Precious Moments

Your Baby: Month 6

Let your spouse put an ear to your belly -- he might be able to pick up baby's heartbeat (no stethoscope required). Inside the womb, the formation of tiny capillaries is giving baby a healthy pink glow. Baby's also soaking up your antibodies, getting the immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and baby will soon perfect the blink -- perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes (cute!!).

-www.TheBump.com

 

So we tried this last night.

I was getting ready for bed and remember reading this earlier in the day.

So I asked Nik if he wanted to hear something cool.

He was up for it.

I told him to put an ear on the baby and to listen closely.

He had to move around a couple times and finally found it.

He lifted his head with the sweetest smile of one happy daddy

and said he could hear our daughters beating heart.

He put his ear back to her and closed his other ear so he could hear better.

He was soooo cute!

I wish I could hear it without a monitor...

...but that's not possible...

...I have a huge baby in the way.

lol.

I asked him how fast it was beating just to make sure it wasn't mine he heard.

He mimicked it perfectly.

About 155 beats per minute.

(At least that is what the doctor said on Monday).

Awww....such a sweet moment.

I was afraid it would be too soon to hear it but I guess not.

Such a precious moment that I had to document it.

It is the little things in life that make us smile.

I don't ever want to forget this.

Dear Baby Berry,

I haven't written you in a long time.

Sorry.

I just want you to know that I can't wait to see you!

13 short weeks left.

Can you believe that?!?!

You will be here before we know it.

I also want you to know that you are so precious and special

to your mommy and daddy already.

We love you so much!

This has been such a fun journey

getting ready for your big debut.

You have changed your mommy and daddy's lives so much

and it is all for the better.

You have so many friends and family members

that love you so much already,

without even meeting you face to face.

Your Auntie Amy and Uncle Tim

got married 12 days ago.

You were so cute during the ceremony,

kicking around and making your presence known.

Auntie Amy loves you so much and gives you a special hug

every time she is around.

You even made it in the wedding pictures.

Just you, me, and her.

She was so pretty that day,

I'm sure you will love that picture!

Your Grandma Allred asks about you every morning.

Sometimes you would think I don't matter anymore...

...at least not as much as you,

but I know that isn't true.

She loves us both.

When you get here...you should ask her about

The Owl Quilt.

You could get a good laugh outta her with that one.

She was just so excited to be a Grandma,

she got started early!

She loves you so much!

Nanu is always excited to have you around.

Don't be surprised when soccer season comes around

and you are out on the field.

Don't worry,

we will all be there cheering you on.

You might have actually heard her a time or two

talking to you.

She loves you so much.

I know she will make a wonderful Great Nanu!

Can't forget about your Grandpa Berry.

Every time you are around he is making sure you are good and healthy.

One time he gave me a whole plate of strawberries...

...just because "his granddaughter needs her vitamins."

It was very sweet.

Hope you liked those!

I sure did.

Grandpa even got a nasty scrape all along his forearm while working.

I made sure to bandage him up and take care of it

before it got any worse,

because we all know he needs that arm to hold you.

Especially when it comes time for you to go out hunting with the Berry Boys.

Don't worry though...you will look cute in all that hunting gear,

bows and all!

;)

Trust me...everyone else is so excited to meet you too.

Auntie Carrot has even set up a website and clothing business

so she can give you cute little clothes.

She sure misses you while she is in Utah but she will be here in July to visit.

Be careful though, she might squeeze you to pieces!

Auntie Bagel and Boog love you too.

They count down to your arrival with me.

They are having so much fun.

Your Uncle Sam is excited to teach you how to play ball

and is very sweet to let me have the soft seat in the house

so you and I can be comfortable.

Uncle Jake always checks on you,

just like a good big uncle would do.

And we can't forget about your Grandma Berry.

She loves hearing all the cute stories of what you have been up to lately.

Your Grandpa Allred is sweet and excited for another girl...

...I mean, heck, that is all he knows.

All your other Great-Grandparents and other friends

are so happy to have you joining the family.

You are going to have loving people around you all the time.

I guess for not writing in a long time

I can become a chatterbox.

I'll let you get some sleep now.

I love you,

my Little Princess.

You make me smile.

Love,

Your Mommy and Daddy

Chocolate, Cheese, and Cherished Memories!

Last Saturday (February 5th) Nik and I had our Valentines Date.
Yes, a little early...but it was cheaper that way.
We had a coupon* and some gift certificates to this lovely little place we call...

...THE MELTING POT!

Oh how we love that place.

When we got there there was a little 2-seater booth available for us
Curtains
Candles
And lots of Romance.
It was perfect.

It was nice have that curtain so we weren't distracted by all the people outside.
Just me.
Just Nik.
Just love.
Just Us!

Well...we went about the cheese entree and then the salad...
...and then as we were waiting for the main course,
the most beautiful thing happened....

...Nik felt our little Baby Girl kick!

I hadn't really been able to feel her kicking while I was sitting up, but just that day she started to get stronger.
She was loving the food and decided to make her presence known.
So after a few strong kicks I had Nik reach over and put his hand on my belly...
...and he felt her!
It was now even more real to him.
The expression on his face was priceless.
I had tears in my eyes.
It was beautiful.

THAT was OUR Girl saying Hello!

We had our main course and then the chocolate...
...but the best part of the evening was Nik connecting with his Baby Girl.
Gosh!
I can't get over how sweet he is and how much of a great Father he will be.
I love him so much!

Now wait...it gets better!

Just last night he and I were laying down watching our movie.

She was moving around a TON!

I wanted Nik to feel but she was being so jumpy.

She would bump over on my left side

and then down

and then to my ribs

and then to the right.

Just a bump here and there.

So I didn't have him waiting to feel a little bump.

Figured he wouldn't feel much, if anything at all.

But he wanted to try.

So he placed his hand on my belly button...

...and the coolest thing happened!

She started kicking so hard...RIGHT THERE!

She was giving her strongest movements right where his hand was.

His eyes would get so big with every little move.

And she was doing it one right after the other.

She was saying Hello to her Daddy.

After about 2 minutes of that, he took his hand away.

She then started kicking randomly like earlier.

He waited about 10 minutes and then wanted to see if she would do it again.

And.

She did!

It was so cute!

Her strongest kicks were all in a row, right where he waited.

It was so awesome and beautiful and amazing!

I can't wait to play with her in my arms.

And to see her daddy squeeze her so tight with all his love!

(sidenote: she is about 10inches from head to toe.

so big in there!)

This is becoming more and more real to me everyday.

Sometimes I forget I am pregnant,

I just feel like I am getting huge,

Until I feel her moving.

I have yet to feel and understand her hiccups...

...and for that day, I can't wait!

She is so sweet already!

She is OUR little Baby Girl.

I love her so much!

21weeks 0days

Running out of shirts to wear.

Don't wanna get Maternity shirts yet,

Cuz, well, I am not THAT big just yet.

Probably in a month or so.

Trying to make what I have work!

 

This is the only picture I have for this whole post

:(

We pulled out our camera...

...and it was dead!

Shouldn't have been,

But oh well.

We have the memories in our hearts.

Dear Baby Berry,

Your Mommy and Daddy love you so much!

We are so excited to bring you to this earth.

To be a family.

To be friends.

To be together for Eternity!

We have enjoyed every little kick and little bump.

Yes, sometimes I hurt from all the changes, 

But I just remind myself that you are healthy

And that this will all be worth it...

...to be your Mom.

Can't wait to see you.

If all goes well we will see you in 18 weeks and 5 days!

Yes, June 22nd.

Let's make that happen!

Unless you have a different plan,

and that is okay.

Whenever you are ready!

We love you!

Love,

Mommy and Daddy Berry

 

 

 

*Courtesy of Entertainment Coupon Book,

Bartok?

Who remembers the Disney movie Anastasia?

One of my favorite Disney lines comes from that movie.

I don't usually upload videos but this is just my favorite!

Well, what am I getting at....I felt my baby girl move and kick for the first time yesterday!!!

It was amazing!

I was just laying down in my bed listening to the radio,

TRYING to get up for the day when I felt these weird 'muscle spasms' on my lower stomach.

I muted the radio immediately

(As if muting the radio would make me feel any better?? lol)

 and just laid there,

holding my breath so I could pay better attention. 

(As if holding my breath would REALLY produce better results??)

I put my hand just below my belly button and there were little movements.

Little movements. Little bumps and jabs.

Little movements from a little baby!!!

My eyes got real big as I realized what those were.

That was OUR baby!

There was a little kick on one side,

and then another,

and another,

and then nothing would happen for a minute or two and then I felt the bumps and kicks

moving to the other side.

Now, I don't know, and I actually doubt that my hand felt any of that.

I am pretty sure it was just under my skin that I felt it

and that I was just wanting my hand to feel it so I made my mind think it.

I still think the movements are too small for Nik to feel, but I am anxiously awaiting that day!

It was amazing! I couldn't believe what just happened.

I don't feel it every day or all day just yet

...just when I am really still.

I am so excited to meet her and to continue our little family.

Did You Ever Imagine...

So the other night when we were announcing our exciting news with my in-laws, I asked my mother-in-law a question...

Did you ever imagine this day? When you were pregnant with your first child, or any of your children, did you ever picture this day? The day that all your babies are growing up and some are having babies of their own to give you grandchildren?

She just laughed and said she never had. It all happened too fast.

Now for me to imagine those days are not that far ahead of me either. I have a little baby girl growing inside and then one day she will be here in my arms and she will grow up and live her life. Kinda sad to think about but also very cool.

I don't know....guess I'm just rambling on.
Life is a beautiful thing to be lived.

Whisperings

Ok, here is a little story for you.

Nik wakes up early for work and to be able to work out before work (they have a gym at his office and it rocks. Gotta love BofA).

Anywho...he woke up at 5am this morning so he could get there in time to work out, shower, and get ready for work there and be to work by 8 without any rush.

As he is leaving the house I was still cozied up in bed but had this feeling to roll over and make sure he took his scan badge to get in the buildings. But then I realized my phone was over on the bookshelf and I didn't want to have to get up to text him if it did happen to be there on the dresser still.
Bad wife? Maybe.

Well about an hour after he leaves and I fall back asleep I get this BANGING on my window!
My head lays right there and it scared the HECK out of me!
My eyes SHOT open and stared at the ceiling.
I didn't know what to do.
I have this fear of looking out windows in the dark because I might  see some yellow beady eyes staring back at me.
Ok?
might
But still...it's a horrible thought.
Then more rapping at my window.
I just layed there motionless and prayed that Nik locked the door when he left for work.
THEN my phone light went on and I ran to it.
Maybe Nik was having a feeling that something bad was happening to me and wanted to tell me he loved me.
So I got out of bed...and IT WAS Nik calling me!
My LOVE!
So I called him back and whispered "hello"
And he goes "Yes, it's me at the window."
GOSH!
Scare the living daylights out of me!!!!
I look over on the dresser...and there was his scan badge!
DURH!
Why couldn't I have just LOOKED over there when I had that feeling...because now Nik will have driven the length to Maricopa and back today and that was one thing we were looking forward to with me being out of a job now - less gas! Yes, he drove to Chandler and the 101 and THEN he realized he left his badge. grrr.....listen next time, Dawna!
The reason he was knocking at my window was because he doesn't have a house key to my parent's house yet....which is NOW on my list for the day!

So not only did he waste gas because I didn't listen to the Whisperings and he didn't double check...but he also didn't have time to work out before work (which he loves). Sorry babe.
Learn from my mistakes and listen!

LOL
What a morning!

Lower Back Pains

So I have been having some pains in my butt/tail bone/lower back area.
It hurts when I walk up steps.
It hurts when I stand on one leg to put the other leg in my pants.
It hurts when I try to get off the couch or out of the car or out of bed.
It hurts when I try to roll over in bed.

I'm not sure what is going on. I've done a little research but don't want to be overreacting if I'm wrong.
The symptoms say it is Symphysis Pubis Disfunction.
What the heck is that??
I am not sure what to do but I am in constant pain when moving.
I think I will call my doctor and see if there is anything they can prescribe, other than Tylenol, because that doesn't seem to be working.

Hope this goes away or gets better soon!

It's only Wednesday??

Let me just take a brief overview of the last two weeks - I have been tired but not really fatigued. Just when 9pm comes around I hit a brick wall. I have been cramping as my body is changing and growing. I have a new favorite seat in the house...the porcelain throne. (The books really didn't kid around about going to the bathroom SO MUCH! Unbelievable.) I have needed to eat more and more often. I try to eat more little meals through the day....but it seems like I am ALWAYS hungry. I cry over commercials on air and on tv. It's actually pretty ridiculous. I try not to let others see me when that happens because it would be quite embarrassing. I have been extremely hot...kicking the covers off at night and not getting comfortable. It sure is a good thing the winter is coming up...I need the warmth. (Now enough with the sentences that start with the letter I, it's driving me nuts) Last week I had to start using the rubberband with my pants...that is kinda depressing but I guess it is just a part of the job. I am gonna love it!!!

But jumping to today and going forward....I am exhausted. I fell asleep doing my coupons last night at 9:30. Nik was so sweet to tuck me in and turn off the lights. I woke up this morning at 7am....but I am so tired. This is the first official day of exhaustion. I have times (usually after lunch) where I get tired but not the physical exhaustion. I have to turn my ipod on in the morning on my drive into work and sing at the top of my lungs to keep me from falling asleep in that long one hour drive to work. Can I drink caffeine? I kinda quit soda at the beginning of October....only to drink a Sprite when my stomach isn't happy....but I'm thinking I am going to need the caffeine. Agh. I don't know.

I am in my 7th week and have my first OB appt in 2 weeks. So excited! Nik will be there with me (unless work keeps him). Hopefully everything goes smoothly and we get to hear that heart beating 150beats/minute. Our baby is now the size of a blueBERRY. haha.

Nik talks to my belly already and says if it is a boy his name is Melvin and a girl is Gloria. lol. Of course these are not the names we will be giving them....but he likes to joke around and have fun. We don't really want to give the baby a name and call it by name while in my belly...only when the baby arrives.

Week 7 is almost to an end. Crazy!!! We're having fun so far.
Except for tonight...we have class until 10pm. NOT looking forward to that! I can barely make it past 9 while I am doing nothing.