Oh man am I ready! It is currently 91 degrees (which actually seems cool compared to the last couple of weeks..), our air conditioning has decided now is the time it should stop working, and I am so ready to see my family more than once every couple of months!! Yippeeee!!
How far along? 25 weeks
Weight Gained: Umm…. ummm I forgot to do it this morning and you know, it fluctuates mightily throughout the day…. but currently it says I have gained a whopping 20.6 lbs. BAH! Awesome.
Symptoms: Oh man, I feel like just talking about what I need to get at the grocery store makes me get that old familiar lump-in-throat-I-wanna-just-have-a-good-cry sort of feeling. I must be fun to be around. Also, those insides are still stretching. A lot. Probably to accommodate the 4 lbs I seemed to have gained this week. *don’t cry don’t cry don’t cry, she said to herself again*
Movement: Pretty consistent now : )
Food cravings: Chocolate cake. I dream of you.
Food aversions: Nope
Sleep: Okay
Stretch marks? Does cellulite count for this one because that seems to be breeding with fury.
Belly button in or out? In
Miss anything? Air conditioning
Mood? HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY and a little overwhelmed and nervous and excited and scared!
Maternity Clothes? Same but I’ve noticed all my non-maternity dresses I was relying on have gone too short. I’ve become that girl. I am aware. I will work on it, k?
New baby items: Oh. :) oh. There was a store. I may have gotten her a birthday outfit for in a year when she can wear it… Her dad may have gotten his little peanut some jammies. Heart burst.
Exercise: Packing and moving is my current workout routine.
Best moment of the week: That husband of mine, he spoils me. I’ll show you soon.
This week is especially significant to me because I have been reading that if she was born now, she would have at least a chance at survival. I find that so crazy amazing! Ironically, it’s also the legal abortion cut off date in most states. Greg showed me this picture of a baby born at 24 weeks (who didn’t survive) but lived an hour and is clearly, miraculously formed. It’s so amazing to think that our little girl is so beautifully developing in me right now! I seriously can’t get enough of how perfectly God designed this whole process. He’s really amazing, guys. He really is.
How far along? 24 weeks
Weight Gained: 16.5 lbs
Symptoms: Just lots of stretching this week
Movement: Dad got to feel her kick on his birthday! She kicked him right on his wedding ring : ) My mom and sis got to feel her move all around too… She’s the sweetest of little girls.
Food cravings: Not particularly but I must say, little girl seemed to love that meal this weekend. She was kickin’ all around the whole time!
Food aversions: Nope
Sleep: Not the greatest but last night I slept the entire night. I had a mental party for myself this morning.
Stretch marks? I think I definitely saw some small ones on my legs…..
Belly button in or out? In
Miss anything? Not really
Mood? Quite happy and content. Suuuuper excited about moving not this weekend but next, although I’m becoming strangely sentimental. I tell ya, I’m not good with change.
Maternity Clothes? Same
New baby items: Ooooo! My Aunt Cindy and Uncle Ray got her the cutest little puppy dog – REAL PUPPY DOG! Just kidding. It’s stuffed. And Greg’s Aunt Joyce and Uncle Matt got her the most adorable puffed dress and leggings :) :)
Exercise: I don’t like it, but I’m doing it. This whole being healthy stuff is a lot of work…
Best moment of the week: Well, ahem, that Napa trip was awfully delightful. But also, we finished up our birth classes this week and I must say, I enjoyed them tremendously. It was especially nice to see so many guys dedicated to their partners and babies and work so hard to really be a part of the process. Greg has been the most amazing support and so tender in helping me to relax and not stress and work on my “relaxing cue” and doing my scripts with me each day. We’ve been having a lot of fun. We’ve been using Hypnobabies, which I would highly recommend, if anything because it helps you to feel so prepared and informed about the whole process. I realize it sounds totally weird and new age-y but it really just focuses on retraining you to see birth as a healthy and normal thing – not something to be feared or dreaded (like I was thinking it was) and to help you focus and relax through the process. It’s actually the same “hypnosis” they use when patients are allergic to anesthesia in surgeries or dental procedures. Think less stage and swinging pendulum, and more deep relaxing ;) Kinda cool! Anyways, I suppose I can tell you more after January 8 (or the week after, or the week after that), but at the very least it’s made both Greg and I feel a lot more confident going into it : )
^^ I clearly look the most pregnant ^^
Looking forward to: Our last romantic getaway next week before we become a family of three (or should I say five – HELLO living with the parents again ;) ) – AKA the BABYMOON :D
So, we went to Napa last weekend and had a meal or two. I’m not really sure where to begin so let’s start here. These ribs were amazing. And no, they were not all for me. Stop judging, gosh.
They literally fell off the bone and into my mouth and in there all my little buds had a party. They partied so hard, I had a my whole pile finished and completed only to look over and see my sweet sister still nibbling on her first. I really hope my appetite goes back to normal in a couple months, otherwise you’ll be rolling me out of restaurants like Violet Beauregarde. And then there was a wine tasting for all the other people who were not actually growing a human in their bellies, an olive oil tasting, and lots and lots of pool time : ) And then!!! There was more food!!! And celebrating because it was this guys birthday : )
He turned 60, which I feel like is an excellent age to become The Grandfather : ) And Aunt Sara and Uncle Steve, and Aunt Kathy and Uncle John, and Aunt Cindy and Uncle Ray were all there and it was marvelous! And there was the most delectable cheese I’ve ever tasted on the most perfectly ripened tomatoes and Greg said he would never forget the name of it, as long as he shall live, and he did. The very next day. I’m allowed to use this point for future reference.
^^ Isn’t he the cutest 60 year old you ever did see?? Happy birthday daddddyyyy!!!! We sure do love you loads! ^^
And then there was more pool time where my belly got burned just on one side because it is huge and has turned into a mountain with a proper dark side. I was ashamed.
Need I mention there was a delicious breakfast and lunch in there too? Oh my. I wasn’t joking when I told you Greg and I plan our lives around food. It makes me soooooo happy. So when I say I’ve been saving for this next meal since college, literally eating the same thing over and over so I can put the $5 I have left in my budget in an envelope for one good meal in, oh my, has it been 6 years?, in 6 years, you can start to imagine the giddiness we felt walking up to this place.
^^ just call us the valentine sisters.. ^^
^^ and these are their majestic gardens ^^
^^ we clearly don’t come here often.. ahem.. ever, hence the token group photo :) ^^
^^ their napkins are even made special!! ^^
^^ seriously, we be giddy ^^
^^ yes, we all took home our pins ; ) aren’t even the napkins beautiful!? ^^
^^ and those FLOWERS! ^^
And let’s begin
Greg promised he would take me back here someday (someday) at a time where I get to enjoy their delicious wines too but for the time being, they were awesome and gave me a special non alcoholic paring with each course so I didn’t feel so very left out. In fact I felt even more special :):) We had the best of all waiters. So, I know the French Laundry is known for a couple staples, but when I looked at the menu, I didn’t see any of them on there. And a little part of me was trying so hard not to be sad inside. But then! There were surprise courses among the 42 already listed, so we did get our savory ice cream cones after all!
I’m going to call it the appetizer section. The appetizer section certainly impressed me the most. They had the most delicious flavors, presented in the most creative ways. AH! I would go back if we just got these first three, and that was it! I don’t think Greg or I talked much… we just kept looking over at each other with wild, happy eyes.
This one was my most favorite. Actually, it was the one I was least looking forward to because, do you see all that caviar? I do like caviar, but a jar of it on my meal? Umm… well let’s just trust the chef and try it. Oh my heavens. Again, my favorite. I love people who know what they are doing.
Okay, seriously. Let’s just take a look at how thin this chip is WITH a chive baked perfectly into it.
Come on now.
And then there was a “salad.”
And a fishy.
And lobster goodness.
And perfect chicken.
And lambs, as Greg likes to call it. Makes me wonder every time why I’m not a vegetarian. Poor lambs.
And the cheeses.
And then desserts!!! This one was some sort of shaved cake with the most delicious fruits atop.
And their version of cookies and ice cream : )
And a special birthday cake for daddeee
And then there was coffee and donuts and macaroons and a mousse. And all those tiny little courses added up to make one stuffed pregnant lady. But boy was she happy.
And so was he. Isn’t he handsome?? I love him.
Happy birthday daddy!!! We love you ever so much!!! Thanks for including us in your spectacular birfday celebrations!!
Greg and I have been having a morning debate on whether or not we’ve ever seen this supposed 10.5 or 11.5” grapefruit…. does she seem to be getting smaller in the fruit world?? I’ve also been trying to introduce her to a plethora of my favorite musicians with her new and developing hearing abilities. I do hope she grows up to love music as much as her parents do although hopefully she won’t turn out to be as snobby as her momma. Last night at our birthing class, someone made the innocent comment of: “A boy named sue? That’s a Kenny Rogers song.” No it’s not, you idiot. It’s Johnny Cash. Learn your people already, GOSH. This is what I’m talking about. Kenny Rogers could have done that song… I don’t know. I just like to be irrationally annoyed at such things ;) Snob.
How far along? 23 weeks
Weight Gained: 16 lbs
Symptoms: Nothing new
Movement: Yes, she is still moving
Food cravings: Greg came with me to the store this weekend. This is always a bad idea. We turn into two 12 year olds with seemingly endless budgets. We went to get a Brita water thingy cause our water tastes like dust and is getting dustier by the day (like you could actually taste the dust in your coffee it was so bad) and some parmesan cheese but left with no parmesan cheese, about six different cookie varieties, boxed mac and cheese, three different chips, soda, popsicles and any other thing we saw that might contribute to the optimum health we were striving for. Ever since we blew our budget on those wise items, I’ve been craving nothing but vegetables and wholesome food for my poor, aging body.
Food aversions: Not really
Sleep: I think I’ve had a lot on my mind lately. But she likes to kick at night so we have our getting acquainted times during those 5 hours I can’t seem to sleep. That husband of mine is really good and sometimes gets up to have midnight chats. Those are my favorite although I’m sure we would both rather be sleeping soundly.
Stretch marks? I swore I saw some! But now they are no more. So, no.
Belly button in or out? In and biiiiig
Miss anything? Not that I can think of
Mood? Pretty good although I’ve been having a lot of depression waves the last couple of weeks. I’m not depressed about anything in particular, I just can feel the heavy, depressed feeling coming and it stays for a while and then passes. It’s hard to explain. I heard the placenta is contributing loads more hormones so maybe I’m just feeling the extra dose ; ) Who knows.
Maternity Clothes? Same ol same ol.
New baby items: I saw some adorable little clothes at the store where our birthing classes are held and am so tempted to go back and buy some but then there is the whole tight on money bit that seems to always be there so those shall wait. Babies are naked most of the time anyways, right? ;)
Exercise: Probably because of our healthy little shopping trip or maybe because of the fact that jars are getting hard to open as I get weaker and weaker (I swear that child is stealing my muscles! It’s okay, diddle baby, you can have them), but I’ve felt extra motivated to actually keep it up. heheheh (this clearly changes on a weekly, nay daily, nay hourly basis). Consequently my body currently feels bruised all over as a result of this enthusiasm but it kinda feels good ;)
Best moment of the week: There are so many things to worry about and get sorted but it’s been such a joy to see the Lord come through for each thing at a time. Figuring out insurance has been a bit of a nightmare but I’m feeling better and better about it lately. Little things like, if we can’t sell our fridge, who’s going to help us move it?, have been weighing me down. But yesterday, some people came to look at the house, our landlord loved them and they offered to buy several things from us we were hoping to sell! so that gave me some peace. I don’t like uncertainties and like I’ve said before, pretty much everything is still quite uncertain, with more and more things getting added on, but I know He is faithful and whatever the outcome, He’ll help us get through it. I’m thankful that we are not alone : )
Looking forward to: Going to Napa this weekend wiss my family to celebrate 60 years of the best dad in the world’s life!!
Guess what! TWO strangers congratulated me this week. I’m an official pregnant lady now!
How far along? 22 weeks
Weight Gained: 14.5 lbs
Symptoms: Tin soldier syndrome. At least that’s what I feel it should be called. I get up and get stuck in the bending over position. Or turn too quickly and have to wait for the rest of my body to unhinge and catch up. I think it’s probably related to the sciatic nerve but who knows. It makes me laugh (and wince) every time.
Movement: She’s an active one. I can’t wait for my family to feel next weekend!!!
Food cravings: Sugar sugar sugar
Food aversions: Not a thing
Sleep: Pretty good
Stretch marks? No but belly has been very itchy lately
Belly button in or out? In
Miss anything? Wine. I really miss wine. I got everyone the most lovely rosé this weekend for our party and it just looked so pretty and pink in everyones glasses. And thennn we went over to another friends house and brought a surprisingly good cab… Greg poured me a tiny little glass which I’m pretty sure horrified our hosts :-X but but but it was so very good.
Mood? Pretty good I think. I can’t remember much these days.
Maternity Clothes? Originally I got a couple shirts that I could wear in the fall/winter since, I figured, that’s when I’ll be most huge.. but by jove it’s been hot here so I set out again to find some cooler clothes that would fit my new and confused body. I just ended up with more shirts to wear in the fall/winter. Failed, did I. But then! I was leaving the mall and looked to my right and lo and behold! there was a maternity shop. In all its dark, dingy glory. But :):):) I got some pants AND shorts AND yes they are super unsexy and feel a bit like a fat suit costume but man they are comfortable. I wore the pants to our friends house the other day and looked down and saw they had diamonds on them. Ugh. I hate bedazzled jeans. I guess I was swept away by the amazing comfort, I didn’t inspect them carefully. Oh well… I’m a whole new woman now ;)
New baby items: Oh : ) Our friends got us her first pink footed jammies : ) with bicycles….. yeee : ) And a squeaky toy that Greg declared would probably be his favorite toy for her. Ya, I just had to squeak that a couple times for him to change his mind in a second.
Exercise: Whoops! Not one bit :/ Does moving heavy boxes count?
Best moment of the week: Oooo hmm… we got to see four different sets of friends this weekend which was fun! The perks of telling people you are moving.. Getting some new clothes… even though Bentley promptly put two little chew marks in my less than a day old shoes. Selling some furniture so we don’t have to figure out how to store it : ) And mostly just spending lots of time with that wonderful husband of mine. I love he.
Looking forward to: Next weekend next weekend next weekend!!!!
I’ve definitely been coming off a bit too eager in my feverish attempt to pack as quickly as possible, tricking myself into thinking it’ll make our move date come sooner. Greg keeps reminding me, “you know… we still have a month here” ..as we stare at the pile of clothes that have now made their home in a heap on the floor since I may have sold the dresser that previously housed them. There was a point, sometime last week, that I am confident Greg said, “try to sell as much of our furniture as you can so we don’t have to move it.” Initially I was against that idea since you never can get back what you paid for it unless it’s a special little something that actually goes up in value (oh to have the means), we don’t have the money to replace the things we already have, and frankly, I hate selling stuff. I use things until they resemble a pitiful state. Anyways, as I started to pack, I thought well I guess we could just see if anyone even wants anything, hence why we no longer have tables to put things on. But my was I proud for selling my first item! Then sad when Greg came home and told me I need to clear prices with him first and why did I sell it for so cheap and IIIII never said to sell all the furniture….. Ohhhh well :D Anyways, all that to say, let’s take a look back on our little home #2 to be remembered with much fondness despite all our complaining about it. Similar to this tour, I apologize for the hasty bumpy video…. there were people coming in a matter of minutes and I didn’t want to be the fool, videoing her own house..
I always intended to take a really great outside shot once we got it all fixed up and adorable but that never seemed to happen… it’s been so hot all my plants have cried and died, there was the case of the suddenly brown vine, not to mention the drought which helped our lawn become even more brown and well, we are moving which means I start digging up everything I want to take with me and putting them into pots – hence the bajillion pots on our front porch you see in the video. Yes, you heard me correctly. We never got a key to the front door which is probably mostly our fault since we never followed up on it, but still something we like to laugh at or complain about, depending on our mood that day.
Ok let’s start here. This room has probably been in every configuration possible trying to figure out how to make it remotely livable since it’s ridiculously narrow. We are very much looking forward to having a chair in the living room again and not maneuvering ourselves onto the fickle bean bag chair that drops you as soon as your chair (bag) mate stands up. More seating in general is going to be great. Other than the long narrow weirdness of it, and the fact that it is a complete fishbowl, it functions nicely for two people who spend their time on their uncomfortable couch staring at a television three feet away. I guess you could say it has been a fine room : )
We took off the door to the bedroom off of the living room and made it into a lil dining room. I think it strongly resembles an asylum with it’s severe starkness but now we are moving so I shan’t worry about such things anymore.
Someday I’ll have a tablecloth that actually fits my table and it will be wonderful. We got this one to fit our first round table that we had to send back because, well, I broke a chair when I leaned back from laughing so hard….. which then made us start questioning the quality of all our new dining items which made us send them back with haste. Our family friends were nice enough to give us this set so we didn’t have to eat off of card tables anymore : ) We’ve had many a good memory round these parts.
If you go down scary laundry hall, you’ll hit ugly bathroom #1. I avoid this room at all costs. I put my loveliest candles and soaps in there to try to make it less scary and gross, but it remains very scary and very gross. When we moved in the light didn’t even work so it was dark, scary, and gross. Now it works to highlight each lovely thing. Let’s start with the selection of wall coverings.
Why?? Who picked this? I apologize if you picked this for your house and I’m making fun of it but really, it is awful. Someone spent money on covering perfectly good walls with this sad, plastic tile. I’m pretty sure if it was brand new it would still look filthy. PS this is a good section. Most of it has multiple holes drilled in that are also covered with the magical grime that won’t come off. The baseboards are falling apart and are also complete with the dark scary, filth that cannot be scrubbed away, the sink is permanently brown, the toilet I’ll let you use your imagination on, and the shower makes me want to send every person who ever stayed over and had to bathe in it, an apology letter.
Now, this isn’t really that bad but it makes me wonder every time, did they come as a mismatched set? Just, why?? Why, little bathroom are you so confusing? Who selected the dowel above the shower? Who said, let’s put an extra deep, extra narrow shelving feature crammed in the corner by the shower? Who made these decisions!? What happened to that mirror and the vanity that made them look like they spent the last 15 years being chewed on by a pack of wolves? All the shelves inside are gnawed on and beat up. It’s the strangest thing. I probably sound crazy but these pictures, if I do say so myself, make this room look positively dreamy : ) It is not.
Let’s just move on to the other bathroom. The “Master” Bathroom. This room got significantly better when we took out the towel bar that bruised my arm every day when I was doing my hair, moved the mirror away from the corner, and most importantly took out the blue fluorescent light that gave me shivers every time I turned the switch on. It fits one whole person at a time (and even then, be sure to keep your elbows close to you at all times). And a dog. Actually he takes up the whole room but he loves to hang out in there if you are in there. We dream of double vanities or even just a huge mirror that we could both stand at in a fully upright position. Oh the luxury. We haven’t been able to take a completely hot shower in probably three months (again, our fault – we’ve been avoiding having to talk to our landlady :) ) so that will be nice too. It always goes cold right when I start shaving my legs. Then you turn it on as hot as it’ll go (otherwise the rest of your shower will be like a nice swim in the northern pacific ocean), it scalds you for a full eight seconds and then you get to play the adjusting game for the rest of your shower. We are certainly using less water these days. Plus, this shower also has the mysterious film on the tub. I’ve scrubbed it and scrubbed it but it remains semi brownish and sticky. Fun fun. Also, these tiles : ) I do wonder if she got this stuff for free or something. Forget about the band tile, check out the pink butterflies! They shimmer when the light touches them. ^^ I really can’t seem to depict how crammed you feel in here so just trust me ok? ^^
Ironically, we’ll be moving into an even smaller bathroom up north! :D Except, I can’t wait. Now tell me, if you were an electrician, what would you center that light fixture on? Last but not least, we have the kitchen that I have a love/hate relationship with. Once we took out the fluorescents in there too (ok ya, I’m weird and crazy but really that’s not new news) my love for it skyrocketed. When we first moved in, I’d cook in the dark cause I hated being in there so much. Man, I really am unusual. Anyways, you know the story about the previous tenants trying to fit their fridge, and cutting the counter, the cabinets, and the floors to do so? Let’s just have one last look at that lovely bit of history.
Ahhhh…. But look how full my fruit bowl is! I always feel so very rich when it is full :) …and fresh I should add.
Sticky cabinets, slopey range fittings, floors that constantly look dirty, but overall a kitchen that provided many wonderful meals and memories. Greg was walking around the other day and said, “you hardly notice all the awful things about this place anymore!” And it’s true… we’ve had the best time here and are so so thankful for the little house that the Lord provided. Oh! Not to mention a bedroom that was big enough to fit our ginormous bed, an extra room for me to paint! aaaaand a closed in backyard for Bentley to gallup around to his hearts content! We’ve had a marvelous time! And on to our next adventure…
^^ my last flowers in this house :) they make me happy ^^
Weight Gained: 14 lbs… aaaand so much for the suggested one pound a week
Symptoms: Sleepy
Movement: Part of our birth class homework each day is to set aside time to practice deep relaxing. Oh. my. gosh. I look forward to this more than I can say. So does Little. She gets very excited about it and forgets the part about relaxing (which may just be another reason I look forward to it each day) She’s really good, that little one of mine!
Food cravings: Chocolate. I had to beg Greg to let me get the big bag of m&ms and promise I wouldn’t eat them all at once. Reasoning with this lady is certainly preparing him for children. The phrase, “Hillary, we are in public” is becoming more frequent.
Food aversions: No, I love the foods
Sleep: Good
Stretch marks? Not yet, although several times this week I wondered (after having consumed the large meal and there was no turning back) howwww this belly was going to stretch anymore. It’s starting to hurt when it’s full!
Belly button in or out? In still
Miss anything? We went out with my cousin this week to a place that had a really pretty bar. Ordering water made me cry a little inside. But look! Baby and I got to wear a bib for dinner and I got the waiter to look at my plate and say, Wow! You really know how to eat a lobster! Ravenous, I tell you. Ravenous.
^^ Greg is pointing at how big Josh’s claw is, in case you were wondering. It was as big as his hand. For real. ^^
Mood? Mooooooody.
Maternity Clothes? Greg said my online shopping habit is becoming pathetic. It’s just so convenient! But thissss weekend he took me to the store that will help support my new prego puppies. Now, I knew these things would get bigger with pregnancy. I NEVER expected the lady to say that I was measuring 3 cup sizes bigger than where I was at. I may have let out an involuntary gasp/giggle/unrecognizable noise. I’m still rather shocked. We now play the game, “If I’m this big, how big do you think those are??” Yes, analyzing other women’s boobies is our new point of interest/conversation topic.
New baby items: No, sorry baby, we are saving to get you out of me.
Exercise: Sorta?
Best moment of the week: Oh! Well let’s see.. I had a lovely coffee/trying to pick a name date with this handsome fellow. We left fairly confident but are currently back to being stumped. Suggestions welcome. We finally made it over to the beautiful Huntington Gardens and Galleries to see greeeeeen!!! (my favorite) everywhere as well as some beautiful art.But mostly, I’ve been packing a little every day which makes me unbelievably happy! Bentley doesn’t like it so much. He’s a big wuss when it comes to unfamiliar things :D
Looking forward to: We have our last dinner party in this house tomorrow and thennnn I can go to town putting it back to the horror it was before :D It kinda makes me giddy..
Oh my goodness.. We’ve hit (roughly) the halfway point! Welp, that went fast!
How far along? 20 weeks
Weight Gained: 12.5 lbs
Symptoms: Along with all the previous symptoms, we have added a numb, tingling foot to the mix and a little girl who likes to sit low and jump off that there bladder of mine, making the toilet my new, most frequently visited friend. She can move up now. An overall feeling of huge has set in, which completely terrifies me considering weare only halfway there… but on that note, WE ARE HALFWAY THERE!!!
Movement: I’ve found myself increasingly grumpy and complain-y this week but I must say, sitting down and taking the time to relax and wait to feel her to move, never gets old. It’s definitely the highlight of most of my days : )
Food cravings: Cucumbers and ranch, among other things
Food aversions: Not that I can think of… I have more of an issue with wanting to keep them pounds in check but still being out of control hungry all the time. Greg and I went out to lunch on Sunday and all I could think was, how can I get this in me fast enough so that I can eat Greg’s too. Seriously, it’s scary.
Sleep: Pretty good
Stretch marks? No
Belly button in or out? In but it’s getting biggerrrrr…. parts that I’ve never seen before are making their appearance..
Miss anything? Being able to bounce back quickly.. I feel like whenever I work out, it takes everything out of me. I did some jumping jacks (umm three days ago) and my calves still hurt going down stairs, and frankly just walking around. Things like that add to the overall uncomfortable feeling of becoming a whale.
Mood? Oh my. I’m a mess. Greg was getting ready to go into work again last Sunday and as he was packing up his stuff, I just burst into tears (like the embarrassing, can’t stop kind). He felt so bad for me he had to call in so he could work from home. Can’t complain about that bit, but come on.. This is getting outta control! Also, I was home alone the other night, watching Modern Family and doggon Phil gets me every time. I started laughing so hard, obviously bursting into tears of joy, and then…. just tears. I remember scrunching up my face and thinking, what is happening to me…… as I continued to alternate between tears of joy, and boohooing.
Maternity Clothes? So, I feel like I wear the same thing all the time, probably because I do. My belly bands are soooo constrictive and really don’t work that well so there goes all my pants. My one maternity summer shirt that I got shrunk to half its size and now only covers half my belly. There is still a bra situation and man it’s hot here. All. The. Time. Sorry this is becoming a major complaining post… feel free to send Greg sympathy cards. He has to live with me.
New baby items: No, but the temptation is always there : )
Exercise: Heck yes, and man it’s gotten harder. I did feel slightly more motivated this week than last week so that’s progress :D
Best moment of the week: On Monday, Greg woke up and said, “I think I need to tell work about our plans today.” I screamed a little scream of fear inside and then said ok. Well, that day, out of the blue, his boss asked to talk to him outside and went into what’s going to happen when the baby comes – paternity leave, how he’s doing a great job, here are some more perks, yadda yadda – whichgave Greg the perfect opportunity to decline and tell him that we will be moving October 1st. SO HOLY COW WE ARE MOVING!!!! Which is completely terrifying considering nothing is set in stone yet and it’s still a total faith thing, but we both have such peace about it and are excited out of our minds that we get to be around our favorite people on a daily basis again! Seriously, I could go on and on and on about how excited I am. And on and on. And on. And then get a little scared, and then go on and on.
Looking forward to: All the fun things coming up in the near future :D
Symptoms: I no longer own a bra that fits :( This has elicited muffled chuckles from my husband and a lot of empathetic “oh honey’s” but really it’s quite frustrating! Looots more stretching in there… loooots more being really tired… looots of back aches.. and everything smells strongly. That’s about all though ;)
Movement: Oh she’s getting stronger, that one! Greg even got to feel finally! He gasped and then got a huge giddy smile on his face :) :) melt melt melt did I.
Food cravings: All food. All the time. I’m ravenous. I’m actually scaring myself.
Food aversions: Not so much
Sleep: Better. Naps have become a fun little activity again :)
Stretch marks? Not yet
Belly button in or out? In
Miss anything? Not really
Mood? I’m currently grumpy for no reason but the rest of the week I’ve been quite happy :)
Maternity Clothes? You guys. Maternity leggings. Everyone should wear them. They. Are. So. Comfy. Or at least mine are.. I’m going to become that lady that wears big shirts and leggings the rest of her life.
New baby items: My stuff finally came in the mail. I showed Greg and he said “I’m not sure that blanket is good enough for our baby!” Hehe he’s gunna be the best dad.
Exercise: I’ve come to terms with the fact that I hate exercising. Yet, all of a sudden I feel an intense desire to get in shape (this desire has haunted me my entire life… I’m waiting for the day when it just TAKES OVER! Please day, come soon.) Seriously, the amount of hatred I have for it is mounting and yet, I’m becoming bigger and bigger…… so today I listened to Christmas music on my walk and it was much more enjoyable ;) Whatever works, right? It’s also taken most of the afternoon to recover from that walk. I’ve just shot way past pathetic.
Best moment of the week: We had our first birthing class! That was fun. I know it seems early but we are moving *hopefully* right when all the ones at the right time are starting so I thought it would be better to get it out of the way before move/holidays/baby hit. Plus, more time to practice the stuff right? :D I’m going to be a birthing expert.
Oh my, where do I start? Hallelujah! This was the first weekend that my husband didn’t have to work ONE BIT in oh I don’t know, over a month! I miss that guy so much. We had the most relaxing Saturday morning with, did I mention? no work! We went to the camera shop to see if we could get my beloved camera and lens fixed but they said it would cost as much as the camera is worth now :'( so I’ll have to just keep taking my crappy iphone pictures until the magical day comes when a new one appears in my hands! Then we headed with great anticipation to see how our Little was doing. So, this was the special 1 hour anatomy scan where they basically look over everything and make sure baby is growing ok. For this, you need to drink a boatload of water an hour before and then wait and wait and wait until your name is called at the office. Finally! our name was called but then followed with “why are you here so early? your appointment isn’t until 6?” Sigh. I even checked before we left just to make sure because I KNEW something like this was going to happen. So, I happily made my way to the bathroom and we reset our expectations for 6.
^^ these are our 2 o’clock appointment faces ^^
^^ these are our 6 o’clock appointment faces ^^
Six o’clock came and then 6:15 and then a doctor who said he was running about 45 min behind and then my bladder cried a little on the inside but, she’s a good one, that bladder of mine, and powered through until 7 o’clock when I hobbled my full self into the little dark room. The doctor looked at me and said “You look very pregnant.” I told him it was mostly water and he said that’s what they all say. Then up came the screen along with “WOAH you have a full bladder!” I told you. He said he couldn’t work with this and told me to go empty it 80%…… how does one tell how much 80% of their bladder is?? I’m not really in the habit of emptying half of it and then going on with my day so this was a fun new little challenge. And this is sarcasm. And this is also me approaching mom-hood as I talk openly about my bladder. Oh how things change ;) Anyways, after several more attempts of getting the 80% right, checking, trying again, checking aaaand we got a workable mid section! I pictured this being a really cool experience – an hour of seeing our baby!? Yes please. Instead, he never turned the screen to me so I really didn’t get to see anything and when I did, he never explained what exactly we were looking at but he did say the magic words at the end… after I asked him if everything was okay… he said “oh ya – it all looks fine!” Whew. He started wiping all the goo off my belly and said we were done and I said waaaaait aren’t you going to tell us what it is?? Ohhhh, he says, I didn’t know you wanted to know. Flashed it up real quick again – “It’s a girl. I’m 99.92% sure” So there you have it. Baby girl : )
Right before we went in, Greg asked, final guess? This entire time I’ve been convinced it was a girl – mostly because she had a super high heart rate – 185! (at 8 weeks) and the location of her placenta was always on the side that soooome people have suggested was the girls side… plus there was the freakish amount of sweets this not-really-into-sweets-person was craving all of a sudden. Anyways, about a week ago I started to think, well what if it IS a boy (which I’d be totally stoked about too) but probably would be a bit shocked with my hard core girl convincing that I’d been doing… so then I started to entertain that idea of a baby boy and all of a sudden I had convinced myself it was a little boy. SO when he said girl, needless to say, I was shocked. Ha! Plus the one ultrasound picture he sent home with us, strongly resembled a monkey complete with a round little muzzle which added to even more confusion in my shocked state – I don’t look like a monkey… you don’t look like a monkey… why does our daughter look like a monkey?? But the more I looked at her, the cuter she became :) I can’t wait to meet this little one. I think I’m still slightly shocked. I’m not really huge yet and haven’t had any horrendous pregnancy symptoms so to say there is a human inside of me, and that that human is developed enough to show that she’s a girl, kind of makes it so real and slightly overwhelming.
I was thinking about her and how amazing it is that God knew this little one before she was even formed and picked her specifically for us – well gosh. It’s just such a miracle isn’t it? I want her to know her Daddy so badly and to know how much He loves her. I was thinking how special it is that right now – just months before she’s getting ready to make her way into the world, everything in her parents lives are completely in His hands. We both want to move up north, and since our lease is up in October, that’s when we are praying He will provide a way to make that happen. I’ve even started packing just to show Him that we are ready!! ;) And I know there is always a chance that this isn’t what He had in mind for us right now in which case I’ll have a real fun time moving everything back in again :D but to think – to always look back on this time and see how He worked through it, to look back on that and show our little girl just how perfectly He provided for her and for us, those are the things I’m hoping will strengthen her faith down the line. To know He is our provider – not me, not her dad, but Him. What a great way to start out life! I know this one is special and I can’t wait to be a small part in helping her become who He created her to be :) Oh the joys!
Anyways, have I mentioned my husband is amazing and somehow secretly planned a celebratory dinner that night? I just love when they put personal things on the menu ;) I’m not sure what he told them we were celebrating, but we both agreed we got put in the kid room with slightly brighter lighting and less ambiance. But! we made the most of it and the very very bright light that shined on us from above. We had the funniest waiter… I’m not sure if he was new and just trying REALLYYY hard to be as professional as can be but he certainly took pride in what he did, even if it wasn’t the best. He mentioned several times the importance of presentation and how he likes to get a “nice straight line” as he poured my Pellegrino from three feet above, not knowing (or caring?) that it was splashing everywhere. Again, as he brought our plates, he mentioned how presentation was everything and I looked down to this, nodding with our plastered on smiles, yes, it sure is everything. We tried not to look up too much because every time we did, there he was, watching our every move, and if you hesitated too long, he’d be over in a jiffy, ready to ask if we needed anything and to ask, once again, how Greg’s wine was now. He really liked to hang out – actually I’m not sure if we got more than 5 minutes alone before he was back again, but he was so dear and made us smile even if sometimes that smile was forced. He was so very eager to please : ) we even got a delicious free dessert out of it as he insisted we order something from the dessert menu even though we were already quite full.. We both left with puzzled, did that really happen? looks on our faces that quickly shifted to our familiar smiles as he held open the door for us for the full three minutes it took us to get to the door. Oh dear.
Sunday was also wonderful *no work! no work! no work!* Except :'( my beloved vine has died. My lawn got mowed! but my vine is no more. Now it is stark and sad again…. but hopefullllllyyyyyy it’ll only be for 1.5 more months!!!!!! So I’m not so sad :D When we were working out in the yard, we brought Bentley out on one of those metal things that screw into your lawn… our neighbor gave us one a while back but I had yet to use it. He was being so good, happily sniffing about, and then…. there were two little dogs he was determined to say hello to. He bolted across the street, obviously ripping out the pole, then got spooked from the metal clanging behind him and took off. I’ve never seen that boy run so fast (he HATES loud noises). By some miracle, he turned around and ran home, up the stairs, and on the bed. I came in to check on my poor little scardy-cat that had just given me a mild heart attack and noticed that he had run so hard, all his nails were frayed and he had ground three of them (on different feet) down to the quick and they were bleeding everywhere! This didn’t help my already frazzled heart but we waited patiently for Greg to come home to bandage him up. I must say, it may have taken some getting use to (he was lifting his feet up SO HIGH off the ground when he walked.. it was kind of unbelievably adorable) but I think this dog rather enjoys wearing socks like his humans do. My poor boy. Besides that, we got to finish off the weekend with a celebratory cigar (Greg only) and a lovely cocktail – gin and tonic for me! Hold the gin! That love of mine went out for juice and came back with fresh bread and cheese and delicious meats… he’s really good, guys! He’s really good. Cheers to a little girl coming into our lives very VERY soon!!!!!
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