Doctor today.

Oh I am so tired, so this will be short.

Dr. Campbell at 3:30pm today. Not our normal doctor. She took forever, but was nice. Traffic getting there was RE-DIC-ULOUS! Crazy last minute Lexington Christmas shoppers!

I've gained 8 lbs according to their scales since 2 weeks ago, but when I came home and weighed myself, I actually gained 4 lbs because I had on 3 layers of clothing weighing in at 4 lbs! Whew! It was pretty cold today...everywhere...so you get it. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!

Because she is not our normal doctor we couldn't schedule Hudson's birth day. My regular nurse will be calling soon (hopefully) to schedule it with me. She did say, however, that it would probably be Monday the 9th of February. 02-09-2009, which is also a full moon! Kinda cool, I think.

My fundal height was 32", Hudson's heartbeat was 151, my legs and ankles aren't swelling, and she said I look great--right on target. However, because she thought I gained 8 lbs in 2 weeks she said try to choose meals wisely. I'm reaching the 30 lb mark here pretty soon. I'm pretty sure I can get up to 35 lbs and be within reason for my initial height and weight. I'm a tall girl. 5'9".

This is too long. I am going to bed!

Love,
Jamie =)

'Tis the season to be Merry!

Proud parents-to-be! Christmas 2008

Well today, December 21st, I am 32 weeks pregnant and it's getting so close! Tomorrow we have a Dr's appointment at 3:30pm. We will be scheduling my c-section sometime for the 39th week, which leaves only 7 weeks to go! Last night we had dinner with the fam at the Coulliette/Pike house. (Mark and Caitlin have their own apartment in Caitlin's parent's basement and it is huge!) We got to spend time staring at London, our niece, and we just giggled and awed over her. I've never seen Josh's face the way it lit up last night...I can only imagine him as a daddy. Sigh.....tear. It's going to be precious, amazing, wonderful...... and I'm looking forward to it!
I found out about a week ago that my "circle of happiness" would be broken. My "circle" was comprised of: Hubby & baby, place to live, and steady income. The piece that will be missing is MY JOB! After Hudson is born I will have to look for another nanny job where I can bring him with me. I cried for a couple of days after finding this out, but I'm ok now. Everything happens for a reason and I will have 6 weeks after he's born to figure something out. I really do understand where Jennifer and Anthony are coming from; they would prefer to have someone focus on their little girl completely. They have been a great family to work for since the beginning and I appreciate them.

Caitlin and Mark are sooooo good with their little girl! I am so proud of them for doing such a great job and for being the best parents they can to her. Yay!!! Caitlin is doing well with breastfeeding...she gave me some good tips last night. =)

It makes me smile every time our little guy is kicking or rolling around inside me. He is what always makes me smile, no matter what. He's kicking or hiccuping right now. I can't tell a difference because it's such a steady beat. He doesn't have as much room as he used to in there, so his movements aren't as abrupt, but they are starting to hurt sometimes. I'm still loving being pregnant! Not to the point yet where I'm saying....ok are you ready to get out of there?! It is getting harder to be comfortable while sleeping at night. Naps come in handy.

Christmas is just a few days away! Josh and I don't exchange gifts. We just say that our love is all the gift we need. I know, aren't we sappy and cheap?! lol. We're actually not getting anyone anything this year. It's just a rough time for everyone and Christmas isn't about getting presents. It's about baby Jesus. I do love the spirit of Christmas that everyone gets. The love for family, the kindness of strangers, cards, cookies and food. Ahhh. Don't forget the music! Love it! When else does our country get so giddy and positive for one reason? 'Tis the season! We use words like: grace and jolly and merry and noel. What great words. I am not a religious person, but the word blessed comes to mind as well. I feel so very blessed in my life, it just makes me happy all the time!

Our friends Kim and Jordan are expecting their baby girl on the 31st! I'm sure you will all see pictures after her arrival! Kim is having an au natural birth at home, so please hope/pray that goes smoothly with no complications. Don't you love my hope/pray phrase? I do. It reaches out to everyone-we all have the right to our own beliefs. That's all I have to say about that.

Even though we haven't even had our first son, I have been thinking about names for the next! I came up with Lio. Give him an "N" middle name, and viola! Lio N. Pike! lol. I think it's pretty bad ass. What kid wouldn't want that name? But, Josh doesn't like the name Leo, with an E or an I. We'll see. Haha. I'm so clever. Kristin likes it!

Well even though I'm having so much fun typing between all these pictures, I think I'm about done.

Have a Merry Christmas, and a blessed New Year.

A New Pike!

Meet my new niece, London Avery Pike!Born December 11th, 2008 at 8:12 a.m. she weighed 7 lbs, 11oz & 19 3/4 inches long! Her parents are my brother-in-law, Mark, and his new wife Caitlin (who I love and am good friends with!) Josh and I were married on this same day 3 years ago and love that this special day to us has been made even more special by the healthy birth of a new baby girl! Mark and Caitlin are doing great with her already...I'm so excited for them and proud. =) When we went to visit her in the hospital she just slept the whole time...so sweet and precious. I can wait to have our little baby boy (love feeling him inside me & knowing he's growing strong), but I am looking forward to it--with much anticipation. 2 Pike's here, 1 still to come! So when we starting the next round, ladies? I'm thinking in a year. ;)

Christmasy Stuff

How do you tag people? I had no idea this was going on...?!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Gift bags are so much easier. Wrapping paper is so much more fun!

2. Real tree or Artificial? I've always had an artificial tree, and then I married a farmer. We have just chopped little ones down from the farm the past few years. They never get decorated though.

3. When do you put up the tree? So far...not yet!

4. When do you take the tree down? Whenever...

5. Do you like eggnog? Only if it's with chai and Starbucks whipped cream with cinnamon on top! Yum!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Hmmm...my cabbage patch doll, Jessie. I was 3 or 4.

7. Hardest person to buy for? We don't really buy gifts...probably Teresa-she always gives great stuff and then I hand over a book of favor coupons and feel like a chump. lol.

8. Easiest person to buy for? My hubby because he always wants my love and he doesn't have to buy that.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Nah, don't need one.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Nick naks-unless it's a willow tree angel!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Now...Four Christmases with Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Re-gifted, you mean? Yes, of course I have.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Stuffing and Sugar cookies with icing.

16. Lights on the tree? Of course!

17. Favorite Christmas song? anything Josh Groban

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Staying home this year! First time, ever!

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Dasher Dancer Prancer Vixen. Comet Cupid Donner Blitzen. Rudolf.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? One the night before and rest on Christmas Day.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? That people spend too much money and they really don't celebrate the actual meaning. The USA's idea of Christ-mas is Santa Claus and presents.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Handmade ones or special personalized ones.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Everything!

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? To snuggle with my hubby as much as possible!

26. Who is most likely to respond to this? I hate that question. Whoever wants to!

27. Does Santa wrap your gift or leave them unwrapped? Santa isn't real!

Thanksgiving/Baby Shower Pictures

Lexie, Me, and Shelby

My Grandma Marian & I

Ashley, Island and I

Ash won this game!

Chelsea lost this game!

Brittany won the ribbon game!

The reason I want little girls some day.

Me and my cute hubby!

Island feeling for Hudson =)

Thanksgiving Day-Mom, Me, Josh, Taya, Lexie, and my brother Jared.

Celebrating Mark's "Bachelor Party"

Today-December 7th- I am 30 weeks pregnant!

Go Colts! =)

So much to do!

Well, we ended up leaving on Thanksgiving day to head up to Indiana and it wasn't bad at all. We borrowed the farm truck, which has heated seats, so that was amazing on my pregnant tush! Josh usually isn't a hand-holder, but any chance he had he was grabbing my hand while we were driving. So cute. He is in awe over how big my belly is getting; he loves talking to him and giving him kisses. I am LOVING this bonding stage we are going through as a married couple...it's brought us a lot closer in just these past couple of weeks.

After Thanksgiving we stayed with friends for the weekend and had such a nice time. I also had 2 baby showers, which were both great and filled the truck-stacked FULL of presents! I went immediately to work on Monday morning after driving for 6 hours....haven't had much time to put all the gifts away. There are still a bunch sitting in the living room.

Josh left at 4am to head up to Pennsylvania with his dad for a farm conference. I think it's for dairy...not sure. They won't get back until Saturday...and I miss him already. =( I at least have the baby's room to get ready. That will keep me busy after work.

I made lasagna last night! I haven't made it since we were first married so I didn't really know what the hell I was doing. Thanks to Teresa it came out great! I think I called her 3 times before I figured it out! lol. I wasn't going to boil the noodles and already had the first layer down with cheese on top when she said, "Did you get the no-boil noodles?" "Oh shit!" was my response. I just had to pick them up and scrape off the cheese mixture (which included cottage cheese-pretty messy!) and then boiled them. I didn't start cooking until after work so my goal was to have it ready and eaten by 8:30pm. Task accomplished!

I had to have it eaten by 8:30 because I was fasting for the 3 hour glucose test I had this morning. I got there at 8:45am and she took my blood before having to drink this clear, sugary drink. Then at 10, 11, and 12 she took my blood again. All while NOT eating. The first hour was the worst because the drink made me feel not-so-good. The 3rd time she stuck me it hurt enough for me to say "ow!" and then it bruised immediately, but the other 3 sticks were fine. I have to be careful how I bend that arm now, because it is sore. I won't find out until tomorrow or Friday how the tests came back. I will let y'all know. There was another woman in there for the same test and our due date was exactly the same! February 15th. She is having her 3rd girl! We also discovered we are both from Indiana and live in the boonies now. She lives near Berea (which is an hour from the hospital) and we live about 35-40 minutes from the hospital. She said they are inducing her a week early, so we might be there at the same time. Just kinda funny to me. One other thing! Josh proposed to me at Monument Circle in Indianapolis and then we ate at the Hard Rock Cafe afterwards and this woman's husband proposed to her in that same H.R.C. in Indy. We had a lot of time to talk.

Our nephew, Ezekiel, was "supposed" to go home from the NICU on Monday, but wasn't able to afterall. The doctors said he isn't gaining weight fast enough so they are still stuck in Houston, TX. Please pray/hope that he continues to pull through and can go home soon! We love you Kristin, Daniel, and Ezie--you're doing so good!

I think that's all for now. I will post baby shower pictures at a later date...when I have time.

So much for wanting to write a blog per day! Ha! I was ambitious!

Love,
Jamie

Happy Turkey Day!

We are leaving town tonight for my hometown in Decatur, Indiana. The original plan (there I go trying to plan things again) was to leave at 2pm. It is now 5:30pm. I have a valid excuse. I woke up sick. I've had a sore throat for the past few days, but when I woke up this morning it was full-scale nasty cough, complete with colored mucus. Yum. So, as soon as the clock struck 8am I was calling my OB to get a prescription. I have avoided Rx medication the whole time I've been pregnant, but I knew this wasn't going to get any better with Robitussin. This is my 3rd cold since I've been preggo, and it keeps coming back for a reason. I took my first dose of a Z-Pak this afternoon, along with Robitussin DM, and Mucinex. Yes, all 3! That's what they told me to do, and I'm doing it. I hate the idea of popping all these pills and medicated liquids into my body with my little guy down there, but I think it's better that I get healthy than cough myself into pre-term labor. I can't mix my Z-Pak with Tums....so hopefully the heartburn I've been getting lately will be nice and stay away for the next 5 nights.

I should be packing right now.....................................................blaaaaaaah! I just want cheesecake and another nap, that's all! There are 3 Cheesecake Factories on the way up to my mom and dad's. Hmmmmm...

Ok, so I had my 28 week check-up at the Doctor on Tuesday. Doc said I am right on track with my weight gain and I measured 29 inches from top to bottom on my uterus-I think it's called fundal height? Hudson's heartbeat was 158 and he kicked the sonogram when she was listening to his heart! Little kicker! I failed my glucose test, which means I may have gestational diabetes. I have to go back to the lab next week for a 3 hour test which will determine that or not. I can't eat for 10-14 hours before the test and then I have to drink some nasty sugar-filled liquid. During the 3 hours I'm there I STILL won't be able to eat. I'm gonna starve! They have to prick my finger every hour to test my glucose levels...ouch. It does hurt; I feel sorry for people that have to do that everyday! If I do have gestational diabetes it will go away after the baby is born. I don't really know what I'll have to do if I do have it. I think I take a vitamin supplement...that's what Ashley, my best friend had to do. They also gave me a shot in the butt because my blood type is A- and it's a precaution in case the baby and I's blood mix...then my body would attack him as an intruder if his blood isn't A-. Can't have that!

Must get up and pack. Ugh. Have a happy turkey day! Eat lots of pumpkin pie! I will...

Much thanks to Nathan, who will be helping us tremendously on the farm while we're out of town! We couldn't have left unless the job was covered, so thanks, really.

Congratulations Mark & Caitlin Pike!

The Fantastic Four! ;)

My brother-in-law got married today! Mark has been living with us pretty much the whole time we've lived here in Kentucky. Last year it was just for the summer because he was attending college and living on campus, but this past summer and into this fall he has been here everyday and and every night. I cried like a baby when he moved out on Sunday because he's such great company. Caitlin snagged herself a great guy. So...without any further ado...here are the pictures! (They asked me to take the roll of the "professional photographer" for their wedding and I was all over it! Loved it! My first wedding job! =)

The Pike Valley Farm Crew

YAY!

Unity Candle

Caitlin picking out last-minute scripture.

Brothers! We missed you Daniel!

Mark with his Dad and Mom

Real Quick

I have lots of pictures to post...I feel bad for the delay. It'll happen one of these days. Just wanted to give a quick update on stuff.

Aleah Corrine Bowman was born on Sunday November 16th at 10:08 a.m. weighing 8 lbs 3.5 oz and 19 inches long. She is at home with mommy and daddy now in San Antonio, Texas! Congratulations Kyle and Sarah, I love you guys!

Grace turned 2 on Friday the 14th! I have pictures of that...to come later.

I am almost in the 3rd trimester! Sunday the 23rd I will be 28 weeks pregnant. I have gained almost 20 lbs now. He's kicking all the time and this weekend he tried to put a fist up my esophagus! Ha! I got heartburn for the first time last night and took some tums. I despise people that tell me I look bigger than I should. Bite me. I could gain another 15 lbs in the last trimester and still be in healthy range...so we'll see.

I want chocolate frosted doughnuts and may ask Jennifer if I can take Grace to the bakery with me today once she wakes up from her nap.

I want to take a nap when I'm done blogging.

My nephew, Ezekiel, is on his way in an ambulance to Houston to see a specialist about his eyes. Because he was premature he has problems in that area and he could go blind if it's not taken care of. I spoke with Kristin, his mommy, this morning as they were following the ambulance to Houston. If he needs surgery they will have to stay for 2 weeks. Pray/Hope for them please.

Mark and Caitlin are getting married next week! November 25th. It will be very small with close family by their sides. I'm so excited for them...it reminds me of when I married Josh almost 3 years ago now. Our anniversary is on December 11th. Caitlin is due to have London on the 8th of December!

We are leaving in a week to head up to Decatur, Indiana, where my family lives-for Thanksgiving and 2 baby showers. We will be back Sunday night- the 30th. It's almost DECEMBER!

I am soooo excited about Christmas-I want a tree YESTERDAY!

Tomorrow, November 20th, is the 3 year anniversary of when Josh proposed to me in Indianapolis. Sigh. I still love him so much!! And now we're about to have a baby! Crazy that we've only known each other for 3 years and change. I'm looking forward to the rest of our life together. I want to die old and white haired, in each others arms, while we're asleep. That's my perfect way to die...in his arms, peacefully, together. I'm such a sap. Hehe.

I got my hair cut and colored! I love it! And, no, there is NO proof that coloring your hair while pregnant is harmful. I'm practically in the 3rd trimester anyway, I held off. You would think that women who have already had children know the rules of being pregnant--what not to say to another pregnant woman. Don't you remember all those annoying, advice giving family members telling you what you can and can't do?! Grrrrr. I'm ok. The worst is from a girl I don't even know! She went to college with my husband and has the nerve to question me about stuff. I'm stopping now.

There are a couple of people who have really been by my side during my pregnancy. You have been the most helpful and comforting....so thank you Kim Goodrich and Jennifer Allen. =) There are many other people who have been wonderful, they are just the 2 that I have gotten the most support from.

Doughnuts....mmmmmm.

Go Sarah! Go!

Our friend Sarah Bowman has been in labor for 2 days now and is finally pushing! Go Sarah, go! She is going to be a mommy today! How EXCITING! Her hubby, Kyle, has kept me posted via text messages and by calling me and letting me know how everything has been. Thanks Kyle, and early congrats Daddy! =)

Happy Birthday Grace!

I meant to post these almost 2 weeks ago on Grace's Birthday! I thought I had lost this post, but found it in my drafts folder...so here they are! A day in the life of a 2 year old! Happy Birthday, Grace!


At Gymboree on her b-day!


Diving for the gymbo dolls.

This was a scary concept.

You mean I can squeeze this thing?

Grace and her friend Amelia!

Panera rocks!

Waking up from nap. A little pouty.

Drama Queen

Give me the camera!

Hey, you're making me laugh & I'm throwing a fit here!

So sweet...

How old are you?

So sad...

And we're happy again!