The Kingcannons

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

We have an Active Boy on our hands!

Well, at 22 weeks there isn't much new to report other than this kid has been moving around like crazy! He must already be taking after his daddy-as it litterly feels like he is playing basketball inside my tummy! It's such an amazing feeling and I am so happy to finally be able to feel the kicks and turns of the lil' guy. His kicking is actually strong enough that daddy has even felt him a time or two. He's most active during the evening time, as he prepares for our "after dinner snack"--oreos and milk!

Braylon experianced his first sinus/broncilli infection last week, but I am now feeling much better! The "Zpak" works wonders! Other than that, I am still feeling great, aside from the normal backaches and heartburn. Both "grandmas" swear that the heartburn is from his hair growing, I guess we will see if that old wives tale is really true or not =)

I go back to the doc in a week, so if there is updated news, I will be sure to report! We can't believe that in just 4 months we will be holding our little guy in our arms.

20 Week Pic...and growing...and growing...and growing

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Playoffs are in full force! GO CARDS!

Well despite the traumatic loss of week 16 that the Cards faced at home VS The Greenbay Packers, I knew in my heart that we would come out with a victory in the Round 1 "Wild Card" game. I dunno, call it "pregnancy intuition" but I just knew that my Cards weren't ready to call this season quits.

Mom, JJ, David, and I had a great tailgating session followed by a Roller Coaster game. The stadium's energy was that of last years NFC Championship game...Purely insane. Braylon was very active during the game, as he was probably wondering what all the commotion was about. His constant kicking and bouncing leads me to believe that he is already my lil' Cardinals fan. (Will the kid even have a choice...I don't think so =)

As most of you saw the game it was definitely an "edge of your seats" kind of ride. Our squad looked amazing the first half but of course by the third quarter were showing many signs of fatigue. The moment when Adams caused the fumble, allowing Dansby to run for the winning touch down happened without most of us being able to comprehend what had just happened. One minute we were thinking it was over when our kicker missed the game-winning field goal, and next thing we knew people were screaming, jumping, and throwing themselves on other fans saying "WE WON"...After a few seconds (and looking up at the scoreboard) I saw that it was true--CARDS WIN--and we are still alive!

We pretty much RAN outta the stadium before riots started to break out. What a great game to be a part of. We will now head down to the airport on Friday with all the other "Red Bird Fans" to send our boys off in style as they head to the "Big Easy"! David and I are both already predicting a Cowboys/Cardinals NFC Championship game...WOW--wouldn't that be sumthin!

Oh--before leaving I guess I should say, Mommy, Daddy, and Braylon are all doing well. I can definitely tell he's growing as his movements are much more prominent and I have a lot more "tightness" in my lower abdomen. This week I will hit my "half way" mark! Whooo Hoo!!!

Friday, January 1, 2010

SNEEK PEEK

David and I (as well as all our amazing friends and family) have been patiently waiting for this day to arrive and FINALLY it's here! December 30th we confirmed by ultrasound that we will soon be holding a baby BOY!

We both decided we wanted our moms to be included in the gender peek ultrasound. After all, finally their firstborns are about to welcome their firstborn into the world, what a special moment to be a part of!

We arrived in the ultrasound room, and I jumped on the table for the normal routine. The tech specifically asked "save your questions for the end". So, I patiently watched my baby on the screen moving and jiggling around as the tech was recording all of the measurements. Keep in mind I had 32 oz of water plus orange juice in my bladder so this wasn't the most comfortable moment, but of course it was so worth it. The tech confirmed that our baby had 4 heart chambers, that there was fluid in bladder, and all body parts were growing right on point! A few moments into the test, she had me go empty my bladder--I hurried back in the room so she could finish the test. I got back on the table, and a few moments later she asked..."You want to know the sex right?" For the 3rd time we all said in uniform "YES." She said, "Okay, well see that--(I knew exactly what she was going to say next)--that's a p*n*s." The way she said it was PRICELESS! I immediately started shedding tears of joy! I knew from the very beginning we were having ourselves a boy and the confirmation made everything so real. That was my lil' guy in there, the one causing me heartburn, back pain, and fatigue--I loved him sooo much!

After the tech confirmed the sex she tried to get some photos for mommy and daddy. However, our little guy kept laying face down and wasn't much in the mood for pictures (he better get used to it). After a few seconds, he flipped--gave us a quick open mouth smile and turned right back over. It is quite funny how active he is.

David and I have already chosen his name which will be Braylon David Kingcannon. We found the name a few years ago from Braylon Edwards, star wide-receiver in the NFL. Ever since we heard his name, I knew we would have a son named Braylon. Unfortunately, because it's such a unique name--it hasn't reached into any of the "name meaning" books. That's okay, that will give us a chance for his Daddy and I to come up with a meaning of our own. ;)

I have been feeling wonderful the past 4 weeks. Aside from some lower back pain that I am getting chiropractor care and massage therapy for, I am doing awesome! I started feeling Braylon move a few weeks ago. It's very faint, but he's my internal alarm clock to remind me when it's time to eat again. Still no crazy food cravings, I pretty much like everything!

We are sooo blessed to ring in 2010 with the amazing experience of this pregnancy and soon a baby BOY. We are so grateful for everything the Lord has done for us and can't wait to start a new decade off with the wonderful opportunity to become parents.

Here are a few pics from our ultrasound as well as my 18 week belly pic!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Saturday, December 5, 2009

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!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

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".

Saturday, November 28, 2009

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)))

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

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.