Got to see Ashleigh today, and guess what, no memory cards (note to self, must buy more cards) so I took the third picture with an old crappy digital camera, but it did what I needed…  Gage is really starting to make his presence known. 

Just wanted to let everyone know that John Boy has made it to Kuwait safely.  We got a very brief email that told us he was there and not allowed to do anything but stay in except when they went to chow.  His Unit is waiting to be sent to the Korean Village, also known as H3.  It is on the west side of Iraq, which we pray will keep him out of harms way.  We do not have an address for him yet, but as soon as we do we will get it to everyone.  In the mean time we ask that you keep John Boy and all of our military who are serving this great country in your thoughts and prayers.

At 24 Weeks Pregnant!

WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH YOU

It is very normal to experience anxiety about your pregnancy weight gain. The prospect of putting on 25 to 30 pounds in less than a year is one that many women fear or dread. As your appetite increases, with your feeling of well-being, during the second trimester — and due to changes in your metabolism — you may find it extremely easy to gain weight. Your body is doing what it is supposed to! Just keep in mind that while you might be able to indulge in an occasional chocolate bar or piece of baklava when not pregnant, it might turn into fat now. Make every calorie count by eating a varied diet of healthy foods. Select snacks from foods such as cheese, plain yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, fruits and veggies.

Much of the weight gained during pregnancy goes to your baby and the products of conception:

Fetus: 7.5 to 8.5 pounds
Amniotic fluid: 1 to 2 pounds
Placenta: 1 to 2 pounds
Increase of blood and fluid volume: 4 to 8 pounds
Uterine muscles: 2 to 3 pounds
Breasts: 2 to 3 pounds
Fat deposits around internal organs: 2 to 10 pounds 

WHATS HAPPENING WITH YOUR BABY

Rapid eye movement has begun. Your baby, weighs in at one pound, six ounces, and measures 21 centimeters crown-to-rump.

Remember that if you drink alcohol or smoke during pregnancy it is never too late to quit! Each day you go without a drink or cigarette improves your baby’s chance of being healthy at birth and beyond. Drinking alcohol is the number one cause of mental retardation.

Another Reason to Avoid Alcohol during Pregnancy

EATING FOR TWO

Dehydration may cause preterm labor or an increase in uterine irritability, so be sure to drink six to eight (eight ounce) glasses of fluids every day. It helps some women to fill two, one-quart containers with water each morning so they don’t lose count as the day progresses. Fruit juices and milk can count toward the magic 64.

How Much Do You Need to Drink?

FACT OF THE WEEK

This is an excellent time to review some warning signs. Be sure to let your care provider know — day or night — if you have any of these signs or symptoms of preterm labor.

These would include uterine contractions or tightenings that increase in frequency or are occurring five times in one hour. Notify your provider or the hospital if you have any bleeding — even if it is scant or brown in color. If you have any vaginal discharge — especially if it is watery — this could be a sign of a leak or rupture in your amniotic sac. Infection is a risk, so call your care provider immediately. If you notice a change in the pattern of your baby’s movement, it would be good to notify them as well. Maternal symptoms, such as severe or persistent headache, abdominal pain, pain with urination or backache that might indicate a bladder or kidney infection should never be ignored.

They were so much fun and completely adorable….  I hope you guys like it.

It is a shame that we can add a bill to the budget, just to save money.  With gas prices going higher and higher, this bike is cheaper than what John pays for gas in his truck each month.  It is a 2005 soft tail, limited edition, we have number 82 of 200 as you can see from the picture above.  My sweety is officially spoiled!! 

Before…..

after 14 hours of buffing and polishing

I also have to say the Baby Girl is pretty stinking cute in this

Who would ever think that something so tiny could result in such a reaction?  I bought these “1’sies” for Gage today, and yes… in Wal-Mart, I started to cry.  Ok, everyone who knows me knows that I can get emotional pretty easy.  Even this reaction surprised me….  I think I am already in love with my grandson!! 

First, thanks to my friend for allowing me to use this precious picture for this announcement.  Ok, DeEdra, this will have to be done again when Gage is born.  This is a picture of DeEdra’s friend’s baby that she took at the hospital.  It makes me tear up a bit.  To the name…. Keith’s first name is Selby, which is a family name, the kids really liked Gage, so….  Selby Gage it is.  He will be called Gage.  One less thing for them to decide…..   and one step closer to spoiling this little man.  Thanks to everyone who gave suggestions.  Gage was actually suggested to me yesterday after the kids already decided to use it, so that worked out well. 

Look for a blog tomorrow on my sweety’s new toy. 

Ashleigh and Keith came in this weekend so I “finally” got the ultrasound pictures scanned. 

Here is Ashleigh at her doctors appointment