12 weeks post

Maybe I'm over thinking this, but isn't 12 weeks considered 3 months? To avoid confusion and since I'm new to all this "baby stuff", I labeled my Pinterest knock-off chalk board in weeks. Thoughts? Here's my 12 week shot:

I'm still feeling much better in the nausea department. There are only some really strong smells (Chinese food, surprisingly) that set me off. I am still super tired, but I am reminded by mama incumbents that the constant desire to put my head down and take a quick nap will also become less of a symptom. Thank you for your continued blessings and support! We are so grateful for your prayers!

With Love,

Jason & Madison

Gestational Diabetes Time

The first day of actual dread came and went. I arrived at the diagnostics lab so the vampire could draw my blood to ensure our baby and I would be safe. (Here's a link to read up on the test: Gestational Diabetes Info) Every other mom-to-be has said this test is miserable. Besides the fact that my arm is horribly bruised from the first-year phlebotomist prodding around for my vain on the final draw, it wasn't bad! I had to fast before at least 8-14 hours, so I made my appointment first thing in the morning. The first round began at 7:15 AM where the "needle poking" lady easily found my right arm's exterior vein. She filled about 6 vials of blood for testing and then handed me a small water bottle that looked like this:

My drink was lime flavored and I would compare it to Country Time Lemonade on overdrive. It was pretty sugary, but not horrible. I had to wait an hour each between the next two stabbings and I learned pretty quickly that I had made a mistake. I thought fasting meant no food or liquids. I was later informed I was dehydrated and that's why my right inner arm looks like I smashed blueberries all over it. So for my next visit (I think around 6 months preggo), I will be CHUGGING water to ensure less torture. I treated myself to a bean and cheese burrito from Del Taco immediately after...that bad boy never tasted so good! 

Best news of this pregnancy so far...the nausea is almost completely gone. Here comes the weight gain! For the first time in two months, food doesn't repulse me. The prenatal pill I have to take still leaves my stomach somewhat upset, but I can handle that now. So thank you for your prayers (I assume someone besides my sweet husband has been praying for my nausea), because it worked!

I am so excited about my borrowed wardrobe from my sister, Ally, also. Pants with elastic belly covers and shirts with space to grow in the stomach. The idea of getting huge doesn't excite me, but cute maternity clothing certainly helps (A LOT)! 

We also got our first baby clothing thanks to Grammie Fran and Grandpa Bill. I think it's obvious which gender they are rooting for. Hopefully they kept the receipt just in case!

Please keep praying! Healthy and normal development.

Love,

Jason and Madison

Mother's Day Shinanigans

I figured it was about time to start a blog...and what a perfect time to start! Jason and I are pleased to announce we are pregnant with our first baby! Baby Miner is due to arrive December 5th, 2013.

I guess a little background would be appropriate. Jason and I got married June 4th, 2010 at Mariner's Chapel in Irvine, California. We had met only three years earlier and immediately became friends while starting and leading a "Lifegroup" (aka bible study) at my parents' home in Orange. We dated for a year, were engaged for a year, and now we have been married almost three years. It's been so much fun (and work!!) experiencing the ups and downs of life together.  We bought our first home in Orange on August 6th, 2012 and have been rehabbing and modifying it to fit our styles ever since. Most recently we nearly rounded out the backyard. 

We re-plastered the pool and added a "baja step" with the help of Dad Klovstad's company, Sunset Pools and Spas:

before

after   

We then designed (so Jason designed it using his CAD software...he's what I like to call an engi-nerd), stained, Thompson Water-Sealed, and constructed our patio cover with the help of Dad Miner:

before

after   

We just cleared out the planters and chipped out 1,000 square feet of concrete (our dog needed grass) to lay new sod, create a pathway across the back of our home, and plant a ton of cool fruit trees and plants.

before

after   

Phew!

We finished just in time for our Mother's Day/Secret Reveal Party. Our family had no clue we are pregnant and it has been torture keeping it a secret. All of Jason's California grandparents (Bob & Betty and Lee & Edith), Jason's Dad and step-mama (Robert & Arlene), Step-sis and brother-in-law (Melissa and Landon) were able to make it. Madison's grandparents (Flo and Kaare & Helen), parents (Bill & Fran), brother and sister-in-law with kiddos (Buddy, Allison, Grady & Gavin), Aunt Jane and Uncle Rick, and cousins Christina, Daniel, and Curtis were in attendance as well. We wanted to wait until everyone was present to then say our prayer before our meal. Jason traditionally says a thank you to everyone and especially for our moms. This time, however, he said it was also a special Mother's Day because it was Madison's first Mother's Day. After a very silent pause, he then added: "Because we're pregnant!" There were squeals from all the ladies and "atta-boys" from all the gents. And the emotions ran quickly and literally! Especially from Mama Fran. :) We got to share with our Florida and Boston family later that evening via skype and telephone as well as some of our buddies. 

We had our first ultrasound and learned our little babe measures in at 2.9 cm (about 1 1/8 inches). Currently about the size of a kumquat. Madison is super tired (especially right after lunch time) and a bit nauseous. As long as there are french fries (definitely a craving) and apples, she is able to cope.

We are blessed beyond words. God is good. All the time. Please pray for Baby Miner as the months go forward! We would love for our babe to be "healthy and normal". 

To further God's kingdom,

Jason and Madison