Just a lil' "411"

I got this from my friend Monica's blog--to0 cute!

*How far along?: 15 weeks

*Total weight gain: 7-8 lbs

*How big is baby?: About the size of a large orange

*Maternity clothes?: I have purchased some maternity wear, but nothing seems to fit right yet. It is an everyday battle between me and my wardrobe. But I love my "Bella Band"

*Sleep?: No problem, except my 5am alarm clock to visit the potty

*Best moment this week?: No more heart palps!

*Movement?: Can't tell yet

*Food cravings?: Diet Strawberry Lime aid from Sonic...Oh and I made David buy biscuits and gravy for me to make--it sounds soooo good!

*Labor signs?: Yikes, I hope not!

*Belly button in or out?: Innie. I think this might be the week that me and my navel ring say goodbye...at least for the next 6 months =(

*What I miss: My body. But it's all worth it right?

*What I'm looking forward to: Feeling that munchkin kick me

*Milestone: Having a successful first trimester, and enjoying my second!

14 Week Check-up

Nothing real exciting to report, David and I met with Dr. Shannon again to hear the baby's heartbeat. She found it within seconds and it was loud, healthy, and strong! It still amazes me that something alive is inside of me.

The nausea has left (Thank you Jesus) however, never a boring moment with pregnancy right? The new thing I have been experiencing is heart palpitations on a daily basis. It was a little concerning at first but after doing some research I have found that this is a common symptom during pregnancy. The doctor also confirmed today that all is normal unless I experience chest discomfort or shortness of breath. So, we will not worry. I told David, I will take the annoying "heart pulps" over nausea any day of the week!

Our "gender check" ultrasound got pushed back until December 30th. I was quite disappointed but the doc said she would like to wait until 18-20 weeks to have this ultrasound so she can be "sure" when telling us the sex. However, as most of you know...I am DYING to know NOW what we are having! Therefore, David might give me the best Christmas present ever by letting me go to "Prenatal Peek" and get an ultrasound during my 15th-16th week. Prenatal peek will do gender checks as early as 14 weeks, and will provide us with pics, cd's, and a dvd of the ultrasound--what a great keepsake!

I will be back then to spread the news on what we are having. I feel like we are having a boy, but we shall see. =)

I added a "14 Week" photo--I'm already up 7 lbs...this baby better "slow it's roll".

Goodbye to my FIRST "TRI"

On Thanksgiving Day, I was excited to say that I officially entered my II Trimester! Whoooo weeeee...it has been a long and exciting last 13 weeks, but I am fortunate to announce that WE MADE IT!!! The II Trimester is a huge mile mark for baby, and David and I are so happy to have been experiencing a healthy pregnancy to date.

Some random thoughts as to why I am SOOO EXCITED to leave my I Trimester and onto #II

1)Saltine crackers will not be on my daily menu.
2) I will not have to go "tee tee" every 10 minutes, at least until I near the end.

3) I can actually get up and go to the gym without feeling like I need to jump back into bed.

4) I will be able to cook dinner without feeling the need to regurgitate my lunch.

5) I hope to be able to brush my teeth in the morning without nearly choking and gagging to death.

6) I will actually start looking "Pregnant" rather than the girl with a spare tire around her waste.

7) A dear friend told me that in the II Tri, I will actually feel "sexy"...That's a shot in the dark, but I am hopeful.

8) If my friend is right, my husband might actually get some "action" now.

9) I can eat ice cream and pickles and not feel guilty.

10) My crankiness should ease up a bit, for the benefit of my hubby.

WE ARE THANKFUL

On another note, we had a great Thanksgiving with Family and Friends. We began the day with a meal at Grandginnys house, partaking in mom's delicious turkey and all the fixings. I decided I would bake a 3 layer-chocolate pudding cake for the occasion...and yah--didn't turn out so hot. As I was making it, I KNEW it was going to turn out awful...I asked God, "PLEASE LORD, Let me just bake 1 thing that people can eat and ENJOY." O Well, It's Christmas time--I will keep trying! I told David I am going to take a baking class this spring...and I mean it!

After dinner at Gram's, David and I went to join his family in Chandler at his Aunt Jennie's house. Now, I've been a part of this family for almost 9 years--so I know they like to EAT. However, this Thanksgiving was one of the BEST days I have had when it comes to delicious food! They cooked everything from Ham-to-Turkey-to-Jambalaya-to-3 kinds of Mac-in-cheese-to-Dressing-to Yams-to-Collard Greens-to Biscuits-to-BBQ Chicken-to-Red Velvet cake...I could go on...and...on. J'me (David's cousin) blamed all the food on her watching "Way to much food network". Everything was amazing and we liked to call our food display "Hometown Buffet"...Literally, that is how much food there was. After struggling to finish my few last bites, I laced up my kicks, grabbed my nephews, and we took off for a mile walk around the neighborhood. We were so full, but so grateful of the amazing food and family we have been blessed with.

B*L*A*C*K* F*R*I*D*A*Y

Mom and I have made it tradition for many many years to hit the stores on Black Friday. In the years past we would get out at about 8am, and hit the mall along with the thousand of other shoppers. However, this year WAL-MART was the Place to Be! Mom and I braved the crowds and were at Wal-mart by 3:45am. It was insane! I had been to Wal-mart in the past on this day but have NEVER experienced what we did on Friday. Anyhoo, there were several electronic items that were on our list, so we split up, made friends, and were able to conquer 95% of the items on our list. 8 hours and 5 stores later, we arrived back home without incident. Wow...WHAT A DAY!!!

(((This is right before 5am, when employees brought out 9 Playstation 3's...for the 50+ people that were waiting for one. Madness I tell ya...pure madness. I grabbed my GPS's, and got the heck outta there)))

Exciting 12 Week Appointment!

Today was a great day!

David and I met our new OB, Dr. Shannon. WE LOVE HER! She greeted us with this ball of energy, and is sooooo sweet! She started out with the "Doppler reading" to hear our baby's heartbeat. It was "music to her ears" she said. It was a wonderful sound to us as well. A few moments later I asked Dr. Shannon her opinion on the "early screening" for down syndrome. She thinks it's a great idea for mom's over 35 as well as couples that would terminate the pregnancy if the outcome came out positive for downs. Since David and I didn't fall in either one of those categories, Dr. Shannon advised us that it really isn't necessary and would just cause worry for me throughout the pregnancy. I then told her the truth as to why I wanted the test, that is was only because I wanted to "see" my baby again. She chuckled and said, "Well in that case, I will get you another ultrasound TODAY". I was ecstatic and thanked her for this. She told me to keep it "on the hush" with the techs as they really aren't supposed to do additional u/s unless there were some concerns with the baby. Dr. Shannon went on to tell me that she had 2 miscarriages previously, so she understands where I'm coming from. She even offered to check me again in 2 weeks just so we could hear the heartbeat again. Can you see WHY I LOVE OUR DOCTOR! She's the greatest!

David and I were then escorted into the tech room for our ultrasound. As soon as she put the "thingy" on my tummy, our baby was a dancing a-way...arms and legs were-a flaring, and he or she was-a bouncin. It was amazing! The funny thing was that as soon as the tech was moving the "thingy" around over my belly, the baby curled up in a ball and became camera shy. It was so cute! The baby has grown TREMENDOUSLY from the ultrasound just 4 weeks ago. The picture below you will see the baby's head (you can even see the eyes, nose, and mouth) one arm, and the baby's abdomen. The legs and rump were curled up by the time she was able to snap the picture.

Aside from the Doppler reading we will have in 2 weeks, our next ultrasound appointment will be on December 23rd. It is at this time we will find out if Baby Kingcannon will be wearing pink or blue =) What an amazing Christmas present this will be...Both Grandmas are already anxious to find out so they can start shoppin!

Thanks again for your continued prayers. We are truly blessed to have such great family and friends as well as an amazing God to look after us during this pregnancy.

A "Not So" Interesting Update

A few have asked for an update, so I shall deliver.

Nothing really new to report. I have officially entered into my 11 week, 1 more week to go until I cross into my 2nd Trimester! So excited to hit this mark, as it's been a very long couple of months.

The last week has actually been quite pleasant. Nausea is slowly going away and I finally have my appetite back! This is a good thing as David was getting quite annoyed with my "not-so-wanting to eat" habits, BUT it can also be a bad thing as I must have ice cream every night and peanut butter and jelly at least every other day. Yah, this can not be good for me. However, on the bright side--I saw online today the "Top Ten Foods To Eat While Pregnant" and I was proud to find that I have been constantly eating at least 8 of those items. So, I guess all-in-all I've been doing okay!

My baby bump is growing EVERY DAY which continues to be my motivation to stay fit. No need to gain 100 lbs during my pregnancy--right? I asked my doctor why I had a bump so early and she said a lot of it had to do with my previous mis-carriage, as the uterus was already stretched making my 2nd pregnancy move faster than my first.

I reluctantly decided to add a "10 week" photo since some of you didn't believe me when I said "I have a bump".

I will post again next week after we have our 12 week ultrasound and meet our new doctor!

B.B.E

(Best Birthday Everrrrr)

My 28th Birthday yesterday was the best yet! David and I had our first u/s appointment the day before my birthday and God has answered prayers! We are EXPECTING a Healthy baby who is currently 8 weeks old and growing! That's right, our little peanut is scheduled to arrive on June 3rd, 2010. Thank Goodness he/she will bestow us with their presence BEFORE we end up too far into "triple digits" in the Arizona desert.

Our baby's heartbeat was a healthy 158 beats per minute, which is wonderful! From our "first picture" we were able to see the head, rump, and what looks to be the legs. I was so relieved to see that rapid flicker on the screen and David couldn't wait to share our secret to all! We are calling it our little "shrimp".

We continued with tradition and told the family yesterday on my birthday (If you remember, last pregnancy we shared the news on David's Birthday). Everyone is sooo excited, especially ME since I don't have to hide my enormous "bloat" anymore. Yep, that's right--I already have a pretty hefty pooch! I have been "sucking in" and covering my tummy for a few weeks already as we weren't ready to let the "cat outta the bag". David and I both wanted to make sure our baby was healthy before spreading the exciting news.

Somehow, I knew this pregnancy was different. Last time around, I can remember having a little nausea a few times. However, this time I have it morning, noon, and night. Saltine Crackers and me have become very good friends. I purchased some "preggo pops" yesterday that are supposed to help with the queasiness, so I guess we will see.

So, there it is! It's OUT! We our so thankful to God that He has blessed us again with a baby. We ask for your continued prayers during this pregnancy, let the journey begin!

Below are a few pics from my birthday dinner with the fam at delicious Buca Di Beppo!

It's Official...Round II

I am happy to confirm that David and I are officially pregnant...again! While we are sooo excited and blessed that God has given us another baby, we are going into this pregnancy with "extra caution". I have had several family members and friends experience multiple miscarriages so it is a very scary thing. And although we trust in God to give us a beautiful baby, we probably won't feel that its "real" until after the first trimester where the chance of miscarriage is under 5%.

I had my first ultrasound yesterday at 5 weeks and 4 days. I'm still too early in the pregnancy to actually see a heartbeat, however the amniotic sac and yolk sac looked perfectly healthy. I will return to the doctors in a couple of weeks, the day before my 28th birthday, expecting a healthy heartbeat.

So far, no major "preggo" symptoms other than exhaustion, winds of nausea, and of course getting woken up in the middle of the night to go pee. I can't complain and am actually looking forward to "huggin the porcelain bowl" After all, morning sickness is a great sign of a healthy pregnancy. =)

Please continue to pray for David and I and for our baby to grow healthy over the next 35 weeks.

Round II

Sooooooooo we have exciting news to once again SPRING ON--It looks like we are going for ROUND II in the Pregnancy Realm. After my dreaded "two week wait" I took 3 tests yesterday that all turned out POSITIVE!!! I went today for blood work and I will see my doctor on Friday. David and I are being VERY VERY careful this time and will not be sharing the news for awhile. Although we believe God is going to bring this baby to term, we are still going to "proceed with caution". I will update as soon as I have more news =) As for now--please keep us in your prayers and pray for baby #2 to grow to be a healthy little angel.

"I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours."

Mark 11:24

Yes, it's true...I wore BLUE

For the RECORD: I am a Arizona Cardinals Fan by CHOICE. I love my birds and would never ever put anyone above them in the game of sports. I have been a fan for the past 23 years, and I will always love them...even when they go 4 and 12 for the season. But, I also enjoy watching and cheering for The Dallas Cowboys...(by default--since I am married to a "Texan") when they aren't playing my Cardinals. However, this entry is about the Cowboys, so let me get focused....Okay, so as we all know that the Infamous "Texas Stadium" saw it's last Cowboys game last year and lo' and behold' the Cowboys have since moved into the the state-of-the-art "refined" Texas Stadium in the historic town of Arlington. History was made as the "boys" first game was played on Friday, August 21st. And what would a Cowboy's game be without the Kingcannons? Yah right...J/K! Well, considering that David is a die-hard fan and wanted to be a part of "history" I agreed to fly out Friday to partake in the festivities, and I am glad we did! This stadium makes the "Birds Nest" (aka University of Phoenix Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals) look like a Toaster! The Cowboys new home has all the "fix ins" to make any event memorable, they were definitely thinking "TEXAS SIZE" when they created this dome. I was most shocked to see plasma tv's every 2 feet. I mean c'mon...even the concession menus were displayed on flat screens! It was surly a sight to see. David and I had a spot in the "party pack" where you stand the whole time watching all the drunks get crazy...you know, typical NFL atmosphere. Overall the game was great...except for the ball hitting the 60-yard video screen a few times...oh and the minimum price of $20.00 for parking that you pay prior to the 2 mile walk before you step foot in the stadium...oh yah, and they loss...Good thing it was pre-season right! However, I can't complain...as the hubby said "We can tell our kiddies one day that mommy and daddy were there". O boy!

Oh, and don't think we went to Dallas just to see "History". We also had some family time too! We were bestowed the lovely company of David's Aunt Kathy, who welcomed us in her home for the weekend. Debbie was also visiting her baby sister (Kathy) that weekend so together we had an amazing time. We ate delicious food, saw old friends, and played "wii" until the wee hours of the night.

Those that don't know...I would move to Dallas IN A HEARTBEAT. It is by far my favorite city! Cedar Hill (quaint suburb in Dallas) is the one town that I have visited that I can picture our kids one day tricker-treating down the sidewalk, peaking out the window on a snowy day, or playing in the sprinklers in the front yard at summer time. It has such a "family" feel to it and is so cozy! I love it and will be happy to visit (and move...hehehe) anytime!

It's A Family Affair!

Just last weekend, David and I had a chance to visit his Dad and the rest of the family again in David's birthplace of Denver, CO. David Sr.'s church was hosting a revival, so we had the opportunity to fly up and meet them for few days while they were in town (oh the benefits of flying for free). David was also able to re-unite with cousins that he hasn't seen since grade school, explore the Colorado Rockies, and have have some catch up time with the family. The Kingcannon's are truly amazing and once again I am so glad that the Lord brought us together.

Powell Wedding

David and I also just got back from a wonderful vacation on the lovely Carnival Fun Ship which cruised to beautiful Cozumel, Mexico. We had a blast and most importantly had the privilege to witness Brooke and Chad exchange wedding vows. The ship was as usual incredible and we met a ton of wonderful people along the way. The wedding ceremony was on the beaches of Cozumel and was breath-taking. Chad and Brooke are truly in love and we wish them many blessings throughout their life with one another.

"Places to Go, Peeps to See"

Well hello, yes...It's been "a minute or two" but I wanted to send a quick note to say all is well on the "Kingcannon Home Front". We can't believe we are already into July! Where does the time go! David and I have been doing great and enjoying our summer with each other. In May, we took a much over-due trip to the East coast to see sights never seen before! David fulfilled a dream of mine by walking hand-in-hand with me down NYC Times Square. It was an amazing sight and met ALL of my expectations. We were blessed with a great tour guide, Carmen a dear friend of ours, who showed us the NYC "ropes." We visited upper and lower Manhattan, walked around Ground Zero, ate pizza in "Little Italy", and even road a dirty subway. I cherished every minute and can't wait to go back!

After leaving NYC David and I partaked in another adventure as we jumped on the Amtrak for a 4 hour commute to Quanico, VA to visit my best friend Candice and her hubby, David. We were both a little "sceptical" about taking a train, but had a blast, and HIGHLY recommend it to those who have never experienced it. We arrived in Quanico to lovely cold weather and rain and had a great few days with The Janeckes. While we were in VA, we took a day trip to Washington DC, where we visited famous Smithsonian's, toured the Lincoln Memorial, and witnessed The Changing of Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. These were all experiences that we have always dreamed about visiting, and we were so grateful that Candice and her family took the time to show us around. We also spent one day on David's Marine base, shooting M16's and touring helicopters and Humvees. During this week, David Janecke graduated as a second lieutenant in the US Marine Corps Officer Program. This was an amazing accomplishment that David has reached and we were so excited to see him graduate with this honor.

Our adventures weren't over yet...moments after David's graduation, (litterly moments) David and I jumped on another Amtrak bound for Greensboro, NC. This is where we surprised my other best friend, Brooke for her graduation from Dental Hygienist School. Brooke was shocked to see us, and so excited that we made the trip. We stayed the weekend in Charlotte, NC with Brooke and her fiance Chad, partaking in Brooke's Bridal Shower, eating some southern-fried food, and reminiscing on the "good ole' days".

We arrived home in Phoenix for just 2 days before heading to the "Dirty South" for the best reunion of my life....drumroll please.....David and his sister Quisha, were reunited with their Father, Step-mother, and half-brother and sister after 23...yes 23 years of separation! We visited Augusta, GA for Destiny (David's 18 year old sister) high school graduation. We surprised the whole family, they had NO idea we were coming, and it was one of the greatest moments of my LIFE to witness! David's family was shocked and drawn to tears that we would make the trip. We made memories to last a lifetime and I am sooo grateful to our God for allowing that moment to take place. WOW how AMAZING our Heavenly Father works in mysterious ways! David's family accepted me as their own daughter and they all have so much love to give. We are planning to see them again in August, as they travel to our bordering state, Denver, CO. We can't wait!

We leave again in just a couple weeks for a 4-day cruise to witness Brooke and Chad exchange marriage vows on the beautiful beach of Cozumel, Mexico. I have been honored with being one of Brooke's bridesmaids for the occasion, and we are looking forward to a beautiful day ahead. I always wanted to walk down the wedding aisle "barefoot" and I will get my chance soon. Brooke and Chad have been engaged for 2 years so we all can't wait for this event to happen! FINALLY it's here!

And yes, for all of you wondering, amidst of all the traveling and enjoyment of summer, David and I are still making time for "us". We hope to have good news soon when God blesses us with another little "bean". So stay tuned and keep praying for a healthy pregnancy!!!