Smile!!!

Here are a couple more pics. The first one is a big huge smile! He smiles a lot and we love it! He's just so darn cute! Since people have already commented on his ears, we are well aware that his ears are big. He doesn't have good genes to choose from in that department. I have big ears and Jordan had surgery on his ears when he was little because they stuck out so far.

The second picture is of his ginormous feet! These newborn socks barely fit when he was born. As you can see where the heel is suppose to be, they aren't even close to fitting anymore. He definitely has dad's feet!

Quick Post with Pics!

Hi everyone!

Well, the days have become a little easier. Ethan is doing much better on the reflux medication. He is still colicky in the evening but it's not as bad as it use to be. At least he continues to grow like a weed and I can't believe how big he is getting! He was 6 weeks old yesterday!

I've decided to go back to work full time. I start January 18th and I'm so sad. It's really neat to fly in helicopters and airplanes, and to save lives for a living. After all, it was my dream job since junior high. But, I'd rather stay at home with my baby. Ready or not, here I come Black Hills Life Flight. I can tell you I'm not ready at all, but at least it's only two days a week. I'll be working a week day and a weekend day (24 hour shifts). Fortunately, we have a good friend who will be watching Ethan one day a week. They have a little boy who is just four months older than Ethan, it will just be the two of them, and they live just down the road from us.

That's the quick update. I need to get ready to go for an appointment.

Yay... for sleep (and for being 4 weeks old)


Totally out (5 weeks old)


Getting ready to go (6 weeks old)


Who turned out the lights?


Another pic of me (6 weeks old)

Pictures!

Here are some pictures for you of Ethan. He is doing great! We found out he probably has reflux, hence the screaming during the day sometimes and even in the middle of the night. He still has colic every evening anywhere from 6 pm-midnight but he will eventually grow out of that... we hope. At least we hope the medication they put him on will help with the reflux. He is growing like a weed though! His weight is 9 lbs, 14 oz!

And Christmas is really sneaking up on us. With being gone for a week over Thanksgiving and brand new baby with reflux and colic, things just get put aside! The Christmas tree still needs to be put up! Whew...



My first wedding the week before Thanksgiving


Looking like an old man


I'm willing to eat anything


I'm pooping or peeing


My first bath, and every single picture I have this silly face... not a fan of baths

Whew, What a Day!

So I've heard that colic can develop at about 4-6 weeks or so. Guess what? It's arrived! Ethan has been very fussy every evening for over a week now. So, I hear it's normal. Well, today was ALL DAY! He would fuss, then cry, then fuss, then fall asleep for 10 minutes, wake up, and do it all over again! I feel so bad for him and wish I knew what was wrong. Feeding-check! Diaper-check! Rocking, swinging, swaying, walking, bouncing-check! Too hot or too cold-check! Gas, give some anti-gas medicine-check! And still, he fusses or cries! I hope it doesn't last too long. He has been asleep for 15 minutes now...the longest he has slept since we woke up this morning.

Other than today, Ethan has been great during the day! He usually just coos and grunts and that's about it. So, this is quite the change. I guess as long as it gets better, it will be ok.

I'm exhausted since he continues to wake up every 2-3 hours to eat. And because I've had to pump instead of breastfeed, it takes additional time. So getting more than 1 or 2 hours of sleep at a time is unlikely at night. Jordan has been wonderful at coming home and letting me sleep for about 3 or so hours while he does daddy duty.

Minnesota went great though! Ethan was a real trooper and he was such a good traveler! I'm glad we did it then instead of now, yikes! We had so much fun at the wedding (and my dress was too big by then) and the baby shower went great. I'm still working on the thank you notes though...they will get sent out. It was much easier doing them when I was pregnant. Plus, we had a ton of fun eating good food during Thanksgiving!

The house is a disaster, I haven't cooked a meal in weeks, and our animals have been deprived of attention. But, we absolutely love Ethan! It is worth it all in the end. And yes, I'm ready to do this again! Can't wait for baby #2!!! Yes, I know I'm crazy.

We will post pictures this week.

We Are SOOOO Blessed!

Ethan is an absolutely wonderful baby! He rarely complains and is a happy little guy. He is still working on not being a night owl but it is getting better. I think we are finally getting into a routine.

Each and every day I count the blessings that have been given to us. I have an absolutely wonderful husband who does everything he can to help and is so supportive. He takes Ethan after he gets home from work so I can rest. And then I have this little angel sent from above that I cannot take my eyes off of. I'm in awe each and every moment I look at him. He is absolutely precious... he is perfect in my eyes.

The other thing that gets me is how in the world he fit in my belly! I set him on my belly and it just doesn't seem feasible.

Anywho, we are looking forward to Ethan's first bath tonight and he finally has his newborn pictures tomorrow night. We had to wait for the photographer to get back from a business trip so we couldn't get them right away, but that's ok.

We will be heading to Minnesota this weekend for a wedding and to spend Thanksgiving with my side of the family. We haven't had a holiday with them for some time so we thought this was a great time to go! Ethan is small enough that traveling long distances in a car is easier than a year from now. But wish us luck anyway! Fortunately, Ethan loves his car seat and the car.

That's our update. I'm sure we'll have more pics to come soon!

God bless!

More Pictures of Ethan

It's amazing how Ethan changes every day. He has several different facial expressions. Here are just a few of them.

Sleepy Time


Having Gas While Sleeping...or Maybe a Good Dream


One of My "I Need to Poop" Looks


I'm Waking Up and Loving my Pacifier


Me and My Crackberry - Daddy is Proud

Ethan Larry Marshall

Ethan Larry Marshall was born on November 3, 2009 at 11:57 am! He weighed in at 7 lbs, 8.9 oz and is 19 (and 1/4) inches long. Along with the pregnancy, the birth of little Ethan was no easy task either.

Due to me having some pregnancy induced hypertension, my OB decided it was best to induce me. So, we went in on Tuesday morning at 5 am to get the process started. Never mind that Jordan and I barely slept that night and woke up at 1:30 am, got ready, laid around, and then went to Perkins for breakfast (we were the only ones there most of the time) before going to the hospital.

Once we got to the hospital, they hooked me up to all the monitors. I was having contractions every 2-4 minutes apart, which I had for several days but they were never painful. My only problem with many of the contractions is I had trouble breathing. I even went in to the hospital on Sunday, Nov 1st because of it. Nobody seemed too concerned about it and it was a very unusual thing, so I was sent home.

Anywho, I got started on Pitocin close to 7 am to hopefully improve those contractions since Mr. Marshall was still very high and there had been no changes to bring me closer to labor. The pitocin did make my contractions stronger, but I still never had any pain with them. However, I had an increased shortness of breath and my heart rate would increase with each and every contraction. The OB thought it was a pain response and tried some pain medications. After that didn't help, they tried an epidural in hopes of relaxing some of my muscles in my abdomen and chest. It helped for about an hour or so. My blood pressure remained high through all of this.

Soon, everything really got intense. My heart rate started racing in the 160s beats per minute with each contraction. My difficulty breathing continued to get worse. And then I started having a "vasovagal" response where my heart rate and my blood pressure would suddenly drop with each contraction. Jordan told me one of my blood pressures was 90/18. I started passing out (or close to it) with each contraction. They continued to have me smell those nasty sniffers to keep me awake.

All of this started happening around 11 am. My OB, Dr Mike (Christensian), decided to stop the pitocin and schedule a c-section for noon. But, I continued to have problems and ended up getting rushed prior to noon to have an emergency c-section. Jordan told me they taped those sniffers to their scrubs as they took me to the operating room. They also started more IVs and gave me a bunch of IV fluids to try and help my blood pressure. Even though I had an epidural, they almost put me under because I was so unstable. Thankfully, I had an epidural in even before I had an labor pains because they were able to keep me awake during the c-section. Otherwise, they would have put me to sleep.

And what about little Ethan? He never decompensated throughout the whole ordeal and was a little champ in there! Despite the craziness, Jordan was also able to be by my side the whole time (if I was put under, he wouldn't have been able to be there) and to witness the birth of his son.

Fortunately, I don't remember a lot of what happened during my episodes of passing out. Things are even a little vague from the operating room. But, I do remember hearing the first cry of our little Ethan and that he for sure was a boy. And I remember Jordan bringing him over to let me see Ethan for the first time. Those will never be forgotten.

I asked Dr Mike the next day what in the world happened. He said he thought that Ethan was just too big. Ethan was pushing up on my diaphragm which was also pushing on my heart and my major blood vessels in my chest, abdomen, and pelvis that it was just too much.

Here we are almost a week later with our precious little angel. He is such a good baby (so far). He does have his nights and days mixed up but that has improved and we hope that he will continue to sleep better at night and stay awake more during the day. Ethan is absolutely perfect in every way. We couldn't ask for a bigger or better blessing. He truly is a gift from above, and we know that he is being protected by all our loved ones up there!


The Night Before the Big Day


**Happy Birthday Ethan Larry!!!**

Tomorrow is the BIG DAY!

Yes, I'm aware of writing in the blog... or the lack there of. I have pics from the last few weeks but they haven't made it on here, or even onto the computer. And at this time, it kind of seems like a moot point to show them. Or maybe not. I'm sure we'll take a pic before we go to the hospital. Yes, to the hospital.

I'M GETTING INDUCED TOMORROW!

It's really coming! I've been diagnosed with gestational hypertension, or pregnancy induced high blood pressure. I've had it for the last few weeks and it's really starting to get high so they've decided it's best I deliver sooner than later. We are so excited, terrified, nervous, apprehensive, etc., etc., etc...

Plus, I've been contracting for the last 24 hours, though the contractions have finally calmed down a bit this afternoon. They were never painful, but definitely there and uncomfortable. Plus, they had pretty much been every 2-4 minutes apart since they started at 4 pm yesterday. I think they're finally about 5-10 minutes apart. Stupid braxton-hicks contractions. Sleep was almost non-existent last night for me, and Jordan slept like a baby.

That is the update! We will try and keep you informed of everything.

Please send lots of thoughts and prayers our way. I have a feeling it's going to be a very long haul!

Yes, I Need to Update!

I realize that it's been about 2 weeks since I have updated. Well, you're out of luck because I can't do it right now. Hopefully, I will get to it tomorrow. Don't fret! I'll get it done very soon!

Maternity Pictures

Here are a few maternity pictures that Amy, of Legacy Photo and Design, put on her blog. She does excellent work and though I've mentioned her website before, here it is again! The session was fun and slightly frightening at the same time. It's like saying "Here, take a picture of my ginormous gut!" We will get the proofs in a week or two.

www.legacyphotoanddesign.com

It's Overinflated!

So my abdomen feels quite...expanded (or large, stretched, gigantic, augmented, etc). I've lost sight of my feet weeks ago and I only see my knees when I'm sitting down. Someday, my belly will pop. I'm starting to get convinced this little guy will be a toddler before he ever comes out. I ache all over, sometimes to the point where I can't get up or walk. All my joints hurt like I have arthritis, especially in my hands and wrists. It's probably from the swelling. It's not a lot of fun, but I don't mind even though I gripe about it to Jordan. Jordan has been a champ and never says anything back to me. He just listens and tries to comfort me when he can, even if that means he has to put on my socks or my shoes. And we're about as prepared as we can be, whatever that may be. Yesterday, we put in a nice closet organizer. Wow, we have so much storage, I may want to do that in every closet!

The OB appointment went well last week, I think. I had to see the nurse practitioner since my OB was not able to see me. The NP was very concerned that this baby is getting quite big. She guestimated him to be 5+ pounds at 34 weeks along, yikes! Plus, he was in a diagonal position. At my next appointment, which is next week, she told me that the doctor will probably do an ultrasound to see just how big this baby is. And if he's as big as she thinks he is, then there is a chance I will be induced early. No complaints here as long as Mr. Marshall is happy and healthy! Plus, I have symptoms that indicates I have a large baby in there.

Larry's funeral was on Sat. Oct 3. It was beautiful and so neat to see so many people there. The whole family continues to hear other peoples' reactions and they all have been very positive. It's amazing to see that Larry continues to touch peoples' lives even today! One of his relatives has committed to doing some missions work. And there are so many others, including myself, that look at what they want to do in the future and how they can accomplish it. Larry and Cindy's impact on others has truly been a gift from God.

Oh, and just a snippet of info...Thursday, October 15th, there is a benefit for Thore and Justine Jenshus. Dinner Theatre sneak preview of Dracula at the Firehouse at 7:30 but be there by 7 pm. Suggested minimum donation $35/person which includes appetizers and cash bar. 100% of all the proceeds goes towards the Jenshus Family!

Life is returning back to normal around here...at least for the time being...until our little bundy of joy arrives!


(34 weeks)





(35 weeks)

Good Times Despite Tough Times

Today is the day of the wake for Larry, followed by the funeral tomorrow. We continue to ask so many questions of: Why. Nobody really knows. Our plan is so much different that what God has/had planned. The one thing we can be sure of is that Larry continues to have a huge celebration where he's at. He is jubilant, as are so many of the people he is surrounded by. And I know that he wants us to celebrate his life here on earth as well as his eternal life, and not mourn is death. He is finally Home. It is a tough time for the whole Marshall family...tears of laughter and tears of sadness. But, we will make it through the days ahead.

On a lighter note, I'm 33 weeks along. Things have been quite crazy to say the least but our little man is quite the trooper in there. He only complains some with an occasional swift kick or good elbow jab. Otherwise, he seems content despite his mom's crazy emotions and hormones.

After some nudging (or insisting) from Jordan, I finally packed my hospital bag. Just a few last minute things and we'll be ready to head out the door in a hurry if need be! And the "nesting" has finally started to kick in a little bit. The nursery is starting to get organized. I still don't know exactly how it's going to be arranged, yet. We need something on the walls and curtains on the window. After this week is over, we'll be able to focus on the baby room some more.

Oh, and my shower! The baby shower was great last Saturday! Many of my co-workers came as did my sister in-laws, and we had fun just hanging out and talking. Mr. Marshall and mommy got a lot of great gifts! We are so excited to use them...well I'm excited. I think Mr. Marshall is perfectly content on spitting up or drueling on much of it. If you are one of my co-workers reading this, thanks so much! I know some of you couldn't get here because you were working, but no worries!

Here are the pictures so many of you have patiently waited to see. May you all have a blessed weekend!

Though We Mourn The Loss, We Celebrate Life

It has been a week of difficult times. Jordan's father, Larry, passed away yesterday in Denver. He has been fighting to stay alive since June 8th, the day of his accident. It has been miraculous to see him fight for the last 4 months. Though it isn't the outcome we want here, it is ultimately the outcome that God had planned. He has touched so many lives and continued to do so with his battle this summer. We appreciate the time we got to spend with him. Jordan and I went to Denver to visit him last weekend and I'm so happy we went. There was such pulling feeling on my heart that we needed to go. And now I know why. Larry is celebrating with family and friends and now can walk with the Lord. His body is healed...he can walk, talk, and move about as he pleases. He will always be missed and loved. And we know he will be watching over us. For those of you who never met him, I wish you could have. He was an amazing man and I feel so privileged to have known him and to have married his son.

To change the subject, I had an OB appointment today. Mr. Marshall continues to grow at a rampant pace and is still one week ahead of schedule. This is good, but I'm getting a little more nervous as each week passes. We are at 32 (and a half) weeks! The baby room is slowly getting put together.

Speaking of baby...I should pack my hospital bag. And, I don't know how to put the car seat in the car...does Jordan?

No Time to Slow Down!

Sorry that I didn't post last week. We have been SOOOO busy! In fact, I think I've done too much and really have to watch myself. So after this week, I'm going to relax.

We have reached 31 weeks and time is flying by. I just had a doctor's appointment today and all is still right on track! I can't believe that we only have 2 months left...pretty darn exciting! I am sure that it will get harder to move around within the next few weeks. And I think my driving status is nearing the end since I can barely reach the pedals. Hopefully, I can continue driving until the end of September. Even though I'm getting more uncomfortable as each day passes, I take it all in and cherish every moment of it.

So what is taking up all my time? We have a rental property and we have been busy doing finishing touches on it and showing it to potential renters. The most frustrating thing is when people make appointments and then don't show up. But, we've finally got it rented, yay!!! Plus, they want to move in this week. So we're happy to not have to worry about that anymore.

My dad visited last week for a few days and that was really nice. I don't see my side of the family very often so it's always exciting to see them.

Oh, and we have added an addition to the nursery. We got the crib bedding! I needed to get something to match colors for curtains and just to start decorating. Nope, not nesting yet...just forcing myself to do get things ready. And I finally picked a mattress so we'll get that this week.

I can't believe I'm adding this bit to the blog. Yesterday, someone rang the doorbell and I went to the door. It was a teenager selling something, which I'm assuming was a fundraiser. She looked at me and said, "Hi, is your mom or dad here?" I just looked at her and said, "No" and she left. Do I look 15 years old and pregnant? If you ask me that, you won't be getting any of my business because I guarantee my parents do not live here.

Here are the pictures from both 30 weeks and 31 weeks. I'm starting to feel VERY pregnant!


(30 Weeks)





(31 Weeks)

Time is Flying By

The bun has been in the oven for 29 weeks now! So, we're starting to head into the last corner preparing for that home straightaway! It's exciting. And I'm still content how things are. Really, who needs a mattress for the crib anyway? It's time to force myself to get ready for the baby even if my mind says I don't have to. Each and every step continues to be so surreal.

The rental property is almost complete so we can concentrate on our house a little bit. We need to get our carpets cleaned. Eventually, we will finish the 2 bedrooms and 1 bath in the basement. No rush though. That would be a good winter project.

All our friends are doing well. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers through these difficult times. Our friend who was in the dirt biking accident is preparing to go to rehab on the same campus where Jordan's dad is at. They on do rehab for spinal cord injuries and head injuries...an amazing place called Craig Hospital.

May you all have a great week! Stay safe, play safe, and enjoy every moment you have!

Thoughts and Prayers Needed

Nothing can prepare a person for losses. But we can thank God for life. And we've experienced this more than once this week. It makes us appreciate what we do have, for the life we live, and what can be taken away. Jordan and I have been reminded many times this week of what we can appreciate.

The OB appointment went very well and we continue to have a healthy baby and the pregnancy is going very well. Even though I have a cold, it's pretty minute compared to other situations around us.

On Thursday evening, Jordan went dirt biking with a bunch of guys and one of them was in an accident. Jordan called me right away and I was able to contact Life Flight to launch to the site. Then, I called his wife and brought her to the hospital. These are friends of ours. He was life flighted to Rapid City Regional Hospital and has sustained C-4 (the neck part of the spine) fracture with a spinal cord injury. He has no feeling or movement from the nipple line and below. As of now, he cannot grasp anything with his hands but it is still way too early to tell of his prognosis. We are praying for his health, recovery, and for the rest of his family. We ask that you do the same for you prayer warriors. They just adopted a little girl from China in December. To keep up with his status, please visit:

www.caringbridge.com/visit/thorejenshus

Then, I found out that my friend and her fiance's house burned down. She is getting married and I'm in her wedding in November. They were able to escape with the clothes on their back, their cat, and their wedding rings. Please also pray for them as they have to rebuild.

And finally, we found out a family friend's little baby girl, who was born with a heart defect, had to be life flighted to Omaha for complications. She is doing better now and they are hoping to prepare her for a second surgery for her heart defect. Her caringbridge website is:

www.caringbridge.com/visit/gabriellehoyt

Needless to say, we are so thankful for all of our blessings. And we are thankful that through all these tragedies, their lives were spared and any of these could have led to dire consequences. It makes me take the time to pet my dogs or cat for a little longer, rub my belly a little more, listen to the birds sing, see the colors of the scenery, or appreciate the extra 5 seconds of a hug my husband gives me. May you remember to appreciate all those large and small things in life, too.

Nesting?

Most women are suppose to get this nesting instinct. Mine must be hiding under a rock. I'm feeling content even though we don't have the nursery done or even a place for the baby to sleep. So if you find my nest, please return it ASAP!

So I was hoping I was going to be one of those women who would look all nice and not have my face look all puffy. Well, so much for that as I'm either gaining weight in my face or gaining fluid in my face. All those experts talk about where you gain weight: uterus, baby, amniotic fluid, breasts...there is nothing in there about gaining weight in your face! As if my face isn't already round enough!

Yesterday after church, we walked out of a restaurant and these people passed us. Jordan happened to hear the comment, "she looks too young to be pregnant." I think that's kind of funny. What, do I look 16 to you? Well, I will take it as a compliment even though it wasn't referred to as a good thing.

Jordan's home, whoopie! I was so excited to see him after him being gone for almost 2 weeks. His travels are all done for the rest of the year, with the exception of another dirtbiking trip or touring motorcycle trip. I can't take those away from him or he'll be one grouchy daddy! I'm glad he has lots of hobbies to allow him to have a little fun, even if they are expensive hobbies.

Oh, and I just found out what my brother and sister in-law are having! They are expecting a little baby a month before us. But, I don't want to spill the beans since it's their news so you'll have to ask them! How fun!

I have an OB appointment on Thursday and I get to do the glucose screening test. Yuck, the stuff I have to drink looks terrible! Wish me luck and that I don't get sick from all that sugar! I will update you all after the appointment.

84 days and counting down! I'm 28 weeks today!

My Blanket Creations

Here are pics of the finished products. So if you're expecting a baby anytime soon, you should expect a blanket! Well, only if you want one.

The blue one is my first one and though it has issues, it's not a bad looking blanket. The pictures don't show the pattern very well. And the pink one turned out very, very nice! You can click on the pictures to make them bigger.

Charging Into the Third Trimester

Yup, we are officially in the third trimester! I'm 27 weeks today and we continue to grow. Our next appointment isn't until next week. And supposedly I should be getting that nesting feeling. Nope, I have no nesting instincts right now. Maybe tomorrow...or next week...or next month.

So I got this terrible rash. It's on my arms silly. I think I've somehow become allergic to latex. I cleaned and used some latex cleaning gloves that I've always worn. The next day, I broke out in a rash ONLY where my gloves touch my skin. I'm not sure if it is the latex, the PUPPP flaring up, or a combination of both. Whatever it is, I'm glad it's only on my arms and the itchiness seems to be subsiding finally.

Jordan got back from Denver on Friday. He left for California yesterday. I'm a bachelorette once again for the week. At least this is his last out of state trip for awhile. I told him he needed to get all his traveling done by the end of September if possible. I know, I'm being bossy.

No other major news going on. I guess I'll continue my knitting quest. I'm almost finished with my second blanket. Pictures will be posted of the blankets soon.

Cheers for entering the third trimester!

Me and My New Tooth

After dealing with a problematic tooth (thanks to a dentist for screwing it up) for about 20 years, I finally got my crown. The last year and a half has been spent getting a bone graft and then an implant, and the last step of getting a crown. We're hoping this will be the last of my tooth trouble for at least another 20 years!

Jordan is in Denver seeing his dad. There is also a part of Black Hills Corp, where Jordan works, in Denver so he can work from there, too. Larry is doing remarkably well and it awesome to hear of all the encouraging updates.

As for the pregnancy, everything seems to be right on target as far as I know. We haven't done anything else to the baby's room. We put all the bedding on my registry I just need to buy a piece so I can start matching colors.

Everyone does keep asking about names and we have a list but we have not decided on just one, yet. Every name we think of seems to be taken by close family/friends. I was just thinking the other day how we had 6 months to come up with a name. Now we are down to 3 months, yikes! And I already know that I'm going to miss the little guy moving around and kicking me. I love feeling him and knowing he's in there.

I'm trying really hard to not gain too much weight. I'm hoping that most of this weight is just baby because the pounds just keep coming on. Yes, I know...the weight is more than baby but I can hope, right? Here is the 26 week picture!

Welcome to the Childbirth Class

We had our childbirth class on Saturday. I don't know if I learned too much new stuff except for breathing techniques and that the first thing you shouldn't grab is your shop vac if my water breaks. But, it was still interesting. Jordan wasn't too ecstatic about seeing a birth video. But, he did survive and was a good sport about it all.

Yesterday, I took a fantastic basic photography class. Maybe now I can really start learning how to use my DSLR camera that I bought last summer. The auto setting is not a must anymore. So, maybe I can take pictures like I really want to! Thanks Amy for a great job! I'll be working on the stuff you taught us. I HIGHLY recommend her. Check out Amy's work at www.legacyphotoanddesign.com

And while I was away for my class, Jordan moved all the guest furniture out of the nursery. He also put the new baby furniture together and it looks fantastic. We don't have any of the decorations or bedding but in due time, we will get it all finished up. I wasn't expecting the furniture for the nursery to be put together for another month or two. So kuddos to Jordan!

My father in-law Larry was finally life flighted to Denver on Saturday morning. He was suppose to go on Friday but it got delayed due to bad weather in/around Denver. In the end, he arrived and I hear they are taking great care of him.

Speaking of life flight, I'm missing my job right now quite a bit. I am a morbid person...I am willing to admit it. I love working during the Sturgis Rally! I enjoy the challenges of trauma both from an emergency and an intensive care standpoint. So what am I doing instead? I'm knitting.

Here is my 25 week picture. I'm kind of bloated in the picture. At this point, I don't think it matters anymore. Mr. Marshall and I have had a rapid growth spurt in the last week. Driving is getting more difficult since I can barely reach the pedals without my belly hitting the stearing wheel. But, it is all good!

Look Mom, I'm Still a Week Ahead!!!

All went very well at our appointment yesterday. And Mr. Marshall is still measuring a week ahead of schedule! No concerns until he starts growing over two weeks ahead of schedule. I only have one more monthly appointment and then I'll be going in every two weeks! Kind of scary.

We picked up our baby furniture from JCPenney yesterday and we haven't pulled any of it out of the boxes. Hopefully none of it is damaged. There is no place to put the furniture until we move our guest bedroom furniture out. But, it sure is exciting to have it! I think Jordan might pee his pants by the time this is all said and done.

It sounds like Jordan's dad will be transferring to Denver the end of this week! We're so happy as we've been waiting for this step for weeks now! Thank you for all the CONTINUED support and prayers and please keep them coming. If he leaves the end of the week, I will probably meet up with my mother in-law on Monday. Jordan and I have our childbirth class on Saturday that we should go to since there is a limited amount in each class and we signed up for it months ago!

May you all have a happy hump day and rest of the week/weekend!

It's Not an Alien

Now that Jordan can feel the baby and my belly bounces around, he becomes more assured that there is an alien inside of me. This claw-like thing is going to tear out of my belly with five heads and attack us all. Yes, this is what I get to deal with. And the ultrasound pictures just can't convince him that Mr. Marshall IS a baby with only one head, ten fingers, and ten toes. The tongue is not that of a snake's. Maybe you can try and talk with him...

We went to Sioux Falls over the weekend where we got to see my brother and his family who are from Alaska. We had lots of fun and I'm so glad that I got to see our niece and nephew! They are getting so big! Hannah just turned 8 and Sam is 5 and ready to start school this year. I'm feeling a little old. It may be awhile before we get to see them again. Hopefully, it will be sooner rather than later. Plus, Jordan picked up his new, but used, motorcycle. He's quite excited about it.

Otherwise, I'm doing fine. I've been getting headaches for the last week and today I have a nice throbbing one. Plus, I've been seeing bright lights float past my eyes. I'm hoping that I don't have pre-eclampsia but knowing my luck, I'll probably get it. I have an OB appointment tomorrow so I'll bring it up with him. Until then, I'll just take it easy. I do have some other signs of preeclampsia but it is hard to distinguish because many of the signs/symptoms can also be just plain old pregnancy.

The stroller has been put together and we are picking up our furniture from JCPenney today! It will have to stored in the garage until we can move things around and wash the carpets though. Hopefully, we'll get that all done in September.

Here is the 24 week picture! I'm not looking any bigger but I'm feeling bigger! I don't think I'll be able to keep my inney belly button. And I think those capri pants make my butt look bigger, LOL!

Our Little Wiggle Worm

It's crazy to think that our little guy is quite the mover and shaker! At 23 weeks, you can already see my belly bouncing around all over the place. I love watching him muscle around inside of me. He's so active that I often wake up in the middle of the night to Mr. Marshall kicking me hard or kicking me in the bladder.

Jordan is coming home tonight from San Francisco! I miss him lots but the week has gone by quite fast. Tomorrow, we are heading to Sioux Falls to see my brother and his family that are from Alaska. It may be awhile before we get to see all of them again. It's just a short weekend trip but I'm excited!

And finally, we got our stroller/car seat combo today! I can't get it out of the box because it is too heavy and packed tightly in the box. Plus, our furniture has arrived at JCPenney and we just need to pick it up! Maybe we should start planning the baby room and move the guest furniture out one of these days. Plus, my friend sent me the first baby present. As for my own project, I'm making my first baby blanket. It's turning out pretty good so far but not even close to finished yet. Yes, my knitting skills that I learned while on bedrest is coming in handy.

All of this is starting to make things much more real. I can't believe our dream of having a family is so close! I won't be completely relieved until Mr. Marshall is actually in our arms. We are over half way there!

Registered at Target...Check!

Whew, it's been a busy week already. You'd think I would be sitting on my butt watching tv all day, but there just is no time!

For the past two days, I've had to visit the dentist. As some of you know, the dentist and I are not the best of friends. But, I'm finally able to get my permanent crown on the front tooth that has always been a problem since I had a dentist screw it up almost 20 years ago. Yes, I'm still dealing with it and I can see the finish line! I've had a bone graft and a prosthetic placed. They just had to get an impression to get my permanent crown yesterday. But last night, my temporary crown came loose. If it wasn't for my front tooth turning sideways, I probably wouldn't have cared too much. Sexy, huh?

As for the itching, I finally broke down after two weeks of intolerable itching and lack of sleep and started taking zyrtec. Yes, Grandpa's Pine Tar Soap helped but it just wasn't enough. For any of you who have had PUPPP or chiggers or poison ivy in the past, you can relate. The zyrtec has made a world of a difference!!! I gave all my effort of trying to deal with it a natural way, but it just wasn't enough. And then the thought of dealing with it for 4 months...yikes!

So the big news is that we finally registered for baby stuff! Yay! However, I admit it was quite overwhelming. Honestly, how do you pick out a baby bottle when there are about 30 different kinds taking up a whole isle of a store?! And we've figured out there are only a few necessities in the beginning. I am registered at Target. If you are online, you can just type in the name of the mother or father and the state is South Dakota. That will get you to our registry. And for the many of you who are already moms, please tell me if there is something I should absolutely have that isn't on the list. Oh, and I did not put any clothing on there as I figured you can choose whatever is cute and as long as it's not pink. :o)

We did buy a whole set of baby furniture for the room. It's pretty plain but it is a very nice set from JC Penney. We got a dresser, a smaller dresser that we can put a changing pad on top of, and a crib that converts to a toddler/full sized bed. However, the baby room has not even been started yet. All the guest furniture remains for now. Due to all the events going on, it's been difficult to find time to get that done. Plus, Jordan is working on our rental property. But we do have a few more months. Oh, and we bought the stroller/car seat combo. That is a must from the day Mr. Marshall gets out of the hospital.

Jordan is in San Francisco for work related training. So I'm on my own this week. He gets back Saturday afternoon and then we're heading to Sioux Falls to see my brother and his family who live in Alaska.

The picture is just shy of 23 weeks. There isn't much of a change though. One more week down!

P.S. How do you like the snippet of the cat's tail in the picture?

Grandpa's Pine Tar Soap

At 22 weeks, I'm just one big itchy mess. If it weren't for that, I'd be enjoying the pregnancy a lot more! Other than that, everything else is going really well.

So what do you do about the itch? A LOT of research online. And what did I come up with? "Grandpa's Pine Tar Soap". Though it has a nice manly outdoorsy scent, it really does help with the itching. I suds up with the soap and let it sit for about a minute before rinsing it off. This is now my routine at least twice a day. So the next time you decide to go hiking through the land of poison ivy, be sure to pick up some Grandpa's Pine Tar Soap. I got mine at a local natural food and health store, but you can also find it at GNC or online. And the nice grizzly scent is not so bad when you feel the relief from the itching.

Despite the itchiness, I love feeling the baby move around and kick. It is just so precious! In fact, I'm letting the baby listen to a little music right now. I'm not sure if Mr. Marshall is liking it though since he is kicking me nonstop. He's currently listening to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. Maybe the song isn't manly enough for him.

The 22 week picture shows that I'm a little bigger but no real big change...or at I don't think so. But at this point, I can't really tell anymore. I just see a big belly and no feet.