I'm now 25 weeks along, as of tomorrow. Crazy to think that in 15 weeks (technically 14 w/ c-section) we'll be welcoming another cutie into the McGinnis clan! There's not a lot to update or share this month. The Dr. appointment was just the usual. This was my first appointment that I didn't get an ultrasound. He found the heartbeat right under my belly button at a rate of 155. I'm measuring right on and doing well. My ribs aren't bothering me much at all anymore so, that's a huge plus. However, my carpal tunnel has worsened but, it's all good. I'm wearing a trusty brace when I'm either sleeping or not in public so, that seems to be helping a lot.
As I've mentioned before, this pregnancy has been so much different than the other pregnancies I've had. Just so many interesting, weird things happening. Well, yesterday I was able to add to the list, although not in a way I would've wanted to. Here's the story: As I was driving home from picking up Connor and Aliyah from school, I noticed my the left, middle side of back started to hurt slightly. I didn't think much of it, except maybe I slept weird, turned wrong, or stretched weird. So, I continue driving but notice the pain begin to worsen. It doesn't let up but, continues to get progressively worse. I was about 10 minutes away from dropping off Aliyah and the pain became extremely intense and at that point I couldn't breathe well, was in tears, and trying to get a hold of Mike to tell him something was very wrong. I felt so bad because the kids were all nervous, wondering what was wrong with me but, I could barely talk and was crying so hard, and began to scream a little. Luckily, I made it to Aliyah's home and had her run in and grab Brittany. At first it probably appeared as if I was waving goodbye to Brittany or waving for some reason but, Brittany caught on something was wrong and ran out to help. There wasn't much she could do for me though. It hurt to stand, walk, breathe, lay, talk, etc. So, Brittany grabbed my phone to call Mike and I just wanted to die! My first thoughts were that I was in labor and I was scared to death! So many thoughts and fears ran through my mind as to what was wrong. Brittany was great at calming the kids down, making them feel at ease, and took them into her house while Mike and I headed to the E.R. While on the way to the E.R., Mike called my O.B.GYN to explain what was going on and to see what he recommended. He had us come directly to his office to quickly examine me. By this time I was basically screaming, crying, hyperventilating and in a fetal position. We got to the Dr. and he quickly got me into an examination room. First thing he checked was the baby. We were blessed and so grateful to learn our baby was completely fine and not affected by what was going on. After examining a couple other things and talking to me, we learned that I had a kidney stone. After laying in his office for about 15 minutes, the pain began to calm down. I think it helped knowing that the baby wasn't in danger and that helped me to calm down and relax a little. So, the Dr. recommended that I go home with some strong pain meds. and try to pass the stone on my own. So, we headed home. For the next 20 minutes the pain was very mild and very bearable so, I thought the worst of it was over. Well, we got home and the pain hit again but, harder. This time the pain lasted for 1 hr. 30 min. before the pain meds. finally kicked in and I was able to relax a little. So, from that point on I drank A TON, and I mean A TON, of water! Then just slept as much as I could so I could relax and pass the stone. Well, somewhere around 11pm, I must've passed the stone because the pain disappeared and I was finally able to rest and sleep all night long. I learned a few things that night. #1: I'm so grateful that the pains and problems I was having had NOTHING to do with the baby. #2: Natural childbirth is for the birds, or for women a lot stronger than me, because I could never do it! I am so lucky to have a friend who just stepped up, stayed calm when I was freaking out, and made me and my kids feel at ease and everything would be alright. It meant so much that I could leave my kids with her and not feel guilty or worry the whole time! Love you, Brittany! I am also so grateful to my hubby for his amazing driving skills to get me to the Dr. so fast (ha ha!), for stepping in and doing what he could to make me feel relaxed, for letting me sleep and rest the way I needed to, and for getting up with Connor this morning and he getting him off to school! So grateful he was also able to give me a priesthood blessing! I didn't even have to ask. He came to me, ready willing and able to do so! He really took care of me, made sure I water the entire time, and made sure I was taking my medications. Now I just hope and pray that I never have to go through that AGAIN!!!
My new experiment/try on Rylie's hair
The back final-product of my new experiment on Rylie's hair. 
Grandma M. bought a cute little fairy dress-up outfit.
24 weeks along
Connor, standing outside of our house, before we headed off to school.
Connor & his teacher Ms. Jones
Connor & Aliyah giving a "Woo hoo!" shout!
Connor & his classmates playing with playdoh a few minutes before school started.
Connor standing in line with his classmates, in the lunchroom.
Connor cheesin' it and Aliyah eating her favorite part of lunch, the pickle!
Connor & Aliyah enjoying lunchtime!
Connor & Aliyah in line before they leave the lunchroom & head back to class.
