16 Weeks!

Here is the latest update on our little bean or beanette!

My last doctors appointment was just yesterday afternoon. I will be 17 weeks tomorrow, but it was technically a 16 week checkup.

Everything was right on track...it is always so exciting to hear the heartbeat! Ironically I have not gained any weight the last 2 appointments I've been to, but I have grown significanty & the round ligament pain is there to prove it!

Has anyone else experienced that? I thought I had pulled a muscle at first...which I really did, but apparently it's a pretty common feeling as you grow. I figured I couldn't possibly pull a muscle "every" week! It can be quite sore sometimes, but thankfully it has nothing to do w/ the baby.

The heart rate this time was back down to 140. I have a feeling it's a BOY! Of course, you never really can tell...the heart rate has changed dramatically going from 135 to 175 & back & forth & so on...so I guess I will just have to wait until July 26th when we are scheduled to find out the gender.

I am really excited to know since I am stuck on which room to make into the nursery. Once that's determined, we can finally start shopping & decorating. So far I have done absolutely nothing to get ready for a baby.

Work has been good & I'm not as tired anymore, but sitting for hours & hours a day has its set backs. I try to run little errands every now & then so I can get out & walk but it hasn't been easy. I hate to think what I will feel like in November!

 My appetite was crazy to begin with & I was hungry ALL the time, then it slacked off for a few weeks as I was going into my second trimester. Just recently, it has kicked back in full force. I have not had any major cravings, but for the first time lastnight, I asked Matt to go get me an oreo milkshake from Jacks! I have never really EVER finished a whole milkshake...but before I knew it, I was at the bottom of the cup &  kinda wished I had MORE!

For now, this is what I look like via phone pictures. I am trying to take photos every 2 weeks on my good camera, but these are so much easier & faster to transfer.

Enjoy the rest of this week! I know I am ALWAYS looking forward to the weekends these days =)

Hot Springs, Arkansas

For our anniversary this year, we decided to go to Hot Springs, AR! I had big plans about going to the Bahamas, or the island of Anguilla, to make it extra special for our 5 years of marriage...but then I found out about our baby. I wasn't sure how I would be feeling, & going out of the country, pregnant, possibly sick or tired all the time...I didn't want to chance such a big trip on being stuck in a room the whole time.

So, Hot Springs it was. It worked out because Matt's parents actually have a condo there, right on Lake Hamilton. It is beautiful!

 Matt has been going there since he was little, so it was fun for him to show me all the places they visited when he was young.

We toured the famous Bath Houses that became poplular from the springs that ran from the mountain.

When G-daddy was young (Matt's Grandfather) he came here with his family by train. They stayed in the Majestic Hotel & he has lots of stories about their visit.

Matt in front of the Majestic Hotel

It was really neat to see all of the history of that place & to experience just how HOT those springs really are!

One of the springs trickles down the mountain to this pool...you don't want to put your hand into the water for very long!

We did a little shopping & sight seeing while we were down town & even went into the Arlington Hotel where Al Capone spent much of his time...hiding out?

In the Lobby of the Arlington

We did a lot & ate at some great places! One night we ate at the Fisherman's Wharf & got to sit right on the water.

After that, we played some putt-putt golf...somehow this has become an Anniversary tradition =)

Matt's hole in one!!

Matt ended up beating me this time

My favorite thing we did while we were there, was the Dinner Cruise we went on. It was such a fun & relaxing evening.

The Belle

Most of the time, we were on the upper deck taking in all the views on the lake & the beautiful houses that lines the shore.

As the sun began to set, we just relaxed & took it all in. Such a great night!

There were so many fun things we got to do, but too many to include all in one post. I actually felt great the whole time we were there, but it was also nice to come back to a comfortable condo to rest when we needed to. I did a lot of walking, which was just what I needed, & we even got in the pool when it was really hot. That was great excercise for me. Of course it went by way to fast & before we knew it, we were headed back home.

This was our last picture the day we left. We had such a great time just being together & being able to take time off from such a busy time in our lives. Matt had been working every weekend up until this time, so I know he was espeically grateful to have a few days off. As for some baby news, I had been feeling our little bean move for a little over a week but had been suspicious as to if that was really him or not. So, while we were on this trip, I had several times when we were quiet & still where my stomach would do a flip! It was such a neat feeling! Sometimes, when I wasn't even thinking about the baby, he would remind me he was there with one of those butterflies in your stomach, flips. It was great!

This was officially our last trip together, just the two of us...not to say we won't ever go away again, but by then we'll have to have my inlaws keep the baby! I'm sure they won't mind...=)

Happy Anniversary!

Today is officially our 5 year anniversary! It doesn't seem possible that this many years have passed, & at the same time if feels like it's been forever. How does that work?

Either way, we have had so many good, fun times together, just the two of us. It has been good for us to get to know each other over the years, not only in the good times, but in the bad, hard or difficult times.

We have grown closer together, & have learned many lessons along the way. I am more excited about this year, because everything we know is going to change. Our life as we know it, will never be the same.

Most importantly, living for God has made all the difference in our relationship. Putting God at the head of your marriage & the guidance He gives is the best thing we could ever ask for.

We owe it all to Him for the blessings we have recieved & continue to thank God each day for giving us each other, & the newest blessing He has allowed us to look forward to.

In honor of our anniversary, I have decided to share some special moments from our wedding day. Enjoy!!

Getting ready

Waiting for the big moment

Matt with all the bridesmaids

Matt & his groomsmen

My little cousin Cole--He is so cute!

My little adorable cousins as flower girls

My dad giving me away

During the ceremony

The wedding party

Perfect ending to a perfect day