Christmas Time!

These past few days have been extremely hectic in the Spikes Household!! It is always hard to visit all family, it always happens that one event gets left out :( There just isn't enough time to do everything. I thought it was hard every year, but this year being 7 months pregnant was by far the hardest! I was completely exhausted by the end of each day!

On Wednesday, December 23rd we had a doctors appointment and ultrasound (Pictures to follow...) Everything went well! Mom, Amber, Meredith and Cooper got to come along! It was fun, except we used the doctor's machine and the quality was low! But, Dr. Andrew's assured me it was still a GIRL! Over the past few weeks, I have been worried about that. I also had a glucose test, YUCK! The actual drink was not that bad, I actually drink it in about 2 minutes... but then the dreaded blood work had to come. I did really well and didn't even shed a tear. For those who know, I am terribly afraid of needles and this was the very first time I didn't cry. The night before I could barely sleep, because I couldn't stop thinking about it. HA! I was very proud of myself. All in all it was a good appointment. Oh, I almost forgot to mention that I gained 4 pounds, WHOA!! No worries, he said I was right on track. My appointments are every two weeks now...

That day we also visited Ryan's Dad and MawMaw in Defuniak. Whew... we had a long day!

Christmas Eve we spent with Ryan's family. Everyone came in from Missouri and Melbourne. We finally got to meet Baby Ava and she is a doll! It just makes me want Presley here even more!

Christmas was a lot of fun! Santa was very good to me. I got a new pocket video camera and Coach Purse from Ryan. I love them both and I have already uploaded a video of Cooper onto YouTube.(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y1uHD-1PXE) He was cute this year playing with his new toys. Presley got him a Baby Einstein Piano that he really liked. Next year Cooper will be a year and 1/2 and Pres will be 9 months, it is going to be so fun at Mom's!

We also spent time at Lee and Cindy's- it is always so fun over there with everyone laughing! They got Presley some cute outfits, and Mawmaw made her the most beautiful things. I absolutely love them. I am pretty sure I have showed everyone that I have came in contact with. They are so gorgeous, I think she will take her newborn pictures in them. I just need a coordinating outfit!! Man I can't wait!!

In other news, we finally got the paint for the nursery! Now we just have to start. We are going to pick up the crib on Saturday! YAY, then it will finally all come together! I cannot wait...

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. Looking forward to 2010 and all the wonderful things our God has in store for us. I know he creates tough times so we can appreciate the good times... I guess now we will just sit back and wait to see what he has in store.

Update!

WOW- It has been a long time since I posted, almost a month to be exact! A lot of things to catch up on!

I left off last month saying that we would be moving into our new house, and we did! What an adventure is all I can say! I told Ryan we will DIE in this house- I AM NEVER MOVING AGAIN! I am so glad to have all that over with. It only took us 3 weeks, and we still have some things in the garage to put away, but overall we are finished and most things are decorated. We love the new house, it is so much more roomy than our old house, I have tons of space to fill up, which is a good thing since I plan on living there for the rest of my life *wink! Our next house project is the nursery! I am so anxious to get this going, I feel like I am running out of time...

I had a doctor's appointment on December 8th. I had to move it up because I wasn't feeling good at all. Come to find out I had a lingering virus. After a lot of sleep and two days, I was feeling much better. Then the next week, I got another virus and threw up for 24 hours... I have had plenty of viruses over my life, but let me tell you having a virus and being 6 1/2 months pregnant is NO fun!! It was interesting to balance eating... I will just leave it at that.

In between of moving, getting sick, work and going to the doctor we did have some fun :) We have been to one Christmas Party and I had a craft party at my house (Call me crazy, I know!) It is always fun to be around friends and family during this time of year!! Even though it doesn't seem like Christmas to me- Ryan and I don't even have a Christmas tree this year. I figured this is our last year to have a low key holiday season, for the rest of our lives Christmas will be so different and be a production!

My next appointment in December 23rd- this will be a fun and not-so-fun appointment. I have to be tested for diabetes (standard), but we will get to see Presley on a ultrasound! What a wonderful Christmas present.

As the days go by, I am getting more and more excited to meet Presley! It is going to be the best day of our lives and it can't come soon enough! I run around all the time trying to figure out how I am going to get everything done and even what I need to get done that I sometimes forget what the real reason for me doing this is , and it is something greater than I can ever imagine. I am so blessed to even have this experience some long for years or even forever to be in my position and I am determined to enjoy every single second of it regardless of the hard times.

Well, I will leave you all with a picture of my belly... It is starting to poke out there. It is funny when I look at this picture because I don't feel this big at all!
Craft Party Fun-

The girls hard at work!

My unfinished wreath! =)

Lindsey, Kara & Mallory's

Me and Lindsey!

That's all for today! Merry Christmas =)

24 Week Doctor's Appointment

We had our November doctor's appointment this morning, and everything went great! I have gained 1 pound in the past 4 weeks (Total=13), and the doctor said that is normal. My blood pressure was great, measurements on target, and Presley's heartbeat was perfect. So overall a good appointment! Our next appointment is December 8th and it is the dreaded diabetes appointment... I have to drink a nasty glucose supplement and get my blood drawn (as you all know I am NOT looking forward to the blood!!). But on the upside, we will get an ultrasound! YAY I can't wait to see Presley again- it has been way too long!

Miss Priss is starting to move more and more each day. She moves mostly at night. Everyone says when you move during the day it rocks the baby to sleep, and that is why they only move when you are still. Who knows!?!

Our house, is still going well. We will get our final inspection by Wednesday. However, we have one hold up until we can finalize everything--They forgot to order our hardwood floors :( and they are on back order! Only we could get so lucky! Good news: they should be in by Wednesday or Thursday, so hopefully, we can stay on track.

Around our house, we are looking forward to the week of Thanksgiving for many reasons:

1. Family in town =)
2. Baby Ava will be born
3. I am off for the entire week! This momma needs a break ;)
4. Moving into our new house!

What a fun week! Happy Thanksgiving!

HOUSE UPDATE!

Everything is right on track for the house to be completed by Thanksgiving. Our builder gave us great news this week and said everything should be completed by the 13th and all the final inspections, including ours with the builder, should be completed by the 20th. Therefore, our move-in date is around the 21st! Yippie (Can you tell I am a little excited?!? ;)
I have some updated pictures... so enjoy!

Presley Movement **Update**

I think... I think, I just felt Presley moving for the first time! It is hard to distinguish hunger and movement, but I am almost positive like 99%. What a fun experience. Everyone is right it felt like a butterfly tapping my tummy right above my belly button! So Exciting! I can't wait until I feel more!

Just wanted to document this occasion =)

*Update
On Sunday morning, Ms. Priss started kicking again. What a surprise and a fun feeling (From what I hear, I better be excited now, because at some point it won't be soo fun!) The first kick was so strong- and reassuring that she is doing well and loving her temporary home! She kicked a couple more faint times and I told Ryan to put his hand on my tummy so maybe he could feel her- and then she kicked so hard! He actually felt her ;) It was so exciting!

20 Weeks

This week we reached the halfway point!! 20 weeks down...20 weeks to go! This week we had a doctor's appointment and everything went smoothly. I have gained 10 pounds total- the doctor said that is perfect and my blood pressure was normal. We heard Presley's heartbeat and the doctor said, "Sounds like a Happy baby, and we like happy babies" ;) Let's hope that attitude continues when she arrives!
Around this week the baby weighs 10 1/2 ounces and is 6 1/2 inches long, about the length of a banana from head to foot. Before this week, the baby has always been measured from head to bottom.

Symptoms:

Lower back pain- This just started two days ago, and man it is a killer. From what I read if I change my sleeping position and put pillows behind my back it should help relieve some of the pressure at night... I will keep you posted.

Night sweats- These happen a few times a week, but isn't too bad.

Increased appetitite- Hungry a lot... and I like to eat bigger meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner. According to the "books" I will start gaining about a pound a week in the coming weeks... watch out food.

Other than that, nothing to complain about. I am feeling good with lots of energy.

HOUSE UPDATE:

The House is coming along. The outside is compeletly finished =) and they have started the sheetrock. The painters will be able to start by next wednesday. We are still on track for a Thanksgiving finsh- crossing my fingers!

I can't wait for the house to be finished so I can start on the nursery. We bought the bedding and the crib, and are looking for the rest of the furniture, but that can wait until next year when we get all the house expenses out of the way.

Until next time...

19 Weeks

A month has flown by! Be prepared this will be a long one.

First, I want to start off by saying, being pregnant is a beautiful thing. Sure I have my bad days when I don't like getting fat, I have nothing to wear, I am moody, and I am always hungry, but overall I love it. I love thinking about meeting our precious baby, and how much love Ryan and I will have for God's little creation. It brings a happy tear* to my eye to even think about the first time I will see that precious baby and I am so excited to see Ryan's reactions and words! Man, I cannot wait.

Now on to the good stuff...

This week the baby is the size of a heirloom tomato. And my tummy is growing more and more each day, I barely recognize myself. I will say that waddling is fun and every pregnant women should take full advantage of their time to waddle ha ha and use pregnancy as an excuse not to wear heels! It has been nice!

Another thing I have noticed, people are so courtesy and nice when you are pregnant- it is amazing. Most Men treat you with the utmost respect. It is very heartwarming and I am very appreciative.

Over the past month we had an ultrasound and guess what?!? We found out the SEX! It was absolutely amazing-- As you know, I wanted a girl with all my heart (After that healthy part, ha ha). I prayed, I talked to my stomach and in my mind it has always been referred to as a girl or as Presley. Ryan in the beginning really wanted a girl also. BUT, he changed his mind late in the game and decided he wanted a boy! I guess I prayed harder and talked to the baby more because IT IS A GIRL!!
Please Meet PRESLEY TAYLOR SPIKES!

We also learned that she is very health and all of her measurements are perfect. We seen her brain, heart and kidneys. All are functioning properly. Her stomach and head are the right proportion, it was a relief to hear everything was great!

She is a stubborn little thing and already prissy! She crosses her legs non-stop- just at the ankles, like a proper lady ;) So Cute!! It seems like she already has a little personality- a little hard headed (She doesn't get that from her momma ;) but still sweet and innocent. O I can't wait. Ryan and I went to Babies R US and picked out the bedding and the crib- it was SOO much fun! =) And I love it. Can't wait to go back and register.

Well I think that is all for the baby update! Soon- I will post an update on the house! =)

15 weeks!! =)

Well, once again, it has taken me forever to write another post. This time I will blame it on my busy life and work schedule!

I had a doctors appointment this past week, and everything went smoothly. We didn't have an ultrasound this time (tear*) but, we did get to hear the heartbeat and kicking! It was very exciting and reassuring to know that our baby is doing great in its comfy little home ;) My next appointment is October 13th and guess what we get to do?!? FIND OUT THE SEX- YAY! My gosh I just cannot wait. At this point, I am feeling a little overwhelmed by all the things I will have to get done before March and after our house is done.

The baby is a size of an apple this week (Does this explain this ever growing baby bump? Hmm... It almost seems like a watermelon in there-- OK OK maybe not watermelon, but Cantaloupe at least haha!)

I have had some cramping lately, but the doctor reassured me that everything is fine. It was most likely dehydration.

Symptoms lately:

Hardly anything to complain about!! Most of the sickness and exhaustion is gone- yay for energy!!

I am hungry a lot! I mostly want Sweet Tea (I know it is bad for me- but everything is OK in moderation, right?!?), Beef O'Brady's, and the occasional weird thing like a pickle. But not too bad all in all.

The House:

The house is coming along- they have started on the foundation- dirt and framing (I guess that is the right term), and "Roughing In" the plumbing. I will take all the progress we can get. Lets just cross our fingers for a December completion date!!!

They said they will pour the foundation at the beginning of next week. I will say that building a house is not an easy task (Just like everyone else that has built a house will say :). It takes a lot of patience, which I do not have a lot of. When I say two days go by that no one is there it really makes me mad- but I have to remember good things come to those who wait!

Busy Schedule:

My schedule has been the most challenging thing thus far-- All self-induced I must add. I joined Junior League this year, and so far I am really enjoying it. This past month, I did some training for my community service hours on abused children and signs to look for. They presented us with some really shocking statistics and as a soon-to-be new home it feels great to be informed.

And in my spear time, I am also in Leadership Pensacola. This program is ran by the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce is and is for leaders and up-and-coming leaders of Pensacola. it is very exciting to be surround by individuals that have a passion for our community and work every day to make it better. Since I have started working with the Chamber, I have grown to love Pensacola and everything it has to offer. We do live in Paradise and overall we have good people that want to make this place the best it can be. In LeaP we have had some great days- we did an obstacle course and we had a community overview day. The overview was very enlightening and I was shocked to see how many people were misinformed about the North end of the county. I am looking forward to the next months getting to know everyone better and learning more about the place that I love!

WHEW- I was long winded today, I guess that is what I get for not updating!! =)

9 weeks

I haven't posted in 4 weeks, but it seems so much longer!

I feel like 9 months has passed, man do I have a long way to go...

Our little peach is actually the size of a grape this week and over next few weeks it will grow to be a plum!


The first 9 weeks have been great, so I can't complain much. At first, it took a little time to get the symptoms down pat, but now I know what works and what doesn't. And, sure enough as soon as I think I got it figured out we will be heading into the second trimester!!

I have gained some weight-- Actually, I feel like a fat cow! But I will say I don't mind it that much, I just can't wait to get over the hump from looking fat to pregnant! =)

Symptoms-
Nausea- still nothing unbearable and usually before I eat and 30 minutes after
Heartburn- Oh my it is bad! Sometimes it keeps me up at night...
Exhaustion- I am always tired (One night I went to bed at 7:30 and woke up at 7:00 the next morning and it was GLORIOUS!!)

Overall, not feeling bad, different, but not bad. I would say I am pretty lucky! I am looking foward to finding out the sex of the baby! I absolutely cannot wait. I think it is a girl... it feels like a girl and I even dream of little girls. But, it doesn't matter as long as it is a healthy baby!


Well, we haven't started on our house, but the process has started. This week we are getting permits! So everyone cross their fingers for us to start- we are on a fast timeline! The baby has to have a NURSERY!! haha

Well...5 weeks down

I have scheduled my first doctor's appointment for Friday, July 17th! YAY Finally real confirmation from a professional. Ryan and I are so excited- I hope so badly that we can here the little peach's heart beat! That will just be amazing and what a miracle just to think 5 weeks ago it wasn't even thought of and now all the mommy questions are running through my mind--

- Is it developing normally?

- Are all these sympotoms normal?

- What we will name it if it is a boy? Girl?

- What will the nursery look like?

- Will I be able to nurse?

- How much wait will I gain? And, what will I look like in 3, 6 and 9 months?

All these silly questions, that I am sure every new mom has, O what an exciting adventure!! =)

Current sympotoms:

- Exhaustion (Does this ever go away??)

- Some nausea, but it isn't unbearable, yet!

- And Ryan would say moodiness, but I disagree! haha

So all in all, not too bad. I will have a better update on FRIDAY!

Still Shocked!

Well a few life changing things have been happening in our life...





1. We sold our house. Yes, I already miss it dearly! But, we are looking foward to building a new house on my family property. We are really excited to be closer to the Coopster, and the other family (I guess...Kidding only Kidding). We already have our plans picked out, and got an estimate, all we have to do is sign our contract by then end of the month. Hopefully, we will be in it by Christmas! =) In the meantime, we are staying with my parents- it will be challenging, but worth the wait.





2. Last Night (July 9th) I found out I was pregenant. I AM COMPLETELY SHOCKED!! It still hasn't sunk in that something is growing inside. I am so excited to see what this holds, and looking foward to this adventure. Ryan was cute last night, I swear he couldn't stop smiling. I called him today and he said he was still smiling and it would go away! haha We weren't exactly trying, and that was the way I always wanted it, to be surprised and let God do all the work! We have only told My Mom, Sister, Jerry, Ryan's Mom and Stepdad, Stefanie and Ian thus far. I want to make sure everything is fine, before I tell the world. I do plan on telling some more of my close family and friends tonight! I am saving this blog post until everyone knows! =) Sorry blog world!





As you can see, we are doing a lot of transitioning in our life, but so very excited to complete this fun and exciting chapter in our life! We are truely blessed and I couldn't as for a better person to go on this journey on.

A fun and Relaxing Weekend

On Friday, Lindsey and I had a great dinner @ the Crab Trap and went over to Hubs and some quality girl time! =) It was a lot of fun and something that I have missed over the past month, when our schedules were really hectic (mostly mine, with new Aunt responsibilities and Military Appreciation Month!).

On Saturday, I went with Linds and Stef and some of our guys friends to Billy Bow Legs in Destin! What a party! WOW... we didn't stay too long, but it was quite entertaining to see everyone dressed up as pirates! Lindsey and I love Halloween so it was extra fun for us! ;) Saturday night I went to bed a 6:00 (Completely exhausted!) and had a very releaxing night in with my puppies!

On Sunday, the boys made it back all in one piece! Shocking, I know! And, I hung out at mom's for a while- and played with my little Lily! O how I love her. I just can't imagine how I am going to feel about Cooper-- I know I won't be able to tell him no, then I can just send him home to his Mom! haha

That is about it! I had a great weekend and I am already looking foward to the next one. Until then I will be working, and we have a busy week scheduled!

Well... It has been quite a while since I have posted anything... so much for that good idea!! =) So many things have went on in the last two months it is hard to believe. I started this blog more as a journal than anything, so Ryan and I can look back in 10 years and see where we were in our life during this time- Married only three short years, no kiddies, two dogs, and a small house that we love so much! The next 10 years will be great, and I am sure we will often miss this time in our lives we didn't have many worries and kids running around and taking them to every sport practice! O the good times that await us!

One thing that I am most excited about is my new nephew, Cooper Reid Halfacre, we are all awaiting his arrival some patiently others, like me and my sister, not so much! I just can't wait for the day that I see his cute little face and all the happiness he will bring to our family. I know he is going to quite handsome. Yes, I am biased, but I will say that if he gets his looks from his Aunt he can't go wrong! Kidding, just kidding! Once he arrives (My projection is June 15th) I will post plenty of pictures!

We also have some great friends that are getting married this month and this weekend Ryan and all the boys are going to NOLA for his bachelor party! Pray for their safe return, because we all know they will need it! The girls turn will come soon enough! And Congratulations to Michael and Jodi!

I am looking forward to a great relaxing weekend and catching up on girl time that I desperately need. When life gets busy it is so easy to forget about your great friends that you don't get to spend much time with! O- and I will be getting some much need sun. I look like I live in Alaska!

After much debate, I have decided to get a blog. It probably will not be very interesting, but hey it is a fun thing to do! =) I enjoy social networking on the internet and this is just another way for me to connect to my friends and family that I don't often talk to.

As I mentioned in my "About Me" section, I love my puppies! So I have decided to pot some pictures for your viewing pleasure! Enjoy!

Only faces a mother can love! =) Until next time... Happy Thursday!