#89 - wow - we're in the 80s now!

89 Days to go...

Morning Little One! We're getting closer and closer to you getting here...

You know what I pray for you? I pray you have at least one good friend in every stage of your life.

I think it's so important that you have quality friends - friends you can count on - even if its just a two or three other people.

I've been blessed to have women in my life at every stage that have impacted me.

Shauna was my best friend growing up. We had similar morals and both of our parent's were pretty strict. It really helped us to stay on the same course through high school. We're still friends to this day!

Me and Shauna

Also in high school, I made friends with other women that are still dear to my heart. Ashley is baking a baby boy for you. She is one friend that doesn't make excuses and makes efforts to work at our friendship. Sometimes it can be hard to get together, but she always finds time for me.


Then I went to college...I wasn't sure what to expect. Then, God blessed me with Christi. She lived down the hall from me at Chitwood (oh - college!) and then we were roommates the rest of the time. Chappy is the kind of person who is always reaching out to me and makes the effort to call every couple of weeks, email me and plan dinners to see one another. She's a LOYAL friend and I am so thankful for her. She's also baking a boyfriend for you...man...you'll have your pick of cuties!

Me and Chap

After college I wondered if I would make more friends or if the few I had would be it for life.

Then, God blessed me with Adeline. Now, Adeline and I haven't been friends for very long - maybe 4 years. But, we have a great time every time we're together. She ALSO has a little boy for you - Luke is over 4 months old now - but it's cool if you like older men :-) I am always so thankful for her when she makes the effort to meet up - and she does it like it's no big deal - when I know toting around a baby is hard work.

Adeline and Luke

I thought God was done...then he introduced me to Mel and Stacy. Mel is mommy to Jonah and his Daddy is one of Craig's best buds. She is so centered and focused but is also so much fun. She's the kind of person you can sit down and have a deep conversation with but also laugh, and laugh, and laugh with.

Mel and Jonah

Stacy...oh where to begin with Stacy...she's my soul sister. Seriously - we were cut from the same cloth. We're brash and sarcastic and there's always laughter when we're together. She's also a friend that I can count on - no matter what. I don't doubt for a second that God placed her in my life because He knew at that time we needed each other's friendship. She is mommy to Charleigh - your soon to be BFF...

Me and Stacy...and Charleigh's in her belly!

Charleigh

Then med school happened - and I met a cast of characters that I know will play recurring roles in my life. Zahra, Sonia, Lauren....funny young women but hearts as pure as they come.

Nicole - my sweet friend who is always honest, always praying for us, and if she lived in Texas, I know she'd be someone we'd see everyday!

me and Nicole

Then there's Jamie...my crazy (like mentally crazy) friend...I say mentally crazy because we are both ridiculous. We are both mental cases and WE KNOW it! She's my friend who I KNOW won't ever judge me, will laugh with me, eat lots of meals with me, work out til we work off those meals, procrastinate with me, pray with me and pray for me.

me and Jamie

See how God works Little One? See how beautifully He mapped out my life and placed those women when I needed them the most. I can't wait to see who He places in your path and who will become a part of your heart. For now sweet girl..keep on growing!

#90

We took Step I today.

Little One, I love nothing more than feeling you squirm and kick. It reminds me of the blessing I'm carrying and the fact that you're growing and getting stronger.

So, I'm not going to be upset at the fact that you felt like kicking at 3:00AM the night before the exam. Normally, I shift positions and you'll stop. But last night, I think you could feel the nervous energy and you thought it was morning time. So, we were up - you kicking and me thinking and smiling as your little foot rammed itself into my ribs :-)

Since I only got a few hours of sleep, I was tired the moment I walked into the testing center. I only had a half cup of coffee because I didn't want to be jittery since I was already nervous. It didn't do much but it did help a bit.

Your kicks were life savers. I was so tired and every time I would start to feel my eyes droop, you'd kick. When I didn't know an answer and needed to guess, I'd think in my head ok - "A, B, C, D, or E".....I'd go through each choice and if you kicked on a certain letter, that's what I'd choose. If I was torn between a couple of choices and really couldn't pick I'd go with my gut...and almost every time I thought of an answer, you'd kick!!

I walked away knowing I didn't do well. But I walked away knowing that whatever God's will for the test has already been determined...so for that...I am grateful!

When you're much older, you'll realize life is tough and you'll be faced with tough choices and be taken down paths you'd never thought you'd go on. You'll be surprised at where God will lead you, look back on an experience and see the true purpose of the moment, and look forward with uncertainty the future promises but the certainty of God's promises for the future.

So, another milestone reached for us - you, me and Daddy - we've moved past this point in my medical school career. Now, we wait and see where God takes us next. For the first time in a long time, I'm filled with peace at where God wants me and know He'll show me what he wants of me next.

Thanks for being there for me today, sweet Baby! I couldn't have done it without you!

Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God."

so now...we wait

#91

Today marks the beginning of my 3rd trimester...

Wowee...

I have to admit there are moments where I think to myself "There is no way in heck I can be a mother...."

Then I look down at my gigantic belly and think...."Too late!!!"

How in the world Little One am I going to be a mom when I don't feel very grown up myself. I really hope and pray that I can be the mom you need and deserve but sometimes think I'm going to fail miserably.

I have this preconceived picture of how a mom should be - as usual - unrealistic expectations.

It's going to be a tough adjustment for the three of us but Daddy and I are going to do whatever it takes to do what's best for you.

Just know we'll make mistakes but we'll do our best to make your adjustment into our little family of two the most comfortable as possible.

Holy Moly...I'm going to be a mom...

#92 - I am ridiculous - I cried writing this post

92 Days to go

Last night, Daddy took me on a date. We went and saw "I Love You, Man" and ate at Studio Movie Grill.

Now that you're coming, we try not to spend a lot of money on dining out and other things. But, Daddy and I know how important it is to have a strong marriage so that when you get here, we can be examples of how a relationship SHOULD be.

I hate the thought that many years from now, you'll experience heartbreak. I can't shield you from the pain of break-ups or the disappointments of knowing the one you "like" doesn't "like" you back. Don't listen to Daddy when he says you can't date until you're 30 years old...he's just being a Dad.

You'll also break some hearts - come on- how could you NOT - you're gonna be a looker! But, the heart that I'm most worried about hurting - is yours....

It's a while away - but I think about those moments that I've had - and all I want to do is protect you from any of that pain. But, you'll be stronger for it and hopefully Daddy and I can set an example for you of what a relationship SHOULD be. I hope your expectations of the man you deserve are set sky high because you should never settle for anything less than what God intended for you to have.

So - for now - I'm just going to enjoy the fact that the only man in your life is Daddy. But, know sweet Baby, that I'll be here for those tough moments with a box of tissue, a good chick-flick and a tub of Haagen Daaz when that Ba$t@rd breaks your heart...

#93

93 Days to go...

Did you know Little One that you already have two brothers and sisters? Well - they are mine and Daddy's 4 legged fur babies.

I'm sure you've heard me sing songs to Keiser (your big brother) and Daisy (your big sister). When we listen to your heart beat on my fetal heart monitor, every time they come by and sniff my belly, your heart rate goes up! It's so cool....bonding with the siblings already!

We go on walks with Daddy every night when he comes home from work. Keiser and Daisy love walking and it's helped me to stay in a little bit of shape since I can't really do much at the gym.

They are good guard dogs too - even though they look fluffy and sweet - they watch over us and are very good at deterring strangers at the door.

They are so important to us and want to make sure they stay a part of our family when you arrive. Of course, sweet baby, you are our #1 priority. With my allergies, it is a concern for Daddy and I that you may have some allergies to our fur babies. BUT, that's one of the reasons we bought this house for you, it has a hospital grade air filtration system. Clean air is a must and we have an awesome vacuum especially for pet hair. Daddy and I have already discussed that if you do have allergies, we'll tear up all the carpet in our house and put down wood floors so you and the puppies can live together! A bit extreme? We don't think so!

So, for the about 5 years it's been me, Daddy, Keiser and Daisy...now we're just waiting on you to make our family complete!

Anxiously waiting your arrival

Sentinels guarding your room

#94

94 Days to go....

I am super emotional, Little One...as you've probably already experienced. I'm sure you sit my belly and ask yourself

"Why is she crying again?!?"

"Why does she keep poking me...doesn't she understand I need my beauty sleep?!?"

"Wait a second, she was laughing with Daddy a few minutes ago and now she's crying...again!"

Oh Baby, I wish I could blame my hormones on the crazy, emotions I've had but I'm sad to say that I am just a very emotional person. I tend to make decisions based on how I feel and don't really think things through.

Daddy, on the other hand, is opposite of me. He doesn't say much...but I'm sure you've heard him say to you "Sorry, Baby....I know Mommy keeps poking you and won't let you sleep."

He's even keel and really thinks about things before making a decision. He doesn't let his emotions get in the way and really things things through. Daddy just goes with the flow...

Now, I pray you get the laid-back attitude of Daddy but I also hope you get the passion I have for so many things. I am a hopeless romantic with ideal views of a lot of things while Daddy is realistic but shows his love to me in very sweet, thoughtful ways.

I try to imagine who you'll be like, what kind of person you're becoming, the personality that God created for you...it's all very overwhelming...but I know that you're being created JUST how you SHOULD BE!!

#95

95 Days to go...

I hope Little One that Daddy and I are able to give you the opportunities to travel. We plan on taking you everywhere we possibly can. We want you to see the world, experience different cultures, try different foods, explore places outside of home.

Daddy and I already have our first trip planned with you. We plan on going to Washington, D.C. when you're over a year old. You'll get to fly on a plane to Lubbock, TX to watch the Red Raiders play. An Alaskan cruise is already in your future for your Abuela and Abuelo's 50th wedding anniversary. We'll take you to San Francisco to visit your great grandfather. When you get older I want to take a trip to New York and have you experience the Rockettes, visit the American Girl store....

When you get much older, I hope to take you to the Philippines and see where Mommy came from. It is such an eye opening experience and you'll be thankful that God brought your Tatay and Nana to the U.S. so that I could have a better future.

There is so much to see and Daddy and I have been blessed to see a lot of the world. But, we are so excited that we'll get to share our future travels with you.

#96

96 days to go....

I really hope you like your room. You'll learn pretty quickly that I am pretty decisive and like things done a certain way. For whatever reason, I've struggled with picking out bedding, furniture, color for your room, etc...

Daddy, who really is the voice of reason of our family, made me make a decision. So, I've picked out bedding, your Tita Candice is giving us a crib and changing table, and we've started working on your room! I was really excited when we started to tape up the room for us to paint and realized that you would be here with us very soon.

You are so very blessed Little One. You are going to be surrounded by so many people who love you - your Tatay (my Dad), your Nana (my Mom), and your Daddy's parents (Abuela and Abuelo)...they are all contributing to making your room special by making things for it or helping us fix it up.

Mommy and you (in my belly) taping up your room

Daddy and Tatay taking down your fan

Tatay and Nana watching Daddy paint

#97

97 Days to go!

Hi Little One...or not so Little One! Our visit today to the specialist once again showed you are going to be a big girl! Over 2 lbs already and we have over 14 weeks to go....so keep on eating Baby girl...give Mommy an excuse to head to Chick-Fil-A!

I pray for you everyday. Daddy does too. Prayer and our Christian faith are very important to us. From the moment you were born, we've been praying like crazy for you. We plan on introducing you to church as soon as we can but from the moment you meet us, we hope to be Christian examples for you. Although I can introduce you to Christianity, ultimately, to ask for Salvation is all up to you.

#98 - from Daddy

98 Days to go...

I love you but I really hope you like sports. I will go to tea parties if you ask, but I hope that you have a strong urge to play sports! I promise to help practice with you....whether it's shooting hoops, playing volleyball, kicking the soccer ball, or tossing the softball around....I'll be there.

Or - if you like music, I'll help you learn how to play the guitar and make sure you like GOOD music...your Mom has questionable taste!

#99

99 Days to go....

Of course Daddy and I are partial to Texas Tech, but we want you to go to whatever college you want to go to. Yes, I do expect you to go to college because we think there are so many opportunities for you. There is an indescribable feeling that you'll experience when Daddy and I drive away and you're on your own for the first time. It's filled with excitement of knowing that for the first time...you're on your own without me or Daddy. Now, it'll be a very sad BUT proud moment for Daddy and I, but for you Little One, that day will be such an exciting moment that I can't wait for you to experience.

Let the countdown begin!

It's a big day.

Today marks 100 days until my expected due date!

I just can't believe how fast time has gone since I found out I was pregnant.

So - I am going to try to blog everyday until this little one gets here. I'm going to list 100 random things that I wish/want/don't want/hope for/pray for/etc...for this sweet baby...

#100 - I am so excited to take you to get your first mani/pedi! I was thinking how fun it's going to be to do fun girly things with you. We'll make it a mommy-daughter day - we'll shop, get our nails done, eat a yummy lunch....I love that God blessed me with you sweet Baby!

How do you...

How do you show your lovely wife you love her?

Surprise her and buy her flowers.

How do real estate agents get on Craig's good side?

Send him a gift basket full of cookies for his baby girl.

How do you treat yourself for just being awesome?

Get the new Kelly Clarkson album "All I Ever Wanted" - IT FREAKIN' ROCKS!!

Sleep, huh?

Isn't God so good. Seriously - He is the magnificent planner.

He knows that when the baby gets here - I'm going to get little to no sleep. So, He decided to have Baby H. sleep and kick my bladder ALL night for the past week! It's great - because now - I only get about 2-3 hours of sleep a night since I'm getting up to use the restroom....

Now restroom has a whole other meaning...literally...it's the place where I rest obviously since I dozed off on the toilet last night!! Who does that??? Umm, pregnant ladies do...that's who!

So, I'm not sleeping. God's way of preparing me for motherhood. And this getting up and down was making me feel bad for Craig because I didn't want to wake him...then I look over and he's snoozing away...

Funny, Baby! Making Mommy crazy already! Love you Little One!

I am jealous of this

and this

Craig is going to be a great Dad.

My love for my husband is not something I keep to myself. I also know at times it's irritating to others around me about how much I praise him or talk about what a great guy he is. At first, I would be hesitant thinking that people would think I was boasting or bragging - but when something is good in other people's lives - I love to hear about it. I just feel really blessed that what's really good in my life --- is him.

Now that we're going to be parents, I have been praying for our marriage. Even before I pray for Baby, I pray for us - the "us" that's Craig and me. We have had our share of hardships and disagreements in our marriage and many more while we were dating - so it's not all butterflies and rainbows in the Hounsel House. But I struggle with the transition from just married life to parenthood.

Anyways, I see glimpses of the Dad Craig is going to be. Not perfect by any means - we have a LOT to learn.

He shows so much patience with me and with others around him. And if you know me in real life, you KNOW I am a handful.

He is so loving to me and always reassures me that I'm his priority - that I know he'll do the same for our daughter.

He listens to my worries and isn't quick to make judgments or offer advice - he's a good listener - which I know will be important because I'm sure this Little One will be a chatter box like me.

He is selfless - truly selfless - and just wants to do what is best for our little family.

He tells me he loves me everyday and tells Baby Girl he loves her too (sometimes even with a belly kiss).

He reads to her - albeit - its about sports.

He looks up baby names at work - which I think is SO sweet.

He is excited - like actually excited - to paint her room. (Manual labor is not his strong suit).

I know its so very little - but its these little things that make my heart swell and forces tears out of me (come on - who am I kidding - I cry at EVERYTHING these days).

Ok - I am just really emotional today. I blame the pregnancy.

But I think as women - we find it so easy to complain about our spouses that we often forget to praise them. So - if you are reading this and are married - I challenge you to write about the things you love about your husband and want to share with us bloggers. I LOVE to read about the good things - and I bet you and your hubby have a good thing going too :-)

A little bit of this and a little bit of that...

Hi bloggers...
My posts will be pretty sporadic this month. I have a big test on the 30th so I'll be devoting most of my time to that :-(

I ask that you keep me and Baby (and poor Craig - who gets to deal with a pregnant wifey who's extra stressed) in your prayers while I go through the next month of studying and stress.

Some randomness...

I've signed off of Facebook for the next month - Craig has changed my password to keep me from getting on the sight - so I don't waste time on it. So, if you're a Facebooker, know I can't get into Facebook...so leave me a comment instead!!

We had our 22 week appointment with the Perinatologist. Baby Girl looks great! She is showing some personality and was a little stubborn during the ultrasound. The ultrasound tech needed to get a better view of her heart but she just wouldn't flip over no matter how much we wiggled and jiggled my belly. Baby is a lot like Craig...once she gets comfy...she really doesn't feel like moving :-) My blood pressure and thyroid function are both normal - so I have so much to be thankful for and praise God for all of the good news!! Baby Girl is going to be big - on average at 22 weeks - babies are about 12 oz....Baby Hounsel is 17 oz! So, she's over a one pound...

She has started kicking and moving. I LOVE IT! There is nothing better than feeling her squirm and kick. I love seeing Craig's face when he can feel her kick. He is pretty convinced she's going to get a full scholarship playing soccer...she's already working out those quads!
Baby is like me and is a morning person. She starts to squirm and kick pretty hard around 4:30am...so I just lay there and feel her kick and move until I get up at 5:30 am....needless to say...I am tired during the day!!

Craig and I went to our first parenting class at our church. It was overwhelming but very informative. I am so glad we made the decision to take the class and use Biblical principles to raise Baby. I was proud of Craig as he asked questions :-)

Overall - this month is focused on my test and once I am done with it - I am going to go crazy with decorating Baby's room.

Totally over it....

The Bachelor that is...

So done with it...

Hey Jason...will you accept this kick in the nads?

Time flies

....and I can't believe we're in March already!

I am almost 6 months pregnant, we've moved into our home, and I finally take the USMLE Step I exam (March 30th). I've pushed back my test date to the absolute last time I could take it...since I've been busy being Czarina Home-maker and not studying.

Some fun things in February

Valentine's Day - Craig and I decided to spend Valentine's Day at home. It was perfect - we had a fabulous dinner and got to enjoy a good meal without the hassle of crowds.

Yum-O - Lobster and Steak
Heart shaped butter - AWWW

Craig loved dinner

Baby Kara was born Feb. 22 - Chonnie ( my oldest sister) had another baby girl and she is SO cute! I am really excited Baby Girl Hounsel will have a cousin so close in age!

Daddy Russ and big sister Sofia
Welcome Kara Emily!
6 days old and already a cutie pie!
Mommy in training!

Craig's bday party - I decided to throw a housewarming/birthday party for Craig. We live on the other side of Dallas - and if you're not from here - Dallas is a BIG city. So, Craig's closest friends and wives (who have now become some of my dearest friends) made the journey to our house. We had a fun night of Wii, eating, chatting, laughing, and hanging out.

Peyton, Charleigh, creepy baby doll, Stacy

Heather and Peyton

Mii playing Wii

Birthday boy and chunky monkey

Craig and Scott - seriously?

Silvana - she's due a week before me!

Boys

Craig and Lightfoot

Lightfoot and Joe (and his Wii)

Craig, Joe and Miller

***It took us three times to get this picture right...these are grown men and fathers***
Attempt #1

Attempt #2

Attempt #3 - FINALLY!

Divine Consign - I went to a huge consignment sale in DFW to find baby gear for Baby Girl. I had a list of things I wanted to buy... but the car seat and stroller I wanted were not there or were taken by other shoppers. Craig came with me and was my "guest"....it was quite the spectacle as we shopped and watched the hundreds of women shop til they dropped. I got a few things and some onesies but didn't shop for too many clothes since I don't know how big baby Girl is going to be!

Craig and the Baby Bjorn - practicing for Baby

Craig reassuring the dogs that they'll still be loved when Baby gets here

Can't wait to see what March brings...probably lots of studying!!!