Friday, May 24, 2013

Garden 2013

Nathan has already started on Garden 2013 project!  He has planted broccoli, potatoes, strawberries, corn and lettuce so far.  Has plans to plant peppers, melons, cucumbers and tomatoes yet.

I have been craving fresh veggies lately and can't wait for all of the garden goodies this summer! :)

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Pregnancy Update: 39 Weeks

39 Weeks

At my doctor's appointment today, I was 100% effaced and dilated to 2.  He said he thinks our baby will be here by this weekend!  I lost another pound so I'm at 26 pounds with my weight gain.

I'm battling week 2 of this sinus issue.  The doc gave me a Rx and wants to get this knocked out before I go into labor.

There's a full moon on Saturday :) so we'll see if those odds help me.  Medical professionals swear by it, so we'll see...

I'm still working so now I just need to concentrate on getting everything done that I can within the next few days!  

Hoping my next pregnancy update will be introducing our little guy!

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Work Baby Shower

 My co-workers had a baby shower for me a few weeks back.  They were so good to us with a variety of gifts and gift cards to help us finish preparing for our little guy!
Things I was able to get for the nursery with the gift cards:
crib bumper
bed skirt
curtain rods
curtains
Buckeye baby blanket
pacifier strap
Nick Lachey lullaby CD
diapers
...and more!

Thank you to everyone for their excitement for us!  It means so much and has been such a blessing in preparing for Chase.

Friday, May 17, 2013

Pregnancy Update: 38 weeks

38 Weeks

Our sweet Chase should be 19+ inches long and 6+ pounds by now.  Basically, he is ready for life outside of the womb...and I'm ready for that as well!  

I look back over some of my previous post and think, "girl, you had no idea you would feel this anxious, excited, sore and miserable yet!"  I'm told the last 2 weeks are a killer and seem to drag on and on.  So that's where I am...in the stage that never ends.  

To add to my complaining state, I came down with a sinus infection or some sort of cold this week.  I have a barking cough, stopped up head and just generally feel miserable.  The doc says at this stage it can take my body longer to fight it off...yippee!

My weight gain is back down to 27 pds... I seem to be gaining a pound, losing a pound every week when I go in lately.  I don't have much of an appetite and am craving cold foods or drinks more than anything.

I'm waddling...bad!  I was 1 cm dilated on 5-16 so we'll see if that progresses into anything more labor intensive anytime soon.  I feel like my face is really starting to fill out...it could just be this sinus thing and all of the pressure I am feeling though.  All other signs seem to point to the beginning signs of labor, so we will hang on for the next 2 weeks and see how this ride ends!  Every time I come into work or go into a store, I just think, "I really hope my water doesn't break while I'm in here!" :)  Or maybe our little guy just wants me to have an exciting story to tell...we'll see!

Best part of my week...on Mother's Day my husband got me the sweetest card.  I can't wait to see him as a Daddy :)

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Final Nursery Update

It's done...not doing another single thing!
Until he's born and I rearrange everything because I realize I didn't put it away in a practical spot for everyday life :)

I don't have a lot of storage space because his closet is doubling as our coat closet.  His swing, bouncer and some toys are sitting out in the room because of this.

I have to say I still love all of the little details.
wall color / gray
bookshelf, crib & dresser / espresso
curtains / natural twill
rocking chair / buttercream

It doesn't have a certain theme or color scheme.  It's just neutral and it works for my taste.  The stand and frame for the map both have a (gray) weathered wood look.  I like that it doesn't match at all, yet everything matches perfectly.
Now we just get to welcome our little man home...when he decides he's ready!

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Happy Mother's Day!

As I reflect on Mother's Day and what my Momma means to me, I think about her characteristics that have meant so much to me over the years.
My Mom is one of the most selfless people I know.  Giving of her time to help others, praying for their needs or giving financially to lift their burden - time and time again I see her doing these things.  She has taught me to be sensitive, to love my family and make sure they know it and most importantly, she has taught me to love God!
Although my Mom has worked outside of the home most of my life, her domestic skills and organization in her home have been things I have tried to pick up on.  She can whip up a meal out of nothin'...I mean I would have 3x as many groceries on hand and still not feel like I could feed my family, but Mom apparently has the power to break bread and feed an army with that same amount of food! :)
I've teased her many times for being frugal but also admired the way she has taken care of her family's needs because of her counting pennies.  Mom can be nurturing, yet to the point when necessary.  To this day, she has no problem telling me if my shirt is too tight or I need to wear something more age appropriate! :)  That's just Mom for ya...keeping us all in line, no matter how old we are now.
The older I get, the more I see myself in her.  As a teenager, we would butt heads because of our likeness...now I try to embrace those things.  It's ok that I'm opinionated, yet guarded.  I'm also stubborn, yet have an ornery streak...yep, all of those things I see in my Mom.  I want to understand things and I ask questions when I don't...I speak up when I feel my point is valid and don't easily let people intimidate me.
I thank my Mom for being a strong woman and I respect my Dad for being able to handle that.  I hope I only continue to learn from her as I enter this new chapter in my life...that as a Mom, with her as my mentor.
Love you Mom!

Leah

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Pregnancy Update: 37 weeks

36 weeks:
Chase should be almost 6 pds and 18+ inches long.
At my weekly appointment, the doctor said I was 70% effaced already.  He confirmed Chase was really low, although I wasn't dilated any yet.  His words, "well, you're further along than I thought you would be at this point!"  I encouraged Nathan to put the diaper bag and car seat in the car when I got home that night...the whole thing just made me anxious that I will go into labor while I'm out and about.

I am terribly uncomfortable of an evening and sleep is getting more and more difficult.  I have a lot of cramping and nausea these days, especially when I'm tired.  He still moves around a lot and we laugh at the waves he makes in my tummy while doing so.

I'm still at 27 pounds with my weight gain.  I am getting so tired in the afternoons and having a hard time concentrating or remembering anything.  I've still only had slight swelling so far.

We are through the birthing classes and hospital pre-registration.  Now just ready for the real thing!


37 weeks:
We are now considered full-term!  What a wonderful milestone.  I look back over the last 9 months and know how blessed I've been with such an easy pregnancy!  He should be 6+ pounds and 19+ inches long.

We are at 28 pounds with my weight gain.  I am SO thirsty all of the time!

Nathan hung the map above Chase's crib and hung the curtains when I got home from my appointment.  The nursery is neutral, peaceful and so perfect for our little guy!  I cannot wait!

Monday, May 6, 2013

Hunter tangled with the 4-wheeler!!

Nathan has been wanting to get a 4-wheeler for a long time now.  He's been saving and searching stores and Craigslist high and low for a deal on one.  Believe it or not, this prissy girl even LOVES to ride them so I was all excited when he found the perfect one!
 When he brought it home, Hunter immediately started barking at it.  He rarely barks, but for whatever reason he did NOT like the 4-wheeler!  When I got on it, he chased me around the yard but did real good about staying within his boundaries (invisible fence).
Last week I was at work one day and Nathan calls to tell me he just ran over Hunter with the 4-wheeler!  I got so scared that he was hurt bad!  Nathan told me Hunter was acting fine, maybe just a little bit sore, but we decided he should make a trip to the vet anyhow.  Hunter jumped right up in the truck to go to the vet and just laid on Nathan's lap during the short drive.  

I guess Nathan had been riding outside of Hunter's boundary and Hunter crossed the wire and jumped right in front of him...there was no way to swerve and miss him!  He felt awful as he had literally hit and ran completely over him!

The vet checked him over thoroughly and told Nathan he didn't think there was any point to even x-ray him.  Hunter was acting fine and was so well mannered while they were in the office.  They gave us some pain pills for him to take just in case he was sore.

Poor puppy just laid around the rest of the night and wanted Nathan to love on him.  I think he could tell we were worried!  By the next morning, he was running full force through the yard and chasing birds!  He doesn't act a bit affected by his collision with the 4-wheeler.  He even still runs alongside it when he & Nathan go back to the pond.  For our first vet emergency, at least everything seemed to end well...our puppy is ok!

Thursday, May 2, 2013

What I'm Wearing: 5/2/2013

With 4 wks until our due date, I have a lot to accomplish and just learned of some new assignments @ work.  They know how to put a girl into early labor!  Whew...I'm trying to take one day at a time and just b-r-e-a-t-h-e right now!

My Momma sent me this reminder..."In Christ alone, I put my trust - in Christ alone I stand".  I'm thankful that my life journey isn't all about me but that through tasks or times that are difficult I have the opportunity to reflect God's goodness and strength working through me!
outfit details:
utility jacket - f21 / maxi skirt, tee & watch - target / sandals - payless

Nothing I have on today is maternity.  I love these tees from Target and this one screams SPRING! :)  And hello, maxi skirts are like wearing my pjs right now...yes, please!

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

What I'm Wearing: 5/1/2013

This is one of those dresses that I didn't think would be cute on so I haven't worn it at all yet.  I ended up loving it on.  It is very comfortable and flattering as an item of clothing can be on my bulging belly :)

I wore this to my baby shower at work yesterday.  I'll have to post some pictures of it yet...the men were even involved, much to their dismay!

I have a bit of an olive complexion, but I have to say I have been so thankful for Loreal Sublime Gel...great at making me me feel like I have a little bit of color these days!  It is a sunless product that works great on my skin...and that seems to be key - finding something that works with your skin type!!
outfit details:
wedges, payless / dress, motherhood / watch, walmart / cardi, target