1. “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” Mothers answer questions about their own pregnancies as a guide for mothers-to-be.

2. Do you use/plan on using disposable or non disposable diapers? I would like to use non disposable cloth diapers to save money, but will be using disposable ones as well. Disposable For the first four kids I used cloth diapers. For the last five I used disposable until I started potty training. As of right now, I would probably use what ever is the cheapest. However, cloth diapers would probably be the most efficient. Blythe Dawn Hope Joyce

3. Did/do you take prenatal vitamins? What kinds? Yes, I started taking prenatal vitamins around 7 weeks. I take one every night before bed. The brand I buy is Nature Made prenatal-postnatal vitamins. I used over-the-counter ones till they made me sick then I had to take prescription ones. Yes I did take vitamins, I do not remember what kind they were, though. I will probably start prenatal vitamins when the time comes. I know I don't get enough of the necessary vitamins now and If I were pregnant I would do whatever the Dr. recommended. Blythe Dawn Hope Joyce

4. Did/do you use books, internet, or other sources to help inform you of pregnancy? Examples. Yes, I have the classic "What to Expect When You're Expecting" which I refer to before I call my doctor. Before I bought the book I looked everything up on the internet. I enjoyed reading about what was happening each week of my pregnancy; how big the baby was, what body parts were forming, approximate weight and length and how I "should" be feeling. Books and internet but mostly Mom. Most of the information I received was from other sources, as the oldest I knew some of the things a woman goes through from being aware of what my mom was going through. I also babysat a lot so I had those mothers for examples. I also bought a Dr. Spock book when I got pregnant the first time. I haven't read any books but I have 6 aunts and 3 sisters, and mom who have all experienced birth, so I have a lot of faith in the knowledge they have/share. Blythe Dawn Hope Joyce

5. Did/do you incorporate some kind of physical exercise during pregnancy? Examples. I try...I walk so much as a waitress that I am beat by the time I get home. I do get out and do some brisk walking when the weather is nice. I also stretch my calves to prevent "Charlie horses." I bought a video that teaches prenatal yoga, about 15 minutes in I got frustrated with my balance and lack of coordination that I shut it off and haven't done it since. Walking and roller blading until I got too big. No, nothing more than my usual daily activities. I would absolutely exercise during pregnancy. The way I see it, the healthier I am the healthier the baby is going to be. Blythe Dawn Hope Joyce

6. Did/do you plan on having family members in the delivery room with you? Who? No, just the father. Although I may ask for my mom, but we will see what happens. No just Ryan (my husband) but I had high risk pregnancies and preemies so I had the whole neonatal team in there too. No, only nurses, the doctor, and Rod for the last set of twins. If I end up taking the way of artificial insemination then I will have my Mother and my sister Becky and my niece Shalee with me. If I am married, I will have my husband and that may be it; it all depends. Blythe Dawn Hope Joyce

7. Are/were you exposed to second/first-hand smoke during your pregnancy? Where? Yes, I have been exposed to second-hand smoke at the bars where I occasionally meet with friends or at work when smoking was allowed in the cantina. No. With the first pregnancy I smoked. With the second pregnancy I had quit but Rod smoked. By the time the rest of the kids were coming neither Rod nor I smoked anymore but were often around people who did. I work in the bar and restaurant industry which is soon going non smoking so no I don't think I will be exposed to any by the time I am pregnant. Blythe Dawn Hope Joyce

8. Did/do you experience morning sickness? I experienced nausea and fatigue but never any vomiting. I ate alot of apples and crackers, they were the only things that settled the nausea. Yes all day and night with Talliah, mornings with Paige, and nights with Regan. Yes, in the beginning I was nauseous. By the third month of every pregnancy I was usually past it. Except with the pregnancy of twins; I was sick all nine months and I couldn’t keep water down some days. I imagine I will, at least a little? Blythe Dawn Hope Joyce

9. How did you come up with your first child’s name? We have not come up with one, yet. Ryan and I both new someone with the name and it was one we really liked and seemed to fit her perfectly once we saw her. (A) My oldest is my youngest sister’s middle name turned around. (B) the second one is a girlfriend’s name. (C) The third is the name of a doll I had. (D) the fourth is following the alphabet. (E) Ethan is after a book. (F) Frank is after an uncle with my dad’s name as a middle name. (G) Glenn is after Rod’s dad. (H) Heath is just a name we agreed on and (H) Hope is because we couldn’t agree on a name. I have ideas for names no matter the sex, however, I don't think I will be able to decide until I see the face of the baby. Blythe Dawn Hope Joyce

10. What was your reaction when you found out you were pregnant? I didn't believe it at first; cried and wanted to talk to Glenn (father) who was serving overseas. Sh#*! Oh Good! I feel very strongly that I will be so excited! I would like to have one by the age of 30. Blythe Dawn Hope Joyce

11. How far along were you when you found out you were pregnant? I was about 5-6 weeks along when I found out I was pregnant. My first doctor's appointment and ultrasound was done at 11 weeks and 5 days. Month 2 during the first trimester I had the flu and then never got over it. Two months. Blythe Dawn Joyce

12. Did you experience any challenges during your pregnancy? Emotional and physical. Emotionally I missed not having the father of my child there. When I felt the baby move for the first time, I was upset that Glenn was not there to experience it with me. Physically my pants just got tighter and tighter. Now at 28 weeks my feet and ankles are swollen, not real happy about that, but it's normal I guess. It's a chore showering, getting dressed, putting shoes on, getting items off the floor and laundry. Any activity involving bending down with a big belly in the way is a pain, sometimes it hurts. Telling my father. I was very tired. Especially with the last six. Blythe Dawn Joyce

13. How old were you when you had your first child? I am 24 years old. I had her on my 23rd birthday - her due date was Halloween. I was twenty one years old. Hopefully by 30 or maybe 32 we will see. Blythe Dawn Hope Joyce

14. Looking back, would you change anything about how you cared for yourself while you were pregnant (eating habits, smoking/drinking, exercise, etc)? I wish I exercised more and had better eating habits and ate more fruits and vegetables rather than Taco Johns and fried foods. More sleep, and vitamins. No, not really. If anything – more rest. I would definitely quit smoking and drinking. I'm hoping to finally start cooking and hopefully have a garden soon so I plan on a lot more vegetables and fruits in my diet. My exercise regimen is not excessive so I will continue with that. Blythe Dawn Hope Joyce

15. A sperm cell penetrating an egg, resulting in conception. Within about three days after conception the fertilized egg passes through the fallopian tube into the uterus where it attaches to the uterine wall. Fetal development at four weeks. The face and neck become evident. Heart, blood vessels, lungs, stomach, and liver begin to develop.

16. Fetal development at eight weeks. Now about the size of the grape, the baby’s eyelids, ears, arms, legs, fingers, and toes grow more distinct. Fetal development at twelve weeks. About two and a half inches and begins moving. Sex organs of baby become clear and heartbeat can be picked up with special instruments.

17. Fetal development at about sixteen weeks. The baby’s eyes can blink and the heart and blood vessels are fully formed. Fingerprints develop. Fetal development at twenty weeks. The baby can suck a thumb, yawn, stretch, and make faces. Soon you will be able to feel your baby move.

18. Time for an ultrasound! Performed for all pregnant women at twenty weeks of gestation. Doctor will confirm that the placenta is healthy and growing properly. Gender can usually be determined at this time. Fetal development at twenty four weeks. Baby responds to sound by moving or increasing pulse.

19. Fetal development at twenty eight weeks. Baby will frequently change positions. Register for birthing classes to prepare you for many aspects of childbirth, including labor and delivery and parenting the newborn. Fetal development at thirty two weeks. Baby will gain up to half its birth weight between now and delivery. Ask your doctor how to do a fetal movement chart. Think about breast feeding. Soon you will start leaking colostrums from your breasts.

20. Fetal development at thirty six weeks. The brain has been developing rapidly. Lungs are nearly fully developed and the head is usually positioned down in the pelvis by now. Birth!