I need a Favor

Family and friends, I need a favor.  When my brother and I were born, my father did not want to know the sex of my brother and I, until we were born.  He wanted to fully be surprised.  On July 16th, Gerald and I will discover the sex of our child.  My father requested in April, to not be told the sex.  So my favor to those that know and speak to my father, please do not tell my father the BIG news!  DO NOT SLIP UP; DO NOT DO ANYTHING AROUND HIM!  If you have a hard time keeping your mouth shut, just do not even speak to my father until December.  Thank You!  For those that know me, I will get an attitude with you if you chose to do otherwise.  Just a for-warning J.  I am sure you are wondering how my father will go all the way until December not knowing the sex.  Easy, my father does not do text, do FACEBOOK, or twitter.  The only way he would find out, is by speaking with someone.  I have already told him come July, to not check my blogs as well.  So trust me!  He will not find out, unless you tell him.

P.s.  Remember, my father Chris Jackson does not want to know!  Please be courteous to      his wishes.  Thank you kindly!  

The start of my Second Trimester

Time seems to be flying by fast!  I am a few weeks into my second trimester, and I am sure it will be no time until I am in the third.  The past couple of weeks have been a thrill for Gerald and I.  Once I tell you why, you will be thrilled as well; however, I will save that thrill for another post. 

When I began my second trimester, my body had yet to make any drastic changes.  Now the change is evident.  Anyone can look at me, and tell I am pregnant.  Before, if you did not know me, you could not tell.  On certain days I feel like my stomach is bigger than on other days.  Like, depending on what I eat and how long it stays in my system, it keeps my stomach bigger or something (SHRUGS).  I mean..I am not sure what it is, but I swear my tummy plays tricks on me at times.  One-day I am showing, and three days later, I am not.  It is crazy.  After this week, I think my illusion in my tummy days are over.  My baby is starting to grow, and at times I feel the growth while it is happening.

My Second Trimester Weekly Updates

15 weeks:

This was the week I started feeling the growth in my stomach.  It was right before I was getting ready for bed.  I started feeling sharp pains on the left side of my stomach.  The pain lasted through the night.  The next morning, I woke up to a slight bump in my stomach.  I instantly said to myself, no wonder why I was in pain my stomach was stretching.  Yes, I could see the slight change, but for others the change had yet to be distinct.  People who did not know still had no clue I was expecting.  I could still fit my jeans, but I think in about three weeks, my jeans will be out of the question.  This week I happened to notice that dark pregnancy line that forms down the middle of the abdomen.  The line is called a linea, and it is still pretty light.  When I saw the line, I thought it was sort of cool.  Being pregnant is awesome!

16 weeks:

 17 weeks:

During this week, my energy is still sluggish if I do not take a nap.  I usually love to workout early in the morning, but now I would rather do it later in the day.  That way I can get more rest.  The other morning I woke up out my sleep screaming.  At first the screaming started in my head.  I thought I was dreaming it.  There was a pain shooting down my calf, and the pain became sharper.  This is when I realized I was not dreaming, I was screaming for real in pain!  I had the worst cramp in my calf ever in my life.  I tried to stretch it while screaming,  which did not work.  By that time Gerald had already woke up and was trying to help me feel better.  I swear 10 minutes had passed, and I was still in pain.  Thank God Gerald was able to rub the pain out, the pain felt like death!  I ran track for eight years.  I have dealt with butt lock and cramps, but never in life a cramp like that.  As much as I hate bananas, I really thought about eating one.  Of course that thought went away after I thought about how nasty those things are..lol.  So I chose to just drink more water instead.  Later I ended up hearing and reading that calf cramps happen frequently during the second trimester of pregnancy.  I pray to God, I never feel that pain again!

WIll you be my Godfather?

I have known Terrell Thomas since our teenage days at Rancho Cucamonga High School.  We met while participating in the football program my sophomore and his freshman year.  Throughout high school we gained respect for one another on and off-the-field and became very good friends.  After knowing each other for quite a while coincidently, we discovered that through a marriage relation between my aunt and his cousin, that we were somewhat related.  It was funny finding that information out because we were already such good friends who grew to be each other’s closest friend over the years to this present day.  I know whenever I need anything; I can always count on him.  He is someone I can trust completely, and has proven it over the years.    

Making a decision about whom your incoming child’s Godparents will be can be difficult to some.  For me, the decision did not even take two seconds to decide.  Terrell’s friendship and loyalty to my wife and I over the years of our relationship has been a blessing.  Given the close relationship I have with him, he was an easy choice to be our child’s Godfather.  Over the past two years, I have been blessed to share this world with his lovely daughter Tatum Aspen Thomas.  I have witnessed Terrell Thomas exemplify what a FATHER is.  A man who will go to the edge of the world and back to be the best father he could be, and raise her according to God’s word.  Witnessing his continual growth as a parent has given us reassurance that if or whenever the Lord calls us to leave this earth that our child will be in the care of a loving parent who will raise our child as if it were his own. 

A gift for My Daddy

When it comes to getting my father a gift for whatever occasion it may be, it is never an easy thing.  I say this because to my dad, it is just another day.  My father could care less about money, or material things.  Most people would think I have it easy, for I would never have to hear my father complain.  It is the opposite, I have such an amazing father that I want to show him how much I adore him, and it always seems like whatever I think of, my father deserves that much more.

Everyone always says that they have the best dad in the world, as they should.  I am not here to compete with anyone.  I just know that God chose the right person to be my earthly father.  My daddy means the world to me.  He has shaped me to be a woman of God.  Just like God put in his word for him to do.  I know that I am a daddy’s girl, and that will never change.  My father has taught me numerous  things while growing up.  When I see or watch the things my father does, all I can do is admire him, and thank God for blessing me with such a wonderful father.

When I was younger, my father worked often just as he does now.  The difference between now and then, is that before I never understood why.  I would just want my father to be home more.  Even though my father worked a lot, the coolest things to me, was he never missed an important event in my life.  No matter how hard he worked for his family, work never came before his children.  My fatehr was always at my dance recitals, gymnastics competitions, track meets, graduations, and birthdays.  Believe me, when you are a child, it is cool to know that your father is there watching.  When I grew older, there were times my father would let me know ahead of time if he could not make a meet.  Little did I know that my father was just telling me that.  I would get home, and he would mention how good I did in a race, or ask what happened during the race.  It felt good knowing my father actually made it.  On the other hand it was not cool knowing that my father would just pop up like that.

Since I am older, I understand why my father worked so much.  He worked hard to make sure my brother and I had a better life then he did growing up.  My father grew up in South Central, Los Angeles.  My grandparents had seven children, and my father was the second youngest.  When I think about a hard worker, someone I look up to, I see my father.  My father made it out the hood to provide for his family.  Yes, my father could have fell victim to the streets.  Yes, my father could have ended up in jail, and yes, my father chose to do different!  My father has been working hard since he was young.  He used to work at the swap meet with his father.  Instead of spending his money on unnecessary things, my father chose to save his money.  The year after my father graduated from high school, he saved up enough money to buy himself a brand new 1980 ford mustang.  Most kids cannot buy their own first car brand new, but my daddy did!  This is just one example of how his hard work has paid off.  No matter how much my father has had to work when it came to his job.  My father always has been there every step of the way.  There is not a time I could think of my dad not being there when I needed him.  The Bible says, there is no greater gift than love, and that is what I will forever give to my daddy.

At my wedding, the song I chose for my father daughter dance was Daddy, by Beyonce.  Whenever I hear that song I get emotional.  Every word in the song is my feelings toward my father.  While dancing with my father at the wedding, I had to help him out for he does not like to dance.  So I just grabbed his hands and sung the song to him.  While singing to him, I was signing from my heart.  The song says, "I want my unborn child to be like my daddy, I want my husband to be like my daddy, there is no one else like my daddy.”  At the time I had no clue, I was pregnant.  I still have no clue what the sex is either; but whenever I have a son, I hope he is like my daddy.  Anyone that has had the best dad was taught by his or her dad.  I was not spoiled, but I feel like my father gave me the world.  My father never told me this, but I learned from his actions.  I learned from my dad that I should never be with a man who is not a man.  When I see Gerald, I see my daddy!  They are not exactly alike, but Gerald works hard, treats me right and is a man of God just like my daddy.  My daddy has taught me so much the last 26 years, and I am blessed to have him in my life.

“Words can’t express my boundless gratitude for you,

I appreciate what you do; you’ve given me such security,

No matter what mistakes I know you’re there for me,

You cure my disappointments and you protected me,

Treasure every extraordinary memory and that’s why…

 I want my unborn son to be like my daddy,

I want my husband to be like my daddy,

There is no one else like my daddy,

And I thank you for loving me,

 Even if my man broke my heart today,

No matter how much pain I’m in I will be okay,

Cause I got a man in my life that can’t be replaced,

Father’s love is unconditional it won’t go away,

I know I’m lucky, know it aint easy,

For men who take care of their responsibilities,

Love is overwhelming, Lord why did you pick me,

Can’t stop my tears from falling…

I love you so much Daddy!!!!!”

Happy Father’s Day Daddy,

Even though I am married I will always and forever be your little girl.  You mean the world to me. Thank You for always being my DADDY!

                            Love you always, Krystina Alexander (Your little Girl)

A Letter From Daddy

To My Wonderful Blessing

Hey, This is your daddy. Crazy I’m able to say such a thing. I can’t wait to see you and be able to hold you in my arms.  I first found out you were on your way when your mommy told me as we were having breakfast.  I didn’t believe her at first but then she showed me the test saying she was pregnant with you and I instantly became excited.   This news was revealed to us after our wedding vacation in the Dominican Republic. The first person I told was Terrell. I called him and told him before anyone else because we were planning something special to announce you to the family.  I’m doing everything I can right now to make sure your mommy and I can give you everything in the world.  I don’t know if you are a boy or a girl yet but I can’t wait to find out.  No matter what I already love you so much because you are our precious blessing. I told mommy that I hope that you are a boy first but I’m prepared for you to be a girl. You’ll understand one day (if you are a boy). Your mom and I dreamed of the day you will come and now you are finally on your way.  We already have your name picked out.  Don’t worry you’ll hear a lot of it when you are in your mother’s womb and when we see you.  This Sunday is Father’s Day and I’m so proud to be able to finally celebrate the holiday knowing that you will be here soon.  We went and saw you on the ultrasound not too long ago.  You were jumping and flipping, it was crazy to see you so active.  Your mommy and I are very active as well so it was crazy to see you were taking after us. We also got to hear your heartbeat.  They put this thing on mommy’s tummy and we were able to hear you inside. Your heart was beating so fast to us but the doctor said that it was normal.  Oh yeah we gotta talk about this thumb sucking thing we seen you do but that’s for another time.  I cant wait to see you just know daddy loves you and prays for you everyday that you continue to grow healthy while mommy carries you until you’re here.

Love Dad

You're having a...?

There are many crazy beliefs on judging the sex of a pregnancy.  I have heard so many crazy stories that contradict each other, and I chose not to believe any of them.  The most popular two things I have heard…is that if you do not get sick, you are having a boy, and if you are frequently sick, it is a girl.  In the end, it just comes down to the individual, and knowing your body if you have already experienced pregnancy.  I have a friend who has had two boys and was never sick.  Once she had her third pregnancy, she was sick.  She knew it was a girl before officially knowing, and she was right!  In her case, she knew her body by that time.  I know another person who previously had a girl and was never sick, but is now pregnant with a boy and gets sick.  My mother was never sick with me, or my brother.  That is two different sexes and no sickness.  Until I started to learn for myself, I used to give in into this myth.  Now I learned not to.  Unless you have been pregnant before and know your body, there is no telling what the sex could be.  The next myth I have heard is that if your baby’s heart beats more slowly or normal, it is a boy, and girls have a higher heart rate.  A friend of mine was told the opposite by her doctor.  These different myths are ridiculous!  I would not believe any of them!

Grandma's see Baby ALexander

Sunday, June 3rd was the first time the grandma’s could see their grandchild personally.  I arranged an ultrasound appointment with my auntie, and invited my mother and mother-in-law to come join me.  When our mom’s had children, technology was not how it is today.  When my mom and Randi saw baby Alexander on the screen, their faces were priceless!  You would have thought they were kids in a candy store.  My mom pulled out her phone and started to videotape the monitor.  Both of our mother’s even took a photo of the monitor.  I started to tease them and said, "Ya’ll do know she’s going to print out the photos of the baby, and I will give you some?”  It was extremely funny how excited they were to see baby Alexander on the monitor.

Randi (Gerald’s mom) has been A GRANDMA GONE WILD since she first found out about her grandchild.  She purchased a car seat the very week she discovered the news.  Since then, Randi has bought baby shoes, socks, and clothes.  She even called Gerber Life to start a college/insurance fund.  Only to be told she needed to know the sex of the baby. HA!  Randi called me like, “CAN YOU BELIEVE THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED TO KNOW THE SEX OF THE BABY!”  Randi said she told them that she thought it was a boy; however, the lady from Gerber Life stated she needed to know for sure.  Randi has believed that Baby Alexander will be a boy since day one.  Maybe because that is what she really wants?  All the clothes she has purchased have been boy clothes.  So when Randi was at the ultrasound, you already know what she was searching for.  Randi will swear to you she saw it was a boy, but my auntie was flipping the images on the screen around too frequently for Randi to truly see.  Not only that, but Randi did not have her glasses on.  Lol.  If anyone knows Randi, you know sometimes she cannot see clearly.

Giving our mother’s the experience to see their grandchild on the screen was wonderful.  I was happy to see how amazed they were, and it gave our mother’s some stories to share.

A letter to my unborn child

Dearest little Baby Alexander,

When I picture you being formed inside my womb, I start imagining all sorts of things.  It is an exciting feeling and scary feeling, all at once.  I think about if you will be a boy or a girl.  If you are a girl will you have mommy’s slanted eyes, or daddy’s ears?  If you are a boy will you have daddy’s lips, and mommy’s genetics of height?  The majority of the men on my mom’s side is 6’ 3 or taller.  So I wonder if you are a boy will you be that tall as well.  There are many things I have been pondering, and I cannot get the answers to any of them for a while.  It is a scary feeling that I cannot see you, to know if you are alright, and if you are not alright, there is not much mommy could really do at the moment.  All I can do is trust that God is protecting you in me, and that HE has it all under control. 

I have always wanted to be a mommy.  Being a mother one day, was at the top of my to-do list after marriage.  I think every woman dreams of one day-becoming a mother.  God blessed me to have that dream come true.  You will always be one of the most important people in my life.  I will do my best to protect you, and raise you the way our heavenly Father says in His word.  I had amazing parents growing up, and I always learn from the best!

God hears your heartbeat, and I wish I could too.  At our first ultrasound, I almost cried when I saw you on the screen.  The nurse showed us your heart beating, and all I could do was smile and wish I could hear it too.  When I first heard your heartbeat, I instantly smiled again.  You are always having me smile!  It was strange when I first heard the sound.  I was waiting to hear a thump like how my heart sounds.  The sound was a tad different.  The doctor said, “There is that heart beat!”  I said, “ Oh wow! That’s the sound?”  It sounded as if you were gasping for air as each heart beat.  It was strange and extremely exciting!

Seeing you move on the ultra sound screen was amazing.  I was 9 weeks and my auntie was giving the ultra sound.  You would not stop moving!  I was like, “maybe I should stop working out so much, because my baby is active like mommy!”  You stayed still for about a minute, and it was back to bouncing up and down.  As the weeks go on, I get more and more anxious!

                                     MOMMY LOVES YOU BABY ALEXANDER!

Fresno State Graduates

Saturday, May 19^th, my little brother and little cousin graduated from Fresno State University.  I was not just proud because I was also a Fresno State Alumni, but more proud to watch and know how far they have come, and grown.  My little brother Emmanuel, attended Fresno on a track scholarship, and majored in Criminology-law enforcement.  Jonathan my cousin was on a full basketball scholarship, and majored in African American studies.  These two graduates make five, on my mother’s side of the family.  Our uncle Javon was the first to be a college graduate, then Jonathan’s brother Hajji, then me, and then Emmanuel and Jonathan.  It is amazing to see how much God has blessed our family. 

My brother and I are three and a half years apart, and I love him dearly.  To hear his name called, and watch him walk across that stage, made me one proud big sister.  It was not like watching him graduate from high school.  More so, for high school is expected; everyone should at least obtain a high school diploma.  To see him finish college was a joyful experience.  I was proud that he started and never gave up, despite how tough it may have got.  College is not easy, and my brother made it through.  My little brother was no longer my kid brother I used to punk to play Barbie’s with me, or play outside on the huge trampoline we had in the backyard.  My brother was now a man, and he made me extremely proud!

Will you be my Godmommy?

I have always known who I would want to be my baby’s first Godparent for years.  We have been best friends since the 6th grade.  She moved after that year to Arizona, and even with the distance, we have remained best friends.  The person I speak of is Erika Roberts.  She has not only been my best friend through the years and through the distance, but she has always felt like a sister.  We are different in many ways, but alike in many others.  If you have ever met Erika, she has one of the greatest personalities ever! 

When Erika and I were younger, she would come to visit during the summer, and  we would do the most daring things.  One time we placed pillows at the bottom of the stairs on the first floor in my home.  Then we would go to the second floor, and climb along the balcony rails, so that we could jump from the second floor to the first.  Ha...just thinking about it, makes me wonder why we were so daring.  It was always fun when we would reunite.  As we grew older, we both have been through some hard times in life.  Through those hard times, we would give an ear to listen, and have never judged one another on the decisions we chose to make.  All we ever wanted was the best for one another. 

With all that has been said, is the reason that I did not have to put any thought into who my firstborn's, Godmother would be.  I know that no matter what, she will always be there for my child, and treat my child like it was her own.  I know that if anything was ever to happen to me, my child would be safe in Erika’s care.  Even through the distance our bond has never been broken, so I know without a doubt, she will always be there for Baby Alexander.  On Mother's day I sent a gift to her job along with a card.  In the card, I told her how much she meant to me, and on the other side, was a note from the baby.  At the end of the note, it said...WILL YOU BE MY GODMOTHER?

1st Trimester

When I discovered I was pregnant, I thought I was about 3 weeks.  Boy was I wrong!  I had no clue that 2 weeks is added when you are first pregnant.  When the doctor told me I was about 5  weeks, I had a look of confusion on my face.  I just knew I was not carrying a miracle child in me.  As I started reading my book, I learned what I did not know.  Throughout my pregnancy I have been keeping a journal and letters to my unborn child.  Since I have finally announced it to the world, I can update everyone on all the latest information.  After this update, everything will be posted as soon as it happens.  Here is everything below, from start...until now:

Week 3: I have already told you my feelings about how I felt when I first discovered I was pregnant.  Here are Gerald’s feelings.  “I was shocked!  I thought it was a joke being played on me, but then it settled in to be real.  The excitement took over me.  Everything happened so fast with the wedding and now this!  A BLESSING FROM GOD ALMIGHTY!”

Week 4: My energy level is low.  I frequently get tired and have to take many naps.  My appetite is normal and I have not gotten sick.

Week 7: I had my first doctor’s appointment this week, I found my calculations to be off.  I am now 7 weeks, not 5.  The day of my first doctor’s appointment I woke up thrilled, hoping I would finally be able to see my baby.  I had two different offices to visit, to see which one I liked more.  After each appointment, I was saddened that I was unable to see the baby.  This was also the first week I started feeling queasy in my chest, and stomach.  The feeling was due to gas, and when it was released, I felt much better.  Sorry if that is too much information lol

Week 8: My energy is still low, and all I want to eat is chili cheese dogs.  I have been fighting a cold since the wedding, and I later discovered I had bronchitis.  I had my first ultra sound, Gerald and I could not help but smile when we saw our little blessing on the monitor inside me.

Week 9:  My energy is the same as the last few weeks.  I had started to worry if the baby was alright.  I just wanted to feel the baby, because I cannot hear it.  My auntie does ultra sounds so I made an appointment with her so that I could see my baby.  I was happy to see my baby once again, and get plenty more photos.

Week 11: My energy level is normal.  I say normal, for I still need naps or I will be tired.  I think this will always be my normal pregnancy feeling. Thankfully I no longer have bronchitus.  I am eating egg sandwiches and peanut butter jelly sandwiches this week.  I frequently get constipated due to all the vitamins I am taking.

Week 13: This week my bathroom runs in the middle of the night, are starting to get worse.  I end up waking up at least five times through the night.  The fourth time I woke up, I thought about asking the doctor to insert a catheter in me, for these pee runs while I am trying to sleep...is not it!  The next wake up run, I thought about a portable potty next to my bed.  Yes everyone...I am serious!!  Next week I will be 14 weeks and in my 2nd trimester...yayyyyy God is Good!

      Below is me at 13 weeks, one day before I am 14 weeks. (3 months 2weeks)

                                                           1st Trimester Notes

Start weight- 148                                             End weight at 13 weeks-148

Baby's heart- 148                                            Longest time constipated-3 days

Can I still fit my jeans- of course           Start bra size- 34B  Start bra size at 14weeks-34D    

Do I think it is a boy/girl-I will not say, I’d rather not jinx what I think.  I will say I have been telling the baby what I think it is.

Although I have yet to gain any weight; I have noticed my uterus has shifted.  I feel as if I have bad posture and I stick my tummy out, where it looks a tad rounded than usual.

                              9 weeks: Baby Alexander kept moving the entire time

                                           The below photo is Baby Alexander doing flips. 
                                        If you notice, the above photo: the baby's head is up.
                      In the photo below, the baby's head is turned going down on the right side.

                                                                   
                                                                     13 WEEKS
When I first seen this photo, the first thing that came to mind, was that my baby has it's daddy's nose!

                                     

Oh Lord! Baby Alexander is already a thumb sucker!  Sorry baby, but mommy will not let you suck your thumb once you are born.

Baby Alexander is now poking mommy

                                                                                in the tummy.

Happy 2nd Birthday Tatum

On April 27th, this little girl turned two!  Time sure does go by fast!  Tatum is very dear to us.  She is Gerald’s best friend’s daughter, and Gerald is her God-father.  I remember when Gerald was first asked to be the God-father.  It was such a precious moment!  Gerald ended up googling how to be a Godparent…lol.  Before Tatum, Gerald was never really around children.  He would always tell me that children were afraid of him.  So it was really funny to see him interact with Tatum.  In Bad Boys II, there is a part where Mike Lowery (Will Smith), goes over Marcus’s (Martin Lawrence) house, and Marcus’s daughter was about to go on a date.  Marcus and Mike end up hounding the dude, and scaring the poor boy with guns and stuff.  That part in the movie will make you instantly laugh.  While watching the movie, Gerald would state how he and Terrell will be like that when Tatum starts dating.  Sad part is, I can see Gerald and Terrell acting just like the movie, the two of them together have a crazy personality!  Poor Tatum…I hope her future first date is ready.

As I said before, two years went by fast.  I remember the first time Gerald held Tatum.  Gerald was extremely nervous.  Tre had to help Gerald feel comfortable.  Once Tatum started crying, he wanted to give her back.  Unfortunately, Tre was in the kitchen not close to Gerald.  I told Gerald to just bring Tatum to her.  Gerald would not do it...lol...He was afraid he would drop her.  Tre told him it is just like holding a football.  Gerald responded, “I’ve dropped many of those in my life as well.”  Hahaha Gerald is crazy!  As Tatum grew older Gerald felt more comfortable.  When Tatum started speaking, and he spoke to her over the Xbox while playing football with Terrell, Gerald called me so thrilled she was trying to speak.  Now Tatum can speak well.  She will tell you what is hers if she does not want you to have something, and turn around and tell you how you should share!

Tatum had a Yo Gabba Gabba birthday party at her Nana’s house.  The party was Yo Gabba Gabba everything.  Brobee from Yo Gabba Gabba even made an appearance at the party.  Tatum loves Brobee and danced with Brobee the entire time.  The only time Tatum stopped dancing, was when she ran to the table to drink some juice.  After she drank the juice, she would run back to dance.  It was hilarious to watch her.  Tatum is a great dancer…sometimes a tad too great at her age.  Lol All you can do is laugh and wonder how she learned that new dance move.

                                         HAPPY BIRTHDAY TATUM...WE LOVE YOU!