{ 23 Weeks & Mighty Morphin' Power Ranger }

So this past week has been a good one.  Feeling a lot better with my aches and pains although I know they aren't far away -- but for the time being, fingers crossed, that they stay away for awhile!  I've been sleeping well (besides my potty breaks) and have found some relief for my back pain.  Working out, stretching and hitting up the pool at the Y seems to have really helped! 

I've heard lots of "wow you've really popped!" this week so I'm guessing people are very well aware now that I'm having a bebe! (had to double/triple check the word "popped" to be sure i had the right amount of o's and p's and not turned into an inappropriate bathroom statement instead! ha! -- another pregnancy symptom -- lack of brain cells and lack of focus) 

Our little man is still a mover and a shaker!  Had one night that he was ready to go at 3:00 am and was attempting to do the electric slide on my bladder, i'm sure of it, so after a bathroom break and laid back down and nope! He wasn't ready to go back to sleep -- so i was up until about 5:00 just letting him do his thing.  I'm a light sleeper so there was no way i was going to get back to sleep until he was ready to.  I know this is only a sample of what's to come, but I'm supposed to have a few more months of peaceful sleeping before he gets here :)

My high school girlfriends and I were able to get together last weekend for a girls night and a t-shirt exchange.  These weren't any normal t-shirts -- they had to be humorous! Ali was extremely thoughtful and got our little dude some new scrubs too :) So cute!  He'll be in this for Sadie and Mike's wedding for sure!  He'll match Daddy! 

Here's a photo of my girlies and me at Bonfire.

And another picture of us and our great t-shirts! Some more inappropriate than others :) bur still funny!  Three of us on the right are all expecting!  Anna (far right) is due beginning of March and his having a boy too, and Ashley is due the same day as me and is NOT finding out gender!  But i'm 90% sure it's a girl!  Maybe our little man will have a new gf! 

Baby and I head to Tampa, FL on Monday for a work trip.  Shucks eh?! 70 and sunny is exactly what this soon-to-be mommy needs!  Hoping I can find some time while we're there to get outside and enjoy it.  No promises on a blog post for next week as i'm sure the week will be jammed packed.  

Seriously wish it was this weather right now!

Am thinking about doing a blog post on just some of my favorite/comforting things that i've found to be enjoyable during pregnancy.  Not sure if that's an interest to anyone or not?? If it is, just let me know in the comments section or else i'll just keep it all to myself :)

We start our child birthing classes and such in a couple weeks so I'm anticipating some interesting items to come from that for sure!  Hoping i can keep my facial expressions on the DL when watching the birthing videos!  Same for my Mister! 

4 more months of these flattering pictures! :) Have a great rest of the week and weekend everyone! 

{ Who's the real baby here? }

Here we are on the downhill slide!  22 Weeks down! So far everything has still gone pretty smoothly.  Only major complaint I have is that I've been having some terrible sciatic nerve pain in my lower back, toosh, & legs.  Very hard to get comfortable and sitting in a chair at work all day seems to only add to the discomfort.  I've heard from many other ladies that they've had sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy as well, but I had no idea what it was until i started feeling it.  Not fun, and the way it sounds is that i'll probably be feeling it for the rest of the pregnancy. :( But on the plus size, it means the baby is growing and putting pressure on me all over the place!  As long as he comes out chubby and cute it'll all be worth it! 

He's been SUPER active lately!  There are some days that I'm just begging him to give me a break from his floor routine!  Makes me feel a little nauseous sometimes!  But i know he's just getting bigger and stronger and pretty soon he'll run out of room and won't be quite so "punchy"! 

Our crib arrived on Friday of this past weekend so of course we had to put it together immediately. (i say "we", even though it was my Mister who did it but "we're" pregnant too and i'm the one carrying the little nugget so i think it's a fair trade to throw "we" around for things i don't actually do!)

Here's a photo of the nursery with the crib in it. We've got a few more things to get yet, but it's really starting to come together!

For anyone who cares, we ordered the crib from Amazon and the bedding and the newborn rocker came from Target. 

Once the crib was assembled we noticed that Tyson had a lot a interest in it. Had his nose right in between the bars and sniffing the bedding like crazy.  Typical dog stuff... I thought....

Then I was getting ready for bed and Tyson is always up for "bed time" as well.  So as i was in the bathroom I heard him jump up into our bed and get comfy waiting for Bud and I to come to bed.  A minute later, Bud walks by the bathroom to the nursery and goes "Lady! did you put him in there!?" and I walk around the corner to find this

Little Stinker!  He jumped up in there and then was a little too scared to get back out!  So of course, instead of helping him out, we grab our phones and take pictures instead.  First thing that comes to my mind "YES! Picture for my blog next week!" ha! Good parents we'll be :)

Hoping we can catch him before jumping in there to cuddle with the baby when he gets here! 

The giraffe now has a name.  George.  And he's still making his way around the house.  Mister had an old coworker that spent the night on Saturday night, and was able to stash George outside the bathroom and hid it around a couple corners as well.  Had Nate saying "geeze! Dang giraffe " a couple times.  Made me laugh a lot! 


These last few days have been unreal cold around here and it's really making me day dream about the summer and being able to get back out on our patio and hang out.  This summer is going to be so much different with having a baby and having so much time at home with him but i'm really looking forward to it! We'll be able to get back outside and get our work outs in instead of doing this treadmill stuff! Gets a little crowded as you can tell! But i'm thankful that my energy levels are back up and my knee pain has subsided from the 1/2 marathon and now i'm able to get back to work outs 4 or 5 days a week.  

We've scheduled our 4D Ultrasound appointment for the middle of March and we're bringing both sets of grandparents along to watch.  I think they'll be amazed to see how technology has changed and what they are capable of showing us now. 

Here's to another week down, and more easy quick weeks to come!  

{ Turtle In a Half Shell --- Turtle Power! }

My first baby deserve a little attention too right?

Good bye crunches and bending over to tie my shoes comfortably!  There are just some things you don’t realize about the ladies that are pregnant until you are one!  I feel like a turtle on its shell when I try to get out of bed.  Start rocking from side to side until I can swing a leg over the edge of the bed and plant it on the floor to get up. Ha! It’s funny to explain it but when you’ve really got an emergency bathroom run on your mind, it’s gets frustrating to not just sit straight up and get out of bed.

Yes I know, I have a LONG way to go, and people will say “you’ve not experienced ANYTHING yet…” but to be honest… my pregnancy, my experiences and just let me experience them on my own. K, that’ll be my only “don’t give me that crap” statement.

No real new cravings this week.  Just really liking my cereal still!  Could probably eat it for every meal if it wasn't for the fact that i know this kid needs more than milk and lucky charms :)

Our little guy is really a mover still!  It seems like he’s the most active when I get to work in the morning and right when I lay down for the night.  A couple good jabs have come here and there and actually get me to nod my head and say “nice one…” ha!

Officially at 21 weeks, he’s measuring about 10 ½ inches long and weighs about ¾ of a pound.  Can we say “heavyweight!?” The ultra sound techs and doctor Taylor have let me know I’ll be one that feels lots of movement due to how the baby is growing and the positioning of all the lady parts :).  They were right!  Mini-man isn’t afraid to let me know he’s in there!

We’ve ordered the crib and mattress for the nursery and are expecting it to arrive soon. I think that’ll really put things in the “it’s real” bucket once that comes!  Super excited though as I like to stop in and just stare at his room quite a bit.  Very excited for him to get here!  Mister has been working on the closet to prepare for the abundance of clothes he’s going to have.  Seriously, this kid has 2 Under Armour outfits already and he’s still got 5 months before he shows up! Ha! :) He’ll hate me some day, but you better believe he’ll be dressed like mommy when we go out for runs this summer!

Of course I just wouldn't feel right if this blog was all about me. So here's a good photo of my mister --- yes... it's licorice.  

The giraffe games continue.  Here’s a pic of the most recent placement.  One point Mommy!  Got Daddy even though he wasn’t exactly excited to admit it!  Wearing Mister's sweatshirt, I placed our little friend in Mister's shower in the basement so he was sure to see it on his way to brush his teeth! Sneaky sneaky! :) hehe 

{ 1/2 Way & Hopped Up on Vitamin C and Hand Sanitizer! }

Wow!  What is up with this cold and flu season!?  It’s unreal!  I’m finally coming off of a 3 week terrible cold/sinus infection!  Being pregnant and not being able to take NyQuil is just not fair! But, so glad I’m finally starting to come around and get my energy back! 

On Monday baby and I had our 20 week check up.  Things were measuring appropriately (according to the doctor – cuz I feel huge!) and he was happy with everything.  Totally weight gain so far = 14 lbs… only 21 more pounds to go (insert eye roll here!). :) No doubt this little man is going to come out rolly-poley!  Doctor Taylor had me get a vaccine this week for tetanus and whopping cough to ensure that baby doesn't get anything when he’s born.  Turns out though, that I had a reaction to the shot.  Was up that entire night with a fever and felt terrible.  On top of that, I've been having some bad back pain that makes it impossible to get comfortable in bed.  My fantastic hubby took care of his crying-baby-of-a-wife that night though and got me nursed back to health :).  Even brought me a blueberry muffin shake from synergy for lunch the next day as I lay on the couch waiting for my fever to take a hike! Love my mister and can’t wait to see how over protective he is with our baby boy!

Trying to relieve my back pain has been a little more of a challenge.  I went and got a massage yesterday hoping that would help.  Seems to have relaxed me a little bit but I’m still a little sore.  I know the shift in weight in my body has a major part in all of it, but it’s frustrating when I can’t just stretch it or work it out and feel better.  So, maybe more massages are in my future :) too bad! Here's a goofy picture of my belly from last weekend --- feels weird to lay flat on my back and then feel this little bump! Still amazes me that there is a child the size of a banana in that lump! 

Ok, enough of my aches and pains and complaints!  Now on to the good stuff!  We had our 20 week ultrasound appointment yesterday as well.  Here’s a picture of my Mister as he patiently waits to see some more pictures of his son.

The appointment lasted a lot longer than I thought it would, but you can never get enough of seeing your little nugget!  It’s unreal the clarity and the growth of this kid in just a few short weeks from our gender reveal appointment.  The ultrasound tech had a tough time catching the mini-mister because he was not about to hold still for her!  He moved and did somersault after somersault making it a little difficult for her to get her pictures.  She even said “He must be bored of this!” and first thing that crosses my mind “Just like his father!” – funny story about when Brandon and I first started “flirting” – he’d get in my car and could not stop fidgeting with EVERYTHING!  Drove me crazy! And now to this day he still had a very hard time sitting still and I have a feeling this little man is going to be very similar to daddy in that way! This little guy was not shy about showing off his “boy-hood” either! The ultrasound tech was laughing at how many times she was able to see the “goods”.  All in all, the appointment went well, and I’m measuring about 3 days ahead of my due date.   Here are some photos from the appointment.

Face

Foot

Hand

My proud little "boy" :)

The giraffe scare charades still live on as well.  Mister thinks he’s “king” but believe me… I will get him.. and get him.. and get him.  Doesn't take much to amuse a pregnant woman! Ha!

Have a great week everyone!  Here’s to a great, easy, healthy 2^nd half of pregnancy and to many more blogs! 

{ Happy New Year! 19 Weeks }

It’s really hard to believe that we’re almost half way done with this whole pregnancy thing! I’m completely excited about it yet a little terrified at the same time.  In 5 months I’m going to meet my “SON”! WHOA! I’m having a kid….   Crazy!

This last week has been a quick holiday week it seems like.  Although, the short work week last week seemed to be the longest short week ever for some reason.  I was hit with a nasty cold and it’s still sticking around and making it hard to have a lot of energy to do anything!  Glad that my husband is able to read a recipe card and did a great job of making dinner last night, because this mamma was not getting off the couch!

At 19 weeks, I’ve got lots of movement from the little man! Not a lot of movement that can be felt outside my tummy, but definitely can feel him moving around in there!  There have a been a couple times he’s given me a good punch or kick that I’ve been able to feel on the outside.  The first time I felt it I tried to get Mister to put his hand there but then of course the little dude didn’t have anything left to give!  But I’m sure in the weeks to come that will change, and we’ll both be able to feel him moving a lot more.

What’s Mini-Mister up to this week?

Your baby's sensory development is exploding! His brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that he may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to him, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.

Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. His arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of his body now. His kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on his scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.

Funny thing about the baby growing hair… I’m pretty sure we’re going to have a rather bald child.  I didn’t have any hair on my head until I was 3 years old (my father still has the picture in his wallet to prove it), and I haven’t had any bouts of heartburn yet, where as some of my pregnant counterparts have complained about having heartburn from early on.  So.. my bet is… 10 lb bald baby – should be interesting!

So as some of you know, my parents purchased a rather large stuffed giraffe to put in the nursery for the baby.  Tyson wasn’t a huge fan of it at first but he’s kind of come around to it and has learned he has to leave it alone.  My Mister on the other hand… is having more fun with it than he should!  This giraffe now appears in my closet, in the middle of the hallway around the corner and who knows where else it will be.  Scaring a pregnant woman should be totally against the rules! I have a feeling the next 5 months with that thing could be interesting.  As you can see from this photo, Mister really wants to put the giraffe in the babies room in this position staring out the window, as the neighbors kitchen window is nearly directly across from this window and I’m sure they’d really wonder what in the world was going on!

Here are a few other photos of some items we have for the baby now. Some super cute onesies and some giraffe stuff.  We’ve also order his bedding and some flooring for his room but they haven’t arrived yet!  There will be more pictures once they get here!

Can not WAIT to get him in this
and to match his mamma! 

Cute shoes from Aunt Maren

Another blanket to show our
polka dot brown theme   

We’ve got our next checkup and 20 week ultrasound next week! Very excited to get to peak at this little man again!  Here’s to a happy & healthy 2013 and an easy quick last half of pregnancy!