Week 22

Baby W this week…

-he is sleeping 12 to 14 hours a day
-the senses of taste and touch advance this week
-more developed eyes and lips...looking more like a newborn

Size of the baby?

Baby is the size of a papaya.

Total Weight Gain/Loss?

+10lbs at my 20 week appointment

Maternity Clothes?

I really need to go shopping for more...but I don't want to! I'm trying to take everything that I currently have and making it maternity fitting...some how. So far...I'm good. I feel like once 3rd trimester starts...I won't be able to even fit my pants over my ass!

Stretch Marks?

22 weeks down with none....18 to go

Best Moments?

My best moments right now consist of checking things of our list of things. I am working crazy hours so if I can get anything done for baby...it's a big deal. We have registered for baby, nursery ideas are coming together and we have a daycare all lined up for when I go back to work after my maternity leave. I feel so relaxed with this baby stuff...which is very good with my hectic work schedule.

Movement?

Our baby boy is moving around like crazy in there. The other morning he was up kicking and/or punching around 5ish...I just laid there and felt it and soaked it all in. Tate was upset I didn't wake him up to try to feel it. I honestly didn't think he would want to be woken up that early...but he said he did so now I will wake him. haha.

Food Cravings?

Still salty foods, milk and mac & cheese!!!

Anything making you queasy or sick?

Nothing really...just don't ever feel like eating any ground turkey meals I make...

What I miss?
I just really miss my clothes fitting. I don't spend much money on myself so it's hard for me to go out and buy maternity clothes...especially when I will only wear them for a small amount of time. I plan to buy as much 'non-maternity' items I can that will work. I have a feeling though as I get bigger, maternity will be necessary.

Nausea/Vomiting?

None

Symptoms?

 I am feeling more stretching going on and the tummy is getting bigger. It is also getting more difficult to bend over.

Labor Signs?

Still too early for this!

Gender?

BOY

Belly Button In or Out?
Neither?!? It's flat.

Wedding Rings On or Off?
Still on and not got getting any tighter...so big plus :)

Sleep?
I'm now getting about 7 hours since it's tax season and my day consist of waking, working, and by the time I get home...I only have time to make lunches for the next day and then sleep. Sounds lovely doesn't it ;)

What I am looking forward to?
I'm looking forward to picking out fabric for my Grandma to make Baby W a quilt and for my mom to make pillows for the nursery. I ordered some swatches online and fell in love with some so I am excited to pick out exactly what we need.

My one day off...

Linking up again with Syndal & Sar for 'My Weekend I...'

 

 

So Sunday is now my only day off for the next 11 weeks! My weekend starts when I leave work on Saturday. No I am not complaining...this is my career which I love.

 

We had some friends over on Saturday evening for a game night. We played Taboo and Cards against Humanity which was a HUGE hit with our friends who haven't ever played it.

 

Our friends have a very cute dog names Zoe that Mya loves to hang out with. She is only 6 months old and really loved playing with Mya.
 

Zoe lookin' super cute - Mya gettin' love from Mike - Zoe sleeping & protecting her bone

 

We didn't get to bed until 1am that night...I was one tired mama. I had plans to sleep in on Sunday, but when I wake up during the week usually around 5...my body thinks 7 is sleeping in even if I only got 6 hours of sleep. So I was up then and couldn't get back to sleep.

 

Tate and I decided to finish our baby registries on Sunday. It was super fun to do and I am really glad to have that crossed off our baby list.

 

Tate trying out some baby carriers!

 

After finishing 'shopping', we drove home in the snow storm that hit...who knew that we were going to get a snow storm...NOT ME! Oh well, it was nice to slip in my PJ's and relax the rest of that afternoon. Tate spent it getting ready for a work meeting and calling some references for the daycare we found and liked for Baby W come this fall.

 

The rest of the evening was spent getting ready for the week. I did laundry, made a few nights of dinner (since I work late 3 nights during the week) and making sure everything on our registries was correct to what we thought we scanned.

 

I had a nice weekend and felt like a good amount of things done even when it was only one day! Back to the craziness...back to the grind...back to tax season! 1 week down, 11 to go :)

 

 

Week 21

Baby W this week…
-babys eyebrows and lids are persent now
-you can now feel the movements as full fledge kicks and nudges

Size of the baby?

Baby is the size of a pomegranate.

Total Weight Gain/Loss?

+10lbs at my 20 week appointment

Maternity Clothes?

So far I have purchased 3 maternity items. I'm still using the belly band and I have a few pairs of pants that sit pretty low so I can still wear them the normal way!

Stretch Marks?

I keep a look out for them...still none!

Best Moments?

Feeling him move like crazy in there! I love it!

Movement?

Lots of it. Tate hasn't been able to catch it at a time he is going crazy. Soon I hope he will feel it.

Food Cravings?

Still lots of milk...can't get enough chocolate milk.

Anything making you queasy or sick?

Nothing really...just don't ever feel like eating any ground turkey meals I make...

What I miss?

A glass of wine to help with the hours that tax season entails.

Nausea/Vomiting?

None

Symptoms?

 Bending over and sitting for longer periods of time @ work is not fun. Trying to move around as much as I can.

Labor Signs?

None yet...thank gosh.

Gender?

We found out last week we are having a boy. Check out out our gender reveal video HERE!

Belly Button In or Out?
Neither?!? It's flat.

Wedding Rings On or Off?
They are still on and I just got them dipped and polished so they are soooo pretty at the moment and extra shiny!!!

Sleep?
7-8 hours of great sleep still...I'll take it :)

What I am looking forward to?
Tax season to end..haha. I am excited for Tate and I to finish our registries...one more thing we can cross off the list!!!

Tax season begins

Today is the day...

 

...that long hour weeks begin!

 

...that I long for Sundays because that is my only day off!

 

...that April 16, 2013 becomes my favorite day!

 

...that my blogging slows down!

 

...that my DVR fills up and I have no time to watch any of it!

 

...that tax season begins!!!

 

 

I had a good last weekend before tax season began. My mom visited and we got lots of shopping done. I purchased a few maternity dresses from the Gap for only $9/piece! I also found a dress from H&M (non-maternity) for $15. Love scoring a deal :)

 

My mom and also braved Ikea to buy items for the home. We also ran to the fabric store to find fabric for the nursery...with no luck. I have a pretty good idea of what I want and they didn't have really anything I liked. I may just order my fabric online.

 

Tate and I bought new lighting on Sunday for our dining room and entry way. Now we just need to find time to hang it :) We also started our registry. We had fun doing that.

 

I plan to still have my weekly pregnancy updates during tax season! I just dont' think I will be able to post something everyday. When I am on my computer for 10-12 hours everyday at work, the last thing I want to do when I get home is go on the computer.

 

The countdown has begun...84 days!!!

 

Baby W gender reveal!!!!

How bad do you guys want to know if we are having a BOY or GIRL?

Our ultrasound was on Tuesday morning...bright and early @ 7am.

3 words to describe seeing our baby...AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL & BLESSED!

Our baby is healthy, has ten fingers and ten toes and everything looks so good!

Baby W...so perfect!!!

Here is the video I made of the first 1/2 of the pregnancy with photos, videos of special moments and put it all to a favorite childhood song. Oh yea...it also includes the gender reveal that Tate and I did. This is how we shared it with everyone! I hope you enjoy it!!!
*make sure you have your volume on*

   

Did you guess right?!?

Fun things to do on vacation...

I am guest blogging today over @ Keeping up with the Sonneks... talking about the top ten fun things that I have done while on vacation! Go check it out...you know you want to :)

Saw it. Pinned it. Did it. - Wine basket (Bachelorette gift)

Hey everyone...it's a post that is not about baby or pregnancy!!! It's actually about WINE :)   I'm linking up for the first time for Saw it, Pinned it, Did it!   For my friends bachelorette party last weekend, I found this wine gift basket idea on pinterest. I only 'liked' it so my friend wouldn't see that I pinned it!  

Source: occasionsonline.com via Jamie on Pinterest

   How super cute is that?!!?   The person that created this even has a pdf of different colors for you to print the tags in a color that you like. I picked navy since that is one of the colors of my friends wedding.  

SUPPLIES:

Navy card stock

Printed tags

Hole punch

Decorative scissors

Paper cuter

Ribbon

Zots

After I printed the tags, I cut them to size

After cutting the tags, I used the zots to put them on the navy card stock. I then used the decorative edging scissors to cut them out. I used the paper cuter for the straight edge.

I then used the hole punch to tie the ribbon into and then put them on the wine bottles.

I used a sheer navy ribbon to decorate the basket.

And here they all are pretty in the basket!!!!

My friend LOVED them!!! All the other girls thought it was very cute and creative!!

This was so fun doing and it is super easy and I guarantee the bride to be will LOVE IT!!!

      

Week 20

Baby W this week…

- Baby has working taste buds

-Baby is now gulping down several ounces of amniotic fluid each day

-Baby's digestive system is working

 

Size of the baby?
Baby is the size of a banana this week!

 

Total Weight Gain/Loss?

I have gained a total of 10lbs!!!

 

Maternity Clothes?

I still haven't bought anything new beside my one pair of black pants, but I need to. The whole hair binder around my pants button is not so comfortable anymore. My mom is coming this weekend and we may take a trip to the mall!

 

Stretch Marks?

None...and let's keep it that way.

 

Best Moments?
Seeing our baby @ the ultrasound! It was AMAZING!!! Everything is good and healthy! We feel beyond blessed!!!
 

Movement?

More and more everyday. I love it!

 

Food Cravings?

Mac and cheese and milk still!
 

Anything making you queasy or sick?

Nothing really

 

What I miss?

Fitting into my clothes and wine. I wouldn't recommend visiting a winery when you are pregnant. I also don't like how my clothes selection is very slim.

 

Nausea/Vomiting?

None

 

Symptoms?

I feel more and more 'stretching' I guess you could call it. It's usually at the end of the day and sometimes after I eat. It gets uncomfortable sitting certain ways.

 

Labor Signs?

Too early!

 

Gender?

 Wouldn't you all like to know?!!?

Eeeeekkkk...BOY or GIRL?!?! Come back Friday to find out!

 

Belly Button In or Out?

I would still consider it an in..but barely!

 

Wedding Rings On or Off?

On and no where near close to getting tight.

 

Sleep?

I've been sleeping GREAT. I usually get a full 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep! I love it!

 

What I am looking forward to?

Sharing the gender reveal with everyone!!!

 

Boy or Girl...what do you think?!!?

Today is the day we find out! We found out if Baby W is a BOY or GIRL! Tate and I are so excited for our appt and look forward to not only learning what Baby W is, but also to see and know everything is good!!!

 

There are many old wives tales to try to figure out what one is having...here are a few to help you decide if you think we are having a BOY or GIRL.

 

I found most of these on parenting.com

 

Heartbeat

According to legend, 140+ beats per minute indicates a girl and below 140 a boy.

 

Baby W based on heartbeat = GIRL

 

Cravings

Craving sweets means girl and if your craving salty and sour...that would indicate a boy.

 

Baby W based on cravings = BOY

 

Chinese Gender Chart

This ancient method uses your age at conception and the month you did the deed to determine gender.

 

Baby W based on chinese gender chart = GIRL

 

Mayans

Legend has it that the Mayans determined a baby's sex by looking at the mother's age at conception and the year of conception. If both are even or odd, it's a girl. If one's even and one's odd, it's a boy.

 

Baby W based on Mayans = BOY

 

Acne

If you're breaking out like crazy, blame it on your girl babe. The belief goes that girls steal their mother's beauty.

 

Baby W based on acne = GIRL

 

Morning sickness

Little or no morning sickness points to boy...if your very sick and feel like you are at the toilet constantly, thank the girl in your belly!

 

Baby W based on morning sickness = BOY

 

Carrying the baby

They say that if you are carrying the baby low, it's a boy and if you carry high, it's a girl.

 

Baby W based on where I am carrying the baby = BOY

 

Based on these old wives tales...it looks like BOY wins.

 

What is your guess. Do you think I am having a BOY or GIRL?!?!

 

I will post on Friday the gender reveal!!!

 

 

Amy's Bachelorette Party

This weekend I celebrated a bachelorette that will be getting married in 3 weeks! My friend, Amy, will be getting married on 2/2/13 and I am really excited for the first wedding of the year...even if I will be flying solo since Tate has to coach.

 

I like how as we get older, the bachelorette parties are not so 'over the top' and we stay away from DT Minneapolis! It was fun 5+ years ago...but not so much anymore for me!

 

We started out the afternoon by going to a wine tasting at the Buffalo Rock Winery in Buffalo, MN. I was super jealous I was not able to taste any of the wine...but still had fun smelling it and taking pictures!

 

We were first given a little tour and told how she makes all the wine. She does all the wine making by her self and using only these machines.

 

It was very interesting to hear how it all happens and it is so much work.

 

All the girls then were able to taste 7 wines that she makes. There were a few that I smelled that I thought would be so good!

Her place is very cute! Full of wine and a buffalo!

 

The MOH had made wine glasses with chalk paint @ the bottom so we each got our own to write our name on. I tasted the finest of filtered water...it was delicious!

 

She also had cute gift items..including the Vikings wine glass that had Christmas lights inside.

 

After wine tasting, we headed over to a bar and grill where we would eat and open gifts. For those that were drinking the night away...would enjoy there beverages the rest of the evening at this place. It was only a few miles from Amy's home.

The bachelorette & the fabulous cake her sister made....it was so yummy and hilarious!!

 

Amy got a great variety of gifts...including twister sheets that her mom made! She also received a stray jacket from her hospital co-workers...haha!

 

Katie & I with the bachelorette!!!

 

I had lots of fun...even being pregnant! I left the bar and headed home before it got too late. I made it home in time to see the Packers lose :) and hit the sack well before midnight!

 

Look forward to Amy's wedding in a few weeks! 

  

Friday's Letters

Dear weekend, I'm so glad you are here but I want you to go by so fast so it can be next week and we can see Baby W in my belly and find out if it's a boy or girl! Dear husband, you work too much and you know it! I look forward to coaching ending so you have more time to spend at home and with me before Baby W comes! Dear Mya, what have you taken in the last month! You are SOOOOO hyper and it's hilarious! I am sorry it's cold and dark when I get home and can't take you for walk...but soon, soon we can and hopefully you will get all your energy out that way! Dear friends, I am so excited to see some of you this weekend to celebrate the bachelorette...Amy! I love good laughs, good food and wine water for now ;)

 

Happy weekend everyone!!!

 

Linking up with Ashley from The Sweet Season for Friday's Letters!

 

 

15 things it says to do before kids

I get emails from The Nest on occasion and yesterday I received one that had a list of things you should do before you have kids. I was intrigued and read it. I found it very interesting and wanted to share the list. I also wanted to give my thoughts on it and share what Tate & I have done!

 

Go on a wine-tasting tour at a vineyard

This is something that Tate & I have done when we were in the Florida Keys. I've also been to a few here in MN also.

 

 

Go skydiving/bungee jumping/swimming with sharks...or whatever other crazy, life-risking thing you’ve got on your bucket list.

I have gone skydiving twice and Tate has gone once. The first time I went was in CA while visiting my brother and then I took Tate for his 27th birthday!

 

Make a list of all the restaurants and bars you've been meaning to check out -- and go.

Um...I'm not a huge fan of trying new things or even going out to eat. I like home cooked meals and knowing whats in my food! I can't think of anything out here that we so want to try that we haven't yet...and when you have a kid, you can still go out to eat at a restaurant!

 

Appreciate the bathroom -- alone.

I know this is one that I will want after a child comes. I hear stories that moms rarely even get time to shower in a days time! I will be appreciating my bathroom time a lot more now!

 

Stop being so self-righteous.

haha...the description for this list items states "When you see a mom or dad struggling with a tantrum-throwing kid in the airport or at the drugstore, don’t roll your eyes and think, My kid would never do that. Because he will. I guarantee" haha...this is so me and my kid will probably so do this so many times and I will regret feeling self righteous!!!

 

Take a road trip.

This is something that Tate and I have done lots of. We road trip every time we go to his hometown because it's 4 hours away. We did road trip to Ohio many years back for a football combine and make it a little nice vacation! Road trips are fun but I really like flying too!

 

Be spontaneous.

I am the most un-spontaneous person ever and my husband can be very spontaneous. It's good that at least one of us. I am a big planner and can NOT just 'go with the flow'...it gives me anxiety!

 

Spend an entire day in bed together watching movies.

This is something that has never happened and I am not sure if ever could. I can't just sit still! We have had 'hungover' days where we lay on the couch all day...but other than that, I usually have a list of things to get done! I think when we have an infant, it would be more likely that all I want to do is lay in bed, feed baby, change diaper and then sleep.

 

Have boozy lunches with friends.

This has happened! More in my college days than now, but it has happened, it was fun and it may happen again...just probably not Tate and I @ the same time since one will have to take care of the kid :)

 

 

Feed your minimalist side.

This list items states 'Get a white chair/couch/rug/anything else you wouldn’t want stained. Leave your wineglass or coffee cup on it and watch it not get knocked over. Enjoy it while you can, because once there’s a little one tottering around, you can kiss it good-bye!'  Ok...I will NEVER own a white couch and I would never leave a wineglass on it if I owned one. Tate and I are pretty clumsy people and it would get spilled with or without a child in the house!

 

Have morning sex.

Your have a kid...your life is not ending! Morning sex may be the only time you can fit it in! Some of these things are ridiculous to me!

 

Be the last ones to leave the party.

Well the last time this happened was our wedding...but other than that, this doesn't happen. My husband is the night owl in our relationship and I am the morning person. I get tired very easily and usually want to the first to leave the party!

 

Fly first class.

Tate has flown first class and it wasn't a good experience for him...not airlines fault, just his young minded self back in college. I have never flown first class and I really don't have a desire too, unless it was free. I don't want to pay for it...call me frugal, cheap...what you may but I would rather spend the $50-$100+ on a new outfit or shoes!

 

Wear as much silk, cashmere, dry-clean-only clothing as you possibly can, while you still can.

Um...I don't wear dry-clean-only clothing now and I don't plan to start. I usually deter from buying if the tag says 'dry clean only' because it usually cost way too much for dry cleaning and I don't buy clothes expensive enough that need to be dry cleaned!

 

Take a career risk.

I have definitely have done this is the last 3 years...but I am finally where I belong! I would agree that you should think triple times long and hard about any career moves while having children because you still need to provide for your family!

 

Any of these sound ridiculous to you? Some things that should be added that you have found very difficult to do now that you have children?

 

Week 19

Baby W this week…

- baby is working on his/her five senses
- nerve cells for these senses are developing in his/her brain
- a protective coating over his/her skin is developing

Size of the baby?

Baby is the size of a mango

 

 

Total Weight Gain/Loss?

+5 lbs @ 16 week appt. We will see how much more I have gained @ my doctors appt next week.

 

Maternity Clothes?

I've still only bought one pair of pants from Old Navy.

 

Stretch Marks?

None

 

Best Moments?

1/3/13 - felt the baby move FOR SURE and knew it was the baby!!! I was @ work on hold with a company and felt it...multiple times!! It was AMAZING!! I almost started crying!

 

Movement?

As I sit here and type this...I can feel him or her moving! That is something that will never get old!

 

Food Cravings?

Nothing really weird and I am no longer craving pickles. I really am loving mac and cheese still!

 

Anything making you queasy or sick?

Not at the moment

 

What I miss?

Tate bought a Leinenkugel's winter pack and it had Lemon Berry Shandy and I was jealous I couldn't have one...so glad I give birth @ the beginning of summer, sunshine and Shandy on the deck sounds nice!!!

 

Nausea/Vomiting?

None

 

Symptoms?

Lots of movement and growing belly!

 

Labor Signs?

Too soon

 

Gender?

I'm at 19 weeks and we find out @ 20 weeks, you do the math!!!

 

Belly Button In or Out?

Still a in...but almost not anymore

 

Wedding Rings On or Off?

Still on

 

Sleep?

I feel lucky that I don't wake up in the middle of the night @ all to pee...I get a solid 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep and I love it.

 

What I am looking forward to?

We have a home daycare interview next week with someone that has come highly recommended from 2 people (a co worker and my neighbor) and she happens to have an opening! Fingers crossed it works out and I get that good feeling!

 

Oh yeah...and finding out the gender ;)

 

My 1st 1/2 pregnancy essentials...

I can't believe I am almost to the half way point in my pregnancy...it's crazy to think about how fast it has already gone and how fast the next 20 weeks will go. Especially since I start tax season here soon and will be working really long hours.

Some items that I have found to be very beneficial during the first 20 weeks of my pregnancy...

1. Pregnancy Pillow
This thing is AWESOME!!! My Best Friend suggested one to me to get to help sleeping. I am not a 'side' sleeper...I am a back sleeper. So I tried from 13 weeks on to get use to sleeping on my side and hated it. So not comfortable for me. I got this pillow for Christmas from my parents and I love it!!

2. Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
There are a few good pregnancy books out and I got this one because many people recommended it to me. This one gives me all the information I need so I don't feel like getting additional pregnancy book. It talks about what happens weekly and monthly. It has a chapter for 'Dad to be' and even talks about post pregnancy items. I have read most of it already and go back to it all the time!

3. Belly Band
Love this thing! None of my pants fit anymore and I don't want to spend a fortune on maternity clothes. The belly band gives me the option to wear my normal clothes. I have had mixed reviews on this from friends...some hated it, some loved it. I love it and would like to get it in one more color.

FYI: this is not a picture of me!

 

4. Tylenol
Only thing you can take for pain relief and headaches. I got so many headaches during the first 14 weeks. I guess instead of 'morning sickness', I received headaches. Not sure which I would rather have but I no longer get them as long or as often as I did then. Taking Tylenol and having a pop really helped.

5. iPhone pregnancy apps
I downloaded the BabyCenter and BabyBump apps. I use them both. I read the daily tid bit every morning on both and BabyBump has a weekly one also. They both have 'chat boards' and pictures. I find these very informational and love that they are right on my phone.

Is there anything you used or someone you know used during pregnancy that you would recommend?