32 Weeks (a week late)

Another post...a week late!  It was just too nice to sit inside and blog :)  Last week (at 32 weeks), I had another checkup with our doctor.  All looked well.  Baby was excited this week with his HR in the upper 140's to 150's.  I measured right at 32 weeks and gained back a pound that I had previously lost the couple weeks before.  Getting ready to pack on all that water weight in the next few hot weeks :)  At this appointment, we started talking about pain management during labor and other details that really made reality set in...it's coming quickly!  This week we also picked up some things for the nursery...it's slowly coming along.  Can't wait to post some preview pictures in the next few weeks!  Thankfully my mom offered to sew the crib sheets for me and my sister was willing to sew the window treatments for me...I'm lucky I have such a crafty family!

This week, baby is the size of a large jicama...

Baby bump this week:

 

How far along: 32 weeks

Total weight gain: 12 pounds

Maternity clothes? When I'm not wearing athletic shorts or yoga capris...everything else is maternity these days

Stretch marks? One little one as of now that I had with Lincoln too by my old belly button piercing...darn thing!

Sleep: Sleeping well most nights, I get a little warmer and tossing and turning more

Cravings: Still could eat watermelon all day!

Pregnancy symptoms this week: Getting fatigued quicker when making several trips up and down the stairs everyday

Belly button: Mostly out now

General mood: Very excited and anxious! 

Embarrassing cry of the week: Just the usual TV shows

Excited for: Holding this sweet babe in my arms and finally seeing what he will look like



Summer Fun

Although the weather hasn't felt like summer until yesterday, and it's rained more days than not...Lincoln and I have been taking in all the summer activities we can (while it's still just the two of us during the day)!  From Wilderness Camp at Oak Grove, the summer reading program, Story Hour at the library, Kids Day at the bank, weekends with cousin Braxxton, to lazy days at home finally enjoying some sunshine and pool...Lincoln has loved it all!  I'm so grateful to get to spend one more "full" summer at home with Lincoln and enjoy all the little "extras" we get to do together. 

Wilderness Camp:

Wilderness Camp with his buddy Cade at Oak Grove...Lincoln LOVED it!  We got to learn about animals, go on a nature hike, share a snack, and even touch some real creatures.  His favorite was the turtle and wasn't so sure about the snake- it was so "cold" :)  And no, we did not see any bears as Lincoln was convinced there would be some...or even a badger for that matter.

 

Summer Reading/Story Hour:

This year's theme "Dig into Reading" is all about the outdoors.  For his age, we are part of the family program where we introduce Lincoln to the library, get him involved in programs at the library, and do some reading and other fun crafts at home.  We have read books about dinosaurs, ants, gardening, and much more!  This week we attended Story Hour for the first time.  It's an hour long full of playing, reading, singing, and even a short craft at the end.  This week we planted a bean seed that Lincoln got to take home.  As we were leaving, Lincoln told me "mom that was fun, next time I go by myself."  We'll see about that... :)

 

Weekends with family & cousin Braxxton:

We are lucky to get to spend lots of time with our family during the summer, especially when cousin Braxxton comes to visit.  We were hoping to enjoy Sioux Center's Summer Celebration...but instead it rained all weekend so we made our own fun inside!  Lincoln was especially excited for Aunt Amber and Cousin Braxxton to come play at his new house for a night.  He was sad to see them go but look forward to many more play dates ahead!

 

Summer days at home:

Yesterday we finally got to enjoy a hot, sunny day.  We filled up our little pool and spent 3 1/2+ hours out there until we finally had to drag him inside at 7pm to eat.  Of course he insisted he wasn't hungry or tired...as he ate a plate full of food and zonked out on the couch while watching basketball.  I'm hoping we get many more of these fun days at home this summer!  I also experienced my first true hot day outside being 32 weeks pregnant.  It didn't help I was sitting in the sun...but I definitely felt all 86 of those hot degrees :)



 

Handsome at Three

Here's a peak at some of my favorite 3-year pictures of Lincoln.  He did such a good job and posed like a professional :)  You'd think he actually likes taking pictures...  Maybe it had something to do with the pep talk, treat bribe, or the fact that our photographer is amazing as usual (thanks Hayley!).  Either way they turned out great- we'll have a hard time deciding!



 

31 Weeks

We are officially at a single digit countdown to baby!  This makes me very excited but at the same time...that little of time left means even that much less time until boards (eek!).  Although we are equally excited for baby #2, it's much different this time around.  By now with Lincoln the whole nursery was nearly finished and almost everything purchased and/or registered for.  This time around, the nursery has paint, a crib, and some random bags of baby stuff.  I still need to sew the curtains, sheets, paint the dresser, and find some more décor!  Whoofta that looks like a long list...  Could be a busy couple months :)

This week, baby is the size of a coconut...

Baby bump this week (still carrying very high):

 

How far along: 31 weeks

Total weight gain: Will know next week on doctor's scale

Maternity clothes? Maternity clothes when I "dress up" or wear something other than my sweats, leggings, and t-shirts (which are summer essentials around the house)

Stretch marks? No but fear they are coming!

Sleep: Sleeping pretty well, starting to feel a little uneasy if I stay flat on my back (which I also experienced badly with Lincoln)

Cravings: Watermelon...I could eat nearly a half in a sitting

Pregnancy symptoms this week: Shortness of breath (or maybe I'm just that out of shape)

What I miss: Painting my toenails comfortably- maybe that's a sign I should use my gift certificate for a pedicure :)

Belly button: In

General mood: Excited, anxious, starting to wonder more and more what life with 2 will be like

Embarrassing cry of the week: Nothing notable

Excited for: A finished nursery and knowing what this sweet babe's name will be

 



 

 

30 Weeks

Yesterday marked 30 weeks already (yes, I missed last week's post...it got busy)!  Only 10 to go...sounds so crazy!  We had an appointment today.  Lincoln got to come with me again and did most the talking as usual.  He is convinced one of these times we go the baby is coming, but hopefully not for a while.  He's got some growing to do yet!  Lincoln helped our doctor find baby's heartbeat again.  This week it's thumping away in the 130s.  I did lose a pound over the past couple weeks...probably due to the fact we moved this week and it was crazy busy (a definite understatement).  Did I mention moving while pregnant is exhausting!?  I measured one week ahead at 31 weeks and she felt like baby's head is down, finally!

This week, baby is the size of a large cabbage...

Baby bump this week (a little blurry):

How far along: 30 weeks
Total weight gain: 11 pounds
Maternity clothes? Mostly maternity
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Sleeping pretty well when I get to :)
Cravings: Nothing out of the ordinary lately
Pregnancy symptoms this week: Low back pain!  May have over-down it while moving...
What I miss: A cold Mt. Dew when I'm exhausted at night...oh and bending over without a belly in the way
Belly button: Mostly in
General mood: Anxious but exhausted
Embarrassing cry of the week: Too busy to cry I think
Excited for: Picking a name...we have it narrowed down to three we both really like.  I have no idea how we'll decide!

 



Moving!

We have (im)patiently waiting for this for a looong time.  We have wanted to be in a house for some time now but never felt the timing was right in the midst of school and not knowing exactly where we wanted to settle down.  A couple months ago we finally started our house hunt and fell in love with a house.  We saw several other to compare but just kept coming back to this house.  Our parents gave their stamp of approval and we made an offer April 20.  A few short hours later, some negotiating, and an accepted offer...we unofficially became homeowners!  Exactly a month later, May 20, we got a call from our relator that we close on Thursday...this Thursday, as in May 23.  We never thought it'd happen this fast and still can't believe we get possession in a couple days.  We are SO excited! 

There are so many things we look forward to with this house: our own backward, a swing set, a shed, a finished and updated basement, playroom for the boys, 3 main floor bedrooms, very little updating, our own laundry, a driveway, and all appliances included...score!

But with moving comes the exhausting task of sorting and packing.  I enjoyed the first couple days of it...going through everything, sorting, pitching, donating, organizing and packing.  Then it became monotonous and exhausting.  I feel like I'm making a bigger mess!  I've learned to live in chaos for the time being...  And now with a closing date a couple weeks sooner than planned, we won't have to "live with it" long!  After painting a few bedrooms and the main floor bathroom, we will be moving moving moving!!  Couldn't be more excited :)  Pictures to come...

On Graduation...

Over 2 1/2 years ago I applied for the Physical Therapist Assistant program at WITCC in Sioux City.  I knew this was what I wanted to do and then was the time (kind of like the now or never mentality), but I still had so many doubts: two more years seemed like a long time, two years of little to no hours at work, school with a little one at home, commuting, and the list went on and on.  I remember sitting through the first day of class, going over syllabi and hearing the expectations of us in this program for the next 2 years.  I think our professors tried scaring us all away.  I went home with knots in my stomach continuing to doubt my decision...but decided to give it all I had and see where I ended up.

Fast forward 2 years and I found myself walking across the stage at my graduation.  I can't believe how fast it went.  It was definitely an intense, demanding, and sometimes overwhelming couple years but I couldn't be happier with the choice I made and what I gained.  These two years brought many late nights at the library, too many lattes (who am I kidding, too many lattes...no such thing), hundreds of notecards, many new friendships, hard work, and an incredible support system!  

Friday night marked graduation from the PTA program and on to the next chapter.  The next 6 weeks will be spent studying endlessly for the PTA national board exams, which I will take on July 10.  Good thoughts and prayers are welcome as I have heard the "horror" stories from these lovely exams!

7 of the 11 of us who graduated from the program...we started with 24!

Walking at graduation

The two men in my life who put up with me the nights before exams, treated me to ice cream after exams, and encouraged me along the way!  Hearing Lincoln tell me "good job, Mommy" after graduation made my heart melt.  Love these boys!

 My amazing parents who supported me along the way and always helping out when I needed a break, needed Lincoln picked up at daycare, and needed to hear those simple words of encouragement!

 My sisters and I...so lucky to have them and so happy they shared this night with me!

 He was a trooper!

 

 



28 Weeks

This week we had another prenatal visit.  This was the appointment I got to drink the glucose mixture and get blood drawn.  Unless we hear back from them, we are going to assume all labs were normal for gestational diabetes.  I also got a Rogam shot this week as I am O- blood type.  This is standard for me during pregnancy so my body doesn't "fight off" this baby should he have a positive blood type.  Nothing like a nice shot in the bottom at 8 in the morning :)  Baby had a strong HR in the 140s, and no new concerns!  We are unsure at this time if baby flipped and is finally head down or if he's still hanging out breech.  This appointment also marked the last 4-week check-up...we now start going every 2 weeks (holy smokes!). 

This week, baby is the size of a Chinese cabbage...

 

Baby bump this week:



How far along: 28 weeks (only 12 to go!)
Total weight gain: 12 pounds
Maternity clothes? Mostly maternity now (thankful my sister was pregnant last summer and shared some cute stuff with me..)
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Still getting up about once a night to use the bathroom, but can otherwise sleep comfortably
Cravings: A sweet tooth for sure, have to practice self-control :)
Pregnancy symptoms this week: Other than continual frequent trips to the bathroom, nothing else comes to mind this week...no Charlie horses (phew)!
What I miss: Lunch meat.  I never knew I loved lunch meat so much than when I can't have it...and a Mt. Dew.
Belly button: Mostly in
General mood: Happy, excited, anxious...but still not "ready"
Embarrassing cry of the week: I think I was generally weepy this week, it was a bit ridiculous
Excited for: The nursery...paint colors picked, fabric purchased to make crib sheets, and a few décor pieces have arrived (Etsy is addicting and equally dangerous)



27 Weeks

Another post...several days late (oops)!  All is well, we have another appointment coming up this week and will learn more about baby!

 

This week, baby is the size of a cauliflower...

 Baby bump this week:

How far along: 27 weeks
Total weight gain: Will find out in a couple days...eek!
Maternity clothes? Maternity bottoms (except for sweat pants!) and mostly "normal" tops with some maternity as well
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: I get up about once to use the bathroom...happens to be about 3:15 AM
Cravings: Maraschino cherries- I don't even buy them or I would eat the whole jar...in one sitting
Pregnancy symptoms this week: Frequent trips to the bathroom
What I miss: What I wouldn't do for a cold Subway sub...
Belly button: In
General mood: Happy, excited, anxious
Embarrassing cry of the week: I wanted Italian food...Troy didn't (yeah, it was that bad)
Excited for: Will he have hair!?

26 Weeks (a little late)

Another week passes by, still wondering where time has gone.  Maybe it has something to do with the fact we've been crazy busy between clinicals (only 4 days left!), trying to prepare for board exams, a trip to Texas, a busy 3 year old, and all the other day to day "stuff"...oh and buying a house- more to come on that exciting adventure!  Besides time running away too quickly, 26 weeks brings very little change or exciting news in this pregnancy...

This week, baby is the size of a scallion:

Baby bump this week:



How far along: 26 weeks

Total weight gain: 8(ish) pounds
Maternity clothes? Mostly maternity bottoms and some tops...I discovered leggings this week- why the heck have I not worn these more before!?
Stretch marks? Not yet
Sleep: Between early early flights this week and more early mornings while in Texas, not much!
Cravings: Maraschino cherries
Pregnancy symptoms this week: More Charlie horses...
What I miss: Being in Texas, a cold margarita with the awesome authentic Mexican (BUT so worth it)
Belly button: In
General mood: Happy, content
Movement: Are my insides bruised yet?
Embarrassing cry of the week: Honoring the serviceman at Sea World before Shamu show
Excited for: Holding my sweet babe, introducing him to his big brother :)

New Camera

We have been wanting to upgrade cameras for awhile and knew we wanted a Canon Rebel...but beyond that we had no idea what to look for (there's like 5+ styles of Rebels alone).  We liked our previous camera but felt it was impossible to get good shots of Lincoln, who would be on to the next thing before the shot actually got off.  We thought this was the perfect time to upgrade with summer coming and soon another baby.  The man at Best Buy rattled off all sorts of settings to change to get different results...most of which sounded foreign.  So instead, we will just mess around ourselves and practice on our handsome little model :)  Here are a few pictures from the new camera, which we have already fell in love with!

 

25 Weeks

Twenty-five weeks doesn't sound like a whole lot...but when I hear myself say only 15 weeks left it sounds so soon!  A lot will happen between now and then (graduation, board exam, and summer to name a few), I have no doubt it will fly by!  We continue to get ready for baby...planning the nursery and shopping of course :)  Lincoln also likes to "bond" with his little brother- petting my belly (as Lincoln likes to call it), planning fun adventures for his baby brother, and even telling us how to cuddle the baby and where he thinks baby should sleep. 

This week, baby is the size of a rutabaga (whatever that is):

Baby bump this week:

 

 

How far along: 25 weeks
Total weight gain: 7-8 pounds
Maternity clothes? Sometimes...still waiting for Spring to arrive :)  Maybe it's here to stay...
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Still about the same, the occasional bathroom break...
Cravings: Chocolate chip cookies
Pregnancy symptoms this week: None :)
What I miss: Subway, anything for a COLD sub!
Belly button: In
General mood: Happy, excited, anxious...
Movement: Lots of movement!  He still feels feet down as my bladder constantly gets kicked.
Embarassing cry of the week: None that I can remember...or admit :)
Excited for: More movement, seeing what this peanut looks like- if he'll look like Lincoln or not, will he have hair, will he have Lincoln's pouty little lips??

24 Weeks

This week marked another routine doctor's appointment.  Everything looked good as usual.  My BP is still low and no other concerns at the time.  I measured right at 24 weeks, which has been pretty consistently right on.  Because of somewhat conflicting dates between our 11 week ultrasound and our 20 week one, our doctor decided to compromise the dates and move our due date a whopping ONE day later.  Not that due dates mean a whole lot anyway...babies are rarely born on their due date so one day really isn't going to change much :)  August 8, 2013 is our final due date! 

Baby was very active again today.  Our doctor heard a heartbeat but the doppler had a hard time reading a rate.  Everytime she almost had it, the baby moved or started kicking...just like his big brother (yikes!).  Finally, she read it at 145 bpm...it has come down again since last appointment.  Little peanut is still feet down (we think).  He seems to only kick my bladder...of course :)  Hopefully he decides to do a flip soon and stay put! 

This week, baby is the size of an ear of corn

The baby bump this week...



How far along: 24 weeks
Total weight gain: 7 pounds
Maternity clothes? Somedays, usually not since most of them are spring/summer...and well spring hasn't decided to show up just yet
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: I find myself ready for bed at 9:30-10:00 and usually wake up once or twice to use the bathroom...or help Lincoln use the bathroom
Cravings: Strawberries
Pregnancy symptoms this week: Not many, an occasional "round ligament" cramp when I stand up or get out of the car
What I miss: Still lunch meat...Subway
Belly button: In
General mood: Happy and excited
Movement: Lots of movement, usually on my bladder
Embarassing cry of the week: None I can think of...shocker!
Excited for: Planning/decorating a nursery, looking at fabric makes me super excited!

To Infinity and Beyond!

Last Friday marked the big 3 (AKA: free) for our "baby" (Lincoln).  Every mother tells you how fast they grow up and they aren't kidding.  I can hardly believe he is already three.  Three short years has grown a strong-willed, sweet, smart, funny, busy, charming, a memory like you can't believe, energetic...(did I say busy?) little boy!  He definitely gives us a run for our money but can melt you with that little smile and his sweet "Mom...I love you" at the most unexpected times.  He never seizes to amaze us with what he learns, picks up on, says, and usually does!

This year has brought: new daycare, many new friends (I think he knows someone everywhere we go), underwear, sitting in church (BIG accomplishment), less of an egg allergy, independence...and lots of it, big boy bed, and a Toy Story obsession

...which meant it was only appropriate to have a Toy Story birthday party!  We have watched Toy Story too many times to admit, know all the scenes...even some lines, and all the characters.  If there's one thing he's consistently asked for it's been Buzz.  He had sooo much fun at his party!  His eyes lit up when he saw the room, and he smiled in all his glory as everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to him, proudly holding Buzz and Woody.  We love you so much, Lincoln!

The best cake ever...

 Marble track

 Standing proud with Buzz and Woody :)

 My cutest nephew ever..

Opening his bow and arrow

 More gifts...

 Sooo happy...love him!