Dear JoAnna,

For so long I wished and prayed and cried for you. Now that you are here I am still praying and crying over you. At times I thought Mother's Day would never come for me. This Sunday, because of you, it will. You have completely changed my life and I am so glad for that. I never thought that I could look at someone smile and have the urge to cry. Watching you grow from a scrawny 5lb 5oz newborn whose ankles were the size of shotgun shells to a 12lb chunky 3 month old who has rolls on her toes has been absolutely amazing. You change right before our eyes each day. I love you so much and feel blessed that God has given me the privilege to be a mother to such an angel.

Mama

JoAnna Lane Chandler

We had these made at Portrait Innovations and they did a great job. I was so glad she stayed alert for the 2.5 hours. Will definately be back for her 3 month pics.

My life changed

at 3:19 pm on Feb 9th.

5 lbs 5oz    19 in

yes, those are tears

yes, he's a little proud

dealt with a little jaundice

at home, sleeping in her daddy's arms

didn't like her first bath...

...until she realized it was ok to suck on mama's arm

(tomorrow i'll post her portraits taken last week)

long story short-JoAnna made her debut on 2.9.10. perfect of course! check becky's or ivy's blog for updates.

35 down...35 to go

35 weeks down and 35 days to go!
She doesn't have much room to maneuver now that she over 18 inches long and weighs about 5.5 lbs (about as much as a honeydew melon). She's not doing any summersaults either since it's so cramped in there now, but that's not stopping her from trying. Her kidneys are fully developed and her liver can process some waste products. Most of her basic physical development is now complete and she'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight. I've not have many issues along the way but I have started swelling in my feet and hands. I used to have ankles and knuckles. Guess I'll see them again in a few weeks.


Prayer request:
Mema Moore who lives just outside Prattville will be keeping JoAnna when I go back to work. I have put in a request to be transferred from Selma to another examining office. There are a few reasons for that request but mainly so that we'll be on a set schedule. As of right now some days I have to be at work at 7am and some days at 8am. That's fine when it's just me but it won't be just me much longer! My original request was to be placed in the Prattville office which would be so totally awesome. I was basically told I had a fat chance there though. Then was teased with the idea of working in Wetumpka which wouldn't be bad at all. But then was told no again. Now I have been asked if I wanted to go to the Clanton office 4 days a week and work Prattville 1 day a week. That would be great too! My prayer is that something open up for me soon and they don't continue to get my hopes up and then just let me down with another big fat "no". Can I get a little help with that prayer?

First Baby Shower

Thanks to everyone who helped with and attended (even in spirit) the baby shower Saturday! Here are a few pictures from the day.

the cake that Ashley made

diaper cake

Mary Grace me and Ashley

FL, me and Mechelle

Next time I'll show yall what all was in the boxes and bags

34

Am I really that far along!?! Soooooo hard to believe! I had a check-up on Wednesday. Everything was perfect. She is still positioned head down so there's a really good chance she'll stay that way. Don't want to be birthin' no breach baby. According to Dr. Ashurst she weighs around 5 pounds and is right on schedule. My total weight gained so far is 15 pounds so he's happy with that. Here's my belly shot of the week...

Baby shower this weekend and Becky is coming to my house. Yep, that's right. This is her first trip down to stay with me EVER! I just hope downtown Jones isn't too boring for her.

Keep Me In Your Will

Sometimes I think I'm in control
And I act so foolishly
Facing problems on my own
I don't know what's best for me
My mistakes at times disturb
All the plans you have made
Lord, keep me in your will
So, I won't be in your way


And, put me where you want to
Not where I want to be
If I should ask, for things I want
Just give me what I need
When I complain from time to time
Forgive me Lord I pray
Lord keep me in your will
So I won't be in your way


Remind me Lord, I'm just a glove
In which you place your hand
Not my will, but your's be done
Though I don't understand
The best laid plans I've made
Somehow always go astray
Lord keep me in your will
So I won't be in your way


And put me where you want to
Not where I want to be
If I should ask for things I want
Just give me what I need
When I complain from time to time
Forgive me Lord I pray
Lord keep me in your will
So I won't be in your way


I need you dear Lord
I need you each and every day
Lord keep me in your will
So I won't be in your way
Just keep me in your will
So I won't be in your way

31 week update

All went well at the check-up on Tuesday. I had gained 5 pounds and at first felt bad but then realized that in the time since my last appointment we have gone on vacation, celebrated Christmas (a lot) and I spent 3 full days with my mother. So with all that I was lucky it wasn't 15 pounds. Dr. Ashurst said everything felt great and her heart beat was right on track along with my belly measurement. She is positioned head-down. Next appointment will be 1/27 and then I'll start going every 2 weeks. Where has the time gone?

This week, JoAnna measures over 16 inches long. According to babycenter.com she weighs about 3.3 pounds but Dr. Ashurst said she's probably at the 4 pound mark (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin. She is moving a lot, too, first thing in the morning, all day long and especially at bedtime. I've been told that all this moving is a sign that she is active and healthy.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Next week my goal is to get her room straightened. Brad will be at Mama's for the week for I'll have all that time to myself. I need to box up all my junk that's still sitting in her floor, get Uncle Adam to move all his stuff out, wash clothes and hopefully put some up is I can get someone to move her dresser and get her bed out of our room and into hers. We have the bed and will soon have the nuts and bolts to accompany it. Shoot, I may even get started on curtains for her room or recovering the recliner to go in there. Becky, that means a trip to the fabric store if we can shovel our way out.