Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Moments with the Mullers: We're here at 34 Weeks. 40 weeks seems like an ete...

Moments with the Mullers: We're here at 34 Weeks. 40 weeks seems like an ete...: Well, we made it to 34 weeks! John Patrick is the size of a butternut squash. He is roughly 18 or so inches. He can recognize and react to s...

We're here at 34 Weeks. 40 weeks seems like an eternity away.....

Well, we made it to 34 weeks! John Patrick is the size of a butternut squash. He is roughly 18 or so inches. He can recognize and react to simple songs. He also urinates about a pint a day...which he also ingests...yuck. He's listening to Mommy and Daddy and probably you that are around me. He's also starting to descend a little lower into my pelvis which makes my new pregnant model walk that much sexier.... He's growing and running out of room which makes Mommy extremely uncomfortable.

Speaking of how Mommy is feeling, this is not the funnest time of this pregnancy. I'm trying to focus on the positive, but the heat, no sleep and Braxton Hicks aren't helping any. I've never been a fan of the heat unless I'm at the lake or the beach living it up. Since, I'm still on travel restrictions, that's not happening soon. It's only gotten up to the high 90s and I feel like it's gotten up to 120 degrees. I'm also not sleeping. I can't get cool enough to sleep and then when I find a comfortable position John Patrick gets uncomfortable and he sure lets Mommy know that he's not comfy. As I posted Braxton Hicks hit me for the first time and scared me half death. #1: They didn't tickle, yo. #2: It doubled me over and my first thought was "This is it." Of course it wasn't and it's not near what it's going to be, but I'm not looking forward to that.

Don't get me wrong, there are more good that outweighs those complaints. First off, I can feel every move this boy makes and each movement makes me smile because John Patrick is a blessing and I love him so much. It's a blessing that we got this precious gift that I had honestly almost given up hope for. Second, I can tell he recognizes voices and songs. Last week at VBS, any time the music played he moved and moved. He LOVED it. He knew something special and fun was going on. I can't wait for next year to see my son actually experience VBS! He also loves to hear his Daddy. Every night, Daddy reads him a book. He LOVES this. He literally moves the whole time that Johnathan reads. I can't wait for him to get here so we can see his sweet smiles as we sing and read to him.

Speaking of VBS, enjoy this week's pictures. I included one of Daddy since Johnathan is so excited about our son. I'm one blessed woman to have a husband like Johnathan. He's going to be the BEST daddy ever. This whole experience has just made me fall that much more in love with the man God has blessed me with.

32 Weeks

33 Weeks! John Patrick's first VBS!

Daddy & John Patrick's picture outfit! I can't wait!


Yesterday, we had our biweekly checkup. I know I say this all the time but I LOVE my doctor. He puts me at ease and gets me through the anxiety associated with pregnancy. Let's face it, I've been scared this whole pregnancy. I've been just waiting for something to go wrong. Topic of the day was getting this baby out. We are completely on John Patrick's time table. We had a good heartbeat and my uterus is still measuring a little bit ahead. I hope that means he'll come a little early. It was a normal check up with good results. We went over my birth plan. If you are or have been pregnant and heard of these plans, you will know they can be a bit complicated and there are some pretty weird stuff that can be on them. He even groaned when I mentioned it. But mine is pretty simple, I want all the pain meds he will give me. I don't want a vacuum or forceps. I don't want my baby given formula unless my milk doesn't come in. I want Johnathan to cut the cord. I want the doctor to make the decisions on what is medically best for my baby. Easy Peasy. He agreed. He put the plan back in my purse for me and I got a little embarrassed when he saw the graham crackers. Of course I had to comment "Yes, I'm a fat kid who keeps snacks in my purse." Do you know what he responded with??? Not that I'm gaining too much weight or cautioned me to watch it. He said that he's glad that I'm eating. I should be eating and I should be grazing. I'm not the normal patient. I don't have a normal stomach. I get hungrier faster and full faster. The baby is getting nutrients for me and that I should be eating. I told him that I'm hyper aware of my weight gain. Because I am. I can see it now in my face. It's puffy. And I feel HUGE. I feel like a walrus. No lie. He laughed and said that my 24 pounds that I've gained in well within the normal range. And for me to quit worrying about it. I'm going to try. It will last all of 5 minutes until I look in the mirror or see my reflection. Anyways, the plan is to go back in two weeks and then we start the fun prenatal appointments where we check for dilation and we have to go back weekly. This just means we are that much closer to our son making his big debut.

Speaking of debut, don't forget to go and make your prediction on when John Patrick will get here. http://www.whatsinmybelly.com/baby-pool-mullers-first-baby-8512?fb_ref=Default. Guess what day, his weight, his eye color and his hair color!

So prayer requests is that we continue on a safe journey to get this baby here. Also, pray for peace and rest for me. I'm pretty petrified of the labor process and my pain tolerance. I'm really really worried about it. I've not googled videos of labor, but I've been tempted. Thank you for your prayers and support they mean soooo much to us!

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Moments with the Mullers: 33 Weeks! VBS and a Photo throughout my Pregnancy!...

Moments with the Mullers: 33 Weeks! VBS and a Photo throughout my Pregnancy!...: This week we are 33 weeks! John Patrick is the size of a honeydew melon. I’ve never had a honeydew melon. Maybe this is a good time to try o...

33 Weeks! VBS and a Photo throughout my Pregnancy!

This week we are 33 weeks! John Patrick is the size of a honeydew melon. I’ve never had a honeydew melon. Maybe this is a good time to try one. Any thoughts? Good? Bad? Not to try while pregnant? Anyways, he is about 18 inches long and weighs about 4 pounds and 13 ounces! Close to a 5 pounder ya’ll! This week he is getting close to whatever length he is going to be on the big day. We don’t know what that will be exactly. This week he’s working on getting his days and nights straight. His tiny eyes can tell the difference when it’s light outside the womb and night. He’s also working on starting to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing. His bones are hardening. That’s amazing to me! It’s still the little things!

He is growing! That’s the point! You can tell my growing bump! Enjoy the pictures!! Remember I promised a transitional pic that shows our growth! No judgement please! I already feel HUGE!



This past week we rested and worked on VBS. We are excited to be a part of this. It’s God working through us that is such a blessing. We are so blessed to have Hebron Baptist Church from Louisiana here to help us with this. Last night we had 76! That’s amazing! There’s still time to come by! Hillcrest Baptist Church’s Journey Off the Map is going on until Friday. We feed the kids at 5:30pm and we dismiss at like 8:30pm. It’s a great time. But most importantly, it’s about God. We are ministering to these kids and planting seeds that will be present their entire lives that will hopefully lead them to a decision whether that decision is salvation, rededication or dedicating their lives of service like becoming a pastor or youth leader! Keep praying for our team and these kids that we are ministering to!

We’ve also been working hard on the nursery. I’ve been washing clothes like crazy!! My son has a bigger wardrobe than Johnathan and I combined! I’ve bought the Medela bags to steam wash the bottles and pacies. I’m fixing to start getting them ready and put them in a plastic tub and plastic bags and label them for the different sizes. I’ve never been so excited to do dishes in my life!

We’ve been packing his diaper bag for the hospital! I’ve got toys and onesies and mittens and diapers and wipes. I’m so excited! Only 6 weeks and 6 days until he makes it here!! Maybe even sooner depending on the doctor and John Patrick. I’m praying for a July baby!

Everyone has been asking us what we need or want or didn’t get much of. Here is a general list:
1. Bottles. We like Dr. Browns or the Medela.
2. Breastpumping Supplies. We have a Medela pump.
3. Swaddlers or Receiving blankets. We have TONS of cute blankets but not swaddlers or receiving blankets.
4. High chair.
5. Play gym for tummy time.
6. Bumbo chair.
7. Humidifier
8. Safety stuff like outlet covers, cabinent holders, toliet seat thing, etc..
9. The safety kit like with the clippers, thermometer, etc…

So, new this week is heartburn. I’ve never had heartburn IN. MY. LIFE. It’s horrible. It’s so bad that I cannot sleep. It doesn’t matter what I eat (except peanut butter), it rears its ugly head. I HATE milk so that’s not an option. I’ve been trying tums. Believe me this is a subject that will be on the docket for the doctor’s appointment on Monday.

Prayer requests for this week is continued prayers for VBS. It’s a great week. I’m already tired and we still have 3 more days to go! Pray that God will continue to move and that kids will continue to come. Keep praying for my legs. They are pretty purple and swollen right now, but I’ve got them up and ready for resting.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Moments with the Mullers: Travel restrictions during summer....Boo...

Moments with the Mullers: Travel restrictions during summer....Boo...: We've made it to 32 weeks! John Patrick is the size of a squash. He is about 17 inches long and weighs a sound 4.4 pounds. He's perf...

Travel restrictions during summer....Boo...

We've made it to 32 weeks! John Patrick is the size of a squash. He is about 17 inches long and weighs a sound 4.4 pounds. He's perfect. Or at least I think so. He's getting ready for the great descent. He's likely in the head down position. I can feel it. He's probably getting cramped. Only 7 weeks and 6 days until his big day!

Speaking of his big day, we've started an online baby pool where you guess what day you think he will be born, how much he will weigh, what time he's born, how long he is, his hair color and his eye color. Make your guess at http://www.whatsinmybelly.com/baby-pool-mullers-first-baby-8512?fb_ref=Default. It's just for fun. We already have a few guesses!

It was another great week. We really just rested. I've been told to rest now because rest will not be a luxury once he gets here. However, WTE (What to Expect) says that's a myth. Once a routine is down, rest will come for both Mommy & Daddy and baby. Plus, I'm so tired. All of the time. So tired. It's gonna be a long and rough 8 weeks or so. So, we've officially hit the "look at that belly!" stage. I know he's growing and the belly getting bigger is good thing. I know this. Do I always feel like it's a good thing? No. The belly gets in the way and makes me hot. Anyways, enjoy this week's belly bump pictures below! Next week, I'll have the 32 week picture, so I'll do another "Lucy throughout pregnancy picture."

30 Weeks
31 Weeks


This weekend we got in some Muller time. We headed to Duncan. This was the max of the 3 hour travel limit. Traveling is not my friend. Even though I talk about tired, I can't sleep. Especially in the car. The car is soooo uncomfortable. It hurts my back, it hurts my butt. John Patrick is uncomfortable and believe me, he lets me know when he's not comfy. But we had a great time. We always do. We spent some time with Paul and Sherry and little Peiton. Saturday was our shower with the Mullers. I know that I've said it before but I'm so blessed to part of this family. We were blessed by the turn out and how much my son is loved. Johnathan and I both have a plethora of family, blood or not, who is ready to love on these sweet babies. Below are some pictures of the celebration. A huge thanks to Amanda and Sherry. They went above and beyond and made both Johnathan and I feel very special. Thank you Amanda and Sherry for a wonderful day!! And thank you to everyone who showed up to celebrate!! We can't wait to share John Patrick with you! Here are a few pictures of this beautiful day!

Crib bedding comforter! We LOVE it!

Me and a few of my favorite Muller gals!

Aunt Cindy and I

Miss Ry and I!

The super cute cake! We can't wait to welcome our little Deere!

The cute lamp that Sherry made us. She also made all of the crib bedding! We love it! His room is going to be awesome!

On Sunday, we headed home. It might not feel like it to you but that's a long trip. We had planned on stopping in Davis so we can get some of those amazing fried pies. I was becoming particularly uncomfortable and adjusted myself and when I looked down at my legs, they about doubled in size and were purple. And they hurt. So, we pulled over and I walked it out. I got some of the swelling down. It scared me not gonna lie. We came home and I immediately put my feet up.

Yesterday, we had our 32 week OB appointment. I love my OB. Dr. Henslee is amazing. I brought up the the leg thing. It scared me that bad. He looked at my swollen legs (they weren't as swollen as Sunday) and expressed his concern. He's worried about blood clots. Pregnancy brings out the best in women. Blah. Anyways, I have to watch it. And while I'm watching it, I can't travel more than an hour. Boo. It's summer. We haven't gotten the camper out ONCE! Boo.... Also, unless it's inside McAlester, no driving for this girl. I have to take it easy. One thing I need to remember is that the world is not my responsibility. Right now, my main focus is getting John Patrick here safely and healthy. As hard as it's going to be, I'm going to try to start letting things go. I mean letting other people take care of things. I'm going to focus on the baby and keeping my body healthy for him including resting at the end of the day and cutting out all the extensive traveling. Not gonna lie, I'm dying to go camping. However, Lake McGee Creek is within an hour. We can do that! Johnathan can be in charge of the packing and planning and I just get to enjoy a weekend. I'll let you know how that goes. We go back in two weeks. If my legs still feel tight and are still purplish, he's gonna make wear those super cute socks (sarcasm here). We are also gonna talk birth plan. If you know me, flying by the seat of my pants isn't working for me. I need a plan even if it's a broad one. I need a plan.

So prayer requests for this week are for me to be able to rest and for my legs to keep down and for the purplish hue to go away so that we are healthy. Also, our VBS starts next Monday. Pray for our team coming in and that God will move! VBS is M-F at Hillcrest Baptist Church, 610 S. C St., 5:30pm to 8:30pm! Need a ride, let me know! I've got the connections!

I will try to blog next week, but with VBS, it may not be possible! Thanks for reading and for your prayers!

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Moments with the Mullers: Summer has arrived... Yayyyyy for 31 Weeks!

Moments with the Mullers: Summer has arrived... Yayyyyy for 31 Weeks!: Here we are at 31 weeks! He's steadily gaining 1/2 a pound a week at this point, so based on last week's ultrasound, John Patrick sh...

Summer has arrived... Yayyyyy for 31 Weeks!

Here we are at 31 weeks! He's steadily gaining 1/2 a pound a week at this point, so based on last week's ultrasound, John Patrick should be a whopping 3.9 pounds! He's the size of a Pineapple! About 17 inches! He's going through major brain and nerve development! And eye development! His irises are now reacting to light! Also, all 5 senses are working! Even his smell. He can "smell" my amniotic fluid and get a special scent of Mommy's special smell that will be recognizable when he's born. How cool is that?! He's growing and getting that much more ready for the real world! Mommy loves little boy so much already!

So, Summer is here. Yayyyyy. Normally, I would be super stocked about the lake and camping and swimming and going outside. However, this blasted heat is not my friend this summer. It's making me super comfortable and makes me feel even more like a whale and zaps whatever energy I have left. Plus, life has been so busy, that we haven't had time to plan a camping trip for the summer or a day trip to the lake. This should be remedied. Hopefully, we can squeeze a weekend in...Even if it's just at McGee Creek Lake; however, Lake Murray would be a better idea... But convincing the Hubs that I can do this will be a whole different battle. You can tell by my bump pictures below that it was crazy hot this weekend....

29 Weeks

30 Weeks


This week was our second baby shower at the church. Vanessa, Veronica, Megan and Maryah did such an awesome job. There are a few pictures below. Words cannot describe how blessed I am to have these ladies in our lives. Vanessa, Megan and Maryah have always been more like sisters. John Patrick is lucky to have Aunt V, Aunt Megs and Aunt MyMy in his life. It was a great shower. One thing I've learned is that it's not about the gifts. My shower is literally a chance to share my baby boy with the world. He's such a blessing, that I have hard time not talking about him. He's the reason for my smile. So many people keep talking about my glow and it's not me. That glow is John Patrick Muller. I love this little pineapple so much. He's my little poppyseed and my little miracle. That's what I loved most about the shower. Bad part of the shower....THE AC WASN'T WORKING! Yep, it was hot. Miserable. Thanks to my Papa for showing up and fixing it. And making it bearable. Thank you again to everyone who came and supported us! We are so excited to share this little bundle. Just 62 more days to go!!!

Beverages. Sweet? Unsweet? We had your pleasure.

The sign in table!

Our Diaper cake! It's a tractor! We also go the Otis Tractor book set! I can't tell you how excited we are to read these books to our baby boy!

The Moore Family!

Megan, Me and Vanessa!

Me and the "Big Cousin"

The Latimer Family!

The Darleys!

Our Tractor cupcake cake! It was YUMMY!!

Our cradle. This was handmade by Tommy Miller!. The name is engraved! We LOVE that this is something that we can hand down to John Patrick as an heirloom. He can give this to his son and his son's son and so on and so on! It's beautiful!


On Sunday, we went to church. I led the music. I miss my Nana at church by the way. She hasn't been able to come back to church because of her strength. I got to spend a lot of time with my great-grandparents and I'm really excited that John Patrick is going to have Nana in his life. My relationship with Granny Gilliam and Papa Pat is one that I've cherished my whole entire life. I pray that John Patrick has some of the same kinds of memories of Nana as I did of my great-grandparents. Nana's strength from her stroke isn't entirely back. Please say a quick prayer for Nana. She is really wanted to come back to church, but just isn't feeling strong enough.

One thing I've really been enjoying is John Patrick moving around. He's being more active during the day. People have even been able to see him move around. So, if you see me at work or church and I start randomly or mysteriously smiling, it's because I'm feeling my wiggle worm wiggle around. You can probably see it if you look at my belly. And if I'm in a really good mood, you can probably get away with asking me if you can feel him.

So, coming up this week is our Muller Shower. I know I've said this before but being a part of the Muller family is definitely a gift from God. This family is so loving and accepting. I'm so excited about seeing those who can come! It's like a preview of the Tractor Show. Johnathan and I were just talking and last year at the tractor show, there were 99 Mullers in the family picture. If the same people showed up with the 3 new Mullers (including John Patrick), there will be 102 Mullers. This family has certainly been blessed!! Thank you Amanda and Sherry for making this possible! Look forward for pictures next week!! You'll also get a preview of what our little baby could look like, because Muller genes run deep!

Prayers for this week include prayers for Nana and for safe travels as Johnathan, Rylee, John Patrick and I travel to Duncan (at the max of the travel restriction FYI).

Again, thanks for reading and for prayers!

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Moments with the Mullers: Our Baby Boy is growing Perfectly! 30 Weeks!

Moments with the Mullers: Our Baby Boy is growing Perfectly! 30 Weeks!: We've made it to 30 Weeks! This week we are the size of a butternut squash. He weighs 3.4 pounds (I know that for sure, see below) and h...

Our Baby Boy is growing Perfectly! 30 Weeks!

We've made it to 30 Weeks! This week we are the size of a butternut squash. He weighs 3.4 pounds (I know that for sure, see below) and he's 17 inches long. This week his skin is getting smoother, but his brain is getting wrinklier. He has to make room for all that essential brain tissue! Also, this week he's strong enough to grasp a finger! Again, it's the little things that make my day. Just knowing that he could already hold my finger, makes me smile. I canNOT wait for him to get here!

Here are this week's bump picture! Enjoy!

28 Weeks

29 Weeks


Last week was busy busy busy. We came back from vacation and caught up laundry, which is always a fun time (insert eye roll here). On Thursday, we had our first official baby shower thrown by the HR gals and Terry. I am so blessed to work with such amazing people. John Patrick is loved by so many people already. He is one blessed baby boy! We are so excited to celebrate this little miracle with the world. We are blessed to have amazing people and friends in our lives! We had a beautiful shower. I am so appreciative to Marge, Tiffany, Deborah and Terry for making sure that everything was taken care of. We had the cutest cookies and very yummy cupcakes. We got tons of stuff. We got some new clothes, toys, diapers, blankets. Again, we are blessed. Here a few pictures of the shower. These are just a few.

A beautiful baby quilt that Marge made. We love it! It has all the tractors: the green ones, the red ones, the blue ones! This baby boy can have his pick: John Deere, Farmall, or Ford or really whatever he desires!

All of the loot! He's so spoiled already!

A John Deere piggy bank!

Yep! Momma's boy already!! Look out ladies! 


Yesterday, we had our routine OB appointment. So, I failed my glucose test. It was just a barely fail, but enough to have the doc question it. That paired with my uterus measuring 3 weeks ahead can point to Gestational Diabetes. It's enough to get his attention and to worry me. Believe me, I've Google enough about Gestational Diabetes to worry myself into a frenzy... I already had an appointment with the specialist so he decided to let it ride until we could get the specialist's opinion (which will be shared below). I also want to note that that my BP is awesome. It was 116/60. Before the WLS, my BP was regularly 150-160/90-100. Proof that the WLS not only made me look better, but helped me become healthier. So, the plan is to wait to see what the Specialist says and then our next appointment which is in two weeks, we will discuss birth plan and such to nail down a plan. We are getting so close!

Today started out as a good day. You know that Brad Paisley song "I Thought I Loved You Then"? Well, that's how my day started. I spent about 15 minutes crying over the song. It wasn't a bad cry, but a good happy cry, because when I met Johnathan 8 years ago. I knew he was something special and as our friendship grew into this marriage, I remember the first time I had said that I loved him. I was at Falls Creek and he couldn't go because he couldn't get off of his job then. It was the first time we hadn't seen each other at least every other day. I missed him terribly and I just told him. He said it back. At that moment, there was no way I thought I could love him any more. Then, on our wedding day, as I walked down the aisle and looking at him, I knew I loved him more. As we battled infertility and PCOS, he stood beside me in the most uncomfortable and awkward positions, listening and learning about the gross things about my body. I grew to love him more and more as he loved me through this trial in our life. Then, when he completely changed his lifestyle to match mine so that I would be a success with the WLS, I thought my cup was full. But today, as I got up to get ready to head to this specialist, I was nervous and worried about what could be wrong with my son, there was my husband, dealing with the everyday details of life, like packing water for me to drink or taking care of the dog. I love him so much more now than I ever thought possible. He's stood beside me through whatever life has thrown and loved me through it all. He's going to be an amazing daddy and I can't wait to grow to love him even more.

The specialist appointment started off great. I had another good BP 118/80. My weight gain is right on target. Then came the ultrasound. Anytime I get to see my son, is a great moment. We got to see his heart and kidneys and legs and even his testicles. Yes, we have more confirmation that we are having a little boy. She was a little rough but I toughed it out to make sure the doctor had everything he needed to come to a medical conclusion. I also got really hot and dizzy which is apparently normal. Below are some pictures of our poppyseed! He's beautiful! Next, we met with the specialist. Let me just say that I read reviews about this physician via the web. Now, I work in the healthcare field and I know that most of the time the reviews are usually upset patients. We usually only comment on things when we are angry. It's very rare to read a review that is not a glowing review or a horrible review. The reviews were all about how he refuses to work with overweight patients and basically tells them they are horrible people for having babies while overweight. Now, we all know that I'm a tad bit sensitive about my weight and worried myself into a frenzy about this appointment. I couldn't have over-dramatized more. Not only did he treat us wonderful, he commended me about my weight loss and that he's proud of the decisions and accomplishments that I've made. So, the good news?? John Patrick is perfect! I'm not just saying that because I'm his mother and he has 1/2 of my genes. The doctor said that he is perfect. He's a perfect size! He's not 3 weeks ahead of schedule at all but right on target!! That means, this mommy, does NOT have gestational diabetes in his opinion. In his medical opinion the reason I "failed" that glucose test is because of my surgery. So, pay attention, future WLS patients that plan on having children, because the WLS makes your stomach work slower, keeping it full a little longer. This delays the processing of food and nutrients; hence, the processing of the sugar from that disgusting vile orange drink that I got down. Another indicator? John Patrick weighs 3.4 pounds. He should weigh between 2.8 and 3.8 pounds. If I had gestational diabetes, he would be much larger. Need another indicator? If I had gestational diabetes, his liver would be secreting insulin, and there is NO indication that he's doing that. The specialist said that there is no cause for concern and to enjoy my perfect, long legged (confirmed by ultrasound), big nosed little boy (also confirmed, see the Muller nose below). I could not be happier. God has answered yet another one of my prayers!!

Look at my perfect boy with the Muller Nose. FYI, that prominent nose bone is also an indicator that he will not have Down's Syndrome. 

Another one of his sweet face! I can't wait to kiss those cheeks! Only 9 weeks and 6 days left to go!


So, now what? Now, we just enjoy the rest of this week. This weekend is our baby shower at the church. Again, I'm thankful that so many people love this baby boy already. I hope to see you there so we can celebrate this little miracle with you! Thanks to Vanessa, Megan and Maryah for arranging all of this so we can share our little miracle! Let me know if you need more info! It's Saturday, June 6, 2015 at Hillcrest Baptist Church, McAlester, 2pm. We are registered at Walmart, BabiesRUs and Baby Depot! Bring a book instead of a card! Hope to see you there! Look forward to pictures from there!!

So, prayer requests are for a continued healthy pregnancy! Believe me your prayers are being heard!

Talk to you next week!