6.28.2014

Another late post and a trip to the Zoo

Friends, forgive me. I'm a whole week late posting about our sweet little bump. Today I'm 23 weeks pregnant and I'm just now updating you all on the 22nd week. This week has been nuts, with returning from our long but wonderful trip to the mid-west and just trying to get back into the groove of things, sitting down to write a post was put on the back burner, and honestly all I wanted to do after putting Anna to sleep (whether it be a nap or bedtime) was veg. So here we are, a week late:



How far along? 22 Weeks (technically 23 weeks but I'll post my 23 week update in a few days--hopefully!)

How big is baby? the size of a papaya and he's sleeping in cycles, 12-14 hours a day. Which sounds about right. When I'm resting that's exactly the times he likes to play. I don't mind one bit ;) 

Total weight gain: 22 pounds!!! When I was 22 weeks with Anna I had only gained 12 pounds! 

Maternity clothes? only when I'm in public trying to look nice, otherwise it's gym shorts, leggings, and tshirts and tank tops

Sleep: so ready to go out and buy a body pillow! I borrowed a friend's while traveling and it was the best thing since sliced bread!

Best moment this week: FINALLY seeing my best friend and meeting her precious baby girl twins!  Even though I was ready to be home after our week and a half trip I didn't want to leave their sweet family.

Miss Anything? fitting into my two-piece like I'm supposed to. I could still rock it but when I was THE only mother at the YMCA pool the other day in a two-piece (not to mention pregnant) I felt out of place and a little insecure :( The next day I ran out to buy a maternity suit and after 2 hours I finally found something that I can feel good in. But believe you me, the beach in 2 weeks will see me in my little two-piece!

Movement: I feel this little guy way more than I felt Anna and I don't think it's because he's my second. Our ultrasound tech did say his placenta is towards my back and he's closer to my front and that's why I'm feeling so much. I don't mind one bit ;)

Food cravings: turkey sandwiches with cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. Thankfully I'm still able to enjoy these after I heat the turkey!

Gender: baby boy!

Symptoms: heartburn, peeing all the time, out of breath, swelling in my feet (only happened once after we walked around the zoo for 3 hours, so.), and my favorite: baby kicks! 

Belly Button in or out? out

Happy or Moody most of the time: happy!

Looking forward to: the next three weeks: our 9 year anniversary, my mom, stepdad, and sister come to town for 4th of July weekend, our babymoon, and vacation! I have a feeling July will be just superb! 

I can't end this post without sharing a few photos from our trip to the Columbus Zoo. While Anna had been to the zoo before it was her first time where she really enjoyed it. Animals are her favorite things these days so the zoo was just magical for her. It brought us so much joy to see her eyes light up with every animal we saw. She'd yell the animal's name, growl if it was a lion or bear, or exclaim "what's that?!" Simply the best.


We went with Travis' dad. Anna loves her Pop Pop.



This baby baboon cracked us up! Look at his surprised face and the way he's wanting to bust out of there and eat whatever's in Anna's snack cup! Too funny.


This is one of my favorite pictures ever. 




I think Anna was more scared of this statue than the real thing!



We really did have such an amazing time visiting family and friends in Ohio, Indiana, and West Virginia. It's always great catching up and sharing our lives together even if it's for a few days or a few hours.  We are so blessed by their love and friendship. We may be living in Charlotte now but our hearts are still in the 
Mid-West! <3

6.19.2014

I promise, traveling in the car with a toddler gets better!

I know, I know, guys, I'm two days shy of 22 weeks and I'm just now posting an update for 21 weeks. We've been traveling since Sunday so it's been a little difficult to find time to sit down and write this post. Finally as Anna naps and Travis watches a soccer game with his best friend James I'm able to just lounge in a comfy, leather recliner and type away.

We always enjoy taking our annual trip up north, spending time with family, and visiting friends. It brings us such great joy. But I have to admit I was anxious before we left this past Sunday. The last time we traveled 8 hours to Ohio over Thanksgiving Anna vomited 5 minutes before arriving to my dads. Albeit she did have a little stomach bug but it wasn't the first time she struggled in the car while on a long drive. Usually she hyperventilates. It's just not pretty, it's just not fun, and it makes traveling a troublesome endeavor even if it's for vacation.

HOWEVER, this time was amazing! We made it to Columbus in record time, Anna did perfect, she didn't cry once, and she even sat in her seat and played for a good three hours before we felt like it was time to put a movie on our laptop. She has just gotten to the age where a movie or tv show is mesmerizing for her. THANK GOD! We may have had to watch Monsters Inc. one and a half times through but she didn't seem to mind (the only other movie we had was Tangled and it's blu ray. I forgot this important tidbit until I put it into my laptop and it just spit it back out.) But Mami came to the rescue and had Yo Gabba Gabba dvds waiting for Anna when we arrived so our trip back will be even better!

I'll share a more detailed account of our mid-west trip in another post but for now let's get to that baby bump! Speaking of baby bumps, I've been swelling in my feet and hands since we started traveling. Not sure if it's due to the traveling or if it's the mid-west heat. Either way I'm not too concerned because braxton hicks have been minimal and as soon as I'm able to put my feet up the swelling goes down. I'm sure once we get back home next week I'll be back to normal.


How far along? 21 Weeks

How big is baby? the size of a pomegranate and is manufacturing meconium (the icky tar-like poop)--exactly what you wanted to know, right? 

Total weight gain: who knows this week, I haven't been able to step on a scale since last week

Maternity clothes? only when I'm in public trying to look nice, otherwise it's gym shorts, leggings, and tshirts and tank tops

Sleep: it's ok. Breathing a little better but now trying to sleep on my side is the worst. I just want to lay on my stomach and back!

Best moment this week: so many things this week, seeing family we haven't seen since Thanksgiving, seeing friends we haven't seen in almost a year, going to the Columbus Zoo and seeing the sweet reaction from Anna towards all the animals. This week really has been great so far!

Miss Anything? not feeling like a heifer 

Movement: so much!

Food cravings: nothing really this week. I feel like being away from home allows you to fulfill any and every craving you could ever have

Gender: baby boy!

Symptoms: heartburn, bloating, baby kicks, peeing, always hungry 

Belly Button in or out? out

Happy or Moody most of the time: happy!

Looking forward to: visiting with more friends as the week goes on and finally seeing my best friend who I haven't seen in almost a year and meeting her sweet baby girls! 

Happy Thursday, Everyone! 

6.12.2014

Not Your Typical DIY Father's Day Gift



Before I begin I have two disclaimers:

1. I'm sharing this before Father's Day incase all you slackers last minute gifters still have yet to get your father anything for his big day and need a suggestion. Plus my dad is rarely ever on social media so he won't read this. And if by chance he does happen to see this before Father's Day he already knows what he's getting.

2. I did this same thing for my mother for Mother's Day and when my dad saw her gift he said he wanted the same thing (they don't live together), making my life so much easier! 

3. We're not sure what's wrong with our camera but it's not focusing so this is why these pictures seem to be so out of focus. It's disheartening really.

Now that we got those out of the way, let's continue...

I think my love language is gifts. I love receiving gifts but more than that I love giving gifts! Gifts that are thoughtful, sentimental, mean something. When I give someone a gift that I put a lot of energy and thought into I feel like I'm loving them with everything I have. My hope is that when they open their gift they feel my love. This is why for every holiday and birthday I try to find something that I can give or make that says "I love you". If I absolutely can't find something I get paralyzed and I end up being the worst gift giver and I wallow in self pity for days. This could've happened this Father's Day for my dad because he's super hard to shop for and like most men isn't keen on the sentimental items (not that he doesn't enjoy them, he just doesn't know what to do with them). But when my dad saw the gift I made my mom he said "oh wow, I like these!" And I thought "score! that's what you're getting for Father's Day!" (It's not technically "re-gifting", right?)

So here it is folks: DIY PHOTO COASTERS



 Materials:
I'm missing my stickies here because I hadn't bought them yet. 





*4 1/2" squared tiles--I bought mine at Lowe's in a box of 12 for $7

*modge podge

*sealing clear coat spray paints

*felt, cork, foam, or cardboard stickies for the bottom--I used felt

*foam brush

*photos--print them from your computer using standard printing paper, much cheaper and works better with the modge podge. You may have to downsize them to fit your tile. So I made mine 3 1/2x3 1/2". Also, they are Instagram photos which made it a whole lot easier since they were already squared.

Instructions:

1. Cut your pictures. Paint one "light" layer of modge podge onto the coasters and lay on the pictures making sure they are centered. Smooth out the prints several times to remove any bubbles. I used a credit card to smooth them. 



2. Keep layering on the modge podge, making sure it's really dry in between coats. I did this about 5-6 times per coaster.

3. Once everything is dry spray on the clear spray paint. Spray about 2-3 coats per coaster to make sure everything is super smooth and glossy.

4. Stick on the felt, cork, foam, or cardboard stickies to the bottom. You can superglue them but since mine were already pretty sticky I skipped the superglue. The stickies keep the coasters from scratching glass or wood surfaces.



And that's it folks! Pretty simple, pretty cheap, and pretty sentimental! I mean who doesn't want to be reminded of loved ones as their sipping on some sweet tea? 


For all you Father's out there, I hope your Father's Day is pretty awesome! You Dads are what keep us families together and without you there would be no tickle fights, couch wrestling, fort building and just plain 'ole goofiness going on. Plus big bear dad hugs are the best!

And if by chance my dad does get on here: I love you, Dad. You are the man and I'm so blessed to call you mine! 

Travis' post on his Father's day gift is to come!!! (since he actually reads my posts I can't blog about it before I give him his gift!)

6.09.2014

Half Way There Ya'll!!!

I'm so not a country girl but I just had to add the "ya'll" to my title. It makes it more exciting, don't ya think?

It's crazy to think that the time has come when we're to the half way mark. I knew I was pregnant with this little guy at 3 weeks and that just felt like yesterday so I know these next 20 are just going to fly by! Especially with a few trips thrown in there, Anna's 2nd birthday at the end of September (did I just say 2nd birthday!?!), and the start of another soccer season in the fall, this baby will be here before we know it--and maybe before we're ready! Eek!

Since we're at 20 weeks I thought I'd share a side by side comparison to when I was 20 weeks with Anna.

20 Weeks with Anna:


20 Weeks with Juice Drop #2:


The difference in these pictures makes me super scared for how big baby boy will be by the time he comes! I really don't feel like I'm eating much differently than when I was pregnant with Anna plus I'm working out a lot more and a lot harder this time. Please tell me it's just because this is my second go around and my body knows what it's doing!

How far along? 20 Weeks

How big is baby? the size of a banana and has working tastes buds! I'm sure that amniotic fluid tastes yummy! (insert winky emoji) 

Total weight gain: again, who needs to know? (really I'm just embarrassed to post so let's move on...)

Maternity clothes? only when I'm in public trying to look nice, otherwise it's gym shorts, leggings, and tshirts and tank tops

Sleep: ugh, I can't breath!!! I'm about to buy some breath right strips. I can't tell if it's pregnancy or allergies but nothing seems to work. 

Best moment this week: National Donut Day!!! And slamming on 2 1/2 donuts...this may be what's contributing to my exaggerated bump and the weight gain I'm too embarrassed to talk about

Miss Anything? Sushi. Every time I pass by Cowfish I salivate. And anytime Travis mentions the word I want to punch him in the face. He says "just because you can't have it doesn't mean I can't." That's exactly what it means, buddy!

Movement: Lots!

Food cravings: besides sushi...anything that's not healthy...again could be contributing to my ever expanding waist line--or lack there of. 

Gender: baby boy!

Symptoms: heartburn, bloating, baby kicks, peeing, always hungry 

Belly Button in or out? out

Happy or Moody most of the time: happy!

Looking forward to: heading up north to see family and friends in Ohio and Indiana at the end of this week! (insert cheesy smile emoji) 

have to end the same way I started so:

Happy Monday, Ya'll!

6.03.2014

Patience

That's the Fruit of the Spirit the Lord has been telling me to practice. Let me tell you, it's much harder than it looks. Especially when dealing with a 20 month old. You think you have all the patience in the world and then you get a screaming toddler in your face and all you want to do is scream right back. But you can't. You've got to be the adult here. Then there are times when I think it'd be easier to just let her get her way. Let her go without brushing her teeth because she kicks and screams and absolutely hates it. Let her go without changing her diaper or sitting in her carseat or throwing her food on the floor or letting her watch the 4th episode of "Yo Gabba Gabba". Then I remember if I let her get her way then she'll grow up with bad teeth, a never ending butt rash, and be a spoiled, entitled adult. And we don't want that. So until then I have to be the bigger person. I have to let the Spirit live through me. I have to allow patience to overtake me. And then and only then will she also learn patience. Yes, she's a toddler. Yes, she'll continue to whine and scream and kick and yell when she wants her way. But when she sees Mommy being patient and not screaming back at her then maybe one day she'll think "oh, that's how we behave and maybe, just maybe I'll get my way if I act appropriately". (She still won't always get her way but she'll learn that she has a better chance when she practices patience also). At least that's what I'm praying for! Or for at least "time out" to start actually working!

Another area where patience is needed is waiting to meet our little man. Oh, October can't come soon enough! But at the same time I'm trying to cherish every single minute we have with Anna as the only child (even when she's throwing a fit ;) So being patient in meeting our baby boy hasn't been as challenging as dealing with a toddler but whenever I feel those little kicks I get excited for when I can finally see those little feet outside of my belly!


How far along? 19 Weeks
How big is baby? the size of a mango and he's working on his five senses--they're all developing in his brain! 
Total weight gain: meh, around 12 pounds 
Maternity clothes? only when I'm in public trying to look nice, otherwise it's gym shorts, leggings, and tshirts and tank tops
Sleep: last night was the best sleep yet! I think it's because I finally turned on our humidifier so it wasn't so dry which made breathing through my nose much easier. I didn't even get up once to pee! 
Best moment this week: taking Anna to the pool and just seeing sheer joy on her face. She loves it so much. So much that she grunts and makes noises the entire hour we're in the pool! No joke. 
Miss Anything? running as fast as I can in Athletic Conditioning class. I felt like the fat kid lagging behind all the athletic kids this morning. "Oh, don't wait up guys. Keep going. I'm just going to take a little nap here in the grass."
Movement: lots!
Food cravings: nothing in particular, I just want to eat all the time!
Gender: baby boy!
Symptoms: heartburn, bloating, baby kicks, peeing, always hungry 
Belly Button in or out? out
Happy or Moody most of the time: moody, it seems like the last 2 weeks (besides finding out about our little guy) every little thing is stressing me out (I know, I know, not good for baby). Our dryer broke, my tooth chipped so I had to go get that fixed, we both need new glasses and we're both on our last pair of contacts and we have yet to schedule an eye appointment, we're heading to Ohio and Indiana in less than 2 weeks, and vacation in July is still not totally pinned down, among other things. More than just a vacation, I need someone to plan it for me too!
Looking forward to: seeing family and friends in the next few weeks up north!