God's Great Blessings... Our Growing Family

Seems like I can't ever keep this updated...

2010-07-11T19:56:00.005-04:00

We went out for mommy's birthday and I got to drive!! Ok, we were actually already parked and just waiting to go in.

I'm 6 months old here. 18 lbs 2 oz and 27 1/2 inches long.

We went to Illinois in May and I got to hang out with my great grandpa King for a while.

I loved my first day at the Beach... hopefully there will be many more of these this summer

After the beach, mommy had to give me some popsicle... it was hot!

Speaking of the heat... we went to see the tall ships in Cleveland and we roasted. But they sure were cool!

Catch up Post!

2010-04-11T16:39:00.004-04:00

Benji sitting up all on his own on Easter.

Cousin Micah and Benji playing at Mimi's.

Happy 1st Easter!

Love this one with the plastic peep.

All dressed up for church on Easter Sunday.

I made a new friend at Micah's birthday party.

Getting ready for my 1st swim.

Mommy, I want some water with lemon too!

In the pool

First Cereal

2010-03-01T22:17:00.002-05:00

At first, Benji was not too sure about this whole rice cereal thing. But he warmed up to it by the end of the feeding. Also, at 4 months old, Benji is now 15 lbs 13 oz and 25 inches long!

Just some fun pics!

2010-02-15T18:27:00.003-05:00

Benji will finally nap flat on his back. For several months, he would only sleep in a semi-reclined position.

Look at my new hat! This is the only hat we could find left in Benji's size out of 3 stores... he outgrew his other cute winter hat.

Yup, I'm a thumb sucker. After trying for a long time, I've finally found it and figured out how to suck my thumb.

Wow, look at how high I can hold my head while I'm on my tummy.

Dedication

2010-02-15T18:23:00.003-05:00

Benjamin Daniel
Dedicated to the Lord on January 31st, 2009
Benji, we know you have been given to us by God and we promise to raise you in His name.

Christmas and New Year's Eve

2010-01-11T21:08:00.004-05:00

We went to Illinois for Christmas this year. Benji and Steve loved playing together!

Uncle Tony is so comfy... and so is Auntie Ang!

Christmas boys in Christmas PJs on Christmas morn!

Papa Leo thinks Benji is old enough to start playing drums now.

Aunt Linda's Christmas parties are great! She got Benji a rocking duck!

Wow... New Year's Eve parties are great!

First Family Photo Shoot

2009-12-20T17:35:00.004-05:00

Ok, I've gotta say, this is my favorite outfit so far.

My first Christmas

Oh what a beautiful family

So, 7 1/2 week old babies and photo shoots aren't always the most perfect match. About half way through Benji just wanted to be done.

All of these pictures were taken by Aunt Katy. She's such a talented photographer.

8 weeks!

2009-12-20T17:23:00.003-05:00

Mimi and Papa got a new toy for their house... a little odd, but I guess that's what grandparents are for!

I love my new seahorse... Mimi got this for me for Christmas. It lights up and plays music.

Look, we both have our pacifiers!

There's a smile!

We had fun visiting with Lisa and Taylor. Hopefully they come back soon!

7 weeks old!

2009-12-15T20:45:00.002-05:00

What a cute family!

A little bit of a smile!

1st Thanksgiving and 1 month Old

2009-11-28T19:54:00.002-05:00

Our Little Turkey

Benji slept through most of his 1st Thanksgiving celebration... only woke up to eat! Well, I guess that is what the holiday is all about anyway :) All kidding aside, we are very thankful for Benji this year. God has been very good to us.

All ready for winter! As soon as we put Benji in his carseat, give him his pacifier and put his hat on, he falls asleep... every time.

Check out that face! He's got a lot of funny faces, but this one has got to be one of the funniest yet.

Cousins

2009-11-21T14:01:00.003-05:00

Micah and Benji are going to be best buds... can't you tell! Micah read this book to Benji and gently got his attention by patting his head saying, "Benji, look Tiger." Micah also asks for Benji to come watch Little People and Barney with him when they are both visiting Grandma (aka Mimi).

Two week check-up and more....

2009-11-15T21:06:00.001-05:00

First playmat time for Benji :)

Benji's two week check-up : 7Lbs. 15oz

Aunt Angie's first visit

Benji's Birthday, Homecoming, 1st Halloween and more!

2009-11-01T15:39:00.005-05:00

Waiting at the hospital. My water broke at 9pm on October 25th at home. We got to the hospital and I was 3cm dilated, 100% effaced. They started me on antibiotics for testing positive for group B strep. After my second dose of antibiotics, they started pitocin at 3am. At 6am I was 6 cm dilated and by 9am I was 8 cm dilated. The doctor broke a small pocket of water and the contractions became very intense. After a few of those contractions, I wanted an epidural because the nurse said it could be a few more hours before I was ready to push. I decided to get an epidural, but almost as soon as the nurse left to get anesthesia, I was ready to push! Benji was born at 10:08am.

All buckled in the carseat for the first time... not even a peep from the little guy!

Here we are, ready to go home on Wednesday, October 28th.

Eyes wide open!

First sponge bath at home... this was not a fun bath time for Benji.

Happy Halloween!

BOO! Actually taken the day after Halloween, but we couldn't resist the little ghost outfit.

Benji's Here!!

2009-10-29T20:13:00.003-04:00

Benjamin Daniel
October 26th, 2009
7lbs. 11 oz., 20 inches long

We are thrilled with our little man! A little tired right now, but thrilled ;) More details to come.

38 week appt

2009-10-23T17:11:00.003-04:00

Still no baby! The doctor is surprised I haven't gone into labor yet, but I'm not dilated any more than last week. I've been having really bad itching all over my body and especially my hands and feet. The doctor said it's probably nothing serious but they did some bloodwork to check my liver function. Also, the doctor said that if I don't go into labor before next Friday's appointment, we will set up an induction date for November 3rd since I am already dilating and now because of this itching problem.

Belly Pics at 37 Weeks

2009-10-19T07:34:00.002-04:00

37 weeks... full term

2009-10-16T21:36:00.002-04:00

At 37 weeks the baby is now considered full term, and it seems that he knows it too :) At my appointment today, I found out that I am 3 cm dilated and 70% effaced and the baby's head is really low. My doctor said I could make it to my next appointment (in a week), but she would be very surprised if I did. We'll see... trying not to get my hopes up, but it would be fun to have a baby in the very near future!

Cloth Diapers

2009-10-15T13:30:00.003-04:00

Most people around us know that we plan on cloth diapering our new little one. I am very excited at the prospect of cloth diapering. Hopefully we get the hang of it! One of my favorite diaper finds: Kissaluvs fitted diapers. They have wonderful elastic around the legs and the back and snaps for closures. Now Kissaluvs has a new more absorbent version of their fitted diapers. I will have to try these when we need the next size up!

The Nursery

2009-10-14T19:05:00.003-04:00

36 week OB check up

2009-10-09T19:35:00.002-04:00

Well, we are down to OB appointments every week now. Today's appointment went well. Baby is doing great and so am I. I had the group B strep test and will get those results over the next week sometime. The doctor also did an internal exam. The baby's head is nice and low and I'm 50% effaced and 2 centimeters dilated already. The doctor said I could be like that for weeks but if I went into labor now, they wouldn't stop it. I'll try to post after every appointment from now on.

Shower Pictures! 35 weeks!

2009-10-06T16:38:00.003-04:00

Getting ready to open all the gifts! Thank you everyone for your generosity.

Cute table decorations! Turtle bath toys floating in water. Hopefully Benji will enjoy turtles because we have a lot of them now!

Aunt Jessie and Aunt Stacey made this cute cake! It was wonderful.

33 Weeks down, 7 to go!

2009-09-18T01:36:00.005-04:00

It's been a while since we've posted new pics. I was hoping to have some pictures from my sister's wedding, but we forgot the camera. So, here are some self-taken belly pics that aren't the best, but will do for now!

27 Week Belly Pics!

2009-08-10T13:31:00.001-04:00

26 week OB check-up

2009-08-04T01:26:00.004-04:00

I went to the doctor today. Everything with the baby looks great. So far this is a completely healthy pregnancy! I do have to choose a new doctor because mine is moving. This will be my 4th doctor so far. Hopefully I don't have to change again.

I go back to the doctor a week from Friday to have the glucose screening done and to get a rhogam shot. Hoping the glucose screening comes back normal. Well, I think that's all there is to report at this time.

Room Decor

2009-07-07T17:18:00.005-04:00

Here are some pictures of things that have been made for baby's room, special from mommy to baby!

First, a blanket that will hang on the wall until baby is old enough to use it at night:

Here are some paintings for the wall:

The fabrics that are used in the blanket and will be used for other room decorations like a crib skirt and curtains:

And finally, no baby room is complete without baby's name in wooden letters!

22 week OB appointment

2009-07-07T15:48:00.002-04:00

I had an OB appointment yesterday (Monday). Everything looks really good so far. The baby's heartbeat is in the 150s. The doctor also measures my uterus every time from now on. The number of centimeters should be about the same as the number of weeks into pregnancy. Yesterday I measured 24 cm, so pretty close. I go back to the doctor on August 3rd for my next appointment.

Seeing Baby Move!

2009-06-30T01:46:00.002-04:00

Ok, so this has got to be one of the oddest and coolest things about pregnancy. Just a few moments ago, I noticed the baby was VERY active, so I looked down at my bare belly and low and behold, my tummy was jumping! I could see the baby moving from the outside. So neat! Just wanted to share this awesome milestone.

Hello there Little Boy

2009-06-17T00:41:00.001-04:00

Yup, we found out on Monday that this baby is a boy! We are still teetering between several names. But I've been feeling the baby move quite a bit lately. Over the past week, I've started feeling the baby several times a day. It's great! We have registries set up at Target and Babies R Us. Things are going well!

Nausea!

2009-03-20T09:40:00.001-04:00

Well, along with the sheer exhaustion, nausea has now set in. It's actually a little reassuring that I am progressing along nicely into this pregnancy. I stopped at the gas station this morning on my way to work to get some ginger ale... they didn't have any!!! Can you believe that!? So I had to settle for 7-up.
As for that exhaustion: I didn't think it was possible to be more tired than I already was last week, but I feel almost helpless this week. Don't know what I would do without Dan being such a good helper. He's been doing a lot of the housework during the week. Work just wipes me out. I usually go home and take a nap right away and then wake up for dinner and watch a little T.V. and then I'm ready for bed again! All for the baby! I wouldn't have it any other way. Actually, on certain days when I don't feel as tired, I get a little worried. I am gladly welcoming the symptoms of pregnancy.
If you read the letter to my son/daughter, you know we are telling Dan's family about the pregnancy today. It's exciting to begin telling other people.

A Note to My Son or Daughter

2009-03-20T09:33:00.000-04:00

Hi there little one! We got to see you for the first time on Tuesday. It was so exciting to see that your heart was beating and everything looked good. Mommy was a little nervous going into it, but after that ultrasound, I realized what a Great God we serve. You are a true miracle from the hand of God. Your Grandma and Grandpa Buxton were so happy to know that everything was good with you so far. Uncle Sean seemed so excited to hear that we saw your little heart beat. Everyone can't wait to meet you! We're going to tell your Dad's side of the family about you today. I know they will be just as excited as everyone else. I can't wait to see you again and I won't have to wait long. Tuesday we get to see you and hopefully HEAR your heart beating. I pray for you every day that God keeps you strong and healthy. More than that I have given you over to God's will. Whatever He has in store for your life, that's what we want for you. It's hard to remember that you are not mine, but just given to me to look after and take care of for a while. You belong to the Lord. Love you so much already and I know that love will only increase with each passing day.

Love,
Mommy

5 weeks, 3 days

2009-03-12T11:45:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm still living in God's greatness. Whenever I think about the fact that I am pregnant I am overcome with emotion. Although I have to admit that I am very nervous at times still and I'm sure a lot of that won't go away until I am holding our baby in my arms. We do have our first ultrasound on Tuesday (St. Patrick's Day)! I am excited and hope we can see the heartbeat at that time. Although I know logically that it may take a little longer than 6 weeks to see a heartbeat, it would be very hard to leave the office without knowing for sure that our little one has a strong heartbeat.
As for symptoms: I am feeling very hungry most of the time and extremely tired. I don't want much of anything sweet though. Even cereal is a little on the sweet side to me. I have been wanting savory foods. Tomato soup, eggs with cheese, even salad have become my friends. Not sure if this is due to me really craving these foods or just knowing that they are good for the baby. I was feeling pretty crampy for a while (which is pretty normal in early pregnancy), but that seems to have subsided. And of course, the tell-tale sign that hormones are raging, my chest is very sore lately!
I guess that's all for today. I'm very anxious to know that all is well with this baby so we can tell the world!

An Amazing Weekend

2009-03-02T22:46:00.001-05:00

I am still in disbelief. Yes, even after 4 positive home tests and a great hCG level of 101 from a blood test, I still can't believe that the journey of "trying to conceive" has become one of "conceived." After waking up at about 5am on Sunday morning (yesterday), and not being able to go back to sleep, I did it! I took a pregnancy test. I was afraid to look at it, so I went downstairs to get some water and waited the proper amount of time. When I went back upstairs, I was really expecting for the results to be the same as they always were: nothing, nada, negative! I picked up the stick and there it was: 2 pink lines! I didn't know what to do. Thoughts raced through my mind. After a moment I decided to wake up Dan. Yeah, he wasn't too thrilled when I turned on the lights at 5:30 in the morning. But he got over it! There was no falling back to sleep for me. I got in the shower and went to Walmart to pick up some more tests. I took another one after just waiting a few hours, this time it was digital... I couldn't believe that a $5 test from Walmart was telling me I was "pregnant." So, I know these tests are very accurate and it's very unlikely to get a false negative (especially from 2 tests), but I took 2 more on Monday morning before going to my appointment to get blood work. The blood work had been scheduled, like it is for every month when going to a fertility specialist, for over a week. Finally, the doctor confirmed my 4 home tests. I am pregnant. I AM pregnant. I am PREGNANT. I AM PREGNANT!!!

Words can't express all the emotions right now. I feel so incredibly blessed by God. Through this journey of infertility I have gotten very close to other women facing the same diagnosis, many of whom are still waiting and trying to have a baby. I won't say for a moment that I am more blessed than any one of these women. My heart hurts for them. I don't know why God would choose to bring this blessing into my life and I feel very unworthy. My heart asks, "why me? What about all the other couples who long for children?" All I can do is put my trust in the Lord and thank Him for all that He has done in my life. God's miracles never cease to amaze me.

Thank you Lord for all that you've done and will do in the future. I place this child in your hands.