Yes, we are still here.

When life gets busy, your time is stripped down to only allow for top priorities. That's what our life has been over the past few months (well, apparently since April--that's the last time I blogged.) Yes, my presence on the blog is a key indicator of just how hectic the Winburns are. As if having a baby this year wasn't enough, I also made a pretty big job change. By pretty big, I mean something that I bet you never thought a nurse could/would do. More on this later...

There's much to update you on....my job change, our baby, our beach trip, our struggles with Miss Josie initially, my hair cut, etc....

I hope to back track over the past few months of the Winburn adventures with words and pictures. Not now, though! My child is sleeping for the longest time (other than night time sleep)...and I'm getting caught up on MANY things. Like I said...priorities, priorities. 

I will leave you with a little picture (if you're not on Facebook) as a sneak peak of my favorite update! ;-) Until next time, which hopefully won't be for months from now!

Sweet baby

Well, today marks 13 1/2 weeks for baby Winburn, and they are just SNAILING by (if you ask me!) We were able to see the baby by ultrasound on Friday, and we heard the heartbeat. Oh, amazing, amazing, amazing. I'll never forget it. I started laughing in relief, partly because the heart was beating loud, strong and clear, and partly because there was just ONE baby. Everyone had been teasing us about the "babies," and I was starting to believe them. We would be thrilled for anything, but we're very happy with "just one." We also had the first trimester screening for Down syndrome, trisomy 13 and trisomy 18 (disorders that cause mental retardation and birth defects.) Although this isn't a diagnostic test, meaning that it can't tell you that your baby does/does not have one of these abnormalities, it can give a probability. Hold your horses...this was NOT an amniocentesis...just a finger stick blood sample and information from the ultrasound. We will not ever ever ever have an amnio. Today, the OB nurse called to let us know that our results were "well into the negative probability range for the test." We're just happy that the baby is "most likely healthy." ;-)

I found this little q/a thing on another blogger's site, so yeah, I stole it:

How far along? 13 1/2 weeks

Maternity clothes? Oh yeah, baby. I have been wearing these for weeks. I'm pretty advanced for my gestational age ;-) This could be one big baby. Help! I was loaned some, and mom and dad gave me an awesome pair of Citizens of Humanity maternity jeans for a birthday gift. Love love love love!

Symptoms? Still some nausea, heart burn/acid reflux, and I just took a nap while writing this post...need I touch more on extreme fatigue.

Stretch marks? Not yet...

Sleep? Straight through the the night (if you don't count the minimum of 2 potty breaks!)

Best moment this week? Eating the eggplant lasagna that Andrew made tonight. Why? It was good, it had meat and veggies in it, I didn't feel sick before or afterwards, and I actually WANTED to eat it! Thank you, Lord!

Movement? Not yet. However, baby Winburn was moving a lot at his/her ultrasound on Friday. Cutie.

Cravings? It changes week by week, day by day. Umm, string cheese this week and bananas.

Gender? Not until June...Mom is dying to know since...well, since we told her we were having this baby.

Labor Signs? None. Hope to answer none to this question for a long time.

Belly button In or Out? Yucko question...innie.

What I miss? Eating healthy (a.k.a. eating whatever I want)

What I'm looking forward to? I just want to hold this baby. C'mon October!

Weekly wisdom? Win the lottery. Ok, seriously...just breathe.

Milestones? I ate something healthy this week. I'm not joking. This is revolutionary. Also, no new face breakouts this week. Woo hoo!

Well, that's all for now. I'll try to keep the updates coming. We don't go back to the OB until the second week of May...and time keeps dragging on!

And baby makes three...unless you're including Maya--then four!

If you haven't already discovered from the all knowing facebook, then I have some big news for you! Andrew and I are expecting our first little bundle in October! We are so thrilled at the opportunity to be parents!

I am feeling the pressure from some of you to maintain this blog very regularly now, since I always have new and "interesting" things to share. I'd say that ought to be very possible. However, how do you blog at night (after work) when all you want to do is sleep? And that, my friends, brings me to my first point.

EXHAUSTION: Need I say more? We've all been exhausted before. I like to think of your level of exhaustion as a simple equation. Hard work + little sleep = exhaustion. Well, let's just say that it ain't that way when you're pregnant. I get sleep....great sleep, and I have NO problem falling asleep. Miraculously, I wake up, hit the floor and wham! Exhausted. Do I run marathons in my sleep? What in the world? It's one of the most puzzling things I've ever experienced. I take naps in the afternoon, and I can still fall asleep on the couch by 8:30-9pm. I guess drinking coffee would help, but alas, that brings me to my second point.

AVERSIONS: Gross, gross, gross. I hope I don't get sick just writing about this subject, but here we go! I have never considered myself to be a picky eater. I generally eat what's on my plate and am thankful for it. However, I have never experienced such turn offs with food. One of the worst parts is that I have aversions towards most things that I loved before pregnancy and of course, to most things that are good for me (which I was eating well before pregnancy.) I crave things that I haven't eaten in months, even years! Here's the current breakdown.

Can't stand:

coffee

most meat (which I was ALL about before little Winburn)

chick-fil-a (yes, I know...who am I and what alien has inhabited my body?)

most vegetables :-(

tuna (I can't believe I could even type that)

eggs

baked potatoes

(and those are just the major ones....there are probably more, but I don't venture out a ton from the list below)

What I can stomach:

kraft macaroni and cheese (I know, I thought it was so gross before.)

frostys

white mooses from groucho's deli (heat the turkey to steaming first, of course)

kashi bars (my breakfast)

smoothies

ice cream (the little glimmer of hope that I can still like some things that I once loved)

weight watchers macaroni and cheese/fettuccine alfredo/three cheese ziti meals

And there you have it...now, can we talk about something else? Food makes me sick.

MORNING SICKNESS (a.k.a. "whenever it wants to hit you sickness"):

I really thought I'd miss out on this part, since my lovely and amazing mother had no sickness whatsoever. The first two weeks that I knew I was pregnant were amazing. We were so excited, and I honestly thought that I'd make it out of the first trimester without having a single issue with this. Boy, was I wrong. I will say this, I haven't thrown up a single time. So, I feel pretty fortunate to be able to say that. However, sometimes it would just make me feel better if I could just let it all out! ;-) I can handle the nausea pretty well at home, but it's the worst at work.

"Excuse me sir, I know I have a needle in your vein and you're concerned about your surgery today, but I'm going to barf! Be right back!"

At week 10, I feel as if I'm approaching what could be the last few weeks of this feeling. Well, I'm sure hoping!

ANDREW:

I really hate to brag, but you gotta give credit where it's due. I knew this before I married him, but my husband is pretty much amazing. I can't begin to go on and on about how wonderful he's been through all of this. Just a few things though.

• He does dishes while I am passed out on the couch at 8pm.
• He goes to the grocery store when I just can't stand the sight of food.
• He cooks for himself when I look at his much loved piece of steak like it's one month old rancid meat.
• He is excited about this baby, and we are sharing it all together...even if he can't share in all the woes mentioned above. Who would want that for their spouse though? Isn't it enough that one of us goes through it? I think so!

Seriously, y'all? How did I end up with this man?? Love you, babe!

HOW I TOLD ANDREW:

Most people know that Andrew and I aren't Valentine's Day people. Sometimes, people act like we're party poopers and that every holiday should be overly and (in some cases) unnecessarily celebrated. For those people, you live your lives--we'll live ours. Anyway, back to why I'm even bringing up good old February 14th. Well, folks...now we like Valentine's Day (for better reasons than candy, cards and gifts!)

On 2-14-12, I woke up like usual for work around 5:15. Ouch. I suspected that something might be up, so I decided to check. Sure enough, faint line. Andrew's always wanted to be present when we found out we were pregnant, so I figured that I'd wake him up. Honestly, I was so nervous. I had no clue if the faint line was a fluke or not, so it went a little something like this:

Me: "Andrew, wake up."

Andrew: "Huh?"

Me: "I need you to look at this (holding up the test). What do you think this means?"

Andrew: "Umm. I don't know if there are two lines..."

(long pause)

Me: "Well, Happy Valentine's Day."

--

So now, we actually like, make that love V-Day.

OTHER RANDOM THINGS:

-I'm 10 weeks now, and our next appointment is in April. We're so ready, since we'll have our first ultrasound then! Yay! Fun!

-I had to go to the doctor today for some blood work, and the scale shocked me. I sure do hate to admit this, but I've gained four pounds.....FOUR!!!!!! How is this possible? I haven't hardly been able to eat. I asked the baby today (who can't even technically hear yet), "Baby? Is there someone else in there with you?"

-My parents have already picked their names for grandparents. Dad will be "G-pa," and Mom will be "BB!" I cannot wait to hear that sweet little voice say those names one day.

Well, that's all for now. Andrew's bringing home a frozen strawberry lemonade for me right now! Gotta go. Until next time....

Things I haven't shared...

Happy Halloween, Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year

from the Winburns (the never blogging family!!!!)

Well, the time has come again for my quarterly update. Haha. That is what it feels like every time that I glance at this blog, at least! Honestly, I would update a lot more if it were easier to put pictures up. However, it is not...and I just need to get over it!

The biggest news is probably my job change. I have left babies for eyes. Weird, I know, but I just had to take a look at my priorities. Ultimately, I am so passionate about working with babies and mamas, but I just could not do the night shift hours anymore. Two years was just too much. I felt myself frustrated, physically hurting, and overall...tired...ALL the TIME! I don't wish those feelings upon my worst enemy, because it's awful.

I am now working at an eye surgery center, Monday thru Friday wish normal people hours. I go in anywhere from 0630-0730, and leave usually by 3-4pm. It's amazing! No nights, no weekends, no holidays...did I mention no 12 hour consecutive night shifts?? Woo hoo! Praise God that He saw fit to relieve me of my hospital nursing! I am so happy to be home with Andrew every night, even though it feels like we're learning how to be married all over again. We've been stepping around night shifts for too long, and it's so nice to have a normal life, really for the first time since we married. I'm so thankful!

In other news, we have a new niece--Sally Ruth Turner, born on December 28th. She is an angel and makes the 6th grandchild for Andrew's parents...and the 4th girl! We were able to spend some time with the Turners today for the bowl game, and I will say that holding Sally Ruth makes me miss little babies even more. She is healthy and happy, and we're thrilled to welcome her to the family.

In other family news, Sara Lynn (Andrew's youngest sister) will begin seminary at Southwestern in Texas this January! It's a huge move for her (and Andrew's mom, I'm sure), but I know she'll have fun out there. Hope she brings her cowboy boots! Andrew's oldest sister, Lara Beth, husband, Jay, Molly, Ellie and Caroline will be moving to Rock Hill soon as Jay takes over as lead pastor of North Rock Hill church. We are excited for them as they take on a new endeavor. A little over one year ago, all of Andrew's siblings were here in Columbia. Now, all except Andrew will have moved away, with Emily Ann and Philip being the closest in Wagener. To say that things will be different around here is an understatement. Cookie (Andrew's mom) loves her family so much, and I know she'll miss having everyone around. We'll miss them, too! If you live near your family, appreciate time spent with them. It won't always be that way!

Maya is 10 months old, and as precious as ever. She has become extremely obsessed with her blue frisbee. We even got her another one for Christmas, since she in on her way to destroying the first one. She literally sleeps with her frisbee. It is the first thing she looks for in the morning, and her one focus is making sure that you throw it for her to fetch. I cannot believe how we have become such fools for this dog. We are even letting her sleep inside (in her crate) on really cold nights. Yes, I know...I said I'd never do that...but I have. We are currently debating on breeding her, although we have some time. Maya has such a sweet nature, and besides natural puppy-isms, she is an unbelievably wonderful dog. She loves to go hunting, swimming, and has already mastered several difficult commands/concepts. Yes, I'm bragging....but I'm serious. She's too sweet. I just get sad at the thought of losing her one day :-( , so the next thing would be to have one of her pups when she's gone. Yes, I think ahead like this!

Ok, enough blogging for now. Until next time!

::::see ya, wisdom teeth--day one::::

four of these big chompers are gone after today....but I have plenty to spare

This morning at 8 o'clock sharp, I had all four of my wisdom teeth removed. Dr. Dootson told me that I was "the winner" for having all four out. I'm guessing most people don't get all four out??? I would love some feedback on this, because I really thought when one needed to come out--they all came out. Obviously, I'm not a dental medicine pro.

I won't lie to y'all. I was extremely nervous going into the procedure. Don't ask why, because I have NO clue. I don't know where this new found nervousness comes from, but I wish it would go right back! The office staff was nothing but first class, and I would recommend them to anyone! I don't think I've ever been at any practice where everyone is that nice and professional. I made sure to compliment them BEFORE the general anesthesia. Who knows what I would have said on my way out the door anyway!

After I pulled myself together, I don't really remember that much. I sat down on this pillow thing, they laid me back, complimented my shoes (sweet!), hooked me up to some cool electrodes, put a pulse ox on my finger, made me take my hair down (uhh...it already looked rough!), I assured those sweet girls that I would be a good nurse-patient, I apologized in advance for saying/doing something stupid, they put some oxygen over my nose, and we waited for the doc to walk in. When he arrived, he told me that he'd be putting some laughing gas through my mask while they set some things up and started the IV. Honestly, I got a little worried. I didn't feel a thing. After he placed the IV, we had a short little conversation that went something like this.

Doc: "Well, that was probably the worst part. Most people are actually more afraid of the needle than anything else."

Me: "I think my mother-in-law is scared of needle sticks, and that's why she didn't have an epidural with four children."

Doc and staff: "Whoa...."

Me: "Yeah, and when she had my SON, he weighed 11 1/2 pounds!"

Doc and staff: (laughing)

Me: "Ok, I think that laughing gas is working now, huh?"

Doc and staff: (laughing)

Me: "Are you pushing anything through my IV now?" (In times like this, I wish I wasn't a nurse)

Doc: "No, we're just getting some things set up...."

::::::::::::::::::::apparently, that was all she wrote for me. next thing--surgery's over::::::::::::::::::

When I woke up, the cool ladies were talking to me. I'm pretty sure one of them showed me her "Halloween design" nails that she did herself. She even made a disclaimer that her right hand wasn't as good, because she's not left handed. Of course, trying to sound like I was totally "with it," I approved of her awesome nails like they were coated in the newest Essie shade right out of inStyle magazine or something! Good save, Meagan. I think I was in and out, and I'm sure I said some stupid stuff--due to the laughter that I also heard...in and out. Then out of nowhere, I guess I made enough sense to leave. They put a really cool looking ice pack around my head and called Andrew to the back so that I could get the run down on post-op instructions. It's a good thing that I opted out of singing at church this Sunday, because she said no singing for a week. No singing??? No humming??? I've already discovered that this is going to be really tough.

When Andrew and I got home, he ran back out to pick up my prescriptions. I got to the lazy activity that I took part in all day: laying in front of the TV--computer, books, and magazines at my disposal as well. Shortly after Andrew got home, Mom and Dad came to help take care of me, the house, and the yard! Dad worked outside in the yard ALL DAY! Mom cooked, cleaned, and took care of her baby girl. Andrew also took care of me, but was able to get some work done in the office and later outside, thanks to mom being here. My mother-in-law, Cookie, brought me a chocolate "non-paleo" (and no, I do not care!) milkshake. I had just a little, since I'm not used to drinking milk being on paleo. Let me just say--it was the jam! I am so thankful for such wonderful family members! They are so loving and giving, and I just enjoyed them being here! Maya was in her element, since she had my Dad spoiling her all day while he did yard work. At one point, I saw her bouncing along in the truck bed as Dad gathered pine straw. She is worn out, but even Maya benefited from Mommy's surgery and her grandparents' visit. She's so rotten!

this is me just hanging out with some friends after the surgery today...see no swelling at all!!!

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Yeah right! Here's the real deal. I know...I know...I look like a dream! Hahaha.

As far as pain goes, I've only taken two motrin and one percocet/tylox/oxycodone (they're all the same). I'm about to head to bed, and I'll definitely be taking some percocet to help me sleep. The numbness finally wore off after about 10 hours. Yeah, it was only supposed to last for 6. What what??? My post-op diet (in order, but not at the same time) has included: water, applesauce, mashed potatoes, chocolate pudding, milkshake, scrambled eggs, and dairy free chocolate ice cream. I think I'm all "sweeted" out for the night. Although, cool/cold soft foods are what really do it for me at this point. I've kept ice on the entire time since the surgery. No swelling yet, but I did eat a lot of pineapple last night in hopes that it would cut down on post-op swelling. We shall see when we compare pictures!

Okay, that's enough blogging for me. I haven't even napped today, so it's time for bed. I'll try to update you more tomorrow, since I'm sure I'll still be laying around on the couch!

Flash from the past...

Isn't he a cutie???? Yep, that's Andrew in all his toddler glory! I love that he's still standing with his weight on one leg. Some things never change, I guess. Just came across this picture today and thought I'd share. I know...I know. It's time for another update. However, it's also after midnight, and I need sleep to be able to function tomorrow (by function...I mean, I need to be able to clean this house!) Until next time....

We cheated....[paleo recap]

So, Andrew and I cheated on our paleo diet today. It was totally planned, since we recently completed 30 days of pretty strict paleo. As mentioned in an earlier post, we have been planning this day for a while. The verdict:

Yep, we already feel the effects. Andrew is a little worse than me, but he's always had very pronounced tummy issues. Our cheat meals of choice tonight were:

Andrew-papa john's pizza (extra cheese, extra pepperoni, extra sauce, and one 1/2 with bacon)

Meagan-zaxby's chicken finger plate with extra sauce

I will say that the best part was just knowing I could eat it. Honestly, I don't miss the feeling afterwards. Robb Wolf is right....30 days of paleo just doesn't let you "go back" to your old ways.

So, I'm sure we'll stick with the gluten free aspect of paleo, but I've loved the positive aspects of true paleo as well. I am fitting into clothes that I'd taken out of the lineup a while ago. "College jeans" have been my favorite new returned wardrobe item!

*disclaimer: true paleo is eating only raw vegetables* However, for us that's just not completely feasible. So, we figure veggies are better than no veggies at all.

After reading Robb Wolf's book, The Paleo Solution, I'm convinced that we are all celiac patients...just to varying degrees. Your body's just not made to digest gluten (found in wheat, barley, and rye). I also believe that we are addicted to refined sugar and processed foods. I am speaking from personal experience. The proof's in the outcome after 30 days! I have told tons of people about this new lifestyle, and have actually had a lot willing/wanting to try it. So, the paleo "lifestyle" is spreading. I think the biggest plus is that this is more than just a diet. Once you get past the initial hurdle of detoxing your body from it's bad food habits, you feel so much better. Some cases have even shown a REVERSE in disease process. Hello? Why would you NOT just at least give it a 30 day try? I will warn you though...it's not for the weak. It will take some discipline. If you have it, go for it. If not...keep feeling like junk every time you eat junk. It's up to you! I'm not saying that you can't cheat every once and a while. I know that we will (especially around the holidays.) However, you'll really start examining what you eat and why. This is the best thing that I learned after 30 days. I'm so glad that we did it, and I can't wait to see how it impacts our health in the future!!!