The "catch-up" everything in one blog

I have to admit, I was not thinking about blogging those last 3 weeks of school. It took all of me just to get through them and I am so glad that's behind me. Since summer began, however, I haven't really rested or sat still, I should say. I have been very busy. Dad came to visit so that he could help me with my classroom (packing/moving) and with painting the nursery. Then, I flew back with him to NC for a week and 2 baby showers. Since I"ve been home, it seems there's been one thing after another with church activities, dr appt, workshop for school, etc. Now, it's Friday and we leave Sunday to go to Alabama for about 10 days. When we get back on the 6th, i have a dr. appt the next day at which time I'll start going every week. Then there's also cooking club, a trip to Schlitterbahn, a baby shower with our church family, church, breastfeeding classes at the hospital and the list just doesn't seem to end! I am glad that I have the freedom to do all these things; teaching is hard, but this is one benefit that sure makes putting up with 10 months of crap worth it!


Anyhoo, I am 33 weeks now. And, like I mentioned, I will be going back to the Dr. at week 35 (July 7th) and then I'll be going every Thursday until Aubrey decides it's time! What a thought!

Here are a few photos from the showers I had and from Aubrey's room that is coming along:

Cinco de Mayo

So I've been studying Cinco de Mayo with my 8th graders at school all week. I decided to try to make some homemade "mole" sauce for them to try, so Aaron and I experimented tonight for dinner! It wasn't too bad...more chili flavorite than chocolate this time. Next time, I'd tone down the spiciness just a bit and add more chocolate, but I'm pretty proud of how it turned out! Here is everything before I started:

Here's what it looked like in the pan while it was simmering:

And here's Aaron enjoying the finished product:

I actually took what was in the pan and blended it to make the sauce. I'm gonna let my kids at school use tortilla triangles to dip in the sauce tomorrow, just for the experience! We ate ours with chicken and jasmine rice. I'll let ya know what the 8th graders say :)

The last of the crafts...for now

Our last 2 weekends have been pretty busy, so I didn't get any crafting done. However, Aaron had a church meeting tonight so I was able to spend some time finishing up what I've started. Here is a picture of the actual wall art that comes with the bedding we picked out:

And here's a picture of the (almost) finished ones that I did. They lack a few touch ups and the ribbons they will hang on:

I'm pretty happy with how they turned out. I don't think I'll ever know the difference!

Here is another small project I did. Found this as unfinished wood at hobby lobby. It is a mirror that'll look cute in a little bookcase, I think:

Sunday, Aaron and I put together Aubrey's crib. Someone found it for us at a yard sale, and it is really cute, though needing a good cleaning and a little touch up paint. I like the idea of fixing the nursery up piece by piece, but I need to get busy finding the other pieces!

Finally, it has been very strange but a few people in the last 2 days have asked me how the 1st trimester is going. Huh? I feel huge, but obviously don't look like I'm almost 26 weeks. When I tell them I'm about 2 weeks away from the 3rd trimester they are very shocked. I guess I will take this as a compliment and hope it stays this way as long as possible :) Here's a few makeshift photos (again, Aaron's not home!). Please excuse the bathroom, haha!

So what do you think? Do I look ready to start the 3rd trimester in a few weeks?

Busy weekend!

Whew! I feel like we are soo busy, but I really do not mind! I know that it is making time pass more quickly. Closer to June 3rd (summer begins!) and closer to late July/early August...our Aubrey arrives. (Is it wishful thinking to hope we might have her early??)

This weekend was no exception to the busy-ness. Friday was even a test of faith, for me at least. Our church has challenged each family to do 3 weeks of sacrifice where we choose a monetary thing to give up for the 3 weeks leading up to Easter, and then we donate to missions the money we would have spent to that "thing." Aaron and I decided to sacrifice eating out, and it has been so difficult! Friday nights are usually our eat out nights, which have become sort of a date night just to get out of La Vernia and relax, talk, explore, etc. Staying home the first Friday night was not too bad because I had already planned what to cook for the week, including that night. This past Friday, however, I had a craving for ribs! All you pregnant ladies present and past know that cravings mean serious business! As bad as I wanted to just give in and go out to eat, we didn't. And...as late as it was already, I decided not to cook anything major, but we both just made some ramen noodles and ate PB&Js. The funny thing is: that food made me full just like ribs would have. It was just a matter of will power. I'm pretty proud of myself. But, I will have ribs soon :)

I was so exhausted that I fell asleep around 8:30 or 9:00 Friday night. The exhaustion is slowly coming back, but I keep reminding myself that I only have 7 more weeks of work to get through. Since I got so much rest, I was up and ready Saturday morning to go into San Antonio looking for baby stuff. We went mostly thrifting for furniture, but didn't find any. I found some cute outfits at a consignment store called Kid2Kid. Here are a couple of the things we found:

Saturday night, we were invited to go to the "Fiesta Flambeau" parade in downtown San Antonio. It was a lot of fun, though really long. I got uncomfortable sitting for that long, but the cultural experience was priceless. Here Aaron and I are waiting for the show to start:

 

Today, Sunday, was another good day of rest. I decided to work on some of my craft projects again and actually finished a few things. Here are Aubrey's letters for the wall in her room, all of them together and some close-ups:

 Also, I finished the first canvas in the 3 piece wall art I'm making that goes with her bedding. The pink and green look very neon in the pics, but they are more subtle. Her "toy bag" came in so I am able to match up colors and everything looks great so far!

Finally, here is my 23 weeks picture. Pardon my lazy Sunday clothes, but I did put on my Carolina t-shirt, in honor of everyone in NC, especially Johnston County, that were affected by the tornadoes that came through. It is scary to be so far away and see the pics of the debris and damage. I am praying for NC!

Til next time!

Sunday Craft Day!

I spent a lot of time on Sunday getting started (and finishing) some ideas that I had in mind for Aubrey's room. Once we decided on the bedding, my creative juices started flowing! The bedding we chose is called "Poppy" from a designer - Cotton Tale. They sell it at Babies-R-Us. Here is a photo with a black crib, we'll be using a white one:

When I got started looking, I noticed that the canvases in the 3 piece wall art look very simple to make! So, I have all the supplies and have started this project, but not finished quite yet. I want to take my time so that they look professionally done, not rushed through. More pics to come of that later. Here are all my supplies that I started with:

Hobby Lobby was out of the letter "y," but convinced me that they would be getting more in this Thursday. Another project I wanted to do was a homemade hairbow holder. I started with a wood plaque, paint, and ribbon, and here's the final project. I really hope the colors match up:

Lastly, I decided to leave the letters white, with her room being painted green (we are thinking). So, I'm adding ribbon and flowers, which takes a little longer than I had imagined. So here's the letter A that I've gotten done so far:

Wonder what I'll come up with next?

21-22 weeks...deciding on a name!

This past Friday night (yes, this is over a week late) we went out to eat on the riverwalk. I love spending Friday nights as kind of a "date night" with Aaron. It's pretty much my favorite time of the week because it means I don't have to get up early the next day! We ate at a place called "Iron Cactus" which was a GREAT Tex-Mex kind of place. Food was excellent, conversation even better; that night I think we actually finally decided what we would name our daughter. We didn't tell that night, but we did soon after. If you haven't heard...her name is going to be Aubrey Madison. We thought about it quite a bit...I wanted it to be special, of course. She will have the same initials as Aaron - AMS. Madison, a name I've always loved, also means "son of Matthew," also tying in Aaron's middle name. I am glad that she will have those things in common with her daddy. :)

18 weeks, but not a baby post!

Today I am 18 weeks! 2 weeks from tomorrow we'll find out if Baby S is a girl or boy. I really have no inclinations, but I can't wait until that milestone is here so we can really start planning!

I wanted to post today, though, to write about my wonderful husband. He left early this morning to start a day's worth of travelling to end up in Haiti, he thought. Long story short, the group won't be leaving until tomorrow morning...and I have cherished these extra times to be able to talk to him; once he's international, we will be savoring 50 texts until he comes back to Florida on Wednesday. Maybe you are all laughing at me by now about how mushy and sentimental I'm being, and I'll admit pregnancy has me a little bit emotional, but I've had such a hard time with him leaving. I cried 3 times, including saying goodbye this morning. And...as I sit and write this I am fighting the urge to tear up again! I KNOW! The week will go by so fast, especially with me being in NC starting Saturday. But, here's what God has shown me through this...

I love that man so much! We all often take our loved ones for granted. I don't know what I'd do without him though. He's my soulmate, my spiritual leader, and my best friend. We are about to take one of the biggest steps forward in our lives as we attempt to raise a child together! And I'd rather do that with no one else! Don't get me wrong - we're not a perfect couple, and we fight and get on each other's nerves enough! I am proud of the way he is spending this week serving, and how excited he was is about it. To sum it all up, I don't want to live life with anyone else but him.

Sometimes, this life we live is hard. Ministry is hard. We're so far from "home" and we've been burned so badly in the past that it'd be easy to quit. But, we stick it out. We've made some good changes, and we're happy! And I've realized that "home" is wherever he is.

Ok, enough lovey dovey! Just wanted you all to know how awesome my husband is. Be jealous!

16 weeks

Hello 16 weeks! My new weeks start every Thursday, but I have a hard time updating because of my busy schedule during the week. This is kind of my first maternity outfit as well. I've been wearing the pants for a while, but I got some new tops online and was excited to wear this one out to dinner on Friday night. Which brings me to my next picture...

I was craving seafood so bad! In Tuscaloosa, I shopped at Publix which is like my all time favorite grocery store, which had fresh shrimp and marinated salmon that I would pick up every week. I haven't had that in so long that it became a hankering (which I would define as a craving x10). Boy did this 20 shrimp feast satisfy that craving! 

The time frame on my mind at the moment is 2 weeks. I have 2 weeks of school until Spring Break and I am wondering if I'm gonna make it. Aaron is excited for his Haiti trip that he's been praying about and raising money for. I am excited for a week of rest with my parents and family in NC. 

We also go back to the Dr. this Wednesday, the 2nd. It's not supposed to be a "big" appointment, I think she's just going to check the heart rate and make sure everything is ok. Our big day to find out gender is March 25th. Less than 4 weeks now, and we are very excited. We actually have NO names picked out yet; we have both kind of come to the conclusion that we can't decide until we know for sure boy or girl.

I can't wait until summer time when I get to stay at home and rest! In the spirit of that, I am still trying to find a way to stay at home and work next year. Let me know if you have any ideas about that!  

Cravings and first baby purchase...

It's official...we are now in the 2nd trimester! I feel slightly relieved that most of the huge risks are over and I can breathe a little bit! I am still having a hard time really believing that in about 6 months there will be a little one in our house. When does it become real? When you feel him/her kick? When they finally arrive?

I have been watching a lot of Food Network lately for some reason...I mean, I like to cook so it's no surprise. Cupcake wars was a bad idea. I went to the grocery store today and HAD to have funfetti cake mix and icing. Also on the craving list was more fresh pineapple for Aaron to cut up for me. And pina colada and strawberry daiquiri mix! Shew...not a whole lot of healthy cravings coming my way.

We got some advice to go ahead and start buying baby stuff each time we are at the store so that we spend a little bit at the time. So here is a picture of our very first baby purchase (and the cravings):

Just a couple of things I've noticed...

Pregnancy is a totally new experience. Things happen all the time that completely catch me off guard. I often say to myself or Aaron, "What's wrong with me?" And...he always politely reminds me...."You're pregnant!" Duh. A couple of examples:

1. At week 13 and 4 days :) , the nausea/aversion to foods is still not gone. Thursday night, we cooked a wonderful (looking) dinner of cheeseburgers, baked potatoes, and steamed broccoli. It all smelled marvelous, but when it was time to sit down and bite, I couldn't do it. The banana milkshake i was thinking of from Sonic, however, sounded (and tasted) good. I figured some calories were better than no calories.

2. I am starting to have trouble sleeping. My sides cramp up when I lay on them for a substantial amount of time. My back and neck cramp up when I lay on my back for a while. Stomach is off limits. How to be comfortable?

3. It is INCREDIBLY hard to find cute maternity clothes. The pants I have bought should last me awhile. I am not so concerned about those being "cute." However, tops? Ridiculous. I am going to wear my regular clothes as long as I can and then pray that the designers of maternity tops and dresses come to their senses. Meanwhile should anyone have clothing they would like to donate, I would greatly appreciate it. (That was the other huge issue: the cute stuff was outrageously priced!)

4. Without being completely inappropriate and providing TMI, there are "other things" that we are finding difficult as well. I mean, when this belly gets much bigger, as it will, I don't see how we are going to do "certain things." Ok...I'm stopping right there.

5. I forgot the 5th thing I was going to rant about. Maybe I should mention pregnancy brain and forgetfulness.

And I know I've mentioned a lot of negative things here. One great thing is that I have started having a bit more energy and have gotten out and walked a few days. Another thing is that I have started telling myself everyday that at the end of all this, I am going to have a little, precious mixture of Aaron and me to hold and raise and teach about Jesus. I say everyday "I'm going to have a baby" and I've started to believe and understand it. It's pretty cool and definitely trumps 1-5 :)

I'll try to post a pic later.

First baby bump picture...

Well here it is! The very first Smith baby bump photo...I was waiting until there was actually something to show but I can feel and see a bump now, so I figured it was that time. Don't you like my elastic waste band skirt? It's about the only thing that fits me now. Jeans are out. I'll be purchasing some kind of stretchy band to help me wear my dress pants to work, and lots of flowy dressed! 

Everyone of course asks how i'm feeling and I'm glad to say that I have mostly felt good since the beginning. I pass out every night between 8:30 and 9 and wake up at 5:30 about to starve! I eat when I'm hungry and try to make good, healthy decisions. I even let myself have those "cravings" every once in a while because let's face it: I'm not going to turn down ice cream, ever.

We go back to the Dr. this Wednesday, the 2nd. I am excited to see how much has changed. I know we probably won't get an ultrasound this time just because it's not a critical week to have one. However, we will be 13 weeks this time and I plan to ask if we can come back around 18 weeks next time and pray to find out boy or girl :) That would be around March 9th or 10th...right before Spring Break. I would be a happy girl :)

Well, until next time! 

What's in a name?

Ok, so I know we have a lottt of time to think about things, but as far as I'm concerned, I have found a baby name that I love! It popped up out of nowhere one day while I was searching and I kind of fell in love with it. I don't want to post about it yet, because there is still a major dilemma: I CAN'T GET AARON ON BOARD!

This has been the most frustrating part so far. We can't agree. The bad thing is: I've already imagined my child being named this name, it's sort of set in stone...in my heart anyway. So, pray that he sees the light!

I am 11 weeks tomorrow. AAAAAAAAHHHHH! It's starting to get so exciting and real. I go back to the Dr. on Feb. 2nd and can't wait to see what we find out then. Right now, the baby is about the size of a fig, I think. Bones are starting to harden and teeth buds are forming below the gums. He or she is already moving around, kicking arms and legs, but of course I can't feel it yet! I look forward to that day.

Survey!

My friend Cindy's blog gave me the idea to do a survey of fun questions about what's been happening so far in the world of "sitting on the nest" as my Dad would say. So here goes:

Firsts:
Is this your first pregnancy?: Yes
How did you find out you were pregnant?: I felt yucky around the time that I should've gotten my period in December so I decided to get a box of HPTs!
What kind of pregnancy test did you take?: The first 2 were HEB brand with separate indicator and control window. The lines were so faint that I decided to get another box of more expensive ones (who knows?) and do it the next morning. All 4 were positive :)
What were your first symptoms? Swollen/painful breasts, bloated, TIRED, and a bit of nausea here and there
Who did you tell first? My husband and our friends April and Jamin Carter :)
Who was with you when you found out? I took the tests alone. Aaron didn't even know I had bought them, but I went and got him and was like, "I need you to come look at something!"
Was baby planned?: Yes and no. We were not preventing, I should say.
When was baby conceived?: middle of November before Thanksgiving
How far were you when you found out?: 4.5 weeks
My baby:Due date: August 11, 2011
Do you want to know the sex?: Yes, it's too hard to plan without knowing. And, I'm a planner.
Any names?: Boy names we like: Grayson, Owen, Jaedon (Aaron's pick) Girl names we like: Olivia, Ryleigh
Any ultrasounds?: Yes at my first appt. It is amazing how you can already see arms and legs.
Have you heard the heartbeat?: No, but we saw it beating on the ultrasound.
Who do you think baby will look like? dark hair, hopefully Aaron's complexion
Will baby have any siblings?: Yes. I am waiting to see what parenthood is like before I decide how many :)
Have you and dad felt baby move? Not yet, too early!
Are you excited?: Very, not sure it's really set in yet
MISCELLANEOUS:
Did you have morning sickness?: Well, nausea at the smell of some foods. Heartburn after. No vomiting, yet!
Do you have any cravings?: bread, crackers, soda
Do you have any mood swings?: Yes. I am a very emotional person anyway, so you can imagine
Are you a high risk pregnancy?: No
Any complications?: Nope
Formula or breastfeeding? Good question. will try to breastfeed as long as I can!
Have you bought anything for baby yet?: No, but had my brother buy him/her a baby Carolina tee and rattle :)

Who will help with baby after their born? Aaron and I; MDO ladies at church
What is your favorite thing about being pregnant? the anticipation and most wonderful thing ever to look forward to!
What is the worst thing about being pregnant? So far the exhaustion and nausea feelings
What's one thing you miss doing since being pregnant? Having morning coffee
Any days you wish you weren't pregnant?: No, it's never THAT bad :)
Are you ready for baby? Not yet!
How far along are you now?: 9wks 6 days

First post from the 3 of us!

The word is mostly out...but in case you haven't heard, Aaron and I are expecting our first baby. I am about 9 1/2 weeks now...which makes baby's arrival date on or around August 11, 2011. Recently, I have started to get really excited at the thought of having a child - and seeing the best parts of Aaron and the best parts of me in another human being. Wonder what he/she will look like? If we'll ever agree on a name? Ahh...I know we have time, but the planner in me can't help but want things, well, planned out already!

Maybe you didn't catch that, but it's only recently that I'm getting excited. Up to this point, I have been mostly nervous and scared, thinking, "What did we do?" It's no secret - I am a person who likes my sleep. There aren't many nights that I make it past 10:00 (Aaron would say 9:00). :) And...with our recent move to La Vernia, TX to be student pastors here, we are the farthest from our families that we've ever been. That's a scary thought! No Help! Don't get me wrong, I fully expect for our church family to step in where they can to help us and be our "family" away from family. But, you know what I mean. Sometimes, and, I suspect, in this situation, it may not seem like an equal substitution.

Normally, I would let myself become worried by all these things floating around in my head (am I eating too many crackers?, getting enough protein/calcium/vitaminC/etc.? is it ok to have a littttle bit of caffeine when my head wants to explode?, yada yada yada.) But, I really have been trying to rest back on the power of prayer. I have to make myself, I won't lie. It's easier sometimes in human weakness to spend more time thinking and less time praying. But, I want God's plan for this baby, my life after baby, etc. My biggest prayer request right now, other than a healthy baby, is for God to show us a way that I can work from home. For all of you who know: I have a Master's degree to teach which is realllly what I want to do with my life. But, I would really enjoy the time to be at home just for the first year or 2 with my baby. And then go back to work. See, it all makes perfect sense to me, but what is God's plan? You can join me in asking Him, if you'd like :)

I guess that is enough for now. My intentions are to update regularly with new pictures of the "belly" as I continue to grow. I will do my best!