Michael's Parenting Tip of the Week!

Britney did it and look where that got her!

Your pregnancy: 12 weeks

How your baby's growing: The most dramatic development this week: Reflexes. Your baby's fingers will soon begin to open and close, his toes will curl, his eye muscles will clench, and his mouth will make sucking movements. In fact, if you prod your abdomen, your baby will squirm in response, although you won't be able to feel it. His intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into his abdominal cavity about now, and his kidneys will begin excreting urine into his bladder.Meanwhile, nerve cells are multiplying rapidly, and in your baby's brain, synapses are forming furiously. His face looks unquestionably human: His eyes have moved from the sides to the front of his head, and his ears are right where they should be. From crown to rump, your baby-to-be is just over two inches long (about the size of a lime) and weighs half an ounce.

If you will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else.

Saturday I went to Dallas to hear Dave Ramsey speak at Reunion Arena. Some of you probably don't know who this is. Until after Saturday I didn't either. One of my moms told me I should go see this guy and that I would really learn a lot. My brother and sister-in-law also raved about how great this guy was. All they told me was that he helps people with their finances and uses the bible to explain a lot of his theories. I thought, why not? What have I got to lose? I'm already broke. The doors opened at 11:30 and the "show" started at 1:00. (My brother told me I should arrive two hours early. I was still oblivious to why you'd have to be so early but I did as suggested. Boy am I glad I listened!) We, my sister and her husband came also, arrived around 10:30. There was already a line forming! Who is this guy?!?! While standing, in the cold, Dave Ramsey came out at some point to talk to the people waiting. Everyone was so excited. I'm still clueless. What is so special about this guy? Well, we finally get in and get amazing seats. By noon I'm still thinking we got here way too early. You can hear the buzz of excitement in the arena. I thumb through the workbook they gave us at the door and think to myself, "There's homework?". I'm slowly realizing while waiting that this guy is a pretty big deal! They have a big stage with three screens behind it showing clips of a radio show he does and a t.v. show on Fox Business News. I pull out a book to read while we're waiting. At 1:00 the show begins and they are showing clips of Ramsey on lots of different news and talk shows. (ie. Larry King, Good Morning America, The Today Show, Oprah, etc.) Freakin' Oprah?!?! Who is this guy? And why am I just learning about him? As I look around me I then notice that the entire ground floor and the first upper floor of seats (where we were) were completely filled. The second floor of seats was also nearly full! Again, I'm so glad I listened to my brother!

Well, Dave Ramsey comes out on stage and the crowd goes nuts! You would have thought you were at a rock concert. He's obviously been doing this a while because he worked that crowd like a pro. And a wonderful sense of humor to boot! Well, he begins to go through his "Baby Steps" to becoming debt free and I'm in awe of how simple it all sounds. I can already hear some of you... "another get rich quick scheme", "he became a millionaire selling tickets to stupid people", "you will always have debt"... I said all those things too before going in there. After sitting there listening to his story of becoming a millionaire, going bankrupt, and then digging himself back out I was thinking to myself, "Come on man, how do I help myself? What are you going to show me today that I haven't already heard?" He showed me! He did it in a manner that didn't feel impossible. That feels very realistic. That uplifted me to have more faith in my God who won't abandon me because I've screwed up. I just need to call on Him to guide me through this change. I can't go into detail of all his steps. We were there five hours! How do you condense that into a blog? I can say that one of the easiest ones was to cut up all your credit cards. Thank goodness Michael and I were ahead of the game on that. He shows you how you can become completely debt free and not have to live off of any credit ever again. Sound unbelievable? Not when you look over his steps. They are so simple! One of many things I can say is I love the reality of his plan. He doesn't try to convince you your debt will disappear over night. He reminds you that it is going to take time, discipline and lots of prayer. You just have to remind yourself all things are possible with God. I highly suggest you look up Dave Ramsey. Get some books or catch his radio show where ever you are. He was absolutely amazing! He will open your eyes to new possibilities. I'm no longer afraid of our debt. I'm ready to tackle it head on!

Michael's Parenting Tip of the Week

Hey, it worked for our niece and she loved it!! The dogs got a bit jealous though.

New sport! Watermelon balancing...

Today was another doctor's appointment. Have I mentioned I love my doctor? He is a Christian man and so is his staff. And boy does it show. I have been so at ease every time I go in. They are the best office I have ever been to. I thank God that He has blessed me with such a nice and easy going doctor. I don't know if I'd be so calm about stuff if he wasn't. But, enough about him. I'm starting to sound like a stalker!

The doctor said that I'm progressing nicely. We didn't do another sonogram but I did get to hear the heartbeat again. It has increased to around 155-160 bpm. The baby also seems to be very active right now. When the doctor first put the doppler on my tummy he found the heartbeat pretty quick but then it went away. He ended up moving the doppler all over trying to find her again. Finally after a minute or so he found the beat again in a totally different place! Already I can tell I'm gonna have my hands full. Other than that, it was an uneventful appointment. He answered several questions for me, which is always great. I asked him about sleeping on my tummy. He said it's fine now while I'm not big. "Eventually you just won't be able to sleep on your stomach." Of course that makes complete sense. Can you sleep while balancing on a watermelon? There are so many "old wives tales" that you just have to make sure. Tell me if you've heard this one: Don't raise your hands above your head. Really? What goodies have you heard?

Week 11: Just plum cute!

Fetal development in pregnancy week 11: (fetus in third month) Maybe you’ve noticed… your baby is a super-duper grower! Your lil' fetus will be gaining a substantial amount of weight this week and has already achieved fruit-size-status comparable to a plum. What's more, your little scientist is already starting to explore their body, focusing most intently on touching their head, and especially their face and mouth. Their mouth in particular will provide them with hours of entertainment. This happens not only because your baby is gaining coordination, and is therefore able to move a hand on command, but also because their palms have gained sensation and can actually “feel” what it touches.They're also developing their swallow reflex this week. And lastly, your baby's smelling and other olfactory senses will begin developing this week, which when combined with the maturing taste buds, will provide your baby with their first experiences of taste and smell.


How's mom doing? Someone commented that they didn't like the textbook information I provide each week, but we do. We love learning what's going on inside me! God has blessed us with such a wonderful gift that I'm in awe of all the changes that take place week to week. As far as how I'm feeling, I'm doing good. I think I'm finally past the morning sickness and exhaustion. Every now and then I feel a little cramping, but I know that just means my body is making room for Baby Dot. I'm excited about getting to shop for maternity clothes this weekend. Too early you say? Explain that to the seams and stitches on my jeans! It's mostly pants I'm noticing the difference. To know that I'm to that point is so exciting to me. Write that down, because now will be the only time I'm excited about gaining weight. I try to be good about what I eat and drink. I haven't had any liquid caffiene since I found out I was pregnant. But, I do consume a piece of chocolate when I want one. I have learned to limit myself to one or two pieces though. For those of you who know me best, you know that's been a feat!

Well, I have another doctor's appointment tomorrow and look forward to updating everyone! Keep in touch guys! We love to read your comments. They really brighten our day.

Michael's Parenting Tip of the Week

While picking your own nose may be fun,
I'm pretty sure your baby doesn't want your finger in theirs.

Happy Birthday Caine!

I would like to give a shout of congratulations. My cousin Melissa has welcomed her third child! How lucky is she? :o)

Justin Caine McAskill,II was born Saturday, Feb. 9th. He weighs 6lb. 9oz. and 19" long. Since he is the second they will be calling him Caine.

Love you Melissa!!

Your pregnancy: 10 weeks

How your baby's growing: Though he's barely the size of a kumquat — a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, your baby has now completed the most critical portion of his development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in his body rapidly grow and mature.He's swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including his kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function, though they'll continue to develop throughout your pregnancy.If you could take a peek inside your womb, you'd spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin.In other developments: Your baby's limbs can bend now. His hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart, and his feet may be long enough to meet in front of his body. The outline of his spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from his spinal cord. Your baby's forehead temporarily bulges with his developing brain and sits very high on his head, which measures half the length of his body. From crown to rump, he's about 1 1/4 inches long. In the coming weeks, your baby will again double in size — to nearly 3 inches.

Kids crack me up!

Michael's Parenting Tip of the Week

Baby's head is still soft, and therefore, not conducive to picking up like a basketball.

Your pregnancy: 9 weeks

How your baby's growing: Your new resident is nearly an inch long — about the size of a grape — and weighs just a fraction of an ounce. She's starting to look more and more human. Her essential body parts are accounted for, though they'll go through plenty of fine-tuning in the coming months. Other changes abound: Your baby's heart finishes dividing into four chambers, and the valves start to form — as do her tiny teeth. The embryonic "tail" is completely gone. Your baby's organs, muscles, and nerves are kicking into gear. The external sex organs are there but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks. Her eyes are fully formed, but her eyelids are fused shut and won't open until 27 weeks. She has tiny earlobes, and her mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct. The placenta is developed enough now to take over most of the critical job of producing hormones. Now that your baby's basic physiology is in place, she's poised for rapid weight gain.

How your life's changing: You still may not look pregnant even if your waist is thickening a bit. You probably feel pregnant, though. Not only are morning sickness and other physical symptoms out in full force for most women, but you may feel like an emotional pinball as well.Mood swings are common now — it's perfectly normal to feel alternately elated and terrified about becoming a parent. Try to cut yourself some slack. Most women find that moodiness flares up at around six to ten weeks, eases up in the second trimester, and then reappears as pregnancy winds to a close.

"What's in a name?

That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."

People have been asking if we've picked out names. Some may say it's too soon. We only told a select few until we could decide for sure what we wanted. We preferred to go the traditional route. And to also use names that mean something to us. Some people are superstitious about sharing baby names. But we aren't, so here goes...

If it's a boy, we decided on James Daniel. James is a Huffstetler tradition that goes way back. It's Michael's first name, his dad's, his grandfather's, and so on. Michael wanted to keep up the tradition of the first name and I've always loved the name Daniel. So wahlah.

For the girl's name, we came up with Dorothy Paige. This is also a very special name for us. From the very beginning we have been calling the baby "Baby Dot". Because of the first sono. I reminded Michael that Dot was a nickname for Dorothy, a name I had been thinking about. He said he had been thinking about it too. This is also my great-grandmother's name. She's a special person to us both that I wish we could see more of. She lives in Kansas City, MO. (Fun fact: Grandma Long, as we call her, is 93 and can bowl like a pro! She has also chased off a burgler with a plunger. But, that's for another post.)

Today I thought I'd see what these names mean. Dorothy was the only one I did. To tell you the truth, it solidified my decision to use this name. Dorothy means "gift of God". Tell me you got goosebumps, because I sure did! I lost interest after that to find out what the other ones mean.

So, there you go. I know that was a long explanation. But, when have you known me to give a simple answer?

Week 8: Goodbye sea creature, hello baby!

Fetal development in pregnancy week 8: embryo in second month Woohoo! You've got one whole inch of baby inside of you! Your little embryo has finally reached the one-inch mark (30mm). And if it were possible to take a peek, you could actually see your tiny baby without a telescope! What’s more, your baby is finally starting to take on some very distinct human features. For starters, their little tail (really just the spinal cord) has disappeared completely. It’s nice to know your baby can no longer be mistaken for a sea creature! Additionally, both their toes and fingers are prominent with very little, if any, webbing. Upper and lower limbs all show recognizable joints (elbows and knees) and the lower limb bones are starting to ossify. But don’t expect your baby to resemble either parent quite yet. Right now, your baby’s head is disproportionately larger than the rest of their body--making up almost half of your little one’s height and weight!

And how's mom doing? Your slightly-larger-than-a-cherry embryo is also starting to have a physical impact on you this week—and not just hormonally, as you may be noticing a slight bulge at your midline-- mostly from water retention. Most people won't even notice the subtle change to your belly's shape, but since you’re tuned in to every little change in your body, it hasn’t slipped past. Good news for the hormonally tortured: if you have been extra moody lately, that may start to subside this week, as the placenta is beginning to take responsibility for your baby’s hormone production. This means your body will soon be able to relax a bit from its over-production of hormones as the placenta starts to regulate your baby’s hormones-- allowing your body to focus on producing more normal levels of hormones for yourself.

Wanted: one home...

with a nursery for the baby and a backyard for the furry kids!

I just wanted to put this out tonight. Michael and I, although always in need of your prayers, are asking for more prayer. We went and looked at a house in Waxahachie on Saturday and have decided we really want that house. We had toured the house this last summer and it is still on the market. After deciding to put our faith out there, we applied for financing and we are waiting to hear what they say. Another benefit of Michael being a school teacher is there are programs out there that we might just qualify for. So, please pray that we are able to get approval for something, anything! Even if it means we have to find a different house. Just pray someone is willing to lend us the money. I'd get on my knees to beg but that just looks desperate. So instead of begging, I will pray. Anyone want to join me?

The picture, by the way, is of me on my first day of kindergarten. I was such a ham! Don't you just love the hair? LOL :0)

Week 7: Welcome to the hormonal rollercoaster!

Fetal development in pregnancy week 7: embryo in second month Your baby is really beginning to develop more physical definition this week – their oversized head isn’t just large and oblong anymore, it’s actually a little bit pointy. The tiny receding tail bud is now starting to be overshadowed by the growth of their legs, which are now complete with knees and the beginnings of toes. Their eyes and ears are the most visible features on their head and their miniature bones are starting to harden throughout their body. You also have some variation on a boy or a girl at this point, although their genitals won’t be visible enough to determine which color cigars you’re going to buy until around the 16th week.

And how's mom doing? Your hormones are still out of whack because the placenta won’t take over hormone production for your little one for another couple of weeks. So until then, expect more of the same. At this point any close family or friends have undoubtedly noticed you’re a little more moody and/or irritable than usual. And there are probably times where you’re ready to tell the world off (maybe you already have), but it’s always worth the time and effort to explain to yourself and others the reason for your current emotional rollercoaster; you don’t have to be a monster just because you feel a little whacked out. Focus on your breathing and energy levels. Take naps if you feel fatigued but don't forget the stress-reducing benefits of long walks outside for fresh air and exercise. Sit down if you start to feel nauseous, and take the time to eat healthy vitamin-rich foods when you’re hungry. Even though there’s no bi-weekly paycheck or boss, pregnancy is harder work than you might think and you need lots of positive physical and emotional energy to provide your baby with the safest strongest home possible.

We have a new due date!

We had our second appointment on Tuesday the 22nd. They said this was the official confirmation. After doing another sonogram he decided that we weren't as far along as we had thought. I'm only seven weeks and the new due date is now September 9th.

The sonogram pics were so much clearer on Baby Dot. I'm having trouble scanning them in, but I will keep trying. She is measuring at a whopping 10.5 mm and the heartbeat is at 144 bpm. (Some would say that sounds like a girl.) Michael predicted a girl the day after I took the first test. He said Jesus told him. How do you argue with that?

I just had to share this picture with everyone. It is one of two posters that hang on the ceiling above the bed in the ultrasound room. I thought it was very appropriate for our blog!

The Huffstetler adventure begins...

We're having a baby!!

Now that the doctor has medically confirmed it, I want to shout it from the rooftop!
"I can't believe God has blessed me once again!"

Michael and I have been trying to get pregnant for two and a half years. At the end of October I had a chat with God to see what the hold up was. Basically, He told me to stop being such a control freak and to let Him take care of His business. Well, as hokey as you think that sounds I finally stopped whining and listened to what He had to say. My Father was scolding me once again for not having faith in Him to take care of me. He told me to give it to Him and not take it back, again. So, I did. I focused my thoughts on other things and got a beautiful surprise.
On Wednesday, Jan 2nd I came to realize I hadn't had a visitor yet! So, I took one of three tests, yes I said three. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the results. All I could keep saying, with tears running down my face, was "Thank you God! Thank you for this gift. You are so good to me. Thank you!" Michael and I are both excited beyond belief.

We had our first appointment Jan 8th. I am seven weeks pregnant and due August 28th, give or take. The first sonogram was still too early to detect anything more than a small dot in a sac. Michael and I have been calling the baby, "Baby Dot". Funny enough, Dot is a nickname for a special girl name we are considering. Michael is predicting a girl! He told his dad he's gonna need his shotgun. I'm honestly hoping for a boy. But, at this point, it's just amazing to be pregnant at all. I will keep everyone posted on our progress.

LOTS OF LOVE TO EVERYONE!!