It's a Boy!

We're having a baby boy! I'm so excited. That has been my guess all along and it was so fun to get it confirmed today. A BOY! I can't stop smiling about it. I mean, I can't stop smiling about a new baby in general, but there's something about knowing the gender that takes everything to the next level. Now I can call it him and think of it as a little boy, not just a baby. Bart is thrilled of course and one of his first comments about it- "what if he doesn't like sports??" I told him his daughter knows more football signs than most adults, I don't think it's going to be an issue with his children.

Minus the fact that I got a cold this past weekend, I have been feeling really great. I've felt him move a few times, and I'm excited to have that be a regular thing again. I've been able to keep up on my exercise routine and my cravings have calmed waaaay down. I'm back to eating normal food cooked up in our kitchen. No more daily fast-food craziness. Plus, I slept AMAZEBALLS last night, so that puts you in a good mood for, like, days.

I don't know why I haven't been taking the time to write more. I like to type things out but it's just not very convenient anymore. Probably not a good excuse. Plus I don't have much of an update that isn't already posted on my other social media accounts. I'm trying to tone down my life-sharing. It's really hard when you have a kid as cute as mine- every photo is sharable!! ;)

Okay- that's all I have for tonight. #sorrynotsorry

12 Weeks and Hot Dogs

This won't be published after I write it since the cyber world doesn't know I'm pregnant yet. Everyone in my daily life knows, we just haven't posted anything yet.

But I have some time tonight and I wanted to write down how this pregnancy is going so far. I'm 12 weeks and this has been much better than the first time around. With Mckenzie I was sick for 16 weeks. Just dead on the couch from 1pm until I crawled into bed around 7. I still crawl into bed around 7, but being tired is much better than being sick. I was only pretty sick for about 2 weeks every day, and then it went away. I get sick in the evenings usually but it's random and maybe once a week is it enough for me to just want to sit and not do anything. Bart has taken such great care of me and Mckenzie when that happens.

My main pregnancy side effect would be insomnia, and I have to take a Unisom every night or I don't sleep at all. Even with a pill I have crazy dreams every night and usually wake up several times. But I haven't reached the pee-every-hour stage so thank goodness  for that! Plus I'm taking naps when Mckenzie goes down for her afternoon nap, so usually my fatigue is manageable. My other side effect, which is the same as last time, is bloating. Like- belly looks 5 months pregnant bloating. It doesn't matter if I eat a little or a lot, it will poke out within 10 minutes of eating anything.

My eating it totally different this time too. With Mckenzie I couldn't choke down a veggie, and this time I just want nothing homemade. I would eat out for every single meal if I could. In fact, I told Bart I'm not having any fast food this week. We'll see if I survive! My biggest craving has been hot dogs. I would eat a hot dog every day. But I usually try to limit myself to like 3 a week (except this one!). I think it's more the soft soft bun I love...Bart thinks it's so weird. He said in the 7 years he's known me I've never eaten a hot dog, and in the last month I've had like 10. There's no explaining it! I don't like cooking and nothing in my kitchen ever sounds appetizing, but I'm trying to behave myself. I've really enjoyed greek yogurt and making my own Lunachbles with cheese and turkey with GF crackers. It's my go-to lunch.

Speaking of GF- gluten hasn't really affect me too much during pregnancy, so I'm not too strict about it. But this past week I had 2 different migraines and I wonder if that's from the bread- so I'm also staying away from that good stuff this week too. Migraines are never worth a sandwich. Ever!

Since I'm feeling pretty good, and my first trimester has been during relatively nice weather, I've stayed active. With Mckenzie, being pregnant November-Jan during my first trimester and feeling like crap- I didn't exercise. Ever. It's been SO nice to be able to sweat and move my body and work hard. I've been running the same distances and at a little faster pace, and I've really upped by strength training. I know exercising is really only going to get harder, not easier, so I'm trying to make the most of if while I can. As I was stretching after my run tonight I remembered I only did a yoga video with Mckenzie when my belly was huge. I'm sure that video will make an appearance, just hopefully not for a few more months.

I had an ultrasound last week and saw our little peanut move around and it was so fun! I love hearing the heartbeat for the first time. It reminds me something is in there. With Mckeznie, since I was so sick I really needed that reassurance that something was going on, and it was going to be worth it. But this time around I know the amazingness that is cookin' up in there and I'm just so happy. Mckenzie is so sweet around babies, I know she's going to be a funny big sister. I'll have to protect the new baby from her hugs and snuggles and poking of the eyes- but I can't wait to see her meet her sibling. The idea of having 2 kids just blows my mind. There are things that don't scare me anymore (yes, you'll know when it needs to eat) but there is a whole new set of questions that won't be answered until it gets here! Mckenzie is at such a fun age right now, it just makes me even more excited to have another one.

Because everything is pretty different this time, everyone is convinced it's a boy. We'll find out June 1st!!

Hi baby: 39 weeks

Hi Baby,

I can't believe I will see your sweet face in less than 4 days! These last few days have been hard; I haven't been feeling very well and I thought I was going into labor on Friday but JUST KIDDING! It was just 6 hours of false labor. Good times. Your daddy and I are ready for you and we talk about you all the time. As I sit here and rub my belly, feeling you move, it makes me a little sad to think soon you won't always be with me. I have bonded to you and I see why pregnancy feels so long. Once you're here I'm not going to want you out of my sight!

On the other side of things, I can't wait to not be pregnant anymore! I seriously feel like this body is not my own and I can't even remember what it feels like to have a core and be able to do things like sit up in bed or get off the couch without a little help. I'm so excited to be able to feel my fingers again and not have swelling in my feet. I think I still have a wardrobe in that closet of mine, but I'm not really sure because I wear the same 5 things and don't even care anymore.

I have read a lot of different things from a lt of new moms and I am interested to see what my experience is going to be like. I know my personality is really going to come through once you are here, and I just wonder if that's a good or bad thing. 

One of the biggest things I am excited for is to see my husband become your daddy. He is already so sweet to you and talks about you all the time. He treats me like a queen and I have no doubt you will be his little princess. I hope you stay close to him and be "his favorite" just like me and my dad. There is something special about the daddy-daughter relationship and I'm so happy that you get a man like Bart as your dad.

Your sheets are washed, your bag is packed and there are diapers in the drawer. We are just waiting to meet you little one. See you soon

Xoxo

Mom 

My Pregnancy Must-Haves

I wasn't super into Pinterest until I bought a house and then again when I got pregnant. I read every pregnancy post out there. 95% of the stuff didn't really apply to me, so I'm making my own "Pregnancy Must Haves"

Underbelly black slim fit leggings/pants from Motherhood Maternity

Aside from the fact that I hate this picture (4 inch heels? really?) I LOVE these pants. I wear them at least 5 days a week at this point. They are thick enough that I don't feel uncomfortable wearing a shorter shirt, but it's thin enough that I don't get really hot wearing them (and being 8-9 months prego in July..this is a MUST). My favorite thing is the fact that they are underbelly which means there is nothing tight squeezing my belly in. I didn't really mind those kind of pants when I was 5 months pregnant, but eventually I just wanted to let that bump be FREE. These pants are my #1 must have.

Compression Socks

I only started wearing these socks about 5 weeks ago when I started to get nice and puffy/swollen ankles and feet. I don't wear them every day, but after a really long day when my feet are huge I go to bed and that next morning I make sure to wear them. Two days without support is a bad combo. These socks help keep the swelling away and despite the swelling I haven't seen any varicose veins just yet (knock on wood). I don't know the swelling situation for women who aren't pregnant in the summer heat, but if you find yourself with sore legs and feet after a long day...these help.

Bart

Ok ok so you can't have my Bart, but having a sexy man with a great beard around is a MUST. He takes such good care of me and has never once commented on my excessive couch time. Having someone in your corner who loves you and doesn't judge you and is kinda scared to question your choices is always a good thing. He has made the hard days easier and the good days even better. 

A Good Book 

(Or two or three or four...) 

Favorite snack

I haven't really had any weird cravings, but there have been foods I only want to eat and nothing else sounds good. Instead of rationing myself I have just embraced it. Only want toast all day? Make sure you buy extra bread your next trip. Baked potatoes...cheese sticks...just accept it girlfriend. 

A pregnancy pillow 

Some people swear by this pillow:

I, however, prefer this one: 

Find what helps you sleep better. Even if that thing is an old flat pillow, leaving your $75 body pillow to sit in the corner....

Lotion lotion lotion! 

I don't really think lotion prevents stretch marks, but if I did then this lotion would be the one to buy! I put it on morning and night and no stretch marks yet! I mostly like it because it's thick and smells good but absorbs well and isn't greasy. 

Bubble Bath

I have taken more baths being prego than ever before. Having fun bubble bath to make you feel fancy is the cherry on top. I grabbed a bottle of the cheap stuff and just used a ton, and then was gifted the nice stuff and was able to stretch it further. As long as there are bubbles it's a win win.

Shows to Binge Watch
Bart and I are currently binge watching "House" and I binge watch "Blue Bloods" when Bart is gone. Then you aren't getting angry when Summer TV SUCKS

Just rub my damn feet

After a day at work my feet looked like this

Fridays are always the most painful day for my feet. After a week of working they need a break. Bart suggested I get a pedicure on my way home. So I did. And it made everything worse!

I walk in and say I want a pedicure but I mostly just want a foot massage. I show them my swollen feet and explain it's all I want. 

An hour later and I pretty much leave in tears. My toes are nicely painted and hey my calves feel great but my feet? They still hurt and they're still puffy. When does a request for a FOOT rub turn into a full leg massage? Even after pointing out exactly where I want it, she doesn't seem to understand and keeps going rubbing my calf. Plus her hands suck and are too weak to do a damn thing 

I sat in that massage chair angry. Legitimately mad at the whole situation and on the verge of tears. 

Rational? No. 

Crazy? Yes. 

Do I care? No.

 Do I plan on going straight home to ask Bart to rub my feet? Why yes, yes I do. 

Pregnancy Dreamland: Exercise or Die

Reasons To Exercise Now

The benefits of exercising during pregnancy begin immediately and will last your whole life.

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BySuzanne Schlosberg

When I first got pregnant I signed up for a few weekly emails. Yes I want to know what my baby is doing this week! She's the size of a what? Best sex position? These were all things I thought I would need to know. About 12 weeks in I stopped reading most of them. They usually just annoyed me. I look back and think those were written for women in Pregnancy Dreamland.

 I specifically remember when I got the "33 Reasons to Exercise Now". I'm sure I read it as I was sitting on the couch NOT exercising. 

Here's the thing. There is above mentioned pregnancy dreamland...and then there is reality. Reality is different for every pregnant woman. My reality was that I was too sick to exercise at first, then I was too busy, then it was too hot and I was too big. There was a 2.5 month period where I exercised 5 days a week around April and May...but other than that I haven't been as great as I should. I'm over it.

So here are 9 reasons from that article, followed by my 9 reasons of why their reasons are stupid. 

-(side note: I LOVE to exercise. I love to run and move my body and keep it strong. I know there are 934785 benefits to exercising regularly and I believe that. I just hate stupid articles that tell prego women everywhere to EXERCISE OR DIE.)

1. You’re likely to gain less weight. 
- obviously this makes sense. But I would argue that most women are going to gain the same amount of weight either way. I have had a lot of moms tell me they exercised a lot more for one of their kids, and they ended up gaining the same amount of weight. Why? Because the "weight" we are gaining isn't just fat (and most of the fat we do gain is because we're going to need it to breastfeed later). Exercise or not, you're still going to have double the blood volume and a huge uterus filled with a chubby baby.

2. Labor and delivery may be easier.
- the next line in this tip is "there's no guarantee of course". What does "easier" mean anyway? It takes less time? You don't get as sweaty? You're strong enough to damage your husband's hand as he holds it?

3. You lower your gestational diabetes risk 
- I was one point away from the edge of having gestational diabetes and I was told that even though diet is a way to treat it once you have it, it doesn't really cause it to begin with. Family genetics, weight before getting pregnant and how your baby affects your system are all bigger factors. 

4. You get that “prenatal-spin-class high.” 
- has anyone even gotten a "not pregnant spin class high"?? didn't think so.

5. You’re less likely to cry, “Oh, my aching back.” 
- As much as I hate my couch, it hasn't given me any back pain either.

6. You’re less likely to get constipated.
- I have a pretty great digestive system thanks to my Hashimotos program....so my couch hasn't been a problem here either. p.s. you could also just drink lots of water and eat nutritious food? crazy I know.

7. You have more energy. 
- I will agree with this one...unless it's 98 degrees from 6am-10pm. Then that heat will suck all energy from your system

8. Odds are, you’ll deliver a svelter baby. Babies born with excess fat are significantly more likely to become overweight kindergarteners.
- bullshit. I don't believe chubby babies equal chubby children. I would take a happy chubby baby over a skinny sick one any day of the week.

9. You can enjoy the greatest flexibility of your life. 
- even when I was exercising 5 days a week with my baby bump I didn't really notice an increase in flexibility.....

36 things for 36 weeks

1. We have so much control over our health and bodies than most people realize. Except when you're prego, then shit just happens. 

2. I think my couch has my body impression permanently carved into it. 

3. I have never been more at peace with my life than I have felt being pregnant. 

4. When I was physically able to exercise any way I wanted I had no desire. Now that I can only waddle around I dream of running. Typical 

5. Having Bart rub and kiss my belly and talk to our baby is one of my favorite things. 

6. I never thought my ankles and toes could get so big. It's embarrassing and amusing all in one. 

I wore sandals to church and realized an hour in that it was a bad idea. Bart and I laughed the rest of the day

7. No, feeling my baby move/kick isn't "weird", "strange", "freaky" or "painful"

8. If I could sleep naked I would. In fact, if I could walk around my house naked I would to that too. All clothes are stupid when you're 9 months pregnant. 

9. Panda Express, Olive Garden, Noodles, have been the places where I thought constantly about their food for a few days until I finally caved and went there to eat. 

10. One of the things I'm most exited for is to see my daughter's face. I am dying to know what she looks like! 

11. It took Bart about 2-3 days to warm up to the idea that he was having a daughter. Now he can't wipe a grin off his face when he talks about having a baby girl.

12. I was standing in my kitchen making dinner the first time I sneezed and peed a little. Bart and I proceeded to laugh about it the rest of the night. 

13. I really really really hate it when men (other than family) comment on my body. I don't know why it bothers me so much. I guess it's because they would NEVER say a word if I wasn't pregnant. All of a sudden having a baby bump gives them a green light? No. 

14. Since finding out I was pregnant I haven't wanted to spend a dime. Which is weird. 

15. I don't like reading pregnancy books. I haven't started reading baby books yet, maybe I will like those better? 

16. I've gain "a lot" of weight according to the guidelines. I honestly don't know what I could have done differently and I honestly don't really care. Bart finds it funny I almost weigh as much as him. 

17. Looking forward to something 40 weeks away makes time squish together. It's already July? I have been waiting for August since December so 2014 has gone by very fast for me. 

18. Watching my husband nest is pretty adorable.    

19. I can't imagine having to raise a daughter without the guidance that comes from the gospel. I won't know most things about parenting, but at least I know where to look for the answers 

20. Eating patterns of a pregnant woman: 1) eat anything and everything all the time 2) only eat certain things multiple times a day 3) don't really want to eat anything 4) ice only please 

21. I dread the moment when my teenage daughter doesn't "like" me. I love her so much already, and she isn't even here yet. I think of how I acted toward my own mom and it makes me sad. 

22. Experienced my first Bracton Hicks this week. It hurt. And it got me SO EXCITED TO HAVE THIS BABY? Call me crazy, or just call me a mom. 

23. You can tell what men are fathers and who aren't. Fathers look at me 9 months pregnant with a smile and a "how are you feeling". Non fathers look at me up and down, pause at my belly with a scared look in their face and then say something like "ready to pop?" Or "you look miserable" or "WHEN are you due again??" 

24. If I could get a foot massage/pedicure every day I would. Having normal blood flow in my hands and feet is one of the things I look forward to the most 

25. The love for my daughter has been growing slow and steady. I know I will just burst when she is finally here 

26. I have never had a dream about my baby and I never got cool cravings 

27. I still haven't bought diapers, bottles or onesies 

28. I'm really really really really looking forward to having 12 weeks off work

29. One of the things that stresses me out the most is the recovery. But hey, I'm 24 so I should bounce right back...right?!?!!

30. I'm really happy that we live close to family and that she will have the chance

to get to know her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins 

31. There was a point I was waking up to pee 4-5 times a night. I was pretty angry at my bladder. Lucky for me it's gone back down to once a night 

32. Bart and I are so excited to have a baby, but I don't regret waiting 3 years. We have had the chance to enjoy each other and our relationship and we cherish the idea of a new addition

33. She is currently Breech so we might have to have a C-section. At first I felt like that would make me less of a mother. Then I got over it. Mommy guilt already?? Please no.

34. I didn't really follow the rules early on in pregnancy. I ate deli meat and slept on my tummy. Happy mommy = happy baby right?

35. It doesn't bother me when people rub my belly. I can't stop rubbing it!

36. She could be here as soon as 3 weeks if we end of having a C-section! I can't believe it and I'm so excited. She could come any day at this point and we would be ready. I love you baby girl!

A few things...

Will I ever fit into any of my shoes again? Because even my flip flops are feeling tight. Add my wedding ring to that list...and my 20 pairs of jeans that just sit in my closet looking pretty. I've been told everything will fit again. We shall see. 

I married a really great guy. should we talk about it? I went out to run errands yesterday and on my way to my car I tripped and fell on the stairs in the garage. I immediately got up and turned around, crying my way to the couch saying I fell and maybe it was my shoes and no, I didn't hit the belly. Bart ices my knee and makes sure I'm ok. He says I need to be more careful and try not to biff it. You got it babe. 30 minutes into my errands he calls me to see how I'm feeling. Just checking in on me to make sure Im OK. yes babe, I'm ok, even better now that you called. 

Baby girl is currently Breech and loving every minute of it. As she grows I'm pretty sure her little head has been up top and center the whole time. Doc says a C-section is going to have to be in the plan if she doesn't turn the next few weeks. I don't really care how my baby comes into this world, I'm just happy to have her here. If a C-section happens our daughter will be here in 3.5 weeks! What??? I can't imagine what it will be like to have her here, but I can't wait to find out! 

Cheese, chocolate chips, crushed ice, refried beans, water. 

Hi baby: 34.5 weeks

Hi baby,

We are on the home stretch! You are growing strong and getting chubby and enjoy poking your elbow all the way out.

The last few doctor's appointments haven't been that great, and I have a few medical issues I'm trying to get through. I still consider myself as having a pretty easy pregnancy all things considered, and I just hope it's not "all downhill from here". I had a moment the other day where I was just feeling fat and lazy and uncomfortable and as I rolled off the couch (because rolling is now my way of getting off the bed/couch) I had a hard time dealing with everything. I had to remind myself once again that this is just a moment in time and my body won't be like this forever. I WILL gain feeling back in my hands, and I will be able to walk down the street or sit in church without getting light headed. I will soon be able to run and move my body again and even sleep on my stomach! I know this moment of time is almost over, and I'm trying to appreciate this experience as best I can.

I think daddy and I are pretty much ready for your arrival! We ordered a stroller/car seat combo online and daddy couldn't wait to get it all set up. As soon as I got home from work he showed me all the knobs and straps and explained how everything worked. I'm sure I'll need a refresher course once there's actually a baby inside that thing....but it was sweet to see him so excited. He has taken to 'nesting' in his own way and the nursery is almost complete! Seeing everything come together and little baby girl clothes hanging in the closet just makes me want to meet you more and more!

This whole motherhood thing is coming to me a little at a time. I find myself relating more to the parents in a book than to the teenagers...I look at families and kids in the neighborhood with a totally different eye. Even this week I looked at the 4th of July holiday a little differently. I hope you realize one day how blessed you are to grow up and live in The United States. I don't really know what it's going to be like for you when you get older, but I do know that it's still the best place to live. You will be free to live and grow in ways girls only dream about in other places. You can get an education and become whatever you want. You will have a voice if/when you want one. You will be respected for your talents and skills and not ignored because you are a woman. I value these things myself, but knowing my daughter is going to be blessed with all of this too is overwhelming. I am so thankful.

I love you little one!

Stay strong and keep growing
xoxo
mom

Baby Shower

Here are a few pics from my baby shower a few weeks ago. Thanks to everyone who came! It was so much fun catching up with old friends and neighbors. My mom and sisters rocked the decorations and treats. I have some pretty awesome ladies in my life! xoxo

Big slice of (sugar-free) humble pie

My 33 week checkup was today and Meggy got a huge slice of humble pie. And by pie I mean the bad kind. Not the kind of pie that is filled with sugar and happiness because as of today I can't have anymore sugar. 

I took my glucose test to see if I had gestational diabetes a couple weeks ago. My doctor said I was 1 point away from being diagnosed. ONE POINT. wtf?? Now to be honest I did eat a piece of cheesecake the morning before my test..... But my doc said that would not have really skewed my results (meaning it's high because it's high, not just because I ate some sugar that morning).  Of course my love of sugar doesn't help the situation and even though there are a handful of reasons pregnant women get diabetes it still freaked me out. 

But the Man upstairs knows what motivates me, and that doctor's visit today absolutely motivated me to be better. I would say I have had a pretty "easy" pregnancy (whatever that means) but I have struggled from day one to keep up on my exercise routine and healthy diet. 

At first it was because I felt like total shit every day and couldn't choke down a vegetable, then it was gross weather outside and I was out of the habit of daily exercise and then when it finally turned beautiful weather I was too big to run and started getting huge and awkward and tired. *sigh*

Long story short? I have been utilizing my couch WAY too much. But today that chapter of the story ends. I know I only have 7 weeks left but it's not too late to take care of myself. Looking back of course I would have done a few things different during this pregnancy, but it was my first time and a life adjustment I didn't see coming! There is nothing I can do about how I have been the past 33 weeks, but I do have control of the next 7. 

So no more sugar (and refined carbs but I don't eat those anyway) and daily exercise. Apparently my stubborn self needed to get to the cliff before realizing it wasn't worth the jump. I will always love my candy and sweets, but (for now:)) I love myself and my baby more. 

Beachless Babymoon

 This time next week Bart and I were supposed to be enjoying the beach for a quick babymoon. It was going to be lovely and relaxing and leaving my skin with a nice tan and I have been looking forward to it for MONTHS. 

Then I got into a car accident this week and BAM. No more beach trip. 

*sigh*

My car is probably totaled and the financially responsible adults in us decided we should put off a beach vacation. Sometimes being financially responsible sucks. I want to just take all our hard earned cash and spend it on whatever the hell we want and not worry about having a savings account or paying off school loans quickly or having other savings accounts. 

Bart and I are lucky that we are both on pretty much the same page when it comes to finances. It's usually not a topic of conflict and we can come to an agreement pretty quickly. After the accident Bart brought up the vacation and I started crying because I knew that meant he was thinking what I was thinking : we shouldn't go. Sometimes it's awesome when great minds think alike. Other times it sucks! 

So today I put on my new swimsuit (the one that fits my prego chest size) and headed to the pool. I might not be going to the beach anymore but I sure as hell will be getting that tan! 

As for next week...a staycation babymoon is in order and I am determined to enjoy myself- beachless and all.  

Days fly by

I never really blogged about the night I found out I was pregnant, and how we spilled the news to our family. Technically I wrote a blog post to baby B and never hit publish until 6 weeks later when we were ready to share the news.

I also wrote the following post and it has been sitting in my "drafts" folder ever since

December 12, 2013

I am 5 weeks pregnant today and NO ONE KNOWS! And by no one I mean Bart and my BFF Sarah because let's be honest..I wasn't going to sit around for Bart to get home after peeing on a stick. I obvi had to call my bestie. Ok...enough with that.

I found out 5 days ago. I was barely late for my period and even though normally I wouldn't even think about it, I kept getting this nagging feeling to take a test. I had an extra one lying around from an 'oops!' moment 6 months ago (it was negative..obviously) so I took it and BAM that electronic stick said "yes" within a minute! I just stared at it. Stared at it long and hard. Then I looked at Aggie who shared that moment with me and started laughing/crying.

pregnant. positive. yes.

Bart was at his brother's watching the Aggies lose play when I called asking when he would be home. He was grouchy because they were losing and said "late". So I went down to the couch and sat there with my stick and called Sarah. I remember when she got pregnant she texted me at 7 a.m. asking if I 'had a minute" and when I said yes, she texted me a pic of her pee stick. So of course calling her was my next logical step. Earlier that day was her baby shower so it was a fun-filled-baby Saturday.

When Bart got home I told him I had some good news and (like always) he said "you're pregnant?" and this time instead of laughing it off I started smiling and showed him the stick! He was so happy and we are still trying to register everything as I write this.

A few days later I went to the 7-11 next door and bought a bag of potato chips and a pregnancy test. The kid looked at my purchase and asked "how's your day going?" haha. I can see how this would be amusing. (fyi...I ate that bag of chips within 24 hours...Instead of blaming my fat kid tendencies I will blame the bun in the oven)

I want to tell the whole world but chances are you won't be reading this for another few months. That's okay...I just had to get it out to share later :)

Baby Bowen expected August 2014.


Kinda fun right? Well we waited until we saw our family at Christmas to tell them. We got this awesome video of my mom opening her Christmas present:







I can't believe this was 6 months ago and now our daughter will be here in just a few short months! This pregnancy has FLOWN by and I have loved every second of it!

Week 31 Update

Bart really sucks at taking pictures so I am stuck with mirror selfies for baby bump updates

STATS:

How far along: 31W 2D

Baby size: 3.3ish lbs & 16 ish inches

Sleep: wake up religiously every night at 1 a.m. Waking up 2-5 times a night for potty breaks (depending on how much water I drank too close to bedtime). Usually NOT comfortable but I'm getting use to sleeping on my side. Apparently I now snore like a sailor (sorry Bart!)

Maternity clothes: If I'm not in maternity pants I'm super uncomfortable. I have black pants I wear pretty much every day. I'm also loving my maxi skirt. I am still wearing a few of my non-maternity shirts if they are long enough

Food cravings: I wish I was cooler in this department! I have no cravings. I really really love crushed ice and ice water.

Food aversions: Salmon hasn't been appealing this whole pregnancy, and I haven't really wanted sweet potatoes either. Right now meat in general doesn't sound good.

Symptoms I have: swollen swollen swollen feet/cankles! I was told about this "summer swelling" but I didn't really know what to expect...let's just say it's pretty ugly and kinda painful! I also have carpel tunnel 24/7 in my right hand so it's numb 100% of the time. (In general I feel pretty lucky in this department, I am feelin' pretty good!)

Latest Dr. appointment: Heart rate was 110/72 and I was measuring at 32 weeks (about 9 days ahead of schedule, so my baby is just nice and chunky! yay) I also took the glucose test and I'm waiting to hear back for the results. Here's hoping that piece of cheesecake I ate that morning doesn't skew the results...

Movement: she is getting big enough to where I can feel certain body parts sticking out...I just can't tell which side is her bum and which side is her head! I either have a leg/butt sticking out my right side all the time or a head/elbow. I can tell she is getting a little squished because it's less "dance party" and more "sloth movements"

Belly button: officially an outie! It's been making it's way out for a few weeks but went from "flat" to "out" just recently.

Best moment of the week: honestly this has been the most exhausting week of pregnancy so far...so the best moment is the fact that it's Friday night and I get a few days to relax!

What I'm looking forward to: my first baby shower this weekend and finishing my nursery!!

What I miss: RUNNING. Bart has a race tomorrow and I'm so jealous. I can't want to be able to lace up my sneaks again.

Quote of the week: "getting pregnant is like getting morbidly obese in a 9 month period....is it awkward?" -Bart

Hi Baby: 30 Weeks

Hi Baby,
I have been in the mood lately to write and write and write and write. Which means this blog is getting extra attention and you get another letter!

The interweb tells me you're about 3 pounds now and the size of a cabbage. I can feel your fat butt pushing out every once in a while. Daddy says don't call it a fat butt...I say it's a term of endearment. When that fat butt lands on my bladder it's less endearing ;)

I can definitely tell you are getting bigger. I feel you moving throughout the day and whenever you shift positions I can see my belly contour and move with you. It's crazy and I love it! It blows my mind that you are inside, growing and developing and being a little human. Technically you could handle being out in this world, but I'm glad you're hanging out inside for a while longer.

I think right now I am looking more pregnant than I feel. My bump is getting bigger and bigger but for the most part I am feeling really good. I'm not totally uncomfortable just yet (unless I'm wearing jeans...) and I feel like my belly has looked the same the last 10 weeks. I know it's growing but I don't notice it that much.

I'm getting the nesting bug and really want to get your nursery all put together. I finally picked a color scheme and bought a few things to hang on the walls...but daddy has been extremely busy the last few weeks so I haven't wanted to bug him about hanging things up. I must say it's pretty awesome being married to a "handy" guy. He can do anything I need him to and his perfectionist personality means it gets done right the first time. I can't wait to see you following him around and "helping" one day!

Speaking of daddy being busy...you will be joining our family at the busiest time of year: Football Season! Daddy is busy Monday-Saturday and I usually don't see much of him. The last few years it has been fine ( I like my alone time) but it will be interesting to see how I adjust when you get here. I am going to do my very best to support Coach Bowen with a newborn at home...Your daddy LOVES football and I love seeing him enjoy himself out on the field. There is no place I would rather have him be. I guess that means you and I will just take plenty of trips to visit. (and you better believe you'll be wearing green and gold onsies to represent)

stay strong and keep growing little one
xoxo
mom

Eat until I die

"I wanna eat n eat n eat n eat n eat until I die"

...name that movie! I will give you a hint...sing it with a Goofy accent...yes, it's Micky and the Beanstock. No clue if that's the actual name, or if it still exists...but that is the song stuck in my head because that is the song that is "story of my life" as they say.

I feel like I have been eating non stop today and I'm going to write it down to try and shame myself into submission. Ready? It's about to get real...


for breakfast- egg and turkey bacon scramble with 2 pieces of GF toast
on my way out the door (because ya know, it hadn't eaten for like FIVE WHOLE MINUTES)- protein oatmeal ball
at work- an apple, a few pieces of candy, a chicken/veggie skewer, chips & salsa, a few more pieces of candy, leftover GF baked ziti, applesauce, 2 more oatmeal balls, some gum
at home- 1 more oatmeal ball (those things are freakin addicting), a few handfuls of trail mix, (to be continued because it's only 5:40pm).

I guess you could say that maybe if I ate an actual meal I wouldn't feel the need to snack...but I'm not really hungry for a full meal...I just like to be munching on stuff today.  I actually don't feel too bad about that list up there...it could be worse. At least I didn't cheat today and eat any gluten. That crap messes me up and I'm doing my best to avoid it! Probably eating more sugar than I should and add a few veggies into the mix but all in all...not too shabby.

So I ran across this picture we took when I was 5 weeks pregnant. Awe how cute! Ya know how you look at old pictures of yourself (from high school maybe) and think "why was I so worried about my body/weight? I look awesome and I wish I could look like that again" yeah...that's how I feel about this picture!

25 weeks ago I was smokin' hot and I didn't believe it when Bart told me. Now I'm round and puffy and NOT that size. *sigh* we always want what we don't have right?

The girls you will meet along the way

Hi baby,

A few months ago I told you all about the boys you will meet in your life and lately I have been thinking of the kind of girls you will meet too.

Growing up a girl is hard. (I'm sure growing up a boy is hard too, I just don't have any good stories for that topic). What I experienced isn't what every girl experiences and just like the boys I told you about, I am sure you will find your own categories of people one day.

Your first real friend
You will be young. You and this girl will have tea parties (or soccer games) and me and her mom will be buddies. You will run over to her house without shoes on and she will come join us for family parties. Even after we move you away (or they move) you will think of her as your BFF for a while. Eventually her memory will fade, but you will always have a special place in your heart for her.

The first real mean girl
My first meal girl came in the form on a panties-under-the-leotard-wearing mean girl in ballet class. She was bigger than me and she pinched me. We would get in formation and she would find her way next to me. I quit ballet. You will probably be young when you meet this girl too. I hope you don't let her stop you from doing what you love. You'll be confused and won't understand why she is being mean. I don't understand it either little one, but sometimes girls can just be mean

The girl who is friends with your friend
As you get older your friends might have other friends that you don't really play with. That's OK. It's okay to have a lot of different friends and play with lots of different girls. You might feel a little jealous that this girl gets to have sleepovers and you don't. or maybe this girl has nicer clothes and shoes than you do. It's okay. You are no less of a friend, you are just different. And that's beautiful. 

The other mean girls
Like I said, girls can be mean. They are jealous little creatures that attack any girl with confidence and pride in themselves. I was lucky to grow up in a family that taught me to love myself and be kind to others. I also had my own personality and style. Unfortunately that didn't always translate well at school. Girls will be mean, and if you aren't mean back, they will keep being mean. If I could give you one piece of advice it would always always be "be kind to others". Mean girls will come back later in life and tell you that they are sorry for how they acted. Never live your life so you have to apologize to someone later. Stand up for yourself and what you believe in, and never ever stoop down to their mean girl status. 

The girl who makes you laugh and cry
This friendship will be the best and the worst thing in your pre-teen/teenage life. When you're getting along you are inseparable. You laugh and tell each other your secrets and dreams and spend countless hours together. Then this girl might just randomly get mad at you for "doing something". You will never really understand what you "did" to make her mad. You might apologize and try to make things better and eventually you two will become BFF's again. This is a confusing friendship and a toxic one. Eventually this friendship will end because (as you will learn) true friends don't treat you like this. True friends don't use you like a pawn in their life and they aren't your friend only when it's convenient for them. 

The girl you think has everything
She doesn't. I promise. Don't compare your life, your body or your personality to hers. She is perfect just the way she is, and you are perfect just the way you are.

The girl that makes you doubt yourself
This girl might not be as pretty as you, or as confident as you. She has insecurities that go way beyond your friendship, but they will seep into your life if you let them. She won't be happy for your successes and fun stories. That really awesome date you went on? She will seem uninterested and jealous. When it's just the two of you things might be great, but when you shine, she doesn't. This isn't a true friend either my love. You will eventually see that being around a girl like this does nothing for you or your life.

The girl that has some pretty serious issues
In my life it was an eating disorder. A very public eating disorder that was very hard for me to deal with. I don't know what your friend will be going through, but I am sure you will have one like this. Baby girl I'm not saying don't be friends with girls who are struggling. I had other friends who had the same problems, but they weren't destructive to my life. Chances are you can help them and change their life for the better...just don't sacrifice yourself trying. Listen to them, talk with them, tell your parents about them and see if they can help- but don't ever let their bad habits or struggles become something you deal with too.

The girl who lets you be who you are and helps you be better
This will be a lifelong friend for you. She is happy when you are happy, and tries to make you feel better when you are sad. She is confident in her own skin and life to be able to appreciate yours. Don't be jealous of this friend and turn into the girl I mentioned earlier. It's OK to have separate lives and still be friends. She will make you a better person and a better friend. Her example will teach you how to treat others. Cherish her friendship and give it the attention it deserves.

xoxo
Mom