Happy New Years!

From the extended Johnson Family

Grandpa Bart, Grandma Tami, Baby Enzo, Michelle & Jeremy

Don't mind my pasty face. I am still recovering. Severe anemia requiring a blood transfusion will do that to you.

How was your Christmas?

Mine was eventful! I received the best Christmas present ever!!!

Announcing Enzo Carter Johnson

December 25, 2010

6 lbs

19 in

Birth story to follow...eventually : )

36 Week Appointment

Last Friday I had my 36 week appointment. My weight was good, 32 lbs gained so far, blood pressure was good, and the Baby's heart rate was 140. I also had my Strep B test which came back negative. Woo hoo! Everything was normal except my fundal height. I was measuring 3cm small. My mid wife decided to order a growth ultrasound just to make sure there was enough fluid and to see if the Baby is growing ok. So I had the ultrasound yesterday and everything is fine! The Baby's weight was calculated at 6lbs 5oz, and my fluid level was normal. They gave us one picture of his face, but it wasn't very clear. The poor guy is squished in there! Only 3 weeks to go now!

Want, want, want!

I would really love a pair of these adorable boots from Hoolie Hoo for Baby Boy.

Unfortunately, the are sold out for Christmas. They are however still available to order, they just won't ship until next year. Just in time for Baby Boy to get here. Now how do I convince Jeremy that Baby Boy needs a pair in Tan, Dark Grey and Brown?

My torture device

My glucose meter.

Yes, I have gestational diabetes. Hooray. My perfect pregnancy went not so perfect around 27 weeks when I failed my 1 hour glucose tolerance test. It really was a horrible experience. I had Jeremy go with me to the test since he had the day off. I was a little dehydrated before I went in, but I figured it was no big deal. I drank the glucose beverage with no problems(it isn't as bad as everyone says) and waited the hour to get my blood drawn. The lady who attempted to draw my blood was very nice, but couldn't get anything more than a spit of blood from my veins. After 2 attempts, I told her that I have passed out before when getting my blood drawn and would prefer to lay down for the third try. I think that freaked her out a little. A coworker came to her rescue and asked me if she could try. I said fine. She pulled out a syringe and proceeded to suck the blood out of my arm as it would not flow. That is the last time I ever go to the lab even slightly thirsty. Anyways, I was ready to go, but Jeremy was not feeling so hot. We took the side exit out of the building so Jeremy could get some air quick! Apparently he was watching the first lady dig around in my arm to try and find a vein, and felt himself turn green. I brought him along in case I passed out, and he almost puked! So when I got the results that I had failed the 1 hour test, I knew I had to have someone else go with me to the 3 hour test.

So I had my Mom take me to the 3 hour test. The thing that sucks about the 3 hour test is you have to fast for 8 but no more than 10 hours before the test. So that meant that I had to stay up until 11:30 the night before, eat a low carb meal, go to sleep, and then be at the lab around 7:30 am. That meant about 6 hours of sleep for me, then getting my blood drawn with no food in my stomach, which was a fun combo. Luckily I had a really good phlebotomist for the first draw. I made sure I was really hydrated when I went in, and he was able to draw blood with no problems. Then I had to drink double the amount of the sugary beverage, and have my blood drawn once an hour for the next 3 hours. The time went by fairly quickly with my Mom there, and the draws went fine. No passing out! So the day was going good until I got my results. My fasting level was fine, but the 1 hour and 2 hour draws were elevated. By the 3rd hour, my level had dropped, but that didn't matter. 2 elevated levels are considered gestational diabetes! This was Friday afternoon, so right away Monday morning Kaiser calls to discuss my results and sign me up for the diabetes class.

I took the class, received my meter, adjusted my diet and had to start testing my blood 4 times a day, 7 days a week. In the class I took, they had me sign up for a time to check in with a perinatal nurse weekly, and set up a Dr. appt with the promise that if I was able to keep my blood sugar within the right range, I could go down to testing 3 days a week. When I saw the Dr., she was very happy with my levels and said I could go to testing 3 days a week. Hooray! Testing exactly an hour after my first bite of food is annoying, especially at work! Now I only have to test 2 days a week at work (the 3rd day is one of my days off) and don't have to be as strict with my diet. The perinatal nurse has been very helpful and my levels are usually lower that the "acceptable range". So she has allowed me to add milk back into my diet in the mornings! Milk is usually a no no at breakfast with gestational diabetes. As is juice, rice, and any hard candy. These foods that a normal diabetic person could work into their carb count are absolutely not allowed when pregnant because of the baby. The number one reason to control gestational diabetes is to have a normal size baby. No 10 pounder for me please! My weight gain is still on track. At 34 1/2 weeks I have gained 30lbs. My mid wife wants me to gain 35-40, so I am getting there. Only 9 more working days until I am off on disability! My swollen feet are going to thank me!

Overall, the diabetes thing isn't so bad. If I had to use insulin to control it, that would be a different story, but adjusting my diet and testing my blood isn't that bad. The worst thing is when I have to prick myself multiple times because I can't get enough blood to test on the first try. I have to say though, as soon as I have this baby, I want an oreo milkshake, a starbucks white mocha, and a chipotle burrito!

Baby blanket

My good friend Jennifer made me this amazing baby blanket for Lentil.

The material is so adorable!

The pictures do not do it justice.

I can't wait for Lentil to get here so I can wrap him up in this blankie! Thank you so much Jenn!

10 years

Ten years ago today, Jeremy and I officially became "boyfriend and girlfriend." I can still remember our conversation. Ten years, several cars and motorcycles, 2 college degrees, a wedding, a new house, 2 kitties, a baby on the way, and here we are. Who knows what the next ten years will hold!

21 week pics

Jeremy took these pics last Saturday when I was 21 weeks. He finally emailed me the pics, so I am posting them now.

At my appointment last Friday I gained 5lbs which means I weighed in at 115. I am right on track with my weight gain so far. My blood pressure was good and the baby's heartbeat was strong. I am feeling good and still working full time.

Bedding Dilema!

I am having a really hard time finding a bedding set that I like for Lentil. I knew exactly what I wanted for a girl, but I have no ideas for a boy. I have searched Target.com and Babiesrus.com, and nothing really thrills me. Any suggestions?

It's a...

Boy!!!

Baby Boy Johnson's cute little profile. He has his fist right under his chin.

Cute little arm and leg!

We are still trying to decide on a name : )

18 weeks

I finally popped last Tuesday.

This picture doesn't do my bump justice, but it will work for now : )

Awesome Sale!

I don't usually talk about my website, www.memorieswithmj.myctmh.com, on this blog, but Close To My Heart is having such an awesome sale, I had to share! Now through August 11th, many Level 1 & 2 Paper Packs as well as My Stickease are on sale for more than 50% off!

Select My Stickease are $2

Level 1 Paper Packs are $4

Level 2 Paper Packs are $6

I have never seen a sale quite like this! One the products sell out, they are not coming back! So if you are interested, shop now!

16 weeks

I am blogging this mostly so I will remember the info. I have been meaning to keep a pregnancy journal, but haven't gotten around to buying one, so I am writing here for now. I had my 16 week appointment today. My weight was 110. Woo hoo! At my last appointment(11 weeks), I hadn't gained any weight. This time I gained 5 lbs(about a pound a week), so I am on the right track. I still wish my bump would actually pop out. It is small in the morning and gets bigger in the evening, but still isn't an actual bump. Oh well, what I am really looking forward to now is my ultrasound appointment! Hurry up August 17th! Any guesses on what it will be?

I want...

this dress!

It is from Shabby Apple. I've wanted this dress since I first saw it a year ago. Right now, Shabby Apple is having a summer sale, 20% off most clothing. Do you think I will be able to convince Jeremy that I need it? Probably not, especially since Furloughs are back thanks to the wonderful Governator! A girl can always hope.

15 weeks and 1 day

I have been avoiding posting any belly pics as I haven't been consistently showing. But I figured I'm showing enough now to post a few. Besides, I want to track my growing belly, and if I don't post the pictures immediately, they will stay in the camera.

So this is love...

picking the onions out of my Husband's Thai food because I know how much he hates them.

Breakfast with old friends

My pregnancy so far...

...has sucked! But now that I am 12 weeks, I am feeling much better. I feel very lucky that I never actually puked, not even once! Although I came close many times. I felt nauseous most of the time, but feel so fortunate that I was able to continue working in my 1st trimester. I didn't call in sick or go home early, even though I wanted to! So here is a list of dislikes about the 1st trimester so far:

-gagging every time I brush my teeth

-being one degree warmer (I have always been a cold person. This being hot stuff sucks!)

-feeling like crap most of the time

-not having any energy(The #1 reason for my lack of blogging.)

-not being able to keep up with housework (I barely get the laundry done. It then sits in the laundry room for a week before I finally fold it and put it away. And cleaning? Forget about it! My house hasn't ever been this messy. Grrr)

-the enhanced sense of smell(The #1 offender? Those stupid reusable bags that people bring to the grocery store. No one ever washes them, so they smell like dried chicken blood and old milk. So gross!)

-working 8 hours a day on my feet! (I envy women who have desk jobs.)

-having to pee constantly, especially at night (Every 3 hours.)

-none of my clothes fit (My jeans are all uncomfortable to wear, and most of my shirts are very fitted. Since I don't have a baby bump, the shirts just make me look chubby or bloated.)

-not being able to have my favorite foods(blue cheese, starbucks), or having foods prepared how I like (Having to heat deli meats, having my eggs fully cooked, well done red meat, yuck! I won't be having filet mignon any time soon!)

-constantly being hungry

-having to force myself to eat things I don't normally eat (Extra protein and calcium are the hardest things to consume.)

-constantly craving sweets

-the shower has become my enemy! (I have to take cooler showers so I don't feel like I am going to pass out)

-all the doctor appointments

-the ridiculous acne!

I could go on and on. But I am trying to focus on the things I like so far:

-hearing the baby's heartbeat

-being able to fall asleep so easily

-taking naps

-talking with Jeremy about the baby

and the #1 thing I like about being pregnant?

-not having to change the litter box!!!

Celebrate!

Jeremy and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary yesterday. We went out to dinner just the two of us.

Today we are celebrating something new!

Baby Johnson is expected January 13th 2011. Lentil as we like to call him/her is seven weeks along and has a strong heartbeat!

My big boy

Shoppertunistic

I love Kohl's! Remember when Jeremy bought our new Stainless Steel Pots & Pans for Valentine's Day? Well we spent enough money to get $30 on Kohl's cash. That combined with another $15 Kohl's cash voucher(thanks Tami) got me one of these, completely free!

That is right, a Panini Grill! Now that is what I call Shoppertunistic.

Nascar!!!

The main reason we went to Vegas was so Jeremy and his Dad could drive a Nascar at the Richard Petty Driving experience. They have driven them once before in celebration of Bart's 50th Birthday. That time they drove 30 laps behind an instructor. This time they drove 80 laps and we able to drive with other students in a formation. Tami, Greg, Tiffany, and I were able to do ride alongs with a Professional Driver. It was awesome!

It was super windy and COLD!

The jumpsuits you had to wear were lovely! As was the helmet that was too large for my head.

Don't we look special

Greg was absolutely thrilled about all the pictures

Jeremy

Bart

Dinner @ Hank's

Dinner at Hank's Fine Steaks & Martinis is always a must when visiting Henderson, NV. It is THE best Steak House ever! I'm not a huge fan of red meat, but I love a petite filet from Hank's. Medium rare, of course! Unfortunately, the night started off with a crash. While waiting to be seated, Jeremy ordered a round of drinks for eveyone. Clumsy me, I knocked the bottom of my MIL'S glass as my brother was setting it down. This resulted in the glass falling out of Greg's hand, hitting the Granite table, and shattering everywhere. My MIL ended up with a cut on her finger, and the drink all over the 3 of us. Not my proudest moment. To make matters worse, when we asked the hostess for a band-aid, she informed us that Hotel Security would have to come with a first aid kit. We were seated and security finally arrived. They insisted on taking pictures of the wound, having Tami, who mind you was still bleeding, fill out a 3 page accident report, then finally bandaging the wound. Which they did a horrible job of. How hard is it to put a band-aid on? Apparently too hard for a security guard with blue gloves on! Once the security guard finally left, we had a wonderful evening. The food was amazing as always.

Tiffany and Greg

Jeremy and Me

Bart and Tami

And the Haut! He unfortunately was not invited to dinner. He dressed up for it, but no Kitties allowed!

Hoover Dam

While we were in Vegas, we took a trip to the Hoover Dam. I have only been there once, 3 years ago on the way to my Grandpa's Funeral. We drove through the area, as it is the only way to get to Arizona through Southern Nevada, but we didn't have time to stop. This time, we went specifically to tour the Dam.

A picture of the Bypass through a vent in the Dam. The bridge had just started construction the last time we were there.

Jeremy in the entrance to the vent.

Tami and I at the top of the observation deck. It was super windy!

The Parents.

Greg, Jeremy and Me. We were all so thrilled to take this picture!

The Dam wall. The tour was pretty amazing. The Tour Guides however were too much. I have never heard a person get so much enjoyment out of saying the word dam. "I'll be your Dam Tour Guide... If you have any Dam questions... " were just a few of the phrases we heard over, over, and over again. My Dad should become a Dam Tour Guide, it would be right up his ally.

Humor

I think this is my Husband's idea of humor. Throwing his socks in a pile in front of the hamper, instead of inside. Hilarious.

Happy Valentine's Day!

This is proof that Jeremy and I are old and boring. We got each other new cookware for Valentine's Day, and couldn't be happier!

A month of change

January started off good. We spent New Year's Eve at our Neighbor's house. It was a fun night. I did have to work New Year's Day which was irritating, but I got through it. I came home to this little surprise!

Jeremy spent our Christmas money on a Mac Book! I LOVE this laptop. This is my first time using it to blog because January has been so busy!

After 26 years in business, my Grandparents sold the last Vic's Market. I was given the opportunity to work at the store for the new Owner. I accepted and have been working like crazy the last two weeks. Working in the Grocery Business/Retail Industry is not something I want to do for much longer. I really would like to be a Nanny for a family full time. I have signed up with two Nanny Agencies, and had a great interview with the coordinator of one of them. Now I am just waiting for the right family to come along. I really would prefer to work in the Roseville Area, and am hoping something comes up soon. If anyone has a lead, let me know!

Last Friday I was able to spend the afternoon/evening with my Parents. It is weird not to see them everyday after working with them for the last 3 1/2 years since my Mom and Dad are now retired. Anyways, it was my Mom's Birthday, so we went to Chipotle, had dessert at Costco (non-fat frozen yogurt, of course!), opened presents, and visited. It was also my Grandma Adair's Birthday, so I was able to talk to her as well.

Sunday I was back at my Parent's house, as my Dad was made Bishop. He just finished one job, and gets a pretty much full time calling.

So that was my month. Hopefully I will have more time to blog in February. Jeremy and I will be heading to Vegas in a couple of week for a mini Vaca, so I should have plenty of pictures to post!

I'm finally getting aroung to...

...Christmas pics!

Christmas morning in front of the tree

Jeremy is being his usual goofy self

Grandpa is wearing a mask to prevent giving his cold to anyone. I have no idea why I am making that face!

A scarf that Tami made for me

And the apron she made for me

Molly with her Christmas haul!

At our house for Christmas Dinner with our pathetic little tree

Jeremy again with the goofyness!

Jeremy, Greg, Me, Dad, and Mom

Thanks to my MIL for the pictures!