23 Weeks!

         Heyyy 23 weeks! Only 17 weeks left :) Yay! So, this past week Connor had a few quiet days, but I'm pretty sure it's because he hit a major growth spurt. Now he is going to town in there now! Last night, I got a great video and sent it to Adam. I've had a hard time going to sleep at night. Last night my back was KILLING me. The discomfort is definately setting in. I gained 2 lbs. last week. Made up for the week before when I didn't gain anything.. yikes. Lauren hasn't had Delaney yet & today was her due date. Poor Lauren. I know she is so miserable right now. I'm headed to VA on Thursday and hoping she goes in to labor then! If not she is being induced on Feb. 2nd. I can't wait to be in VA. Thursday, we also find out where we are going to be for the next 3 years!! I'm so anxious. Adam is doing so good in his school though. He got a 98 on his first test and a 100 on the one he had today. I'm so proud of him! He said he doesn't know how he's doing it. Well, he's smart!! And, I pray for him/us every day. I knew before he left he would succeed. =) I'm just ready to get going on the house search and everything I need to do before we move! We decided my baby shower is going to be Feb. 19th in Va. Yay! I'm so excited about it. I want to see everyone before I move :( Well, not much to update really.. See you next week!

**How far along? 23 weeks!

**Total weight gain/loss: +13 lbs.. :-/

**How Big is Baby?: About 11.5 inches and over a pound!!

**Maternity clothes? Yup

**Stretch marks? not yet..

**Sleep: It's getting much harder.. my back has been killing me :(

**Best moment this week: Getting through it :) 

**Movement: My bladder is a trampoline.

**Food cravings: wild cherry pepsi ice cream float!

**Gender: baby boy <3

**Labor Signs: No sir!

**Belly Button in or out? In.

**Milestone: Connor now looks like a doll baby :) My little doll baby <3

     I never thought I would make this post, but it's something that has been weighing on my heart and mind. Not that it is really anyone' s business, but hey.. what are blogs for if you can't speak out? January 14, 2011 was mine and Adam's 1 year anniversary as a married couple, and I am 6 months pregnant. I've gotten comments and have seen the whispers.. "was it planned?" "i bet it was an accident..." Well, why don't you take a second to listen to and watch the video that I posted. My husband is a Marine, and nothing in our lives can ever really be planned, but this baby WAS planned. Most couples can get married, and spend every day together, knowing that they can wait a few years to plan their family. When we first got married, we had talked about waiting a couple of years to start a family, but in May of 2010, Adam called me to inform me that he had been flagged for recruiting. After, a month or so, it was confirmed that he was in fact going to be a recruiter for 3 years. No, he was not happy about it at first, and neither was I. We had just built our first home, and we were going to have to move .. again. But, the more I thought about it, the more I thought how great it would be to have my husband in the US for 3 years!!! 3 years of having Adam home every night. No sleepless, lonely nights, holidays together, and I could attend family functions without a yellow ribbon tied around my wrist! Then, I thought, now would be perfect to have a baby. Adam can watch the baby's firsts, and watch him grow into a toddler. That is not something many military fathers can do. At first, when I ran the idea by Adam, he wasn't sure about it. What's the rush? We're still young? Of course I thought of those too. But, the more we talked about it, the more he grew on the idea. We have only been married for a year, and we are young, but unlike other couples, we build our lives around the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps certainly doesn't work around us. SO, we decided to try for a baby, and now I am 6 months pregnant. So, before you stop to question.. Why so soon? Think about yourself in the situation.. Could you honestly say you wouldn't do the same? We are thrilled to be mommy and daddy, and though we may be young, we have overcome more than most older couples will ever have to endure. I am thankful for every moment spent with my husband, and will thoroughly LOVE every second of these next 3 years with my amazing husband and son.

Connor moving

When Connor kicks, my tummy bounces!! I wanted to capture it for Adam since he isn't here and only felt one kick before he left for 2 months. I updated this with a better video. He was super active tonight!

22 Weeks!!

         Well, here we are, 22 weeks! That's my hand (not my belly button). My belly button isn't sticking out, but it keeps spreading.. ha! My back has been hurting, and Connor's kicks are getting stronger. :) I love sitting here and feeling him kick me. It's the best feeling ever. I can't wait to meet my baby boy! I can't believe I'm 22 weeks tomorrow. I know that I say that every week, but I'm in my 6th month of pregnancy, and it's just so hard to believe. Adam is getting so excited. We have so much going on these next few weeks. My baby shower is in less than 5 weeks, and he comes home in less than 6, and then we're moving! We still don't know where we are going. He said that as soon as he knows he is going to call me obviously, and he "might" know something tomorrow about the area he may be going to, but nothing is never certain with the military. I'm just ready to know, so I can get things straight with Tricare. We all know how that went for me in the beginning! Ugh. And, century21 is annoying me.. they said that the house would be up in their website friday..as in last friday. Well, it isn't. All I know is that they BETTER be showing this house to people. BAH went up to $1200 for E5 (sergeant) in 2011. It went up $127, so we decided to ask $1150. That will pay our mortgage and pay the Property Manager and still leave us with a little. And our house is a lot nicer than some of these houses. Shoot, we have lived here barely over a year! I'm not trying to stress over it. I signed up for my TMO account today, so I'll probably be going to the office sometime this week or next... this all depends on my god daughter and when she decides to grace us with her presence. I hope she comes soon. She's healthy and done cooking, now it's just up to when she's ready. :) Well, there's not too much to update on this week!
 
**How far along? 22 weeks!

**Total weight gain/loss: +11 lbs.. didn't gain last week

**How Big is Baby?: He's about 15 oz and 11 inches long :) almost a 1 pounder!

**Maternity clothes? Yup

**Stretch marks? not yet..

**Sleep: I sleep SO much!

**Best moment this week: his little jabs still make my heart melt.

**Movement: .. oh yes.

**Food cravings: blackberries!! The commissary has amazing blackberries right now.

**Gender: baby boy <3

**Labor Signs: No sir!

**Belly Button in or out? In and still spreading! 

Reflecting on the year.. Happy Anniversary love!

       Happy Anniversary Adam. I love you so much! Today is our 1 year anniversary. The picture on the left is January 14, 2010 when we legally got married. We said we would celebrate January 14th as our anniversary b/c that is the day it was made legal. However, we may have to celebrate March 20th (picture on the right) this year! Adam is in San Diego now :( It made for a tough day, but I stayed busy. The property manager came by the house and took pictures. We are officially up for rent! Then, I went to Wilmington to shop around. Retail therapy can always help mend an achy heart :) Then, I came home to flowers on the porch and the sweetest letter I think I've ever gotten from him. Straight to the point, and it gave me butterflies. We talked on the phone tonight for over an hour... felt like we had just met, when would talk on the phone forever. I loved every second of it. This past year has been simply amazing. Yes, we had our ups and downs. Our entire relationship was long distance until we got married! Then we were just always together, so it was a little difficult adjusting, but we made it through and are stronger and more in-love now than ever before, and I know that it's just going to grow with each passing year. This past year we moved in together, got married right after, found out we're going to move soon, and now we are expecting our first baby. We have grown SO much together this year, and we have so much to look forward to this year! Adam is my hero, my soul mate, and my best friend. I don't think for one second we met by chance. I honestly can't imagine my future without him! I love you.


& me today at 21 weeks 3 days...

nursery inspiration

Well, I ordered the nursery bedding! Here is a sneak peek of the nursery ;)

I have so many ideas in my head! Can't wait to move and get the nursery up!! :)

21 Weeks!

    21 Weeks. I'm having a hard time believing it. Do you see how big that belly button is? Adam has been gone for a week already! I woke up this morning to tons of snow, and it didn't stop all day. It did change over to ice.. yay. It sucks being snowed in by myself. It was quite the boring day. We should know this week or next week where we are going for Adam's recruiting. I'm anxious and excited for the new adventure. Melissa made a great point... she said it's such a fresh start for ya'll. Connor will be here and you'll be in a new place with a new beginning. When we got married we started anew, and now that we are having a baby we are starting anew. Even though we've only been married and in NC a year! Our anniversary is Friday. I figured we would spend it apart. Today I was talking to Steph about how Adam is gone for 2 months, and she gasped b/c that is a long time to most people. Last week, I gave him a big hug, a kiss, and then sent him off without making a fuss. I'm really starting to get a hang of this Marine wife thing.. maybe getting too good at it. I miss him so much, do not get me wrong, it's just that I think military wives acquire a sort of numbness to the pain of them leaving and the loneliness we endure. And that's how we know we are cut out to do this. We have to hold down the fort, and our husbands need to know we have strong backbones. We carry the weight of the world on our shoulders too. I really lean on my military family, and I can say that I am lucky to have them in my life. I watch Lauren going through Shawn's deployments, and I say deployments, b/c he has and will be gone constantly for the next 3 years, and Lauren is due any day with their first baby. She's been incredible through everything. She makes it look so easy. Everytime I turn around, Melissa is saying goodbye to Gary, as he is special forces in the Army, and she's so strong. The numbness. Sam has 2 toddlers, a husband in a combat zone, and all I notice is the fact that she is one of the most amazing mothers I know. And Kelly is in the same situation as me, taking it all with a grain of salt, and trusting God will see it through. Adam is scared of being a father and not being home much b/c of recruiting. I say Bring.It.On. I told him that I would much rather him come home late to only give me and Connor a kiss and pass out than be thousands of miles away, wishing he could only give me and Connor a kiss. I cannot wait to be a mother. I have so much love for my son already.

**How far along? 21 weeks! 134 days to go!

**Total weight gain/loss: +11 lbs.. literally a pound a week.

**How Big is Baby?: He's about 12.7 oz and 10.5/11 inches!

**Maternity clothes? Yup

**Stretch marks? not yet..

**Sleep: It's getting harder.

**Best moment this week: Oh those kicks:)

**Movement: .. oh yes.

**Food cravings: .. ramin noodles. lol

**Gender: little boy <3

**Labor Signs: No sir!

**Belly Button in or out? In and spreadin'!

Just a little fun.

About the mommy:
Name: Lauren
Age: 22
Is this the first child?: Yep.

About the daddy:
Name: Adam
Age: 24
Is this the first child?: Yep

Finding out:
What day did you find out you were pregnant?: September 13, 2010

How did you feel when you found out?: I was ecstatic, and surprised b/c it was our first month trying.

Who was with you?: Nobody! I had just left my bestfriend's house in VA, and felt different.. I just HAD to stop and buy a test.

How did the daddy react?: He was surprised at first. It took a while for it to sink in.

Telling the grandparents:
How did you parents react?: My mom screamed. My dad was so excited. It's their first grandbaby, so they are so excited about it.

How did his parents react?: Totally excited too!

How often do they call to check on you?: My mom calls a lot of course, and Adam talks to his parents often.

About the pregnancy:
When is your due date?: May 27, 2011
How far along are you right now?: 20 weeks!
Have you had an ultra sound?: Yes! 4.
Have you heard the heartbeat?: Yes, Several times
Sex of the baby: BOY
What do you want. Boy or Girl?: I wanted a boy first, but want a girl too, so either way I would have been so excited. Adam too. So, we're happy:)
Do you know what you are having now?: Yep.. boy.
Are you happy with what you are having?: Definitely. We wanted a boy first.

About the birth:
Who is going to be with you?: Hubby, Mom, Lauren, Sisters if they want.
Are you going to video tape it?:Um, NO.
Natural or medicated?: Give me drugs :)

Do you think you will have a c-section?: I have no idea, but I hope not.


Do you think you will cry when you first hold your baby?: Yes.

Do you know what you will say to the baby when you first hold it?: Probably.. "oh my god."

Are you scared about the labor?: Not yet.. haha


Names:
Do you have a name picked out?: Connor Daniel Hill.

Is your baby going to be named after anyone?: Daniel stems from my maiden name McDaniel.

Did the daddy help pick the name?: Yes

Other random questions:
Where was your baby conceived?: Really? haha at home

Have you felt the baby move?: YES! More and more each day! And he has been way active these past couple of days.

What was your first symptom?: Back pain.

Will you have godparents?: Lauren and Shawn Comtois. Our bestfriends.

Who will be the god mommy?: Lauren Comtois

Who will be the god daddy?: Shawn Comtois

What is the baby's room theme?: Green, Brown, White, and some baby blues.

Are you ready to be a mommy?:I was born to be a mommy. I can't wait.

What do you think the baby will be a "daddys girl/boy" or a "mommys girl/boy"?:I think he will be a little bit of both. Adam is so great with little kids. He will be the fun one, and I'll be the nurturing one. Perfect combo :)

20 Weeks

   There's baby Connor! My sweet handsome little man! I had my 20 week scan yesterday, and everything looks perfect :) Words from the ultrasound tech AND my doctor today. I had another appointment today. Heard the heartbeat and she measured my uterus. 20 inches. Yesterday, my anatomy scan was at 9:30 a.m., and Melissa came with me! She got to be in there the whole time and see him. It was amazing. He wasn't being very cooperative at first. haha. He kept kicking his little legs and sitting straight up! I love him so much already! When I got home around 11, I started feeling really sick. Melissa left, and then I got the horrid stomach bug. I couldn't keep ANYTHING down yesterday. It was so miserable. I feel much better today, just achy. My back hurts and my whole body aches. I lost 4 lbs yesterday.. I gained some back by drinking fluids today, but that was scary. But, when I went in today to the DR, we heard Connor's heartbeat, and I've felt him kick today. I'm sure I suffered way worse than him, and I'm thankful for that. Adam had it 2 days ago, and then he left for San Diego Monday afternoon. Well, he left me a present, and it sucked. haha. He will be gone for 2 months. :( Booo... Well anyway, I need to lay down and rest.

**How far along? 20 weeks ... halfway!

**Total weight gain/loss: +10 lbs. The stomach bug kept me from gaining.

**How Big is Baby?: He's 12 oz. and about 10.5 inches!

**Maternity clothes? Yup

**Stretch marks? not yet..

**Sleep: love it.

**Best moment this week: Seeing him at the anatomy scan and knowing that he's perfect :)

**Movement: Flips, kicks, jabs... oh yes.

**Food cravings: Nothing sounds great to me right now... maybe b/c I just got over the stomach bug.

**Gender: Sweet baby boy :)

**Labor Signs: No sir!

**Belly Button in or out? In :)

Happy New Year.. 2011

         So, here I am, about halfway through this pregnancy! It has gone by so fast, and I know it's only going to go faster! Last night was a great night. Adam cooked me dinner, and it was SO good :) We had roast, mashed potatoes, green beans, baked beans, and salad! Yummm! Then, we had shrimp cocktail and a cheese ball. He sure knows how to please a pregnant woman! Then, we both drank sparkling grape juice and watched the ball drop. It was tough staying up til midnight.. haha I was exhausted. As soon as it dropped, we were in the bed passed out! I can't believe it's 2011. Connor will be born this year!!!! Me and Adam made a resolution together to be the best parents we can. I've been thinking about what I want to make my personal resolution, and I've decided that it is going to be to not let people walk all over me. I need to start saying "no" to people, and not let them stress me out. And, I want to work on controlling my stress levels better too. I feel like I get so worked up over stuff that isn't that serious, and I'm sure the pregnancy hormones don't help. I get so frustrated at some of the things people do, when I should really just let it go. I am going to concentrate on my little family, and be happy! I want to start seeing the beauty in everything! Well, I'll update Wednesday after my anatomy scan! :)