Wednesday, July 30, 2014

21 Weeks



How far along:  21 weeks

Baby size:  Pomegranate!  Or according to the ultrasound tech - 1 pound.

Baby's progress:  Fat is beginning to fill them out and hiccups are starting.

Weight gain:   0 pounds

Stretch marks:  Nope, and I hope it stays that way.

Sleep: Pillow Fortress = Great Nights Sleep

Gender: Check back in December!

Movement:  All the time now.  Some big movements and lots of small ones.

Best moment this week: Ultrasound.  Justin could see the big kicks that we've been feeling.  Surreal moment for sure.

Looking forward to: My mom's visit

Food cravings: Still like salty foods, salads and vanilla ice cream (but only really small portions) 

Belly Button - In or Out:  In, but much shallower.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Meat is still a turn off.  Especially hot dogs.  

Wedding Rings - On or Off:  On. Thankfully we never got it re-sized and it's a touch loose.  

Labor signs: Nope

What I miss:  Nothing really.  I'm feeling great, happy and even keeled.  Haven't cried this week yet!  I keep forgetting I'm pregnant until my bump bumps into something!

Symptoms: Tailbone pain is still here but I've found ways to alleviate it.  

Workouts: Walks at work and home in the evenings and home workouts with weights.

Things that suck:  Nothing right now.  I seriously feel on Cloud 9.  I know aches and pains come with growing another human, but I'm loving every minute of every day.

Things that don't suck:  Naps.  Seriously loving naps.

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Tuesday, July 29, 2014

How is it August already?!

July has FLOWN by and I'm sitting here wondering where the past 29 days have gone.  Just this morning J and I were talking about what we still need to do before my mom's visit and I realized we only have ONE weekend do get things done.  WHAT?!  How did that happen?!

  • Two weddings and a vacation took up a good 3/4 of the available July weekends
  • Add in a few extra doctor appointments for Baby Wigen
  • Middle of the week concerts, double dates and dinner outs
Equals one busy month.


As much as I love summer, I'm more than ready for August and fall to get here.  I've spent the last few nights catching up on laundry, dishes and dusting only to know that my 'to do list' hasn't even been dented.  Tonight the paint gets cracked back open and there will be some progress!!


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Friday, July 25, 2014

Oh Hey Friday!

-One-
This week was all baby focused.  Sorry!  But we've taken a break from the house so we can enjoy vacation, weddings and the rodeo.  Back to regularly scheduled programming soon!!

-Two-
My mom is coming to visit in a few weeks - which means we have set deadlines to get some projects done before she arrives.  Talk about motivation!!

-Three-
The best, and I mean the VERY best, leggings are the Ponte Leggings from the Loft.

Why are they so awesome?  Let's count the reasons
1. Are NOT see-through.
2. Hold their shape and color through a whole year's worth of washing's.
3. The shape holds so well, it's almost like wearing Spanx.  But super comfy ones.
4.  They are the perfect thickness to keep you warm outside in the winter but not overheat you inside.
5. They come in Maternity.

Now I'm just waiting for a flash sale email to come through so I can order my maternity pairs.  The two regular pairs I bought last year (and wore every single week) still look brand new!

-Four-
Since I told you about my favorite leggings of all time I need to confess about the best high heels ever.
Nine West Flax

I have 4 pairs: light nude, beige, hot pink and black.  I could really use another black pair since I wear mine out so much.  And a white pair.  And a blue pair.......
Super comfy, hold up really well, perfect height (3 1/2 inches) and look both professional and sexy.

-Five-
Now all I can think about is shopping.  And there is NO shopping to be had in Helena.  Justin and I hit up the outlet malls when we headed to Cheyenne for CFD, but it's hard to shop for regular clothes when you have a bump that changes every silhouette.  I'm currently on the prowl for a really nice pair of bootcut maternity jeans.  My hips have spread enough that none of the pairs I have are not going to cut it with a belly band and hair tie.  Any suggestions?!





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Thursday, July 24, 2014

A Letter to My Child

Dear Lovebug,

Here we are - half way there!  I cannot wait to meet you.  Though, as much as I want time to fly by, I am savoring these precious moments we have.  Our private moments of kicks and rolls where I can feel you growing under my heart.  Do you know how loved you are?  I love you to the moon and back.  I cradle you throughout the day, my hands finding your shape and pressing every so slightly wishing I could hold you in my arms.  But oh, my love seems dim in comparison to your daddy's.  He loves you SO much.  He reaches for you in the evenings, rubbing his hand over you and pressing kisses all over my belly.  As scary as labor and delivery might be for me, getting to see your daddy meet you for the first time will be more than worth it.  Carrying you and bringing you into this world is the very best gift I could ever give him.  He will always support you, love you and be by your side.  We talk about you constantly.

You will be a surprise to us, we have no idea if you are a little boy or a little girl!  Don't you worry, we have names for you and we cannot wait to meet you to share them.  Your room is mostly ready, I promise it will be done before you arrive!  Your bed is waiting for you and our house is anxiously waiting to hear your cries and laughter.

You are scheduled to arrive around the best time of the year!  The holidays!  Our home will be decorated for Christmas and your very first stocking will be hanging on the fireplace, waiting for you.  This is your daddy's favorite time of year and he has big plans for Christmas, this one and everyone in the future.  You will grow up in a home full of love and laughter.  Your daddy and I love to smile and laugh, we'll make sure to share our happiness with you.

You, our little lovebug, are our dreams come true.  We prayed for you and we still pray for you.  You are a blessing, a gift from God, and we will forever be grateful that He brought you into our lives.

Love,               
Your Momma

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Wednesday, July 23, 2014

20 Weeks - Half Way!!



How far along:  20 weeks

Baby size:  10 inches and 10 1/2 oz.  Grow baby grow!

Baby's progress:  Baby is swallowing and filling their digestive track

Weight gain:   0 pounds

Stretch marks:  Nope, and I hope it stays that way

Sleep: Without my pillows for my knees and back, it can be iffy.  Once I'm in my pillow fortress,  I'm out.

Gender: Check back in December!

Movement:  SO ACTIVE!!  Baby was moving all over the place on the plane rides and Justin can feel most all of the movement now.

Best moment this week: Vacation in Cheyenne

Looking forward to: Ultrasound on Friday!!!!!!!!

Food cravings: No real cravings, but I'm leaning towards salty foods.

Belly Button - In or Out:  In, but much shallower.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Meat is still a turn off.  

Wedding Rings - On or Off:  On. Thankfully we never got it re-sized and it's a touch loose.  

Labor signs: Nope

What I miss:  Spending time with my family and wine.  I get a sip here and there, but I'd love a BIG glass of white wine on a hot summer night.

Symptoms: Hello tailbone pain!  I've fractured my tailbone before, and holy moly this pain is the same.  OWIE.

Workouts: Walks at work and home in the evenings and home workouts with weights.

Things that suck:  Sobbing during NCIS episodes.  Random, but otherwise I'm happy and Justin claims I'm not 'hormonal' yet.

Things that don't suck:  Having TSA security do my heavy lifting in the airport :)



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Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Halfway Recap

20 weeks is barreling down on us and Justin and are I still in awe that we are pregnant.  Some days I forget about the belly and it will shock me when I see my reflection.  I don't "feel" pregnant yet so I'm not going to complain!

Weeks 1-13

The first trimester was relatively easy.  I was nauseous but never sick.   I was suffering from food aversion and struggled to eat three meals a day.  I was prescribed Zofran but only took it sporadically.  (It comes in great on turbulent flights).  I had a mini belly at 8 weeks and it's just filled in and grown ever since.  I have been in maternity work pants since the 8 week mark due to the belly band just not keeping my regular pants up.  My maternity work pants are the m.o.s.t. comfortable pants I own and even in the 90 degree heat I pull them out for work.
Pants - Motherhood Maternity Scarf - Tommy Outlet  Shoes - Nine West Flax

The biggest symptom I 'suffered' from was exhaustion.  I love sleeping, so it was no trouble at all to go to bed before 8 and take lots of naps!  All in all, the first trimester was pretty easy.  I'm counting my blessings because I know that everything can change in a blink of an eye.

Weeks 13-20

Exhaustion didn't just END at the start of the second trimester, nor did some of the intermittent nausea or food aversion.  They have been tapering off and I'm hopeful that now the nausea is over, the food aversion will follow.  I added in more weighted workouts and two pillows to our bed.  I'm headed to Target tonight to buy another king size pillow for my back.  I don't see the need to buy a "pregnancy pillow" when I have a body pillow I love and just need a good king size pillow for my back.  I keep stealing Justin's, but poor guy is already giving up 2/3rds of the bed!  Sleep is still good and bed times are still earlier than before pregnancy.

I'm a big fan of the maternity full panel pants for a seamless look under my shirts and I've picked up a pair of shorts and a pair of white skinny jeans to get me through the summer.  I also ordered a dress from PinkBlush Maternity for some summer weddings and concerts.  


Unfortunately the fabric is so lightweight I keep snagging in on everything.  I'm pretty sure this dress will only make it one pregnancy before it sees a trash can.  Otherwise all of my tops and most all of my dresses still fit around the bump.  Each week another item gets added to the 'post baby' pile but I still have lots of options.  My favorite shirts are the Mossimo V-Neck dressy shirts from Target.  They aren't online right now, but you can still find them in store.  They are long enough to still cover the bump and then some.

I feel great and think pregnancy has been treating me pretty well so far.  I'm ready to see what the next 20 weeks bring!!



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Monday, July 21, 2014

Weekend Wrap Up - Cheyenne Frontier Days!

Justin and I headed down to Cheyenne, WY to visit my family and par-take in the 'Grand-Daddy of 'em All!'.  (or more commonly known as Cheyenne Frontier Days)  Unfortunately for Justin, this is the second year in a row we've had to go down on opening weekend.  The best parts of Frontier Days start the first Monday  - especially the pancake breakfast.

Next year babe, next year we'll go down for a WHOLE week.  I promise :)

Justin shopping for cowboy boots.  Such Choices!

We spent Friday evening at Bit-O-Wyo Ranch.  Best kept secret in Cheyenne!

Before the dinner and show.

Saturday we defied death and climbed into a 90 year old's car and headed downtown for the parade.  My parents neighbor had extra tickets to sit above the parking garage at Bank of the West for the parade.  Also, my parents will never let anyone in her car EVER again.  Let's just say, Justin and I were glad to climb out of that backseat in one piece.

L - Start of the parade.  My favorite part.  R - Justin at the Capitol Building

Saturday night was the Clay Walker and Lady Antebellum concert.  Last year we saw Styx and Journey and we had high hopes for this years concert.  Neither Clay Walker or Lady A disappointed, both Justin and I agreed this was better than last year!!  

Favorite view of CFD

Clay Walker singing Hypnotize the Moon.  Baby dancing under Daddy's hand!

Like always, vacation was much too short.  We are saving our vacation time for December, but next year. Next year I'm going to let Justin have his dream CFD trip.  A few night shows, a few rodeos, lots of history and fair food.  And lots and lots and lots of time with the family :)

funday-monday-button-300x288

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Wednesday, July 16, 2014

19 Weeks



How far along:  19 weeks

Baby size:  6 inches and 8 1/2 oz!

Baby's progress:  Baby's sensory development is booming!!

Weight gain:   0 pounds

Stretch marks:  Nope, and I hope it stays that way

Sleep: Justin wakes me up when he comes to bed so I can use the restroom.  Nightly potty breaks are here to stay.

Gender: Check back in December!

Movement:  It's still sporadic, but the movements vary from flutters to all out kicks.  It's amazing!!

Best moment this week: Nursery trim, doors and furniture is put together.  Now onto decorating.

Looking forward to: Vacation and our Ultrasound NEXT WEEK!!

Food cravings: Ugh.  Food.  Still gross.  Seriously, things I don't have to chew are going down the easiest.  Smoothies, ice cream, yogurt, etc.  Who doesn't like chewing?

Belly Button - In or Out:  In, but much shallower.

Anything making you queasy or sick: I'm still a bit queasy when it comes to meal time.  This food aversion can end ANY DAY NOW.

Wedding Rings - On or Off:  On. Thankfully we never got it re-sized and it's a touch loose.  

Labor signs: Nope

What I miss:  Mac and Cheese, Vodka Soda, Salami, White Wine, Hot Dogs, Steak (sensing a theme here?)

Symptoms: More nighttime potty breaks

Workouts: Walks at work and home in the evenings and home workouts with weights.

Things that suck:  Excessive burping.  Seriously so unladylike.   Cue the tears!  Oh my poor husband.  Sobbing at TV shows has been hilarious after the fact.

Things that don't suck:  Not having to 'suck it in' this summer!  haha.  I love my bump!

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Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Baby Girl? Or Baby Boy?

*Disclaimer - we are not finding out.  But it's fun to guess!*


We are prepared for our 20 week ultrasound, but we are going to leave without finding out if Baby Wigen is a boy or girl!  So what do we do to pass the time?  Find Old Wives Tales and track what we think the baby will be.  My mother's intuition is failing here.  I have NO idea what Baby Wigen is.  I know what I really HOPE Baby Wigen is, but no other indicators.

According to the chart above, we are almost split.  And I purposefully didn't add acne/skin glowing.  My first trimester I broke out like nobody's business and in this wonderful second trimester it's clear and I've been told I'm 'glowing'.

Any guesses what Baby Wigen will be?


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Monday, July 14, 2014

Ah, Monday

I realized over the weekend that I wrote two VERY similar posts about our random odds and ends projects that we were working on.  My bad :)

I'm just going to blame it on the preggo brain.  Sound good? 

This weekend was busy and I only snapped a few photos.  Friday afternoon I started painting trim but knew in my gut something was wrong with the color.  Sat down with the paint lids to compare and my hunch was correct.  The new gallon of paint was too yellow.  


Off to Home Depot to get it fixed and ended up not getting any of the projects I had planned done that day.  Bummer :(

Saturday brought another trip to Home Depot.  This time for the nursery door, closet doors, and a new garage door!  While I attempted to play catch up with the new paint, Justin got to work installing the doors.  I only snagged ONE photo of all of the hard work he did.


I'd like to point out - I have not painted the door.  So yes, it is a different color.
Oh, and the gallery wall is going to be redone once the hallway projects are complete.  I'm not a fan of the current look.

Saturday evening we headed off to a wedding at the most beautiful location.  But once again, fail on our part.  No allergy meds for Justin plus no nap for me = no reception.  I really, really, really wanted to stay but I fell asleep on the drive home.  Whoops!
The chairs in a field of aspen trees.

Sunday brought on more trim painting and installing and a three hour nap.  What can I say?  I need my sleep!  haha.

And I honestly cannot sing my husband's praises enough.  He is working so hard to get everything done and without a single complaint when I disappear and end up napping.  I don't know what I would do without him.



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Friday, July 11, 2014

Confessional Friday: A Day in the Life

Today I'm linking up with Leslie at A Blonde Ambition for her Confessional Friday series!


The alarm goes of at 6:30.  No guarantees I'm up before 7.

But by 7 I get up and hit the shower.  Justin and I get ready at the same time, so he's showering while I blow dry my hair.  He's getting dressed while I'm putting on make-up.  It's fun to start the day with your best friend.

7:49 - hit the kitchen for my grab and go breakfast.  Out the door NO LATER than 7:53

Work by 8.

No day is the same, but every day has a similar routine.


I try to take lunch at 1 so Justin and I can eat together.  Someday I have to head out early due to afternoon meetings.  Other days I run errands (Target, Albertsons, bank, etc).

Monday-Thursday I'm off at 530/6.  Friday's off by 1130/12.  Love me some half days!

Head home to change and start evening activities
1. Work out
2. Make dinner
3. Water plants/laundry/vacuum/mop/some other chore
4. Get in a least one episode of NCIS or Bones before I crash at 9.

On half days I try to schedule any appointments or across town errands before I head home.  I'm much more productive on a Friday afternoon, so when Justin gets home we can just relax and (most times) have a date night ;)

Since getting pregnant, my evenings are less exciting.  Early bedtimes can do that to you!

Oh, and when baby comes?  This whole schedule is shot and I'll be learning my new one.


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Thursday, July 10, 2014

House Progress

We are in up to our elbows with random tasks.  Over the past few months little projects were added to our 'To Do List' but we kept moving on to big projects.  After using the restroom for the 10th time one Saturday, I had enough.  The half bath had a patch job that needed to be sanded and painted.  A 5 minute project!  But it had been months and never been finished!

So I talked with Justin and we agreed.  We need to finish these small projects before finishing the big ones.  Each day Justin and I took one item on the list and crossed it off.

Our list midway
So while my house posts have been fewer and further between, we've been working like crazy to get lots of little projects done so we can get back to the big ones.  This week we've decided that we can put our focus back on the nursery.

When we took off the old baseboard heater, we realized the wall needed to be drywalled before we could move on.  Our current progress:

The entire room is painted, but now we need to get the trim in, so we can get the heater put up!   We are going to install the new closet doors and bedroom door this weekend as well.  Fingers crossed that we will still have energy to build the crib and dresser.

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Wednesday, July 9, 2014

18 Weeks


How far along:  18 weeks

Baby size:  5 1/5 inches and over 6 oz!

Baby's progress:  Baby is practicing swallowing and this is the time that baby is noticeably a boy or a girl!

Weight gain:   It's fluctuating still.  I've hit my pre-pregnancy weight a few more times and it stays a bit longer.

** I had a great chat with my Dr and Nurse.  I'm eating MUCH healthier and working out more than I did before I was pregnant.  Cutting out junk food, soda and beer and adding in exercise has been the main contributor to my lack of weight gain.  The baby and I are very healthy so no one is worried**

Stretch marks:  Nada.  I'm loving my Mama Bee's by Burts Bees.  

Sleep: Bedtime is still early and I'm not going to complain.  However I'm waking up hungry and with hip pain.

Gender: We aren't finding out :)

Movement:  It's still sporadic, but the movements vary from flutters to all out kicks.  It's amazing!!

Best moment this week: Laying in bed with Justin trying to feel the baby move.  He is the best.

Looking forward to: Vacation coming up!

Food cravings: So hit and miss.  I'm still suffering from food aversion, but I'm eating more at mealtimes.

Belly Button - In or Out:  In, but much shallower!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Smell of cooking meat isn't pleasant.

Wedding Rings - On or Off:  On. Thankfully we never got it re-sized and it's a touch loose.  

Labor signs: Nope

What I miss: So many things.  And so many people.  Being pregnant two states away from friends can be hard.

Symptoms: Hip pain!  Ouch!!

Workouts: Walks at work, and home workouts with weights.  Justin and I have plans to get back to the gym next week and we've started evening walks to help with my hip pain.

Things that suck:  Sitting.  Tailbone pain and hip pain are not fun, but walking lots keeps the pain at bay. 

Things that don't suck:  Not having to 'suck it in' this summer!  haha.  I love my bump!

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Monday, July 7, 2014

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

17 Weeks




How far along:  17 weeks

Baby size:  5 oz and 5 inches!

Baby's progress:  Baby's skeleton is getting harder.

Weight gain:   It's fluctuating.  I hit my pre-pregnancy weight over the weekend, only to drop back down.  It was nice to see the numbers climbing!

Stretch marks:  Nada.  I'm loving my Mama Bee's.  I've used the Burt's Bee's Vitamin E oil for years but the lotion goes on so much quicker.

Sleep: Bedtime is still early and waking up is hard to do.  I make Justin wake me up when he comes to bed so I can go potty one more time.  

Gender: We aren't finding out :)

Movement:  I'm noticing it more and more.  It's so fun to sit and try to decipher what body part is moving.  Even more, I love when Justin will put his hand on my belly to try and feel some movement.

Best moment this week: Receiving a maternity dress from my mother-in-law.  It is just my style and I know I'll be wearing dresses all this summer.

Looking forward to: And extended weekend and time to work on the nursery.

Food cravings: So hit and miss.  I'm still suffering from slight food aversion.  I was craving Qdoba the other night and make my bowl with nothing I've ever ordered in it before!  It was DELICIOUS.  I only have about 2/3rds but that's better than my two bites!

Belly Button - In or Out:  In

Anything making you queasy or sick: Smell of cooking meat isn't pleasant.

Wedding Rings - On or Off:  On. Thankfully we never got it re-sized and it's a touch loose.  

Labor signs: Nope

What I miss: Nothing really this week.

Symptoms: Had to buy a new bra.  Only bought one, but I think when we head to Cheyenne for vacation, I'll treat myself to another one.

Workouts: Still taking two walks a day at work (weather permitting) and weighted arm exercises.  

Things that suck:  Seriously - not having an appetite.  It's a struggle to force myself to eat.  

Things that don't suck: Putting on regular clothes and Justin and I getting a laugh at how funny I look.  My bump has definitely changed my wardrobe :)


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