17 Weeks, Christmas, & Baby #2

A lot to update and Lily is waking so I am going to try to make this brief.  I am 17 weeks pregnant today and feeling great!  I am confident that the morning sickness is gone because I have not gotten sick in over 2 weeks.  I am still cautious as I do still eat a blueberry mini-muffin before I get out of bed every morning but I am certrain that I am on the home stretch and have entered the best part of pregnancy.  A little side not to the feeling great was that I had to have a root canal done a week ago and had it finished today.  That was not fun but needless to say something that couldn't be avoided.  Now I have to get it filled in 2 weeks and a crown put on after the baby is born.  Never thought I would have either but what can you do!

I think this is definitely the most excited I have been for Christmas in a long time.  For selfish reasons I am sure.  I cannot wait to see Lily open her gifts this year as well as Garrett open his gifts.  Its so much more fun when there are kids involved.  We did manage to get each other gifts this year too but I am more excited about what Lily is getting.  I am also excited to start our tradition of reading the Christmas story from the Bible on Christmas eve to Lily.  We will be using her Fisher-Price Little People Nativity to help tell the story.  She already knows who all the characters are as she calls Mary, Joseph, Jesus and the Shepard by name.  If we think of it we will be sure to put cookies out for Santa as well.  Another tradition I hope we can continue for some years.  This will also be our (Ryan & I's) 7th annual trip to the Plaza on Christmas Eve to eat at PF Chang's.  A tradition dating back to before we got engaged; the night before to be exact.  It will be fun to take Lily.  We hope to get off to an early start so that we won't have to wait long to eat.  And so we can get her home early enough to get to bed and read the Christmas Story.

We are also excited about Christmas because we were able to find out what we are having last Monday and shared it with our families yesterday.  Another wonderful Christmas gift from a friend of ours, Mell, who does ultrasounds for a doctor at SMMC.  Thanks Mell!  We were 16 weeks and very thankful that the baby cooperated and we were able to see without doubt that we are having a GIRL!!!  I am so excited that Lily is going to have a little sister to play with.  She will get to share in everything that my sister and I did growing up.  Playing dolls, barbies, dress-up, and much more!  I pray that they are close and that they get along good.  But more importantly until then that she is healthy and that I am to carry her full-term without complications.
That's all I can think of for now.  Merry Christmas!


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Feeling the Baby Move

So I have been denying it for the last couple weeks because I figured 13 weeks was a little early to be feeling the baby.  But last night I definitely felt the baby.  There was a portion of my belly that stuck out for a second and I pushed it back in.  I could definitely feel the baby when I pushed it back in.  And just a few seconds ago I felt baby move again.  Its so great!!!  I am pretty sure I have at least been feeling the baby for a week now, but now I am certain!  With Lily I was about 16 weeks when I felt her for the first time but wasn't certain til 17 weeks.
Now is the part of the pregnancy that gets fun.  I can endure any sickness I get because I have the joy of feeling the baby move in return.  I am starting to feel more tired during the day now.  I find myself needing to just sit and rest and read a book or something to catch my breath.  I know it will be harder to do this once we know what we are having because I am going to want to work on the nursery.  We haven't decided yet whether we are getting a new crib.  Part of me is not ready to let Lily get in and out of a toddler bed.  I kinda want her in the crib as long as possible.  It will help in the mornings I am sure.  Plus we don't really trust her just being able to get up and around by herself.  There are things in her room that aren't baby proof like her space heater and her humidifier.  We'll see!

Pre-Natal Dr's Appt

Saw Dr Ray today.  Got my flu shot.  Heard the heart beat again at about 150BPM.  I have gained 5 lbs. more since last visit.  So 6.8 lbs. to date.  Hopefully I will not gain as much as last time. 

14 Weeks

Well this should be the end of the road for the nausea and morning sickness.  So far it hasn't been.  It has gotten better, but we're not out of the woods yet.  With Lily I was still getting sick til about 20 Weeks.  As long as its gone by the time we go to Hawaii (50 Days away).
I go to the doctor this coming Friday for a regular pre-natal visit.  I assume she will start measuring my belly since I am showing now.  I looked at my belly pictures from my 1st pregnancy and I look like I did at about 18-19 weeks with Lily.   So I am definitely showing a lot quicker this time around.  Hopefully that doesn't mean a big baby!

Lily has been nothing short of entertaining these days.  She repeats EVERYTHING you say so she knows more words than I can count now.  We are working on colors now since she has most her animal noises down.  Its so much fun hearing new words and sounds from her these days.  I can't wait for Christmas this year because she will actually get to interact with the gifts and toys.  We also plan to start a tradition of reading the Christmas story out of the Bible.  It should be fun since we got her the Fisher-Price Nativity Set and she already is very familiar with who Baby Jesus is. 

Preparing for Baby #2.  So far all I have done is buy a few newborn diapers when they are on sale.  I recently discovered that Luvs makes newborn diapers which is awesome!  If you can find a store that actually carries them.  I did have to cave and buy a pack of Pampers (which are my favorite but most expensive) I at least had a coupon.  I am going to try to buy a pack a month til the baby comes to get us pretty well stocked up.  Just hopefully we won't need 2 months worth of premie diapers like we did with Lily.  I am planning for a normal end to the pregnancy this time around.  We haven't done anything to the baby's room as of yet.  Kinda hard to get motivated when we don't know what we are having.  Until then we are trying to figure out where we are going to store my old day bed as well as a TV and bookshelf.  I am sure we will figure something out.  I hate to get rid of the bed cause we could use it for Lily when she gets older.  So we'll see.  So right now we just wait a couple more weeks til we know what we are having then we can really get started.  I am thinking I might be crafty this time around and make the bedding.  We shall see!

Dr's Appt. 11/5/09

Appt. went well.  I have gained 1.8 lbs. so far.  Probably because I am not throwing up anything.  She put me on Zofran for my nausea which so far has been working.  She was able to find the heartbeat with her little microphone thingy.  Heart rate was 177BPM.  So really fast which is normal at this stage in pregnancy.  It has made me really anxious to know the sex.  I kinda want to get started on the other room while I still have energy and can get around. 

Halloween & 10 Weeks

I was going to use the babies online site for my blogging but it has just become annoying to use with facebook so I am going to blog this pregnancy on my original blog.
Halloween could not have been more perfect. We spent the day together as a family. Then as soon as Lily woke from her nap we headed out trick or treating. We visited friends and family in town then went to Gram-mo and Grandpa Biery's to meet up with Garrett, Bekah, and Greg. Then we headed to Gardner to see Uncle Justin & Aunt Rachel. It was a fun filled evening. We even stopped to get a corn dog at sonic for 50 Cents! Lily scarfed hers down. Then we came back to town and trick or treated in our neighborhood. The weather could not have been more perfect. Maverick came with us too. He wore an old costume that was actually a bit small for him but it worked. After we trick or treated we went and FINALLY had OUR dinner at Ryan's parents. It was almost 8pm by this time. Which proved for me too long to wait to eat. And I paid for it. I'll just leave it at that. Lily was so cute in her chicken costume and it didn't seem to bother her. She didn't try to remove the hood once. We were so proud of her. I think next year we are going to have her go as one of the Veggietales.

10 Weeks and a couple days pregnant. First trimester cannot get over any sooner for me. All day nausea is just not doing it for me. No relief. But one positive is that I seem to have more energy this pregnancy than the last. I think its cause I am getting more sleep at night and Lily lets me sleep in til 8:30-9am which is wonderful!

CRAVINGS: So far I am still liking the idea of pizza all the time. And lately for lunch all I want is Kraft Macaroni and Cheese which makes Lily happy too. I haven't wanted Chinese as much as normal which is very weird.

Friday I go in for my 2nd prenatal visit. I am not sure what all will happen there, but I am going to talk to her more about my nausea. I am wondering if I have gained any weight yet. I am guessing no since my appetite has gone down if anything. My clothes still basically fit. I have had to move to the next size up in jeans I own. Other than that I don't really feel like I am showing yet. That's about all I can think of for now. Excited for the Holiday season. Can't believe Star 102 is already playing Christmas music. And I went into the Carter's store at the Great Mall today and they had a Christmas CD playing. I think its a little early for that yet. Especially since its still 60-70 Degrees outside. The weather outside is certainly not "frightful".

Where does time go?

Oh boy, still can't believe Lily will be 18 Months old on Sunday. Where has time gone? I feel like we just brought her home from the hospital. I realized this today as I held my friend's new baby girl not even a day old yet. She weighs just under 5 lbs. Tiny little angel. It made me forget how little they start out. Even though Lily weighed almost a pound more than her it still reminded me of holding her. Lily came with me to the hospital and as soon as she saw me holding her she immediately wanted to be on my lap on top of the baby. She kept saying baby and pointing at her. I don't know if she was jealous or just interested in the baby. She had a cute pink hat on and a pretty pink outfit. I was able to share Lily's preemie clothes with them as they will most certainly need them for awhile. We didn't have many cause we were blessed to borrow some from friends whose 1st baby was pre-mature as well. But I am glad that they are getting worn again.

I look at Lily each day and notice new things she's doing. So much of me wants to be able to remember how she is at this age because she's most certainly entertaining and so funny with everything she does and says. I know I should be journaling things and I do but I am just afraid that I will forget the little things like the way she sings "Veggietales" when she wants to watch them. Or how she runs from you in her crib in the morning like she can really get far. Or the boat noise she makes in the bathtub with her boat and fish toys. Each moment so precious each moment passing so fast. I just pray that I am able to take time to notice each new thing she does and that I can cherish and remember these things later when she is all grown up and I am wondering what happened to my cute little toddler? She will always be my baby.

Our family will be taking a vacation to Hawaii this January. We will be going with Ryan's parents and sister & brother- in- law. We are very excited. Hoping and praying that the plane ride will not be torture to us or those around us. We may just have to invest in a portable DVD player and put on some Veggietales for her. This trip is supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable. Most of the vacations that Ryan and I have taken have been so planned and each day filled with things we HAD to do. This trip will not be that way. Ryan's even saying he doesn't want to bring his cell phone. I don't know if I will go that far. But I am looking forward to getting away from distractions of everyday life and basking in God's amazing creation. Can't wait to lay on the beach and read. It will be just what we need.

Currently Reading:

Loving EACH member of our family

I come to you all today with mixed emotions. Today I had a scare with Maverick. Praise the Lord he is ok but at one point I was afraid we might lose him. We were out in the back yard just playing on the swingset with the neighbor kids and all of a sudden Maverick started scratching at his mouth so hard he had blood all over his paws, his mouth was open as if it couldn't be shut and his teeth were bloody. I freaked out and asked if our neighbor, Megan, could watch Lily while I take Maverick to the Spring Hill Vet. I was shaking and almost in tears at this point. Megan carried him to the truck and we put him in his travel kennel. He was still scratching on the way to the vet and I just laid my hand on his kennel (its soft sided so I could feel his back through it) and just prayed outloud that God would protect him whatever was wrong. We got there and I told them what was wrong. Immediately two ladies came over to look at him when we found a small stick about 3 inches long inside the kennel. He seemed fine at this point. They figured he got it stuck in the roof of his mouth and when this happens they freak out and claw at it til they get it free even if it means hurting themselves. His nails are pretty long so he scratched himself pretty good but at the same time that's probably what saved him or enabled him to get it out. I am just so thankful it wasn't something worse like he was choking and coughing up blood. I've always thought our Vet was pretty great but now I think even more of them. They were so sweet with Maverick and always have been. They didn't even charge me for their services today. I plan to write a thank you note to them to let them know how much I appreciate having a vet that actually CARES about the animals. They are pretty great.
They cleaned his paws and clipped his nails for me and made sure nothing else was wrong. I have always loved Maverick, but I know that since Lily has come along I probably don't show it as much or even feel it as much, but boy did I get scared today at the thought of losing him or him being in any pain. He's been such a good dog and I know that Lily loves him and will grow to really enjoy having him as part of our FAMILY. I realized today that I still love Maverick as a member of our FAMILY. We always considered him part of our family, but today I was reminded of how special he is to me and how much I still love and care about him.

One Vacation to the Next

Sunday we left for Omaha, NE.  We got there around 5pm.  Lily slept a whole 40 minutes the way there so she was pretty tierd.  We didn't do much Sunday night but run errands to the local walmart and then got dinner.  We put her to bed and then watched TV.

Monday we woke and went to the Omaha Zoo.  We arrived there at about 9:45am.  Lily had so much fun and did SOOOOOOOOO well on no nap all day long.  We saw lions, tigers, and bears...oh my!  (I had to) as well as elephants, giraffes, monkeys, gorillas, all kinds of birds, butterflies, etc.  She really enjoyed the lions and the fish at the aquarium.  I am so proud of her and how well she did.  She finally conked out at 5pm when we were getting ready to leave the zoo.  We bought her a stuffed lion that she immediately became attached to and is now one of the animals she sleeps with.  

Tuesday we spent the day walking around downtown Omaha.  We walked across this neat pedestrian bridge over the missouri river.  We then ate lunch at the spaghetti factory.  After lunch we went and got ice cream at this hole in the wall homemade ice cream shop called Ted & Wally's it was pretty good.  I got White Chocolate Cappuccino Ice Cream and Ryan got Root beer ice cream.  His tasted like a root beer float.  Both were excellent.  Lily enjoyed them as well.   Tuesday evening we went to an Omaha Royals game but Lily was tired so we had to leave early in the 6th inning.  It was about 8:30pm anyways.

Wednesday Morning we woke up and ate breakfast then headed home.  Lily slept a little on the way home then just sat there like a perfect little angel the whole way home.  We got home and she napped for over 2 hours!  Much needed after the last couple days she had.

Today we left for the airport before 10am and flew to Denver for Bekah's wedding.  This was Lily's first plane ride and she really enjoyed it.  She liked the take-off but as soon as we were in the air she fell asleep and slept until we landed.  So she was awake for the exciting parts of the flight.  We got to the hotel after waiting FOREVER to get our rental car and we put her down for a much needed nap which she decided playing in her bed was more important and finally fell asleep after an hour or so.  Then we had to wake her up cause we had to be at dinner at 6:30pm.  Course this is all an hour "earlier" with the time change so dinner was starting at what would be Lily's bedtime.  She did pretty good during dinner.  She had a blast running around the room at the restaurant.  She got some kind of second wind and got all this energy all of a sudden right before we left.  She never ceases to amaze me.

Tomorrow is the big day (or today since its past midnight back home).  We get our hair done at 11:30am then I go with Bek to help with pictures at 3:30pm then the wedding is at 6pm.  Ryan and his parents are taking Lily to the Denver Zoo during this time.  Which is great for her and for me so I can spend this time with Bekah helping her do whatever she needs me to do to make her day less stressful!  So be praying that everything goes well and that Bekah isn't stressed out.

Walking Everywhere!

I didn't realize how long it has been since I have written.  I guess I have been pretty busy chasing Lily around.  She seemed to pick up on walking pretty quickly.  After taking some real good steps Sunday, April 26th she has been unstoppable.  She still needs to master being able to stand back up after falling.  Right now she crawls to something she can pull up on then starts walking again.  I know she can do it but she's only done it twice.  Now all we need to work on is making sure she can make it down the aisle at my sister's wedding.  We most likely will have to use an incentive at the other end like puffs or mommy's keys.  I don't know what her fascination is with my keys but she knows where to find them and if you try to take them away from her she gets very upset.  Sometimes I give them to her just cause I know it will make her happy for the time being.

This week we switched her carseat around to face forward.  I think she's happier now in the car because she can see what's going on better.  This week we also changed sleeping schedules.  Lily used to wake up about 8am drink some milk then go right back to bed til about 10am.  No such luck anymore.  Now we wake up at 7:15am and stay up til about 9:30am and nap til about 11am.  This pushed back her afternoon nap til about 2  or 3pm.  Either way she's still getting the same amount of sleep just at different intervals.  It also means that mommy can't go back to sleep in the mornings like I had been doing.  But thats good cause now I can get stuff done around the house while she is taking her morning nap.  Like right now I am blogging which I have not done in 2 months.  

Things are going well for us otherwise.  Ryan has been working on a wooden swingset for Lily but lately has not had much time to finish it.  Once it is done it will be great because Lily loves being outside and it will give us something else to do outside together.

Photography has been kinda slow for me this year which is good and bad.  Good cause it gives me more freetime and bad because I am not making a lot of money.  I have been trying to come up with ways to generate more print sales after portrait sessions have past.  So if you are a former customer of mine stay tuned for discounted prints if you still have some you'd like to order that you couldn't quite afford at the time.

This summer is jam packed for us starting with this weekend:

Saturday, May 23rd- Going to Lincoln for a family BBQ at Ryan's Cousin's house

Memorial Day- Royals game with Ryan's family

Sunday, May31st- June 3rd- Going to Omaha as a family to visit the Zoo and maybe an Omaha Royals game.

Thursday, June 4-6th- Going to Colorado for Bekah's wedding.  I am the Matron of Honor, Lily is the flower girl and Ryan will be an usher.

July 3rd- Royals game

July 4th- Annual Biery family dinner and shooting off fireworks in Topeka, KS

Friday, July 10- Bekah's in-town wedding reception.

Saturday, July 25th- Andrew & Abbie's wedding in Fort Scott, KS

That's about all I can think of for now.  I am sure other events will pop up.

Love of Spring

Ah Spring... I know it isn't "technically" here yet but it feels like it now. While Fall is my favorite season...Spring is a close 2nd. For several reasons:

1. There's nothing like that first time you get to wear flip flops after its been cold and snowy.

2. March holds my birthday. Which in the past I got excited about but now have come to dread because I know it means I am getting older and closer to 30.

3. Flowers start to poke out of the ground and I get to see what color Lilies I will have for the Summer. I also get to plant new annual flowers.

4. I love having the windows open (until bad allergy season kicks in for Ryan's sake).

5. I can take Lily and Maverick on walks so I can enjoy my day and not feel trapped in the house all day.

6. The days seem longer as it stays lighter out and we can enjoy dinner outside on our deck.

7. Baseball season starts. I love going to Royals games and getting a free T-Shirt or $1 hot dog.

That's all I can think of for now off the top of my head. Now for some updates on us and what's to come this Spring and Summer.

Ryan- Is now working on the plaza at the St. Luke's Hospital there. He doesn't really have a set task their yet but is thankful to have work right now. This job is supposed to last from 3-6 months. So we'll see where he ends up after this. I know the guys at Lawrence would love to have him back there. I will be happy as long as it is in the KC area. We are trusting God with that one.

Joanna- Not much new with me other than I got a new iMac recently and love it! It has made both my business and my job at the church so much easier and more efficient. I thank God and the gov't (can't believe it) for providing the funds for it. I am preparing for 2 weddings in the family this summer. My sister's first which I am the Matron of Honor for. I have started preparing my speech for that as I want it to be as good if not better than the one she delivered for me at my wedding 4 years ago. Then my brother's will follow a month or so later. Both weddings are out of town so it will be like going on 2 mini vacations this summer. I pray that Lily is walking by then.

Lily- She is getting around pretty fast now. She pulls up to everything and has started walking around furniture and scaling walls. Lily recently learned to clap as well. Its pretty precious! She is trying more and more to repeat what we say when we tell her to say things. I am sure her first word will be any day now. Course she says the "mama" and "dada" and has for sometime but we aren't really counting that as words at this point. Lily also will wave goodbye to you if you are leaving and wave at her. Lily also interacts with other babies with a huge smile and laugh! She just lights up when she sees another baby and often giggles to herself. I am sure she will make a wonderful big sister someday!

Maverick- Can't believe it will be 3 years this summer since we got Mav. He will be 3 years old on May 10 this year. He has really mellowed out this past year and does super great around Lily. We couldn't ask for anything better!

New Computer..?

Well recently I realized that its time for me to get a new computer. My iMac is 3 1/2 years old and my hard drive is full. It runs photoshop pretty slow when working with large files. Plus for my job at the church I am in need of internet explorer which can only run on windows which can only run on the intel core based Mac's which I do not have. Its tough because I wasn't really ready to buy a new computer but we will be getting a decent tax return this year as well as a bonus from Ryan's job. We plan on saving most of the money for our next baby as we didn't plan well for what Lily was going to cost. We also are in need of a new dishwasher soon. Life comes at you fast I am afraid. We want to make the best decision regarding our finances especially in these hard times. We are blessed that Ryan still has a good job and part of me thinks we should just save it all for emergency if Ryan ever loses his job. But would that be living by faith? I know we should just pray about it but I am anxious to solve some of these issues.
Ultimately I knew I would need a new computer at some point soon. It would be nice to be able to do my jobs at one station instead of going back and forth from my iMac to my 6 year old pc laptop. My warranty Apple Pro Care plan ran out last August so if something were to happen to my computer I would be at a loss. So part of me wants to replace it while I can save everything on it before something happens. Then maybe I could donate or sell my old iMac assuming I can clear off the hard drive safely and securely. We'll see. I will wait til we know what we are getting on our taxes and Ryan's bonus before I make any rash decisions. We meet with our tax accountant this afternoon at 4:30pm so we shall know soon enough. Until then.

Lily had been really crawling and pulling up to stuff. She is getting into everything! I am constantly moving things out of her path. I think its precious. I love seeing her smiling face as she stands in her crib when I go in her room in the morning. I hope that never gets old.

Praise You in This Storm

I want to post some lyrics to a song that speaks to me today. Today I went to a funeral for someone who was taken too soon. But she is in Heaven rejoicing with her Savior. This is dedicated to her sister and to the rest of her family who are grieving for her.

“Praise You in This Storm” By: Casting Crowns

I was sure by now God you would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
that it’s still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear your whisper through the rain,
I’m with you
and as your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

And I’ll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
that you are who you are
no matter where I am
and every tear I’ve cried
you hold in your hand
you never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise you in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
you heard my cry you raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can’t find you
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear you whisper through the rain
I’m with you
and as your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes unto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

If you haven't heard this song here is the youtube video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji2rLXr3cE

Thankful for So Many Blessings!

After our Women's Bible Study this past Thursday I was inspired to do a gratitude journal. This means an actual journal not just blogging it. So I went and bought a journal. I haven't journaled in a couple years mainly because I just don't have time to. But I should make time to thank God for everything He has given me. I will try to list as many as I can here so don't be upset if I leave out anything.

I thank God for (in no particular order):

• A wonderful, loving husband who treats me like a princess
• A beautiful healthy daughter who never ceases to make me smile
• An amazing church (Life Spring) to worship at and a Life Group that I know I can turn to for anything
• A wonderful family who I know would do anything for us
• A warm comfortable home
• A husband whose job allows me to stay home with my baby girl
• A job at our church that allows me to work from home freely and is something I enjoy
• An amazing finished basement (thanks to my husband) that I can work on photography as well as my scrapbooks.
• A sweet, loving, and obedient (for the most part) dog-Maverick who is very good with Lily
• Wonderful friends who we know love and care for us and us them
• Two cars that work and get us from A to B

That's all I got for now. I am sure there are WAY more, but those are the first that come to mind. Until Next Time!