Wednesday, October 29, 2014

34 Weeks

Lovely 7 am photo.  Yikes!


How far along:  34 weeks

Baby size: Size of a Cantaloupe or Pumpkin Squash!  Almost 5 pounds and between 17 and 20 inches.

Baby's progress:   Fat layers are filling baby out and making them rounder (bring on the baby rolls!)  Lungs and central nervous system are also maturing.

Weight gain:  15 pounds.  Hallelujah!

Stretch marks:  Still in the clear.  Morning is Burt's Bee's Mama Bee's and evening is Burt's Bee's vitamin E oil.

Sleep:  Hit and miss this week.  It was go-go-go with Joslyn coming to town and the baby shower on Saturday, but I'm still making sure to get enough rest.

Gender: Check back in December!

Movement:  Now that baby is taking up the majority of my uterus, their movements are more sharp and pronounced.  It is so much fun watching them move around.

Best moment this week: Baby shower was this weekend!

Looking forward to:  Getting home after 5 days on the road.  

Food cravings:  No cravings, I'm just thirsty all of the time.

Belly Button - In or Out:  Out and flat.

Anything making you queasy or sick:  No

Wedding Rings - On or Off:   On.

Labor signs:  A few braxton hicks.  I don't notice them unless my hand is on my stomach and I can feel it get hard and tight.  

What I miss:  Walking without waddling but I can still breathe!  Baby has been low the whole pregnancy and I think I'd rather waddle and breathe, than not breathe and walk normally.

Symptoms: Very irregular braxton hicks, waddle, frequent bathroom trips, and a big baby bump!

Workouts: Lots and lots of walking with Joslyn.  I think we lapped every store in town!

Things that suck:  Hungry while feeling full at the same time.  Food aversion is creeping back.

Things that don't suck:  Bubble baths.  The bathroom is done and I finally have a tub back!!

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Wednesday, October 22, 2014

33 Weeks


How far along:  33 weeks

Baby size: Little over 4 pounds and over 17 inches and the size of a durian.

Baby's progress:   Baby has their own immune system!  Baby is opening their eyes and sucking their thumb.  Also, Baby is going to be putting on a half pound a week until they arrive!

Weight gain:  13 pounds, but after the way I've been eating the past few days this is bound to climb....

Stretch marks:  Still in the clear.  Morning is Burt's Bee's Mama Bee's and evening is Burt's Bee's vitamin E oil.

Sleep:  This week was rough.  I finally caved and took a Tylenol before bed the last three nights so I could sleep.

Gender: Check back in December!

Movement:  Now that baby is taking up half of my uterus, their movements are more sharp and pronounced.  It is so much fun watching them move around.

Best moment this week: Joslyn came to town!!!!

Looking forward to:  Baby shower this weekend!!

Food cravings:  No cravings, I'm just thirsty all of the time.

Belly Button - In or Out:  Out, but the bottom half is shy sometimes.

Anything making you queasy or sick:  No

Wedding Rings - On or Off:   On.

Labor signs:  No

What I miss:  A full night of uninterrupted sleep.  So far I'm able to get a full 8 hours, but I know these nights are slowly coming to an end.

Symptoms: Oh Lordy, this week was a rough one.  I wasn't walking at work or working out at home.  Justin and I were trying to get as many projects done as quick as we could in preparation for this week and I pushed myself WAY to hard.  Aches and pains galore :(

Workouts: This week was a big negative.  But I've started walking again at work and I'm already feeling much better.

Things that suck:  Dealing with my physical changes.   Seeing the scale climb up and my body change hasn't been the easiest to adjust too.  However, I know how much I love this kiddo already and I'm willing to go through more as long as they are healthy when they get here.

Things that don't suck:  Maternity leggings.  **Cue angels singing**

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Currently

Whelp, I did it again.  Was so busy at work on Friday I forgot to post my 5 on Friday.  Darn it.

This weekend was a push to get as many projects done as quickly as possible.  My bestie is coming to town to throw my baby shower at our house and it was motivation to check a few things off our list!!

Trimming out all of the door jambs

And the biggest project - finishing the shower/bathroom

Also, there was a lot of scrubbing, cleaning, dusting, painting,and shopping.  The baby's new window is being installed today and the rocker/glider is being delivered today!

I'm going to be excited when October is over.  Justin and I have plans to enjoy our last month as 'just the two of us'.  It has been go go go for months and we need a break before baby arrives!


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Wednesday, October 15, 2014

32 Weeks - 8 Months!


How far along:  32 weeks

Baby size:  3.5-4 pounds and close to 17 inches (a large jicama)

Baby's progress:   Baby is gaining a third to half of their birth weight in these last few weeks and has fingernails, toenails and hair! (or peach fuzz)

Weight gain:  11 pounds

Stretch marks:  Still in the clear.  Morning is Burt's Bee's Mama Bee's and evening is Burt's Bee's vitamin E oil.

Sleep:  Much better this week.  Only one nightly restroom break then right back to sleep.

Gender: Check back in December!

Movement:  Baby loves trying to make their space bigger - lots of pushing and kicking and I can't forget the hiccups!

Best moment this week: Went to bed at 830 Saturday night and woke up at 8 am Sunday morning.  Slept ALL night long and I felt amazing.  Also, a few nights in West Yellowstone with a pool, unlimited ice cream and salads, and no alarm clock on Friday morning.  It was heaven :)

Looking forward to:  Maternity pictures this weekend!

Food cravings:  I still love salad, but no cravings since the infamous doughnut meltdown.  Haha.

Belly Button - In or Out:  Out, but the bottom half is shy sometimes.

Anything making you queasy or sick:  When the Baby has big movements, it's almost like motion sickness.  Very odd.

Wedding Rings - On or Off:   On.

Labor signs:  No

What I miss:  Wine, leggings fitting around my waist, knowing I can't go home for the holidays

Symptoms: Big moving belly and lots of restroom breaks.

Workouts: Lots of walks and still working on weights at home.

Things that suck:  Small town living/small town minds, being a few states away from my friends and family.

Things that don't suck:  Besides growing a human being?  Not a whole lot.


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Tuesday, October 14, 2014

The Final Countdown

I'm in final prep mode for Baby and I'm trying to keep all of my lists organized.  Help ladies, what is a new mom forgetting?!



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Wednesday, October 8, 2014

31 Weeks


How far along:  31 Weeks

Baby size:  A coconut or pineapple!  Over 3 pounds and 16 inches

Baby's progress:  Baby is plumping up and moving all of the time.

Weight gain:  10 pounds  

Stretch marks:  Still in the clear.  Morning is Burt's Bee's Mama Bee's and evening is Burt's Bee's vitamin E oil.

Sleep:  There are a lot more interruptions at night, so I'm combating the loss of sleep with an earlier bedtime.  Seems to be working well so far.

Gender: 9 more weeks until we find out!!!

Movement:  All of the time.  Lots of rolls, kicks, punches and hiccups.  Love the baby hiccups!

Best moment this week: Spending time with Justin picking out Carroll gear for BabyWigs.  He is SO excited that it just makes my heart hurt from happiness.

Looking forward to: I'm headed out of town for a work conference and I plan to float in the pool every night.  I also finalized our outfits for maternity pictures - coming up soon!!

Food cravings:  I had my first legit craving on Thursday night.  It was ridiculous and I got a good laugh about it the next morning.  I was almost in tears because I wanted a doughnut at 930 at night and there was no where to get one that late at night.  I dreamt about doughnuts and satisfied my craving at breakfast Friday morning.

Belly Button - In or Out:  Mostly out, but it looks flush with the rest of my stomach most of the time.

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Nope.

Wedding Rings - On or Off:   On.

Labor signs: No ma'am!  

What I miss:  Going more than 30 minutes between potty breaks during the day!  Haha.  

Symptoms: Baby is LOW which means bathroom breaks are much more frequent.  Otherwise, everything is two thumbs up!

Workouts: Lots of walks and workouts at home.

Things that suck:  Less and less is fitting :(  

Things that don't suck:  Cooler weather so I can wear more of my tunic sweaters and leggings!



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Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Recipe Roundup

Yesterday I talked about a few things I had baked over the weekend.

Chocolate No Bake Cookies
Pumpkin Spice Cake Loaf

Chocolate No Bake Cookies are a staple in my dessert snack rotation.  As is a variation of Pumpkin Spice Cake Loaf.   I've made Baked Ziti before, but this time I was short an ingredient but decided to go on ahead.  Lesson learned.  

Chocolate No Bake Cookies - you can find a million recipes for these on the internet.  My favorite:
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
1 stick butter
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups quick-cooking oatmeal
1/2 cup peanut butter

Combine sugar, cocoa, butter and milk in saucepan.  Bring to boil and boil for ONE FULL MINUTE.  Remove from heat, stir in peanut butter and vanilla until melted.  Stir in oatmeal until blended.
Drop on wax paper and let cool (about 30 min).

I only had two cups oatmeal left in my container this weekend. The cookies are just a tad too crumbly but they still taste delicious.

Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispies - I used a Pinterest Pin that lead to this website: http://www.essentiallyeclectic.com/2013/09/pumpkin-spice-krispie-treats-festive.html
My thoughts - it's not "pumpkin spice" enough.  Really it tastes like slightly less sweet Rice Krispies, which isn't too bad.  But I think I'll add more spice if I make them again.

Pumpkin Spice Cake Loaf - I normally make muffins, not a loaf, but the process is the same.
One can Pumpkin (I scooped out a spoonful to use in the Rice Krispies)
One cake mix box.  I prefer to use Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe.
Any additional add in's.  I.E. Chocolate chips, nuts, etc
Stir together until fully blended.  Bake as directed on box.

My personal favorite combinations are: 
Plain Spice Cake
Spice Cake and White Chocolate Chips
Devils Food and Chocolate Chips
Yellow Cake and Cinnamon Chips

It's super easy, super fast and super delicious.  They also freeze really well!

Baked Ziti

Ok.  I'll be honest.  I've never really "followed" a recipe on this one.  I've just seen some pictures of the process and decided to attempt it one day willy nilly.  The first few times it turned out delicious.  This time, I was short an ingredient and really didn't feel like running to the store so I tried to make it anyways.  It's a bit dry, but still yummy.

The main ingredients:
Pasta
Alfredo Sauce
Spaghetti Sauce
Mozzarella Cheese
9x13 baking dish

I've mixed up the pasta and have used spaghetti, ziti, bowtie and penne.  Personally I like penne the best.  I also make my own spaghetti sauce with ground beef, tomato sauce and seasoning.  But canned is just fine!

Preheat oven to 350.
Cook pasta according to al dente directions.  Brown beef and make sauce while pasta is cooking.
Drain pasta and toss with alfredo sauce lightly.  You only want the pasta coated, not soaking in the sauce.
Layer pasta in baking dish and cover in spaghetti sauce.
Top layer is Mozzarella Cheese, put in oven until cheese has melted. (around 15 minutes)

I was short alfredo sauce, so it's harder to reheat the leftovers without drying it out too much.  Justin loved it so much, I'm going to have to make it again next week!

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Monday, October 6, 2014

Monday after a Great Weekend

Anyone else think that Monday's should really be the last day of the weekend?  Not the first day of the week?

This weekend was Homecoming at Carroll College - Justin's alma mater.  Justin played for 5 years on the National Championship football team and has been inducted into the Hall of Fame with his teammates a few times now.  This year was the 2004 team and 100 years of Football at Carroll.  
It was so fun to see everyone AND celebrate a win!!

2004 National Champs!

 Half Time Hall of Fame announcement

Justin's co-workers had a tailgate and wanted to celebrate too.
The weather this weekend was perfect - mid 70's, lots of sun and a slight breeze.  
Thursday was snow:

Mother Nature has no need to tease us with winter like this!!

The rest of Sunday was spending time with my favorite person.  We went to church, watched some football and I baked.  And baked, and baked, and baked.

Chocolate No Bake Cookies
Pumpkin Spice Cake Loaf

No clue on when I'll actually get around to eating any of it.....
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Friday, October 3, 2014

Oh Hey, Friday! Second Trimester Edition

-One-
Total number of maternity clothes purchased:  7
2 pairs of leggings
1 sweater
2 tank tops
1 bra
1 sports bra

-Two-
Items ordered for the nursery: 2
Glider:
Mobile:
Also Pottery Barn but bought
From eBay!


-Three-
Parenting Classes Attended:  6

-Four-
Gallons of Ice cream Eaten: 3
Number of salads consumed: 1,289 (or so)
Pounds gained: 6


-Five-
Baby Names Chosen: 2
1 for a boy and 1 for a girl.
And Justin picked them both!





Linking up with September F A R M!


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Thursday, October 2, 2014

A little progress post

As J and I are hard at work checking items off our To Do List, here's a sneak peak of all of our current progress!

Final coat! (I'd still prefer a new door.....)




We still have to patch walls and touch up paint.  But we have working sinks!!

Tile in the shower is starting.  One row a day....


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Wednesday, October 1, 2014

30 Weeks



How far along:  30 Weeks - WHAT?!

Baby size:  About 3 pounds and 15.5-16 inches long, or the size of a large cabbage/cucumber.

Baby's progress:  Skin is getting smoother and they are now strong enough to grasp a finger.

Weight gain:  10 pounds.  Look at this!  2 pounds a week pretty consistently!

Stretch marks:  Still in the clear.  Morning is Burt's Bee's Mama Bee's and evening is Burt's Bee's vitamin E oil.

Sleep:  Still an early bedtime with my middle of the night potty breaks.  But otherwise sleep is good!

Gender: Check back in December!

Movement:   So much!!  Justin and I love feeling the baby push up against my side and watching my stomach get lopsided.  I've even been able to rub the baby's feet when they are pushed up against the top of my belly.  I can't wait to see those feet for myself!!

Best moment this week: Having Justin feel a real hard kick.  The baby normally doesn't kick hard in the evenings, only around lunch time.  I loved seeing his face when he felt how HARD those kicks are!

Looking forward to: My bestie is coming to town in a few weeks to host my baby shower!!  I cannot wait to see her!!  I expect to ugly cry when I drop her off at the airport :(

Food cravings:  Pumpkin Pie.  It's not really a 'craving', it's more of a fall staple.  And Salads. :)

Belly Button - In or Out:  We have an outie!  The bottom is still shy and won't stick out all of the time.

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Nope.

Wedding Rings - On or Off:   On.

Labor signs: No ma'am!

What I miss:  Ability to keep my workouts up.  I am getting tired much quicker these days.

Symptoms: Besides this big bump that moves all of the time? I'm counting my blessings that this pregnancy has been easy this far.  I know that it can get much more difficult in the coming weeks.

Workouts: Lots of walks and workouts at home.

Things that suck:  Now that I'm finally hungry, I can't eat much!  There isn't much room for a full stomach AND a growing baby.  Ironic.

Things that don't suck:  Pregnancy is the best anti-depressant there ever was.  I'm on cloud 9.

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