Five on Friday

TGIF! Since I only worked four days last week and three the week before, it's felt like a LOOOOOOONG week and I'm so ready for 5 to be here today.

{1} A few months back, we went to a local furniture store to look for new bedroom furniture for Coop and us. We picked a set we liked for him, but were still debating what we liked for us and had a few different sets to compare before making an order. Well, earlier this month we learned the store was going to close and began a liquidation sale. We got his set and a mattress, but could not order ours. Anyhow, the furniture will be delivered tomorrow, so we have dedicated this week to cleaning out the room and painting. We still have half a wall and some touch ups to tackle tonight, but should be ready to go soon!

 

We chose a grayish-blue and I love it! Also painting all the trim white.

{2} All of the above painting has been killer on my body this week. I need a massage.

{3} I turn 30 next week! I'm actually not too bummed over it, other than wishing I could enjoy a drink or two :) A few girlfriends and I are doing a sort of spa day then having our hubbies meet us for dinner since we get hair and makeup done too. I'm pretty darn excited.

{4} I'm really looking forward to Super Bowl Sunday for the food. We are planning to just do a bunch of appetizers - Rotel dip w/chips, mini pigs in a blanket and some chicken wings. Yum.

{5} Our town is definitely in a "baby boom" right now and pretty much the first was born yesterday. It makes me so excited to see my little one! We're pretty much right at four months from my due date and that makes me so, so happy.

Pin It

 

 

Thirty-One!

After a lot of consideration, I signed up as a Thirty-One consultant yesterday! I hosted my first party last fall and could have ordered the entire catalog :/ Since I've received my items, I use them all regularly and they are a HUGE help in getting us organized around the house, especially when losing our spare bedroom.

I'll be hosting a launch party in the next week or so, and if you have your eye on anything, I'd LOVE to have you order something.

In February, if you spend $35 you get half off a purse.

And I'm also super excited to receive my All About the Benjamins wallet, which is on special this month! You can also order that through my website in the next few days if you HAVE to have it, but it won't be part of a party. Through Saturday, when you spend $35, you'll get a Zip-Top Organizing Utility Tote for $10 or the All About the Benjamins Wallet for $20.

With my busy life, I'm not sure how I'm going to fit this in, but the company seems super flexible to work with and I foresee using my consultant discount for lots of presents, etc. I will primarily do Facebook or online/catalog parties, so if you've been on the edge about trying any products, please let me know! My party was actually a Facebook one and very minimal work for lots of rewards!


Pin It

Baby R2: 22 weeks!

How far along: 22 weeks (What I consider the "true" halfway point - I found out 18 weeks ago and have a maximum of 18 weeks to go!)

How big is the baby: According to my app, 11 inches and close to 1 lb. (about the size of a spaghetti squash.) However, at my ultrasound last Thursday, baby was already measuring 1 lb., so he/she is a little bit over. Lips, eyelids and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and tiny tooth buds are developing beneath the gums. Eyes have formed.

Weight gain/loss: Up 13 lbs. I was really, really bad this weekend :/

Sleep: Pretty much sleeping like a rock, some nights I even skip my 4 a.m. "wake up call"

Diet/Cravings/Aversions: Fruit/berries and carbs! Still have such a sweet tooth. I'm really itching for some Mexican right now, but it's been a month and is always a favorite of mine!

Gender: Still thinking girl. I wavered a bit on Thursday/Friday but back to that thinking. Baby's heart rate was 140 during the u/s which signals boy to me. Also, the tech knew the sex without having us look away which tells me it was very evident. But who knows, maybe it was evident nothing was there and we just had no idea what we were looking for. I could swear she also said he a couple times, But that could have been to throw us off?



Movement: Lots, especially after I eat or if I'm wearing tighter pants.

Worries: Baby is measuring ahead so still a little worried about a C section or induction, but I have a few months before that becomes a huge concern.

The belly: Getting bigger. I'm in mostly maternity pants, which kind of stinks because most of mine from C are too big (I started this pregnancy 20 lbs lighter.) I am visibly pregnant from the front in form-fitting clothes, but even flowy clothes can't hide the bump anymore!
  

 

What I'm Loving: Seeing the babe and knowing everything looks good! 

Symptoms: Nothing in particular. Still some leg, back pain but that's due to my activity usually.

Milestones: We hit the anatomy scan and everything looked perfect!

What's different this time: I don't have that wonderful burst of energy yet, so I'm pretty much not expecting it. :/ 

What I'm looking forward to: Finished Cooper's new room (furniture will be delivered this weekend) so I can make a few adjustments to the nursery.

Best moment of the week: Seeing our baby on the ultrasound.

Pin It

 

 

Baby R2: 21 Weeks!

How far along: Twenty-one weeks.

How big is the baby: Approximately 10.5 inches long - about the length of a carrot! Baby averages 3/4 of a lb. at this point. Eyebrows and lids are now present.

Weight gain/loss: Up 11 lbs. Praise the lord no gain in the past week!

Sleep: Not too horrible. I've been waking up around 4 a.m. on the daily for a bathroom break and some days its easier to fall back asleep than others but no real complaints.

Diet/Cravings/Aversions: I want berries and carbs!

Gender: Still thinking girl.

Movement: Really picking up and it's all very LOW.

Worries: Nada

The belly: Transitioning into more maternity clothes. I didn't realize that starting pregnancy 20 lbs. lighter would mean most of those pants would be waaaaay too big as well. I'm kinda ready for spring and to wear dresses (and get a spray tan!)
  

 

 

What I'm Loving: Feeling movement.

Symptoms: Thankfully a lot of the back/leg pain has gone away as I've been doing regular exercise and it's a huge help. The horrible acne is beginning to clear up as well. I think the boobs are really starting to grow now though - my sports bras are beginning to overflow, it seems!

Milestones: Well, we are starting to work on Cooper's big boy room which makes me very happy. Since the nursery was gender-neutral because we only wanted to do one, he gets a new room (lucky kid.) We bought the furniture last weekend and are beginning to clear out the room so it can be painted.

What's different this time: I don't have that wonderful burst of energy yet, so I'm pretty much not expecting it. :/ 

What I'm looking forward to: The anatomy scan! (This was actually yesterday, but I'll wait until next week to recap since my change day is technically Tuesday.)

Best moment of the week: Cooper is getting more excited about the baby, which makes me happy!

Pin It

BabyR2: 20 weeks (halfway there!)

How far along: Twenty weeks. Officially at the halfway point!

How big is the baby: A banana! Baby weighs about 10.5 ounces and is 10 inches from head to toe, which is how he/she is now measured (up until this point, it's from crown to rump.) Baby is swallowing more these days, which is good for the digestive system. Also beginning to produce meconium.

Weight gain/loss: Up 11 lbs. and actually not bummed about it, considering all the crap food I've eaten over the course of the week between hubby's vacation and our trip to Nashville.

Sleep: Pretty good. Hotel sleep wasn't the greatest (is it ever?) but no real complaints.

Diet/Cravings/Aversions: Nothing comes to mind other than fruit. Especially berries. I want ALL THE BERRIES!

Gender: I don't see this baby as anything but a girl. C says "baby sister in Mommy's belly" and we also call her Baby Margaret (any other Daniel Tiger fans out there?) No, Margaret isn't even on the list we are considering but it's fun to see the look on people's faces when we say that (for the record, I think it can be a very sweet name but some people don't think so!)

Movement: Feeling more and more but still nothing regular.

Worries: My anatomy scan is next week and I think I'm just ready to have that done and, God-willing, a good report! I took those meds early in pregnancy and am not too worried about it but still a little concerned.

The belly: About the same. Getting closer to maternity clothes - I wore some jeans over the weekend and may bring up the tote to try some of my nicer, dressy clothes this weekend. My regular clothes are tight with a muffin top, bigger clothes may or may not fit so I'm actually ready for maternity clothes. And really ready for spring/summer so I can wear more dresses!
 

 

I pulled my loose-fitting shirt tighter to show the bump, and I think between that and the ruffles it makes the clothed shot look a bit bigger! 

 

 

What I'm Loving: I can't think of anything special. Just cruising along.

Symptoms: Tired and a dry throat. Maybe sinuses? Also I've had a lot of pain in my legs, specifically the calves ... feels like I belted out five miles the day before. I read that this may be connected to sciatic pain and will be asking about that next week!

Milestones: I'm halfway there!

What's different this time: Probably just more achiness. I thought that losing weight would make for a really great pregnancy (I really didn't have much to complain about last time) but I'm much more sore and achy.

What I'm looking forward to: The anatomy scan!

Best moment of the week: Getting some time away with my hubs.

Pin It

 

Nashvegas

Hubby had a work training down in Nashville (about 3.5 hours from our home) on Monday and half a day Tuesday. Since we know our time of being able to (kind of) pick up and go is limited, I decided to tag along for the free hotel, etc.

We got in Sunday night, and actually got on the road as soon as we could on Sunday morning to make the most of our "extra time."

For dinner, we went to the Wildhorse Saloon. It was a place hubby always wanted to go to and I think would have been lots of fun if I were drinking, haha.

After that, we walked around downtown. It was misting and a little gold but warmer temps than in Missouri, so it didn't feel too bad at all! We did a little shopping before calling it a night.

While hubby was busy on Monday, I got out and did some SHOPPING! I love TJ Maxx and even though we have one close by, they are all different. I think I spent close to 2 hours in their TJ Maxx, which is connected to HomeGoods, which we do not have locally. Somehow, I managed to spend less than $100 on everything. I then went back to the hotel to rest and watch TV.

That night, hubby and I decided to enjoy the quiet and just ordered in food and watched a movie. A few years back I had bought My Sister's Keeper on Black Friday and it was still in the plastic, so I'd taken it along and we watched it. Sad but super thought-provoking.

Tuesday morning, I tried to get everything together and once hubby was done we grabbed a quick lunch (Five Guys for the win!), fueled up and hit the road!

It was a great time spent with my hubby, and now I'm ready to go back to Nashville when I can have some real fun. Girls trip?!?!?


Pin It

 

2015: Grace

A week into the New Year and I've finally settled on a resolution of sorts.

Last year, like so many, I just chose a word for the year of all the things I wanted to encompass. My word was "focus" and I think I did a pretty good job on it.

This year, I struggled. I often joked that my one goal for the year is to have a baby. Then I really thought about all that encompasses and came up with the perfect word: Grace.

Giving myself grace to gain weight I worked so hard to lose just a year ago.

Giving myself grace in accepting that I'll never be the perfect parent, but I'm perfect for my kid(s).

Giving myself grace to not do EVERYTHING for this kid that I did for Coop (I have a toddler this time, it's a different time in my life, etc. Except this one will get a MUCH longer maternity leave with mama.)

If nursing for a full year just isn't in the cards, it will be OK, and I need to give myself the grace of finding whatever the solution works for our family at this time.

Giving myself grace if the house isn't always clean and tidy. (This is always a bad one for me, and with a newborn and threenager, I know will be even worse!)

Give myself grace if it's 5 p.m. and I have no idea what's for supper so we turn to frozen pizza, chicken nuggets, etc.

And whatever else it entails. Having a baby, whether it's your first or second, is a huge life change, and I'm hoping to handle it as well as possible!

What are your New Year's resolutions? Any one word that you want to focus on in 2015?


Pin It

 

Baby R2: 19 weeks

How far along: Nineteen weeks. Almost halfway there.

How big is the baby: Baby R2 is the size of an heirloom tomato. He/she weighs roughly 8.5 ounces and measures about 6 inches from head to bottom. Sensory development is exploding and the brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision and touch. Research suggests baby may be able to hear by now.

Weight gain/loss: Up 10 lbs. Ugh. I've been doing some working out, drinking more water and eating healthier so I'm kinda bummed about it.

Sleep: Great! We flipped the mattress on our bed last week and I've been using the body pillow which is a huge help.

Diet/Cravings/Aversions: A Froyo place opened in town and I really love that. I'm loving fruits and veggies right now though!

Gender: Still thinking girl.

Movement: Felt the first kick on NYE. Hubs felt a little something on Monday night as well.

Worries: That I am totally out of shape! I purchased a heart rate monitor to make sure I don't overdo my workouts, and my heart rate was WAY high about 3 minutes into jogging about a 9:40 pace. GRRRR. I'll build it back up. I have a goal to run/walk a 5K while preggo this spring and would like to run at least half.

The belly: Still growing but not big enough to hold up maternity clothes. I'm laughing at Michelle from a couple months ago who thought she was bigger this time - it's pretty much the same size belly, but maybe rounder/higher. Here's a comparison to Cooper - C on the left, today on the right.

 

 

I'm thinking it's rounder and a bit higher this time.

What I'm Loving: I'm almost halfway there! Really not digging pregnancy too much this time.

Symptoms: Tired. I think I'm getting a cold as well, which is no good.

Milestones: Went to the doctor last week and it was a good, quick appt. Baby's heart rate was 168. Just cruising along at this point. I go back the 22nd for the anatomy scan and another checkup. Having the anatomy scan is always a relief to ensure everything is how it should be.
Also, I began feeling some kicks here and there on NYE.

What's different this time: I'm not enjoying pregnancy as much. With that being said, I get very crabby in the winter, when its cold, so that could be part of it!

What I'm looking forward to: Hubby and I are going out of town (to Nashville!) this weekend so I'm excited for a little getaway.

Best moment of the week: Feeling the baby kick! Big brother is starting to understand and saying "Baby Sister" more and more (heaven help us if it's a Baby Brother!) which eases my concerns about how he will handle the transition.

Pin It

2014 In Review

Linking up with Nicole from Three 31 for the Finish This linkup

 

What did you do in 2014 that you've never done before?

Worked out consistently and lost 30 lbs!
 

Did you keep your new years’ resolutions?
My main goal for the year was to focus and yes, I think I did. I not only lost weight, but also got to a point in life where I just let things go. 

Will you make more for next year?

I'm trying to choose a word again for this year. My main goal is to have a baby and adjust. 

Did anyone close to you give birth?

Actually no. 

Did anyone close to you die?

Thankfully no one.

What countries did you visit?

Still without a passport. We did have a weeklong trip to California which was very nice. 

What would you like to have in 2015 that you lacked in 2014?

A baby and a nice, long maternity leave.

What date from 2014 will remain etched upon your memory?

September 23 - positive pregnancy test!

What was your biggest achievement of the year?

A total lifestyle change that resulted in my losing weight and becoming healthier. 

What was your biggest failure?
Not blogging enough to keep this little journal of our life.

Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nothing big. It was a good year.

What was the best thing you bought?

T25. Yes, I realize that makes me sound like a dork but it's so true. That's the workout that really got me into shape, made me a better runner, etc.

Whose behavior merited celebration?

Cooper Michael. He's far from perfect, but grown so much!

Where did most of your money go?

To my vehicle, but it's three years old and paid for, so total win.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?

My little June baby :)

What song will always remind you of 2014?

All About that Bass by Megan Trainor

Compared to this time last year, are you:
Happier or sadder?

Happier.

Thinner or fatter?

Thinner, actually. Down about 20 lbs from where I was this time a year ago and comfortably wearing clothes that were tight then. But that will change as we get closer and closer to June.

Richer or poorer?

Richer.

What do you wish you’d done more of?

Reading

What do you wish you’d done less of?

Stressing in general

How did you spend Christmas?

Christmas Day with my little family, per usual. We did gifts, had presents, played, went to Hardees for lunch (we've done this at least six years) and just relaxing. We celebrated with J's family on Christmas Eve, my extended family the Saturday after, and my immediate family the Monday after.

Did you fall in love in 2014?

More and more with my hubby and baby boy.

Who were your best friends?

Jimmy, Jessi, Bel, Christine, Liz, Ashleigh

What thing did you do that was meaningful to others?

I'm not really sure .... a lot of people told me they were inspired and encouraged by my weight loss, commitment to running, etc. so I guess I'll go with that.

What were your favorite TV programs?

Wheel of Fortune, Hostage, Criminal Minds ... really anything CBS but these were my faves

What was the best book you read in 2014?

Gone Girl

What did you want and get?

To pay off my car - hubs helped with the last payment!

What did you want but did NOT get?

Wireless earbuds

What were your favorite films this year?

I really didn't see that much

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 29 and we ... went to dinner?

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

I can't think of anything!

What kept you sane?

Working out. It was always my "me" time.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I can't think of anyone - I'm boring and don't follow the celebrity gossip like I used to.

What political issue stirred you the most?

Riots in Ferguson

Who do you miss?

I hate that I have friends who live so far away, but thank God for group texts and other ways to keep in touch.

Who are the best new persons you met this year?

I  have a really great co-worker who could be my mom, but we're very alike and I love chatting with her. (Lisa!)

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2014.

Just to let it go sometimes.

Quote that sums up your year:

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Pin It