First Trimester

I didn't blog much about my pregnancy with Tristan, and I really didn't at all with my pregnancy about Noah, and I kind of regret it -- I just don't remember many details about my pregnancy with Noah.  So, I plan to blog, at least a little, about this pregnancy.  More so for me than for anyone else. 

I am 13 weeks now, so I made it through the first trimester once again.  With Tristan, I remember being tired, the smell of coffee was HORRIBLE, and I couldn't eat cauliflower (which was a big stir-fry dish in China that I normally enjoyed) or oatmeal (which I eat EVERYDAY normally).  I wanted cereal, and being the wonderful husband he was, Nate bought me the only box of Raisin Bran he could find in the city for $10!  When family came to visit a few weeks later, they packed several boxes for me in the luggage!  But I never really was sick or nauseous though.  Every once in a while, the smells of China would make my stomach quiver slightly. 

With Noah, I don't really remember much of anything about my first trimester...or at least, nothing really sticks out in my memory.  Actually, the one craving I got was peanut butter, and that craving stuck with me for the past 4 years! Seriously, up until this pregnancy, I would eat it 2-3 times a day. Other than that, I don't recall being tired, sick, anything.  It was an easy, forgettable first trimester.  Guess I can't complain about that though! 

This first trimester was definitely my hardest of the three...which didn't take much to be the hardest though...since my other two were so easy.  We did have a foster baby for the first few weeks and having two active boys didn't help either.  I was often tired, especially in the afternoon.  If I didn't take an afternoon nap, I was dragging horribly by 4:00-5:00.  The smell of coffee hit me once again, the smell making me nauseous.  Still does slightly.  But the interesting thing is, any time I have tried to get off coffee before, I would get horrible migraines.  I went cold turkey this time, not by choice but it hit me that fast, and I haven't had one headache due to it.  Guess the body really does know what it needs and doesn't need!  Peanut butter has suddenly stopped being a craving and instead is just "good" when I eat it.  Veggies were a no-go for several weeks and slowly getting back into them.  My biggest craving right now...and Nate LOVES this...is Mexican hot sauce and the bottled hot sauce (Louisiana Hot Sauce, etc).  Craving more salt/spicy than my normal sweet tooth.  I add the hot sauce to almost everything now -- sandwiches, eggs, veggies, etc.  So good! 

So far, I'm still in normal clothes.  I'm fortunate, being so tall, that I have a lot of room for the baby to grow.  I can tell I have a slight baby bump, but to most other people, it's not obvious yet. 

I won't have a first trimester picture...or any pictures right now.  Again, our computer can only be used in safe mode...because normal mode doesn't work...and it won't pick up my camera card.  Getting a new computer is on the list of things to do...but just not quite yet. 

First trimester down, two trimesters to go! 

An Update...Finally!

A little update from us...the first one in over a year.  I know...I'm horrible at this blogging thing.  But I do have an update...but for some reason, I just don't have the desire to post it on Facebook.  There actually is a reason for that...and I'll get to that in a moment...but here's our newest news:

We are expecting #3 baby in September :)  (There will be no pictures of an ultrasound or anything...because our computer is dying and refuses to allow me to upload pictures...sigh...)

Today is my last day of the first trimester, so starting phase two tomorrow!  We are excited, the boys are thrilled.  And no, we are not fostering anymore.  Little Miss changed placements about a month ago, and although this was one reason, there were many other reasons that helped us make this decision.  She is, however, in a home that desperately wants to adopt her, although I doubt that will happen (I'm thinking she will go to kin). 

With my previous two pregnancies, I never thought twice about putting it out on Facebook, making that wonderful announcement so the whole world (or all my FB friends) could see it.  However, since Noah has been born, I've seen so much heartache in others with infertility, miscarriages, loss of babies during pregnancies.  Everything from Anencephaly (born without a brain -- happened with two different couples I know)...to tumors causing death at 24 weeks gestation...to sudden stillborn birth days before due date...to water breaking at 18 weeks and giving birth too prematurely to do anything life-saving.  I don't say all of this to sound depressing or make it seem like I'm worried about my pregnancy.  I'm not worried...although I know anything could happen...but I have to trust God with this precious baby.  However, I've become much more sensitive to those around me that have endured such hardships (the giving birth at 18 weeks just happened last week), and it's made me feel that announcing something so exciting should be, for me, a more private announcement. 

So, if you are reading this, thanks for wanting to see our update!  And we know...everyone wants us to have a girl...but since it's already determined, we will just be happy with a healthy baby! 

God Sees the Real Me

How often do we have to remind ourselves that "God sees the real me"?  Yet, we often try to be someone that everyone else wants us to be.  Why is that?  God made us exactly who He wanted us to be, yet we feel like we should be more.  We often feel like we can't be used by God with the "limited" talents and skills we have.  I know sometimes I feel that way.  Stay-at-home mom (mostly), average monthly salary, limited resources -- how can I make a difference?  Yet deep down inside, I know that God is so much more powerful than our monthly salary or my average talents/skills.  God knows who I am, so much better than I know myself, and He knows how exactly I can be used to make a difference.  God knows every little tiny detail about myself, the REAL me, the me that wants to do more, wants to be part of something greater, but also the part that struggles in her prayer life and finding time to do a daily quiet time (ever since children, I haven't been the morning person I used to be!).  But isn't God awesome, that he doesn't need perfection to create perfection?!  Even with all my failings and struggles, God sees the "perfection" in me, the part in me that He can use.  Here are some examples that I love, of some women that were not and are still not perfect, but God is using them in incredible ways:

Time-Warp Wife -- In her testimony, she tells how her husband found out she had previously had an affair, but in all their struggles, they stayed together.  Now she has an incredible blog that is an encouragement to married women struggling to be the wife God has called us to be.

We are THAT family -- I LOVE this blog and the amazing things this woman had done.  She has help start an organization called "The Mercy House".  It is a maternity house in Kenya that aids unwed pregnant women living in poverty.  So many women in that situation often have (or are forced to have) abortions, which not only ends a baby's life, but often times ends the mother's life due to complications.  But another reason I love this blog is because she is an ordinary mother, and she often portrays that in her blog.  You know, the everyday children/marriage/home struggles.  Such an encouragement to me.

The Unplugged Family -- This blog is a new one I've just started following.  She calls it "unplugged" because (in her words) -- "Unplugging to me means taking the plunge and daring to pull the 'connector' to this world and this culture...and cling to something more.  Cling to Jesus and His views on how we should live."  In her testimony, she shares that she became pregnant with her first child with her boyfriend (whom three months later became her husband) and how they struggled those first few years of marriage.  Years later, they have a solid marriage, three children, and live in a 900 sq.ft. farm house, TV-free, and just living the simple life.  She also helps with a ministry called "Nanchu: Nuture a Child Uganda".

Definitely check these blogs out!

Also, on the topic of "God sees the real me", Daysping has this beautiful wall hanging for sale, marked down from $40.00 to just $9.99.  I love this and will probably get this to add to our "girl" room!  You can click on the picture to be taken to the site.

After Christmas Sale + Coupon Code!

Dayspring (once again, I know...but trust me...) is once again having a great sale!  Time to stock up for Christmas 2014!  All the Christmas products are discounted from 50-75% off...plus 25% off with code AFTER25.  Here are some of the many amazing deals you can get right now!

I've shown these first two in my previous post, but the prices are even lower now!  Here is one that I bought for a Christmas present, and it is BEAUTIFUL!  It is even a lovely decorative piece for the whole year long. 

Normally $29.99, on sale for $11.99, but with code, it is $8.99.


Here is the Thanksgiving, Easter, Christmas 12 Day Holiday Countdown.

Normally $24.99, on sale for $9.99, but with code, it is $7.49.

Countdown to Christmas Chalkboard Calendar

Normally $19.99, on sale for $7.99, with code, $5.99.

For all the cooks...

Normally $29.99, on sale for $9.99, with code, $7.49.

Do you like tea?

Normally $19.99, on sale for $7.99, with code, $5.99.

For those that enjoy doing advent calendars...

Normally $19.99, on sale for $7.99, with code, $5.99

and...

Normally $39.99, on sale for $15.99, with code, $11.99.

A great gift to grandchildren, recorded by the grandparents!  My in-laws did a book similar to this for my kids last year, and they have LOVED it!

Normally $19.95, on sale for $9.97, with code, $7.48.

So many more products than I can post on here!  And remember, orders over $50 ALWAYS ship free!
www.dayspring.com

Also, some good buys for your kindle (which I got for Christmas -- so excited!).

If you have never read the Jesus Storybook Bible -- I can't say it enough -- get it and read it!  I read it to my kids during lunch, and we are on our second time through it.  ABSOLUTELY love this book.  It is currently on sale for $1.99.
Jesus Storybook Bible

Also, I have heard so much about this next book that I got it today for my kindle.  So excited to read it!
Running for My Life: One Lost Boy's Journey from the Killing Fields of Sudan to the Olympic Games

Hope everyone had a great Christmas!  Now, time to prepare for next!

*Affiliate links included

Free Shipping at Dayspring Tomorrow -- Dec 16!

Just wanted to remind you that Dayspring is having free 2-day shipping tomorrow, with no minimum, with code FREESHIP!  So, finish your Christmas shopping with some of these great deals! 

I've always wanted a "countdown" for Christmas -- especially this year with Tristan asking EVERY DAY if it is Christmas yet.  Dayspring has this lovely "12 Day Holiday Countdown", but the neat thing about it is it can be used for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, so any other special event, such as birthdays.  The little drawers that come out can be turned, so they make a different picture.  And the "other holiday" side of the cube is just numbers.  It also contains 36 picture tiles, 12 for each holiday to put in each cube, as well as a guide booklet that slides in the back.  Check out the actual website to get the full idea.  It is normally $24.99, but on sale for $14.99. 

Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter - 12 Day Holiday Countdown - $14.99
from: DaySpring Cards

Another lovely thing they have for sale right now is this lovely lantern.  It comes in two different sizes.  The small one is normally $29.99, but on sale for $11.99.  The large one is normally $34.99, but on sale for $13.99.  Candle is not included. 


Love Came Down - Light of the World - Decorative Lantern - $11.99
from: DaySpring Cards Inc


Love Came Down - Morning Star - Decorative Lantern - $13.99
from: DaySpring Cards Inc

How lovely are these plates?  To be honest, I have purchased these platters a few times, and I absolutely love them.  So pretty!  The dinner plate is normally $19.99, but on sale for $9.99.  The blue platter is normally $26.99, but on sale for $9.99, and the red platter is normally $26.99, but on sale for $13.49.

Life Collection - 12" Large Dinner Plate - $9.99
from: DaySpring Cards Inc


Life Collection - 16" Oval Platter - $9.99
from: DaySpring Cards Inc


Life Collection - 16 1/4" x 12 1/4" Red Oval Platter - $13.49
from: DaySpring Cards Inc

The last thing I will leave you with is from the Courageous movie.  This would be a nice gift for a dad!
Normally $59.99, but on sale for $19.99.  There are also options for adding a family picture or personalizing it.

Courageous - The Resolution FOR MEN - Framed Print - $19.99
from: DaySpring Cards Inc

Get to shopping!  And remember -- FREESHIP!

Lilla Rose

Hi!  So, no, I'm not having a little girl named Lilla Rose, although that would be a pretty name for a little girl!  Maybe someday... I have dove into something that I have no experience in, but something that I thought might help our home finances (75% stay-at-home mom, new house, ten acres, lots of projects!).  It's worth a shot, huh?!  It's an awesome company called Lilla Rose.  They sell different kinds of hair jewelry, but they are know for what is called a "flexi-clip". 

Some information about the flexi-clips:

1) They are sturdy.  Very sturdy.  If you can see in the picture, the two parts are attached, so you are not going to lose part of it.  These are not flimsy, as many of the store brand clips are.  So you don't have to worry about breaking it! 

2) They are comfortable!  No pulling at the hair, no breaking your hair, no giving you headaches by the end of the day. 

3) They are versatile.  There are six different sizes, ranging from mini-small to mega.  And trust me, the mega can hold a LOT of hair (see picture below!). 



You can also wear these at home while you are doing house work or for something in which you have to dress up a little fancier.  Casual but elegant at the same time. 

Lilla Rose also sells other "hair jewelry" as well.  There are the boppy pins:

There are the u-pins:

There are the headbands:

 

As well as hair sticks (look at the top picture):

 

They also sell o-bands (fancy "rubber" bands), as well as beautiful badge holders. 

If you are interested in purchasing a Lilla Rose product, you should watch the size and styling video to make sure you order the correct size -- http://www.youtube.com/user/LillaRoseVideos

Also, go to www.lillarose.biz/ShawnaTunnell to see and buy products and https://www.facebook.com/#!/LillaRoseShawnaTunnell for new products, sales, and any other important information. 

Alternative to traditional health insurance

There is a lot of talk about Obamacare, healthcare, insurances, and such lately. Health insurance just puts a bad taste in my mouth, personally. After Nathan was in the hospital in Missouri for a week during our "vacation" and battling insurance for six months before anything was settled, I became really frustrated with the idea of "insurance". I know that some people have really good health insurance, so if you do, this is not for you. But if you are looking for an alternative to health insurance, here is one that I have recently joined...

Christian Healthcare Ministries -- www.chministries.org This organization is based on Galatians 6:2 (Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the Law of Christ) and Acts 2 and 4. Their mission statement is: The mission of Christian Healthcare Ministries is to glorify God, show Christian love, and experience God's presence as Christians share each other's medical bills.

Qualifications are simple:
 • be Christians living by biblical principles
• abstain from the use of tobacco and the illegal use of drugs (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
• follow biblical teaching on the use of alcohol
• attend group worship regularly if health permits (Hebrews 10:25)

And on a side note, everytime I had to call about a question, I was sent directly to someone who could help me, and they were friendly, helpful, and very personable. So, how it works (per person):

There are three levels in which you can choose from. 1) $150 a month -- $500 personal responsibility per unit, per year. Anything over $500 will be covered 100%. Of course, there are certain things, like annuals, that they will not cover, but if you are interested, you can find out for yourself. This plan does cover maternity, however. 2) $85 a month -- $1000 per unit per incident -- covers mainly major incidents 3) $45 a month -- $5000 per unit per incident -- covers mainly major incidents

Here is the cool part. You can go to ANY doctor, ANYWHERE. There is no one telling you which doctor or hospital to go to.

There is a pre-existing clause, meaning if you have a pre-existing condition, it will only be covered a certain percentage, the percentage growing after each year you are a participant. I think after 5 years, it is fully covered...I think...don't quote me. But here is another cool part about that. There is a monthly newsletter sent out, and inside of it, it shares all the pre-existing conditions and financial burders that members have (for example, heart surgery due to a heart condition previously had before joining CHM). They ask members to contribute (in addition to their monthly giving), if led to, to these members that need extra help. It's amazing to read how reductions, discounts, and donations make a difference in these bills! Many times, these people end up paying a few hundred on a surgery that cost thousands -- and this is not coming from CHM but directly from members paying over and beyond their monthly giving.

Another interesting thing is they have medical consultants that you can speak directly to that will give you advice about whatever you need as well as contact doctors/hospitals to get discounts and reductions that we could not do ourselves.

  I just gave out a lot of information but if anyone is interested and have questions, you can email me (rnea1982@yahoo.com) or look up the website yourself. If you happen to join, put my name in as a referral. It will help me out ;)

Also, another ministry that is similar and just as good is Samaritian Ministries -- http://samaritanministries.org/