Baby Dedication

Back on October 7th we were able to participate in our church's baby dedication with little Henry boy.  It was very humbling to be able to stand in front of fellow believers and basically make it public that we realize Henry is just ours temporarily.  And really, even during this temporary time, he isn't in our control. 

I'm going to be honest, the whole baby dedication thing kind of freaked me out to begin with.  I felt like it was another microscope I would be placed under or perhaps it was just a Christian routine of what parents did with their kids.  So, I've let it soak in for a while before posting about it because I really didn't know what to say.

So, we've dedicated Henry.  For me this means...

I realize that I have no control over this little soul I have been entrusted with.  I can't force him into any belief system, I can't make him be a godly man.  However, I can promise to pray over him, to seek Biblical wisdom or counsel when I have no idea what to do, to provide a loving environment that will hopefully teach him to love others, to be a good steward with what I have been blessed with in order to teach him to be giving, to admit when I am wrong in order to teach forgiveness and humility, to extend grace when he messes up (we've been over this, he's a sinner) so that he will hopefully understand the amazing grace we have been blessed with, to constantly turn to God for answers and help in order to show that I desire nothing more than to glorify Him in my daily ins and outs, to wear holes in the knees of my jeans from praying on them in order to show the importance of a relationship with Him. 

When I hear the word dedication I think of that little section in the beginning of some books.  The "I dedicate this to my parents because they are so awesome" kind of thing.  So, here you go God.  I dedicate this little boy to you.  Because you are so amazingly, wonderfully , indescribably, awesome.  I pray his little life is full of wonderful things.  Thanks for letting me be a part of it.

 

Two Months Old!

Little Henry turned two months yesterday.  I waited until today to put a post together so I could get all of his stats.  Feels like it has been forever since we have been to the doctor, but that is a good thing!

Henry continues to be a great baby.  He coos and squeals now which makes awake time all that more enjoyable.  He loves it when you sing to him and will join in on his favorite songs.  We get a kick out of this and since Chris loves to sing anyways, our house is always filled with random songs.  We have started practicing our rolling over techniques and he does pretty well.  Hopefully by our three month post he will have this skill mastered.  What he has mastered is a sad face.  He can turn it on to get what he wants.  Your heart just melts and you realize how much he can manipulate us already!

Sleep was a hot topic in our household and has become a much better subject to discuss.  Henry takes an hour and a half nap at 9:30, 12:30 and again at 3:30.  He typically takes a cat nap from 6:30-7 and then from 7-8 he has decided to be fussy.  We entertain him during this time with baths, songs, his bouncy seat, swing, or just walking around the house.  Eight is still his bedtime, he has a dream feed at 10:30,  and over the past week (knock on wood) he has only been getting up once before we get him up at 8:00.  Last night was our first night that he slept the whole way through, hopefully this will continue.  Once he figured out sleep wasn't so bad, he seems to enjoy it.

This past month has been filled with his baby dedication, me returning to work, going to the sitter for the first time (Skyler is great), grandparent visits (helps that they live only 15 minutes away), and more and more outings.  We are starting to get the swing of things and enjoy showing the little guy off.

He still fits into his size 0-3 month clothing, but a few items are getting snug.  Most of them fit fine except for the length.  When he goes to stretch out in his footy pajamas, he can look a little silly.  We are finishing up a box of size one diapers and then will probably go ahead and move him into size two.  

Today was his two month check up and the boy is growing!  He weighs in at a big old 13.31 pounds!  He is in the ninetieth percentile for weight, seventy-fifth percentile for height, and his head circumference is in the fiftieth percentile.  The doctor said he looked great and is very healthy.  Poor kid had to get three shots, praying he handles them well.  We've got the Tylenol ready and lots of cuddles planned for the day.

Here are his weekly pictures since his one month post.  Going to have to put him on a chair eventually so he will look at the camera!  Little turkey.

A Sappy Post

This whole blogging business has taken on a new chapter for me.  My hopes is to turn my posts over this year into a book.  A little present for myself when Henry turns one.  Something to document all of the fun (and perhaps not so fun, but meaningful nonetheless) moments in life.  So, apologies ahead of time for over sharing perhaps or focusing too much on this current season, but that is what it is, my current season.

A majority of the nights of the week, when the clock hits eight and it is time for Henry's bed time feeding, I turn into a crazed lady.  Last night was one of those times.  I have heard this is common with new moms.  It is a little frightening, honestly.  No matter how many times I remind myself the emotions will come and they will go, during that moment I can't control myself (or don't try hard enough).  So, I sobbed and sobbed as I put a baby who didn't want to go to bed, in his crib.

Every night we pray for a restful night.  Every night I cringe because I never know if that prayer will be answered and even moreso have no idea how I will be able to function another day in my current state.

At 10:30 we got Henry up for his dream feed.  I had calmed down (poor Chris, he is so good to me) and held the little guy's hand as I sat there and tried and tried to think of what I am doing wrong or what lessons God is attempting to teach me through this season.  Pray without ceasing, that's a no brainer now.  Patience, still working on that.  Extending grace, the kid is still alive :) just kidding.  Being a servant, I am stretched daily.  Doing things without complaining, I am catching myself more often.

After putting Henry back to bed and crawling into our own for the night, we said our last prayer together for the evening and it clicked.  While Chris was praying he said two things that I am sure he says every night, but for some reason I actually heard them last night.  He prayed that we would continually find time to be in the Word and to seek Him.  He also pointed out that we can do nothing without Him.

Duh...

Grace, time in the Word, grace, time in the Word.

There is nothing during this season that I can do to improve it.  I need a big fat dose of humility and a reality check that God is in control, not me.

So, after we prayed and I said my own quiet "forgive me" prayer, we fell asleep.  Prayers were answered last night and Henry slept for a long stretch, Praise the Lord!  Tonight might not be the same, but He always provides what we need when we need it.  A restful night, a smile from a boy who is cantankerous, a husband who steps in when you have no idea what else to do, a friend who calls and just talks to you like normal, a picture of your cute niece and nephew, a facebook post from another mom in the same season posting just the right passage you need for that day, the list is endless of the blessings that have been poured down during this season that I continually think is so hard.

While Henry is currently napping and I should be doing housework (or paperwork for work for that matter), I sat and read Ecclesiastes 3 and listened to this song.  Contentment can be such a struggle at times, but today, I am content.

Returning to Work

Next week I go back to work. Sigh...  Fortunately, due to my line of work and my loving husband who listened to my pleas to be a stay at home mom, my hours are minimal. I will be working three days a week, twelve clients total, and then of course the paperwork (which is never ending). I still have about 250 hours to complete for my license, so it was important to Chris and me that I complete these hours during the time I am allowed.

So, I will be easing back into my client load next week. We are blessed to have a sweet friend watch Henry on Tuesdays, Chris will be able to watch him Wednesdays and my mom and dad volunteered to watch the little guy Thursdays.  I don't start work until four, Chris gets off work on Tuesday and Thursday at 5ish and only works until 12:30 on Wednesday, so it works out.

I still am not ready though. I love being with my little guy. As the days go by, he changes more and more.

More smiles, more coos, more silly faces, more alert time.

I get worried that I will miss something and have to remind myself the likelihood that I will is there, but the likelihood that Chris would catch it if I missed something is likely as well which makes me feel better.

I have already started to read up or have been informed of some of my caseload. Whoa. I want to stay home so bad, but know there are some hurting people out there and know deep, deep down, this is what I am supposed to be doing.

So, prayers appreciated as I start back. I'm praying that I finally learn the art of separating personal life and work life.  That I can find a balance to complete my paperwork when I would rather be doing house work (gasp) or sleeping during Henry's naps.  That this "new mom haze", as I like to call it, will lift soon so that I can give Henry my full attention when I am with him and the same goes for my clients.  That Henry will continue to improve on his nights so we can both be well rested (the kid is doing great).

For today, the laundry will go untouched, I doubt I will put makeup on, and my hair will air dry (which is common, boy do I wish I had curly hair so this wasn't an issue). Henry and I will be playing, chit chatting, and cuddling.

You knew I would include a picture of this sweet face.

One Month!

Dear Henry,

Happy one month baby boy!  You have changed like a mad man over this first month, can't fathom how much you will continue to change. Hard to believe an adult size man is in that little body. Your face has gone from a completely round circle to some definition to a circle again :) We can't get enough of it!

We visited the doctor at three weeks where you weighed in at 9lbs 2oz. We don't go back until your two month visit and know that number will be plumped up quite a bit by then. You are a great eater and our times of having to use wash clothes to keep you awake to eat aren't nearly as often.  You eat every three hours during the day with bedtime being at 8:00.  I get you out of bed at 11 for one last feeding and then let you go for as long as you will allow.  You have started to go four hour stretches (knock on wood), we hope this continues and keeps stretching!

You love your play mat and have started to regularly reach and bat at your little friends. You also like to look at yourself in the mirror, you even know you are cute!  Dad is your favorite, in my opinion. You light up when he comes home and could walk around with him bright eyes for what seems like forever. You recognize your momma though, which melts my heart.  You have started to coo more and will mimic the ohhhh face and sound at times.

We read stories often, take tours of the house, fold laundry together, take walks in our stroller, and just hang out during our days.  You enjoy going to your dad's softball games, we've been to church twice, and have frequented both sets of grandparents' houses.  I still have to prep myself to take you out, but I'm getting better... 

We are going through a fussy time right now.  We can't decide if it is a little cold, gas, or reflux.  Time will tell I suppose, you keep us on our toes for sure.

You are a delightful little boy and can't believe a month as already passed!

Look at that face!!!

Who knows what he was upset about here.

Starting to get a little snug in his newborn outfits.

Yup, that is spit up.  That is how our "photo shoot" started.  Awesome.

Impossible to get the active guy to look up.

All boy, that's for sure.

Oh Henry, you are too cute for your own good.

Oh Henry

We are still alive, I promise. While there has been plenty going on in the Boschen household, not a lot of time to blog. Last night however, is noteworthy. So, as my cantankerous son sleeps on the couch cushion beside me (due to me feeling terrible for my sleep deprived husband), I shall blog.

Henry is a dreamy babe. His personality is starting to come out and we giggle at him often. He farts and burps like a man, is a crazy mover, and ornery to high heaven.  We wouldn't have it any other way.

Chris and I decided to follow the babywise method with Henry due to seeing its success with our niece, nephew, and my sister's friend's three children. Granted we know the first month is dicey, you have to feed the child and your "schedule" might look different daily, over all it has been great with the exception of night time :)

Henry's nights are for the most part normal for this stage. He still wakes up every three hours as a general rule and we have decided that is fine until he is a month. Last night was one of his shining moments though. One of those nights you really have to laugh about because really?  What else can you do?!

We have our bed time routine at eight, consisting of Good Night Moon, prayers, jammies, and a few cuddles.  After that we put him down.  I wake him at eleven for one last feeding for the night and then let him go.  Last night was one for the books!

He began to whimper at 12:30.  I rolled over to Chris, frustrated and exasperated, not real sure what to do.  We let him cry for 30 minutes (it wasn't a full on cry the whole time, he would calm down and then start back up again) and then Chris thought it might be best to go ahead and feed him.  Perhaps it would give us a long stretch and maybe he just wasn't quite full after eating at 11.  I rolled out of bed and fed Henry who ate really, really well. 

I lifted the sweet, sleepy boy up to burp him and...  throw up, all over me.  I remained calm, luckily the mess was on me, not him.  He was pretty calm about the whole matter so I made sure I wasn't dripping and proceeded to change him.  He is a gassy guy, as I mentioned, so he was tooting a little while I was changing him.  He didn't seem quite complete with his "movement", so I kept the diaper under him.  Because really, who wants to put a fresh diaper on a child who you know if going to defile it in no time.  He gave a little grunt and poof, poop flew all over me, the couch, the floor, and the iPad.  This I could not handle on my own so I sheepishly hollered for Chris to come out and help.  Fortunately, he heard me (there have been events in the past where he was out cold).  After a good 15 minute clean up process, Henry was down in his bed and I was cleaning myself off as best as I could in the bathroom. 

The rest of the night was of course, not the greatest.  But, Chris and I laughed hysterically at two in the morning about an event in parenthood that will always be remembered.

I write this post to be a tad transparent and to possibly provide a little laugh at our expense.  This parenthood business is no joke!  I originally had this mind set to "fake it until you make it" and not let anyone know the struggles we have.  While I do not intend to sit and complain about things and probably will not have many posts like this, I felt like I had to share.  I am in a group that meets on Monday mornings consisting of all moms which I love.  Yesterday my sweet friend Rachel shared that in today's society, we are allowed little windows into each others' lives.  Instagram, facebook, blogging, etc.  It is easy to share the good moments and leave out the not so grand.  Here is me giving a glimpse into the not so grand.  I have poop between my toes that didn't get cleaned last night, throw up caked in my hair, and three monster zits on my chin where I perhaps get a zit once every six months. 

But, I wouldn't trade it for a million bucks or more.  This season of life is priceless.  All of the rough edges you aren't aware that you have (or refuse to work on) are put out there and you become completely humbled.  I am a structured, control freak but I can't be with him.  Yeah, yeah, we have a schedule, but that isn't because of my controlling ways, the reasons for us having a schedule is another post in itself.  I am prideful and tend to compare myself to others, but I cannot with Henry because Henry is Henry and our family is our family.  I am impatient, but can't be as a mom because things happen when and as they should.  I get overwhelmed, but have to remain calm now and buck up because I've got this little guy relying on me.

So, this is my "being a mom is hard" post.  But, by golly it is SO WORTH IT!!!!!  We have a healthy, sweet little boy.  He melts our hearts and is so fun.  He changes each day and so I am forced to enjoy every little moment and just slow down. 

Henry, you are quite the character and we love you so much.  Can't wait to see how you will continue to change our lives.

He's Here!!

Henry Michael Boschen entered the world on August 16 at 5:07pm.  Weighing in at a big old 8 pounds 3.5 ounces and measuring 21 and 1/4 inches long. It is safe to say we are ridiculously smitten.

My doctor had told me several weeks ago he did not want me to go past my due date due to my gestational diabetes and all of our ultrasounds had showed Henry weighing in at a good size. August 16th was set at our 37 week appointment.  So, we knew that he would either come before then or we would walk into the hospital at 5am on the 16th and have a baby that day. 

The day went very smoothly. I had my epidural early because my doctor is amazing and wanted me to enjoy the day (as much as one can enjoy labor I suppose). Unfortunately the epidural came out and after telling the nurse for two hours that something didn't feel right (she was very sweet mind you), we finally saw the anesthesiologist who said I needed a second one. After that, things progressed quickly and after 30 minutes of pushing, we met our boy. 

I only got really emotional once when I told the nurse with excitement that I got to take this little guy home. Needless to say, the tears flowed after that.

We stayed in the hospital for two nights, had several sweet visitors, and were discharged on Saturday.  We were told by the nurses that Henry was a snazzy dresser, had a sweet disposition and we had a pretty cute little family (I have to agree).  Chris was amazing during our hospital stay and it was something else to see him with his boy.  

We have been home now for four nights and are doing very well.  Lots of learning, patience, and just loving on our new addition.  Thank you for all of the prayers, texts, phone calls, etc.  We are beyond blessed and so very, very thankful. 

First family picture, love my two guys.

Henry's Room

Henry's room is tiny and probably my favorite room in the house.  It was my office and coat closet and kept this identity when Chris moved in after the wedding last summer.  Around Easter, we started making the transition from office to baby room.  So weird.  Our computer was moved into the living room and I was forced to get rid of some clothes (and my sweet in laws are currently housing our winter coats, we will cross that bridge when we get there).  

Chris surprised me while I was away on Palm Sunday weekend and painted the room.  We had already purchased the crib, so of course as soon as I got home, it was a must to put it up.  Since the room is so tiny, storage is huge.  We found this crib on walmart.com of all places and I love the drawer under the crib.  This is great storage for his extra sheets, changing pad cover, blankets, and a few other odds and ends.  

We went rounds on what to hang above his crib.  Lots of prints?  A few prints?  Random pictures?  Just words?  We decided on a sweet line from Where the Wild Things Are, a tiger (of course), and a fun lyric from an Elton John song.  My dear friend Jenny put these prints together for us, as well as the print on the peg board.  I found this mobile from Wee Gallery.  You can spend a fortune on mobiles and when I read about them, you really are only supposed to have them up for a few months.  Didn't seem worth it to me.  I also read that the first few weeks a baby focuses in on black and white, so this seemed fitting not only for the colors of the room, but because we are all about eye care in this household.  If he doesn't like it, we didn't break the bank.  

Next up was the dresser.  My friend Nancy had painted a dresser in this fashion for her nursery and I fell in love.  My parents found this dresser at an auction and it is the perfect dimensions for a changing table.  We attempted to just paint the knobs white, that was a disaster.  So, off to Lowe's it was.  I think it turned out pretty darn cute.

I found the idea of putting a peg board above the changing table on pinterest (of course).  This is a great way to hold a few diapers without taking up any additional space and a fun background for a few special pieces.  I love the verse we chose to put on the board.  A constant reminder of how we hope Henry will be raised.  I have toyed with the idea to add a mobile on the peg board, but I haven't found anything I love and I am not the most creative being in the world.

The little book shelves were found at a garage sale by my mom.  Fifty cents each!  We sanded them and added some paint.  They are the perfect size to house some "special books" that can be easily reached.  

The shelves were already around the top of the room and I decided to keep them.  Henry has several books already and I wanted to display them as well as a place for his stuffed animals. There is still a hole that we can fill with some random toys or storage boxes if needed.  My favorite item on this shelf is Chris' childhood stuffed animal, Lenny the Lion.  He no longer looks like a lion.  His Grams was very sweet to get us a "Big Lenny" at our family shower.  I am sure Big Lenny will get his fair share of love.

Kind of dark, but I think you get the picture.

Chris also vamped up Henry's closet for him.  It used to just have one bar up top.  Chris added the shelf and another bar in order to be able to hang more clothing.  Down low we have a shoe storage shelf with boxes for bath toys, chew toys, pacifiers, etc.  Jasper discovered Henry's Sophie the giraffe one day and will now go back and scratch at the door in search of his friend.  We are going to have to watch him when we actually start using Sophie.  

My favorite piece of the entire room is the rug.  It is so bold and fun.  The little step stool was an auction find from mom and the pillow cases were made by a friend, Chrissy.  I was so sad the room was going to be too small for a rocking chair, I still wanted a comfy place to sit.  So, I thought the pillows would be nice if we were wanting to play in his room or for a late night feeding. 

And there you have it!  I am sure there are odds and ends I might add over the next few weeks prior to his arrival, but it is basically finished!  I love how cozy it is and I cannot wait to tuck the little guy into bed on his first night home.  

35 Weeks

Five weeks or less, FIVE WEEKS OR LESS!!!  This makes me giddy with excitement.  While I know I will go through stages of missing peace and quiet in this home, I am ready to meet my boy.  We will go in for an ultrasound at 38 weeks and hope at that time have a better time frame in mind for when he will arrive.  

This summer has been drastically different than most.  Makes me laugh at times.  While I normally am go, go, go and want to be outside as much as possible so I am sun kissed rather than Casper like, my air conditioned home is my refuge.  I have been puttering around the house a lot, avoiding the heat and when I have to get out to run errands or what have you, I am miserable when I am finished.  I kind of miss mowing the lawn and have thought several times about joining my neighbors in placing an above ground pool in the front yard...

I was looking back at pictures from 20 weeks or so and laughed at how small I was compared to now.  I remember crying to Chris about being so large, now it is just a joke.  I can only imagine what I will look like when I actually head into the hospital.  I have had several comments that I look small for 35 weeks, I think these people know how to humor a pregnant lady.  

Henry continues to be active and his movements are becoming much more painful.  We both like to spread out, so whenever I have the chance, I am back in my room, laying on the bed.  This is where I do my reading and papers for work and have been known to eat a few lunches back there.  Sitting doesn't last long these days.

While I find myself complaining at times about my back aching, my feet being large, my knuckles hurting in the morning (seriously, I feel like I have claws), or just the fact that bending over takes a huge effort, I realize we are beyond blessed.  We have survived 35 weeks.  I have a sweet friend who is on bed rest at the hospital right now with her little man who wanted to make an appearance 11 weeks early.  She will stay there until the doctors feel it is safe or momma's body can't take it anymore.  I sit with Henry and pray over this sweet family daily and tell little man that he can stay in for a while longer if he needs to chunk up some more.  

Five weeks and counting.

Yes I had a mom to be moment about three weeks ago and cut off 5 inches of hair.  I miss my long hair, but love this length as well.  

A Baby Shower

A little over a year ago I was writing about my wonderful wedding showers, now I get to post about baby showers.  God's timing is funny at times.  

About a month ago (I know, way behind on the blog front), my amazing sister planned and threw me a beautiful shower.  She had help from my mom, sweet friend Danavee, mother in law, and Grandma Arnold helped with the food.  I have mentioned that my sister starting thinking about my shower from the time I announced I was pregnant, if you attended I am sure the details proved this fact.  

It was perfect.

She found several cute children's books and had a bed time story themed shower.  SO CUTE!  Each book had a coordinating food and there was quite the spread.  I received my pack in play which was all set up and gifts were placed inside, my mom made some cute mobiles which were hung, the table had a pillow and sheet like a bed, a chalkboard was hung on the front door saying, "Shhhhh", I opened my gifts from a rocking chair, it was just amazing.  Several family and friends came and Henry was spoiled rotten.  

Here are a few pictures of the shower (thank you Tammi for taking these).  I wish I would have thought to have gotten some more prior to everyone getting there and I am so sad I didn't get a picture with my sister and mom.  Take my word for it though, cutest baby shower!!!

My cute niece Kharis added the mouth to the fruit baby all on her own.

Delicious cake!!  We have a large piece frozen to eat once Henry comes home.

The glass, vintage baby bottles were a huge hit.

Kharis was a big help opening all of the gifts.

  Thanks Katie!!!!

Some More Fun News

I shared this information over a week ago on twitter, but most of my twitter peeps are church folk so I thought it would be time to share it on other social media avenues.

If you recall, my husband Chris has been working at a local VA for his residency this past year.  The experience has allowed him to grow more as a doctor, learn more, and provide a year for me of wondering what's the next step for our growing family.  Back in January we started to pray seriously about what that next step would be.  I knew it was still very early for him to have a job lined up (his residency ends next Friday so at the time, a good 5-6 months to go), but I am a bigger picture person and wanted to start discussing our options.  

The months flew by and before we knew it, April had arrived.  The job seeking had begun, but nothing was promising.  I of course became anxious, Chris was cool as a cucumber.  In May Chris was contacted by two potential jobs for interviews and spoke with both in a week's time.  I laugh about this because the week prior Chris had started searching for options in other towns (Kansas City and St. Louis, I think he even spoke with the school in OK?).  It was my way of knowing God was saying, hold on a minute, Springfield is where you are supposed to be.

After a few late nights for me of over analyzing every angle and Chris being at total peace about his decision, Chris has a new job which will begin July 2nd!!!!  

Chris will be the new doc at Sunshine Eye Clinic.  From very early on in our relationship we discussed long term goals for ourselves as individuals.  I remember him specifically speaking about how much he desired to be in a private practice.  The freedom and opportunities that could come from it and he mentioned Sunshine specifically.  A few years down the road, this desire has become a reality.  

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."

Psalm 37:4

Still a work in progress of learning how to "Delight myself in the Lord", but this step in life has been a huge blessing of how He does provide the desires of our heart in His timing and perfect way. 

So, if your eyes are bothering you or if you are in need of an eye exam, be sure to look Chris up.  He's pretty swell in my opinion.  

 

Baby Overload

I haven't posted about baby since week 25...  I am now at week 31.  Yeah, sorry bout that.

Things have been hectic around here and while I will post about all that jazz in another all by itself post (because most of it is exciting), priorities have shifted over the past few weeks as well.  I try to not be at the computer very often.  I treasure my times where I can keep my nose in a book, go on a walk, go for lunch with a friend, and mostly spend time with Chris.  I think I have 5 posts that I never published over the past few weeks?  Just didn't seem important enough.  But, dear Jenny called me out and I shall deliver, ha!

Here are some pics through the past weeks.  Before I expose though, what is your FAVORITE makeup?  I thought I hit the motherload with the last kind I tried, but in pictures it looks terrible.  I know my hair is a crazy mess as well.  I go in this week to remedy that.  While I don't think my hair has grown fast, it has taken on a mind of its own during this pregnancy.  Not to mention the fact I hate blow drying my hair, hate.  

Enough with the vanity, here are some pics.

Week 26

Week 27

Week 28

Week 29

Week 30

Week 31

 A few more observations after seeing these pics... Chris needs to make sure my eyes aren't all weird before dismissing me from the door, I really like my navy tank right now, and my bangs need a good cut.

Anywho, back to Henry...

In the past several weeks the little man has mastered having hiccups.  The child hiccups all of the time.  One of my nurses says she feels it helps his diaphragm and vocal cords develop, another sign that I am in fact carrying a Boschen (they are a loud bunch).  He also can move so hard that a few things have been moved off of the belly (books, Jasper has been annoyed a time or two, etc.).  He can put on quite the show in the evening of rolls and jabs.  He is a strong guy.

At 28 weeks I had the wonderful gestational diabetes test... I failed by 6 points.  So, I had to endure the three hour test the following week.  They take four readings total, if you fail in two or more you are diagnosed.  I failed by one point in one reading and I think 15 in another.  So, I received a phone call the day before 29 weeks informing me I did in fact have gestational diabetes.  I won't bore you with the drama, aka melt down, that took place after that phone call.  However, what this means is I am now on a fairly strict diet (good bye most carbs) for the remainder of the pregnancy.  I also get to see a specialist now along with my regular doctor appointments.  While this freaks me out and honestly angers me at times (I feel like I've done something wrong, even though there is nothing that can prevent it), all is well.  I have a wonderful doctor who is very level headed (he doesn't fill my head with fear and anxiety that something will be wrong, but rather ensures me that all will be fine and Henry is healthy).  My specialist is extremely conservative and doesn't fret too much either.  PLUS I have a live in doctor who, even though he is an eye doctor, is pretty encouraging and knows we are doing everything we are being told to do and trusts that we are fine (helps to have someone who really isn't a fan of WebMD and looking up every possible bad thing that could happen by your side).  

As an up side to all of this I have ultrasounds much more frequently and was able to see the little guy at 30 weeks.  He is weighing in at a very healthy 3 pounds 14 ounces and while he is measuring a tad bigger than what is "normal" to me I think that sounds pretty darn good.  We will get to see him again at 34 weeks and I think every week after that.  If I get any good pictures, I will be sure to post them.  They were pretty blurry this last time.

The sweet residents who work with Chris at the VA down in Arkansas threw Henry boy a surprise shower this past week.  When he texted me I giggled and got a little misty eyed.  Chris got to be showered with some baby gifts for his little man and I bet it was a pretty sweet sight to see.  

Next Saturday is my family/friend shower at my mom's house.  My sister will fly in on Sunday and I am anxious to see what she has planned out for this event.  She has been excited for this shower since we announced we were expecting, crazy that it is already here.

We have kind of held off on Henry's room for now until we at least get through next weekend's shower.  I still hope to complete my to do list by mid to end of July, just waiting to see what all we get.  

So, there you have it.  We are all healthy and anxious for the next nine weeks to FLY by.  

I joked with Chris the other night that neither one of us have been hit by the "oh crap we are going to be parents and a little baby is going to actually LIVE IN OUR HOME" bug, but that's ok.  I don't see a panic attack anywhere in the near future.  I'll be sure to let you know, that would be pretty comical.

Hooray it's Friday!

So, let's see if I can get back in to this blog routine shall we?  

This past week has been full of fun times, FULL OF 'EM!  Hard to narrow it down to just five.

1.  My sister's dear family got into town this past Friday.  Katie and Brian were able to stay with us until Monday before heading up to KC (my brother in law donated his kidney to his father, surgery went well, he is doing great, seems heartless to include this in a parenthesis and with so many commas, but I am very proud of Brian and Katie for the selfless decision they made and am so very, very thankful everything is going well and pray it will continue to do so).  The two little people, Kharis and Ben, are headed up to KC tomorrow, so they have been with us ALLLLL week.  More on that in a few, back to my weekend with my sister.  I adore her and love seeing her.  We were able to finish up my registry, she gave me some pointers on baby room, we drank lots of Starbucks, AND she brought Henry a LOAD of stuff.  Hand-me-downs are awesome.

2.  This past Sunday was Mother's Day.  While baby Henry is still tucked away in my belly, it was an overwhelming day to be recognized as a mom.  Chris got me the Bible study I have been eye balling and a Sonic card for some treats.  My mom gave me a fun clutch that can be thrown into the diaper back and holds all the essentials (phone, debit card, cash, and keys).  And Chris' parents gave me some spending money to do whatever I desire with (I bought a pair of shorts and two shirts).  Fun day indeed.

Can't cuddle with Henry this Mother's Day, Jasper was a good substitute though.

3.  Tuesday was my birthday.  I took the day off and headed to the zoo with my mom and the little ones.  SO FUN!  We fed the giraffes, went to the petting zoo, saw the snakes...  The only downfall was that every school seemed to be there to survive the end of the year.  The little ones were fine, the junior high kids... good gravy (don't get me wrong, I think junior high kids are hilarious, but those without manners you just want to sit on).  Chris surprised me with a Kindle Touch and a stream of texts throughout the day of memories over the past three years.  He also got off work early and helped out with the kiddos, that guy is great.  Kharis made me a beautiful cake and mom made me breakfast for dinner (my favorite).  Great day.

Need to finish my 800 page book my friend Natalie got me hooked on then on to my first ebook!

I will post some pics of Kharis is another post.  The girl is busy and rarely stops for a photo.  Ben is the same, but you can entice him with food.  He was all for sitting on my lap for some birthday cake.

4.  I ordered a rug for Henry's room.  Here is a picture of it from another blogger who used it in her nursery.  It is loud and I love it.  Will be interesting to see how it works in the room, but I don't care.  We were looking for something with black in it because we haven't incorporated any black accents and when I saw this...  how could one resist?

Source

5.  Monday I was also able to start back up with my gal pals and our Bachelorette watch parties.  We attempt to do this every summer and it is so much fun to know you get to see everyone at least once a week.  Now that I am not teaching, my time with some of these ladies has changed drastically and I miss them so.  Snack foods are brought, commentary is made, and laughs are shared.  Good times, good times.  Danavee was the only bright one who took pics of our first party.

Really good week overall!  My dear teacher friends are all bragging about getting out of school this week or next.  Yeah, yeah, yeah.  One thing I do miss about teaching are those nice summer breaks.  However, hopefully I will be able to see my kiddos during the day over the summer and not work so late into the evenings.  Maternity leave starts 13 weeks from today!  Happy Friday all you cool cats!