Boy or Girl? (Part 2)

So a few months ago, I wrote a post about some of the old tales about predicting the sex of the baby.  Now that I am a bit further along, I thought it would be fun to go back and see how many of the tales I can relate to.  

For those who don't know, Wes and I have our next ultrasound on October 11th (that's right we can find out the sex at this one).  Though the ultrasound is this day, we are having a few close friends and family over on October 20th for the gender reveal party, so we will not know until then.    So here we go:   

It's a boy if:

• You didn't experience morning sickness in early pregnancy-- That's me.  I was only sick once during this pregnancy so far (though I was nauseous for many days) and the day I was sick was only a few weeks ago.. so not so much early pregnancy
• You are craving protein -- meats and cheese-- just cheese for me if anything... not so much that you ca tell just every now and then
• You are having headaches-- yes all the time and with the fact that you really can't take alot of medications... not fun. 
• You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you conceived and the sum is an even number--20+4=24-EVEN NUMBEr

It's a girl if:

• You are carrying the weight in your hips and rear-- nah basically just everywhere....but I guess the hips and rear is a part of that?
• You are carrying high--high all the time!
• Your belly looks like a watermelon--definately more watermelon than basketball
• You crave orange juice-- yes.  love my OJ (but that was before pregnancy too so not sure if that counts?)
• You don't look quite as good as normal during pregnancy-- I really think I missed out on the "pregnancy glow"... bummer....
• Your face breaks out more than usual--- yes. ugh it's like I'm back in high school
• Your urine is a dull yellow color-- mhm.

(Taken from: Gender Myths)

Okay so there it is so far-- only a few weeks till we fine out!   But if you haven't already let me know what you think it is and vote on Boy or Girl?.    

Week 23

How far along? 23 weeks

A grapefruit!

Maternity clothes? currently have one pair of pants and another pair I wear that aren't maternity... see how long they last...

Exercising: Walking most other stuff I do I can't do long 

Stretch marks? bleh. mhm .-- any good ideas to get rid of them?  Let me know!

Sleep: My Side-- been able to sleep much better though which is wonderful!

Best moment this week: Soccer tournament.  Had such a fun summer with those kids!

Have you told family and friends: Yep.

Miss Anything? Energy.   Not being hungry every second of the day.

Movement: Yep!  Every day between 3-4 and 10-11 they tend to go crazy.

Food cravings:  nope--just hungry all the time. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not anything in particular

Have you started to show yet: Yes- people are noticing which is a bit unreal...

Gender prediction: If any of those gender prediction things are right it's a girl. definately carrying higher than lower.

Labor Signs: No where near that point yet

Belly Button in or out? In.

Wedding rings on or off? Depends on the day.   If not on then I wear it on my necklace.  

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy ---just tired from the moving and everything 

Looking forward to: The weekend and having no plans!

Not loving: Sore back.   

On The Other Side of Things:

I have made a facebook page so that I do not have to bombard others with the blog posts- So if you are a fan of my blog, or want to keep in touch check out the Meet the Marshall's Facebook Page

Maximum Hope

What is Maximum Hope?

Maximum Hope is a foundation that strives to provide practical assistance to families caring for a child with a life-limiting illness.  

I truly believe this is a wonderful foundation as these families should not have to choose between paying their bills rather than spending time as their child battles an illness.  

Little things like paying for rent, gas (to get to and from the doctors), medical expenses, groceries, etc. are taken care of through the foundation.  It is such a blessing to those families that are able to spend more time with their child as they go through the battle together.  

How Can You Help?

Latasia and Maximum Hope have partnered together to provide the Maximum Hope Bracelet.  It costs $39+tax for the bracelet and I have decided that both the money that would regularly be given to Maximum Hope and any commission I make off the sales of these bracelets will be sent to the foundation.  The wonderful thing about Maximum hope is that 97% of the funds go directly to the family, meaning you will have a direct impact.  This is a great gift for anybody as well as being a gift to the family it helps.  

Please contact me at:

breezy_218@hotmail.com 

If you are interested in buying one of these bracelets.  

Girl's Night Giveaway

I am very excited to announce my second giveaway! 

A good friend of mine has recently started her own nail business in Hamilton. 

She does a wonderful job on your nails without breaking your wallet. 

Jenn has generously offered a reader of Meet the Marshall's a free manicure & pedicure (with up to 3 colours). 

Up until November 1, first time clients will also get a free manicure (whether you win the giveaway or not)!

So why not bring some friends and go out for a girl's night? 

How to Enter:

1. Leave a comment saying why you need a girl's night out.

2. Like Jenn's House of Nails on facebook and leave a comment saying you liked it.

3. Like Meet the Marshall's on facebook and leave a seperate comment saying you liked it.

4. Share this giveaway on your facebook or twitter and leave yet another seperate comment saying you did

ENJOY:) 

The winner will be announced on Monday Oct 15! 



Week 22

How far along? 22 Weeks (and one day... whoops)



Maternity clothes? bought a tanktop and sweater thing yesterday. love them!

Exercising: Walking, and some side things nothing too exciting

Stretch marks? bleh. mhm .

Sleep: My Side-- curled up to my body pillow (wes is finally starting to see that I will take it from him no matter what it takes) but having to switch side to side often

Best moment this week: Wes helped out at AWANA tonight with me:)  I love seeing him with kids-- he's going to be an amazing dad 

Have you told family and friends: Yep.

Miss Anything? Energy.   I'm only able to stand for small periods of time before I have to lean/sit ... not fun. 

Movement: Yep!  Every day between 3-4 and 10-11 they tend to go crazy.

Food cravings:  nope

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not anything in particular

Have you started to show yet: Yes- I have how they say "popped" (though I may have last week it just depends on who you ask)

Gender prediction: I thought girl but honestly I'm not sure anymore.

Labor Signs: No where near that point yet

Belly Button in or out? In.

Wedding rings on or off? On my neck on a necklace I got.  Then I have a smaller one taking the place for a while.. feels so much better!

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy ---just tired from the moving and everything 

Looking forward to: Soccer tournament tomorrow afternoon and seeing some old friends Sunday night! 

Not loving: Sore ribs/pelvis.   

On The Other Side of Things:

I have made a facebook page so that I do not have to bombard others with the blog posts- So if you are a fan of my blog, or want to keep in touch check out the Meet the Marshall's Facebook Page

Motion 312

This has been a matter that has been coming up in many things I have been reading and I decided to share a post from {Our Nest In the City}. As I am expecting a child- this is a matter that is very near and dear to my heart.  I understand not everybody shares my view on this topic, and I understand and respect that.  However, I would ask that if you do- please make the call and let your opinion be known.  I plan to call today.  Each person's opinion counts. 

There are only 5 days remaining until the vote on Motion 312 in Parliament (which would form a committee to investigate giving Canadian babies human rights before they are born). Information about the motion can be found here. 

If you care about this issue I urge you to please call your MP's office, and our Prime Minister's office (613 992 4211) and leave a message identifying yourself as a Canadian citizen and asking them to vote in favour of Motion 312. If you're not sure exactly what to say, see instructions here.  It only takes two minutes. This is a rare and urgent opportunity to act, and the vote is happening next week. Our politicians need to know that there are Canadians who value the lives of babies before they are born. Babies DO feel pain before term - but they aren't able to speak for themselves. 

 

 

I can feel my child moving in me many times throughout the day.  There is not a doubt in my mind that there is a living baby inside of me.  I want what is best for my child, as well as the many other million of unborn babies in Canada.  Please take the time and make a difference for those babies who do not yet have a voice.   

Trusting The Lord

Trusting God with the little things in life is never too difficult. 

But there are all things that we tend to keep "hidden" from God. 

Things that we believe we can take care of better than he can. 

I definitely had a list of these things:

Finances

School

Career

It's funny how God works though.  

My plans have changed over the past year, 

I have learned that school isn't everything and although finances and career choice is important, 

In the end God will take care of you.  

He will provide the essentials.  

We just need to trust him enough to let him provide these things.  

Wes and I have been tight on finances, 

but this past weekend, there has been some things that just have been such amazing blessings. 

The car I was looking for to get to and from school, God provided it completely.

Wes is taking on side jobs to help with the bills, God provided him with the equipment to do these jobs.

This being said, 

God is not a genie. 

We should not be expecting to win the lottery after we pray each time. 

But he does provide what is needed,

He will take care of us. 

Why is it that we say we trust God but so often we forget that he does love us and he will take care of us?  

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding 

In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path

And The Winner Is...

It's time to announce the winner!  

For the past few weeks I have been hosting a wonderful giveaway by

Sam McBride Photography

For a free photo session of the winner's choosing.

So here we go!

The Winner of the Free Photo Session is...

JENN BARRETT

Congrats Jenn!  

Just email me and I will get you set up with Sam and your free photo session!

Week 21 Update

How far along? 21 Weeks



Maternity clothes? No more-- hoping to get some pants soon

Exercising: Yes walking from my friends house in waterloo to school so I don't have to pay for parking and they have it so I run from class to class to make it on time;)

Stretch marks? bleh. mhm .

Sleep: My Side-- Loving my body pillow I got for my birthday- only Wes loves it as well and more often than not I wake up to him cuddling with it rather than me 

Best moment this week: Catching up with old friends over the past little while:) I love seeing how people are doing and getting to talk to them 

Have you told family and friends: Yep.

Miss Anything? Energy.   Playing sports where it's ok if I fall.

Movement: Yep!

Food cravings:  nope

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not anything in particular

Have you started to show yet: Yes- I can hid it with some stuff but most clothes I have are showing off my bump now 

Gender prediction: I thought girl but honestly I'm not sure anymore.

Labor Signs: No where near that point yet

Belly Button in or out? In.

Wedding rings on or off? On  but I ordered a Latasia ring (for those who don't know what Latasia is - it's a jewelry and Lingerie company that I work for ) and plain chain to wear and the chain is to wear my actual wedding rings on the chain as a necklace.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy ---just tired from the moving and everything 

Looking forward to: Going back to AWANA tomorrow night!  (A kids program that I went to from age 3-18 and then back again to help out again since I'm closer than previous years)

Not loving: Having to move around all the time when I sleep.  

On The Other Side of Things:

I have made a facebook page so that I do not have to bombard others with the blog posts- So if you are a fan of my blog, or want to keep in touch check out the Meet the Marshall's Facebook Page

As well- don't forget tonight is the last chance to enter to win the free photo session.  Enter before it's too late! 

No Condom For Your Heart

Week 20

How far along? 20 Weeks!  Half way there!!!



Maternity clothes? Have to get a few more pants and shirts this week most likely 

Exercising: Yes,-- starting a prenatal fitness class tomorrow morning:)

Stretch marks? bleh. mhm .

Sleep: My Side--

Best moment this week: Hearing the Baby's heartbeat at the Doctors again (first time I have heard it rather than seen it)--- going to Sandhills with Wes for my birthday

Have you told family and friends: Yep.

Miss Anything? My Energy

Movement: Yep

Food cravings:  nope

Anything making you queasy or sick: Raisin bagels... had a morning of pure sickness yesterday... not fun.

Have you started to show yet: Yes (Here is a picture of me on Monday)

Gender prediction: I thought girl but honestly I'm not sure anymore.

Labor Signs: No where near that point yet

Belly Button in or out? In.

Wedding rings on or off? On but I take them off every now and again so my fingers can breath.  

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy ---just tired from the moving and everything 

Looking forward to: Starting back at school (though I am crazy nervous for some reason)

Not loving: Puking in 2nd Trimester... how lucky am I....

Our Current Child

For those of you who don't know, Wes and I already have a child together.... sort of. 

Wes and I currently sponsor a little girl named Jensi.  She is five years old and lives in Honduras.  

It all started in 2007 when I decided (with the help of my friend) that we would sponsor a child.  

Take a look at how it all went down here.

Since then, in 2011, the first boy I helped sponsor has moved into a part of Honduras where Compassion has not yet been able to reach, leaving Wes and I with the decision on whether we would continue sponsoring a new child or take our names out of the program.  

We decided that this was the type of ministry we would love to continue to support (even with our small financial income God has always made it possible to provide our monthly payments).  

Isn't she a beauty?!?

It has been such a blessing to receive all the letters and see how God is using Compassion Canada to reach the other parts of the world. 

I have been doubly blessed in being able to serve for a little amount of time in Honduras, so that I was truly able to see what the living conditions were like in the country that Jensi and Jorge live in.  

God has taught me so much through these two children.  

I have learned to trust God with things such as finances, I have learned what compassion is and to be aware of what is happening to the world around us and I have also learned that God can use little me to make an impact on somebody's life, no matter what my situation is.  

Bits and Pieces

So this week has been busy (hence the inability to write too many long blog posts), but I thought I would let you know some of the bits and pieces of stuff happening in my life. 

• My Latasia Launch Party is tomorrow night- I can't wait to see some friends and start off this new journey-- please help me out at the Launch Party Page and order anything you would like- don't forget it is buy 3 get 1 free!
• I start my babysitting job tomorrow morning 
• Soccer tournament on Saturday (for those who didn't know, I have been coaching soccer this summer and our last tournament is Sat!)

Please take a look at the Launch Party Page and don't forget to enter the giveaway-- only a bit over a week left to get your entry for the free photo shot in!

An Appointment, Move and Birthday!

It has been a busy weekend for us!  

On Saturday, Wes and I finished all of our moving (though we are still in the getting organized stage in Brantford).  

Yesterday was my 21st birthday.

I can't believe I just said that- I am starting to truly feel time just fly by!

Wes and I went to the Sand Hill Parks (these sand hills are 350 feet and just beautiful and then we went to the beach right beside them to cool off).

19.5 Weeks

Wes and I on the top of the sandhills

Today, I went to another doctor appointment for my monthly checkup.  With only a few minor complications, everything is going well and we found out that the next ultrasound is October 11 (meaning we will be finding out the gender on the 13th!)  

I start classes again on Monday- I'm nervous and excited (it feels like the first year all over again).  

So that's been my weekend so far-- thank you to everybody for the birthday wishes and I hope your back to school week is wonderful!

God's Big Plans

If you asked me a year ago where I would be today- I would say I would be at Queen's University for Teacher's College unpacking and getting ready for classes.  I would have a part time job at the pool and I would be getting ready to go out for my 21st birthday tomorrow.  

God had a much different plan for me. 

When I found out I was pregnant in May- I was honestly not sure what to do.  I have always wanted to be a mother.  There is not doubt in my mind about that.  I just did not think it would be so fast.  

I was supposed to be going to Queen's in the fall, which would not be able to happen since I couldn't do full-time schooling and placements while taking care of a newborn.  

I'm only going to be 21 when I have the baby, I had no idea how we would have the finances to take care of a child.  

According to the plans I had for myself, I was not going to have a baby until I was out of school and the debt was paid off.  

Again, God had a much different plan for me.  

Today, I am almost 20 weeks pregnant (crazy right?), heading back to UWaterloo to finish off some more courses before I go to teacher's college next fall and doing some side jobs to help finances (since saving people in a pool isn't an ideal job when you are growing at a very quick rate).    

But the amazing thing is, God has really shown himself and the fact that he does have a plan for me in the past few months. 

 I was able to defer my acceptance to Queens for a year, and in the end I will only be graduating a term or two later than originally.  

God allowed me to get into all the classes I needed on very short notice (and not only that but with a schedule that leaves two days a week free for appointments!)

We have been lucky enough to move in with Wes' parents for a bit to help save money for when the baby comes.  

Today, I was hired for a wonderful babysitting job that works perfectly with my schedule and allows me to help with finances a bit (though Wes will most definitely still be the main provider).

And although it came earlier than expected- I will be a mother to a wonderful child of God- how lucky am I to be given that chance?

Though it is still a bittersweet feeling, it's hard seeing friends go off to Queen's and prepare for this big step of life at teacher's college- I know God has big plans for me and I am learning day by day to trust him more and more with each aspect of my life.