It's December 28, 2015, and in just a few days, it will no longer be 2015, and that means we are closer to leaving the place I call 'home.'
This brings tears to my eyes, both happy and sad. This year has been wonderful to me, a few obvious reasons such as the birth of AnaLynn, as well as my 21st birthday, and our 2nd marriage anniversary! I would be lying if I were to say I wasn't scared of 2016 however. My little bug will no longer be a baby, she will be turning 1 in less than 6 months, and we will be moving back to Iowa from Alaska either shortly before her birthday or soon after. This is the part that brings the sad tears to my eyes. Alaska was where Jonathan and I shared our first home together, where we started our family, and it holds so many beautiful perfect memories, as well as the bittersweet memory of AnaLynn's birth. I feel so lost leaving, I'm not sure where we will live in Iowa, and I really am not sure how we will be financially speaking. I am sure of one thing though, I am completely positive that the Lord will help answer our prayers and show us the reason we are being pushed in this direction. I will miss being able to take walks and worry about moose, or bears. I'll miss the antler arch at the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitor Center, the Aurora Borealis dancing outside our bedroom window, and the 24 hours of daylight all summer long.
Alaska is where I met my best friend, Arianna, it's where we have seen friends come & go, as the Army sent them away, it's where AnaLynn took her first breath, and it's where I consider home. I don't know if we will ever visit again, but I sure hope we can, so we can show our daughter where we spent our first years married, had our first home together, and where she was born.
2015 was our last full year in Alaska, and it has flown by far too fast. Life truly is a roller coaster, and it doesn't stop to allow you to fully catch up, this year I have learned to appreciate the little things, appreciate any time you are given with friends, and family, and to just enjoy life-the good and the bad, because it seriously goes by, faster than you think.
Monday, December 28, 2015
Monday, November 9, 2015
Failure
Sometimes, I wonder to myself if I'm a 'good enough' mom to my daughter. Is letting her play alone or cry for 3 minutes while I catch up on dishes, or laundry really a good idea, or will she feel like I'm abandoning her. But, at the same time, if I don't let her play alone, will she grow up wanting me to be there the entire time she colors, plays, or walks to the kitchen for some water?
There is an unbelievable amount of controversy around about car seats, formula vs. breast milk, and cloth vs. disposable diapers, and to be honest it is EXTREMELY obnoxious. Does giving your baby breast milk really make you a better mom? No, either way your baby is being nourished. Sometimes, the judgement of how you raise your child really makes you(me!!) wonder if you are doing it the right way, doing it the way its 'supposed' to be done. But watching AnaLynn go from rolling, to learning how to get in the crawl position really makes me realize, who cares if I'm doing it the way other people believe is right, she is thriving the way I think is right for my family.
I will use disposable diapers, because cloth seems like a hassle to me. Sure, I love the idea of saving the planet, and sure fluff is incredibly adorable, but disposable is so much easier for my family. I breastfeed my baby because I really dislike the smell of formula, and I love the convenience of not having to make bottles at 3am, or wake up to make that 3am bottle and not have enough formula. As for the carseat controversy. I will forward face my baby when I believe it is right, maybe she will be almost 1, maybe she will be 3, either way it will be up to my family. There is scientific proof that can go both ways. Well, guess what. If God believes it is time for your baby to leave and join him, it will happen. Whether your baby is forward or rear facing.
No matter what happens, someone will be questioning how you raise your child, but who cares? If you believe you are doing it in a way that makes you, your partner, and your baby happy, that is all that matters.
There is an unbelievable amount of controversy around about car seats, formula vs. breast milk, and cloth vs. disposable diapers, and to be honest it is EXTREMELY obnoxious. Does giving your baby breast milk really make you a better mom? No, either way your baby is being nourished. Sometimes, the judgement of how you raise your child really makes you(me!!) wonder if you are doing it the right way, doing it the way its 'supposed' to be done. But watching AnaLynn go from rolling, to learning how to get in the crawl position really makes me realize, who cares if I'm doing it the way other people believe is right, she is thriving the way I think is right for my family.
I will use disposable diapers, because cloth seems like a hassle to me. Sure, I love the idea of saving the planet, and sure fluff is incredibly adorable, but disposable is so much easier for my family. I breastfeed my baby because I really dislike the smell of formula, and I love the convenience of not having to make bottles at 3am, or wake up to make that 3am bottle and not have enough formula. As for the carseat controversy. I will forward face my baby when I believe it is right, maybe she will be almost 1, maybe she will be 3, either way it will be up to my family. There is scientific proof that can go both ways. Well, guess what. If God believes it is time for your baby to leave and join him, it will happen. Whether your baby is forward or rear facing.
No matter what happens, someone will be questioning how you raise your child, but who cares? If you believe you are doing it in a way that makes you, your partner, and your baby happy, that is all that matters.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Last week, my husband and I made a big decision, that will affect our family in big ways.
A few months ago, my husband decided to not reenlist, and just go National Guard in 2016 when his enlistment was up. Well, now, we made the decision it will be best if he reenlists for 2-3 more years. So instead of purging our house, and house hunting in Iowa to find our forever home, we are purging, and looking up pro's and con's of new duty stations! I am extremely nervous, and excited to findout where we are going, and all the places we will be able to visit! The fact that she will be only a year old, our baby girl will be able to live not only in Alaska, but another state too?! So spoiled to get to visit the country so young! Now, onto thefrustrating fun part! I get to purge our entire house and declutter, with a baby! and only about 5-6 months to do so!
I know our families might not like this decision we have made, but we need to think about our family now, and what's best for us and our little princess. We need to be sure we will have enough money saved up in an emergency to always provide for her.
A few months ago, my husband decided to not reenlist, and just go National Guard in 2016 when his enlistment was up. Well, now, we made the decision it will be best if he reenlists for 2-3 more years. So instead of purging our house, and house hunting in Iowa to find our forever home, we are purging, and looking up pro's and con's of new duty stations! I am extremely nervous, and excited to findout where we are going, and all the places we will be able to visit! The fact that she will be only a year old, our baby girl will be able to live not only in Alaska, but another state too?! So spoiled to get to visit the country so young! Now, onto the
I know our families might not like this decision we have made, but we need to think about our family now, and what's best for us and our little princess. We need to be sure we will have enough money saved up in an emergency to always provide for her.
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Bountifully Blessed
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
{Almost} 9 months and counting
We. Are. Moving.
From the big AK back to corn filled, good ole' Iowa! With a baby.. who will only be 1. It will be almost 4,000 in a car, through Canada, and a week long. We aren't leaving until June, but I am already stressing. I've started digging through Pinterest, finding tips and tricks, things to pack, and working on finding places to stop at! Here's my list of things to pack in the car! What should I add? What tips and tricks do you have? (We are military! So keep in mind, it could be 2-3 months before the movers are able to bring all of our household items!)
CAR
- gas can
- jumper cables
- tire jack/iron/spare
- flashlight
- first aid kit
- toilet paper
- flares
- paper map/milepost
PACKING
LIST
- ETS Binder (all important info and docs)
- passports
- phone/tablet/computer/camera/chargers
- cooler/snacks/drinks(water juice soda)
- AnaLynn - couple toys/books/coloring
- small blanket/1 pillow
- jackets for everyone
- Sneakers for each
- Clothes enough for 2 weeks
- All/most AnaLynn’s clothes in size she wears
- Diapers/Wipes for atleast a week
- Toiletries
- Neck pillows
- sandwich bag with valuable jewelry
- Trash bags
- Towels
- Small stroller
Thursday, July 23, 2015
31
My goal in life is to become a Proverbs 31 woman, so I can rest assured that I am doing my best as a wife, mother, and house keeper. I have "mini goals" I add to regularly to try and accomplish this life goal and be remembered by my family in the best way possible.
These goals are based off my understanding of Proverbs 31:10-31..
These goals are based off my understanding of Proverbs 31:10-31..
- become a more understanding wife
- seek faith more often before turning over to emotions
- teach our children the Gospel
- care more about being healthy, exercising, taking care of myself
- serve Jon, family, friends, our children, and neighbors gently
- spend money wisely, seek approval from my husband
- work willingly without any complaints
- create a warm and loving home atmosphere
- use my time more wisely to complete tasks
- create "beauty" through being classy and modest
- make better use of the hours in each day
..a woman who fears the Lord is to be Praised.. Proverbs 31:30
My Life As A Christian
Sometimes, when I get frustrated or something goes wrong in our family or home, I don't turn towards Christ first like I should, instead I get mad, upset, and just act childish. But, I am trying to change that. I am trying to become a better Christian, so I can be a better wife.
I didn't grow up in a Christian home, and I didn't really understand how to read the bible, pray, or even know how a Christian should act. I didn't dress or talk modestly, and I found myself in trouble, a lot more than I'd like to admit.
I first started going to youth group with one of my good friends my freshman year of highschool, but youth group didn't really help me understand or come to know the Lord. To me, youth group was always about being with friends and playing games. It wasn't until I met Jonathan that I fully understood how important it is to go to church, understand what it meant to be a Christian, and just let God come first in your life. It was through my husbands family that I learned how important it is to dress modestly, not just because it keeps "guys" from looking at you the wrong way, and assuming the worst about you, but because it shows that you have self respect and confidence. Since I started attending church I have changed in an abundance of ways, I no longer cuss, I dress way differently, and I am so much happier! It's amazing how just accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior can change your life so much!
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
2 years ago today, I was getting ready to get pictures taken with my "boyfriend" before he left for his first duty station, in Alaska.
I was preparing for a heartbreak. Knowing he would be 3,500 miles away from me for the next 3 years.
I was crying and I was completely clueless on what was about to happen.
2 years ago today, Jonathan proposed to me in the most beautiful way, and in such a beautiful park; and the next day we were married! It all happened so fast, we were only together for shortly over a year when we got married, and I lost alot of friends over it because they believed we were moving too fast, or making a big mistake, or who knows what else.
I never in a million years thought I would be married to my bestfriend, loving his family like they were my own, living in Alaska, or even be a mom! My life has changed in ways I never could imagine, and I wouldn't change it in a million years.
This year we will celebrate a bit different than usual. This year we get the joys of bringing our sweet daughter with us on our date! We might not have the "romantic" date couples usually look foward too, but I know it'll still be wonderful because she is part of us, and she is here because of our love for eachother.
Because of Jonathan, I am a better person, I am happier, and I feel loved for the first time in my life. He shows me everyday how much love he has for our daughter and myself. Seeing him with our daughter, smiling when he looks into her eyes, and hugging her close, makes me know I chose the best guy I could. Although I get annoyed and feel stressed sometimes with his decisions, he always knows how to prove to me that he loves and cares for us. I am so glad our daughter has him as a father, and she will get to grow up with him. Growing up without my dad was one of the hardest things in my life, and still affects me even though I am 20 years old. I can only pray that I will be a strong enough to be the best wife to my husband, and the best mom to my daughter, I want to give her the whole world and show love to her that I didn't feel like I was shown.
I was preparing for a heartbreak. Knowing he would be 3,500 miles away from me for the next 3 years.
I was crying and I was completely clueless on what was about to happen.
2 years ago today, Jonathan proposed to me in the most beautiful way, and in such a beautiful park; and the next day we were married! It all happened so fast, we were only together for shortly over a year when we got married, and I lost alot of friends over it because they believed we were moving too fast, or making a big mistake, or who knows what else.
I never in a million years thought I would be married to my bestfriend, loving his family like they were my own, living in Alaska, or even be a mom! My life has changed in ways I never could imagine, and I wouldn't change it in a million years.
This year we will celebrate a bit different than usual. This year we get the joys of bringing our sweet daughter with us on our date! We might not have the "romantic" date couples usually look foward too, but I know it'll still be wonderful because she is part of us, and she is here because of our love for eachother.
Because of Jonathan, I am a better person, I am happier, and I feel loved for the first time in my life. He shows me everyday how much love he has for our daughter and myself. Seeing him with our daughter, smiling when he looks into her eyes, and hugging her close, makes me know I chose the best guy I could. Although I get annoyed and feel stressed sometimes with his decisions, he always knows how to prove to me that he loves and cares for us. I am so glad our daughter has him as a father, and she will get to grow up with him. Growing up without my dad was one of the hardest things in my life, and still affects me even though I am 20 years old. I can only pray that I will be a strong enough to be the best wife to my husband, and the best mom to my daughter, I want to give her the whole world and show love to her that I didn't feel like I was shown.
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Letter To My Sweet Daughter
Dear AnaLynn,
As I sit here on the couch, sipping my iced coffee and I watch you sleep on the couch next to me, I can't help but thank the Lord for giving you to us.
Today, you are exactly one month old, and time flew by! You are doing so much, more than I imagined you would be doing already. You smile and coo, and try talking to your toys when we lay you down on your play mat, you can hold your head up for such a long time, and you try to roll over. You love sleeping on your daddy's chest, and you have such an outgoing strong personality; when you want held or fed, it has to happen right away or else you yell at us, same goes for play time, when you just want to play and stretch, you make sure we know it. We love hearing you yell and talk to us, it is the most precious sounds in the world to me because knowing we almost lost you, every sound you make is a huge reminder that God was looking out for you. I know we may not always get along as you grow older, and we may fight about a lot of things, I want you to know I love you the same, and that will never change.
You are teaching me a whole new idea of patience, understanding, and love, a love I never knew existed. Your daddy and I are so lucky to have you in our lives, and we can't wait to teach you all sorts of new things, and all about Jesus. I am writing this to you, so you can remember a few things that I hope you will never forget, I am positive there will be more things I will want you to remember as you grow but for now, these 6 seem most important..
As I sit here on the couch, sipping my iced coffee and I watch you sleep on the couch next to me, I can't help but thank the Lord for giving you to us.
Today, you are exactly one month old, and time flew by! You are doing so much, more than I imagined you would be doing already. You smile and coo, and try talking to your toys when we lay you down on your play mat, you can hold your head up for such a long time, and you try to roll over. You love sleeping on your daddy's chest, and you have such an outgoing strong personality; when you want held or fed, it has to happen right away or else you yell at us, same goes for play time, when you just want to play and stretch, you make sure we know it. We love hearing you yell and talk to us, it is the most precious sounds in the world to me because knowing we almost lost you, every sound you make is a huge reminder that God was looking out for you. I know we may not always get along as you grow older, and we may fight about a lot of things, I want you to know I love you the same, and that will never change.
You are teaching me a whole new idea of patience, understanding, and love, a love I never knew existed. Your daddy and I are so lucky to have you in our lives, and we can't wait to teach you all sorts of new things, and all about Jesus. I am writing this to you, so you can remember a few things that I hope you will never forget, I am positive there will be more things I will want you to remember as you grow but for now, these 6 seem most important..
- Don't wish to grow up too fast. Enjoy your life, the exciting days, the boring days, and even the days after you have your first heartbreaks. Each day really is a gift from God, and whether it be a good day or a bad day, it's still a day you are alive and healthy.
- Friends come and go. You could have the same friends from childhood up until high school or college, but they could easily become distant memories after you both hit adult-hood. Your dad and I are always here for you when you need us, whether it be to just talk, or gossip, or enjoy time together!
- My love for you will never change, I will never love you less than I did the day before. Nothing you do will ever make me love you less or regret you. You are so special to me, and I will never be able to show you exactly how much my heart beats for you.
- Be confident in yourself. Don't let your dad or I, nor friends define who you are. Your hairstyle, clothing style, and confidence levels are all up to you. I pray you will keep a modest mindset and always be mindful of the Lord when making these choices. We may have a few rules on what is okay or not okay to wear, but we will never force you to wear styles.
- Don't give away your innocence. As awkward as this may be for both of us, we need to talk about this openly and freely and often. Sex is only 'okay' if you are married to the man you are doing it with. Heartbreaks come too easily, and even if you are convinced you will be with a certain boyfriend forever, it isn't always true.
- Always keep an open mindset, when you meet someone always be as kind as you can, on the phone or in person. You never know if that person will be your future spouse, their parent, or even a future manager. The happier you are about life, the happier you really will be.
I love you more than you understand, but I know you will understand sooner than we both plan for. Once you have children of your own, you will be open to a whole new world of love. But for now, please stay my little girl, and need your mommy, because I need you.
I love you bug,
Mommy.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Bushy eyebrows, tired eyes, a full heart
Having a newborn is a lot of work! I can't tell you the last time I had 'time' to fix my eyebrows, or just have 'me' time, but it's so worth it seeing my daughter smile and holding her when she cries, I wouldn't trade being a sleep deprived, not ready for the day, mommy for anything!
AnaLynn Marie was born at 9:10pm, June 07, 2015 weighing 6 pounds 12 ounces, and was 19.6 inches long! My sweet girl is the most beautiful baby I have ever seen.
The Lord was definitely with us during my labor and delivery, and I am so thankful; because we almost lost our precious girl..
AnaLynn was not breathing when she was born, and they could not get her to breathe for nearly 10 minutes. One minute she was laying on my chest, and the next she was behind a curtain and they were calling in a bunch of doctors to try and save her, nobody would tell me anything. I was so scared, all I wanted was to hold my sweetie, and know that she was okay. I was finally able to see my sweet girl around midnight and she was hooked up to so many tubes to help her breathe. They transferred her to a local hospital at 4am on June 8th, and was in their NICU and pediatric floor until June 15th, when she was finally able to come home with us. I don't know what I would have done if the Lord was not watching over her, and protecting her. I will never be able to express how grateful I am, and never before have I felt the way I do about life, it is so precious and there is nothing to be more thankful for than being healthy and alive.
AnaLynn Marie was born at 9:10pm, June 07, 2015 weighing 6 pounds 12 ounces, and was 19.6 inches long! My sweet girl is the most beautiful baby I have ever seen.
The Lord was definitely with us during my labor and delivery, and I am so thankful; because we almost lost our precious girl..
AnaLynn was not breathing when she was born, and they could not get her to breathe for nearly 10 minutes. One minute she was laying on my chest, and the next she was behind a curtain and they were calling in a bunch of doctors to try and save her, nobody would tell me anything. I was so scared, all I wanted was to hold my sweetie, and know that she was okay. I was finally able to see my sweet girl around midnight and she was hooked up to so many tubes to help her breathe. They transferred her to a local hospital at 4am on June 8th, and was in their NICU and pediatric floor until June 15th, when she was finally able to come home with us. I don't know what I would have done if the Lord was not watching over her, and protecting her. I will never be able to express how grateful I am, and never before have I felt the way I do about life, it is so precious and there is nothing to be more thankful for than being healthy and alive.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Big News, but not in the way you're hoping.. (short post today)
Well! I am due in just 2 days! 2! And no sign of our little munchkin yet.
At last weeks 39 week midwife appt I was 1cm dilated, 60% effaced, and today, still 1cm, but now I am 80%! So I guess there is SOME progress.
The big news is.. I have scheduled my induction date for just in case little miss decides she wants to stay, the big day is June 11! at 6am Alaska time! So I can happily say, AnaLynn Marie Thompson will be in my arms in 9 days or less, and lets all pray for less!
At last weeks 39 week midwife appt I was 1cm dilated, 60% effaced, and today, still 1cm, but now I am 80%! So I guess there is SOME progress.
The big news is.. I have scheduled my induction date for just in case little miss decides she wants to stay, the big day is June 11! at 6am Alaska time! So I can happily say, AnaLynn Marie Thompson will be in my arms in 9 days or less, and lets all pray for less!
Friday, May 22, 2015
The countdown is ON
Each day that I look at the calendar on our fridge and can cross another day off, is my favorite part of the day! We are officially less than 2 weeks away from meeting our sweet daughter, unless she decides to be stubborn and stay in past her due date! Everyday I pray for her health, and for a safe delivery, but I also always add in a little prayer of hope for guidance and direction through-out this new phase in my life. Thinking I will be a mom in just a few days is super scary to me, but very exciting as well. I get to teach our daughter how to love God, respect others, have fun, but most importantly; respect herself. I am so very excited to see how Jonathan is with her, everything he has done for me through-out my pregnancy makes me realize how grateful I am to have him as my husband, and how wonderful he will be as a father.
Monday, May 18, 2015
The Last Month
Often times, while image searching "last month of pregnancy" or "9 months pregnant" you find meme's that say "Each month has an average of 30-31 days... except the last month of pregnancy that has, 1453 days." And I can honestly say, before I got pregnant, as well as up until the last few weeks, I just believed it was an exaggeration, and people needed to just enjoy pregnancy! But now, being 38 weeks pregnant, I see what they really mean.
I'm due June 4th, and it really feels like as soon as May 4th hit, the month just drug on compared to the previous months, but not because I'm "miserable" and just want her out, but because I can't wait to hold my daughter in my arms, and kiss her forehead and just feel the bonding connection with her! We have 16 days left, and that could easily change to 1 day, and I could go into labor now or at any time really, or it could even change to 23 days and I may need to schedule my induction date. It's all up to her, and God's perfect timing! It really all depends.
They say castor oil, pedicures, walking, spicy food, and so many other outrageous myths, help induce your labor. But honestly that's all they really are, myths. Doctors really are the only ones who can start your labor, but really, why not be surprised with God's timing? I completely understand how nerve-racking it is, I would LOVE to know the exact date/time I will go into labor, as well as the exact moment I will have her, but really, let's be honest with ourselves, that's not possible. All you can do is pray for a safe labor and delivery, and pray whenever you feel stressed or frustrated.
But, most importantly, ENJOY being pregnant, because I don't know about you, but I will definitely miss it!
I'm due June 4th, and it really feels like as soon as May 4th hit, the month just drug on compared to the previous months, but not because I'm "miserable" and just want her out, but because I can't wait to hold my daughter in my arms, and kiss her forehead and just feel the bonding connection with her! We have 16 days left, and that could easily change to 1 day, and I could go into labor now or at any time really, or it could even change to 23 days and I may need to schedule my induction date. It's all up to her, and God's perfect timing! It really all depends.
They say castor oil, pedicures, walking, spicy food, and so many other outrageous myths, help induce your labor. But honestly that's all they really are, myths. Doctors really are the only ones who can start your labor, but really, why not be surprised with God's timing? I completely understand how nerve-racking it is, I would LOVE to know the exact date/time I will go into labor, as well as the exact moment I will have her, but really, let's be honest with ourselves, that's not possible. All you can do is pray for a safe labor and delivery, and pray whenever you feel stressed or frustrated.
But, most importantly, ENJOY being pregnant, because I don't know about you, but I will definitely miss it!
Sunday, May 10, 2015
About MaKayla
Birthdate: October 2, 1994
Favorite Bible Verse: Ephesians 4:17
"14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith-that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Favorite Foods: Carne Asada, Caesar Salad, Shrimp Scampi Fritta, and Wings of course, who doesn't love wings?!
Favorite Place Visited: Alaska! So blessed to have been given the once in a lifetime opportunity to live in and visit Alaska!
Favorite Past-Time: Quilting, something about it is just so stress relieving and relaxing!
Follow my Instagram here
More to come soon! If you're curious about anything, feel free to contact me!
Favorite Bible Verse: Ephesians 4:17
"14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith-that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Favorite Foods: Carne Asada, Caesar Salad, Shrimp Scampi Fritta, and Wings of course, who doesn't love wings?!
Favorite Place Visited: Alaska! So blessed to have been given the once in a lifetime opportunity to live in and visit Alaska!
Favorite Past-Time: Quilting, something about it is just so stress relieving and relaxing!
Follow my Instagram here
More to come soon! If you're curious about anything, feel free to contact me!
First Mothers' Day? Maybe?
Today May 10th, 2015, is my first Mothers' Day, well atleast I would like to think so. I may still be pregnant for 3 1/2 more weeks, but since the day my first pregnancy test showed positive I have felt like a mommy. I may not change diapers yet, or play with my baby, or even help her fall asleep after eating at night, but I have been protecting this sweet blessing to the best of my ability for the last 9 months, feeding myself with the best nutrients I can to help nourish my sweet daughter, and I have been doing everything I can to be the best pre-mommy I can be for her!
I know next year this holiday will be much different and mean so much more with her actually being here, but for now, I'm going to spend my first Mothers' Day eating some cake, celebrating, and finishing getting everything ready for when AnaLynn Marie arrives, and just making sure everything is perfect!
I know next year this holiday will be much different and mean so much more with her actually being here, but for now, I'm going to spend my first Mothers' Day eating some cake, celebrating, and finishing getting everything ready for when AnaLynn Marie arrives, and just making sure everything is perfect!
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
What's in my hospital bag?
I will officially be 36 weeks pregnant in 2 days, But today, our countdown is at 30 days! And with braxton hick contractions getting stronger and stronger, I figured it was probably that time I should pack my hospital labor bag, and delivery bag so we are ready to go at any moment! And I thought, I might share in case others are curious on what I packed, or are just wanting an idea for when they pack theirs. So, here it goes!
(Note: our hospital provides nearly everything for the baby, all we are required to bring is a car seat, everything else is optional! They also provide most of the toiletry's for mom and unlimited gowns for the 48 hour required stay after baby is born. The carseat is not pictured also, but its definitely an important item!)
Labor Bag
(Note: our hospital provides nearly everything for the baby, all we are required to bring is a car seat, everything else is optional! They also provide most of the toiletry's for mom and unlimited gowns for the 48 hour required stay after baby is born. The carseat is not pictured also, but its definitely an important item!)
Labor Bag
My labor bag is all the things I will need before the baby is born, while I am in the hosptial, everything fits inside the red/white chevron drawstring bag. My items include; my favorite lollipops(Tootsie Pops!), Green tea infused with exotic fruits to help relax and calm me, slippers and non skid socks for walking the halls while laboring, a "thank you" card and candy bag for the nurses, and a small toiletry's bag with my favorite scented lotion, hair ties, a headband, and chapstick! (Not pictured; affirmation cards to read and remind me WHY I am in this position and remind me how wonderful it will be when our baby is in our arms!)
Baby Items
Inside my post delivery bag, I put the 2 baby items I am bringing. A minnie mouse sleeper, and matching hair bow, for all the cute "going home" pictures we will take! and her baby book, so they can stamp her feet in it while they do her birth certificate.
Toiletry Bag
Not everything in my toiletry bag is pictured, all my husbands items are packed away already. However, for me I have included shampoo, conditioner, body wash(also not pictured), toothbrush/paste, hair items, and femine products.
Completed Bag
All of my items and my husbands fit inside this AMAZING! weekender bag from thirty-one, with room left over! (Not pictured; my coming home outfit, stretchy sport shorts and tshirt for if I want to wear my own clothes in the hospital, husbands items, our phone chargers because we are using them now, and our DSLR camera Jonathan's mom gave us)
The last few weeks
On September 26, 2014, my husband and I got news that changed our lives forever. We had 2 pink lines on a very important test. In February 2014 we decided to start trying to expand our family, and after what felt like forever, God granted our prayers and blessed us! Living over 3,500 miles away from family during my pregnancy has been very difficult, with Jonathan at work during the day, and sometimes spending nights and weeks away from home, I have been trying very hard to keep up with our house work, as well as dealing with severe morning sickness that sadly at 35 weeks 5 days pregnant, it still decides to come and go. But, our little girl will be so worth it all, she truly is the answer to our long prayers, AnaLynn Marie is due to arrive June 4th, 2015!
Hearing her heartbeat for the first time, as well as seeing her on the ultrasound screen was breath-taking, I cried tears of joy, and was so thankful to the Lord for giving us this precious gift! And, the first time Jonathan got to see her on the ultrasound, we found out we were expecting a girl! So amazing! The entire pregnancy I was convinced we would be having a boy, however, Jonathan said girl, from the second we found out. It was definitely an amazing experience and I am so happy we were able to findout the gender together.
Around 21/22 weeks, I had a dating ultrasound, and they checked to make sure our little girl was growing according to planned, and was still a girl ;) About 20 minutes into the ultrasound, the technician noted she was having a hard time seeing my left ovary, and the cervix, so she had everybody leave the room while she did an internal ultrasound, during which, she told me my placenta was growing over my cervix, and putting a lot of pressure on my left ovary and if it didn't grow up as my uterus grew, it could cause many problems including c-section, hemorrhaging, and put both my life, and our babies life at risk, I was so scared. Unfortunately, at this time, I was home visiting family while Jonathan was at a long training in another state, but having my mother, grandmother, as well as Jonathan's mother and 2 of his brothers there helped me get through this time. Thankfully, I just trusted God and kept praying it would grow away from my cervix. At 28 weeks, I was back home and so was Jonathan, we had another ultrasound just to check how it was so we knew if we would have to start planning for the worst, we found out the problem indeed fixed itself! We were so happy! Our sweet girl is planned to arrive in just 4 short weeks healthy, and we couldn't be more happy.
Hearing her heartbeat for the first time, as well as seeing her on the ultrasound screen was breath-taking, I cried tears of joy, and was so thankful to the Lord for giving us this precious gift! And, the first time Jonathan got to see her on the ultrasound, we found out we were expecting a girl! So amazing! The entire pregnancy I was convinced we would be having a boy, however, Jonathan said girl, from the second we found out. It was definitely an amazing experience and I am so happy we were able to findout the gender together.
Around 21/22 weeks, I had a dating ultrasound, and they checked to make sure our little girl was growing according to planned, and was still a girl ;) About 20 minutes into the ultrasound, the technician noted she was having a hard time seeing my left ovary, and the cervix, so she had everybody leave the room while she did an internal ultrasound, during which, she told me my placenta was growing over my cervix, and putting a lot of pressure on my left ovary and if it didn't grow up as my uterus grew, it could cause many problems including c-section, hemorrhaging, and put both my life, and our babies life at risk, I was so scared. Unfortunately, at this time, I was home visiting family while Jonathan was at a long training in another state, but having my mother, grandmother, as well as Jonathan's mother and 2 of his brothers there helped me get through this time. Thankfully, I just trusted God and kept praying it would grow away from my cervix. At 28 weeks, I was back home and so was Jonathan, we had another ultrasound just to check how it was so we knew if we would have to start planning for the worst, we found out the problem indeed fixed itself! We were so happy! Our sweet girl is planned to arrive in just 4 short weeks healthy, and we couldn't be more happy.
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