Belly Pictures...almost 31 weeks

Okay guys--short post today. Just wanted to update pictures of the belly. This is literally 1.5 days before the mysterious stretch marks appeared. This is PROOF!

However, my baby is going to be gigantic, I think it's karma for telling Jenn that her baby was going to be gigantic (he was--by the way!).

The Story of the Mysterious APPEARING stretch marks

Let me tell you a little story...

Once upon a time, there was a pregnant woman. Thus far she had had a relatively smooth pregnancy. Yes, there were bumps in the road (she learned about tearing, watched her first birth, almost passed out a few times, and was very tired); however, she felt pretty good most days and was very lucky. She had a great husband, a little boy on the way, a great puggle and many other blessings. One of the blessings that had been bestowed upon her was that she didn't have any stretch marks. She thought this was pretty good for being seven and a half months pregnant. She even thought, on more than one occasion, that maybe she wouldn't have stretch marks. Looking back, this was a silly thought because she is (obviously) having a giant baby.

Well, one day, let's call it yesterday, she was changing her shirt to get ready for bed. There were the stretch marks--not one, not two, but approximately 1 million stretch marks--OUT OF NOWHERE! She is not kidding about this. Her husband took a new "belly" picture on Thursday and NONE of these stretch marks were anywhere to be found. What the HECK??????

She was very sad, and didn't feel like such a lucky girl anymore.

However, she then thought about her little boy and how he would be worth all of the trouble in the end.

The End.

P.S. This is a completely true story. I think that it is my responsibility to share this with travesty with all of you.

Three Things: Thanksgiving, tearing and colds

There's a lot that has been happening lately, and no time to write about it. But, today, on Thanksgiving Eve, I am giving a test and showing a movie (I'm a genius, I know). This will allow me to grade SOME of the insanity, while the rest will stay here at school, because I guarantee I won't touch it over this break. So this post will center around three things: colds, tearing and Thanksgiving.



Colds: I have been sick for over a week. I have this terrible, dry cough that will not go away and a stuffy head. The weekend was awful, I felt absolutely terrible, and--one of the perks of pregnancy is that you cannot take ANYTHING while you are pregnant. The only cough drops I can even have (which I am thankful that I can have any of them) are Luden's cough drops, which are honestly more like candy than cough drops. So, I wake up in the morning, and several times a night hacking to the point of almost throwing up. This, on top of sinus pressure, congestion, not being able to sleep and about 50 other things, has made the last week truly awful. I am thankful that it is slowly getting better, and I don't feel awful 100% of the time anymore, but I really do wish this thing would go away. If any of you remember post-preggo, I was the cold medicine queen. If I was sick, I would load up on Mucinex, Afrin (my personal favorite), Dayquil, Nyquil, and anything else the drug store would let me have. It was awesome, and I will never take any of those medications for granted again--especially Nyquil--I really love me some Nyquil. However, living in the 1850s and taking absolutely no medicine for this cold has given me some perspective, if nothing else.



Tearing: This is the least pleasant of my topics (and reading the above topic--it should frighten you that the cold is more cheerful than this). Yesterday, we went to childbirth class #4, don't worry--it doesn't get any less terrifying each week--just as bad as the first week. This week I didn't cry when we left, so I guess that is a good thing. So, good things first--we got to take a tour of the birthing ward, which was great. We got to see what the rooms look like, and what we should expect when the little man enters the world. The tour was cool, and I really like the hospital, for future expectant moms (and me, whenever and IFever I decide to "pop out" number 2)--there is going to be a NICU at St. Anthony's in the future, which is great. Anyways, I digress--the first thing that we talked about was tearing. Yes, I said tearing...not tearing up paper, or tearing your pants because your butt/stomach has gotten too gigantic. Tearing...in your nether-regions.



I'm going to let you picture that miracle for a moment.



Right? That's disgusting. That's, like, possibly the most horrible thing I've ever heard. TEARING? They said that a lot of times you don't feel it, because there is already so much pressure happening, but still. C'mon man. Why does that happen? I have nothing else to say about it--though I can't promise you that I will discuss it afterwards. Randy asked me last night "What was birth like for your mom?" and I said..."I don't know--we don't ever talk about it." That's right people--my mother (who has her moments) has never once been the person to tell me how awful childbirth is. I have never heard her stories about being in labor for 450 hours, or tearing, or ripping or anything. Mom--if you ever read this--I appreciate this. Now, don't get me wrong, I sometimes have a sick desire to hear about these things, it's because I'm a masochist. Jenn--I know I ask you about it all the time, and there are others I have asked too, because there are some things I want to know, but still...strangers on the street coming up to me and telling me their disgusting childbirth stories, NO PLEASE!! I don't want to know (1) if you tore (2) that you couldn't sit down for 3 weeks (3) that you pushed for 4 hours straight and needed a C-section or (4) that you were in labor for 54 hours. You do not receive a prize for the longest labor, or the most disgusting story. Okay...I never want to think about tearing again, so I don't know that I will ever talk about it again...but, those of you that are preggo for the first time--be ready for that class.

Two things from class that have actually helped me are:
1. We grow what we can birth--she thinks that whatever we can grow in our bellies, our bodies are able to birth, which really makes me happy.
2. We are MADE to do this. Our bodies were created to do this. While, I know that my son is "fearfully and wonderfully made" I don't often give myself this same credit--I am too, and I will be able to do this, one way or another.



Thanksgiving-I am pretty excited about Thanksgiving. I get excited about any break, but I feel like Thanksgiving break is special, especially this year. I have so much to be thankful for this year, it's kind of ridiculous. Sometimes I'm not sure how I got so lucky (aside from that whole tearing thing). Thanksgiving this year is going to be great--I will literally get to see my entire family, and it is going to be so great :) First, we will go to my parents, where I will see Ashley, her french sister Stephanie, my grandpa, my Aunts and Uncles, and maybe Ryan, Sarah and Addison. We will be able to stay for a short time, because Thanksgiving is designated a Hoyle-holiday :) Then, we will head to the Hoyle's to see Randy's parents, Bett and Mike and Courtney (and Lillian? I'm not sure). It's just so nice to be able to see everyone, and eat and talk, and not have to stress about it (though I'm sure the two moms may feel stressed over that whole cooking thing!). So, on top of good family and good food, I have so many things to be thankful for. And, because honestly I keep this blog for myself more than anyone else--I will write them down...

- I am thankful for Randy. He is such an awesome person and husband to me. He always gets me whatever I want/need and tries so hard to make everything wonderful for me, for the little nudger and for Ella.

- I am so incredibly thankful for our little boy. I am thankful that we have had a healthy and relatively happy pregnancy so far and that he is healthy. I pray that he continues to be healthy and that we have a healthy delivery (notice that I didn't say quick--though I'd like that too...mostly I just want healthy). There are simply not enough words to express how thankful I am for him.

- I am so thankful for our house and our two working cars. Our house has been a constant source of sadness/anger over the past two years, and Randy has worked his ass of to finish it. I am happy to report that I love it, and I finally feel at home, which is great. Also, last year we had so much car trouble, and it was really stressful both financially and emotionally. I am so happy that both of our cars are in working order, and we are so lucky that they are.

- My dog. I know this is silly to many of you, but I am so thankful that my Ella is here, happy and healthy. I love that dog more than almost anyone on the planet, and she knows it. I am happy that we have a healthy pup, because last year at this time Oliver was very sick and we didn't know how to make him healthy.

- My family/friends-- all of them are there for me when I need them, and I love you all dearly. The support, generosity and so many other things is appreciated more than I can express.

ALSO--our shower is this weekend, which I am SOOOOO excited for! :)

okay, this is way too long, I'm pretty sure no one will read it, and I need to get some grading done! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

My little boy :)

So, we finally were able to see our little man. He cooperated relatively well for this ultrasound. We were told that he has chubby cheeks (which you can see), long fingers, and we think that he may officially have "the Norris nose." It was totally awesome, and the absolute only good part of the day yesterday(I was extremely sick, very miserable--terrible cough, cold, sinus pressure, ear pain, just an all-around bad situation). He is so beautiful and perfect and I can't believe that he is that gorgeous just floating around inside me--kicking me a whole lot. The picture above, which is hard to see is his hands and legs all crossed together, he was just chilling out in there.


On the left is his little hand and he is being very pensive!

This is our favorite picture, because it looks like he has a little smile on his face, and his hands are up by his head like they have been in every single ultrasound that we have seen of him.

Here is one with his hand near his mouth. He is so cute. Randy found a book that we really love and like to read to him a few nights a week (when we are too exhausted for Harry Potter), and it has our new favorite sayings for him in it.

Psalms 139 "You are fearfully and wonderfully made" which is how we feel about him, and this really shows it--how awesome is he?

Here is a small collection of my favorites from HC Photography (really just the C in HC photography).

Thanks Jenn for coming out to our house to do pictures--they turned out beautifully and we love them! Also--this was a rough day for Randy, he was very sick and even vomited pre-photo shoot. I felt really terrible for him, but he was a trooper, which I really appreciate!

Kansas City or Home?

I'm not sure which one is more stressful. Let's examine this...

Kansas City--six students, that I am relatively certain that their favorite thing to do is to complain, and to see who can out-complain one another, not knowing where I am going, what I am doing, having to go to sessions for advisers, walk everywhere I go, feel inadequate placed up against other advisers and publications AND be responsible for the well-being of six teenagers, who are responsible, but not necessarily the best decision-makers I have ever met.

Home--school, getting a paper out by Friday (which means staying here all hours of the night Wednesday and Thursday), trying to organize group picture day, figuring out how to either (1) create or (2) teach someone else how to do the course selection guide for Munster High School, on top of that--trying to get out of this school in time to go to one of my best friend's birthday dinners, doing laundry (despite my husband being incredibly wonderful and fabulous--he rarely does laundry),stressing out about holidays, worrying about being where I need to be for everyone on the planet, cleaning the house, going to a doctor's appointment, dentist appointment and childbirth class tomorrow and trying to get enough sleep to grow a human being in my uterus.

What do you think? Because I think that it might be a draw.

In happier news...tomorrow I am not going into work (dentist, doctor, childbirth, maybe eyebrows?, groceries?, laundry?), which always makes life better...except that it's a paper week, so it might make life more awful for the next few days.

Also, only FIVE days until our next 3-D ultrasound. I really hope my little man will let us get a peek at him! :) Can't wait to see his cute face.

Only 10 more days until sanity will be restored...

Today is November 9th, on November 19th I will (hopefully) be sane again. Until then, sanity is absolutely out of the question. This is my schedule for the next 10 days.

- 11.9: School, after school with yearbook, childbirth class (yuck)
- 11.10: School, pack for nationals, freak out about what I could possibly be forgetting for Nationals
- 11.11: Be at school by 5:45, take 6 high school students on a plane to Kansas City--JEA National convention--activities for the day include: Plant tour, opening ceremonies, etc.
-11.12: Day #2 of Nationals--crazy, insane amount of stuff to do, culminating activity will either be student dance OR laser tag. Equally annoying LoL.
-11.13: Day #3 of Nationals--sleep deprived Becky does not equal a happy Becky
-11.14: Day #4 of Nationals--closing ceremonies, fly home with 6 high school students, SLEEP IN MY OWN BED
-11.15: School...somehow get through this day :( Have nothing planned yet, have no motivation to worry about this yet. Did I mention it's a Crier week? So I have no idea when I will leave on this day--but, it will not be pleasant. I am supposed to go to dinner with Betty, Beth, Chrisanne and Rachel...and I REALLY hope that I get to.
-11.16: Doctor's appointment @ 8:00 am, dentist appointment @ 12:15, Childbirth class @ 7:00, how's that for a "day off"
11.17: School, Crier Wednesday---will not be home before 10 P.M.
11.18: School, Crier Thursday--will not be home before 11 P.M
11.19: School...and then WEEKEND! Thank goodness.

At least the weekend of November 20th will be a fun one...3D ultrasound that we are desperately hoping baby Hoyle cooperates with us, Joyce's birthday party and pictures of Addy (no, I will not be getting paid...my time is not worth anyone in my family's money apparently--I have a legitimate business to everyone except family members...bitter? yes.)

Phew. I don't know why, but I feel a little bit better after just writing it all down. I can do this...right?

After this insanity, only one more paper between me and Christmas break :) Love Christmas...can't wait to spend almost two entire weeks with Randy and ASHLEY is coming home! :)

Childbirth Classes...

...are terrifying. Seriously, really REALLY terrifying. Yesterday, Randy and I went to our very first childbirth class. I was REALLY tired, because another lovely side effect of pregnancy is that I can no longer sleep...at all. BUT, that is beside the point--we walk in a half-hour early, because we are THOSE people. Right on time--one of my brother's friends walks in with his wife, these are people that I'm not necessarily fond of, coupled with the fact that I just really get sick of seeing people I know EVERYWHERE I go. So, that was annoying thing #1, then we started to actually get into the class these same individuals began talking, LOUDLY, while I was trying to listen to the teacher.

Randy and I sat in the front...we are nerds. And we want to learn this stuff, we want to do this right. These individuals sat in the back, with another couple that they apparently knew, and they spoke, in their "outside" voices the entire time. ANNOYING.

Then, after some discussion about relaxation techniques, etc. etc. they put in the video. You know the one I am talking about. The video with a real-live birth. A human birth, not a pig birth (shout out--Chrisanne Terry), or the giraffe-baby birth that I saw a video of at the zoo.

There are several things that really weirded me out about this video.

- First, I really have to do that...and pretty soon. I'm not sure how that's going to work out.

- Second, this particular woman reached down and touched the baby's head as he/she was coming out...that is gross.

- Three, you have to "give birth" to the placenta after the baby, you don't just get to hang out with your baby.

- Four, these women were like totally naked during this process. I mean seriously naked. There are like 20 people around her and she is naked--I don't think I'm going to be comfortable with that. I don't want anyone to see all my junk.


In conclusion--I'm scared.

After the class, when Randy and I got into the car, he said, "Do you think we should just schedule a c-section?" and I thought, maybe that WOULD be easier.

However, our homework for this week is to read our "book," and to practice affirmations to each other. So, here's my public affirmation to Randy--

Randy-you are going to be (1) a great daddy and (2) you're going to be a great support in the delivery room and I know you'll be there for me. We'll be okay,and so will Baby Hoyle.

Flu shots, breastfeeding, birth plans, bumps and burgers

All of the following things have been on my mind a lot lately.

Flu shots: I have never gotten a flu shot before, so I thought maybe I didn't need one. I seriously thought about this for weeks, and maybe months. So, after several people telling me stories about how important flu shots are, and how they protect the baby even after delivery, I decided to get one. I was just going to go to Walgreens, but Randy wasn't comfortable with that. I went to the doctor's office to get one, and I sat in the waiting room seriously FREAKING out about getting a shot, and/or getting sick after I got the shot. After I got it, I was so freaked out about it, that I got light-headed on the way home, and I had to pull over and lay back. So, that decision is made, I hope it was the right one...but it's done.

Breastfeeding: Randy and I went to a breastfeeding class, and ever since I am completely obsessed with learning more about it, and getting more and more anxious about whether or not I will be able to do it. Some women are apparently not able to produce enough milk, and there are about 100 other things that could go wrong. I really want to make sure that I am able to breastfeed for as long as possible, so I just am really concerned about it. I bought a book about it, Randy and I have talked about it for...like hours, and I just can't get it out of my head.

Birth plans: there are like six THOUSAND things to think about when it comes to birth plans. There are certain things that Randy has to be "in charge" of, which stresses me out, and there are several things that I don't want to be screwed up. I wish that I could have a conversation with God, and just ask him "what's going to happen?" I am okay with everything, but I'd like to know what is going to happen, so I can mentally prepare myself. Now, I am not insane (yet!) and I know that's not going to happen. I just have a problem with not being able to control every aspect of the situation, and I want to be as prepared as possible. So, there's been a lot of stress in thinking about how I am going to deal with all of this.

Bumps: this one is two-fold. First, I am constantly being asked "Are you having twins?" and so I am getting a bit self-conscious about the size of my "bump". This is silly, I know, and I am happy that my little man is growing big and strong and healthy, but I am also scared about how he is going to grow 3 times the size he is in my stomach in the next three months. I just don't see how that is going to happen. And, I think that everyone I tell that fear to, laughs at me. I know it may seem silly, but it is REALLY scary to me--silly or not.

Burgers: Apparently, my baby really likes hamburgers. I have legitimately not had a hamburger, in probably 15 years...but, I have a confession. I have had two. That's right. I have been so good about only have my organic, cruelty-free chicken. However, I just absolutely could not resist...twice. Geez, I have some pretty bad guilt about it, but I am not going to make myself all upset about it, because from what I have read--what I crave, is what the baby needs. And, I can't help it. Judge me if you will :(