Thank God!

The bad luck is finally over, it seems. I won't get into all that has happened recently because it is a loooong story, but it's over. *knock on wood* Things are finally whipping into shape. We got our BEAUTIFUL rental car today and I just love driving it. I am so glad State farm is paying for this, because it just so happens that this is our ONLY car at the moment. We have become a one car family for a little while. Another good thing is that we are almost done with getting our move set up...then I don't have to think about it. No worries about packing or anything. I get to watch TMO do it all for me :-) And we are about ready to file our taxes! Which means lots of money coming back to us. This will help us with lots of things coming up. On Wednesday I have my first perinatal appointment for Audrey. I'm nervous and ready to find out what's really going on.

In other news, I'm taking a hiatus from facebook. It just gets in the way of real communication with loved ones and creates a way for people to talk about you behind your back. So, I won't be posting status updates, etc, on there for a while. Just pictures weekly as usual. I just like to go about my business without worrying what other people think.

There's a lot going on right now. It can be overwhelming, but we'll get through it! With God, all things are possible. I definitely believe that after today!

Oh dear.

So tonight was an interesting night. Paul and I went to eat at our favorite japanese place, then we were going to go baby stuff shopping, just because I was wanting to get more to prepare for Audrey. Welllll, that didn't happen. Paul's car stalled in a parking lot near Target. And because of that, and Paul thinking he could get it fixed himself, we were there for 3 hours. We finally had AAA tow us back home. It all worked out in the end because I did some online shopping. I bought Audrey's nursery set that is pictured below:

Everything pictured in here, except the lamp (and the teddy), is included in the package. The wall hangings, window valance, diaper stacker, and everything pertaining to the crib is in it. I am super excited because we got it on clearance for $91.99 for the whole thing online at Target. Plus we got free shipping...And since we got free shipping, I threw in some cute baby girl outfits to the order. Juuust to get me started on this whole baby buying frenzy. I am realizing how blessed we are because we have found such great deals on everything we need, including getting things for free from friends. Things are definitely working out! Baby things that are accounted for or coming to us soon are:

Stroller, car seat, crib, nursery set, pack n' play, swings, baby monitor...and a few baby clothes so far. We still have a long way to go, but we are getting there slowly, but surely! I'm just glad Audrey will definitely have the things she needs. And I will start to set up the nursery in March when we move! Thank God!

Well, that's about it for an update. It has been quite a day! I need some sleep.

Dr.'s appointments galore.

So I figured I'd give a little more of an update on what's going on since yesterday's blog post was short. There was one concern with Audrey, but my doctor said it shouldn't be a problem and it will probably fix itself. She has a cyst on her brain called a Choroid Plexus cyst. I was referred to a perinatologist which is a fetal specialist. We have an appointment on Wednesday which will include an ultrasound to look more in depth at her development and the cyst. Most of these types of cysts absolve by 32 weeks of pregnancy, but OB's like to be careful and send you to a specialist. I was worried, until I read more about it and how common it is. I'm praying that everything is JUST fine with my baby girl. I will keep you posted on her development and what this doctor finds. It means more ultrasounds with both this doctor and my OB.

Another update for the Balough family: Paul is getting his tonsils out on February 15th and it is going to be a 10-14 day recovery. Lots of time in bed and me taking care of him. This will take care of alot of Paul's snoring and breathing issues so it will be good in the long run. And we scheduled it before our move so he should be good to go!

Anyways, that's the summary of things going on :-)

Our baby girl!

I am so glad to officially announce that we are having a baby girl! Her name is Audrey Leona Balough and I just cannot wait to to meet her. Now starts the fun part of buying all the things she needs and preparing for our sweet girl. It wasn't much of a surprise to me since I was told it was probably a girl at the last ultrasound, but Paul was still holding out hope for that first born son! Typical guy, in my opinion. Now I get to wonder who she will look more like, whose features she will have, whose personality...All that good stuff.

Well, I am not feeling too great, so I'm cutting this short! There's lots to do in the coming days.

Such a sweet time!

I am just in awe of life right now. Things are going great and I'm taking such joy in little things. Lately it has been listening to my baby's heartbeat whenever I want too. I feel so much more connected to my child. Another thing is Paul's increased interest in my pregnancy and all things baby! When I wasn't showing and we hadn't started picking out baby stuff, I don't think he had a way to really connect and know that we do have a baby on the way. Now he does.

Just recently, Paul has started to kiss and rub my belly. The first time he kissed my belly, I asked him if he was giving our baby a kiss. He smiled and nodded his head. Belly rubs have become a nightly routine too. I really don't mind at all because it just shows me how much he wants this baby and to be a father. I'm tearing up just thinking about it. I really really love my husband more than words can express. Our communication is through the roof with amazingness. We talk a lot and bond so much. It has been wonderful waking up next to him and having long conversations before he goes to work, no distractions...just us talking. It's a routine now. This is the best time of our lives!! My husband is my absolute best friend and I just adore him.

Other exciting things: We should find out the sex tomorrow!! But you already knew that :-) Also, we are getting a rental car tomorrow that State Farm is paying for while my car is in the shop. It will be super nice having another car, because this one car stuff...ain't for me. Especially with Paul's schedule. I like to get out and I can't with Paul having his car at work. Tomorrow is going to be a really busy day up until after my appointment. I'm not nervous because I know that it will either be a boy or a girl. lol! Just excited! It has been 3 weeks since my last appointment. They flew by!! Except for last week. It went in slow motion. Oh! Other exciting things...

My Mom is definitely coming for our baby's birth (duh!) and she and my sister and who ever else will be here for a while with us in our new 3 bedroom house! Then Paul's Mom comes on July 25th soon after Mom leaves. I will have PLENTY of help adjusting to new baby life and motherhood. And my Mom assures me that she will help in whatever way she can, and if there's something we need that we don't have for the baby she will help us get it! We'll be fine, though. Plenty of money on this end for the baby. It's what we have been planning for since marriage :-) They are planning on buying our pack n play for us! HUGE help. Then...after Paul's Mom leaves, Paul's Dad will be visiting us for a little while. How much fun. There won't be much alone *little* family time. I'm fine with that. I'll have plenty of help with cooking, cleaning and baby care. I'm gonna love having all family visit!

Anyways, this has been a fairly long blog post. Lots to get out and share. Woohoo!!!

We got our crib!!

Paul and his work buddy brought by our crib today. We officially have our crib! And I LOVE it. I'm so thankful for helpful friends who want to give us their stuff that they won't use anymore. So the wood is a light oak and it is so beautiful. I didn't think I wanted light wood, but I just love this color. It's very pleasing to the eye. Our friends also gave us their crib mattress as well that is only a few months old. I'm so excited because this crib and mattress will save us $200-300. Any savings is good with us!! Next on the list is to pick up the swing that we are getting from another friend. Then buy our pack n play that we want!!! All the big purchases will be handled and I am so excited. I do want to get a bouncy seat. Oh...and we have to get crib bedding eventually, but we won't need that for a while. So that is the update on the baby stuff. I'm getting super excited about everything. It will be even better when we get moved into our house and can start buying the stuff we need for our little one.

I am SO excited about Wednesday for two reasons! Bundles for babies and our doctor's appointment! Bring it on. Oh...and getting a rental car while my car is in the shop. For free of course, thanks to State Farm. I'm excited about so much right now. So much to do though.

Pregnancy update!

I figured I'd take the time to update on the pregnancy.

Things are going great! I'm about 17 weeks as of right now. Pregnancy weight gain is about 3 lbs at the time being. I spend most of my days in stretch pants and t-shirts, especially if I have nowhere I need to go or places I need to be. I can definitely tell I'm getting bigger.

And I feel it too. Ouch.

Our gender revealing ultrasound is on Wednesday. January 26th, and let me tell you: These days are going by the slowest I have ever experienced. I don't think I've ever felt time crawl by so slow. No kidding. I want to see our baby and know just who it is going to be so badly. Audrey or Ashton?

Oh! That reminds me...

The morning before my ultrasound, I am going to a class for pregnant mommas on base. It's called Bundles for Babies and discusses motherhood, financial planning, preparing for baby, and all the other need to know things about being new parents. And the best part is all the free stuff you get for your baby! These things include:

Thermal receiving blanket

hooded towel and washcloth

white knit crib sheets

printed knit crib sheets

A 3-pack of sleep and plays

A 5-pack of onesies

2 pairs of booties

2 bibs

3 burp cloths.

Awesome free stuff. I'm super excited about this class, then the doctor's appointment.

Ok, so it wasn't a really long update. I haven't been feeling too full of energy the past 2 days. And I'm not eating much either, because I just feel yucky! Hopefully I feel better soon. The person next to me in the ER had the flu...so I really hope I don't get sick! That would not be fun mixed with pregnancy. Fingers crossed.

What a scary day.

Well, I was certain this weekend would end marvelously, but bad things happen unexpectedly. On our way home from getting massages, Paul and I got into a wreck. A guy cut across the highway we were on at the last minute and we couldn't avoid hitting the car. My first thought was my baby because my lapbelt got really tight and hurt my abdomen. We thought everything was fine though. No one was injured and I only had a burn from the chest belt cutting into my skin. Everything scared me so badly. The car was damaged, but not to where it's not drivable. When we got home, I started having cramps and lower back pain. I called my doctor and the nurse told me to just go to the ER. We debated going for about an hour or so because we didn't know if we NEEDED to go. But for my peace of mind as a mother, we decided to go. When we got registered and called back, the nurse first tried to find the baby's heartbeat with a fetal doppler. He couldn't find the heartbeat at all, so he told us a doctor was going to come in and check me out. I had to wait 45 MINUTES after really not knowing if my baby was ok for the doctor to finally come and see me. Once the doctor came in, he decided to do a bedside ultrasound. I was basically holding my breath hoping everything was fine. He found the baby....then found the heartbeat a few seconds later. THANK GOD. While he had the baby on the screen, he showed Paul our child...then asked me if I wanted to see. OF COURSE. It was so good to see my baby in there all safe and sound. I want to cry out of thankfulness.

In other news, we have a crib. A friend of ours offered us their crib and we are so grateful for anything we can get! Especially with the expensive stuff. So as of now, we have a travel system, swing(s), and a crib with a mattress. Hopefully everything else falls into place :-)

Ok, I need some relaxation and down time...so off I go to relax.

Thankful

There is so much to be thankful for! For one, I am thankful for this 3 day weekend and the one day left with my husband before he goes to work :-) I just LOVE spending time with the love of my life. What are we doing to make the most of it? We're getting massages at My Spa My Way. Paul has never had a massage before so I'm excited for him to experience it. We figure we won't have time or the means to get away once the baby comes for things like this, so we might as well do it now. And who doesn't like to get pampered. I'm excited to get my first prenatal massage.

Another thing I am so thankful for is hand-me-downs. Especially when it comes to baby stuff!! My sister's riding teacher has offered me both of her baby swings! Her portable one and regular sized one. I don't know if I can fit both in my car, but I'll try to take at least one. It's one less thing we have to worry about paying for! Paul didn't want to pay for a baby swing...and now we won't have to! What a blessing! Another blessing is the Airman's Attic. It's used stuff for FREE for Airmen :-) My friend, Shannon, bought (actually took from...since you don't have to pay) alot of her baby stuff at the Airman's Attic... and there's always clothes. I plan on going on Tuesdays and Thursdays to see what baby treasures I come across. Woohoo!

I'm also thankful for the ability to find out what the sex of our baby is. It just makes things so much easier for nursery planning, buying clothes, and baby gear. And we get to find out in 10 days! It's finally close!!

I'm thankful for my little A on the way. 'Nough said. (S)he is such a big blessing already. Couldn't be more thrilled!

I'm thankful for the ability to move into a new home before the baby and get everything prepared beforehand! Right now, I am super antsy to get moved and get this over with. I feel like I'm in limbo right now. Buuuut it has to wait till March. That will give us 3 months to get set up and ready. Eek! Not much time. It will work out!

Anyways, there's tons more things I'm thankful for, but I'm running out of time. Gotta go!

Eventful and amazing.

Today was another excellent day. I am just so excited in our choice of travel systems. I love the green colors with the chocolate brown colors. Everyone knows those are some my faves. But what I really love about it is the flip it/reverse system. You can basically flip the handle to make it so that the baby/child faces you. It will be so convenient. Anyways, so today I went looking for its matching counterparts. Swing, pack n play, bouncy seat. I found a Walmart that has plenty of pack n' plays in stock. Hopefully we can make that purchase sometime soon. I had a blast looking at baby stuff. Luckily, we do have plenty of time before it's baby time...so there's no huge rush.

So, I did something today that I never thought I would do. Paul and I were wanting to go out for some good Japanese food tonight. We went to a place that was suggested to us by some friends. Paul and I have never had sushi before and Paul wanted to try it. He ordered a COOKED sushi roll, and we each ordered our normal japanese fare. When the sushi roll came out, I decided to try it as well because it looked super yummy. Now...it was cooked..and deep fried...so don't freak out :-) That was some AMAZING food!! I'm so glad we tried this place out. After we ate, we went to Target and I bought some new maternity pants. Comfy!

And now...we are home relaxing with the pups, watching tv. I am loving life!

Just really excited!!!

So, today was an amazing day. I had lunch and did some shopping with my friend Kelsey. Came home...had a nap and felt great. We got a few surprises in the mail. A $50 walmart gift card from my uncle and $50 check from my grandpa and Jane. So tonight Paul came home and I wanted to go eat then see if Walmart had the travel system I wanted. I FOUND IT! It was the only one there...and it was on sale for $100. Paul only had to take one look at the price for him to say "We're getting it!" We were shocked because online it was $169. We used the $50 gift card to put toward our travel system. And let me tell you, paying only $50 for a BRAND NEW stroller and carseat feels completely amazing. We are so excited about this purchase and it feels like we made a little progress to being ready for our baby..since it needs a carseat for sure. We didn't even have to use savings! Now we can work toward getting the matching swing, pack n' play, and other stuff. How exciting. And it feels good to know what colors I'm going with. We chose a more gender neutral theme for any future babies as well. A shiny turquoise and brown. I would love to get use out of this stuff for more than one baby. I guess you could say that I'm not really going with pink for girl colors. I, personally, love pink...but I'm not crazy about *most* of the baby pink stuff. I'll still dress my daughter all girly if I have a girl. You can bet that there will be headbands, bows, crochet hats, and all those cute girl accessories. I am so excited now :-) Time to buy the matching swing and pack n play! Life is so good and God just keeps blessing us financially. It's always when I start to worry about finances and whether we can afford some of the baby stuff that things like this happen. Praise Him!

We have a house!!!

Well, that was fast :-) This morning we got up early to go fill out paper work and see about getting a house. We were offered a house on the spot. It won't be available until March 9th and our move in date is March 16th! I am amazed at God's greatness. And my husband's willingness to do whatever to make me happy and comfortable. We are working out details to break our lease since it will be before our lease is. The housing on base is having a deal where they pay your lease break fee, and that will be a GREAT help. We can then concentrate on getting everything else paid for. So what is next on the agenda is going to talk to the landlord to work out those details. THEN we can go to TMO and get our move scheduled for them to come and pack and move all of our stuff. I am so relieved that that will be taken care of and I don't have to worry about doing all of this while pregnant. Then once we get moved in and settled in, we can start setting up our baby's nursery in our THREE bedroom house. We will still have a guest bedroom even after having our first baby. How exciting!! We got to drive by and get a view of where our house is and what it looks like on the outside. Yay! The only thing I'm not looking forward to is getting everything unpacked and changing addresses again and all that stuff. It's annoying.

Anyways, now its time for some cleaning and getting this place ready to GET OUT! Yaaaaay! Apartment living is ok...not great. It was good for Paul and I though. I am so looking forward to saving money by living on base. We won't have to pay utilities or anything since that will all be covered in our BAH/rent. That will be about a $300 savings per month from what we are doing now :-) Life is goooooooood.

Decisions, Decisions...

Paul and I were talking the other night and I randomly told him that planning for a baby is SO much easier than wedding planning. Everything is so clear cut. What baby needs, baby gets. It's also great that there's no real financial strain of not being about to afford the stuff she needs. Thank you, savings! I knew all along that this was ultimately what I wanted to save for when deciding to start saving, and boy am I so glad we started that right after we got married. I am so excited about "officially" knowing the sex so we can get things in gear for the nursery. We have had several people offer their baby stuff, like cribs and strollers. Now all we need to do is look at the stuff and decide on whether we want to save money and use them. Also, there are the decisions about what what other colors for baby gear we want and how much we want to spend on everything. Shew! Lots of decisions, but they are fairly easy to make, thankfully.

Another big thing in the works right now is a HOUSE! We are looking at moving on base ASAP before the baby comes so we don't have to worry about being on a 3rd floor apartment with a newborn. Our lease is up in November, but that would be too late and I don't know that I want to do a big move after the fact. We'd use some of the baby stuff, then have to pack it all up to move, then re-set it up. What a pain! So it would be awesome to get into a house soon and start the set up process of the baby's room. Plus, the extra space will be amazing. We've acquired alot of stuff since getting married and we're getting kinda cramped in here. Having a baby and tons of baby stuff will only make that worse. So...I ask you to pray that we can be offered a house really soon. This month, base housing is having a lease break deal where they pay your lease break fee at your current place (which would be a whole month's rent). Hopefully it all works out for us. PLUS, tmo would move us on base and we wouldn't have to worry about all the packing and toting boxes and stuff. Much easier on a pregnant woman. So just keep us in your prayers!!

Well that's all for now.

May be a...

Girl! I had an ultrasound today and as far as the U/S tech could tell, there were no boy parts on our little baby A. Since I am only 15 weeks, she is not saying for sure that it's a girl, but that is her suspicion at this point. I went in totally expecting a boy, but the more I think about having a girl, the more excited about it I get. So for some other details about the appointment: I have only gained 1 lb since my last visit for a grand total of 3lbs gained. Yay! Go me. I'm trying to keep weight gain to the bare minimum so that I can get back to normal sooner after I have our child. Everything is fine with the baby! She had her arms and hands stretched way out so it looked like she was waving it me. Too cute! haha...oops. I'm already saying "she"...still could be a he! I'll try to watch it. I got to see her (or his) profile and it had the cutest little nose! And it actually looked straight at me. The fetal heartrate was 151 bpm. I will be going back in 3 weeks to confirm that baby A is Audrey Leona or Ashton Joseph. I thought I would have to wait 4 weeks, but my doctor wants to see me back sooner to check the baby's organs and all that...and to confirm the sex. I got suuuuper excited when she told me this. It is becoming alot more real lately and I'm happy! I also had my thyroid levels tested since I am pregnant and have hypothyroidism. I'm used to getting pricked though. Anyways, that was a big information dump...and I think I'm finished with all the little details. Now I am going to relax for the remainder of the night until Paul gets home. Then we have to clean our bedroom. Not so much fun. Anyways, time to take the dogs out!

What to say?

I'm sitting here thinking of what I might have to say. There's a lot going on in this head of mine. Tons of baby stuff, tons of thoughts of home, Paul's work, finding a house, and too many other things. I am so hoping we find out what our little bundle of joy will be in 2 days, but not holding out too much hope. It would be my luck to have to wait another month. My mom wrote on my facebook wall this morning that she was sad. She realized she is missing Baby Balough grow and my pregnancy and everything. I've been feeling the same way, and I am SO JEALOUS of those who get to be with their family during their pregnancy/baby's infant stage. My little one will grow up away from his/her grandparents. My Mom won't get to come with me to any of my Dr. appointments. It just sucks, but it's life. The fact that my mom is sad about this makes it even worse for me. I miss my family. The end.