Dear Tessa

My sweet little Tessa,

I can't believe that I get to meet you so soon. I have been dreaming about this since I was a little girl and now it finally here. I get to be YOUR MOMMY!!!  I'm so grateful that Heavenly Father chose us to be your parents. Words will never describe the love I already have for you and I know that when I meet you that love is just going to keep growing.
There is a part of me that wants to keep you inside of me forever so that I can protect you. This world is kinda scary but always remember to stay close to your Heavenly Father and with his help you will be able to get through anything. Never forget how much I love you. I won't always be the best Mom and at times you won't like me very much but please be patient with me and know that everything I do is for you and our family.
I have loved being pregnant with you. There is nothing like feeling you move for the first time, that and knowing that you are healthy have been my favorite part of being pregnant with you. I'm sad that it won't be just you and me soon and that I will have to share you with everyone else but I know that I can't be selfish and always have you all to myself.
Tess your Dad and I love you so much and we can't wait to hold you in our arm. We promise that we will always do our best at being good parents. I can't wait to meet your sweet girl. I love you with all my heart.
Love Mommy

32 Weeks

How far along: 32 Weeks
Total weight gain? 11 pounds. I see my doctor every two now and I did gain three pounds in two weeks, which I kinda freaked out, but the last two weeks I somehow lost two pounds.
Sleep? Fair. It's getting harder for me to get comfortable while I sleep. I never have a hard time going to sleep but when I wake up to go to the bathroom I can't go back to sleep.
Best part of this month? We were SO BLESSED at Christmas. My Mom and Dad gave us a rocking chair for her room and her diaper bag and his parents gave us clothes and a really nice baby monitor. Thank you thank you thank you!!!!
Worst part of this month? I am starting to feel a lot of pressure, which does not feel good at all and sometimes when she moves certain ways it hurts really bad. It's getting harder to breathe while I'm sitting up because she is up in my lungs more but everything is so worth it!
Food cravings: I'm still loving cuties
Gender: Still a little girl
Symptoms: Other then the pressure and not being able to breathe I have felt really good, thankfully! Secretly I was hoping when I told my doctor that it was getting uncomfortable to workout he would tell me to stop but that didn't happen haha.
Belly button in or out? It popped out right after 28 weeks
Wedding ring on or off? On
Looking forward to? Getting the nursery done. Cory will have all the board and batten done this week and then I can start decorating, yay!!
Happy or Moody? Happy but I have been more emotional this month. I think this is the first time through my whole pregnancy that I can say I have been hormonal. I have broke down crying to Whit, my Mom and Cor a couple of times. So thankful for them listening to me cry and cheering me up.

I just found out that Ashley will be joining my Mom, Whit, and Teig when they come out here and I'm so excited. I'm praying that she stays in till they get here so they will be here for her birth.

28 Weeks

How far along? 28 weeks. Yay I'm in my 3rd trimester.

Total weight gain? 10 pounds.

Maturnity clothes? They are still mixed in with my regular clothes.

Sleep? Fair! Some nights I wake up during the night to have to go to the bathroom and I can't go back to sleep for hours, it's so annoying! Poor Cory looses alot of sleep due to my constint tossing and turing in those sleepless hours.

Best part of this month? Having my family feel the baby. My cute mom started crying when she felt her move for the first time. LOVED being home with them! I can now feel different body parts and not just a big blob. She is mainly sitting on my right side right now so most of her movement and kicks are on that side.

Worst part of this month? My feet have started to swell up while I'm at work. I never knew how painful it could be. I'm praying that it doesn't start happening more often. It's getting harder for me to put my shoes on and to get out of bed. When Cory is there he usually gives me a push and I laugh everytime. I can only imagine how it's going to be in a couple months.

Food cravings: I have been obsessed with cuties lately. I went through a whole box in three days.

Anthing make you queezy? Yes I can't look at blood or watch anything that is gory. I'm usually totally fine with that stuff but I have to close my eye whenever that stuff comes on.

Gender: Still a girl

Symptoms: I still feel really good. I do get really worn when doing things, my house is starting to show the effects of that haha. I have LOVED being pregnat. I told Cory the other day that I'm so excited to have our sweet baby here but I will miss her moving around and kicking me all the time. There is nothing better then feeling your baby move inside of you.

Belly button in or out? haha it's not in or out.

Wedding ring on or off: On

Looking forward to? Christmas and Cory not having to go to school over the break.

Happy or Moody most of the time? Happy! I haven't felt hormal except when ever I think about my baby or other peoples babies make my tear up.

This has been such a good month. I got to go home with my family, I feel her move more and more everyday, Thanksgiving and of course going to the Doctors and hearing her little heart beat. My Doctor told me that she is still breech so we are praying that she will flip on her own so that he doesn't have to do it or that I don't have to have a c-section.

Happy Thanksgiving

Cory and I stayed here in St. Louis with his family for Thanksgiving this year. We had dinner over at his parents house with his Aunt Karen's family. It's always weird and hard for me not to be able to spend Holidays with my family but Cor's family always does such a good job of making sure having the things I like there. I am NOT a turkey fan, I know I'm really weird, so my mom always had a ham at our Thanksgiving. This year Cor's mom bought a  ham and he cooked it for us, it was my favorite part of the meal, not just because he made it. It was such a fun to spend with his family. I know I already did a post about what I am thankful for but I truely am thankful for my sweet husband and both of our families. I couldn't have asked for better people in my life.

Baby shower in Utah

I was so happy to be able to go home with my family for a little while. Cory wasn't able to come with me because he had work and school so I took a little bit more time off to spend time with my family. It's crazy that was the last time I will be home before I have the baby, ah! My Mom, Grandma, Whit and Teig picked me up from the airport. I told them that my flight came in early then it really did just so they would be on time and they were still late. I sure do know my family well haha. We did a little shopping while we were up in Salt Lake and by the time we go to Richfield it was around nine or ten and I thought I was going to die of exhaustion. We were able to do alot of crafts while I was home. I think everytime Cory asked me what I was doing I was crocheting which is funny because I always made fun of my mom for doing it and now I love it. We had the baby shower on Saturday which was so much fun. I loved seeing everyone and they all gave me such nice gifts. I'm so lucky to have such wonderful friends and family in my life. Ive only been away away from my family for two weeks and I already miss them. I cant wait till Feburary to see a few of them again. 

          This is kinda blurry but it was the only one with my Mom and Sisters. So grateful for each of them!

               I LOVE my friends and I was so happy that I got to see most of them while I was in town.

                                              Love these three!!

                              This is really bad lighting but I had to get one with my cute pregnant Heidi

                         So glad I got to see Jimi while I was home

                              I loved the candy table. It turned out so cute

                        haha my Mom was crackin us up. She couldn't take a serious picture to save her life.

                                Two of my best friends in the whole world!

                  Cory said "well I guess it's offical, that's what we are going to name her" Haha

                   My mom seriously works with the most amazing group of girls. I love all of them.

My sweet friend Brittany drove down from Salt Lake for the shower. It was so fun to see her.

                     I only took a few pictures that weren't at the shower. I sure love these crazy boys.

So Blessed

I have so many things in my life that I am grateful for but first and foremost I am beyond grateful for the gospel in my life. I truly don't know where I would be in my life if I didn't have it. There have been times in my life that I haven't been as close to the Savoir as I should have been and I can't believe that difference it makes when I have a close relationship with Him. I'm so grateful for the Savoir and the sacrifice He made for me and my family. I'm so thankful to know that I will be with my family for eternity and that when my children are born that they will be born under the covenant. I'm so grateful for my amazing husband and for his worthiness in the gospel. It is so comforting to know that we have the Priesthood in our home and I am very grateful for him for that. I am so grateful for what an incredible husband he is. I wonder all the time how I got so lucky to have him in my life. He is truly the most amazing husband I could ever ask for. I'm grateful for all he does for me and for our little family. He works so hard and never complains about it. He is the kindest and most patient guy I have ever know. I'm grateful for not only the big things he does for me but for the little things as well. When I get off of graves he always rubs my back for me when I climb into bed. Not many husbands would do that for their wives when they are half asleep. I love that sweet boy more then he will ever know. I'm so grateful to be pregnant with our sweet baby girl. I hope she turns out just like her amazing Daddy. I can't wait till the day I get to hold her in my arms and kiss her sweet face. I already have so much love for her and I know it will continue to grow everyday. I'm also so grateful for my family. Being away from them is so hard but I'm thankful for the time we do get to spend together. I love each of them so much. Even though at times we fight I wouldn't trade them for anything. I'm so thankful for my wonderful Mom. I couldn't have asked for a better Mother in my life. She honestly is the most hard working and giving person. She would do absolutely anything in this world for me and my siblings and I love her so much for that. Words will never be able to describe the amount of love and respect I have for my Mom. I'll never be able to say thank you enough for everything she does for me. I'm so grateful for my dad. I love and appreciate him so much. He is such a great dad and I'm thankful that he is my father. I'm so thankful for my sisters and the relationship I have with each of them. I haven't always had the best relationship with Ashley but I'm so grateful that we are becoming closer as we get older. She is a beautiful person inside and out, has such a kind heart and is so giving. I'm grateful for all she does for me and I don't think I tell her enough how special of a person she is. I love her so much! I'm very grateful for Whitney and all she does for me. She is the person I can turn to for almost anything and she has been my best friend since I can remember. I am thankful for not only her being my sister but also for being my best friend. She is someone who has gone through more than most people do in a lifetime and she never complains about it. She has taught me so much and I'm grateful for the example she sets for me. I am also very grateful for Cory's family and all they do for us. Shelley is such a great mother in law, she is always willing to help us, she is such a kind person and is so much fun to be around. Since we have moved to St. Louis Cory's family has done so much for us and I'm so thankful for them for that.  They have brought me into their family and made me feel so loved. I'm grateful that I have such amazing in-laws. Not many people can say that they truly love their in-laws and I'm thankful that I can. There are so many more things that I am grateful for in my life but don't have time to write all of them. I am truly blessed!!!
xoxo

24 Weeks

How far along: 24 Weeks.  At my last Doctor's appointment he told me that he would take me a week early, so that my family could be there,  so my new "due" date is now February 15th.
How much total weight gained? 5 pounds 
Maturnity clothes? They are mixed in with my regular clothes. I now have to undo my pants when I sit down.
Sleep: I sleep great, thank goodness.
Best part of this month: Feeling her move more and more. I absoulety love it.
Gender: Girl
Labor signs: No
Belly button in or out? Suprisingly its still in
Wedding ring on or off? On15
Happy or moody most of the time? HAPPY
Looking forward to going home with my family. I have missed them so much!!! It's hard not living by them especially since I have been pregnant. 

Chicago

Cory and I were able to go up to Chicago and spend a few days with Greg. The last time that we went up to Chicago we were in the worst, and the only storm storm of the year, just our luck! We picked the perfect time to go up this year. The weather was so nice and everything was so pretty.

The bean was awesome

 

                               
                                       
                 We had lunch on the 95th floor of the Hancock building, the view was amazing!

                     I'm obsessed with the old houses there.

       Greg took us on a tour of his campus. The last time we were up there we just drove by it because it was too cold to get out, so I was so happy that we got to get out and walk around this time. It is seriously the neatest campus I have ever been to.

                                          Love going to the zoo.

         Cory might have a little obsession with Hot Doug's. I think he was more excited to go there than anywhere else in Chicago.

How far along: 20 weeks, Half way there!!!
Total weight gained: 3 pounds
Maternity clothes? No but I do have a pair of pants that I can't fit into anymore. It was a sad day when I couldn't do them up!
Stretch Marks: No
Sleep: I sleep great unless I work a grave yard. Those weekends are always rough on my body.
Best moment of this month: Find out it's a GIRL and feeling her move. She is starting to move around a lot which has been so fun. It's the best feeling in the whole world.
Worst part of this month: I have started to throw up which is really weird to me. It only happens after I brush my teeth, cough or sneeze. I few times I have thrown up after I eat but it hasn't happened a lot.
Food cravings: I haven't really had a lot of cravings this month but I do have to eat a few sweets throughout the week but that's nothing new haha.
Anything making you queasy or sick? No not that I can think of.
Gender: Girl
Labor signs: No
Belly button in or out? In but I think it's going to be out before too long.
Wedding ring on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy. Thank goodness I haven't been very hormonal. Cory said to me that he thought I would be much worse haha
Looking forward to: Getting the nursery done. I know it's still early but I drive myself crazy thinking about what I'm going to do in there. 

We went in on Tuesday for a doctors appointment thinking that we were going to find out what we are having. I had my Mom and sister and the phone so they could find out with Cor and I. The doctor tried and tried for the baby to move so that we could tell but the baby had other plans in mind haha. I think that my mom and sister were more disappointed than we were that we couldn't find out. Luckily, we have another appointment in three weeks so we will find out then. 

I got back from Utah about three weeks ago and I got a bad cold while I was out there. I am finally feeling better now, thank goodness, but I can't believe how different it is to be sick while your pregnant, at least for me. For a about a week I couldn't really eat or drink anything and whenever I coughed or sneeze I would start gagging, WEIRD!!! I'm so glad that I'm getting better. I sure can't wait to find out what this little peanut is. 

Wow so much has changed since I have last blogged, maybe that's because it's been over a year haha. Cor and I moved to St. Louis and bought a house close to his parents. Cor is working for his dad's company and going to school full time. He is so busy all the time but we are very greatful that he will be done with school next year. I am working at Barnes Jewish Hospital and it is a HUGE adjustment. It is one of the biggest hospitals in the country and has about 10,000 employees. Talk about a huge change from our hospital in Richfield where there is only about 30 beds in the whole hosptial. It has been very different but hopefully I can get a job at a smaller hospital.
Now for the really fun news, Cory and I are expecting.YAY!!! We are beyond excited and can't wait to meet our little baby. I decided to take a test one morning not thinking that anything of it and to my suprise it immediatley came up positive. It was 7:00 in the morning so I had to wake cor up to have him look at the test. I kept saying "is this real", well sure enough it was. We were so excited that of course we couldn't go back to sleep. I needed help telling my family, since I live half way across the country, so I told Whitney so she could help me tell the rest of my family.  She was talking to an adoption agency at the time so we had everyone thinking that she was getting a baby. She told the family that she had something to tell them and wanted me on skype to hear the news. I called Ashley and asked her if she knew what was going which really through her off cause she knows that Whit and I tell each other everything. When Whit got home she had all the family get together and Cory and I were there on skype. She gave my parents the present and when my dad pulled out the little outfit he didn't know what to think until he read to the card. It said, to Grandpa and Grandma love baby Baum due Feburary 22, 2013. They all started cheering and I of course started crying haha. It was so fun to finally tell them.
We told Cory's family the same one but in person. His mom pulled out the little outfit and she said "this isn't going to fit Baxter, who is this for". When they read the card they were so excited. This will be the first grandchild in their familly
Right now I am 14 weeks. I just got out of my first trimester, thank goodness. No it really hasn't been that bad. The worst part was that I was always tired. Our baby is the size of lemon. We find out what we are having at our next appiontment. My mom is convienced that it's a girl but Cory and I really don't care what we are having.
     
       Pregnancy Symotoms:

        I have to eat about every two hours or I get really nauseated.

         The thought of meat makes me want to throw up.

         I am not as tired but I get worn out easy.

         My pants are starting to get a little tight
       
         I haven't felt the baby yet but I can't wait for that
                                      

We feel so blessed to be able to be pregnant. It has been the best thing that ever happened to either of us. I am a very inpatient person so Febuary can't come soon enough.