Weekly Update

How far along? 36 weeks and 4 days

How big is baby? 17.2-18.7 inches and 4.2-5.8 lbs. Even though she technically hasn't gotten out of that range yet, this week it is getting a little more difficult to eat and breathe.

Weight gain? As of my appointment yesterday it was about 27 pounds so far. If I am remembering correctly at my first appointment I was told I should gain between 25-35 pounds so I think I am doing pretty good on that end. The doctor said all my numbers including weight looked good yesterday.

Maternity clothes? I am still refusing to buy new clothes with 3 1/2 weeks to go. My skirts have been working for school. I tried wearing a pair of my pre-pregnancy pants with a rubber band today...bad idea lol! I felt like they were going to fall off all day long! Thankfully I wore a shirt that goes WAY down past my bottom so all anyone noticed was me pulling on my pants all day.

Movement? It's been about the same. She has long periods of what I can only assume is sleep time where she is quiet in there and then I'll eat or drink something or take a bath and she'll dance a little. I can tell she's running out of room in there because the movements aren't as big as they had been. She is still moving around just fine but it's not like she's flipping over as much. I will mainly notice her legs/knees/feet poking out at me.

Cravings? Whatever someone suggests sweets wise. My co-teacher mentioned Menchie's the other day at a meeting and man did it sound good. By the time it was the end of the day however I had forgotten about it so I wouldn't really consider that a true craving. It was the same kind of thing at Walmart yesterday. I saw some candy on sale and bought it because it looked good. It's a type of candy I like so it is good but it's not like I HAVE to have it when I get home from school each day.

What I miss? Being able to sleep through the night without having to get up and pee every 2 or so hours. From the time I was probably about 6 or 7 I have been able to sleep the whole night through without having to get up and go (unless there was some weird circumstance like I was sick etc.). Now however it's every 2-3 hours every night that I am up to go. I'm very thankful I am mostly able to get right back to sleep but its still annoying having to try to roll out of bed!

What I am looking forward to? This is sort of something I am looking forward to and not at the same time. I found out today my teammates want to have a shower at school for me. This is so sweet! I am new to the 2nd grade team this year so I never in a million years expected that. I am so touched they would think to do that. But, I am a little worried about opening stuff in front of people. It was strange enough at first at the other showers we had and those were people I knew fairly well. I know my coworkers but not as well as I know our friends and family at the other showers.

Oh! And this! When I went to the doctor he did my first internal exam. I found out I am already 2 cm dilated and 60% effaced! He thinks she'll come sooner rather than later and technically she is full term so she really could come any time. I just haven't told my co-teacher this fact yet as when we went to see administration together about something yesterday and they were talking about all the other teachers who went into labor at school she got really nervous thinking about the kiddos we have this year!

Weekly Update

How far along? 35 weeks

How big is baby? 17.2-18.7 inches and 4.2-5.8 pounds! That much be why my belly feels heavier and heavier and getting out of bed is proving to be more and more difficult!!

Total weight gain? As of yesterday, according to the Publix scale, I've gained 24 pounds. I can tell the difference in the way my shorts fit (even my maternity ones) and the fact that my rings are snug enough to the point where I won't risk wearing them on my fingers anymore because I fear getting them stuck!

Maternity clothes? I refuse to buy anything at this point. Truthfully, she could come at any point so why run out and buy something for 5 weeks? It just doesn't make sense to me. 

Stretch marks? None. I' have been very fortunate to not have any thus far in pregnancy. I'm hoping because it's so late in the game I won't get any at all. 

Movement? She is still rolling and making waves in there. It also sometimes feels like she is shivering which is an interesting feeling for sure!

Cravings? Still nothing really. 

What I miss? Nothing really. Sleeping on my stomach if I had to pick one thing. 

What I am looking forward to? Meeting her of course and not being pregnant any more. I am trying my best to enjoy every minute of it because I am sure when she is here I will be lamenting the time I was pregnant but last night I was just done. I was so hot and she just felt so heavy and every movement was proving difficult that I was just done. It's gotten better today by far so I am hoping that it stays this way until she comes. 

Oh and this! School starts tomorrow with the kiddos. I have two different classes and I am nervous after meeting the kids I did on Friday. I think I had about two-thirds of my homeroom come to open house and most of the kids from my partner teacher's homeroom at least came and introduced themselves as well so I met most of my kiddos. However, after seeing some of them and talking to their parents I am anxious. I have to keep in mind that God hand picked this kids to be in my class for a reason. 

Weekly Update

I know, I know, I'm a few weeks behind. Last week I was just so exhausted there was no way I could even muster the energy to write my update!

How far along? 34 weeks!!!

How big is baby? Zoey is 4.2-5.8 lbs. and 17.2-18.7 inches. Wow, it's hard to believe that she has gotten so big!!

Total weight gain? We still don't own a scale but I believe at the last doctor's appointment it was around 24 lbs. I go back to the doctor on Wednesday so we will see what the gain is then.

Maternity clothes? Nothing new. I just don't see the point this late in the game of getting anything new (other than the nursing tanks I still need to pick up). The 3 skirts I own with elastic waist bands plus the dress from Cambodia and the maternity jeans will work for school until after Zoey comes then I will work toward getting back into some of my old clothes eventually.

Stretch marks? None although Tyler has noticed I am getting that tell-tale dark line down the middle of my belly. Each time he sees my belly he comments on it!

Sleep? It really hasn't been too bad lately. At night it seems like I go through a period of extreme exhaustion and then hit a point where I'm still tired but when I go to lay down I stay awake for an hour or more. Thankfully I've been able to still get 6-7 hours of sleep each night. With school starting again I know this will all be changing and my body will have to adjust to going to bed earlier and getting up earlier. Thankfully I have the coffee pot set to warm the water prior to the time I have to leave the house so I will get that extra boost to wake me up in the morning.

Movement? It is certainly getting stronger although from what I've read online it's not nearly as strong as what some people are dealing with. I haven't had any pain from her kicks and rolls yet.

Cravings? Nothing that I can think of. I dreamt that I had a strong craving for something (I never did figure out what it was) and couldn't get it so I cried over it. But, as far as memory serves, it was only a dream.

What I miss? Things have been pretty good lately. There isn't much that I miss.

What I am looking forward to? Meeting her in about 6 weeks or so!

Oh and this! It will be interesting to see how I adjust to going back to school again after being off for so long.

Weekly Update

How far along? 32 weeks. Officially two months from the estimated due date! We hit two calendar months earlier this week. Wow!!

How big is baby? The size of a squash. 2.5-3.8 lbs. and 15.2-16.7 inches!

Total weight gain? Don't own a scale so I don't know. I'm guessing 20+ lbs. at this point but I don't know for sure.

Maternity clothes? Same old same old. Trying to make sure I have enough to get me through a week at school since I go back in two weeks!

Stretch marks? None.

Sleep? I've been sleeping well but still been feelings worn out big time. I went to bed around 1 this morning and slept till 8. Then I drove to church and in the middle of the service I felt like I could have fallen asleep right there in the chair. I went to Walmart and stopped by the bank and now am home and feel so ready for a nap. I'm hoping this is only because I wasn't doing anything at first when I got up; otherwise this is going to be a VERY difficult 6 weeks back to school!

Movement? Movement has seemed to change this week from the kicks and pokes to move wave-like movements. I'm thinking it's her rolling over and repositioning herself. It's very entertaining to watch her do that!

Cravings? Nothing really.

What I miss? Having my energy.

What I am looking forward to? Getting my energy back.

Oh and this! My second baby shower was yesterday! Oh my goodness! Between my parents and my friends we were so blessed! I don't think there is anything that we will need right away for Zoey! It was so awesome!

Weekly Update

How far along? 31 weeks

How big is baby? About the size of a pineapple. 15.2-16.7 inches and about 2.5-3.8 lbs.!! Wow how much she has grown since January!

Total weight gain? I would guess somewhere around 20 lbs. so far but I don't know for sure.

Maternity clothes? At some point this week I need to look at a couple of nursing tank tops or sleep bras to use when Zoey first gets here and if I find a good deal on some dress pants or a top or two I might pick those up for school as well.

Stretch marks? Still none that I am aware of.

Sleep? Sleep hasn't been too bad lately. I have been sleeping fairly well and getting up and staying up almost every day.

Movement? She is still moving around like crazy. And he little hiccups are so sweet! It's so wonderful to get to see her move and to feel her moving around to let us know she is ok.

Cravings? My cravings have been varying lately. For about a three day period all I would crave is Publix subs but then I'm not sure if my body just got tired of them or what but the thought of eating one now almost turns my stomach. There were also a few days where I would be hungry and eat but then after I ate my stomach would be upset. And then there were the times, like last night, where nothing sounded good and I was only eating because I know Zoey needs the nutrition.

What I miss? I don't think there is anything particular that I've missed in this week.

What I am looking forward to? Meeting her in 9 weeks! Ahh!! I want her to stay put as long as possible and to be as healthy as possible but I am getting so excited to meet her!!

Oh and this! My second baby shower is this weekend! I can't wait to celebrate Zoey's coming with our friends and family!

Weekly Update, The Weekend and George Zimmerman

How far along? 30 Weeks

How big is baby? The size of a cucumber. 15.2-16.7 inches and 2.5-3.8 lbs. I would assume closer to 2.5 because at both of my recent doctor appointments I've been measuring a week behind; nothing to be concerned about.

Total weight gain? 18 lbs so far.

Maternity clothes? Nothing new although I did discover this weekend that I am at the point of needing a bathing suit.

Stretch marks? I haven't seen any real ones yet but when we were at the beach I did notice what might be the beginnings of some. I think they were more pronounced because the water was so cold it make everything stand out more.

Sleep? I've been sleeping A LOT lately. I've gotten into the VERY bad habit of getting up with Tyler, staying up for about an hour, and then going back to bed until about 11 or 12. The crazy thing is I am still able to sleep fairly easily at night too! I have to start getting into the routine again of getting up and doing something since I will be going back to school in 3-4 weeks.

Movement? This morning after breakfast we were laying around and I could see Zoey moving my belly all around. I think she was doing the cha-cha slide in there! It was so funny. The only thing I wish is that I could tell the difference between her feet and arms and hands and head. Don't get me wrong I LOVE feeling and seeing her move I'm just curious as to what exactly she is poking me with in there!

Cravings? Sweets. Chocolate specifically. M&M's and Oreos and everything like that. Although I will say there was a 24 hour period last week where NOTHING sounded good. Like, at all. All I was able to force down was half a hamburger and some fries.

What I miss? I miss not being so worn out all the time. Or more specifically I miss having more than a few hours of energy at a time. I also miss not having this crazy restless leg syndrome stuff. I'm tired of always feeling like I have to be moving my legs. I wish my muscles would just go back to normal.

What am I looking forward to? I am looking forward to getting back in the routine of school. I know that I will be exhausted by the end of the day but I think having the routine will help with some of it. By not being able to go back to sleep I think I won't feel as sleepy.

Oh! And this! Tyler surprised me this weekend by coming home for work Saturday and taking us to Melbourne Beach for the night! We stayed at a hotel right on the beach and went to a restaurant called CHart House where we had an awesome steak dinner. Then this morning we got up and watched the sun rise and had a nice breakfast before heading back home. It was so nice to get away just the two of us (not that our family consists of any more than that just yet!) and to have some quality time together.

Now, as far as the George Zimmerman trail and verdict goes here are my thoughts. I think that it is a horrible, terrible thing that a 17 year old boy died. That is just tragic and there should be some justice for him. However I have two things to say as far as the trail goes. 1) We will NEVER know what really happened that night. Even if Trayvon hadn't died, his view on what happened and George Zimmerman's view could have been totally different. There are always three sides to every story: the two participants and the truth. 2) I did not watch the whole trial by any means. I only watched parts here and there but the parts I did watch I did not feel the state proved their case beyond a reasonable doubt. They did not have the evidence to prove the charges they were asking for.

Lukewarm Christianity

So at Wednesday night bible study we've been going through the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Wow what a fantastic book! Chapter 4 was all about being a lukewarm Christian. I wanted to take a chance and share the list from the book.

"-Lukewarm people attend church fairly regularly. It is what is expected of them, what they believe "good Christians" do, so they go.
Isaiah 29:13
-Lukewarm people give money to charity and to the church...as long as it doesn't impinge on their standard of living. If they have a little extra and it is easy and safe to give, they do so. After all, God loves a cheerful giver right?
1 Chronicles 21:24; Luke 21:1-4
-Lukewarm people tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict. They desire to fit in both at church and outside of church; they care more about what people think of their actions (like church attendance and giving) than what God thinks of their hearts and lives.
Luke 6:26; Revelation 3:1; Matthew 23:5-7
-Lukewarm people don't really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin. They don't genuinely hate sin and aren't truly sorry for it; they're merely sorry because God is going to punish them. Lukewarm people don't really believe that this new life Jesus offers is better than the old sinful one.
John 10:10; Romans 6:1-2
-Lukewarm people are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act. They assume such acton is for "extreme" Christians, not average ones. Lukewarm people call "radical" what Jesus expected of all His followers.
James 1:22; James 4:17; Matthew 21:28-31
-Lukewarm people rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends. They do not want to be rejected nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion.
Matthew 1-:32-33
-Lukewarm people gauge their morality or "goodness" by comparing themselves to the secular world. They feel satisfied that while they aren't as hard-core for Jesus as so-and-so, they are nowhere as horrible as the guy down the street.
Luke 18:111-12
-Lukewarm people say they love Jesus, and He is, indeed a part of their lives. But only a part. They give Him a section of their time, their money, and their thoughts, but He isn't allowed to control their lives.
Luke 9:57-62
-Lukewarm people love God, but they do not love Him with all their heart, soul and strength. They would be quick to assure you that they try to love God that much, but that sort of total devotion isn't really possible for the average person; it's only for pastors and missionaries and radicals.
Matthew 22:37-38
-Lukewarm people love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves. Their love of others is typically focused on those who love them in return, like family, friends, and other people they know and connect with. There is little love left over for those who cannot love them back, much less for those who intentionally slight them, whose kids are better athletes than theirs, or with whom conversations are awkward or uncomfortable. Their love is highly conditional and very selective, and generally comes with strings attached.
Matthew 5:43-47; Luke 14:12-14
-Lukewarm people will serve God and others, but their are limits to how far they will go or how much time, money, and energy they are willing to give.
Luke: 21-25
-Lukewarm people think about life on earth much more often than eternity in heaven. Daily life is mostly focused on today's to-do list, this week's schedule, and next month's vacation. Rarely, if ever, do they intently consider the life to come. Regarding this, C.S. Lewis writes, "If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this."

Philippians 3:18-20; Colossians 3:2

-Lukewarm people are thankful for their luxuries and comforts, and rely consider trying to give as much as possible to the poor. They are quick to point out, "Jesus never said money is the root of all evil, only that the love of money is." Untold numbers of lukewarm people feel "called" to minister to the rich; very few feel "called" to minister to the poor.

Matthew 25:34, 40; Isaiah 58:6-7

-Lukewarm people do whatever necessary to keep themselves from feeling too guilty. They want to do the bare minimum, to be "good enough" without it requiring too much of them.

1 Chronicles 29:14; Matthew 13:44-46

-Lukewarm people are continually concerned with playing it safe; they are slaves tot he god of control. This focus on safe living keeps them from sacrificing and risking for God.

1 Timothy 6:17-18; Matthew 10:28

-Lukewarm people feel secure because they attend church, made a profession of faith at age twelve, were baptized, come from a Christian family, vote Republican, or live in America. Just as the prophets in the Old Testament warned Israel that they were not safe just because they lived in the land of Israel, so we are not safe just because we wear the label Christian or because some people persist in calling us a "Christian nation."

Matthew 7:21; Amos 6:1

-Lukewarm people do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to. They don't have to trust God if something unexpected happens-they have their savings account. They don't need God to help them-they have their retirement plan in place. They don't genuinely seek out what life God would have them live-they have life figured and mapped out. They don't depend on God on a daily basis-their refrigerators are full and, for the most part, they are in good health. The truth is, their lives wouldn't look much different if they suddenly stopped believing in God. 

Luke 12:16-21; Hebrews 11

-Lukewarm people probably drink and swear less than average, but besides that, they really aren't very different from your typical unbeliever. They equate their partially sanitized life with holiness but they couldn't be more wrong.

Matthew 23:25-28"

There are so many that hit me close to home; all of them in one way or another if I am being honest. At some point in my life (even now) quite a few of these, if not all of them apply to me. 

And I don't want to be lukewarm. I want to have a passion for Christ. I want to be so in love with Him that is shows through me; I want to be different from those in the world. I want to have the courage to stand up for what I believe in and to not be afraid to share the love of Christ with others. I want to love the unlovable and to reach out to the hurting. I really do want to be the hands and feet of Christ and to not just be another warm body taking up space in a sanctuary on a Sunday morning. 

I hope and pray that I can stop being lukewarm and can really reach those around me for Christ no matter the situation or what it may seem like it will cost. Will you join me?