29 weeks pregnant

From http://www.babycenter.com/

Baby Ryan is just a little over 15 inches and weighs around 3 lbs!  Our little munchkin buns is getting so big and we're getting so anxious to meet him.

I'm finally getting slowed down.  Up until the past week this pregnancy hasn't prevented me from doing all of my normal chores and chasing my toddler with (somewhat) ease...but NOW?!  Whew.  Frequent rest breaks for mommy.  Even though he's sitting pretty low still my lungs are starting to get squish-squashed.  Poor Christopher has a hard time sitting on mommy's lap for storytime!

Ryan is still breech (his head is up under my right-side ribs) and he frequently likes to hang out on my right side; as a result I have a very lopsided belly!  It kind of tickles because sometimes his kicking goes almost towards my back. =) 

28 Weeks Pregnant

from http://www.babycenter.com/

Ryan weighs between 2 and 3 lbs and is nearly 15 inches long!

This week starts the beginning of my 3rd Trimester -------> I'm in shock! I can't believe we're this far already!!!

My nose is getting more pregnant =)  I'm still feeling pretty good, though!  I found that on the days when I exercise / stretch I don't have the pelvic pressure afterwards and the next day.  So I've been trying to get that in every other day.  I have a feeling that I won't have a problem losing the weight after this baby between chasing Christopher and getting housework done.  Absolutely can't wait to meet him -- it's taking longer for me to fall asleep at night because that's when I relax and really get excited!

What about pregnancy was shocking to you? What parts of it do you REALLY not like? Does anything about it make you laugh?

Shocking: I think it's crazy to see how big you can actually get! You don't feel like it at the time...but to look back at pictures is crazy! Dislike: I really don't like the stretch marks. At all...but they're easier to handle the second time around. Laugh-worthy: Sometimes I forget that I'm pregnant...or don't realize my belly's getting bigger and I knock stuff over or off of the table! That always cracks me up =)

Life, love, kids, marriage, college, getting a job, growing up...ANYTHING! Ask away

Do you enjoy pregnancy?

I do! It's definitely easier the second time around. It's uncomfortable at times...and not every aspect of it is all rainbows and unicorns...but, it's only temporary and I'm determined to try and soak up every experience that goes along with it =)

Life, love, kids, marriage, college, getting a job, growing up...ANYTHING! Ask away

TGFN

Thank God for Netflix.

It's 1:30 a.m. and you've been sleeping for a little less than 4 hours.
You recognize that "oh-too-familiar" pelvic ache and absolutely cannot lay in bed any longer.
What do you do?
Research your future phone and watch Netflix.

Good deal.


http://www.virginmobileusa.com/cell-phones/samsung-intercept-phone.jsp



This little dandy is what I have my eye on..... I'm pretty much drooling after using a Stone Age phone since August!

Icy Trip to L&D

As I'm making pancakes for Christopher and I this morning I start feeling funny.  Brush it off...get a drink of water...nahhh. It's nothing.  Then my peripheral vision completely goes and I get huge bands of wavy silvery lines in my sight and I can hardly see anything at all.  I sat down; which actually made me super nauseous...(but probably kept me from fainting) and my vision went away even more -- from dime sized holes to absolutely nothing.  Totally scary experience.  After a minute I could see again -- but barely.  Nothing if I looked directly at the object and no peripherals...still had the huge silvery bands.  Thank goodness it happened on a weekend and Robert was home so we could go in right away. 

Big thanks to a wonderful neighbor who was able to watch Christopher for us today!  It had to be the worst day to go to the hospital...while it looked like it was just snowing a little outside, we got out to the car and it was completely iced over. (Really awesome when your 45 degree driveway is also iced and you're 6 months pregnant)  We got to the hospital and went up to L&D where they hooked me up to the monitors to make sure Ryan was ok...I was really nervous because during the episode he started flipping and moving like I've never felt him do before.  As soon as they put the heartrate monitor on and we heard his strong little heartbeat, I felt so much better.  They did a rudimentary eye test on me (which I flunked because I had no peripherals!) and decided to send me for a head CT scan.  We got the low-down on radiation exposure to the baby and they weighed the odds and strongly advised me to do it.  (Exposure was <1 and up to 6 is considered "safe" during pregnancy.  It also wasn't a direct scan on my abdomen and they covered me up with the lead vest.)  The contrast dye that they injected made me feel like I peed my pants...it was gross!  And I don't think Ryan liked it much either.  It does pose a risk to the baby's thyroid gland...but it's rare and something they can detect immediately after birth.  Thankfully the CT scan came back clean!

If you're prone to fainting before pregnancy...you're MORE prone to fainting during pregnancy.  With my heart condition, they're thinking it's just a simple case of that and the doctor gave me some tips on how to avoid it and what to do if it happens again.  He says as my uterus continues to grow, it will keep pushing on the major vein that affects blood supply.  My fuzzy vision is the side effect of my body nearly fainting and that if it happens again to sit down (preferably lay down) so blood can get to the brain.  Rx : rest.  I'm taking a short dinner / blog break now and am planning on going back to have an early bedtime tonight!

I do miss my little man so much, though...I know he's fine and having a fun time at his sleepover...it's just so weird without him  =(    Hopefully I wake up tomorrow feeling 100% refreshed and better.  Very thankful that both the baby and I are fine and it's nothing serious.

Toddler Tantrums

Tantrums are wearing on my patience and trying my sanity.  I feel totally exasperated by them and I find myself dreading what small event (dipping my tater tot in his ketchup) might set off an uncontrollable and inconsolable episode.  I've read the books and the articles and sometimes I just feel like, "BUT THESE PEOPLE DON'T KNOW MY CHILD."  Even though it feels like it, I am positive I'm not alone here. 
Every kid is different and nobody can be an expert on Christopher except for Rob and I!  Some days -- like today -- I don't feel like an expert at all. 

Tantrum Tips:
*Prevention is key ::: knowing how to offset a problem before it happens is easier than trying to diffuse a full-blown tantrum
* Take a deep breath ::: sounds so simple.  Count to 10.  Empathize.  This is tough for them, too!
* Shake it out ::: Imitate your toddler...to an extent.  Flail your arms out a bit and shake off the stress.  Before you know it he/she will stop screaming, try to figure out what you're doing, and join in with you!
* Give YOURSELF a timeout ::: Put your toddler in a safe place where they can have some space.  Then set the timer, make a cup of tea, and just sit down and mellow out.  It's good for you both.
*Pray ::: You're not alone. 

27 Weeks + $10 Amazon Baby Promo

Amazon Baby Promo
Opened up my BabyTalk Magazine yesterday to find a $10 OFF promo code to use in the amazon.com baby store!  I ordered the diaper pail from my wish list (that's currently on sale!!!) in my amazon.com/mom account and with my *free* prime shipping benefits it will be here Tuesday!  Oh ... and how much did it cost?  15 cents! 

 I guess all of this thriftiness will help pay off that darn parking ticket  =)

From http://www.babycenter.com/

27 Weeks
According to the website, Ryan is a head of cauliflower this week!  Or if you're following the man's list ... the size of a 13-inch boot!  I love the man's list --->  http://www.hisboyscanswim.com/dads-pregnancy-guide 

He weighs approximately 2 1/4 lbs and is about 14 1/2 inches long

Currently I'm getting alot of achiness in my pelvis...(wah wah wah...whine whine whine...I KNOW!!!)  and it's becoming difficult to get to sleep...or at least find a comfortable enough position.  I am grateful that I haven't had this problem from the very start, though!  Slept on the couch last night and am actually feeling pretty energetic today.  That might be related to the fact that I MADE myself do my morning workout.  Feeling pretty good! 

do you have names picked?

We do! Ryan Casimir. Ryan was the only name we could agree on (my husband likes the more common names and I like different / contemporary ones). We like Ryan because then the baby and my hubby will have the same initials.

Life, love, kids, marriage, college, getting a job, growing up...ANYTHING! Ask away

Has your husband deployed?

Sorry it took so long to respond! I didn't realize my formspring notifications were going to my spam inbox. But no --- thankfully he will not be deploying until later so he will be here for the baby! Such a relief and a blessing.

Life, love, kids, marriage, college, getting a job, growing up...ANYTHING! Ask away

B.H.

B.H. could stand for a lot of things today
* Bad Hair
* Burnt Hotdogs
* Bleak habitat (it's sooo gray and gloomy outside...yuck)
* Barn ... or House?
* Big Hassle (out of order ATM,45 minutes at the post office with a screaming 2-year old, and then I forget the one thing that I ran my errand for?!?)
* Baby Hiccups ---> these were actually super cute!!
* Blue-eyed Hysteria (....6 tantrum meltdowns by noon?!? *sigh*)

But mostly it stands for Braxton Hicks.  These are definitely more uncomfortable and more noticeable than in my first pregnancy and since Christopher is finally napping: I'm going to go have a rest, too!

So -- in light of everything 'BH' today -- I think my mantra will be


*Breathe*....Hakuna-matata

If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again

If I had my child to raise over again,
I'd fingerpaint more and point the finger less.
I'd do less correcting and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I would care to know less and know to care more.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I'd run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging and less tugging.
I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.
I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I'd teach less about the love of power, and more about the power of love.
                             --- Diane Loomans

I can't say how much I absolutely love this "poem".  I found it in a book I'm reading about entertaining pre-schoolers...and it just made a huge impact!  I'm framing it so I can read it every day. Makes me realize that "time flies" may be a welcome thing for tantrums and emptying shampoo bottles out; but then again when the tantrums go, so do the naps and the adorable, sweet innocence of a little kid...

26 Weeks Pregnant



From http://www.babycenter.com/

Approximate weight: 1 2/3 lbs
Approx. Length: 14 inches
He's swallowing amniotic fluid to develop the air sacs in his lungs and just putting on baby fat!  =)

I have been feeling extremely tired the past couple of days...maybe that means baby's having a growth spurt!  I feel much more pregnant at night and my belly contortions are now officially visible to onlookers!  Had a wive's get-together last night and they could see him moving around. Bought a Munchkin diaper stacker / organizer off of bookoo for $7 and I love it!  

Baby Deals!

My faves:
* American Baby Magazine
* Baby Talk Magazine
* ----> somehow got a free subscription to Parenting Magazine
* Gerber Start Healthy (lots of coupons and some freebies!)
* Similac Strong Moms (despite their past formula problem...I think they're more "on" it now)
* Enfamil ...coupons coupons coupons and freebies!!!
* Target --- make a baby registry and receive a free $20 gift card w/ tote, coupons, and free samples of huggies, pampers, and Johnson's!
* http://www.bookoo.com/  ----> head here for some great deal on new or gently used baby items!  Stuff that only gets used for a couple of months and is in otherwise great shape  =)  Find one in your area and go to the "baby" category!

I also love diapers.com / free shipping on large items!  Often times there are some really great promo codes and discounts in the baby magazines that I get!

www.Amazon.com/mom   is my absolute new favorite thing!  I signed up for it and got free prime shipping benefits (2 day shipping).  In the baby magazines you often get additional 20% off diapers (and you can use more than one!).  By clicking on subscribe and save -- cancel at anytime -- I received additional 30% off.  So my $46.99 box of 264 Pampers Swaddlers only cost me $8.99 AND was delivered right to my door!  WOOHOO!

Little Owl Fabric Project

Got inspired by something I saw online and decided to try my hand at making my own take on it! 
 I spent...
 $4.52 on fabric pieces (and got alot of it for the money...probably used *maybe* 50 cents worth!)  I plan on using the extras to sew up some owl toys for Ryan's room...but that will be later. 
Polka dot ribbon : $1.97 for the roll (I used it on other projects, too)
Green polka dot ribbon: $1.97 (entire roll)
Wood plaques: $1.12 each
Gray paint: 92 cents
Brown paint: 97 cents
Permanent fabric / wood glue: $2.97

---- If I broke it down this project probably only cost me $3.00 ---

Time: 3 hours

Diaper Troubles

I am honestly wondering if they make diapers with suspenders?  Christopher and potty training aren't going so well.  He sits on his potty --- he even tells me he has to pee and then as soon as the diaper goes back on, he pees!  He peed in the potty once all by himself and that was it.  I've heard to just wait and be patient; but, this nighttime thing is driving me nuts!  (He's a little nudist) and takes all of his clothes off when he goes to bed AND he takes his diaper off.  So in the middle of the night I hear wailing and I go in there and he's (naked) basically asleep and wet the bed.  It's become an almost every night thing =(  Training pants don't work because those are even easier for him to get down.  I'm in need of potty training hints!  Otherwise I guess I'm going to repeat the quick potty-training thing because this whole "slowly easing in" just is NOT working.  His poor sheets are a wreck and they look so icky!  I can't wait until he's potty-trained so we can get him some new ones.

Why is bleu, taboo?

I HATE bleu cheese. 

*Hated*. 

 It smells like feet.  It's absolutely repulsive and has a funny aftertaste...and I can't get enough of it!  This pregnancy has made me like bleu cheese (dressing...don't worry, I'm not eating the unpasteurized stuff).  Before I was pregnant I would gag from just the smell of bleu cheese.  I had tried it a couple of times and actually spit it out --- which I don't do unless something is reeeeeally, really bad.  And then -- before I even knew I was pregnant -- I had a random urge to put it on my sandwich one day.  (This was in early August) I loved it!  I even put bleu cheese crumbles on my pizza --- (also pasteurized! I checked the label).  Since that's all I want on my salads...in my mashed potatoes...for dipping my steak in...on my broccoli.  I know the doc said it's alright to eat -- especially if it's just the dressing... but then you get the people that are like uber over the top with everything (completely avoiding caffeine etc...) and I almost feel a little guilty for having it!  Ugh!    I wonder if I will go back to hating it after I'm not pregnant anymore???

25 Weeks Pregnant

from http://www.babycenter.com/

Baby's approx length: 13 1/2 inches
Baby's approx weight: 1.5 lbs

My pregnancy symptoms:
: Achy pelvis...especially after sleeping for a 4hr+ stretch of time without getting up to walk around a little bit.  The memory foam topper helps, though!  And it took away my back pain at night when falling asleep / waking up. 
:Insomnia --- nesting already?  I try to sleep and my brain is going a million miles / minute thinking about the nursery and the baby being here
:Cravings -- none
Doc appt: my blood pressure is 113/63 (yay me!) and the baby's heartrate was 153 beats/minute

I have energy and Im' feeling overall really great this pregnancy.  Not bogged down at all (yet!!!).  Just getting the nursery set up, organized, and decorated!  Am planning on making a nursery tour video on Monday  =D

Back from the Holidays

Whew it's been a long time since I've been on here!  The holidays were crazy --- Christmas at mom's, Christmas at Dad's, Christmas at Grandma's, Christmas at hubby's Aunt's...then a baby shower and my brother's birthday party and New Years Eve!!!  AGHHH!!  I'm surprised we aren't in the looney bin from it all.  The ride back to Kansas? ..... 1 word -- UNCOMFORTABLE.  We were literally packed in.  But at least we got it all back! 

My crafty self picked up a free entertainment center to fix up for the baby's room!  I am really on top of everything with this baby.  If I were to go into labor tonight I can honestly say that we wouldn't need anything.  How crazy is that?  I'm looking at my baby list and here's what I have left

* Double Stroller
* Rocking Chair Cushion Material
* Extra Crib Sheet
* Crib Skirt
* Mobile
* Towel Hooks
* Brown Paint
* Decorative Nursery Rug
*Decorative Dresser Knobs

WE HAVE EVERYTHING ELSE!  Including a couple boxes of newborn diapers, size 1 diapers, and a small stock of wipes.  That list may look long but considering what we have -- I'm so proud!  I'm having fun making the decor for the room which is themed in chocolate brown and sage  :)  Loving it!  Enjoying this pregnancy alot.  I feel fantastic.  So far I've only gained 5 lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight -- yay for eating healthy and chasing a toddler!!! (Minus the holidays....whoaaa baby that was bad)

Tonight is an insomnia night (and Ryan is awake and contorting my belly) and since I have a doctor appointment tomorrow I should probably make attempt #3 at sleep....

Christmas came early this year!





Since we're heading out in a couple days to go back to visit Wisconsin, I decided to have the guys do Christmas early!!  :)   Since Rob's "Man Cave" is going to be turned into the nursery when we get back (yay!) I got him stuff so he could put his "Man Cave" in the garage and did a mini-scavenger hunt through the house.  It ended with me having his stuff in the garage and he got a rug, industrial shelf, and hooks (to hang his treestand) and there was a chair set up with the cooler next to it and in the cooler was a 12-pack!  Oh and the best part of the garage is -- by far -- the Christmas lights which I strung up around the ceiling.  I'm actually pretty jealous!



The guys openeing their presents



Christopher got a kitchen center so he can cook with mommy!  The instructions in the darn thing were totally useless and I ended up taking the entire thing apart FIVE TIMES to get the screws in the right place.  It was a major pain.  But at 3:38 a.m.  (I took a little break to catch a couple hours of sleep) it was finally completed!  Now little man can wake up to his Christmas present! 

This was by far the best Christmas ever so far.  My favorite thing to do all year is shop for my family.  Not to mention we already got the best Christmas present...our new little boy!  <3 

IT'S A......

Meet our beautiful little baby BOY!!  I was so shocked yesterday!!  But he's beautiful and wonderful and amazing and so adorable already that I just can't wait to hold my little prince charming!  = )  My husband is so excited that he can add another boy to the household --- leaving me the only girl!  hehe    I like boys.  It doesn't matter so much if they get a little dirt on 'em.  From what we could see he looks like a big boy already, just like his brother!  I'm measuring at 22 / nearly 23 weeks.  He is so sweet already.  He was playing with his umbilical cord and he's flexing for you in this picture!  

Sidenote:  Got checked out in Labor & Delivery and they said that while the bleeding isn't normal, it's ok because it stopped and I'm not having any contractions.  My cervix just got agitated!  Yay for good news and a healthy baby! 

Heading to L & D

After waking up this morning to discover that I'm still bleeding / spotting --- I decided it was probably a good idea to call the OB nurse.  She thinks everything will be just fine and that the bleeding was just caused by overactivity or an inflamed cervix...but she wants me to make sure and be better safe than sorry.  It's a good thing I already have an ultrasound appointment today!  I'm not going to lie...I'm a little nervous.  It makes me think of the miscarriage ---which I know was earlier in my other pregnancy and I'm 21 weeks now and that's a big difference.  I know they're always over-cautious and everything and that I just have to trust that it's ok.  But I'm still kind of freaking out and trying not to think about it.  Ok. WHEW!  Feels better to get it all out.  Well I'm off to go get ready and pack a diaper bag for my little man.  On a positive note --- I get to find out if it's a boy or girl later today!!! And I couldn't be more happy about that.  It better be a girl...I may or may not have done a little shopping  ... hehe

Spotting

I'm bleeding / spotting a bit.  I've been having some light cramping the past couple of days; but nothing that rest and a heating pad won't cure.  I'm not too concerned because I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow and it's not a heavy flow.  Probably just caused by activity.  Keeping my feet up for the rest of the night!  Maybe do a little bit of wrapping presents.  (Went shopping today!!!)  I love Christmas! 

Ups ...and Downs

I can hardly believe how quickly the last week went.  I look at my 14 week baby bump picture and feel like I just took it a few days ago.  Hard to believe it was already 7 weeks....7 weeks from now I will be 28 weeks pregnant!  I started looking at all of my baby pictures of Christopher.  It's making me appreciate everything so much more.  Time is precious.  I never understood that until now; and I'm sure the understanding I have of it now, will be just a scrape compared with the knowledge I will have in 10 years...or 20. 

Christopher --- 6 weeks

I was feeling rather blah the last week with all of the stress: worrying about deployment, financially having another little one to feed, college funds, toddler beds, pottytraining and hormones.  It added up.  I've been handling the hormones pretty well this pregnancy (which is why I think it's a girl!!); but I had a slight breakdown.  I cried.  Then I laughed that I was crying.  It was probably a comical sight!  FYI: My nose swells up to a completely unattractive size when I cry.  Oh it's all part of pregnancy and life = )  There are ups and inevitable downs.  (Although more often than not, my ups outweigh the downs!)  It helps me to remember that other moms and people have been through what I'm going through: my child refusing to wear a diaper / pants or escaping out the porch and running outside...sometimes both at the same time.  Flexibility and a good sense of humor go a long way when you're a mom!



from http://www.babycenter.com/


The past week completely escaped me!  But here are some of my pregnancy joys at 21 weeks pregnant
: I can see the baby moving!  :)  Kicks my belly out on places
: Leg cramps / round ligament stretching
: Hot flashes
: Moooodiness and just a general feeling of "blah" for a couple days.  No fun! 

This week baby is 10 1/2 inches and weighs approximately 3/4 of a a pound to 1 lb!

Reminiscing!

Depend-able

hahahaha...Wow.  Um...I just sneezed.  And I peed.  A bit more than usual...!!!!  OMG!

I can't stop laughing.  I know it's so disgusting.. but I'm friggin cracking up!!  I cannot believe I just peed my pajama pants! I need Depends!  hahaha  I'm definitely upping the Kegels tomorrow....

Pain in the...Rib?

Well it's back.  My rib pain in the right side is an all-too-familiar symptom of pregnancy for me.  Sadly one that's not as welcomed as the little kicks and ultrasound pictures! 

Dear Girl Who Punched Me in the Chest,
Thanks.  I really appreciate it.  Little did you know you caused the cartilage to separate from my ribs.  In big doctor terms "costochondral separation". It healed up at the time. (I was 11 I think. And she was an ogre-ish weirdo who just punched me for no reason...) However it acts up when I'm pregnant.  And of course I can't take the anti-inflammatory meds I need, or get adequate rest when I'm getting up every hour to pee and chasing my toddler around during the day.  So basically I'm screwed and in a ton of pain and can't take anything for it!  I would also like to say that if I ever see you, I would be sorely tempted to whack you a good one back.

Sincerely,

Sara

19 Weeks Pregnant



from http://www.babycenter.com/


Baby's Length: 6 to 6.5 inches
Baby's Weight: approx 8.5 to 10 ounces
The baby's brain is growing like crazy and all of his / her senses are being developed and getting fine-tuned.  The arms and legs are proportionate to the body now.

What's changing with me?  Round ligament pain due to my growing uterus and baby =)  They mention possible skin changes or reddening of hands but I don't have any of that.  Just alot of heartburn!  Thank you God for Tums.

Hi. I'm Pregnant.

I am pregnant.  It's really official.  I have to buy maternity pants.  Now when I go in the store I have people staring at my belly.  I'm feeling whale-ish today and not at all like those cute skinny pregnant chicks who never seem to gain weight anywhere else but their belly and who don't get pregnant arms and who lose the baby weight before they even leave the hospital.  Ugh.  I hate them.  Can we make it socially acceptable to wear pajama pants in public?  That's how I feel today.  Whining?  I think yes.

Christopher's Room Video: Before / After

Re-decorating ... It pays to be creative!

Cost: $5.00  (I already had 3 picture frames...otherwise it would've been $8.00)

-- I bought plain 8x10 picture frames from the DollarTree and painted them in dark brown, blue, and lime green.
-- Put puzzle pieces together from a collage puzzle that Christopher got for his birthday.
-- Attached colored construction paper to the puzzle animals

Framed them and VOILA!  New room decorations!  All of the baby-ish stuff is coming down and we're making room for his toddler bed which we will be getting in the next 2 weeks.  He's growing up too fast...seems like I was just decorating his nursery.

Maybe I will be bald by the end of the day

I love my child dearly...BUT SOME DAYS!!!.... RRRRRR!!!

He decided he was going to take his umbrella and whack our Christmas tree which shattered 2 ornaments.  So while I was cleaning those up I had to abandon the closet (which I'm organizing) and he pulled a bunch of stuff out and then sprayed foot powder all over.  There's another mess.  Somehow he then got into my craft basket that was on the table and dumped a baggie-ful of paper scraps in our back hall....putzy pain in the a$$ to clean up.  Now I'm flustered and he's thirsty / hungry after he just refused breakfast and a snack. So fine. I put him in the booster chair and give him his big boy cup (that's all he'll drink out of now) and some cut up apple bits.  I know it shouldn't bother me too much that he wanted to put his apples in his milk. Fine.  But then he friggin was trying to take a drink and the milk and apples went all over.  Needless to say he's playing in his childproof room where he can destroy away and mommy can have a time-out.  And guess what?  It's only 8:40 a.m.  He's only been awake for a little over an hour..........

Turkey Crafts



We traced our hands, then cut out feathers to glue onto the fingers, and lastly we wrote what we were thankful for on the back!  



Mommy's Turkey



Christopher's Turkey

Sunday Thoughts

I'm going to start making Sunday posts a weekly thing (hopefully as much as possible!)  I enjoy going to church and even if you don't believe there are still morals and lessons to be learned that are good to apply to your life =)  After listening to the sermon here's what I got from it:

* In life all things are transient.  Life has ups and downs.  Just when you think you have everything figured out, it's bound to turn upside down.  (So true...) only things of God are constant and when things get rough we need to lean on Him.

* Often Christians try to live separate lives.  They want to be a Christian and also continue to do things that they know are wrong.  It doesn't work!  You can't be a "cut flower".  A flower that is cut off from it's roots will be beautiful and then eventually die.  Stay true.  Be a flower and keep Jesus and God's Word as the roots.

*Sometimes being a Christian means being a "wimp".  Or what's perceived as a wimp by the rest of the world.  (With the whole 'turn your cheek' thing...)  Other people might ask -- why don't you do something?  Why don't you stand up for yourself?  Worldly weakness is also oftentimes being strong in what you believe.  Jesus turned his cheek to the soldiers and they spit on him and put the crown of thorns on.  He could've said a command and a million angels would've been at his side.  He could've ran away; but, thankfully for us, He didn't.

*Be a light wherever you are.  You don't need to sign up for mission trips (not that they're a bad thing!) or go door to door with Bibles.  Hold the door open for a stranger.  Say a kind word.  We don't even need to leave our town and travel to different countries when there are people right here in the U.S. ... maybe even our families...who don't believe.

* Being a Christian isn't something that comes automatically.  You have to train.  You don't pick up a pair of running shoes and expect to run a 15 mile marathon, do you?  Same principle.  You don't just pick up a Bible and expect that you'll do everything perfectly or that it will mean everything's going to be rainbows and unicorns from there on out.  No way.  But training pays off =)

* Isn't it disturbingly ironic how we have all of this freedom: freedom of speech, worship, to marry whomever we want?  And yet churches in the United States are closing down.  Congregations are losing numbers.  But Africa and China -- where Christians are tortured, oppressed, and killed for their faith -- have the highest conversion rates?  4,000 to 5,000 a day....Wow...

18 Weeks Pregnant



This image is taken from http://www.babycenter.com/

 Baby's Length: 5 1/2 inches
Baby's Weight:  7-8 ounces

Increased appetite and energy are common at this time.  Good to know...now I can have that extra slice of pizza and the extra energy to work it off!  WIN-WIN!  Pizza...mmm...I think that's my pregnancy weakness is homemade pizza.  No matter what it always sounds appetizing.  I've gained weight this week!  Now instead of being stabilized it's a pound heavier.  Oh well!  That'll happen when you're pregnant!  Nothing to worry about because I know I'm being healthy.  I will have plenty of time to exercise after baby gets here with Rob being gone.  I'm feeling the baby move during the night and it woke me up last night!  It's the cutest thing ever.  He/She must be turning over because different parts of my belly stick up when I'm laying on my back.  awwwww....

Shakeology

I'm so proud of myself!  (Almost) 18 weeks pregnant and working out 3-5 times a week!  Woohoo me! 

Monday: Shakeology w/ 5 lb weights
Tuesday: Shakeology w/ no weights
Wednesday: Shakeology w/ 8 lb weights
Thursday: Shakeology w/ no weights
Friday: Shakeology w/ 5 or 8 lb weights (I alternate depending on the exercise)
Saturday & Sunday: OFF!  Cardio by taking Christopher for walks etc.

I workout in the morning after a *light* breakfast to burn more flub.  I'm feeling so healthy.  I love it.

Time is precious

Cherish.  Every.  Moment. 

Sad news.  At the moment -- incomprehensible.  It can't be real.  It feels like my stomach is dropping into a black hole and pulling the back of my throat with it.  Did I swallow a rock?  ...or just terrible news.  I'm going to be alone.  He's going to be leaving.  I'm going to be alone.  I'm moving.  I'm going to be alone.  I will hardly get to talk to him.  He's going to miss so much.  My eyes are steaming.  *Deep breath*  It's going to be ok.

Fall Colors

Christopher and I got a bit of the fresh, Kansas air today!  Grabbed my camera, the stroller, and some blankets and headed over to a Wildlife area by us. 

17 Weeks Pregnant



This picture is from BabyCenter.com



Baby's length: 5 inches

Baby's weight: 5 ounces

Baby's cartilage is turning to bone and he / she is swallowing the amniotic fluid to develop taste buds.

Pregnancy Joys: As belly increases, balance decreases due to a change in the center of gravity.  (Ahhhh....that explains the recent clumsiness!)

Unfortunately at the ultrasound on wednesday we were unable to see whether Baby 2 is a boy or a girl.  He/she is SUPER active and the cord is wrapped around the thigh and between the legs.  Our next ultrasound is dec. 13th so we will hopefully be able to find out then!  The heartbeat was 160 and 152, though :)    Right now I am mostly feeling the baby move at night and in the morning when I first wake up.  I am feeling more and more pregnant every day!

Happy Veteran's Day

For some it was just yesterday,

for some it's been faded years.

But their sacrifice is not forgotten

as Veteran's Day appears.

 

Thank you for giving your time

a little piece of your life,

to keep us safe and happy

and keep our lives free from strife.

 

I know I'll never know

the extent of what you endured.

The many sleepless nights,

the heart that's never cured.

 

Just know that I appreciate

the things that you have done.

Freedom does not come free;

the price has to be won.

 

~~ This poem has a special dedication to my Grandpa Jack and my husband. Both wonderful guys who served our country and who I love dearly! ~~

Who Am I?

I am a:
-- mother (See also chaffeur, cook, maid, entertainer, magician, laundry service, singer, activities coordinator, teacher)
-- wife
-- student
-- Christian
-- 21-year old
-- individual
-- woman
-- daughter (See also niece, grand-daughter, great grand-daughter, sister, step-sister, cousin,)

Sometime's it's so easy to forget who I am; especially on days that demand so much of my attention!  I remember the days when homework was just homework.  When being a student meant that all I had to focus my attention on was my schoolwork (and what alcoholic beverage I was going to be consuming on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night).  When my biggest decision about dinner was whether or not to make Ramen, Mac-n-Cheese, or order a pizza.  Now, I'm doing homework while running the dishwasher, making sure the laundry is being switched out, feeding Christopher, and checking to see that the ingredients for dinner are thawing. 

 When Christopher lays down for a nap it could be my time to rest---or I could get the much-needed vacuuming done. 
              But, while I'm vacuuming, I'm thinking about the homework I have to do. 
When I'm doing homework, I think about how I should be out taking a walk. 
               When I'm out taking a walk, I'm thinking about how I should be at home spending time with Rob. 
 It's never ending!  I need to take time out of my day just to remember who I am.  I am Sara.  I am NOT going to get everything on my to-do list done every day.  And that's ok. 

Fruitsnack Jackpot

Sadly I had already eaten 3 of the fruit snacks from this magical bag before realizing that they were all GREEN! 

What are the odds?!??  ....I have no idea.  Trust me -- I looked.  But, I think I should probably buy a lottery ticket today.

NAILPOLISH MESS

NOTE TO SELF:

DROPPING A BOTTLE OF NAILPOLISH ON THE FLOOR MAKES A HUGE MESS.

Cleanup time     : 48 minutes
Cleanup supplies : 27 cottonballs
            : 6 paper towels
            : 1/2 bottle of nail polish remover

My little cutie monster



My beautiful little boy -- such a ham
Nov. 2010 : 19 months

He escaped his crib in favor of mommy and daddy's bed....

TOO CUTE =)





Flashing Lights / Loss of Vision 11.8.2010

About 9:30, while doing my makeup, I got these really funny lights.  Started in my peripheral vision as a white, silvery jagged line and I couldn't see anything.  Then my eyes started flitting around and I couldn't focus and then I totally couldn't see anything for about 4 minutes.  Everything felt like it was in slow motion or something and I felt like I was shaking up and down.  Called the OB and the nurse is calling me back.  I'm kind of freaking out.  It's gone now, but my head feels like it weighs 100 lbs and I just threw up.  I can't find anything on what could be causing it. 

16 Weeks Pregnant

How do I feel about being 16 weeks pregnant? 
:Crazy
:Nervous
:Chunky
:Excited
:Happy
:Intimidated... all rolled into one! 

 I'm getting a baby belly and buttoning pants is becoming much more challenging that before.  Although I can still button all of my jeans ;)  I just feel like a stuffed sausage afterwards.  The baby is flipping around like crazy in there.  Can't wait until the hubster will be able to feel it from the outside.  I have most of my energy back and am not feeling like I need to take the 3 hour afternoon nap anymore.  Baby is roughly 5 inches long and weighs approximately 3 ounces!  I can't believe how much it's grown already and how much more is to come in the weeks / months to follow.  I can't believe that in 5 months I'm going to be holding a baby.  A an adorable, pooping, crying, tiny little bundle of joy!  It's weird how only 9 months can change so much!!  Ahhh I can't wait until Wednesday to find out if we'll be picking out blue or pink.  Looked at names yesterday.  I really like the name Evander (Evan for short)...sadly Rob hates it.  Oh well -- I'm hoping it's a girl because at least we agree on that name!  I'm not telling what it is yet though....AHHH THE SUSPENSE!

10 Things I've Learned about Pregnancy and Motherhood

1.) No matter how much sleep I get...I'm still going to be tired.  Might as well embrace insomnia and do something productive!
2.) I need a stroller that can hold up to our "off-roading" adventures.  Cheaper strollers are cheaper for a reason.
3.) Dressy maternity tops were a waste of money.  I felt old and didn't really like them anyways!  Casual, comfy, and cute is the way to go this time.
4.) Breastfeeding ( . )  ( . )  is great;  but I shouldn't feel pressured about it.  I'm going to breastfeed / pump and use formula at night to keep (more of) my sanity.
5.) Stressing about having the crib up and ready right away was pretty pointless.  Besides (short) naps Christopher slept in the bassinet or pack n play for the first couple months anyways!
6.) S - t - r - e - t -  c- h     m - a - r - k - s    f - a - d - e
7.) Exercise is important.  Had it not been for my daily walks; I would've probably had gestational diabetes!
8.) 300 extra calories...nonsense. Eat when I'm hungry and stop when I'm full.  I shouldn't worry about eating a certain number of calories / day.  My body will tell me what it needs
9.) Look at outlet stores for awesome deals. DollarGeneral?  Surprisingly has an adorable baby selection of (cheap) baby clothes.  When they outgrow them that fast -- who cares where they're from!
10.) Sit back and enjoy everything because it's not going to last forever!

Craving

First official craving: Fruit Snacks.  I honestly could not stop eating them.  My mouth was watering for them.  5 bags in 10 minutes... Thank God they're only 60 calories each and packed with vitamin C. 

Middle of the night insomnia.  Too bad the rest of the world isn't up and ready to start the day!  Because I am!

Infection somewhere...

Had a urinalysis done today before my OB appt.  Met with an OB specialist: found out I have a very high number of "leukocyte esterase" in my urine which is not normal.  More likely than not it means I have a kidney / bladder infection or UTI; but in rare cases means an infection in the amniotic fluid.  (I know they are obligated to tell me the worst case scenario...but I wish they wouldn't).  Also had a type of bacteria in my  cervical mucus (which could be caused by the infection...I'm waiting on the results of the culture) and they think I have either a kidney or bladder infection.  If it is indeed a kidney infection this could be the source of my back pain.  Right now they gave me the diagnosis of sciatica (he doesn't think it's a herniated disc, and even if it is there's no way to test for it right now because he won't do an X-Ray or MRI while I'm pregnant.  Totally understandable.)  Found the baby's heartbeat after about 3 min of searching and it was a strong 151 bpm.  Baby is laying directly on my spine at this point...also a contributing factor to back pain!  Found out that I did, indeed, have a shoulder dystocia while delivering Christopher and am strongly urged to have a C-Section for this baby.  They think it's going to be another large baby because my fundal height is measuring 1 week and 2 days larger than how far along I am.  Same as with Christopher!  As of right now I'm munching on fruit snacks...

OB Appt

I celebrated a bit too early I guess...by 8 am the pain was back.  Not as bad as yesterday, but I still couldn't put any weight on my left leg. I called the OB and they want me to be seen today.  So I have a urinalysis test at noon (I guess to make sure the pain isn't being caused by a kidney or bladder infection) and then I go to see the midwife. More than likely it's sciatica.  I'm just hoping there isn't some other underlying issue.  UGH! Pregnancy does not agree with me.  This only sucks so bad because Rob can't get out of work and I have no support system of family or friends around here that could help me out with Christopher.   

Strange...

So last night, I went to bed and my back was really hurting.  At that point I couldn't even stand on my left leg; due to the pain in my lower back, and literally crawled up the stairs.  I had a hard time getting comfortable before falling asleep.  Was woken up in the middle of the night and the pain was 1748x worse.  When I even put the tiniest amount of pressure on my leg I thought I was going to shoot through the roof.  (Unfortunately, due to my tiny bladder these days, I had to hobble to the bathroom anyways for the middle-of-the-night pee). Then I laid down and it hurt so bad my eyes were tearing up.  Finally I found a comfortable position on my left side (odd...since that's the side that hurt) and then I felt an air-bubble sensation going through me.  It felt as if a gigantic air bubble left my lower back and then lodged straight behind my right lung.  So I sat up in bed and kind of hit myself on the back / chest and let out a gigantic burp.  Strangely enough --- my back is 100% better.  It's 5 in the morning and I was able to get up without any pain at all and it's as if it never happened.  CRAZY!  But I'm grateful.  =)  I'd just like to say a big Thank You God! I don't know what I would've done....

Owwie

I'm not sure if this is Sciatica or what...I definitely need to go in and have this checked out: I can't stand for longer than 30 minutes without getting a shooting pain down my lower back and I can't sit or lay down without it hurting.  It starts at the left indent in my lower back and goes down the left side of my leg.  Thinking back to when I first noticed it, it was after I sneezed.  I felt a pinching in my lower back and what starts as a dull ache turns into a shooting pain if I step or sit incorrectly.  This is a huge problem because, as of right now, I can't lift Christopher up and I'm having a hard time going upstairs and getting the housework done.  I tried vacuuming, but gave that up after 2 minutes.  Rob's out training in the field right now, so I had to lower Christopher's crib so he could climb into it himself! Hopefully they can get me in soon.  My next appointment is November 10th for my 16 week...but I don't think I'll make it that long!  Ugh!  Pregnancy annoyances!   On a happy note:  I can feel baby moving around right now and that makes me smile =)