Week 30: Large and In Charge

Sleep: Much better than my 4:30am wake up calls last week! I have gotten pretty lazy about sleeping on my side, I'm just too tired to care!

Symptoms: Kicks, kicks, and more kicks! He's still little enough that it's not painful, just fun and exciting! Also, I definitely am feeling the belly more than ever... putting my socks on is THE WORST. When I have to bend over to pick something up, I have to do the ballet plie to get me knees around my belly enough to reach the ground... it's a good time! Definitely feeling LARGE! Also, restless legs! Didn't truly understand that until this last week or so. 

Food cravings: I'm not sure I've craved much this week... I've been pretty preoccupied with a few other things...

Food aversions: Taco seasoning... heartburn for days... I will never be the same...

How Big the Little Guy is: 3 pounds and about 15.7 inches, or the size of a large cabbage!

The Size of My Belly: This is a new thing I'm trying my last ten weeks thanks to a suggestion by my friend Lisa Robison, measuring the roundest part of my belly each week to see how much I grow. This week, 41.5 inches!

What I miss: My brother Garet is the brother just younger than me... and we've become really close in the past few years. I'm so proud of him because he got into PA school out in New Hampshire! Well, I've been dreading him leaving for about 6 weeks now... and he left this week with no return flight. I may or may not have cried in the car on the way home for like 20-30 minutes. Garet is also born in March, so I'm sort of expecting our baby boy to have this instant favoritism for Garet. Hopefully he'll be back in May when we bless baby boy! Because I can't imagine him not being there!

What I'm loving: My dearest mother bought me a belly band! I've been wearing it for almost a week now, trying anything to help my belly not feel so heavy! So far, I'm a fan! I can't say it's an extremely noticeable difference, but my back has been hurting a heck of a lot less!

What I'm looking forward to: Well we have 3 different baby classes this month which I'm excited for! I want to learn all I can without feeling like I'm drinking from a fire hose. I also am looking forward to my sister-in-laws wedding being over... it has been SO stressful for our family, and for us personally. 

Best Moment this Week: We got a LOT done this week! We washed all the walls of our apartment which I've been dying to do. We got our dresser/changing table finished-- Dan totally gets all the credit for this! He came up with the idea to stain the top dark and I was skeptical at first, but LOVE how it turned out. I'm so mad we didn't take a before picture, but it was just all that yellow pine wood color. We found it on KSL for $30 and it was a DREAM! We wanted a tall dresser so we wouldn't have to bend over to change him, and it's THE PERFECT HEIGHT! It has this cute bead board detailing on the sides, and came with handles we loved! It was my Christmas miracle. 

We also found a lazy boy recliner on KSL that is big enough to fit Dan for only $100! We've been looking forever, and I was super skeptical about buying a used chair... You just never know where other peoples things have been you know?! Anyways, another MIRACLE! We went to check out this chair and it was the sweetest retired couple EVER, and they were neat freak, OCD, immaculate garage that's nicer than anywhere I've ever lived kind of people. The chair was in perfect condition, great color, best purchase ever! And I have no worries about it being completely clean and safe. Our friends Taylor and Rachel Vance told us that they bought a nice recliner chair for their nursery because they wanted something super comfortable to sit in during those late nights... Dan and I couldn't get past how genius of an idea that was. So thanks to the Vance's for sparing us from long nights in a hard rocking chair or glider! And as if that wasn't enough, we (DAN, ALL DAN!) got our pack n' play, with the bouncer chair and changing pad all set up too! I'm feeling so much better now that we've made some big dents in the material side of our baby preparation!

Words of Wisdom: This is going to be so random, but I'm completely serious. To add to my stress this week, we found out a family member has Hepatitis A... and there was a dang good chance that Dan and I could have contracted it. I was sooooo angry, I was so upset, I was so freaked out. I was on the phone with the Bear River Health Department, and Salt Lake Health Department for an hour and a half, trying to find somewhere that had immunoglobulin shots for Hepatitis A. I didn't have my immunization record, and had to wait for 5 hours for my mom to get home from work and find the paper copy of my records to know if I had been vaccinated against it or not. That 5 hours was torture. I was thinking about how I'd never be able to breastfeed, about how I was going to be super sick during my few months of motherhood, about how I could have given it to so many people too.. I was just sick inside. I was so angry. 

THANKFULLY, I was vaccinated in high school and so was Dan. We are safe and our baby is too. So PLEASE, if you haven't had your Hepatitis A shots, GET THEM NOW! I've never been so grateful for modern medicine, and that I've been vaccinated. Hepatitis A vaccinations were not available until 1995, so there are unfortunately SO many people that haven't had the Hep A shots. So just go get them!

Okay... weird rant over! We had a great new years and I hope you did too!

Sixth Appointment: 30.5 Weeks

Wednesday, January 4th @ 11:00am

This was probably the longest time we've had to wait, and it was still less than 10 minutes! They are so good at being on time which I totally appreciate! Today was the most epic snow storm Logan has had in like 10 years or something... so the roads were crazy! But Big Blue, Dan's hunk of junk truck, got us through no problem!

So my weight keeps going up! And he keeps telling me I'm right on track, so I'm trying not to be freaked out about it! I have already gained 20 pounds and I still have like 9.5 weeks to go! So whatever. As long as he keeps using the word perfect to describe my weight gain, I'll keep not caring haha!

We found little guys heartbeat much easier this time. And he is head down! He let Dan come over and feel where his head was, which was not very comfortable for me to be poked like that, but very cool that Dan got to feel his little (or not so little) head. Our visit was very quick. He pretty much said that once I'm 35 weeks, things will start getting invasive at our appointments so I'm just enjoying my quick in and out appointments!

One thing that was different this time, was that I have developed a lump in my armpit. I figured it probably had something to do with breastfeeding and glands or something. I had the doc check it out and he said it probably wasn't cancer, and just a swollen lymphnode.... well of course any time a doctor uses the "C" word, and "probably not"... I'm probably just going to get it checked anyway! So we went back in the next day for an ultrasound of my underarm (so lame! just sneak me a peek of the baby!) and they confirmed it was no big deal. So that was good news!

After our appointment, Dan couldn't resist all the parking lots full of snow so we went and did a few doughnuts :)

2017- Come What May + Love It

It's pretty crazy to think that 2017 is probably going to be one of the biggest years of our married life! We're having a baby (WHOA!), Dan will finish a Master's Degree (never saw this coming), we'll leave Logan (SWEET FREEDOM!), we'll be in the market for jobs (fingers crossed!)... we're pretty much taking adulting to the next 3 levels... all at once!

#NEWYEARSGOALS

It almost seems crazy to set new years goals with all the changes and goals we'll be meeting- but I think I benefit so much from goal setting! So here's the BIG SIX:

#1- My Theme: Come what may and love it. I literally have no idea how I'll handle the post partum part of being a mom, I have no idea where we'll be living, I honestly can't even imagine what my life will look like this next year. So come what may and love it. It's all going to work out. It always does.

#2- Take this baby everywhere. Don't stop doing things and never leave the house because it's harder with a baby! Be flexible!

#3- Keep dating my love. One thing I've been so worried about with having a baby is that Dan and I will lose everything we worked for in our relationship. So we're going to keep going out and growing and laughing and playing!

#4- I've been pretty bad at initiating friendships; I've gotten shy and a bit antisocial in my old age. haha. So that's something I want to work on is throwing out the expectation of "they should say hi first!"

#5- Find my thing. I'm going to need a stress relief, a hobby, a passion- that's just for me more than ever with all that's coming full speed ahead. My dearest friend Kalie has been adjusting to stay at home mom life and taken up watercolor... SO COOL! I want to be like that! I think it's so important!

#6- And of course, typical cliche new years goal. Take better care of my body! Not lose weight, not fit into a certain size, but take care of my body through an enjoyable exercise and eating less junk food. I am going to need all the energy I can get to keep up with my boys!

Six goals, six worded theme.  So with that being said, Happy New Year! May your goals be cheery and a fight!

Week 29: Christmas-- Party of 2 1/2

Sleep: With all the exhaustion from the holidays and family drama, I've slept pretty dang good! However, the first couple days before the holidays began, I woke up at 4:30am, unable to go back to sleep, and at 5:15am the next day-- again unable to sleep. If you know how I am about sleep, you know this is SUPER weird for me. Thankfully that trend didn't last long!

Symptoms: This is probably entirely my fault with all the chocolate I've eaten this past week, but little guy has been going C-R-A-Z-Y the the last few days, like somersaults and flips up in here! It's been really fun watching my belly move like crazy and see how strong and active he is. I've loved it!

Food cravings: Still juice.

Food aversions: Taco anything. Dan made this really good taco casserole this last week, and boy- I still can't handle it!

How Big the Little Guy is: 2 1/2 pounds, 15 inches or the size of a butternut squash!

What I miss: Being able to eat seafood! Especially because my grandma makes crab legs every new years day and I'll be super limited in my portion size compared to my usual new years crab consumption.

What I'm loving: I am so grateful I had three days off for Christmas. Even though I have whined and moped about having to be at work, it really has been a great blessing to have as much time as I did. Also, I'm really grateful for our tiny apartment here in Logan, safe and hidden away from all the stressful things out of our control.

What I'm looking forward to: It's already time for our next appointment! We go in next Wednesday. I'm also looking forward to a WHOLE other week of Dan not having school or work so we can get as much quality time in as possible. Yipee! Also, NEW YEARS EVE! I love me a good new years eve. 2017 is just around the corner and so is this baby!!!

Best Moment this Week: Going to Denny's with Dan at 6:00am! Dan has been such a good sport about my few early mornings and it's definitely been a silver lining to hang out a couple extra hours so early talking and laughing. 

We also found a DRESSER for only $30 on KSL! It is exactly what we have been hoping and looking for. I can't wait to post a picture of how it turns out. 

This was my best and favorite Christmas yet between just Dan and I. I loved every second of our time together Christmas Eve morning opening presents and talking. Everyone keeps telling me how different Christmas will be for us next year, and this was a perfect one before the change comes. 

Words of Wisdom: Dan and I went and did sealings this last week, I am just ever so grateful I've been able to go to the temple through pregnancy! It's been a great blessing and helped me cope with so much. 

My Tiny Boyfriend

I've been thinking a lot about all the reasons I'm excited to have a boy! My Pinterest board is convincing me that this is actually going to be a lot more fun that I first gave the situation credit for...

- The number #1 thing I'm most excited for is Dan to have his little buddy. A little guy to teach all his hobbies to and completely adore. It's going to melt my heart.

- I'm going to be in the best shape of my life chasing this kid around for the next 18 years of his life!

- Having a boy is going to get me out of my comfort zone on a WHOLE new level. I don't know about boy stuff or do boy things. I used to think that my high tolerance for action movies made me a pretty great wife, but I don't think that will cut with raising a boy! So my horizons will be expanded... like I might finally understand the difference between Marvel and Justice League... Harry Potter can count as a super hero right?!

- I'm going to have to mellow out. Boys are just messy and mischievous-- and I am going to have to let things go and stay calm when he does crazy things. I think that will be a great thing to help me keep a perspective of what really matters in life.

- Dan keeps telling me that boys just have a special bond with their mothers... I'm not sure I buy into that, but it's a nice thought I'll hold on to!

- I had the best guy friends in High School, I loved spending time with them! He'll just be like another tiny boyfriend for me to be best friends with while Dan is gone at work!

- I'll save money on clothes! Because I've only been tempted to buy like 2 things so far! But then boys are so messy and ruin their clothes so fast... so maybe I'll get to shop more! Hmm...

- I'm quite certain I'll be able to write a book, or at least a few good blog posts about all the crazy things this boy will do. I'm convinced that our kid is going to be just like "Spot" off the cute Disney/Pixar movie, The Good Dinosaur. He will be the most adorable thing I've ever laid eyes on, but such a handful that his cuteness is what will keep him alive until he can go to Kindergarten haha!

- HAVE YOU SEEN LITTLE BOY SHOES AND BEANIES?! 'Nuff said.

Week 28: THIRD TRIMESTER?!

Sleep: Dan got sick this week with a sore throat and so we had to sleep with the window closed for a few days... boy was I a grumpy bear. Sorry Dan! Glad he was able to kick his cold quickly and that I didn't get sick- that was a miracle in itself.

Symptoms: Besides being super moody and stressed... mmm don't think so :)

Food cravings: Chocolate... and naps. 

Food aversions: meh, not really.

How Big the Little Guy is: 2 1/4 pounds and 14.8 inches long, or the size of an eggplant!

What I miss: Sleeping however the heck I want!

What I'm loving: It's been freaking cold this week. And I'm loving that we don't have to pay for heat so I can stay as toasty warm as I want, and crack our window! I'm also appreciating feeling the little guy, there was a few days where he just wasn't moving much and it really bothered me!

What I'm looking forward to: I've been looking forward to Christmas since the first of October... and now that it's days away, I'm not as excited any more. Things with both of our families have been more stressful than ever before, and I am afraid it's not going to be much of a "holiday". BUT, this is our last Christmas in Logan, and our last Christmas just Dan and I-- so I'm going to try my darndest to make it a good despite all the other stress going on.

Best Moment this Week: I found a dress for $6 at the DI for Dan's sisters wedding and I was STOKED! It's been stressing me out so bad trying to find a dress in the perfect shade/color and that will fit over my belly, that wasn't hideous! Counting this as my Christmas miracle. Also, our Infant Safety class was good! I liked that we got some tips about car seats and things to look for before we have purchased one. We learned infant CPR and talked about ways to baby proof every room in the house- it was great!

Words of Wisdom: Live in a country that believes in maternity leave! I am trying not to be bitter that while 80% of the people at work have been off for days, I'm still here! I kind of hate that I have to save up all my leave for when the little guy gets here, when I really feel like I should be taking time where I can to enjoy our final weeks as a family of 2! What a sob story huh, first world problems much?! 

And now that you've suffered through all my whining, let's talk about one more time how GIANT this kids head is going to be with a daddy like this! #90'sbaby I love that big cheesy grin though!!!

Week 27: So Long Second Trimester

Sleep: The most magical thing happened this week-- I got a full nights sleep. Like I woke up twice- AND THAT WAS IT! My secret weapon, sleeping with our window cracked for that cold winter air to keep me from waking up to overheating from all the pillows I'm surrounded by! I pray every night for deep sleep, and I loved that I got my turn to have one night of it!

Symptoms: I've had a new symptom pop up this week- loss of appetite. I am just not hungry! I force myself to eat, just to make sure lil' guy is okay. But it's super weird. From my own research, most women say this happens late in the 3rd trimester, not now! The doctor said not to force myself to eat if I'm not hungry, just have a graham cracker or something every few hours to keep sugars up. So I'll be trying that!

Food cravings: The juice cravings continue! 

Food aversions: With not having much of an appetite, I've had a hard time finding things that sound good. I had garlic mashed potatoes this week and that is the first time in my life I've not liked a potato! So that was weird.

How Big the Little Guy is: Almost 2 pounds and about 14 1/2 inches, or the size of a cauliflower head!

What I'm loving: I've started thinking about the feeling of not being pregnant anymore, and it's weird to think about! It's made me reflect on how this will probably be the easiest part of motherhood- feeling close to him all the time, but still living our lives just Dan + I! I mean that will never happen again. So for now, I'm just loving and soaking up being pregnant. That we have baby, and taking care of him is literally the easiest thing in the world right now. I CAN NOT BELIEVE I'M MOVING INTO THE THIRD TRIMESTER! I cannot comprehend time any more... it's too weird...

What I'm looking forward to: That tomorrow, FINALS WILL OFFICIALLY BE OVER! We have our infant safety class I'm looking forward to this weekend, and hopefully getting Christmas presents bought and wrapped! Christmas is coming SO fast!

Best Moment this Week: We got to hear the heartbeat at our appointment this week which is always great! It took the doctor a minute to find it this time- he found it down off the left bottom part of my belly of all places! He said he couldn't tell where this kid was laying, or where his head was! That was kind of funny to me!

Words of Wisdom: I'm so sick of strollers and carseats! I just want to get one and get it over with!  Also, something else I'm learning is to not assume the doctor will tell you everything. Ask TONS of questions. There is apparently this whole drawer of pamphlets they have at the doctors office and I'm wondering which ones I should have seen but haven't...