Merry Christmas!!

I'm so sorry I've been MIA for so long...we still don't have internet at our house! It's been very frustrating because I never realized how dependent I was on the computer. But I had a few minutes in Conroe and thought I'd give quick updates. Hopefully we'll finally have internet in the next couple weeks. Let's just say that Virginia's customer service is not near as quick or as good as it is in Texas!
I finally made it back to Texas to see some friends and family. I just wish I would have had more time to see everyone! It was hard squeezing so much in during the short visit! It made me miss everyone even more though!
Thank you for all the people who helped create such a wonderful baby shower for baby Crockett!! It was such a joy!! I will post some pics of that soon.
Jon wasn't sure until the last minute if he would be able to come home at all for the holidays and then a big blizzard hit the DC area....causing 18 inches of snow....but Jon did decide to make the LONG drive to Texas. It took 20 hours, but thank God he made it safely!
When we get back to Virginia we're planning on painting the nursery and getting everything together for the baby. I can't believe we only have 3 months until we meet our sweet boy!! I will post pics of the nursery this month too, once we've gotten things done!
We had a couple of worrisome moments...like I had another ovarian cyst that ruptured and the doctor was also a little bit concerned because I was measuring small, but our follow up ultrasound showed that everything on the baby looked completely normal. He is exactly on track to where he needs to be! The ultrasound tech was even amazed because she could feel him kicking her probe as she worked. He seems to just have such a personality already. Praise God for his amazing miracle!!! Jon and I are still working on a name. I hope we decide before he's born, but it might not happen until we see his sweet face!
Thank you all again for your prayers and love. I promise to post more pictures a soon as possible. Love you all and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

21 WEEKS

As you can see I officially look like a pregnant woman...which I think is so exciting! We're half way through the pregnancy and our little man is as active as ever. We've been playing music for him...and he seems to get super active with fast beats. He's such great entertainment already.
Thank everyone for their participation on the name game. We've had a lot of fun seeing what people think. We came up with another contender and to be fair thought we'd share it as well. You can let us know what you think :)

This is the week of the big move! Jon and I close on our house tomorrow!! It's been months of living in limbo with our things scattered, but we'll be moving into our house on Thursday and can finally get settled! We are so thrilled! We are thankful that Jon's parents are coming up to help us get moved in. Big thanks for that! Jon has a wonderful boss that worked it out for him to be off this week, so he'll be available for moving too! We'll post pictures of the house soon. It is so beautiful and we're excited to share many happy memories there!

WHAT A BUSY AND EXCITING WEEK!

It was wonderful getting to share the sex of the baby with friends and family last weekend. What an exciting time! Thank you for all your love and support. All three of us truly appreciate it! We're still trying to figure out a name for our sweet boy. Wish it was an easy decision.
Hopefully, you've been able to see the ultrasound pics either on facebook or email. Wish I could post them on here.

I've completed my first full week at the new job. It's a new practice, but she's already VERY busy. It's SO different than the NICU and the hospital. It's exciting to learn new stuff though, just frusterating because I want to know everything already. Especially the computer systems and new lingo....guess it will just take some time though.

It was wonderful having Jon home for one day before he was off again. We spent the day looking at strollers and baby stuff Saturday. I had done most of the research before we got there, so it didn't take too long. Jon was a great sport trying out different strollers, car seats, etc. We are so amazed how much such a little person needs! But I'm really excited about all the selections! We've decided to do the nursery in chocolate brown, aqua and white from Restoration Hardware Baby and Child. It's so precious!! I can't wait to be in the house and getting the nursery together. (well, the nursery as well as the rest of the house.)
I can tell the baby's growing a lot right now. During the week Jon was gone, he came home and quickly noticed how much my belly had grown in the short time. His kicks are getting harder too, which always seems to crack us up. Jon has nick named him "kicker" already.
I've been feeling good, just VERY weepy all the time. It's a bit embarrassing actually. And I've continued to have the round ligament pain (at least that's what the Dr. said it was.) I've heard women talk about this before, but had no idea how much it hurt. It's all worth it though!! We are cherishing every second of this pregnancy and I LOVE having my sweet baby boy with me all the time as he grows stronger every day!

It's a BOY!!

Jon has been a busy boy traveling all over the place. The only week day we were going to have together was this Friday, so I called my doctor and asked if I could reschedule the 18 week ultrasound. I was able to get in, which we were both thrilled about!!
The ultrasound tech was SO nice and explained that she would check the placenta, baby's measurements and the gender last. As soon as she started the ultrasound it was aimed directly between his legs. We immediately knew it was a boy! I of course was crying at the sight of our precious boy and Jon was jumping for joy to have a son! The tech said it was the cutest reaction she'd ever seen! The whole experience was so special...without a doubt one of the best moments in my entire life. Just to see our baby actively moving around, seeing his face, and sharing that with my amazing husband! It took almost 2 hours for them to get all they needed. He didn't want his head measured, so we were trying everything to get him in the right position.

Jon and I were thinking it would be a boy, but knew we'd be thrilled either way! I was thinking it was a boy because the day I found out we were pregnant I was having my quiet time and was led to biblical stories of women who had a hard time conceiving and God gave them sons.

"When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy." Luke 1:57.
-Elizabeth gave birth to the apostle John the Baptist.

"So in the course of time Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, "Because I asked the Lord for him." 1 Samuel 1:20
-Hannah gave birth to Samuel the prophet.

"Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and opened her womb. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son.." Genesis 30:22,23
-Rachel gave birth to Joseph.

"Then God said, 'Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him." Genesis 17:19
-Sarah gave birth to Isaac who continued the covenant line.

We are so thankful that he appears healthy!!! His heartbeat was 153 and everything measured appropriately. The AFP test did not indicate any chromosome problems either. The only thing that had us concerned was that the baby has choroid plexus cysts (CPC) in the head. According to the doctor it's very common and usually goes away by about wk 26. Only 1% will stay and lead to chromosome abnormalities. They may have me come back for another ultrasound after 26 wks. Please say a prayer that the CPC goes away and the baby continues to stay healthy!
I'm sorry I don't have ultrasound pics to post. Our scanner is in storage and the kinkos scanner only scans from photoshop, which the blog won't allow me to post. Will try to get that figured out so everyone can see his precious profile, hands, feet, etc. He's beautiful already!!!

Robin's New Job

A week ago I got a phone call from a dermatologist Dr. office who was looking for an RN. They got my resume from another doctor's office I had applied with at least a month ago. I said I'd come in to interview. First I met with the office manager and then they called me for a second interview with the Dr. She was very nice and I liked everyone in the office. I knew they were interviewing other people also and since I'm pregnant and had to already request some days off I honestly didn't think I'd get the job. But I did, so I feel very blessed that God brought this opportunity my way. The staffing agency I did some work for was ideal, but they simply don't have as much work available as I need. I start work Monday morning!!
The doctor just moved here and is renting space while building an office nearby. The location is great...it will only be about 10 min from our house. I'm excited to learn something entirely different than neonates. Hope things go well Monday!

Super Puppy...

Here is Indiana's Halloween costume this year. She's so precious! Thank you Carol. Your Grandog is loving being super puppy!

We're closing on our house Nov 10!

We just found out our closing date on No 10. Now we're trying to get the movers scheduled! It will be so nice to finally get settled here in Virginia. It still feels like we're just visitors, but I think having a home will help us adjust.
Here are some recent pics of the house. They really don't have much left to do! They were painting the door black when we went by and were going to paint the shutters next. Here are some recent pics.
The last two pictures are of the baby's room. It's directly across from our room and is smaller than the other bedrooms. However, it has 3 windows and not a lot of wall space. It will be hard to figure out where to put things. The back wall (without windows would be where the crib would go.) But I thought I'd get other opinions on this decision. Let me know what you guys think. If we need to we could move it to a back bedroom.

It still looks funny because the shutters aren't painted, but they will be black.


Kitchen - still waiting for the counter tops.


Family Room


Dining Room - can't wait to paint it red.


Weird...we have a basement...


Nursery??

16 WEEKS

Today was our 16 week Dr. appointment and things still look good! We met one of the other doctors in the practice. I'm not crazy about anyone in practice so far, but I have no idea what doctor I would switch to. We decided to just stick it out and pray that the doctors bedside manner doesn't reflect the performance medically.
The baby's heart beat today was between 140-145 when we listened by doppler. Jon was so excited because you could here it so well and even hear the baby moving around! It was so exciting...I couldn't stop smiling!!
They drew blood for the AFP test and said they would call around Monday if anything was abnormal. No news is good news! I've gained a total of 6 lbs so far (although it feels like a lot more) and my uterus measures appropriately. We also set the level II ultrasound for October 21st! They will do a thorough check of the baby and find out the sex too!! The Dr today said her guess was a boy based on my pregnancy symptoms, etc....but only God knows for sure right now :) We will be so happy either way. Just anxious to give this precious baby a name and start planning the nursery :)
Initially when we found out we were pregnant I had a couple of ovarian cysts - as always. They hadn't caused me any problems until recently - my right side has intermittent sharp pains. I'm just waiting for the darn thing to rupture or just go away! I've also had a decreased appetite the last couple weeks. I'm never very hungry, but make myself eat small amounts several times a day. As a result, I've been having drops in my blood sugar -which makes me VERY jittery, nauseated, and I feel like I'm going to pass out. If I drink some juice or something I start to feel much better. I'm really trying hard to make sure not to go more than 3 hours without eating something. I almost passed out in the grocery store the other day...very embarrassing moment. Luckily people were very nice and after my fogginess cleared up I was fine. It's so fascinating all the changes your body has to make to accommodate a growing baby and all the ways it affects women. Every time I think about it - even when I'm miserable it just amazes me! I feel so blessed to be a woman and able to have a child!!



WHAT'S GOING ON WITH OUR BABY AT 16 WEEKS?
-Fat begins to form underneath skin, providing your baby with insulation for the coming months.
- Both baby and placenta are now about the same size?
-Your little one has reached 4.57 inches (11.6cm) and approximately 3.53 ounces (100gm).
-Her heart is pumping as much as 6 gallons of blood a day and beats at a rate about double your heart rate.
-If you could take a peek inside, you would witness your child's reflexes in action! (Sucking, swallowing and blinking are now evident - and even hiccuping.)
-The baby has learned to breathe! This is apparent from the regular movements of his chest.

Mount Vernon

Earlier this week Jon and I went to Mount Vernon -the home of George Washington. We toured his elaborate home and a little of his 8,000 acre property. It brought about a whole new appreciation for America's first President!
Below are pictures from his BEAUTIFUL estate.





The view from the back of the house!


Tomb of George and Martha Washington

So Sleepy

So, last night was my first time working for home health. It went well, just difficult getting used to the paperwork and different atmosphere. The baby was such a little trooper! Just hope I don't get sick, because he did have a cold. I escaped it when Jon had it last week, so hopefully I'll escape it again. All that being said...I don't know how people work nights. By about 7am I was ready to fall over. I got home about 9am and slept for a few hours so I'll be able to sleep tonight. Guess it just takes time to adjust to the change in schedule. I think God is just preparing me for motherhood :) Hopefully the next assignment will be during the day though!

Did I feel the baby move??

On Sunday night Jon and I were laying down watching some tv and relaxing and I felt something kinda strange. To be honest I'm not really sure if it was the baby moving or just gas. But it was very brief and felt different than anything I'd experienced before. I read it described as bubbles...which is pretty much what it felt like. I even had Jon put his hand on my stomach for a while in case it happened again...and it did. He said the same thing, it was quick and small but he felt something too. And last night as I was laying in bed trying to go to sleep I felt if again a couple of times!! After that I started to feel more certain that it was our little baby jumping around in there. I think this one is going to be a night owl...because I only feel it at night before bed. Can't wait for those sleepless nights!

Other big news around here is that I got a job!! I had an interview with a home health staffing agency (they were the only ones that ever called me back). It went great and I was offered the job. I have an orientation tomorrow and will start on Friday night. I'm going to help with a premie who is now at home from the hospital and the parents need some help with NG feeds and meds during then night. I'm excited for the new opportunity, but a little nervous to try something new. Also, nervous because I'm not used to working nights. Guess this is God's way of preparing me for motherhood too :)

We went by our house this week annd took Indy too. She liked her new house, but wished we were already there! The siding outside is now complete, the walls are painted (white for now) and the trim and doors are done. They will put the cabinets in on Thursday and the floors will go in this next week. Sorry I didn't bring the camera on this visit...we will next time.

Jon's had a weird schedule this week. He wakes up at 3:45 am for work and is done by noon. It's nice that he does shift work, but this shift is his least favorite for sure! He'll be glad when it's done in a couple weeks!

14 WEEKS!!!

Well our house is getting closer to completion! They said that we would now close by the beginning of November. We're so excited that we'll be in before Thanksgiving...and it gives us some more time to get things done in the new home!



We're now officially done with our 1st trimester! I was feeling a lot better-not as nauseated and more energy, but the last couple of days I've been feeling extra yucky! I officially "got sick" for the first time....I was coming in the door and only made it to the kitchen sink. But to have a healthy, growing baby- it's more than worth it!
Here are some recent pictures of the growing baby bump. It's seems like it's grown SO much in the last couple of weeks. I can't believe it! Friends have shared tricks of the trade with me so my regular clothes will fit a little longer...the rubber band trick is great right now....so my jeans don't fly open with the top button open. And I just ordered the bellaband. I hear it's a life saver! My next doctor's appointment is Oct 7th. We will then schedule the ultrasound to find out the sex...which should be by the 1st week in November at the latest. Can't wait to find out? Any of you have predictions??? I promise to share the happy news!

Jon's traveling a lot the next couple months. So please pray for his safe travels!

Dotor's visit today...

So today was a difficult day. I had my 12 week appt and as always I was a little bit anxious to see how the baby was doing! During the exam I had quite a lot of bleeding and so they stopped and wanted to check the baby's heart rate. She got out the doppler and started searching, which seemed to take forever. I just held my breath the whole time. She then said if we couldn't find anything then she'd get out the sonogram machine. I then started to get VERY worried...but then she found our precious baby's heart beat!! It was very loud and strong. I started crying because I was SO relieved and so unbelievably thankful! So overall, it was a successful visit, but very worrisome initially. She said to just go home and take it easy and call if the bleeding did not stop by tomorrow. I guess it's not that abnormal to have some bleeding, mine was just more severe because of the progesterone and baby aspirin I had to take.
I was so thankful to come home to my wonderful husband, who was so sweet and supportive! He's going to be such a good Dad!
Please say lots of prayers that this baby continues to stay strong! I will have a high risk ultrasound approx 18-20 weeks, so I guess we'll all have to wait until then to see this little one!

Here are some pictures of the 12 WEEK belly bump!

Happy Labor Day!

Jon's been working nights and is now in Delaware for work for the long weekend! Which he's less than thrilled about.
I've applied with a travel nursing agency for a 13 week assignment in a NICU. I just have to wait to see which hospitals ask for an interview. So I hope that all goes well and I end up in a good place! Travel nursing will be a good fit for now because it's full time work and will end shortly after our house is done so we can try to get it ready before baby :) Jon and I will probably both have to work Christmas, but I'm still hoping to come to Texas for a little while sometime around the holidays!
We've been so blessed with meeting lots of really nice people! Several of the USSS wives are friends and get together frequently. I've met with them for some outings and it's been so nice getting to know all of them. Most of them are from the south, which makes me feel right at home! I'm going over to one of their houses for a Labor day cook out! So I'm glad I have something fun to look forward too! Also, there is a bible study that I'm planning on starting on Thursday. We're still looking for a church though...we've visited a lot, but it's hard coming from Second Baptist.
The house is coming along...the predrywall inspection will be this week! I'm starting to get excited and a little nervous about another big move. Pray that Jon gets at least a couple days off to help with the move. Not sure how I'm going to do everything, when I can't move/lift heavy stuff. Should be interesting...but I know it will all work out!
I have my 12 week doctor appt on Wednesday...I'll meet one of the other doctor's in the practice. I hope I really like that one!! I've been feeling okay. Still just very tired and queasy from time to time. For the most part I've been feeling a little better though, which I'm thrilled about!
I'll write after the appt wednesday to see what's going on with this little one! We miss you!

Getting back to work!

Well, Jon had his first day of work on Monday! He got all of his gear, badges, etc. and of course filled out a ton of paperwork. Then it was off for some shooting practice with the new gun (it's big and scary by the way) and then an intense work out! It's hard to imagine Jon looking mean, but he really does look mean and tough with all his gear on! This truly is the perfect job for him...shooting guns and working out!! He came home that night with so much stuff that it took us 3 trips to just get everything inside. He had HUGE suitcases full of emergency equipment, vests, etc. We spent most of the night just sorting through all his new equipment. I'm so very proud of how hard he's worked to get here!

I've been looking online for a job. There are a few prospects in the nursing areas I'm familiar with, however, being pregnant kinda throws a curve ball into the job search. But for the time being I'm getting my paperwork filled out to get a Virginia RN license. I can't actually apply for one until I have my DL here. Which takes an act of congress to get! We're waiting for our 1st bill to take to the DMV. So kind of in a little bit of a holding pattern with all of that. But hopefully the ball will get rolling soon!

Pictures of the road trip

WE MADE IT!!

Thank you to all our wonderful friends and family for such a wonderful send off! We are sad to leave, but excited about this new adventure! We miss you guys already and feel SO blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives! 

Jon, Indiana and I traveled from Texas to Fairfax, Virginia over 4 days. We stopped along the way to see some interesting sights like Graceland, Nashville's Grand 'Ole Opry, Duke University, Virginia's capital and the beautiful city of Raleigh, NC. It was a fun trip that went by very quickly!! The only flaw was that more hotels don't accept dogs! We made our hotel selections based on the pet friendly hotels...we got to know La Quinta well! 

We arrived in our apartment and have gotten things settled for the most part. For us it's been kinda like ruffin'  it without cable, air conditioning (it was broken) or to our amazement a microwave. We even acquired a new coffee table. A box! Beautiful, but hey we only brought the basics to our apt and needed a place to put our feet up! It has all provided us with a lot of laughs! Indy is liking it here too. She makes friends by howling and strutting her stuff whenever the chance provides! 

We had a doctor's appointment this week, which I was very nervous about meeting a new doctor and seeing how the baby was doing! All things turned out well!!! Praise GOD! At our last visit the baby's heartbeat was 109 (which was exceptional for 6wks) This week the baby's heartrate was 140! We were both elated! The practice we went to was recommended by the woman that sold us our house! It's a set of 3 docs and the one I met actually went to school in TX and did her residency at Baylor! What a small world this is! 

We went by our house this week and as you can see it's really coming along! We went to the design center and picked everything out which was a lot of fun! Can't wait to see it all together!  

Jon's excited and a little nervous about starting work! They are tossing him right in traveling and staying busy! We ventured into the Metro system here..it truly is a different way of living, but very exciting with all the hustle and bustle of so many people in our nations capital! 

Other than that we've been staying busy trying to get settled in our new home!