Annaleigh

Even though I am lacking in the posting department there are several blogs that I follow daily. A blog that I have found myself drawn to on a daily basis is called "Three Cheers for Babies". After discovering Brooke through her cooking blog I became an avid follower of her baby blog as well. After years of unsuccessful tries at motherhood she and her husband Joe finally conceived after a successful fertility treatment. They quickly discovered that not only did the treatment work, but it worked thrice. They were pregnant with three wonderful little babies. Sadly Brooke delivered very early in her pregnancy and her triplets; Charlie, Lily, and Annaleigh were born prematurely. Even though they have had their share of ups and downs the babies continued to grow and thrive in the NICU.

Sadly Annaleigh unexpectedly was diagnosed with a disease called NEC today, it affects the digestive system of the baby and it moves very swiftly. Often times the babies recover after having the setback but in Annaleigh's case it was too late. Her surgeon discovered that her bowels were completely dead and essentially there was nothing that they could do. More than likely Annaleigh will not survive the weekend, possibly not even the night. Being pregnant with my first child after years of trying I can relate to the miracle that their conception and ultimate birth was. I can't relate though to what they must be going through. The pain and sadness that they are feeling is one I pray that I never have to experience as a parent. Tonight, please keep Brooke, Joe, and Annaleigh along with their others babies in your thoughts and prayers. I pray that God takes Annaleigh peacefully and that he allows Charlie and Lily to continue to grow and thrive in honor of the sister that they will never know or experience.

Yay

I am a few days late in posting this but I have wonderful news...I am officially in my second trimester. I honestly cannot believe how quickly those first 13 weeks went by and it floors me that we are a 1/3 of the way through this pregnancy. I am feeling really well other than the fact I am still experiencing morning sickness and now for whatever reason, I am experiencing the pregnancy headaches that no one bothered to tell me about...lol. I have had this headache for almost two weeks now and nothing is really helping. The morning sickness isn't as bad as it was in the beginning but it's still enough to drive me crazy. The funny part about the morning sickness is that the majority of it occurs during my morning showers and nightly baths. My Aunt thinks it is because the baby is not fond of warm water, this leads me to believe that we are most definitely having a little girl, she is already wanting things done her way. I can imagine bath time in our house is going to be interesting to say the least.

We have already registered and I hope that here in the next few weeks we will get a start on the nursery. This house is filled with procrastinators so as long as it's finished before the big arrival I am not going to stress very much. We have had lots of offers of help in preparing the room so I think once we start it's going to go quickly and smoothly. As of right now we are doing a jungle theme but I am slowly moving to pinks and purples for a little girl and if its a boy I see a farm theme in our future.

Our next appointment is next Friday where I hope to hear the heartbeat for the first time. I am also going to do my best in persuading my Doctor to schedule the big ultrasound for sooner rather than later. I am so anxious in finding out whether this is my little girl or if the Grandma's are going to get their wish and have a little man. I took yet another gender prediction test online today and it predicted a girl just like all of the others. I am confident that it's a girl but I am not confident enough to place money on it.

Also...is it to early to start feeling the baby?? I swear I felt a little something on Wednesday evening. I was kicking back in the recliner when I felt this oh so suttle flutter in my lower belly. It was nothing I have ever felt before so I immediately thought that it might be the baby but I have never done this before so I am not sure. I learned today that the baby is more than likely the size of a lemon. My husband being the funny guy that he is quickly ran to the refrigerator, grabbed the bottle of lemon juice that comes in the shape of a lemon and held it against my stomach. He pretty much implied I was a little far on the chubby side to only be carrying something that is the size of a lemon. He also said I have a muffin top, needless to say he almost got whipped. I am still working up the courage to post the first belly shot, I swear I am bigger than what I should be, but maybe not.

Anyway that's where we stand so far, the best is yet to come though.

Savory Grilled Chicken

I promise I am cooking, it's just nothing that is decent enough to blog about, a lot of what I am cooking are recipes that I have already shared with you. Tonight though was different and to be honest I am un-able to take the credit as my Hubby found the recipe for this chicken and also prepared the meal. He found the recipe on the food network website and it is from Paula Deen. I thought it was good and his comment was "Paula done good".

Savor Grilled Chicken~
Compliments of Paula Deen

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup distilled vinegar
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup corn oil
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dry mustard
• Sprinkle cayenne pepper

Directions:

• Preheat grill.
• In a bowl, mix all ingredients together.
  
• Pour mixed ingredients into a small saucepan. Over medium heat, bring sauce to a boil, stirring frequently. Remove saucepan from heat. While the chicken is grilling, use a pastry brush to apply sauce onto each piece of chicken.

We served ours with a nice side of green beans and for the first time ever...couscous. The debate is still on about whether or not I like the couscous. Hope you enjoy.