Though I've had some pretty rough days the past little while, I can't help but thank my Heavenly Father. It seems like somehow this little boy inside of me seems to know when I'm struggling. Those are the days he won't stop squirming and kicking, bringing a constant reminder of life that exists inside of me. After watching Preslee lay motionless on a hospital bed for so long, feeling this baby move and kick seems like a true miracle. After holding Preslee in my arms when her heart stopped beating when she left this world, I now understand the true miracle of a healthy heartbeat that I get to hear at every doctors visit. I truly long to hear a baby cry inside this house again... His arrival can't seem to come quick enough for us.
So here is my growing belly at 20 weeks. I'm carrying him just as high as I did with Preslee.
(Awkward pregnancy pictures... but I only took about 3 last time, so I told myself I would be better this time around)
So far so good without any kidney stones. Those deadly suckers didn't come until the last trimester, so I'm trying to drink all that I can in hope of preventing any from building up. And hopefully it will help that I'm not drinking 1-2 gallons of milk each week by myself.
I'm still loving anything with tomatoes. Thank you for all the recipes! They've been fantastic. This pregnancy has been fun with my sis-in-law Cara due one day ahead of me, and my cousin Tiana due the exact same day. :) They also found out the gender of their baby this month and they are both having girls!
So let the countdown begin. Deep down I'm hoping he'll come three weeks early like Preslee did, but I know I shouldn't count on it. But wouldn't that be wonderful?
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How fun! I found another good song! It's called Everything is Beautiful by Ann Marie Boskovich!
ReplyDeleteFabulous. The baby belly is awesome and I'll pray for no kidney stones! Thanks, as always, for sharing your heart.
ReplyDeleteI just had to tell you that I am 20 weeks tomorrow, and get kidney stones like MAD when Im preggo! They are Horrible, and I would not wish them on anyone! Unfortunetly I have one in my R kidney that is too big to pass that is just hanging out scraping my kidney daily causing agonizing pain!! So anyway, the point to my message, I know exactly how they feel and I really hope you can get through the next 20 weeks stone free!! :)
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely adorable, the cutest pregnant lady I've ever seen, for sure! Thanks again for sharing how you truly feel. It makes everyone be better. I too am praying you stay stone free!!
ReplyDeleteHow excicting! I too suffered from kidney stones, but not during pregnancy. I wish you and baby the best in the remainder of your pregnancy! The Lord is good, and He knows what you all have been through. I pray your momma heart heals more and more each day, though the "hole" never leaves our souls once we've lost a child. God bless you!
ReplyDeleteOh Ashley, My heart goes out to you. You are doing amazing things. I'm still working on your painting. I'm sorry it's taking so long . . . I've been so bogged down. Love you.
ReplyDeleteThat is fantastic! I hated taking pregnancy pictures, I always thought it was awkward. haha I see everyone else's cute pregnancy pictures and I wonder why I never felt cute! I'm very excited for you guys! That little boy will be here soon enough with so much joy! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat baby bump! I'm 20 weeks next Wednesday so we're due around the same time.
ReplyDeleteCan I just add that I LOVE LOVE LOVE the sleeping pug in the background? LOL, so cute!
I had the same problem with having kidney stones and kidney infections when I was pregnant with my first baby, but my second I took cranberry vitamins and they worked wonders. No problems with kidney stones or infections the second time around. Just an FYI. Hope that helps.
ReplyDeleteOh you look so cute!! I can't wait for your little boy to come:), you are are going to have so much fun!
ReplyDeleteI often forget how REAL life is. How deeply we can hurt, but also absolute wonder of miracles and good things. It seems easier I guess, to push it all aside. I am grateful for your reminders though. You are so beautiful inside and out.
ReplyDeleteI've been transcribing some family history as an at home job and have been struck daily by what women go through. Every time I have to write in the death date of a child or infant I stop and think to myself what a strong woman their mother must be. And I often think of you as well, since you're my real life example it makes the emotions more raw I guess.
You are among the ranks of some of the most wonderful and strongest women that have lived. I just think of how valiant of a spirit Preslee has that she was able to go home so early and yet, you were able to stay with your strong spirit and bless those around you (physically or cyber-ly). :)
Thank you for continuing to share and keep us remembering the important things in life.
K ash the belly is cute, but Pog is hilarious in the background. That made me laugh. Hang in there girly. Love ya.
ReplyDeleteAunt Nic
Your pregnancy picture is adorable. I have had kidney stones with both of my pregnancies. With my daughter, I was in the hospital for days so they could control my pain. Finally, my doctor induced me 2 and 1/2 weeks early because the stone wouldn't pass.
ReplyDeleteThe second time around (with my son) I was determined to get through the pregnancy kidney stone free. I drank a lot of water the entire pregnancy. At about 34 weeks I started having a little pain so I started drinking about 15+ cups a day. A few days later I passed the stone and only had intense pain for a few hours. My doctor said it passed so quickly because I had been drinking so much water.
Kidney stones are the worst. Good luck getting through your pregnancy without them.
You are such an example to so many. Thank you.
You look fabulous. Prayed for you when I read this post!
ReplyDeleteYou look gorgeous :D I got to feel my little niece or nephew moving inside my sister-in-law the other day and it was sooo cool :D Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy.
ReplyDeleteYou look GREAT! Here is too a healthy, happy, kidney-stone-free 17-20 more weeks!
ReplyDeleteGood post and cute belly! I can't wait to meet him, I'm rooting for 3 weeks early too!
ReplyDeleteYou look great. I'm so excited for you to hold him for the first time. I can't wait to see what he looks like. He will be just as beautiful as your baby girl.
ReplyDeleteLove, Jenni-Ohio
You look so cute in this picture! I'm so happy that you can feel him move so much! I too hope we are more than half way! Bring on June!
ReplyDeleteAshley you are beautiful! I am excited for you... Gosh... kidney stones... keep drinking that milk! :) Love ya girl!
ReplyDeleteAshley,
ReplyDeleteI check your blog often and wish you the best! Have you had your stones analyzed? I have had stones for 35 years pregnant and not, and MINE are caused by not enough calcium! So milk could be a blessing to you if you have that kind of stone. good luck to you. Can't wait to see pictures of your little man.
love
elizabeth beus
Ashley you are so amazing. You really look at the small and simple things and are such a great example! You look great too by the way:) I'm SO excited for you guys-I hope you are having him at Madison and that I can be your nurse. That would be one of the best things ever for me!!! I hope you don't have any kidney stones either. Yuck! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI am pregnant with number seven and have gotten stones with the first six. I have tryed so many different things mine are related to protin but I have been nursing or prgnant for 12 years now so it is hard to cut it enough to keep up my energy and not get a stone trying LOTS of cranberry and water with Lemons No red meet and other meet and eggs only three time a week. I am 24 weeks so far pain free so we will see. : )
ReplyDeleteSOOOO excited to see pictures when little man arrives!
ReplyDeletehaha yay gotta love those awkward pregnancy pics. I haven't dare take one yet for the terror of seeming myself in the photo! My baby popped out this week..and it was a shocker. Can't wait to feel movement :) I'm excited for you to have a little boy he will be hilarious. Good luck! It's true..life is a miracle. Can't help but think about that almost every day..
ReplyDeleteAhh, the dreaded kidney stones. Did that too! Drink, drink, drink!!! You look amazing!
ReplyDeletehey, so I'm Cristine, just another blog stalker :) (I actually found your blog through Natalie Lundquist--we were in the same ward.) Just wanted to say, "You're awesome." You are doing so much good and, most importantly, are a great example of light and strength. So happy for you and the little one soon to come. I, too, am having a little boy due about a week apart from you. Good luck and congratulations!
ReplyDeleteLove ya Ash, your little belly is so cute!
ReplyDeleteOh please bring June fast!! You look super cute Ash... and I love Pog in the background. My dog will lay just like that but on my chest/belly. I think she is gonna be more jealous than Gabe will when the baby gets here! Drink lots of h2o... hopefully that will keep things flushed in your kidneys so you don't have to experience those stones again!
ReplyDeleteKidney stones are awful! I have had five and I'm not even 20 yet. You saying that you've had stones while pregnant makes me worried for when I have kids. I hope they don't come this time around! :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on having a boy! That is so exciting! Your belly is adorable btw!!
ReplyDeleteI like how you feel thankful for "small" things (your little guy)that will grow and grow and bring you such happiness very soon. He will be a good little brother and will make his sister proud. I love your picture. And, speaking of the picture, I love the little pug dog in the background, sleeping, and so oblivious to what is going on!! Funny....A friend in SLC. Mary
ReplyDeleteI also had kidney stones with my last baby. Eat asparagus, it will help you pass them, and if you dont have any yet, hopefully it will keep them from forming. And I know caffiene isnt recommended during pregnancy, but if you do get a stone, drink about a liter of coke with the asparagus to help the stone break down. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteYou look so great Ash! Miss seeing you! And can't wait for this little boy to come....what a miracle :) Love ya!
ReplyDeleteIt is fun being so close - maybe we can bet on who goes first :) Probably you though with your track record. Although I'm hoping its me so I don't have another huge baby! But its looking that way...you look great by the way - I sadly gain weight everywhere and am huge!
ReplyDelete