Dear Baby Fox (18 Weeks)

Eighteen Weeks

Dear Baby Fox,

  Eighteen weeks. Oh my goodness, you're almost 6 inches long now!! I would say it's hard to believe, but judging by the size of my belly these days, I totally believe it! I'm  so proud of you and the progress you've made so far. Keep it up, little one!

  Christmas was extra special this year. Not only because you've been doing somersaults in your mama's belly, but because it was on Christmas day you threw your first punches and kicks!  What a strong little one you are! You moving around in me in that day really got me thinking more and more about that first Christmas. You see, God called a young girl named Mary to carry a baby boy she would name Jesus. He was going to be the Light of the World. Even though Mary probably felt pretty inadequate to be the mother of the Savior, God called her and gave her the grace to do it. 

  Granted, I'm not carrying the Son of God in my belly. But I can't help but to relate to Mary. See, Baby, I feel completely inadequate to be your mom. Not because I "don't know what I'm doing," but because it's so beyond humbling to be called by our loving Creator to be the parent of one of His children He loves so much. I can't believe God would choose ME! It's a complete honor and it's not something I take lightly. Your daddy and I will be looking to God every step of the way.

  Baby, in just a few short days we will (hopefully) find out if you're a boy or a girl. We are so excited to find out and to pick out a name for you. I personally am just excited to see you on our ultrasound. I will be able to see your little hands and feet and see your little nose and mouth. What a gift you are, sweet Baby Fox! I love you! 

Love, Mama 

How far along?: 18 weeks

Baby is the size of a:  Sweet potato

The Bump: Growing daily and becoming more and more itchy...can't have enough lotion these days!!

Symptoms: I haven't thrown up in 8 days! It's a Christmas miracle!! Blood sugar is still dropping causing nauseousness, but overall getting better!!

Food Cravings: Peppermint icecream

Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: Just the dog food still

Sleep: Sleeping better, finally, thanks to my body pillow!

What I miss: I want to go tanning :(

Weddings Rings On or Off: On

Any Names Picked Out Yet: There's finally a few on the table, but still no idea!

Gender Prediction: I would love a boy, but I still have this feeling God will bless us with a girl! We'll see soon!

Movement: Finally kicking...still not consistently but a little bit every other day or so

Maternity Clothes: These past two weeks I really grew in to some of my maternity shirts! Crazy how fast that happens!

Labor Signs: None.

Best Moment of the Week: Feeling three kicks on Christmas day

What I’m excited about/looking forward to: Finding out what sweet baby Fox is!!

What your Nightstand says about You

In the last couple of weeks I've gotten a good laugh or two out of something I've never laughed at before: my nightstand. Hang in there, you'll see why. The last couple of years, my nightstand has consisted of a lamp, alarm, a picture, and maybe some Chapstick or a good book. Being pregnant changes EVERYTHING, including the furniture surrounding your bed. Here's what my nightstand looks like now: 

That's right. Plenty of water, lotion, Chapstick, Progrestrone, Zofran, Tylenol, Colace, Gas-X, Prenatals, and a magazine. Plus, thanks to this never ending cold, there are now another two prescriptions added to the mix. I'm one sad woman :)

Dear Baby Fox (16 weeks)

Sixteen Weeks

Dear Baby Fox,
  We've reached sweet sixteen! You're growing up so fast already! Your little arms and legs have started kicking and squirming and I finally got to feel you move. I felt you right after the worship set at church...Now that I know you can hear, I have to wonder if you love music like your mama and you were just upset that the songs were over. I totally feel ya.
  Speaking of which, I hope you're ready to hear me sing. A lot. In the shower, while I'm getting ready, and ALWAYS in the car. You'll hear a variety of songs, too. The Band Perry, JJ Heller, Phil Wickham, Christmas Carols, and of course the little ditty's I make up as I talk to Sophie. I'll make up songs for you some day too. You're sure to love them!
  I'm being continually reminded how blessed we are to have you in our lives. Baby, I do not take you for granted. I want you to know we consider you a gift and we humbly accept all that God graciously offers us. So somewhere in the midst of all the headaches and throwing up and tears and exhaustion, I thank God for the opportunity to feel so yucky, because I know so many would love to feel this way with the promise of a baby. 
  Christmas is fast approaching and soon after we get to find out if you are a baby boy or baby girl! We're so anxious, but I'm even more excited for next Christmas, when we get to see you discover the Christmas lights and wrapping paper! You are a joy, sweet baby. Happy kicking!

Love, Mama

How far along?: 16 weeks

Baby is the size of a:  almost 5 inches long! Oh my!

The Bump: Getting round! Hard to believe I'm going to grow so much more!

Symptoms: Feeling like a human being again! About three times a week I still get nauseous and I'm still exhausted. But I can cook and walk around Target without feeling like I just might die, so that's a plus!

Food Cravings: No real cravings, but Lifesaver hard candies have gotten me through a lot! There's also a chance they've given me a cavity, but I'll choose my battles!

Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: Dog food, smell of our trash can

Sleep: It goes in spurts. Once I'm sleeping, I'm usually ok, but falling asleep on my side is difficult! 

What I miss: I want a sip of Woodchuck.

Weddings Rings On or Off: On

Any Names Picked Out Yet: Waiting to find out what we're having before we talk about it much more...no need to fight over a name if we won't even have an opportunity to use it!

Gender Prediction: I'm still leaning towards Girl, but the idea of a Boy is much more present in my mind! 

Movement: Felt a few questionable flutters last week, then yesterday I most certainly felt that baby kick! I cried :)

Maternity Clothes: Just pants. Maternity shirts are still a little too big for me, but a lot of my shirts are already becoming too short

Labor Signs: None.

Best Moment of the Week: Hearing the heart beat again and feeling the first real movements!

What I’m excited about/looking forward to: For baby to kick strong enough that Brett can feel!!

As Long as it's Healthy...

  The days are dwindling down and our time to discover the gender of Baby Fox is coming soon. We are so eager and anxious to find out! In the beginning, I swore it was a boy. Then I was convinced it was a girl. Now I'm completely confused and pretty sure I'll be surprised either way! Some people have their guesses, whether it be by how I'm "carrying" (which still makes me laugh...can you tell how I'm carrying so early in the pregnancy?), or by what our siblings have had, and so on. It's fun to hear the thoughts of all of those that will be so involved in this little one's life.

  Of course people ask me if I have a preference. With this being my first baby, they usually then nod their head in understanding and say, "You probably don't care since this is your first!" And they're right. Bring me blue and dirt and Tonka trucks, and I'll be a happy lady. Bring me hair bows and leggings and ruffles, and I'll be a proud mama. I pray this attitude won't waver in the years to come with baby number two, three, maybe even four and five if I can talk Papa Fox into it :) Not that anything is wrong with wanting "one of each," but in the last couple of years I've learned more and more about how fragile each little life is and how the important thing is not the sex of the child, but the heart and life of the child.

  Usually after we discuss this, I hear the popular phrase, "Well as long as the baby is healthy!" Don't get me wrong, I know what this means, I get their point. But...is it wrong that I've come to hate this sentence?? Of course I pray God would bless us with a healthy baby. I will be looking for all ten fingers and all ten toes and, oh how I LONG to hear that first cry! I get it. But I wrestle with the fact that unhealthy babies are born every day. And you know what? Their lives matter too. I have been blessed to know babies born with cerebral palsy, downs syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, spina bifida, a hole in their heart, club foot, etc. Their lives serve such a beautiful purpose and it's an honor to watch them grow and thrive and love life.

  Sadly enough, I even know babies that never got to go home with their parents because they were unhealthy. It brings tears to my eyes to recall how painful, confusing...just devastating the news was. Unfair? Yes. But they mattered and they left a big impression on my heart. Obviously I do not want to have to go through this. No one in their right mind would sign up for a child they have to give up so soon. However, if that was God's plan for this little one's life, I would STILL, with arms high and heart abandoned, gladly receive this sweet gift and trust that God's grace is in plenty!

  The point of this rambling is to say that yes, I will continue to pray for a healthy baby. But no, I will not be using that phrase "as long as it's healthy" because that's just not how I feel. Whether this baby comes out perfectly healthy or with needs requiring special attention, this baby is ours and our hearts will overflow with love and pride.

Our New Home

So it's been three or four weeks since we moved, and I feel like it's FINALLY starting to feel like home around here. Of course we have a long way to go, arranging things to figure out the best way to make this house home. I seriously cannot wait to be able to paint (probably not until next summer...so sad, I know!), but luckily the colors the previous owners chose aren't too bad. The colors are just a little boring for my taste.  However, overall, this place is coming along! Here are just a few teaser pics to give you a better idea of where us Foxes reside!! As more and more rooms get done, I'll be adding more pictures! Until then, this will have to suffice :)

View of Kitchen from Dining Room...like the sleepy puppy?

View of Kitchen from Living Room

Other side of Kitchen

View of Backyard from Kitchen sink...I love this space!

Dining Room...No those curtains are not mine...Yes they will be the first to go!

Main Living Room off of Kitchen

Front Family Room...this will be pretty empty for a while!

Other view of Family Room

And of course no home is complete without some Friends Christmas decor!!

Dear Baby Fox (13 weeks)

Thirteen(ish) Weeks

Dear Baby Fox,

  Happy Thanksgiving my sweet Georgia peach! You made me one very happy lady when you allowed me to eat all of my Thanksgiving food without getting sick. How did you know I needed that? I'm loving you more and more all the time!  :)

  My list of things I'm thankful for have changed so much over the years, but especially in the last couple of weeks. I'm thankful for your beating heart and squirmy body, for your fingers and toes and even your ability to poo and pee now. It warms my heart knowing you're able to suck your thumb and respond to touch.  You have already made the world a much happier place, and you're not even out to enjoy it yet.

  I'm finally starting to have more good days than bad. The first weeks were rough, sweet baby, but I hear babies like you are worth it all. Please keep growing big and strong, and feel free to really bounce around in there. I'm so looking forward to the first time I get to feel you wiggle your sweet little body. Disclaimer: I'll probably cry, but keep moving...those are happy tears. 

  This was a very precious holiday to your dad and me. We talked, though, about how next year's Thanksgiving weekend will be way better since you will be there to enjoy it with us. Oh, so much to look forward to. There's a lot we can't wait to teach you and show you. From rolling over to your first steps, to riding bikes and the importance of forgiveness, we're anxious to be by your side through it all.  It's our hope and prayer that, in everything we do and say, your sweet heart would soften to the love of Jesus and that one day, He would become your Savior and King. That's the only thing that matters.

All my heart, Mama

• How far along?: 13 weeks 6 days
• Baby is the size of a: Peach
• The Bump: Those who know me can tell
• Symptoms: Having more good days than bad, for the most part. Still having pukey nights but my days are 2 or 3 good days for every bad day. Super dry skin, especially on my arms and legs. The only perk is that my makeup doesn't smear throughout the day like it used to.
• Food Cravings: Mashed Potatoes
• Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: Sophie's dog food still...the "new" smell of our new refrigerator has been surprisingly bothersome. 
• Sleep: Better! Peeing less at night and able to fall asleep faster. According to Brett, I am sleeping through every loud noise these days...but he could be lying ;)
• What I miss: I want to go to a tanning bed.
• Weddings Rings On or Off: On
• Any Names Picked Out Yet: Yet another miracle: we are almost officially decided on a girls name! Who would have thought the two of us would ever agree on this topic?!? Boy names, however, are a whole different story...NOT seeing eye to eye. 
• Gender Prediction: I still think it's a girl, but I've been having dreams these last few weeks that it's a boy.
• Movement: Not officially. I am starting to lay still in bed every night and pay attention to every noise or bubble I feel...I don't want to miss these precious firsts!
• Maternity Clothes: Finally. Why do women fight maternity jeans?! They are so beyond comfortable. And cute. Thankful for friends who have lended me their mama clothes to help get me through! I think I'll be set for a while.
• Labor Signs: None.
• Best Moment of the Week: Eating two Thanksgiving meals and keeping all of the food down!
  
• What I’m excited about/looking forward to: Feeling this baby dance!

Dear Baby Fox (11 Weeks)

(I assure you I WILL write about more than being pregnant...I'm working on a few posts that require pictures and seeing as my camera has been acting funny, the posts are delayed...so here's an old belly pic and letter to suffice until then.)

Eleven Weeks

Sweet Baby Fox,

   You keep me on my toes. I'm suddenly aware of every thing that effects your future, like me taking care of myself during this pregnancy, voting for a President that will make choices that will allow you to live in a mighty, free country. Suddenly the cool wooden steps leading in and out of our new living room no longer say "house with character" but "your baby is going to bump his/her head here" and I think those steps are now ridiculous and uncalled for. See, Baby, I made a promise to God the day I discovered you exist that I would do everything in my power to protect you and point you to Jesus. I'm just keeping my word!

   You've been a little ornery, by the way. We tried to hear your heartbeat not once, but twice, and both times you were shy and we couldn't hear. Your doctor assured your parents that this wasn't completely uncommon since you were still so tiny, but you almost gave me a heart attack. I cried and cried and begged God to continue to protect you. I just wanted the chance to feel you move and meet you for the first time and watch you grow. 

   I was convinced you were a baby boy until we finally were able to see you on an ultrasound. What a happy day. But now I think there's a little baby girl growing in my belly. Be whatever you want, we'll love you to pieces regardless! Anyway, you weren't moving like a wild man but you were wiggling your little arms and legs. Enough that it was difficult for us to catch your heart rate. We finally did though...181. And a few weeks later I got to hear your heart beat again. What a sweet, sweet sound. I was so proud of you!

   My belly has started to grow. Never have I ever been so happy not to fit into anything but sweatpants. It's so exciting watching you slowly pop out and say hello to the world. It's a beautiful but broken place. I'm confident you can make a difference here. See, people here are hurting and struggling. My prayer is that you would choose Jesus, above all else this world has to offer you, and that you would love others and have compassion on them. I pray that your Dad and I would set a good example, so that you would see a lifestyle of serving God and serving others. That's why we are all here, anyway.

  I beg you to keep growing big and strong so that your Daddy and I would get to meet you and get to know you for many, many years to come. I love you!

Love, Mama

• How far along?: 11 weeks
• Baby is the size of a: Lime
• The Bump: Teeny tiny but it counts.
• Symptoms: Throwing up all day, every day. Thankful for Zofran but it only gets me so far.
• Food Cravings: Comfort food.
• Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: To add to the previous list, scented laundry detergent, my kitchen, smell of my prenatals...
• Sleep: Taking 2 3 hour naps a day on the weekends along with the usual 9 hours a night
• What I miss: my jeans...I just bought them a few weeks ago and bam! got pregnant. they're already difficult to button
• Weddings Rings On or Off: On
• Any Names Picked Out Yet: We're still fighting that one out.
• Gender Prediction: Now that I've seen the ultrasound, I think Baby Fox is a girl!
• Movement: Notta
• Maternity Clothes:  Not officially...just lots of leggings and yoga pants
• Labor Signs: None.
• Best Moment of the Week: Officially announcing our pregnancy to the world...now it actually seems real.
  
• What I’m excited about/looking forward to: Looking like I have a cute bump instead of looking like I swallowed a 6 inch sub...and I'm realizing that feeling the baby move is not that far out of reach anymore! horray!