She's Coming....

Only 6 more weeks until little girl makes her grand entrance! Part of us is so ready and wish it could be tomorrow and the other part of us really needs the additional 6 weeks. We have had 4 friends in the past month have babies and we are getting a little antsy for it to be our turn!

Note to little girl: Stay in there, you have some more baking to do and Mommy and Daddy have some more preparing to do.

In the past month we have done lots to prepare for little girl's arrival. A couple weekends ago we went to a 8 hour birth class. It was actually very informational and went by pretty fast. It was good to really sit down and think about our expectations, what we can do to ensure our expectations are met, and different scenarios that could arise, that are out of our control, and could change our expectations. And... during the boring parts I was able to do some more in-depth research about the cloth diapers we are going to use (insert everyone's own opinion here). I feel very prepared for this adventure.  It will save us a TON of money and although it will be a sacrifice at times, we feel it is the best choice for our family. 

Last Friday we went to get an extra sonogram, per Doctor's orders. At my past 3 appointments, little girl has been measuring 4 weeks ahead. Even though there is no way I am a month more pregnant, it's just because she is HUGE! As nervous as I was about her being so big, I was super excited to take an extra sneak peek at her. The sonogram went really well and my mom was even able to come. The sonographer said she is actually measuring about 2 weeks ahead and not to be alarmed because it is relatively normal. She said I just have a generous amount of fluid around the placenta that makes her measure even bigger from the outside (I'd like to think that its about 20 lbs of extra fluid!). However, her head did measure in the 90th percentile, which I personally find just a wee bit daunting! 

Here She is! She even has a little dimple!

Last Saturday we went on a tour of the hospital we will deliver at. We are both so thankful we did this because Overland Park Regional has had a lot of remodeling that has occurred since we were last there and it took us awhile to find the right entrance and area of the hospital....not something we would want to be doing in the heat of the moment. During the tour they showed us the nursery  where there were obviously lots of babies. The reality of it all hit me then. I couldn't even look at Noah because I was choking back tears as I thought...."Oh my word, we are going to get to take one of those home!" On Saturday we also went to Nebraska Furniture Mart with my mom to buy a chair and ottoman for the nursery. We were able to take the chair home that day but have to wait for the ottoman to come in. (Pictures to come in next blog!)

We have a lot to look forward to over the next 6 weeks, but a lot to do as well. Including a Master's Research Project I have to finish in order to officially graduate in May :) Luckily, I have Spring Break next week and plan on getting LOTS done. Curtains, lamp shade, and chair pillow for her room. Deep clean the house, including floors and kitchen cabinets. Pack bag for hospital and make a "labor and delivery" play list for the Ipod. Finish 7 weeks of lesson plans, fill out 6 ECOS (Early Childhood Outcome) and 6 AEPS (Assessment, Evaluation, Programing System for Children) Reports, write 3 IEPS, and complete 3 sets of transition paperwork for school. And the list goes on and on...

Slowly but surely, we are getting there! 

Little Girl, Little Room

Well, here it comes...the long awaited room reveal. Or at least in part. There is still some work to do, but the big stuff is done. Overall, my inspiration has come to life, it just needs some accessories to make it complete. Oh, and a sweet chunky little girl, then it will be really complete.

Her bedroom before. It was the one room we hadn't done anything to yet,
I was dying to get my hands on it :)

Dresser/Changing Table before. Got it at Major Thrift for $30

Crib and Mattress before. Bought it from a friend for $60

Room newly painted thanks to the soon to be Dad!

View from Door. Love my chandelier, but I think I may add some crystals 

 The Pink Blanket was made by my Great Grandma. I told her before she passed away that I loved it and she made sure that it was given to me. I really want to add a big mirror above the crib, the one in our hall bath is screaming for me to refinish the frame and put in her room! 

I love my CLEARANCE Pottery Barn bedding! I put the bumper on so that the birdies are on the inside since the rails make it so that you can't see them fully when it is put on the "normal" side.

This is the dedication dress my mom made for me out of the same material she made her wedding dress of. Little girl will wear it when we dedicate her after she is born.

I found these porcelain boy and girl decorations at my Grandparents house after my Grandpa died. They were pink and blue, so I painted them white. 

Not sure if these decorations are going to stay here permanently. I am thinking after we get her newborn pictures taken I may print a large one on canvas and put it above the changing table, we'll see :) The cages were in Hobby Lobby's clearance isle for $2 a piece and I painted them cream. The angel plaque is from non other than Restoration Emporium and the little frame has a sonogram picture in it :)

 The bookshelf was free and we refinished it. The lamp shade is at my mom's house, as we are in the process of adding layers of white ruffles. Picture to come :) I want to get a fancy clock to put on the top of the bookshelf. The glass canister has pacifiers in it and the wooden basket has baby books in it. 

This is a sweet, sweet note that little girl's Aunt Karissa wrote to her. She will always have a special bond with Aunt Karissa who knew she was a girl even before her Mommy and Daddy knew.

Free Puff Balls that were left overs from party decorations. Love the color, love the idea, but I need Aunt Karissa to come  arrange them.

Need to add curtains, they are going to be white and ruffly like the lamp shade. Also, this is where the rocker will go. We have one to refinished that we bought for 25.00,  but we can't decide if we want to use it or bite the bullet and spend the money to buy a  fancy fabric chair.

Finished changing table. Getting so close! 

It Is Well With Our Soul.

I was going to post this with our initial first posting, since this story is the “true” start to our journey of starting a family, but I just wasn't ready yet. However, now with this being the month that we would have been welcoming our first child, I felt like now was the time to share.

 We officially started trying to expand our family in May of 2012 and we had instant success. A couple days into June I kept telling Noah that I thought I was pregnant. I was getting hot flashes, nausea spells, and my body just felt different. He thought I was crazy but sure enough the second Saturday in June I took a test and it was positive. Even after wanting this for so long my initial thought was "Oh Dear God, what have we done!" I called my doctor on Monday and made an appointment for Thursday to confirm the pregnancy. We told a few close friends but chose to wait to tell family until doctor confirmation, so we could do a big “hoopla” sort of announcement. 

However, the morning before the appointment I felt weird, like something wasn't right. I didn't feel nauseous or pregnant different, I felt back to normal. I took another pregnancy test that morning (mind you, I took four positive ones over the weekend) and it came up negative. I told myself not to freak out, knowing that false negatives were relatively normal. I went to the appointment alone, assuring Noah that this appointment would just be merely a test to confirm and to save his time off for more important appointments to come. At the doctor's office I had a blood test done that confirmed that I was indeed pregnant! My doctor congratulated me and figured out that our due date would be February 17^th. My first thought was parent teacher conferences are February 12^th, 13^th, 14^th…I hope the baby waits until after then! However, she shared she was a little concerned because my HCG levels were very low (which is why the home test that morning was negative, not strong enough for home test to detect) and not nearly as high as they should be given the fact that I took multiple positive test 5 days prior. My doctor told me not to worry yet, that as long as my progesterone was in the normal range it would be ok. She said she would run a few more test just to make sure that all my other levels were ok and then give me a call. 

I called Noah and told him what the doctor said and not to worry. But deep inside, I just knew something wasn't right. My doctor called me just a few hours later and shared that my progesterone which ideally should be between 15-20 was only a 1, meaning this was not a viable pregnancy and I would lose the baby in the next day or so. I remember exactly where in our kitchen I was standing when she shared the news.

I must add that I am so blessed to have Dr. Hilary Nash as my doctor. Her compassion, Christ-like approach to medicine is so apparent at all times, but especially in moments like this. Her voice and words were so compassionate and heart felt. She assured me that although there is no reason as to why this happened; that this isn't unusual for first pregnancies and that she has no concerns that we will be pregnant again in no time at all. She told me that she was going to double check my blood type to see if I would need to come in and get a special shot (thankfully I didn't  I am not a fan of shots, let alone ones in the booty). She told me that we should wait until I have a normal cycle and then to start trying again. By the time frame, I am sure you can figure out, we had instant success again.

With February 17^th quickly approaching I find my mind often thinking about the sweet baby we never had the chance to meet, snuggle, and kiss. I also think of how God redeemed the hard time we went through by making it a time of growth for Noah and I. We both were so overwhelmed with shock, hurt, fear and the “what if's” that often come with experiencing a miscarriage. We found ourselves leaning and depending on each other and God in a way we never had before. As hard as losing our first baby was, we find peace in knowing we will someday meet him or her in heaven and know that we are stronger now as a couple, making us stronger parents for the rest of our future children. 

The long awaited, THIRD Trimester!

I am 28 weeks and officially in the third trimester! Some people tell me the time is going to fly by now, but lets be honest, they said that about the past two trimester and the past 28 weeks have lasted FOREVER! Other people say the end goes by the slowest, but really can it go any slower??? As you can tell, I am not a fan of this whole pregnancy thing, I know, I know, it will be worth it in the end. I have never doubted it, but wow this is so different than I ever expected. I thought I would continue to run, have a cute bump all out in front, and waddle around as a happy as a duck in a pond. No such luck.

I have felt a lot better lately, in fact I haven't thrown up in 2 weeks (besides tonight, but hey I went 2 weeks)!!!  I have even been able to eat meat for dinner a few times a week over the past two weeks. Exercise is also become a more regular part of my life again. But when I say exercise I mean a 30 minute walk through the neighborhood with Max, in which we both end up back at the house winded and tired. My dear friend Amber (who is also miserably pregnant with a little girl due 3 weeks after ours) and I plan on walking everyday after school starting this week. Amber has been my life line over the past 6 months. As mean as this sounds, it has been so nice to have someone who feels as miserable as I do to relate with on a daily basis.

Heartburn is still a prominent part of my daily life, but as long as I follow the "rules" and take my medicine and (chew lots of tums) it is relatively manageable. My diet is made basically of bland foods like fruit, dairy, and grains, along with small portions of meat now being integrated. Vegetables (especially lettuce), anything with a red sauce, and pretty much anything with flavor is off limits.  I have had a few cravings...cinnamon rolls and chinese lo mein noodles.

We are starting to get really excited for little girl to be here and we have made some really fun purchases, I get quite the thrill in finding bargains! I bought some cute hair bows (way fancier than I can make) with a Zulily deal that let me purchase 30 bucks worth for 15! I have also been to Children's Orchard in Olathe a few times, which I might add is my new favorite store! I plan on buying all her clothes second hand. We scored a cute Columbia purple windbreaker for next spring for 4.00 (Daddy Noah found it and picked it out), a GAP summer dress for 5.00, a cute fancy church dress for 4.00 and a GAP jacket for this fall for 4.00, among other things.

We have picked her name and feel pretty confident it it. However, we are choosing not share until she is officially here. Noah and I have had fun referring to her by name when it is just the two of us and sometimes I will make him say it just for fun :)

We started our registries at Target and Buy Buy Baby a couple weekends ago. We both enjoyed the process, until we where in Target and Noah said "I am about done with you walking around in circles. We have been down every isle four times." Haha, I knew then it was a good time to call it quits. He was quite the trooper and enjoyed holding the "gun" and would just scan as I pointed. We got mildly overwhelmed when it came to sections of "Safety" and "Feeding" areas, so a couple of my girlfriends who are already momma's are going to go back with me and help me out. We are so thankful for our wonderful support system!

This past weekend we bought her baby bedding. Originally, I was going to do all white bedding but I found an adorable cream and white linen set at Pottery Barn Kids for super, super cheap on clearance. We love it, and have some extra motivation to get the crib done so we can set it all up!

Hopefully our next posting will be the "Nursery Reveal." The walls are painted and a bookshelf/nightstand, changing table/dresser, and crib are getting re-finished within the week. Ryan and Karissa (aka Godparents) are coming over tomorrow to help us hang the chandelier and a few other decorations!

T-Minus 12 Weeks (10 if I get my way) until Little Girl is here!

People actually notice I am pregnant! Hooray for not just looking chunky! She's growing!

Preggo Preschool Teacher....

As I am writing this post my wonderful husband has started the baby proofing process by moving all cords and electronic items in our basement TV area out of baby's reach and little girl is practicing ballet and fluttering all over my belly while I am bundled up on the couch with the lazy dog watching Biggest Loser and thinking, I should have done my pregnant lady workout video today but I am just so......tired. I mean tired, not like tired but push through, but tired like go to bed at 7:00 and not wake up til 7:00 the next morning.

I think that has been the hardest part of this pregnancy, the lack of energy and ability to go 24-7 like I am used to. However, I think it is all part of the process (this is me trying to find purpose in why I have been so sick and miserable) and has helped me re-prioritize life, putting family and home time first.

I am fully aware that my job is more taxing and labor intensive than other jobs, but I never realized how much it is til now. I am reminded of my ever growing belly each time I get down on the floor and back up again, which I do like 100 billion times a day! I am amazed at how tired I am by 4:00 when the kiddos are gone and I finally sit down. Pretty much once I am down, I am down.

My co-workers keep getting onto me about picking up and carrying my kiddos but when it is the end of the day and you have a four year in full meltdown and refusing to get on the bus, there is only one option...pick them up and get them out!

My preschoolers are also fully aware of my fully growing belly. When we talk about the seasons and get to spring, they always say "when the grass turns green and your baby comes."

And the questions, they have been interesting....

"Mrs. Wells, how is that baby going to come out?" What I really want to say is "I have been wondering the same thing!" But instead my response is...."God is going to help it." 

"Mrs. Wells, how did the baby get in there?" 
My response... "God put it in there."

"Mrs. Wells, what are you going to name her?" 
So far they have recommended Nikki and Elizabeth.

"Mrs. Wells, where is your baby going to go, it can't come to school?!" My response "Sawyer's house." One of my dear preschooler's mommy is going to watch little girl, a true blessing and answer to prayers!

It has been fun to listen to the conversations they have among themselves and what they think of babies. Both of my classes have one or two kiddos that have expecting mommas so babies and pregnancy are frequently the topic of conversation during free play.

Kasandra likes to draw pictures of me on the board...
notice the baby in my belly :)

Cute note from Logan that came with a sweet gift that included copies of his favorite books for me to read to baby Wells

Christmas Vacation...

It was a wonderful and blessed season at our house this year. This was the first year in the 7 years together that Noah and I have not travel to either Garden City to see his family or Michigan to see my extended family, or both places like we have done a couple crazy years. IT WAS AMAZING! This break felt so much longer than any other break and we got so much done!

Since this year was our year to spend Christmas with The Wells' and both Noah and his older brother live in the Kansas City area, Noah's parents and sister came here for Christmas. We had a great time relaxing, shopping, eating great food (this would be a great time to mention that over break I went a recording breaking 11 days without throwing up!) and hanging out. We truly enjoyed our time together while also getting to sleep in our own bed and not worry about kenneling Max.

We did Christmas with my family the Saturday morning before Christmas at our house, right before our long awaited gender reveal.

Needless to say Baby Wells' hit jackpot at both Christmas celebrations. We are so blessed to have such supportive families and we now have lots of necessary baby items:

• Pack'N'Play...so Baby Wells will have somewhere to sleep when we go visit Grandma and Grandpa Wells
• Purple Bumbo Seat and Tray...THANK YOU to Aunt Angie's Mom Cindy and Sister Mary, we will put it to good use!
• Breast Pump....enough said.
• Baby Books and Vibrating Toy, which poor Max is terrified of!
• Cute little GAP sweatpants and matching mittens and hat for her to wear next Christmas season!
• One of a kind onesies made by the talented Uncle Nathan. She will be quite the stylish Sporting KC Fan!
• Adorable leg warmers and hair accessories  that I think Aunt Angie would agree these are definitely NECESSITIES!

Thanks to not traveling and Noah taking an extra day off before New Year's Day, Noah and I had a good amount of quality time together that we spent doing some small house projects we want to get done before little girl's arrival and we started working on the nursery. We are thoroughly enjoying this time of preparation and its hard to believe that this time next year we will have an 8 month old, mobile little girl to celebrate Jesus' birth with!

Spoiled Little Girl Already! 

BOY or GIRL?

After much waiting we finally revealed the gender of Baby Wells'! We had our sonogram that identified Baby Wells' gender way back around Thanksgiving but Noah and we decided that we would wait to reveal the gender until right before Christmas when his parents and my parents could all be present. So, Noah and I waited to find out until they did. My best friend Karissa went with us to the sonogram and became the beloved secret holder. She did a great job keeping the secret, only telling her sister, husband, and my other best friend Jillian.

Many people couldn't believe that we would actually let someone else know before us. However, I knew that with my crazy semester of finishing up my master's degree 12 hours of coursework, teaching full time, and being as sick as a dog that I would not even have time to focus on decorating a room, buying clothes, picking a name, and everything else that goes with knowing the baby's gender, so I might as well wait until the end of December when coursework was completed and school was on break. We did really well at not bugging Aunt Karissa about telling us until the Thursday before the reveal when school was out and classes were officially completed. At this point we exchanged some funny text messages where I threatened to have the baby call her Aunt Jerk-face and she called me devil woman. Being that we went a whole 4 weeks of Karissa knowing and us not, I would say we did pretty darn good!

At the reveal we had my parents, brother, and Uncle Ronnie present; along with Noah's parents and brother and his wife. Aunt Karissa and Uncle Ryan and Aunt Jillian also came.

Jillian came prepared with cute ribbon for everyone to pin to their shirt showing if they were "Team Boy" or "Team Girl." We had a surprisingly good mixture of both. I however was wrong with my "Team Boy," but thanks to Jillian, Maxers was correct with his pink ribbon! Karissa and Ryan came with the box of balloons (big thanks to Ryan for also taking all the pictures). I am so thankful for these friends and I am excited for the important role they will play in our daughter's life.

My plan was to text a chunk of people to let them know (extended family, close friends, colleagues)  before it became face book official but my brother beat me to it and posted on face book before I even had a chance to pick up my phone. Needless to say my phone instantly blew up with text messages. Leave to your pesky little brother to screw up your well thought out plans :)

It was a wonderful day that we are so glad we got to share with friends and family, full of wonderful memories that we can't wait to show little girl someday!

Opening the box!

Here comes the PINK!

Proud Parents

Big Brother

Adorable!