Loving like He does!

This song is beyond powerful to start out your day! I hope it blesses someone like it blessed me on the way to church yesterday. It's hard to go through life and love like Jesus does. His love is so full of mercy and forgiveness, but when we do big things can happen. Others see Him through us and we glorify God! 

My favorite lines are: 

Help us to remember we are all the least of these.

Let the memory of Your mercy bring your people to their knees.

Nobody knows what we're for only against when we judge the wounded.

What if we put down our signs crossed over the lines and loved like You did?

Oh Jesus friend of sinners,

Open our eyes to world at the end of our pointing fingers.

Let our hearts be led by mercy.

Help us reach with open hearts and open doors.

Oh Jesus friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours.

Check out the video here: http://youtu.be/rJXIugwiN7Q

Happy Monday! 

27 weeks and 3 days!

How Far Along: 27 weeks & 3 Days

Sleep: Yes, please. I want to sleep all of the time. Want is the key word here...I haven't gotten nearly the amount that I want! I feel SUPER tired this week. This is somewhat normal for the last week of school. 

Best Moment This Week:
Mother's Day gave me a sweet glimpse into what Mom does and how much she cares for our family. We were blessed to spend time together, and the impact of the role of a mom was so clear to me during the day. It's a gift and a celebration of all that moms mean. I'm so grateful that God has given me my mom. She is beautiful inside and out!

Jase (Danielle's son) arrived! He is stinkin' precious!! I am so proud of Danielle! 

Leadercast was awesome! I enjoyed every minute of it, from the free biscuit in the parking lot to Andy Stanley signing our book we are reading for small group. I will be back next year. 

Food Cravings: Nothing crazy. Thank God! I had my Chick-Fil-A fix on Friday at Leadercast. I am so happy that grilled chicken sits well with me now. I wasn't quite sure how I was going to survive. I am loving Chick-Fil-A's new salads. You have to try one! 

Lyla turned three on Sunday!

Mother's Day was the best. I loved spending it with my family and Ryan's family!!

How’s Mama? This week has been non-stop! It's flying by, and I need more time with my class at school. It makes me sad when I think about them leaving for the middle school. Time has flown by. 

Tuesday of last week was a stressful one...students who misbehave aren't always easy to deal with and it disappoints me beyond belief if they are disrespectful. Well...needless to say, the stress gave my body a reason to react. Enter Braxton Hicks. Those things are no joke. When I was stressed, my belly hardened and it was difficult to relax because of my anxiety. Then, Vann felt like he was doing the Jitter Bug. Holy cow... enough to put me over the edge. I called the nurse at my OB's and shared with her what was happening. I figured it was Braxton Hicks, but this being my first time...it's better to be safe! I explained Vann's movement felt like a seizure. Dr. Lake walked in and said, "so...your baby had a seizure..." and I explained I had read on the internet (bless his heart...wonder how many times that's been said) that babies in the womb don't have seizures. He gave me a medical term for that jolty movement, and let me know that it was ok. I checked out just fine. My weight, belly measurement, and Vann's heartbeat were great! THANK YOU LORD! 

What I am looking forward to: Summer! It's nearly here! What an awesome time to prepare for little Vann Hudson. There are also some great weddings this weekend and next for some super special friends! 

Our Baby in Veggie/Fruit Terms: Vann is GROWING and MOVING! He is a monkey. I love seeing and feeling him. I am constantly telling Ryan to look...then he'll stop kicking of course. He's the size of a rutabaga. 

• He's practicing inhaling and exhaling with his rapidly developing lungs.
• It's official: Baby's showing brain activity! And his brain will keep on getting more complex.

Vann Hudson, you are such a gift! You're our purpose and our drive! We don't have much more time until everyone will be giving you tons of love, hugs, and kisses!  

26 weeks...3.5 months remain!

How Far Along: 26 weeks

Sleep: This week made me a bit exhausted! Taking 75 campers to 4H camp will do that! The cot didn't allow me to sleep the best, but it sure did make me grateful for my bed and comfy sheets. 

Best Moment This Week: Seeing my hubby after being gone for two nights was definitely at the top of my list this week! I also have had more answers to prayers that have been very clear! There are still a few God's working on me with, but goodness He is good! 

Food Cravings: Maybe a few chocolate cravings...and it sure didn't help that I won a game at Gabby's baby shower and won a bottle of chocolate! 

How’s Mama? I am feeling great! Mom and I went shopping on Saturday, relaxed while watching a movie, and enjoyed Chick-Fil-A's new salad! YUMMO! Ryan and I enjoyed a date night with my parents on Friday and our own date night on Saturday. Sunday was filled with church, baby shower, and relaxation! 

What I am looking forward to: I signed up for nursing and birthing classes. June will be a busy month, but a learning one. As soon as Vann's nursery is finished, I believe I will feel so much relief. I know it will be so precious. 

Our Baby in Veggie/Fruit Terms: Vann is about the size of a head of lettuce! I totally believe it. I feel like I am carrying a little basketball. This week my tummy has grown even harder to the touch. My bellybutton hasn't popped out yet, but it's close! Vann's kicking has gotten stronger, and I have gotten to catch him on video rolling all around. 

• His eyes are forming, and his eyes will soon start to open.
• And his eyelashes are now grown, too.
• He's getting her immune system ready for life on the outside by soaking up my antibodies.
• He's taking breaths, too. They're of amniotic fluid, not air, but it's still good practice.

Vann Hudson, we love you so very much. Your family is so excited to meet you. It won't be long, now. Keep growing strong and get ready to have your heart filled with more love than you can handle. 

25 weeks!

How Far Along: 25 weeks

Maternity Clothes: Yes! I'm also having to borrow Ryan's tshirts to sleep in and wear around the house! It's so nice not to feel like a roly poly squeezed in a tiny tshirt!

Sleep: doing better, but considering it's 330 in the am and I'm wide awake makes me unsure. We are at camp with our fifth graders and I got to bed a little earlier than normal. I'm hoping some blogging will be therapeutic and put Vann and I back to sleep soon!

Best Moment this week: 1. My fifth graders finishing their CRCT! That is an amazing feeling knowing that there's a bit more time for celebration and unique activities! 2. Our doctor's appointment went terrific! Vann is measuring wonderfully and his heartbeat sounds like music to our ears! Our next appointment will be a 3D! 3. Some really cool answers to prayers have been happening, and I'm praying for God's will and guidance! 4. Ryan and I headed to downtown Athens on Saturday to catch the Terrapin Twilight. The rain held off and we enjoyed our annual event with great friends and good food!

Food Cravings: nothing major!

How’s Mama? I can't complain! Life is good! I'm feeling better now that the nursery is looking more like a nursery. It's a weird feeling to walk by our old guest room and see a crib. I LOVE it!

What I am looking forward to: I can't wait to start our birthing classes! I'm ready to get my mindset and start focusing on having Vann! He has to come out someday! I can't wait to see the 3D ultrasound!! Wonder who he'll resemble - Ryan or me?

Our Baby in Veggie/Fruit Terms: Vann is around the size of an eggplant! He's continuing to grow - the proof is my belly that my students point out. "Wow, you're getting big!" I remind them it's Vann growing! He is a kicking machine and I love it. What a little stinker he was being. I kept trying to capture his kicks on camera, and anytime the camera would come on he'd stop! This changed on Saturday morning!! I finally got a video of his strong kicks! My belly reminds me of a dodge ball.

Vann Hudson, you are so cool little man! Thank you for blessing us with your life. We are so excited to love and hug on you in a bit more than three months. I can't wait until you start hearing about God's plan for your life. You're going to be a part of something huge!

24 Weeks ... August is coming quick!

Highlights: Week 24

How Far Along: 24 weeks + 1 day

Maternity Clothes: I am definitely enjoying the way they accentuate this bump. Without maternity clothes my shirts are extremely short and not flattering at all! My pants are done zipping! I found some lounge clothes at Motherhood Maternity after school today. I'm thankful that people create clothes to help make this time a bit more beautiful! 

Sleep: I'm still using my Boppy Wedge. We have been walking nearly every night, so that's helped alleviate any back aches! 

Best Moment this week: I would say nearly every day has been great! It's so nice having Ryan here and not working late hours. I am so proud of him, but man I missed him. Saturday was a day of organization! Is it too early to begin nesting, because I may have a touch of it? Sunday night we walked down to the pond to fish with Daddy. Lyla took a little dip as well. I went out to eat with Mom and Dad, too. It was fun to just talk and spend time with them! Dad and Greg came over on Monday and started the first step of painting our garage floor. Thankful doesn't even say enough when it comes to all that they have done for us. Whenever Dad has a free second and some extra paint he uses it on our house. AWESOME. We love you Daddy!

Food Cravings: I am eating as healthy as I can. Ryan started a challenge and it's been a nice way to keep me on track as well!

How’s Mama? Happy. Happy. Happy. I am really enjoying pregnancy and feeling Vann flip and twist all around. God is great and a miracle worker for sure!

What I am looking forward to: Of course meeting Vann in 16 weeks! He was bee-bopping all around last night and I told Ryan that he wanted to come out and play. Ryno didn't like that I said that since he said Vann needs to stay in until he is big enough! Protective Daddy is right; I totally agree. 

Our Baby in Veggie/Fruit Terms: Vann is around the size of a canteloupe!

Vann Hudson, we have a doctor's appointment tomorrow! Your heartbeat is like music to our ears! We love to see and feel you kick! I hope you like mama's singing since you kick so much when I do! You are a miracle and loved!

5 Month Update!

Highlights: Week 23

How Far Along: 23 weeks + 1 day

Maternity Clothes: I love them. I mean, if I designed them I would put them at reasonable prices and make them a little bit more stylish, but they are definitely more flattering and comfy! 

Sleep: Doing well this week! After planting flowers on Saturday, I was exhausted and slept like a baby! 

Best Moment this week: I definitely had plenty, but one would have to be that the Dossinator is HOME and tax season is OVER! Woo hoo! I love having him here when it's daylight. Tonight we enjoyed a great walk. It's the first of many! It helps I got a new workout outfit...much needed!

Mom and I went to Target and Babies R Us. I had her help me narrow down what we registered for (using her "mom" common sense)! It worked. We were out of there and registered. Ryan loved that he didn't have to walk around with one of those guns and scan stuff. I think he was scarred when we did our wedding registry. I am most excited about the travel system (stroller with car-seat). I love how easy it is to open and close and SUPER light! :)

I loved spending time on Saturday planting flowers with Ryan. We made a trip to the garden center at Home Depot. So far all of the flowers are still alive! Wish us luck! These HOT temps in GA don't make it easy!

Food Cravings: Not anything crazy this week. Still loving the pickles, but not eating as many for sure!

How’s Mama? Lovely! I am just blossoming away...like a COW! Haha! People are beginning to notice the belly for sure. My fifth graders (some) like to rub it and wave goodbye to Vann before leaving school. Erin and I treated ourselves to a visit to the nail salon. This is a rarity in my book (maybe 3-4 times a year), so it was nice to sit back and enjoy a pedicure. My nail tech was curious if I was expecting, so she rubbed her belly and looked at me questioningly. I nodded and then she asked how far I was. :)

I am doing a lot of researching, asking friends, and reading about natural labor, nursing, and stretches. My lower abdomen was stretching soooo much yesterday. I went in Colleen's classroom and did some little moves to relieve them. It didn't work, but I am thankful that she's so supportive!

What I am looking forward to: I am really excited about my pregnant friends, hearing about their pregnancies, and meeting their babies! 

It's getting super real when I feel Vann move so much. We can't wait to meet him (we totally understand he needs to stay in the oven as long as he can)! When he comes our lives will forever change in the best way! :)

Our Baby in Veggie/Fruit Terms: Vann is around the size of a grapefruit!

• His face is fully formed now -- he just needs a little extra fat to fill it out.
• He's listening to my voice and heartbeat -- and even to loud sounds like cars honking and dogs barking.

Vann Hudson, 17 weeks are sure to fly by until we see you! Enjoy your snuggle time! Daddy and I will continue praying for your safety, healthy development, and future with us. God has blessed us with you!

Vitamins + Supplements...Why do I need those?

I hope each of you are enjoying this beautiful day. It's warm over here in GA ... 84* is what my car let me know and totally covered in pollen, but it's gorgeous! 

I have had several friends ask what I am taking while I am pregnant. They want to know if I still take AdvoCare products! YES! The answer is a BIG, HEALTHY YES! 

Why? 

Their vitamins and supplements are tested by Informed Choice for over 200 banned substances. Who tests your prenatal? Many times we have no idea. We buy them because we know we should, but are they working? I know without a doubt these vitamins are working. I see and feel results daily. 

What do you take? 

I use the CorePlex with Iron along with OmegaPlex as my prenatal vitamins. I was taking them before I became pregnant, but they have the nutrition that Vann and I need to do this pregnancy right! 

    

It is recommended for pregnant women to take 600-800 mg of Folic Acid a day and 300 mg of DHA daily. CorePlex with Iron delivers 800 mg of folic acid along with core nutrition needed for a strong foundation. The added in iron is crucial for everyday life since iron is a huge component in transporting and storing oxygen to the body's tissues. AdvoCare's OmegaPlex contains 400 mg of DHA. We need DHA not only for good skin, hair, and nails, but it's also needed for our heart, blood flow, cardiovascular health, good blood pressure, cognition, healthy metabolism...the list goes on! Well, babies need this too and more specifically for the development of their brain, nerves, and eyes! How cool is that?

I eat healthy!

GREAT, I do too! Even though I eat a super well-balanced diet I don't get enough. Look at what the FDA says on their site about what we need and what we have too much of.

This is straight from the FDAs website: 

The Nutrients: How Much?

Look at the top of the nutrient section in the sample label. It shows you some key nutrients that impact on your health and separates them into two main groups:

   Limit These Nutrients

 (#3 on sample label):
The nutrients listed first are the ones Americans generally eat in adequate amounts, or even too much. They are identified in yellow as Limit these Nutrients. Eating too much fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, or sodium may increase your risk of certain chronic diseases, like heart disease, some cancers, or high blood pressure.

Important: Health experts recommend that you keep your intake of saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol as low as possible as part of a nutritionally balanced diet.
 

   Get Enough of These

 (#4 on sample label):
Most Americans don't get enough dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron in their diets. They are identified in blue as Get Enough of these Nutrients. Eating enough of these nutrients can improve your health and help reduce the risk of some diseases and conditions. For example, getting enough calcium may reduce the risk of osteoporosis, a condition that results in brittle bones as one ages (see calcium section below). Eating a diet high in dietary fiber promotes healthy bowel function. Additionally, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and grain products that contain dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber, and low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.

How many of us look at the label and seriously add up our DV% of vitamins? Not me! Where did you buy your food? No lie, look at the labels of your food or the stickers on our fruit and veggies. Where did it come from? How long has it been sitting on the shelf? How did you prepare it? Guys, so much of the vitamins and nutrients are just not in our food anymore. We either cook them out using super high temps or they are missing from our diet to begin with. Frankly, I don't eat enough fish to get my DHA in. What about calcium? What about Vitamin C? You can supplement your good nutrition to make it top nutrition and you will feel so much better. 

So, long story short: Yes, I still use AdvoCare products while I am preggers. It's top-notch nutrition and I know exactly what I am taking to help my son grow! 

Along with my first two vitamins, I use Rehydrate, 1/2 - 1 serving of Spark a day, C-grams, and a couple others. Nutrition is super important to me and even more so that I am responsible for someone else's life! 

If you have any questions, please feel free to let me know in the comments box below! I will gladly email you back!