29w0d

How far along? 29w0d or 72.5%.
Total weight gain/loss: +16 pounds (I think the pound this week is strictly from the carb overload I partook in after my 3 hr glucose test LOL).

Size: Butternut Squash.  He is over 15 inches long and about 2.5 pounds.

Baby Development: His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature and his head is growing bigger to make room for the developing brain. His energy is surging (which I'm definitely feeling ALL day long now) and he's growing in size...he will triple his weight by birth...which also means things are getting kind of cramped in mommy's belly.

Movement: YES! We saw the kicks from the outside a few nights ago for the first time...so amazing...I still can't believe there is something growing inside me!

Food cravings: Nothing new lately.

Food aversions: None.

What I miss: Jimmy John's, alcohol, my jeans (haven't bought maternity ones since I doubt I'll wear them much this summer)

How I'm feeling: I'm getting more and more tired...otherwise I'm feeling pretty good.

Milestones/Best moment this week: Passing my 3 hour glucose test with flying colors...I do not have gestational diabetes...although fasting for 15+ hours and spending 3 hours in my doctor's office was NOT fun...but at least I know I won't be giving birth to a 16 pound baby (GD can cause larger birth weights in babies if not under control).

daycare...

One little word that used to not mean a thing to me…and now it’s a word I dread to even think about. I knew going into this pregnancy that there would be 2 decisions I would never completely feel good about. One was prompted after watching the movie “Life As We Know It” shortly after learning we were expecting…choosing who will raise your child, in the unfortunate tragedy that something happens to both Joe and myself…a decision we have yet to make and have no clue how we will make it. The other was daycare…how do you ever feel 100% confident in leaving your child with strangers? Maybe in time, after he’s been going a while, I will get there…but at this point, I don’t think I can.

We have toured 3 centers around our house, along with inquiring a few more for prices. We narrowed down our three, based on convenience and reputation/referrals. The first center was very nice but located near a very busy shopping location and that area is always a zoo after working hours. Also, I didn’t entirely care for the director. She seemed fake nice to me…which always rubs me the wrong way. Throw in it was the most expensive of the three…we quickly decided it wasn’t the place for us.

The second center was awesome. Brand new building and toys, large rooms and playground…it really is the best of the best. We loved the director and the staff we met…not to mention we have friends who take their daughter there and have nothing but great things to say. We really loved this center…only down side is the cost would be pushing our budget very tight and we’d have to cut some things out (or one of us get a nice fat raise, which I don’t see happening anytime soon with this economy). I’m just not sure this center would be the best financial decision for us…but how can you put a price on your child’s well being and your own peace of mind…that’s where we struggle.

The third center we just recently toured is located a mile from our house and…$100 cheaper per WEEK than the other 2 centers. The reason for the price difference is the owner owns the building and all the equipment, which makes their overhead costs much less than corporate/private centers who likely have rent, mortgages/loans and shareholders to keep fat and happy. This center is actually quite comparable to in-home day care costs here in the metro…but you get the perks of centers (kids are separated by age, sick days/vacations are on your schedule and not by your day care provider, lower staff to children ratios, etc). All of these make this center all the more attractive. What I didn’t like was how dated it looked (compared to centers 1 and 2 which were much newer). This center was founded in 1977 and Joe says it looks about the same as when he attended (he went here for preschool back in the 80’s). While I had no concerns about safety hazards (there have been no sited violations, I've looked up all 3 places), it was just dated and older looking. The rooms were smaller than center 2 but were bigger than center 1. I also didn’t like that the front door wasn’t locked at all times and there was no front desk area (like the other 2 centers had), it just had a lobby area with three half doors that went to the various classrooms/areas of the building…Joe did call back and talk to the owner about this issue (who was out when we visited, she had been in a minor car accident that day and didn’t make it in). She told him children are never allowed in the entrance area (or out of their rooms) without a staff member present at all times. They also have plenty of windows all around the building, so staff is able to see who is coming and going and to make sure no creepers are lurking around.

After many discussions, budget analysis, and going back and forth…we’ve ultimately decided to go with center 3. My struggle is I wasn’t head over heels in love with it like I wanted to be…but my reservations have been mostly based on appearances more than anything, which I know isn’t fair…and it most certainly does not mean my child will be less safe or taken care of…it just wasn’t as pretty or organized like the other 2 and I always tend to fall in love the more expensive things (story of my life!). But with an extra $400-$500/month, we will have money to save for college…continue to build our savings faster...pay off debts sooner so we can provide a better life for our kid(s) and ourselves by having some extra money to do fun things and go on family vacations…but most importantly…not live paycheck to paycheck.

While it sickens me that money is influencing this decision more than it should…I also know the numbers never lie. I look at numbers everyday for a living…in a world full with gray, numbers are one of the few things in life that are just simply white and black. And since I’m a complete number nerd and I track every expense to the penny…I know what we honestly can and cannot afford...and what sacrifices we will have to make to get where we want to be with both options. While I know we could “make it work” and we could pull off center 2 if we tried…the question is why put ourselves into that position if we don’t have to. I just pray we made the right decision and I don’t live to regret it…and that our son understands that while he may not have attended the prettiest or newest of day cares, it wasn’t decision we made lightly and we always had his best interest at heart…and maybe that’s all any mother can feel at this point and I shouldn’t worry that I’m not 100% there yet (and maybe I'll never get there?)…because at the core of it all, I think every mother believes deep down, that no one will be good enough to care for their child that isn’t them...

 

nursery progress...

We've made some progress on the nursery! We still need to purchase our rocker, area rug and some Dr Seuss decor...but we are getting much closer :) We also changed our wall color at last minute...we've been planning to go with green but went with this color instead....SO happy we did, it turned out great and really pops against the white trim/doors and dark furniture.

Ah yes, we have a piano in our nursery...unfortunately our house is a split level so we have 2 bedrooms upstairs (2 are downstairs) and there is no where else it can go. It's too large to fit through the two entries we have to the basement so that isn't an option either.  Le sigh...so here it must stay. I have some decorating plans to try to "hide" it though.

The crib, we plan to put the rocker where the swing is...

 Shiloh being a good big sister and inspecting everything...

Our new dresser/changing table....we scored a great deal this weekend for both this one and the taller one by the piano.

It's finally starting to look like a nursery, so excited it's finally coming together!

28w0d

How far along? 28w0d or 70% or THIRD trimester!
Total weight gain/loss: +15 pounds

Size: Chinese Cabbage or Eggplant.  He is 14.8 inches long and about 2.25 pounds.

Baby Development: He can blink his eyes, which now sport lashes. With increasingly developed eyesight, he may be able to see the light that filters in through my belly. His brain is also developing billions of neurons and is adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

Movement: YES! He's fairly quiet throughout the day, just little movements and kicks spartically. However, come 7-9pm every night, he's SO active and moving all the time.

Food cravings: Nothing new lately...it's been a pretty boring pregnancy for both cravings and aversions. No pickles and ice cream for this lady (although I still love both, just prefer them separately ;). I did see a commercial the other day for Cold Stone and they advertised these ice cream sandwiches (chocolate chip cookies with cake batter ice cream in the middle covered in sprinkles)...they looked DIVINE! So we went one night for a light dinner and they only sold them in packs of 4...I was SO disappointed and refused to spend $10 on ice cream...but then I almost had my first pregnancy temper tantrum...all of a sudden, I NEEDED them like no other...Joe must have seen the look in my face change, he told me to get them, LOL. So I did end up getting them and it was worth every.single.penny.  Best part is I still have 3 in the freezer for another day :)

Food aversions: None.

What I miss: Jimmy John's, alcohol, my jeans (haven't bought maternity ones since I doubt I'll wear them much this summer)

How I'm feeling: I'm getting more tired...my feet and back hurt more. I also have to flip more during the night, otherwise my hips and knees start to bother me. I had my dr appointment today, I'm measuring right on track at 29 and his heartbeat was 140.

Milestones/Best moment this week: Hitting the THIRD trimester...seriously, can you believe it?!?!?  We also picked out our rocker (now waiting for a good BRU sale to come along), painted the nursery and bought furniture...more to come of the progress in another post later this weekend!

first big kick...

Last night was the first BIG kick both of us had felt. I was laying on the couch watching tv and I could feel him moving around inside...I put my hands on my belly to see if I could feel him moving around from the outside. I thought I could (it's always hard for me to tell since I feel him no matter what)...so I had Joe come over and he put his hand down and put a little pressure on my stomach. Sure enough, 10 seconds later, I felt the biggest and hardest kick I've felt so far...it actually scared me and made me jump...but not before Joe felt that kick on his hand. It was so cool!  Joe was beyond excited, since he's only been able to hear/feel him move around so far but nothing definite like a kick or punch (like what I've been feeling for a few weeks now).

I'm so glad Joe was around to feel this big one...I think he's been a little sad that I've been feeling all the action and he hasn't felt anything huge yet. My doctor told us to just keep trying...one of these times Joe would be around for it.

We also got the crib setup last night, yay! We plan to finally paint the nursery this weekend, so I will post pictures of the progress then!  Have a great week!!

27w0d

How far along? 27w0d or 67.5%

Total weight gain/loss: +14 pounds

Size: Head of Cauliflower or Eggplant.  He is 14.5 inches long and about 2 pounds.

Baby Development: He is sleeping and waking at regular intervals now, opening and closing his little eyes. He might be sucking on his thumb too (awww!). More brain tissue is developing and his brain is very active now. He might also start developing hiccups from here on out, which I will feel now too.

Movement: YES!

Food cravings: Nothing new lately...it's been a pretty boring pregnancy for both cravings and aversions. No pickles and ice cream for this lady (although I still love both, just prefer them separately ;).

Food aversions: None.

What I miss: Jimmy John's, alcohol, my jeans (haven't bought maternity ones since I doubt I'll wear them much this summer)

How I'm feeling: I'm getting more tired now...normal activities are starting wear me out a little more, especially when it's hot out. My back is starting to feel the extra weight I've put on...and bending down is not as easy anymore either.

Milestones/Best moment this week: The crib & mattress arriving! We plan to paint the nursery next weekend, then it will be time to move the bed downstairs and set this thing up...Joe can hardly stand it anymore, he just wants to put it together. Pumpkin seed is also reacting when Joe talks to my belly, it's almost like he's saying "Dad, I can hear you!" We haven't seen outside movement yet but we've felt it. Also the ADORABLE pumpkin hat I bought arrived yesterday too...it's bigger than I had pictured it in my head...can't believe something that size is going to come out of me soon, yikes!

 

busy life...

We've had quite the busy last few weeks...so here is what we've been up to lately...

We headed to WI for the 4th of July weekend, the first stop was buying fireworks at the border. Then it was a four day weekend I think we all needed :)  It was so much fun..and went by WAY too fast.

The boys went golfing one morning and Joe got this awesome shot with his phone...I think it looks like a professional shot!

We went swimming off the pontoon one afternoon...

This is by far, my favorite picture of the weekend...it just makes me giggle...not sure what Joe is doing here :)

 

 

Another afternoon, we had a pontoon cruise around the 4 chains of lakes that my parents' cabin is on...

 

Shiloh also had some serious R&R while at the lake...

 

Then it was FIREWORKS time, here is what we had...it just gets bigger and bigger every year...

We also played lots of cards, here is a 4-way solitaire match in action...

We also ate a TON of food...one morning we even had bacon cooked on the grill, YUM!

After 4 days of swimming, boating, fishing, fireworks, bean bag toss, cards, relaxing and eating...it was time to head home...and even though we headed home on Tuesday afternoon, we still hit traffic...

This past weekend, we headed to Madison for a family friend's wedding. We dropped off Shiloh at Dick and Wanda's Friday night and we ended up staying late chatting and getting to bed after midnight. So it was a VERY early morning for us, getting up at 5:30am to be in Minneapolis by 7am to pick up Jim and Lisa. We then headed out and met up with my parents and Debbie at Culver's for lunch along the way. My mom had made a birthday cake and I received many generous gifts with the "30" theme in them. After singing happy birthday and eating cake, we then headed to my grandparents house in Madison. We spent a few hours visiting and then got ready for the wedding. It was a wonderful wedding and everything went well for them, they had a photo booth (with lots of fun props!) which was so much fun. But it was another late night and early rise for us again.

We had a breakfast buffet at our hotel with another round of happy birthdays and then we all headed home. We got home around 3:30, then headed to pick up Shiloh and have dinner with all of Joe's family to celebrate our nephew's 16th birthday and my 30th. We got home a little after 8:30 and got everything unpacked and started getting ready for the work week. About 10:30pm, as I was crawling into bed exhausted, the thunderstorms started to roll in and I was kinda excited to be falling asleep to the rain and thunder. But then we got a text from Wanda saying they were in their basement...we were surprised it was getting that bad (we hadn't watched the weather or news that day), so we turned on the TV and saw that 70-75mph winds were heading right at us. So we congregated in our living room and watched the storm roll in, since both upstairs bedrooms have large trees right outside them and we didn't want to be in there, in case one of the trees snapped and came crashing down or snapped the power lines right along our house. The rain and wind was so intense, these pictures and videos don't do it justice. But Joe captured this video of our backyard and you can also hear one of our trees breaking near our back shed.

It lasted about 20 minutes and then started to calm down...Joe then went out back with an umbrella and flashlight to see if the tree had fallen on the shed, which has our trailer and 4 wheeler in it. We lost 1/2 of that tree and thankfully it landed about 3 inches shy of the shed. Here are the pictures he took this morning...

Mark and Melinda were not as lucky, their shed (same style as ours) was blown completely away from their boat that was stored in it and their large tree outside their picture window fell, landing about an inch away from their house. Here are some pictures they posted on Facebook last night...

Where their shed used to be...now just their boat remained:

What is left of the shed that was blown into the trees in their yard:

The tree that fell right in front of their house:

Needless to say, it's a 30th birthday that none of us will soon forget! And it was yet another very late night for this pregnant lady! I'm hoping tonight can be an early night...but I'm just thankful everyone is safe and there wasn't damage to anyone's house.

thirty...

Forgot to publish yesterday...

Today is the first day of the next decade of my life...when I've imagined how I'd feel when this day finally arrived, I would picture myself hiding in a closet, drinking the day away. The word thirty used to feel so final...like my life would just be going downhill from there. I guess when you're 24, it feels that way. Surprisingly, I'm embracing my thirtieth more than I ever thought I would, the best is really yet to be. I can honestly say I'm proud to be 30 today, there will be no pity parties in a closet for me!

Don’t get me wrong, I had a blast during my 20's and I’m a little sad to see it go. I traveled to Hawaii and Washington DC, visited Vegas numerous times, took a road trip across the country to Arizona, partook in the Country Fest activities for many years, then boycotted CF by going to a cabin in Cumberland and traveled all over WI and MN visiting friends and family whenever I could. I partied and drank more in those years than I probably will for the rest of my life combined. I learned how to be an adult, how to fail and how to pick myself up again, how to stand up for myself and how to grow from my mistakes. I also graduated college, started my career, moved to a BIG city where I knew very few people, bought a house on my own, graduated with my Masters, got married, became a landlord, and decided to become a mom. I lived…I grew up…I learned many life lessons…found my way…found my home.

I had a co-worker tell me the other day that I just look so relaxed and content and that she’s never seen me like this before…after she said that, I realized how much more mellow I’ve been feeling lately. I don’t know if has to do with being pregnant or this milestone birthday…but lately I’ve just not wasted my energy on worrying about the things I have no control over. Yep, we have a baby coming and will never be fully prepared for his arrival (both financially and emotionally), own two houses we won’t be able to sell for a very long time, Joe is looking for a job in a depressing market and we had a finance labor reduction at work a few weeks ago…all things that normally would have me freaking the heck out. But I think I’ve finally realized I can’t control it all and I just have to roll with whatever comes our way…I’m an overachiever by nature and even though I'm not exactly where I want to be with all aspects of my life/career...I’ve made peace with my situation(s) and where my life has taken me so far…it definitely is not what I would have imagined 10 years ago…but I wouldn’t change a thing…because everything has a way of working out the way it’s supposed in the end anyways.

They say your 30’s is the best yet (and it just continues to get better and better)…I will get to watch my children grow into little people and watch them learn everything from crawling to riding a bike to starting school. I’m really excited for what is to come…so maybe that’s why this birthday has been the easiest one so far? I don’t think I will miss my 20’s much. I accomplished what I needed to during that time…I worked very hard to get here, now it’s time to enjoy my life and all the blessings in it!

 

26w0d

Joe and I were talking today and he was telling me he can't wait anymore for pumpkin seed to arrive and just wants him here now....I said, he's not ready and still needs more time to cook and very casually stated, just give him 10 more weeks...and then panic started to set in a bit....he could be in here in TEN freaking weeks (assuming I wouldn't go full term and he arrives a little early at 36 weeks)...WHOA! It made my eyes water...10 weeks is NOT a very long time away!

And now for the weekly stats...

How far along? 26w0d or 65%

Total weight gain/loss: +13 pounds

Size: English Hothouse Cucumber or Eggplant.  He is 14 inches long and weighs about 1 3/4 pounds. And what is an english hothouse cucumber you might say?  Here it is:

Baby Development:  The network of nerves in his ears are better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both me and Joe as we chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat.

Movement: YES!

Food cravings: McDonald's breakfast is back with a vengeance, it's all I can think about lately.

Food aversions: None.

What I miss: Jimmy John's, alcohol, my jeans (haven't bought maternity ones since I doubt I'll wear them much this summer)

How I'm feeling: I've been feeling pretty good so far...some days I feel more tired and my feet are aching more by the end of the day, here comes the miserable 3rd Tri, ugh!

Milestones/Best moment this week: Feeling this little peanut kick and not just movements...and hitting the double digits of days left!

100 days...

Holy crap...we're at 100 days today, GULP!  I know there is still plenty of time to get our never ending list of things done...but when you start at 240 days (which feels like yesterday), it makes you a little nervous to be this close to double digits...not sure we're ready but there is no turning back now, he will be making his arrival in just a few months, eeekkk!!! We have 100 days before our lives as we know it...change forever...

25w0d

Sorry this is so late, forgot to post before we left for the holiday weekend...but as of Friday, July 1st:


How far along? 25w0d or 62.5%

Total weight gain/loss: +11 pounds

Size: Rutabaga or Eggplant.  He's around 13.5 inches long and weighs about 1.5 pounds.

Baby Development: He is beginning to exchange that long, lean look for some baby fat now...his wrinkled skin will smooth out and will start to look more and more like a newborn. His hair is also growing and if you could see it, you'd be able to tell its color and texture.

Movement: YES! This is the first week I've felt definite kicks or punches (we have a VERY active little boy)...up to this point, it's just been him moving around. AND Joe finally heard/felt him move too...very exciting week!

Food cravings: McDonald's breakfast is back with a vengeance, it's all I can think about lately.

Food aversions: None.

What I miss: Jimmy John's, alcohol, my jeans (haven't bought maternity ones since I doubt I'll wear them much this summer)

How I'm feeling: I've been feeling good so far...some days I feel more tired than normal but I'm guessing with 3rd trimester just around the corner, I'll be feeling more tired again.

Milestones/Best moment this week: Feeling this little peanut kick and not just movements!