29 weeks!!!

First things first!

My firstborn- who I fall more and more in love with every.single.day!!!

She is getting too big for her own good, but just listening to her talk all day absolutely cracks me up!! She's huge in to telling me stories!! And EVERYTHING involves a color. i.e.- I want green ice cream. I want a purple cereal. I want pink bubbles in my bath.
She's just too funny!! And oh the things I have to watch with my mouth now!! If Walker is barking at a bird, sometimes, out of frustration I'm sure I've yelled, "shut up!" to the dog. Well today, the dog was barking and she told it to shut up!! Oh, how I've spent the day trying to reverse that comment.
She then yelled at her baby doll this morning, "Do you need a spankin'?" And then proceeded to put her against the back door (our time out spot), and yelled with her finger pointed, "TimeOut! And Stay!" (let it be noted, I think she's actually been spanked like twice in her life, and both instances involved something where it absolutely couldn't happen again- like running into the street, or something that could harm her!) Everything else can be discliplined with time out.

When she's not playing mommy with her baby dolls, we have been staying busy outside!! In Southern Indiana it's been as high as IN the 80s here, and after multiple days of that- I said, "let's play in a pool!"
This is Jaycee and her neighbor friend, Rylan Brooks! They had a good ole time in the water that day!! I can't wait for more! I laid out that day and got BURNT!! I loved every pink/red area on my body!! hahaha. (Hey, if I'm going to be insanely pregnant, a little color, or sun damage, makes me feel TONS better about myself!) :)

Note to moms that haven't potty trained a girl quite yet: get two piece bathingsuits, or tankini's for your daughter for the summer!! Best decision I've ever made!! So much better than trying to take a wet one piece off every time they need to go potty!!!

Thankfully, with the second kid, I haven't had to freak out as much about what we have, what we don't have, yada yada, because even though I almost didn't- I saved most things from Jaycee (except her carseat, jumperoo- ya know, of course- the bigger things!) hahaha. I have to have the sweetest friends that keep wanting to do something for me for this baby, and I have just not felt right about it. It's only been 2 years and it's the same sex kid! I have been insanely grateful for the offers though!

I have a group of friends that I met through all of our husbands working together. They hired on a bunch of "younger guys" at the same time around 4-5 years ago b/c all the other fellas are getting close to retirement. Anyways- since we are all around the same age, and figured we would all be stuck together forever we might as well become good friends!! hahahaha. Some of the guys already moved to a different job, but our friendships have stuck, and we try to have monthly "girls night."

Well I'll be gosh darned if I showed up at Olive Garden last week, and those girls threw me a surprise baby celebration!!! It was so darn sweet and cute!!! I was in awe at their talent.

This is a flower/diaper bouquet filled with necessities at the bottom that I thought was just ADORABLE. It makes me want to make one for someone!! I'm actually keeping it up in Jaclyn's room untouched until closer to her arrival. The idea came from Pinterest (where else?!!) hahaha.


This next picture is newborn clothes, that came in a box and shaped like cupcakes!!! Another pinterest inspired idea, and it was PRECIOUS!!! They are so crafty!!


Well, here is my 29 week photo!!!



I went to the doctor last Friday.

*I've gained 21 lbs

*My hormones have kicked back in horribly!! I'm nauseated in the mornings, i'm emotional, I'm breaking out on my face all over again- it's just lovely!

*I love getting to the point where the kicks and jabs in my belly turn more into rolls, and slow movement where I can actually feel something poking me like a heel or elbow. My stomach has rolled from one side to the other (which makes me crack up), or her quick feet kicks get my belly moving so fast (which makes me crack up equally as much!) I love that!!

*My iron level is low- so what's one more pill to take daily, but oh well!

*Strangely, my energy level is much higher than it was the last time I blogged. I told Dr. Howell that I feel now like I probably should have felt the second trimester!

*My nesting instinct is in full throttle!! If you're friends with me on facebook, you've seen those posts!

*I'm sleeping better now than I have in a while too!! I don't know if she moved positions, but my back isn't hurting as much, and I think that is helping my sleep. However, to turn from side to side takes help from God and the WHOLE bed

*Still taking Procardia- but only on the days I work, or I know I'm going to be really busy. Dr. Howell was fine with that!! The Braxton Hicks are strong, but much more tolerable!

Jaclyn's room has been a work in progress this whole pregnancy!! There is still so much to be done, but I'm going to give ya a sneak peek. I just painted this room like a year ago, so Josh refused to paint it again- which is fine- it's just a khaki color. I can work with that!

So don't judge- I'll have finished picks later!

This is where her glider will be, but the lamps won't be there, and neither will that valance! :)


This is where we are putting the crib, but that's about as far as we have gotten. All of her toys are still out of the closet right now too. You'll see why in a sec.

I'm so happy!! These are all of Jaycee's clothes (mixed in with a very SLIM few new clothes) that Jaclyn can wear. All of these here are either sleepers, onsies, or shorts/pants.

This side is a selection of shoes that I have for her. We have to build shelves in the closet, so they have no where to go right now!!

This is her diaper/wipes stash I've already accumulated!!! I am 8 short of 900 diapers!!! I am quite proud of my stash, but then when you think about it- it probably won't even last me 3 months!! hahahahaha.

This hat- there's just gonna have to be a picture made with this hat. Enough said.

And then THIS. I ordered one of those big trees to go over her crib!! It will start to the left of her crib and it leans to the right so it'll go right over it. It is white with pink birds. I just got this in the mail last week, and I ABOUT DIED. Each leaf is a different vinyl decal. OH.MY.GOSH. I'm taking offers on anyone who wants to help me put this up! My husband said him and I would knock it out one night Jaycee stayed away from home- but I'm afraid this project would end in divorce papers!! (I kid, I kid) but I can not see this going over well with as OCD as we both are, and how time consuming it will be!! Whew!

But I'm sure it'll be cute, and Jaclyn can better believe that it's STAYING there once it's up!! hahahaha. I hope to have finished product pics here in the next 2-3 weeks!!!

I think that's it. I am getting so anxious and so excited to meet this little girl!! :) Just a couple more months! :)

26 weeks!!!

I feel like I'm finally on the downhill stretch of this pregnancy!! Whoo HOO!!! If yall are one of those people that just LOVE being pregnant, please don't ever say it to my face!! hahaha. I get so mad (probably at myself and my stupid body) when other people love it, and I'm just praying (the whole pregnancy) that she comes out on exactly the day that she's safe to do so!

However, I am getting closer everyday, and I really am trying to enjoy the "few" perks of pregnancy while I can (since this WILL be the last one- God willing and by medical intervention! ;) )

My appetite is SUPERB!! :) Oh I love food, and Pinterest has me eating SO WELL right now. I couldn't be happier in that standpoint. (you'll see what it's doing to me momentarily).

I absolutely LOVE watching her kick around in my belly. I watch my belly all the time and I find myself sitting here cheesing. It's incredible. Im always thinking about what she's doing in there. They say at this stage they like to reach for things, and the umbilical cord is one of them- and I'm so surprised I can't feel that!! :) Thank God.

I love getting out of all of the "baby" stuff again, and getting her clothes ready to be washed. I've been through all of Jaycee's clothes, and have hooked her up way more than Jaycee is hooked up for this summer. The kids are opposite seasons, so for now- more shopping! :) Another plus! Could you not just buy baby girl clothes EVERYDAY! I have NO control!

Through my work, we can get diapers at an INCREDIBLE (did I mention- INCREDIBLE) price!! Something that I could have done with Jaycee and was too in la la land to even know about it. I ordered my first case of size 1 diapers, and how teeny tiny they are- and THE SMELL!! I smell the diapers so much, I caught Jaycee doing it!! :) I had forgotten what those pampers swaddlers smelled like. Complete baby freshness!! :) Another perk- until there's that sticky poo in there! ;)

Ok, I guess I'll show you a pic now. 26 weeks and you'd think I was 36!

No lie. Just yesterday I was at work, and ran into a girl I obviously hadn't seen in forever, and noticed she was pregnant and just by glance, I thought we looked very close in size. So without me thinking this could come back and bite me in the butt, plus, I said, "Oh you're pregnant! I'm so happy for you! How far along are you??" (thinking in my head we could be in the hospital at the same time), and her comment was 38 weeks today!! ://///// Not a good moment for me. Not at all. I told her I was extremely jealous, and out of complete humiliation when she asked me, I WOULD NOT tell her! Never did. End of story. The rest of the day, I wrapped my lab coat around me a little tighter (which probably only brought on the back fat, but oh well! :) )

But since it's been 5 weeks since I've blogged about my pregnancy there's a few other details to share too. At almost 24 weeks, my braxton hicks/contractions/cramping- whatever it was, got alot more intense than I was expecting at 24 weeks. I went in, had an US, everything was fine, and I'm sure it's just Dr. Howell being aggressive (which I appreciate since it's not just me, but my baby), he put me on Procardia to try to stop even the smallest of contractions. He said he'd rather see me when everything is still ok, than for me and him to play it off and I come in WAY too early and be 4cm. So I take that daily now- which is not something I can say has NOT been pleasent, but the symptoms are starting to become tolerable. Thank goodness. I almost stopped taking it, it made me feel so bad, but my husband said, "oh no you don't!" I'm thankful for that, b/c even now, occasionally (so I know it's false labor), the contractions I do get are even stronger than what I went do the doctor for. :/

At that appointment at 24 weeks, I had gained 16 lbs. I'm sure, I've already put on another 10 by my picture!! hahaha.

This little girl below, is getting excited to meet Jaclyn!! I really sincerely think she's starting to "get it."

We have been getting Jaclyn's room ready for a while (don't get excited- i'm a cheap person, and I'm using Jaycee's crib stuff), but she will ask me if she can play in Jaclyn's room. Or she will ask if Jaclyn will sleep there and point to the crib. It's so cute!! I hope we do this transition right! :)

Once we get over the initial shock and transition stage, Jaycee is going to be such a huge help and such a great big sister!! She's so nurturing and her baby dolls are her LIFE right now. She sings them "Rock a bye baby" and covers them up with a blanket, and then pats their backs, while she's saying, "go nite nite, I love you." I think I might turn into mush if/when she does that to her little sister!!

So in the meantime, we are enjoying just Jaycee as much as possible!! The weather has been so great lately, and we've been able to play outside and with our neighbors alot earlier than expected!! The picture below is her BFF, Rylan! They love each other so much.

I'm so thankful for Rylan and his parents, but one thing I'm grateful for, is that by them playing together so much, I've learned that Jaycee DOES NOT like to share. She's learned the word "mine!" So we have been working on sharing! :) Big thing to get ahold of before a baby takes over her WORLD! :)

And she's safe to take over this world in what, less than 11 weeks!!!!!!!!!!! Whoa...heart palpitations.....So Excited!! :)

There should be required classes for this....

The monumental events in your childs life are some of the best parts of parenthood!! Like the first smile, the first giggle, the first time they slept through the night, first time they sat up, crawled, and even walked. Those events are priceless, take little effort from us (the parents), and we watch with amazement that our little ones are growing up and becoming more independent. We await those days with a smile on our faces.

THEN....there's potty-training. No one warned me about potty training. No one prepared me for what I was about to endure. No one prepared me for the frustration that you can't let your child see, when you want to throw your head in a pillow and scream!

I can't say that we've had the worst experience, I can't even say it's been a bad one- HOWEVER- until they 'get' what you're trying to teach them- I never prayed so much in my life! I've never bribed someone younger than me so much in my life. I offered to buy this girl EVERYTHING she could ever want. Little did I know, it just took Reese's Pieces.

We honestly just had one BAD day and that of course was DAY ONE, so I know some of you are thinking that I had it easy- but the work I put into that one day- yes, it paid off- but my lordy am I exhausted just thinking about it.

I have to share this, since this is her baby book. One day when she has children of her own she wants to potty train, she can use this day as a resource! :) If you're not interested, just stop here!

We had a previous experience with just one day of potty training around 3 weeks ago when she refused to wear her diaper. So me, over here, trying to be the big bad momma, told her "fine, then we're wearing panties and using the potty." Well, long story short, I quit that day after she got up on the kitchen table, peed on it, then took her hand and smeared her pee all over the table and she was laying belly first in it, smearing it.

SOOOO.....needless to say, when Monday morning came around, I almost backed out. I have been off work all week, and had been saying that this is what this week is for, but when time came, I woke up and immediately thought, "I don't want to do this, I dont' want to do this...oh my gosh, I DO NOT want to do this!"

You hear 10,000 recommendations on how to potty train from your family and friends. You read even more 10,000 ways on the internet...and all of them have said, "this worked for us, but maybe not for you!" So that just stresses you out before you even start. However, Josh and I decided the route we both agreed with, took action, and here we are!!

We decided to pull all the rugs up in the house, close off all the bedroom doors (cause that's the only places we have carpet), and pull all of her toys BACK out into the livingroom and also have the potty right here in the livingroom also. Needless to say, we were bound to the livingroom, laundry room, and kitchen!

This is a picture of us the morning we started!! Jaycee loved the new livingroom scenery, so at least that kept her preoccupied for a little while. I turned my iphone timer on for 20 minute intervals and training began!! Even though the timer was set, I felt like a broken record always saying, "do we need to go potty? Do you have to pee pee? it's right here if you need to go!" I felt like I said that every 30 seconds!! I didn't do ANYTHING THAT DAY, but sit on the couch, play with her, and watch her like a hawk!! I don't even know if I brused my teeth!!

We did have some success that first day!! We did the 'wear a shirt and big girl panties approach, candy if she went, and even if she tried.' I still do diapers at nap time and bedtime, but she's been waking up from her naps dry and goes straight to the potty!! :) Here is a picture dressed up as a chef, and a not so happy child that I made stop "cooking in the kitchen" so she could sit on the potty and 'try' to go!

Luckily, Jaycee did catch on that day. After about 3pm we didn't have anymore accidents and that was day one. I decided to plan to stay at home and not leave the house for the first 2 full days. However, on Tuesday she was out of milk. Crap. So at 1130 she "peed and pooped" at the same time in the potty, and I felt like you do when you have a newborn and you're breastfeeding and you're thinking, "Ok, I have an hour and a half before she's hungry again" type of thing. So as soon as she went, I put her in the car, and we made a mad dash to Schnucks, and an even madder dash THROUGH Schnucks. hahaha. I don't know how or when I'm going to become ok with her using public potties. So far, if we've left the house, the potty here at the house gets put in the trunk!! hahahaha.

It's now Thursday and we've only had one accident since Monday!! Today is the first day that she will stop what she's doing, yell, "I gotta go potty" and take off running, pull down her own panties and go on her own! :)

I'm currently one proud momma!! And in the picture below, she's one proud Cinderella/Minnie mouse combo! :)

I'm sure we've still got a few accidents ahead of us, but today has given me so much assurance that she's got this now!! The most frustrating part was teaching her to let me know BEFORE she goes. We had many many sad faces when we got Dora or Minnie Mouse wet on our panties. She would even say she was sorry to them!! hahaha. (She did that on her own, I didn't make her, I promise!) But I'm hoping the whole, "don't get dora wet or dirty" approach worked!! :)

We are headed out of town this weekend, and I'm still confused on what to do there!! Not quite sure we're ready for a road trip diaper free- we shall see!! :)

Just one more thing that makes her not such a baby anymore.... :( Sure do love my big girl though!! :)

The Words I would say!

I first Heard this song on K-Love Radio, and every single word was something that I want to say and pray for Jaycee on a daily basis!!! I want to dedicate this to her, and hope to find someway to put this in a powerpoint or something for her!!! Such a beautiful song!!! :) Enjoy!!

21 weeks

So I'm over half way done!! Whooo hoo!!! I finally took a picture of myself, but as of lately, if I'm not at work, I'm usually in sweats and a tshirt with no make-up on. So, I took a picture, finally, for all of you who have been asking for one, but no face!!! It's not pretty...hahahaha.

As you can tell, the bump is quite large!!! At my doctors appointment last week, I had gained 10 lbs, which is alot less than I had gained with Jaycee at this point, but it's had a negative effect on my mindframe when it comes to eating!! So I'm sure I've already packed on a few more!!! Here are some pregnancy stats at this point:

*Gained a little over 10 pounds so far

*Sleeping like-CRAP!!! The sciatic nerve has done me in this pregnancy!!! The back/butt/leg pain is almost unbearable by the end of the night some nights. I get in bed with my eyes full and limping quite often. Dr. Howell told me to let me know if he needed to send me to PT, and I think I'm about at the "yes, i surrender" point!!

*Food- oh food makes me so happy!!! I told my friend that I feel like every meal is the best meal of my life right now!! hahaha. No cravings, just food!! :)

*I feel her moving all the time. Just last weekend, Josh and I could feel her on the outside of my belly for the first time!

I think that's it right now!!! Things are well. Regardless of the pain, I feel very blessed that my sciatic nerve is my biggest problem!! I drink my glucola at my next appointment, so someone please remind me to lay of the sweets a few days prior to Feb. 23rd, would ya?!? :) I would not make a good diabetic!!

Have a great weekend!! :)

20 weeks and IT'S A.....

So yesterday was our big day!! :) Yesterday to me is the date that I've been counting down to since the day I found out I was pregnant. Of course, you get excited about the "due date" but there's something about finding out what you're having. Something about making the little creature in my belly more "real". Something to look forward to WAY BEFORE the due date!! :)

Josh took off work, and we spent the whole morning staying busy (both of us). I think that's what both of us do when we're nervous or anticipating something. My house was so clean.....hence the word..."was". ;)

Jaycee on the other hand could absolutely care less about this "baby" that is in my belly. She is too busy making sure she's daddy's ONLY, pretty princess...

This was her posing for daddy just last week!!!

I feel like I haven't had much time to focus on this pregnancy like last time and for obvious and completely worth it reason. I am sooooo excited to bring a new addition into our family, but I am equally and probably more now, trying to soak up every enjoyable alone time moment with my first adorable princess!!! She makes my day, makes me laugh until I cry, and she's what I think about 24/7!! I have times when I struggle with having to share my time with another baby soon. When you become so accustom to something, change is hard! I think I'm more nervous about making sure Jaycee feels just as loved then as she does now!! I can't STAND seeing her sad, and i never want her to question how much mommy loves her!!!

Ok, so I'm done with my sappy part. Can't you tell yesterday made it real for me?!?! :)

My ultrasound took AN HOUR!!! There were two ladies in the room doing the US, and at first I was just soaking up every single moment and enjoying it all, thinking I saw little penis's everywhere!! (I did that with Jaycee too!!) Now granted, I'm definitely no where near to being a pro with ultrasounds, but I do believe I was better this time around with knowing what they were looking at than the first time!! So after about 30 minutes, and thinking to myself, "they sure are measuring the head alot"...I made a stupid mistake....

I said, "I don't know if you're allowed to tell me this or not, but does everything so far look ok?!?" The lady doing my US said, "we're just taking pictures, and the doctor will go over the results with you."

INSTANT tears started flowing down my face, and I squeezed my husbands hand so hard he actually made a comment outloud "ouch babe, why are you squeezing my hand?' And then after he looked at me, "Oh, and why are you crying??"

APPARENTLY.....he's not in the medical field, b/c anyone in the medical field knows that if you avoid a question like that, or say an answer like that- IT'S USUALLY not good!! I was freaking out thinking that is the kind of answer I give my patients when I know something is wrong but the doctor hasn't talked to them yet!! So needless to say my guard was up the rest of the ultrasound. I almost think that it hindered the excitment when we found out it was a girl, b/c I was still thinking, "that's great, but then what is wrong with my princess!??!"

However, by the time an hour had passed and they were still taking measurements, the other lady took over for the first US lady, and for the first time I took my eyes off the screen and looked at them, and realized the first girl was a last year student at Ivy Tech College here in town. So my hopes were up that was why I got the not so lovely response 30 minutes earlier.

Long story short. Our phones were blowing up b/c no one thought it would take so long, we were already 30 minutes late for Dr. Howell's appointment b/c of the US, and b/c I was still freaking, I told Josh to wait until we talked to Dr. Howell before we make phone calls. I JUST WANTED TO KNOW SHE WAS HEALTHY!!

SHE WAS!!!! Her measurements were perfect!!! She was weighing in at the exact weight that Jaycee did at her 20 week ultrasound!! She was measuring right on track with my due date!!! Whew....God sure is good, and I just couldn't thank him enough for another healthy baby!!! It is still so surreal to me!!!

So here's our OTHER princess!!! :) I think she just looks adorable already!!! We got a 4D picture of her, but she had apparently just put her finger or foot in her mouth and it looks like a cigarrette is coming out, so needless to say, we'll just put that one back for laughs one day!! :)

I thought this one was cute b/c it looks like she is praying!! Just an awesome reminder that she is a Gift from God!!! That he already knows her inside and out!! He already has her life completely planned out. This picture makes me smile for so many reasons!! :)

I can't wait for Jaycee to grow up with a sister!! I can't wait for them to be best friends. I can't wait until they want to sleep together in the same bed and have "sleep overs" in each other's rooms. They'll want to see the same movies, play with the same toys!! :) Jaycee will have a playmate that will grow up and love her unconditionally!!! I get to put them in matching outfits this year!! :) I get to buy more bows! :) We have to pay for two weddings... hahahaha.

I wonder if they'll look alike?!?! All the things that go through my head now!! :) I couldn't be happier!!

Now for her name....

the one and OUR only.....

Jaclyn Brooke Springer! :)

New Years Eve, 17 week pregnancy, and time for a big girl bed!!

New Year's Eve and pregnant. Boy that was fun!!! I spent new years eve day working at the hospital, came home, had to make something to take to the new years eve party, and then find the energy to still want to get dressed up!! Whew- I was counting down til midnight at 10 minutes til, not 10 seconds til!!! How old have I gotten?!?!! While, it was so nice for Josh and I to get out of the house, enjoy quality time with friends we don't get to see much, and each tons of good food- I could not WAIT to get in my pjs and in my own bed!!!! Sounds soooo pathetic, doesn't it?!? I hope it's the pregnancy doing that talking, and not me just turning into a shut in!! hahaha.

Here is Josh and I at the party. The party was at a cabin where we've had many a many of new years eve parties and they are always a blast!!! It's one of those places that even if you don't feel like going, you find it deep down inside of you to make sure you still go!!!

Unexpectantedely, the whole new years eve weekend, Josh and I got the whole weekend to ourselves b/c my parents wanted her for two nights. So Josh and I got some quiet/sanity time and because I wasn't chasing around a toddler ripping off her diaper, I remembered to have Josh take a pregnancy picture of me!! Can you believe it's my 17 weeks picture, and it's the first picture I've gotten since I was 9 weeks?!?! Does that tell you, I'm a little busy these days!!

I am so much larger this pregnancy, even with being so sick the first trimester.

I have gained a total of 8 lbs at this point

Completely in maternity pants (unless they're comfy pants)

The baby is moving all the time!! Not strong enough to feel it on the outside, but I've forgotten what this feeling felt like. I'M LOVING IT!!

We find out on January 23rd the sex of the baby!!! Two weeks from tomorrow. I'm so ready!! I call it a boy- but then again, I thought Jaycee was too- so we shall see!! :)

I am for sure that I'm getting ready to pack on the pounds big time!! Just in the past week- I CANNOT GET FULL!! Do you know how wonderful and bad that is all at once!!?! I love to eat, but boy- the foods I want are soooo not healthy!! I'm craving spicy chicken sandwhiches 24/7!! And I want salsa instead of cheese dip!! Whats up with the hardcore flavor I'm wanting?!!?!

I think that's it for now!! And now onto Jaycee:

She has moved on up in her little world- she's in a big girl bed!!

I know it's probably half hormones, but I did not handle the crib being taken down well at all!! Thank God I'm pregnant, or I would have become pregnant last night!!! hahaha. It made it a little better knowing that in a very short period of time- I get to fill that crib again!! :)

It also helped seeing how excited Jaycee was. She was beyond thrilled!!

She loved helping daddy put up her new crib, and I wanted her to be apart of this as much as she could, so she would see it as such an awesome big deal!! :)

Here's the finished product!! We only got the bed up in her room, and still have 4 or 5 more pieces in the garage to bring it and get situated (not quite for sure it's all going to fit in her room at this house- some of it might have to wait until we move!)

I'm kinda laughing about this tonight, kinda not. I thought this bedding was ADORABLE, but of course I didn't go out and get all crazy with prices b/c I kept saying, "she's going to pee on this, puke on this, jump on this....I'll get her nicer bedding later!!"

Boy, did I eat those words right up!! Jaycee's first night in her big girl bed, and we woke up with her throwing up in her bed around 1am!!! Never even crossed my mind to get spare sheets for the first night it was up- but it didn't matter- those would have gotten ruined too.

We've had a very long, and heartbreaking day today watching our little girl be so sick for about 10 hours!!!

Her daddy and I are in bed, and we are currently betting on who gets sick first!!! Oh well- welcome 2012!!! :)