Test Results Take 1 and MOVING DAY!

Warning: as my pregnancy progresses, there will be a lot more posting about exciting things like fetal fibronectin tests, effacing and the like. :)

My first fetal fibronectin test was a good one! The results were negative which is a good thing! I've learned that a positive test indicates it's pretty likely that baby boy may come within the next 2 weeks. So, GREAT news and a huge praise (Thank you, Lord!) that we look safe for the next 14 days! No word yet on the gestational diabetes one... I think I find out tomorrow maybe.

Speaking of tomorrow, it's MOVING DAY! I can't even believe it!!!!!! We have movers (another blessing) and I just pray the closing goes well. :) I may be a bit out of commission for a few days but I do plan to capture some of the fun with a camera. Lucky for me, there is little that I can do. The hard part will be not overdoing it. Either way, we're OVER THE MOON about the new house! Can't you tell from the picture of Jon David?

What a blessing!! Thank you, Lord!

Two by Two (no - it's not a Noah's arc post!)

Two by Two, about ME!


Two names you go by
1. Neese/Neesy.
2. Sweetie (from hubby) or Mama (not Hubby but the other guy with the same name).

Two things you are wearing right now
1. Lovely maternity shorts.
2. Oh so sexy pink maternity shirt.

Two things you want in a relationship (I'm assuming friendships here)
1. Ease (don't have to weigh every word).
2. Shared passions (the Lord, family, scrapbooking, etc.).

Two of your favorite things to do
1. Be with my guys.
2. Scrapbook.

Two things you want very badly at the moment
1. To be over this stinking sinus infection and to have fully functioning nostrils.
2. To be in my new house (which I will be as of Thursday!!!!)

Two pets you have or had
1. My sister, Cindy's, dog named Pepe (spelling??) who peed on my head when I was around 7 years old. Now that I look at it, Pepe also spells peed. Interesting.
2. Jake, a lab mix that I had in my 20s.

Two people who will fill this out first
1. Cindy, because she likes new material and wants to help a sister out.
2. I'd say Janice but she's got to plan for the party of the year this weekend. So, maybe the "other" Denise since this will be her first "tag."

Two things you did last night
1. Whined - my head hurt so badly and I felt (feel) cruddy.
2. Watched "On the Lot" which was actually pretty good.

Two chores you don't like doing
1. Putting away laundry.
2. Taking out the trash (which I thankfully hardly ever do).

Two things you ate today
1. Well, I drank a lovely orange sugar-rush concoction at the OBs for my gestational diabetes test.
2. Watery eggs/egg whites for breakfast in the hopes that it would help my test today!

Two people you talked to last
1. Kim.
2. Mom.

Two things you're doing tomorrow
1. Taking Jon David to Little Gym (if I feel up to it).
2. NAPPING! We're in a great 1 1/2 - 2 hour nap groove these days and I take FULL advantage of it.

Two favorite holidays
1. Christmas.
2. Thanksgiving.

Two favorite beverages
1. Coca-cola.
2. Smoothies.

Updates: I took a fetal fibronectin test today and am apparently going to do this ongoing now every two weeks to make sure we're not having this baby too early. I did find out that since I did not go into premature labor (my water broke and I was later induced), my chances of going full-term are better. So, that was positive! Still feeling cruddy and it's now an infection. I started a 10-day antibiotic treatment today. Jon David was a bit more challenging today though really well behaved in the doctor's office. He may be stir crazy since we've not done much for the past few days. He seemed to bounce from one "no" to the next. :( Off to bed. THANKS, Susie for the new material!

Another "not a great picture" but the PJs are just TOO cute! You bloggers are all these fantastic photographers. I feel like I gotta come clean and admit when the picture is just so-so. :)

News that is fit to print

Our new thing: putting our feet on the table. Yes, I am trying to curb it (but it really is kinda cute!)

Thanks for all the sweet comments. Oh, how I love comments!! :)

Still bumming with this dang cold. It's gotta leave soon, right??? And tomorrow is the dreaded glucose test for gestational diabetes at my OB appointment. I'm nervous about it. I did fine with Jon David but since I'm so, well, grande this time. I'm not so sure how it will all go.

But, I did go scrapbooking Saturday night and I probably should not have. But, I am weak and I wanted to have fun with my friends!!

Jon David had a strange limping thing going on last night. Out of the blue and with no signs of injury, he favored his left leg. Then, he started to crawl and not want to walk on it. Later, he would hobble on it but when he tried to run, he started to cry. So, we called the doctor who recommended Motrin and to keep an eye on him. This was right before bedtime for him so there was not much to do. Because he's had a cold, we had to watch for a high fever because there could be an infection that was impacting his hip. This is translated from the doctor to my husband to me so something is clearly lost in the translation but you get the drift. He's been much better today and I'm not even sure that he's limped. A couple times I thought he had a quick, slight favoring but then it seemed to go away. Made for one stressful evening for Mommy and Daddy.

Well, my head is pounding due to all this sinus pressure. I must go but wanted to say thanks and give a quick shout out to my peeps (that's you!).

Pix below: check out this wacky hairline! Can you say serious cowlick?? Before you feel too badly for him and a lifetime of bad hair, check out the next photo. The second picture shows these really pretty curls that seem to come out of nowhere on his little head. I think I may let his hair grow a bit to see what these pretty curls will do.

Summer Colds STINK

Both Jon David and I are struggling through summer colds. It ain't pretty and it sure ain't fun. I guess I should be glad this is happening this week so that I will be over it (hopefully) before we close and move next weekend. Still, I have/had scrapbooking plans with my friends and am not sure that I will be able to make it. Yes, I am BITTER! I love my scrapbooking time!!

On a happy note, Jon David's cousin, Aaron came over yesterday. The guys had fun. It's good to see Jon David burying the hatchet, as they say. You see, many months ago, Aaron told Jon David not to bite the blinds in Grandma's kitchen. Well, let's just say my son has taken a while to get over his hard feelings. Yes, he loves Aaron but sometimes it's hard to get past all the hurt! But, as the pictures reveal, these guys had a good time and are best of buds again!

PS - Thanks for all the support and not ditching me for being a boring blogger! You guys are the best blog friends a girl could ever want! :)

Bloggers Block

Guys, I apologize. I'm stumped. Ain't got nothing to write about. Maybe it's because we're scheduled to close on our house next Thursday, maybe it's because my belly and everything else is getting bigger by the millisecond. I don't know the cause but I'm distressed and terribly sorry for the lack of production. It's not for lack of desire, I assure you. Please don't ditch me as one of your blogs to read. I'll get witty again, I promise! Just for right now, I'm sorta dull. :(

How you ever experienced BD (blog dysfunction)? If so, what's the cure? Do something incredibly exciting worthy of 50 pictures?? Help!!

Wake Up Call

Do you ever wake up feeling like this?

Don't worry, I quickly put the camera down and loved on my boy but I could not resist snapping a quick picture. He's started to nuzzle so sweetly in my neck times like this when he really needs a hug from Mommy. Then, he will take his little fingers and play with my hair. Gosh - what a sweet baby boy!!

Here are two more photos from today. Yes, it's more "oh look, he's making a mess feeding himself" but I like it nonetheless.

Updates and Such

I've not taken any pictures of my son in about 72 hours (I know, bad bloggin' mom). So, this post will feature photos from last year at this time. Since most of you missed out on those days, you may enjoy seeing them.

Here's the latest and greatest...

1) I will be working in the church nursery starting next week but this was my last week with the preschoolers (along with the "other" Denise). Funny thing how God works. The lesson was on how God takes care of ALL of our needs. The memory verse is Phil 4:19, And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Guess who really needed to hear this - ME! It has been a long week and I've allowed stress to steal my joy. Whose heart does not melt when sweet little 4-year-olds are repeating these precious words of truth?

2) I saw stars yesterday - and not like that Brady Bunch episode where Davy Jones kissed Marcia. Okay - I've SOOOO aged myself with that reference but oh well. I called the doctor today and the nurse said it sounded like low blood sugar and that I need to eat regular snacks, especially those with protein.

3) I had a consultation today with a professional organizer and am encouraged that help is on the way. She actually said that I did a lot of organizing well. But, with a small apartment, things have not really ever had a proper place and it is downright unmanageable right now.

That's it. Sorry - not an exciting post. They can't all be winners! Here's to a more creative blogging week for me! :)

This picture looks like some pin-up or calendar where Jon David is Mr. July or something. What a look!

A few good laughs

One of my favorite developments in Jon David is his emerging sense of humor. He can be quite the comedian and loves to get a laugh. Here is a picture of him "helping" me fold laundry and deciding that he could make Mommy laugh by putting the onesie on his head. We got a good few minutes of belly laughs out of this.

The other funny thing was not really meant to be funny but this morning while hanging out with Daddy who was getting ready for work, the boys stumbled upon my oh-so-lovely maternity/nursing bra in the exciting shade of beige. Yes, it's quite a looker and no, there will not be a picture of this fine piece of lingerie in any post. Jon David found it, picked it up and said, "Mama?" To this, Daddy laughed and said, "Oh, yes, Son. That's Mama!"

My Barnabus

In the Bible (Acts 4:36-37 and many other places), Barnabus is known for his gift of encouragement. His was a sweet spirit who gave comfort to those in need and provided additional strength when a friend was tired and hurting. We all need Barnabuses in our life. And, if the name were a bit more appealing, I'd consider it for our baby boy. Yes, I'm a big fan of Barnabus.

One of the Barnabuses in my life is my friend, Denise. We like to refer to ourselves when together and in a group as "the other Denise." It gets even more confusing for people because we are both pregnant. I'm due 9/2 and she 9/5 and we'll deliver our babies at the same hospital. We joke about syncing up our labors so we can hang in the hospital together. ;) And, we attend the same church. And, we also worked together in the church preschool. So, it does get confusing for people who are meeting us for the first time.

If you want to know a real encourager, you need to get to know Denise. She is so sweet, generous and considerate - she truly humbles me. She and I were buddies and in a singles group at a really big church in town and both got married in 2002.

And how cool is this - she and her husband spent over a year as missionaries with Campus Crusade for Christ in New Zealand. They returned to the States in October. Who knew that though I moved to Houston with my cowboy and she to New Zealand, that one day the good Lord would put us near each other again and now to share the joy of mommyhood! And even sweeter, our husbands who recently met are fast friends. We joke that her baby girl will marry our new son. I do hope they are working hard on a dowry!

Denise is new to blogging. She's asked me for tips and tricks though, really, YOU guys are the pros. So, drop by her blog and get to know this amazing woman of God!

A rose by any other name

We took our own little field trip today with a local parenting group. We visited a rose garden which was just beautiful. Jon David had a blast and I'm so thankful that we went. He walked and walked and walked some more; we both got our exercise today. He checked out all the pretty flowers and was just the sweetest boy. He listened to me, held my hand when I told him that he needed to (maneuvering going down the big steps), etc. It was such a great time and I just love being with my boy so much! (Wardrobe note: he's wearing an authentic Hawaiian shirt from our trip in January. All he needed was a video camera and he would be screaming "Tourist!")



Here's proof of our fun...

My friend, the other pregnant Denise (due 3 days after our boy) calls Jon David a little "Magnum P.I." in this outfit. Too funny!

Slow News Day

Happy Belated Mother's Day!! I trust you all had great days and felt like the beloved queens that you are! :) Mine was a wonderful day spent relaxing with my two guys with the same name (won't be able to say that much longer).

Yes, I received gifts (swanky Vera Bradley purse and overnight/hospital bag that all the "cool" mommies have here in the South have - are these big near you?? See below for pix.) but the BIG present came today when Jon David took a 3-HOUR NAP! This allowed me a much loved 2-hour nap! My cup runneth over!!

No other news fit to print. Thanks to all you sweet mommies who left me nice Mother's Day wishes! Right back atcha!

Fun at the Park

What a fun morning! Jon David got to hang with his awesome buddy, Tyler (aka "Double Wide") and I got to hang with my awesome friend, his mommy, Kim. Tyler had the CUTEST shirt on that read, "Annual Pie Eating Contest" which looked so cute with his pot belly. The boy is so dang cute!!!

It was already warm at the park when we got there around 9:15 am. We did a good walk so that I could get some exercise and then played at the park. Side note: I'm just learning this... but, man alive, there are some bratty kids out there!!! Throwing sand and rocks at our boys among other offenses. Seriously. Anywho, back to our fun time... We topped it off by a quick trip to the mall for some deeeelish Chick-Fil-A. Daddy even joined us!! Yahooooo! (If you read my previous post and saw the hat picture, you will see the my boy left his hat on for most of the time and he was not nearly as annoyed with me today. Phew!) Check out the pix at the bottom of this post!

I hope you enjoyed the past few days of interview questions from my friend, Wendy. Now, it's your, or rather my, turn! If you'd like to answer 5 questions from moi, here's the deal...

1. Leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.” If I don’t have your email address, leave it for me in the comments and I won't publish it. Promise.

2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.

3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.

4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.

5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

6. If you just really need more information about me, you can also send me a few more questions.

Interview Question #4

Another not-so-great photo but the expression is priceless. He is frustrated with me in this picture because I have a hat on him with a little velcro chin strap. The hat was off his head very shortly afterwards. I have more success with the hat when I don't tie it on him. I don't blame him, actually. :)

From my bloggin' buddy, Wendy...

If you could change anything about yourself what would it be (no weight or look changes)?

Where to begin?? :) Since I spent most of the day today going through a messy closet (thanks to my mom who helped entertain Jon David), I'd say that I'd like to be more organized. I greatly desire order and really really like it when everything is in its proper place. I think clearer and our home is more peaceful. It's been challenging living in small apartments but that's not the only reason I'm not as organized as I'd like to be. I pray the Lord really helps me with this and shows me how to be a good steward of our new house.

I also would like to manage my time better (find time to work out, have a devotional time, put on make-up/general hygiene, etc.) which goes hand in hand with organizing. Staying on task would also be an improvement. I do too many things at the same time and don't always finish what I start. :( Lots of 1/2 done scrapbook pages...

Truly, there are OODLES more but I'm tired from organizing and that's what's on my brain right now. :)

I'd Like to Meet...

Wendy's interview question #3: If you could meet any of your blog authors (up to 3), who would it be and why?

Three is not enough, Wendy!! I want to meet more of my bloggin' gals than just a measly three! So this one like the hunger/AIDS one is hard too! :)

1. Wendy: I know I'd laugh and laugh. She has the great combo that I like in friends - able to be super silly but also really sweet and able to "get real." Plus, we could scrapbook because she has TONS of scrapbooking stuff.

2. Andrea: I'd like to see Evan and Jon David play together. Plus, she appeals to the new mommy in me. Our boys seem similar and she just strikes me as really cool - laid back and very real. My kind of friend... :)

3. Janice: Who would not want to meet the mommy of those beautiful Irish twins? She writes the sweetest comments and makes me think that she is a faithful friend.

This leaves off other favorites like Jamie and Susie and others... Again - Wendy, HARD question!

Not the greatest of pictures especially the orange mustache from lunch but they'll do. :)

Full Bellies for All

Interview question #3 from Wendy: If you had the choice to cure AIDS or stop hunger, which would you chose and why?

This one is hard! How in the world does one choose? My first thought was hunger. Maybe it's the mom in me but I hate the thought of hungry babies/kids - really anyone hungry. I take great joy in feeding my guys even when the food is not that super. I still like knowing their bellies are full and I love, love, love the sound of a just-nursed baby who gives a sweet sound of contentment (followed by a big burp).

I don't know why but I think this pose is too cute. I love how he crosses his one leg over. And I just love those little chubby legs!!!

Bend it like Jon David!

Jon David's grandpa (my stepdad) is from England and bought Jon David a proper English "football" uniform. So, we had this picture taken and gave it to Grandpa for his birthday. Grandpa was thrilled! Oh, how he wants to have another "football" player in the family!

Since Grandpa wants a little Beckham in our family, this is a good segway to Wendy's second interview question: what are my dreams for my children in the future?

That's a very easy question to answer. From 3 John 1:4, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." Yes, I do wish for health and happiness for my boys but ultimately, I pray that they bring glory to God and are used by the Lord in doing His good work.

Other dreams of sort - I greatly desire that my boys are close and have a strong bond together. I really want that special relationship for them. I hope that they know that they can always come to Mommy and Daddy (and later, Mom and Dad) and we will be there for them. We pray all the time for wisdom regarding their upbringing and I know the good Lord always answers prayers. So, we take comfort in that especially when we're so clueless sometimes!

I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine - Song of Solomon 6:3

Wendy's Interview Question #1 - How I met my husband and when did I decide he was the one for me.

It's appropriate that I write this today since it's the 5th anniversary to our engagement. I know this because it's the day before my stepdad's birthday and the day before Cinco de Mayo. Back to our love story...

My husband is the oldest brother of one of my dearest girlfriends and a former roommate. When she and I lived together in Raleigh, she would tell me of her cute brother in Houston. I found out that while I was home (alone) watching FSU football, this good looking man was a season ticket holder and AT the games. I informed her that I was just shallow enough to decide to marry him so that I too could go to the games. So, we affectionately started calling him my husband.

Fast forward 3 years (November 2000) to said girlfriend's wedding. Guess who they had stand together in the wedding party? You guessed it. Me and my beloved. We hit it off and even had dinner (alone) together the night of her wedding (it was an afternoon wedding). He returned to Houston and we kept in touch somewhat via email and occasional phone calls.

A few months later, we picked back up the emails. Then came 9/11 and that really put a shock to my hubby. He took stock of his life and decided to get with the program and start courting me. He came to Raleigh for my 30th birthday, started calling me every day and visiting almost every other weekend. Our phone calls lasted about 3 hours a night - just like high schoolers. :)

Basically, we started to get serious in December 2001, engaged May 2002 and married August 2002. "Get 'er done" as we like to say!

I fell in love with my husband from the get-go but I did not decide he was the one until I realized that this was a man who desired the Lord's will in his life. I saw how he treated me with such care and the seriousness with which he took his walk with the Lord. He showed me his ability to lead our family and I knew this was the man the good Lord had for me.

My husband makes me laugh every day. He is, as we like to call him, a "pusher of fun." He really is quite fun. He's brilliant, kind and extremely generous. He is patient with me and the best daddy I could ever hope for my boys. I love him so much and I thank God for him every day but especially today, this special anniversary of sorts.

He proposed in a hot air balloon ride over Sedona, AZ (see picture below) and then took me to the Grand Canyon (my first visit). He likes to tell that I stuck my hand out for the ring as soon as I said yes. I prefer to say that it demonstrates that even at that early date, I was already his helpmate and just trying to make it easier to slip that nice rock on my finger! :) Either way, it was a JOYFUL day and I am one blessed woman. Indeed, I am my beloved's and he is mine!

18th-Month Checkup

Our little man is 18-months old. Excuse me - how did this happen???? Just yesterday he was my little preemie in the NICU. Now, him's a big boy!! Here are some pix from his appointment.

Weight: 23 lbs. 15 oz (25%)

Height: 32 inches (45%)

Head Circumference: 19 inches (55%)

Everything else went fine. The crying from the shot lasted about 3 seconds and was quickly made better by another fine parting gift: a pink dinosaur (his choice). The doctor recommended introducing special time each day with Jon David just for very focused one-on-one time in preparation for the new baby. And to call out this time to Jon David, like, "Hey, Buddy. Ready for our special time? Do you want to play with the bubbles or color?" He also said that Jon David probably sensed something funky going on with Mommy. Interesting... I'm curious, wise mommies out there - any recommendations for how to prepare my boy for his baby brother?