He will use you to accomplish great things

on the condition that you believe much more

in His love than in your own weakness.

~Mother Teresa

03/04/08: Well, it has been a long while since I have updated but here I am. I stopped working two weeks before my due date but got into a car accident a week before he was due (not my fault!) so the last week was filled with prayers. But our God is an awesome God and Jacob Carroll was born healthy and strong on December 1, 2007 without any trouble at all. He weighed 5 pounds 15 ounces, was 20 inches long and the nurse said his APGAR score was 9 or 10! Yeah! I checked into the hospital at 4:30 pm and had him out by 6:20 pm. I chose to have him naturally (when he was coming out, I seriously wanted to change my mind!). We went home exactly 24 hours after his birth. He has been such a blessing and I am enjoying staying home with him every day. I miss all of you gals who went through this with me and wish you all the bast! Please keep in touch if you can.

11/12/07: Week 37

Checkup last Friday- still dilated 2cm but now 70% effaced. Doc says it can be any day now but I still need to get some cleaning done before the big day (can we say nesting?!?) so I keep telling Jacob to take his time! Baby shower was this past Sunday and we got tons of diapers and clothes and stuff but still need a few things before I can say 'ok, come on!' I celebrated my birthday last Thursday- my amazing husband bought me a DVD camcorder! Yeah! It's what I have always wanted but I suspect he just bought it so he can record the baby's birth. I asked my daughter if she wanted to be in the room when Jacob is born and she excitedly said yes- but not to see anything 'down there'. Funny- I hadn't thought she would want to but I'm glad she wants to share in that. She has been such a big help to me... I think she is nearly as excited as I am- if that is possible! I have already bought his first Christmas outfit! I don't want to work anymore and will probably start taking off half days this week. My replacement is up to speed and doesn't seem to need me as much anymore. Finally I can go home and rest (i.e. clean!). Congrats to those of you who have already delivered and patience and prayers to those of you who are still counting down the moments till you can hold your tiny miracles!

11/6/07: Week 36

Wow- we're getting so close! Only four more weeks to go! I am at weekly checkups now. Last Friday I had the strep B test and had the doc check me while he was down there. I am dialated 2cm and am 40% effaced. He touched Jacob's head and he responded by moving away, which means he has good reflexes. I have gained four pounds in one week, but only 24 the entire pregnancy so I am hopeful that I can keep it under control. I am so ready for this little guy to be here, but trying to relish every single moment of this miracle. I am having stronger and more frequent contractions, but not regularly or strong enough to signal the beginning of real labor. I guess I need to pack my bags and get the carseat ready...

10/8/07: Week 32

Only 8 more weeks to go! Yeah! I have been having a lot more BH contractions, which means my body is getting ready for labor and delivery. Now to get my house and mind ready! I am starting the nesting process but am just so tired... I get frustrated and exhausted just thinking about it! Jacob has finally turned head down, where I hope he stays. He keeps his hands near his head and still tickles me wiggling his fingers- what a strange sensation! I love feeling him moving around iside me and will truly miss this when he is out. I am so in love with this baby boy more and more every day!!!

10/04/07: Week 31

Had the ultrasound today- It's still for sure a baby boy and he is weighing in at 3 pounds 13 ounces, which is right on track for this week. Yeah! He has fluid in his belly and bladder, which means everything is working fine and his little heartbeat is strong at 146 bpm. I feel a lot better than last week and have been eating everything in sight so I have made up any missing weight I had before! I have gained 20 pounds so far and am happy with that, but know I need to level off and slow down or this could get out of hand! Everything tastes so good now though!

09/28/07: Week 30

I have the flu this week and am feeling miserable! Had to come to work to start training my fill-in. I took off a half day on Tuesday and just went home and slept. Have not had much of an appetite and can't taste anything so I am only eating because I know the baby has to eat. OB Checkup on Friday- I am developing bronchitis from this flu, so have to take antibiotics for a few days. I have lost a pound since my last appointment two weeks ago, which isn't good since I haven't gained but about 12 pounds up to this point. I am supposed to be measuring around 31cm but am only at 28cm so doc ordered another ultrasound so I can see little man and how he is growing. I can't wait to see him, but worry that he is too small. He is strong and very active so I know he is ok, but think he needs to p[ut on some more weight... we'll see what the US says...

08/21/07: Week 25

Little man is growing day by day- life is still great! I am starting to get uncomfortable with the extra weight but managing to keep the pounds down! I felt a braxton-hicks contraction for the first time last night while trying to doze off to sleep. It was a strange sensation, and could have been a little scary, but I knew what it was since I have heard so many people talking about it and how common it is. He woke up after that and started moving around again. They say it feels like he is being hugged when the uterus contracts like that... I hope it comforts him more than it disturbs him... but how do they know anyway?

I ordered his new booties from ebay! They shipped Saturday so- any day now! I have already bought some stuff for him, but I'm waiting till after the baby shower to really go nuts. I am SO excited about this baby!!! It's crazy!!!

Dr Appt today... update- all is well. I am measuring at 24cm, which is right on for 25 weeks. I have only gained 14 pounds but the baby is very active so there's nothing to worry about. Yeah!

08/15/07: Week 24

My, how the time flies! Only 109 days to go!!! I have only gained 10 pounds yet I feel like it should be 20! My belly is finally starting to grow and the extra weight is getting uncomfortable. I am trying to exercise every day but I am so tired- I have to make myself though as I know it will make a huge difference in the labor and delivery. I am still very tired when I get home from work so I try to lay down for a little while every day. I don't feel guilty for needing rest... I'm growing a little person! My feet are growing, too (they were already size 9!!!) so I guess I get to go buy new shoes for walking. The nausea has finally stopped but it brought on the heartburn, which has been bad for the last few weeks and the headaches are only occasional now... other than that, this truly is the 'honeymoon' stage of pregnancy!

My daughter is about to start 10th grade and seems to grow more excited about our growing family every day. She has been helping me out around the house a lot more and talking about the things she will be able to do with him when he comes. She is starting at a new school since we have recently moved, but seems more excited than nervous about it. Her 16th birthday is coming up in September so we will have to have her a Sweet 16 party this year... that will be fun... wish we already had the pool in!!!

Chris and I grow even closer day by day... married life is awesome! He is so supportive and loving... I couldn't ask for a better mate! Thank God for all the blessings in our lives!!!

What are little boys, made of?
Frogs and snails,
And puppy dog tails,
That's what little boys, are made of.

08/07/07: Week 23

I can feel him kicking and rolling around so much more now. We can even see it from the outside! Yesterday it felt like he was running his fingers down the inside of my uterus, feeling around, tickling me... how funny! I have never felt that before! I just giggled out loud! I love being pregnant with my little boy! What an amazing gift!!!