8 Weeks to 33 Weeks

I am starting to realize how selfless motherhood is. I know I am only beginning to experience the selflessness, but the more I experience it, the more grateful I am for my mom.

From day one of this pregnancy (about 8 weeks for me), my body has been taken over! In the beginning, I spent many nights feeling nauseous and lying on the couch. Scott was the good husband who fed my Jamba Juice, Taco Bell, Ramirez, Jimmy Johns (okay we get the idea :) ) cravings.

14 weeks rolled around the corner (que the Hallelujah Chorus), and tiredness/sickness faded away. However, it was replaced by weight gain. Slowly, and thankfully, the weight gain faded away and developed in to a pregnant lady form :)

We were thrilled to hear at 20 weeks that we were going to have a little girl! Soon after this appointment, I was having problems with my heart. I could feel it speed up and I started to black out--probably not a good sign. The doctor suggested that I change my diet, so I cut all sweets out. I ate strictly fruits, vegetables, and whole wheats for a week. Then they drew blood to check my thyroid. Nothing.

I headed back to the doctor and he sent me to a heart specialist. I had an EKG and then I had an external heart monitor for 24 hours. My results came back fairly normal, so I decided to suck it up. :)

At 28 weeks, I got to drink a lovely glucose drink and to be poked and proded for yet another blood sample. But...I was free of gestational diabetes--whoop whoop!

At 28 weeks I also began the third trimester! From here on out, everytime I sat down, I sat on a pillow. I used a heating pad on my back after work everyday. Braxton Hicks contractions began (which, at first, I thought were just really bad gas pains :) ). Heartburn began.

At 30 weeks, I started to struggle with sleep. I tossed and turned nightly, trying to get comfortable. I woke up with severe heartburn at night, and I had to use the bathroom at least 3 times a night.

At 31 weeks I found out that I am borderline for high blood pressure--which explains the heart problems I had early on! I have been told to just keep it easy, and I should be okay :)

Now I am at 33 weeks--it's hard to believe!

Macey Claire Bagley. Scott and I have wondered if she will like us as parents, but we figure she is genetically designed to love us--she is half of each of us--so she has to, right? :) It's amazing how automatic love comes from a parent. I haven't met Macey. I don't know what she looks like. I don't know who she will become. I don't know anything about her spirit. I don't know if I'll be a good Mom, but I love her. She is partly mine, partly Scott's, and she is entirely Heavenly Father's. As her mother, I will continually keep giving up things from my life for her. The first gift I could give Macey was me. I gave up my body--looks, emotions, aches/pains...all of it.

I have been thinking about this a lot lately. I know she will grow up and probably hate me or be annoyed with me through the majority of her teenage years :), but I hope that she remembers the first gift I could give--it was all of me to her.

Technically, I am 33 and a half weeks pregnant!! I can hardly believe that I will be a mom in less than 2 months. Once I am a mom, I will be a mom forever. Here is the latest, and greatest, pregnancy belly shot:

Lisa/Macey:

-Macey is measuring a little over 34 weeks...so about a week a half bigger than she should be!! According to BabyCenter.com...this means she is measuring a little bigger than 18 inches long and a little heavier than 4 3/4 pounds. I asked the doctor if being she was measuring bigger, if this meant I was just going to have a big baby. He said, "Oh no, this means she will come early." I asked how early we were talking. He just said we will talk about it when it gets closer!

-My blood pressure is still borderline, but it's under control :)

-Macey is getting more active the larger she gets! She is a very active child! My doctor's office asks us to record fetal movement. We should feel 10 kicks in a hour...I usually feel my 10 kicks in 5 minutes :)

-I am still working full time, but I am anxiously counting down the days until May 31st (my last day). Scott reminds me everyday when I get out of bed that it's coming! As of today, I only have 20 more working days :)

Scott:

-He continually amazes me with how much he can do! He has made it through two weeks of the semester with 21 credits.

-He was just invited to teach seminary again part time in the fall, so he is excited about diving in to the Old Testament with his new students!

-He is spending the rest of his time working at the apartment complex.

-It's hard not to be stressed when you live a life like his. He is always up before me and he goes to bed after I do, but he always makes time for me and gets everything he needs to done. I'm not jealous of his life, but I am jealous of one thing: Macey obviously knows who her dad is! Every night when he crawls in to bed, he puts his arm around me. (I'm usually asleep when he gets in bed, so I had no idea this was happening until about 3 days ago!) Macey will kick and nudge him for a little while--to let him know she is still there--and then he goes to sleep. I may be her mom, but she doesn't do that for me :)

-Scott is excited for Macey's arrival!! All his midterms and groups projects/prsentations are the last week in May and first week of June...when she is supposed to be born. It's making us both nervous that they can't committ a due date for Macey to us...but I guess she will come when she wants to any way :)

Oh...a couple of weeks ago, we splurged and went to New Fongs for dinner. We opened our fortune cookies and both started laughing! Think the fortunes are appropriate? :)

(If you can't read them, one says: "An unexpected event will soon make your life more exciting." and the other says: "Your goal will be met in 2 months".)

Easter Sunday

Scott and I had a great first Easter together! We were pretty lucky that the Easter Bunny was able to find us in Rexburg, Idaho. We were nervous that being we have moved so much in the past few years, that he wouldn't have our change of address. Phew, bullet dodged :)

The Easter bunny even knew that we both needed new scripture markers...he is REALLY on top of things :)
 

We were reminded this year that even though it's Easter, life doesn't slow down! Scott had to be out of the house from 8:30-12:00 for church meetings (that's a pretty long day when church starts at 1:00!), and then he had to stay after church to set some people apart. Luckily, we were able to quickly grab an Easter picture on our way out the door!

 

Scott is constantly working--whether it's school work, seminary lessons, his job at the complex, or his calling. I guess the only good thing about it is that I can guiltlessly work on my crafts :)

Macey will be here for the 4th of July this year! We are actually planning on blessing her down in Moroni that weekend. Moroni goes all out for the 4th of July! As soon as plans were made, we knew Macey needed a 4th of July outfit. Imagine this outfit with matching red and white polka dot bows and a skirt. I know, it's 10 times more fun dressing a baby than it is dressing yourself :)

April 19th

Well, another birthday came and went! I can hardly believe I am 23...when did I get to be this old? :)

I had such a good birthday this year! Scott was really good about making me feel special. I woke up to the house decorated and breakfast on the table. We opened presents, ate, and then he left for school, and I left for work! We both had busy days, but that night he took me out to dinner at Wingers.

We had our first birthing classes on April 19th. I thought it was the perfect way to spend my birthday. I was one of the farthest along in the class, and it was exciting! I should be used to the fact that she will be here soon, but the thought of me having someone to tote around is still slowly growing on me. That night it grew on me even more, and I am more excited than ever! :)

Anyway, I was shocked how many people knew nothing about what to expect for labor and delivery! Really, people? Maybe I'm just one of those people who like to be informed about what's going to happen, but some people were completely clueless! The majority of the class was going to birth naturally. Which, I have no problem with...all power to you! (Some of these girls though obviously needed an anatomy lesson!! Babies aren't that small when they come out :) ) The nurse practitioner who was teaching the class asked what they knew about natural births, no one said anything. She was shocked. She told them that maybe they ought to read a little more in to it :) Get informed, girls! This birthing class could be interesting...

After 2 hours of birthing class, we headed home for cake. Scott made me my birthday cake--pretty impressive, huh?

He told me that he "piped" my name on with sprinkles. Haha...I think I should cut back on watching the food network!

It was a long, eventful, fun, and amazing day! Thank you Scott for the perfect 23rd birthday!!!

Bear World

This is my second time living in Rexburg, and believe it or not, I have never been to Bear World! They proclaim to be a little piece of Yellowstone...outside Yellowstone, but I don't think I believe it! Scott and I were skeptical at first, but Bear World was half price on Saturday...and you can't beat that!

The students were given a little over a week off in between Winter and Summer semesters, but because of our jobs, we didn't get to leave Rexburg like everyone else. It McStinks, but we have good jobs--we can't complain! Bear World was our last hurrah before Scott starts school again this week.

Welcome to Bear World!! After paying to get in...we decided that it might be our last trip to Bear World. You have to pay per person--$15.95/person!!! We were grateful it was half off weekend.

These might be the last set of pictures I take of myself until Macey is born. I am growing to enormous proportions, and it was a tough decision to put these pictures up for the public to see. Haha...if you are pregnant, you can look at these and maybe feel a little better about yourself :)
 

We drove through the park, and saw all these animals! We saw a TON of bear. Scott and I have been to Yellowstone several times, and we have never seen a bear. We came to the conclusion that all the bear from Yellowstone have been kidnapped to be put in this park.

After driving through the park, we went to the gift shop, got a free sample of fudge, walked around the petting zoo, and headed home! We had to get a shot taken by the giant bear at the entrance.

Scott and I had a ton of fun just getting away for the day! It was expensive though...I wouldn't go back unless there was another half price day! (but we are really cheap...so it could be worth it to other people :) )

Life Updates:

Scott: Scott has been working hard flipping apartments to get them ready for the new semester! He recently applied for fast grad, so he can go to the school through the fall and graduate in April. He is taking a BUTT LOAD of classes this upcoming semester...21 credits worth, in fact. It will be a very stressful semester, but he is ready to tackle the load! He is taking: Media Strategies and Tactics, Advanced Spanish Grammar, Professional Presentations, Digital Imaging, Practicum 1, Applied Statistics and Research, Interpersonal Communication and Theory, and Special Topics Practicum. Anyone want to switch Scott places? :) Oh...and did I mention that he is still working part time at our apartment complex, and he is still teaching seminary part time? He is one hard working husband/father!

Lisa and Macey: I sure do love this little girl. Every day I struggle with aches and pains from carrying her, and ever day I am reminded that I would feel those aches and pains all the time, just to make sure she is okay! I am a couple days shy of 32 weeks. Here is proof :)

It's strange to think that she will be in our lives before we know it! I went to the doctors this last week, and I was told for the second time that I have a large baby in me (yay? :)). This past week, the doctor told me that she was definitely measuring a week ahead, if not more. He said that in a few weeks we will have to talk about the possibility of a sooner due date.

To be honest, I do everything I can to make sure she is still growing! I really want a big, chunky baby. Haha...I may not want to give birth to that big of a child, but I want to care for a big baby :) Everyday I take my prenatal vitamin and chug my milk. Grow Macey, grow!

My official last day of work is May 31st! Scott and I have been scrimping and saving since finding out that I was pregnant. We have worked and reworked finances, and we decided that we can make it for a little bit if I quit work! Is it sad to say that I am excited? This job has really tested me as an individual, but I will not miss it. I may miss the extra pay check, but nothing can equate for staying at home with Macey.

Our family will experience quite a bit of change in the next little bit, but bring it on! We know that the Lord is blessing our lives, and we are ready for the adventure that lies ahead :)

Crafting Continues

I have found time to craft lately, and I love it! Scott has been swamped with finals, so I have had free time to do the crafty things I want :) Scott finished with his finals on Wednesday. Wednesday night I went to pull out crafts, but Scott had nothing to do. He turned to me and asked, "but what am I going to do while you do crafts?" Poor kid. Don't worry, he spent the night getting caught up on his "Sports Illustrated".

This is what I have been up to in the last week or so!

I think I might have reached my limit on hair bow making. I am running out of room on my bow holder! Don't worry though, if a cute tutorial comes my way, I think I can make room for some more :)

My sister sent me the link on how to make these cute felt flower clips. I think they are my favorite! The tiny flat flowers stick right on to a newborn baby's head...cute! Here is the link for tutorial: http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2011/03/baby-hair-accessories-wool-felt.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MakeItAndLoveIt+%28Make+It+and+Love+It%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

The second project I worked on was a diaper clutch. I found a tutorial online, and I wanted to make it as girly as I could...so I added fabric ruffles! (In real life, the ruffles aren't crooked...I think the diapers threw the ruffles off kilter :) )Here is the tutorial: http://alemonsqueezyhome.blogspot.com/2011/01/diaper-clutch-tutorial.html

I finished making it, and I decided to load it up with diapers and a small wipes case. Oh my gosh! Maybe I have been super naive, but newborn baby diapers are TINY! I opened the packages and swooned over the tiny diapers. I had to run show Scott. I think we were more excited about the diapers than the diaper clutch!

And just because they are adorable...here are the newborn baby diapers measured to scale with Scott's hand:

Conference Weekend!

Last weekend we went home to Moroni to watch General Conference. It was wonderful to get away and just relax for the weekend! We didn't have work or school to worry about, which made it that much better.

I have become a camera bum lately. I forget that I have one, and then I forget to take pictures. So...I only have one picture from conference weekend, but I think it's the best picture I could have taken:

Yep, that's Scott...prepping for battle. In between conference sessions, Scott went and had an airsoft gun war with his cousins at Thomas' farm. I hear it was really intense--there was even strategy to shooting each other (who would have thought?)!

30 Weeks!

I can hardly believe that we have made it to 30 weeks--crazy! Exactly 70 days from today (if everything works out perfectly...which I am sure it won't...) I'll be a mom. I can hardly believe that! 10 weeks to go...and counting :) According to babycenter.com... :)

• The baby is about 15.7 inches long (trust me...I can feel it!)
• She weighs almost 3 pounds (trust me again...I can feel it!)
• The big progression this week is her eyesight is developing even more fully
• She is awake and kicking most around 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM (let's keep our fingers crossed that she keeps this sleeping schedule!)

Lisa Update:

• 30 weeks pregnant, and she can't wait to hold Macey in her arms!
• She is expanding by the day...seriously.
• She is sick of waking up 4 times a night to use the bathroom...but this will probably slowly evolve in to nightly feedings.
• Her stomach hops back and forth as Macey moves :)
• Still working full time--being almost 8 months pregnant and working full time will take it out of a girl!
• Working on crafts for the baby every chance she gets!

Scott Update:

• FINALLY finished with his first semester at BYU-Idaho (he took his last final this morning)!!
• Enjoying the week and a half break until classes begin again.
• Using that week and a half to clean and make ready apartments in between semesters (yay, for working at an apartment complex in a college town...)
• Looking up graduate school programs across the United States (time flies by too quickly!)
• Still teaching seminary part time at Madison Junior High and loving every minute
• Anxiously waiting for Macey to sleep in the room next to ours :)