21 Weeks

I need to update everybody on our exciting week, but I really need to do a pregnancy update first. 

Size of Baby Haywood:  about the size of a large banana.  He's about 10 1\2 inches long and almost 1 lbs.  (I think he's going to be big).

Gender:  It's a BOY!  Jackson Landon Haywood

Total Weight Gain:  About 10-12 lbs.

Maternity Clothes:  I broke down and bought a few shirts a couple of weeks ago, and I'm also all about the stretchy pants and full panel jeans.  I'm also having to pull down my PJs at night and that has caused some seriously laughter.  Oh well - it's comfortable.

Movement:  I've been feeling some movement the past couple of weeks, but no definitive kicks until Friday.  I was telling Brent it's like a thump from the inside.  So cool! 

What I miss:  Getting to sleep comfortably.  I toss from side to side before finally getting comfortable.  I can still sleep on my stomach some, but I know the day is coming where I won't be able to do that. 

Cravings:  I haven't had any cravings lately. 

Symptoms:  I've noticed that my fingers and toes have been swollen just a little.  I've also had heartburn frequently, and I have to pee all the time.  Luckily, I have not had a problem with my blood pressure since the first of January, so that is good.  I'm also having trouble catching my breath at times - depends on the situation - but I also know this will get worse as well.

Best moment of the week:  Feeling Jackson kick!

We've got some serious work to do in the next few weeks to get the nursery ready.  We have the crib and changing table here, we just have to put it together first.  I've got bedding picked out, but we need to get it made and ordered, and we're also going to be doing a closet system in his room.  (Tonight's project!).  He's already got a few things hanging in his closet, and I'm so excited!  Gamma (Brent's mom) sent us a bunch of clothes that she bought and I can't wait to open the box!

My Heart is in Honduras

What a crazy 24 hours it has been!  The weather almost threw a kink in my plans for Friday, but thankfully it was not as bad as it could have been.  I woke up yesterday morning early to make it to work in time to set up for a work event.  After looking at the weather, I realized that winter weather was once again heading our way.  I was not so upset about the work event, as I was about possibly missing my Friday night plans.

That afternoon the Honduras team was scheduled to drive to Little Rock to spend the night, and leave for the yearly mission trip today.  The first of many prayers were answered in that they were able to make it with no problems and the roads stayed slushy for most of the day.  Brent stayed home on Friday because of the uncertainty of the weather, so I was in the Civic.  

I left work at 2 and headed to the airport to see everybody while they checked their bags.  They were supposed to go to Whole Hog for dinner, and I wasn't sure if the weather was going to hold out long enough for me to stay.  Luckily, it seemed to quit snowing for a while, so I decided to stay around and go to dinner with them.

Sarah and Josh got there in time for dinner (with my niece dog Lila who is so very cute), and we got to have a little bit of family time as well.  Josh was going back to Benton after dinner, and Sarah was staying with mom and dad in their room at the hotel.  Well, when we got ready to go, I realized that the fine mist of snow/freezing rain/sleet had made the roads very slick.  I thought I could have probably made it, but everyone suggested that I spend the night, so that's what I did.  For the first time in a very long time, we had a family bunking party.  I had the hide-a-bed, and mom, dad, and Sarah had the two double beds.  I was very uncomfortable, but I wouldn't trade that time with my family for anything in the world.

I got up at 3:30 a.m. while they were getting ready, and saw the team off at 4:30, and then I went back to sleep for a few more hours before heading home. When I woke up, I learned that their flight was delayed 2 hours, and they barely made their connecting flight in Houston.

Right now, they're over the Gulf of Mexico heading south to do what God has called them to do. I obviously couldn't go this year, but I have to say that I will be with them in prayer and spirit all week.  Many prayers have been answered in the past 24 hours, and I continue to ask for prayers for the upcoming week.  Satan tries to destroy what God has planned, but He will prevail.

Anything Like Me

I've been hearing this song a lot on the radio lately, and it's very fitting for how I feel about having a boy. 

Anything like Me, by Brad Paisley

I remember saying I don't care either way
Just as long as he or she is healthy I'm ok
Then the doctor pointed to the corner of the screen
And said "You see that thing right there well you know what that means"


And I started wondering who he was going to be
And I thought heaven help us if he's anything like me
He'll probably climb a tree too tall and ride hes bike to fast
End up every summer wearing something in a cast
He's gonna throw a ball and break some glass in a window down the street
He's gonna get in trouble oh he's gonna get in fights
I'm gonna lose my temper and some sleep
It's safe to say that I'm gonna get my payback if he's anything like me

I can see him right now knees all skinned up
With a magnifying glass trying to melt a Tonka truck
Won't he be a sight with his football helmet on
That'll be his first love til his first love comes along
He'll get his heart broke by the time he's in his teens
And heaven help him if he's anything like me


He'll probably stay out too late and drive his car too fast
Get a speeding ticket he'll pay for mowing grass
He's gonna get caught skipping class and be grounded for a week
He's gonna get in trouble we're gonna get in fights
I'm gonna lose my temper and some sleep
It's safe to say that I'm gonna get my payback if he's anything like me

He's gonna love me and hate me along the way
Years are gonna fly by I already dread the day
He's gonna hug his momma, he's gonna shake my hand
He's gonna act like he cant wait to leave
But as he drives out he'll cry his eyes out
If he's anything like me there's worse folks to be like
Aw he'll be alright if he's anything like me

It's A....

BOY!

I truly cannot believe it because I had myself convinced that it was a girl.  No particular reason why I thought that - I just did.  So when the ultrasound lady said "Oh there it is", I was so excited.  Brent really wanted a boy, so I am thrilled that he got his prayers answered.  Of course we would have loved a little girl too, but we are over the moon about a boy.  The best news was that he was measuring where he needs to be and was kicking and flopping around.  I think Brent was truly amazed at the ultrasound picture showing him moving his legs and arms, because the last time we had a ultrasound he was a peanut.

So to answer the other big question.  What's his name?  Jackson Landon Haywood will be his name. Landon is Brent's middle name, and it was important to me for us to name him after his father. 

I went to work after our appointment, but I'll be honest.  I didn't do much work.  We had to tell everybody, and it took a little while for the news to sink in. Growing up it was just me and my sister, so I'm not sure what to do with a little boy.  I guess we're going to find out.  I see sports, dirt, and big messes in our future though.  Oh and my dad is already excited about having a hunting buddy!

The other fun thing that I wanted to mention is that everybody who is pregnant right now (with the exception of my dear friend Terri) is having boys.  Brent's childhood friend Jeremy and his wife Sarah are having a little boy about 6 weeks before Jackson will arrive, and I can't wait to see these two together.  I'm a little scared at what they will teach them, but at the same time, it will be so much fun!

I took this with my phone today and propped it up on my keyboard.  We think he's going to be long! 

Jackson, 


I know without a doubt that God gave you to us for a reason.  Keep growing and kicking!  In church last week, I found a verse to claim for you.  


"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."  Ephesians 2:10. 


We love you very much and can't wait for you to make an appearance in June. 


Love, 
Mommy and Daddy

17 Weeks

How Far Along: 17 Weeks (1/17/11)

Size of baby: Baby Haywood is the size of a a turnip - 5 inches long, and about 5 ounces

Total Weight Gain/Loss: December was a hard month.  I was extremely busy for the first part, and then really sick during the last 2 weeks of the month.  All of that to say, I did not exercise one bit, and ate whatever I wanted.  The result:  6 pounds up.  Hopefully I can get well, get back on the treadmill, and cut the salt. 

Maternity Clothes: I have broken out the maternity pants, but I'm not sure if I'm a fan.  I'm going to need some more shirts soon, but I'm going to try to see if I can make it with what I have for a little while longer.

Gender: Everybody (including myself) thinks it's a girl.  So that probably means it'll be a boy, right?

Movement: Haven't felt anything definitive yet, but a few flutters. 

Sleep: I'm sleeping much better these days, and only getting up once to go to the bathroom.

What I miss: I can't think of anything that I'm truly missing right now.

Cravings: Still haven't had any strange cravings.  I have been waking up in the middle of the night really hungry, and that is so strange to me. I'll typically drink a small glass of apple juice and eat a few handfuls of dry cereal or have a cereal bar then go back to bed.

Symptoms: Now that I've beaten round 2 of cold/sinus infection, I'm feeling so much better.  I finally had to call the doctor because my chest was hurting when I coughed, and they called me in a Z pack.  Yes, I am limited in some things that I can take, but the list is bigger than people thing.  And if the doctor approves and prescribes it, I'm going to take it and not worry.  That's just me though.

I really haven't had any nausea or hissy fits lately.  But I have had some nesting going on.  We've cleaned out closets and are starting to get the room ready.  I ordered the crib yesterday, and in two weeks we should know the gender!!!

Time really is flying by!

P.S. I thought I would share this funny picture of myself.  I'm starting to show, but not quite this much.  I had on a heavy coat, sweatshirt, and long-sleeve t-shirt. I might start doing for-real pictures soon. 

Winter Blast 2011

Last week, all we heard about on the news was "Winter Precipitation is possible this weekend."  Now typically, they predict these big storms, everybody freaks out and buys all the milk, and then nothing happens.  But after checking several sources, I was convinced that it was definitely coming.  We went to church on Sunday (it was good to be back with everybody), and afterwards, we ran a few errands before barricading up at home.  About every 30 minutes, I would stare out the window to see if anything was falling, but I finally realized that a watched sky never precipitates, so I laid down for a nap.  Sure enough - about 3 pm., it started snowing and sticking. 

But then it started blowing side-ways, and that's when we were shocked to see that it was actually accumulating in the lanai/veranda.  I never thought about it coming through the screens, but it sure did.  

Santa brought Brent a brand new grill, and he had waited long enough to use it.  So what better day to grill than when it's 20 degrees and snowing! 

On Sunday, my nose started running, and wouldn't stop.  This was the most that I got out in the snow, which was probably more than I should have.  I ended up having another cold\sinus infection and felt miserable on Monday and Tuesday.  I'm still coughing and sound horrible, but luckily my OB felt sorry for me and called me in some antibiotics.  I think I'm on the road to recovery and just really pray that I don't get another one.  I'm ready to feel that wonderful energy feeling of the 2nd trimester!

My nose was as red as my scarf.

As my dad would say, "You so pretty, pretty, pretty."  LOL.  I really know how tacky I looked and wanted to make fun of it.  I wasn't about to take off my PJs and put on regular clothes.

This is what we woke up to the next morning.  At least 3-4 inches of powdery snow.  I really wish that I wasn't sick, because this was the perfect snow to build a snowman.  Oh well - maybe next year. I think almost every school in the state was out on Monday, and Brent and I enjoyed a cozy day at home.  It's also been really cold the rest of the week, so while it's melted off the streets, there's still a lot of snow on the ground.  It's a really strange site honestly, but very pretty in places. 

Our garden lights looked like snow cones. Literally!

Our garden lights

First snow for the Lanai



A Recap: Christmas 2010

OK OK.  I realize that it's January 12th and I'm just now posting pictures from Christmas.  The week of Christmas and the week after I had a horrible sinus infection/cold, as well as company at my house, so there hasn't been much time to recap all of the fun.  So here's what we did.  

On Thursday before Christmas, Brent and I went to McGehee for a few days to see my family.  Unfortunately, my mom's mom (Nannie) was in Springfield with my aunt when she learned that she has Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  My parents went up for a few days while she was in the hospital, but came back on Thursday.  I was sad I didn't get to see Nannie during the holidays, and we've been concerned about her prognosis, but we all know the Great Physician is in control.  

On Friday afternoon, we went to Ma's for the traditional Wells Bayou Christmas Eve dinner which included the famous "Cheese Mold", the only thing I really cared about eating that night.  It has been my only craving, and it did not disappoint.  We also had brisket, shrimp, and good desserts.  

Aunt Snooks read the Christmas Story from Luke this year. 

And now it's time for presents!  Now that there are two little ones there, its a lot more wrapping paper and toys!  Can't wait until mine gets thrown in the mix. 

My cousin Molly's little girl Jordyn.  She is such a good baby! 

Ma and Jordyn.  

Four generations:  Ma, Uncle Sluggo, Molly, Cade and Jordyn

Oh what a mess these all are!   You've never heard so much laughing and giggling out of grown folks. 

Cousins

Christmas day we came back to Cabot for Brent's family Christmas dinner.  Many of his mom's side of the family still lives in town, and we all get together at cousin Bobby and Priscilla's house for holidays.  So in case you didn't know, for about 80 years, his family does a thing every year called Fireball.  I didn't believe it until I saw it with my own eyes, but it's true.  They throw a ball of fire at each other and call it fun.  And honestly, it is fun.  I've only done it one year, but that year was fun.  The past few years, I've been too sick to stay out in the cold for long, so I get to be the photographer.  Brent always says "Ah, the smell of Christmas...kerosene."  The tradition started when his grandmother was a girl.  They didn't have any money for fireworks, so her mother sewed together a ball from an old sweater.  They soaked it in kerosene and the tradition was born.  It really doesn't burn your hand unless you hold it too long, but it will burn the hair off your hands.  Here's Brent holding the Fireball this year. 

The day after Christmas, the Arizona travelers arrived for their week-long visit.  Brent's mom, sister, and our 3-year-old niece Caitlin stayed with us to celebrate Christmas.  We had lots of fun and did lots of eating.  The last time they were here was in April, and I was surprised at how much Caitlin has grown.  She is very smart, but my goodness.  I am not looking forward to age 3.  She's strong willed, and we had a few discussions about who the boss was.  (HINT:  it wasn't her). LOL. 

Last year, we made a gingerbread house and had so much fun, so we did it again this year.  On this day, we stayed in our PJs (it was raining) and watched Dora the Splora.  I was smart and bought the pre-built gingerbread house, so I didn't have to piece walls together.  The icing was also pre-made so there was hardly any mess. 

She did a great job decorating her house!  

The next night, we decided to have our "Christmas" and open presents after dinner.  She was so excited and wanted to open all of hers at once.  

Here she is holding her bow holder that I made for her.  

By mid-week, she was getting a little stir-crazy, so we visited the Fun Factory in Cabot.  It's this big building full of inflatables.  At first, she wasn't so sure about it, but after talking her through the first slide, she was hooked.  She went down every one of them at least twice, and cried when it was time to go.  We went back on New Year's Day and there was hardly anybody in there.  Next time they come back, we'll definitely go back. 

I wanted to get a picture of her and her pretty pink shoes, and this series of photos followed.  She is really funny and her facial expressions prove it. 

So that's pretty much our Christmas this year.  It was a good holiday, despite the illnesses.  We really cannot believe that in less than six short months, our precious little one will be here with us.  In approximately 3 weeks, we should learn if it's a boy or a girl.  Stay tuned for a Pregnancy Highlights update soon.