6 weeks

6 Weeks Pregnant

I'm not going to lie.. my baby's "picture" this week scares me a little..! The baby is roughly half the size of a baby pea..so tiny!! Thursday we have our first ultrasound and we should be able to see a heart beat!

"Before" Picture

Tomorrow is Christmas.

It's the day we were supposed to give our families the greatest gift..news of our pregnancy!

However, 15 minutes after we found out we were in the car headed to my inlaws to share the news and then called my parents when we got back home.

I am 5 (and a half!) weeks pregnant..the "picture" is more of a i'llneverseeyouagainsoIwantedtorememberyou type because lets face it, I will never look the same. I have to be honest- I am still getting used to that fact.

We are still very early in the pregnancy and are praying hard.

I got all of my test results back from the "first trimester screening" and was they all look good. My beta level on Friday was 375 and went to 1292 on Monday. So my levels doubled in 1.68 days :)

Facts:

There are 241 days before my due date

9% of my pregnancy has passed, there is 91% left to go.

I will be out of the first trimester on Valentine's Day :)

(All of the %s make me seem very smart..thank you calculator! I cannot do any math in my head!)

Prayer

I am currently running a fever-- 100.1 (which is a HIGH fever for me..I never run them!) and I have a mix of emotions ranging from anxious to scared. I have taken Tylenol twice, something I didn't really want to do- but I feel it's best to make sure the fever is down as much as possible.

I am praying that this sickness will not harm the sweet little baby bean growing inside of me. I just hit 5 weeks pregnant on Monday and this is not the situation that I want to be in. However, I am learning to lean on the Lord and to give my worries to him.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. -Phil 4:6

Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear." -Luke 12:22

Lord,

Thank you for the blessing that you have given me so quickly after it was prayed about. I now come with prayer requests for this sweet little baby that is inside of me. I pray that the baby will remain safe while I am facing this fever/sickness. I pray your hands of protection around my body and that the sickness will pass quickly. If I need to see a doctor, please give them wisdom on the best course of action.

The beginning

It's true!!

"While the hourglass was blinking, I was praying. Praying that no matter what the outcome, I would be at peace..but secretly hoping those words would pop up on the screen. It's funny to think now that I was praying while "secretly" hoping..God knows the desires of my heart. and He has blessed us with a pregnancy!"

The story:

A few days before my cycle in November we decided that after it had run its course, we would start "trying" I had just gotten a bunch of requests for fall weddings, and I didn't want to book them "just incase" we got pregnant in November. I had a little spark of hope that we would get pregnant on the first try, but I knew that was probably unlikely.

My cycle is VERY regular..to the extent that I know the day "it" will come. I was at Dollar Tree a few days before I was supposed to start and figured that I might as well stock up because "all tests are the same" (wrong!!) Test after test, negative. Even once "it" was supposed to be here..negative..morning, afternoon, middle of the night..all negative..but I still hadn't started. I thought that maybe I was thinking about it too much and that had pushed my cycle back a few days.

On Tuesday I texted David & asked him to pick up an EPT test then decided that I would just wait a few days to see if my period came and told him "nevermind" on making the stop. Later that night, I got that "feeling" that I wanted to take a different brand test so David went out and bought the EPT digital.. Took it & sure enough.. it said pregnant!! I was alone when I took the test and while the hourglass was blinking, I was praying. Praying that no matter what the outcome, I would be at peace..but secretly hoping those words would pop up on the screen. It's funny to think now that I was praying while "secretly" hoping..God knows the desires of my heart. and He has blessed us with a pregnancy! We found out December 14, 2010 around 9PM.

Our due date is August 22, 2010

The day before my birthday.

Looks like I've got a Christmas AND Birthday gift this year!

Husbands, Simple Prayers & Babies

I say my prayers at night. I would love to be the woman sitting at the kitchen table in the morning with a hot cup of tea reading scripture and spending quiet time with the Lord before starting my day, but I'm not. I have a problem- the problem is getting out of bed. I have been cursed for as long as I can remember with this problem and had many lights turned on, voices raised, cups of water threatened to be thrown in my face (although it never happened!) to try and get me out of bed. I am a lover of sleep..and dreams- I love my dreams. All of that to say; I spend my time in scripture and in my prayer journal at night- and each night I count my blessings and state what I am thankful for.

Leading up to Thanksgiving, and finishing out November, I would like to write one thing I'm thankful for each day {

November 1, 2010
Simple Prayers.

Many times a I say simple prayers, "Lord I am thankful for the love you have shown me, the grace you have given me, and the forgiveness that I do not deserve" I need to copyright that.

November 2, 2010
Husbands.

Well, my husband. I couldn't imagine another person i'd rather spend my life with. He. is. amazing. And Cute.

November 3, 2010
Phones.

My phone broke this week, but thankfully David has 3! Yes, 3. One personal and two for work, so I didn't have to live my fear of whathappensifIbreakdownandhavenophone. I am thankful for the ability to make a call whenever I want and no matter where I am whether it be for personal, business, or emergency situations.

November 4, 2010

Stability.

David and I both have solid jobs. In this troubling economy, we have not had to worry when our next meal would be or how we would pay for a certain bill. I think sometimes we may take that for granted, I always feel like we could save more, give more, but I'm thankful for what we've got.

November 5, 2010

Possibilities.

I have always heard, "I Plan, God Laughs" - Currently David & I are "planning" when we would like to start a family. You see, being a photographer who books weddings a year in advance, I have to have a certain cut off. As of right now I have been spoken to but have no contracts on any fall dates--so I might make June the cut off for 2011 weddings and see about possibly starting a family. We'll see :)

Getting through

Today finally feels like Fall! Although we are SO close to November, we have been seeing 80+ degree days and that is just NOT Fall weather! Even though it has been an extremely hot fall, I have found one thing that has made the hot days a little sweeter:

Pumpkin Spice Kisses. Oh My lands.

I should have just strapped two bags to my hips.

Hoping to start blogging more so I tried sprucing up my blog a little.. I downloaded a kit from Shabby Princess!

Halloween Haunt

Kings Dominion puts on a "really scary" event during weekends in October. David & I are really into all things scary, so we thought we'd check it out since neither of us had ever been. What we didn't realize was that part of the spookyness was getting to ride the rides at dark-- we don't "do" roller coasters. We knew that they would have some buildings set up, but the lines..oh the lines were LONG! We were only able to do one thing which wasn't very scary and then decided to get dippin' dots before heading home. We're going to just stick to the "spooky hayrides" closer to our home from now on.

Taking care of business..

Today I won a small victory in a large war..I paid off my highest interest student loan today! It was 9.75%..eek!

Although I have completely been overworked the past few months, I have been saving a great deal. (I probably should have made higher payments to those loans..but I liked seeing the $$!) The ONE benefit of running a business while working full time! I have three main accounts, a personal account where my $ from my job goes, a business account, and a savings account. Money gets put into the savings account each month and when we purchase a house (soooooon!!!) I will use that money for all the furniture, decor, paint, floors, and other things we may need to get to make it our home. The savings account is important to me because I want those nice things- I could pay off another student loan (or two!) if it weren't there, but then I would have no savings...and I like watching that go up every month. Now..don't go looking at that money tree up there and think I've got one..because I don't. I don't save everything that I could, and in fact I need to be MUCH better about budgeting but I am really thankful to have kicked that one student loan to the curb. The interest rates are just RIDICULOUS! I cringe when I think about how much more I've got left..but this was a definite start!

Naked (not me!)

David & I went to the mall recently to get my bracelet (that he bought for our anniversary!) resized. While we were there I stumbled over to the Sephora store, where I always look but hardly ever purchase anything (and instead rack up a TON of Covergirl/Avon/Mary Kay-type makeup that I don't use all of before I purchase something else! Good thinking, I know!) I was on the path of needing an intervention, especially with eye shadow..until I found this:

Now I can throw out ALL my other eye shadow products! I wish they had a better name for it, but it does catch your eye. The set is $44 in store (and apparently goes VERY quickly when in stock, there were only 2 left, and retails for $90 online--ebay/amazon-type of sites) This is by far the BEST eye shadow i've ever come across. All the colors look amazing and that little bottle of eyeshadow primer "potion" is sent from Heaven. The shadow stays on all day and looks fabulous! I am refraining from going back and checking out other Urban Decay products!

(not paid for this post in any way- although I wish I had been to save myself $44!)

Couch + Baby = Awesome

A few weeks ago my brother, sister in law & niece came in for a visit! They were here for almost two weeks and I was happy I had no weddings the weekend they were in so I could go to my parents house & visit. Thankfully my parents only live an hour and forty-five minutes away although I do not make the trip nearly as much as I should.

Before I left on Sunday afternoon I spent a few minutes with them for a little "mini" session! And the super cute little couch? Free! I. Love. It. I may have to get a bigger car now because it will not fit in my Mazda.. :-)

Today is Abbi's half-birthday..happy 6 months sweet baby!

You're mine!

As a little birthday (Aug. 23rd) present to MYSELF I bought this guy today. I've had my eye on him since they came out and I cannot wait to get my hands on it! My 5D has video, but 1. I haven't used it and 2. who wants to lug that around? No one, except I do, for 8 hour weddings and portrait sessions. I also got a nifty underwater case because my husband is quite the fish and thought it would be fun to so some silly underwater videos.

I am really trying to get back in the blogging world here and so there is a chance you may see one of our videos next week :-)

Making Effort

Sadie is not allowed on our bed. We love her dearly and if my husband had his way she would snuggle up next to me at night (and I don't like to snuggle at night!) but Sadie always manages to find her way to me and maybe it's because her Daddy is all muscle and her Momma's got a few comfy curves. Sadie sheds..a lot.. and THAT is the main reason she is not allowed on the bed- I don't like waking up with a blanket (dog hair) on me!

Recently as I am getting into bed and about to say my prayers I am distracted by the amount of hair on the bed. How can this be? She is not allowed on the bed! Our rotten little girl is sneaking up on the bed during the day and taking herself a nice nap. How do I know this? I came home the other day and she was sleeping (on the bed!!) so soundly that I didn't wake her up when I came in the door, shut the door, or dropped the groceries on the floor. I even got to take a picture before she decided to wake up. What a stinker!!A few weeks ago we went to my in-laws for a cook out before my BIL went back to Afghanistan. This is the first time I've been IN a picture in a LONG time! David & I have a session scheduled with a friend next week so when we get those pictures back I will have a reason to blog and will be sure to post some! I cannot wait for the session! That's one of the best things about being a photographer, swapping sessions!!

Our nieces & nephews with their water balloons & guns.. How fun is this picture? :) I want to put it on a canvas and place it above the fireplace.

...until next time!

New Orleans

Last month I went to New Orleans/Biloxi for a business trip.

I am not a good flyer- So on the way down I took some pills [Nerve Tonic- CVS!] that worked WONDERS and I wasn't a mess at all. [they also do NOT make you sleepy! Just...calm] However, the day we were leaving to fly back I did not feel anxious and decided I didn't NEED the pills. Big.Mistake. Halfway through the first flight I was throwing up and decided I couldn't take the 2nd connecting flight (only 30 minutes!) home so I instead paid $300, rented a car, and drove 4 hours home. What a trip. Next time I'll KNOW better than to try and play it cool. Just take the meds, Meg.

I wasn't going to lug around my big camera so I purchased a Nikon Coolpix (and i'm a CANON shooter! Gasp!) to snap a few pictures while I was there. When I got there I honestly wanted a break from shooting so I hardly pulled out my camera, however--there were a few times that I remembered this was my first time in the area and it should be documented and this is what I got:

As soon as I decide on sizes & placement I will be blowing up a few of these for the walls at home!

Listen to yourself

Those that follow me on Twitter or Facebook know that for quite a while now I have been dealing with migraines. My first one was in June of last year. I went to the doctor the next day because I had never experienced such pain. I started a new birth control, the Nuva Ring in May and had a check up sometime early July to discuss how it was going and if I had experienced any side effects. I told the Doctor (obgyn) about the migraine and the constant headaches, but he assured me it would have happened sooner if it were linked to the Nuva Ring. Over the next 9 months the migraines would become more frequent and I would have many tests done to see exactly why the migraines were always in the same spot. In March I had 2-3 a week with the final one lasting 4 days. I took every medicine I was prescribed and nothing would knock that migraine. It would go away for a little, but the pressure was still there, and I honestly didn't know how I would live my life with such constant headaches. It was very frustrating because I just wanted to know why I was getting them and even keeping a food & headache journal provided no insight on pattern.

After the 4-day migraine I had the mentality that "I don't care what you say (Neurologist, OBGYN, or Family Doctor!) it has GOT to be the birth control!" so I stopped taking it. I had a one withdrawal migraine and haven't had even the slightest headache since. I've gone headache free for a little over a month and it.is.glorious.

Now, this could all be a big coincidence and I could get more migraines in the future, but for now I'm just thankful that I decided to take action against something and for now it as worked. I've had issues with every sort of birth control I've ever taken (mostly just break through bleeding) so at this point, we're just being careful :)

(p.s. I really enjoyed the Nuva Ring, besides the whole idratherdiemigraines. Medicine effects everyone differently, i'm not saying they should ban the Nuva Ring, it just didn't work for me.)

Look what arrived { Mamarazzi's Swap!

I have been a part of a few swaps that Mamarazzi has hosted.. and this one (much like the others) was So. Much. Fun. When I got home I had a package on my door step and I knew just what it was.. :) my swap package from Random Musings!! Which is pretty neat because I actually read her blog!

Here's what she sent.. I can't wait to use it all!

1. A beaaaautiful pink pashmina scarf.
2. Four nail polishes (going to put the purplish one on tonight! We've had a touch of Spring around here and that color will be very fitting!)
3. Candy! I LOVE Swedish fish too <3 style="font-weight: bold;">candles. And a set of refills for the Glade!
5. Nail polish remover pads.. I have never used the pads- looking forward to it!
6. Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara. Now this is where it gets interesting. She sent me "the best mascara ever!" and I sent HER "the best mascara ever!" looks like there's gonna be a little battle :)
7. Lipgloss. I have already tried the Nivea.. and it's GREAT! There were actually 4 in the box but they somehow fell between the cracks when I took the picture..so here's another one:
8. Loreal Skin Genesis (Cleansing Towelettes). Guess what I JUST ran out of last night (it was a different brand though!) now I don't have to run to the store for more.. you rock!
9. (which somehow didn't make it into the picture) The cutest note cards.

This was a great swap~ Thanks SO much Musings!

Favorite things Swap-- I'm doing it, you should too!

Mamarazzi is hosting another favorite things swap! I have done a few of her swaps and they are always fabulous! Click below to see how you can join in!

Sweet cuddles!

My NIECE is HERE!

She was a little chunker.. 9.5 lbs!

John has yet to post any quality pictures (which is making me crazy!)

but we did get a few sneak peaks from his phone.

I am flying out there in 2.5 weeks and CANNOT WAIT! It's going to be 4 days of cuddles, kisses, and photographs! John is a firemen (and a pastor too!) and has some new (hasn't been in a fire!) turnout gear that he wants to incorporate in sweet Abbi's newborn session. Ideas are swirling and I'm so excited to have a couple days to do some creative shooting. I have already sent her a birthday box filled with essential goodies that a new baby needs.

Alert!

I know it's not too uncommon for me to be a sporadic blogger, but I have a real reason this time! For those that have been keeping up with me for a while (Thank you!) will know that I used to live in DC, moved from DC and kept the same job when I got married, started a photography business, lost DC job due to the economy. Well, I accepted a full-time job offer and have been working for the past two weeks! I work for an energy consulting firm in Richmond- and I have to say, God provides at just the right time! In a few weeks I will begin repaying my student loans--and although I could have done that with the business photography is bringing in, I would just be making the minimum payments and not being able to save. So-- the job is going to knock out those loans in A LOT less time (and save money! Interest is CRAZY!)

This past weekend I also hosted a boudoir marathon which was the best one yet & check here over the next few days to see some sneak peaks!

I'm doing it!

My name is Megan and I have an addiction.
I am 100% addicted to FOOD!

A lot of days I don't feel "full" until I eat something I know I shouldn't. (my biggest weakness is carbs!..and Chik Fil A) I feel like a fat man trapped in a petite body. I try to have a homemade smoothie in the morning (strawberries, low-fat yogurt, OJ..Yummy!) but ruin my healthy eating and exercise with constant snacking & the more-than-once-weekly trip to a fast food joint.

I am working on creating healthy weekly menus in order to avoid the 5pm "oh no what are we going to eat for dinner?" feeling which usually leads to processed dinners-- which i'm kind of sick of!

So here's where I need your help!

What is your favorite (pretty healthy) recipe?

This dog of mine

I'm trying to get back in the mode of taking pictures just for myself [the lack of personal pictures is going to change in 2010!] here is my first set for 2010..

Sadie is part of our neighborhood watch..

The Sweet Life

I wouldn't say that David and I are boring.. we are just pretty busy and don't go out a lot! Besides dinner dates and movies I mean-- we do that quite a bit, but we don't really see the bar scene ever. We just aren't big on drinking- in fact we normally don't even keep alcohol in the house! However, with last night being New Years Eve-- we wanted to go out and celebrate!

I hate my phone pictures- eeek! But it seems less work than pulling out my 50D. I need to purchase a little point & shoot to carry with me because it's pretty sad the amount of pictures I take on a personal level right now! My top was really cute though, hopefully one of our friends captured a picture that I can post!

I am looking forward to seeing what 2010 holds for us! Hopefully it includes getting a final answer of where we'll be "stationed" with Davids job so we can start house hunting and then work on making beautiful babies! David is civilian and there's a good chance we get to stay here because that's what we've requested, but there's always a chance we could go somewhere else. I wouldn't mind Hawaii if it weren't so far away! We are also looking into VA Beach..but only time will tell!