Today, Sam is 38 weeks old and we are maybe closer to his debut (like 2 weeks). I say maybe because I'm in denial about the birthing process which is why I was not allowed to bail on the childbirthing class this weekend. As my friend Lauren told me, you will have a baby sometime soon. And yes, Cris, it's time to start putting the bag in your car when you leave the house. See...denial. I am hoping I have at least one more week before he goes, and yes, it's for a really lame reason. I want just one more week in the office to tie up some loose ends. But that's just me and I really don't have any say in this whatsoever.
I had an appointment yesterday afternoon where they checked my cervix for the first time. It wasn't terrible, but I can think of possibly 11 or 12 more comfortable things than that. I hear that you eventually lose all modesty (as my mom said, everyone will be down there, even the janitor...let's hope not), but I'm not too that point quite yet. The doctor said I was barely dilated but she could feel his head. Is that crazy or what?
And today, began day 1 of How to Have a Baby Weekend Crash Course. Yes, there were videos. Yes, they showed it all. Yes, it was awkward. And no, I did not watch it. We met another couple whose due date was the day after ours (glad to know there were some other procastinators) and I will admit, that I feel a little more empowered knowing the various ways this could go down. As I told Marc after the class, I just have more specific prayer requests now like "please let labor start on its own" and "please if at all possible, let my body deliver this baby (with drugs of course)." I would be lying if I didn't have an ideal situation. But, more than anything, no matter what happens, my biggest prayer is that Sam enters this world healthy and ready to meet his crazy parents. :)
38 weeks down...2 (give or take) to go! Now, back to this GA-FL game where maybe the Dawgs will remember how to play some football in the second half.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Sam's Room
I love Sam's room. Sometimes, I just go in there and look into his crib or sit in his rocker and imagine what he's going to look like sleeping in his bed or in my arms . I also really love the fact that his room is a reflection of the friends and family who love him. It's filled with blankets or quilts loved ones have made, crafts Marc and I have made together, my old books and stuffed animals, Marc's baby clothes and lots of essential baby items that others have generously given us. When we started working on Sam's room, I had no idea it would look like this...it has completely surpassed my expectations! Like I said, I love absolutely every part of it. 
Just to give you an idea of how it started, you can see in the background of this picture how the room originally looked (well, part of it). It was painted a khaki color and the furniture in it was my Dad's when he was growing up (which includes 2 twin beds that will become bunk beds...and yes, Sam's future furniture!). We knew this room would eventually be the baby's room because it's the smallest in our home. 
After moving out the furniture (except for the dresser that we decided to use as a changing table), Marc sanded down the walls and ceiling. What did I do to help? I slept on the couch. There was lots and lots of sanding and then lots and lots of patching before we (Marc) actually got to any painting - and not just the walls, but the ceiling and trim. We decided on a very soft blue color for the walls. It's funny because I swore if we had a boy, we would not paint the room blue. Once again, I'm eating my words. 
After the room met Marc's satisfaction, we started filling it with baby stuff galore! The crib was a gift from my mom and stepdad. The bedding was a sweet gift from some of my closest girlfriends. I love the bedding because 1. it has cute monkeys in it, 2. it's not too over the top and 3. it has polka dots in it (yes, I realize I am bringing a boy in the world, but the cute animals balance the precious polka dots very nicely). 
About the time we were decorating Sam's room, I learned of a new website out there called pinterest. Yes, I'm quite behind when it comes to these things, but I became addicted! Like, stay up all night pinning craft projects and recipes. So, I decided rather than spending the money to have his name made, I would just do it. After a very long trip to Hobby Lobby, I came home ready to make some crafts because of course one project turned into like three. The end projects were the letters above Sam's crib (scrapbook paper, cheap wood letters, modge podge and voila!), the monogrammed hooks, and the bulletin board (by far, the most frustrating and probably would have been cheaper to buy...but ya live and ya learn right?!). 
The glider was an awesome Craiglist find. Turns out, a sweet family in surburbia was selling it since both of their girls were older now, and it was collecting dust in their house. However, these two girls were very sad to see the glider leave their home - the youngest one just stood in the driveway staring us down as we drove off with her mommy's old chair. I'm only kind of sorry for taking the glider off their hands because this piece of furniture is AH-MAZING. Like, I've already fallen asleep in it. The little red rocking chair next to it was mine growing up and it's filled with some of my old stuffed animals and some new ones that Sam has given. The quilt over the chair was made by one of my amazing best friends. We lived together ALL four years of college (quite an accomplishment!). And yes, just so you read that right, she made that quilt....like on her own. I'm super impressed!
The shelf was another pinterest find! It's made out of a pallet, and it was from this bookshelf that I fell in love with pallets. I'm already thinking of lots of other cool furniture we can make out of pallets such as a coffee table, a sandbox, frames, and more bookshelves. Which brings me back to Sam's room (and back on track). I wanted a way to display all of his books (and I especially love books and can't wait to read to him) and this was a cool-unique way to display them without trying to fit another piece of furniture in the room. Marc built another shelf that we will hang below it once Sam gets older so he can pick out his own books to read. Gotta love pinterest! The beautifully painted canvas above the bookshelf was made by my amazing college roomie/bff/quiltmaker's mom - well, she didn't paint it, but she had someone she knew paint it for us. How cool is that?! And there ya have it...the tour of Sam's room! This was a pretty lengthy post to describe a such a small room.
Just to give you an idea of how it started, you can see in the background of this picture how the room originally looked (well, part of it). It was painted a khaki color and the furniture in it was my Dad's when he was growing up (which includes 2 twin beds that will become bunk beds...and yes, Sam's future furniture!). We knew this room would eventually be the baby's room because it's the smallest in our home. 
After moving out the furniture (except for the dresser that we decided to use as a changing table), Marc sanded down the walls and ceiling. What did I do to help? I slept on the couch. There was lots and lots of sanding and then lots and lots of patching before we (Marc) actually got to any painting - and not just the walls, but the ceiling and trim. We decided on a very soft blue color for the walls. It's funny because I swore if we had a boy, we would not paint the room blue. Once again, I'm eating my words. 
After the room met Marc's satisfaction, we started filling it with baby stuff galore! The crib was a gift from my mom and stepdad. The bedding was a sweet gift from some of my closest girlfriends. I love the bedding because 1. it has cute monkeys in it, 2. it's not too over the top and 3. it has polka dots in it (yes, I realize I am bringing a boy in the world, but the cute animals balance the precious polka dots very nicely). 
About the time we were decorating Sam's room, I learned of a new website out there called pinterest. Yes, I'm quite behind when it comes to these things, but I became addicted! Like, stay up all night pinning craft projects and recipes. So, I decided rather than spending the money to have his name made, I would just do it. After a very long trip to Hobby Lobby, I came home ready to make some crafts because of course one project turned into like three. The end projects were the letters above Sam's crib (scrapbook paper, cheap wood letters, modge podge and voila!), the monogrammed hooks, and the bulletin board (by far, the most frustrating and probably would have been cheaper to buy...but ya live and ya learn right?!). 
The glider was an awesome Craiglist find. Turns out, a sweet family in surburbia was selling it since both of their girls were older now, and it was collecting dust in their house. However, these two girls were very sad to see the glider leave their home - the youngest one just stood in the driveway staring us down as we drove off with her mommy's old chair. I'm only kind of sorry for taking the glider off their hands because this piece of furniture is AH-MAZING. Like, I've already fallen asleep in it. The little red rocking chair next to it was mine growing up and it's filled with some of my old stuffed animals and some new ones that Sam has given. The quilt over the chair was made by one of my amazing best friends. We lived together ALL four years of college (quite an accomplishment!). And yes, just so you read that right, she made that quilt....like on her own. I'm super impressed!
The shelf was another pinterest find! It's made out of a pallet, and it was from this bookshelf that I fell in love with pallets. I'm already thinking of lots of other cool furniture we can make out of pallets such as a coffee table, a sandbox, frames, and more bookshelves. Which brings me back to Sam's room (and back on track). I wanted a way to display all of his books (and I especially love books and can't wait to read to him) and this was a cool-unique way to display them without trying to fit another piece of furniture in the room. Marc built another shelf that we will hang below it once Sam gets older so he can pick out his own books to read. Gotta love pinterest! The beautifully painted canvas above the bookshelf was made by my amazing college roomie/bff/quiltmaker's mom - well, she didn't paint it, but she had someone she knew paint it for us. How cool is that?! And there ya have it...the tour of Sam's room! This was a pretty lengthy post to describe a such a small room.
Third and long...
Preggo update back, and I almost have you up to date! Sam and I are now in our third trimester. It's amazing how quickly this pregnancy has flown by and now that we are in the third trimester, it seems to be dragging by. The good news about this is that it's given me plenty of time to get his room ready (the reveal will come soon) and clean and organize every part of my house - literally, every room has been organized in some way. It's glorious! My friend Lauren tells me I'm like Monica from Friends. Anywho, the bad news about this dragging by is that we're so ready to meet our son! And, I'm ready to have my body back (no offense Sam, but you'll be much more fun on the outside than cramped up against my back and ribs...).
Right now, I'm 37 weeks and will be 38 on Saturday. The bags are packed (mostly) and we have somewhat of a plan for when this thing goes down. In the meantime, here are some other things that have happened in my final trimester: 
It's still extremely surreal that my due date is just over two weeks away. It seems like it's so close (that's because it is...I think I'm in denial) but there are lot of things that have to take place before Sam arrives...like go into labor. But, until then, it's back to work for me so I can get my office organized before I leave for 8 weeks.
Right now, I'm 37 weeks and will be 38 on Saturday. The bags are packed (mostly) and we have somewhat of a plan for when this thing goes down. In the meantime, here are some other things that have happened in my final trimester: - We finished Sam's room and I decorated it with lots of fun homemade crafts due to an addiction to pinterest! (well, I started them and Marc finished them...)
- Marc and I toured the hospital where we would deliver Sam...to which Marc said afterwards, "That was so exciting!" I'm glad he's so thrilled about me pushing a watermelon out...
- We were blessed to have family and friends celebrate Sam with showers galore! It is so neat to look at Sam's room and see how it has been filled with gifts from loved ones. I just sit in his rocker and am humbled by how much Sam is already loved by so many people.
- I started going to the doctor once a week. Apparently, this week is when I start finding out if there has been any "progression" down there...or as one of the doctors described it as "torture." Thanks a lot.
- I continued to feel Sam kick, squirm, hiccup, stretch or feel a heel, knee, leg or some body part pressed up against my belly.
- Speaking of which...I officially don't have a belly button anymore...
- Marc and I had pregnancy photos taken which is a really great thing considering we (I) have been TERRIBLE about taking pictures to document Sam's growth over the months. Meg Davidson, our wonderful photographer, will also be coming out to our house after Sam's birth to take some newborn photos.
- We go to our Childbirth class this weekend - I would rather not really know what's going to happen, but Marc things learning about (or accepting) the delivery process will be good for both of us. We'll see about that when it's 3:30 on Saturday and we're talking about the stages of labor and NOT watching the GA-FL kickoff....
It's still extremely surreal that my due date is just over two weeks away. It seems like it's so close (that's because it is...I think I'm in denial) but there are lot of things that have to take place before Sam arrives...like go into labor. But, until then, it's back to work for me so I can get my office organized before I leave for 8 weeks.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Hold Up...
Please excuse this break in the preggo update for an important announcement: Sieara was on HOMECOMING COURT! 
My sweet mentee, who I have known since she was 15 and who is now about to be 18 (crazyness!) was nominated to be on Homecoming Court at her school. Last week, we went shopping for THE dress that made her feel like royalty while she strutted down the 50-yard line. I'm fairly certain I enjoyed picking out the dress as much as she did. She settled on a strapless dress with a pink and black sequenced-top and pleated skirt. You could tell it was THE dress because when she came out of the dressing room, she was twirling and hol
ding out her skirt just like a princess would...I am blessed that I was able to witness such a sweet moment in her life.
Then we had to pick shoes and our moment was over...because I was reminded that Sieara is a teenage girl. Of course she wanted the shoes with the MOST heel, MOST platform and MOST sequences (aka...stripper shoes). Somehow, they too made her feel like a princess. Every part of my being just thought those shoes were just a little too mature is probably the best way to describe it...but I caved.
Saturday night, Marc and I loaded up to go watch Sieara's homecoming football game...but let's be honest, I think Marc was the only one watching football. FINALLY, it was half time and the moment of truth. There could only be one Homecoming King and Queen.
I'm sad to say that Sieara was not selected as Homecoming Queen...but at that point, it really didn't matter. She had confidently walked out onto the field, smiled and even applauded (with a smile) when they announced the winner. That night was for Sieara. Even though she didn't win, she was willing to take a risk - which I will just tell you, is a big, GI-normus moment in her life. Sieara felt so special and beautiful that night. My hope for her is that she knows, if she doesn't already, that her Heavenly Father thinks she is that special and beautiful every day of her life - Homecoming Queen or not (even though I do have to say Sieara looked MUCH cuter than the winner...just sayin....).
My sweet mentee, who I have known since she was 15 and who is now about to be 18 (crazyness!) was nominated to be on Homecoming Court at her school. Last week, we went shopping for THE dress that made her feel like royalty while she strutted down the 50-yard line. I'm fairly certain I enjoyed picking out the dress as much as she did. She settled on a strapless dress with a pink and black sequenced-top and pleated skirt. You could tell it was THE dress because when she came out of the dressing room, she was twirling and hol
ding out her skirt just like a princess would...I am blessed that I was able to witness such a sweet moment in her life. Then we had to pick shoes and our moment was over...because I was reminded that Sieara is a teenage girl. Of course she wanted the shoes with the MOST heel, MOST platform and MOST sequences (aka...stripper shoes). Somehow, they too made her feel like a princess. Every part of my being just thought those shoes were just a little too mature is probably the best way to describe it...but I caved.
Saturday night, Marc and I loaded up to go watch Sieara's homecoming football game...but let's be honest, I think Marc was the only one watching football. FINALLY, it was half time and the moment of truth. There could only be one Homecoming King and Queen.
I'm sad to say that Sieara was not selected as Homecoming Queen...but at that point, it really didn't matter. She had confidently walked out onto the field, smiled and even applauded (with a smile) when they announced the winner. That night was for Sieara. Even though she didn't win, she was willing to take a risk - which I will just tell you, is a big, GI-normus moment in her life. Sieara felt so special and beautiful that night. My hope for her is that she knows, if she doesn't already, that her Heavenly Father thinks she is that special and beautiful every day of her life - Homecoming Queen or not (even though I do have to say Sieara looked MUCH cuter than the winner...just sayin....).
"You are altogether beautiful, my darling, beautiful in every way." - Song of Solomon 4:7
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Knock Knock...who's in there?
The secret was out and the world knew the Hunts were preggo. I kept looking and searching for the baby bump. I mean, I was gaining weight so I was ready to see proof this sweet child! It's amazing how all of a sudden you have the bump. On the day that my mom and I registered and bought Monkey's crib, I remember seeing myself in the mirror and there it was....A BABY BUMP? I could have sworn it wasn't there earlier....
While the first trimester was defined by a lot of fear and rationalizing this new idea that there something definitely was growing in my belly, there was no hiding I was pregnant during the 2nd trimester. I was still exhausted all of the time, I had headaches and my lower back started bothering me. I thought those symptoms were supposed to come during the first trimester and promtply exit during the second trimester...wrong wrong wrong.
Lots of exciting things between those 13-27 weeks:
I guessed from the start of our pregnancy that Monkey was a boy. Marc thought it was a girl...he just had to be different. It just a "gut" feeling based off 2 very important and scientific factors: we had picked out a girl name, everyone was having girls and I was terrified of a boy. Ok, so 3 very important factors. Don't get me wrong, I knew I would love and adore a little boy, but I was terrified of them mostly because I'm not one. I didn't grow up with brothers and boys...well they can just be boys.
As the ultrasound tech was moving her little wand around (thankfully ON the tummy this time) to go through her series of checks, I finally couldn't stand it anymore.
"Do you know if it's a boy or a girl?"
"Yep! Do you want to know?"
"Yes, we would love to know!" Are you serious? Of course we want to know!
"Are you sure?"
Seriously.....
"Ok, let me find it..."
Well, that IT was the proof that Monkey was indeed a boy. And, he was determined there was no mistaking it for something else because he KEPT showing it (and the obsession with IT begins...Marc was a proud father that day). Marc said he already knew because he had seen it before she pointed it out to us but didn't want to say anything.
Well, my initial thought was....how weird is it that I'm carrying a boy. It just somewhat baffles me that I (a female) am growing a male. I think I even said that in the room that day...but that's about all I said because the overwhelming thoughts were swirling around in my brain - "I have no idea how to raise a boy, I feel completely inadequate to take care of a boy or potty train a boy for that matter..."
I was completely overwhelmed by my insecurities and inadequacies until God's truth finally opened my eyes. God had specifically designed this boy for our family...and not just any boy, our son. He was hand-picked for us - and who was I to argue with that? It was God who had even made it possible for us to have children - who provided us with insurance, who knit our son together in my womb and who from the start of time, knew that He would provide us a son. There was no doubt about it - Monkey/Baby Hunt was God's child.
It was that truth that led us to naming our son Samuel Wesley Hunt.
People kept telling me that boys were so easy...but let me tell you that picking a boy's name was hard! I ix-nayed really any name that Marc threw out there. I just didn't like any, and I kept telling Marc that God would give us a name because it was Him that gave us this child in the first place. Marc kept coming back to Samuel and it wasn't until I read 1 Samuel, that I realized that was our son's name. Wesley is my father-in-law's name, and it was important for us to also include a family name. And there you have it, Samuel Wesley Hunt.
So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the LORD for him." - 1 Samuel 1:20
[Hannah said to Eli] "I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.” - 1 Samuel 1:27
The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground. - 1 Samuel 3:19
While the first trimester was defined by a lot of fear and rationalizing this new idea that there something definitely was growing in my belly, there was no hiding I was pregnant during the 2nd trimester. I was still exhausted all of the time, I had headaches and my lower back started bothering me. I thought those symptoms were supposed to come during the first trimester and promtply exit during the second trimester...wrong wrong wrong.
Lots of exciting things between those 13-27 weeks:
- We cleaned out the guest room to officially become Monkey's Room.
- We celebrated our "first" Mother's and Father's day!
- We found out that Monkey was indeed a boy (I was right...more on that below).
- We registered and I cried on almost every visit to Babies R Us. That place is the MOST overwhelming place ever and can make you feel completely unqualified to be an expectant mother....like when a male employee asks if he can help you find something, and you want to yell, "I'm a woman! I should know where the pacifiers are!" (They were only thoughts...no yelling actually occurred...)
- We felt Monkey kick for the first time!
- I stopped buttoning my pants and instead wore pants with elastic up to my chest....can you say attractive?
- I started waking up in the middle of the night to pee...actually, that started pretty much right away and was now a nightly ritual.
- Monkey became Samuel Wesley Hunt (more on that below).
- And all of a sudden, the mystery of what was growing in my uterus became a child. And not just any child, a son with a name with a growing personality and possibly a future soccer player with the kicks and jabs he made during that time.
I guessed from the start of our pregnancy that Monkey was a boy. Marc thought it was a girl...he just had to be different. It just a "gut" feeling based off 2 very important and scientific factors: we had picked out a girl name, everyone was having girls and I was terrified of a boy. Ok, so 3 very important factors. Don't get me wrong, I knew I would love and adore a little boy, but I was terrified of them mostly because I'm not one. I didn't grow up with brothers and boys...well they can just be boys.
As the ultrasound tech was moving her little wand around (thankfully ON the tummy this time) to go through her series of checks, I finally couldn't stand it anymore.
"Do you know if it's a boy or a girl?"
"Yep! Do you want to know?"
"Yes, we would love to know!" Are you serious? Of course we want to know!
"Are you sure?"
Seriously.....
"Ok, let me find it..."
Well, that IT was the proof that Monkey was indeed a boy. And, he was determined there was no mistaking it for something else because he KEPT showing it (and the obsession with IT begins...Marc was a proud father that day). Marc said he already knew because he had seen it before she pointed it out to us but didn't want to say anything.
Well, my initial thought was....how weird is it that I'm carrying a boy. It just somewhat baffles me that I (a female) am growing a male. I think I even said that in the room that day...but that's about all I said because the overwhelming thoughts were swirling around in my brain - "I have no idea how to raise a boy, I feel completely inadequate to take care of a boy or potty train a boy for that matter..."
I was completely overwhelmed by my insecurities and inadequacies until God's truth finally opened my eyes. God had specifically designed this boy for our family...and not just any boy, our son. He was hand-picked for us - and who was I to argue with that? It was God who had even made it possible for us to have children - who provided us with insurance, who knit our son together in my womb and who from the start of time, knew that He would provide us a son. There was no doubt about it - Monkey/Baby Hunt was God's child.
It was that truth that led us to naming our son Samuel Wesley Hunt.
People kept telling me that boys were so easy...but let me tell you that picking a boy's name was hard! I ix-nayed really any name that Marc threw out there. I just didn't like any, and I kept telling Marc that God would give us a name because it was Him that gave us this child in the first place. Marc kept coming back to Samuel and it wasn't until I read 1 Samuel, that I realized that was our son's name. Wesley is my father-in-law's name, and it was important for us to also include a family name. And there you have it, Samuel Wesley Hunt.
So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the LORD for him." - 1 Samuel 1:20
[Hannah said to Eli] "I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.” - 1 Samuel 1:27
The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground. - 1 Samuel 3:19
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Is this real life?
It's not easy walking around knowing that you are carrying a poppy seed (or a child) but nothing really on the outside is different. And for me, I did not have any overly obvious pregnancy symptoms (thank you Jesus...I always assumed because my stomach is pretty lame that I would spend 9 months curled up around a toilet). So, I did want any normal person would do - just didn't believe it. I wish I could say that I was uber-laid back, but in case you didn't know this about me, I'm not all that laid-back. I would really love to be, but instead, I am more of the worrying, overthinking, overanxious and overly-sensitive type. So, every day was an emotional roller coaster of the ups and downs of the question - "Am I really pregnant?" Some days I believed it, other days I didn't and in between, I just cried and obsessed about it. Can I just say, that you start worrying about your child the moment you find out you are pregnant.
Fear defined the majority of my first trimester - afraid of miscarriage, afraid that something would be wrong, afraid I was going to mess this up, afraid that the glass of wine or xrays I had before I knew I was pregnant hurt our poppy seed. I kept counting down the days to our first appointment. My mind wouldn't let me completely believe it until then - again, I'm constantly learning to trust and let go. Now that I'm reflecting back on this time, I'm sorry I spent the days worrying rather than rejoicing. The days crawled by until almost 6 weeks after finding out we were pregnant, we had our first appointment.
We got settled into the waiting room and they called my name. Marc and I went back to our room. LUCKILY, I had been warned how the first appointment goes. Not ALL sonograms are done on your tummy....some are a tad bit invasive. Just imagine your husband sitting in with you at your annual appointment...yep, that's what it's like. There was LOTS of talk with the doctor before we got to the invasive part, and I honestly cannot remember a single word of it because I was just ready to find out what exactly was happening or "supposed" to be happening in my uterus.
Let me just tell yo
u what was happening in my uterus - I not only saw this little tiny baby on a screen but heard this very quick heartbeat. This was for real (after all...more than 4 tests tried to tell me so, including the one I took the day before our appointment). There were tears of joy, gratitude, absolute amazement and omg...we are going to be parents! April 11 was the first day we saw and heard Sam, but he wasn't Sam yet - first he was poppy seed, then Baby Hunt and finally Monkey. Poor kid...I'm afraid the Monkey nick name may be here a while.
I attempted to let the idea of being pregnant settle in. Marc and I rejoiced that Monkey was healthy and enjoying life in my uterus and shared this news with the family and close friends we had told about being pregnant. We wanted to wait to make the BIG announcement on our 4th anniversary on May 5. That's when it was official, only because it was on Facebook.
I attempted to keep running. I mean, after finishing a half-marathon, I just assumed I would keep running 3-5 miles here and there like it was nothing. Wrong again...I was 1. too tired and already comfortable on the couch and 2. scared that I would bounce Monkey right out of me. The few times I did run, I spent the rest of the afternoon feeling guilty for putting Monkey through a roller coaster ride. So, I my running shoes had to settle for being walking shoes...
And with that, Monkey and I walked right into our second trimester...
Fear defined the majority of my first trimester - afraid of miscarriage, afraid that something would be wrong, afraid I was going to mess this up, afraid that the glass of wine or xrays I had before I knew I was pregnant hurt our poppy seed. I kept counting down the days to our first appointment. My mind wouldn't let me completely believe it until then - again, I'm constantly learning to trust and let go. Now that I'm reflecting back on this time, I'm sorry I spent the days worrying rather than rejoicing. The days crawled by until almost 6 weeks after finding out we were pregnant, we had our first appointment.
We got settled into the waiting room and they called my name. Marc and I went back to our room. LUCKILY, I had been warned how the first appointment goes. Not ALL sonograms are done on your tummy....some are a tad bit invasive. Just imagine your husband sitting in with you at your annual appointment...yep, that's what it's like. There was LOTS of talk with the doctor before we got to the invasive part, and I honestly cannot remember a single word of it because I was just ready to find out what exactly was happening or "supposed" to be happening in my uterus.
Let me just tell yo
u what was happening in my uterus - I not only saw this little tiny baby on a screen but heard this very quick heartbeat. This was for real (after all...more than 4 tests tried to tell me so, including the one I took the day before our appointment). There were tears of joy, gratitude, absolute amazement and omg...we are going to be parents! April 11 was the first day we saw and heard Sam, but he wasn't Sam yet - first he was poppy seed, then Baby Hunt and finally Monkey. Poor kid...I'm afraid the Monkey nick name may be here a while.I attempted to let the idea of being pregnant settle in. Marc and I rejoiced that Monkey was healthy and enjoying life in my uterus and shared this news with the family and close friends we had told about being pregnant. We wanted to wait to make the BIG announcement on our 4th anniversary on May 5. That's when it was official, only because it was on Facebook.
The rest of my first trimester flew by, still with no major symptoms except for cravings. I should have known early enough there was a little boy in there because I couldn't stop craving salty and really food in general. I wanted, needed and had to have white cheddar popcorn (and yes, Marc made an emergency gas station solely to pick-up a bag of it), Chinese food, and really any fast food. I even wanted Krystal's...I have no idea when I have ever desired a Krystal burger in my life! I also was enjoying lots of naps - like every day after work, or on my days off (after doing nothing), on the weekends...and really any down time I ha
d was spent on the living couch snoozing. Marc and Bailey (the professional snoozers in our family) loved all of the siestas that were occurring in our home.
d was spent on the living couch snoozing. Marc and Bailey (the professional snoozers in our family) loved all of the siestas that were occurring in our home.I attempted to keep running. I mean, after finishing a half-marathon, I just assumed I would keep running 3-5 miles here and there like it was nothing. Wrong again...I was 1. too tired and already comfortable on the couch and 2. scared that I would bounce Monkey right out of me. The few times I did run, I spent the rest of the afternoon feeling guilty for putting Monkey through a roller coaster ride. So, I my running shoes had to settle for being walking shoes...
And with that, Monkey and I walked right into our second trimester...
It's Positive!
I had heard many people say about getting pregnant, "We're not trying to get pregnant, but we're not NOT trying to get pregnant." They sounded so smooth and low key about it...like it would just happen when it was supposed to. So, that's the mentality I went into the baby making process. Now fully covered with maternity insurance, I decided to put this very calm sounding mantra into action.
I stood corrected...there was nothing smooth or low key about it. You are either trying or you are not. Thoughts of being pregnant ran rampant in my thoughts, conversation, researching fertility, ovulation...come to find out, I really had no idea how the female body worked. I won't go into all of the amazing and gross details of it, but the long and short of it is - pregnancy is a miracle. One that I couldn't plan - I mean, I could try, but ultimately, it was up to God. I was learning the same lesson over and over and over....
It was the beginning of March and we were up in the 'Boro celebrating birthdays with family. We stayed the night at my in-laws and the pregnancy topic was brought up with my sister-in-law. I said very smoothly that we were not preventing anything from happening, it will happen when it's ready and all that jazz. The next day, I woke up and I could not breathe. I think I have grown to be allergic to cats or basements or both. Anywho, I was overall not feeling great. On our way home, we stopped by my parents to say hello. Mom kept offering me a glass of wine, but being that I couldn't smell or taste anything, wine did not sound the least bit appealing. She very quickly cornered me and said, "Are you pregnant? You would tell me if you are right? Are you?" I quickly reassured Mom that I was NOT pregnant....didn't she know we were just "letting it happen"? ;)
I pretty much decided on the way home that evening that I was taking a pregnancy test. I had become a pro at them anyway. What's one more test? I didn't even tell Marc I was going to take it because I knew he would 1. try to be rational and 2. wonder why I kept spending our money on expensive tests that I kept throwing away! I even hid the test behind the shower curtain once I took it so he didn't see it. I went to go help him unload the car and after a few minutes, I ran back to the bathroom to see the results. I was sure it was negative - I mean, I didn't have any symptoms, I had not technically "missed" anything and every other test had said negative, so wouldn't this one too. I pulled back the curtain to read the word "Positive."
I was shocked - it's funny how you keep thinking about something and wondering when it's going to happen, but then it happens, and you are completely surprised by your reaction. I was speechless and filled with more doubt than ever. The next
day, I promptly made an appointment with my doctor because I was certain their tests would prove these silly store-bought tests wrong. The nurse came back with her very official test and said, "You're pregnant...barely pregnant, but definitely pregnant."
And with that, the P-word completely changed our lives.
I stood corrected...there was nothing smooth or low key about it. You are either trying or you are not. Thoughts of being pregnant ran rampant in my thoughts, conversation, researching fertility, ovulation...come to find out, I really had no idea how the female body worked. I won't go into all of the amazing and gross details of it, but the long and short of it is - pregnancy is a miracle. One that I couldn't plan - I mean, I could try, but ultimately, it was up to God. I was learning the same lesson over and over and over....
It was the beginning of March and we were up in the 'Boro celebrating birthdays with family. We stayed the night at my in-laws and the pregnancy topic was brought up with my sister-in-law. I said very smoothly that we were not preventing anything from happening, it will happen when it's ready and all that jazz. The next day, I woke up and I could not breathe. I think I have grown to be allergic to cats or basements or both. Anywho, I was overall not feeling great. On our way home, we stopped by my parents to say hello. Mom kept offering me a glass of wine, but being that I couldn't smell or taste anything, wine did not sound the least bit appealing. She very quickly cornered me and said, "Are you pregnant? You would tell me if you are right? Are you?" I quickly reassured Mom that I was NOT pregnant....didn't she know we were just "letting it happen"? ;)
I pretty much decided on the way home that evening that I was taking a pregnancy test. I had become a pro at them anyway. What's one more test? I didn't even tell Marc I was going to take it because I knew he would 1. try to be rational and 2. wonder why I kept spending our money on expensive tests that I kept throwing away! I even hid the test behind the shower curtain once I took it so he didn't see it. I went to go help him unload the car and after a few minutes, I ran back to the bathroom to see the results. I was sure it was negative - I mean, I didn't have any symptoms, I had not technically "missed" anything and every other test had said negative, so wouldn't this one too. I pulled back the curtain to read the word "Positive."
Well, I'm proud to say tha
t my first words after reading the P-word were curse words quickly followed by the thought, "Are you sure?" Marc came in quickly when he heard the obscenities being uttered in the bathroom, and all I could do it is hold up the test with a terrified look. I will never forget the sweet smile that came across his face. I, on the other hand, was all of a sudden feeling light-headed and still didn't believe this test, so I took another one. Well, according to BOTH tests, we were pregnant.
t my first words after reading the P-word were curse words quickly followed by the thought, "Are you sure?" Marc came in quickly when he heard the obscenities being uttered in the bathroom, and all I could do it is hold up the test with a terrified look. I will never forget the sweet smile that came across his face. I, on the other hand, was all of a sudden feeling light-headed and still didn't believe this test, so I took another one. Well, according to BOTH tests, we were pregnant.I was shocked - it's funny how you keep thinking about something and wondering when it's going to happen, but then it happens, and you are completely surprised by your reaction. I was speechless and filled with more doubt than ever. The next
day, I promptly made an appointment with my doctor because I was certain their tests would prove these silly store-bought tests wrong. The nurse came back with her very official test and said, "You're pregnant...barely pregnant, but definitely pregnant." And with that, the P-word completely changed our lives.
Poppy Seed
I told you I would be back!
So, to catch everyone up, the latest adventure in the Hunt household is set to arrive in a few weeks, like 4 or 5. I can't believe our little man is almost here and it's even harder to believe that Sam started as a poppy seed. Yes, this sweet child who has taken over my body (literally) started as a poppy seed.
God has amazed me throughout this pregnancy - when I read Psalm 139 now ("For I knit you in your mother's womb...") I think about how what started as a poppy seed, God knew exactly who Sam was, who he is going to be and even better, created him to be in our family. It's overwhelming to say the least...
Ok...need to focus and not get all emotional (God certainly has a sense of humor giving an already emotional mess of a woman pregnancy hormones!). Let's start at how Baby Hunt even came to be....(not like that...gross!)
Marc and I have known since we dated that we wanted a family. We knew it would happen in God's timing but there were also a few barriers that required patience (God forgot to give me some of that when I was created). Almost from the start of our marriage, Marc enrolled to be an online student at Asbury Theological Seminary. Once he was accepted, he started working part-time with Chick-fil-A which allowed Marc the flexibility to work and go to school, but this also meant a cut in pay and no benefits. I also don't receive benefits from the ministry I work for, so we had to buy our own. In case you didn't know, insurance is EXPENSIVE and if you want to include a maternity package, even more EXPENSIVE. So, we knew that we were not in a place to start a family because of Marc's commitments with school and work, our financial status and not having maternity insurance.
Fast forward 3 years and I was starting to get anxious. Marc had just over a year left in school and there was a chance that Chick-fil-A would approve a full-time position (which would offer benefits...yay!) before Marc was done with school. I had my heart set on this happening...I thought it was in the bank. And then Marc called to tell me it didn't work out. We were both heart broken. My prayers to God were more of a cry-fests and temper-tantrums asking why it didn't work out, why did He want us to wait longer, why why why...
I should know by now a few things (well a lot of things), but when it comes to our sweet Savior, that:
1. His timing is perfect
2. Not to question His plans
3. Sometimes, we don't get what we want, but that doesn't mean He doesn't love us or provide for us.
So, we were back to square one. We just continued doing life and praying that God would provide a way in His timing. God certainly has a sense of humor because a few months after this, we received an insurance brochure for a different insurance company. There wasn't anything to lose, so I called to get more information about their benefits. Come to find out, they offered maternity packages at a decent price - it would still be more than what we were currently paying, but we could thankfully afford it. BUT we had to enroll by the end of the year because at the start of the new year, they were canceling their maternity benefits for new customers.
Seriously?! God showed up in an insurance brochure in the mail - that's just how cool He is! So, we rang in 2011 with an opportunity to start a family for the first time! God taught me so many lessons throughout this process and I'm so thankful to know that this poppy seed was created in His most perfect timing!
So, to catch everyone up, the latest adventure in the Hunt household is set to arrive in a few weeks, like 4 or 5. I can't believe our little man is almost here and it's even harder to believe that Sam started as a poppy seed. Yes, this sweet child who has taken over my body (literally) started as a poppy seed.
God has amazed me throughout this pregnancy - when I read Psalm 139 now ("For I knit you in your mother's womb...") I think about how what started as a poppy seed, God knew exactly who Sam was, who he is going to be and even better, created him to be in our family. It's overwhelming to say the least...
Ok...need to focus and not get all emotional (God certainly has a sense of humor giving an already emotional mess of a woman pregnancy hormones!). Let's start at how Baby Hunt even came to be....(not like that...gross!)
Marc and I have known since we dated that we wanted a family. We knew it would happen in God's timing but there were also a few barriers that required patience (God forgot to give me some of that when I was created). Almost from the start of our marriage, Marc enrolled to be an online student at Asbury Theological Seminary. Once he was accepted, he started working part-time with Chick-fil-A which allowed Marc the flexibility to work and go to school, but this also meant a cut in pay and no benefits. I also don't receive benefits from the ministry I work for, so we had to buy our own. In case you didn't know, insurance is EXPENSIVE and if you want to include a maternity package, even more EXPENSIVE. So, we knew that we were not in a place to start a family because of Marc's commitments with school and work, our financial status and not having maternity insurance.
Fast forward 3 years and I was starting to get anxious. Marc had just over a year left in school and there was a chance that Chick-fil-A would approve a full-time position (which would offer benefits...yay!) before Marc was done with school. I had my heart set on this happening...I thought it was in the bank. And then Marc called to tell me it didn't work out. We were both heart broken. My prayers to God were more of a cry-fests and temper-tantrums asking why it didn't work out, why did He want us to wait longer, why why why...
I should know by now a few things (well a lot of things), but when it comes to our sweet Savior, that:
1. His timing is perfect
2. Not to question His plans
3. Sometimes, we don't get what we want, but that doesn't mean He doesn't love us or provide for us.
So, we were back to square one. We just continued doing life and praying that God would provide a way in His timing. God certainly has a sense of humor because a few months after this, we received an insurance brochure for a different insurance company. There wasn't anything to lose, so I called to get more information about their benefits. Come to find out, they offered maternity packages at a decent price - it would still be more than what we were currently paying, but we could thankfully afford it. BUT we had to enroll by the end of the year because at the start of the new year, they were canceling their maternity benefits for new customers.
Seriously?! God showed up in an insurance brochure in the mail - that's just how cool He is! So, we rang in 2011 with an opportunity to start a family for the first time! God taught me so many lessons throughout this process and I'm so thankful to know that this poppy seed was created in His most perfect timing!
It's been 9 months...
It's official...I am the worst blogger ever. I haven't written a thing since January 13 - almost 9 months ago. This however, does not mean there have been a lack of adventures in the Hunt household. Actually, quite the opposite! So, I will attempt to bring you up to speed...like lightening speed!
2011 has been a year of celebrations: birthdays, weddings, engagements, friends having babies, friends getting pregnant, Marc completing his degree at Asbury Theological Seminary (woop woop!), Marc's full-time employment with Chick-fil-A (he finally took the step from part-time to full-time, even though I suggested the next step should be retirement!).
We also hung out with our kidz at a Counselor Retreat, Camp Hope 2011, and a lake retreat. My sweet mentee began her senior year of HIGHSCHOOL! I can't believe she's about to graduate and turn 18....omg...
Let's see what else...my memory is terrible these days....(and don't you just love a cliffhanger)..
Oh yes, in all of our spare time, I have been growing a baby! That's right folks, the Hunts are about to become parents to a precious little boy. Samuel Wesley Hunt is set to debut November 12 - give or take a few weeks.
As I get closer and closer to my due date, I realized that I want to remember every little part of being pregnant with Sam so I can tell him all about it. Being that my memory is already crap and pregnancy hormones have depleted the poor brain cells I had left, I realized that this blog is the opportunity to record these important moments for our family.
So there you have it! I told you I would catch you up in lightening speed! But don't worry, I will return with more details!
Blessings,
Cris
2011 has been a year of celebrations: birthdays, weddings, engagements, friends having babies, friends getting pregnant, Marc completing his degree at Asbury Theological Seminary (woop woop!), Marc's full-time employment with Chick-fil-A (he finally took the step from part-time to full-time, even though I suggested the next step should be retirement!).
We also hung out with our kidz at a Counselor Retreat, Camp Hope 2011, and a lake retreat. My sweet mentee began her senior year of HIGHSCHOOL! I can't believe she's about to graduate and turn 18....omg...
Let's see what else...my memory is terrible these days....(and don't you just love a cliffhanger)..
Oh yes, in all of our spare time, I have been growing a baby! That's right folks, the Hunts are about to become parents to a precious little boy. Samuel Wesley Hunt is set to debut November 12 - give or take a few weeks.
As I get closer and closer to my due date, I realized that I want to remember every little part of being pregnant with Sam so I can tell him all about it. Being that my memory is already crap and pregnancy hormones have depleted the poor brain cells I had left, I realized that this blog is the opportunity to record these important moments for our family.
So there you have it! I told you I would catch you up in lightening speed! But don't worry, I will return with more details!
Blessings,
Cris
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