Dialogue of a Wallflower

And I Quote...

2009-11-14T12:15:00.000-08:00

"You are like the Teflon anti-christ."

-Lovingly spoken by my dear husband

18 Weeks

2009-11-09T16:46:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it?? 18 weeks already! I know I've said it before, but this pregnancy has really been flying by. I can't complain. Forty weeks of pregnancy is a long time, so when some of that time goes by quickly, there is still plenty more to enjoy. :)

In latest Bug news, s/he has really been working on leg strength!! I have started to feel clear kicks this week! At the beginning of this week, I mostly felt the kicks at night, and when I was laying down, but at this point I feel that adorable little Bug kicking me all throughout the day. And the best news of all, Jared got to feel Bugger kick too... twice!!

I have been very hungry and tired again this week. I think Bug must be growing a little extra.

I have my ultrasound scheduled for November 25th when we get to see our little Bug for the first time!

Craving of the Week: french onion soup, anything savory/salty, anything made on Top Chef (that show always makes me hungry!)

Twice Chewed

2009-11-02T20:32:00.000-08:00

Last night for my birthday party, the family went out to Donatelli's in White Bear Lake. Uncle Josh went over to say hi to Jazlyn when we were all at the table...

Josh: Is that...? Is she chewing GUM??

Jared, convulsing with disgust, digs in her mouth and discovers that our one-year-old is indeed chewing a wad of gum. I'll let you guess where it came from.

GROSS!!

17 Weeks

2009-11-02T20:14:00.000-08:00

This week has been a good one! Bug has been craving healthi-er foods, which is good for both of us. I have also found that my thirst for water has increased (It's always been difficult for me to drink plain water, so this is also good!)

I am growing daily, and you'll find me each morning digging through the closet in search of a pair of jeans that fit decently. I have been employing the hairband method, as well as the Bella band now, as none of my pants fit buttoned anymore. :)

I have felt in good health this week too! No nauseau! I have been extremely tired again this week, but I think that is due to spending the past 3 weekends away from home.

This past weekend I went to a quilting retreat, and had the chance to make a new baby blanket for Bug! I think it could be appropriate for a boy or girl, right??

Craving of the Week: Chili

16 Weeks

2009-10-26T11:31:00.001-07:00

This week has been better than last. I haven't been quite so nauseous (awesome)!! I also got to go on a weekend trip to Door County with my BS girls (totally awesome)!!!

My appetite has been pretty minimal again. Not much sounds good. Although I did feel all week like Bug needed some protein, so I tried to get some as much as I could.

I have started getting that piercing ligament pain when I stand up too fast now. A sure sign that Bug is growing! According to my weekly pregnancy email, there is a growth spurt coming up where Bug will double his/her weight! (Judging by the size of my tummy since last week, I am wondering if Bug already did!)

Craving of the Week: STEAK :)

15 Week Picture

2009-10-21T09:40:00.001-07:00

I meant to get this in the 15 Week update, but things just don't happen at the rate I intend anymore.

Twins

2009-10-20T16:58:00.000-07:00

That last post reminded me of someone...

Sophia-2 yrs ----------------------------Anna-2 yrs

While Mommy Folded Three Loads of Laundry...

2009-10-19T18:48:00.000-07:00

...Sophia entertained herself with Mommy's favorite lipstick.

15 Weeks

2009-10-19T15:13:00.000-07:00

I am not feeling top-notch today. Actually this whole week has been abnormally tough. People ask me almost daily how I am feeling and up to this point I always tell them "Good, for the most part!" I don't think I would respond that way this week. I have been very nauseous and sick to my stomach almost every day now, as well as having a constant throbbing headache. I also feel totally lacking in energy the past few days. I keep thinking my body will follow routine and I'll wake up tomorrow feeling much better, but it just isn't happening.

I have been on misson to eat healthier, hoping that helps the nauseau subside and increases my energy levels a bit. I am enjoying the healthy foods, and they sit on my stomach well, which is a perk in itself.

I am still not feeling little Bug yet. :( I told Jared last night that I really hope to start feeling those little kicks soon.

I am officially in the extremely uncomfortable awkward clothing stage where all of my normal pants are way too tight, and all of my maternity pants result in major crackage every time I bend over, and I constantly have to pull at them.

Craving of the week: Nothing, food doesn't sound that great right now

I Knew It.

2009-10-13T12:08:00.000-07:00

I dye my hair repeatedly. I am taking a break, and letting my natural hair grow out for awhile. I had a suspicion this is what I'd find. There are more. So many more.

Birthday Fun!

2009-10-12T19:19:00.001-07:00

We had our annual fall birthday bash with my side of the family, wherein we celebrate 8 family birthdays! Sophia and Jazlyn were both included this year. We, of course, had to follow tradition of all first birthdays by letting Jazlyn loose on a cake of her own. I will say, this tradition is an early indicator of future personality. Sophia was very dainty and never actually "smashed" the cake much. She poked her finger in and licked it, not much more. Jazlyn, however... I'll let the pictures speak for themselves...

Sophia got a new cookware set, and apron set, and she has spent most of the day cooking up a storm of goodies!

This is the other gift Sophia got, and I can't get her out of it! She slept in her new sleeping bag in her crib last night, and is in it again tonight!

14 Weeks

2009-10-12T09:17:00.000-07:00

Biggest sign of pregnancy these days is my belly. I am now already the size I was at about 20 weeks with Sophia. I think I am showing a lot faster, which I hear is completely normal.

I still have not felt much more movement, just an occasional flutter here and there. I am hoping that soon I start feeling little Bug's movements more regularly.

Though much energy has returned, I have really noticed my stamina plummet. You see, I have two little girls, both at ages that still need a lot of holding and cuddling and help with stairs. One trip up the stairs by myself is enough to wind me. When I have to carry two little girls as well, I almost can't make it... and Bug is only the size of a lemon so far! I think it will be impossible to carry two plus a watermelon!

Craving of the Week: cinnamon sugar toast (YUM!)

The First Days of Fall

2009-10-05T20:52:00.001-07:00

Every year, we visit Afton Apple orchard with the girls. We make it a special day and look forward to it every fall. When the air gets crisp, we know it's time to go.

On our way to the orchard. Jazlyn is excited!

Sophia enjoying a sucker for breakfast... like I said, special day

Swinging is so much fun!

Sophie likes it too

Hugs with Papa

Our last chance to fit in the 4-person cut out!

Nourse Birthday Bash

2009-10-05T20:19:00.000-07:00

We celebrated both of the girls' birthdays last weekend, complete with cake, cotton candy ice cream, balloons and presents!

Birthday Girls: Jazlyn, 1, Sophia, 2

Blowing out the candles

So thankful God blessed us with these precious girls

Jazlyn is pumped about her new Mrs. Potato Head!

Sophia ecstatic about her new babydoll

Mommy and baby

Primo Ballerinas

2009-10-05T20:07:00.000-07:00

The tutu crawl...

Last Days of Summer

2009-10-05T19:59:00.000-07:00

13 Weeks

2009-10-05T13:15:00.000-07:00

Some of my energy has started to return, which is wonderful while raising two small children. Every bit of energy is helpful. This week has gone so well, in fact, that besides my growing belly and tightening jeans, I don't even feel pregnant (physically). I love reading my weekly updates, however, and seeing the amazing intrauterine photos of babies at 13 weeks. It is simply incredible. This week Bug us 3 inches long and developing fingerprints!!

I have not felt any more movements from little Bug this week, which makes me question whether I felt anything in the first place. But I am certain I did.

Craving of the Week: Mashed potatoes, chicken in any form

12 Weeks

2009-09-28T07:24:00.000-07:00

Last night I had some girls over, and they asked if I had a bump yet. I pulled up my shirt to reveal the answer and there was a small round of "oooooh"s! I guess it's time to start taking the weekly photos.

My most exciting moment this week was when I felt the baby for the first time! Two precious little kicks one night in bed, and then another one last night!

One of the most precious moments of each day is when Sophia comes over, smiles and pats my belly and says happily "Baby!!" Then she reaches up and kisses my belly. I love these moments.

I am very happy to report that my raging appetite has begun to subside. My hunger is on a much more normal level these days. I have also started to regain some energy, which is such a blessing.

Craving of the Week: meatloaf

11 Weeks

2009-09-23T07:58:00.001-07:00

I went to my first prenatal appointment yesterday, and saw Fern for the first time (my new midwife). She was just as incredible as everyone says, and I am looking forward to being under her care for the duration of this pregnancy. I'm planning to deliver at Lakeview in Stillwater this time.

I was able to hear baby's heartbeat! Yup. It's still amazing. They had a hard time pinning baby down, because s/he was moving around so much! Fern declared it must be a boy, with how active the little bugger was being! Baby has a good strong heartbeat at 168 bpm. Everything else at the appointment was review, nothing noteworthy. I'm healthy, baby's healthy, enough said.

For most women, this is the point in the pregnancy where their sickness starts to subside. It's just the opposite for me. I have been more sick lately than I was during the beginning of the pregnancy. There are usually a couple of days a week that I feel extremely nauseous, exhausted, and have a throbbing headache. I am just so thankful that I don't feel that way constantly (sorry Erin!).

I am starting to grow and it is getting ever-more noticeable. I have also noticed a funny phenomenon. Every time I eat, my belly grows by three months. After an hour or two of digestion, it shrinks back a month at a time. I think my muscles are so stretched out that it just spills out all over the place when any pressure is put to it. Ha ha!

Craving of the week: blended drinks (smoothies), steak gyros, bulgoli

Attitude Adjustment

2009-09-16T14:28:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, when God answers your prayers, it hurts. But the pain you endure helps you to learn and grow in your faith. Sometimes, it is that pain that matures us as Christians.

Yesterday I was having a very bad attitude, and asked God to give me a better one today. He did, via my husband who gave me a big perspective check. The conversation was painful and humbling, but afterwards I realized my bad attitude was not just confined to yesterday... it's been present for a long time, and affecting my dear husband in ways I never realized.

Today, I am thankful for a God who has changed my attitude and perspective, for a husband who can lovingly put me in my place, and for the painful growth it took to get this fresh view of my life.

10 Weeks

2009-09-15T11:27:00.000-07:00

This pregnancy, along with my first two, has been going so smoothly. Yesterday I was reminded how blessed I am that I rarely feel sick or nauseous. It was a hard day, since I am not used to feeling that way. I was starving, but the mere thought of any kind of food made me literally gag. I felt on the edge of "tossing my cookies" all day, especially when trying to eat anything. It addition, I had a throbbing head ache, and was so exhausted that I felt like I had been hit by a truck. Today I woke up feeling refreshed and "normal."

I have definately started growing around the waist. Jared and I can see it, but I don't think it is too apparent to the world yet. I have started making use of the ol' Bella Band again with my unbuttoned jeans.

Craving of the Week: Organic chocolate milk, noodles, bread

A Rose By Any Other Name is a Whole New Flower

2009-09-10T07:13:00.000-07:00

This week, Sophia is not eating very well. At all. She doesn't want anything. She is never hungry. She just won't eat. Finally, after fighting with her at every meal, I decided not to feed her anything until she told me she was hungry. It is the fourth day now, and she has eaten 3 decent meals (one per day). This morning, I decided to try something...

Her favorite show in the world right now is Ratatouille. It is about a little mouse who loves to cook. For anyone who has seen Ratatouille, you know he debuts his cooking career by making the most delicious pot of soup. Thus, soup is Sophia's favorite food in the world right now.

So back to this morning. I made a bowl of oatmeal a little extra runny, sprinkled in a little brown sugar, and offered Sophia some breakfast soup.

Whaddya know. She loved it.

Phoebe's Goin' Home!!

2009-09-07T15:56:00.000-07:00

Phoebe was released from the special care nursery this morning with stable glucose levels.

Visiting with cousin Jazi

Precious Phoebe

Snoozin

So beautiful.

Getting in the car seat!

Ready to go!

Finally going home!

9 Weeks

2009-09-07T08:52:00.000-07:00

I almost wrote in the title "8 Weeks." Then I saw that I already had a post names "8 Weeks." I could hardly believe that I am already 9 weeks. My mind is too far gone to keep close track anymore, but it was a pleasant surprise!

Again, not much to report. HUNGRY. Still. Ugh.

The highlight of my week pregnant-wise, was when we stopped by the MCCL (Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life) booth at the State Fair and saw cross-section models of the uterus and baby during each month of pregnancy. We found the model of the 2-month old fetus. It was so beautiful. A tiny, beautiful little life nestled in snugly. It brought tears to my eyes as I looked at the little model, thinking about our little baby. I bought my baby feet pin (the exact size and shape of a baby's feet at 10 weeks along), and have been wearing it everywhere. Every time I see it, I marvel at how tiny they are, and I am reminded what a miracle I am currently housing.

Craving of the week: Klondike bars and SA iced coffee (bad bad bad)

Phoebe Bella

2009-09-03T22:05:00.000-07:00

PHOEBE BELLA WARREN

HAS ARRIVED!!!

10 lbs 1 oz

(and no pain meds! can we get a round of applause for Shinae?!!)

20"

8:20pm (approx.)

Isn't she BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Phoebe was born with low blood sugar levels. Normally it should be around 45. She was born at 38 so they rushed her into the special care nursery. After feeding her, it dropped further to 24, so they put her on an IV. Fairly quickly, it her levels rose, and when we left, it was at 84! She needs to stay in the special care nursery to be constantly monitered until further notice. We are hoping and praying hard that she can get out tomorrow. Please pray for Phoebe, that her blood sugar levels stay stable.

Shinae is doing well, but in a lot of pain. She had a long labor that did not progress very quickly. She had a few complications but is doing well now. Please pray for quick healing. She will need a long recovery time.

And most of all, praise God for this new miracle, and that everyone got through it safely.

She is ALL CHEEKS!!

First family photo