37 weeks and 2 days

Wow I can't believe that Thanksgiving is already over! December already? It just seems so weird! Addie will be here so soon, it is sometimes hard to believe. Other times I feel like I might be pregnant forever! We had a little scare that she was trying to come early, but now that I have made it to 37 weeks she can come any time. I am 2 cm dilated, 80% effaced, and she is sitting really low in my pelvis at station+1. Which makes it kind of hard to walk, sit, stand, lay down, or feel comfortable in general.There was a big snow storm, which I believe made me have contractions. They were coming really close together, but they just didn't get very strong. I am learning how to relax through contractions like that. I have them throughout the day now. I try to think of them positively. They are bringing my sweet baby girl closer to me!  I think the Third trimester has definitely been the hardest on me. I sailed through the first and second, so it has been a big adjustment to get used to this. I have a feeling this baby will stay in as long as she possibly can! I am okay with that, because I want her to come when she is absolutely ready. It is just hard to have patience. I have just been really emotional. This week has been draining! But at least it is almost the weekend. My cute husband is so sweet to me! He always rubs my feet and constantly asks me how I am feeling throughout the day. It really helps to have someone who cares about how you feel and your well being. He is such an amazing man. I can't wait to see him with our daughter. He is going to be such an amazing daddy. He works so hard to provide for our family. I am in love with him more and more everyday! Last night we stayed up in bed talking and Addison started kicking like crazy. I am pretty sure it was because she could hear his voice. She loves it when he reads to her. She kicks and kicks. I know she will recognize him by his voice when she gets here! It will be so fun to see their bond and connection. I can't wait to see what she looks like and meet this sweet baby girl! Only a few more weeks, or maybe even days! Only time will tell! Here are some pictures from the past few weeks... Sorry I didn't get one for 37 weeks yet. But I have 36!

Working hard! :) My hair has been more curly since I got pregnant. I try to straighten it and it just gets frizzy. So I just get out of the shower, scrunch it and I am on my way. It makes things simpler, but it doesn't always look so hot. But what can I say? 

Thanksgiving photo!

36 weeks and two days. Trying to keep baby in! I was on bed rest most of the weekend for Thanksgiving break. 

Well that has been our lives the past few weeks! Just trying to make it to finals week in one piece. We will see..... 

Thanks for reading! 

-Lauren

Some good quotes that remind me to be patient for Miss Addie Belle-


“Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” 
― Aristotle


“Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.” 
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
   

34 weeks

Wow. Time has really flown by! I can't believe it is already November. We can't believe that there is only about 6 weeks left until the Guess Date and about 7-8 weeks until Addie Belle gets here!  We have so much to be grateful for. We are going to be parents before we know it. It is a little terrifying, but very exciting. I am trying to enjoy the time we have left until our lives are changed forever. We need to plan a few more date nights. My cute husband is so patient and kind. I am so grateful for him. We have been so busy with work and school that sometimes it is easy to lose yourself in all of the craziness. We did manage to go on a date Saturday. We went to Tucanos and to see Gravity. It was a lot of fun to be with each other and spend time together. This week has been one of the harder weeks of my pregnancy... I have had some swelling in my hands and fingers so we were a little worried that something might be up. My blood pressure has remained normal though, so that is a good sign. I thought I was coming down with a stomach bug, but it never hit so I am crossing my fingers that it doesn't come! I am planning on relaxing this weekend and catching up on my sleep so hopefully that helps. My last day of work is December 13th. I am making plans to clean my house, get all of Addie's clothes cleaned and organized, make some frozen dinners, and do extra things that need to get done before the big day... Hopefully it all works out and we get done with finals and all the extra projects before baby day!

Thanks for reading!

Lauren Johnson


"A grand adventure is about to begin!" -Winnie the Pooh

33 Weeks and counting! ( This was taken on Saturday:)

Date night! Such a fun thing to spend time with my boo!  I think the shadows makes our noses look bigger than they really are.... ;) 

29 weeks

Wow it has been awhile. School started and we have barely had time to breath! Things are going well with my pregnancy. We are having a little girl Addison Isabella Johnson. We are just trying to make it through this semester. It has been harder to go to school than I thought. I thought I would breeze through it, but it is stressful. At least time is flying by though! I can't believe it is already October. I am already 29 weeks. Crazy!

As I experience this pregnancy and feel this little life growing inside of me I am so touched by all the many blessings that I have. I am so grateful for my life and the things I get to enjoy and be blessed by. I have realized that pregnancy is hard. I knew it would be, but I have come to realize that it is all about attitude. I feel like the days that are the hardest are the days that I am being a total pill. On the days my hormones are surging and I am crying and yelling about everything I found that I have to take a break. Watch a show, read my book, lay down and take a nap, or take a warm shower. I feel much better and those around me (especially my poor husband) feel much better too!

A big help to me is working on my Hypnobabies for an hour each day. I have committed to doing the home study program. It teaches me how to relax and also put myself into deep hypnosis that will help with the birthing process as well as relaxing throughout my pregnancy! It has been a big help on retraining me to think positively about pregnancy, birth, and bringing a child into the world. I look forward to the day Addison will be born, not only because I get to finally meet her, but also because I get to experience life in such a raw intimate way. I look forward to the challenge, and pray everyday that I will be strong and willing to relax and let my body work naturally and effectively, the way God intended.

As I prepare for Addison's birth I have realized that I need to prepare in many different ways, physically, emotionally, educationally, and spiritually. I have prepared physically by trying to stay as healthy as possible. I try to eat a wide variety of foods that will give my sweet baby the best start to life. Sometimes it is really hard, and I feel discouraged. Like if I eat a sweet I feel ashamed and like I failed. I am just trying my best! I try to include a wide variety of fruits, but need to improve my veggie intake. I also try to do stretching everyday so my joints will be limber for the birth. It also helps with back pain a lot! I need to improve on stretching. I don't always do it everyday, but I have noticed a big difference on the days and nights that I do. I think it helps me sleep better and wake up easier if I stretch before bed. Another way I have tried to prepare physically for Addison's birth is by trying to avoid getting sick. I had a UTI, which I treated naturally with garlic and Doterra as well as a probiotic. I also had a sinus infection that I treated with a Neti Pot and Colloidal Silver. I try to avoid taking antibiotics unless absolutely necessary and so far this pregnancy I have been able to try other remedies with success.

Emotionally I have been able to prepare with Hypnobabies as well as positive thinking. Another big part of emotionally preparing is making sure Kirk and I are on the same page. I try to include him with my thoughts and feelings. I have found that I can trust him to take care of me when I need some encouragement and someone to just remind me that everything will be okay. I think this will be a big help during the birth. I always worry that I won't be able to let him take care of me, but he has done such an amazing job taking care of me while I am pregnant it really helps me feel secure in the fact that he will be there for me in Addison's birth! When I am feeling emotionally drained I try to slow down and take a break. I have also been trying to communicate my feelings better so that I can solve any problems that are effecting me emotionally. I can count on Kirk and my mom and sisters for this kind of encouragement.

Educationally I have prepared by doing research about the birthing process and what to expect. I have also begun preparing a birth plan that will include what I expect my birth to be like, in every situation. If I am transported, or there is an emergency. Everything!  Kirk and I have also been attending forum at our midwife's house each month. These are wonderful! We learn so much and also hear birth stories that help prepare us educationally for the birth of our daughter.

I have been able to prepare spiritually by praying, attending church, reading scriptures, and talking about God's love and the gospel. I loved Conference last weekend. There were so many exceptional talks that I felt so spiritually fulfilled! Trusting in God and sharing my worries and fears with him has been a big spiritual step in preparing with Addison's birth. I know that he will protect me. I am able to get blessings when I feel discouraged or sad or sick. It is hard for me to make it to the temple, too much sitting. I get so antsy like I want to walk around and I fear I am being a distraction to others! I really want to go again before Addison gets here.I have felt like preparing spiritually, mentally, and emotionally have gone hand in hand. I can't feel complete without the other.

I have set some goals for myself. I have not always been able to keep them, but I try my best! The goals I am working on now are below.

Physically- Stretches morning and night, walk 30 minutes every day. Eating a balanced meal!

Emotionally- Write in my journal or talk with someone about the way I feel when I am feeling upset and need to work some things out. Or take a break! Using Hypnobabies for an hour each day and listening to my joyful affirmations CD.

Educationally- Keep working on my birth plan, do the research and make some more decisions.

Spiritually- Read my scriptures each day, prepare a day to go to the temple, pray morning and night or anytime I feel the need, speak to Kirk or someone else about the Gospel, and Family Scripture and pray.

These are my goals! Yay for preparing for the birth of my baby girl. I want to be the best mom I can be for her. There are so many things I need to prepare for, but even if I don't reach all of  my goals I know that I am trying to do my best. I love my life. I am so grateful for my many many blessings! I am just so happy.

-Lauren


Here are some pictures from the past few weeks! Enjoy.

 Kirk Taking care of me when I had my sinus infection!

 Kirk reading to Addie Belle.

 29 Weeks Sorry for the no make up and messy hair! It was Saturday....

Taking Life on one Day at a time!!!!

Some of my favorite quotes about Pregnancy-

"Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy and complaining about the shadow over my feet, I'd have cherished every minute of it and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was to be my only chance in life to assist God in a miracle."  ~Erma Bombeck,("If I Had My Life to Live Over")


"There is no other organ quite like the uterus.  If men had such an organ they would brag about it.  So should we."  ~Ina May Gaskin

"Pregnancy is a process that invites you to surrender to the unseen force behind all life."  ~Judy Ford

"We repeatedly tell patients we are not in a hurry; there are no trains to catch and we don't care when the baby comes, only how!  A doctor who is in a hurry does not belong in the field of obstetrics.  As my chief pointed out, "An obstetrician should have a big rear end and the good sense to sit calmly there upon and let nature take its course."  ~Robert A. Bradley

Appointment #2/ Life

Yesterday was our second prenatal appointment! It was great. We got to hear the baby's heartbeat again and the baby had hiccups! It was the cutest thing ever. The heart beat was in the 140s and 150s and everything looked great. Things are going well. Life has been enjoyable, but we are getting ready to start school again at the end of the month. That always makes things super busy, but we seem to figure it out. I am taking four hard classes so I really have to ground myself. I hope I do well! Kirk has been so good to me. He always helps out around the house and does things for me. I am so grateful for him. We will soon be celebrating our 1st anniversary! We are so excited. I can't believe it has only been a year. I can't imagine my life without this wonderful man in it. I am such a lucky women!

I wrote this but never posted it! Sorry so short....

Lauren

First Appointment

On Wednesday we had our first prenatal appointment. Like I said before I was pretty nervous about the whole thing. Boy was I nervous about nothing! I went in and was greeted at the door. After we got the basics out of the way (urine sample, blood pressure, etc.) we talked about how I was doing and if we had any questions. Then the glorious moment came when we were going to hear the heartbeat! As she rubbed olive oil on my belly I was getting nervous, I said, "I am afraid you are not going to hear anything!" She smiled with that sweet smile and said, "Don't worry! We will." As she moved around my belly and we heard a few noises, that were not a heartbeat. I was beginning to lose hope. I looked at everyone's faces to see if anyone looked nervous. No body did! Then we finally heard the quick little lub-lub of our babies heartbeat! I am sure I was grinning from ear to ear. There really is a baby in there! I was speechless as she said, "That's your baby!" I looked at Kirk he looked overcome with emotion. (He denies that his eyes got watery, but I am pretty sure I saw tears starting to form!) She said that the heart beat was in the 160's and that both the baby and I are healthy and things are going well. Those were sweet words to hear. I am so thankful that things went so well! I am glad that my fears were taken away and now all week I have had this peaceful calm feeling come over me. I know everything will work out. I can't stop smiling as I remember that sweet sound. The baby swam away and then she tried again we found it one more time, but that stubborn little baby swam away again. It was such a special moment to hear that little baby's heartbeat. I am grateful that I have such a supportive husband and that we got to share that moment together. I obviously can't wait to meet this baby, but I am content on her/him growing happy and healthy for the time being. I feel so much love between myself and Kirk for this little one that will be joining our family. We are so excited to be parents. I can't wait to find out if the baby is a boy or a girl! I want to start shopping for those cute little outfits.... I took a Chinese Gender prediction test and it said the baby was a boy! We will just have to wait and see. Well thanks for reading!

-Lauren

A Few Thoughts From Kirk

Pregnancy sure can be crazy, fun, and all over the place all at the same time. Emotions rise up and fall down in the blink of an eye, and it's sort of been a little hard to cope sometimes. I've prayed a lot, and have thought a lot, so that I might know how to help my wife when she needs help. For the most part, I have found things that help her feel better when she feels sick and hurts, but there are definitely times when I am so very clueless, and sometimes have thoughts of tearing my hair out trying to find out what to do. I figure that I'll find out what to do sometime soon, and that I'll be able to handle anything that comes my way too. We've been getting ready, figuring out how much we need to save to go to the Midwife, and for what we need for other necessities of baby stuffs. It's been pretty good so far, just realizing things are a bit more on the "wow, I didn't even think of that" side. If there's anything I would have done differently, it would have been researching all the things that babies need, and what can REALLY help them grow and learn!

Pregnancy 11 Weeks

Being pregnant has it's ups and downs. I am excited to start on this adventure, but a little nervous too. I haven't felt very sick only from week 8 to 10, which was unpleasant, but ended quickly. This week I have been feeling great! I even had enough energy to go on a bike ride in the canyon yesterday and we are planning to go swimming today. I am eleven weeks as of Monday and will have my first appointment with my midwife next Wednesday. I don't really "feel" pregnant yet. I thought I would have this like amazing bond with my unborn baby, but that is not the case. Some days I even wonder if he or she really exists. I think I will feel better once I hear the little heart beat. That will really solidify this pregnancy and make me feel like I am not crazy!! I am excited to become a mommy. Kirk and I are a little different than most couples, I think that the baby is a boy and he thinks that it is a girl. We won't find out until the beginning of August. I am excited to know so we can start shopping around for cute clothes. 

So as I mentioned before I am having a midwife attend to my prenatal care and birth. I know what you might be thinking, why? I have this intense feeling that I want my baby and I to have the best birth experience possible. I just know that a midwife can give me the birth that I desire. I was born in a birthing center with a midwife. I feel like it is the most natural way that a little person can come into this world. As I have done my research about what kind of birth experience I would want I knew that a hospital with doctors and interventions was not for me. A lot of people support my decision to go ahead with a midwife and a home birth. I am grateful for those people! They really give me strength and  courage in myself and my body. There are also some people who are afraid of what will happen and do not feel like I am making the best decision. I am also grateful for those people, because they really have made me stop and think. Is this really what I want? Is it really the safest way to have my baby? It just really solidified that I know this is what I want. I have watched The Business of Being Born as well as More Business of Being Born. I have also begun reading many books including Ina May's Guide to Childbirth and Birth Without Violence by Frederick Leboyer. I have loved learning about what women are capable of and how their bodies were built to birth babies in a natural loving environment. I am excited to start on this journey and see what my body can do!

Thanks for reading! 

-Lauren 

The Story of Our Family

I had always had big plans for my life. I wanted to finish school and begin my career before I even thought about getting married. I guess we can never say how our lives will work out, because no matter how hard we will them one way they always turn out another! I met the love of my life a year after graduating high school. We had been in the same ward all growing up, but didn't know each other at all. Once he got home from his mission we were set up on a blind date and the rest is history.

We were married on August 4th, 2012 in the Provo Temple. We are just trying to figure out this life together. I can not imagine life with out Kirk. He is truly my best friend. In April we found out that we will be expecting a baby at the end of December. We are overwhelmed, but excited and glad that we have good family and friends that support us. I wanted to start this blog so that we can look back on our memories and share them with our baby. We invite you to see where life takes us just one memory at a time! 

Lauren