Day 124 of taking it easy...33 weeks pregnant

Sorry for the delay in my postings!  Since I've become a more mobile pregnant gal, I've gotten a little busier.  I can't tell you how nice it is to get out and be seen.  I've never enjoyed errands so much or a luncheon :)

Back in early May, Jacob and I got to Oaks and Derby in Louisville.  It was so much fun.  My pregnant body cooperated.  Foot and ankle swelling got pretty bad since it was so hot.  But I found ways to stay a little cooler than most.

We got to go back to Louisville on May 18th for our friends Melody and Douglas' Wedding.  It was fun and so great to see friends.  I had warned everyone that I'd be wearing my Derby dress again :)

Only 7 weeks to go until Baby Pendleton arrives.  I can't believe it.  Really bed rest seemed to go by pretty quickly.  Mostly because of all the support!  Dinners, visitors, goodies, and help were unbelievable.

It so nice to participate in life again!!  All while feeling this life inside me!!  Baby Boy is moving a lot.  He does dance parties every morning and night.

Jacob and I recently attended our niece, Emerson's End of Year Program.  I can't believe she'll be going to Junior Pre K next year!!

I'm involved again this year in the Blondes vs Brunettes Flag Football Fundraiser for the Alzheimer's Association!  I don't get to play, but I'm still co-captain of The Blonde Team.  If you can support me by donating I would appreciate it!!  Every $1 counts!!  Click this link!  The game is June 24th at 2pm at Bosse's Enlow Field!  It's a family friendly game with a performance by the Boom Squad.  There will also be a firetruck and K-9's!  The Blondes won the game in 2011 so we are defending our title :) Tickets are only $5 before the game... Contact me for tickets!  They will be $10 at the game!  Get them at the discounted price now!!

This Baby Boy is due July 14th!!  We will be delivering at St. Mary's Hospital.  I'm getting excited and of course a little nervous :)  Still feeling good and getting great reports at the doctor.  Start going every week now for testing.  

Thank you everyone for your support!  We have amazing family and friends.  I can't wait until this Baby Boy sees how much he is loved by so many!  I know he has to feel it now!

Day 93 of bed rest (modified)... 28 weeks 5 days pregnant

Time is flying... already into the third trimester and only have 12 weeks to go! WOW!!

I had a very busy weekend for a gal on modified bed rest. Friday we moved completely out of our house in Henderson (it's under contract- please keep a close closing date in your prayers!) I also went to the chiropractor and had a meeting with my Junior League committee. Then Saturday was a big day!! Went to the Rockin River City Ride in the morning. My Junior League committee had a booth in the Kids Zone. My sister hosted a baby shower for me Saturday afternoon that was so fun! And Saturday night we went to Guns & Hoses with Stacey and James. With all that excitement, we didn't stay for all the fights but the ones we did see were great! Congrats to The Hoses :)

 We got great news at the doctor on Monday. The clot is gone, baby boy is in the 59th percentile for size, and we have been released by Dr. Turnquest! That means I'm back to being Dr. Reisinger's (reg OB) patient. I'm still on modified bed rest. But this third trimester is looking good :) I even get to go to Oaks & Derby! Can't wait!!!

Feeling very thankful for prayers answered! Special thanks to all of you!!

Day 84 of bed rest (modified)...27 weeks 3 days pregnant

Oh what a difference one week makes :) I got good news at the doctor 2 weeks ago. Modified bed rest now. Which is why you are only hearing from me about once a week now.

I'm really trying to balance light activity with lots of rest. It's not easy to go from complete bed rest to modified! I'm listening to my body and trying really hard to not do too much.

One of my bestest friends, Adrienne, came to visit this past weekend. She flew in from Asheville, NC. It was her first time away from her 2 daughters. She made delicious food, we went to the spa, and she cleaned like crazy. It was so terrific to see her. I miss all my Life is Good friends!

On Sunday, Jacob and I headed to Louisville after dropping AD off at the airport. Well, Charlestown, IN to be exact for Gracie Knigge's First Birthday Party. Delicious food, yummy cake, and adorable kids. Thank you Molly, Scott, Madeline, and Gracie for having us!

I know it looks like I'm doing a lot, but really I'm telling you about what I got to do instead of what I ate, TV shows I watched, or books I read :) I'm still taking it easy, I promise!!

Baby Boy Pendleton is kicking more and more. It's so wonderful to feel. I'm starting to learn positions he doesn't like me sitting in and foods he doesn't like me to eat :)

Last week, I took the 3 hour glucose testing that many pregnant women have to do. I'm very happy to report that I passed and DO NOT have gestational diabetes! Love getting good news!!

Very appreciative of all of you! I couldn't have made it to this point without your prayers, support, & help! Praying for 13 more worry free weeks and a healthy delivery of our baby boy!

Day 72 of bed rest... 25 weeks 5 days pregnant

Sorry I didn't post yesterday! I needed a day to recover from the Kentucky Wildcat National Championship win! I was a student in 1998, the last time Kentucky won. I was actually dating Jacob and we celebrated together then too! Fast forward 14 years and the celebration was a little different- Me running to the restroom almost every time out and drinking Propel. Still I was glad to celebrate with Jacob again. I'm a lucky gal! Proud to be a Kentucky Wildcat!

Went to the chiropractor today. My poor tight hips are probably going to need a heating pad tonight. Jacob says I'm starting to waddle a little. Guess this growing belly is affecting me! He's kicking more and more too!!

Had a great dinner last night with Jacob, Kathy, and Shirley! They brought me Bavarian Pizza from Rounders- one of my favs!! We even got to go to Orange Leaf :)

Tomorrow is my doctor appointment with Dr. Reisinger. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let her say that I get released from bed rest in some way! I'm hoping and praying so hard! Please add that your prayers.

Thank you everyone!!

Had to buy this outfit today for our little guy! Jacob and I say this all the time!

Day 70 of bed rest... 25 weeks 3 days pregnant

Not much time to write tonight because my Kentucky Wildcats are playing in the National Championship Game in less than 2 hours!! So excited!!!

Please pray for good news at the doctor on Thursday!

Thank you! Enjoy the game tonight and root for my team!! GO CATS!!

Day 66 of bed rest... 24 weeks 6 days pregnant

I probably did a little too much today. I had help from my sister getting some stuff done though. So it wasn't too bad. And I've been relaxing the rest of time. I'll be better tomorrow, I promise :) I should sleep well tonight. That's for sure!

Jacob and I are watching our niece, Emerson, tomorrow night. We have missed her so much. She already 2 1/2 years old. She's growing up too fast. I know I will have pictures because she's adorable! Jacob's going to have lots of duties tomorrow with her because I plan on relaxing :)

I can't believe another week is going by... I'll be 25 weeks on Saturday! I feel great! Keep praying that I heal, stay healthy, and keep growing this baby boy in my belly :)

Your support means so much! Thank you!

Day 65 of bed rest... 24 weeks 5 days pregnant

I woke up this morning and couldn't breathe. I'm very allergic to everything outside right now. My eyes are so watery and itchy. I put in eye drops several times a day and feel like it's doing nothing. I can take regular Zyrtec but it doesn't seem to do anything either! I'm going to start doing sinus washes 2 times a day and see if that helps. Wow... it's a bad time to have terrible allergies.

I went to the chiropractor today. My hips are very tight. They hurt a lot when I'm sleeping. I toss and turn trying to get comfortable. The chiropractor and massage therapy will hopefully start to help!

Good day today. Feeling good and hoping to get good news at the doc next week. I have to do my first glucose screening next week. Praying that it's normal!

My belly just keeps getting bigger! I'll have to take a pic again to show you.

Very thankful for all of you!

Day 64 of bed rest... 24 weeks 4 days pregnant

Today was a fun day! Went to lunch and got a mani/pedi with my sister, Heather. We had fun and it was great to get out of the house for awhile!


It's another gorgeous day, but I can't open windows or spend much time outside because of my terrible allergies! I just wish I could take Allegra D or Mucinex D. Anything D would be awesome, but this pregnant gal can't take D :(

Back in bed now resting but did get some fun Spring pics when I took Luke out :). Have to share!











Thankful for all of you and all the blessings in my life!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Day 63 of bed rest... 24 weeks 3 days pregnant

I'm sorry, I didn't have time to write last Friday because Jacob and I made a quick trip to Louisville to eat at Eddie Merlots Steakhouse and watch the Kentucky game. It was a quick overnight trip, but it was so much fun. We even got to have breakfast on Saturday with our friends Molly, Scott, Madeline, & Gracie.

The rest of the weekend was pretty relaxing. Spent time with Jacob and even made it to church on Sunday. I almost felt like a normal pregnant woman :)

Had lunch with my friend Sarah today. She's pregnant too for the first time. About 10 weeks behind me. So fun to talk pregnancy talk. We even did our lunch outside on our back porch. Lovely day!

Good news at the doctor today. The clot is smaller and appears to be going away! Still on bed rest though. We'll see what my regular OB says next week.

My sister is planning my baby shower and has been buying clothes for our baby boy. Very thankful for her!

Still very thankful for everyone who has brought us dinner and visited me! We can still use your help if possible...Meal Train. Would still love visitors... email me at hollykappa@gmail.com.

I will keep everyone in my prayers, please keep us in yours! Thank you for your support!

Day 59 of bed rest... 23 weeks 5 days pregnant

Had a good day despite the rain. Getting very excited for the Kentucky basketball game tomorrow!! Baby is excited too.

Got to go shopping with Jen today for some fun items for Kerry :) Thanks, Jen.

Jacob took me out to eat tonight to Biaggis. It was yummy! I was so lucky to get out of the house twice today for short trips :)

I can't believe tomorrow will be 2 months on bed rest! WOW!!

Thankful for all of you!

Day 59 of bed rest... 23 weeks 5 days pregnant

Sorry I didn't have time to post yesterday. Thought I'd just show you what I was looking at all day :)























- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Day 58 of bed rest... 23 weeks 4 days pregnant

I spent the whole day outside reading... A New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding. The 80 degree weather made it awesome and much easier reading about how hard it can be to breastfeed!

I got to pop my head in at the Junior League of Evansville meeting tonight. Thanks to Tiffany for the ride :) I had to leave a little early cause the chair hurt my back. It is amazing how much you appreciate a comfy chair when your pregnant.

Feeling good... here's hoping I get lots of good new at my doctor appointment next week!

Take good care everyone! Thank you for caring!

Day 57 of bed rest... 23 weeks 3 days pregnant

80 degrees and sunny again today in Evansville!

Jacob brought me cereal this morning and he brought me lunch :) He's such a great husband!! I love him :)

Went to the chiropractor again today for massage therapy. Hope it helps. My hips get numb from laying on them so much.

The past few days I have been feeling baby boy a lot! :) It amazing to feel him moving around, jabbing, and kicking. Can't tell what's what yet and it's very sporadic. It's an amazing feeling. What a miracle!

Got a nesting vibe today, I guess. Starting cleaning out closets. Feeling to need to get rid of stuff we don't need. Have to make room for baby stuff :) Can't wait to start getting ready for this bundle of joy :)

Thank you everyone for your support! I have been feeling good and look forward to good news at my doctors appointment next week. Keep me and baby boy in your prayers.

Day 54 of bed rest... 22 weeks 7 days pregnant

Much calmer day today :) Jacob had to work all night so he came home around 8am to go to bed. I was up having breakfast and decided it would be a good time to go back to bed while he slept. So I think I got about 10 hours of sleep total last night. Guess I needed that :)

I woke up and started watching basketball. Gotta love a day when you can watch it all day long. Basketball on TV makes bed rest way more bearable.

I got to go back to work with Jacob this afternoon. It was fun to get out of the house again. Jacob's mom and step dad came to town from Kentucky and met us at the hotel. I came back home with them.

So now I'm back in bed watching more basketball. That Missouri loss really busted many of my brackets!!! I hope you enjoy March Madness as much as I do :)

I'll be 23 weeks tomorrow. Feeling good!! So happy to have another week going by!!

Have a great weekend! Thank you everyone for your continued support!

The magnolia tree is losing it's flowers and it looks like snow in our driveway :) This was yesterday and today it's practically all gone :)

Day 53 of bed rest...22 weeks 6 days pregnant

Wow! Today was such a busy day that I am just now having time to post :)

Got up at 5:15am. Very early for this bed rest gal! Got to go to a breakfast to induct members into the Evansville Business Hall of Fame. So proud of my daddy who was honored! I've always known how amazing he is :) He's my hero! Congrats Dad, Mr. Muehlbauer, and F.J. Reitz! Got told by several people at breakfast that they are following my blog and my pregnancy! Thank you everyone for your support! :) Glad you aren't getting bored hearing about what I eat and watch on tv :)

It was so fun to go to the breakfast at the Centre. I got to wear a new dress and see & be seen :) It was really the first event I've gotten to attend since I actually "look" pregnant :)

Thanks to my mom for driving me around today! She took me to breakfast and to the chiropractor this afternoon.

My second time out of the house after my quick nap this morning was going to the chiropractor. It felt really good to get adjusted and back in alignment! I go back on Monday for some massage therapy.

Stopped by Dunn Hospitality's new hotel ground breaking, but didn't get to get out of the car. Mom bought be ice cream at Lics to make up for it! Read about Evansville's newest hotel!

Don't know if you noticed but it's MARCH MADNESS! I watched basketball all afternoon and I'm still watching it right now. Good thing I got that quick nap in. My Kentucky Wildcats won! Watching The Indiana Hoosier's right now. I love MARCH!!

Busy busy busy day for this gal on bed rest! Tomorrow will be less busy... lots more bed :) Thankful for all of you!

Day 52 of bed rest... 22 weeks 5 days pregnant

Amazing day today in Evansville! 80 degrees and sunny! Spent a little time outside this morning and this afternoon. The sun felt so good!

I have gone all day without turning on the AC even though it ended up being 79 degrees inside :) Windows are open and fans are on full blast. Don't know if I'll make it much longer though. I find I'm always hot!!

I did a short promotional video for Holly's House today. It's for the Hats of to Holly's House Fundraiser! Check it out!

My mom and dad got home from Florida yesterday. It's only for a week, but always good to have them home.

Jacob needs to get home soon because I'm starving today :)

Thankful for all your support!! Life is good!!!

Day 51 of bed rest... 22 weeks 4 days pregnant

Wow... this almost 80 degree weather is amazing!

Sorry I forgot to post on Friday and posted late last night. So I'm into my 51st day of bed rest now and into my 22nd week of pregnancy. Amazing that this bed rest stuff all started at 15 weeks.

It was a great weekend. Saturday night Jacob took me to Gerst Haus in Evansville. It was yummy and then he treated me to Orange Leaf... I didn't even have to ask :) It was so great to get out the house. Even got to do a little grocery shopping with Jacob on Sunday. It feels so good to stretch my legs and walk a little :)

Got a great report at the doctor yesterday. The clot is looking thinner and Baby Boy is doing great. I know I'll have at least 2 more weeks of bed rest though. They are wanting me to get to at least 24 weeks before lifting any of my limitations. According to data years 2003-2005, 20 to 35 percent of babies born at 23 weeks of gestation survive, while 50 to 70 percent of babies born at 24 to 25 weeks, and more than 90 percent born at 26 to 27 weeks, survive.

So I'm guessing I'll be on some form of bed rest until at least 26 or 27 weeks.

I'd do anything for this amazing baby boy! Which is why I cancelled my trip to Florida :( Sad but ok. Especially ok when the weather is so amazing here in Evansville!

I've started to feel baby boy a little, I think. I feel little kicks or something every once in awhile. Nothing consistent yet but totally amazing to be feeling him.

Thank you everyone for your support, thoughts, and prayers! This baby boy is so loved already by so many. I can't wait to tell him the stories of how loved he is!

Day 50 of bed rest... 22 weeks 3 days pregnant

Sorry for my late post. Spent most the day outside after my doctors appointment.

Doc appointment went well. At least 2 more weeks of bedrest for sure. Maybe longer.

I'll write more tomorrow. Tired gal tonight :)

Thanks everyone!

Day 46 of bed rest...21 weeks 6 days pregnant

Rainy, soggy, and chilly day today here in Evansville.

Had a great lunch with my friends, Laurel and Cari...and their daughters, Alice and Caroline. Yummy Chic-fil-a and great conversation with two terrific women! Thanks, ladies!

Went to the OB doc, Dr. Reisinger, today. Everything is going good. I'm measuring a little big...could have a big baby on our hands :) Head back for ultrasound on Monday with Dr. Turnquest so we'll see :) Staying on bed rest for now :)

Maybe planning a short trip to Florida to see my mom and dad. We'll see if that works out. Bed rest in the sun sounds awesome!

I get to go to breakfast for my Dad next week when he's inducted into Evansville's Business Hall of Fame. I'm excited I get to but I have NOTHING to wear :) I'll figure something out.

So excited to see the nursery ideas tomorrow!!!!

Appreciating life, family, friends, and love today! Thanks to y'all!

Day 45 of bed rest... 21 weeks 5 days pregnant

Our friends, The Hayes Family, sent us an edible arrangement (pictured) from Colorado today :) Yummy!

Got up at 7am today which is a little usual for this gal on bed rest. I didn't even take a nap. Hope that means I will sleep well tonight.

Today was a day that I really didn't do much, but the day pasted by so fast! My sister, Kathy, brought me lunch. So good to see her. Laurel and Cari are coming for lunch tomorrow.

Head to the doctor tomorrow. Always love opportunities to get out of the house. I actually will be getting dressed tomorrow :)

I watched a movie this morning... Soul Surfer. It's the story of Bethany Hamilton who lost her arm to a shark while surfing . I know my hormones have a lot to do with it... but I cried a lot :) It was a good movie.

Thankful for all of you!

Day 44 of bed rest...21 weeks 4 days pregnant

Windows open day again! Even sat outside all afternoon absorbing some Vitamin D. It felt so good. I'm so enjoying this weather. If only it can stay this way!!

Rita cleaned today! Love when she cleans... the house smells so fresh and looks terrific!

Still praying for a good reports at my doctors appointments on Thursday and Monday! Any good news would be great!! It's time for good news!!

Hoping to get ok'd to go to a breakfast next week. It's for my dad and others being inducted into the Business Hall of Fame here in Evansville!!

So excited to start finalizing the plans for the nursery on Friday. Have lunch plans with friends everyday the rest of this week too. I'm such a lucky gal!

Blessings to all you! Thank you!!

Day 43 of bed rest... 21 weeks 3 days pregnant

Got to meet with our interior designer, Marjorie, on the nursery today! So excited! We picked colors and the crib. Meeting again Friday to start finalizing. Can't wait to show you all when it's done.

I have felt hungry all day today! I can't seem to get full. Guess this baby is growing. My belly sure shows it. I will do pictures again soon.

Head to our OB doctor on Thursday. Hope our appointment then and Monday gives us some kind of idea on if there is an end to bed rest! I pray there is!

Great visit with Jacob's mom this past weekend. Still loving friends for lunch or visits! Let me know if you have time. Email me at hollykappa@gmail.com.

Thankful for all of you1

Day 40 of bed rest... 20 Weeks 7 Days Pregnant

Woke up this morning not feeling so great about the approaching weather. I can't stand tornados. They really scare me. Glad we have a house now with a basement. I feel much safer. Our house I grew up in in Henderson, KY had a cellar. That was a room below the basement. Would love one of those, but I don't think that's a common room in many houses :)

I went to the basement around 12 Noon and updated my sister via text message often because she was in her bathroom with my niece and nephew and couldn't see the TV. The north side of town got it way worse than my side (the east side). We had rain and a little wind. Heather, my sis, heard lots of hail and other noises. She and her family are safe. I said lots of prayers!

Jacob's mom arrived despite driving through all the weather craziness. Thank goodness she is safe and sound.

Jacob went to our house in Henderson to check on it because a tornado was reported near Zion and Spotsville (very close to our house). Evidently we lost a shutter, but things are ok there too! By the way, if you know of anyone looking for a gorgeous home in Henderson... here's a great one!

Enjoy the weekend! I'll be heading into my 21st week of pregnancy :) Appreciating all of you! Praying for all affected by recent storms!

Day 39 of bed rest... 20 weeks 6 days pregnant

Windows were open today! I took a nap this morning while enjoying the fresh air. I hope we don't have severe storms tomorrow. Everyone be careful!

Terrific night tonight! Jacob came home before his event tonight so I got to see him for a little while. My Aunt Jan and Aunt Janie came over for dinner with me. We had a great time reminiscing! I love my family.

My friend Adrienne booked her flight today to come visit in April! She's coming from North Carolina. I can't wait!! Jacob's mom is coming this weekend to visit!

Great day on bed rest today!

Thankful for all of you!

Day 38 of bed rest... 20 weeks 5 days pregnant

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail" ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Same ole bed rest day for this gal :)

Thankful for my all blessings!

Day 37 of bed rest... 20 weeks 4 days pregnant

Had the windows open all day today and I love that it was still light outside at 5:40pm :) Is it going to storm tonight?

Kathy and Shirley brought me lunch today :) Jimmy Johns! Always nice to have good company and conversation.

I watched The Help again today. I think that's about the 4th time I've seen that movie. I love it every time. It's also a terrific book!

Another day in the life of this gal on bed rest! Thank you all for your support! If you'd like to join me for a visit or lunch, please email me at hollykappa@gmail.com.

Day 36 of bed rest...20 weeks 3 days pregnant

I can't believe I'm half way through my pregnancy! WOW!! Windows open today- enjoying the sunshine so much!!!

The weekend was great! Relaxed and got to spend some time with Jacob. Saturday night our friends, Katy and Josh, came over for pizza & cards. We played a little gin rummy and euchre. :) Good fun with friends!!

My friend, Megan, came over this morning. She was on bed rest during her pregnancy with triplets and it was so great to talk to someone who knows what I'm going through! Thank you so much, Megan! Loved my sweet tea too :)

We went to the doctor today. Our Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor, Dr. Turnquest. It was a good appointment. Baby boy is doing great! He weighs 13 ounces :) No change in the size of the clot, but it does seem to be flattening. Keep praying for my body to absorb it!! Continuing bed rest.

Rita and Brandi came this afternoon to help us with laundry and cleaning! Those gals are life savers!! Thank you!

Luke (our dog) has a new friend named Laurel. She's coming 3 times a week after school to walk him! Luke has some winter weight to lose and he loves Laurel so it's perfect! Thank you Carla and Laurel for your help!

We are surrounded by such amazing people helping us! I can't tell you enough how much it all means!! Thank you!!

Day 33 of bed rest... 19 weeks 7 days pregnant

My hubby is planning a dinner out for us tonight!! It will be my first dinner out in about 3 weeks! I can't wait! Better figure out what to wear :)

I'm half way through this pregnancy tomorrow!!

Have a great weekend! Jacob's mom can't visit this weekend. She's under the weather. If anyone wants to come visit, let me know :)

Thank you everyone!

Day 32 of bed rest...19 weeks 6 days pregnant

I've had to the windows open all day! I welcome spring for sure! I'm almost half way through this pregnancy! Jacob sent me the beautiful flowers in the picture :)

Got in a nap this morning... I love taking a nap in the morning :) Jacob poured me by bowl of cereal before he left for work... I ate it... then nap. Showered with excitement today knowing I was heading to the doctor this afternoon!

We got a new couch today for our family room in the basement. If only we had a bathroom down there, I could spend my day in our family room. I try not to do the steps too many times everyday. I need to ask Jacob to get on that bathroom :) Hopefully, I will be off bed rest before he could get it done. Maybe if I give him that challenge he will move faster :)

Doctor appointment went well. Just a check with our OB, Dr. Reisinger. She is a terrific doctor! Got to hear baby boy's heartbeat again. He likes my left side.

Stacey is coming over to visit tonight! I might get to see a few of my bunco friends too. Jacob's mom is coming back this weekend.

Love our family and friends helping us out! We couldn't do it without you! Thank you!

Day 31 of bed rest... 19 weeks 5 days pregnant

Well, I couldn't get ashes today for Ash Wednesday because of bed rest. Heard from some friends that maybe I could have had them brought to me, but couldn't get ahold of anyone on a moments notice. Should have planned better. Having a delicious dinner with beef made by my friend, Andrea. It looks soooo good. Her son says that rules don't apply to pregnant people and I agree with him :) Gotta get my iron for this baby boy :)

I got a nap in this morning :) Katy brought me lunch today. Had fun catching up with her. Been watching movies this afternoon.

Gotta keep it short, I'm starving! Gotta call Jacob and get him home to heat up this yummy dinner!!

Thank you everyone for your support!

Day 30 of bed rest... 19 weeks 4 days pregnant

Busy day again here for this gal on bed rest. Had to get up early because our handyman, Kenny, was here fixing doors in our basement. Rita came and cleaned the house, always so wonderful when she comes! And the Insight guy came to put a digital box in our bedroom. Look out, now I have all the movie channels I could want and DVR :)

Jacob and I rented a doppler heart rate monitor so we can hear the baby's heart beat. We heard it this morning. So wonderful to hear that fluttering! This baby boy is a mover... I know I'll be feeling all that moving very soon. Jacob's mom said he never stopped moving when she was pregnant... guess I'm in for the same :)

We head to the doctor again on Thursday. This week it's our OB, Dr. Reisinger. Then next week we go to our high risk doctor, Dr. Turnquest. I do like that I get to get out of the house to go to these appointments. And any opportunity to hear his heartbeat or see him on an ultrasound melts my heart!

Tomorrow my friend Katy is coming for lunch! Can't wait to see her! I'm so thankful for all my friends and everyone helping us out! Thank you everyone!

Happy FAT TUESDAY! Still haven't decided what to give up or do for Lent... any ideas?

Day 29 of bed rest...19 weeks 3 days pregnant

Video Blog today :) Correction to the video... it's day 29 of bed rest! Hard to keep track :)

Video Blog 2/20/12

Quick shout out to my friend and hairdresser, Ray! He came by yesterday and helped me out by fixing my hair. Thank you so much, you are the BEST!!

Day 26 of bed rest...18 weeks 7 days pregnant

Didn't sleep well last night... that nap yesterday probably didn't help. From now on I'm going to try to take my naps in the morning so I can sleep at night.

I'm definitely looking more pregnant. Since I wear sweatpants everyday I'm always comfortable. If these are the only pregnant clothes I'm going to be wearing, I could get by without buying anything. I promise to post a pregnant picture soon, Wade :)

TV watching day again today. Got to visit with my friend, Kelly, and her kids Sarah & Ryan today.

One food I'm definitely craving is Velveeta Shells and Cheese. I could eat them everyday. That was for lunch today and a turkey sandwich. I try to drink about 10 glasses of water a day. It's not the easiest thing to do. Today I'm on track though. I'm also craving fruit. Not the most in season thing in the middle of winter! No crazy cravings though.

Gotta get back to House Hunter's International! Thank you everyone!

Day 25 of bed rest... 18 weeks 6 days pregnant

Today was a much more normal day for me. I watched a lot of HGTV and TLC. Ate a turkey sandwich for lunch. That's about as exciting as it got. Oh, I did take a nap this afternoon.

My cousins (Susie, Kristin, & Ashley) are coming over tonight to bring me dinner and play a little Yahtzee. I love that game :) They are also going to take Luke (our dog) on a quick walk... which he so greatly needs. Poor thing has been cooped up most days with me.

So, there you go. An exciting day in the life of Holly! Still very much appreciating all of you.

Day 24 of bed rest... 18 Weeks 5 Days Pregnant

Wow! What a very enjoyable and busy day I've had for a gal on bed rest! My good friend and realtor, Mary Mac, brought me Chinese for lunch :) We got to chat through lunch. Then my friend, Laura, came to hang out and catch up. Laura and I have been friends since grade school. It was so much fun to talk about what everyone is doing now and our lives. Thank you, Ladies!!

I think one of the things I miss the most is a quick lunch with friends or running into a friend at the store. I miss interacting with people. Facebook helps keep me in loop, which I love, but it's not the same as a face to face chat. I've never been much of phone person. I'm an in person kinda girl! I really do appreciate seeing people! :)

I'm feeling pretty good which makes it hard to stay in bed. But I am. I'm taking care of me and baby just like the doctors have told me! We heard on Monday at the doctor that there are no changes. Hematoma is still the same size. I just wish it would go away already!

I got a great care package from my friend, Sara, over the weekend. Candy, books, and nail polish! All fun stuff. Thanks, Sara!!

If anyone has any ideas of things I can do while on bed rest, let me know! Note: I am not the least bit crafty. I have started knitting several scarfs and never finished any of them. I can cross stitch but haven't done that since grade school. I think I'll work on a few photo books. I take a ton of pictures and they don't get much further than Facebook. Maybe I'll try a little online scrapbooking because I for sure can't create a real scrapbook!

I've gotten into a few TV shows. During the day it's a toss up between TLC and HGTV. I'm a Bachelor viewer again, Thanks to Stacey! Parenthood and Modern Family are pretty good. Raising Hope was pretty funny last night. Glee, Southland, The Voice are in there too. Know of a good show, let me know!

Thank you again to everyone for your support, prayers, and help! I can't say it enough how wonderful you all are so I'll just tell you everyday! :)

Day 23 of bed rest... 18 weeks 4 days pregnant

On January 23, 2012, I was rushed to the doctor and admitted to the hospital. At 15 weeks pregnant, I was diagnosed with a subchorionic hematoma. I spent 2 days in the hospital and came home to complete bed rest. Not sure how long it will last. It's looking like it could be quite a while. Hence, my blog is started :)

Jacob and I have been trying to start our family for about 5 1/2 years. We have been married for 6 years and started "trying" about 2 months after we were married. "Trying" didn't work for about 6 months so we talked with my OBGYN, Dr. Reisinger, and asked her about options. She recommended laparoscopic surgery to correct my endometriosis. We did the surgery and 3 months later still no pregnancy so we decided to go with a fertility doctor. Fast forward, 2 fertility doctors, many attempts at IUI and IVF, a 10 day stay in the hospital because of a botched IVF retrieval and abdominal abscess....still no pregnancy. Needless to say, it has been a very trying and expensive 5 1/2 years.

We decided adoption was the best way to start our family. It's hard though once you make this decision, the paperwork and waiting that then occurs can be so tough! We waited a painful 15 months on a domestic adoption waiting list. About 10 months into this wait, we decided to look at surrogacy as an option because the wait was so difficult. The surrogacy process led us to an amazing fertility doctor in St. Louis, Dr. Sherman Silber.

After meeting Dr. Silber and discussing our history, he was optimistic that we could be pregnant. So we made the difficult decision to try IVF one more time! We didn't have much hope that it could work. IT DID WORK! Here I sit 18 weeks and 4 days pregnant, still in shock!

It couldn't be easy though. We got through the first trimester great. I worked out everyday and felt terrific. Then at the beginning of 15 weeks, complications. And here we get back to my bed rest. I could possibly be on bed rest for the rest of the pregnancy. I'm due July 14th with our baby boy.

So far, bed rest has been boring but tolerable. So many friends have signed up to bring us dinner every night. I've had friends join me for lunch which helps with the loneliness of the day. My mom and Jacob's mom have helped with house cleaning, laundry, and dishes. But my mom is now back in Florida and Jacob's mom left today to go back to Kentucky. Might need more help with household chores. We couldn't do this without all the love and support! Jacob has been amazing. I know this is hard on him too.

We aren't out of the woods. Complications haven't changed and risk is high for something to go wrong. We are praying everyday for our baby boy. Please join us with your prayers!

If you want to help or visit me, please email me at hollykappa@gmail.com. You can sign up to bring us dinner on Meal Train. Thank you everyone!! Happy Valentine's Day!