Exercise for Fries

I've Moved...

2013-06-14T19:27:00.002-04:00

Come check me out over at my new blog, Our Happy Days. I hope you follow me over!

ps - sorry for re-posting this. I accidentally deleted the original post.

Emerson: Week 1

2013-05-23T22:16:00.001-04:00

(disclaimer: sorry I'm not sorry for the picture overload you’re about to get)

And just like that baby girl has been here for a week!

Over the past week (actually 8 days) I have completely fallen in love with this sweet girl. I’ve taken millions of pictures and given her millions of kisses and spent endless hours just staring at her sweet face.

I mean how could you not? JUST LOOK AT HER?! I might be a little biased, but I do think that she is the most beautiful baby in the entire world.

Our first week with Emerson has been the best week of our lives, although not without a few bumps. Unfortunately I had to have a c-section, something that I was really, really hoping to avoid. Recovering from surgery while learning how to take care of a newborn, all while trying (keyword: trying) to manage post-partum hormones can be a bit overwhelming at times, to say the least.

I had Em at 1:25am Wednesday morning and we were in the hospital until mid-afternoon on Saturday (I do plan on writing her birth story soon). Those first few days in the hospital weren’t so bad, so I thought going home would be just as easy. I guess it helps when you have doctors, nurses and a husband to help you with every single thing, because when we got home I was completely and totally overwhelmed. Em had lost over 10% of her body weight in the hospital (about a pound) so getting her weight back up was a big stress (they almost didn’t let her come home with us). With that stress and the hormones I was a hot mess. I don’t think that I’ve shed that many tears in my lifetime, much-less in a 4 day window. There were happy tears, sad tears, stress tears, tired tears, overwhelmed tears, no reason for crying tears… just call me the Bubba Gump of tears. However once her weight came up and we found some sort of routine (I used the term routine very loosely) things started to get a little easier.

The past two days have gone much better for me. For one my swelling has gone away almost completely (the lower half of my body resembled Shrek for a while) so I’m feeling better and a little more like myself. We even ventured out for our first (very slow and short) family walk.

My mom came into town on Monday and has been a huge help. Between her and Tony it has almost been like being back at the hospital. They have made me resting/healing up a priority and have done all the laundry, dishes, cooking, and cleaning around the house. Leaving me to just feed the baby and relax. I’m so very grateful for both of them!

Masey has been adjusting slowly. At first she pretty much just stayed away from both me and the baby, but yesterday and today she has finally come around. She even snuggled with me last night during 3am feeding!

I’m totally in love with our little family. I want time to stand still and absolutely can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.

Isn’t She…

2013-05-15T15:14:00.001-04:00

Isn't she lovely

Isn't she wonderful

Isn't she precious

Less than one minute old...

Isn't she pretty

Truly the angels best

Boy, I'm so happy

We have been heaven blessed...

Welcome to the world Emerson Jean. We love you so very much.

Emerson Jean Yannucci

05/15/13 at 1:25am

8 lbs 12 oz and 21" long

more to come soon…

39 Weeks & a Happy Mother’s Day

2013-05-12T21:21:00.001-04:00

39 weeks! We are close to the end!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful mama’s out there, especially my own! If all of my future mother’s days are like today, I’m going to be one lucky girl! Tony (& Masey) spoiled me with bagels for breakfast, this initial necklace I have been dying for (it’s baby Y’s first initial!), then we went for a walk followed by movie (Gatsby) and dinner. It’s been a great day!

Oh and we made a little drive to Total Wine to get some celebratory drinks for after baby Y’s arrival.

I really wanted the Pink POP, but they didn’t have it. I’ll have to live with using a pink straw!

This week isn’t too much different than last week except it’s the first time that I’m having a hard time putting my shoes on. I haven’t had any difficulties with that until now. I’ve also had some more swelling. I hate the swelling part… not too much longer!

These past few weeks I’ve allowed myself many more indulgences than I have the entire pregnancy combined. I haven’t really put on much weight this pregnancy and I think that it’s because I never took on the “eating for two” mentality… until about week 37. I’ve had my fair share of desserts and snacks these past few weeks. I think that you can definitely tell in the photos these last few weeks. Oops, at least it was week 37 and not 27, right?

The stats:

How far along? 39 weeks +1 day
Total weight gain: +17 or 18 depending on when I weigh myself.
Symptoms: Tired, uncomfortable, heartburn, shooting pains, swelling.
Stretch marks? Still none.
Sleep: Depends on the night.
Best moment this week: Having a great first mother’s day.
Miss Anything? Having normal feet
Movement: Oh yes, and it’s starting to hurt!
Food cravings: Oh you know, all the food.
Anything making you queasy or sick: I walked up to Starbucks this morning and got a decaf iced coffee and a banana, on the walk back home I threw up the banana. So weird and it was the first time I’ve thrown up the entire pregnancy.
Exercise: Walking, walking, walking.
Gender: Girl!
Labor Signs: Shooting pains at night. Doctor said that it’s just her head dropping lower. Braxton-Hicks.
Belly button or out? Still in, I knew it wouldn’t come out! It’s seriously the deepest belly button in all the land.
Wedding rings on or off? Off. Wonk wonk.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Pretty happy.
Looking forward to: Meeting our little girl!! SO SOON!

38 Weeks

2013-05-08T16:20:00.001-04:00

Um, am I really this big?

And why do I continue to wear horizontal stripes? Don’t I know that they are NOT my friend?

Anyway, 38 weeks! I can’t believe it! I’m definitely feeling it. Swelling (attractive), cramps, fatigue, nausea. You name it. I’m definitely ready for this little lady to come out! I can’t wait to see her little face.

Has there been much change from last week? Doctor said that she is super low, but I am not really feeling the pressure that comes along with that.

I guess that she does look a little bit lower, but with the stripes it’s kind of hard to tell. Side note, last weeks pictures are so much better than this week. I look super tired (which I am).

I hate to complain too much, because overall I do feel really good. I just have the typical discomfort that comes with having another (tiny) human in your body. I’ve been pretty lucky so far with this pregnancy, so I certainly am thankful for that!

I did find out that I was positive for group b streptococcus (GBS) which is a bummer, but nothing a dose of antibiotics can’t take care of.

The stats:

How far along? 38 weeks + 4 days
Total weight gain: +17 as of this morning at the doc (38w 4d).
Symptoms: Tired, uncomfortable, heartburn, shooting pains almost every evening, oh and the swelling has set in.
Stretch marks? Still none.
Sleep: Depends on the night.
Best moment this week: Just chugging along.
Miss Anything? Margaritas. Sleeping on my stomach.
Movement: Oh yes.
Food cravings: I NEEDED Mexican this weekend, but I think that it was more Cinco de Mayo than a craving.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing in particular, but I am feeling queasy at different times in the day.
Exercise: Daily walks, sometimes two walks a day.
Gender: Girl!
Labor Signs: Shooting pains at night. Doctor said that it’s just her head dropping lower. I’m also 60% effaced and 1/2cm dilated. Which doesn’t mean anything. I could go into labor tonight or be pregnant for 3 more months with those stats.
Belly button or out? Still in.
Wedding rings on or off? Off. Wonk wonk.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Pretty happy.
Looking forward to: THE BABY COMING OUT. duh. Oh, and Mother’s Day on Sunday. I still get to celebrate right?

See ya in a few days at 39 weeks!

37 Weeks: Full Term!

2013-04-30T14:59:00.001-04:00

We’re full term.. and I’m ready. I think baby Y has done quite a bit of growing… what do you think?

I know, right?! I don’t picture myself that big, but I guess the camera doesn’t lie. Come on out baby Y! Seriously. COME. OUT.

Last Tuesday I had my 36 week appointment and ultrasound. Good news, baby Y is head down! I’m not really sure why I was so worried, but I’m happy that I won’t be having a scheduled c-section. I know that I could still have one, but at least that is one factor out of the way. We also found out that she has a full head of hair. I’m not totally surprised, but I am a little. I guess I always pictured my baby bald and/or blonde (because that is what I was), but I should have known she would take after her hairy, dark haired dad. At least all the bows will be able to be put to good use!

They also estimated that she was a little over 7lbs. Although several of my friends said that they could be up to 2lbs off. I think that the doc also said that, but I don’t remember.

I’ve started all of the natural things to induce labor this week. Evening primrose oil, raspberry leaf tea, pineapple, A LOT of walking, sitting/bouncing on an exercise ball, pressure points. Anything that I can (safely) do to help get this girl out I’m going to do. I’m ready to meet her and not be pregnant anymore. Safe to say I wouldn’t be mad if this was my last update (however I’m about 99.9% sure that it won’t be).

This weekend we had some friends over for dinner, both are expecting at about the same time. It’s going to be so fun to have so many little babies around!

I can’t wait to meet these babies!

On to the stats!

How far along? 37 weeks + 3 days
Total weight gain: +16 had a little extra weight gain the past two weeks. oops.
Symptoms: Tired, uncomfortable, shooting pains almost every evening.
Stretch marks? Still none.
Sleep: Some nights are better than others, but over all sleep is pretty good.
Best moment this week: Finding out baby Y is head down! Also having the last two pieces for her nursery come in. It’s officially done!
Miss Anything? Not being pregnant. Margaritas.
Movement: Oh yes.
Food cravings: Corn on the cob. I’ve had 4 or 5 this week.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.
Exercise: Daily walks, sometimes two walks a day. Also made it to yoga on Wednesday! Woop!
Gender: Girl!
Labor Signs: Braxton hicks and I think she dropped. It doesn’t really look like it, but I don’t feel like her butt is in my ribcage anymore.
Belly button or out? Still in.
Wedding rings on or off? On and off.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Pretty happy.
Looking forward to: THE BABY COMING OUT. Seeing if I’ve made any progress at my appointment tomorrow.

Have I mentioned that I’m ready?

36 Weeks

2013-04-21T22:18:00.001-04:00

My what a difference 10 weeks makes! Baby Y is getting big. The books estimate that she is right around 6lbs, but we should find out for sure on Tuesday. I had a fetal stress test done on Thursday and the midwife was feeling my belly and said that she feels “plenty big”. I really hope I don’t have to give birth to 10-pounder. However, if she’s a healthy 10-pounder I will take it (I would just prefer a healthy 7-pounder).

These days I’ve been reading every birth story I can get my hands on. It both makes me feel better and terrifies me. I like to know what to expect (I know every birth is different), but I’m scared of the pain and/or complications. I can’t say that I have a “birth plan”, but I do have a couple “wishes”. I would like to progress to about 4-5cm until I have an epidural (if I get one), I would like to not have a c-section (duh), and I would like to allow the cord to stop pulsing before it’s clamped. That’s about it. Our hospital already does skin-to-skin and in-room sleeping as the norm. Obviously the ONLY thing that we really care about it a healthy baby and mama during labor and delivery, but if all goes well that is what we would like to happen.

We’re ready for baby Y to come. Like, I’m over ready. I’m re-doing things because I am out of things to do. And I am spending waaaay too much time on Etsy (we have a bow problem). The nursery is done, I’m just waiting on a Sugarboo picture frame and an ottoman (not the $500 one I was drooling over, unfortunately there wasn’t an ottoman fairy available to deliver one) to come in. All of her clothes are washed through 3 months. Carseat is installed. I mean, there is literally nothing else to do… but wait.

This weekend was spent running errands. Tony really, really, REALLY wanted a Big Green Egg. He has dreams of smoking pork shoulders and ribs. So we drove out to Tucker, GA (where the company is based) and bought a Big Green Egg. I’m not going to lie, I may have shed a couple tears (those things are not cheap), but at the end of the day T works hard and never buys himself “fun things”, so I’m happy he got it. Although I may have bought a bow or two off Etsy to make myself feel better. And yes, I actually cried real tears.

Once assembled he got to grillin’ and we had a delicious dinner of ribeye’s and corn on the cob. (we used it as a grill and not a smoker for the steaks.. it took a long time to assemble so we just went for easy).

After the Big Green Egg purchase we went to Micro Center to buy the components of a home office for Tony. A lot of his late nights and weekends at work are spent waiting for others to finish documents so he can them review them and send out the final draft. We decided to get a desktop/docking station and printer/scanner in hopes that he can spend more time at home when the baby comes. Especially on the weekends. Right now it’s just too difficult to get work done on his laptop from home, so hopefully this helps! Bonus for me: I got a new desktop! Lot’s of room for pictures on this bad-boy . Down side? Computer station got put in my modeling corner.

Oh, well. It’s for the greater good. Plus Tony said he would help me move the desk these next few weeks for the picture. Hopefully we don’t have to do it too many more times!

On to the stats! You can see how tired I look in these pictures. Plus I’m pretty sure I had cried a tear or two not too long before these were taken.

How far along? 36 weeks + 1 day
Total weight gain: +13 gaining a pound per week these days.
Symptoms: Tired, tired, tired. Heartburn every once in a while, aches and pains here and there. Really though, I can’t complain too much. I’ve had a pretty easy pregnancy.
Stretch marks? Still none.
Sleep: Eh, not too bad. I’m sleeping through the night most nights. I also no longer have to wake up at 6:30 for work (I wake up whenever I want now), so I think that helps.
Best moment this week: We had a fetal stress test (she wasn’t moving much), but found out that she is doing just fine!
Miss Anything? Not being pregnant. I am really over it. I feel bad saying that because I do want our girl to fully bake and be healthy, and I’m grateful for this experience… but I’m ready to be done.
Movement: She is really running out of room in there. I feel every adjustment she makes. It’s getting uncomfortable.
Food cravings: Back to salty.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.
Exercise: Not as many walks as I would like, hopefully I’ll be better this week. I’m also thinking about going back to prenatal yoga again for these last few weeks. I know that I’ve said it before, but this time I’m really thinking about it. Haha.
Gender: Girl!
Labor Signs: Braxton hicks.
Belly button or out? Still in, but it’s getting close. Tony thinks it will pop out, I think that it will be flat at the most.
Wedding rings on or off? On, but tighter than they ever have been before.
Happy or Moody most of the time: I was really emotional this weekend for some reason. Cried quite a few times which is not really like me, but overall I am happy. This is really the first time this pregnancy that I have felt those “pregnancy hormones”.
Looking forward to: Our ultrasound on Tuesday. She better be head down! Oh, and another prenatal massage on Thursday.

Ready. To. Go!

35 Weeks!

2013-04-16T10:14:00.001-04:00

On Saturday I hit my 35/35 milestone (35 weeks down and 35 days to go). As of today I have 32 days to go, but lets hope its less and not more. Maybe like 25 days. Mother’s day baby? That could be fun! Or even better, coming home with a healthy, happy baby on Mother’s day! Wishful thinking!

On Saturday Tony and I completed the last of our baby prep classes. We went to the 9am-5pm childbirth preparation class. It was a long, but helpful class! There were a lot of “unknowns” for both Tony and I that got cleared up! Although now I have to say I feel like we need to take the baby essentials class. I felt pretty confident in my baby essential skills, but after hearing the instructor talk about things like caring for the umbilical cord (until it falls off) and suctioning their nose, I’m not so sure. Not to mention that Tony has never changed a diaper in his entire life. Maybe we have one more class to attend after all…

Anyway, on to the 35 week stats! (I don’t dress up for these pictures, I was on my way to a wedding shower!)

How far along? 35 weeks + 3 days
Total weight gain: +12 as of my appointment last Wednesday.
Symptoms: Still getting sharp pains in my cervix (or that’s at least where I think its coming from), my back hurts and I cannot get comfortable.
Stretch marks? Still none.
Sleep: It’s getting difficult to get comfortable and I’m waking up several times a night for no apparent reason. I don’t have to pee, so I guess it’s just because I’m uncomfortable.
Best moment this week: Finishing up our classes on Saturday and finding out baby Y is still doing great at my appointment on Wednesday.
Miss Anything? Being comfortable, sleeping on my stomach, margaritas. I want to do a backflip into a margarita.
Movement: Hiccups and I feel like she’s rolling all around in there.
Food cravings: Still cookies.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.
Exercise: Lots of walks!
Gender: Girl!
Labor Signs: Nope… ready for them though.
Belly Button in or out? Still in!
Wedding rings on or off? On, but my fingers and toes are starting to swell at different points in the day and I have to take them off. Other times they are loose.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, but ready for this baby to come out.
Looking forward to: The baby coming… and my ultra sound next Tuesday. I am anxious to know if she’s head down and how much they think she weighs. I also will start my weekly cervical checks on Tuesday. I’m not really looking forward to the actual checks, but I am excited to know if I’m close to d-day and how my body is progressing. I know that I won’t be pregnant forever, but at this point it feels like it.

Until next week..

34 Weeks: Are We There Yet?

2013-04-08T10:57:00.001-04:00

I hate to complain because I’m really not all that uncomfortable, but I’m over it. I’m ready to meet the little lady, I’m ready to not be pregnant anymore and I am definitely ready for a margarita.

During the day I feel relatively normal. I can still easily get around, put my shoes on, get dressed and go about my day pretty normally . Sometimes I even forget I’m pregnant (until I get a swift kick to the ribs), but at night… oh, at night. By the time the sun goes down I feel huge, my feet hurt and I am just generally uncomfortable. However, sleep has been much better this week (except for Thursday night!).

I don’t know why, but it feel like I have SO long to go, like the delivery is never going to happen. That’s just not the case though. I have yogurt in my fridge that expires after my due date. We’re ready when it does finally happen! I’ve got my lists checked, nursery done (just waiting on 2 things in them mail that will come right around the 1st of May), baby clothes washed, car seat installed, and pretty much everything else done that I can think of. Just waiting for the babe to fully bake.

Tony and I had our hospital tour this weekend. It made us both feel much more prepared now that we know where to go and what to expect. I also love that both the delivery room and the post-partum rooms are private!

34 week stats:

How far along? 34 weeks + 2 days
Total weight gain: I think I’m up to 12lbs, which doesn’t surprise me because I’ve eaten like total shit the past two weeks. However, it’s still on track with the 1lb a week. I’ll know for sure at my appointment on Wednesday.
Symptoms: Sharp pains here and there, heartburn, back pain, uncomfortable.
Stretch marks? Still none.
Sleep: Pretty good this week minus Thursday night when I was up from about 2am - 5am.
Best moment this week: Hospital tour and getting poked by little elbows and knees that I can tell are elbows and knees (although I don’t know which is which).
Miss Anything? Being comfortable, sleeping on my stomach, wine. Pretty much standard.
Movement: Hiccups and I feel like she’s rolling all around in there.
Food cravings: Cookies, chips, ice cream… all the things that are bad for me.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.
Exercise: Been on quite a few walks and plan to do the same this week. The weather is supposed to be in the 70’s all week!
Gender: Girl! I plan to make sure that is still the case when we get our 36 ultrasound. For some reason I’m paranoid that she’ll come out a boy. Not that I don’t want a boy, but everything we have are most definitely not boy things.
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? Still and in! I’m on the fence about if I think it will come out or not.
Wedding rings on or off? On, but my fingers and toes are starting to swell at different points in the day and I have to take them off. Other times they are loose. Weird.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy! Although yesterday Tony told me I am eating too many sweets lately and I cried. I don’t think he’ll make that mistake again.
Looking forward to: The baby coming. Is it too early for that? Also, our childbirth class this weekend.

Family shot with Masey looking like a weirdo.

See ya next week when we hit the 35/35 milestone (35 weeks down/35 days to go)!

33 Weeks: Makin’ Lists

2013-04-02T13:33:00.001-04:00

I think that I’ve mentioned this before, but I am a list maker. I definitely got it from my mom! When I’m feeling scattered lists make me feel organized. With a baby on the way EVERYTHING feels scattered, so of course lists are the perfect thing to help me organize what needs to be done.
List # 1: To-Do’s Before Baby Comes (this list is constantly changing!)

Install car seat
Install baby gates
Make a birth plan (or rather “wish list”)
Research placenta encapsulation (not sure if I’m doing this, but I want to do a little more research on it)
~~Buy nursing bras~~
~~Buy nursing tanks~~ (I bought 2, but I would like to get 2 more)
~~Buy nursing cover~~
Pack hospital bags (mine and baby Y’s – does Tony need one?)
Wash clothes (newborn through 3 months) and blankets
~~Set-up co-sleeper~~ (do I need to buy a sheet for it? Do they even make sheets for it?)
Buy diapers and wipes
Make freezer meals (um, maybe)
Mani & Pedi!
Get mah hur did

List #2: Brooke’s Hospital Bag

~~Toothbrush/paste (travel size)~~
~~Shampoo & Conditioner (travel size)~~
~~Deodorant (travel size)~~
~~Chapstick~~
~~Lotion~~
~~Tennis ball~~
~~My pillow~~
~~Brest Friend~~
Comfy socks (maybe not – I might just use the hospital socks)
Slippers
~~Flippy floppies~~
~~Nursing tanks (2)~~
~~Nursing bras (one sleep, on regular)~~
~~Robe~~
~~Lounge/PJ clothes~~
~~Zip hoodie~~
~~Throw-away undies~~
~~Pads~~
~~Nursing pads (disposable and regular)~~
~~Hairties and headband~~
Nursing cover (in the mail!)
Birthplan
Going home outfit

List #3: Last Minute Items to Bring

Phone and iPad + chargers
Camera bag
Black Gap pants (I can’t pack these because I wear them everyday!)
Make-up
Wallet
Blow dryer
Straightener

List #4: Baby Y’s Hospital Bag (her diaper bag)

2 blankets (I’d rather use ours versus the hospitals)
Burp cloths (2)
Going home outfit + matching bow
2 onesies (one long sleeve and one short sleeve)
Wubbanub
Back-up outfit (in case we have a blow-out or something..) with matching bow, of course.

As you can see I am making my way through the lists. Do I need to pack a bag for Tony too? I know that I’m bringing a lot, but I would rather be over-packed than under. I’m currently washing all of baby girls blankets and clothes (through 3 months).
Is there anything I’m missing?!

33 Weeks

2013-03-31T18:44:00.001-04:00

Whoa, baby. Mama’s gettin' big!

And I can certainly feel it! This week hasn’t been too exciting, but baby Y has started to get the hiccups which is just too cute (except at 4am). I had my 32 week check-up on Wednesday. She said things are looking good. Baby is measuring a few days ahead (I was 32 weeks 4 days and she’s measuring just over 33 weeks) and all my stats look great. Always good news to hear that! Other than that things have been low-key. Tony has been working long hours so it’s just been us girls for the most part this week.

The weather finally cleared up by the end of the week so I’ve been much better about getting some walking in. I am pretty sure that will be my exercise for the remainder of my pregnancy (which is only about 6 weeks! EEK!). I might make it to a prenatal yoga class or two, but I’m not 100% sure. The studio I was going to changed yoga instructors for the prenatal class, and I’m not really down with the new one, so we’ll see if I go back. Although a big motivation for me is some lower-back pain relief and the promise of helping with labor. Maybe I’ll go once a week instead of twice? It’s just too expensive to attend and not enjoy it. Ya feel me?

Yesterday Tony and I went to couples breastfeeding class. While I know he wasn’t exactly looking forward to going, he put on a happy face and was a trooper about it! The class was 3 hours and we both felt like we left with a lot of good information.

He’s a pro at the cradle hold .

The stats:

How far along? 33 weeks + 1 day
Total weight gain: We’ve reach double digits, at my last appointment I had officially gained 10lbs.
Symptoms: general uncomfortable-ness.
Stretch marks? So far so good.
Sleep: Ohhh, not so great this week. I’m waking up at least once a night.
Best moment this week: Feeling baby Y’s hiccups. So stinkin’ cute! Oh, and I had a prenatal massage that was amazing.
Miss Anything? Being comfortable, sleeping on my stomach, wine.
Movement: Hiccups, stretches, poking out a heel/elbow/shoulder.
Food cravings: Thin mints, chips and fruit.
Anything making you queasy or sick: I almost threw up today for no apparent reason. I had a coffee and haven’t had one in a long time, so I think that was it. Might be done having coffee until after she comes.
Exercise: Walks!
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? Still and innie, but we are definitely shallowing out.
Wedding rings on or off? On, but my fingers and toes are starting to swell at different points in the day and I have to take them off. Other times they are loose. Weird.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: The baby coming. Is it too early for that?

Hope y’all had a happy Easter!

32 Weeks

2013-03-24T21:21:00.001-04:00

These weeks feel like they are ticking by, but the pregnancy feels like it’s dragging on. 10 months is a long time to be pregnant! I am definitely ready to have this baby, too bad I have 8 weeks to go (give or take a couple). Don’t get me wrong, I want baby Y to fully cook in there, but I just wish that cooking would hurry up! I think it helps that we’ve had our baby shower and we’ve pretty much purchased everything we need, now we’re just waiting on the little girl to get here. There are still a few things to get, but for the most part we are READY!

Two things to note in that picture, 1: There is an ‘E’ at the end of cantaloupe there, and 2: The chalkboard isn’t crooked, my camera was at a weird angle on the tripod. Oh, and yes, I still suck at doing numbers.
Luckily I am still feeling really good! Occasional heartburn here and there, still getting sciatic nerve pain but it’s actually been a little bit better and there is definitely some crowding going on in my lungs/rib cage. All normal things, so I’ve heard. I’m sleeping really good at night and feel pretty normal for the most part! I’ve been really blessed with this pregnancy, I hope it continues. I also hope that it doesn’t mean I’m going to have some crazy delivery or colicky newborn (but as long as she’s healthy I’ll take it).
This week I couldn’t help myself and I set up some of the baby items we' have. I know it seems silly with the due date still 8 weeks out, but this “nesting” thing is for real. I’m obsessed with the Mamaroo, I hope baby girl likes it as much as I do! I can’t wait to put her in it.

I also set up the stroller. We were originally going to buy the Uppababy Vista stoller, but actually got talked out of it by the sales person at Buy Buy Baby. We got the Peg Perego Book Plus instead. It just seemed to be a better fit for us. It’s lighter than the Vista, has a one handed “book” fold, the toddler seat reclines flat to be a bassinet (so you don’t have two separate pieces), and you don’t need an adapter for the car seat since the car seat we went with is also a Peg. It’s a new stroller for Spring 2013, so there aren’t many reviews for it which is a bummer, but I’ve played around with it and so far I really like it. Hopefully baby Y likes it too!

As for the nursery, it’s so close to being done! I am waiting on a mattress that comes tomorrow, a 20” wooden monogram to hang on the wall that comes this week at some point and rug that I ordered the beginning of February that won’t come until the 1st of May (so frustrating!). I also need to find a ottoman/pouf of some point! I can’t wait to share pictures once it’s finished, but it probably won’t be until the little one it here.
Big news in our house this week is that we got new couches and tables for our living room. As mentioned here, we’ve had the same couches for almost 8 years and they were given to us used by our former boss who had them for who knows how long. They used to be an off-white leather couch, but by the time we got rid of them they were a off-brown, destroyed by a pup, holey leather couch.

I’m in love. Although they are so stiff, definitely need to be broken in!
Other big news in our house, Tony and I celebrated our 4 year wedding anniversary! We went to dinner at an Italian restaurant in Buckhead called Pricci to celebrate. It was delicious! Tony also got me the most beautiful bouquet of flowers designed to match our wedding flowers!

Aren’t they beautiful?! And they are pretty much a dead-match for my bouquet!

Lucky girl!
Ok, on to the 32 week stats:
How far along? 32 weeks + 1 day
Total weight gain: +8lbs, but I’ll have an official weigh in on Wednesday at the doc.
Symptoms: heartburn, out of breath/lung crowding, feeling large.
Stretch marks? Still in the clear!
Sleep: Still great!
Best moment this week: Celebrating our anniversary, new couches and and setting up some of the baby gear!
Miss Anything? curling up on the couch in a ball and being comfortable. Those days are definitely gone!
Movement: I’m starting to see patterns in the day I can almost predict when she’ll be awake or asleep.
Food cravings: GUACAMOLE. Mostly Chipotle’s guacamole.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!
Exercise: I’m active throughout the day, but I haven’t been doing real exercise. I’m starting up my prenatal yoga again this week and hoping that it will stop raining at some point so I can take some walks!
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? Still and innie.
Wedding rings on or off? ON!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: prenatal massage on Tuesday and OB appointment on Wednesday!
See you next week!

31 Weeks

2013-03-17T21:38:00.001-04:00

Just like that, another week down!

This St. Patrick’s Day was definitely a little different than the ones in years past. Take St. Patty’s last year for example:

I ran a half marathon with my bestie, Larissa (and when I say “with”, I mean we both ran it, but she finished waaaaaay before me). Then I went out and refueled:

Not going to lie, I kiiiinda of really wanted a green beer or five today.

So instead of green beer drinking this weekend, Tony and I hit up Buy Buy Baby and Babies R Us to finish up our registry. Not quite the same.

I think that we’ve got everything we need. We’ve got the highchair, the stroller, the swing, the bath… you name it, we got it. I hope. There are still some things coming in the mail, but we’re done with the buying of the baby stuff. I’m sure there will be a couple last minute things to get, but we’ve got all the big stuff taken care of. Definitely gives me a sigh of relief, for some reason I feel like we were never going to get to this point.

Anyway, on to the stats:

How far along? 31 weeks + 1 day
Total weight gain: +8lbs
Symptoms: Sciatic nerve pain pretty much all day, starting to swell in my fingers and toes but it comes and goes, occasional heartburn.
Stretch marks? Still in the clear!
Sleep: Still great!
Best moment this week: finishing up the registry!
Miss Anything? Celebrating St. Patty’s Day!
Movement: I’m starting to see patterns in the day I can almost predict when she’ll be awake or asleep.
Food cravings: All the food.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!
Exercise: Didn’t do great this week, but I am almost never sitting down during the day, so that’s got to count for something, right?
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? Still and innie.
Wedding rings on or off? ON!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: OUR NEW COUCHES COME ON THURSDAY!!!!!!!

And a couple of bare belly shots:

30 Weeks and a Shower

2013-03-14T23:00:00.001-04:00

This past week has been super busy. Last Thursday I drove to Charlotte where I was able to see some friends that I haven’t seen in a while! My friend Kelly is also pregnant, just a few weeks behind me, it was fun to see her and catch up!

I was also able to see Meaghan and her sweet boy, James!

It was so fun to be able to talk babies with them for the afternoon and evening! I wish we lived closer so we could see each other more.

Friday I headed up to Northern Virginia with my friend Courtney for my baby shower. Court and I may have had the road trip from hell (it should have taken us 6 hours, but it took 10), but at least we were in good company! We didn’t get in until about 11pm, so I hit the hay pretty much right when I got home.

Saturday was the big day! Baby Y and I were thrown the perfect baby shower! It was absolutely beautiful. I am so incredibly thankful for our friends and family that came to celebrate! An extra thank you to the best friends a girl could ask for for organizing such an amazing party!

Larissa, Courtney and Kate, you guys are the BEST! Here are a few more snap shots from the day.

Wasn’t it beautiful?

Sunday we woke up early and headed back to Atlanta. This time with my mom in tow! My mom came back with me in order to help me get the nursery all ready for baby girl’s arrival. She was such a huge help getting the house clean, nursery set up and helping me pick out all of the clothes and registry items that we still need. We are about 85% ready for her arrival (don’t think that we will ever be 100%)! This weekend Tony and I are planning on picking up the last few things that we need and then we’ll be done with the “stuff”. We are so lucky that we have such great friends and family that helped us get everything we need! 'I’ll definitely post an update on the nursery when the last few items come in!

My mom left today, and while I was sad to see her go, it’s nice to know that I will see her again in 2 months! Almost to the day. Can’t wait!

Onto the 30 week update!

How far along? 30 weeks + 4 days
Total weight gain: +8lbs as of my visit yesterday
Symptoms: Heartburn, lower back pain, getting tired a little more quickly. Same as last week
Stretch marks? Still in the clear!
Sleep: Still great!
Best moment this week: Spending so much time with my mama and the shower of course!
Miss Anything? Not too much this week actually!
Movement: I am not really feeling kicks anymore, but it feels like she rolls around in my belly all day.
Food cravings: Salty this week!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!
Exercise: A lot of walking.
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? Still and innie.
Wedding rings on or off? ON!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Spending some QT with my hubby this weekend! I feel like I haven’t seen him in weeks!

Of course with my mama here we had to take some fun pictures!

And the original 3 generations

See you from 31! Not too many left!

29 Weeks

2013-03-03T11:38:00.001-05:00

Baby Y and I are moving right along, creeping up on the 30’s. Back when I found out I was pregnant, 30 weeks sounded so close to the end, now I’m almost there (and I feel like I have a long ways to go!) I’m still feeling pretty good, minus the same back pain and occasional heartburn. There are times that I even forget I’m pregnant, although those are few and far between these days. Baby girl Y keeps her presence known in the form of lots of kicks, jabs, rolling around and basketball sized stomach that gets in the way. Although, so far I’m not really having problems bending over and getting around, but I can see how it will be a problem in the (very) near future!

Yesterday was my birthday! We spent the day doing something that I’ve been wanting to do for, oh I don’t know, 2 years. BUYING NEW COUCHES! Our current couches we’ve had for almost 8 years and they were free from our boss (at the time) who had them for god knows how long. They’re bad, real bad. Well after 4 furniture stores, we are now the owners of a new couch, loveseat, 2 side tables and coffee table! I. am. stoked.

Unfortunately they won’t arrive until the 21st, but I’ve waited this long, a few more weeks won’t kill me!

On to the stats:

How far along? 29 weeks + 1day
Total weight gain: Still at +7 lbs as of my doctors visit last Wednesday. The doc doesn’t seem concerned since baby is fine and my uterus is growing right on track!
Symptoms: Heartburn, lower back pain, getting tired a little more quickly.
Stretch marks? Still in the clear!
Sleep: Still sleeping pretty good. I don’t have to get up to pee in the middle of the night, but I do find myself waking up every once in a while, just for a second or two.
Best moment this week: Finding out things are moving along right on track at our last appointment.
Miss Anything? I miss birthday drinks!
Movement: Yup, feeling her kicks and punches all the time!
Food cravings: I’ve had quite the sweet tooth this past week. MMMM, thin mints.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!
Exercise: Prenatal yoga on Wednesday and Saturday that was it. I’m hoping to add a little more this week! We’ll see.
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? Still and innie.
Wedding rings on or off? Well I don’t get them back until the 6th so I’ll let ya know then.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Going to Charlotte to see friends on Thursday (hopefully sans ear infection) and then up to DC Friday for my baby shower!!!

That’s it for week 29! See ya in the 30’s next week! The final countdown!

28 Weeks

2013-02-25T11:31:00.001-05:00

We’re in the 3rd (and shortest!) trimester! Just 12 weeks (give or take – hopefully not give) left until we meet our little girl. I can’t believe it!

This week has been a loooong week. Both Tony and I had to work full days Saturday and Sunday, so it really has felt like one continuous week with no breaks. Womp. The stress and lack of rest is catching up to me physically. Oh, baby, my back hurts!

I have an appointment with a chiropractor that specializes in prenatal care on Friday and I cannot wait! She was recommended to me by my yoga instructor so I’m hopeful she is a good one. I have my (now bi-weekly) OB checkup on Wednesday this week, so I’ll double check with my doctor that its OK for me to go, but I’m pretty sure it will be.

Other than work and backaches things have just kept rolling along in our house this week. Not too much to report, so I’ll move on to my weekly stats:

How far along? 28 weeks + 2 days
Total weight gain: Still at +7llbs according to my scale, but I’ll have an official update after my appointment on Wednesday.
Symptoms: Heartburn, lower back pain, getting tired quickly.
Stretch marks? Still in the clear!
Sleep: Still doing pretty good, although I find myself waking up on my back and stomach a lot lately. How am I able to sleep on my stomach? Sorry baby, hope I’m not squishing you!
Best moment this week: Feeling baby Y movin’ and groovin’ in my belly!
Miss Anything? I’m ready to not have to think about everything I eat. I really just want a deli sandwich that’s not hot. Which is weird because even before I was pregnant I ALWAYS got my sandwiches hot. Guess you just want what you can’t have. Like margaritas, definitely want a margarita. If baby Y choses to come out before May 5th (Cinco de Mayo), I would be OK with that.
Movement: Yup, feeling her kicks and punches all the time!
Food cravings: Cheeseburgers.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!
Exercise: Prenatal yoga on Weds and Saturday and a 3 mile walk on Sunday.
Gender: Girl!
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? Still and innie.
Wedding rings on or off? On, but I took them to my jeweler to be cleaned and they said that the center diamond was off center so they had to fix it and I won’t have them back until the 6th.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: My appointment on Wednesday and my birthday on Saturday!

Baby Y is definitely getting bigger (can’t ya tell?). She’s almost and 3lbs! I can’t wait to meet her in just a few short months!

27 Weeks

2013-02-16T17:32:00.001-05:00

27 weeks! The LAST week in the second trimester. Sometimes I feel like it flew by, but other times it seems like it has just draaaged on. Either way, the home stretch is-a comin’. This week has been a bit less eventful than last week, and for that I am grateful!
I feel a lot bigger than I look in that picture, and with getting bigger the aches and pains have started! Mainly, my back. I’m 95% sure that I have sciatica and I’m going to the chiropractor on Tuesday to see if I can get adjusted. I’m pretty much having shooting pains constantly down my leg, and that is no fun! I’m also getting heartburn more frequently and out of breath much quicker. I feel myself turning a corner from my easy, symptom-free pregnancy to now being (almost) 7 months pregnant and really feeling the effects of it. Don’t get me wrong, I still am feeling pretty good, but now I really feel pregnant and up until now I really never did. I’ve been lucky with feeling so good so far, so I don’t want to seem like a whiner :).
On to the stats!

How far along? 27 weeks (I actually am posting on the right day!)
Total weight gain: Still at +7llbs, although the thin mints I just shoved down my pie hole won’t help with keeping it there.
Symptoms: Heartburn, lower back pain, getting tired quickly. Oh, and I peed my pants when I sneezed. That was awesome.
Stretch marks? So far, so good!
Sleep: Still doing pretty good, just not as comfortable as I was before.
Best moment this week: Still feeling those kicks!
Miss Anything? Eating whatever I want and not worrying about if it’s OK for the baby. I Googled “chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream” to make sure there wasn’t raw eggs in the cookie dough (there isn’t). I also really wanted an Italian sandwich today (cold) and obviously had to pass on it.
Movement: I’m pretty sure I felt her do a full on somersault during yoga the other day. I also had my first kick/punch in the upper part of my rib, other than that everything has been down lower. I haven’t felt it again, so she must have just been moving around!
Food cravings: Everything bagel with cream cheese.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!
Exercise: I didn’t do so hot this week. I only made it to prenatal yoga once and I didn’t do anything else. Oops. I’ll do better this week.
Gender: I hope she’s still a girl! Just bought her some cute things from Baby Gap and made her a few hair bows and they are CUTE (and girly!).
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? Still and innie.
Wedding rings on or off? On, I hope. I took them off on Monday to put lotion on and I’ve forgotten to put them back on!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Chiropractor visit and prenatal massage. Hopefully those things will help with my back pain!
We’ve started looking into classes to take at the hospital. I think we’ve decided on doing the hospital tour (duh, but it counted as a class when we signed up), couples breastfeeding (Tony is THRILLED that I’m making him come with me) and a child birthing class. I think that’s it unless anyone says we are majorly missing out on anything.
I mentioned last week that we were supposed to have our first baby shower today, but unfortunately due to some illnesses it was cancelled. I was SO bummed to not see all the girls (it’s been over a year!), but the most important thing is getting everyone healthy again! Now we are planning to get together post-babies, I hope it works out!
That’s it for week 27! Here are some photo-bombs from this week:

Love that pup!
Did you catch my ‘day in the life: eats’ post this week?

A Day in the Life: Eats

2013-02-15T11:22:00.001-05:00

My meals throughout the week are pretty much the same these days. Lunch and dinner obviously are not exactly the same each day, but usually along the same lines. Yesterday I actually remembered to take a picture of each thing that I ate. Since they are all boring iPhone photos I obviously had to throw and instagram filter on them to jazz it up a little bit.

Breakfast:

I usually have 1/3c oats with a Chobani Champion honey ‘nana yogurt, banana, and spoon full of peanut butter all mixed together.

Snack #1:

Tony and I have gotten really into juicing. We make 2 big batches twice a week (Sunday night and Tuesday night) and each batch makes enough for us to each have a one big glass for 2 days. Make sense? One batch (that makes 4 big glasses) consists of: 1bunch kale, 1 bag of spinach, 2 cucumbers, 6 red apples (sweet apples), 2 green apples (sour), and 6 lemons. I pretty much tried to copy Whole Foods green lemondae, it tastes identical!

I also had one of these guys:

iced coffee with caramel and non-fat milk. My doc says it’s ok to have one caffeine drink a day and I usually have one 4-5 days a week.

Lunch:

TOASTED Turkey sandwich with provolone, cheddar, spinach, tomatoes, pickles, black olives, oil, vinegar, salt, pepper and oregano. Doc also says I can have deli meat as long as it’s heated. In all honestly I thought I grabbed the non-baked sour cream and onion chips. When I realized I grabbed the baked ones I took it as a sign that’s what I should have.

Dessert #1

I mean, yesterday was Valentine’s day…

Snack #2:

I got a little hungry in the car. I try to make sure I always have one of these in my purse!

Dinner:

I made Greek pasta (<—Old post!), a request from Tony for Valentines day. Definitely one of my favorites! I also went back for another scoop after I finished that bowl!

Dessert #2:

Tony and I had root beer floats for dessert. They were delicious!

Throughout the day I also had about 5 million of these:

That’s a pretty average day in the eating department for me!

See ya soon with a bump update from my LAST week in the 2nd trimester! How did that happen?

26 Weeks

2013-02-12T15:20:00.001-05:00

Whoa, baby. 26 weeks and growing by the second!

Week 26 has gotten off to kinda a rough start. As a last minute decision last week I decided to go visit two of my best friends, Katie and Courtney, in Charlotte. I had a cold most of last week, but I woke up feeling great on Saturday minus having clogged ears. About 2.5 hours in to my drive my clogged ears became painful and had a ton of pressure (like, the worst pressure I have ever felt in my LIFE!). As the drive continued and I arrived at Katie’s apartment I was in a ton of pain. I was sure my ear drum was going to explode. With encouragement from Kate and Court, we wound up at urgent care where I found out I had a severe ear infection. Ouch! Luckily after getting on meds (antibiotics, numbing ear drops and extra strength Tylenol) and resting for a couple hours, I was feeling much better. Also, this confirmed my thoughts of having an epidural. I CAN’T HANDLE PAIN + PRESSURRE.

After cleaning up us girls headed out to dinner and to a bar/bowling alley. To be honest, I wasn’t sure how I would feel being in a bar at 7 months pregnant, but I had a great time!

Despite our late night, we somehow managed to make it to a 8am spin class at Flywheel. It helps being pregnant/hanging out with a pregnant lady and not being hungover in the morning. Spin class was great, but I had to keep an eye on my heart rate. That class really gets your heart pumpin’!

I’d say that’s a good calorie burn for 38 minutes (we were a little late to class).

A trip to urgent care aside, I had a great time with two of my besties! Can’t wait to see them again in a month (for baby shower #2)!

Our next bump in the road came yesterday when I had an “emergency” trip to the OB. Long story short I have had decreased movements from the little lady since last Wednesday. I really hadn’t felt any kicks or movements from her (just a flutter here and there), which was the opposite of last week when I could feel her all the time. I kept making excuses about why I things might have slowed down, but on Monday morning when I still couldn’t feel her I called my doctor and she told me that they would like to me to come in and be checked out. After many tears, hours of stress and an elevated blood pressure, I was assured by the midwife that baby Y is doing just fine. They measured my blood pressure again after the appointment (because it was too high for their liking originally) and it had come down by about 20 points or so. *Sigh*. They assured me that I did the right thing by coming in, and that I am not a paranoid crazy lady (debatable).

Moving on to the weekly stats:

How far along? 26 Weeks + 3 days
Total weight gain: 7lbs. I guess I’ll be gaining about a pound a week from here on out. Hopefully not more!
Maternity clothes? Yes! I just picked up a few more tops from Gap maternity, too. Thank you 30% off and $20 rewards points!
Stretch marks? So far, so good!
Sleep: Great!
Best moment this week: Finding out everything is a-okay after my ~~major~~ mini-freak-out
Miss Anything? I feel like I should stop saying that I miss the booze, it makes me sound like a major alcoholic, but that is the only thing I miss!
Movement: Better today!
Food cravings: Salty, Salty, Salty.. and cookies. Oof.
Anything making you queasy or sick: I felt really sick when my ear was hurting, but that’s it.
Have you started to show yet: Getting bigger by the second. I can literally feel my stomach stretching sometimes.
Gender: Sugar and spice and everything nice!
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? A bit more shallow, but still a ways to go before its out.
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy now that things are looking up!
Looking forward to: Baby Y’s first baby shower this weekend with my UNC girls (3 of which are pregnant, so it’s a combined shower!). Ah, can’t wait to see those ladies!

That’s all for week 26! See you next week, my LAST week in the 2nd trimester!

25 Weeks

2013-02-06T15:05:00.001-05:00

I am actually a little behind, so I am really 25 weeks and 4 days today.

As of today, baby Y weighs over 1.5lbs! She is growing and I can definitely feel it! I finally feel her moving pretty consistently. In fact, I sent a video to my mom of her kicking, you could see it from the outside, it’s crazy!

For whatever reason, I feel like I am still “early on” in my pregnancy, but in reality I am only a couple weeks shy of the 3rd trimester. I’m almost in the home stretch, I can’t believe it! She is going to be here before we know it… 100 days to be exact!

I had my gestational diabetes test today along with my monthly (soon to be bi-monthly) check-up. I really hope I pass that bad boy. I haven’t really looked into what it would mean if I do have gestational diabetes, buuuuuut I’m pretty sure that I don’t want it. As for the check-up, the doctor says everything looks good, all my measurements are right on track, and baby Y’s heartbeat was right around 140bpm. Good news all around!

Here’s the weekly stats:

How far along? 25 Weeks + 4days
Total weight gain: 6lbs, just weighed in today at the doc!
Maternity clothes? Yes! I desperately need a few more tops.
Stretch marks? Not yet, however I think I see the beginnings of the linea nigra.
Sleep: Still pretty good. Love that Snoogle!
Best moment this week: Just feeling her move around. I’ve actually had a killer cold all week, so there hasn’t been too much “fun stuff” going on.
Miss Anything? A-a-a-a-a-alcohol. I would LOVE a margarita.
Movement: Oh yeah!
Food cravings: Not too much this week. Although I could always be down for some fries!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Yes, that stupid orange drink I had to take for the diabetes test today. Ugh, gross.
Have you started to show yet: I think that I can eliminate this question from now on… See above.
Gender: Sugar and spice and everything nice!
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? In... I have the worlds deepest belly button, so I think it will stay in for a while. It is a bit more shallow these days, however it still has a ways to go before it’s out.
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy aaaaaaand a little cranky since I’ve been sick. Sorry, Tony!
Looking forward to: Seeing a couple of my besties/baby Y’s future aunties this weekend!!!!

***************

Sooooooooooo, when it comes to baby stuff I feel like we still have SO much stuff to get. Her closet has some fun things in it, but not nearly enough to dress her. (side note: I’m planning to jazz up that closet soon!)

That’s pretty much it, folks! My mom keeps telling my it’s no bid deal ant that I still have plenty of time plus two baby showers to look forward to. However, it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed when we have so many “big” purchases left like the car seat, stroller, mattress, swing, breast pump, monitor, ect… However, I do know that it will all be fine and my baby will not be naked nor product-less. The list just seems a little daunting at this point. Tell me I’m not alone in this feeling!

The nursery, it’s still coming along nicely. I did a little rearranging and decorating since last week, but it still looks about the same. The big news is that the rocker is coming FRIDAY! It wasn’t supposed to be here until late March or early April, so I’m pretty stoked about that. I can’t wait to see how it looks in the room. I also found the perfect rug from Home Decorators Collection. It’s actually fairly inexpensive, but I signed up for their emails in hopes of catching an upcoming sale. I’m also still hoping that an extremely generous magical fairy drops this ottoman off on our front door step, but I’m not holding my breath. Until that happens I am on the lookout for an ottoman/pouf. I know there are a lot of other brands of that ottoman style, but they all seem to be a darker pink. Let me know if you come across one that’s super light pink and not nearly as expensive!

As for how I am eating and exercising (since once upon a time that’s what this blog was about), Monday’s and Friday’s I have been doing BodyPump, Wednesdays and Saturdays I go to prenatal yoga and Tuesday’s and Thursday’s are meant for long walks. Tuesday/Thursdays I haven’t really been great about getting walks in. Lately it’s been either too rainy or cold, which means I am too lazy to go to the gym. M/W/F/S I have been consistent with BodyPump and yoga though. Next week I’ll do a WIAW to highlight what I’ve been eating since it’s pretty much the same each day.

That’s it for the weekly update! Hope y’all are having a great week!

24 Weeks + Nursery Progress

2013-01-29T21:46:00.001-05:00

I feel like my stomach has quadrupled in size!

I guess that I shouldn’t be that surprised since the baby is as big as an ear of corn and weighs in at over 1.5lbs! Wowza!

Don’t be fooled by that picture, those buttons were most definitely NOT buttoned.

It seems to be a common problem.

In Bodypump this week I was startled by my reflection in the mirror each time I looked over. IS THAT REALLY ME? I know that I am only going to get bigger, but I feel like it kinda just all of the sudden showed up!

This was my 20 week bump:

See?! Major changes. (pics from my instagram account: brooke_e4f)

Anyway, here are the stats:

How far along? 24 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I think that I am up 3-4lbs, but I’ll find out for sure at my appointment next week!
Maternity clothes? Definitely in maternity jeans, but I can still wear a lot of my tops.
Stretch marks? Nope. Just got some cream in the mail… hope it works!
Sleep: Pretty good!
Best moment this week: Making lots of progress on the nursery!I
Miss Anything? Wishing I could have a glass of wine!
Movement: Oh yeah!
Food cravings: Mediterranean food. And a McDonalds Happy Meal (trying to resist!), I don’t know where that one is coming from!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope. Feeling great!
Have you started to show yet: see picture above
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? In... I have the worlds deepest belly button, so I think it will stay in for a while. Although I think I am seeing the start of the line down my belly!
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: A relaxing weekend. There are not too many left between now and when the baby comes! Our weekends are filling up fast!

Nursery Progress:

Although the nursery has a looooong way to go, it has also come pretty far! After painting the room for SIX hours and re-finishing a dresser that took 4 days, here is what the room looks like right now.

A couple of my favorite things:

How awesome are those knobs and that mobile? I LOVE them!

The only big piece that we have left is the rocker, which is ordered but won’t come in until the end of March/beginning of April. We ordered this one in gray velvet (baby Y’s Christmas present from her great-grammy!). I hope that gray looks OK with the gray walls. When we ordered it I thought that I was going to do pink walls, I just hope they don’t clash!

There's still tons of details and decorating to be done, but we’ve definitely made some progress! I really am happy with how things look so far, but I can’t wait to get the rest done!

Baby steps.

23 Weeks

2013-01-21T16:51:00.001-05:00

Baby is the size of a large mango! (side note: I suck at making numbers on the chalk board!)

According to our ultrasound on Friday she’s weighing in at 1lb 6oz. Getting big, and going to double in weight over the next few weeks (let’s hope I don’t!).

I am still feeling really good and thus far have had a pretty symptom-free pregnancy. I sure that means I am going to have the worst/longest/most painful labor.

As for the stats:

How far along? 23 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Still at +2lbs although I hear that things are really going to start to grow now.
Maternity clothes? Definitely in maternity jeans, but I can still wear a lot of my tops.
Stretch marks? Nope.
Sleep: Better this week, but I have woken up in the middle of night realizing that I was sleeping on my stomach. Sorry for squishing you baby Y!
Best moment this week: I think we decided on a name! Although it’s a secret until after she comes!
Miss Anything? Still miss the booze!
Movement: Kicks!
Food cravings: PIZZA!!!!! (I think that we are giving in to that craving tonight!)
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope. Feeling great!
Have you started to show yet: see picture above
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In... I have the worlds deepest belly button, so I think it will stay in for a while.
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: happy!
Looking forward to: My cousin coming to visit this weekend! (Hi Alexis!)

As mentioned, we got A LOT done on the nursery this weekend. Yesterday I spent SIX hours painting the room and closet along with hanging the curtains and removing the closet doors (they are SO ugly and don’t even open or close all the way, buh bye!). I’m really happy with how it came out! We also painted an old dresser that we have.

It' was in pretty good condition minus a few nicks and scratches. Nothing a little wood filler and some sanding couldn’t fix! I’m pretty sure it was Tony’s dad’s dresser, so it’s been around for a while. It doesn’t fit in the guest bedroom with all the other crap we have in there, so it was a perfect candidate for the baby’s room!

This is the first piece of furniture that I have ever re-finished, it’s not perfect, but I think it will work. I just put the 2nd coat of paint on it. I have to wait 24hours and then I can seal it, then wait another day or two before it can be moved inside. I’ll be sure to show you the finished product! Fingers crossed it looks good! I was looking around online for a similar dresser and this was the closest thing I could find. Let’s hope this looks good and we will have saved almost $1,000! Whoop!! PS – I followed this tutorial.

That’s all the update for now! I want to show off what I have so far in the nursery, but there are a few things coming in the mail this week and I want to get the dresser in there before I share!

These weeks are tickin’ by fast! May 18th is going to be here before I know it!

22 Weeks

2013-01-18T12:11:00.001-05:00

Well, I am not using this space for anything else, so I might as well track my pregnancy journey!

Like a lot of people, I wanted to track the bump via chalkboard updates. I started off strong at 5 weeks…

and then didn’t do another update until 21.

To be honest, there really wasn’t much change until about 20 weeks. I didn’t even ‘grow out’ of my regular jeans until 20 weeks. Then, POW, baby got big. And I feel like I am getting bigger ever second. It’s kinda fun, kinda not.

I never thought that I would be the girl who cared about getting bigger during pregnancy, but here I am.. caring. Don’t get me wrong, I am thrilled to be having a little one, but getting fat isn’t that fun. Especially when you’re in that awkward, “I look fat, not pregnant”, stage. Luckily I think I am almost past that.

At 22 weeks (I’ll be 23 tomorrow!) I think I’m officially lookin’ knocked up.

The stats:

How far along? 22 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 2 lbs (I lost 5 pound initially and have gained that back, so I have gained 7lbs, but it’s technically only 2 since I am only up 2lbs from my first prenatal appointment).
Maternity clothes? Definitely in maternity jeans, but I can still wear a lot of my tops.
Stretch marks? Nope. I just bought some cream online though since I am a-growin’
Sleep: Not so great. I’ve always been a stomach sleeper. I bought the Snoogle and it does help though.
Best moment this week: I FINALLY feel her kicks!
Miss Anything? Alcohol. Sad but very, very true!
Movement: Kicks!
Food cravings: Not really.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope, but I’ve been have pretty bad gas cramps (TMI?). So I’m trying to stay away from foods that make you gassy, which is pretty much all food.
Have you started to show yet: see picture above
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In... I have the worlds deepest belly button, so I think it will stay in for a while.
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: happy!
Looking forward to: Our ultrasound later this week (I actually had it today – more info in another post).

As for exercise, I have been trying to do something everyday. My plan every week is this:

Monday – Bodypump
Tuesday – Walk
Wednesday – Prenatal yoga
Thursday – Bodypump
Friday – Walk
Saturday – Prenatal yoga
Sunday – nada.

Like I said, that is always the plan, but it doesn’t always work out. This week I started off strong with Bodypump on Monday, a long, hilly walk on the treadmill on Tuesday and prenatal yoga on Wednesday (pictures in that order):

but yesterday I was out running errands and I know I won’t get my walk in today. Still better than nothing! Hopefully next week I’ll do them all.

That’s all the update I have for now! I’ll be back with an update this weekend (I’ll be 23 weeks tomorrow!). Plus I am hoping to get a lot done in the nursery this weekend so I’ll be able to show that off too!

So, I’m Having A Baby

2012-12-04T18:11:00.001-05:00

If feels weird to say that. I guess I needed some convincing at first because I took a pregnancy test or ~~two~~ ten.

DPO = days past ovulation, just in case you were wondering.

This was a planned pregnancy, so I am not sure why I was so surprised. I guess it’s like when you get engaged even though you know it’s coming. Still exciting and you get the, I-can’t-believe-this-is-actually-happening feeling. Except now you have a human to take care of instead of a diamond.

The morning I took the first test (September 4th) I took it knowing it was waaayyy to early, but I couldn’t wait one more day (I had used up all my willpower not testing the day before). I took the test knowing that it would be negative, but that didn’t necessarily mean that I wasn’t knocked up. I also thought Tony ha d already left for work, so imagine my surprise when I found a positive (a verrrry faint positive) test and Tony getting ready for work. All my plans of telling him in a fun, memorable type way went right out the window. Instead I handed him the test with a look of shock on my face.

He took the test and said, “oh, it’s negative. Isn’t it?”.

See how faint that 2nd line is? Can you even see it? It was definitely a squinter, but it was there! I had to explain to him that there really isn’t any such thing as a false positive, so a line is a line and as long as it gets darker (hence the daily tests) that means I’m officially pregnant.

Once Tony left for work I paced around a bit and then called the doctor to schedule my fist OB appointment. On the phone with the doctor I was told that I would have to wait A WHOLE MONTH before they would see me. Do you know how long that seems when you first find out you’re pregnant? Let me tell you, it’s an eternity.

That first month I was so nervous that I could barely get excited. I did tell my mom and dad and a couple close friends, but that was it. It was too excited to not tell anyone, but too nervous to tell everyone.

When our first appointment came I was convinced that it was going to be bad news. I’m not sure why, maybe just to protect myself in case things didn’t work out the way we hoped? Fortunately we were lucky enough not to have to go there. Our little tadpole measured right at 7 weeks (just what we had estimated) and had a strong heartbeat (131bpm).

It was crazy to be able to see the little heart beating away! The whole baby was only the size of a blueberry at that point, so the fact we could see and hear the heart was pretty amazing to us!

Having that first appointment under our belt and hearing the heartbeat definitely made us feel much better! We still wanted to wait until we were out of the first trimester to tell the world, but we were a little more reassured!

We had to wait a whole month for the next appointment, which was our first trimester screening for chromosomal diseases like Downs Syndrome. Luckily that test came out all clean and we got to see our baby move it’s arms and legs all over the place and that little heart beat flutter again. It was a good day!

Look at that belly and cute profile!

As for how I have been feeling… Well, I haven’t had a single pregnancy symptom. I haven’t had an ounce of morning sickness, any food aversions and not-a-one craving. Although I am grateful for these things, it’s a little stressful not to feel the least bit pregnant. I guess if I had to say I have had one thing it would be that I’m tired and have slept a lot. However, I am not sure if that is truly a pregnancy symptom or if it’s just me being able to get away with it more that I am prego. I also have lost weight (only about 5lbs and probably from cutting out alcohol and trying to eat a little cleaner) and still fit into all of my clothes. Even now at 16.5 weeks I am in my regular clothes. Although I have to say, the past two days I have felt like I ate too much Chipotle (never!). My jeans were tight and I kept having to pull my shirt down, things that would normally trigger me to eat a salad and go for an extra long run. Now I have to remind myself that it’s probably the baby in there! It’s just a weird mental adjustment, especially when there is no baby bump, but just general waist widening. Does that make sense?

Anyway, that was quite long winded and written over the course of 3 different days, so it probably is rambling that makes no sense. Sorry ‘bout that.

Well, that’s my pregnancy update as of now! Our next appointment is December 13th and we get to find out the gender, I can’t wait! I am about 90% sure it’s a boy, we’ll see if my instincts are correct…

Next post I’ll get into what I have been eating and how I’ve been exercising! I think that this post has gone on long enough!

While I’ve Been Out..

2012-11-21T11:36:00.001-05:00

Baby E4F is scheduled to arrive around May 17th.

Tony, Masey and I are very excited for our new arrival. Although I still can’t believe I’m going to be someone’s mom!

For those of you who still have me in your reader, thanks! And I hope to get E4F up and running again now that our secret is out. You can expect it to be going in a little bit of a different direction than it was in the past, I hope you won’t mind too much!

Check back again after Thanksgiving. I hope that you have a wonderful one!