28 Weeks and Merry Christmas!!

Well, another week has come and gone and we are officially into Trimester 3!

As time gets closer and closer to Baby Punt's arrival, Mom is getting anxious to figure out a job situation... and to get the baby room started! The nesting stage has officially hit and I am more than ready to start the baby room! We just need to figure out what the career situation is for me. I'm still searching for a job, but am not finding much. I keep applying for different jobs, but the results are usually rejection or they never reply back to me... irritating. Being pregnant is taking a toll on this job search as many employers will see/hear that I'm pregnant and their initial reaction is "oh, so you will be on maternity leave in a few weeks..." ... why yes, yes I will be... what do you want me to do?? NOT take maternity leave and get back to work the day after giving birth!?! I don't think so!

The back and hip pain is still present in my life... and not getting any better. Friday night, after work, I slipped on the ice and took a hard tumble onto my right hip.. a few bruises later and the lack of bearing weight on it, it's still killing me. I'm seeing the Dr. on Friday, so we are hoping that she will have some suggestions for me. I've tried stretching it, using a heating pad, tylenol... nothing is working. I am guessing that it's a nerve that is being pinched because the pain isn't constant... it's only when I step in a certain direction or twist wrong.. So I do anything possible to avoid that. I'm hoping to see a chiropractor this coming week also to help get some cracks and pops out of the way... I feel like I'm 90... and I'm only 22... hehe.

Brad and I are looking forward to the arrival of Baby Punt more and more every day. We are starting to stock up on clothes, and received a TON for Christmas! I am excited to start playing "dress up" :) and taking lots of pictures! Maddie and Shepp are also starting to transition into "cuddlers" as they have realized that mama is spending more and more time on the couch lounging... which gives them more opportunity to crawl up and snuggle with me. :) They even have started sleeping in bed with me... Not sure how long that will last, but for the last couple of nights it's been welcomed by both Brad and I! :)

Overall Christmas has been a wonderful catch up time with the family. Even though the day is only partially over, we are exhausted. It's nap time here for the Punt's. We opened gifts and shared stories and laughs. Tis the Season. 

Merry Christmas to All. We hope everyone has a great time with their family and friends, and that travels are safe and secure!

 

Merry Christmas from the Punt's!! 

27 Weeks and... going strong??...

Ufgh. Trimester 3 Has Begun.

And I am feeling it.

This past week was an eventful and emotional one. I have officially graduated from ISU with my BS degree. Saturday with the family was a long, tiring, emotional day as I slowly began to realize that "I'mma Big Kid Now." I'm now working full time in the Meat Research Lab in a temporary "post-grad" position doing lab work and research that I have been working on for the past few years. We just started a new project in November and I will continue to work on that until I find a permanent job.

As week 27 begins, I am starting to realize that the next 13 weeks are going to be a slap in the face from the amazing beginning of this pregnancy. My ribs and back had been hurting before, but now its to "killing" on the pain scale. I broke down last night and ran to wal-mart JUST to get tylenol. There wasn't any way I was going to get any sleep with the aching back that I had. The worst part about my back hurting is it's not even my lower back, it's my upper back. Right between my shoulder blades. There are huge knots there, and Brad attempted at rubbing them, but to no avail. I think its officially time to see a masseuse. Merry Christmas to Me! :)

My feet are swelling, my legs hurt, my back kills, and my ribs tend to hurt whenever I sit down for too long. Welcome to the last trimester. Thank goodness school is done and out of the way, so I just have to get through work the next 10+weeks... eek. Anyways. Nothing much is changed from last week. We see the doctor again next week after Christmas, and will be asking LOTS of questions about the pain. I also have the glucose test next week, which I'm not looking forward to, but I need to have it done.

27 weeks! Getting Big! 

The Lonergan Research Lab Crew: Elisabeth, Ed, Emily, Kyle, Me, Steven, Shannon 

Me and the PhD Graduate, Kyle :) 

My Handsome Hubby and I 

Diploma in hand... alright... let's rock and roll! 

My Delicious Cake. 

Diploma!! :) 

Bradley and I 

Week 26: Wanted Adds

.... 14 weeks to go. Can time begin to crawl any slower? Last week we were at least moving at the speed of snails on a hot California sidewalk.... which according to mostextreme.com is the speed of .03 MPH... (the slowest moving animal on earth) can anything else move any slower that that!?!?... oh wait... Yes... a tree. That's about how fast time seems to be moving.... According to the dictionary, a tree is a plant that has a permanent woody main stem or trunk.... permanent... as in doesn't move... yup. That explains time right now.


As time has began to slow, the pain began to creep. As I laid in bed for a matter of 36 hours straight (minus the frequent bathroom run for my self and the four legged furry babies) from Friday night at 6:30 to Sunday morning, I decided this pregnancy is probably going to kill me. My ribs and back officially scream basically whenever I am sitting. Laying down is fine. Standing is fine (but then my legs and feet hurt)... I've hit the uncomfortable stage... and I want it over with. So, yesterday, as I sat at my desk, desperately trying to study for my genetics final, I decided that now is as good of time as any to start advertising in the wanted adds! :) For what?.... a masseuse. Yup. You got it. I want my own personal, call anytime of the day, 24-7, masseuse. As I sat there in pain I began to dream of how wonderfully amazing it would feel to have someone around at any time of the day while baby Punt insisted that my back and ribs were in the way, not allowing enough room for growth. So, here's my official "Wanted" Add (not really... actually stolen off of google images:)) that will be flying high in my front yard, the newspaper, and any other place I can get my hands on. Just image the lady as me...blonde hair tied in a pony tail, no makeup, big old pregnant belly, a few stretch marks here and there... black bags under her eyes, swollen feet, and maybe have a bit of an attitude. That would be me... Reception Desk: Check my bed.. I tend to live there when I'm home...

As I'm no longer able to sit on the couch, or in chairs, without having the aches and pains of pregnancy become overbearing, the bedroom has become my best friend... I'm seriously considering paying the extra $15/month to extend our cable down to the bedroom from the living room... Watching the same movies over and over tend to get a bit boring... but at least I get some sleep due to the boredom that overcomes me. 

Nothing has really changed from last week. Accept the amount of pain. Today was my last final. EVER. So it is all free sailing from here on out. Time to get to work and make some money before Baby Punt makes the debut. I'm more than happy to spend less time at my desk studying and get to work in the lab where I am more comfortable and have the ability to move around and stand up and stretch instead of being hunched over a desk staring endlessly at scribbles and scratches from my genetics notebook. Saturday is graduation and I am really looking forward to seeing our families. Even though not everyone will be there, I am still excited none the less. It feels so good to be DONE with school. Come January 4th I will have that one sheet of paper that says "Graduated" on it! :) 

As week 26 will come and go... eventually... the belly seems to be getting larger and larger. I have officially been told that I'm carrying a perfect basketball under my clothes. Ugh. On the bright side... my friends know better than to rub on the belly. My motto... "If you didn't put it there, don't touch it." ... :) I mean, family is a little different, but still, having random people who you hardly remember their names coming up and rubbing your belly is a little odd. :) Anyways, I suppose I better get off to work. :) Ta Ta For Now! 

25 Down, 15 To Go!

15 weeks.... EEK!

I can't believe the time has flow so fast, but yet seems to slowly crawl by. This last week seems to have taken on the slow crawl of a snail on the scorching sidewalks of California.

Speaking of scorching... did someone turn up the heat?? ugh. ... Yes. Pregnancy hot flashes at their finest! I am now a walking furnace. It was 60 degrees outside yesterday... and I was sweating my butt off. I do know one thing... I am SO glad I am not 6 months pregnant in the middle of the summer! Bravo to my friends who suffered through that! I would have never survived!

We had a Dr's appointment last Wednesday, but it wasn't much. The heart beat of our little kicker was at 141, which is normal for this stage. The doctor thought it was hilarious because she couldn't get the doppler to pick up the heart beat because the stinker kept kicking it away... eventually we found the beat though. We found out that the baby is laying completely on the right side of my tummy. When I laid down on the exam table I looked like a bloated cow because the right side of my tummy was about 2 inches bigger than the left side due to the baby being on that side. The doctor said everything is normal and that I will start becoming more and more tired as we near the end. I'm to the point where sleep is starting to be a huge blessing. I know, I better get used to it... :)

We also discovered that the aches that I was getting in my lower right abdomen was not braxton hicks contractions like I thought it was... It's actually my round ligament again. Earlier in my pregnancy I had these pains but they had spread across the entire length of my belly, now it's only on the right side. The doctor said this is mainly because that is where the baby is, which is causing the right side to stretch more than the left side these days. These spasms hurt and can usually force me to sit or lie down and stretch.  I also have found that rubbing the spot helps the spasm relax and I can usually rub it away. Since I'm not supposed to be taking any pain meds to help with these aches and pains I have been  getting by with a little massaging of the painful area.... what I would give for a proper massage these days (if only I could lay on my belly....) ... I wonder if they make pregnancy massage tables with a big hole in the middle... like where your head goes...???.... pregnancy brain. My doctor suggested for me to start drinking more water. She believes this can also help with muscle pains, but I just feel like it makes me need to use "the little scientists room" every 20 minutes.

The clinic also set us up for my glucose test. This will actually occur at our next appointment (shortly after Christmas). They will be able to then tell me if gestational diabetes is occurring or not. I have to drink this "orange" flavored crap... yes that's exactly how the nurse explained it, before I go in next time and then they will have to perform the glucose test. ... not looking forward to drinking that crap!

We are also to the dreaded (literally) stretch mark stage as well. Yes. I am gaining stretch marks. The initiation of stretching has started to occur right around my belt line on both sides of my stomach. Ugh. You have no idea HOW dreadful that makes me feel. To top that off... my Linea Nigra line has began to show as well. This is that dark line that forms underneath your belly button... I am seriously starting to feel like an oompa-loompa with all these discoloration and malformations. NOT excited for this...

One of the best feelings so far though is the ability to feel each movement that occurs in there. It does get annoying at times, like when you are trying to fall asleep... but it still cracks me up. I can now see when mini me's head rubs against the right side of my belly. I can also see where the feet are when they get shoved and kicked against me... It is quite entertaining at times. :) I rarely watch what is on TV because I am always too busy watching my belly bounce up and down like Tigger. :) It's hard to believe that in 15 weeks (or sooner... maybe later) we will be able to see the little twerp. I'm starting to get anxious for finding a job and figuring out what we're going to do after graduation. I am excited to be starting a new chapter in our lives... we are definitely excited!

Welp-- I better head off to class here! Hope everyone is having a good December so far! 11 days till graduation! :-D

24 Weeks and the word WADDLE

I know, I know. I didn't post anything for week 23. I was super busy last week and I was on the road for 7 hours last Tuesday for an interview in Northern Iowa. Give me a break.... I only had to stop for a potty break like 10 times throughout my drive... frustrating. Eventually I'll learn to not "drink" and drive right?!.... 

So. To sum up the last two weeks... there are three words to describe it. Rate of Gain. I swear. At this pace I'll be able to compete with some of the top rate of gain steers at the county fair next summer. The Dr. tomorrow will answer the horrific question of "how much do I weigh".... gulp. Up until this point I had only gained an average of 2 pounds every four weeks. I know that this number has easily doubled since the last visit. I now feel like a beached whale as I am slowly starting to lose sight of my toes, let alone the ability to put socks on... yeah... It's quite the clown show getting dressed in the morning. Luckily dog's can't laugh... or they would be in major trouble (for some reason I can always see that smirk on Shepp's face though...). 

Black Friday shopping was kind of a rude awakening as my jean size has jumped by 6 sizes in the matter of months... I had to graduate my favorite Buckle jeans, which are now on "maternity leave" until I return to my previous stature....My bump and my rump have both overtaken my high school figure... and I do hope to see that again some day... (dream on, I know, but I can always wish right!?). I am now officially into maternity shirts as T-Shirt's really don't fit over the bump anymore without squeezing me or getting completely stretched out. I've also had to slim down my sweatshirt wardrobe as many of the sweatshirts have began to crawl upwards, revealing a not so pretty bare-skinned belly. 

Tomorrow is our 24 week check up with the Dr's office. Tomorrow we get to experience the Glucose Screening to test for gestational diabetes. They do this between 24 and 28 weeks, so that is scheduled for tomorrow's agenda. We will also be able to hear the heart beat again and see how rapid the little twerp's heart is racing. 

I've also began to feel the .... how do I put it... annoying? braxton hicks contractions. Although they aren't really painful, they are still annoying. It's like someone is taking a rubber-band inside your stomach and pulling it really tight. I usually can get them to go away by changing positions or getting up and walking around, but they are still annoying. They are also annoying because they are so random. You never know when one is going to pop up and say "hello"... grrr. Baby Punt is also once again causing my rib cage to expand, which IS causing pain like it was previously. I can usually ease the pain by sitting back in my chair, as straight as possible, but even then, the pain is still present. I find it more comfortable to just lay in bed all stretched out than to sit on the couch. It's also annoying because I sit in class or at my office desk about 5 hours a day out of my 9 hour school day and that causes the ribs to hurt too. It helps to get up and walking around. Another non-welcome side effect that has become a frequent flyer within my body is acid-reflex. ugh. Can anyone say miserable? The WORST was this past weekend when I was home for thanksgiving... I'm sure that eating half my body weight in food each day for the past 4 days didn't help... but goodness. The constant sensation to throw up whenever I tried to burp or move positions was awefull. I sure hope this is just a short term side effect...  

I have also noticed the increased intensity of kicks coming from the little one. My entire arm will jump if it's resting on my stomach and a kick comes from within. It is visible to others now too when I'm getting kicked. My little sisters think it's gross that they can see and feel it, I just chuckle at them and say "imagine it being inside of you!"... they didn't like that any more than being able to see it. Lol. I can also see when the baby decides to change position and starts to roll around in there. My entire stomach will start moving and you can see where the head or feet are at. I usually know where the feet are, mainly because they are the main thing I feel these days. 75% of the time they are pressed right against my rib's or just below that. I have had the... displeasure... of feeling Baby Punt rub it's feet up against my bottom ribs... not pleasant  Baby Punt has also found where mom's bladder is, and is very enthusiastic about kicking that as well. Weather I'm sitting, walking, sleeping, or talking, the bladder is 90% of the time ready to be emptied... but when I'm farthest from a toilet, Baby Punt thinks it's a game to kick directly onto the bladder and make me have to rush to find a bathroom. It's hard to believe that at only 24 weeks I'm already experiencing all of this, I can't imagine what it will be like in another 10+ weeks.... .... eek. Gives me the chills just thinking about it. 

As I had mentioned earlier... the feeling of being a beached whale. While I walked to lunch today my best friend was commenting on how slow of a walker I am. Yes. I know. I can't JOG to keep up with here anymore sine she is a fast paced walker.... She started making fun of me and my waddle. Well. I guess it's time for me to admit it. I am now a waddling pregnant lady. There. I said it. Waddle. So: to sum up the word "waddle"... 

wad·dle

  [wod-l]  Show IPA verb, wad·dled, wad·dling, noun.

verb (used without object)

1.

to walk with short steps, swaying or rocking from side to side, as a duck.

Related Words for : Waddle

coggle, dodder, paddle, toddle, totter

A Duck... Because that's exactly what I want to be compared to these days.... ugh. My best friend referred to me as a Penguin. I'll admit it. I now walk with my arms, swaying from side to side at about a 45 degree angle from my torso. Embarrassing. I ended up sticking my hands in my sweatshirt pocket on the walk back from lunch because she was making fun of me so much. It doesn't help that she's been gone for 2.5 weeks and hasn't seen me that entire time... and I HAVE grown since she left. Oh well. It's just going to get worse, right? Lol. I'm not entirely to the full blown pregnancy waddle, yet, but I know it's inevitable. There's no getting around it when you get as big as you do.  

Anyways, I better head off to class. I've taken enough of everyone's time today for me to tell you about the joy's of pregnancy and the walk of humor I have been through the last couple of weeks. Visit me again next week! tata! 

Thanks # 19, 20, and 21

#19:

Monday I was thankful for the safe delivery of Isabella Kay Bennett! Friends of Brad and I were expecting a girl in December and her water broke at 33 weeks along. They ended up doing a c-section to deliver the baby who is now in NICU for a few weeks to gain her strength and to support herself. She's a beauty of a girl and I am very thankful that everything went smoothly for them.

#20:

Yesterday I was thankful for the ability to get out of town. I took a 3 hour road trip to an interview up in Northern Iowa, and then made the 3 hour treck back home. This was a good time for me to just relax and reflect on my past and dream about the future. 6 hours in the car and not ONCE did the radio turn on! :)

#21:

Today I am thankful for beautiful weather. It's the day before Thanksgiving and it's gorgeous outside. 65 degrees out and sunny, I couldn't ask for a better day to go enjoy! I'm off work here shortly, just have to finish up a few gels and then I am heading home to take the dogs out to the park to run!

Thanks #18

Today I am thankful for food. I have this overwhelming sensation to food lately... I wonder why? Haha.

Without food we would alllllll be dead. So today I am thankful for food which sustains our bodies and nourishes our lives. :)

Graduation is Just Around the Corner!

Please Join Us In Celebration!

Roslyn graduates on December 15, 2012. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Beverage Reception is at 8:30 AM with the Undergraduate Convocation to follow at 9:30 AM in the C.Y. Stephens Auditorium. The University Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony will take place at 1:30 PM at the Hilton Coliseum. Tickets are not required for the Ceremony.

A Graduation Party will take place at 4:00 PM at Pizza Ranch in the Party Room (1404 Boston Ave. Ames, IA 50010).

If you are planning on attending the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Reception or Convocation, and would like to make hotel arrangements for the previous night, please visit www.visitames.com/come_and_stay/  for hotel information.

Any questions can be sent to me at roslyna@iastate.edu or 712-395-0553. 

Thanks #17

Today I am thankful for my boss/adopted mother and family! 

She has done so much for me and helped me grow so much over the last year and a half. I hate to be leaving the Doggie Dude Ranch so shortly after getting to know her and her girls. It has been an amazing experience to be able to gain knowledge in the "self employed" business, as well as interacting with so many regular customers over the past months. It's been amazing getting to know her girls like my own little sisters. They all took me in as another part of the family, no questions asked, and I am extremely greatful for their openness. 

Ps Becky: Good luck in the marathon today! 

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Hello Everyone!

The year once again is coming to an end. I told myself I would start this letter a lot earlier than today, but at least I’m getting it done!

Brad is still currently working at Trausch Farms in Anita, IA. He’s been here for two and a half years now and seems to be enjoying it. He gets along really well with his co-workers and has made a lot of good friends through the company. I also think he enjoys it because he gets to travel, which gives him an excuse to not be home all the time! He also really likes working with the cattle they have, and being able to attend shows around the country. He’s got his job and hobby all fit into one category here, which helps him have the motivation to go to work every day!

I am still at Iowa State University… but soon to be a GRADUATE. December 15^th I am done at ISU and will have achieved my Bachelors degree in Animal Science. I am really looking forward to being done with school. I may not be ready to take over that “grown up role” of working 5 days a week, but it can’t be any worse than being a full time student 7 days a week! I am still working in the meat research lab with two of the professors here at ISU along with graduate student. I am still working at the Doggie Dude Ranch also as a part time assistant to the Vet that owns the place.  I am still working on the post-graduation job search. I have had a lot of potential interviews and am still in the process of deciding what direction I want to go. I am staying within the swine field, but I’m not sure whether that entails breeding/farrowing, finishing, or nutrition. We will see! Baby Punt throws a curve in the road as I will only be out of school for approximately 12 weeks before my due date.

So… onto Baby Punt! Well. Baby Punt is a blessing that was thrown into Brad and I’s lives in June and is expected to arrive around March 19, 2013. Although this baby was a pretty big surprise, we are excited none the less. We are thrilled to become parents, but, as most can guess, we also have the “first time parents” syndrome. I haven’t been able to start my “nesting” phase yet, even though the pressure is definitely there. Brad and I are still waiting on the job decision to be made for me so that we can figure out the housing situation. After that is all finalized I can start my nesting phase!  

Maddie and Shepp are both still a huge part of our lives. We consider them our “fur babies.” Shepp is a total spaz but is the perfect dog for Brad. Maddie, who is considered “my” dog is a total princess and mama’s girl. She follows me around like she’s attached to my hip. These two both keep us on our toes, but they are entertaining all the same. We also welcomed 4 turtles, Bonnie, Clyde, Scotch, and Tiny G into the house this past year. They have become somewhat of a “hobby” of mine. We also now own two grey tree frogs, which we just recently found out are a male and a female and get along VERY well…… if you know what I mean. Our house will be overflowing come March!

If you would like to be kept up to date with us, more than the annual Holiday Letter feel free to visit The Punt’s Blog at http://punt2010.blogspot.com/  I try to update fairly often, especially since we don’t make it home very often to keep everyone informed of what is going on in our lives. We hope everything is well with your families and that you all are enjoying the Holiday Season!

Happy Holidays!

Brad, Roslyn, and Baby Punt

Thanks #16

Today I am thankful for.....

dun dun dun...

Maternity Clothes!

I thought I'd never say this quote.. but I am IN LOVE with maternity jeans... Why. Because they are SO much more comfortable than regular jeans. I told myself I wouldn't wear maternity jeans because they were just hideous... but at this point I really don't care what I look like because I'm comfortable. I'd walk around in sweatpants every day if I could.... :)

Thanks #15

Today I am thankful for job opportunities. Within the last week I have been offered multiple interviews, which I have taken willingly! Last Wednesday I met with a company on campus from northern Iowa for a farrowing position and/or a area manager position for finishing barns. They asked me to come up to Emmetsburg on Tuesday for an on farm interview. So... Road Trip on Tuesday!

I also was offered an interview with Land O' Lakes this coming Wednesday... FREE Breakfast at Perkins! :)

I am thankful for the opportunities that I have the ability to take for a future career.

22 Weeks!

22 Weeks and Counting...

And feeling it too!

I'm to the point where sleeping is a blessing. I toss and turn a majority of the night, just trying to get comfortable. I know it's just going to get worse... but it still sucks. I've also hit that "It's cold out and my nose bleeds at the slightest blink" stage. I blow my nose wrong... there's blood. I woke up twice last night with a bloody nose... which was all over my pillow too. :-(

I can still manage to go the whole night without having to pee, but during the day is totally different. I went from peeing 10 times a day to 50. It seems like I have to pee every five minutes all of the sudden... And when I do go pee...... I probably couldn't even fill a shot glass! Lol.

Another new and exciting side effect is the edema... There goes the wedding ring! And pony-tails... and anything else that didn't used to cut off circulation. My fingers are now chubby, my feet hurt constantly when I stand for longer than 5 minutes, and my ankles are now hidden in a massive blob of spongy skin. I'll suck it up and live... but it's nice to whine once in a while! :)

Brad and I told our family, and everyone else, the gender of baby Punt on Sunday. I'ts a girl! We're both pretty excited... but we were BOTH wrong at the ultrasound. We were both bound on it being a boy... just because that's what we felt was going to happen... but we were wrong.

I'm already excited to start buying cute, adorable, PINK clothes for her. We have A name on the list of "agree" names, but no, I'm not sharing it! The one secret we are going to keep is Baby Punt's name. That revelation will happen on the birthday! Brad enjoy's calling us his "babes"... lol. What a dork... but, whatever makes him happy is suppose!

Baby Punt also has learned that she can kick, hit, punch, jump, etc. My stomach now jumps all over the place. When I sit here with my computer on my lab the whole thing will bounce up and down. It's hilarious how powerful she has gotten just in the last few weeks! I can't believe the impact that happens instantly. It takes me by surprise pretty often now!

We see the Dr. again in 2 weeks. That will be our 24 week check up, and the one after that I think we have a glucose test or something that I need to go for. We're excited for the little one to be here, but I feel like I'm not ready at the same time. I haven't had that option to "nest" yet as we are HOPING to be moving out of the trailer after graduation... I'm currently in the process of applying/interviewing for about 20 different jobs currently... I'm really just waiting on the "your're accepted" letter. Haha.

Well, anywho...

Here's week 22's photo!

 

Thanks # 12/13/14....

I know, I know. I'm falling behind.

#12:

This day I was thankful for the ability to spend entire days with my husband. We slept in together, went to Sioux City and did some Christmas Shopping together, hit up the casino for a while, and then ventured our way back to Ames the rest of the afternoon. I was thankful for the time well spend together and the ability for us to have a day like that once in a while.

#13:

Yesterday I was thankful for the ability to have Christmas Gifts for the family. I wrapped gifts last night and am ALMOST done with all of the Christmas shopping! It will be nice to have this out of the way so I can focus on GRADUATION which is exactly 1 month away!

#14:

Today I am thankful for warm winter jackets, a hot bowl of chili, a heated vehicle, and cozy fleece blankets to cuddle up in. The ability for me to stay warm in this chilly weather is such a blessing that I take for granted so often.

It's A ______!!!

We are Tickled Pink and Happy to Say, 

A Baby Girl is on Her Way! 

Thanks #11

Today I am thankful for FAMILY!

The ability to come home, even for short periods of time, just to say hi!

I'm also glad for family and the wonderful cooking, laughter, and good memories that can be made with every trip to see them. There is never a dull moment with any of our families.

Thanks #10

Thanks Number Ten:

I am thankful for No-Work Saturdays!

Days I can have ALLLL to myself. When I can choose what I want to do, when I want to do... It's just so... relaxing. And NEEDED. I was able to get Christmas Gifts Wrapped! I even made 3 Christmas Gifts myself.... I organized ALLLLLL of the 2012 Photos to get started on y next photo album (Which will be a Thanksgiving Break Task). I went to the kennel to see my Maddison  (who's currently in Heat and not allowed at home... ) and played with her and Shepp... Today was just an overall good day. It was nice to be able to sit down and just relax and get stuff done that I WANTED to do... not stuff that I HAD to do... :)

Thanks #9

Today I am thankful for restful nights. Being able to sleep through the night without clue of whats going on around me. Being able to sleep through the night without having to get up to pee 10 times, or waking from getting kicked. I'm thankful for being rested and energetic in the morning when I awake. I almost forgot what it was like to sleep 9pm - 7am without waking numerous times throughout the night, and the baby isn't even here yet! It's nice to know that my hubby and I BOTH received peaceful sleeps last night. :)

Thanks #8

Today I am thankful for technology. Without technology, the world would be so bland. No television shows to watch endlessly to put off doing homework, no radios to help your work go faster, no cell phones to call your loved one just to say "hi", and lastly, no computers to keep up with the daily lives with all our other friends, family, and social media. We take for granted the technology that brainiacks (spelling??) have been able to come up with. I am so thankful that I can grab my phone and go, make a quick phone call to Brad, just to say hi and see how his day is going. Without technology, I couldn't communicate with my husband who's on the road for endless hours, days, even weeks at a time. I'd rarely see him, and I'd never hear anything from him if it wasn't for technology. So, for today, I thank God for the smart technology people who have invented today's types of technology.

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Thanks #7

I tried posting this from my phone last night... and it wouldn't work, so I'm sorry that it's a day late!

Today I am thankful for the education I have received. From Pre-K to a 5th year in college, every day has proven to be worth it. I may not have shown my appreciation through this whole time, but today I am thankful. Although I have a severe case of "Senioritis" and look forward to December 15th, 2012 every single day, the ride has been amazing. I am so thankful that I have been able to support myself, without the help of my parents, through 4 1/2 years of college. I may have had a rough start to college at Dordt, but it got better as time went on and as I found my place elsewhere. SWCC and ISU have become family bases for me, welcoming me in and expanding my knowledge great distances. I don't know where I would be today, or where I could even go in the future without the proper education I have been determined to gain. Sure, it's been a very tough ride, my whole life has, but who doesn't have those struggles? Being able to have this college education means a lot to me.

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21 Weeks and Counting

Whew... As the election is winding down today... so. am. i.

One thing I've been noticing lately is how TIRED I am after everything I do. My feet are officially swelling when I stand too long, and they hurt. The one side effect that I am majorly not enjoying is that. I'm still having difficulties sleeping, but now it's starting to change to the issue of soccer games and the Olympic gymnastic growing inside of my abdomen. Every morning about 3AM I am woken up by sporadic kicks that last about a half hour, and then back to sleep we go. This happens a few times throughout the night, but on the bright side it only lasts about 20 minutes and then it's nap time again... just getting prepped for baby Punt's arrival.

This whole secret thing about the gender is KILLING ME! UGH! I only have until Sunday! EVERYONE at school keeps going how is he/she?! and I want to scream she/he is great, growing like a week, and kicking like a mule.... but I have to say it's instead of a gender... it's pretty hard to keep a secret going! We are both super excited to go home on Sunday to tell our families the gender of the little one. I'm so looking forward to Sunday when I can start telling people to buy cute little boy/girl clothes! And I'm excited to go shopping myself! :)

19 weeks (give or take) and Baby Punt will make its grand arrival. I can't wait for the day, but at the same time I'm still enjoying the whole pregnancy thing. But, I'll take whatever I get!

Brad and I are enjoying our private little jokes about our little one. It's nice to have at least one person to discuss future events with! Brad is really starting to come around on the whole pregnancy thing. He was SO iffy about being a dad at first... but the nickname "daddy" has really started to grow on him. I think he's actually starting to feel comfortable with being a dad. He always said "I'm never having kids...." but I guess he was wrong! I keep talking about having another one down the road (like 5 years...... lol) and he just says "Nope! One is one too many..." but I think he will change his mind! He acts all tough guy, but I know that this little one will make him a big old teddy bear. :) He was so goofy when we found out the sex. I know he is definitely looking forward to this adventure, even though it was pretty "iffy" at the beginning. The first thing he does when he comes home or I go to see him is he kisses my belly and says "hello babes." It makes me chuckle. He's such a softy...

It's super encouraging for me to have someone who is willing to work through their own difficulties to make things easier on me. He has been super encouraging to me with being so busy with school, work, and growing a miniature human. He has been working his tail off to make up for the hours that I am lacking at work, and he is really making it easier on me. It's nice to have such a hard working supporter. We try to see each other every weekend, if not throughout the week. Some weekends I go down to Anita, some weekends he comes to Ames. It usually depends on our schedules, especially with school for me. It will be nice to have him home for a few days next week since he has 2 days off!

Well. 21 weeks down, many more to go! We look forward to sharing the gender with you all next time! Keep reading these posts for updated info! :)

Thanks #6

Today I am thankful for My Sisters. Even though we NEVER used to get along, I honestly adore them when I am able to go home and see them. I wish we didn't live so far away so I could be more involved in their lives, but they are growing up just fine without me. I know we rarely got along growing up, but now that I'm out of the house... I kinda miss the little turds. Cassie and her mischievous smile, Sara with her quirkiness. They are both very special young ladies in my life and I couldn't imagine having sisters could be any more opposite of each other.

Thanks #5

Today I am thankful for my dogs. Without them I would be SOOOO bored 24-7. Even though these two are like my husband and can drive me through the roof, but they give me their unconditional love no matter what they do to piss me off. From peeing on my lap to licking me until I cry, these two always have a way to piss me off or brighten my day. There is never a dull moment with the two hanyaks in my life. From 1 pound babies to 25 pound dogs, these two are my kiddo's and they make my life entertaining.

Thanks #4

Today I am thankful for my bestest girl friend ever. My twin, the other half of my functioning life. I don't know WHAT I would do without such a great friend to confide in with anything at anytime at anyplace. You know she's a best friend when she will drop everything just to come over and sit with me because I'm bored. Even though I'm pregnant, we still manage to have a grand old time together going out and just having girl time. With a birthdays only a day apart, we swear we were separated at birth, even though she's 364 days younger than me! :) She's been there for me through thick and thin and I know I can always count on her. With best friend secrets and jokes, our friendship will last forever. No doubt. Personality central, we mesh perfectly... even though she leaves me at home alone to go hunting :'(

I don't know what I'm going to do for two weeks without her when she's gone to New Zeland, but I know I will be patiently waiting her arrival back to Ames.

Thanks #3

Today I am thankful for my Undergraduate Work Study Job. Without this job I would be half the student and leader that I am. After nearly two years of working for a wonderful team of PHD's and Graduate Students I have learned more than you could fathom. After just one semester at ISU I was taken up as part of the Lonergan Lab research team, adopted as part of the family. I have done more work and had more frustrations because of this job than you could imagine, but I wouldn't trade anything for it.

Thanks #2

Today I am thankful for my best friend, other half, and the one who can make me laugh more than anyone else. Even though he can piss me off more than anyone else, he's my man.

I'm so happy to have him by my side for life. I know that no matter how many times I trip on air or get distracted by squirrels, he will always love me. My own personal comedy central whenever I'm around or talking to him. He makes me smile, he makes me cry. He makes me love, he makes me fight. No matter what, he will always be "my main man." A "friend" once asked me what I ever saw in Brad. He was just another farm boy who wasn't interested in any serious relationship... Well. Obviously that friend was wrong!

Through thick and thin we have worked through many obstacles together. We're currently "baking" one right now! We are blessed to no end to have each other as best friends, but life will be getting a lot more interesting so very soon. After two and a half years of marriage I've learned many things. My favorite quote I've ever ran across though was that "It's not just about the good times you have, it's about the obstacles you can go through together and still say I love you in the end." This is so true. I would never have imagined us being stronger than we were the day we said "I Do," but so much has changed since that hot summer day in the middle of June.

So for this lifetime,

You are the Peanut to my Butter,

The Water to my Ocean,

Glaze on my Donut,

Spring in my Step.

The Twinkle in my Eye,

Blue to my Sky,

Cherry to my Sundae, 

Flip to my Flop,

Milk to my Cookie,

and Sweet in my Dreams.

The Beat of my Heart,

Cheese to my Macaroni,

the Best to my Friend,

and The Love of my Life.

The Month of Thanks; November 1st

As dedication to my favorite month of the year, I, along with many others, have decided to join in on the "Month of Thanks." Instead of doing this through daily posts on Facebook, I will be doing it here on my blog. Through the month you will be able to read up on my daily "Thanks". 

November 1, 2012

Today I am thankful for an adorable baby girl/boy (no, I'm not letting it slip!) who rests within my womb. As my eyes were fixed on that TV screen this morning, tears began to stream from my eyes. Psalm 139:13-14 popped into my head bright and early this morning as I lay on that blue cushioned table, ultrasound jelly covering my growing belly, watching, searching, for every little detail of this child's feature.

For you created my inmost being;

       you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

       your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 

As I laid on that table this morning, the amount of detail and vast creation that has gone on within my belly just blew me away. The last ultrasound we had was at 12 weeks, and the baby was SO underdeveloped looking. Today, the 3D image of the face made me even more excited to meet this little fart. I can't wait to see the creation that God has given us, and I am more than thankful today for our child. It hasn't even come into this world yet and it is already touching our lives. So many great things are in store for us and our little one in the future. The pictures below briefly show the detail that has gone into this blessing. 

 

Half Way! 20 Weeks...

So... The question for the week:

Boy or Girl?

.... I've looked at so many wive's tales that I don't know what to think anymore. My mind says "BOY"....But everything else screams "GIRL!"

Wives Tale #1:

Highs and Lows: If you're carrying high, break out the pink, because its a girl! If your bump is low, you're carrying a boy...

Whelp. I'm carrying high.

Girl 1
Boy 0

Wives Tale #2: 

Be Still My Beating Heart: According to legend, 140+ beats per minute indicates a girl, and below 140 means boy...

Welp. We were at 158 beats per minute at our 16 week appointment....

Girl 2
Boy 0

Wives Tale #3:

Sweet and Sour: Sweet cravings means it's a girl. Salty or Sour cravings point to a boy.....
Well, I craved sour stuff at the beginning of the pregnancy (lemons, lemon drops, sour war heads), and now it's sweet (starbursts, scotcheroos, ice cream). So I'm not sure which direction this one points me to... so I call it a tie.

Girl 2
Boy 0

Wives Tale #4... Supposedly this is NEVER wrong....... ok?

Chinese Birth Chart: If your Age at Conception (22) and the Month of Conception (June... 6th Month) equal up to be even, you're having a girl. If they equal up to be odd, it's a Boy....

22 + 6 = 28... EVEN.

Girl 3
Boy 0

Wives Tale #5:

Potty Time: Pee in a cup and mix a tablespoon of Drano in. Green = Girl, Blue = Boy.

My pee turned Orange......! Which isn't on the option list... So that gets tossed out.

Girl 3
Boy 0

Wives Tale #6:

Even or Odd: Legend has it that the Mayans determined sex by looking at mothers age at conception (22) and the year of conception (2012). If both are even or both are odd it's a girl... If one's even and one's odd... it's a boy.

2012 & 22 = Both Even.... 

Girl 4
Boy 0

Wives Tale #7:

Spot On: If you're breaking out like crazy, blame in on a girl!  Girl's steal their mother's beauty, hence, the annoying zits....

Definitely breaking out.....

Girl 5
Boy 0

Wives Tale #8:

Nice Ring to It: Tie your wedding ring to a string. Hang it over your belly. If it swings in a circle, a boy is in the future! If it swings back and forth, you've got a girl...

Mine swings in a circle!

Girl 5
Boy 1

Wives Tale #9:

Queasy Does It: Sick as a dog during the first trimester indicates a girl. Little or no morning sickness points to a boy.

I had a whopping 2 days of morning sickness...

Girl 5
Boy 2

Wives Tale #10:

Forward or Sideways: If your carrying in front, you've got yourself a boy. If you expand horizontally, it's a girl.

I feel like a watermelon has attached itself to my belly.... 

Girl 6
Boy 2

Wives Tale #11:

A Little Extra Padding: If your spouse is indulging in pregnancy cravings and is packing on the weight, you're having a girl!

Brad has LOST weight and about 3" in his waist!

Girl 6
Boy 3

Wives Tale #12:

Legs: If your legs get really big, your having a boy. If they stay in shape, it's a girl.

My legs aren't what's growing, my ass is!

Girl 7
Boy 3

Wives Tale #13:

What Do You Think: 71% of the time, the mom is right on the gender before it's known.

I think it's a boy. I've always thought it was a boy. 

Girl 7
Boy 4

Wives Tale #14:

Protein: When you crave meat and cheese, it's a boy!

Ask Laura Bro... I constantly talk about Applebee's and Red Lobster and Texas Roadhouse steaks. And I eat string cheese like it's going extinct.

Girl 7
Boy 5


Anyways, enough with the gender prediction. I could go on and on with the wives tales. You've seen the count! Now let me know what you all think!!
You have until Thursday November 1st to make your prediction.

The past week has flown by. Brad has been able to feel the sea monster kick and punch from the inside a bunch. He loves it. The other morning we were laying in bed and I could have sworn the baby was trying to kick him out of bed. I'm also able to watch my belly squirm and move when the sea monster decides to do summer-salts and flips. I can also see when it kicks too!

We're pretty excited to find out the gender this week. Brad and I keep talking about what we predict it's going to be... we will see who wins the guess! Brad says that since he always thought it was a boy it's going to end up being a girl. I'm still set on it being a boy. I don't care what the wives tale says, I just feel "boyish" lately. Lol. If that makes any sense.

I'm not excited to keep the gender a secret until we get to go home next. Brad is in Kansas City next weekend so we can't go home to tell our family (half of which don't even want to know the gender... they want a surprise....). How the heck am I supposed to keep this a secret for that long?!?!

Anyways. More updates next week! Maybe I'll be able to spill the beans by then! :)

1 Week Short of Half Way There!

Oh Emmmm Geeee!
19 weeks!
Where has the time flown? :(

I know people probably will think I'm mental for saying this, but I'm not ready for this pregnancy to be half way done!

We also find out baby Punt's gender next Thursday! How exciting is that!?!? The only down fall of finding out on Thursday is that Brad made me promise to keep it a secret for a 10 days! That is due to his JOB.... grrrr. He has to be at a show next weekend, so the earliest we could go home to tell our relatives baby Punt's sexual anatomy, would be November 10 and 11. THIS did not make me very happy. A WHOLE WEEK (plus some) knowing... I'm going to slip. I KNOW it! There's no way that secret is staying in my brain and not leaving between my teeth for 10 days! I told Brad I'll just go home on the 3rd by myself and tell everyone. He didn't like that idea too much.

Anyways. Baby Punt is officially going to be a soccer player/football kicker. This little shit is definitely learning how to get my attention. I'm still lucky enough to be able to go all night without having to get up to go to the bathroom still, which I am great-full for. I also have been without charlie horses for over a week now, which again, has been very nice! My sleep is returning to me too, but occasionally I still have issues staying asleep the whole night.

With few side effects present currently, I'm more than excited to experience the rest of this pregnancy, but I hope it doesn't go as fast as the first half has so far! I'm really, truly, actually enjoying this adventure. Even with only seeing Brad on weekends. It's annoying not having him home to boss around all the time, but, it's nice for me to relax and chill at home alone.

Nothing much has changed in the last week, accept my overall size. I think I gained bout 3 inches in my circumference in the last week, but that's about all the change I've noticed.

Here's week 19's Photo!