Prayer Request

Please say a prayer for us this week as we go to the doctor on Thursday.  I will be 18 weeks tomorrow and it has been a difficult few weeks waiting for this appointment to see the fetal medicine specialist. 

 

"For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be."

Psalm 139:13 - 16

Family Vacation to Florida

Last week me and Sean went with my parents and brother to Destin, Florida.  We have been there several times before, and every time I go I never want to leave.  We stayed at the Pelican Beach Resort and had a great view of the ocean.  Being pregnant on the beach leaves much to be desired, so I have to say my favorite thing about the trip was spending quality time with my family.  I especially enjoyed playing Rummikub and Skip-Bo when it rained.  The highlights of the week were:  eating at Joe's Crab Shack, going to the outlet stores to buy maternity clothes, and renting a boat on the last day to cruise around the harbor.  I value this time with my brother, Eric, because he is growing up fast!  My baby brother will be 18 in October, so I have to spend as much time with him as I can before he goes off the college and Baby Cashew arrives!

Here are some photos from the trip:

15 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 15 weeks

 

Size of baby: 4.5 inches and the size of a navel orange

 

Maternity Clothes: I am wearing maternity shorts and pants.  Mostly sticking to dresses because it is so hot outside!

 

Gender: We don't know yet, what do you think?  My inkling is telling me it is a girl though.

 

Movement: I can't wait for the day I can feel Cashew inside my belly!

 

Sleep: Sleep is still ok! I wake up a few times at night due to discomfort.  Love sleeping on my back for now, but I know that will change once I hit the 4 month mark.  It will be terrible having to sleep on my side.

 

Symptoms: I feel pretty good, no morning sickness.  My rheumatoid arthritis flares every now and then, especially when it rains. 

 

What I miss: My smaller cup size.

 

Cravings: I have become obsessed with TCBY frozen yogurt!  Also, fruit, sweet things, but nothing fried or greasy.

 

Best Moment this week: Going to my friend, Tory's baby shower and checking out some baby strollers at Target.

 

What I am looking forward to: Going to the OB on August 8th for our four month visit.  I love hearing Baby Cashew's heartbeat and knowing our little one is okay.  I really want her to tell me I can have an early ultrasound and find out the baby's gender, but I know that will probably not happen. 

 

 

Advice for Baby Cashew

My Dearest Cashew,

You are always on my mind. I dream about what you will look like, how big you will be, and what kind of person you will become. You are loved by parents that wanted you before you were even in my womb. I couldn't sleep last night because I was thinking of things I want to tell you, so I thought I should write it down before I forget. Although I have lived a short life, there are a few things I have learned along the way. Take my advice for what it's worth, it's only your mother talking ;-)

1. Always be yourself. It will be hard, especially in junior high, but please remain who you are and don't change for other people. It doesn't matter what clothes you wear or where you live. Most of the people that care about those things are insecure themselves.  Your real friends don't care about that kind of stuff.  Also, don't judge others by how they look. 

2. Don't be a bully. I was once a bully to a girl in 5th grade for how she looked. She never held my meaness against me, and I don't think she even realized I was making fun of her.  We even became friendly in college. I regret my "bully days" all the time.  She turned out to be a wonderful person and I felt like a fool.

3. Be Kind.  I didn't learn this until my twenties.  And give your life away. Invest in others’ lives.  Care.  The message to “matter” is written on the heart of every human and God and His mission are where we find that purpose fulfilled.  God did not mean for us to live this life in selfishness. Some of the most treasured memories I have are the times I showed God's love to others. 

4. Work hard in school. I know this sounds like a cliche, but your Dad agrees with me.  He regrets not doing his best while in high school, and he had a hard time getting into college because of it. I don't expect perfection, just do your very best.  Life will be easier if you put in the hard work now instead of later.

5.  Have Fun.  On the other side, life is too short to not enjoy it.  I grew up with parents that only went to work and came home.  They didn't have any friends and did the same things all the time.  I encourage you to be adventurous and explore new things (safely).  My favorite adventure was living for a summer in Washington DC.  I learned to be independent in that short time.  My biggest regret is not studying abroad overseas somewhere.  You can work hard, but play hard too!

6.  Fall in Love.  Now this is for when you are much, much older.  Falling in love is a beautiful gift.  There is nothing like saying "I love you" and having the other person mean it when they say it back to you.  Make sure the person loves you for who you truly are, and that they don't just want something from you.  I have only fallen in love once, and he happens to be your Father.  From my limited experience, love is very special and it should be treasured.

7.  Be Grateful.  Thank God for what you have.  There are so many people in this world that don't have anything.  Be thankful not only for your material possessions, but also for the love and support you have from family and friends.  Not everyone has people who love them. 


That's all the advice I can think of for now.  We will try our very best to be good parents to you Baby Cashew.  Your Dad shows his love for you by trying to listen to your heartbeat in my belly every night even though it is impossible, and making sure I don't eat things on the "bad" list.  We love you more than words can say, and can't wait to see your sweet face. 

Your Mom,

Why Women Need Friends

I have had the opportunity to spend time recently with some of my best friends.  Each visit reminds me how important friendship is to me.  I find as I get older that I treasure these friendships even more because I know that time and distance can make it difficult to remain close.  Most people know that I am a girly girl and almost all of my friends are women (love you Anthony).  I believe a friend is a friend for life and it has always been important to me.  I hope after Baby Cashew is born that I can still maintain the strong friendships I have now.  I don't know if it is the pregnancy hormones talking or what, but I wanted to write a little thank you to some of my friends:  (P.S.:  If I leave anyone out I'm sorry, blame it on the pregnancy brain.)

Maria:  To my adventurous friend.  The thing I love most about you is that everyone is your friend.  I remember during freshman year when I heard you having so much fun in your room down the hall.  Once I peeked my head in to say hello, you promptly invited me in and we have been friends ever since.  I could be invited to dinner with you, and meet 10 new people!  You still challenge me to do new things (i.e. fashion shows, salsa dancing, watching telenovellas when I don't know Spainish), and I love that I can always count on you.

Tejal:  To my calm friend.  You are so witty and funny.  Also, a wealth of knowledge about anything.  We have long phone conversations that make me feel like I'm right there with you!  I loved those few years in Fayetteville after school, when we got to try new restaurants together and be grown ups.  I'm so proud that you are pursuing your dream career, almost done!

Rosa:  The little sister I always wanted.  Even though you are Maria's sister, I pretended you were mine.  We talk about nonsense, and do things like sneak into a pool just to lay out, all in the name of fun!  You are so stylish, please never stop giving me fashion advice!

Ami:  The cool one.  How can you be so unbelievable cool?  Oh, I think it's because you happen to be from New Zealand, live in NYC, and have a Spainish fiance!  You are smarter than anyone I know and I'm pretty sure you will cure cancer one day.  I only want to see Broadway plays with you, I'm even a good luck charm to win tickets.  I wish you all the best in your new marriage, you deserve it!

Ioana:  The wise one.  I can always go to you with advice because I know you will give be an honest, thoughtful answer.  I can't believe I get to say I have a friend that's a doctor!  You even let me come study with you in the med school library, it was pretty cool.  You are amazing in all that you do:  resident, wife, mother to the most adorable baby I've ever seen, and friend.  Please come back to Arkansas to visit, I miss you!

Shelly:  Always herself.  You never let people sway you, even in college!  I enjoyed our quiet visits at your college apartment, just talking about nothing.  Shelly, you always stick to your guns, can I copy you?  You deserve the best in life!

Julie:  The fun one.  You are so fun!  Do you remember those college dance parties until 3am?  I'll always associate you with stilletto heels, it still amazes me you could dance in those things!  Who else would go workout with me at the HPER?  Although you live in California, I still am your friend.  You have so much joy in your life now: a new husband, a new home, and a new baby on the way!  I know you will be a great and, most of all, fun mom!

Cheryl:  My sister.  I didn't know you well the first few years Sean and I were together b/c I lived far away, but over the years I feel like we have gotten closer.  I value your advice about motherhood, especially with Baby Cashew on the way!  I enjoy our long talks on the phone that always begin with, "Hey Cheryl!"  You are so real and truthful, I wish I could be more like you.  I've never had a sister and consider you one!

Alexia:  My soon-to-be sister.  The first time I met you I immediately liked you.  You give the best hugs and are the sweetest girl I know.  After we moved back to Little Rock I was afraid I would spend my days surrounded by only Sean and boys.  Instead you came along and saved me!  I can't imagine anyone else better for Beau.  I can't wait for you to be part of our family so we can make a lifetime of memories together!

Adrianne:  Great at everything she does.  Even though we don't see each other that often, I still consider you a friend.  Amazing what Facebook and texting can do!  You are an awesome wife and will be an out-of-this- world mother.  Who can sew and decorate like you do?  You are like Martha Stewart if she also had to nurse babies back to life in her spare time.  I can't wait to meet your little girl in a few months and have our babies play together! 

Lauren:  To my childhood best friend, you are my oldest buddy, remember when we would light fires in the woods behind that church and burn the hair off your Troll dolls?  Or when we snuck out of the house and trespassed at the high school?  How dumb was that!  We bonded over our divorced parents and mutual love of soccer.  You strengthen me in my faith and I know I can talk to you about anything.  I'm so glad we are still close!

Sarah:  To the kindest person I know.  Who knew that we would get along so well, especially since we are so different.  Our friendship has evolved from high school, college, grad school, marriage, career, until whatever lies ahead in front of us now.  Thank you for not laughing at me as I tried to do an awkward Downward Dog at yoga the other day!  You are what every girl needs, a friend who will always be there no matter what.

Leah:  The most well-rounded.  We only see each other a few times a year, but we always pick up right where we left off.  I'm thankful me, you, and Sarah decided to make our girls trips a tradition.  I love that you are one of my lawyer friends, and I had someone to complain to those three miserable years of law school!  Also, I didn't know I could meet anyone that loves board games like you do!  I admire that you work hard at everything you do, find so many things in life interesting, and still find time to have lots of fun.  I am excited for what the future holds for you and can't wait to be part of it!

Lyndsey:  To my law school bestie.  I knew I wanted to be your good friend in undergrad, but didn't get the chance.  When we started law school together, I knew those three years would be so much easier with you!  You are smart, loving, and a strong Christian woman.  I also love that we can talk about some legal issue one minute and The Bachelor the next minute!  I am so happy you are expecting a baby boy soon!

Lensa:  A kindred spirit.  I bonded immediately with you (I think it is b/c you're secretly Asian or I'm really African).  We can talk about absolutely anything (and I mean anything)!  We have fun together and never run out of things to say.  I have finally made you an Auntie, now you need to return the favor.  Could you just move nearby already!

I'm blessed to have such good friends, thank you for being there for me!  I hope I can be there for you whenever you need me.

"Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light."
-Helen Keller

12 Weeks

Dear Cashew,

This week marks 12 weeks since you began setting up house in my belly.  Your bodily structures are already fully formed.  You are about the size of a large plum, measuring about 2.5 inches long.  This week we heard your heartbeat loud and clear in the 160s, and I think mine skipped a beat.  We are so happy to know that you are doing well.  We love our new OB, she is so kind and will be amazing during this pregnancy.  We pray for you every night before we go to bed.  I'm not showing much yet, but I have put on a few pounds already.  I'm looking forward to having a "baby bump" here in a few weeks.  We have all been guessing if you will be a boy or a girl.  Most people think you are a girl, although we don't mind either way.  Continue growing and making yourself at home, we'll be here anxiously awaiting your arrival.

Love,
Mom

Summer Fun with Our Nieces and Nephew

We have had an eventful few days all thanks to our sweet nieces and nephew.  When I married Sean I became an instant aunt, which I love!  We keep the kiddos a weekend every summer and this time we stayed pretty busy.  A recap of our time together included:  getting feather extensions and our nails done, eating at Larry's Pizza, watching Rio in 3D, visiting Mid-America Museum, swimming, several Smash Brothers video games, church, going to the Burger King playground, and even a trip to see Uncle Beau's band play.  Sean and I always have fun with them and we think it is good practice for the future! 

Love them, we had lots of fun!