Merry Christmas!

Jose and I hope that all of our friends and family had a Christmas that was filled with love and happiness! 

It was wonderful to spend the holiday with each other this year.  As most of you already know, Jose spent the holidays with his family in Mexico last year. 

On Christmas Eve, I went to my parent's house for dinner, gift exchange, games, and yummy snacks.  Dad grilled steaks, made baked potatos, and corn.  I got a lot of really neat stuff for Christmas- thanks Mom, Dad, Brian, Sara, and Kelly.  Brian and Sara got a new game, Guesstures.  We had a lot of fun playing the charades-like game. 

Jose spent Christmas Eve with his cousins and friends.  That evening, we exchanged gifts with each other.  Jose bought me a beautiful necklace and purse.  I gave him the XBOX 360 he begged for.  It took him three years of asking to get it!  I also gave him a shirt that he really liked.

On Christmas Day, we went to my parent's house to celebrate with my mom's family.  We enjoyed some DELICIOUS food!  We all gathered in the living room to exchange gifts (Jackson even got a present!).  And what would a Gray Family Christmas be without games?  We played a few entertaining rounds of Hot Potato and Guesstures. It is always wonderful to spend time with the people you love the most!

We can't wait to celebrate Jackson's first Christmas next year!  I am sure he will be a spoiled little boy! 

Another Sarah, Another Baby

Congratulations to Sarah and Matt on the birth of their baby girl Sophia! 

Prayer Request

Take a few minutes to say a prayer for my friend Sarah's newborn baby.  Luke Joseph was born very early Friday morning.  Friday evening, I found out that Luke has two holes in his heart and a narrow aorta.  He will have surgery at 8am Monday morning.  Sarah is optimistic about the surgery but is requesting prayers.

Heavenly Father, watch with us over your child Luke, and grant that he may be restored to that perfect health which it is yours alone to give; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

I know that the Lord will be watching over him to protect him,  I pray that the Lord is also with Sarah and Ty to give them strength and peace during this trying time.  I love you guys and I can't wait to meet Luke!  :)

Way to Go, Kelly!

My amazing and smart sister, Kelly, graduated from the University of Louisville on Thursday night!

I am extremely proud of her!  She worked very hard to get her degree in Business Management.  I know it wasn't always easy for her to work and go to school, but she never gave up! 

Kelly,
I am SO proud of you!  I had tears in my eyes as you processed in the arena with your classmates.  Know that I was cheering for you as you crossed that stage!  I knew you could do it!  I love you Mimi and wish you nothing but the best!
Love,
Amy

33 Week Check Up and Baby Care Class

Family and friends, Jackson is doing well!  Thursday morning, we went to our 33 week check-up.  His heartbeat was in the 140's and sounded great.  Dr. Miller said all of my lab work from the last visit came back normal.

I was concerned about my weight gain (8 and 6 pound gains the last two visits) and she said I had only gained about 20 pounds which was really good.  She said to expect to gain a pound a week until delivery as Jackson gains 1/2 pound per week.  I'm expecting to gain more since next week is Christmas.  :)

I am carrying low, but she said that could change in the next few weeks as he grows bigger and bigger.  She also said that I will be feeling him move A LOT more in the next 3-4 weeks.  I know he has been moving a lot every day.  Part of why I am up writing at 3:30 A.M. is because he is awake and abusing my insides!  As much as it can bother me in the middle of the night, I smile knowing he is in there being active.

We go back to the doctor in two weeks for our 35 week exam.  I will keep you posted!

Jose and I went to a free Basic Baby Care Class at the hospital on Tuesday night.  The auditorium was full of pregnant women, eager to learn the basics of caring for their newborn children.  I felt like I was back at EKU again, except my belly wouldn't allow me to use the desk of my own chair.  I was taking notes on everything from what happens right after delivery to giving our baby a bath.  We learned about what to expect after delivery, safety, breastfeeding, changing diapers, proper clothing, giving a bath, caring for the umbilical cord, sleep, and when to call the doctor.

They sent us home with a packet full of papers and stress!  There was so much to learn in so little time.  The nurse that presented told us not to worry... the hospital has a staff that is very supportive and ready to help every new family the best they can.  I thought Jose was out in la-la land during the presentation so I quized him when we got home.  I handed him my stuffed animal dog and he was able to swaddle and burp just like the nurse showed us.  He remembered all the important stuff!  Way to go, papi!

I know that they can only tell us so much to prepare us.  The real test will be when Jackson gets here.  I know that Jose and I will try our best to take care of Jackson.  I am really lucky to have my mom close by to answer questions and give a lending hand.  I already know I'll be calling on her for many things when he does get here.

We are scheduled to go to a few more classes in January.  We look forward to the breastfeeding class and labor & delivery.  I signed my parents up to go to the Joys of Grandparenting class as well.

 

Oops!

What was I thinking when I clicked "publish post" without mentioning today is Jose's birthday?

Feliz Cumpleanos, Papi!!!  We love you very much!

Love,
Amy and Jackson

Stretch Armstrong!

OK, everyone said, "Use cocoa butter everyday and you won't get stretch marks."  You lied!  You all lied! 

Ha- I know it's a normal pregnancy thing, but it was seriously a shock when I looked in the mirror after my morning shower a week or so ago and saw a few red bumps on my stomach.  I couldn't really see what it was, but it itched.  Later that day, I showed Jose and asked him what he thought it was.  He gave me the bad news... "I think it's stretch marks." 

Well, his thinking was right.  As the days have gone by, they have expanded and darkend.  It's weird that they are darker and larger on the left side than the right.  Then again, I feel him pushing, kicking and rolling around more on the left.  I continue to lather on the cocoa butter two to three times a day in hopes that they won't get out of control.