16 Weeks - Feeling Plump

Happy 16 weeks to our quickly growing baby! Here's an updated baby bump photo:

Baby Miner is about 4 1/2 inches long or the size of a large avocado and over 3 1/2 ounces. He or she is getting their toe nails, their face is completing formation, and their heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day. We took this photo and the previous details are technically from last thursday...blogging isn't as easy when I'm on the go.

It's summer time! I am enjoying my short break before summer school begins next week and I will be working at an elementary school with my co-workers, Usha and Rosy. Rosy is due almost the exact same day as we are so it's fun comparing progress and our bumps. Yesterday I finally gave in and bought maternity apparel. I was hoping I'd maintain the cute little bod my sister-in-law did until the day she delivered, but...nope. My sweet neighbor, Jen, assisted me as I choked back shock at the sizes (keeping this G-rated) of particular items (ladies, you know...). I got some B Bands for the pant to belly separation so I may still wear my regular shorts or jeans but without the luxury of buttoning any longer. I got some other cute items and I'm hoping these will keep me covered until our sweet babe comes in December.

We are planning on putting in our side fence in the next month or so, so I'll post photos once that is finished. In the meantime, here is a picture of Grandpa and Grammies' new grandkid pony, Dixie:

And here's a video of our nephew, Grady, seeing her for the first time:

Thank you for your prayers and continued encouragement for us and especially Baby Miner. Please keep 'em coming!

Love,

Jason and Madison

14 Weeks and our 3rd Wedding Anniversary

We met in 2007, started dating in 2008, were engaged in 2009, married in 2010...I became a speech therapist assistant in 2011 and began working for the Santa Ana Unified School District...We bought our first home in 2012 and Jason moved to his current job at Eaton Aerospace...and 2013...

Our first baby.

Six amazing years together and God continues to bless us. We have certainly had our struggles, but I am truly more in love with Jason than the day we became "us". I have never met anyone who is so driven to be a better person and who expands his knowledge constantly. He's an engineer, life group and discipleship leader, mechanic, volunteer, contractor, electrician, plumber, mason, pool cleaner, landscaper, loyal friend to human and dog, musician, cook, baker, etc... But most importantly in my book: my best friend, love of my life, and an incredible spiritual leader. He's going to be an amazing daddy. I am so excited that I am able to give him a child that he can teach about spark plugs, radiators, and fuel hoses (partly because I have no clue what he's talking about). 

We had our monthly checkup with Dr. Linzey yesterday (June 5th) and got to hear our baby's heartbeat coming in at 160! Supposedly that's normal, but at the higher end of rates. Jason and I are still adjusting to losing our modesty with this baby coming. It's still so awkward for both of us at the doctor's office, but I am so glad we are experiencing even this stage together! I'm sure this is nothing compared to the delivery room, but I have had my giggle moments when looking at the stress ball shaped as a sperm and the open discussion of my cervix. Sorry, maybe too  much information, but I had to put that out there.

Moving on...

We are both nesting for our baby that is growing in my tummy (3.5 inches and the size of a lemon today!), but I think Jason is taking the cake this trimester! We had a wall that was tipping toward the sidewalk about a foot. We had it repaired by Dad Klov's Sunset Pools and Spas company, but Jason and Dad decided to tackle the grouting and brick-laying together. Jason and I then took out the bushes and are planning on building a fence to protect our side yard and keep our baby and us safer.

Here's the first half of our side wall progress:

Not too shabby!? It was comedy and hard work laying that wall, but I think all three of us enjoyed spending time together and Jason and I learned so much from Dad Klov! I don't think he'll hire us though. We apparently aren't suppose to use our fingers and hands to fix our mistakes.

Please continue to pray for Baby Miner!