Can I get an endorsement deal?

Its been a couple of weeks since our last post. Its been a rollercoaster ride in that short amount of time. I'll try to catch you up briefly.

I had been feeling really good lately, but apparently I haven't been getting enough fluids. Nick and I had to make a trip to the hospital because I was having some early contractions. Long story short, they pumped me with a couple bags of IV fluids, gave me a double shot to stop the contractions, did a ultrasound, and sent us on our merry way. It was a scary experience for Nick and I both nonetheless. Now I've been drinking so much Gaterade, one would think I just signed an endorsement deal. Nick and I did admit, it was really nice to see Baby again on the ultrasound. He was just hanging out kicking around and blowing bubbles.

After taking it easy for the rest of the week I went back to work on Monday. Next thing I know, I catch some type of cold virus from guess who???? My loving husband, who had been ill for the 3 days prior. So, once again, I was out of commission for a couple of days. Talk about being miserable....I didn't even get out of the bed the first day.

We're all doing a lot better now and looking forward to Christmas. We're officially 25/26 weeks and starting to fill out in the belly area a little bit. I make sure to post some pics later this week. Merry Christmas from the Jones'...Nick, Lisa, and Baby

Happy New Year

The New Year is right around the corner and we had a wonderful Christmas with all our family and friends here in Nashville and in Huntsville. We hosted Christmas dinner at our house and traveled to Huntsville for the weekend to visit Mindi and Nick's family.

Baby is doing great. I imagine he's getting bigger because I can feel him moving around more often and with more intensity. According to BabyCenter, he's about a pound and a half in weight and approximately 14 inches long. It seems like he's more active early in the morning when I'm still trying to sleep. I guess he's getting me ready for those 2:00am feedings that everyone keeps telling us about. Its so hilariuos when he "plays possum" with Nick. I'll tell Nick he's kicking, he'll run over to feel my belly, and Baby will stop immediately, as if to say "nah, nah, nee, nah, nah, you can't feel me".

We've already starting to accumulate baby gifts. And preparations are underway for the shower. Can't wait for that. 26 Weeks and counting.....

First Things First

Who knew there would be so much to decide on BEFORE the baby even comes? Nick and I have been looking at everything from cribs to carseats; diapers to daycares; paint colors to pediatricians. Whew!!! Its a lot to this whole baby thing, huh? Not to mention signing up for childbirth classes next month. That alone really puts things into perspective for us. I can't wait to see the look on our faces when we watch the video of an actual delivery. WHOA!! Can we say TMI...


I wanted to thank all of you for sending me recommendations for pediatricians and daycares. We've decided on the peditrician and looking to get a head start on the daycares come first of the year. From what some of you have told me, a really good daycare can have a ten month waiting period.

I purchased the baby's very first onsie last week. It was on clearance at Target and I thought it was just too cute. What do you think? I've been told that I've gotten a little mushy in the past couple of months. Probaby so, and that is definitely a change for me.



Nick's little sister, Mela, also picked up a little something for her nephew. She's gonna make a great auntie.
Nick got these in his Boss's Day basket from his employees at Kroger. What a sweet gesture!

Well I guess that's all for now. Off to find something to wear to work tomorrow. I must admit, at least that is getting somewhat easier. Especially now that I know that the pants I purchased from Old Navy have straps on the sides to tighten and loosen them in the waist as you get bigger. Man, I tell ya, you learn something new everyday. What will tomorrow bring?

Its A Boy!!!

This past Tuesday we had our 20 week checkup and it was pretty exciting to say the least. This ultrasound appointment was important for several reasons. Of course this is when we have the option to find out the sex of the baby, but most importantly, this is when they check to make sure all vital organs and extremities are in tact. Needless to say, I was so nervous. So nervous that I put my sweater on inside out; which Nick kindly brought to my attention...AT THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE...G-Whizz Lisa...Get it together. Thinking back, I wasn't nervous because I was expecting something bad. I believe it was because I didn't know what to expect.

After an hour and a half on the ultrasound table, the tech confirmed Nick's greatest expectations. "Looks like you all are having a boy," she said. Nick responded with a fist pump and a resounding "YES!!!". She said she had to work really hard to get the film she needed because he wouldn't be still long enough. I believed her because I could literally feel him zipping from one side of my "stomach" to the other as if to say, "Leave me alone already...can't you see I'm sleeping?" He finally settled down after the first hour, and she was able to come back and get the rest of the shots she needed. We did get a couple of photos printed for us (see below). Photo 1 shows his face where you can clearly see the eyes and nose. Photo 2 shows one leg stretched upward, with bones intact, and the other leg bent at the knee. This one also shows his...well...umm.."package", as someone else so delicately put it. We also were able to get all 90 minutes on VHS...can we say, "Time for an upgrade." LOL!!! 21 Weeks and counting...

A Lesson Learned

We've come to the end of week 18 and it has been exhausting to say the least. All this build up of the Presidential Election has literally worn me out. I'm glad to say that its finally over with...or is it just the beginning????

The little munchkin and I we're feeling pretty good this week. I did almost cut my circulation off yesterday trying to wear some "non-maternity" tights with my wrap dress. I know...I know...what the heck was I thinking??? Luckily the weather was mild, because by lunch time, those babys had to come off. Needless to say, I'll be shopping for some stockings and tights this weekend, there's a cold front coming in. Call it a lesson learned.

Nick and I are scheduled to tour one of the hospitals tomorrow. Not sure what to expect, but we have to make our final decision by the 25th. We've pretty much decided which one we would like to deliver at, but Dr. M recommended we go and check them both out. I'll let you know how it goes.

Talk about being torn...as you all know, the Tennessee Titans are currently undefeated. What you may not know is that they play MY Chicago Bears this Sunday at the wonderfully historic Soldier Field. I would really hate to see the Titans lose their winning record, but hey, this is The Bears we're talking about. NOTE: See previous August 19th post titled "Bears -vs Eagles: A House Divided" for clarification. I checked the forecast and the high is 39 degrees. With that being said GO BEARS!!!!

3 Weeks and Counting!

Our appointment with Dr. M went well on Tuesday and...its official. We find out if its a boy or girl on the 19th of November. WOW!!! We'll be 20 weeks at that time and have to go in for our ultrasound. I did find out that my nurse's name isn't Kathy like I've been calling her for the past 2 months. Its actually Gina and just so happen, she lived outside of Huntsville for several years. I think she's quite smitten with Nick. But anyway, she checked my blood pressure and weight and everything was normal. I did pick up those 2 or 3 pounds that I had lost. THANK GOODNESS!!! We chose to forgo the tests for Down Syndrome and just figured, why put any undo stress on ourselves. We're relying on our faith and trusting that no matter what, God is....

Nurse Gina tried her best to get a good read on the heartbeat, but she said, "This sucker won't be still." It was literally "dodging the doppler". We did eventually hear the heartbeat, albeit momentarily. I think she said it was around 150. Doctor M came in for a brief consultation. She requested that I not do anymore floor exercises in Jazzercise class, but said I can continue with the cardio. She gave us our next ultrasound date (Nov. 19th) and the date for the follow up visit (Nov. 25th). She also said for us to start thinking about pediatricians and to make our final decision as to which hospital we would like to deliver. I guess we'll tour Baptist and Centennial in the coming weeks. Decisions...Decisions...Decisions... If you have a pediatrician you would like to recommend, let me know. Also, I'm trying to put together a photo montage so you can see how big I'm not getting. Until next week...

Cast Your Vote

Ahhh...Week 16. I can't believe we're almost half-way there. I don't know about you guys, but it seems time has flown by. According to www.babycenter.com this week she's about the size of an avocado. Hmm, some guacamole would be good right now. But anyway, I digress. She's about 4.5 inches long (head to rump) and 3.5 ounces. She's even started growing toenails. CRA-ZY!!! Her heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day. Now this isn't my personal ultrasound, but this 3-D image gives you an idea of what a baby looks like IN THE WOMB at 16 weeks....astounding!

Now, we'll find out whether its a boy or girl next month, so don't forget to cast your vote on the blog home page. http://www.baby4two.blogspot.com/ So far 77% of you say its a boy. Interesting!

Well, we head back to see Dr. M on Tuesday. Not sure what's will transpire at this visit, but I'll be sure to keep you "posted". Until then...

What Not To Wear...

OK ladies, this question is for you. When you ask your significant other, "How do I look?", do you REALLY want to know? I'm sure this question has made many a man's life flash before their eyes. Do we really want to know what they think, or are we just in search of words of confirmation? Well, this past week I found out the answer to this question, without having to ask it.

Nick was on vacation so he was home while I was getting ready for work. I had already taken out my outfit for the day and proceeded to dress for the day. I had chosen a multi-colored long-sleeved button-down shirt dress that tied at the waist. I looked in the mirror and thought to myself, "Hmm, its a little snug in the belly area, but it doesn't look THAT bad." Well apparently I was WRONG!!!!

One last check in the mirror and I headed for the door. Nick stopped me before I could leave the bedroom. He had this eye-brow raised look on his face and I could tell he was starring directly at my belly. The conversation went a little something like this:

L: "What's the matter?"
N: "That's what you're wearing?"
L: "Yeah, what's wrong with it?"
N: "Uhm...its a little snug, don't you think?"
L: "It doesn't look that bad does it?"
N: "Well..."

I immediately made a u-turn back to the closet. So what lesson have I learned here? In retrospect, I'd much prefer my hubby to be honest with me than have me walking out the house looking a hot mess. There's no need to get upset or be insecure...it is what it is. He was probably being somewhat biased, he didn't like that dress before I got pregnant. 15 WEEKS AND COUNTING....

What's in a name?

1 Samuel 25 tells the story of Nabal and his wife, Abigail, who lived prosperously in the land of Carmel. In short, David traveled to Carmel and sent some of his men up to greet Nabal and ask for food and water. Nabal refused saying, "Who is David?" (v10). Once David got the message of this blatant disrespect, he gathered his army to go and confront Nabal. Abigail heard that her husband had refused David's men and they were now headed there for confrontation. Thinking quickly, Abigail took loaves, sheep, corn, raisins, etc. to David and his men. She apologized saying, "Please pay no attention, my lord, to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name—his name means fool, and folly goes with him." (v25 NIV).

Now, to my memory, I had never read this story before. And if I had, it definitely did not resonate with me as it did this past week. For me, it really drove home the point of naming your child intentionally. So, with that in mind, Nick and I decided to research the origin and meanings of names that we were familiar with, mostly family and friends. We used www.behindthename.com and cross referenced with www.babynames.com

Here's what we found:
Nicholas - Hebrew origin meaning "Victory of the people"
Elisa - Hebrew origin meaning "God is my oath"
Jonathan - Hebrew origin meaning "God has given"
Chandler - English origin meaning "Candle maker"
Herman - German origin meaning "Army man"
Sada - Japanese origin meaning "Pure one"
Chelsea - Old English origin meaning "Landing place for chalk or limestone"
Campbell - Scottish origin meaning "Crooked mouth"
Amelia - German origin meaning "To work, excel, and strive"

I'm sure it will be interesting deciding on a name for our new family addition. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to send them to us. Until next time....

3 Month Check Up

First of all, let me say thanks to so many of you that sent me messages with sleeping tips. I got advice to use everything from warm milk to Benedryl. I am happy to report that I only had 4 sleepless nights last week. Yippee!!!! We're on our way!

Yesterday we had our 3 month check up with Dr. M. With the exception that I've lost TWO POUNDS, the visit went very well. How is that possible? I've heard of women losing weight in the 1st trimester, but its usually due to not being able to hold down meals. And I'll tell you, that's DEFINITELY not the case here. I'm not worried about it though, it'll pick up

This was our FIRST opportunity to hear Baby Jonesie's heart.....(In the voice of Joey, Blossom's older brother) WHOA!!!! It was absolutely breathtaking! It sounded kind of sloshy and was beating pretty rapidly. Dr. M. said that it will beat twice as fast as my own. Interesting, I thought. I wonder why? We didn't get a photo this time, but I wonder what she looks like? I'll have to find out when she can hear me, I think its around 16 weeks. Well, it doesn't matter, I talk to her now anyway.

I'm not due back to be poked and prodded until the end of October. Can't wait to see what changes will come in the next 4 weeks.

Sleepless in Antioch...

We're officially 12 weeks this week and have begun to spread the word about our bundle of joy. I was so excited to share it with the ladies from my dinner club. Needless to say, they were FLOORED... My mom is estatic that she can FINALLY tell her 8 brothers and sisters that she's gonna be a grandma. I feel a sense of relief as well...I mean 2 months is a long time to keep a secret like this.

Anywho, on a totally different note...can anybody give me advice on sleeping through the night???? I literally wake up EVERY night somewhere between 3:30 and 4:30 and can't go back to sleep for another hour or so. Sunday night just took the cake. My eyes pop open at 3:30 and I just laid there. After 30-45 minutes or so of tossing and turning, I thought I'd wake Nick up so he could be just as miserable as I was. Afterall, we are in this thing together....right? heehee... We decided to raid the fridge for a healthy snack (mandarine oranges for him and tomatoes and veggie dip for me) and watch a little TV. Who knew, Set It Off was on TNT. 1996...Kimberly Elise, Vivica A. Fox, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Queen Latifah have all come a long way since those days. That movie is a classic.

We finally went back to sleep about 5:30 or 6:00. Luckily we didn't have church service until 11:00 the next morning. I promised Nick I wouldn't wake him up if he had to go to work the next day, and thanked him for keeping me company. What do I have to do to get a good nights rest??? SUGGESTIONS PLEASE!!!

Too much on my plate!

I've come to the realization this week that I've got way too much on my plate. And when I say this, I'm not speaking of my plate at the Chinese buffet Nick took me to this weekend. Is 3 plates too much? Mmm Mmm Good!!!

There has been so much going on in the past several weeks, I feel like I just need to take a moment to sit and think. Kevin (my business partner) and I were talking last Friday and I told him about this opportunity that fell into my lap with the Black Chamber of Commerce. He laughed and said, "Girl, you have too much going on." He began to list my activities as if they were the starting line up for University of Tennessee football team (he's a HUGE UT football fan)....GO VOLS!!!! NOT (Nick told me to insert ROLL TIDE!!!) ..... Anyway, the list went a little something like this:

• Ambassador for the Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce
• Weekly Art class
• Weekly bible study
• Jazzercise (kicking myself for only going once a week)
• Monthly Dining Club
• Monthly Coffee Talk networking event

Over the weekend, I added to the list:

• maintaining a home (starting a bathroom remodel)
• a hubby (Nick has weekly basketball games)
• a business
• family and friends
• church activities
• contributing writer for a new magazine launching in January

WHEW!!!!!!!!!

Nevertheless, I turned down the opportunity to work with the Black Chamber, but left the door open to work on special projects, if they needed me. Which, Roxianne has already contacted for for an October project.

My theme for this year is "The Year of Refinement". I guess its time to reevaluate and do some more refining.

"It's a lady doctor, right?"

This past Friday was our FIRST official doctor's visit. I got up feeling a little anxious, not really knowing what to expect. I thought I was feeling butterflies in my stomach, but then I realized I was just hungry. Nick and I stopped by BK for some breakfast and made our way downtown.

After a short wait in the lobby, we were called back to see the nurse. I'm sure Nick was somewhat uncomfortable going into the back office of a 'gyny '...but he showed no sign of faint. My OB nurse (Kathy, I think) kindly pointed him to HIS seat and proceeded to tell him, "This will be YOUR seat when you all come to see me." She took my blood pressure and checked my weight. WEIRD....I haven't gained any weight...why the heck don't my pants fit???? Anyway, Kathy escorted us to the exam room to wait on the doc.

Nick and I shared some nervous laughter while waiting and then he asked me, "Its a lady doctor, right?" I said, "No silly, you know its a guy." I could see the angst and uncertainty in his face, so I let him off the hook, and assured him that it was most definitely a female. We giggled some more as we analyzed the female anatomical posters that decorated the wall. Afterwards, he flipped through an ESPN magazine, while I twiddled my thumbs.

Just then, Doctor "M" walks in with a congratulatory smile. She took a seat and reached her hand out to Nick, "I'll take that for you". She doing us both a favor by offering to take the magazine...just to make sure he doesn't miss any important details. I thought to myself, "That's a courteous way of telling someone, 'I need you to pay attention'."

We proceeded with the exam and she confirms that we are 9WEEKS....DUE DATE APRIL 7th. She assures us that "the Bean" is looking good so far. Nick and I gaze at the ultrasound screen in amazement. Nick then says, "What is that fluttering thing?" Doctor "M" explains, "Oh, that's the heartbeat". WHAT!!!!!!! ALREADY!!!!! We both look at each other like, "oooooh, we done dit it now". She prints a pic for us and answers some follow up questions. I'm scheduled to meet with Kathy in two weeks to go over family medical history. We'll next see Doctor M in 4 weeks for a regular checkup.

We leave the doctor's office in a surreal moment. We're thanking God for THIS MOMENT and the many to come. Nick's ready to tell the world, but we promised to keep it under wraps for another 3 weeks. I dropped Nick off at work and treat me and the Bean to some Calypso Cafe. Ahhhh!!!! There's no better comfort food than their Black Bean and Chicken Nachos......

Kasper's New "Do"

Well, Nick and I took Kasper to the groomer last week and let's just say, he's not too happy. His hair had started to mat up...(input DISCLOSURE: not due to improper care). He just REALLY does NOT like to be brushed. He's been shaved before and it usually lasts 6-8 months. Anyway, with Baby Jones on the way, we thought, what better time to get him reacclamated to his new "do". He does like to pose for the camera, notice arms crossed. Sooooo....DRUM ROLL PLEASE...here is a BEFORE and AFTER shot.

The question of the day is "What are they gonna do with that CAT?" "Don't cats smother babies?" Hmmm.... Well, I hadn't heard of the latter until Mindi told me that apparently cats like to jump in cribs and unbeknownst to them, smother the little ones. YIKES!!! Kasper does like to cuddle up next to any unsuspecting warm body. I guess this is something we'll have to take into consideration.

Someone should invent some type of contraption that keeps pets out of the crib. EUREKA!!!....Have you all heard of the Pet Net? This handy device has saved many a furry feline from a trip to the local Humane Society. I've read some pretty hilarious user reviews of how, in a circus-like attempt, cats have tried to pounce into the crib, only to bounce off the net like an acrobat on a trampoline. FUN-NY! I guess that will be on our baby registry.

Bears -vs Eagles: A house divided

Nick and I got into an interesting discussion this evening as to whether Baby Jones will be a Chicago Bears fan or a Philadelphia Eagles fan. This has been a house divided for years when it comes to NFL. I know, I know....who cares right? Well Nick and I are HUGE football fans. I would venture to say that it is my favorite sport. Shhhh...don't tell Nick; he thinks its basketball. But anyway, he's only a Philly fan because of Donavan McNabb and Brian Westbrook. I mean seriously, how much longer will these guys be on the team. Players get traded so often, you can't afford to just like a team for whose on the team. There's no loyalty. I'm a Bears fan to the core; always have been, always will be. It doesn't matter who is on the team. Can't you just see Baby Jones is that Navy and Orange....SMILE!!!!

APPLES, BANANAS, PEACHES...OH MY!

Tomorrow officially marks 7 weeks and Nick and I counting down the days until the 29th. That is the day of our FIRST doctor's appointment. The nurse told me that the doctor really prefers to see you when you are at least 8 weeks. I guess just in case something BAD happens....I don't know.

I have started to write down some questions that we want to inquire about...

• I sleep on my stomach in the "mountain climber" pose, is that ok?
• Is it ok for me to still take my lactaid pills...I have to have my cereal and ice cream
• Can I continue going to exercise class?

I had an ok weekend. Went for a walk/hike at Radnor Lake with some friends Saturday morning, followed by breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Did I mention that's my new fav breakfast spot, since Mindi, Nick and I went last week. They have pretty good food.

I really have to do better about eating when I'm supposed to. I've been waiting WAAAAY too long between meals and find my stomach literally growling... Apples, bananas, watermelon, cantaloupe, yogurt, granola, and peaches, are some of my main snack items. I'll do better this week for sure. I think my mind is playing tricks on me right now....surely I can't be hungry AGAIN. I don't want to be eating just to be eating, but as they say, "You're eating got two." ....Whatever!

Well, anyway, time to go try on my outfits for the week. At this point, I don't know what's gonna fit. Until next time....

MY FRIENDS DON'T READ BLOGS!!! I HOPE....

OK...so here's the deal. I'M PREGNANT!!!!! To top it off, no one outside of immediate family knows. This is literally about to drive me insane. How can I keep such a huge secret??? My husband calls me a "faucet" because he knows there is no way I can go the 1st trimester without yelling it to the world. Mind you, I'm only 6 weeks.

How did this happen to me? Well, I know HOW it happened, I just can't believe it. I have subconsciously blamed it on my best friend. She was in town visiting for my 30th bday bash and upon her return home, she told me that she had a dream that I was pregnant. She said we were crying from elation. Well, anyway, I just shrugged it off and we both went the rest of the week without even discussing it.

Well that next Friday rolled around and my curiousity got the best of me. In the next 2 days, I didn't take one test, or even two tests....I took three tests and they all confirmed her dream....WHAT!!!!!

I was determined to go to the Dr.'s office to have this silly notion negated. I called the office and explained to the nurse that I would like to come in to take an "official office test". The nurse questioned why I had suspected that I was pregnant. I went on to explain to her how I had take these THREE home tests and just "wasn't sure". She laughed almost uncontrollably and said, "Oh honey, there's no need in you wasting money on a copay to come in the office. YOUR PREGNANT....Congratulations!!" I said, "What do you mean?" She went on to explain stuff that sounded like the teacher on Charlie Brown. I just remember her saying some about "accuracy", "first visit", "see you then". My mind was literally in a wind tunnel....

I've WebMD'd myself to death in the past 3 weeks. Did I mention my mother works in an OB/GYN office??? Talk about information overload, "Don't go to Jazzercise", "Don't eat the cheese at Mexican Restaurants", "Don't lift your arms above your head"....WHAT are you people saying.

Well, anywho....I've created this blog as a temporary outlet and to share with those family members that are in the know. Hope you all enjoy...