Thanksgiving 2009

This is your first Thanksgiving sharing with your cousin Gabriel Matthew. You will be a few months younger. Aunt Mary is 34 weeks in this photo and your mommy is 25 weeks.




Lily Grace this is from your Aunt Mary. I have to say its amazing your going to wearing this soon.


Helping your brother Cooper hanging decorations on the tree.


Pregnant and happy!

Little Line Dresses

Aunt Patty's friend gave us some little girl dresses and some play clothes (most are for 18-24 months old). I just loves seeing the dresses blowing in the wind. Something on the inside was smiling bigger than my outside smile. Lily Grace will be a little princess!


Cooper wanted to help take the dresses down to take home.


Cooper is so sweet. He'll say: "baby sister in mommy's tummy".

Glucose Drink

Doctor's appointment on Tuesday was the Glucose test. I had to drink around a 9 oz fruit punch flavored drink but textured like orange juice. I have to say it wasn't the flavor that was bad but the texture. I figured the quicker I get my "breakfast" down the better. I say "breakfast" because I wasn't supposed to eat anything after mid-night.

However, I spoke with Mary, concerning her glucose test and her doctor told her to eat a normal breakfast but not something loaded with sugar like fruit loops. She said that way the test would be accurate to your diet. So, I ate a light breakfast, raisin bran crunch. I then had to wait an hour for my blood to be drawn and then sent off to the lab. I would receive a call within 2 days for the results.

During this wait progress, I met with the doctor. I have to rotate with all the doctors just in case one might be the delivery doctor. I told Dr. Goode I was experiencing tightness in my abdomen throughout any given day. She asked a few questions and it was determined I was probably experiencing Braxton Hicks. This is common more with a 2nd pregnancy and even more with the 3rd and so on. I was told the following: Braxton Hicks vs. True Labor


Braxton Hicks vs True Labor

Contractions don't get closer together........Contractions do get closer together.
Contractions don't get stronger...............Contractions do get stronger.
Contractions tend to be felt only in front...Contractions tend to be felt all over.
Contractions don't last longer....................Contractions do last longer.
Walking has no effect on contractions..Walking makes the contractions stronger.
Cervix doesn't change w/ contractions....Cervix opens & thins w/ contractions.

I was told to try and drink more water as well. I had spoken with Mary the night before and she told me about the amount of water she consumed and it helped her, in general, feel good. I knew I needed to work on my water intake. So, this has been my right hand when possible.


I left the doctor's office and started my water intake. I don't know if it was the sugar rush from the glucose drink or what but I felt horrible the rest of the day. I stopped by K-mart and almost passed out. I had to sit down and ate some raisins, water and crackers. That helped some but the rest of work day I had an extremely bad headache and just felt a little sick. I ended up taking a Tylenol and going to bed early.

Today, I was able to drink 4 bottles and felt a little better with the tightness issue. I received a call telling me the glucose test was normal!

Stork's Parking Spot

I have to say we did park here the other day. I was tired and it was cold outside. Part of me felt guilty for parking in this parking spot. I guess my feelings were mostly about being thankful for being able to walk and I was very much capable of walking. Not to mention I can remember a time when I couldn't walk and I told myself I would never take walking for granted. Part of me was happy for being able to park in this spot. I was carry a baby. A baby girl that would one day I would be able to hold and call my own. I pray for her life already. I pray she will live for God's desire for her life. God already has her life planned and I pray she will choose his plan. Also, I pray she will understand and never lose sight that God is always faithful.

Baby Girl's Name

After many different thoughts, feelings and prayers we have decided on a name.
Baby Girl Name: Lily Grace Collins

There are several reasons for this name. We both wanted a "different" name. Chris said he liked me before we met because of my name, Dorothy. "It is different and unique," Chris said. Also, we wanted a name with meaning. This baby is a miracle from God already. The fact she has survived so much and has continued to live and grow is a blessing.

I took this picture not too long ago and it reminded me of how simple life can be when reflected on God's blessing. Because he shares his love from above, I call this picture: Angel's Heart Wings.



For fun we both looked our names up and here are the meanings...

Dorothy: "It is of Greek origin, and its meaning is "gift of God". Theodora is its synonym. Literary: the heroine of Frank Baum's "The Wonderful World of Oz", published in 1900. Writers Dorothy Parker, Dorothy Sayers; actresses Dorothy Gish, Dorothy Lamour.

Chris means "followers of the Christ. The Biblical baby name Christian is Greek in origin and it's meaning is followers of the Christ, the anointed one. Christian was the name given by the Greeks or Romans to the followers of Jesus Christ. The term Christian was first used at Antioch." In the baby hunt biblical baby name search was done.

This is the meaning of Lily...

Origin - Latin. Lily is a symbol of purity and resurrection. In his sermon on Mount Hermon, Jesus used the lily as an example of why people should trust in God (Luke 12:27). The prophet Hosea also used the lily as an example of God's grace.

Grace was chosen after church service this past Sunday. We sang "Amazing Grace" and both realized it was our favorite hymn. "Amazing Grace" one of few songs Chris will sing loud and proud in several different keys.

This is the meaning of Grace...

The Biblical baby name Grace is Latin in origin and it's meaning is favor or benevolence (disposition to do good).

Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast.

I feel calling her Lily Grace will be my choice. I love the way both names sound together!

Recent Cravings

Last night on my way home from work, I had thought..."Loaded Baked Potato" would be yum in my tummy! So, I made my way through the drive through at Wendy's and ordered the potato that listed the most ingredients. This was the picture before within seconds in was in my stomach.


Before lunch today, I thought a sandwich (toasted) with mayonnaise, bananna slices, peanut butter sounded so very, very great! To report: It was even better than great!

First Gift

We received our first baby gift from Ron and Catherine Dozier. Too sweet of them and love the warm thoughts of our unborn baby girl. First, this unique sign which will be placed in a special place.


Some cute little head wraps.


I took this picture of Cooper who placed the little socks near his own feet.


He was too sweet wanting to then put the gifts and bag in the baby room.

Painting Baby Girl's Room

We removed all furniture (for now) to prepare the baby's girl room. I say "for now" because we're not sure if we're going to put crib in room yet. Cooper's crib will be used and he will getting into a toddler bed for the 1st time. We were given two twin bed frames from Chris parents. They were used in Chris grandmother's house. Chris said he used to sleep on the beds when he would spend the night at her house. One bed was refinished already. We just need twin mattress to go on the bed and Chris will built the rails (or we'll buy them) for the bed so Cooper won't fall out. So, we might just use baby girl's room as the guest room until twin beds are established. Mary and Chris are coming in a few weeks for the weekend so it will be nice for them to have the room to sleep in and Noah as well!


Cooper wanted to help out as much as he could with painting his sister's room. Cooper is already protective of his sister. Today I told Cooper "to be careful with Smokey while he's sleeping because he might not like it". Cooper understood and said "Smokey not bite me or sister's" looking at me and my stomach. Too cute. Baby sweet girl you already have your big brother looking after you.






Before painting.


After painting and molding put up. Just need to stream clean carpet and caulk the molding.


Crib will going on this wall and will designing the wall as the accent wall. Not sure what type of design yet.

Baby GIRL

Yeah!! We found out our baby is a GIRL!! I wish I could have taken a picture of Chris's face when it was announced "your baby is a girl. Those are girl parts." It was a priceless moment. Chris was holding my jacket and could not take his lower half of his face out from jacket. He would pull the jacket down away from his mouth ever so often and say: "I knew it, but I can't believe its actually true".

My reaction "are you sure?" through tears of sheer joy. The ultrasound nurse said, "yes, I'm 99.9% sure she's a girl and if not I will come and repaint your nursery myself".

Chris and I both were happy to hear she's healthy and measuring right to date: March 6, 2010 due date. I left Chris to go by and get some supper before picking up Cooper and couldn't help take some pictures of "girl stuff".


It might be a couple of years due to slow hair growth with Cooper's recent 2nd haircut and being 2 1/2 years old. Baby girl might have to wait for a couple of years to wear.


She will be a Carolina Gamecock Girl!!






Possible baby girl's room theme.


Paint colors for room.

First Movements

Finally, sweet baby I could feel you move! Today is Thursday, October 15, 2009 and your movement was felt Tuesday night. I was in the bed on my back and I could feel a "flutter". I told Chris who was just turning the lights off to go to bed and he immediately put his head on my stomach. I could tell his head was right on top of you. Soon after I Chris put his head on my stomach I could feel you "flutter" again. Chris lifted his head off my stomach and said "was that it?" I said "yes" smiling ear to ear. Chris putting his head back down on my stomach said, "I could feel that". Chris went on to say "hey baby...this is your daddy". We could feel you "flutter" some more and we both were so happy. I was so happy to share this moment with your Daddy. He's also my heart's reflection.

Your parents. Looking as natural as can be before bed listening to you and talking about your arrival.


Your happy Daddy.


Your happy Mom trying to take a photo of herself. Pretty good. At least I have my entire face in the shot!

Craving

Yes, this has been the only thing that really, really taste so good going down my throat! I never thought I would "love" lemonade. Lemonade is my best friend. When I was pregnant with Cooper I couldn't drink enough orange juice. Cooper now loves orange juice. I'm sure this baby will love lemonade! I also read the baby can really hear now and encourages talking. So baby...I love you!

Heart's Reflection

Yes, lately at work I've been putting my head in the freezer. This occurs in the mornings. I stand a lot at work and I think standing in the mornings for a long period of time just isn't working with my nausea. I haven't actually experienced morning sickness just the feeling like I'm going to get sick or pass out. I didn't experience this with Cooper. So, this is something new. I thought I would be over this feeling "sick" but not yet.

Its actually amusing to me to find myself coming out of a sudden heat flash of nausea, with my entire head in the freezer; while looking at the ice cubes trays. I have one of the girls actually see me in the mist hurrying to the freezer door say, "Dorothy, you look white as a ghost". This happened before I actually announced I was pregnant. She asked me and I said yes. She asked if I was taking anything and I said B6.


She suggested sipping on a can of Coke to help relieving my nausea . So, even this morning I opened a Coke and slowly took sips throughout the morning. For some reason, this helps! I'm so happy it does!


Well, baby I know you're in there and full of life so that makes me smile and happy! Yes, I realize this even when I'm feeling sick and when I'm smiling at myself while in the freezer.

I dedicate this picture to you, my sweet baby. One day, I will meet you, my Heart's Reflection.

18 Weeks

Wow! Hard to believe in 2 weeks I'll be at the half way mark of this pregnancy. Also, October 19th is arriving soon! Plus, I received a call this past week the quad-screen blood test I had done on September 24th was "normal". A quad-screening test if baby might have Down syndrome. Also, the test can help rule out other problems, like neural-tube defects. Since, the quad-screen was preformed and I still have a mark. This is not unusually.

The easiest way describe my veins is to a leaf. If you have ever picked up a leaf, one of the first things you will notice is that you can see a pattern of leaf veins on the surface. To a plant, this pattern of veins s similar to the circulatory system. Leaf veins are more correctly referred to as vascular bundles. There are two types of veins, I have veins where the major veins spread out close to the edge of the "leaf", but turn away before they actually reach the edge. These main veins all move in different directions to the "leaf edge". Which means when even before injection of the syringe, my veins are hard to find because they are moving. I have given blood and have had a needle trying to chase down my vein while the needle was still in my arm. Extremely uncomfortable. I know now to ask before being injected if the person has been doing this is "an expert". I don't feel bad for it now because it helps the person doing the sticking not "feel bad" for not believing me. I have had the front of my hand "stuck" because my veins in my arm just weren't available for use. This sweet baby could have veins like myself or even Cooper. Either way, this knowledge might be helpful.

1st Entry of New Baby

This was the first ultrasound pictures taken on Thursday, August 20, 2009. I could see baby moving and heartbeat was strong.







I had my 16 week checkup visit this past Thursday, September 24, 2009. Baby's heartbeat was around 140-150 bpm (beats per minute) which is great. I thought with family stress and heartbeat might be affected. This is the room I was in for my appointment. I didn't have to have the machine used on me to the left of the examine table. The doctor explained that if she couldn't find baby's heartbeat then she would use the ultrasound to find baby's heartbeat.
I'm 17 weeks now. Every Saturday I move forward to a new week on the pregnancy calendar. Well, I needed to say I'm starting to "feel" pregnant. I started wearing pregnancy jeans recently and they are starting to fit. I still have to pull them up a little through out a day, so the elastic doesn't show. These picture shows Cooper and I playing outside and the pregnant pants that show the elastic.





I return on Monday, October 19, 2009 to have 2nd ultrasound and find out about health of baby.