It's been way too long...

I'm BAAAAACK! I can't wait to catch up and blog about my new loves in life! 

Couple things have changed since my last blog. I'm a mommy. I love it. I have a new house. I love it. I have a new car. I love it. Other than some extra bills to pay, things are good!

My son Liam was a wonderful Christmas gift to my husband and me, who came on Dec. 9, 2011. He's the greatest blessing I've ever experienced. I enjoy every minute of being his mommy. Here he is each month from newborn to 7 months!

I'm working full time in addition to motherhood. It's tough to be apart from the cutest little guy on Earth, but work also keeps my sanity. I'm in the process of decorating my home and in need of advice or looks! Please send ideas my way!

Sincerely,

mommy. blogger. journalist. designer. artist.

johnsonnicolec@aol.com
www.thenjreport.blogspot.com

HELP! My chest, my throat! ON FIRE!

I was about to enter my seventh month of pregnancy, and I was working a Sunday shift at Live 5 News. Photographer Corey and I stopped by my favorite little sandwich place in Mount Pleasant, Mozzo Deli.

I always get the same sandwich everytime, The Milano, which is breaded eggplant, spinach, mozzarella, and ricotta cheese in a grilled wrap... my fave! But I ventured from the norm and went for The Godfather, which includes Genoa salami, ham, pepperoni, lettuce, tomato, onions, sweet and hot peppers, and oil and vinegar. And I got it on ciabatta bread! I ate the whole thing and it was delicious!

I have never experienced heartburn before, and I didn't know practically everything on that sandwich could trigger it!

The chest pain kicked in at about 4 p.m. It felt so extreme! I wasn't sure what was going on. I wrote my news story, left work, and called husband William in the pharmacy to tell him about my symptoms. He said I was presenting the symptoms of heartburn, and many pregnant women come in with the same complaints. It is basically my stomach acids traveling back up my esophagus, giving me the burning sensation.

He suggested to chew up some Tums. I took four! No relief and things only got worse! The burning sensation traveled up to my throat and it just felt like pressure and burning for HOURS!

With some online research on pregnancy heartburn (and the okay from my medical expert hubby), I tried several remedies including: more Tums (have a medical expert check the label some ingredients in some brands may not be good for a pregnant person), drinking water, drinking milk, standing up on my feet, chewing minty gum because saliva can neutralize stomach acid. The feeling was only worse when I laid down, so I "fell asleep" propped up on pillows. FINALLY, by 1 a.m. the feeling had gone away... THANK GOODNESS!

I barely ate anything the next day for fear of a relapse of the worse pregnancy side effect yet! (for me at least) Click here for some treatments from The Bump. My advice is eat slow and don't overeat! William also says Zantac or Ranitidine, an acid reducer, is safe during pregnancy.

Good luck to all the preggos out there, hopefully you can avoid the burn!

Months 6-7: Growing BIG time!

Oh wow my bump has popped out its biggest yet! However, I am very grateful all is progressing well and I'm measuring right on time. The headaches subsided, and now my biggest challenge is getting around with all the added weight and size.

In September we did a keepsake ultrasound at "See Me 3D" in Summerville. It was a awesome experience getting an extra sneak peek at our baby. He seems to like his little space in my belly. Both grandmas Marilyn and Suzy, Papa Bill, and Aunt Adrienne and Elizabeth all got a chance to oooh and ahhh at Baby Liam along with William and me! We thank God that our baby and we the parents have such a strong support system with many more family members and friends.

In other baby news, my friends Krista and Amy were blessed with the births of their babies. Sullivan Cole Driggers was born Sept. 27 (2 days early) and Landyn Grace Dickerson graced us with her presence a few weeks early on Sept. 30th! I guess this means I am next....!!!

Congrats Krista and Darren!

Congrats Amy and Duane!

Hello Trim. 3! Hello Headaches!

I'm huge and I have headaches everyday! Well hello to you Third Trimester! Before going on about this wonderful time in pregnancy, we need to take a look back at what baby's been up to!

-Baby "Liam" flew on a plane! We visited San Francisco, where daddy William had a pharmacy conference. (We also caught up with some old friends, Hi Kevin, Lauren, and Margo!)

-All my old high school friends from ten years ago saw me preggo! It was our reunion at Miler Country Club.

-I passed the 24 week mark, and my glucose tolerance test. They make you drink a sweet fruit juice type drink before taking a blood sample, to see how your body processes the sugar. I passed!

-Liam's baby friend Eliana was born! She's too cute! And Zephylia and me the day before she delivered!

Anyway, baby and I have grown TREMENDOUSLY in this sixth month. The headaches have been so bad, but I try to drink a lot of water, and I take tylenol as it is the only pain reliever Dr. B and Dr. Daddy William say are safe for a pregnant woman.

In other big news my sister in law Elizabeth is now engaged to her longtime boyfriend Randy! Yay Elizabeth and Randy! We'll be visiting them this weekend. We will also be doing a See Me 3D sneak peak in Summerville Saturday afternoon. I'm also planning to try out my first prenatal yoga class on Sunday. I'll keep you posted! Have a nice weekend!