I missed it! 4 & 5 weeks

I missed posting when Grace was 4 weeks old and today she is 5 weeks old. Where has the time gone?!?! It is amazing to me how much she changes from week to week. I don't notice it as much as others who are not with her day in and day out. These are some things that I have noticed that have changed... Grace is starting to get chubbier cheeks and some "fat" on her little legs, Grace can lift her head and turn it when laying on her stomach, Grace has slept on her tummy and done well, Grace has started having "daddy time" by taking a bottle at night with him, Grace now fits into more of her clothes, Grace can definitely tell who is holding her (she responds to voices), and Grace just loves all of the Christmas lights.

It might be hard in the middle of the night but we are loving every minute of being her parents!

3 weeks old

Yesterday Grace was officially 3 weeks old. We had to take her back to the doctor for a check up and to make sure that her jaundice level had stayed down. Good news, it has!! She also is gaining weight and growing like she should be. At birth Grace was 5lbs 12oz and as of yesterday she is 6lbs 5 oz. It was such a relief to know that she is growing and getting enought to eat. It is so hard to tell since I am breastfeeding her.

Grace is starting to have more awake time and respond to our voices. She also tries to lift her head and I am sure that in the weeks to come, she will master this.

During the past week, Grace had a lot of "firsts". She visited the farm, met Uncle Aaron, met the Balentyne family, traveled to Kewanee, met Uncle Jesse and Maria, and went to church. She did well in all of the situations.

2 weeks old

Wow! I can't believe that our little blessing is already 2 weeks old. And what a two weeks it has been! Grace arrived on Wednesday, Nov. 9, we came home Friday, Nov. 11, enjoyed the weekend at home with tons of visitors, went for our first dr. appt. on Monday, Nov. 14, found out that she had jaundice, was admitted to Bromen Hospital, spent the next two days there, left the hospital (again) on Wed., Nov. 16, enjoyed some more days at home with more visitors, went to the dr. again on Tuesday, Nov. 22 for a 2 week appt., asked to get Grace's jaundice level tested, found out it had raised, received a phototherapy blanket at home, had a nurse come to our house and get more blood and now we are waiting the results.

What a life she has had so far!

Grace Ann

(comment regarding the previous post... little did I know that I didn't have a month left ;) )

Grace Ann arrived on November 9, 2011 at 1:23 p.m. She weighed 5lbs 12oz and was 20in long. Grace is just perfect. What an amazing experience from the moment we found out that we were expecting to the moment she arrived.

We love her to peices and are enjoying every minute of raising her!

1 month!!

I don't know about anyone else, but I can NOT believe that I have only ONE month left until our due date!!! After spending some time in the ER last week due to contractions, it has become very real to us. It was a wake up call and we are now much more prepared as we know that I could go into labor at anytime. The doctors have ordered me to restricted bedrest. I am not to over do it, rest as much as possible. I spent last weekend on the couch accepting help and feeling humbled. I know that I need to do all that I can to prevent Baby Miles from coming too soon so I will continue to try. So far I have had some contractions but nothing like Wednesday evening. Next Friday we get to have one last sonogram.

I am ready for the unknown to be known. I can't wait to meet our precious baby and be able to call he/she one of the names that Cody and I have picked out. I can't wait to introduce him/her to everyone. I can't wait to watch Cody be a dad, he is going to be GREAT! I can't wait to be a mom and know of the kind of love every mom talks about. Thank you God for sending this wonderful gift to us!

getting closer

During the last few days we have come to realize just how close it is to the arrival of Baby Miles. Last Wednesday, we took a trip to the hospital because I was having contractions. I wasn't sure that what I was feeling were contractions but with the help of my mom and a call to the on-call doctor, they determined that I probably was. After being hooked up to the monitors, sure enough, I was. In fact at one point they were 2 minutes apart. I had timed them at 5 minutes. So I was also hooked up to an IV in hopes that that would slow or eliminate the contractions. We were told that we might have had to stay overnight, thankfully we didn't. We were able to come home that night we the instructions to call my doctor's office the next day and to be on bedrest until then. Cody and I went to the doctor on Thursday and were told that I didn't have to be on complete bedrest but on restricted bedrest. I can go to work next week as long as the contractions don't come back regularly. But after this next week, she told me that if they do come back that they probably wouldn't do a whole lot to stop them as it would be ok for the baby to come.

So, the whole exprience has been a wake up call. We now have our bag packed and more things in the house prepared. I know that it will all happen in God's timing but I think Baby Miles should at least wait another 2 weeks.

first baby shower

This past Saturday, our family and friends gave us our first baby shower. For so long, I was not wanting to have a shower. I wanted to wait until after Baby Miles was here but I am glad that they convinced me that it is ok to celebrate now. The shower was fun and it was great to be together for a couple of hours. We missed those that weren't able to be there.

We were so blessed with such nice gifts. We can't wait to use them! It was fun getting them home and looking at them again and finding a "home" for it all.

We also got the furniture rearranged and the crib set up. It is wonderful to be making progress on getting everything ready. I even got the carseat in the car!

The pictures are just a glimpse of what happened at the shower. Enjoy!

Daddy's post

Well these past few weeks I have been wanting to get on here and post. So now I finally have a chance. Well I have been gone away everyonce in awhile either back home in Kewanee or in Champaign for sales school. Whenever I call and talk to Sara the baby goes to town and starts moving around. Sara and I think that is the coolest and fascinating thing. We think that the baby can somehow tell it is me. Well a lot of my stress about having the baby has gone away. Those feelings have now become excitement. Only 6 and a half weeks left or less and we will welcome you into this world. Sara and I love you already. Can't wait for you to be born!

Moving

Wow! Baby Miles has certainly been making his/herself known the last couple of weeks. At first I thought for sure, he/she had turned sideways with as much pressure that I had been having. The doctor assured me that he/she had not turned. I guess that was a relief and the doctor told me "You are just going to be uncomfortable!" Well, baby has been moving tons and sometimes it is extremely uncomfortable. I will enjoy it though and be thankful that I have been blessed to carry this tiny miracle.

31 weeks

I look a little tired in this picture

Gotta love my mom's shadow of her taking the picture...

We are now in single digits in our countdown, 9 weeks! We are trying to get everything ready and make room in our apartment for Baby Miles. He/She will be here before we know it. Can't wait!!

Getting Ready

We are officially (I feel) in the home stretch. I know 10 weeks sounds like a lot of time to some but to Cody and I, it isn't a whole lot of time. It means that we need to really concentrate now on getting ready for our precious baby to arrive. I know that I am excited, nervous, anxious, happy, all of kinds of feelings mixed together (I think that Cody would say the same).

Yesterday we spent the majority of the day, registering for things that we wish to have for our baby. How fun to pick things out but how overwhelming! I walked into Babies R'Us and asked where we needed to go to start a registry and got pointed in the direction. On the way to that part of the store though, I got sidetracked and started looking at things, one item in particular. I looked up and say all of the many more aisles that we had to go through and I just started crying. I guess it was feeling of "oh my gosh, are we really doing this? how are we going to decide? will everything be ok?" Once we got started, it wasn't so bad. I was fun to pick out things.

We ended our day at Target, by that point we kind of knew what we were looking for and it was a little easier.

So today, I am rearranging, making space in our little apartment for Baby Miles. We are getting ready and I think that these next ten weeks (or less) will go by fast. We have a lot to do but will enjoy every minute and let God be in control. There is no other way!

Getting closer...

During this past week at our "baby class", we toured the labor and delivery floor at the hospital. I have been there before but only as a visitor. This time was very different! I looked at it and pictured myself being the patient. I feel the baby all of the time and know that he/she is there but this tour just made it so much more real. How exciting!

I am now at the point of having a doctor's appointment every two weeks. Today was one of them. The doctor says that every thing is jsut how it should be. Baby Miles is growing and will be an average size baby. (I had wanted to know if we could tell at this point if we could predict the size) Baby Miles is also "head down" and the doctor thinks that he/she won't turn too much now since there isn't enough room. I can attest to that!! I experienced being poked/pushed in the ribs!

I am loving every minute of it and have decided that any worrying is of no use. God is in control and has blessed with a very wonderful gift!

28 weeks

3rd Trimester

I have now reached the beginning of my seventh month of pregnancy, the beginning of my thrid trimester. I can't believe how fast the time has gone by. It seems like we were just announcing our pregnancy and now we are so close to the end. The final stages of preparation are starting. Last night we started our "baby" class. There are 14 couples in our class all due within the next few months. It will be fun this month relating to them as we are all going through the same experience. We were 1 of 2 couples that don't know what sex our baby is. I am very excited for the surprise. No matter what God has blessed us with, it will be the best!!

Yesterday a co-worker of mine was asked, "Is Mrs. Miles pregnant?" She responded sarcasticly "No, she just decided to gain a basketball size amount of weight" Ha! Ha! Today, I was asked "Mrs. Miles are you pregnant?" This was from a student that I had last year. What are these students thinking about how I look right now?

26 weeks

School has started and my routine of relaxing days are over. Even though I am looking forward to getting into the school routine and discovering what this year's class has in store for me, I am going to miss the time at home when I can relax. Oh well, another step to the arrival of our precious baby!

I am 26 weeks pregnant and feeling great! I can't believe how close I am to finishing the 2nd trimester and starting the final stretch. Baby Miles is an active baby especially when I am still for longer periods of time.

Everyone is trying to figure out what the baby is. Each has their own theory about determining it. My dad has so affectionately nicknamed baby Miles "who-ha". Thought it was the funniest name after hearing it on the radio. Of course, we are wishing for a strong healthy baby.

Well, until next time! Love you Baby Miles!!!

Summer is almost over

23 weeks pregnant

The past few weeks have been busy. We helped at Grace's VBS and then St. John's VBS every night for the past two weeks. It was a definite taste of what it will be like when I start teaching next week. I am looking forward to getting back into the routine of teaching and it also means that it is closer to when we get to meet our wonderful baby.

I started feeling Baby Miles the night of our 20 week appointment. I thought that I had felt the baby before then but that night I really knew for sure that that is what I was feeling. For the most part, I feel the baby move at night when I am finally still. Cody has even gotten to feel it so the kicks and pokes are stronger every day. I am enjoying every minute!

We are praying for a job for Cody. I just know that one of these days someone is going to see how awesome my husband is and beg him to come and work for them. Keep praying too!

St. Louis Mini-Vacation

This past weekend we went to St. Louis for a mini-vacation. It was great to get away for a few days, no computer or cell phones. We had a great time visiting with our family. We stayed at Jackie and Tims'. On Friday we went to the St. Louis Arch and ventured to the top. It was awesome! Afterwards, we walked around the arch museum which is located under the arch. Then we traveled to the St. Louis Science Center. It was nice too. On Saturday, despite the blistering heat, we went to the zoo. Even though it was really hot, it was fun and relaxing. That evening we had a family BBQ. It was great to see everyone. Sunday was our last day in St. Louis. Before we left, we went with Daniel and Danielle (and kids) to Grant's Farm (owned by the Busch family). Again, even though the heat index was near or above 100, it was a good time.

I am now 21 weeks pregnant and feeling wonderful! I have felt the baby move lots and can't wait until Cody can really feel it too.

Friday's docs appt.

So Friday's doctor's appointment has come and gone but I still am feeling what I felt that day today. Our other visits really haven't felt like what I felt on Friday. We actually got pictures of you today. The picture shows the whole you, a hand (it looks like you are waving to us), and cute little baby feet. I have always been a person that it when something happens it usually takes a while to set in. I knew I was going to be a father this whole time but actually seeing you form in front of us is a miracle. I have helped build what you are right now and will become once you are born. The things I have always been thinking to myself are the little quarky things that I do (that I do know about and don't know about) you will probably learn along the way, but there is so much more to that. That is what I started to feel on Friday. I'm starting to feel more like a dad then just an expecting dad, if you know what I mean. Can't wait for that special day for Cody junior to be welcomed into this world. No we really are not or weren't considering that for your name.

To Baby Miles,

Yesterday we got to see you for the first time since the beginning of the pregnancy. It was an amazing experience to see you. We were able to count your fingers and toes, see your nose, watch your heart beat, see your spine, arms, and legs. I will never forget how awesome it was to lay there and watch you appear on the screen. It makes me even more excited to meet you in person. You were moving around a lot during the sonogram and for the first time last night while we were watching a movie I felt you move. What a great feeling! We are already proud parents and I know as you grow you will continue to make us proud. I thank God every day for the blessing he has given us by letting us be your parents. Love you tons!

Happy 4th of July (a few days late)!

I love the 4th of July! Not only is it my birthday time but I just love the time of year and the fireworks. I love that we get together with our families and always enjoy great times! This year as we were watching the fireworks, Cody and I imagined what next years' 4th of July will be with our new baby. Cody is more apprehensive about it whereas I am not worried about it. I hope that our baby will love the fireworks just as much as his/her mom does! We also went to the county fair this past weekend and again we wondered what next year with a 8 month old will be like. Baby Miles, we know that no matter where you are or what we are doing, you will be watched over and loved to pieces!! We want to be able to give you experiences and memories that are etched in your mind forever. We love you tons already and can't wait to "see" you this Friday at our 20 week appointment.

Father's day come and gone (Dad's post)

Well father's day has come and gone already so I figured it is time for me to post again. I normally don't post a whole lot or comment on various things, but I don't want our baby to think I don't care about you which I very much do. Well anytime these next couple weeks Sara should be able to feel you move. At our appointment this past Friday you were moving to much to find out what your heart beat is. You are already an active baby. I don't have quite all those emotions anymore or worried as much, which is good I think. I have to trust in the Lord that God will provide and leave it at that.

Happy 16 weeks!

We went for our 16 week appointment last Friday. It was a relief to know that the baby is doing well. In fact he/she was moving so much that our doctor had trouble finding a heartbeat. She said that within the next few weeks I should start to feel the baby. I am looking forward to that! Sunday was Father's day. I wished Cody a "Happy Father's Day!" and he responded "I am not a dad." I told him that it won't be long! I am so excited to watch him become a dad. He is going to be the best! Until next time... we love you Baby Miles!!

It's Been Awhile

It has been a couple of weeks since I last posted. Not much has changed other than I am starting to have a small "baby bump". I am kind of anxious to actually look pregnant. At this point I can still wear clothes that make me look like I am not really pregnant. I did however have to purchase maternity pants as my others weren't fitting any more. I am still feeling well and am enjoying summer time as our baby grows. We go next week to the doctor and I am ready to find out how much he/she has changed. Recently I have started researching about what crib to purchase. I am kind of overwhelmed by the many choices. I suppose we have time and I don't think that I will be rushing out to buy one just yet. It is fun looking.

On a side note (for anyone who will be reading this in the days to come, we haven't officially publized this blog yet, but soon), please pray for Cody's job and our future home. We are in limbo in both areas and if we let ourselves we get kind of bummed. It is hard at times to trust that the Lord has our future all planned out and we just need to be patient. He will provide and we need to constantly remind ourselves of that. If you could add us to your prayer list, we would greatly appreciate it.

Finally (for today)... to baby Miles: Mom and Dad love you so much already. We don't have any idea what you will look like or if you are a boy or girl. All we know is that God has blessed our lives with you and we can't wait to meet you!

Happy 12 weeks!!

We made it. I am still in awe that there is a baby growing inside of me. I think that every time that I go to the doctor's and get to see and/or hear the baby, it will never cease to amaze me.

I told me class last Friday. That was fun! The responses I got were hilarious. Some were... "For real?!?", "You know, Mrs. Miles, it will hurt when you have a baby.", "You don't look fat."

Maybe soon, I will get a picture take of my "baby bump". It is there but still easily hidden.

Love you Baby Miles!

Mother's Day

Tomorrow will be Mother's Day and it makes me so thankful for my mom and my mother-in-law. We are so blessed to have them in our lives. They are the most caring, loving, supportive mom's that you could ask for.

I pray that I can be half of a mom that they are. I am so looking forward to being a mom. We were asked this week "What other job would you want to do besides teaching?" I want nothing more than to be a mom.

Yesterday marked the beginning of week 10. Our baby is now the size of a grape. I can't wait to go to the doctor in a couple of weeks and see all of the changes that have been happening. We are also ready to tell everyone. I am not sure how much longer we can keep it a secret.

8 weeks

Happy Easter! So this is when we were originally going to tell our families about Baby Miles but those plans changed. Oh well! Since the last time I posted, I have noticed some changes. During this past week, I started to feel "off", not really sick but not really myself either. Smells have started to bother me, like the whiteboard markers at school. How am I going to avoid that!?! Some of my clothes are starting to be a little tighter. I am not sure if this is due to me wanting to look pregnant or if I am really starting to get "bigger".

I read today that our baby is the size of a kidney bean. It continues to amaze me how much growing and changing happens each week. Due to our "scare" I have had three ultrasounds already and each time the heartbeat of our miracle has gotten stronger. I thank God everyday for sending this gift to us. I am excited to be the best mom that I know how to be and to watch my amazing husband be the best dad ever!

Baby dad's 1st post

Well now it is my turn to finally post. So just reading the title of Sara's blog just makes me feel so many different emotions. I don't even really know where to start. I've always wanted to have a baby when the timing was perfect. Thing is though, you are not in control of that situation. God has all the control. So what are all the emotions that I have running wild in me you ask: about 60% Joy, 40% Stress/Frustration/Worry. The joy is I'm having it with my wife after we were married and doing it right in God's world. Other joy, there is no other women on this Earth I would rather be the mother of my child than my wife Sara. More joy is that I know that no matter what happens God will be the focus of our marriage and Sara will always be there for me and support me. The stress, frustration, and worry comes down to basically two things. I do not have a full time job and being the man of the house and expecting a baby I want to do whatever I can possible can to make sure we make ends meet. I'm a certified teacher and if I don't get a teaching job I'm so worried about looking outside the education box and find work else where. Sara and I really want to get a house more so now since we are expecting our baby Miles. If I continue to prayer I know God will provide for us and continue to keep my worry at a minimum which he has help with me already.

Reactions

Due to our ER trip on Friday, we felt like we needed to tell our family and close friends what had happened so that we could have as many prayers as possible. Although it wasn't how we had planned to tell people it was great to see and hear everyone's reactions. Here are some of them... My brothers: Really?! That's awesome! Congratulations sister! Justin to Cody: "Great Job!" We went out to eat for Rich's birthday, while we were waiting to order, Cilla misunderstood Katie and said something about making babies. Cody said "we're making babies". Cilla said "yeah, are you expecting?" Cody said "Yes!" Cilla responded with excitement and tears. We will wait to tell anyone and everyone as it is still early in the pregnancy but it was fun to tell them and for them to finally know. It was hard to keep the secret!

Yesterday I was officially six weeks pregnant. I can still hardly believe that it is true. We had a scare and I ended up in the emergency room to check "things" out though. I had blood work done and an ultrasound. What an amazing thing to witness! I hope that I get to have many more of these so that we can watch our baby grow and change. I saw the heartbeat of our tiny miracle! The doctor ordered me to rest and to do nothing strenuous. I am praying really hard that everything will turn out to be ok. I want to meet you Baby Miles. I want to see your beautiful eyes and touch your soft skin. I want to teach you and play with you. I want to watch you with your daddy. Dear Lord, You have blessed me with this wonderful gift of life. Please help my body to accept it and to heal where it needs healing. Protect this baby growing inside of me. We love You and know that you are in control. I pray that I have peace. You are awesome and holy. Amen

It is the start of week 5 and I can still hardly believe that I am pregnant. I have a few symptoms but overall feel pretty good. We have not told anyone yet and we will wait until after the initial doctors appointment. I guess I want the doctor to tell me that I am pregnant and not just believe an at-home test. Then I can feel free to tell those that we love. We are trying to figure out a creative way to tell our family and I think that we have come up with something. I can't wait to see everyone's reactions! I, of course, have started doing all sorts of reading on pregnancy. Right now, my precious baby, you are the size of a sesame seed. All of your organs are starting to be formed and hopefully next week we can hear your heart. I can't wait to be your mom and you will have a wonderful dad. I have waited for you so long. God has given you to us and we can't wait to meet you!

March 28, 20011, 5:45 a.m. A moment I won't forget! We have been trying for so long to get pregnant and at that moment, I found out that I am!!! I was so in shock that it had actually happened. I woke up Cody and he was just as in shock and in awe of the news. I didn't know whether to laugh in excitement or cry tears of joy. I guess I did both. I also wanted to tell everyone but knew that I should wait. I am very excited, nervous, anxious, grateful. I am ready for this journey to begin. We have waited for so long to be blessed with this most precious gift. Can't wait to say "Welcome to the world, baby Miles".