It's a.....

Close up of his face.


Looking at his mom and dad!

Little boy parts!

Pretty "alien-esque" but he'll get some fat on him soon!

...BOY! So, the Jones' family will be adding a little boy to the mix in May! He's healthy and measuring as he should be. He's a tiny little guy, and he is very laid back - much like his dad. I've been feeling him moving around for about a week now, just didn't know that was what I was indeed feeling. The movements come and go, but they're definitely scheduled. He's most active at 9:30am, 3:30-4:30 pm, and then anywhere between 8 - 9:30 pm. I'm assuming that's when he's most active...that's when I feel the "flutters". I know they'll get stronger soon though. The ultrasound was probably the coolest experience I've ever had. It was so neat to see him moving around there - well, as much as he could...he looked cramped! :) He looks like he might have my facial structure - a round face. But that can all change quickly. However, I hope he looks like Jeremy - he'll be so handsome if he does! Well, below are Mr. Ayden Brooks Jones' first pictures. He'll be here before we know it!

Growing, growing....

So, over the past week, I've definitely noticed a change....in my shape, that is. For the longest time, I wasn't showing at all. 4 months and I'm finally starting to pooch out a little. I can't wait until it turns into the full "bump" because for now, it just looks like I've been eating too much!

We were able to change our ultrasound appointment since Jeremy has trouble getting off work for the appointments. We go on Wednesday, the 26th to do the ultrasound and, hopefully, find out if little one is a boy or a girl! :) We already have names ready to go, and we're sharing in case anyone cares to know them. If it's a boy, he will be named Ayden Brooks Jones. If it's a girl, she will most likely be named Olivia Kate Jones. It was going to be Katherine Ann-Marie Jones, but since we decided we would called her Kate, we didn't see the need in giving her such a long name if she wouldn't be using it. Our parents have no idea we've changed the ultrasound date, so they will be getting great Thanksgiving news if the baby cooperates!! :) Yay!! So that means - if you know our parents, keep it to yourself!!!

I went shopping tonight after work, and let me tell you - that was a depressing trip. I barely fit into my pants right now, so I don't know what I planned to achieve by trying on all of these clothes. Anyway, I have a wedding to go to this Saturday, and I realized that I didn't have a dress for a winter/autumn wedding. So, I set out to the mall. It wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. I knew I needed a dress that I could grow with, but not one that was going to be so big that I could never wear it again. So, after trying on everything JC Penney had....and searching through Belk's non-existent dress collection....and then walking around NY and Company with a scowl on my face....and I ended up at JC Penney telling myself I was not leaving without a dress. I'm not a fun shopper. I like to go in, pick something out (I MIGHT try it on), pay for it and leave. So, being at the mall for an hour and a half and only succeeding and realizing why I hate shopping to begin with, I was not a happy camper. Luckily, I came across a black, empire waist, dress. I tried it on....the size was good..room to grow....and it even made me look like I had a little baby bump. So, I got the dress and bought some hose. But now, I have to find shoes and a sweater...gggrrrrr. I'm not good at accessorizing or knowing what looks good with what, so the outcome of this outfit will be interesting.

Anyway, now that I've bored you to death....I guess that's it. Our cat has been sickly lately. Not sure what's wrong with him. I believe God can help animals feel better, and I prayed for him last night. This morning, he was much better, but still weak and sleepy acting. He did eat this morning, which was good. He didn't eat at all yesterday. He usually greets me at the door and runs to the back door to try to squeeze out when I let Tucker out. Yesterday, he just sat on his stool and looked at me like, "uuuuhhhh.....soooo sick." Poor guy. At least he's better. :)

Ok, now, I promise I'm done. Sorry this wasn't so interesting. My life isn't all that exciting these days. Just work...go home...eat...and sleep...then repeat.

God bless.

Childcare, Insurance, and Maternity Clothes...oh my.

Lately, friends have been telling me that I NEED to get on waiting lists for childcare....that being on one at least a year in advance is ideal. Umm...I didn't even know I was pregnant at the "one year before" mark. Anyway, that's been stressing me out because I don't know where to look for one....and two, I don't want to just settle. I don't have time to really go searching around staking out places. So, I'm calling around and trying to get on as many waiting lists as possible. ONE possibility has come up though. A lady I worked with last year - great Christian woman - has a sister-in-law who has an in-home day care - small and in a Christian household. She's going to talk to her and see if she has any openings. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping she will work out and will have a decent price. These other places I've looked at are like...$140 - $190 per WEEK. We don't have that kind of money at ALL...so, you can see my issue here. Anyway, please pray that this will work itself out. The whole idea is just daunting to me...and I tend to procrastinate in these situations.

As I was searching around for childcare, the thought of insurance came to mind, which freaked me out even more. I started spazzing, thinking, "How much is going to come out of my check?" "Were we crazy!! We don't have the money for this!! What were we thinking?!" No...I'm not regretting at all. I'm overjoyed that this child is coming into our lives. However, it is overwhelming to think about all that it takes to provide for this child. Why in the world did we choose the education field!!! I mean...job security is great and all....but gosh...there's no money in it. hehe

So, went shopping for maternity clothes. haha HILARIOUS experience. I'm learning that I'm not going to be good at shopping for these clothes until I can actually wear them. I'm not showing at all...but I didn't want to get caught off guard one day with clothes that don't fit. So, my parents took me to Target to get some dress pants and a top or two. I tried on the full panel pants just to see....LOL....it was the funniest sight I have ever seen. These pants were pulled up to my throat (j/k) and way too big everywhere else (had to try on a size up...didn't have my size). Then, the tops were HUGE and way too long. I looked like a box...it did not flatter me at all. I never realized how short/stocky I was until I tried this stuff on. I know it'll look better once I start showing. I didn't go with the full panel yet. Just got the shorter panel to grow into until I need the full panel. Funny stuff....hope it gets better.

160 bpm!!

For weeks now, people have been telling me how incredible it is to hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time. So, I had been looking forward to the day with anxiousness and apprehension. I had gone through every possible scenario in my head...preparing myself not to hear the heartbeat. Yes, I also stayed positive at times and prepared myself to hear the heartbeat. However, I had resolved myself not to get too excited UNTIL I heard the heartbeat. I know I've sort of wasted 12 weeks being worried, but I'm allowed to! I'm the one carrying the child...nurturing it....taking care of it...of course I'm going to worry!

Anyway, when we got ready to hear the heartbeat, I was so sure it would there. I wasn't worried at all. The midwife searched around and we kept hearing my heartbeat. So, she kept searching around, and then....there it was! It was the most beautiful, sweetest sound I've ever heard in my life. I keep trying to relive the moment in my mind since it happened. The baby's heart rate was at 160, which even I knew was really good. :) I couldn't see Jeremy while all of this was happening, but he assured me that he had a big smile on his face.

The midwife showed us what the baby looks like now and then showed us what it would look like 4 weeks from now. It's going to almost triple in size...in 4 weeks!! How awesome is that!! Everything is formed now....baby just has to get bigger at this point. I feel like I should have more questions to ask when I got to see the midwife, but I stay pretty up to date on what's going on with me and the baby through reading and researching (daily...I'm a little obsessive).

Well, thanks for letting me share the great news with you guys! Keep us and the little peanut in your prayers!! I go back at 16 weeks...so about 4 more weeks. Then, I go back 2 weeks after that to find out what it is!!! :) Yay!! This baby will be here before we know it. 6 months to go...