Changes...

You would think that after all of these years, I would learn to expect that things don't ever go exactly as planned. Probably because I am such a planner. That's just the way things work.
I have had all of this energy lately and have been nesting up a storm. On Friday afternoon, I did a big grocery order and found a bunch of recipes that I could make ahead and then freeze to use for when the baby is here. Doug was working on Friday night so I decided to surprise him with a nice breakfast for Saturday morning. I was in my own little world, baking and cooking away, when I felt a gush of water all of the sudden. SERIOUSLY?!?!??!!!!! My water had broken and I was only 30 weeks and 1 day along. I called the Dr and they said I needed to get to the hospital right away. I felt perfectly fine (no contractions or pain) and since Doug was working 20 minutes away, I decided I would just meet him at the hospital rather than wait for him to pick me up. (Our hospital is 25 minutes away from our house as it is) So, after a bunch of very uncomfortable exams and HUNDREDS of questions, they confirmed that my water did break and I would be spending the remainder of my pregnancy on bed rest.
So, here I sit.....waiting.
The plan is to try and stay pregnant for as long as possible without any infection setting in. Unfortunately, there is absolutely NOTHING I can do to control this, which totally stinks! I have been on antibiotics and so far no signs of infection. I also received 2 steroid shots (in the butt-talk about fun!) to help develop the baby's lungs. So, best case scenario is that I stay pregnant until I hit 34 weeks (October 14) and then they induce me. The Doctor's look at the risk of infection vs. the risk of complications from pre-term labor. Right now, the pre-term labor complications are much higher than infection. Once I hit 34 weeks, it flip-flops. So, we are really praying that this little one stays put until October 14.
Even with the best case scenario, the baby will be in the NICU. That is the hardest part of all of this. Trying to mentally prepare yourself to see this perfect little baby all hooked up to machines and breathing tubes and I.V.'s is so hard!
I just keep telling myself that God already knows everything about this angel and there is nothing I can do to change what is in his plans. So, I'm trying to trust that all will work out and stay as calm as possible.
Looks like I will be doing A LOT of reading over the next several weeks. Maybe I'll learn how to crochet? Why not...I certainly have the time.

Pregnancy Photo Shoot

Just a few of the phenomenal photos that our friend, Suzanne, offered to take for us. She is so talented and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. Check out her work at www.collierimages.com

22 weeks

Only 22 weeks and already starting to feel uncomfortable. At the top of the list of complaints are the achy hips. MY GOODNESS! No one ever told me that your hips would hurt. I can't sleep because of it and so that just throws off my entire day. BUT...I'm trying my absolute hardest to enjoy every minute of pregnancy and I love the belly and all of the special treatment that comes along with the belly. The baby is moving like crazy now and everyone can see and feel it from the outside. The baby is measuring about 1 lb and we are still on track for November 25. My Mom delivered 2 weeks early with me so here's hoping I can deliver and still be able to enjoy thanksgiving dinner! ;)
Renovations on the nursery are in full swing and Doug's awesome Aunt is taking us to get our crib on Saturday. Things are slowly coming along and I will most definitely post pics as the nursery progresses!

18 weeks and counting

Feeling great and rockin' the prego belly!

Goldfish in my tummy

About 2 weeks ago, I was able to experience by far the coolest sensation I have ever felt--the baby moving! The best way for me to describe the first couple of times is to relate it to a fish. It feels like a tiny goldfish is just swimming around down there. It was so quick and did not last long, but there was no mistaking that it was the baby. Since then, I have felt it more often. Yesterday, I felt a much more pronounced "kicking" feeling that felt a bit like popcorn popping. As I am typing this now, I can feel the "popcorn" and I absolutely love it! It usually only happens if I am slouching on the couch and relaxing. Even more of a reason to take it easy! Doug keeps trying to feel it but no such luck just yet. It's still early so I don't expect him to feel it yet but he is very anxious.
I'm feeling good most days and much more energetic than I was the first 3 months. I enter my 5th month next week so I'm sure I'll start to see (and feel) more changes. I am officially in maternity clothes, mostly because they are just more comfortable. I could probably squeeze into my pre-prego clothes but I don't want to stretch them out and ruin them. It's nice not being in that in-between stage anymore. A lot less melt-downs when I'm trying to get dressed in the morning! ;)
I went with a girlfriend last week and registered. Boy, was that a process! Seriously, I don't think I would have survived without a friend who has been through it before. At one point, she was just pointing to things and telling me to scan them and I had no clue what I was scanning. Glad that part is over. I never realized how overwhelming that store can be when you have no idea what you are looking at. The plus side of registering is that seeing all of those baby products made me realize how quickly our little blessing will be here. I just can't wait to hold this baby and smell it! Oh the smell of babies! Is there anything sweeter?!

Velez Family Pictures

I was CERTAINLY not prepared for the challenge that a large family brings when photographing. Regardless, I would like to think I was able to capture a few classic shots. The photos were taken at Fischer's Park-an absolutely beautiful location with lots of fun photo opportunities.

Barefoot and ...

...PREGNANT, of course! It feels so good to finally be able to announce this to everyone. The 1st 12 weeks of hiding it and keeping it a secret is so not fun. Although, if you know me at all, I did tell a select few. ;)

The morning sickness is over (and boy oh boy was I ever SICK! Think the flu, except it lasts for WEEKS!) and I am finally starting to feel more like myself. Still exhausted, but I hear that will even go away for a few months as well.

This is definitely the craziest adventure we have ever been on and I will do my best to update those of you who live far away as much as possible.