It's a .............

GIRL!! We are so excited that we are going to have a little girl. I'm pretty sure her daddy is going to spoil her rotten. We got a great report today at out anatomy scan. Everything looks just right so far. The nurse that did the scan and the Dr. both comented on how great she looked. At his time she is about 8 inches long and is about 6 ounces. We got a DVD of the ultrasound so I will try and figure out how to post that so you can see how active she is. When we started the ultrasound she was laying across my stomach with her feet over her head playing with her toes. By the end she was upside down and stretched out. We also got to see her suck her thumb. She sure is a beauty!!!In this picture you can see her sucking her thumb.

I will post more u/s pics later.

We sure are relieved that everything looks good!!

Prayer Request

This morning on my way to church I received a text message from my best friend Niki, telling me that her brother, Michael Ceparano's, girlfriend Erica Smith had been in a head on collision early this morning. I later got word that she has a 50/50 chance of survival. Erica was in and out of surgery all morning. I talked to Niki a few minutes ago and she told me that part of Erica's brain is exposed. She is bleeding from her eyes, nose, and mouth. She has had part of her frontal lobe removed which means if she does make it she will not be the same Erica that we all know. There is a large chance that she will be blind if she is to survive this and she will have to undergo a total of 48 hours of reconstructive surgery.
These next 48 hours of critical to her survival.

How did this happen? A drunk driver was going the wrong way on 410 in San Marcos for 40 minutes. There was a helicopter trying to stop Erica's car but they didn't see it. Police were already on their way but unfortunately they were not there in time to stop this drunk driver from plowing into Erica's side of the car. Two other girls in Erica's car were injured but are ok. The drunk driver walked away and is now sitting in jail.

I have had the privilege of getting to know Erica through Niki and Mike. She is truly a sweet and genuine girl. She is only 23 years old and has so much of her life left to live. She ALWAYS had a smile on her face. In fact when I think of Erica, her smile is what I think about. Please pray for the Smith and Ceparano families as they deal with losing such a sweet and gentle part of their families. Please pray that Erica be comfortable and peaceful through all of this.

Update: 6:17 p.m. Erica has lost one of her eyes. They will do surgery to put it back into the socket.

Update: 6:30 p.m. Erica has a very rare blood type. She is O negative. She is needing 100 units of blood.

I will update as I get them.

Take my Quiz!

Here is a little trivia about me. Can you tell I'm bored? Follow the link and take the quiz about me and see how well you know me. I hope I have some takers on this because it took me a while to come up with all the questions. Some of the answers are in my blog and some of them are not. Let's see what you know!!

http://www.quizyourfriends.com/quizpage.php?quizname=071215101000-206607&

Holidork Sweater Party

Friday night Terry and I went to our friend's George and Holly's for a Holidork Sweater Party. The purpose of the party was to see who could come up with the dorkiest old Christmas sweater. Unfortunately all the the Christmas sweatshirts I had in the 80's have all disappeared. Imagine that! So it became my duty to "create" our attire. Let me just start off by saying that iron-on transfers and I are NOT friends. I found this cute little snowman, glitter and all, that said "Let it Sew". I thought it was perfect for...........Terry's shirt. So I began preparing to iron it on and I couldn't get it to stick. I tried 3 different times, each time turning up the iron (don't do that). The last time I checked on it the plastic was a "touch" wrinkled. I began for the last time try and peal away the plastic, this time not only did it stick, but it was STUCK. At this time I decided to forget it, after all it was a contest for the dorkiest sweater, RIGHT? So I just left the plastic on it, used a little puff paint and voila, you have a dorky shirt. Now, you can tell by the expression on his face that by the time we got to the party he was no longer "feeling" the shirt. He particularly did not like the pearl necklace I had made for the collar of the shirt. I must tell you that at first he thought the shirt was awesome, until he actually had to wear it. Poor guy, he was dead tired and feeling a little uncomfortable. We knew a few people there but definitely not everyone. If you know Terry, you know it is not like him at all to be uncomfortable in social situations. He finally perked up after a little while and began to enjoy himself.I did make myself a shirt also, but certainly did not do as much damage to mine as I did to his. Not on purpose, it just worked out that way. I must say as I was puff painting my shirt, it reminded me of going to my grandparents in the Summer and my cousin Tiffany and I making some beautiful puffy paint shirts.

Niki was all on her own with her sweater. She got quite creative. Her sweater cracked me up.



Here are all the contestants in the sweater contest. Terry really had nothing to be worried about. It was great fun watching them all model their sweaters. Afterwards we had a dirty Santa gift exchange which got pretty funny. I ended up with fake cockroaches and a whoopi cushion. I left the cockroaches there for George and Holly to find later :) I shall point fingers and say "Kim helped me!!"
This is what Terry did to his shirt before we left. He RUINED it!! Look at him trying to look all innocent. Poor sewman no longer has a head, but he got the plastic off. I guess he won't be wearing this next year.

And a bonus pic. This is Kara, her mama is Jenny, a friend from high school. She is a CUTIE!! 10 months and already walking!!

We had a great time besides both of us being dead tired. Our bedtime these days is around 9pm. We are so SAD!!

Cerulean Christmas Party

Thursday night Terry and I joined all of his co-workers at the Royal Oaks Country Club for his annual office Christmas party. We had a great time just as we did last year. Here are a few pictures from the night.

Scared Baby

So today after school I was standing in the hall talking to a teacher. Suddenly I sneezed. I think I scared the baby. I felt it move from the middle of my belly to the right side. I just imagine a scared cat with all of it limbs spread out. This is the first time I have felt it move while I was standing up. I'm still not feeling it all the time. As a matter of fact that was only the 4th time I've felt it. But it was quite funny because I totally lost concentration on what this teacher was talking to me about and was staring at my stomach like something was going to jump out of it.

No other news to report except that my bodily functions aren't working very well. To much info, I know, but it's my blog!! People don't tell you EVERYTHING about what it's like to be pregnant. Luckily so far I've had the bare minimum in the symptoms area. Just some of my parts have quit functioning appropriately. OH WELL, I'm gonna have a baby!!

15 weeks

WARNING: Bellies in the picture may appear larger than they really are.

We finally took a true belly pic. Now please note that I had just eaten lunch, needed to use the bathroom, and I was sticking it out as much as possible to make the picture worth it. This is what we got. When I start the day out, I don't seem to be showing much, but by days end I feel huge and I can't bend over. What's that about anyway, Terry's gonna have to shave my legs before it's all over with. I hope he doesn't cut me. I'm not sure he would let me shave his face. Actually I guess we could trade off, I could shave his face for him if he will shave my legs. We'll see about that!

In other baby news I THINK, now notice I say THINK, I felt the baby move last week. That would be during my 14th week. I was laying on the couch and all of the sudden I felt this strange twitching, fluttering sensation on my right side. Now it could have been gas, but I really don't think so, I can pretty much recognize that sensation. I haven't felt it again but I don't think I've been that still while conscious since then.

We have a big week ahead of us. Two Christmas parties this week so hopefully I will have some good pictures to post from those events.

I hope everyone is enjoying getting into the Holiday spirit. I know I am!! Everyone in my office made fun of me when I put my tree up in my office the day we got back from Thanksmas break. I really think they were just jealous because they were behind. But NOW the whole office is decorated so I have Christmas at home and work. I like that!

Thanksmas or Christmagiving

After going to San Marcos we headed up to Denton to have our Holiday with Dad's family. We did double duty this year and had Thanksgiving at lunch and Christmas at dinner. It is always loud when this side of the family gets together and this year was no exception. We always have a good time laughing, joking and giving each other a hard time. We also ALWAYS take family pictures when we get together. Again no exception this year. The boy cousins are not so fond of this tradition but they always participate anyway. They don't want the wrath of Emily upon them (or Aunt Marcia or Tiffany). So here are our family pictures from Thanksmas.

But first- Terry after eating Thanksgiving lunch. Ate Much?

My cousin Tiffany and I

The girl cousins- Calli, Courtney, Emily, and Tiffany

The boys minus one, my bro Tim could not make it this year. And no this isn't the "best" picture but I thought it was hilarious and totally fitting for how they act when we do this.
Christopher, Blake, Terry, and Tyler

This is a special picture of Blake. He LOVES to have his picture taken. He always smiles so pretty.

The Cox/Richards Family - Me, Terry, Courtney, Mom and Dad

The Browder Family - Blake, Uncle Jerry, Aunt Marcia (Dad's sister), Tiffany, and Tyler

The other Cox family - Uncle Gary, Calli, Aunt Michele, Kilee (Christopher's girlfriend), and Christopher

The "original" Cox family - Uncle Gary, Aunt Marcia, Papa, Mema, and Dad

And that about explains it!

Uncle Ter Ter and Courtney



Terry's idea! 13 weeks and 5 days pregnant!

Friday we stopped in Corsicana on our way home. My camera was in my suitcase so I didn't take any pictures while we were there. We played spades with our niece and nephew. Terry and I started out winning but somehow we lost in the last round. Oh well, we will get them next time!!

Needless to say I am glad to be home. I didn't really get to rest much this Holiday break so I am now looking forward to Christmas break!!!

Shopping Trip

Last Saturday Mom, Dad, Courtney and I headed to San Marcos for our annual Thanksgiving shopping trip. Dad rented a travel trailer for us all to stay in. Courtney loved it. She thought it was her little playhouse. We got some shopping done but for some reason I didn't get as much done this year as last. I think it may have had something to do with being a little preoccupied with being pregnant. I found myself looking for baby stuff and I don't even know if it's a boy or girl yet. I did get a couple of gifts though so at least I got something done. This was our trailer.

Mom, Dad, and Courtney

While we were there I took the opportunity to take a few pictures of Court. I haven't done that in a while.

We had a great time while we were there. I was dead tired, Mom wore me out, but it was still alot of fun. I'm not sure how it will work next year with an infant with us but I'm sure we will figure out something.

Is it Friday YET?!?!

This has been the longest week ever and I didn't even come to work on Monday. I guess waiting for the holiday week is getting to me. I'm so ready to have a break. I am going with Mom and Dad to San Marcos on Saturday and we are going to spend a few days Christmas shopping. So excited to get that out of the way. Mom and I went last year and I got so much shopping done, it was nice to get it all done at one time. Of course we will have Courtney with us this year so we may not get quite as much done. Although she is a huge fan of shopping. She tends to take after her Nana and Auntie Em.

We will be heading to Denton later in the week to have Thanksgiving/Christmas with Dad's side of the family. Then head back through Corsicana to see Terry's family. I'm pretty sure I will be dead tired by the time I make it back home. I hope I have enough energy to put up the Christmas tree. My FAVORITE thing to do!!! I can't believe we get to do that next weekend. This year is flying by. I sure wish this week would.

I noticed that the "GIRL" votes are winning on the pole. Terry says it's because only my "people" are voting. HMMM not sure how I should take that :/ Is he saying I want a girl? Because I am sticking to my guns when I say I just want a healthy baby. But I REALLY want to find out what it is!!!!

Amanda M. - we will be in your neck of the woods until Tuesday morning. Let me know if you want to come over for a day of shopping or lunch or something. I would love to see you!!!

Dr.'s Appt.

Today we went to see Dr. Phillips for the first time. We got to hear the heart beat which was really cool. The baby wasn't totally cooperating so it was pretty faint but it was there. This time it was at about 156 so it dropped a little bit but that is no big deal. We will have our BIG ultrasound in about 5 or 6 weeks. This ultrasound will be our anatomy scan were they look at all the body parts inside and out. This can be scary if they find something wrong but we are praying for a healthy baby so hopefully everything will be fine. We will also get to find out what the baby is at the U/S. Hopefully it will be right before Christmas. I am very anxious to find out what this baby is. Anyway just thought I would update on the baby. Everything is still looking good!!

Last Progesterone Shot

Saturday I gave myself my last Progesterone shot. I am so excited to be through with the HUGE needles. I of course had to have this documented so beware of the pictures!!! If you don't like needles you may not want to look any further. There is an actual shot picture. Don't say I didn't warn you.Preparing for the last shot!

Getting the Progesterone.

Yes I still have to ice my leg. I never could do it without it. (I know this is a horrible picture!)

I'm sorry if this image is disturbing. But we are VERY use to it around here!! Look at my nails though, they are growing.

All DONE!!! NO MORE SHOTS!!!!

Fun at the Nutcracker Market!

Friday, Mom and I went to the Nutcracker Market at the Reliant Center. I love going there because it can really get you in the Holiday spirit. They always have so much to look at, it is almost sensory overload. We had a great afternoon with tired feet, backs and all. Mom told everyone in sight that I was pregnant. It was actually kinda funny. I got to where I could even predict when she was going to throw into a conversation with a stranger. It won't be to long till she doesn't have to tell anyone......it will just be obvious. I think she probably tell people anyway :) We bought some great stuff but here are a few of the favorite purchases. The t- shirt in the middle is mine. It says Mommy on it!!!

We couldn't resist these two onsies. Everything is so gender specific and since we don't know yet what we are having we figured these two could go either way.

Happenings

Well I am being weaned off of all my meds. YEAH!!! I stopped taking the Lovenox shots last week. So the bruises are now gone. Next week I will take my last intramuscular Progesterone shot. I'm so excited to finally be getting off of all of this medicine.

I can't believe I am already nearing the end of the first trimester. I'm still feeling good for the most part. There are still some bouts of nausea but still no vomiting. I feel like a very lucky girl!!!

Terry is giving the baby "talks" pretty often. He keeps talking to it like it's a boy. I keep telling him he is going to have to start all over with those talks if we find out it is a girl. I think he is just doing it to irritate me. He is so sweet! I don't want to get my hopes up either way, I just want a healthy baby. And I am clueless as to what I think it is. I go back and forth with it. Hopefully I will find out on Monday when we will get to find out what it is. I'm ready to start buying gender specific items. Terry is ready to start buying shin guards and cleats :)

Madisen turns 5!!

This past weekend we had the pleasure of celebrating my cousin Madi's 5th birthday. They had the party at a gymnastics gym and the kids (and I must include Terry in that) had a blast.Madi and Terry

Madi and Courtney jumping!

Terry was a little to tall for this one!

Courtney sliding into the foam pit

Em and Braunsen, it kills me how big he is!!! Do I look pregnant or what?!?!?

Technical Difficulties!!

Ultrasound pics coming soon. I'm having computer trouble.

Bittersweet Goodbye!!

Well today we had our last appointment with Dr. Schnell. This whole experience has been so crazy that it was sad to leave. Dr. S gave me a hug before we left and it took everything in me not to start crying. She has given us such a gift and I could never thank her enough for what she has done for us. Everyone in that office has been so helpful and patient with us that we couldn't have asked for a better situation.

Onto funner things. We had our 10 week ultrasound today. The baby looks perfect. It was moving all over the place. One time it looked like it literally ran and hid from the ultrasound. The baby is about 1.5 inches long. At one point it had it's little arm over it's eyes. We saw both lobes of the brain and it's arms and legs and I even made out a tiny foot. She was even able to go ahead and do a Nuchal translucency test. This test uses ultrasound to measure the clear space in the folds of tissue behind a developing baby's neck. It needed to be less than 3 mm and it was a little over 1mm. This test is a screening for Down Syndrome so that is one thing we are for sure in the clear on. It was very exciting seeing our precious little child actually looking like a baby. Please continue to pray that everything stays on track and progresses as it should. Here's our little one.
Lori- Heart rate was 164 bpm. Are you so sure about the sex now??? I'm stumped!

Also whoever it was that left me a comment on my technical difficulties post.....reveal yourself. You forgot to leave your name. I LOVE comments but I like to know who they are from :)

Bruises

This is what my bare belly looks like. Yeah I know not everybody wants to see it, but it's my blog and I get to post what I want. I want record of what I went through to get this baby here. My stomach is bruised from the lovenox (blood thinner) shots. Why on blood thinner you ask? To keep the lining of my uterus "fluffy" so the baby keeps hanging on.

We have an ultrasound tomorrow. Nervous and excited about it. Hopefully we will get to hear the heartbeat. Anyway just a quick post.

10 weeks

Email update for 10 weeks:

How your baby's growing:Though he's barely the size of a kumquat — a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, your baby has now completed the most critical portion of his development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in his body rapidly grow and mature. He's swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including his kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function, though they'll continue to develop throughout your pregnancy.If you could take a peek inside your womb, you'd spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin.In other developments: Your baby's limbs can bend now. His hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart, and his feet may be long enough to meet in front of his body. The outline of his spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from his spinal cord. Your baby's forehead temporarily bulges with his developing brain and sits very high on his head, which measures half the length of his body. From crown to rump, he's about 1 1/4 inches long. In the coming weeks, your baby will again double in size — to nearly 3 inches.

Happy Birthday Courtney!!

Courtney turned 4 and we had a family birthday party for her at Chuck E. Cheese. She had a blast opening presents, eating cake and playing games with Madi, Uncle Terry and Papa. I'm having a hard time believing she has already turned 4. My how time flies!!!




Here I am!! 9 weeks and 4 days. My stomach was sticking out but I had also just eaten 4 pieces of pizza. When I wake up in the morning I don't look pregnant but by the end of the day I DO!!