Oh Baby!

Can you imagine giving birth to a 19.2 pound baby? A woman in Indonesia did it. He is seen in this picture next to a baby born at a normal weight and length.

Read more about this unusual story here!

Good News!

At 7:30, I took my temperature and had a mild fever. With that, the coughs, sore throat, and headache, I decided to head down the street to the doctor (so glad they have after hours care). Dr. F was concerned that it might be flu or strep, especially since I have had kids in my class with both this week. They took a few swabs and 20 minutes later he came back with good news - NO FLU! The strep test was also negative but doesn't always mean I don't have it. They took another swab to culture. Hopefully that will come back negative, too!

Looks like Jackson and I are still well. It's just a viral infection. Thank God.

Germs, Germs, Go Away!

The darling children at school have spread their sick germs to me! I woke up Wednesday knowing that a sore throat was approaching. I went on with my day, feeling a little worse as the day went on. I developed a slight sore throat, a weak cough, and a headache. I taught all day, went to a meeting, and to my night class anyway.

Being pregnant, I know I can't take just any over the counter medicine. After consulting my mom I decided to take a Tylenol and go to bed. I woke up early Thursday morning, showered, and trekked to school in the rain. I was preparing for my day and I wasn't feeling too hot. I was sweaty, had a headache, and had to take a few trips to the bathroom. I went to make a few copies and stopped by the office. The secretary said, "Amy, you're going home. You have to take care of two people. You don't need to be here." So... she took it upon herself to put in for a sub and said, "Go home and go to bed."

Anybody that knows me, knows that I am dedicated to my job. Missing a day of teaching is something I try to avoid. I am glad that she made me leave though. I came home and laid on the couch for an hour until I fell asleep. That 3 hour nap made me feel better. I haven't had a fever, the bathroom trips have gone back to normal, and my throat is feeling better. Now it's just a headache and a cough. Let's hope that this is just a bug and nothing more. We all know my body doesn't react well to strep throat. I've had my seasonal flu shot. AND LORD, please don't let it be that H1N1 stuff.

Here's to good health for me, Jackson, and all those kids at school! Nap time...

Kick It!

Well, Jackson, you had to go and prove me wrong. I hope this isn't a sign of things to come!

Just yesterday, I told Jose that he wouldn't feel Jackson move for a few weeks since I am just now feeling some movements at night and early in the morning while laying in bed. Well, I was ready for bed and Jose came to lay down with me for a bit. We were talking and I told him that I had just felt some movement. He put his hand on my stomach where I felt him and as soon as he did, Jackson gave the swiftest kick (or punch) yet! Jose was amazed and I was surprised. I was pleased to be able to share that moment with Jose. I guess it was Jackson's way of bonding with his papi.


Jose: Estoy muy contento y muy agradecido con dios por darnos la oportunida de ser papas a amy y a mi. Me gusta cuando Jack pateo mi mano a noche. Para mi fue lo mas lindo y maravilloso que a pasado en mi vida. No puedo esperar a que estes con nosotros. Te amo mucho.

20 weeks of catching up!

Jose and I are expecting a little bundle of joy!

On June 6, 2009 I took a home pregnancy test. I freaked out when I saw the +. Immediately, I scheduled an appointment with my primary care physician to confirm the pregnancy. After waiting 45 minutes for the lab results on the blood work, the doctor came in and said, "Congratulations."

It took a few weeks for me to fully accept and embrace the gift that God has blessed us with. Jose and I are thankful that our families and friends are supporting us as we take this journey.

Let me catch you up on the pregnancy!

First Trimester

The first trimester went smooth. I was lucky that I did not have morning sickness! I spent many hours sleeping on the couch and snacking to keep from being nauseous. We had two OB appointments during the first three months.

Aunt LuAnn and Jose supported me as I went to my first appointment on July 22, 2009. We were all nervous and excited. As the doctor pulled out the doppler, our bodies were filled with anticipation! I was nervous because it took her several minutes to find it. When she did, my grin grew six inches. It was the most amazing sound in the world. It hit me then- there really is a baby growing inside me! Baby has a heartbeat of 159 bpm.

The doctor ordered me to have an ultrasound so we could set a due date, so LuAnn and Jose left me to re-dress. The ultrasound technician called us in. I didn't know what to expect. When she turned on the machine and started hunting for baby, my nerves really kicked in. She spotted the baby quickly! I couldn't believe how much baby was already moving around. Baby seemed to be waving, kicking, flipping, and having a good time. The tech took several measurements and said I was approximately 6 weeks along. She set my due date at February 5, 2009.

Hearing the heartbeat made it real, but seeing this little baby inside me made it ten times more. July 22nd was the day that it set in. I am going to be a mommy and Jose is going to be a daddy!


Second Trimester


The second trimester has been wonderful. The baby bump is growing every day. Sleeping can be tough sometimes. I get charley horses in my right calf a couple nights a week, but calcium supplements have reduced that symptom. I have a lot of energy and excitement.


I had my second ultrasound on September 10, 2009. This was the BIG DAY! Is it a boy or is it a girl? Going into it, most people thought it was a boy. I decided to say it was a girl just to be different. I would be happy with either.


Mom, Kelly (my wonderful sister), and Jose joined me on this exciting day. This was the day we would find out if we were having a baby Maya or baby Jackson. The ultrasound technician called us into the small room and told us a little bit about what all they would look at during the anatomy screening (organs, measuring bones, and of course-if it was a boy or girl). The tech found the baby pretty soon and immediately said, "Let's see if we can find out what you are having." With a voice of excitement, she declared, "It's a boy. It's definitely a boy." Seeing Jose's face was the best part. I don't think I've ever seen him smile so big. Mom was clapping with joy and Kelly was showing excitement. WOW! We were all amazed at how much he has grown.


It was difficult to measure Jackson because he likes to sleep on his belly, just like mommy. The best way to view him was with me laying on my left side, which meant I missed seeing most of the ultrasound. I made sure to turn my head when Mom said, "Look, he's sucking his thumb." How precious that was. The ultrasound tech printed several pictures and a CD for us to take home.

I couldn't wait to share the news with the world. While waiting to see the doctor, I texted as many people as possible to tell them the awesome news! When the doctor came in she began going of the results from the ultrasound. She told us that she was pleased with what she saw. He is growing just like he should be. I was worried about my weight since they have put out all of these new studies, but she said I was gaining as I should be. Of course we talked about all the other important things like swine flu, my leg cramps, and me not feeling the baby move. She encouraged me to get the seasonal flu shot (which I did that day), told me to take calcium and iron supplements, and to keep eating healthy. As for me not feeling the baby move, she said it's normal. She said that he weighed about 9 oz and by the time he was closer to one pound I would definitely feel him.

I have been patiently waiting to feel him. I sometimes feel that "flutter," but gas usually follows- so who knows if that was him. On Friday night, I know I felt him. Saturday morning, it happened again. I bet he was excited for that big UofL football game! I don't feel the movements consistently, but when I am lying still I will get a surprise bubble. Now that I have felt him, Jose wants to feel him.


We really can't wait to meet Jackson Lee! For now, all we have are the occasional flutters and a few ultrasound pictures to share. Enjoy!

Sucking his thumb

Getting ready to sleep!

His precious feet
Lounging in mommy's belly

his heart

Jackson waves, "Hello!"

It's a BOY!