Matt and Jennifer Symank

25 Weeks

2012-02-10T13:45:00.001-08:00

So friends,
I don't know if the baby is having a growth spurt but I have been so hungry this week!

I went to the doctor on Monday and everything looked good. The baby had a heart rate of 157 bpm. I also had my gestational diabetes screening. The test wasn't as bad as I was led to believe. The only person I talked to that made me feel like it wasn't too bad was my S.I.L. Amber. I actually had a choice between flavors (orange or fruit punch) and I chose fruit punch. It seriously tasted like too sweet Hawaiian Punch. I didn't have anyone to drive me around after I drank the drink so I had to stay at the lab for an hour and then they drew my blood. I am really glad I had that particular lab tech because he is my favorite! For those wondering about the no driving rule LabCorp sets, it is because some people have a reaction to the drink where they black out, pass out, or vomit. If you vomit you have to come in another day to retake the test.

I got my results back on Tuesday and they were good. I don't have to take the 3 hour screening based on the results! I get to have another sono at my appointment next month and I can't wait!

Week 25 Update:

Baby size: about 9" crown to rump or about 13.5" crown to feet.

Visual Changes in Mama: My belly button is getting less deep!

Symptoms: No difference from last week.

Cravings: I really want Parkway cheese sticks or Olive Garden

Fun Facts: Capillaries are forming and filling with blood. Baby's nostrils are beginning to open and vocal cords are forming and can cause hiccups!

Quick 24 Week Post!

2012-02-03T09:43:00.001-08:00

So Friends,
This is going to be a very quick and probably short post! So here we go!

I have felt quite good this week. I have had energy and have been cleaning and trying to find places to put all of the things from the music/baby's room. I am currently in the process of packing as we have a weekend away planned! Matt has a gig in Abilene tonight (Friday), then Saturday morning we are heading to Slaton for a baby shower, and then spending Saturday evening and most of Sunday with Eric, Jamie, and Baby Wes in Lubbock! It's going to be great!

Oh we also got the crib in and put together. Matt is one to want to put things together to make sure nothing is broken and I am one to want to put things together to see how awesome they are! LOL! So here is a picture of the crib!

We got the crib at Sears and are incredibly happy with it! It is so beautiful!

Week 24 Update:

Baby Size: About 8-1/2" (head to rump) or 12 to 13" (head to feet)

Visual Changes in Mama: Not much change from last week really. At least not that I have noticed!

Symptoms: Same ol' milk problem (haven't had a chance to get lactose free)

Cravings: Fruits, Veggies, Fro-Yo, and garlic bread/sticks

Fun Facts: Baby pretty much looks how they will when they are born, just a bit more wrinkly and thinner. In the next months the baby will fill out and get longer! If the baby has any hair this week, the hair has no pigment!

23 Weeks and I hate milk.

2012-01-27T08:36:00.000-08:00

That's right friends,

MILK! I have been eating cereal for breakfast because I wake up SO hungry and cereal is fast. Well my rice crispies were giving me a tummy ache (or so I thought) so today I switched to corn flakes. Not the cereal... it's the milk!!! I don't know what I'm going to do. I love milk. It makes me so sad. I am going to try 2% or skim milk, and see if that helps, but I may have to switch to soy. Yes, I have tried almond milk and I can't handle the little pieces of almond skin that float around in the milk.

That is pretty much all I have learned this week.

We spent last weekend cleaning out our drier room so we have a place to store all of the things from the music room/ baby room. So now I am back to cleaning out all of the things from the baby room and storing it all in the drier room.

Week 23 Update

Baby Size: Head to rump: 8 inches or head to feet: 11-1/2 to 12-1/2 inches

Visual Changes in Mama: My belly is getting even more round! And I am expanding.

Symptoms: Milk Milk Milk (see above) :-(

Cravings: I have been really wanting salads, Olive Garden, and Parkway cheese-sticks

Fun Facts: Eyes can open, finger prints, ears, and fingernails are complete! If you could see baby now, she would look wrinkly and saggy skinned; this is in preparation for all the fat baby will put on in the next few months. Skin is also thin and you can see bones and organs through it up until about the 8th month.

22 Weeks... I'm sick

2012-01-20T14:52:00.001-08:00

Hey friends!

This is going to be a fairly short post because

1.) I am sick. I have a sinus infection; not a horrible one but it is still making me feel like poop. The NP I went to see here in Olney also checked Baby's heart beat and it was good. Her HR was 151 bpm.

AND

2.) Matt and I have vowed to finish deep cleaning the rooms we don't use as much so all I will really have to do is dust and sweep them. So we are really cleaning the weight room, drier room, and the dinning room this weekend.

Also I ordered the baby bedding Monday night and it is supposed to be here TODAY!!! I can't wait for it to get here so we can pick out room colors that match/ work well with the bedding!

That is all for now and here is the update!

Week 22 Update:

Baby Size: 7-2/3 inches head to rump or 11 inches head to feet

Visual Changes in Mommy: Bigger but I was told this week I am all baby.

Symptoms: Still have the back pain.

Cravings: Gala Apples, veggies with ranch dip, frozen fruit, and Frozen Yogurt.

Fun Facts: Baby now weighs a whole pound! She can tell the difference between light and dark, so if you shine a flashlight at your tummy, you may feel the baby react. Baby can also hear voices, your heartbeat, your tummy growls, and loud noises such as a loud TV and emergency sirens.

21 Weeks...

2012-01-16T11:05:00.000-08:00

Hey Friends!

On Monday we had a sonogram and a doctor appointment, and I learned new things about the baby!

First I found out that I have an Anterior Placenta which isn't bad unless the placenta is in the Placenta Praevia position. An anterior placenta is just the placenta has implanted on the opposite side of my uterus, so it is closer to my belly button instead of my spine. But the placenta is far enough away from my cervix that the tech and the doctor aren't worried at all about praevia which is when the placenta is over the cervix.

The next thing we found out is that the baby is growing great and the due date is still May 25th!

Lastly we found out the gender of the baby!!! All signs point to a GIRL!!! We are so excited and are trying to decide on a name for her! I can not wait to start buying girl stuff and getting the room ready for her!

Week 21 Update:

Baby Size: 7-1/4 inches head to rump or 10.8 inches head to feet.

Visual Changes in Mommy: Getting bigger and more round

Symptoms: Nothing sickly but I have been having really bad back pain.

Cravings: Gala apples, Flamin' hot Cheetos, frozen fruit, and veggies with ranch dip.

Fun Facts: Legs and arms are in proportion. Motion is more coodinated because neurons are connected between the brain and muscles, and cartilage is turned to bone. Lastly baby is getting to learn tastes from what you eat! Spicy or Sweet the baby will now be able to tell the difference!

Week 20!!! Yay! Halfway!

2012-01-06T20:00:00.000-08:00

Woohoo!
Halfway point friends! And my blog is actually going out on the correct day!

This week I have felt pretty good! I have had more energy lately and I have spent my time in the music room, cleaning. So this week I have spent trying to clean out the closet that is in the room that will be the baby's (the music room). I'm storing all the clothes that no longer fit me and am condensing my wardrobe so that I have room for baby stuff! It is taking a while as I have to try on a lot of the clothes. I can't wait to have this room clean, painted, and ready for Baby S!

Hopefully after Monday we can stop calling the baby "Baby S" and actually call him/her by an actual name! I have a sonogram Monday afternoon and I am so excited to find out what our baby's gender is!

Well I must get back to cleaning so friends I leave you with this:

20 Week Update:

Baby Size: 6-1/2 inches (head to rump) or 10.5 inches (head to feet)

Visual Changes in Mommy: Even larger and more round.

Symptoms: Mainly I have no real sickness type symptoms but I get winded quite easily and I have begun to need a pillow under my belly as I sleep.

Cravings: Strawberries, celery, carrots, and ranch dip (with the veggies)

Fun Facts: Baby's fingerprints are almost complete! Baby now has teeth buds forming beneath their gum line, and eye brows and eye lashes are beginning to grow.

19 weeks and a few days...

2012-01-02T12:24:00.000-08:00

Sorry friends,

The past few weeks have been hectic to say the least. Trying to get Christmas gifts bought/made and wrapped was itself a huge task then making food for several get togethers and making sure we knew what times to be at said places! Phew! Now that I have gotten through Christmas and the New Year, I can do the fun stuff like blogging and sleeping regularly!

The most notable thing about Christmas besides being with family is that I felt the baby move a little at the end of the week! Little nudges that I at first thought were gas but realized that gas bubbles didn't feel like that! It was wonderful! And I don't know how to explain the feelings other that it truly feels a bit like gas bubbles moving but a little different.

This week has been relaxing and fun. Matt was off work the week after Christmas so we got to spend it together. We lounged most of the week although we always had goals set to finish throughout the day (i.e. finish the laundry or clean the kitchen). I have been feeling great and I can't wait for next week (Jan. 9) because we will be going to a sonogram that will, hopefully, tell us if we are having a boy or girl! :)

Week 19 Update:

Baby Size: 6 inches head to rump or about 10 inches head to feet.

Mama Weight Gain: Honestly, I haven't weighed myself in over a month so after this week I will be removing this update!

Visual Changes in Mama: I'm not really sure how much I have changed looking at me head on but from the side I am definitely a lot more round.

Symptoms: Nausea if I don't eat every few hours.

Cravings: Gala Apples, pickles, and ice water with lime

Fun Facts: Vernix Caseosa, a greasy white film, is now protecting the baby's skin from amniotic fluid. This film is what keeps the baby, at birth, from looking "prune-y", much like after a person takes a long bath!

Yet another late update...

2011-12-13T07:11:00.000-08:00

I know friends; It's Tuesday and I am late with this post. At this moment I am 16 weeks, 4 days. Hopefully I will be able to post on time (Friday) this week!

I had a doctor's appointment on Friday. Not a sonogram appointment sadly but just a check up. I saw Dr. Horth again this visit and she was great, as usual. I got to hear the baby's hearbeat on a small monitor. The heartrate was 159 BPM and was very strong. All the soreness and discomfort I have been feeling are all normal "growing pains" and the baby and I are doing great!

Last week was pretty slow. I got an early Christmas gift from Matt and am extremely happy about it! He bought me a couch, loveseat, and a recliner. He of course claimed the recliner as soon as it was put together but I don't mind!

The rest of the week was pretty standard. I substituted at the junior high a couple days. Cleaned the house and FINALLY got my Christmas decorations up. I did learn a valuable lesson this week: When you are pregnant, two hours of wrapping gifts on a wood floor is not a good idea! The whole rest of the day and most of the next day, my back was screaming at me! Lesson Learned!

16 Week Update

Baby size: About 4-1/2 inches long and weighs about 3-1/2 ounces!

Mama weight gain: +5 pounds since my first doctor's appointment

Visual Changes in Mama: Getting bigger and bigger every day!

Symptoms: Nausea if I eat too much.

Cravings: Gala Apples, Pickles, biscuits, and ice water.

Fun Facts: His or her circulatory system is developed — the heart is pumping 25 quarts of blood each day.

15 Weeks

2011-12-02T18:40:00.000-08:00

Well Friends, I feel like the last few weeks have been a bit hectic and that is basically the main reason for my lack of post. Some of it was been my fatigue and some has been lack of internet access.

Week 13 started with me driving most of the was to Houston for my little cousin's 3rd birthday party. Although it was fun and Jordyn, my cousin, is super adorable, I was exhausted upon returning on Sunday after driving the whole way home. I slept a fair amount of time during that next week and just couldn't find get the effort together to sit too long at the computer.

Week 14 was a bit more fun although just as tiring. Thanksgiving on Thursday was fun as Matt and I joined Daddy's family to celebrate! Lots of food and chatting put me in a great mood and on top of that my brother got leave from his station in Missouri to come home for Thanksgiving! I enjoyed spending what little time I had with him. On Friday (my actual 14 week mark) we spent the day celebrating Thanksgiving with the Symank family. I had so much fun talking and laughing with this bunch! I really enjoyed seeing how much Wesley and Stevie have grown! It is amazing how much a child can change in just a few short weeks.

Today, has been pretty good. Most of my nausea has gone away and it only comes back when I eat too much. I have also decided that I need to drink a ton more water as I feel better the more I drink. I actually had more energy the past few days and have been able to do more around the house.

So without further ado, the part that everyone actually is interested in, my:

Week 15 update!

Baby Size: 4 to 4-1/2 inches (about the size of a large navel orange or a softball)

Mama weight gain: *forgot to weigh, will insert tomorrow*

Visual Changes in Mama: I am actually showing where people are commenting on me now! It is crazy I feel like I didn't have a belly and now I do!

Symptoms: Fatigue although it has lessened, hunger, thirst, and some upset stomach.

Cravings: Celery, Carrots, Pickles, Gala Apples, and Tea

Fun Facts: Lanugo hair is covering the body to help keep baby warm until more body fat is present. Bones are getting harder and can be seen on an x-ray. Baby can wiggle it's fingers and toes and even make breathing movements!

3 Whole Months! (12 weeks)

2011-11-11T10:58:00.000-08:00

So last week was kind of hectic and I didn't get a blog posted; heck I didn't even take a weekly picture! I was feeling pretty pitiful and didn't want to do much. But I cleaned a bit and did some laundry.

On Tuesday (Nov. 8), I went to the doctor for a sequential screening. The did a sonogram to measure the thickness of the skin on the back of the baby's neck. This can be a sign of Down Syndrome. I also had a blood test done for other risks. The measurement of the skin was great and we got to see our little womb tenant! The baby was jumping around for a little bit and then relaxed. The way the baby was laying the sono tech had to really maneuver to get a good shot to measure the baby. Although I was 11w4d at the time the baby was measuring 11w6d and baby's heart beat was 161 bpm.

This visit I actually got to see Dr. Horth! She is great! She is really nice and makes you feel comfortable from the very beginning. I know she gets asked many of the same questions from all her OB patients but she never made me feel like a was silly for asking a question. She answered all my questions thoroughly and without making me feel like I was beneath her. I think she was a great choice for an OB!

Today I am actually feeling pretty good. Still nauseated but it is taking a back seat to my thirst and fatigue! Tomorrow I will be heading to North Richland Hills with Matt for a gig but until then I will be doing laundry and resting!

Week 12 update:

Baby Size: 2-1/2 inches

Mama weight gain: +2 pounds (total 5 pounds lost)

Visual Changes in Mama: The belly is gradually getting bigger. Matt is actually starting to comment on it so I suppose that is some proof of the growth!

Symptoms: Same as week 10 but the nausea is starting to ease a little bit.

Cravings: Fruit (we stock up on frozen... yummy!), tea, and pizza.

Fun Facts: Fingers and toes are separated, and nails are growing. External Genitalia are beginning to show distinct features of male and female. Nervous system is becoming more developed.

10 Weeks (and 2 days)

2011-10-30T14:54:00.000-07:00

So Friends,
I spoke too soon. This week has been pretty rough. I have been so nauseated that some days I can't function until the afternoon. I had gotten to the point where I couldn't even substitute teach!

On Friday (my 10 week mark) I went to Falls County's show in Stephenville with Matt; I think I may have overdone it with no nap and constantly moving. I woke up after about an hour of sleep with bad stomach cramps, and that night I threw up. That is the first time during my pregnancy that I have vomited. Afterward I couldn't get back to sleep and the whole next day I felt really awful.

When we got home Matt let me take a really long nap and I felt better. We went to Linda and Steve's that evening, because the whole family was in town! Our niece, Stevie Reese, was being baptized this morning and Nathan, Amber, Stevie, Eric, Jamie, and Wesley got to town Saturday afternoon. We got to visit and spend time with everyone and had a great time! Stevie was great during the baptism and didn't even cry when the holy water was poured over her head! After church I felt bad again and Matt tucked me into bed for a nap before going to visit with everyone at his parents' house.

Matt has been wonderful and a great help around the house. When I feel bad, he makes sure I get a nap and water, and most days he will help me with my chores when I am behind. I know that all these days I feel bad are for a great reason and I will get to meet that little person in less than 30 weeks. I am blessed to have an amazing husband to help me when I need it, a great family to lean on, and awesome friends to talk to when I am down! I love you all and I hope y'all know that!

God Bless and here is my new update:

10 Week update:

Baby size: 1-1/4 to 1-3/4 inches (about the size of small plum)

Mama weight gain: +1 more pounds (total 8 pounds lost)

Visual Changes in Mama: I am showing in my clothes now! Looks like I'm just chubby but the belly is getting bigger!

Symptoms: This week I am feeling like a walking Pepto commercial... nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, and fatigue (nope no diarrhea)

Cravings: fruit, pickles, and garlic bread.

Fun Facts: Teeth buds are forming! Stomach is producing digestive juices and the kidneys are functioning properly!

9 Weeks... This week was not my best.

2011-10-22T09:24:00.000-07:00

Well this week, to say the least, was my worst week so far. Tuesday (Oct. 18) I didn't even get off my palate on the living room floor. I have a palate down so I can lay directly under the fan. I felt awful all day and I would get dizzy if I stood up. So I took it easy and napped off and on while watching movies.

The rest of the week was filled with nausea and fatigue. I still haven't thrown up so I feel like that's a plus! Every time that I begin feeling bad I just remind myself that this is all worth it just to see that beautiful little face!

I was able to teach my Religious Education class Wednesday (the 19th). I was also able to work on Friday (the 21st) and felt pretty good for most of the day. Near the end of the work day I was feeling cranky and sleepy but I expect that is because I usually take a nap at 1 PM and couldn't!

Until next time friends, have a great week and God bless everyone! :)

9 Week update:

Baby size: 1 to 1-1/4 inches (about the size of large green olive)

Mama weight gain: -3 more pounds (total 9 pounds lost)

Visual Changes in Mama: Beginning to see the change but it just looks like I need to cut back on the meals!

Symptoms: Constant thirst, indigestion, fatigue, and nausea (some days worse than others)

Cravings: Gala Apples, frozen yogurt, Parkway cheese sticks, garlic bread/sticks

Fun Facts: Arms, legs, neck, toes, and fingers are longer and more human like. Head is more erect and external ears are fully formed. Internal ears are beginning to fill with fluid and baby will soon be able to have a sense of balance!

8 weeks and feeling... tired.

2011-10-14T10:59:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends!

Last week I forgot to talk about something that I found out about my body. When we were in our sonogram my uterus didn't look as full as I had expected. The sono tech said that I have what is called a Retroverted Uterus. This is also referred to as a Tilted or Tipped Uterus. What that means is, instead of tilting forward and sitting on my bladder, my uterus is tilted backwards toward my spine. About 20-35% of women have a tilted uterus, and by weeks 10-12 my uterus will have angled back to the front. This is the reason that I have not been visiting the toilet as much as many pregnant women! I have linked a couple different websites up above if you want more information about retroversion of the uterus.

I have been getting lots of questions lately, spanning from "how are you feeling?" to "aren't you excited that you are finally having a baby?". The second question is the one I will be talking about today.

I don't believe "finally" is the word I would use because Matt and I have only been actively TTC for a couple months(since July). At my yearly doctor visit, I was tested for rubella and cystic fibrosis. Both of which came back in my favor. I began tracking my Basal Body Temperature and my ovulation with an ovulation test kit. No, I didn't expect to get pregnant this soon because I have PCOS and I don't have regular periods. I thought I would have to be put on Clomid to help me ovulate. In short, by the grace of God, we got pregnant on our first try. I had already ovulated in July so we had to wait until August to begin TTC.

When we got married, we decided to wait a few years before having kids because we wanted time to just spend together as a couple. Last year we stopped preventing child birth with the mindset of "if it happens, it happens", and this year we decided this is the year for us! I know for most people, kids are the next step after marriage but for us we just wanted that time. I pray for the people that have trouble conceiving because I know that worry about ovulation and PCOS. We were lucky, we prayed about it, and now we are having a baby! All you can do is try, pray and never stop hoping! Goodbye friends! Until next time I leave you with an update!

8 Week update:

Baby size: 1/2-3/4 of an inch (about the size of pinto bean)

Mama weight gain: -4 more pounds (total 6 pounds lost)

Visual Changes in Mama: None that anyone would notice but I can no longer button any of my jeans.

Symptoms: Same as last week but add on fatigue.

Cravings: Gala Apples with peanut butter and frozen yogurt.

Fun Facts: Eyelids, ears, fingers, toes and nose are forming!

New member of our family!

2011-10-07T08:32:00.000-07:00

That's right friends; I'm pregnant! Yesterday I went to my first doctor's appointment at the Women's Clinic and it was the longest doctor visit EVER! Even bringing paperwork that I filled out beforehand the appointment lasted 2 hours. So I filled out more paperwork and was shown where to put my urine cup (ladies, you have to pee in a cup at every appointment).

I am 7 weeks today (Friday), although in going to the doctor yesterday we thought over 8 weeks based on my last menstrual cycle. My new due date is May 25.

We started our visit with a sonogram. They measured Baby S several times and the average came to 6 weeks and 6 days (+/- 4 days). We also got to see and hear the heartbeat. Hearing your baby's heartbeat is to most amazing feeling in the world! The baby had a heart rate of 131 bpm. The sono tech said that is great and that they look for a rate of 110+ at this point. I can't believe that that rate will only get higher!

Next came a chat with the nurse practitioner (I didn't get to see Dr. Horth at this visit). This lasted a while as it was to ask all the questions that I had already answered on my paperwork including my health history, Matt's health history and our family health history. Also at this point she asked if we picked out a pediatrician... I am still amazed that I have a little person inside me; how can I pick out a child doctor?! I will be asking you, friends, about doctors in Wichita Falls and Graham.

After our chat with Kim, the nurse, we went to our room where I was to have a pelvic exam done. Before the exam I received a flu shot. *yay* The pelvic exam was less than exciting, other than the fact that my cervix looked great. This is the point where you think things are done? WRONG!

After a pelvic exam we got to visit a lady that explained how much money we would owe for all the doctor visits as well as the delivery. I will not tell you how much that came out to but Matt and I will be accepting monetary donations. ;-) All I have to say it that I am so thankful that Air Tractor has such great insurance.

After talking to the finance lady, we had to go over to LabCorp to visit the blood sucking lady. I had blood drawn (5 vials) and yet another urine cup to fill up!

Here is where the visit FINALLY ends! Me, light headed and starving, with a little more flu vaccine and a bit less blood.

Sorry friends but I will not be posting a picture of the baby yet after a long talk with Matt. Maybe a little farther along. I will be posting weekly updates and, for your enjoyment, belly pictures at random points.

Week 7 update:

Baby size: About 9mm (about the size of BB pellet)

Mama weight gain: -2 pounds

Visual Changes in Mama: None although my jeans are getting uncomfortable. They tell me that it is mainly water weight.

Symptoms: Hungry most of the day, thirsty constantly, and pretty much constant nausea

Cravings: Popcorn and pickles

Fun Facts: By the end of week 7 Baby S will have doubled in size!

Okay so it's been 9 months since my last post... Oops

2011-10-01T22:59:00.000-07:00

Wow. Sorry I haven't been posting. Things got really hectic and my life was just out of sorts. I don't know. I suppose blogging could have helped calm me but I never thought of doing it. I am excited to say that I have a new niece, Stevie, who was born in August (the 4th) and she is a doll! Wesley is growing like a weed and is walking! Things are changing around our house as well but that is for another time! I believe I am going to try to blog at least once a week. We will see how it goes but I am thinking either Thursdays or Saturdays. Those are generally the days I have the most time. *Fingers crossed* Hope I can push myself to actually do this!

Until next time friends!

Wow... It's been so long!

2011-01-22T16:07:00.000-08:00

So a lot has happened since my last post in JUNE!!! My summer was a bit sad. Amber lost her twins on July 20th at only 7 weeks along. Grandpa Died on July 30th after a week in the hospital. He went peacefully at after a very painful week.

Fall started off with my signing up to be a substute teacher and working mostly at the junior high. Eric and Jamie's baby Wesley came along early (August 31) and had to stay in the hospital for a while.

Winter came with great news! Amber is pregnant! I can't wait to meet my new niece or nephew! She is due on August 18th! She is now 10 weeks and 2 days and almost in the her second trimester. This has been such a hard journey for her and I am proud to have such a strong sister. I love you!

Matt had a request for aq Christmas gift... He is my new personal trainer. For 6 months I will be eating and working out on an outline that he has prepared. Beginning with my post tomorrow I will be updating this blog weekly with updates on my weightloss journey. I will be beginning week 3 tomorrow and the post will show what I have done thus far and what my weight loss goals are for each month.

The joy keeps coming!

2010-06-24T11:31:00.000-07:00

GRANDPA
So today I have to talk about the good and bad things that have been happening around here lately. June has been a month of both sad and happy days. My grandpa was in 3 hospitals in the span of 3 weeks. He went from Olney to Dallas and finally to Wichita Falls. We have been going to Wichita a lot to visit. He had good days where he knows everyone and felt great. During his bad days and nights he was in a lot of pain and he kept seeing Jill sitting or standing in a nearby chair. And no matter what kind of day he was having he would always ask Grandma the same question, "Are we going home today?" Finally he was well enough and strong enough to leave HomeHealth. Tuesday, June 22, Grandpa was released from HomeHealth and was able to come home! The doctor said grandpa probably would feel well enough to walk around much for a few days but as soon as he was home Grandpa was using his walker to take a long walk around his backyard!!! We aren't sure how long Grandpa will be with us but we know he will pass at home where he is most comfortable.

Aunt Jen
On June 21 we got some great news; after a very long time trying Nate and Amber are going to have a baby! I knew I was going to be Aunt Jen in October when Jamie and Eric have their little boy Wes but now I will have 2 babies to spoil! I am so proud of Nate and Amber; they have been in my prayers for a long time and now all of our prayers have been answered! It has been a long journey for them and I'm so proud to call them my family!

That has been the big news. The rest is fairly boring. Matt has has a few gigs and they have sounded great at all of them. I am still looking for a job but Matt says since we only have one car it isn't a priority. I can't wait to see what the future brings but until then God Bless You!

Jewelry and such

2010-05-27T12:24:00.000-07:00

Here are a few samples of the jewelry that I have been making as well as the beginnings of a Rosary that I stared working on yesterday!

These are the first pair I made. Brown and light blue. Love them!

These are a couple pair of green earrings that I made for Emily Reagan.

Mom says this pair reminds her of Christmas Ornaments. Rosalie says Foiled chocolate eggs!

These are a pair that I made with the colors of Delta Sigma Pi. They turned out well!

This is a quick necklace that I made a few weeks ago. My mom decided she is going to buy it!

These feather earrings are pretty but are rather hard to make. I am going to look online to see if there are easier ways to put feathers on wire!

This is a bracelet I made. These take longer to make so they will cost more. The bracelet took 5 hours!

And Last but not least is the Rosary!

This far all I have is the bottom part of the Rosary but by I go to bed I will hopefully have it finished. After that I will hopefully get it blessed by Father Ray or ask him how to bless it!

Beginning of Summer

2010-05-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

So I know it has been really long since my last post but this semester was really hectic! So here is an update of things that I can remember from this semester. My last post, I believe, was in February so we will begin our Journey in March.

March:

Nothing truly exciting happened in March. Near the end of March however Matt had a few gigs with his band, Falls County, that I attended. I learned to set up Matt's equipment so I could look like I was a roadie and don't have to pay to get into the gigs! :) But then I learned that I will end up being a roadie anyways as I generally sell the merch. In March we also began building our wood fence and as of now it is still not completed, Mainly due to rain! Easter was fun. We had supper with the Symank family and then went to Passover/Easter Vigil at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Wichita Falls.

April:

In April I expanded my Roadie title to include Band Photographer. Any more jobs and I may have to start getting paid for my work! :P April also brought about my fraternity's initiation and banquet. Delta Sigma Pi initiated 10 people this semester; one of which I am very proud to call my Little. Emily Reagan is a great person and great friend and I an truly honored to be her DSP Big Brother! At our banquet I received 3 award: Honestly Honest, Most Outstanding Officer and Most Outstanding Collegiate. Late April held GERMANFEST! The Symank family with Me-Me and Ad-Dad went to Muenster, Texas to see what the fuss is all about. We had a really great time and I am so glad we got to spend time with the family. The last day of April Matt's band played for the Toys for the Community/ Olney Cook-Off and I got to see not only my friend Sonny and her son Ty but I also finally got to see Ava Stewart whom I haven't seen since she was a couple weeks old.

May:

I was truly ready for May to get here. At the beginning of the month I had a photo shoot with my favorite photographer my Sister-in-Law Amber. She did an amazing job and as soon as I get the pics I will post some of my favorite. They are looking great thus far. On the 8th, Matt's band played at the Megargel Centennial. In celebration of the town's 100th year there were activities, booths, and food throughout the day. The brisket supper was good and the street dance (where Falls County performed) was lots of fun. Although there were a couple of people arrested, the night was a complete success. The weekend after the Centennial I GRADUATED!! May 15, 2010 was truly an amazing day in my life. I am done with school unless I decide Grad school is in my future. I graduated from Midwestern State University with a Bachelor Degree in Business Management. Afterwards all my family that attended went to McBride's Steakhouse for lunch. On the 21st I threw my brother a 19th birthday/graduation party and a party for my graduation as both of our parents wanted to throw parties but neither of us wanted to have huge parties. We combined the celebration and had fun anyway.

I know this was all long and kind of monotonous but now we are all caught up, and since I have yet to find a job, I will be updating my blog more often. Until next time friends God Bless and Have Fun!

Wow...

2010-02-27T21:28:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it has been almost a month since I have posted a new blog. February seems to have flown by. This month has been fairly calm. My recruitment job in Delta Sigma Pi is over and we have 11 new pledges. I am excited because I will get to be a Big Brother this semester. My Little, Emily, is a great person and I can't wait for her to find out that I am her big! The Big/Little Reveal is on Monday so I am excited. I made her earrings and I am in the process of making her a pillow.

Speaking of making things, I have begun mass processing earrings. I am going to start selling them soon and hopefully I will be able to post some pictures of them all on here soon. I am also trying new designs for necklaces and bracelets. Although I haven't quite figured out what kind of style I like to make best, I love the process of making them so either way I know I will have lots of fun!

My mom just got married in Vegas yesterday. I wish we could have been there but I suppose if it is what she wants that is fine. The ring Tito gave her is really pretty although I have only seen it in a picture so far. I can't wait for her to get back so I can see it in person.

I have a really bad case of Senior-itis and I can't wait for May 15th. I have been having a hard time concentrating because I know that graduation is only 2 and a half months away. I am also kind of scared about it because I'm not sure what I want to do after I graduate. Hopefully I will find a job here in Olney but if I can't I may have to commute even more than I already am. If I don't get a job here I suppose I will look in Graham, Seymour, Throckmorton, and Wichita Falls. I hope it doesn't come to that but with the way the economy is who can really tell.

Something new we have been trying is my sister is staying with us on nights that I have to take her to school the next morning. It is working out very well and Jill loves it because she gets to spend time with me and Matt. She is learning more guitar because she is with Matt more often and I am excited that I actually get to see her for more than 15 minutes at a time. Matt and I have been discussing it and if mom keeps working at the airlines Matt and I want to see if Jill wants to stay with us permanently. Who knows how that will go though because mom may quit American Eagle and get a job nearby.

Well it is getting late and I need to get to bed. Church at 8am comes too soon when one only gets a few hours of sleep! :) Good night all. God Bless.

NO TIME!

2010-01-29T22:01:00.000-08:00

So it seems that this semester will probably be a huge time suck as I have to get A's and B's in my classes, I am the Senior Vice President of Delta Sigma Pi, and I am having to do other's work for them in Deltasig or it won't get done... FANTASTIC!!! If you need me I believe my cell will forever be in my pocket and I will always have my laptop with me to you can shoot me an email. I know that I will have help with some of this by means of my Deltasig brother Sasha and she will keep me grounded as I will keep her as sane as I can. We will see what happens.

BLAH!!! Pray for me and my sanity! Love you all. God Bless Y'all!

Back to school

2010-01-19T12:58:00.000-08:00

So it's been a long time since I have posted on here but oh well!! I am back to school (today) for my last semester in college! I have all of 4 classes... I know I will get an A in at least 2 of them... hopefully in all but I am not getting my hopes up that far!

Matt, last month, decided he is going to brew his own beer and he has bought the kit and 2 different types of beer. We will see how that goes. If it goes well, who knows, we maybe making and selling beer... I will be taking orders when we see if it is good! LOL! :)

I have been recently been making jewelry, and it is going well for the most part. I am also thinking about making rosaries, getting them blessed and selling them. But that will be when I have more time so devote them.

Everyone keeps asking me about having babies and all I have to say about that one is... we are still young; we have time! We have discussed it but haven't really made any decisions.

So here I am waiting for my 5:30PM class, reading a book from the Sookie Stackhouse series, and trying to live my life to the fullest! Until next time, God Bless and I love y'all!

Bored at school... what else is new?

2009-07-30T12:02:00.000-07:00

So here I am bored at school again. Waiting for the grades to be posted for the tests I took today and I decided to publish a new blog post!

I am really excited for this August although it will be hectic. Starting with this Saturday (the first of August), Kat and I are heading to Six Flags to use our season passes for an amazing 2nd time since we got them! LOL! I am super stoked that we are going back because I must get me roller coaster fix before school starts up for the fall!

Next week is the end of Summer II classes and I can not wait! It seemed like the second summer semester lasted WAY too long. That maybe because I took 3 classes this semester. BLAH!

Next weeked Vacation with the Symank family in Amarillo. I can't wait. It seems like I haven't really had the opportunity to spend time with everyone between school and studying... I hope the weekend will be relaxing for the most part.

Then the 10th I leave for FW to stay with a friend then leave for Washington DC the next morning! I am going to Grand Chapter Congress with a few of my Deltasig brothers and I am really excited. GCC is very important in my fraternity (Delta Sigma Pi) and I can't wait. I am also lucky that I am on the Ritual team and will help initiate future Brothers!

DC for 6 days then a week break AND then Fall classes begin. I hop I will be able to flow this fall semester but not only do I have classes but I'm also the Vice-President of Professional Activities in my fraternity so I will be doing a lot of planning!

Well with me luck for the rest of the summer and the beginning of the fall and I will post again as soon as I have time! (*Crosses fingers and hopes that she will have time to breathe!)

Summer school and slow days.

2009-06-22T09:55:00.000-07:00

So it's been a while since I have posted. Mainly because nothing really exciting had happened. At the end on the Spring Semester I was nominated Vice-President of Professional Activities for my fraternity, it's pretty cool but I am going to have to stay on top of it to get good grades AND organize professional activities.

Now I am in summer school and so far it's been uneventful. So far summer has been slow but I am okay with that as last semester I felt extremely overwhelmed. I will be posting again soon as Sunday is Matt and my 1 year anniversary! I can't believe it's been a year already! Time flies...

Until next time, God Bless!

About the sickly-ness

2009-03-31T13:59:00.000-07:00

I didn't end up going to the dr. cuz this crap is finally going away. The only thing I am left with is a stuffy/ runny nose (depending on the weather- I know, weird!) and my ears are still a little stuffy. Hopefully it will be completely gone soon.

Sickly but still able to get around!

2009-03-29T16:14:00.000-07:00

This was an interesting week. I felt amazing the beginning of this week, so much so that I worked out and danced. But that all went south on Wednesday. Wednesday I started feeling badly and Friday night my sickness came to a peak. I coughed to much that I didn't sleep well and Matt was obviously super tired cuz he slept like a rock that night. My Saturday consisted of watching movies, doing part of a puzzle and drinking hot green tea. I had a fever around 3 Saturday but it got better after a good nap. I am feeling a bit better but my nose is congested and so are my ears. I am having so much stouble hearing today! BLAH!

Despite me being sick I am in Wichita Falls right now. About to do interviews for Delta Sigma Pi. Next week is my test to get initiated in to Delta Sigma Pi and I can't wait! I am super stoked to be able to hang out with these people and be involved more with the school. They are all really nice and fun. I just wish I felt better today so I could be better company.

Tomorrow I am going to the doctor and we will see exactly what is wrong with me. Fingers crossed that it isn't anything that won't go away fast!

New decisions... no London...

2009-02-18T11:47:00.000-08:00

So Matt and I have made a new decision... no London. Which is fine with me as I can't go to London and get a car in the same year! It just isn't feasible. But that is cool with me. A new car will be just what I need as I fear that the Orange P.O.S. is will break down any day now.

Also on the Delta Sigma Pi front... I have met my Big! The person that will help me learn about Delta Sig and answer any questions I have... his name is Walter and he is awesome! Well that is all for now. More posts later!

Wow! Today has been a weird and wonderful day!

2009-02-04T14:12:00.001-08:00

After much discussion Matt has finally agreed to let me apply for the summer British Studies program! Actually he said we will look into it but I am hoping for the best. I would be studying International Issues in Business at (I believe) Queen Mary University in London. I really hope I can talk Matt into it!

AND

Today I recieved my acceptance to formally pledge for Delta Sigma Pi. For those who don't know Delta Simga Pi is the co-ed business fraternity on campus. This is the first semester I have had the time to pledge and I am so excited! I have already met so many great people I hope to meet a lot more!

Things are looking up for me... today at least... and I will keep you updated with any new happenings!

A little about Jenni and Matt...

2009-02-02T13:51:00.000-08:00

Matt was born and raised in Olney, Texas and has been a hard-working guy that loves to learn. Matt is a really amazing guitar player and is currently in a band called The Falls County Band. I must admit they are really good. Matt, as I said, loves to learn and is currently teaching himself to speak German and play the steel guitar. He wants us to have a happy and comfortable life so he works many long hours (many times going in at 7am) at Air Tractor, Inc. where he is in the purchasing department.

I was born in Wichita Falls, Texas but was raised in Olney. I am a very happy-go-lucky person that rarely gets angry. I am currently attending my third year at Midwestern State University persuing a degree in Business management. I used to be a dancer at Renee's Dance Factory in Graham and I still love to dance. That's one of the hobbies that I know I will never give up. I love to read, take pictures, sew, watch movies, being outdoors and hangout with my family and friends. At the moment I am a substitute teacher with Olney ISD and am currently working in the daycare with my sister-in-law Amber. I love the kids and will be a bit sad when I am done there.

Matt and I began dating July 4th, 2005. I knew he would be a good boyfriend after he put himself between me and a few of my drunken firework-throwing buddies. He asked me to marry him in the Fall of 2007 and we were wed on June 28, 2008. He and I plan on waiting to have kids for a while. At least until I graduate and have a steady job. We live in a cute house in Olney and plan on being there for a bit. We also recently bought a puppy... well if you can call a 25 pound 5-month-old-dog a puppy! His name in Jager and he is a German short-haired Pointer. I must admit he is a cutie!

Well that's all for now! More to come soon!

The First Blog...

2009-02-02T13:37:00.001-08:00

So here we go... I am Jennifer D Symank. Formerly Jennifer D. Perez before getting married to Matt S. Symank on June 28, 2008. I will probably be the one writing most of the blogs as Matt doesn't generally get into this kind of stuff.

At the moment I am in the Dillard College of Business at Midwestern State University at the internet cafe. I'm waiting for my next class to start (at 5:30) and it's quite boring here. I am excited though that I get to use the internet because Matt and I don't have internet at home... we also are without cable. At times I feel like I am going to go insane without a view into the "outside world" but all in all I don't miss it too terribly much.

After thought: For the record I want to state that, at the moment, I don't know how I am going to use my college degree and that really worries me.