Update on Life so Far

Lets do some catching up! 

Day before my birthday 11/22/2015. Maternity Shoot 

December 8th aka two days before he was born. 







December 10th I was induced at 38 weeks and some days and he was born at 5:14 pm at 5lbs 10 oz and 19 inches long! :) (tears of joy) After delivery I lost a lot of blood and had a post-partum hemorrhage. If I wasn't in a hospital I would have left earth that day. Thank the Lord I'm still here!

Now he is 3 months nearly 4 months old and he is definitely the joy of our lives. He is a good, happy, and healthy baby! His smiles light up my day and his baby talk is the gossip of the day lol. He has grown so fast. I'm trying not to blink, because in moments he will be 1! 

At almost 4 months old

*talking/cooing

*trying to roll over from back to tummy

*super alert 

*curious about surroundings 

*knows who is mommy and daddy is

*starting to reach out to you to get picked up

*loves books 

*thinks it funny to see me dance and smiles when I sing 

* super happy and giggly in the morning 

*starting to sleep 6-7 hrs at night

*hair is getting more curly

*eyes are still blue/grey

*loves to sit up

*still likes the carrier

*likes his stroller

*still breastfed 

*doesn't like to be put down for long these days
*fitting 3 month clothes snug
*has to wear a bib due to excessive drooling
*in size 2 diapers
*baby organics products are favorites
*he's got mommas dry skin and shea butter mixture is a life saver
 

I may be missing some things but this is him in a nutshell! I love this kid so much! I can't even put into words how much I adore him. He is the cutest little thang I have ever seen and he came from me! :-O

30 and Little Bit of 31 Weeks

30 weeks (well 31 and 1 day as of today)

I'm 30 weeks and 5 days today! Whoohoo! Things have been picking up speed! We have, painted the nursery, cleaned the carpet in there (looks brand spanking new),  gotten Bryson's furniture, the items we had already for him are all put away, he has a fitted sheet on his bed, and my hospital bag is packed! I even have the breast pump ready to go! Things are coming together and I'm pleased! Nesting was in full affect last night! I threw away lots of crap, it either went in the trash or in the trunk of my car for donation. I will see if any friends or family want it first tho. I made a whole cabinet clear for bottles and baby stuff! I assume they need a whole cabinet! IDK we are slightly winging some aspects of childcare. The baby shower thrown by Stasi will be here in 10 days! I can't wait to see what we got! As soon as baby showers are done, then I can focus on the items we will need. Right now, I don't want to buy anything until the baby showers are done. *disclaimer* I went on a diapers and wipes shopping spree and bought over 800 of each! They were a great deal! 

My emotions have been slightly at off wack. I tend to feel ugly and fat, sometimes overwhelmed, and anxious. This week has been a lot better though. I have been focusing on staying positive, taking deep breaths, and relaxing any tension. It works! I have to block out those who want to keep telling me how much labor hurts and how when B gets here my family life will be chaos so that life will be nothing but misery. Yea, I really have to hear shit like that. I mean can y'all shut up! PLEASE! My life will be what I make it! Yes, I know labor is uncomfortable, but I will embrace it and let my body do what it needs to do! I will breath, I will stay positive, and I hope to have my husband stay positive with me during the labor (i'm sure he will). Misery loves company, but I'm not going to be there company! I'm not! 

On better news, hubby went in on my early birthday gift, which is the Canon G7X! It will be here Friday!!! It has some great quality and fun settings I can play with for youtube vids! For my 31 week update, I went to the OB Monday 10/19 and Bryson is right on track and everything is still going great! Only thing I want to complain about is my lower back kills some days and acid reflux is a bitch. Other than that all is well with my soul and babies! ;) 

I can't wait to see his precious little face with those fat cheeks and cute lips in person! :) Yes, we have seen the 4D ultrasound. Take a looksie! He's so cute! :) 

Our son . . .

27 Week Update

So, clearly I'm a slacker when it comes to this blog. Mason is gone for the weekend so this would be the perfect time to catch my blog up! Plus, it is helpful to have when I do my video update for my youtube channel! I'm so scatter brained when I try to do them off the top of my head!

Let's start with the BABYMOON! Mason and I decided on New Orleans! New Orleans is no place for a pregnant woman! I couldn't drink and that's all people were doing! It's definitely a party city. It reminded me of a Southern NYC, but with more homeless people and children dancing on the street for money while their parents sat and watched.  It was kind of heartbreaking. Those kids no more than 5 and up were out there past 10 PM trying to make a dollar tap dancing!

But the highlights of the trip were:

The food

The 70 miles of walking (for the whole week)

The site seeing

The awful smell of Bourbon St.

Street Performers

Glorified funnel cake (Cafe Du Monet)

Mason coming home with a stomach virus

And lots of shopping for Bryson

Now that we are home, we are buckling down on finances again and focusing on prepping for baby boy! 

 Speaking of prep work things that I/we have accomplished so far are:

Passed my glucose test done earlier this month

Bought big ass prego sleeping pillow (life saver)

Bought Bryson's furniture

Bought a storage building to clear out his room

Picked a color and made a swatch on the wall in his room

Have bought him clothes and other baby items

Already scheduled his newborn photo shoot (complimentary for hiring our birthing photographer)

 The things that are to come and that I need to do are:

Doctor's appt. Oct. 2nd (no ultrasound)

3D/4D ultrasound Oct. 3rd ( can't wait to see what or who he will look like)

Have two baby showers (one thrown by besty Oct. 25th the other by mom Nov. 27th)

Go to a multitude of birthing classes. I signed us up for INFANT CPR, BREASTFEEDING, BIRTH BOOT CAMP, and CARING FOR A NEWBORN CLASS. Yes, I know I'm extra, but knowledge is power my friend! 

Pack my hospital bag

I feel like all that is a lot! But it will get done!!! Hopefully, Bryson won't come too early so that we can get the classes done.

As far as what has been going on with me specifically, here are some updates:

I wobble when I walk now (3rd trimester probs)

I'm huge! (to me anyway)

Bryson kicks and punches me hard now lol (at least I know he is okay)

My lower back kills me most days

I'm so tired like I was in the 1st trimester

Since the season change I've been battling cold like symptoms (ACV helps with sore throat and sleeping with humidifier with peppermint drops helps some)

I've gained 16 lbs so far (go me)

Bacon cheeseburgers and snapple are my favs right now

I'm not as hormonaly crazy as I was earlier on aka I'm not crying about spiders now

Pregnancy brain is real! (I forgot to put the e-break up on my manual car, so it rolled into another vehicle while I was in my office) Yea that was embarrassing

It's been harder and harder to keep motivated to workout. I try at least 2x a week to do something, but I'm always up and doing something if that counts!

My sex drive is non-existent and my husband finds it weird now that my belly is like HEY GUYS! WHAT'S UP?! YEA THERE'S A CHILD IN HERE THAT CAN HEAR NOW! (sigh) I feel a tad weirded out too.

The doctor said I have acid reflux, AWESOME!

That's really all the updates I have for my week 27. I'm so happy that this pregnancy has been going by smoothly! It is also going by really fast! Where is the time going?? Bryson will be here quick, fast, and in a hurry! I can't wait to see him October 3rd and actually hold him in December! 

:) 

Gender Reveal at 16 weeks

HEY HEY HEY!!!!

So what is today? Yes, today is Sunday and tomorrow will mark my 17th week of PREGNANCY! Next week I will 5 months! That's so crazy! This pregnancy has been pretty stress free and I'm so thankful for that! 

Oh of course, the picture says we are having a BOY! His name is already chosen and it is not going to change. Say hello to Bryson Alexander! The ultrasound was done last week on July 9th. I will say due to my friend telling me how it could be a girl now I'm slightly paranoid. *sigh* I"m 90% sure it is a boy though. We have another ultrasound Aug 3rd and I will be about 20 weeks by then, so yay for reassurance! 

Now on to my list of symptoms and such: 

I'm still taking my AVKare Prenatal Vitamins

I love PBJ and Honey Nut Cheerios for snacks these days

My water in take has been so much better thanks to the Baby Yourself Program

I've noticed I have some crazy shoulder acne. I don't know how to get rid of it

My weight has been slow and steady. I started at 131 and I think I'm up to 139 or 140 now

I feel the baby move sometimes. It just feels like flutters though

My boobs aren't as sensitive but they sometimes hurt randomly

I've been buying more baby clothes and with coupons I've been stocking up on diapers and wipes

I only worked out 2x last week because ever since my dead lifting incident I notice brown discharge after an intense cardio workout. I'm still going to try to workout but I may just get rid of weights in general.

I've been way more emotional these days. Just Friday I was crying in office because I felt and thought I looked really ugly...ugh! girl issues! 

I think that is it! I feel like I'm missing stuff, but I'm really thankful that my little boy is doing so well, and I'm continually praying for a healthy baby and delivery. 

Almost to the 2nd Trimester

So, I'm almost there! I hadn't bled since May 14th. I'm hoping and praying it doesn't start any time soon. 

Today, I did see some light spotting when I wipe and a little in my underwear. This time around I'm not freaking out too bad. I have a feeling everything is going to be okay. Maybe the spotting has started due my high level of stress and anger towards our neighbors in the back. Their dog almost killed ours, and I have this hatred building each day our dog is not with us because she is at the vet recovering from surgery. Thankfully our little Izzy Boo Boo is still alive. She will need lots of time to get back to her normal self, but as long as she is with us we are happy.

But to get back on track. My diet has been a combo of good and bad. As of a couple of days ago I had only gained 1 pound since finding out I was pregnant. "Slow and steady wins the race" they say. I want to keep the weight gain slow and steady. The picture above was taken at the end of the day, so most of that may be bloating/constipation issues. 

Yes, I'm still dealing with constipation. I've learned that green smoothies, and yogurt mixed apples, granola, and nuts help sweep me clean .

I have switched my prenatal vitamins to prenatal gummy's, and they are yummy. 

I still have fatigue, but it's not as severe as earlier in the pregnancy.

I get weird sharp pains on my sides sometimes.

My vagina hurts sometimes lol it's weird.

I can't and don't eat much, but I eat often (every 2-3 hrs)

I only get nauseous when I'm really hungry. 

I love my popcorn chex mix, but I wouldn't say I crave any one thing in particular often.

Hubby and I have had sex a few times and I didn't bleed or anything, but he has been scared to actually really have sex with me. So sex isn't the same. I have used lelo a couple of times and have had no issues! (hallelujah) 

My breast have gotten bigger (Mason thinks they've gotten huge). They are heavier and definitely still tender. 

I've been telling more and more people, but I haven't posted on social media yet. Still waiting till I reach my safe zone. 

I've been knitting baby clothes, and now I'm working on some leg warmers for myself (treat to myself). After they are done I will work on a baby blanket. 

Overall, baby seems to being doing great and that is great news for me and Mason. 

Some Light is Coming Through

There's some light coming through now since my last post. THANK YOU JESUS! I needed that light. 

I haven't had any spotting or bleeding since that awful day. I did have brown discharge for a few days, but now that is gone as well. The brown discharge was probably old blood from bleeding as well as getting that pelvic exam at the ER. 

The only thing I'm dealing with is fatigue, pelvic pain (off and on), and now I get a little nauseous. I can handle this nausea, the first pregnancy I was nauseous everyday all day! I'm thankful that it is only a little sickness. 

Of course, I kind of put myself on a no working out regime because I started bleeding after working out. I hate it, but I will get back to it soon I'm sure! I have an ultra sound and doctor visit Monday, so I will ask Dr. Phillips what is best. I really don't want to loose all my gains with handstands and "jumping through". 

I'm happy Mason will get to see the 1st ultra sound. I'm hoping I will be 7 weeks, but I have a feeling I will be 6 weeks and some days. 

Oh, also, tomorrow is Mason's birthday (26 yrs old)! AH! I hope he likes what I got him! Well, I KNOW he will be happy! His mother says I spoil him, and she's right! lol

I love him and this baby I'm caring we made together

:)

Devastated: Bleeding and Spotting

I want to get back to this place. 

That place was a place of peace and comfort, and that was only 3 days ago.

Yesterday, started off normally, I even worked out did 2 miles and 5 rounds of some exercises I saw on Instagram. Later on in the day I took my car to be fixed. Mason and I went to chic fil a. I got my car back, and then I went to go visit Stasi. I told her I was prego, and she didn't want to know. Oops, well I was about to leave but bathroom stop was first. I looked down when I was preparing to use the bathroom and saw the bottom of my underwear was filled with blood. 

Devastation has hit. It has been only a week and half since I found out I was pregnant! I'm comparing this time around to last time and it seems to be turning into that heartache really fast, and I REALLY thought this time was going to be the ONE, the EASY/SMOOTH pregnancy. 

:(

I went to the ER, but of course they didn't really give me much to go on. I've gone through the spotting and bleeding memo before. It didn't end well, so I'm pretty nervous/scared. 

I don't have severe cramping, but I can't help but think that severe sharp pain is coming along with lots of blood soon. 

:( 

I'm trying to remain positive, but God, it is hard. It's going on the 2nd day of spotting. I haven't experienced the huge amount of blood like I did yesterday it is just brown spotting, and only seen when I wipe. 

I did another progesterone test today. On my way back to work from the blood test, and I had a little break down. The tears were tears of fear, anger, hopelessness, and confusion!

  Hopefully I'll get the results of the blood test tomorrow. An ultrasound is next Monday. Hopefully, baby is still there by then. 

Scared and Worried

I don't want to go through this again. 

*sigh*

I want to get back to that place of peace and comfort. 

5 Weeks and My Mother

While I wait for the food to finish up and Mason is outside working on his nephew's bike, I'll write a little something, something. (DINNER: miso soup, green beans, sauteed mushrooms, and garlic chicken) Speaking of food, this time around I'm not dying to eat every minute. I eat like a normal human being. I eat like I've been eating before I knew I was pregnant. That is a wonderful thing, because I do not want to have to loose 100 lbs after baby lol.

My breast are still tender, but they are bearable! I keep a bra on. It helps. I get really sleepy, especially after lunch. I have to fight like I'm in mortal kombat to keep awake. 

This morning, oh this morning, that's when I got a lovely phone call! More like a harassing phone call from my mother! What about you say? Oh, you know, the usual, "ARE YOU PREGNANT?" She went on to say her and my dad both had dreams about babies and just knew it pertained to me! I tried and tried to deny it, but she got me when she told me to "swear on God you aren't lying". . . . UGH! really? No i'm not going to swear on GOD! I'm not going there! She would not give up so I gave in. *sigh She said she wasn't going to tell the whole world like she did last time. I'm going to believe her.  I told her to at least wait until I'm out of the danger zone, PLEASE! She said okay. 

We will see. 

In the pictures I'm 5 weeks. :) 

4th Week Pregnancy Blog

So, I'm taking the advice of my pregnancy app and I want to start blogging my experience. I may even do some videos for YouTube once I have passed the 1st trimester. I'm going to try to go in a logical order, but I'm just going to write and see what happens. 

The first time I got pregnant it was very hard in many ways. 

1st. I was no where near the mental capacity to handle it

2nd. From the beginning I felt like something wasn't right

3rd. I was sick the whole time

4th. I was spotting/bleeding the whole time. I pretty much had a period for over a month

5th. I was ready for it to be over before the 6th week. 

I mean do you see the list? On the 7th week on Labor Day (of all days) I had a miscarriage. I wouldn't say I'm over it. I'm not. It hurts sometimes, but I am much better. 

After the miscarriage we waited 2 months per the doctors advice to try again. In my head I thought we would get pregnant like RIGHT then, but no that wasn't the case. That was another mental challenge for me. I thought I was broken or God hated me because I wasn't like the other fertile myrtle's in my family. It took 5 months, and that was after I had listened to a doctor. She said to do it every other day during the fertile period and let the sperm stay in for a while. Gosh darn it, by the grace of God that worked! Honestly, I didn't think it would work, my pessimistic ways were like, "April, you won't be pregnant even if you stand on your head for 2 minutes". haha GEE!

I took a pregnancy test 4/11 which was 5 days prior to my missed period, and of course it as negative. I was so disappointed, but unlike previous negative pregnancy test in the past 4 months I wasn't crying. lol I was okay, I had said it's just God's will that I not be pregnant right now. So I went on my marry way and when my period didn't come on. I was still like, "oh it will come on. It is just a day late."

Two days went by, and BAM! Denial was banished! 

<2nd pregnancy test in one day

I surprised Mason during a Whisper Challenge Tag we were filming for YouTube. So happy I got his reaction on camera! :)

So, how do i feel this time around? 

To be honest,

GREAT!

for now anyway lol

I am so thankful to GOD for answering my prayers. I did not want to feel like I did the 1st time around. This time around I feel: 

1st. Fine, normal, myself (not like my body has been taken over by an alien from outer space)

2nd. I spotted a tiny bit when I found out I was pregnant and I haven't since. Hopefully that will last

3rd. I'm not SICK!!!!! THANK JESUS

4th. I'm mentally stable!I'm not scared of gaining weight! My diet is under control unlike last time. I'm kicking my pessimism's butt! Optimistic April here I AM!

5th. I'm enjoying, going to enjoy my pregnancy. It doesn't need to be over right now! 

I can't wait to see our little one grow! :) 

*tear of joy*

Day 133 of 365: Cutting Up

I have been in t-shirt cutting mode lately and this is one of my creations! Once again I got the idea from Andrea's Choice via YouTube! I love it! 

My little bushka has a new friend now! They are so cute! This is the first time Izzy has got a long with another dog so quickly. Or I should say the first time another dog has gotten along with izzies crazy ass. Together Izzy and Lucy make Lizzie! Friends!

Day 130 - 132 of 365: Miss Worse'm, Washer Machines, and WOD's

Say hello to Miss Worse'm. This night Hubby had to work late so its was just us. She was barking out the door window seems all night!!! Finally when she got the clue that mom doesn't like when I do this, she crashed. SMH....Crazy DOG!!! lol My crazy dog. 

Friday, we went washer and dryer hunting and we found what we wanted, but due to my bank not letting me transfer money from my savings to checking after 5 or on the weekends we couldn't get it! The sale ended June 1st! I'm really bummed about that. 

Saturday was fun! That morning me and Hubs were hit with a crazy WOD called the Murph! As the picture shows it was no joke! I was really proud of myself though! I did the pulls ups RX style, no band! A couple of times during this work out I thought I was going to die! The AL heat did not help the situation either. Nevertheless, I pushed through and finished the whole workout in 73:20, which is okay! I surpassed what I thought I could do.

After the workout and freshening up, we went looking for a washer and dryer on base. We didn't find anything so we went for round 2 of cardio/round 3 for Hubs ;). What was the cardio you ask? Helping my best buds move into their new apartment! I'm so proud of them, granite the apartment complex isn't in the best of areas, but I think they will be okay. Moving that furniture up stairs in the heat was definitely another workout! But I helped do their rooms, helped put up clothes, and hubs repaired two walls! Yea, their couch was not easy getting into the apartment. So walls were knocked into. OOPS!  They repaid our generosity by cooking dinner for us. Adam can cook! :) 

Today (Sunday) we are going back over to get that wall finished up, and I have some house warming gifts for them! 

Day 129 of 365: HI LARIOUS

Dear goodness! I have been laughing all day! Between these two pictures, Kayne West hitting a stop sign, and Miguel doing a WWE smack down I've been rolling! The best kind of medicine anyway! 

Day 147 -148: Memorial and Post M.D.

Memorial Day was great fun in the sun! I had way too much pulled pork, bread, beef, ice cream, pop up pie, wine, and beer! YES! I went all out! I was so tired when we got home around 9 pm. I could hardly move! So now, I'm trying to redeem myself. 

I sure did redeem my massage gift certificate! OMG that was the best hour massage! Ms. George hooked me up! At first I was really nervous! I have never had a professional full body massage, so it was kind of awkward being how the only thing separating my body from her was a thin sheet! I'm sure she's seen worse, but still it was awkward  She was really nice, made me feel comfortable, and she had an awesome fro! After she "felt me up" haha we chatted about natural hair. ;) 

The new workout shirt is a DIY from andreaschoice on youtube! That girl is so cool! In my head we are great friends haha. Tomorrow I will do my best at WOD while sporting my creation! Goodnight folks! 

Day 142-146 of 365: Memorial Week

Wednesday me and hubs were just having a chill day after work hours. I really don't remember the details of that day. 

Thursday, I couldn't help but show of my abs poking through. From Janurary to til now there is a huge difference! Not only have I gone from 127 to 122 or 120 on good days. I've lost inches!!! I'm super proud of myself and I'm still in love with crossfit. 

Friday, I was on a mission to be more active at my sit-down job. I parked on the 4th floor instead of 3rd, and parked far far away from the exit to go down the stairs. I even jogged to the building, and did high knees to and from the copier at work. hahaha. Yes, I know, doing the most!

Saturday, I had to go to job number two! I had to love on my Izzy Bear before hand! She's is too STINKING CUTE!!! 

Today is my last day to work at the Biscuits for this week! But before hand, I'm reading the TIMES and drinking my homemade Chai TEA, watching youtube vids, starting on a knitting project for my bosses newborn to be, and of course catching up on my blog!!! The chai tea is yummy yummy! After work my little family will be going to spend the night with the in laws so we can have a lake/bbq day for Memorial Day!! I'm so excited to wear my bikini, because I've been working on this bod for 5 months now! Plus, we get to see how Izzy likes or dislikes boat rides!! I must take a picture of her in her little doggy life jacket we got her! hehe Happy SUNDAY!! 

Day 139 - 141 of 365 : Weekend Gone, Work Comes

Sunday, I went to in laws house to accompany hubby as he watched the dogs for the last time. I missed him so much. We made up for it. 

Monday, was a lovely day. Lets just say I took hubby up on his rain check, and he surprised even me! 

In this picture I was feeling African. 

Today, has been good as well. I'm really loving the length I've obtained thus far. You really don't need to do a whole lot to keep hair on your head, and I had to learn that! 

Day 135 - 138 of 365: Just Izzy and I

Wednesday, oh gee. I can't remember what happened that day besides snatch galore at crossfit, and our kitchen sinking leaking. The snatching was not as bad as I thought it would be. I only did 75 lbs though. I will get heavier weight though, it's my goal. Oh, Izzy Bear did get her tubes tide!

Thursday is the day I picked my Izzy bear up. She was so ready to come home. When the lady brought her out to me, she reached for me with those big eyes, like MAMA!!!!! It was so cute. Poor thing!

Friday was yesterday, and it was pretty boring. I got home, ordered some Chinese food, and rented two redbox movies. I only got through Django before I went to sleep around 10 something. I have such an exciting life. I did hear some GREAT news Friday. Hubby got the full time slot out at his unit! So happy about that! I have a money plan in motion now. Down payment on house here we come! I do want to have a little fun now. On memorial day I proposed that we go to the beach. I've been wanting to go for so long. Plus, I've been working hard on my summer body and I have a new swimsuit bottom that fits! My weight now is between 120 - 123, and my measurements are 32, 25, 36 1/2. That is an improvement! My weight use to be 125-127 and my measurements were 32, 27, 37. 

Today aka Saturday I went to see my mom, and sister at the art museum. That time spent was cool then I went to harass my best bud before she had to be at work.  I finally get to see my hubby. He has been gone all week watching his parents dogs. Me and Izzy are waiting for him to get off so he can pick us up. We have missed him very much. Izzy is still recovering from her surgery. Not only did they spay her, but the took her old canines out while she was under the anesthesia. She hasn't been as rambunctious as usual, and to me that is just fine. The older she gets the more she seems to act like me or look like me. Her face is half white, and the other black. It's so weird! It's

like she's half me and the other hubby, plus my arm has a distinct line of a different shade of color.

Day 134 of 365: Montgomery and Pram

 

The lovely downtown. Heather and I were walking to subway, which was awesome btw, and I had to take a picture. This picture isn't the best. Actually, my photography skills have been lacking due to my laziness to take my big camera out to capture the action. 

The action I have been catching as of late is Pramface and Misfits. They are English shows on Hulu. Between  those shows and Candy Crush on my phone I'm an addict in need of rehab. I will say the English shows are also playing into my addiction to switch accents. I already had a habit of speaking in a British accent, now it is worse! oh well!