Dr. Appointment Update

Hi Friends!

I thought I would give you a quick update after my Dr. appointment this week.

My blood pressure is lower!  Praise God!!  My Dr. was very pleased with this.  Because it was better, he is going to wait until next week to run tests on me.

Jaxson is not making ANY progress.  My cervix is completely closed and is not thinning at all.  Apparently,  he is very happy in there.  My Dr. said to start meditating and then maybe he will start getting ready...hhmmm...I'll pray all day long, but I don't know if I'm the meditating type - haha!

I'm a planner.  I want everything planned out to the minute, the day, to the penny.  Well, turns out, I'm getting my first lesson that children don't always allow for that.  So, I asked Dr. what our plan was.  He said that it depended on how much I wanted a c section.  Well, I don't really want one of those, but I'm completely ok with it if it becomes medically necessary.  He said we could start inducing today, that I would have a very long labor, and a 60% chance of it ending in a c section.  Ewww.

So, we talked about a few different options (I LOVE that he takes the time to talk TO me and listen to me), and decided to continue on for another week.  That means I keep taking my bp every few hours, and that I promise to go to the hospital if it goes over 140/90, or if I notice a decrease in fetal movement, and I stay with the modified bed rest - 4 hours a day allowed out of bed.  I'm good with that.  I still get to go to work for a few hours each day, and I'm not in the hospital - I'm a happy girl.  He said that he believes me that I have been following the rules, so he will leave me alone for one more week : )

I go back Tuesday for my tests.  I am having a biophysical profile done, where they do a long ultrasound and check for all kinds of things like muscle tone, movement, fluid levels, blood flow...etc., and a non stress test where they will monitor his heartbeat for an extended amount of time.  I'll be 39 1/2 weeks when we do this.  I'm excited to see how Jaxson is doing in there!  It's been a long time since I've been able to see him!  After we get the results of the tests, we will decide if we can give him a couple more weeks to get ready on his own, or if he appears to be stressed in there, we will talk about our induction options.  I really don't want to induce, but I trust my Dr. and I know that we will be able to figure out what is best for us.  Hubby would like him to come a couple weeks late - haha!

So, we are doing good!  Just waiting for next Tuesday!  Thank you all so much for your sweet prayers and kind words!

Buffalo Mac and Cheese!

Hubby and I LOVE buffalo sauce.  We love wings, buffalo chicken dip....mmmm....

So, when I came across this recipe, I knew it was for us!

Here's what I did -

Cooked one box of Velveeta mac and cheese.

Added two diced chicken breasts (I boiled them the day before, making this an even quicker dish)

Added 1/2 cup of Franks buffalo sauce (next time I will add 1/3, it was pretty hot and gave Jaxson the hiccups for over an hour, I felt terrible for him!)

Put in a baking dish, sprinkle with shredded cheese and some breadcrumbs.

Cook uncovered at 350 for 15 minutes.

YUM!  Hubby requested that we have celery as a side next time.  No problem!  He loved it and has been talking about it all week :)



Linking up with -

37 Weeks!

I'm 37 Weeks Pregnant!

I'm used to my big belly now, the hard part to see is my legs!  I am so thankful that I am on bed rest, I can't imagine what they would look like if I wasn't!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: Baby is the size of a watermelon!  About 6 lbs.

Total Weight Gain: Gained 38 lbs! 

Belly Growth: 20 inches.

Maternity Clothes: Oh yes!!  Hardly anything but!

Gender: It's a boy!  Jaxson Jeffrey Ellis

Movement: Yes.  I am monitoring it very closely.  Now I feel mostly heels, elbows and what I think are fists.  Jabs here and there.  He is running out of room!

Sleep: I LOVE sleeping.  I feel so blessed that I haven't had any trouble sleeping.  I get up 2-3 times a night to potty, but that's about it!

Symptoms: High blood pressure, swelling.  Very hot.  All the time.  I radiate heat.  I keep threatening Hubby that I am going to walk around in skimpy clothes if he doesn't let me turn the air down.  That wouldn't be pretty for anyone - haha!

Cravings: I wanted Mexican food so badly I just couldn't stand it.  My sweet Hubby took me to On The Border and I had empanadas and queso, and I'm pretty sure it's the best thing I've ever eaten - haha!

Emotions: Wanting to nest like crazy, and frusterated that I can't do it all.  I had a tiny crazy episode this week about things not getting done.  Sorry Hubs : (

Best Moments of the Week - Getting to see my Daddy!  He surprised us on Saturday morning with a visit on his way to see my Pappa.  My Mom made us all of my favorite foods and sent them for us!  She also sent things for me to read, and beautiful flowers.  It completely made my week!  My parents are amazing!

I hope you are all having a wonderful week!

Prayer Thursday

Hi Ladies! 

Thank you all so much for your prayers this past week!  If we can pray for you, please leave your prayer request in the comments below, or feel free to email me - michelle.ann.ellis@gmail.com

I am at a loss for words for the tragic events that have occurred in the South this week.  Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, I'm praying for you.  For each of you that lost a loved one.  For each of you that are suffering.  For each of you that lost your homes, your neighborhoods, your way of life as you know it.  I grew up in Hoover, Alabama, and that part of the country is very dear to my heart.  Please pray for these people as they search for their friends and family, and as they survive and try to rebuild their lives.
Here are our prayer requests for this week -

Could you please pray for Kylie and her husband?  They are looking for guidance while making some big decisions in their lives.  Specifically a house remodel and a new car.  Please pray for God to speak to them and point them in the right direction.

Please pray for my coworker, Sam.  He lost his son to a heart attack two weeks ago.  Sam is one of the kindest people I have ever had the pleasure of working with, and it hurts my heart to think of what his family is going through.  He is currently going through chemo for cancer himself, so please pray for the healing of his family and his body.

Please pray for Christina.  She is my sweet coworkers cousin.  She is 23 years old and has been diagnosed with hodgins lympona and leukemia.  She is not doing well and her family is having a very hard time coping.  I can't imagine how hopeless and scared she must be feeling right now.  Please pray for her family and her doctors as well during this time.

Please pray for Mrs. Olson, she is struggling with depression.  Pray that God gives her hope and happiness (and a good night's sleep!).  She has a HUGE praise!  God has moved in their lives and they are about to embark on a new journey!  I am truly so very excited for her and her husband!!


Please pray for my coworker, Maurine.  She has been diagnosed with breast cancer.  They found multiple lumps and determined that the cancer has spread to other parts of her body.  She just started chemo and has a beautiful spirit and attitude about it.  She is looking for fun hats and scarfs, because the doctors told her she would probably lose all her hair by the new year.  Do you know of any fun websites that have fun hats and scarfs?  I would love to find her a sassy one!

Please pray for sweet Joanna and her husband, they are waiting for God to bless them with a baby!  They are the most adorable couple I have ever seen, truly!

Please pray for Sarah.  She is in the process of fundraising to bring little Silas home to his forever family!  Please pray that God will provide them the funds that they need to make this possible.

PRAISE for my friend Candice and her husband.  They are getting a baby!!!!!  God is so wonderful and works through us in ways we could have never imagined.  I couldn't be happier for them!

Please pray for Leslie and Noah.  They are waiting to become parents.  You can read about them here.

Could you please pray for my Grandparents?  They are living home alone right now with the help of nurses.  It is very, very difficult.  Please pray that they will let God guide them in their decisions for their futures and their care.  This is so hard on them and on my parents and it hurts to watch everyone go through this.

Please pray for sweet baby Bennett.  He was born oh-so-tiny, but has been getting bigger and stronger!  And, he's HOME!  You can read his little story here.

We have been praying for sweet Annika for awhile now, at the request of Kasey.  Please say a special prayer for her dear little body, that God will give her the strength to fight this disease.  Annika is 5 years old and was diagnosed with a rare form of acute lympocytic leukemia.  Please pray for her, her family and her doctors.  I can't imagine what her family is going through.  Isn't she beautiful?  Just look at that smile!



Please pray for sweet Sarah.  She is praying and waiting for God to bless her with a true Godly man that could be a wonderful influence to her young son to share their lives with.  Her testimony is so beautiful, I felt inspired just reading it.

Please pray for my Daddy's (Jerry) job search and that his good spirits continue.  I just know God has the perfect plan for him.  PRAISE!  He is still interviewing with the same company!!  He is so excited and I am so happy for him!!!  Please pray that it will work out to God's perfect plan.  God is listening!!

I have been following Lianna's blog for a few months now, and she just seems like the sweetest girl!  She and her husband are waiting for God to bless them with a child.  You can read about them here.  Please pray for their journey to become parents.

Please say a quick prayer for all the women waiting for God to bless them with husbands or babies.

Could you please pray for Jaxson and I?  I have been diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, and I am a little scared. 

And if you don't mind, please say a little prayer for Hubby.  This is week 3 of bed rest, and I'm pretty sure I might be driving him crazy.  Also, his fiscal year ends in May at work.  He is thisclose to making conference - which has been a huge goal of his.  With all my medical stuff going on, some family drama, the baby on the way, and my new need for attention and constant help - I have a feeling he is stressed beyond belief.  He isn't showing it, but I'm pretty sure his shoulders are very heavy right now.  Thank you so so very much.

Thank you so very much for all of your prayers!  Please let me know if we can pray for you!

Dallas Baby Shower!

I had my baby shower in Dallas last month, and it was so much fun!

It was thrown by my Mom, my Sister, and my Mom's precious friends.  They made me feel so special and did such a great job!  Everything was just too cute!

 My sister, Me & My Mom

This was one of the vases and the crystals we used at my wedding!

 My sweet hostesses!

 I was supposed to take care of this baby doll - I was terrible at it, i kept putting it down and forgetting...hopefully not a sign of things to come...haha!

 My friend Candice made me this basket.  Isn't it adorable?

 Kelly made this beautiful cake!  It tasted just as amazing as it looked!

Yes, I cried a little.  Okay, I cried twice.  First was when my Sister gave me this.  She made it!  Isn't she talented?  I had it professionally framed and it is now hanging in Jaxson's room.  I know he will treasure it just as much as I do.

My other crying was over my Daddy - he sent a gift to the shower, a cute book that he wrote in for Jaxson.  I thought that was just the sweetest thing!

 Me, Candice and Leigh.  We have known each other for 11+ years, and are all expanding our families right now!  Candice is getting her sweet baby this summer, and Leigh is just 5 weeks behind me with her little girl!

 Me & My Sister

 Me & My Mom when I was a baby. 

My Sister in her apron gift.

My Mom make these favor boxes, they had cutie "It's a Boy!" dinner mints inside.  She is so talented and worked so hard on everything.

Thank you to all of my hostesses from the bottom of my heart!  This was a very special day that I will always treasure!



2 Years Ago...

I married my amazing Husband!

Part of me thinks, wow, I can't believe it's already been two years!  The other part of me thinks, wow, that's all?  I feel like I have been with Jeff forever!  (In all fairness, we have been for 6 years I guess).  But, I cannot imagine my life any other way.  I can't imagine being with anyone else or anything being any different.  I thank God each day that Jeff picked me for his wife.

Because I love them, here are a few pictures from our wedding day.

Gratitude

I have the most wonderful parents in the world!!!

This morning, I got a call from my Daddy around 9AM saying he would be here in an hour with some goodies for us!  He went about an hour out of his way from Dallas on the way to Port O Conner to bring us tons of great goodies from him and my Mom.

We now have tons of fruit salad, my favorite breakfast casserole, tons of my Great Grandmother's turkey and dressing casserole, bagged salads, fresh bread...oh, and veggies cut up and put into those individual Ziploc steamer bags!  Now we have tons of wonderful, home made healthy food to eat while I am on bed rest.  I'm not going to lie, I am getting a little tired of mac and cheese and peanut butter and honey sandwiches - haha!  They also brought me magazines and some beautiful Easter flowers.

I couldn't be happier or more grateful!  I thank God each day for blessing me with such a wonderful family, and this is one of those times that I am overcome with gratitude.

Thank you Momma and Daddy!  I love you so much!

Prayer Thursday

Hi Ladies! 

Thank you all so much for your prayers this past week!  If we can pray for you, please leave your prayer request in the comments below, or feel free to email me - michelle.ann.ellis@gmail.com

Before we get to our requests for this week, I just want to take a minute to think about the significance of this weekend.  I love Easter weekend.  When I think of the sacrifice that God made, his one and only son, and the suffering that Jesus willingly went through, both just to cleanse us of our sins, I'm speechless.  I cannot imagine the selflessness, the strength, the love and the trust that they both exhibited.  We are so blessed and so lucky to have someone love us so much.  It is humbling to say the least.  I am overcome with emotion when I truly sit and consider the story of Jesus on the cross, and his Resurrection.  Have you accepted Jesus and your Lord and Savior?  God gives us the gift of eternal life, unconditional love, and forgiveness for all of our sins, no matter how awful.  If you do not have Jesus in your heart, please feel free to reach out.  I am no expert by any means, but I love the Lord and would love to pray with you and for you.  I hope you all have a wonderful, glorious Easter filled with family, friends and love.

Here are our prayer requests for this week -

Could you please pray for Kylie and her husband?  They are looking for guidance while making some big decisions in their lives.  Specifically a house remodel and a new car.  Please pray for God to speak to them and point them in the right direction.

Please pray for my coworker, Sam.  He lost his son to a heart attack two weeks ago.  Sam is one of the kindest people I have ever had the pleasure of working with, and it hurts my heart to think of what his family is going through.  He is currently going through chemo for cancer himself, so please pray for the healing of his family and his body.

Please pray for Christina.  She is my sweet coworkers cousin.  She is 23 years old and has been diagnosed with hodgins lympona and leukemia.  She is not doing well and her family is having a very hard time coping.  I can't imagine how hopeless and scared she must be feeling right now.  Please pray for her family and her doctors as well during this time.

Please pray for Mrs. Olson, she is struggling with depression.  Pray that God gives her hope and happiness (and a good night's sleep!).  She has a HUGE praise!  God has moved in their lives and they are about to embark on a new journey!  I am truly so very excited for her and her husband!!


Please pray for my coworker, Maurine.  She has been diagnosed with breast cancer.  They found multiple lumps and determined that the cancer has spread to other parts of her body.  She just started chemo and has a beautiful spirit and attitude about it.  She is looking for fun hats and scarfs, because the doctors told her she would probably lose all her hair by the new year.  Do you know of any fun websites that have fun hats and scarfs?  I would love to find her a sassy one!

Please pray for sweet Joanna and her husband, they are waiting for God to bless them with a baby!  They are the most adorable couple I have ever seen, truly!

Please pray for Sarah.  She is in the process of fundraising to bring little Silas home to his forever family!  Please pray that God will provide them the funds that they need to make this possible.

PRAISE for my friend Candice and her husband.  They are getting a baby!!!!!  God is so wonderful and works through us in ways we could have never imagined.  I couldn't be happier for them!

Please pray for Leslie and Noah.  They are waiting to become parents.  You can read about them here.

Could you please pray for my Grandparents?  They are living home alone right now with the help of nurses.  It is very, very difficult.  Please pray that they will let God guide them in their decisions for their futures and their care.  This is so hard on them and on my parents and it hurts to watch everyone go through this.

Please pray for Laura.  Her Grandma is showing signs of kidney failure.  She has had a very rough time over the past 15 years, losing two husbands and her mother.  Please also pray for her husband Don, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year and is going through treatments.  Please pray for God to give her the strength and hope to fight through this, and that he hold her tight with love and comfort during this time.   Please also pray for Laura's husband, that he have God's guidance in his life right now.

Please pray for sweet baby Bennett.  He was born oh-so-tiny, but has been getting bigger and stronger!  And, he's HOME!  You can read his little story here.

We have been praying for sweet Annika for awhile now, at the request of Kasey.  Please say a special prayer for her dear little body, that God will give her the strength to fight this disease.  Annika is 5 years old and was diagnosed with a rare form of acute lympocytic leukemia.  Please pray for her, her family and her doctors.  I can't imagine what her family is going through.  Isn't she beautiful?  Just look at that smile!



Please pray for sweet Sarah.  She is praying and waiting for God to bless her with a true Godly man that could be a wonderful influence to her young son to share their lives with.  Her testimony is so beautiful, I felt inspired just reading it.

Please pray for my Daddy's (Jerry) job search and that his good spirits continue.  I just know God has the perfect plan for him.  PRAISE!  He is traveling and has his 6th interview tomorrow!!  He is so excited and I am so happy for him!!!  Please pray that it will work out to God's perfect plan.  God is listening!!

I have been following Lianna's blog for a few months now, and she just seems like the sweetest girl!  She and her husband are waiting for God to bless them with a child.  You can read about them here.  Please pray for their journey to become parents.

Please say a quick prayer for all the women waiting for God to bless them with husbands or babies.

Could you please pray for Jaxson and I?  I have been diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, and I am a little scared.

Thank you so very much for all of your prayers!  Please let me know if we can pray for you!

Dr. Appointment Update

Hi Friends!

I had a dr. appointment today, and I thought I would give you a little update.

My headaches are gone.  That is a great thing!  My blood pressure is still high, but not to the danger zone of 140/90.  That's a good thing.  My protein levels are consistent, which is just fine.

So, I am no better, but worse either.  I'll take that!  We are going to continue with the same program - modified bed rest - 4 hours a day allowed out of bed.  I'll continue to go to work for 3 of those hours each day.

Jaxson's heartbeat is strong and I've been feeling him move a lot more lately.  The nurse said it's probably because I've been still.  That makes sense to me.

Apparently, Jaxson likes his little home.  I have made NO progress, with 16 days left to my due date.  My Dr. said it's time to give him his first lecture and tell him it's time to start preparing for his exit.  hahaha!  We had a talk this afternoon, so we will see how that goes.

I won't lie and say that I wasn't a little disappointed leaving my appointment today.  I don't know exactly what I hoped for, but some improvement or some progress would have made me very happy.  I had some really positive thinking before my appointment, so I think I got my hopes up that something great would be going on.  But, I am very grateful that I'm not in the hospital or on full bed rest.  Very, very thankful.

So, to cheer myself up, I did something I've been promising my Mom that I was going to help her with for quite some time.  I started her blog and her etsy store!  She is the most creative person that I know (and I didn't inherit a stitch of it!) and makes beautiful things for her friends and family.  We started out by showcasing her beaded wine glasses, and I'll start adding more of her creations this week.  She is so sweet and excited about it!  It's so fun to do something like this together!

How is your week going?  I hope it's been wonderful!!

Observations from bedrest...

I've observed quite a few things while I have been on bed rest for the past 9 days...

* Besides All My Children, daytime TV leaves a lot to be desired.  Which, by the way, abc is cancelling!!!  I am just heartbroken.

* Bed rest is proving to be a little expensive.  It's way too tempting to buy things online!  Monogrammed baby things are my weakness, as well as gifts for future Aunts, Grandparents, etc.  I've already spent all my budgeted shopping money for the rest of the month...oops.

* I never realized just how much I did around our household.  Not that Hubby isn't helpful, but I pretty much do everything inside of this house.  He does all of the outside stuff, including the car and the garage, and I do everything inside.  If I miss a couple of days of my cleaning of the kitchen, doing the dishes, or just picking up in general, this place becomes a mess.  Hubby does not see things this way, not at all.  He thinks he is very helpful.  We had a very long argument discussion about this last night.

* Me not grocery shopping = no food at our house.  I am having flashbacks to the time when Hubby and I first started dating and all he had in this house were ramen noodles, girl scout cookies and iced tea.  That is pretty much all he needs to survive, and pretty much all he deems necessary.

* Condensing my normal 10 hour workday into 3 hours is not only a challenge, it is virtually impossible.

* Boys just are not as thoughtful as girls.  I think women, by nature, are much more inclined to go out of their way to do something for someone else.  I guess it's just the Mars vs. Venus thing?

* Being able to nap whenever I like is very nice.  I really like that part of bed rest :) 

* Bandit knows something is up.  He lays in front of the couch, or on the bed with me all day long.  When I get up to potty, or to get a drink of water, he is right on my heels.  He is such a sweet, sensitive little doggie.

* On TV shows, everyone has fresh flowers in their homes.  Not just daises or carnations, but beautiful flowers.  I think I would like to constantly keep beautiful floral arrangements in my home, but I think that would get pretty expensive.  Do you keep fresh flowers in your home?

Hubby is nesting

I think my bedrest has hubby a little worried that Jaxson might come very soon.  While I was laying on the couch last night, he gave my car a wonderful washing (got all the dog hair out and everything!) installed the car seat, set up the pack and play, and the stroller!

He's cutie.

Here is our pack and play.  I just love it!



Bandit was scared of the stoller, so we wanted him to get comfortable with it.  What's the best way to do that you ask?  Take him for a ride!!

They rolled all around the house, and I won't lie to you and say that he loved it, but he stopped trying to escape after a little while - haha!

36 Weeks!

I'm 36 Weeks Pregnant!

Check out those swollen legs!  And, this is after a day and a half of bed rest!  They look SO much better than before.

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: Baby is the size of a cantelope, according to the bump.
Total Weight Gain: Gained 36 lbs!  I have gained a ton of fluid weight the past two weeks.

Belly Growth: 19 inches.

Maternity Clothes: Oh yes!!  Hardly anything but!

Gender: It's a boy!  Jaxson Jeffrey Ellis

Movement: All the time.  I am so glad, because with everything else going on, it's important to me to know that he is alright in there.
Sleep: I LOVE sleeping.  I feel so blessed that I haven't had any trouble sleeping.

Symptoms: High blood pressure, swelling, headaches.  Bordom for bed rest.  Very hot.  All the time.

Cravings: I've felt so off this week that I haven't really been that into food.  I have eaten a few brown sugar pop tarts though...
Emotions: Worried about my health and taking time off of my job before I planned on it.  Upset that I am on bed rest, but thankful that Jaxson is alright.
Best Moments of the Week - Getting to spend the weekend at my parent's house!  We had a wonderful trip and I got a whole day of my mom to myself :)
I hope you are all having a wonderful week!

Prayer Thursday

Hi Ladies! 

Thank you all so much for your prayers this past week!  If we can pray for you, please leave your prayer request in the comments below, or feel free to email me - michelle.ann.ellis@gmail.com

Here are our prayer requests for this week -

Could you please pray for Kylie and her husband?  They are looking for guidance while making some big decisions in their lives.  Specifically a house remodel and a new car.  Please pray for God to speak to them and point them in the right direction.

Please pray for my coworker, Sam.  He lost his son to a heart attack two weeks ago.  Sam is one of the kindest people I have ever had the pleasure of working with, and it hurts my heart to think of what his family is going through.  He is currently going through chemo for cancer himself, so please pray for the healing of his family and his body.

Please pray for Christina.  She is my sweet coworkers cousin.  She is 23 years old and has been diagnosed with hodgins lympona and leukemia.  She is not doing well and her family is having a very hard time coping.  I can't imagine how hopeless and scared she must be feeling right now.  Please pray for her family and her doctors as well during this time.

Please pray for Mrs. Olson, she is struggling with depression.  Pray that God gives her hope and happiness (and a good night's sleep!).  She has a HUGE praise!  God has moved in their lives and they are about to embark on a new journey!  I am truly so very excited for her and her husband!!

Please pray for Emily's family.  Her Brother In Law's Mom was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.  She passed away last week.  Please pray for her family and their healing during this time.

Please pray for my coworker, Maurine.  She has been diagnosed with breast cancer.  They found multiple lumps and determined that the cancer has spread to other parts of her body.  She just started chemo and has a beautiful spirit and attitude about it.  She is looking for fun hats and scarfs, because the doctors told her she would probably lose all her hair by the new year.  Do you know of any fun websites that have fun hats and scarfs?  I would love to find her a sassy one!

Please pray for sweet Joanna and her husband, they are waiting for God to bless them with a baby!  They are the most adorable couple I have ever seen, truly!

Please pray for Sarah.  She is in the process of fundraising to bring little Silas home to his forever family!  Please pray that God will provide them the funds that they need to make this possible.

PRAISE for my friend Candice and her husband.  They are getting a baby!!!!!  God is so wonderful and works through us in ways we could have never imagined.  I couldn't be happier for them!

Please pray for Leslie and Noah.  They are waiting to become parents.  You can read about them here.

Could you please pray for my Grandparents?  They are living home alone right now with the help of nurses.  It is very, very difficult.  Please pray that they will let God guide them in their decisions for their futures and their care.  This is so hard on them and on my parents and it hurts to watch everyone go through this.

Please pray for Laura.  Her Grandma is showing signs of kidney failure.  She has had a very rough time over the past 15 years, losing two husbands and her mother.  Please also pray for her husband Don, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year and is going through treatments.  Please pray for God to give her the strength and hope to fight through this, and that he hold her tight with love and comfort during this time.   Please also pray for Laura's husband, that he have God's guidance in his life right now.

Please pray for sweet baby Bennett.  He was born oh-so-tiny, but has been getting bigger and stronger!  And, he's HOME!  You can read his little story here.

We have been praying for sweet Annika for awhile now, at the request of Kasey.  Please say a special prayer for her dear little body, that God will give her the strength to fight this disease.  Annika is 5 years old and was diagnosed with a rare form of acute lympocytic leukemia.  Please pray for her, her family and her doctors.  I can't imagine what her family is going through.  Isn't she beautiful?  Just look at that smile!



Please pray for sweet Sarah.  She is praying and waiting for God to bless her with a true Godly man that could be a wonderful influence to her young son to share their lives with.  Her testimony is so beautiful, I felt inspired just reading it.

Please pray for my Daddy's (Jerry) job search and that his good spirits continue.  I just know God has the perfect plan for him.  PRAISE!  He had two interviews this morning!!  He is so excited and I am so happy for him!!!  Please pray that it will work out to God's perfect plan.  God is listening!!

I have been following Lianna's blog for a few months now, and she just seems like the sweetest girl!  She and her husband are waiting for God to bless them with a child.  You can read about them here.  Please pray for their journey to become parents.

Please say a quick prayer for all the women waiting for God to bless them with husbands or babies.

Could you please pray for Jaxson and I?  I have been diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, and I am a little scared.
Thank you so very much for all of your prayers!  Please let me know if we can pray for you!

Pre-eclampsia

Well Ladies, I have pre-eclampsia.  My doctor called with the results today.  If you are like me and don't really understand what it is, here is an article that explains it in easy terms.  I'm done looking up stuff online because it scares me. 

I'm trying to behave and stay still, and it's going pretty well.  I'm allowed out of bed for 4 hours a day for work or activity.  Today I spent my four hours getting ready for work and working.  It was so nice to go to work, even though it was just for a few hours.  I missed it, and everyone there.  I was glad to be there.  I had a great talk with my boss, who is kind enough to be more than supportive of me during this time.  I'm going in tomorrow from 12-3PM.  I think that will be a good time on a Friday :)

I've learned that daytime T.V. kind of stinks.  But I did find a new show that I love!  It's on Bravo, and it's called Pregnant In Heels.  It's great.  I love it!  You should check it out if you have a chance.

So, I came home from work, and got an email from one of my dearest friends that our soap opera, All My Children, is being cancelled.  I am just so sad!  Can you appeal things like this?  My Mom got me started on this show, she has watched it since she was pregnant with me!

Thank you all so very much for your kind words and prayers, I appreciate them very much! 

Bed Rest Update

So, I had another Dr. appointment today, and thought I would share our progress.

I dropped my urine sample off at the lab before my appointment.  I didn't realize that they had to register me and get me all checked in just to take my sample.  Who would have thought?  They were very nice though.

Then, I headed to my Dr.'s office.  My standing heart rate was a little better, but still too high.  So, the nurse had me lay on my side for awhile and then took it again.  It was normal!!  Little did I realize that this change just makes a better case for bed rest.  We listened to Jaxson's heartbeat, and it was good and strong.  165.  He kicked her too - haha!  Little stinker!

Dr. said my blood work came back fine (praise God!), but that he wasn't sure what he was going to do with me just yet, and I probably wouldn't like it.  When he came back, he said that he would like me to work at home.  I asked if I could go in for a little while each day, and he said for a few hours max, but that I could work the remainder of the day at home.  If I come back next week and have not improved - no more work.  So, I have to do a good job of staying still and not getting worked up, which is not easy at my job.  Not even a little.

The Dr. office should call this afternoon with my urine test results.  I need to be reclined at a 45 degree angle, and always with a towel rolled up behind my right hip, making me a little lopsided.  This will help with blood flow and to decrease my blood pressure.

He gave me a prescription for a blood pressure taking thing, and I am supposed to take it 4x a day.  If it gets over 140/90, I have to go to the hospital.

I go back next Wednesday at 10:30AM to see where we go from here.  I'm very lucky to have a wonderful boss that understands what I need right now.  I am going in tomorrow at 1PM to meet with him so we can figure out what we should do next.

Would you mind saying a prayer that we continue to do well, and for strength for me to obey the rules and stay still and calm?  I feel overwhelmed, I wasn't ready to leave work yet!

Thank you all so much!  Your prayers and kind thoughts mean so much to me!

How was your weekend?

Did you have a good weekend?  I hope so!

We did.  I got to see my parents for the third weekend in a row!!  I am spoiled rotten :)  I took Friday off of work, and Hubby and I headed to Dallas around noon.  We had a busy weekend planned!

Hubby took my sister and her two roommates to meet Daddy out at the NASCAR race.  They had an amazing time!

Mel, Val (my sister), Hubby, Daddy and Leah

My Mom and I spent the evening at the Heartlight Charity dinner.  I didn't take any pictures this year.  I think it's because I get so worn out just getting around right now - haha!  If you don't know about Heartlight, please take the time to read my previous post from last year's dinner.  It is a truly amazing organization that is very dear to our family.

The crew headed back out to the races on Saturday, and Mom and I were so excited to have the whole day to ourselves!  I can't remember the last time we got to do whatever we wanted together!  We started off the day with a little shopping, and then headed to my dear friend Leigh's baby shower.  Leigh and I have been friends since high school.  I don't know what I would do without her!  She is expecting her second child, a little girl due in July.  I can't wait to meet her!

Amber (Leigh's sister), Candice, Me (I'm so huge!!), Jude (my adorable God Son), Leigh, and Diana.  It was so great to get to spend time with these wonderful ladies!

After the shower, Mom and I shopped and shopped.  We went to Ross and found some really cute stuff for Jaxson, then we discovered the Carter's store.  Oh my goodness.  You could go broke in there in about 15 minutes!  They were having a good sale, so we stocked up on some of the sizes of things that we were missing.  And, since I'm crazy about having everything in it's place right now, everything we bought is washed and put away already!  Then we went to Garden Ridge and drooled over all the fun summer party stuff that they have.  I wanted every tiki torch and patio thing they had in there!  haha!  We had dinner at Johnny Carino's, because both of our husband's don't like that place (crazy boys), but we love it!  It was a perfect weekend! 

I had mixed feelings leaving their house today - we won't be back there again until after Jaxson is born.  That felt very very different and weird.  I can't put my finger on the feeling, but I know trips home will never be the same.  Not in a bad way, just in a different way.

I hope you had a wonderful weekend too!!

Bed Rest...

My pregnancy has been so easy.  I have been so blessed throughout this entire process.  Well, we had our first bump in the road today.

Last night, around 9PM, I started getting a headache.  By the time we were going to bed at 10PM, my head was throbbing.  I took two Tylanol and went to bed.  I woke up every few hours, thinking, gosh, my head is just pounding!  I sure do hope it stops before I get up for work!  When my alarm went off this morning, it was still pounding.  The thought of staying home and resting crossed my mind, but I took a vacation day on Friday, and I knew that I had things to address on my desk.  So I got ready, taking a couple of breaks to lay down, drank 2 bottles of water, decided against the contacts, rocked the glasses, and headed into the office.

By 10AM, I was on my 6th Tylanol in 12 hours, and I emailed my Mom about my headache.  She did some research and suggested that I call the doctor, just in case.  I am so very thankful that she did.  Aren't Moms just the most amazing people ever!?  I swear mine knows just what to do in every situation.  I'm so grateful for her.

So, I called the doctor and asked if there was something else I could take, or if it was okay to keep doing what I was doing.  They called me back about an hour later, and requested that I come in.  They said it's not normal this far into my pregnancy to have a headache for that long.  So off to the Dr. I went.

My blood pressure is high compared to my normal readings.  The nurse told me that he would probably check me into the hospital.  This made me want to cry.  I didn't want to go to the hospital!  Not today, not yet!  When I saw my Dr. he said I could stay home instead if I promised to stay still.  I swore I would.  I had blood drawn, and he sent me on my way.  So, I am taking valium, and banished to the bed or sofa until Wednesday morning.  The good news?  My headache is much better after the valium and my cherry coke.  Yep, the first caffine I have had since I found out I was pregnant.  Hey - doctor's orders! : )  Oh, I've saved the best part for last - starting tomorrow I have to collect all of my urine for 24 hours.  Nice.  In a big orange jug.  And, it has to stay cold.  The nurse said to fill a bathroom trash can with a plastic bag, and put the container in it, and fill the can with ice.  Kind of like a champagne bucket.  I'm thrilled.

All kidding aside, Jaxson is doing wonderful.  His heartbeat is strong and right as it should be.  I'm okay too, my Dr is just taking precautions and trying to keep me safe and healthy.

So, hopefully I will be catching up on your blogs tomorrow!!

34 Weeks

I'm 34 Weeks Pregnant!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: Baby is the size of a honey dew!  According to our Doctor, he weighs 4lbs 12oz.  He is in the 47%.

Total Weight Gain: Gained 31 lbs! 

Belly Growth: 17 inches.

Maternity Clothes: Oh yes!!  Hardly anything but!

Gender: It's a boy!  Jaxson Jeffrey Ellis

Movement: I still feel him frequently, but not as strongly as I used to.  I think it's because he is backwards in there, and running out of room.

Sleep: I LOVE sleeping.  I feel so blessed that I haven't had any trouble sleeping.

Symptoms: I'm BIG!!!

Cravings: I can't stop eating the Chocolate and Peanut Butter Ice Cream.  Oops.

Emotions: A little panicked, but overall good.  I am very sensitive and get my feelings hurt very easily lately.

Best Moments of the Week - Getting to spend the weekend at my parent's house!  It was wonderful!  My Momma and Daddy take such wonderful care of me, and it truly warms my heart to be home.  There isn't anyting like it.  I decided Hubby, Jaxson, Bandit and I should just move in with them - haha!

I hope you are all having a wonderful week!

Prayer Thursday...on a Friday...again...

Hi Ladies! 

Thank you all so much for your prayers this past week!  If we can pray for you, please leave your prayer request in the comments below, or feel free to email me - michelle.ann.ellis@gmail.com

Here are our prayer requests for this week -

Please pray for my coworker, Sam.  He lost his son to a heart attack two weeks ago.  Sam is one of the kindest people I have ever had the pleasure of working with, and it hurts my heart to think of what his family is going through.  He is currently going through chemo for cancer himself, so please pray for the healing of his family and his body.

Please pray for Christina.  She is my sweet coworkers cousin.  She is 23 years old and has been diagnosed with hodgins lympona and leukemia.  She is not doing well and her family is having a very hard time coping.  I can't imagine how hopeless and scared she must be feeling right now.  Please pray for her family and her doctors as well during this time.

Please pray for Mrs. Olson, she is struggling with depression.  Pray that God gives her hope and happiness (and a good night's sleep!).  She has a HUGE praise!  God has moved in their lives and they are about to embark on a new journey!  I am truly so very excited for her and her husband!!

Please pray for Emily's family.  Her Brother In Law's Mom was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.  She passed away last week.  Please pray for her family and their healing during this time.
Please pray for my coworker, Maurine.  She has been diagnosed with breast cancer.  They found multiple lumps and determined that the cancer has spread to other parts of her body.  She just started chemo and has a beautiful spirit and attitude about it.  She is looking for fun hats and scarfs, because the doctors told her she would probably lose all her hair by the new year.  Do you know of any fun websites that have fun hats and scarfs?  I would love to find her a sassy one!

Please pray for sweet Joanna and her husband, they are waiting for God to bless them with a baby!  They are the most adorable couple I have ever seen, truly!

Please pray for Sarah.  She is in the process of fundraising to bring little Silas home to his forever family!  Please pray that God will provide them the funds that they need to make this possible.

PRAISE for my friend Candice and her husband.  They are getting a baby!!!!!  God is so wonderful and works through us in ways we could have never imagined.  I couldn't be happier for them!
Please pray for Leslie and Noah.  They are waiting to become parents.  You can read about them here.

Could you please pray for my Grandparents?  They are living home alone right now with the help of nurses.  It is very, very difficult.  Please pray that they will let God guide them in their decisions for their futures and their care.  This is so hard on them and on my parents and it hurts to watch everyone go through this.

Please pray for Laura.  Her Grandma is showing signs of kidney failure.  She has had a very rough time over the past 15 years, losing two husbands and her mother.  Please also pray for her husband Don, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year and is going through treatments.  Please pray for God to give her the strength and hope to fight through this, and that he hold her tight with love and comfort during this time.   Please also pray for Laura's husband, that he have God's guidance in his life right now.

Please pray for sweet baby Bennett.  He was born oh-so-tiny, but has been getting bigger and stronger!  And, he's HOME!  You can read his little story here.

We have been praying for sweet Annika for awhile now, at the request of Kasey.  Please say a special prayer for her dear little body, that God will give her the strength to fight this disease.  Annika is 5 years old and was diagnosed with a rare form of acute lympocytic leukemia.  Please pray for her, her family and her doctors.  I can't imagine what her family is going through.  Isn't she beautiful?  Just look at that smile!



Please pray for sweet Sarah.  She is praying and waiting for God to bless her with a true Godly man that could be a wonderful influence to her young son to share their lives with.  Her testimony is so beautiful, I felt inspired just reading it.

Please pray for my Daddy's (Jerry) job search and that his good spirits continue.  I just know God has the perfect plan for him.  PRAISE!  He has a second interview today for a position that he is very interested in.  Please pray that it will work out to God's perfect plan.  God is listening!!

I have been following Lianna's blog for a few months now, and she just seems like the sweetest girl!  She and her husband are waiting for God to bless them with a child.  You can read about them here.  Please pray for their journey to become parents.

Please say a quick prayer for all the women waiting for God to bless them with husbands or babies.

Thank you for praying for hubby and I!  We are doing wonderful!  We are heading to Dallas today!  My Mom and I are going to the Heartlight Charity dinner, and my Daddy, Sister and Hubby are headed out to NASCAR.  Please pray that we have a safe trip!

Thank you so very much for all of your prayers!  Please let me know if we can pray for you!

Maternity Photos!

My sweet, talented friend Kelly took my maternity pictures!  She is AMAZING!  She made me look pretty in these pictures even though I feel like a preggopotimus lately.  Here are just some of my favorites - it's hard to choose!

Isn't she great???  I'm so glad I did these so that I will be able to look back years to come and remember what I felt like while I was pregnant.