Goodbye 2011...

Here we are at the end of another year.  But this was no means just another year.  This was this year Steve and I became mom and dad.  I look back to January when I found out I was pregnant.  I was ecstatic, a little nervous, and anxious.  Little did I know that my dream of becoming a mom would be taken from me so quickly.  Steve and I ventured out to Mo Ranch for a much needed get away and came back a better couple, closer to God and with a little stow away!  Every new year's eve, I am overcome with a flood of emotions.  Some sad, happy, some hopeful.  I always look back at my year and am in awe of the many blessings I experienced, saddened by loss, upset about things I could have done differently, or disappointed for things that I never accomplished.
Well, this year, I accomplished the most amazing feat yet, I became a mother.  The overwhelming peace I felt when I looked at the two little blue lines on March 21st was the most amazing feeling ever.  Then, Patti verified my suspicions with her revelation.  The pregnancy journey was a fairly easy one, labor and delivery went well, and I was left with the most perfect gift ever--Jonathan.  He is six weeks old today and I look forward to see what 2012 brings for all of us.
Yes, my year could not have been more perfect....until October.  This year we experienced the loss of my Aunt Becky.  I think I am still in shock, thinking she is on a long cruise with my uncle Phil, or still hiking the mountains of Wyoming and won't be back for a few months.  A part of me is at peace knowing that she is no longer suffering, and has obtained the most amazing prize ever...eternal life in our Lord's kingdom.  While the selfish part of me wants her here with the family, because our family will always have a void with her gone, a part of me is eternally grateful knowing that one day we will see her again.  My heart breaks for my cousins, for Uncle Phil and Grandma and Grandpa.  I just pray that one day they will experience true peace and trust knowing that Becky is in a much better place.
Like I said, this year had its share of emotions.  When I was pregnant with Jonathan, I always referred to the scripture "he will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice at his birth"  Luke 1:14.  Jonathan has been a joy and I know that he has brought much joy to this family in the midst of loss.  So, here we go.  We say goodbye to another year.  I welcome 2012 and all of its possibilites.  I am so richly blessed.  I couldn't ask for anything more.

1 month old

Dear Jonathan,

Angel, today you are 1 month old. I can't believe that one month ago today we brought you into this world and met you for the first time. Daddy and I are just amazed with how much you have grown this past month. Time is flying by so fast. You are still fitting into newborn clothes. The 0-3 months are still way to big for you. I can't wait for you to grow a little more because you have some really cute outfits I can't wait to put on you! You are falling into more of a sleep pattern at night. You will take your last bottle at 10:00 with daddy, and them mommy will burp you and sit up with you for awhile. You love to fall asleep on my chest. You seem to sleep best there. You sleep in the pack and play in mommy and daddy's room. You will usually get up again about 3am to eat, and them you will sleep for 4-5 hours after that. You are eating a combination of breast milk and formula and are taking down about 3 to 3 and 1/2 oz every 3 hours. You are eating so much better now and are so alert. Sometimes at night, you are in "deep sleep mode" (as daddy and I call it) and I should put you to bed so I can get some sleep, but I will just hold you and watch you sleep. We waited so long for you and sometimes I dont think I can get enough of you! You don't necessarily like tummy time, but you are able to hold your head up for a max of 40 seconds (at least that is the longest mommy and daddy have counted). You are able to pick up your head and turn it to the other side to look at something, but you have been doing that since the first day you were born! I am amazed by the strength in your neck and back. You are so alert. You love to stare at the Christmas tree lights and you respond to daddy's footsteps coming up the stairs when we are feeding in your room. I call you "Grouchy" because you let us know right away when you are wet or dirty or hungry! You also let mommy know when you are tired. You will dig your face into my chest when I am holding you. You don't give into sleep easily though. You fight it because you don't want to miss a thing! This past week, you met Santa for the first time. We made a trip out to Northstar Mall with grandma and aunt cathy, and you did great!! You do well with all of your outings. We just put you in the carrier, attach it to the stroller and we're off!! This past week we went to great grandma and grandpa's house. We spent the whole afternoon with them. Great grandpa even got down on the floor to play with you!! You bring so much joy to them, Angel! Their faces light up when they see you and I am so glad that you are going to be blessed to know your great grand parents!! Grandma and Grandpa can't go a day without calling or texting to "see how my grandson is doing." Angel, you are so loved! I hope that you will see that as you get older. You are so blessed to have such an amazing (and crazy) family!! Daddy and I love you so much! We can't wait to see what this next month brings!!

Great Grandpa David

Grandpa Richard

Grandma Linda

Great Grandma Nancy

Pic attempt #1--not a happy camper!

Take 2!

3rd times a charm!!  What a cutie!!

2 weeks old

Can't believe how time flies!  These last two weeks have been a whirlwind.  Jonathan is just such a blessing.  He is getting into somewhat of a routine at night.  We average about 2 and 1/2 to 4 hours at a time but his best sleep is still when he is sleeping on my chest.  I have to admit, that is my best sleep, too!  During the late night feedings, I can't help but just stare at him and watch him sleep.  He is just an Angel.  I just thank God every night for this amazing little man in my life.  On Monday, we had to take Jonathan to the ENT.  He was diagnosed with "tongue-tie" or more formally "ankyloglossia".  The frenulum at the base of his tongue was to tight and preventing his tongue from moving properly to latch on and breast feed.  Needless to say it was a very stressful time for both of us.  We went to the ENT and they started bringing in all of the surgical tools.  It was pretty scary.  They had me hold him, while the nurse held his head still and the doc held his mouth open.  I turned away.  I couldn't even watch.  Before I knew it, they doc said all done, and he held a small gauze pad in his mouth to catch the bleeding.  Then the doc said, "ok, mom, go ahead and feed him."  Well, almost immediately he latched on better and had a great feed."  So far so good, we will see how things go.  We are still having some struggles with feeding, but he has done much better these last two days.  It is really cute when you go to burp him.  He doesn't like to be face down for too long.  He will hold his head up for up to 5 seconds before he turns it to the side he prefers to watch whatever may be going on.  He gets tummy time 1-2 times a day, and just amazes me how well he holds his head up and will turn his head from side to side!  Strong little booger!!  When the nurse was holding his head during his procedure, she just kept saying, "Man, this little guy is strong!"  Tell me about it!  I felt it in my belly for the last 5 months!!  His hair is starting to lighten a bit, and he is looking more and more like Steven everyday.  Maybe he will have a little of me somewhere along the way!  He does not like to be swaddled!  We have an awesome swaddle blanket, but he will nothing to do with it!  The other night, I swaddled his good for him to sleep and Steve and I went to bed.  About 10 minutes later, I heard his squirming, grunting, and them stopped.  I got up to check on him and he managed to wiggle one leg out of the blanket and just let it hang out, and he was back to sleep.  What was funny, was that I was getting back in bed, Steve was sleeping on his back with one leg completely out of the covers!  Like father like son!  So here we are on this amazing journey, hoping that I can be the mother that Jonathan deserves and to provide for him and his needs.  I am just so blessed to have such an amazing husband, family, and friends.  This little guys has experienced so much love in these past 2 weeks.  He has no idea how loved he is!

Welcome to the world Jonathan Jozsef--his birth story

He's here, born on November 19, 2011 at 5:36 pm.  He was born at 6lbs. 13oz and 19 and 3/4 inches long.  What a day!  We went to bed the night before and my stomach was feeling kind of funny.  I thought maybe dinner didn't settle right with me.  I woke up at midnight with some stomach cramping that felt like gas pains.  I tried to get comfortable but could't.  By 1:00am, they were coming really consistent, so I decided to start timing them.  Sure enough, they were coming in at 5 minutes apart, lasting about a minute.  So I started tracking them (on this really cool app on my phone)!  For about an hour an a half, they gradually got stronger, and were coming about 4 minutes apart.  This was it!  I woke Steve up about 2:30am and we got things together, got the dogs situated, and both ate some breakfast because we knew that it was probably going to be a long day....we just weren't sure how long!

We checked into the hospital at 4:00am and I was definitely in labor.  But, I was only about 3-4 cm dilated, but 80-90% effaced.  The contractions were very tolerable, so we just got cozy in our room and Steve slept for a bit.  After about 2 hours, the nurse came in to check me and I hadn't made much progress despite walking, squatting, ball work....so, they made a decision to break my water.  I had that done at 7:45am and within an hour I went to 5-6cm.  Yeah, progress!  But, with progress, also come more contractions.  I went through the contractions for about 2 more hours, but they were coming much stronger, and closer together. Steve kept asking "did you feel that one, Babe?  That was a big one" as he watched on the monitor!  Uh, yeah, Babe, I felt that one!!  Through this point, I walked, but that became much more uncomfortable.  Steve tried counter pressure, massage, I sat on the ball, propped myself over the edge of the bed, but nothing was helping me.   The nurse came in to check me, and I was STILL at 6cm.  After all of that, no change.  I was exhausted.  I was functioning on 2 hours of sleep in the last 24 hours and it was already about 10:00am.  (I don't really remember, I kind of lost track of time).  The nurse came in and talked about pain control.  Although I was against the epidural originally, any kind of relief was being welcomed at this point.  She said that sometimes when the contractions are so bad, I can't relax enough to let my body do what it needs to do.  Mom was there by this point and both her and Steve talked me into getting the epidural.

Just got the epidural....feeling MUCH better!!

Well, all I can say is "why the hell didn't I do this sooner?"  After a 1/2 hour, the nurse checked me and I was already at 8cm!  She was right, my body relaxed and it did what it needed to do.  By 11:00am, I was fully effaced and 8cm.  I just kept thinking by 2pm at the latest, he should be here.  Never try to plan anything when it comes to labor.  For the next 3 hours, my body slowly progressed to 10cm.  I never felt anything and was actually able to doze off for about 30 minutes.  They kept telling me to rest up because the hard work was coming.  Little did I know.  At 2:30p, I was given the ok to start pushing.  I pushed for 3 hours, and little progress was made.  The doctor was called in to "check my progress".  There wasn't much.  She said that we could look at using the forceps or vacuum to help.  At this point, I was exhausted, and was willing to do whatever it took to deliver my son without any complications to him.  Dr. Reddy came in, the nursing team was set up and ready.  I tried pushing again and Dr. Reddy used the vacuum.  I just kept hearing, "I can see the head....just a little bit more Christina" but I didn't feel like I had anymore.  I was spent.  Then Dr. Reddy looked at me and said that she was going to "have to make some more room" because he was too big and my pelvis was too small.  I looked right at her and said, "no you are not."  I pushed and pulled every last little bit of energy I had.  He was born, absolutely perfect (with a little bit of a cone head) at 5:36pm.  He was healthy, I was exhausted, but everything went away the minute I held him in my arms.  It was the most unbelievable feeling in the world.  Watching Steven hold his son for the first time just brought tears to my eyes.  Our family was here and it was perfect!

Welcome to the world

First family pic 

6lbs. 13oz

39 weeks!

Ok, as of last doc appt this past Thursday, I am still at 2cm and 70%!  Ugh, the wait!!  No change in over 2 weeks, but I am definitely feeling more contractions, pressure and fatigue!!  I just think it is so amazing that by this Thanksgiving, I will be holding my little boy in my arms.  What a blessing, and what an amazing little gift to be thankful for.  As of now, Jonathan is about 20 inches long and weighs anywhere from 7-7.5lbs.  Crazy!!  That I have something of that size in my belly!!  It is the most amazing feeling to see him completely shift from one side of my stomach to the other.  He is definitely running out of room to move, and mommy is not exactly comfortable right now, either!  As we venture into these next days, I am just praying that the delivery go smoothly.  That there be no complications, no injury or harm to Jonathan or I and that in the end, we have a healthy baby and healthy mom!

Last Sunday we had a false alarm.  It was Sunday night, 11/6/11.  Steve was working, and I was doing laundry at home.  I had a very definite loss of fluid (sorry TMI) and thought for sure things were getting going.  I started having a lot of pressure in my back and feeling slight contractions, but nothing consistent.  I waited about 30 minutes, showered, finished a load of laundry, but the cramping and discomfort wasn't letting up.  I called my doc, and of course he wasn't on call that night.  The doc on call said to go ahead and go to L & D.  I called Steve and he met me up there.  They monitored me for about an hour.  Baby was doing great!  I was definitely having contractions, but they were short lived and not very intense....duh!  I could have told you that!  So, they sent me home.  This past week, I have just been so anxious hoping that with each new morning, something will kick start this labor.  I am so ready to meet Jonathan, and I know that there are so many family and friends that are anxious to meet him to.

This morning, I was doing my daily mass readings.  I came upon a website for Saints of the Day.  I explored the week ahead and found out that Saint Elizabeth of Hungary's feast day is November 17th.  With my first miscarriage, I always felt in my heart that the baby was going to be a girl, and Steve and I had agreed that if we did have a girl, she would be named Elizabeth Grace.  Then you throw in the whole "of Hungary" and Steven's father's family is Hungarian.  Well, there are just too many God-incidences.  Maybe this little Angel has been watching over us all along.  So, I am going with Thursday for Jonathan's birthday!  Any takers!?!?

All glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or imagine.   Ephesians 3:20

WHOA!!

Today is 37 weeks.  As of Thursday, I am 2cm dilated and 70% effaced.  So what does that mean??  It means Jonathan could make his arrival today or in 3 weeks.  There is really no telling.  All I know is that I am cleaning like a mad woman today, washing his clothes and keeping a bagged packed ready to go to the hospital, just in case.  I am so excited, nervous, anxious, scared.....but am ready.  I look forward to what these next few days bring....anyone wanna make a bet on the birthdate??

36 weeks!

Ok, I am really starting to feel the anxiety.  He is almost here.  People keep asking, "are you ready?"  Nope, but are you ever really ever ready??  I am so overwhelmed right know.  Sure the nursery isn't ready, I do have clothes and plenty of diapers to get us started, but going through labor, giving birth, and being a mom....I don't think you ever feel ready.  These last 2 weeks have been the toughest.  I have started with some pretty good swelling in my feet.  So, Steve brought me some TED hose...all I can say is HOT!! But hey help!!  I also have a permanent foot stuck up in the right side of my rib cage.  I can't help but chuckle every time, (and grunt) as his little foot just pushes out, looking for any bit of room he can find.  He is definitely running out of room.  I am running out of room.  I don't sleep well at night, but I think that is just God's way of preparing me for what is to come!  I am just so overwhelmed with joy!  In just a few short weeks, I am going to be a mom.  My dream of having a child will come true and Steve and I will begin this new journey in our lives.  I have to admit, I am scared, but I am so reassured knowing that I have an amazing husband to walk down this road with.  I have a wonderful family that has already spoiled Jonathan before he has made his way into this world.  I also have a great network of friends and co workers that have been there with love, prayer and support during this journey.  With that, I am set and I am ready.  I thank God everyday for this little miracle.  Jonathan, I can't wait to meet you, Angel.

A beautiful angel

I come from a big family, and with a big family comes many joy, many tears, weddings, births, and even death.  Again, my family has experienced death.  My beautiful Aunt Becky lost her battle with colon cancer last week at the young age of 50 years.  Death has not hit my father's side of the family in many years and my aunt's passing came as a huge blow.  On mom's side, she has lost both my grandma and grandpa, her brother, my cousin, my brother, my uncle and numerous extended family.  This is the first loss in my dad's immediate family and it has hit like a ton of bricks.  I guess because you never anticipate your loved one's passing away so unexpectedly and to such a horrible disease.  My aunt Becky was such a beautiful woman with two amazing daughters, Sarah and Jessica.  She remarried and brought my Uncle Phil into the family. He was such a great influence on my cousins and treated my aunt so well.  They have a beautiful place out in Comfort, Texas that had become the place for our Thanksgiving celebrations.  All I can say is perfect!  That's what Thanksgiving was like out there.  Aunt Becky set up a table to accommodate all 25 family members.  Each with its own place setting and wine glass.  We ate outdoors, enjoyed the scenery, livestock and fresh air.  Ate to our hearts content, drank to even more content and enjoyed the bonfire at night.  I LOVED Thanksgiving out at her place.  It was the one time a year that EVERYONE was together.  It was what made our family, family.  I do believe that one Thanksgiving our family went through an entire case of wine...yes, a case!!  What can I say, we are hispanic and like to drink!!  This Saturday we will celebrate her life.  And that is what she would have wanted, a celebration.  She left her mark on so many and has two beautiful women to carry on in her footsteps.  Right now, I just pray for Uncle Phil, Sarah and Jessica.  I pray that God bring peace to their hearts.  That He comfort them and allow them to realize that their mother is no longer suffering.  In her death, she has been made whole, she is experiencing eternal life with our God and Savior and is the most beautiful Angel in His army.  I am sorry that Jonathan will never meet his aunt Becky.  I am sorry that the girls will not have their mom by their side.  I will never take for granted the fact that I can pick up the phone and talk to my mom.  Tonight, I just pray that God open up his loving arms to take Becky into eternal glory and that peace just shine over Uncle Phil and the girls.

32 weeks

We had our 32 week US today.  Our due date has been moved to November 19th and Jonathan is measuring at 4 and 1/2 lbs.  The doctor said everything "looks perfect!"  He is moving more and more, but it is more like trying to punch his way out.  He is running out of room!  I have had the first experience of having his little foot stuck under my ribs, and YEOW!  That little booger has some oomph behind those legs!!  It is so amazing to see him, now actually turning somersaults in my stomach!!  It looks like a little alien in there!  We are less than 8 weeks away and I am really feeling the pressure to get things done!  The nursery is coming along.  We had our first baby shower this weekend with friends and family and are just beyond blessed to have some much love in our family.  Jonathan is so blessed to be coming into such a loving, wonderful family.  Everyone is so excited to have a boy to balance out all of the girls!!
I am really starting to feel the third trimester fatigue!  My back is killing me, but that is to be expected.  My little belly/back support works wonders for getting me through my work day, although that is definitely getting a little harder.  My stamina, well, lets just say that the shortness of breath is normal at this point of the pregnancy.  And sleep....what's that??  I think God is prepping me now.  I get about 1 and 1/2 hours at a time for about 5 hours a night.  Like I said, my back is pretty uncomfortable and trying to sleep on either side is getting more and more difficult.  Steve has been absolutely wonderful.  Aside from being patient with me as I become more and more uncomfortable, he does so much to help around the house, and little things to make sure that both Jonathan and I are doing ok.  He is so amazing!!
So here we go...about 7 more weeks to go.  I will try to post a little more often because I have a feeling once Jonathan arrives, my time will be VERY limited!

32 weeks

32 weeks

32 weeks

yep, that's a foot by his face!

9/11/11

10 years ago today I was in my first year of grad school at Southwest Texas State University.  We had just sat through 1 class already and were getting ready to head into cadaver lab.  As we were getting dressed, and getting our tools ready, one of the girls comes into the class and said that the secretary had her radio on and a plane just flew into the pentagon.  What??  We didn't know details, and were not even aware that it was a terrorist attack.  Without further thinking we went into lab for the next 3 hours.  Every so often someone would run up to the lobby and get a report.  We were all in shock and in true disbelief as to what we were hearing.  We got out for lunch and the reality hit.  Our class spent the next hour at the LBJ student center glued to the big screen tv watching in horror our country in a very vulnerable state.  The only think I could think of was "Is Leti and her family ok?"  It was hard to gather ourselves for class at 1pm.  We were in Neuro lab for the next 3 hours.  I remember rushing home and staying glued to the television.  I was just in utter shock.  How could someone be capable of this horror?  How could a single group of people cause such havoc on our country, and couldn't even begin to imagine what was going through the minds of those people experiencing this horrific event.  I just remember praying.  Praying that those scared were comforted, those wounded be healed and those searching for lost loved ones find them.
As I sit here today, I vow that I will NEVER FORGET.  Thank you to all of the service men and women, firefighters, police officers and volunteers who gave up their lives in hopes of finding others.  God Bless you and your families and know that they will never be forgotten.

28 weeks....on the home stretch!

Yep, 28 weeks if we are still using the updated due date of November 21st!  Time is just flying by so fast.  I am feeling and seeing so much movement, and am noticing much more discomfort!!  I have always heard that the 1st trimester is hard with the morning sickness, fatigue, etc.  The 2nd trimester is better (and it definitely was!).  There is more energy, you get your appetite back and you feel like a normal person again.  The 3rd trimester brings about the aches and pains, fatigue and just discomfort....and it has.  I have noticed that I fatigue much quicker.  I have had to take a break from my walks because of my back and SI joint pain.  I have 14 years of gymnastics to thank for that one!!  But, the pool has been my best friend.  I am so blessed to work at such an awesome PT facility that has its own pool.  After work, it is absolute heaven to just exercise in the water.  So, at least I can stay active and take some stress off my back!!  The third trimester has also shown that Jonathan is pushing in all different directions that I have little room in my stomach to eat.  A typical meal is just too much food to try to fit, so I find myself eating little meals more often.  He is still letting me sleep pretty good at night, but my back, hips and leg cramps are not!  Steve bought me a maternity pillow a few weeks ago, and that has helped get comfortable at night.  I think I have been waking Steve up at night when I let out a yell from the charlie horse that has attacked my calf!  YEOW!!  It is just absolutely amazing.  Yeah, I am much more uncomfortable, but man, this is the most amazing thing in the world!  I could sit on the couch all night and just feel him move inside of me and just watch my stomach jump.  Steve got a chance to feel my stomach when Jonathan had hiccups...and he gets hiccups alot!  He actually woke me up last night about 3:30 because he had hiccups.  Poor guy!  He is going to be just like Steve.  When Steve gets hiccups, lookout!  It is like full out convulsions!!
We attempted to tackle the wonderful world of registering.  WOW!!  I was so grateful that my mom went with me last weekend to start getting an idea for things.  Steve and I went this week and I don't feel like we even hit the tip of the ice berg!  There is so much stuff!!  Steve and I are pretty practical and we like simple.  But some of the things that he is going to need is anything but!  It is a blast, though!  I am still just in awe that this little boy is going to be here in 12 weeks.  It is all so overwhelming and I am trying to had to just take it all in before it passes me by and then the real work, anxiety, worry, etc, begins.
So here we go onto month #7!  I go on Thursday for my glucose test and a follow up with the doctor.  After this week's appointment we start going every other week.  That is when things are really going to fly by.  This month, Steve and I have signed up for childbirth classes and we are planning the baby showers!  I feel like there is so much to do and so little time.  I know, that is just me being me....a little high strung and wanting to have everything done yesterday!!  I am just so thankful for this amazing blessing.  I just have to stop and enjoy this whirlwind!  It is such an amazing gift, and I am grateful for this time.  We waited so long to get here.  I just want to savor every moment!!

28 weeks

28 weeks

28 weeks

From Aunt Cathy!

Our Alma Mater! (Well, Southwest Texas!)

24 weeks!

We are at 24 weeks today....but, Jonathan is measuring a week ahead, so technically we are at 25!  It has been such an amazing few weeks.  Jonathan is moving SOOO much!  He is pretty active during the day, and extremely active after I eat.  He is letting me sleep though.  Sometimes I will feel him moving, but its like he is just getting comfortable, because then he settles down and lets me sleep.  I am still keeping up with my 30 minute walks, or the elliptical, but I am definitely getting more winded and having to slow my pace a bit.  Its all good, though!  I am feeling fabulous!  Had my 24 week check up on Thursday, and his heartbeat is 152.  I go in one month for the glucose test.
This past week, we also started working on the nursery.  We found the crib and dresser that we wanted at Burlington's.   When we talked to the sales associate, he informed us that the one we wanted was not in stock, but they could order it for us.  No problem, right?!?  "It should be here in about 12-16 weeks."  WHAT?!?!  That statement really put things in perspective....Jonathan will be here in 12-16 weeks....yikes!  Steve said not to worry, he had Monday off and could call around and see if the other stores had it in stock.  I got a text at work on Monday that he was on the southside picking up the furniture.  I got home that night and we were both exhausted from the day, but Steve was ready to put the crib together.  It looks awesome!!  It is taking shape and the reality is setting in!!
I am just so blessed, so overwhelmed with being pregnant.  I sometimes have a tendency to want to complain, though.  Yeah, I am at my heaviest in my entire life, my legs ache, they swell, I can't sit up right from the couch, and getting comfortable at night is tough, BUT, I have this amazing little life inside of me.  Steve and I have waited to so long for this, that I can't help but just but invite all of these symptoms.  It is amazing.  Every time I feel him move inside of me, I am just overcome with pure joy and thanksgiving for this little miracle.  I just continue to pray for the women in my life who can't have children, or who have their share of struggles.  That their time come sooner than later and that they realize that God has an amazing plan for each and everyone of them, and to not lose hope, but to just surrender and LET GOD WORK!  When I look back at all that we went through, I can't help but look back and see that God knew EXACTLY what He was doing.  It is just so comforting to know that His hand is in all of this.  I just have to sit back and trust.  So here we go, 3 and 1/2 months and counting!

24 weeks 

Jonathan's room in the works....

1/2 way there.....20 weeks!!

20 weeks today.  Time is flying by so fast, and this little boy is getting SO big!  I feel big already, and I know that there is much more growing for him to do!!  This week has been amazing!  I have been feeling him move more and more, and had another episode where my stomach actually jumped!!  He seems to like water.  The last time my stomach had a visual movement, we were out laying at the beach.  Yesterday, we were at a friend's little girl's birthday party at the pool.  I sat out in one of the chairs just watching the kids play and my stomach was jumping!  Maybe he is going to like the water and be a swimmer like his daddy!
At 20 weeks, he is already at 12 oz (per the US) and is 6 and 1/2 inches long from crown to rump, but 10 inches long from crown to heel.  His teeth are forming and he is also able to swallow.  He may also be experiencing hiccups!!  He can react to loud noises and can start to recognize mine and Steven's voice.  Just yesterday morning, he was very calm and I didn't feel him moving at all.  The dogs saw our neighbor walking their dog outside and went crazy in the house.  They started barking really loudly and howling.  The baby had a very distinct jump in response.  Maybe just coincident, but I think he is starting to recognize his brother's "voices" too!!  :)
This little boy is also experiencing the love of our friends and family.  He is starting to receive gifts, and I can't wait to see these little outfits on him.  So far, things are just amazing.  I love laying at night with my hand on my stomach and just feeling him move.  It is the most amazing feeling in the world, knowing that there is a little life inside of me.
Just this morning, before church, Steve and I were talking names.  I have picked Jonathan for a first name and asked Steve to come up with the middle name.  Since Steven's father's family is Hungarian, we had been looking at hungarian middle names.  Well, we are really liking Jonathan Jozsef.  Jonathan means "a gift from God" and Jozsef means "God will add".  I am thinking JJ for short!  So here we are...off to the second half of this wonderful pregnancy journey.....until next time.

From Aunt Amanda!!  

From Aunt Patti!

From Grandma Linda!

From Grandma Linda!

20 weeks

20 weeks

ITS A ......

BOY!!!!  Yep, my gut was right, its a boy.  It was so amazing to see this baby on the ultrasound.  He is getting so big.  They have officially moved my due date up one week.  My new EDD is 11/21/11.  Hopefully, he won't be growing too fast, too soon!!  Alot has been happening this month.  I have gained the expected 10lbs in the first 20 weeks---and to think there is more to come!!  He has been moving SO MUCH.  We actually made a trip out to the beach for the 4th of July weekend.  I was sitting out on the beach in the lounger, and I could just feel him somersaulting in my stomach.  I just placed my hands on my stomach when my Aunt Nani asked, "is he moving?"  Before I could answer, you could just see my stomach jump.  That was the first (and only time so far) that we have had a visual.  The rest have just been feeling.  It JUMPED!!  It was almost as if he was saying..."Hi Nani!!"  It was the most amazing thing.  This is just the most amazing thing!!  I am just over the moon right now.  We had our US at 3:30 yesterday, July 6th, and the phone calls, and text messages didn't stop all day.  I had to wait to tell the "facebook world" until my mom and dad and Steven's mom knew.  Once they knew, the rest of the phone calls and messages began.  I am just so overwhelmed with the outpouring of love, prayers and wishes for the little baby boy.  He is going to be so loved....and so spoiled!!  As of now, the doctor is very pleased with how things are progressing.  Now that he has moved up my date, there is a chance that he will be born on my brother and sister in law's anniversary....sorry, Bud, I will try not to steal your thunder!!  So, over the next few weeks we will work on names to give this little one a little more of an identity!!  Until next time.....

I think he has Steven's nose!