that I can't go alone, I just really don't want to. Hoping everything with the appointment goes well. I don't figure he will do an ultrasound since I had one last time and I'm still too early to find out what it is, but it sure would be nice for my mom to get to see one. Keeping my fingers crossed. Maybe since I'm high risk he will want to do one. 

Now I Know

Before I got pregnant, I would hear other people talk about pregnancy symptoms, how they felt, etc. I always wondered how I would feel and what symptoms I would have. I always wondered if when it happened, what I would feel like and if it would be something I would know I was definitely pregnant. Well when it did happen, I did not know. In fact I assumed I wasn't. I really didn't feel any different at all. The only thing that was different was that I had major heart burn and I had never had it before. That went on for about a month, but I haven't had any since then. Other then that, for about a month and a half I had no symptoms. No morning sickness, which I was VERY thankful for! And hoping it stayed that way the whole pregnancy. I really didn't feel pregnant and was freaked out that maybe I really wasn't. I was so happy to go to the dr and he confirm that I was.

Things are a little different now. I am 10 weeks and 5 days and have symptoms. Darn symptoms. Now don't get me wrong, I am NOT complaining. It's just not fun to be sick. I have been getting a little morning sickness at night, but not terrible. I just feel a little nauseousness but nothing to run to the toilet for. I have always gotten car sick but being pregnant seems to have made it ten times worse. I usually feel sick but usually never actually throw up. Now I take Dramamine before we go anywhere! And I am starving ALL the time! If I let myself get too hungry things get bad. My head starts killing me and I feel like I'm going to puke. One day I felt so sick I went home after work, tried to get some soup down because I knew that was my problem and ended up going to bed at 8:00. I bought some snacks and am taking them to work and hoping that helps. I also gag at just about anything, brushing my teeth, the hand soap in the kitchen, smells, and food! Food I have always liked. Now there's a lot of things I can't even think about because the thought makes me want to throw up. I absolutely love garlic lovers hummus and now just the thought sends me running. I hated orange juice before and now I can't get enough. I want things that are creamy, sweet, or bread and pasta. I was weird about food before, but now it's bad. It's about to drive Cory crazy. Poor guy.

I go to the Dr. on Wednesday. I'm anxious to see what he does this time and find out how the baby is doing. Hoping this little bit of sickness goes away and doesn't last the whole time. Still feeling like things are going really slow. When I think about that I am ten weeks, I think really is that it?? I hate to feel that way because I know with how crazy hectic our lives are right now it will go fast. But ten weeks just doesn't feel very far along. I'm def ready to look pregnant. I want people to be able to look at me and know I am for sure pregnant, and not have to wonder if I am just fat or if there something in there. I'm ready to feel the baby move and find out what it is. Not ready for it to be over, just ready to  for things to be more far along.

Still so thankful that God has blessed us with allowing us to get pregnant. Praying things continue to go well and that the baby is healthy and there are no problems or complications. 

I Still Remember

I love my Meme! She is an amazing women and I have always cherished the time we get to spend together. She is so sweet and always has an insightful opinion. She is never quick to judge and takes you just as you are. She keeps you on your toes and brings you back to your roots. I pray that my kids will get to know her and my mother the way I know them. I thank God everyday that they are both in my life. With out them, only heaven knows where I would be.

I say all that to tell this story. I got a letter from Meme today. It was a sweet card and I didn't understand what she was talking about until I opened up what she had printed off for me. It was a post I had written only months ago, a day that I was not having the greatest time. Though it has always been in the back of my mind since I got pregnant, she brought it all the way to the front. She reminded me of the struggles I was having just two months ago. Oh how quickly we forget. God gives us what we want, we are happy, and we forget. We forget to be thankful, we forget the misery, we forget how hard it was. Since day one I had been thanking God for His blessings and for hearing my prayer. But the past couple of weeks I had forgotten. I had forgotten just how blessed I was. How amazing it was that everything is going good with the baby, how I haven't been sick at all, how my husband is ok with the thought, Then Meme kept me on my toes and helped me remember. For that, I am thankful! I want to always remember how hard the struggle was to get pregnant. How sad I was. How much I had to lean on God and my family and friends. How I had to have faith and remember He has a plan. How, when someone else comes along who is struggling like I did, I can help, encourage, and pray for them.

So thank you Meme, for helping me remember!

2 Months

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 2 months

Size of Baby: size of a kideny bean

Gender: Do not know yet, but I'm hoping it's a girl. But

I will be happy with either. Cory is hoping for a boy.

Maternity Clothes: None yet. Haven't even noticed anything

getting tight yet.

Weight Gain: None, I am still losing weight.

Not a ton, just a couple pounds here and there. I know

it's because I am so busy with work and don't have time

to snack all day.

Movement: I do not feel anything yet. The past couple

of days my stomach has been twitching a bunch but no

baby movement yet.

Sleep: I have not been sleeping good at all. I get

up constantly to use the bathroom and have had a

couple of nights where I couldn't fall asleep.

Symptons: Chest tenderness and constipation. No

morning sickness so far. Praying it stays this way.

Cravings: I have always hated orange juice and

now I can't get enough of it. I also craved peanut butter

for a couple of weeks. I crave chocolate milk all the time.

 I love hummus and bought some before I found out I was pregnant.

Now just the thought of if makes me want to puke.

Best Moment of the Month: Getting to see the babies

heart beat! It was so amazing to see and know that

as small as it is right now, it's little heart is pumping away.

I go back to the Dr. October 12th. I am very excited to go

and to start feeling/looking pregnant in a good way.

I hope I am a cute preggers girls, instead of just fat.

1 Month Down..............

.........8 To Go

This is actually five weeks, but I had to

throw a one month photo in there. And

the date was actually September 2, 2011 but

we weren't posting anything or actually telling anyone

at this point.

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 5 weeks

Size of Baby: About 1/17 inches, about the

size of the tip of a pen.

Gender: Don't know yet.

Maternity Clothes: No, but I am excited to be

able to wear some.

Weight Gain: I've actually lost 6 pounds. I think

it's because I'm so busy with work and don't have

time to snack all the time.  

Movement: Nope, just feels like I'm about

to cramp but never do.

Sleep: Good for now!

Symptons: Tender chest, major heart burn and I have

never had heart burn, and others that you don't want

to hear about.

Cravings: Nothing yet.

Best Moment of the Month: Seeing two lines

instead of one!! Best moment of my LIFE!!

Guess What????

We're PREGNANT!!!

Three tests, one nervous husband, 2 1/2 weeks of waiting,

and a dr visit, confirms it!!

It's been a rough road to get to where

we are now, and it took all I had to keep it in. A lot of our friends and

all of our families know because we just couldn't keep it a secret.

 We didn't want to post anything on fb or on blogger until it was confirmed

and everything looked good.

I am so happy with the Dr. we chose. He is very thorough

and talked with us for about an hour and a half. The first

appointment went great. It was long but worth it. With

all of my history and problems we had so much to discuss. Thankfully

my old Dr. sent my file and Dr. Wright knew a little

about what was going on. He was a little worried about

the chance of twins, since I was on my second

month in a row of 100 mg clomid, and the possibility of a

 tubal pregnancy. But thankfully after an ultrasound he said

 everything looked great. The baby was where it was suppose to be,

growing and looking good. Thankfully it's just one.

 Cory was more then relieved about that, and actually

Dr. Wright and I was too. Twins would have put a lot of pressure on

my uterus where the surgery was. I don't know that

I would have wanted twins anyway.

We got to see the babies heart beat, which was amazing!! I am due

May 4th, but he will take me about a week sooner since I have to

have a c-section. I wasn't too happy to hear that, but I

knew it was coming. I am so glad that everything looks good.

I feel much better now that he confirmed that I was pregnant

and that things were going good.

I was beginning to wonder if this day would ever come.

Thanking God daily for hearing my prayer!!!

Poison Ivy..........Not so fun!!

So while I am helping my husband move some brush to a burn pile, or maybe it was when we went to the river, not sure which one,  I got poison ivy in the process. I wasn't really alarmed at first, but then again I couldn't remember having it before either. My mom said I had never had it, maybe she's right. So it started out as a couple of spots on my arm, and quickly turned into a full blown poison ivy rash. I have never been so miserable in my life. Ok, maybe a couple of others times, but can't think of any at this moment. It kept spreading on my arm, then up my arm. Red, itchy, and eventually sores. I tried rubbing alcohol, calamine, a friend's poison ivy med from a dr, nothing. Then I ended up with some more spots on both my legs. Terrified at this point that it was going to get EVERYWHERE, I called to get a shot. The clinic in town would not see me (for specific reasons) so I called a dr in Houston who called me in some pills. Thank goodness, because I don't know that I could have handled more cream. I was completely miserable by this point.

I have taken two days of pills, no more itching, and Cory says it looks like it is healing up. I am one happy girl! My first and hopefully last episode of poison ivy was terrible. I pray I never get it again. Terrible! Not fun at all!! I am definitely ready for this huge red blotch to go away on my arm. People freak when they see it and my kids have noticed it and I'm sure they have gone home and told their parents. I explained to them that it was poison ivy so hopefully the kids remember to mention that when they tell their parents that their teacher has a big, huge, red sore on her arm!!

W.W.

Abby playing in the river

Sun bathing with Alyssa and Tide



Labor Day Weekend

Sorry I have been mia for about a week or two. Things get crazy and then I don't have time to breath. Tomorrow, I have nothing before or after school, so I'm hoping to get another post in. Check back to see if it really happens.

Over Labor Day weekend, Cory and I were just gonna stay home and chill. Well we did but we also chilled at the river with some friends of ours. Cory wasn't too thrilled to go at first, but once I talked him into going and we were there we both had a lot of fun. It was a little chilly at first, but once the sun came out it was quite nice.

We sat by the river and talked,

grilled hot dogs, made smores,

 and watched the dogs and Lys play in the water.

It was so fun to watch Abby play in water for the first time.

She loved it! Wasn't too crazy about getting too deep when

 she couldn't reach, but in the shallow she had a ball!! 

We are so glad our friends invited us to come and

play instead of being stuck in the house all day. It was

a beautiful day and we had so much fun with really

good friends!!