New York

Time Square
We stayed at the W Time Square, so we had a picture of this outside our window.

FAO Schwartz - Jordan and Lego Chewbacca
(That picture is for you, Marty)

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Central Park

Carriage ride in Central Park

Grand Central Station

The Bull in the Financial District

Rockefeller Center

Jordan and I just got back from New York yesterday. We went on Wednesday and got back late last night.

I thought I'd share some photos with the viewers. We had a great time and enjoyed getting to see all of the attractions that New York has to offer. All I have to say is...thank goodness for the subway. Otherwise, I wouldn't have it made with all of the walking. Jordan did a great job navigating the city with his trusty little map.

If some of the pictures don't look to professional, it's because it was raining Wednesday and Thursday.

As you can see above, we're going to be having a baby girl come April 30th. We are so excited.

I want to give everyone a short background on how crazy it is that we're having a little girl. From the minute we announced that we were expecting, we must have had 90% of those people tell us that we're going to have a boy. I was told all kinds of reasons...the way you carrying the baby, just because, the Chinese calendar, etc. I thought to myself, I bet it's a boy but maybe there is a small chance that it's a girl. Who know, right?

We had our perintal appointment on Tuesday at 9:00a. I had had dreams all night long that we were expecting a boy. Jordan and I sat in the room waiting on the doctor in anticipation. He started the sonogram and measuring the baby and making sure that everything was growing properly. He asked us if we wanted to know and quickly, Jordan responded "YES." He then asked what we thought it was and Jordan said a boy. A few seconds later, the doctor told us "Well, you're going to have a daughter." Oh wow. Jordan just had this huge grin on his face. It's the biggest smile I've ever seen.

My family on my father's side has not had a baby girl in the family in 26 years (yes, that was me). Needless to say, my family was ready to buy some pink. I find it amazing that I would be the one that would have the girl. My family is elated, as is the Griffin family.

We want to thank everyone that has continues to pray for our family. Our lives continued to be blessed. God is so gracious and loving.

(We're working on a little girl's name, and we'll let everyone know as soon as we figure it out)

Christmas Time

Fireplace and Mantle

Lights on the outside of the house
(we put these up a few weeks ago, but waited to turn them on till last night)

Christmas Tree

After we got back from New Boston, I started working on decorating the house for Christmas. I have to give Jordan some credit, he helped when I needed someone to pull some stuff down and many other little things. Our house decorations have a color scheme of white and silver. I get so excited about Christmas every year. I have tried to slow myself down and enjoy the holidays and not have everything done before Thanksgiving was over. I just enjoy having the house all decorated. It looks so joyful and cozy.

Thanks babe for helping me do stuff this year. I really appreciate you more than you'll ever know.

18 week Check Up

Jordan and I went to the OB on Wednesday to see how the progress was going with Baby G. The OB said that the baby is growing accordingly and the heart beat (150) was normal and doing well. We tried to get the OB to do a sonogram to see if we could find out the sex of the baby, but she said that we would have to wait until our perintal appointment. So Jordan and I are scheduled to see the perintal doctor on Tuesday, December 2nd at 9:00. We are so excited and hope that the baby will be facing the right way to show us if it's a boy or girl. I promise, I'll post boy or girl as soon as I know.

Earlier that day, I had an endocrinologist appointment to see how my diabetes was doing with the pregnancy. Going to the two doctors every month is definitely time consuming, but I'm sure this is just the beginning. The nurse practitioner said that my A1C test (test showing blood glucose average over the past 6 weeks) was 5.8. Just so you know, that is the best that my diabetes has measured since I was diagnosed. The baby has already been a blessing in my life without it knowing it.

After those two appointments, I told myself that I am very thankful to be in good health and have a healthy baby. I've decided that it's time to stop being nervous about my diabetes with the pregnancy and just enjoy every minute of it.

Thankful for.....

God
Freedom of Religion
My husband
Baby Griffin
Family
Friends
Good Thanksgiving Food
My Job

This is a time of year that a lot of us sit back and realize what we have to be thankful for. The older I get, the more I realize how much I should be thankful throughout the entire year. God has granted us a life here on earth, and it is our job to make the best of it and make him proud. I'm looking forward to what 2009 brings. I'm going to do a better job and being thankful and thanking those around me for the little things that make our days special.

Thanksgiving for Jordan and I has been great. We went to New Boston to spend some time with my family and get away for awhile. We both enjoyed the great home cookin' by my Meemee and Mom. One day, I only hope that my kids enjoy my cooking as much as I enjoy their cookin'. Thanks for all the good food. Baby Griffin and I really enjoyed it.

Christmas

I am so excited about Christmas!  This time of year with Thanksgiving and Christmas just brings a happiness to my heart and makes me filled with joy for life.  I'm working on trying to be that way the entire year.  

So with the holidays around the corner, I told Jordan that it might be smart to go ahead and put our Christmas lights up on the house.  No.....it's not because I'm so excited about Christmas.  I thought it would probably be a good idea since my belly's not getting any smaller and the weather is not going to get any better.  

So this past weekend, Jordan and I put our Christmas lights on the house.  You should have seen our neighbors faces.  We had quite a few of them make comments and ask what were we thinking.  Jordan knows how much I love to have the white lights outline the roof of the house, so he bravely climbed the ladder.  I love you honey!!!

14 weeks

Since we decided to head back to Presby Dallas, the doctor said to come in so she could see what was going on.  

We went today for my 14 week checkup.  She listened to the heartbeat.  It was so neat.  I get teary eyed every time I think about it.  It's amazing to know that there is a little body with a heart inside of me and depending on me already.  Life is precious.

I'm scheduled to have another checkup on Nov 26.  

Then on December 2nd, we go to the perinatal doctor to get our sonogram to tell the sex of the baby.  YIPEE!!!  We'll know before Christmas.  We just want a healthy baby!

Back to Presby

So everybody that reads the blog is going to think I've gone nuts since the pregnancy.

We're back to Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas for the birth of our child and back to the original OB.

When we went to the new OB in Frisco, we were asking questions about the hospital and how everything works with their office.  I asked her if there was an endocronologist on staff at the hospital or one they referred to when a diabetic mother was having a baby.  She stated that they use a general practioner for their diabetic patients.  I got really worried about that, so I called my endo now and asked them what they thought about this.  Their response "that's not good...that's not going to work."  Well great.  What was I going to do now?

So I went back online to check and see if Presby Dallas had bee put back on our insurance since the negotiations should be over by now.  To my surprise they are back on there with all the other Presby Hospitals.  At that point, I knew that my original plan was the right one from the start. 

Crib & Dresser

Above are pictures of the crib and dresser that Jordan and I went and purchased last night.  It was so exciting.  The baby is already costing us money and it hasn't even come into this world yet.  The pictures are in white, but we got them in espresso, so they'll be gender neutral and can be used for another child down the road.

What a weekend.  My mom came in town on Saturday, and we shopped all day Saturday and Sunday.  The weekend was very successful, and we got a lot accomplished.

I found a crib that I just love.  I've been looking online and in stores for a while now, but never saw anything that I just feel in love with.  You'll never guess where I found it...Stacey's Furniture in Grapevine.  They have a baby store in there and there it was.  Jordan and I are going to go and order it sometime this week.  They say it takes up to 16 weeks to get in.

I know my mom reads the blog all the time, so I want to take some time to tell her thank you.  Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to come hang out with me to have "girl time."  I enjoyed our time together immensely.  I really do appreciate all that you do for me, Jordan, and now the baby.  We are very blessed to have  you in our lives.  So thank you for being you!!! We love you!!

Nana's 95th Birthday

Nana and Blake (great great grandson)

My Nana, great grandmother had her 95th Birthday Party this past weekend.  The family decided to throw her a party at the retirement home that she resides.  She had a lot of guests and plenty of cards from people that could not attend.  She has talked about the party all week.  She told me yesterday that the other residents at the retirement home said that that was the biggest party they have ever had there.  I think she really liked knowing that.  It made her feel special, which she is.  

My Nana is the sweetest lady is the world.  She is always thinking about others and how to inspire them to be the best they can be and to think of others.  The memories that I have captured over the years will always be remembered.  She makes the best cornbread and always had dessert after a meal.  I could go on and on.  We love you Nana and hope you live to be 100.  You've gotta hang around to see Baby Griffin come into the world.  WE LOVE YOU!!!

William and his Grandaddy

Dad, I hope you enjoy this picture.  My dad and William were out at my Meemee's running around outside this past weekend.  William is growing up so fast.  He's now 2 and all boy.  Isn't he just the cutest thing.  

Sonogram

I've been waiting on my scanner to work to put up our first sonogram, and it finally started working.  This was taken our 1st doctor's appointment at 6 weeks.  

Final Decision

So after days of thinking and praying about which doctor/hospital I should go to, I made a decision.  We will be having Baby Griffin at Baylor Frisco.  I have my first appointment with my new OB Ocotober 13th, so we'll see how it goes.  I think it'll be just fine.

Randi, BFF had her baby  there and went to the same doctor and highly recommended her.  I'm excited that we have everything figured out, and I know where we'll be spending a lot of our time in the next few months.

Sorry to all of those that have to travel a further distance now to come see us when Baby Griffin is born.  I think you'll enjoy not having to pay to park and the facilities much more.

Darn Insurance Companies

I had to vent about working with insurance companies, so I thought what better place than my blog.  

Just when I thought I had everything figured out, I get a curve ball thrown at me.  So before Jordan and I decided to get pregnant, I checked my insurance company and did a lot of research on which doctor and hospital would be best for me having diabetes.  I got with my endocrinologist and got a OBGYN referral and then talked to a few friends and got other referrals.  So with all the doctors names, I researched for weeks and decided to go with the one that my endo recommended.  He works directly with her and works in the same hospital, so I thought how convenient.  Therefore, I went with Dr. Ann Lutich that works at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas.  I checked my insurance company, and both the doctor and hospital were on the list.  I was good to go.

Well last week, I went to check and make sure Presby Dallas was still good to go.   To my dismay they are no longer listed under my PPO.  WOW!!!  I was shocked.  How could this be?  I have spoken to representatives from the insurance company, Presby, Dr.'s office, and they tell me they are in negotiations with my insurance company to see if they are going to cover my insurance.  I didn't know they could change people's coverage just like that.

So with that information, I am at a stand still.  I have found another doctor that I can go to, but I want to stay with the one I started since that was my first choice for doctor and hospital.  I was informed today that it may be another 30 days before they know for sure.  

So I'm in limbo.  What do I do????? 

I will keep you posted on how the insurance drama goes.

Christmas Shopping

So this weekend, I have decided that I am on a mission......Christmas Shopping!

Jordan is going to Austin this weekend to watch the Texas-Arkansas game, so I thought what better time would I have to get Christmas shopping at least started.  My whole goal is to get at least half of our lists done on Saturday.  I have my list of stores and items mapped out and navigated to save time and money, so the goal is possible to accomplish.

 You're probably thinking why is she starting so early, but there are a few reasons:

• We go to New York in the middle of December
  
• I'm not too pregnant to jump in out of our my car without getting exhausted
• Trying to spread out the costs
• And just because, I love Christmas

So if any of my family reads this and wants something in particular for Christmas that you haven't already told me, you better get in touch with me before this Saturday.  

1st Doctor Appointment

DUE DATE: APRIL 30, 2009

This morning, Jordan and I went to our first prenatal doctor appointment.  I have to tell you, my stomach churned all morning until we got to see the picture on the sonogram.  The mom in me is already worrying about the baby being okay.

The appointment went really well.  Jordan had his first experience at the "woman" doctor.  I have to say, he did very well.  The doctor informed us of all of the tests that will be performed and what to expect over the next few months.  She answered all of our questions and really eased our minds.  She did state that since I am diabetic, that she would probably seem overly cautious during the process.  Boy was I glad to hear that.  I would much rather her be more cautious than not.  I'm looking forward to having her as my doctor.  She is very professional and experienced.

We did get to see the little one for the first time on the sonogram.  The heart was beating so fast (100xs/min).  It was the coolest thing.  You realize that it is real and there is a human being inside of you that is relying on you to survive.  God is truly amazing.  I tried to scan the sonogram on my computer, but the scanner is not working for some reason.  I will work on that.

I'll try to keep everyone posted on the progress and how Jordan and I are progressing with the pregnancy.  We are so grateful to have been blessed with this baby.  Please keep baby and Mom in your prayers.

Shopping Spree

This weekend, Jordan and I made a lot of list.  As you probably already know, both Jordan and I have Type A personalities which leads us to make lots of list and try to stay organized.  (Jordan is worse than I am)  The lists consisted of anything from wish list of Jordan and I, things to buy for the baby, things to be done in the house before the baby, etc.  As you can see, we are starting to think more about the baby than ourselves already.

So the first thing that I wanted to accomplish was to move rooms around in the house to make room for a nursery.  I know it's early, but I'd rather be prepared than caught off guard.  So I told Jordan what all he would have to move and it became a big ordeal.  He threw a fit.  I rarely see him like that.  With that, I decided to just sleep on it Friday night and come back to it later.  Before we went to bed, he asked me "whatever we need to move, I'll move."  He's so sweet.  I am truly blessed.

Since I slept all day Saturday and college football was on, Jordan and I didn't get much of our list accomplished.  Therefore, on Sunday we went "to town."  Jordan found an open box tv that he thought would fit just perfectly in our bedroom.  This would allow us to move our tv to the guest room.  We're trying to make the guest room as comfortable as possible so they'll come and stay to help with the baby.

Well I couldn't leave myself out of the spending spree.  I told Jordan that we needed a new camera if we were going to get some descent pictures in the future.  Our other camera just does not cut it if you want something to look really good.  So, I got my camera before the end of the day.  I am so excited!!!  We will get to keep track of the pregnancy a lot better.  

My Camera

Telling the Secret

So once a quarter, the dealership I work for (Rene Isip Toyota of Lewisville) puts on an Employee Appreciation Rally.  This is a time where Rene shows the employees that he appreciates their hard work by handing out cash, prizes, trips, etc.  The entire dealership is in attendance.  

Well yesterday, Rene was giving away a digital photo frame.  I was yelling really loud that I wanted it, so he told me to come on up and get it.  Once I got up there he told the audience there's a reason that Courtney's going to need this soon.  He handed me the microphone and said "tell them your news."  I was put on the spot.  Oh my gosh, what was I supposed to do?  I told myself, here is goes.  Now the whole dealership will know and the rumors won't be flying around.  I said it "I'm Expecting."  It felt so good to proclaim it to the "world" per say.  I wouldn't recommend it to everyone.

"Telling the Folks"

Last weekend, Jordan and I went to see our families to share the good news about the pregnancy.  The day that we found out that I was pregnant, I had decided that we had to come up with some cool ways to let our family know that we were expecting.  I had actually starting thinking about ways days before, being that I have Type A personality and I wanted to be prepared for the day.

So we had decided on the following ways to tell the following people:

• Marty & Alyson (Jordan's parents), my grandparents: I had put a scrapbook together (I'm not a big scrapbooker, but this is what I came up with that was quick and easy)of our Cabo trip.  So the entire scrapbook was of the trip until the last page.   Tadah....the last page was a page that had our picture with the pregnancy test underneath saying "We're Expecting."  
• Jimmy & Stacey (my parents): I put together a house plan that had a question of "Do you have room for another grandchild" on it.  We gave it to my parents because they need to build a house to have room for all of our when we're all together.  My parents thought it was so funny.

• Nana (my great grandmother): We went and bought her cupcakes (she loves sweets) and put baby things on top of them.  I told her we were there to celebrate and event and she got it.  She is so excited.
• Deb and Rene (my aunt & uncle): Needless to say, my aunt loves to shop at Neimans.  So I went to Neimans and bought a boy and girl outfit and sent it to their house.  The card said "Would you rather us have a boy or girl?"  Oh yeah, the other side said "Rene, thanks for the Cabo trip.  (lol)"
  

Of course we told everyone else via email or called them.  It was so exciting to let everyone know.  It's great to know that we have such a supportive family.  God has truly blessed our lives with this pregnancy and all the other things that we have (love, faith, each other).

Diabetes

As most of you know, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when I was 7 years old.  That being said, now that I am pregnant I am to be on my best behavior.  

I went to the endocrinologist today to see the Nurse Practitioner (which I really like).  She seems to listen a lot more than the doctor and sit and explain things to me.  My OBGYN told me to go see them to make sure that my diabetes was up to par and everything was going well.  Well I came out of the office with a good report.  My A1C count went from 6.4 last visit to 6.2.  The goal of the doctor is 6.0 (almost normal).  We made a few minor changes to my insulin amounts.  The one major change that I will have in addition of a mechanism that I have to wear along with the pump.  The new device will allow me to see what my glucose level is every 15 minutes.  This will allow me to keep a very tight control of my glucose levels.  I'm not too excited to have another thing connected to my body at all times, but whatever I have to do to make this baby is healthy I will do.  

WE'RE EXPECTING!!!

Wow!  I can't believe I'm saying that.  I still feel like I'm 21 years old and not old enough to care for a child, even though I know I am.  So as you can see from the previous post, Jordan and I went to Cabo San Lucas in August to relax and get away for a while.  Well we decided to bring back a souvenir from Mexico, little did we know (but hoping).

I found out last Tuesday that I was pregnant.  Believe me we did 3 home pregnancy test, and they all came back positive.  Jordan and I kind of looked at each other like "oh my gosh, here we go."  We are so excited and are ready for the new addition to our family.  

With mine and Jordan's calculations I am currently in my 6th week and the due date is April 30th.  We go to the doctor for our 1st prenatal consultation on September 18th.  I'm sure I will be posting a lot more these days than I usually do.  I will be sure to keep everyone informed of the progress.

Cabo San Lucas

Squid Row Club 

Friends enjoying each others company

View from Esperanza, The Restaurant

"Me-BIG man"

This past week, Jordan and I went to Cabo San Lucas and brought some friends along (Chris & Jenny).  We had an awesome time.  We were there for a whole week.  I have to say that I didn't miss getting up and getting ready for work at all.  Jordan and I decided we are ready to retire.  Then we come back to reality.

The food was amazing.  We never had a bad meal.  The seafood there was unbelievable.  If you go to Cabo, expect to eat a lot.  (Thanks Rene for all of the suggestions) 

We had an amazing time.  We just kept saying to ourselves how blessed we are to get to experience such a wonderful trip with such great friends.

Fun In The Sun

What a weekend!!!  My mom and nephew came to Dallas for the weekend to hang out with Aunt Courtney and Uncle Jordan.  

William will be two in September and he is truly a handful.  He is nonstop and acts just like a boy - wanting to throw things, push things, etc.  You always had to watch him and to see what he was getting in to.  Jordan asked me if we could just have a kid and it be 4 when it was born.  LOL.  We kept him entertained on to our community pool and the playground.  As you can tell, he enjoyed it immensely.  He loves the water.  

He is such a loving child.  He is so sweet and well mannered.  My brother and sister in-law have done a great job with him.  He says please, thank you (he has to be reminded sometimes).  I keep telling my family that I know I'll have the bad kid since this one has been so good.  Williams personality is just full of love and fun.  He is always smiling and laughing and taking in the world around him.

Thank you Mom for bringing him to us for the weekend!

Already acting like an old man - sleeping with his mouth open

I told you I would have more pictures of Mr. Mason, so I am holding up my end of the bargain.  He has already changed a little bit since Monday.  He was sleeping while I was holding him and just making the funniest faces.  He's so precious.

Precious Gift From God

Mom and Mason

 "First Fishing Cap"

Mimi and Mason

 *More pictures to come after Wednesday's visit.

He finally decided to show up.  I told Chris that he already acts likes Randi - procrastinator.  

On June 16, 2008 at 7:01pm Mason Jones was welcomed into the world.  He weighed 7 pounds 8 ounces and 20.5 inches long.  He has fuzzy blond hair and blue eyes.

Here goes my sentimental side, but it is times like these that make you realize how precious life is and how blessed women are to have God entrust us to bear children and love them unconditionally.  God has chosen Randi and Chris to be parents to this little baby boy and for them to show him the world.  They are going to be awesome parents, and I am so excited for them and the rest of their families.  Mason will definitely not go without love (and clothes).  

We are so proud of you!  To you Randi - you are going to be a wonderful mother and friend to Mason.  I get emotional just thinking about the joy that he will bring into your life.  Know that we are always here for you and will babysit any time you call.  We love you!

Memorial Day

For Memorial Day weekend, Jordan and I went to Oklahoma City.  The Big 12 baseball tournament was going on, and we just decided Friday night that we would go watch it and get out of town for the weekend.  

Oklahoma is a beautiful state.  A lot of it is undeveloped and still  holds nature's footprint.  

While we were in Oklahoma City, we decided to stop by and see the memorial for the Oklahoma City bombing.  Above are pictures of the memorial.  It is so beautiful and well thought out.  Everything in the memorial has  a meaning behind it.  A lot of time and effort was put into the project.  It really makes you realize how precious life is.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!  What a great day to celebrate our mothers.  They do so much for us that there should be more than one day a year to celebrate their awesomeness!  Their unconditional love allows each child to grow up and become their own personality.  They love us no matter what we put them through.  God bless mothers.  Above in the pictures are the following (in no particular order, you can guess who's who): Bernie (Nana, G. Grandmother), Wilbert & Glenda (Papa & Meemee), Jimmy & Stacey (Grandaddy & MeeMaw), T.W. & Mandy, and William.  Jordan and I weren't there since we had just seen my mom and we needed to celebrate with his mom.  We love you all!

Generation After Generation

If you haven't already figured out, my parents live on a ranch out in New Boston, Texas (east Texas).  The work around the farm never ends, so the family is always busy doing something.  As you can see, William is learning early how to help out.  I wouldn't recommend a farm to someone unless they have a lot of time and a lot of family to help out.  There's a reason I moved to the city.