Sam's Arrival...17 Months Later

Despite my erratic blog posting behavior, I do enjoy reminiscing on past posts, especially the ones during pregnancy.  I have a terrible memory, so rereading posts about my pregnancy with Sam brings those precious and what-seems-like-forever-ago moments back to life.  I did a great job of recording the first 12 months of Sam's life on a Shutterfly website along with way too many pictures, but I've never gotten around to writing Sam's arrival into this world and into our lives.  So, on this beautiful day while both Sam and Marc are napping, I figured why not remember that crazy, amazing day. 

As you can read from this post, I made it to my due date - November 12, 2011.  I was frustrated thinking I would carry this baby forever.  No matter how many fears you have about actually delivering the baby, you definitely come to a point in your pregnancy that you really don't care how this baby comes out, but that it's time.  I was there.  It was a Saturday afternoon, and I figured since I made it to my due date, that I would most likely be induced sometime later in the week.  So, I may as well celebrate by getting out of the house.  It was the UGA v.. Auburn game, and I made plans to watch the game at our friends' home on the other side of the city.  Marc was not on board.  For once, the tables were turned and my husband was being the worrier of the family.  But, I assured him that Sam had no plans to come today and that even if I did go into labor, which I was certain would not happen, we would have plenty of time to get back to the house to collect our bags and head to the hospital  By the way, we had this heated discussion in some random aisle at the grocery store as I bought a few items to bring to Michael and Lauren's house.  As far as I was concerned, I was the one who was 9-months pregnant...if I wanted to go watch a football game at their house, I was going.  

And, we did and had a great time.  I remember not really watching the game...to be honest, I can't remember even who won, but I do remember eating ribs, zucchini chips and laughing really hard all night.  Lauren kept touching my belly asking I was having contractions to which I always responded with a shrug, "I have no idea."  Up to this point, I had no idea what contractions felt like and figured I would find out when it was time.  

Which is exactly what happened as we drove home around 10:00 that night.  As Marc was having a recap of the game with his parents, I started feeling this intense cramp.  And, then it happened again.  I grabbed the "oh shi*t" handle above my window (I'm sure these handles have a more appropriate name, but that's what I always have called them, and this night, that was exactly how I was feeling).  As these cramps aka contractions kept coming and causing me to double over, I remember Marc telling his parents, "No, she's doing great.  I don't think Sam is coming tonight."  At some point he looked over at me and realized maybe that was not the case.  We made it home and what happened over the next few hours was a blur, or at least that's how I remember it.  But, Marc started timing contractions and they were maybe 5-7 minutes apart.  I tried to sleep - because that's what "they" tell you to do, but whoever "they" are is crazy.  There was no sleeping this pain off.  So, I then, watched tv, took a bath, walked around the house freaking out, finished packing my bag and when we (meaning I) couldn't take it anymore, we decided the hospital was the next stop...but not before I took a shower (A practical piece of advice from my friend Lauren since I didn't know when I may be getting my next shower).  I was pretty sure that I was in labor, but I had this nagging fear that they were going to send me home once I arrived at the hospital.  Despite this lingering fear, we loaded our bags and my freshly showered, laboring self into the car to drive to Northside Hospital around 3:00 a.m...not realizing that when we returned, we would be bringing home our son.....

.....to be continued

40 Weeks

Happy Due Date weekend! The countdown that has been winding down since the first weekend of March is here - and do you want to know what happens at the end of your 40 weeks? Well, for me, nothing. Just another beautiful weekend to enjoy relaxing, watching football and eating good food with good friends. No complaints here...except that at any moment, I could go into labor. No big deal...I got this, or at least am hoping I do.

It's funny how Marc and I have been talking, guessing, day dreaming and planning November 12th for most of 2011. You know that feeling you get on Christmas eve? Well, maybe you don't unless you love Christmas as much as I do. There's something so magical about waking up on Christmas day...I just absolutely LOVE it! And yes, I am a 27-year-old and proud to admit it. Well, leading up to Sam's due date, I anticipated a similar feeling but instead it's going to be more like a surprise Christmas morning with contractions and some minor freaking out, but there is an awesome gift at the end of it.

So what to do until then....

Well for one, I'm overnested. I don't think there is one more room, closet or drawer that can be cleaned or organized. They say that planning a party is the best way for you to get things done around your house. I disagree. Pregnancy is. More projects have been accomplished at our house in the last 9 months...and I have loved every moment of it. Organization is one of my love languages for sure. So, nesting...check.

Next on the list...getting ready for maternity leave at work. Check. I have crossed off every task on my to-do list. So...I'm a little curious about what I'm planning to do in the office next week if Sam hasn't arrived (dare I say it...plan ahead?!!).

Take lots of naps. Check. Last Saturday, after eating breakfast, I took a nap. Then, after dinner, I took another nap. Then I went to bed. Also, the nasty cold (who is attempting to hang on by a thread) afforded me plenty of napping opportunities this week as well as more than enough time to watch more tv shows and free movies On Demand including Father of the Bride and Father of the Bride 2. Also, catching up on tv. Check.

Our bags are packed, the car seat is in and sooooo I'm wondering what I'm going to do while we wait for Sam's arrival....

Well, as I've avoided an all-out panic attack because I really don't have anything looming over me that needs to be done, I realized my brain finally has some capacity to just enjoy the beautiful fall weather and give thanks for the many blessings God has given us during this time. Which of course now I'm realizing I've carving out time at the end...so typical. My devotion yesterday even said, "If you're bored with what you are doing, fill your time with prayers and and praise." It's amazing what you can hear God tell you when you finally sit still.

This pregnancy has been such a sweet time. I have been so blessed by a wonderful network of support through family, friends, co-workers, our church, the kids and their families and even perfect strangers. People LOVE pregnant women. Just the other day, I was at the grocery store when a woman came up to me and said, "Oh thank God you're pregnant. I'm pregnant too and feeling so nauseous. Can I take this medicine?" Well first off, I've never had a perfect stranger tell me they were thankful to see me at the grocery store. I realized that she felt comfortable approaching me because we shared the bond of pregnancy.

I'm so thankful for what the Lord has taught me during this time. How He has gently reminded me of who is in control and how He has opened my eyes to see His creation woven into my routined life. How thankful I am that He chose me and Marc to be Sam's parents. And, how much I am reminded through this how much He loves me. I'm thankful for the lessons that the Lord has taught me during this time that has and is preparing me to be a parent. And, the Lord's very blatant reminder that I will not be perfect and have to rely on Him...for everything. Finally, I'm thankful that the Lord has allowed me an opportunity to work with a group of kids who have helped prepare both Marc and I for parenthood. They allowed me grace to love them as family and make some mistakes in the process.

As Sam's arrival has approached, I've cherished every moment Marc and I have shared in the past 4 1/2 years and the sweet quiet moments we've shared together in the past few weeks. I'm so thankful for the adventures we experienced as a couple. And, the ups and the downs that have allowed to us become better friends and a stronger couple. I'm excited to experience the adventure of parenthood with him. I'm thankful for his support and gentleness during my pregnancy....for every emotional moment he endured, his patience as I perfected every part of our home, for every time I woke up in the middle of the night and he asked if I was ok. For every time he reminded me of how beautiful I was when I felt like a stretched out ball of lard.

Lastly, I'm so thankful for Sam! Thankful for his health and thankful that he made being pregnant so fun and non-eventful. We are so excited to meet you Sam and I will say we're getting more and more anxious to finally lay our eyes on your precious face, but you come out when you're ready. We'll be here!

The Cold

You may remember that when I found out I was pregnant that I had a cold. Somewhere during the second trimester, I got another cold. And now, in my 40th week of pregnancy....guess what?! If you said had a baby, I wish you were right. If you said cold...DING DING DING! You are a winner. This pregnancy started and is ending with the same nasty cold. I would just like to let you know cold that you are no longer welcome, and just you wait, in a few weeks, I'll be able to take a LOT more stronger medicine to kick you out....you should be very scared cold.

And let me just say or rather whine for the record, that heartburn and not being able to sleep on top of a runny nose, stuffy head and chest congestion is just an insult to injury at this point.

Ok...enough whining. After sleeping and watching re-runs of Friends all day, I'm feeling a little better today. I'm planning to spend a few hours at work and then I have a date with Bailey and the couch the rest of the afternoon. Gotta rest up!!

Preggo Photos

I mentioned a few posts ago that we had some professional pictures taken to document being pregnant...and because I was a huge slacker when it came to taking pics of my growing belly. Anywho, we were recommended by a friend to use Meg Davidson. She was amazing and even managed to make this awkward fool feel comfortable. (I just didn't know what to do with my hands...Marc said I reminded of him of this clip...)

Again, I get off topic...SO, one evening after work, Marc and I met Meg at Stone Mountain Park to take some pictures. Like I said, she did a great job and what's even better, is that she's planning to come to our house after Sam is born to take some newborn pics. Here are some of our favorite pics. Thank you again Meg!!




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39 Weeks...

Well my friends this weekend marks 39 weeks. It could be any day now or any week now. At this point, the two are drastically different and I must admit that it would be kinda nice to know (like if he could send me a note or do some morse code on my belly). And, I'm fairly certain our families and friends would appreciate some head's up too. However, I'm extremely thankful that I don't know because my over-worrying, over-anxious brain would be a nervous wreck. It's at times like these that I understand why God doesn't let us have control over some things.

And, according to my weekly doctor's appointment, we're moving and progressing slowly but surely. While the people I knew who had due dates around mine have already had their babies, it's looking like I will make mine. That's at least my bet.

So, the waiting game, heartburn and peeing every two minutes continues. I'm excited for a weekend of rest involving staying in my pjs all day, reading and watching tv. Yes, it sounds like the most boring thing ever but the wonderful opportunity to relax is closing in on its expiration date once our little man makes his arrival. :)

Two Weeks Notice

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.

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.

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:

• 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.

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:

• 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...)
  

Sorry, I digress...

• 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.
  

At around 20 weeks, Marc and I went in for our ultrasound to find out if Monkey was a he or she. Actually, the 20-week ultrasound is to look at the different angles of the fetus to ensure he/she is healthy, has 10 fingers, 10 toes, 4 chambers in the heart and lots of important things like that....and can you please tell me already if it's a boy or a girl?!

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

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 you 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 had 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."

Well, I'm proud to say that 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!