Baby Registries

Gift cards to this site are very appreciated!

http://www.justsimplybaby.com/giftregistry_home.asp?action=view&id=764
password:Jayden

Amazon gift cards are appreciated as well as the registry items.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/registry.html?ie=UTF8&type=baby&id=SYHGIZZWBTIB


http://www.toysrus.com/registry/search/index.jsp?_flowExecutionKey=_cCC65488F-28EB-4724-69BF-98E6E43C781B_k048545D0-2C1C-1D2D-F85A-5016F347C9BE

April Blessings

I know I've been seriously slacking in the blogging area-but this post will make up for it. You might want to get a drink or something-this might take awhile. : )

I'll start with a baby update. I am 20 weeks today!!! HALF WAY! My last OB appointment was the first of the month and we discovered I am two weeks ahead of where we thought I was. That took me from 16wks to 18wks. I was thrilled! Not only did that explain my current symptoms, but it also meant I was two weeks closer to having Jayden and two weeks less of carrying him in the heat of the summer : )

Later that week we had our 4d gender ultrasound scheduled. This was a big deal because Friday of that week a trip to Nana's was scheduled and there would be a lot of baby shopping. It was nice to think that we might know if we were buying for Jayden or a little girl. The day of the gender session came and I could not do anything because I was so excited. I picked Carlos up from work and we got there really early. It had nothing to do with the fact that I was excited and driving : ) We got called in to the viewing room with the big screen so Carlos and I could watch the baby move-and move he did! Within the first 30 seconds we had a full view of his little bottom and the tech said, "wow, I know what it is! Let me take a few more views from other angles and I'll show you!". I knew this baby was a boy since I found out we were expecting. When she said, "yep, there is his triangle(Carlos was not a fan of that term-haha) you for SURE have a boy!" I knew it!!! From the moment we found out we were expecting I knew we were having a boy! We were thrilled!

After the ultrasound we ran out and called grandparents. Nana Teresa was thrilled to know Jayden was on his way to see her and that gender specific shopping could commence. Jayden means-God has heard. I fell in love with this name after the miscarriage and knew that God had graciously given me the desire of my heart. We decided on Nelson for his middle name. Nelson in grandpa Pinero's name and Carlos' middle name. It was a very happy day!

Many of you know I have been counting down the days to see my mom and family in Texas. I was so blessed by my sweet friends, family and all of Jayden's honorary aunties upon arrival. They had thrown us a sweet gift card shower and brought little baby items for me to take home. I hadn't bought one baby item yet, because I was waiting to find out the sex, and having all these little baby items made it even more real. I had SO much fun holding all his little outfits, books and blankets. There was a bib auntie Alyssa had made for Jayden that almost made me cry. There is a picture of it below. It is blue with little hand prints and Jayden's name. Those little hand prints touched my heart. Jayden is very loved and eagerly anticipated.

The week I spent in Texas was fun, refreshing and full of quality girl time and baby activities. My mum, lil sis and I spent an entire day registering and looking at baby things. Nana Teresa found some adorable outfits to send home with us and Carlos loves them. We have decided that Carters is our favorite baby clothing place. Their little boy clothes are precious and still look like they are made for boys. I'm anticipating a dark haired and dark eyed little boy-I can't wait to see what he really looks like.

While registering I was keeping my eyes open for a baby book and scrapbook to start working on. When we were at Babies R Us I found the baby book and scrapbook that match Jayden's room. Not only were they the only two left, but they were on clearance. Those of you that know me know that I love a good deal and I felt like God gave me little blessings like that all week long. One of the big blessings came in the form of maternity clothes. Being almost 6 feet tall I have run into some difficulty finding maternity clothes. I haven't been able to find any shorts that are remotely decent and living in the desert and being 7-9months pregnant in the summer makes that an issue. I have also had problems finding tank tops and shirts to wear to church that are long enough for me. That was all remedied my week in Texas. I came home with tons of new clothes thanks to grandma Joyce(Carlos' mom) who gave me a Motherhood Maternity gift card(my favorite store) and Nana Teresa's great finds throughout the week. I will now be comfortably dressed throughout the summer : )

I'll leave you with a bunch of pictures from my week at home in Texas and some misc baby stuff : )




Nana Teresa not passing things around-haha.
Baby jeans : )
Mrs. Janie threw this shower-she is so sweet! I was very blessed!
Suzi and me-honorary lil sis and auntie : )




The bib that almost made me lose it. First time to see his name on anything.
Little tennis shoe socks
Some of Jayden's new clothes and toys
Overalls
Honorary aunties and some of my favorite people. Love them!
Me and mumsie by the cute table
The mum and lil sis
Yummy cake

We matched almost every day-never planned. Great minds think alike : )


Lil bro and dad-didn't get one with older bro and sis in law : (
Nana spoiled Jayden this week
Lil bro-not so little anymore
Grandad and Carla-now great grandparents!
Suzi and me at lunch with the girls-apparently it was wear blue and green day.
Lil sis
Friends : )
Our wild and crazy lunch gang-sad this is blurry! Thank you, ladies!
Art festival on a beautiful summer day.

20 weeks today! Half way there!!!


Those white spots are from a pregnancy rash I had at 10 weeks. Takes awhile for them to fade. Took my piercing out-feels weird without it.

Thanks for all the love, gifts and prayers!

Lyd and Jayden

Update-13 Wks

It's been a little while since my last update. We have been crazy busy lately and in my spare time I've enjoyed being outside in the beautiful weather we are having. We have been in the 70s and 80s for the most part. Last week we hit above 90 twice, but the dry air makes a world of difference. This morning is it really cold because a storm is coming through. I love being able to sit on the couch with my decaf coffee and windows open on a cold morning. Tucker is enjoying chasing pieces of desert plant life that are blowing through our balcony at the moment.

The baby and I are doing well. I'm growing much faster than I did with the first pregnancy, and I'm fine with that. Knowing there is a very active, precious baby in there that we can't wait to meet is thrilling. During our last ultrasound a few weeks ago I was totally put at ease. Climbing onto that table and waiting to pick up the baby's heartbeat and picture was a little bit terrifying, but there he/she was. Not only could we see the baby, but we could see the baby dancing all over the place and not letting us take any measurements. I couldn't have cared less about the measurements. That was our baby moving around(like Carlos) and the heartbeat was 164bpm. PERFECT! My doctor and nurse midwife were laughing with me the whole time. They said they have never seen a baby move so much in both their careers. Seeing the tiny hands and arms moving and the feet tucking up then quickly extending was amazing. Someone so small was so active and their body was working perfectly. I was so grateful for a better than normal report for both of ys and the excitement shared by those around me. The midwife was showing off the ultrasound and everyone is eagerly anticipating our next appointment. This baby has a reputation now : ) Thank you, God for giving me that special day!

Our church family is also very excited to meet this baby. Yesterday I was in the courtyard talking to friends and people stopped to say hello to mama and baby. It is so sweet. One of my friends in particular spends a few minutes every time I see her talking to the baby. We are very loved. : ) There is a joke going at church that there is a pregnancy boomerang going around. Some people want to dodge it and others and trying to find out where it is. There were nine pregnant women there yesterday and we are all due within a few months of each other. Because of all the new additions, our church cry room is being remodeled and we are adding family bathrooms. I love all the little kids that run around Sunday mornings. Our baby will have plenty of friends!

In other semi baby news, I am flying home for a week in April. I can't wait to spend some time with my family and do fun baby related things with my mom and sister. Being away during this exciting time is really rough some days. Getting to share a little bit of it together is very exciting.

Carlos has been so cute through this whole process. He was looking at the ultrasound pictures when we first got them and honestly stated, "I have no idea what I'm looking at." Hahaha. Once I pointed out where the baby was, he looked at it and said, "Oh, ok!" Typical Carlos...haha. I think we have finally picked out names. Carlos doesn't want to commit to telling people yet, (just it case) we find another one we like better, even though he really likes the ones we have. Next month we will know for sure! We can't go to a clothing store without looking at all the little baby outfits. Carlos is determined to see that our child wears "cool and normal" kid's clothes. He's not a fan of funny sayings or weird patterns. His favorite outfit so far is a 0-3months baby Adidas shorts and t-shirt set and 0-3months Puma leather shoes. I'm a big fan of leather kids shoes-but 0-3 months shoes are just for looks. According to Carlos a girl could wear that outfit, too. We'll see about that. Overall, Carlos has been so sweet and thoughtful-and always there to rub my back after a long day. I can't wait to see him as a father! The end of April is when we will have our 3D ultrasound and hopefully find out the gender of the baby. My mom is on a countdown to start buying stuff, so for her sake I hope the baby cooperates. : )

That just about sums things up-I'm going to take Tucker on our daily walk and enjoy this beautiful, chilly day.

Love to all,

Lyd and baby P

The Waiting Game

I will be the first one to admit that I've had a hard time being patient with this pregnancy. From having to wait a month to take the initial pregnancy test-to getting the results felt like an eternity(even though it was less than 10 minutes). Then transferring from my old insurance to my new policy-which took over a MONTH of waiting just to hear that I was actually accepted-and accepted two weeks ago. Someone just forgot to mail the paperwork. That means that the ultrasound I should have had by now has been postponed-twice. I am still waiting for my new membership information to come in the mail so I can FINALLY book that ultrasound.

After having the chemical pregnancy and losing the first baby somewhere between 3-4 weeks while not even knowing I was pregnant-a lot has been on my mind with this pregnancy. I am starting my 10th week without having heard a heartbeat, seen a doctor or having and kind of reassurance. That has been really rough at times. I want desperately to hear for myself that little heartbeat and see that sweet baby. I want to know that he or she is ok. For those wondering, I am eagerly anticipating the day we get to find out if we are having a boy or girl. I think my mom and Elise are just as eager. No waiting for a surprise here : ) The baby itself was enough of a surprise.

This morning I was pretty frustrated because I've been having the hardest time finding an OB that delivers at the hospital we were assigned to. Not only is that where my insurance covers the entire birth but it's literally right across the street. Those are blessings I feel I took for granted at first. After searching forever, getting frustrated and feeling like it was a lost cause I just stopped. I calmed down and prayed(what a concept). Being the planner/detail oriented/lover of all things organized-I wanted things on my perfectly prepared checklist to be marked off at light speed. Who am I to tell God what time table I should be operating on? I am grateful that this baby came to us so easily and peacefully and I know this baby will continue through this process the same way. I just have to get out of the way and slow myself down.

After calming down and letting the peace of God take control again, I immediately found her. The perfect OB. After touring the birth center we originally hoped to deliver at, we concluded would not be able to afford the birth there. Knowing we would have a hospital delivery(insert disappointment here)-I had some real reservations. It was not an ideal situation(so we thought), but it was the one God gave us-so it was perfect, even if we didn't think so yet. This morning I found out just how perfect it is.

I spent a lot of time researching this OB that I finally found, and reading all of her great reviews and birth testimonials. I soon came across something in her profile. She highly encourages all of her patients to try to have a totally NATURAL birth. What? Really? She is a state certified midwife and her nurses are all CNMs(certified nurse midwives). She specializes in alternative hospital births that don't follow the normal intervention schedules unless medically needed as a last resort. WOW! I guess God really does know the desires of my heart-haha. She is a firm believer in breast feeding, the importance of mother/child bonding right away, and was a huge part in changing hospital policy to keep mother and baby in the same room at all times. The birthing suites at the hospital are beautiful and practical and have all the necessary equipment. Another huge bonus-the hospital is a level 3 NICU and pediatric center-so in case of emergency the baby wouldn't have to be transferred to another hospital. I love that!

I spent a long time on the phone with this OB today and I am thrilled to be able to be under her care. I just have to wait 7-10 days to get my insurance paperwork in the mail, then I can go meet this lady and sweet baby P.

Every day I am reminded how faithful and generous God is. I can't believe I sometimes doubt his abilities, when I've seen Him work so powerfully in my life. He is more than gracious and it is humbling to watch my wishes-down to the smallest detail play out-in HIS time frame. I'm not only grateful that He gave us another baby, but that He cares for this baby in ways that teach me more about Him. Continue to keep us all in your prayers.

Love,

Lyd and baby P.



It is no coincidence that this passage was part of my devotional today.


Proverbs 3

Wisdom Bestows Well-Being

1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.

3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.[a]

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.

9 Honor the LORD with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.

11 My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline,
and do not resent his rebuke,
12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.[b]

13 Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;
those who hold her fast will be blessed.

19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations,
by understanding he set the heavens in place;
20 by his knowledge the watery depths were divided,
and the clouds let drop the dew.

21 My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,
preserve sound judgment and discretion;
22 they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.
23 Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
26 for the LORD will be at your side
and will keep your foot from being snared.

27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
when it is in your power to act.
28 Do not say to your neighbor,
“Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”—
when you already have it with you.
29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor,
who lives trustfully near you.
30 Do not accuse anyone for no reason—
when they have done you no harm.

31 Do not envy the violent
or choose any of their ways.

32 For the LORD detests the perverse
but takes the upright into his confidence.
33 The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the righteous.
34 He mocks proud mockers
but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.
35 The wise inherit honor,
but fools get only shame.

Enjoying the Little Things

This morning during my prayer time I had an intense wave of peace and joy wash over me. There have been so many thoughts and fears that were starting to get to me the last few days and today they are all gone. I felt like a huge load had been lifted and I just thanked God for his peace.

Having the chemical pregnancy really caused me to be fearful of my future pregnancies. I was unsure if I could or would have another chemical or healthy pregnancy. It makes it hard to believe this one is going so well; too well, maybe? I had been waiting for something to happen, something to go wrong...but nothing. Next week I have my first ultrasound, and honestly, I've been terrified. The last ultrasound I had resulted in devastation and being told I might not be able to get pregnant in the future. Just the thought of laying on that table and having to wait for the heartbeat made me sick. What if there was no heartbeat? What is there was no baby? I can't handle going through that again...and yet, God knows all of those fears. He knows what I went through and how it hurt me. He knows this baby better than I ever will, and He knows exactly what to say to get me to snap out of my self centered thoughts and come take comfort in Him.

This morning I was really excited about the ultrasound. The fears are gone and the joy of my situation has returned. God is in control. He made this sweet baby that I will have the privilege of getting to see. We didn't have to try for months or years-we were actually pregnant when we started trying-so we didn't have to try at all. We didn't have to struggle with the disappointment of infertility issues and difficulty conceiving. We are beyond blessed and God's timing is perfect. Even if it means being 8 and 9 months pregnant in the Arizona summer...I will rejoice and be glad in a kiddy pool filled with ice. : )

I will leave you how I plan on keeping cool in the summer(until the pool water turns to bath water on the crazy days).

Achy Belly and Birth Center

I am really exhausted today. It is SO cold outside and I can't help but snuggle up on the couch under a blanket with a fire going. Tucker is happy to have me sitting down and thrilled that I let him share my blanket. Truthfully, he is keeping me warm and I love his sweet snuggles. I know he will have a hard time adjusting when the baby is here, but he really is wonderful with babies. He is a sweetie!


Aside from being tired and my belly slightly aching I feel great. I was told that because of my chemical pregnancy being so recent I will probably get my "baby bump" earlier. I know they were right, because I can feel it!

Yesterday's appointment with the midwife was fabulous. We looked around the center and learned about the suites and what a pregnancy and delivery would look like there. At one point the midwife turned to Carlos and said, "So, why do you want your wife to have her baby here?" Carlos quickly came back with, "Because my wife knows way more about this than I do, and it's what she wants-so it's what I want!" Hahaha-the midwife thought that was hilarious. I fell in love with the midwife and the place; there is only one problem. We can't afford it. My insurance will pay for a hospital birth but not a birthing center. BUMMER! The center birth would cost $3,750.00 for absolutely everything, but it is due before my 28th week. I know that whatever God wants us to do will work out and be fine, but I can't say that I'm not going to pray we find a way to deliver at the birthing center. I am hoping for a natural birth with no medications or interventions. I am very sensitive to medications, and believe that a center would be a healthier and happier birth for me and the baby; but I also believe that God knows my heart. He knows what my preference is and our financial position. He knows this baby better than I EVER will and I can trust Him to provide for the center or guide us through a natural hospital birth. Either way, I think being obedient is the most important thing. We believe in being debt free and not going into debt for personal preference. Right now I am praying and asking for clear direction and patience. We have a little while before a decision needs to be made and I know God's timing is never like mine : )
If you'd like to join us in praying about this, you are more than welcome!

Love to all,

Lyd and baby P.

New Record

I think I have a new personal record of having to pee five times last night. Maybe it's just practice for not sleeping through the night; which I haven't done for the last two weeks because of violent hiccups, back cramps and having to pee. That reminds me. Who decided that the cup you have to pee in at the doctor should be the size of a tic tac? That is super impractical and stressful.

Overall, I feel fabulous during the day and have even been hiking. Carlos has taken to calling me "hot mama". I just laugh. It's kind of cute. Yesterday was the first time I felt like I was literally going to starve. Sundays are long days for us and after being at church from 8:45-2:30-home for an hour and then back to church until 7:45, that hour we were home couldn't come soon enough. I've decided I now need to bring some snacks to church so I don't become a raging mad woman. I have also decided I need to sit closer to the door because I'm no longer able to sit though a whole service without having to pee.

I have become a little more sensitive to smells, but overall nothing makes me terribly sick unless it's a situation like that Bath and Body Works lotion that is slathered on like body wash. Who puts that much lotion on in public? I am loving anything that smells like coconut or vanilla, though...I find it soothing.

Tuesday I have my first appointment with my midwife at the birthing center. I am SO excited! I can't wait to pick her brain and learn as much as possible. It will be less than a month before we will be able to hear the heartbeat, and I can't wait! I am also eagerly anticipating knowing what the sex of the baby is. I think Nana Teresa and auntie Elise are just as anxious. For everyone asking what I would prefer...I am just thrilled with whatever God gives us and can't wait to give the baby a name! We have decided that regardless of the sex of the baby the nursery will be sage green and cream with brown accents. I love neutrals and natural looking things.

As always, please keep all three of us in your prayers! We appreciate them!

Love,

Lyd and baby P.

Now to leave you with an idea I had for nursery. I love the colors and textures of the fabric.