34 weeks and 2 days... and NEW YEARS EVE!

Well I made it to another milestone... 34 weeks indicates a significant chance of Landon living if he were to be born now. His lungs are maturing and he is gaining more fat. He is about 5 pounds now! Hes getting sooo big! This past week I have washed and put away all of his clothes and bedding. His room is almost finished. We just need book shelves and the wall decor. We already have the ruf and side table, just need to put everything in place. Its weird to think that hes almost here. My life is going to be sooo different! I can only imagine though and I always am daydreaming about what it will be like. I hope hes a happy healthy baby. I hope that I am able to breastfeed and that I take good care of him. I am pretty sure I have been getting contractions. They are very irregular and dont hurt only sometimes. I also have been getting cramps in my lower abdomen and increased leg and lower back pain. This is all normal of coarse! I have been walking more and stretching a lot. I really really want to start walking as soon as I can after hes born. I dont want to just jump back into a vigorous exercise routine since it has been so long since I have really worked out. I think if I start off slow by walking, and lifting small weights I will be able to get the exercise I need. I am hoping by 6 months I am back to around 130, and I really want to look good for Baileys wedding. Thankfully we get to pick out our own dresses so I can get a super flowy one if needed! I cant wait to shop for a dress and normal clothes. I am getting tired of wearing the same things over and over, and now I feel like even my maternity clothes dont fit me right. I hope Landon is a good baby so we can go walking around the mall! I think for the first few weeks I will just stay in the house. Gosh, I am just not sure how its going to be! And I have to think of feeding him and making sure hes changed and warm and I dont want to take him out when its too cold outside.. SO many things to think about! I really hope this all comes naturally to me. I hope I can learn a lot from the birthing class and from reading everything I have read so far. My Baby 411 book is really helpful and I know the grandmas will help a lot too. Another guy on my fb posted a picture of his son and it just made me want Landon to be here even more. I am still anticipating the day I go into labor. I just wonder what it will be like! I havent packed my bag yet but thats something I will probably do this coming week, just to be prepared. Landon is still breeched so as of now its looking like a c-section unless he turns. He still has time to turn but I guess we will just have to see! People keep asking whether I want natural or c section, and honestly I just want what is best for him. There are pros and cons to both. C-section take a longer time to heal and you dont get to see the baby right after, you have to wait a while. Natural is more stressful during delivery process but easier to heal and no scar on your belly. It doesnt matter to me, either way I am really scared and nervous! I know I will have a lot of people there to support me and comfort me. I just hope everything goes smoothly but I am always wondering "what if..". I just need to stop worrying!

In other news, me and Taylor have been talking a lot about how we want to raise Landon (and our other kids). We are on the same page on pretty much everything. We have both agreed that we want to be an open and honest family, without being too sheltered or too easy going. I am really glad he and I are able to talk about a lot of things together and I am even more glad that we can agree on everything. Our relationship has also been really good. We have had moments of disagreements but we are able to work things out without yelling or fighting. Its refreshing to have a relationship where there is respect, good communication, honesty and trust. I am so thankful for that!

Anyway it is the last day of 2011!!!!! I cannot believe this year has gone by so fast. I know I say that about every year. I just cant believe all that has happened this year. It has been crazy but good and humbling. I look forward to what 2012 has to bring, especially my baby boy. I cannot believe I am going to be a mom! I am not sure if it has really sunk in yet. Like I know it and believe it but my mind hasnt quite wrapped itself around it. I know when hes here it will definitely sink in!! His parents are in for the New year and I think we all might go out tonight. Its kind of our last night to go out without Landon. I think it will be fun and we get to dress up.

The next couple of weeks are going to be crazy. Landon is on my mind all of the time. I will start going to the doctor every week and now its just about waiting for his arrival!!! I hope he comes in January! I dont wanna wait much longer! And I am really big, as you can tell from the pictures! Thankfully I dont have stretch marks but I dont want to get bigger... Its weird having such a big belly and I cant wait to lose the weight! Anyway, here are my 34 week pictures. I will write next year :)

Christmas Eve!

Theres my 33 week bump... getting HUGE!! But funny thing is that when you look at me from the front (and the black helps!) I dont really look pregnant!!


Well today I am 33 weeks and 2 days.. And its getting closer and closer til delivery day! My cousin Caty had her baby about a week ago and this girl from my high school had her baby 2 days ago and I am sooo jelous! I cant wait!!! Yesterday my dad came in and we got my rocking chair. Its really nice and looks awesome in the room. Mom will come in tomorrow and we will get the rug and curtains, so its all coming together! And the more it comes together the harder it is to wait! They changed my birhting class to January 8th so I am thinking once I get that done I am ready for baby! I was sitting in the rocking chair last night just thinking how crazy it is that I am going to be a mom. I am going to have to care and nurture him, and teach him things and discipline him... I will tuck him in at night and read him bedtime stories. I know what its like to do that for other peoples kids, even my little brother, but its weird to think that this child is mine. I will have a child, for the rest of my life, I will be someones mother. Its hard to wrap my mind around that. I wonder what hes going to be like, and what I am going to be like as a mom. I hope I am a good mom, who is patient and gentle and loving and understanding. We have all of this baby stuff here like the carseat, bouncer, rocking chair, bed, clothes... and we are going to be using it in a few weeks. We will have a baby to put in the car seat and who will wear all the cute clothes. It just seems empty right now. This brand new, painted room, filled with stuff for Landon. What is it going to be like when Landon fills our home and our hearts?

So other than Landon being on my mind 24/7, I have been having a lot of trouble sleeping. My hip flexors and groin cramp up and so do my legs and calves. I get up to go to the bathroom every 2 hours and each time I get back in bed I switch the side that I was laying on. The boppy pillow does help but I have just been so uncomfortable. I was reading the baby books last night and it said that dryness in the eyes is common... and guess what I have? DRY EYES! I need to go to the eye doctor but I dont want to until I give birth because supposedly your eyes change while your pregnant and I dont want to get the wrong prescription. Landons kicks and movements continue to get stronger. Sometimes it hurts. I do like to feel him kick though and seeing my entire belly shift is still really wild. Its weird to think how he is forming right now. The main thing he needs before he is born is lung deelopment, more brain development and fat storage. Everything else is in place, now its just getting those last few maturities before hes ready to see the world! I was also reading about when it is ok to take your newborn out of the house and some people say they have taken babies out by 2-3 days! That just seems so soon! I was thinking his first real outting would be for his first doctor appt at 2 weeks... Maybe I am already being overprotective.. I would like to go on walks and stuff but its also going to be cold still when hes born. Some people even traveled with their babies at only a few weeks old. I guess we will have to see how he is. I hope hes a good baby and lets me travel and go places with him. I think my mom and Jamie are going to switch off weeks to help when hes here. I dont really know what all I will need help with yet... Everything is so new to me. I think I just want supervision to make sure I am doing everything okay. I am scared I am not going to clean his circumcision right or his umbilliacal cord... I dont know if I spelt either of those words correctly. I dont want him to get infected and then it be my fault. There is just so much to think and worry about. I guess all I can do is my best and learn as much as possible. I have really good books that help me out and I know my mom and Jamie will help. Also, I hope this pediatrician I am going to meet is good too. She seems like she will be.

So today is Christmas Eve and I have a lot to do! I am about to start the chili for dinner, then I want to make the cheesecake and cut up the fruit for tomorrow, then clean, then church, then dinner, then go see lights! Busy but fun day. Its definitely different being here for Christmas. I am glad that my mom will be here tomorrow though. I know she will help me cook and stuff and I am excited to hang out with her for a few days. Taylors parents will be here for New Years so I want to try to find something fun we can do. So far it has been relaxing and not having school or work has been awesome! I am hoping I can work some once Landon is here... just do some work from home to make some extra cash. No use just sitting around if I have time. I wish I could take some of my classes online too. That would help tremendously! But oh well, I shouldnt overdo myself. Hopefully I can take classes in the summer. Tori might be here in the summer so she could babysit, possibly. Its hard not being able to plan everything out. This has been the biggest lesson is not planning and just trusting everything will work out. I am such a planner and like everything to go a specific way but that doesnt quite wotk with a newborn! God sure is funny sometimes!

Anyway, I should get started on todays duties... Cant wait til Landon is here!!!

Love,
The Albritton Family


Baby Room with the rocker!

Achy all over

This past weekend I drove to Waco to see my best friend graduate. It was a lot of fun to hang out with her and Tara because I hadnt seen them in a while. That was my last trip for a long time. I cant travel and probably wont travel much when Landon is here. My old friend Amber was there as well. She has a two year old son. It was nice to have someone to talk to that really understands what I am going through. I know I can talk to my mom and she understands but none of my friends really do. Some of them are saying they cant wait to take me out because I will be such a light weight now. Yes, I would LOVE a glass of wine and a margarita but I have no intentions on getting plastered. I dont even like to think of leaving Landon to go out. Its just not going to be the same. In some ways I am sad about that but in others I am completely ok with it. I dont want to be one of those moms who goes out to party and leaves her child behind. Anyway, aside from that I guess lately I have just been really sore and achy. Its hard for me to walk fast because my legs and groin are so sore. I have been stretching but it still hurts. I am slow and cant bend over and have to pee a lot and have to change positions so my back wont hurt. I am getting hot flashes and I think I am starting to feel some BH contractions. I am also constipated again (yeah, gross I know!) so that isnt helping either. Landon is also getting big so hit kicks and movements hurt sometimes. All of that added up makes me feel 1) like an old lady, 2) like I dont want to do anything and 3) like none of my friends really get it. Yeah, I laugh because its funny that I cant get up off the floor but its really annoying to need help all the time. Anytime I talk about something the reaction is "oh, that sucks..." YES IT DOES SUCK! I just keep telling myself that it is only for a few more weeks. I think if I had him now he would be okay but I want him to be as healthy as possible. I know millions of women have done this and thankfully I have actually had a good pregnancy but I am ready for him to be here!

So thats about all that is going on with me right now. I have a Dr appt on Tuesday. Our birthing class was cancelled today so that kinda sucks. They are supposed to call to reschedule this week but with the holidays I am not sure how that will work. We will see!!

Love,
Alyssa, Landon and Taylor

32 weeks

32 weeks!

Wow.. Time keeps flying by! Its so exciting though and I am so ready for Landon to get here. I finished my finals and have 2 As so far. I am almost sure I made an A in my third class as well but she doesnt post grades on blackboard so I have to wait until Tuesday. Today has been a nice relaxing and productive day. I have been cleaning around the house. I like staying home. We got another cold front like an hour ago so its cold outside again! I dont mind the 50-60 winter weather range. I like wearing my Ugg boots! Today I also made a birthing plan, hospital packlist and a list of things I need for Christmas week from the grocery store. I feel like I have had so many good things to look forward to this year. I am driving to Waco tomorrow for Tori's graduation and I will get to hang out with Tara too. Then our birthing class is Sunday. Then I get to finish Christmas shopping, start baking and clean the house for Chritmas next week. Then my family will be in town and Taylor and I will begin our Christmas traditions. Then we will finish Landons room and then wait for him to get here! If thats not exciting then I dont know what is! Thankfully we have a few weeks to get ready. Taylor finishes finals tomorrow so we will have a good 3 weeks to prepare. I am so excited! I feel like there is still a lot to do though. I am glad that my mom will be here to help. I also cant wait to cook Christmas meal for my family. This will be the first year I do it by myself so I hope everything turns out well! I think it will be me, Taylor, Jenna, Jessica, my mom, Blake, and possibly my grandparents.

As far as my expanding belly goes, I have been getting a lot more aches and pains. Especially in my legs and pelvic area and back. My legs feel really sore and I have to stretch them out a lot. I also think I have been getting mild contractions, which feel like sharp pains in my lower abdomen. I am pretty sure this is all normal. Landon weighs about 4 pounds according to the average estimates and I can sure feel him a lot now. He moves and lumps up in my belly so my whole belly shifts to the right. His kicks are harder and movements more noticable. I feel like I have gotten really big lately. I grow so fast now to the point where its noticable every week. I will post a picture of my 32nd week soon. According to the books, Landon has a 90% chance of living if he is born now. I think he would be fine but I still want him to stay in a few more weeks. Once you get to 34 weeks his lungs are more mature and he will be considered a "late-preemie". So I'd like to have him any time after that. 36 weeks would be ideal if he is to come early, but we will see. I go back to the doctor Tuesday just for a check up not a sono. Maybe he will be able to tell me when he thinks Landon will be born. Like a more distinct time... I just want to know!

Anyway, everything else has been good. Now that finals and work is over I can relax and get things done around the house which is nice. I feel like I need to be reading more and journaling more, just for personal reasons. I know I wont have much time when Landon is here. Or maybe I will. I really dont know! I can just hope that he is a good baby and that I dont have any complications and that everything will be okay. I really dont know what to expect... even though the books tell you, I know everyone has a different experience. Next week I am going to try to schedule a couple of interviews with pediatricians. Sooo, I guess that is it for now. I have been feeling good. My big cravings right now are cereal and fruit. I also like to eat salads, soups and sandwiches. So pretty healthy stuff. Sometimes I will get the urge for some fast food but thats maybe once a week. I have also been drinking coffee, half caff, but not a lot of it. I think its fine.

So, I guess I will write next week after the birthing class... It is all day from 9am to 6 pm.. AAHHHHH As you can guess, Taylor is uberly excited!! haha I just hope we learn a lot.

Yay for Chiristmas!

Love,
ALyssa, Taylor, and Landon

Pictures and more!

So this is my 31 week picture... I just looked back at my bump time line and man have I grown! I remember looking at my 14 weeks pic and saying "look at my bump". Now Iook back and theres nothing there! Still no stretch marks on my belly so that is good (knock on wood), Today we went to a breastfeeding class. Taylor fell asleep half way through it but it was really helpful. Everyone in the class was about as far as I am so it was neat to see similar bellies. Compared to everyone I am on the small side. Which is ok with me. This sunday we have a birthing class that lasts aaaallll day! Taylor is not looking forward to it but these classes are super helpful. I also got a video on baby care the first year which is really good since they didnt have anymore child care classes. It seems like the nurses, doctors, and lactation specialist are really helpful at the hospital so I am not too worrried about anything. Plus I have a lot of books to read as well. I just want to be as informed as possible. I know nothing can really prepare me but at least I can say I did everything I could.

Anyway below are some pictures of the room. Its not 100% finished yet. Taylor still needs to do touch ups but its pretty much complete! Once he finishes touch ups (which I hope he does soon!) then we can move everything and get things settled. Right now our kitchen is acting like storage. I am ready to get everything organized! Anyway, I will keep this post short. I have to study for finals and right now I am doing everything else I can think of to not study. I just cant wait til its all over so I can focus on fun things like Christmas baking and baby room decorating!!!






Only two more days til finals are over!

Love the Albritton family

31 weeks and 2 days!

So we went to the doctor this past week and he gave us some exciting yet kind of shocking/nerve wrecking news! Well, just to say everything with Landon is good. He looks good and is growing and developing well. We saw him open and close his eyes and practice his swallowing by opening and closing his mouth. He was sooo cute and has gotten really big. There is still fluid in his kidneys but it is very mild and Dr said theres really nothing to worry about. Another thing is that we cannot travel home for the holidays becauseeeeeee...... I will probably deliver a lot sooner than expected! Since my uterus is heart shaped and he is only utilozing one side of it, the expansion is kind of like if I were carrying twins, one baby would be on one side and the other baby on the other side. Since I am only using one side, Dr said I am likely to deliver early around 36-37 weeks or possibly sooner! So we are unable to travel home just in case. Christmas will be different this year but I think me and Taylor will have a good, intimate holiday and we have already discussed our plans and traditions that we would like to keep in our family. I was hardcore freaking out though because I wasnt expecting to have him early to mid January! I just keep wondering when he will be here!

Today we are painting his room!! I am sooo excited!! I am ready to start putting everything away and nesting! I wish finals were over so I wouldnt have to worry about school anymore. I already stopped working, which I am glad I stopped sooner now, so at least I dont have to worry about that. I think Bailey and maybe Paige are coming over to help today, which will be fun! I cant beleive its coming so fast. I still feel like I have a million things to do before he gets here. I also wanted to work on his baby book and scrap books so that way I dont fall behind. I am going to send everyone directions to the hospital too so no one gets lost on D-Day. We also still need stuff for the baby room, like curtains and a rug and a glider and a hamper. I know I shouldnt worry but I just want everything to be ready and to be perfect for when he comes. My dad is coming into town on the Friday before Chirstmas and I think my mom will be here either on Christmas or the day after and so will Taylors family.

Also I am posting pictures of our Christmas decor! The last thing I want to do is put up a really cute garland around our door. I still really like living here at the sunshine house. I cant wait for Landon to be here! It is getting more and more real as time goes on and as he grows and my belly grows. Oh, I also gained 3 more pounds. Not bad considering I am supposed to gain a pound a week and last time I was weighed was 3 weeks ago. Landon will double in size by the time he is delivered. Right now his brain and lungs are maturing and he is accumulating more fat on his body. I already think he is super cute just by the sono pics. We werent able to do a 3D picture because his hand was in his face. I just cant believe its so soon that he will be here!!! aaahhh

Ok, lastly, my legs, back and pelvic area hurt and is sore all the time. I know I need to stretch more... It is just weird how my legs cramp up while I sleep. I also cant bend down well and sometimes when I lay on my back my lower back will get sharp pains. The boppy pillow is still a life saver but I always toss and turn at night, then get up to pee every 2 hours. Definitely practice for when baby is here! Taylor and I are still really good. He is going to start looking for a job for next year since he wont be taking too many hours for school and will be graduating. I am proud of him for getting through this past semester. Well we have almost gotten through... Finals start next week! He is also super excited about Landon and moved out all of the stuff from the baby room and will probably do most of the painting today. I am still very grateful that he has taken full resposibility and is committed to Landon and I. What a great guy!

I am eager to read more about babies in their first year. I have lots of books that I havent been able to really get into because of school and work. Now that everything is going to be finished, I will be in full baby mode and get as prepared as possible. Also on the agenda is pediatricians! So I will have to find a good one that is close!! Ok the internet is going out so I might not be able to post pictures right now... But I will as soon as our internet is back and running again!

LoVe,

ALyssa, Taylor and Landon <3

30 weeks and 4 days

Getting into the single digits!! Holy cow this has gone by super fast! My last day or work is Wednesday then my last final is next Thursday! Time is flying!!! Ive been feeling good the past few days. I get tired easily but I am still able to do things. I went Christmas shopping this past weekend which was fun. We also put up lights and our tree! I love our sunshine house.. its so homey! Everything is still going well with the pregnancy. I am feeling good, other than more frequent back aches. Landon is getting bigger so his kicks are bigger and so are all of his movements. I feel him more days than others. On the days I dont feel him as much I get all paranoid... but he does move everyday so thats good. I will go back to the Dr on Thursday. The special sono technician will look at him and take more measurements. She will also look at the fluid in his lungs to make sure that is cleared up. Ive been getting pain on the sides of where my tummy is growing. I cant believe I am getting so big! Its noticably bigger each week. I have been putting cocoa butter on my belly and havent gotten any stretch marks yet... Thank God! I have some on the bottom of my breasts but better there than my belly! Everyone tells me I am just belly, which I am. I havent gained weight anywhere else! YAY! And my face finally cleared up! YAYAY! Not completely but its wayy better than it was before. Hopefully after I have the baby it wont freak out again.

I am starting to get really nervous about giving birth. Taylor and I take our breastfeeding class next week and our birthing class in two weeks. I really really wanted to take a child care class but they dont have any more available. I hope I am prepared. I watched a babys story today and I was just thinking of how it will happen to me. I've been wondering about what time of the day, whether I will expect it or not, where I will be, who I will be with, etc. I also wonder when Landons birthday will be... Could be January or February! Full term is 37 weeks so he could be here in late Jan! Its getting colder outside... None of my coats really fit me. Well my belly at least.

S0o0o0o Taylor and I have been talking about wedding and engagements. I have no clue when it will be but we are talking about a wedding in fall of 2013... Sometimes it seems so far away but when I think about it logically it is a good time. I wish it could be sooner but I want Landon to be old enough to be ok with us leaving on a honeymoon. Things are still going really well with everything. I am still really happy and couldnt have asked for anyone better. Taylor is so good to me. He is everything I want and I cant wait to be a family. Only 9.5 more weeks!! I still cant believe its going by so fast! Landon likes to push his entire body up at the top of my belly. Its funny because you can see a huge lump of Landon. I like it though. I still wonder what he will look like or how he will act.

I miss coffee. Its cold.

I miss eating salmon sushi.

I miss sleeping on my tummy.

I cant wait to hold Landon in my arms!!!



30 weeks!!!!

29 weeks and 2 days

I finally took some pictures! 28 weeks and a few days is the bathroom picture then 29 weeks is the one where I am in the black shirt. This has been a really good Thanksgiving break. We have to make the long trip home tomorrow, which I am not looking forward to. My back has been giving me a lot of trouble. Its hard for me to bend down to pick stuff up, put on my shoes, and even get up from a laying down position! I never thought I would feel so immobile! Taylor literally has to help me up sometimes because I cant pull myself up!! Talk about major core work out post Landon! My belly is getting bigger and bigger every day. Landon moves a lot and when he doesnt I get super paranoid. Almost everyone has felt him kick now. He moves mostly in the morning and evening. Yesterday and earlier this week he had hiccups! It was so cute! There were distinct timely "kicks" or hiccups that lasted a few minutes. Taylor has been getting hiccups a lot too. He said you get them when you grow so maybe Taylor and Landon are just growing a lot! Sleeping has been getting rough. My lower back and pelvic area has been getting really sore. I try to stretch but I think I need to walk more and get more exercise. I hope I have more time to do that once finals are over. Its so weird having a big belly. And I cant believe in about 10 weeks I will have a son! Taylor and I have been day dreaming about how everything is going to go down. I wonder if it will be chaotic or calm, or in the middle of the night, or when I am by my self, or if my water will break. Its fun to think about.

Anyway I will keep this post short. Just wanted to share some photos and give an update. So far everything is good and on track. I am having normal symptoms (including constipation and pregnancy gengivitis, ugh!), but hopefully that will all clear up once Landon is born. Take care everyone!!

Love,
Alyssa, Taylor and Landon!

28 weeks and 5 days

I feel like I havent updated in a while. Things have just been so crazy busy since we are in the last month of school. Last week was super busy and chaotic. Right now I am in Port Neches with Taylors parents but no Taylor. He drove back home yesterday to go to class. I was lucky that my Wednesday class was cancelled and I am able to miss my Tuesday class. I decided to not go back because the drive is harsh on my back, and we would have driven here three times in a row! This past weekend was out PN baby shower. Of coarse it was gorgeous and Taylor drove home with another car filled with gracious gifts. Besides what we got, Taylor and I are so overwhelmingly blessed to have an amazing support system. Both sides of our family and friends have been loving and supportive and we couldnt have asked for better. We now have everything we could possibly need for Landon's arrival, plus some. Landon even recieved his first iPod from the Moore family (Chris is the godfather)!!! Jenny put a bunch of really sweet lullabys, childrens songs and nice instrumental music for Landons first year. We got our top of the line baby monitor, our stroller and car seat set, a pack and play, tons of clothes, diapers, sippy cups, toys, and everything else you can think of! Everyone was so nice and welcoming. I finally feel like I am becoming part of this family, which is scary but really nice at the same time. Taylors parents have been really open and welcoming toward me. It was really nice of them to let me stay here while Taylor had to go back to school. I really miss him!!!! This is the longest we have been away from each other for sometime, but only a few more days and we get to see each other again! I am glad I am getting along with his family too. That is definitely something I was scared of when this whole thing first happened but everything has turned out even better than I expected. Its funny how God works. I know I have mentioned this before but I just cant believe that God has answered my prayers in this way. Its extremely ironic because when I first saw the two lines on my pregnancy test I thought my life was over. And in a way it was. Old things end so new and even better things can begin. I really couldnt ask for anything better right now. :)

Now onto Landon... It is crazy to think that he will be here in less than 12 weeks!!!! He is growing so fast and moving so much! He currently weighs about 2.5 pounds and can see light from inside the womb. He is also able to distinguish my voice from others. This means Taylor needs to talk to him a lot so he can get used to his voice too! I cant believe he will grow another 4-6 pounds in the next few months! I already feel really big I can only imagine what I will look like on delivery day. I keep having dreams about him. Mostly about me being unprepared. Last night I saw his face in my dream and he smiled at me. He had dark hair and a super cute smile. I cant wait to see him! I hope he looks like Taylor! Now that we have all of our stuff I am ready to start putting the baby room together. We need to paint, which I want to do the first weekend of December. It really just depends on how much time we have because we will be busy getting ready for finals. December will be another busy month but at least I dont have to worry about school for much longer. I am still contemplating on when I should quit my job. I know Taylor and I have talked about doing a lot of family travel during the holidays because once Landon is here we wont be able to travel much. I am not sure I will even be able to travel much in December. It all depends on how I am feeling.

I had a doctors appt last Tuesday and I had to get a glucose test done to check if I have gestational diabetes. They said they would call if the results came out positive and so far I havent gotten a phone call. Dr. Serrano went really fast with the ultrasound and I didnt get to see Landon much but the next time I go I will see the specialized sono technician so hopefully we can get updated pictures of Landon!! I am off on my weekly photos of my baby bump but I will take one soon and post it asap!

Hope everyon has a Happy Thanksgiving! I am looking forward to eating and not looking bloated this year! :)

Love,

Alyssa, Taylor and Landon

3rd Trimester!

Wow! It is exactly 3 months until my due date! I cant believe how fast its been going. I remember writing about how slow everything was moving in the summer, but I knew that things would progress as the semester went on. And it has! So my first baby shower was this past weekend and it was sooo much fun! The decorations were so cute and bright and about 30 people showed up! We had a really good crowd and a really good time. Everyone loved Taylor! I am so glad he got to go and his mom was there too! We also took some maternity and family pictures which was fun. It was an overall really good weekend. We just keep getting busier and busier though! Especially as this semester is coming to an end. We only have one more month of school and we are packing in everything into our tight shcedules. We will be in Port Neches every weekend for the rest of the month, so a lot of driving coming up! This past Monday we went and toured the hospital. It was really nice and everything is becoming more real. They have a lot of good amenities at the hospital too so thats always a good thing. I am looking forward to it!

Other than that I have been feeling really good. My second trimester flew by so fast and I felt great. The only thing that is really bothering me now is my lower back and my boobs. Sleeping with the boppy pillow really does help though. I have to prop up my belly so it doesnt weigh down. It is still weird to have a big belly and it jusy keeps getting bigger! The picture in the pink shirt is 25 weeks and the blue shirt is 26 weeks. I am definitely showing and definitely feeling uberly pregnant. Landon moves a lot, especially in the morning. He likes to push up toward the top of my belly and it puts pressure on my stomach. Its quite uncomfortable sometimes. Today it has been chilly outside so i have my jacket on, then I have to carry my backpack and my purse. Its getting a little uncomfortable. I feel like a luggage carrier. Putting on socks and bending over is getting pretty tough too. I am a lot slower at getting dressed and walking now. Taylor has been getting cravings!! The other day we had sushi, then he wanted a moo bar, then lemon cookies, then cheese and wheat thins then he ate a pickle.. All in one night! I am not even getting cravings like that. Ive been wanting salad, sandwiches and soups lately. Also, fruit and water with lemon. OMG I love my water with lemon! I havent had any super weird cravings though... I outgrew my pickle phase. I wonder if Ill get any other cravings. For right now I just get random cravings, mostly for sweets.

I cant wait to see what this next and final trimester brings. Hopefully it will be just as good as the last one and not as bad as the first one. I feel like I have been pregnant forever now! It still seems like a ways away but life just keeps getting busier and crazier. In a good way of coarse. Taylor and I are really happy and doing well. Talking about marriage soon! I still dont know when he will propose but he has ideas and has already talked to my family! eek! I still cant believe how everything has turned out. I guess when you know, you know. I never thought I would feel this way but it is a great feeling. Dating life is finally over, and I found someone so amazing. Our love story is crazy but always full of love. I cant wait for all of the exciting things to come. Taylor has been reading to Landon and I every night. It is so sweet. I am so happy with him <3

Until next time,
Alyssa, Landon and Taylor

25 weeks and 5 days!!

Getting bigger!! I still havent gained weight though... I think its because I am losing weight everywhere else. So far, I have been feeling great. I am starting my 3rd trimester this week (on Thursday!). I already feel really big and cant imagine getting bigger. According to the baby books, and online stuff, he should be about 2 pounds! I definitely believe that because he is moving and kicking so much! Yesterday he would not stop moving. Samantha and Lesley were able to feel him kick. Mostly all of my friends have felt him so far. When I was laying on my back I could see my tummy move because he was kicking so hard! Talk about an active child... Oh gosh! We finally got the crib delivered on Friday so I am soo ready to start all the baby decor. We will get the paint soon too so we can cover the nastiness on the walls. AND this weekend is my first baby shower!!! I am sooooo excited! Taylor is going to come with me and we are driving down on Friday after he gets out of class. His mom is coming too! We are both really excited.

Everything continues to go well between us. Even if its not super great, its always good. Rarely ever bad. Actually we have only had like 2 fights this whole time, which is interesting considering our circumstances. But I thank God for the blessings in my life right now. Its hard to just accept that everything is going so well right now. I know that might change when the baby comes because we will be tired and new at being parent but I have faith that it will all work out. I cant believe we only have 3 more months until Landon is here. I want it to come sooner! I think that starting this month, time is going to fly by even more. We are going to be out of town every weekend this month, then we have two more weeks of school after Thanksgiving, then finals, then Christmas, then one month left until baby! School has been going really well for me too. I am making all As!!! I hope I can keep a 4.0 by the time this semester is over. I know I will make As in at least 2 of my classes, so I am hoping for another A in my 3rd class. I am still not sure when I am going to stop working. I have a good chunk of money saved up, so I guess Ill see how I feel and what my schedule is like. I would like to be home for about a week for Christmas and I know we want to go back to PN too. It will just depend. They already know that I wont be working once I have the baby. I dont have money to afford child care and I'd rather not just work to pay off child care. I want to take care of him! I actually cant wait. I am also hoping that I can start back school in the summer. But this is all the plan for now... We will just have to see how everything works out.

Anyway, I will write and post pictures after the baby shower! Yay I cant wait!!!!! And I am also gonna make Taylor write a post on here.. eventually...! We are touring and registering at the hospital this Monday. YAY!!! Wahoo for third trimester!

Love,
Alyssa, Taylor and Landon

Starting the Baby Room!

So yesterday my mom and I found the crib and bedding for Landon's room!! I absolutely cannot wait to get everything together! Today I am going to clean out his room because we are currently using it for storage. We have found sooo much cute stuff, including clothes, blakets and even a coming home outfit! They will come deliver and put the crib together this weekend! And then in two weeks I will have my first shower!!! AHH! I am so excited. I love everything I registered for and I cannot wait to use it! I still have 3 more months.. but it is going by so fast! This semester has flown by. I knew that would happen but you dont realize it until you are actually experiencing it. Taylor and I are doing really well in school. I am making 2 As and 1 B and Taylor is making all As and Bs as well. His band is playing at the UTSA Battle of the Bands this coming weekend and he also got a really cool show in San Marcos in November. We will have another baby shower November 19th in Port Neches and we are going to spend Thanksgiving there. We will spend Christmas in Corpus then go back to PN probably the 26th of Dec. Its crazy because we are having to split holidays now. I've always just gone home. This will be my first Thanksgiving without my family, but Ill be with a new family. Its just what happens when you grow up I guess.

Its still hard to believe all of this is happening. Taylor and I are still doing really well. Things are running smoothly, something we both didnt quite expect. It has been a blessing though. I am a hardcore planner and detail oriented and hes sooo laid back. I think we are a good balance for each other. He was in San Marcos yesterday hanging out with his friend Chris who will be the Godfather of the baby. Tori is the Godmother. I think we both picked good reliable people. I have known Tori since middle school and am 100% confident that she will fulfill her job duties as Landon's Godmother. Taylor is the same with Chris. Like I have said before, we are both lucky to have such supportive friends. Bailey and Paige got to feel Landon kicking the other day. I love how all my friends want to be there for me. I want them all to be there in the waiting room so they can see him on his first day. We decided that it will just be Taylor and I in the delivery room then my mom will come in right after to help me and take care of my while everyone goes to see Landon. I need to write a birth plan, register at the hospital and find a pediatrician. Those are my goals for month 6.

I have been feeling good. Walking around all day yesterday was hard on my feet and lower back. Thats whats been bothering me the most, my back. Sleeping witht the boppy pillow has helped some but I think that its just hard to either be sitting all day or standing all day. I need support. Landon is moving around like crazy. I am starting to see him kick just by looking at my belly. It will move and its so funny to see. Hes been getting up really high in my belly right close to my ribs and above my belly button. Hes pretty strong and very active. It is fun to wonder what he will be like and look like. I am hoping he is a good baby so I can take him places, but you never know. Jenna and Blake were colicky and so was Taylor. We will just have to see! I go to the doctor on Tuesday again and Jenna is coming with me. I think she will really like seeing him.

Ok thats all for now. I have to finish some household chores today!!

Love,
Alyssa, Landon and Taylor

23 weeks and 3 days

So here I am getting bigger and bigger every day. Sleeping is getting more uncomfortable and I am tossing and turning a lot. I need the bobby body pillow, which I will probably get today! I cant believe how time is flying by. Landon is getting bigger and moving around a lot! I had a doctors appt last week and he just wanted to check my uterus and cervix to make sure everything was ok. My cervix is 4cm which is normal and baby is growing like he's supposed to. I will have another ultrasound in 2 weeks. This is my "critical" period but thank God everything is turning out fine.

So today is Sunday and thank God for weekends! I am not looking forward to another busy week but at least its not as bad as previous weeks! This weekend has been full of fun events! One of my best friends, Bailey!!!!!, got engaged on Friday!!! Finally! We went and got her nails done thursday and they were perfect for her beautiful ring. It is crazy to think that I will have a child at her wedding! Then on Saturday me and Taylor went to register at Babys R Us! It took us 3 hours... LOL! But we are new parents and didnt have any help so I think we did pretty good! We got almost everything we needed and I think we had a good time doing it. Last night we just hung out on the couch. Tay wasnt feeling well and I am always tired so it worked out pretty well in our favor. Its been nice to sleep in and relax this weekend. Next weekend my mom is coming down so we can work on Landon's room! We have a few beddings picked out and we are going to look at cribs and paint. So far we know the room will be blue, Landon's name will be above his crib on records and there will be an awesome guitar wall decor and I get a rocking chair! I think it will all come together really well.

Everything else has been good. I have been feeling good and able to eat a lot. I know I am gaining weight. I was 134 my past doctors visit so now I am just gaining more and more. Its still weird to see myself getting fat, even though I know its a baby and not fat... I still feel fat. I definitely get looked at differently. Anyway, I guess that is all normal! Other than that everything is good! Looks like I am healthy and thankfully not gaining weight anywhere else but my belly! I cant wait to get back into shape after he's born. My goal is to get back down to pre-preg weight by 6 months after I deliver. I think that is a reasonable goal, and supposedly breastfeeding helps a ton!

If you want to check out my registry go to babysrus.com and its under my name: Alyssa Lankford

Love,
Taylor, Landon and Alyssa

5 months pregnant

Well time is sure going by fast! I hit my 5-month mark so four more months until my life substantially changes! This past week has been busy but good. I was super busy with school work, then was in Dallas all weekend for Pathways graduation, and had a work evaluation at 8am this morning! Mama and Landon are tired!!! This week is a little easier though, so I am thankful. And I finally have free weekends!! But they are still packed with things to do... Gosh, story of my life! I think taylor and I are going to look at paint for the baby room and hopefully register some items at Babys R Us!! Yay! I have a doctors appt tomorrow. I probably wont get a sonogram, just listen to the heartbeat. I am pretty sure I am gaining weight by now. My tummy is huge, well I think its huge and its only going to get bigger!! ahhh! What to expect says that this next month will be a huge growth spurt! Its still weird seeing myself being pregnant. I am so not used to it still, but maternity clothes have really made my life better. Landon has been moving a lot, especially when I wake up, a few times during the night and when I eat. He's about a pound now and I will be 23 weeks on Thursday! That is so crazy!!!!!! I really cant believe how fast its been going. Its already midterms for school and its only getting busier and busier! Work is kind of a drag... I enjoy it but I wish I didnt have to work. I'd like to keep my job for the extra money and experience, but I will have to quit around Christmas time.

Anyway, I have been feeling good. I have a keen sense of smell, big belly, and huge apetite! I thought I'd never like food again. I think I can feel a growth spurt because I get SOOO hungry! I need snacks in between meals or I will go crazy. I think this is where "eating for two" starts to kick in! Other symptoms include: peeing like a race horse, wanting to devour icecream almost every day, tossing and turning at night, unable to stand for long periods of time, getting more out of breath when walking, acne (ugh, still), need of naps that I dont seem to get enough of, poor memory, back and neck aches, heartburn and acid reflux (occasionally). Other than that, what they say is true.. Second trimester is fun! People are noticing my belly and wanting to touch it, which I dont mind. I am not miserably huge (yet). And supposedly I have a "glow". Thankfully, I havent gained weight anywhere else. The thought of gaining 20 pounds is really freaky, but its all in my belly so far! No weight gain in my arms, legs or butt.. so far! I am grateful that I am not one of those women who gain like 50 pounds then can never get it off!! I do need to start exercising and really really really need to sign up for our birthing classes. I will do that tomorrow!

We are getting more excited as time goes on and as Landon grows. We cant wait to start getting ready for him and I am wanting to get into nesting mode ASAP! I just wish I had more time. Baby shopping is going to be uberly fun and I think everyone is excited for that. Still greatful for amazing friends and family!!

Love,
Alyssa, Taylor and Landon (he's the size of a papaya now)

IT'S A BOY!!!!

Yay we finally got to annouce the sex of our baby!! We had such an amazing and fun weekend with all of our family and friends. Its exciting for our families to get together and know each other a little more. Jamie was completely freaking out which was funny, my dad kept looking at me as if I was an alien, and everyone was so happy and supportive when we cut the cake. Actually, when the grandparents cut the cake!! It was such a blessing to be able to join together with family and friends to celebrate this little precious baby boy. So, we can officially call the baby HIM and HE, not IT anymore! Other than that everything has been going well. I have been feeling great, thank God. I went to my second mentoring moms bible study tonight and I am really happy that I got plugged into something with other moms who can giive me guidance. School has been picking up and each week it gets busier and busier. Taylor has been doing well with taking 18 hours and might even get a part time job, just to get some good experience and extra cash. We are still so grateful for our parents support right now. We are also debating whether to get another dog. I still miss kobi everyday and think about him everyday but it has gotten easier. I just dont want to take on too much we cant handle. But we are thinking about it.

Landon James is about a pound now and growing and moving more each day. It is so cool to feel him more and more. I love it. I cant belive I am already going to be 5 months!! I still feel like I have so much to do before he gets here. We need to register for the showers, take our birthing classes, register at the hospital, and most importantly, get his room ready!! I want to paint and get his furniture and make it really really cute looking! After this weekend I will have a few weekends to really start planning things so that will be good. This week is just crazy... I have a test and a research paper due and then PWs all weekend! But next week wont be as hectic thank goodness... I need a week or two or three off!

Most importantly, other than Landon being so amazing right now, is that Taylor and I have been so extremely happy. We never thought that things would turn out this way but it has been better than either of us could have imagined. I feel a distinct love for him, not only as the father of my child but as the man I want to spend the rest of my life with. I never thought that I would say that about him but he has really been the best thing that could have happened in my life right now. Its one of those things that no one really understands but us. And I am ok with that. I dont want to try to convince people that this is real and that I am the most happy I have ever been and that this situation is turning out perfectly, because people would think its fake. All we can do is live our lives and love each other deeper and deeper each day. I am so thankful and blessed to have the life I do. I really feel like God has blessed me so much, and I really dont know what I did to deserve this. It might not look ideal to the average person, but for me its the best thing that could have ever happened in my life. And I dont have to sit here and try to make myself happy or convince myself that this is the right thing to do because I know it is right. When you know, you just know. I always thought that that was the biggest bunch of bull but its so true! Sorry if that makes people cringe... it used to make me cringe but I just cant help but smile and be happy. And for once in my life, I dont have to fake my happiness or put on a happy face to make others think I am ok.... It is genuine happiness and an overwhelming joy that fills my heart. I couldnt be more blessed!


Thanks to everyone who reads along with this and for Taylors family and friends as well as my own. We know that this has been a crazy ride but we appreciate the prayers and blessings yall have bestowed upon us and the faith yall have in us. We are so fortunate to have such an amazing support system and the best friends a couple could ask for!!

Love,
Alyssa, Taylor and Landon

20 weeks and 4 days

This weekend was fun and relaxing. I think Taylor and I needed a little get away. We met up with his family Saturday night and it was really really good! We ate steak and went to see Carolines condo in Fort Worth. Everything turned out well!! So a first happened this past week... A lady in the elevator at school noticed I was pregnant! She was the first to ask me how far along I was (other than people who already know, or who I tell). Anyway, it was pretty exciting because now I feel like I look like I am pregnant rather than a fat cow. Friends and family still dont know what I am having... my mom is super irritated about it.. HAHA! My family thinks its a boy and Taylors family thinks its a girl. I guess we will see soon! So far everything is moving along smoothly this trimester. Its different being pregnant... I notice strollers and babies everywhere I go. I get really hungry all of the sudden. But my hair and nails look fabulous!

So another breakthrough has happened in the past few weeks as well... Its time for Maternity Shopping my friends! I officially cant fit in most of my clothes! I had to resort to my moms flowy tops this weekend because my clothes I packed didnt fit over my belly. My belly band is uncomfortable over my jeans and even though my shirts arent skin tight normally, they sure are now. I want to resort to leggings and dresses to give my belly room to breathe! I know its stupid to say that I feel fat because I am well aware that I have a child growing inside me. I am supposed to "get fat" and have a belly but I am just SO NOT used to it. I mean, I understand the feeling of being bloated, but usually just a little bit of "suck in, turn to the side" action does the trick. With a baby, there is no sucking in! So I have to get used to my growing belly, and its still small! It is exciting when people notice though. At least then I dont feel like I have a beer gut!

Things I miss:
-Eating raw salmon.. Yum SUSHI!
-Sleeping comfortably on my stomach
-Rigorous Exercise
-Excessive amounts of caffiene
-WINE, and other alcoholic beverages
-Sleeping through the night without having to pee a zillion times
-Not smelling everything all the time
-Being able to fit comfortably in my normal clothes
-Staying up past 11 without saying "its bedtime!"


Ok, time for work!

Love,

Alyssa and Poppy-pants

P.S. my nail color is called "poppy"

20 weeks!!!

So I finally reached mid point! A few significant events have happened in the past couple of weeks since I last posted...

First and foremost, I lost my beloved ween been (Kobi). It was probably one of the hardest things I have been through and I am still getting used to it. He has been gone a week now and I still miss his pitter pattering on the hardwood floor, taking him to go potty, and especially cuddling with him during naps and bedtime. Taylor had come home to find him already passed and had to call me out of class. I hope and pray that he went peacefully. And of coarse, not that I didnt know already, but I have amazing friends. They all came over to support me and help me burry my baby. Tara even drove from San Marcos! I think we all have a special place in our hearts for ween been! He will be forever remembered, forever loved, forever missed and forever alive in my heart <3


On a happier note... I am half way done! Now its just time to get bigger! My tummy has grown a lot and I actually feel like I look pregnant now, rather than a bloated mess. Previous symtoms have died down and new ones have sprung up. Some new things I am experiencing are INCREASED APETITE (yay, I love food!), restless nights, congestion, back and leg aches (especially when standing for a long time), and the best one... FETAL MOVEMENTS! Thats probably my favorite! I love feeling the baby move. I can still semi lay on my stomach, so thats when baby moves most because its squished... poor baby! But I like to feel it! I am feeling it now more so just sitting up and when I am really still. I can feel little kicks and punches. Its still hard to feel on the outside because its so small but hopefully within the next few weeks it will be easier. We went to our midpoint check up last week and baby has grown a lot! Its a banana baby now, equipped with all its parts if you know what I mean :) So, we found out the gender! Mostly to make me feel better about Kobi. Our initial plan was to wait but we decided we wanted to know sooner so we went to eat at Olive Garden and opened the picture and it was a...... hehe just kidding.. Come to the gender cake party to find out! Other than that everything looked good and things are rolling smoothly. I cut back on job hours because I was getting really stressed out. School has been good. I have my first exam tomorrow, which I am totally unprepared for but we just wont talk about that right now. Taylor has been doing well in school too. This weekend we are going to Dallas to hang out with my mom and brother and we have some cool stuff planned. I am also going to see Tara after her Walk! I dont think she knows I am going yet...

So here is a picture of the baby... I cant wait to tell everyone what it is so I can stop calling it an "IT"!

Love,
Alyssa and Banana baby

So, I havent posted a picture in a while... this is just the most recent one! I am officially showing! Still small, but definitely there! These past few weeks have been good and busy. I finished P3 and Tara completed her Weekend this past weekend. Good stuff... I am ready to be done with Pathways though. It has been an amazing experience but I feel like I am ready to take control of my life. Thats the kind of stuff we will learn in P3 so it will be good stuff. Other than that, Taylor and I have been excellent. Trying to make time for each other, class, and extra activities is tough. I am in the process of cutting back more hours on work. I wanted to quit but they are giving me an opportunity to facillitate groups which will be a really good opportunity for me. So, I might stick around but not as much. I really need more time to focus on school. Last week I was behind and really stressed... I would rather focus more time on school right now than a job. So we will see how that goes. I got a new car too! I wasnt expecting to get it so soon but we ended up getting a good deal. Its a Jeep Grand Cherokee "Cherry", fully loaded and freaking awesome! I love it. It is a lot bigger than my other Jeep so I am still getting used to parking. It was fun to drive to Dallas though!

So pregnancy is moving along and going really well so far. Now that I am in month 5, things are going more smoothly. Some symptoms are: acne (ugh, still!), tiredness though not as much, breast tenderness, itchy belly, back and leg aches, dry skin, irregular bowels, weird appetite although I am eating more, waking a lot during sleep... Thats all I can think of for now. Taylor has been amazing and supportive throughout all of this, which makes me so happy. He tells me I am beautiful even though I feel fat, and will rub my belly and kiss it and talk to the baby :) So sweet. We are both so happy and ready for this new experience. I think we are also both grateful that this has helped us to grow up a little more. We are at the point where growing up is ok; we have lived a lot and had our fun college moments. This seems right for us right now. Anyway we are planning the gender cake party and we are excited for our friends and family to come down and support us. Big ultrasound is this week! I am so pumped and ready to see my little mango... Its finally starting to feel real! Oh! And I joined a Mentoring Moms bible study yesterday! It was really cool and inspirational. They meet at Oak Hills every 1st Monday of the month. Theres free dinner and guest speakers and small group talk. I'm pretty sure I am the youngest and only unmarried one there but its ok! Everyone was nice.. they even brought their babies! Well, some of them did. Its neat to get to know other moms and their experiences, I feel like I am going to learn a lot. Its nice because none of my friends have babies yet so they dont realy understand what I am going through, not in a bad way, just in a "they havent been there yet" way. But its a good thing because now they want to take care of my baby because they dont have kids of their own yet! Which will be nice! I love my friends! hehe

Ok, working still... UGH!

Love,
Alyssa and Mango

Oh look! Another post!

So I have been thinking a lot about what I have wanted and where I want to be and so on and so forth. Here's what I have been learning, and I will tie it into how it pertains to my pregnancy right now. So, you know how in the bible it teaches not to judge others and to be loving and accepting? Simple, most basic Christian moral values right? We learn about it almost everytime we go to church. Bible also tells us that God answers our prayers and knows our deepest desires. I think this is so true! For so long, I have wanted to be married and have a happy family, but I didnt think it would happen out of order. My plan was to go to school, get a good job, meet someone, fall in love, get married, work for a while, then have kids. Sounds like a great plan huh? Well to be honest, My lifestyle wasnt quite matching up to the perfectly paved road I sought out. So this is what happened: I got pregnant by an ex boyfriend who I was barely dating, at the most aweful time! I had just finished my BA and was on to getting my Masters. That was NOT my plan!!!! Im sure if you read my early posts you can tell the distress I was in when I first found out I was pregnant. When I took my first test I literally prayed that I would get a "just kidding" note from the doctor. So my second thought after the initial shock was "now I am obligated to stay with Taylor." Not that hes a bad guy because he totally isnt, but we did have a past that wasnt successful and I was unsure of how commited he was, much less, how committed I was. I had spent the past two years being single and was in the mind set that I was going to be single until I was 25! Ok, enough rambling... I have learned most that prayers are answered in the most odd ways. I had prayed or was praying to God that I would be able to change my lifestyle. How did He do this? By allowing me to get pregnant. This is where judgement ties in. You see, things happen to people as a lesson and often as an answered prayer. It might not always look like we expect it to, but if we seek to align our lives with Gods will, then he will do just that. No matter how bizzare it might look. So, people can see me and think "oh, shes not even married, living with her bf and is pregnant... poo on her" But I see it as a huge blessing, not only for me but for Taylor. This experience has helped us grow up, grow closer, and find a love that is bigger than just us. We have appreciation for each other, and one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever heard of.

I thought God was punishing me, but it turns out that I am being blessed beyond belief. He has chosen me to carry a new creation of life and to take care of this child. I am so lucky and happier than I have ever been. Taylor and I have a love for each other that I dont think either one of us has ever experienced. I feel like I am getting everything I have ever wanted and cant help but ask, "Why, God?". Not to say that this experience isnt going to be difficult, and I know we will face many challanges but as of right now I am overwhelmed with love and support from my friends and family. I literally feel like the luckiest girl ever.

God really does work in mysterious ways, and when you think your life is taking a turn for the worst, step back and take a look at the big picture... What have you been praying for and how is that situation a blessing in disguise? And remember, if God brings you to it, He will get you through it!


Thanks for everyones support and love. I cant imagine what I would do without such amazing friends and family. I love yall so much and cant wait to share the life of my baby with you all!

16 weeks and 5 days

Sooo, everything has been going well. I was feeling a little sick this past sunday and monday (tummy troubles) but am feeling better now! I had a doctors appt today and he only checked the heartbeat. Bummer... I love getting ultrasounds. My next appt is on Sept 15 and this special technician lady is going to take measurements of everything and give me a better estimated due date... AND!!!!!!!!.... I will also be able to find out the gender!! YAY.. Ok but there is an issue. Tara was supposed to do a gender cake party where only she knew the gender and then made a cake and then we invited our friends and then cut in the cake and yaddy yaddy... But now, my appt is on a thursday bc thats the only day this lady is working, and Hannahs wedding rehersal and ceremony is that weekend, then Tara goes to PWs the next week/weekend, so we'd have to wait at least two more weeks after we even found out... I seriously dont want to wait that long! So I am trying to think of another cute way to reveal the babys gender. I dont even want to wait for two weeks.. And I am sad that I didnt even get to see poppy today! Oh, well... baby will be here soon enough!

In the mean time, I am keeping myself very busy. School is going to take up a lot of time, and work, and I have something going on almost every weekend til the end of time. Hopefully I can manage everything. The house finally came together really well... it looks homey and is very nice. I am happy with everything so far.

Still havent been able to feel the baby yet.. I am ready to feel him/her! And I lost another 2 pounds... I need to gain weight!

Blog soon,
ALyssa and Poppy

15 weeks and 5 days

So it has been about a week since I last posted. Taylor and I are moved in to our house. Just been getting everything put into place.. which takes forever! I have been feeling better, eating more, and getting really good sleep at night. I still get tired early but I am not taking naps during the day so I am just exhausted by bedtime. Today classes started. Taylor already finished his 3 for the day and I am about to start my first one! I have class 3 times a week in the evenings from 530-830. And I will work one full day and two half days during the week as well. Going to be a busy busy semester! But I am officially starting grad school which is exciting and scary at the same time. This weekend Taylors parents are coming into town and we are going to a wedding for his friend on saturday. Should be fun.

So anyway, I have my next doctors appt on tuesday. I always get excited to go. Hopefully Taylor can go and my sister too. I just really want to know the gender already. I was reading my books/stuff online and it said as early as week 16 you can feel the baby move. I havent felt anything yet but I really really want to. I am also ready to start showing! I feel like I just look fat or bloated. I know people who know me can tell that its not just too much icecream but I want to look pregnant already... And I know by the time I look uberly preggo Ill wish I was skinny again. There are just so many fun things to look forward to! Now that we are in the house I am ready to start decorating the baby room. Right now its acting as storage. Anyway, its the mystery of the disappearing baby bump... hopefully it will be obvious soon!!!!!! Baby is an avacado now... woot woot, guacamole!


Ok, classes are starting and I need to pee <3

Love,

Alyssa and Avacado

14 weeks, 4 days

Well last night me and Taylor signed the lease to our house. Sunshine house for 24 months! I am excited and I know its going to be a great starter home. The landlord is really cool too so I am excited about everything. We will move in this weekend! I am excited, and nervous at the same time. Taylor is really excited too so that makes me happy. We have been doing good. He just finished summer school and now fall semester starts in about 10 days... oh my lanta.. gonna be a tough semester. Especially taking finals about 8 months pregnant. I can do it though. It will be a fun challange. So lately I have been bipolar in my emotions and physical well being. I have had a couple of really bad migraines paired with nausea. I threw up yesterday and was nauseous all day. This past weekend I was ok on friday then sick on saturday night with a headache. I went to Taylors show (which was really good!) but my head was killing me. I took tylenol but that doesnt help. Usually sleep and an ice pack on my head does the trick. I still have bad acne on my face, irregular bowel movements, and on and off nausea. Still tired but its only sometimes, not as bad as before. For example, packing boxes takes longer because I get more tired easily. Thank GOD I got movers :) So other than that I am just getting a bigger belly. Havent really gained much weight... I actually have lost weight! Thats a good thing I guess, at least I am not blowing up like a balloon! I dont think Ill lose anymore weight from here on out. Its time to gain a pound a week, says What to Expect.

I have definitely been busy since P1, since I was chosen as SGL. It has been time consuming yet rewarding at the same time. I am trying to keep up with my commitments and small group and others in my class. Tara finally agreed to go so I am thankful for that! I finally got to hang out with all the girls this past week and I am soooo glad I did. They are all very supportive and happy for me. I have such good friends! They all wanna see my belly, and go to the baby showers, and meet the baby. I am so anxious to know the gender!!! I wanna know so bad. Taylor of coarse wants a boy... I have a feeling its going to be a boy. But who knows! My doc said we wont know until next months visit. These next two visits are critical times to watch over my uterus because Ill be in the 5 month range. So far I have had no problems, but hes going to take extra care. Gender isnt as important as my health and the babys health. I am sure everything will be fine.. just have to double check. So far this has been the craziest experience of my life. I cant wait to really start showing and decorating the room and baby showers!!!! and especially meeting my child!! ahhhh.. SO excited!

blue dress- Aug 3rd (13 weeks)
work out clothes pic- Aug 13 (14 weeks)

12 weeks and 6 days

Poppy is getting so big now! I just love going to ultrasounds to see it (him/her?). I am acutally lucky because women normally dont get ultrasounds everytime they go, but my uterus is all funky so I get one every month! Hey, works for me! Yesterday my mom went with me which was super cool. I am glad she got to go. Surprisingly she didnt cry... Usually shes niagra falls but I think she enjoyed seeing her grandbaby. Doctor said everything looked normal and good. Baby is growing like it should and the heart beat is 156. NORMAL! Thank God. I lost 2 more pounds. So I am 130 now. I wonder how much weight I will gain. I am hoping no more than 20 pounds. I just want to be healthy and not turn into a beached whale. Anyway, Taylor and I had our first counseling session and it went really well. I am glad we are going. It was just basic questions but he gave us questionnaires to fill out and then an online assessment that rates our compatibility and shows areas we need to work on. I think it will be good to help us be on the same page. We had our first fight... not really a fight though.. I guess misunderstanding, hurting of each others feelings, idk what to call it. But it wasnt necessarily bad. We were able to be open and honest with each other and there are still things we both need to work on. In this situation its what I need to work on. But we are moving forward at a good rate I think and everything seems like its gonna work out. I think we are gonna live in the Sunshine House. Its the best so far. I can see us being a family there and I really like that idea.

Tonight I am celebrating my birthday with Ashley, Bailey and Tara. I am excited. Me and Bailey are gonna look at rings before dinner at Perico's. Andy is gonna propose (not saying when bc Bailey might read this!) and we need to be prepared. I am excited and so is she. I cant believe we are all growing up. I am so thankful for such great friends and family <3 I dont know what I would do if I was completely on my own!

Ok I think thats it for now!

Peace, Love and Poppy <3

12 weeks and 4 days

So here's a new picture. Jeans are getting tighter and belly is getting bigger. Finally took my belly button ring off. And we didnt have much luck looking at houses this past week. We might move into the sunshine house. Its off babcock and is 3 bedroom 2 bath. Slightly small kitchen and bedrooms but it could definitely work. I like that it looks and feels like home, tile/wooden floors, and great owners that seem really nice and flexible. Ive been feeling better. Not as nauseous, but still tired and my face breaks out non-stop. Its annoying. And I recently got a canker sore in my mouth (maybe due to stress from pathways?) and it hurts sooo bad. Its been almost a week, and its hard to eat and brush my teeth. Anyway, its my birthday week! So I will be 22 this Saturday and will be 13 weeks preggo! Its exciting... I am going to be soo busy this semester. Finishing pathways, hannahs wedding, my baby showers, living with Taylor, starting graduate school, working, counseling, prenatal classes, doctors visits, and just being pregnant in general! Should be interesting... But I know I can handle it. Just gotta take one step at a time. I do have money saved so if anything I can stop working. Not something I want to do though. We need to save as much as we can. I am excited for a new change in life. With challenges comes growth. I have a lot of growing up to do and I feel like this birthday marks the end of my youth. I am officially grown up. Bitter/sweet. I had a good youth though... thankfully my mom didnt let me grow up too fast. I had a great high school and college experience.. now its time to live in the "real world". I cant believe family and career are next in my life. I have my next doctors visit tomorrow. I love seeing the baby on the screen. My mom is coming too so she is really excited. I am excited for her to come too. We went shopping in Fredricksberg yesterday and we immediately were drawn to the girls stuff, big bows, tu-tus, ruffles and pink, pink and more pink. Still excited to find out the gender, hopefully by next month!!!

Anyway, othr than that everything has been good. Taylor and I have good communication and we spent the weekend together, which was nice. My mom is coming to my work today to see me at my job, haha. She wants to see and meet everyone and we are going to lunch. I am excited. Growing up is kinda fun :) (might not be saying that in a few weeks/months/years!)

Love,
Alyssa and Peach

11 weeks, 5 days and showing!

So I went to Pathways this past week and it was pretty intense. I am sure Poppy was wondering what the heck was going on.. so many emotions. But I finally feel emotionally stable and happy. I am ready to tell everyone I am pregnant. Taylor and I are going to start looking at houses this week. I am 22 in a week and a half and feel like I am growing up so fast. My stomach has been hurting today but at least I am not nauseous. I had a really really bad migrain again last week.. Hopefully those will go away. Other than that I have a "bump". Basically looks like I am bloated but cant suck in my stomach lol I thought it was pretty early to be showing but I looked on fb and saw other girls who has posted their bump pics and I am pretty average. I cant wait to go to the doctor in a week to see my little baby. Soon, we will find out the gender! I am excited about the gender cake party and of coarse Tara is excited to be in charge. I feel really calm about everything. Yesterday me and Taylor had a small disagreement about finances but he reassured me that everything would be ok. I just want us to be equal participants in this whole parenting process. Only time will tell. So far he's been really good. Especially with helping me around the apt. My fridge broke so we had to throw away everything. He threw out two trashbags full of nastiness, cleaned the freezer, floor and fridge, and cleaned the litter box! So lucky that hes helping me. He also cooked me dinner :) We start counseling on Monday so hopefully we can be even more on the same page. He says he doesnt have time for pathways right now because of all of his band stuff. I just want to make sure we have a good emotional connection, are open and honest, and have the same views, needs and expectancies for parenting. Hopefully all of this will be covered in counseling. Not sure what our therapist is gonna say yet but I am sure we will get good guidance. Anyway here is my bump picure!

10 weeks, 4 days

Well, I am almost done with my first trimester! Just a couple more weeks! SOOOOO crazyy...! Anyway, last week sucked and was probably the worst week overall. I was nauseous and tired mostly all day and then Friday I had the worst migraine headache that lasted 8 hours! Taylor and I went to dinner and a movie and I wanted to stay up for it so I did and my head was killing me the whole time. It was also my first time to take medicine (ancetametaphin- I know its spelled wrong). It didnt help. Today I am feeling better though, just tired. Actually, just know that I am always tired because its annoying saying that I am tired all the time. I feel like a couch potato too. I watch so much TV now its ridiculous. This past Saturday, Taylor had a show in Austin so we drove up there. It was fun but I was tired (go figure). We went to 6th street after and I got hit on by some random drunk guy and told him I was pregnany LOL He gave Taylor a high five and asked when it was due. So, yes, I was pregnant on 6th street! Haha... but when I am really showing I wont go. That seems trashy.

Anyway, Taylor and I are still doing really well. We have talked about marriage and everything. Its going to be complicated if we are living together, unmarried and with a child. I spoke to Erica and Jay and they just want me to be right with God. I understand completely where they are coming from but I just dont know whats "right". I want to do what is right for me, Taylor and the baby no matter what other people think. Its just really hard making these tough decisions. On top of that, I wouldnt just move in with some guy under normal circumstances. We are going to be a family so it seems better to move in and try to make it work. Or is that stupid sounding? Obviously it would be ideal to have gotten married first and then had a baby to avoid this type of complication but since that is not the case and everything is backwards, I just have to work with what I have and what I know and feel is best for my family now. And Taylor and I do plan on getting married. We would if we had more time to plan and get ready before the baby but since we dont, we have to wait. Probably in May is what we are thinking. Baby will be a few months, and Taylor will have graduated.. Ahh its scary to say that. My life is all full of grown up things now. I still feel like and sometimes still want to be a kid. But my actions led to a baby so I have to compensate for that. I am excited. My mom and I were looking at baby stuff a few weeks ago and I am excited to know the gender and start preparing. I have a hunch that its going to be a boy, just because I want a girl. Either way I will love him or her to death!!! This is still so crazy and sometimes surreal to me. My next ultrasound is Aug 2 and I just cant wait. If i had my own machine, Id be looking at my baby every day.

Other than that, everything is going really well. Caroline was even nice to me this weekend and invited me and Taylor to go to the lake with her and her boyfriend. Things couldnt be better... which is scary. Everyone is warming up and getting excited about my pregnancy now. I just hope everything stays good and that me and Tay are able to deal with our future problems healthily and still committed to each other. My worst fear is that we abandon each other which seems easy to do without marriage in the picture quite yet. But I cant focus on bad things that might happen, I can only focus on good things that are happening and right now they outweigh my worries.

Baby is a whopping 2 inches!! Growing so fast!! Cant want to see him/her in 2 weeks!

Love, Alyssa and Poppysicle