Week 24 (July 21 - 17)

I celebrated my 30th birthday this week!! Therefore, Daylen got to enjoy lots of birthday cake and ice cream. It isn't surprising that he has been moving more this week. =) He seems to be on a schedule lately, every morning and late at night he starts kicking hard enough that he vibrates my stomach. Of course, Darren still claims he can't see it. Daylen's growth this week has finally taken a toll on me. Since I am now 6 months into my pregnancy, I have gotten so big that sleeping on my stomach is no longer an option for me. Boy, do I miss sleeping on my stomach. It's the little things I took for granted before Daylen that I am starting to miss now. I am having to get up every other hour to use the bathroom which usually occurs after I FINALLY fall asleep. I either sleep on my left or right side. I have found that sleeping on my right side is more comfortable since my arm is less likely to fall asleep. My sister, Juanice, mentioned that I may have pregnancy insomnia since I toss and turn all night long. Between adjusting 4 pillows, getting up to use the bathroom and flipping over all night, Darren and the puppies still sleep undisturbed, surprisingly. Darren apparently is storing up lots of sleep before Daylen gets here so he can take care of him during the night. Yeah, one can only hope.

I go back to the doctor on July 26th for my 6 month check up!! Where has the time gone? My blood pressure has been doing well. Dr. Light asked that I document my blood pressure to bring a report back to her. If my blood pressure is doing well she is going to let me off the hook for awhile. I really think the week vacation in Cancun helped my blood pressure. She said that it was the best it had been in a couple of weeks. The only problem I have had so far is swelling feet. If I am on my feet all day or sitting down for long periods of time my feet swell so much that my ankles hurt. With this being my only complaint I can be thankful. Daylen has been such a good baby and he isn't even here yet. I haven't had morning sickness or nausia during my pregnancy. No weird, crazy cravings and other medical problems. So the Lord has truly blessed me with an easy pregnancy.

Week 23 (July 14 - 21)

Today was the first day of my 23rd week and Daylen is already making himself known. I got up this morning and had a fruit roll up (I know not a very nutritious snack for breakfast, but I haven't been to the store in 2 weeks). I sat down on the couch and rested my hands on my stomach, over my belly button. While I was watching TV, I noticed my hands moved without my help. I lifted my shirt and saw Daylen kicking!! I was so excited!! I called for Darren to come see it, but right when he got there Daylen stopped kicking. Daylen stops everything when Darren is watching. I guess he isn't ready to make his debut to everyone just yet.

I will keep you updated as this week progresses. Hopefully Daylen makes his debut several more times for all to see. =)

Daylen's First International Trip

Darren and I wanted to capture Daylen's first trip to Cancun, so we took some pictures. I was 22 weeks (5 1/2 months). Cancun is where Daylen made his "first real kick" debut!! These pictures were taken right before sunset and after sunset. It was too hot and humid to go out during the day time in regular clothes.

Week 22 (July 7 - 14)

This week Darren and I went to Cancun with his parents for a much needed vacation. I am glad that my doctor released me to go out of the country. Last week my blood pressure was so high that I had to document every day what my blood pressure was on both arms. Her concern regarding my blood pressure was that I kept hearing loud, heart beats in my ear. When I was at the doctor my blood pressure was 140/90, so I had to aim for lower than 130/80. After a week of checking my blood pressure at home, I went back to the doctor Thursday, July 3rd, and she released me. She said my blood tests revealed that I am a little anemic, but she will take care of it at my next appointment when I do the diabetes testing. The doctor ordered that I do nothing, but relax and use a noodle when in the pool. I did just that. =)

While I was in Cancun, I was able to relax and really enjoy being pregnant. Mexico apparently LOVES pregnant women. The staff looked after me and Daylen. The pool staff kept bringing me refills of 7 Up and non-alcoholic strawberry daquiri's, which became my favorite drink. =) One of the pool staff even came up to me and fanned me with her tray to make sure that Daylen and I were getting enough air. Other than my ankles swelling up from the heat, I had no other problems. Daylen has been the perfect baby, he has made my pregnancy an easy one. One night Darren and I went to sit on the beach to watch the sea turtles come up to lay their eggs. It was so calming that I FINALLY got to feel Daylen kick!! Darren and I sat there with our hands on my tummy feeling him kick. Since then I have continued to feel him kick. I go back to the doctor today to make sure I didn't contact any diseases while in Mexico. =) My next appointment will be my 6th month check up on July 27th. I can't believe it has already been 5 1/2 months. Daylen will be here in no time. My due date is exactly 4 months from today.