Seven Crazy Months

It has already been seven months! Our little man is growing everyday and loving life. He is so smart and happy, I feel so blessed! In the last month, Ryker has discovered several new uses for his hands. He is an expert at grabbing and yanking handfuls of my hair. He has figured out my reaction to a choking sound, and to get my attention, he will frequently pretend choke. NOT COOL!

Ryker still has blue eyes, red hair, and very white skin, just like his mom! He now has a birthmark on his chest that goes from the base of his neck to the bottom of his sternum. It is actually a pretty nice looking birthmark! Ryker has also bypassed crawling on all fours, he still army crawls all over, but he is now starting to pull up on things. He is becoming quite the expert at using his hands to create beats, or a rhythm on the floor, table, wall, or anything with a cool sound.

Ryker has a very healthy appetite, and still no teeth! He nurses quite frequently, eats rice cereal everynight, and occasionally he will eat some jarred baby food. He does like the Parent's Choice puffs, and veggie crisps. He is learning how to use his index finger and thumb to pick things up. Ryker is definitely a mommy's boy and he loves to be cuddled first thing in the morning. My favorite part of the day!

Overall, Ryker is doing so well and having so much fun learning all there is to learn! I was reflecting on his short little life last night, and I got emotional as I remembered how blessed I am and how wonderful it is to have such an awesome responsibility of being a wife and a mother! Nothing could make me happier this holiday season!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Challenging Solids

As many of you know, we have started Ryker on solids... and it is rather difficult!!

At 5 months, we started rice cereal and he took to it so easily! He loved his rice cereal before bed. We liked it because it was easy to clean up, and Justin was finally able to feed him. At 5 months and two weeks, we started the pureed baby food. Ryker loved to play with the dab I put on his tray, he would stick his fingers in it and then taste it, or draw us flavored pictures. This fun continued for about three weeks, and four new flavors. This was all just fun and games, and Ryker was happy and loving the new flavors.

Then out of nowhere... It all stopped!! 

Even fruits, and flavors he liked end up on the floor, all over his face, on his bib, but never down his throat and into his sweet belly. I like to think that he is just being satisfied with breastmilk and he is not hungry enough to try new things, but at the same time I know he is old enough to start needing more nutrients and to start developing habits. I have even tried mixing the baby food with regular rice cereal... But it is all to no avail. Last night, he wouldn't even eat rice cereal. 

If any of you experienced moms have any advice for me on how I can remedy this situation and make use of all the baby food, PLEASE Comment!!

Six Months Today!

Today... as the title will tell you, Ryker is 6 months old!!

Here is what we've been up to:

Stats: 17 lbs 15 oz, 26 5/8 in long

Favorite Activities:

• Crawling
• Sitting up with little support
• Chewing on his hands, toes, Mommy's shoes, toys, blankets, dog toys, cords, tablets... EVERYTHING!
• Racing in his walker
• Helping load the diswasher
• Reading/eating books
• Sleeping with Mom and Dad

Biggest Trials:

• No more binky = Mom is now the pacifier
• Sleeping in his crib
• Getting Sadie to play

New Experiences:

 Ryker is now eating solids, and still fully breastfed! We have started him on rice cereal, bananas, sweet potatoes, sweet peas, and soon carrots. We tried green beans and this was his reaction:

Favorite Time of Year!

As many of you know... It's Fall!

I love fall for many reasons, some of which I will share with you. But first, I want to take the time publicly to thank my Heavenly Father for all of my wonderful blessings! I can't even imagine how my life would be if I didn't have such a wonderful religious opportunity that lifts me up and helps me stay positive in a world of conflicting views, religious turmoil, and civil uprising. I am so grateful for my knowledge of the Plan of Salvation (Link Here for Info) and for my beautiful son who brings happiness and trials to my everyday life.

Onto my topic!!

Reason I love fall:

• Beautiful colors
• Crisp, cool air
• No need for expensive A/C
• Pumpkins
• Turkey
• Soup
• Chili's
• Rain!!

I am so excited to share this time of year with Ryker! All of these experiences are so new to him and it is so fun to explore them again with a new set of eyes.  Speaking of Ryker, this is what he's been up too: 

Five Months Old

Ryker is now five months old and learning so much!

He has figured out how to scoot all over the floor, he is such a mover! His teeth keep teasing us, some days there are swollen bumps and lots of drool, but then the next they are back to normal. He giggles all the time and loves to be tickled! He started rice cereal a week ago. He loves it and is such a clean eater. He is still breastfeeding and we are pros now! Ryker loves to take walks and sit in his walker and move all over the kitchen. He has decided that the swing is too little for him, and that he doesn't like sitting in it any more.

He has grown too big for the bassinette and it is officially time to get a crib. He is a good sleeper, in that he will sleep for an hour or two before waking up to find me. He still sleeps with us, but soon, when he is on more solids, we will move him to his own bed.

He now wears 6-9 month clothes because his little belly and his long body are too big for 3-6 now. I love him so much! Here is a video for your viewing pleasure:

He is such a goof ball! Daddy got him dressed for this one:

This is Ryker practicing sitting on his own (Yes I know my finger is supporting him):

Back again soon!

Little Man is Growing!

It has been a LONG time since I last posted. Ryker is doing great! He is growing so fast. At his four month checkup, his stats were: 15 lb. 7.2 oz, 24 5/8 in long. He is currently in the 88-Percentile for his age group! I can't believe how fast he is growing both intellectually and physically. Ryker has figured out how to pull his knees under him and slightly move his arms to scoot forward. Its slow movements, but he learned it quickly. He has two little nubs on his bottom gums and the drooling has now become super drool. He reaches for his toys and immediately pulls them to his mouth. He has figured out that if he shrieks I will look at him to figure out what is wrong.

We have a walker for Ryker to play in so that I can have my arms free when it comes time to cook dinner or clean around the house. He figured out this week how to move his legs and feet so that he can get around. His long red hairs on top of his cute little head, fell out. But now he has adorable baby fuzz growing that is currently about 1/2 in long. Still has blue eyes, and super white skin! Ryker is very particular about who is holding him, and he gets bored really easily! If his little legs aren't holding him up in a standing position, they are kicking away. He is also quite the roller. He loves to roll onto his belly and then his back to get off the blankets.

Ryker is also a pet person. Oh... and a lefty! He loves to see Suki and Sadie, and he always reaches for them if they come in range. We are pretty sure that he is a lefty because that seems to be his dominate hand. I know that as he gets bigger, his preference might change, or he will become more skilled with his right. but we'll just have to see!

Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Mister Smiles in his walker.

Little Man ready for bed.

"See Mommy... I can do it!"

Sitting outside on his favorite back porch!

My little stink bug. 

Bath time.

"I tried to sit up, but then I fell over."

Ryker also got to experience his first road trip! In July we made a quick trip to Utah to show him off. He got his shots the morning of our long drive and he did really well for the whole 19 hour drive. He loved to meet everyone, but had a few days where he got overwhelmed with all the new faces, and those nights, he would only let me comfort and hold him.

He is such a wonderful addition to our family and I love to see his cute toothless smile every morning!

Busy Life

Having Ryker in our life has been such a wonderful blessing! He is so cute and fun, and he just started smiling and making cute little baby noises. He still goes through a lot of diapers a day and sleeps pretty frequently. However, at night it never seems like enough sleep. He is now almost 10 lbs, and over 22 inches. He still has red hair and beautiful blue eyes.

It was so sad having to move his newborn clothes from the dresser to the box of clothes he's grown out of. But I know I'll have to do it even more as the days go by. Ryker loves to be outside! Sometimes the best way to calm him down is to step out the back door with Sadie and sit on the back porch. Ryker knows when his belly is empty, and he lets us know right away that he wants something in it.

Breastfeeding is going really well! Some days we struggle with latching, but for the most part, it is nearly painless now. I have a great support group through the WIC program, at church, family, and the La Leche League. It helps me to know that we weren't the only ones that struggled at first!

My incision sight has healed very well. It looks like a little pink pencil line. The doctor has cleared me for all normal physical activity and light exercise until my muscles start to build back up. I do have a little bubble of scar tissue that has formed over a suture knot, so I can't do sit ups or crunches for 4 more weeks. I've already lost all of the pregnancy weight, I just wish I could lose the extra skin! I joke all the time about looking like a deflated albino zebra.

Having a newborn is super busy! Between your naps, their naps, diaper changes, and feedings, it is very difficult to find the time to get the housework done. I'm so glad that I have an understanding husband.

Weeks Three and Four

Ryker is doing amazing! he has njow gained about nine ounces since leaving the hospital. We are using the help of a lactation consultant to get breastfeeding down. We are both struggling with the latch, but we are learning together! He has grown out mof his first outfit. the very first outfit he ever wore. He has started cooing a little more and responding better when we talk to him.

Today he gets to meet his Grandma Lori! He likes to wake up and look around early in the morning. We are working on establishing a routine.

Weeks One & Two

Here's a quick update on my sweet little family!

Week one was mostly spent in the hospital. After a Cesarean, they like to keep you in the hospital for as long as the insurance will pay. I was there from Monday until Friday. It was a wonderful stay in the hospital. All of the nurses and staff were very helpful in teaching me proper hygiene for my wounds, and in correct breastfeeding techniques. It was great to be waited on hand and foot!

Ryker was on an IV Antibiotic for the first two days of life as a precaution. He got to come into my room with me on Thursday, May 3. I still had to ask the nursery to watch him due to lack of rest and healing. Plus... Ryker loves to be held! Just like any newborn, he likes constant mommy contact, so I would send him to the nursery to catch some sleep.

Upon coming home, the house was cleaned wonderfully! Denise, my step-mom, did a wonderful job taking care of the house while I was in the hospital. Sadie and Suki were very well fed and exercised while my dad was here. My dad made a beautiful Cedar cradle for Ryker to sleep in. Hopefully it will be something that all of us kids can use for our various children. Sadie has been very gentle with me, it's like she knows that I am still hurt and can't quite give her the amount of time I was able to before.

We went to the Pediatrician's when Ryker was 8 days old. The doc said he is healthy, and doing great! I do not have to supplement or anything like that. He even decided to skip the two week visits and jump to one month visits. We also went to sign Ryker up for WIC and discovered that I am already 6 lbs below my pre-pregnancy weight.

We are still hanging out in the house and discovering a schedule. It is taking some time to get my milk supply established, but that is a common side effect of a C-section. It took 3 days for my milk to come in and it is slowly building to a supply large enough to handle our constantly growing little one. He is definitely vocal in what he wants and needs! Today, I took away the pacifier the nursery gave us. I felt like it was slowing down his hunger patterns. So... We are now learning how to calm a baby without the use of a pacifier.

Ryker did have his umbilical cord fall off this morning! My little man has a belly button! He is so cute and white and red-headed, I look forward to seeing his little personality.

ANNOUNCING OUR NEW ARRIVAL: Ryker Franklin Furnell

As many of you know, I was recently pregnant with a baby boy who was due on May 3. Well... to our surprise  he decided to come early!!  With so many birthdays so close together in April and May I knew that the chance of him sharing was pretty high. However, I did not expect him to be born at the end of April... My brother's 15th birthday, April 30. Yes... Ryker was born on April 30, 2012.

Labor Story

Sunday, April 29, while sitting in Sacrament meeting I noticed  some tightening in my stomach and I was getting frequent hot flashes. During class, I was not as patient with our beautiful 4-5 year-olds. Justin, sensing my unease came and got me out of sharing time. On our way out of the building I stopped and talked with our neighbor who has had some wonderful advice during the pregnancy. Little did we know, I was literally in labor at the time of discussion.

After leaving the church, we went to an auction site where Justin had previously agreed to run a concession stand. I sat in the car while he and the auctioneers decided what to do, since it was raining cats and dogs. By the time we got home, my contractions were still about 8-10 minutes apart and not hurting, just making me pretty uncomfortable. After a quick nap, my contractions spaced out again so I didn't worry. We did our normal routine of walking on the Katy Trail, and sitting and watching a movie before bed. Of course, by this time the thunderstorm had made me and Sadie very uncomfortable and with each crash, I would flinch and Sadie would bark from her kennel for several minutes.

After an hour of this, making it about 1:00 AM, I let Sadie out and had her sleep on our bed because she felt more comfortable. At 2:10, I was awaken to a warm sensation of liquid escaping my body. Upon further inspection, I determined that my water had broken. I have never seen my husband wake up so fast! He was dressed and gathering all kinds of things before I could even finish calling Labor & Delivery to let them know we were coming. I threw on a nightgown and we headed out the door.

I called my brother on the way to the hospital, knowing it was the only way to get my mom the info. He was so excited to  hear that he would have a nephew on his birthday! Justin was able to get a hold of my dad and he started packing to come. He and Denise drove straight through and got here just after Ryker was born.

When we arrived at Labor & Delivery, my contractions were 2-3 minutes apart and everything was working. I was only dilated to a finger-tip width, but my water had for sure broken. Ryker was on his way. At 5:00 AM, my contractions had slowed, due to the IV drip, and they administered Pitocin. I was on Pitocin, which they increased every 30 minutes, for a total of 7 hours without any pain meds. At 12:00PM I was dilated to a 5 cm and they decided I could have some IV pain meds. It was enough to take the edge off, but Pitocin creates some STRONG contractions. On Pitocin, it is considered Hard labor, the whole time it is being administered. I asked for the epidural at 4:00PM. This slowed my contractions so they upped the Pitocin some more. I was still only at 5 cms by this time. The doctor decided to let me go until 8:30PM, 18 1/2 hours into labor, and he checked again to discover that there was still no progression.

Without hesitating, because it was better for me and Ryker with my water being broken for so long, I agreed to a Cesarean. By 9:00PM I was administered the spinal block through my epidural line, Justin was suited up, I was laid on the table and they started cutting. Ryker Franklin Furnell was born at exactly 9:30PM on April 30, 2012. He weight 8 lbs 7.8 oz and measured 21 inches long. His APGAR at 1 minute was 8, at 5 minutes it was a 9. I was stitched and stapled by 10:30, moved to Recovery and then finally made it up to see my sweet baby boy at 11:45. Due to the amount of time my water had been broken, the pediatrician decided to put Ryker on an antibiotic administered through an IV. He had to be on the IV for 2 days so that we could receive the blood culture to make sure that all was okay. Due to the IV, I would have to go down to the nursery every few hours to feed him. He had limited visitation and he was very easy to get tangled up with.

After the 2 days were up, we were finally able to have Ryker in our room with us. Overall, my healing has gone very well, I am currently on Ibuprofen and my feet swelling in slowly going down. The doctor who delivered Ryker was the only one I had not met at the practice. But we are on good terms and he is a wonderful man! He is very impressed with how well I am doing and the pediatrician is impressed with Ryker's progress too. He lost 7% of his body weight, and his biliruben is still in normal levels. We just have to have him in indirect sunlight for 30-45 minutes a day until Wednesday. We made it home and are doing great! He loves to eat and he gets little gas smiles all the time! He was circumcised on Thursday afternoon so it still takes two to change him. But he is a trooper!

Bothwell staff was very helpful and I had a wonderful experience. Now its up to me to heal and get baby strong and healthy!

Ultrasound Results

The title of this post is kind of misleading. We had an ultrasound today to determine size, and... we won't have the results until Monday. So hope and pray for us to have him this weekend!

39 Week Revelations

The Doctor's appointment this week did not go quite as we had planned. After feeling the size of the baby, measuring, and determining that I am still not dilated more than finger-tip length, we are now scheduled for an ultrasound. The ultrasound is on Friday and if the baby measures more than 9 lbs, I will be scheduled for a Cesarean. It was an emotional day yesterday, finding out that a c-section is a high possibility. I almost feel like I did something wrong. But I have been assured that babies grow to the size they need to no matter what. I don't have gestational diabetes and I have gained less than 20 lbs. So... Our Heavenly Father might have a different plan for me than I had for myself.

The heartbeat was in the 140's, my blood pressure was perfect, I wasn't measuring too high, but the doctor still wants an ultrasound. So... On Friday, I will update and let you know what is happening! Lets just hope that the baby decides to make it arrival sooner so that we can avoid the ultrasound and a c-section!

Keep us in your prayers!

38 Weeks... Two to go!

I am now exactly two weeks away from my due date. Did I think I would ever make it this far? No. Now that I have I am so grateful! This little man is growing inside me, and according to the guesstimate made yesterday by our midwife, the baby is already in the high 7lb, low 8lb range. I have only had minimal Braxton Hicks contractions recently. I have had a few real contractions that have wrapped around my back and caused some pain and discomfort. However, when she checked to see if I have progressed towards labor, she couldn't find my cervix. Which is interesting because last week they found it just fine and determined I was 1 cm. So... In the midwife's words I am in no "imminent danger of going into labor."

One midwife has already mentioned that I might be induced in the next week and a half due to how big he is getting. The doctor I meet with next week will determine if an early induction is necessary and if he has to do an ultrasound, it will all be done on the same day.

As far as stats from this week go, I am measuring 38 cm, right where I should be. My blood pressure is spot on, I just reached my weight gain goal, and the baby's heartbeat was 144! He shied away from the doppler and so it took a little longer to find his little heartbeat, and when we found it, he would move away again.

We are so excited to meet our little man that the next two to three weeks are going to be murder! Not just on my body, but on our patience levels.

I have already determined that he will around weigh 8lbs 12oz and be about 22 inches long. I am pretty sure that he will have red hair, or I hope that he does! Anyway, if you feel like guessing his height and weight, we have two weeks left for him to continue growing! Leave your comments and we'll see who is closest! Keep in mind... This is our first child!

36 Weeks and Counting...

As of yesterday, I am now a whopping 36 weeks pregnant! My appointment on Tuesday was very successful and I found out a lot of interesting facts about baby and I.

Baby is sitting so low in my pelvis, he is already in birthing position and low enough that she thinks my water could break at any time. I am definitely feeling the extra weight he is putting on! I am not swelling unless I wander around Walmart for hours on end. I'm still in the low-weight gain category, but I now weigh more than I have in my life! I am measuring 36 cms and they even had to push his head up to get the measurement. My blood pressure is still low and no concerns have been voiced. He kicks like crazy! Some days it hurts.

As far as the discomforts of pregnancy go... I am having a hard time getting comfortable in bed, on chairs, when walking. I do waddle a little from the loose hip joints and the low sitting child I'm carrying. I never had heartburn and now he's low enough that they don't think I will experience it. Its surprising that I never got heartburn especially because acid re flux is very prevalent in my family. I have started to have practice, or Braxton Hicks, contractions but they are very minimal and they do not cause me any pain. I just notice a very rock hard belly and it only stays that way for no more than 45 seconds.

I have really enjoyed the processes that my body has gone through during the last nine months. Being pregnant for me is a blessing and I love every minute of it. I know I have complained a little over the past few months, but that's because being pregnant is not a walk in the park! It takes a lot of work and energy. I am so excited to hold our little boy in my arms and to know that it could be any time now makes me even more excited!

If I have not had him by 39 weeks, we will do an ultrasound to find out his size and make sure that his shoulders are not to broad. If that's the case, induction will be discussed during that week and probably scheduled. For now, we are determining that he will be early if not right on time!

So much excitement and fun coming our way!

Changes in the Neighborhood

For all of you who keep up with me on Facebook, you already know that there have been some recent neighborhood changes. This post... Is for those who don't know and might have some tips to assist with our problems!

This last week we had two houses on the block fill up. One on the North side of our house, and one on the South side. The house on the North put up a chain-link fence up so that they may have their dogs in the back yard. Justin asked how many dogs they had, because they have met our Sadie several times. Come to find out... They have three. Two little ones and a medium size dog that love to bark at anything that moves. On top of Sadie's incessant barking, we have been getting very little sleep. Not to mention that she can't run around the backyard without being tethered because of her despise of other dogs. So... Bathroom breaks are now more complicated. As soon as we step out our back door, all three dogs come running up to the fence and start barking and barking. So... Sadie is a harness wearing, leash walked dog, in our own backyard.

The house on the South has two very large dogs. One keeps getting out of the house and he even broke through the screen of an open bedroom window. The other just stands there. He has a lot of weight to carry around, so I assume it is what keeps him from running up to Sadie on that side of the fence as well.

We have a dog-loving neighborhood that I'm sure the other neighbors, who don't have dogs, probably want all of us to get rid of them! To fix Sadie's barking problem, we talked to the vet and she recommended a Citronella Spray Bark Collar. We were able to find one at Tractor Supply here in town and we have it on order. It should get here within the week. As for the other dogs, the ones that love to run up and stress-out Sadie, I don't know what to do! We have lived here for so much longer and Sadie has claimed our backyard. But now I feel like we are prisoners in the house or on the leash because of how loud the neighbors dogs are when we go out back. I do know that Sadie is also feeling the stress because she has refused to eat during the day, and will only eat at night if I sit with her and feed each piece to her one-by-one. She is also so stressed when we go out back that she will take at least ten minutes to find a potty spot.

I guess we all have to get used to these changes!

35 Weeks and Counting

I am officially 5 weeks from my due date! And even though the baby has started descending, I still have not experienced any Braxton Hicks contractions, or heartburn.

Baby is kicking like crazy! Since the visit to the hospital last week for lack of movement, and the scary experience of possible difficulties, I am never going to complain about the movement again. However, since he is getting so much bigger, the kicks are much stronger. He has turned back down to head-down. The docs says he will most likely stay there for the next five weeks. At the appointment on Monday morning, the doctor let Justin find the heartbeat with the doppler! It was the highlight of his day. The heartbeat was in the upper 140's, so a healthy beat. Measurements two weeks ago were 35 cm, and on Monday I was at a 34 cm. At least 1 cm drop! I'm still pretty convinced that he might come early, even if it is just a week or a few days, I think it will happen. I am still in the low weight-gain category at a total of 12 lbs gained in the last 35 weeks.

I have been having dreams of perfect little fingers and toes making their way out of my belly causing a need for stitches! As in, not being delivered, but being strong enough to actually make it through my muscles and everything else. Morbid, I know. As far as cravings, it is still Fish-Fillet from McDonald's, and soft-serve ice cream.

We are working more and more on getting the house in order so that family can come and visit. We are also currently planning a trip in the early part of June to visit Utah with baby and to have him meet the whole family. However, due to the need of money and paid bills, it will be a quick trip, lasting only three days or so in Utah. Three days in Utah and four days traveling will make for one busy, exhausting week for our little family.

I just got the birth plan finalized and will be presenting it to the Doctors on Tuesday. I think I will be a pretty easy patient. There are a few things I am adamant about, and some that I am willing to budge. However, if anyone plans on visiting me at the hospital, yes... that means all family.... I may not be willing to let you in the room. I know that I will be exhausted and for the first few hours I will probably be pretty selfish with Baby and Justin.

Two weeks until full-term! I can't believe how time is flying! I just can't wait to hold our sweet baby boy in my arms and experience the joy of having such a pure, innocent, spirit in my presence.

Hospital Visit

I am now 34 weeks pregnant and I am really starting to grow! It is getting closer to the due date and I am getting more and more excited. Yesterday, Wednesday, I couldn't get me kick counts in. It is harder normally to get them because of my anterior placenta, however, yesterday I couldn't get them at all.

I had to make an emergency visit to Labor and Delivery. I was hooked up to the contraction monitor and the heartbeat monitor. It was awesome to hear his strong heartbeat for the whole hour I was there! Baby Furnell has switched from head-down to head-up, I hope he turns back down before I deliver him. They were able to find his heartbeat right under my rib cage. She was surprised at how far up he was. It took 40 whole minutes for him to start moving. The last 20 minutes we got the results we needed. He is still healthy and moving, but having him flipped upside down from normal is the reason I couldn't feel him. My blood pressure is still right where it should be, it is actually kind of low at 125/65.

Because I haven't noticed any Braxton Hicks contractions, they want me to really pay attention and to monitor what my belly is doing all day. They also have me watching for signs of preterm labor since there is significant pressure when walking and laying down in my pelvic region. I don't know yet if its because the baby has dropped, or if he is just getting so big.

But for the time being, we are both healthy and becoming more and more excited for the next few weeks.

As a side note, Justin and I get to be tour guides at the Kansas City Open House. I will be just barely into my ninth month of pregnancy when we go to do the tours, hopefully I can handle the whole six hours!

Keep in touch!

Tag!

My wonderful cousin Melanie tagged me in her post about a blog game called "Tag", so I decided to follow through and tell you a little about myself! If you read this and you want to do your own "Tag", follow the rules below.

Rules

1. Post these rules.
2. Post a photo of yourself and 11 random things.
3. Answer the questions set for you in the original post.
4. Create 11 new questions and tag 11 people to answer them.
5. Go to their blog/facebook/twitter and let them know you have tagged them.

11 Random Things

1. I was born and raised in Utah.
2. I am deathly afraid of tornadoes. So it is quite ironic that I choose to continue living in Tornado Alley, in Sedalia, Missouri!
3. I am currently 33 weeks pregnant with our first child.
4. I own two black animals. A dog, Sadie, and a cat, Suki.
5. I love to make things beautiful! In the Spring, I love to weed flower beds and cultivate the gardens so that the beauty on this Earth is more visible.
6. I love rainstorms! I love to hear the sound of the rain as it hits the ground and the roof. But... If the rain is accompanied with thunder and lighting, you will probably find me with a pillow over my head or sitting on the bathroom floor waiting for it to pass. 
7. I am a young bride (married at 19), and I will be a young mom.
8. I have a very sensitive nose... Not just because I'm pregnant, my husband will tell you that it was sensitive way before that!
9. I love sushi! I think that fish are meant to be eaten, and that they are fun to look at. However, they stink and cleaning their tanks is a chore that I save for last every month.
10. I have an Associates Degree in Accounting,  a Certificate in Accounting, and yet... I have no intention of ever returning to school to pursue Accounting!
11. I have very white skin that is covered almost 75% with freckles. The first time I met my nieces and nephew, the then two-year old, patted my arm and asked why my skin was so dirty! I love my freckles.

My Answers to Mel's Questions

• If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
• I would love to go to Scotland, or Ireland. I want to witness in person the green and lush beauty that we see in the pictures.
• If you didn't have to be a responsible adult and work and worry about money, what would you do with your time?
• I am very lucky to have a husband that understands my want to be a stay-at-home-mom. He works, I worry about the money and bills, and I get to stay home with our two furry children and patiently await our new baby. I wouldn't change a thing about how I am living now, except maybe that I want to hire little fairies to make sure the house stays clean.
• If you were a kitchen appliance, what would you be and why?
• Well, I think I would be a fridge. My normal body temperature is already lower than average by almost two degrees, and as a women, we harbor very precious things! Yes... I just referred to food as precious. 
• What do you crave most?
• I crave chocolate more than anything. I did before I was pregnant, now it is just ten times stronger and more expensive.
• What is the most daring/brave/adventurous thing you've ever done?
• The most daring thing I have ever done was to work in a factory filled with people of a different faith. These women were very strong in their own religions and had some crazy things to say about the LDS church. I hope I made a lasting impression regarding the goodness of being LDS before I left.
• What is one of your guilty pleasures?
• One of my guilty pleasures is sitting alone in a quiet house while awaiting the arrival of my husband. I love to be alone and often the only person I want to share my day with is my husband and my son (when he gets here.)
• Silver or Gold?
• Silver. Makes me look thinner!
• What is your favorite movie?
• Currently. my favorite movie is... I'll let you know when I can figure that out! We have seen so many great movies lately, and of course all the classics like 'Footloose' and 'Dirty Dancing' will always be in my top ten.
• If you could relive any year of your life, which one would it be and why?
• I would probably relive senior year. I was called to be Seminary Council President, and I also participated on the Performing Arts Dance Troupe. I would relive Senior year so that I could be the better example that my Heavenly Father wanted me to be. I had some rebellious moments and I was not very nice to my family that year (or any year.)
• Who is someone that inspires you?
• I am constantly inspired by the many women in the Relief Society for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am always trying to figure out how these women find the time to do all that they do and still have time for husbands and callings. It is so inspiring to me to watch them and learn from them.
• What is your favorite time of day (yes, I want the exact time) and why?
• My favorite time of day is probably 6:00 AM. It is the time that the alarm goes off and I get to try over and over to wake up my husband so that he will actually make it to work! I love getting to cuddle with him first thing in the morning, with Justin, everyday truly is a new day.

My Questions for You

1. Where is your dream place to live? Not just visit, but actually live.
2. What is your dream job/career? Many of you probably attend college or plan to, I want to know what your dreams are.
3. If you could have any pet in the world, what pet would you choose and why?
4. What color would you choose for your master bedroom?
5. If you could own any car in the world, what car would you choose and why?
6. What is your favorite food, and who makes it best?
7. What is your biggest weakness that you wish you could change and why?
8. What is your favorite season and why?
9. What is your biggest fear?
10. What is your favorite thing to do in your alone time?
11. If you could eat any dessert, from any country, what would that dessert be?

People I have tagged:

• Julia Dawn Cowell The Canny Canner
• Hannah Wetzel Me Oh My! Desserts!
• Joy Schroeder ...The Craziness of the Schroeder Family...
• Nikki Davison Learning to Breathe
• Caitlin Tappana It's Just Another Saturday
• Erika Smith Our Little Family

Personal Debate Disposable vs. Cloth Diapers

Lately, I have been doing a lot of research regarding cloth diapers. There are several friends out here that love cloth diapers and have a ton of positives to say about them. I guess the real debate going through my mind is whether or not I will throw up when cleaning the diapers, or will throwing them into a plastic bag and sticking them outside be the better option.

The initial start-up cost when choosing cloth diapers is significant. However, the cost will be averaged out over time when you stop buying diapers and you can reuse and abuse the ones you already have. Disposables cost for every pack you buy. There is a never-ending need for diapers when you have a child who isn't potty-trained.

So... I'm asking myself if it's better to go cloth or is my stomach contents remaining in my stomach better for all of us. You may say its the same as cleaning a dirty disposable diaper, but I tend to disagree. Cleaning a disposable diaper, once it's thrown away you never have to deal with them again. Cloth, you still have to throw in the washer.

Since there is significant evidence of cloth diapers aiding in the potty-training experience, we are considering using cloth diapers when our children turn two.

There is a blog that I have been following that has featured several interviews with cloth diaper designers and mom's who use cloth diapers exclusively. Here is the link: Me Oh My Desserts .

Has anyone who has used disposable diapers exclusively considered or regretted not changing to cloth?

Countdown Time!

If you have been following my blog for the past few months, you can tell that we are completely in love with our furry children! However, with a baby on the way and a house to prepare, we have to focus on the health of our household. About five days ago, Sadie started coughing and hacking. Yes... We have been through this before with her, but this time we didn't want to wait for it to get worse. We took her to the vet and determined that our sweet dog has allergies. She is now on a prescription until it runs out, then Benadryl will work its magic on her.

With one pet taken care of, it was Suki's turn. She has a flea allergy that was diagnosed almost 9 months ago. There is a difference between just flea bites that itch and a flea allergy! With her flea allergy, just one bite can have her continually scratching and trying to get to the fleas for up to six weeks, even after the flea dies. Suki is an inside cat that rarely sees the outdoors. We have been religiously putting Frontline Plus on her since her diagnosis, and it has recently stopped working. Her visit today included a new flea medicine, and a steroid shot to decrease the scratching.

Both pets have to have their food intake to half of what we've been feeding them. Poor girls will starve! Just kidding.

As far as the baby and I, he has left several sore spots on my belly where I swear he is trying to break out. I am almost 33 weeks and I measured 35 cms, but the doctor wasn't worried. He also told me to take precautions now because the history of high blood pressure in my family will lead to my own high blood pressure problems. He was impressed with my weight gain and said to keep up what I'm doing. The heartbeat was in the 150's this time and he is still head down and pretty easy to locate! My belly grows by the minute and I am strictly in maternity clothes. And  my wonderful husband is sure to remind me of how much I'm growing! He'll get the idea soon that it's not alright to tell me!

I have been very lucky this pregnancy. I have not had the blessing of experiencing morning sickness, heartburn, leg cramps, or pregnancy mask. I still haven't even experienced noticeable Braxton Hicks. However, my main pregnancy complaints revolve around the midnight oil baby seems to be burning, restless leg syndrome, and dry skin and hair. I will also permanently have "Pride Marks" from this and many other pregnancies. Overall, life is getting more exciting by the minute!

32 Weeks and Experiencing Sticker Shock!

As you can tell, I am now 32 weeks pregnant. Yes... only 8 weeks left! 9 if baby decides to linger a little longer in the safety of my belly. As many new moms figure out, preparing for a new baby is time-consuming and wallet-draining. I have currently been searching for nursing accessories and I almost had a heart attack when I saw that the size I need is at cheapest, $16.88, and that is for the simplest style! Not only that, but if we chose to have a clothed baby, we will need more clothing for him than we have!

Lucky for me, they are planning a baby shower for me in the beginning of April. We already have sleeping arrangements figured out, a dresser, swing, car seat, stroller, and newborn nighties. We have very few onsies and even fewer socks! If you are reading this, and have been invited to the baby shower, we have chosen not to give our child a pacifier. So... no gifts with pacifiers included! Babies have just as much a right to express their feelings as we do.

Sadie and Suki are doing very well with the new additions (baby stuff) around the house. At first, Sadie (our furry canine,) was very jealous when I would work on something baby related. She would find a way to sit on my projects, or take out the pins. Now she is getting along alright as long as she gets to run around the yard for a few minutes each day. Suki is the easiest cat to own. She does think she's a human, but she only cuddles when she wants something, or its been a long time since she got attention. In either case, she initiates. I am worried that when the baby is here she will get curious and try to share his bed. After doing much research on pets and new babies, I am currently coaching Justin in the importance of paying the attention to the pets first. Yes that means ignore baby until Sadie and Suki are satisfied.

The nursery is painted and awaiting touch-ups. The guest room is almost ready for guests! After the storage is  moved from both the nursery and guest room, we will be able to finish furnishing and the house will be fully ready for baby and family visitors. I don't know that it is ever possible to be fully ready for babies, but I guess we will find out how ready we can be!

As for me, I am doing wonderfully! My belly is growing at a very quick rate, weight gain is still minimal. Baby is moving around and getting stronger. I am getting clumsier (if that's even possible!) And no matter what I do, apparently my already mostly transparent skin is not immune to stretch marks, even with more than half a tub of cocoa butter gone they still seem to show up. Oh well, if he asks later in life, I can nicely inform him that they were caused by his incessant growing, kicking, and stretching!

Life is great for us! We're slowing finding ways to deal with one income and the many expenses coming up. On a good note, we were able to use our tax refund to pay off all our credit lines! Now we are only in debt for the house!

30 Weeks and Counting

Friday, February 24, was our latest appointment. Baby Furnell is pointed head down already. Our midwife said he will probably stay that way the rest of the pregnancy. His heartbeat, due to some cheesecake for breakfast, was 149 bpm! This appointment, he didn't kick the doppler off my belly! I am measuring at 30 cm, right on track. I feel like he has moved down a little, not so high in my lungs and rib cage as he was a few weeks ago.

We are registered to take another free class through the hospital. We have already taken the labor class. I would definitely recommend a labor class to any first time parents. There are things you will learn in a labor class that no amount of experienced family, friends, or siblings can tell you. The next class we are taking is called "Taking Care of Your Newborn". This class is designed to teach us Infant CPR, and many other newborn care needs.

As far as my health goes, I am experiencing a low immune system for the first time in my life! Anytime someone around me has a cold, I catch it. That means the hacking, and congestion in all its glory. An experience climbing the air traffic control center 12 flights of stairs led me to better understand what it means to be short of breath! Yes, baby is still constricting my diaphragm.

My back has only been hurting when I go for walks or hike around Walmart. I am trying to stay hydrated by drinking at least 3 liters of water a day. I feel great! Baby Furnell is moving around all the time and it is fun to see my belly bounce when his elbows, knees, feet or tiny fists make it to the surface. Suki will no longer lay on me, because even a hand that belongs to someone else is enough to make baby bounce around. On Sunday in Primary, while sitting with my class, one of my cute 4-5 year olds laid her head against my belly as a pillow. After about 5 minutes, she picked her head up and said, "stop doing that!" I couldn't help but laugh as a I explained to her that it was the baby moving and I couldn't help it. She thought it was the coolest thing after she figured it out.

I am very blessed to have wide-set hips that support the weight of the baby and my growing uterus. If it weren't for the gigantic bosoms, and protruding belly, I would forget I'm pregnant! (That's how good I feel!) So far, I have gained 7 lbs throughout the whole pregnancy. With less than 10 weeks left until my due date, I still have time to gain more! Hopefully its all baby!

So far, my biggest cravings have been anything chocolate, and Fish-Filet sandwiches with fries from McDonald's.

Justin is finally starting to understand the changes that I'm going through, and yes... He still comments on how big my belly is getting! (I think he means it with the most love possible.) The nursery is painted, now we just need to get it decorated! Even though baby will be in our room for the first several months of life, it's nice to have a room ready for him when he is old enough, and no longer relying on Mom for food. The empty guest room, is no longer empty! We are starting to finish all the painting so that the furniture and everything can be set up in a way that will help to house my family when they are here to visit our new little family.

I am so happy with where I am in my life! I am happy to be starting our family and the last year and 8 months have been the best, worst, hardest, most inspiring moments of my life! I am finding out how strong I am and how strong my relationship with my husband can be. I know that the growing only gets stronger as we grow as a family instead of just two.

Late Christmas Post and Update

As many of you know, Justin and I went to Utah for Christmas vacation. We visited with our Utah family, and rested. On about the third day of being in Utah, I got a migraine that lasted until a week after we got back. I attribute it to being pregnant in Missouri and then moving to a very high elevation. AKA, I think I had altitude sickness. Shortly after the migraine went away, I got hit with a nasty cold.

We had a doctor's appointment on the Friday after we got back. Baby is doing well, he is strong and happy! He is maintaining a heartbeat in the 130's and moves around like crazy. Because of my Anterior Placenta, there are days when I can tell that he is head down because I will feel a few kicks in my rib cage, but then I won't feel anything for hours.

Since the gender was questionable, we had a 3D Ultrasound that verified that He is definitely a boy! Several people think he will have my nose. Poor guy! I have finished my sewing projects in the nursery, but there is one wall that needs some paint touch-up.

Justin and I attended a labor class offered through the hospital. I think that we have learned a lot and I hope, that when the time comes for us to do the real thing, we will remember what we learned.

In other news, Sadie got her first haircut! we can now touch her back legs, and by her tail without any aggressive behavior toward us. However, because of her drastic new look, Suki was sure that we had brought home a different dog and she wouldn't even be in the same room as Sadie for almost four days. now they are back to being best friends! Another complication with Sadie getting a haircut, I am apparently allergic to either the soap or the deodorizer that they put on her before she came home. It resulted in another cold-like sickness. After vacuuming every surface, washing all of the sheets and blankets, and several brushings, it is safe to say that I am no longer having issues.

Christmas in Utah - Part One -

For Christmas 2011, after living in Utah since April, we decided it would be a good time and reason to go visit my family and Justin's Aunt & Uncle. We had our own little celebration with Dad and Mom Furnell before we left. It consisted of dinner at Colton's Steakhouse and gifts after. Dad and Mom Furnell also opted to watch our furry children while we were gone, so Sadie spent her first night at their house on December 23. We took Suki over early on Christmas Eve. 

Christmas Eve was a busy day! After dropping Suki off, we drove to Kansas City for the Furnell family Christmas Party. At about 1:30 PM, we left the party and scooted over to the Kansas City International Airport to catch our 3:00 PM flight to Denver. Upon Arriving, we learned that they had called our names fifteen minutes earlier to upgrade us to a non-stop flight from KCI to SLC. Oh well, we still made our flight and we made it to Denver safely. 

If any of you know me well, you know that I am afraid of planes. I was born on the ground and that is where I want to stay! Not knowing what the weather would be like, we decided to fly any way. The flight on Christmas Eve from KCI to Denver was quite turbulent. Dropping several feet in the air is not a fun feeling for me! 

We reached the Denver airport on time, and we discovered that our flight to Salt Lake was 75 gates from where we arrived. So after making the hike across the Denver airport, I was relieved to sit and wait for our flight. The flight from DEN to SLC was much quieter, smoother, and overall awesome! We even left DEN

10 minutes late and arrived in SLC 30 Minutes early. 

Christmas Eve was a record flying day, in my opinion, for children under five and lap dogs (chihuahuas, yorkies,and other small mixes.) We only waited ten minutes at the terminal pick-up for my mom, sister, and brother to arrive to pick us up. Dinner consisted of our traditional Pizza, Cottage Cheese, Eggnog, and Green Salad.

More excitement coming up!

OH YEAH! The ultrasound revealed a little BOY! We announced it to our parents, Dec 23, 24, and 25.