Fresh Start

Bittersweet Week this week as I finished up my Full-Time nanny job to be a full-time stay-at-home wife/mommy. I didn't necessarily need to stop working this early, but it was negotiated this way so I can focus on my last semester in school, prepare for baby, and in case of any complications down the road, we would both have all our bases covered. So what did I do on my first two days off?.....Cross stuff off the list!
This list was taken from a previous post. I have highlighted the ones I recently completed in the last two days.

 This list was compiled from babycenter.com, I just added in personal lists, also.

First Trimester-

• Investigate health insurance
• Make a baby budget
• Buy new bras and undies
• Start a daily ritual to connect with your baby We talk to baby at night and I have started to read a children's  book a couple times a week.

Second Trimester-

• Explore a prenatal exercise class I decided not to take a class, but am borrowing a prenatal yoga DVD from a friend.
• Prepare pets--For now, plan to set up swing and let them go in and out of nursery as they please.
• Get teeth cleaned--Have appointment in October
• Tackle Home Improvement Projects-
• Put up Nursery Wall Decor- Half way there!
• Stain bookshelf, map frame, and wall shelf
• DIY dresser project
• Stain back deck of house
• Replace back slider door
• Finish Guest bath (Ceiling strip and Tub Seal)
• Paint Front Door
• Keep record of Pregnancy moments to share with your child I am keeping keepsakes in a box and continuing to write in a pregnancy journal once a week.

Third Trimester

• Learn about Third trimester visits and tests
• Prepare for breastfeeding I am taking a class in December and currently reading a book.
• Choose a doctor for baby
• Assemble Baby gear
• Swing
• Decide on/Set up temp and permanent sleeping areas for baby
• Study labor stages and coping with labor pain
• Create a birth plan
• Wash baby's clothing and bedding I am planning to do this again right before baby's arrival.
• Maternity Pictures-Decided to have professional ones done in Late November or early December.
• Read up on baby care
• Pack bags for hospital- Mommy's, Daddy's, and Baby's
• Load up on household supplies I stocked up on toiletries, paper towels, and all cleaning products/supplies
• Deep house clean- GG (My Grandma) is coming down for Thanksgiving to help!
• Make frozen dinners--I would LOVE suggestions and or recipes!
• Tour hospital or birth center Our hospital no longer does tours, but I am going in next week to fill out our pre-registration forms! Here is a link to the hospital we decided on... http://www.erlanger.org/body.cfm?id=94
• Install baby car seat
• Make a plan for when labor starts
• Exercise Patience!  So far, so good!

I also worked on baby's room today, prepped the Dresser Project to start next week, finished-folded-put away all laundry, and clean-dusted-swept the entire house. My plan now is to start my long weekend by plopping my butt on the couch (until Andrew gets home and I have to get dinner around....)

Nursery Budget Update

Week 23
I promise the reason it has taken me so long to update you on the nursery is because I have been constantly working on it!
Here are the projects that needed to be done from the previous post "The Nursery" that are now completed...

Projects to be done:
-Complete the trim work in the room.
-Stain boards for toy display shelf and for frame.
-Assemble frame for Map DIY project
-Dresser DIY Project
- Hang stuff on the walls** I have started this and am half way through!
-Rehang the closet doors
-Sew black-out Curtains *I purchased them.
-Bookshelf --Andrew is building the baby a bookshelf :)

Here is a mid-project pic of the bookshelf Andrew made for the baby to put in the Nursery....

Budget Update:
For those who are just joining us, feel free to catch yourself up in the post, "The Nursery" where I have set a $500 budget.
Carryover from the last update is $201 remaining...(all items are rounded up to the nearest dollar)
$159- (3) Baskets for dresser- $42
$156- Wall Decor: Parade-$3
$135- (3) Shelf Brackets: Cast Iron-$21
$119- 2 Misc. Baskets- $16
$103-Map Project Frame Wood- $16
$63- Wood for Bookshelf- $40
$58- Stain for Wood- $5
$34-(4) Drawer Pulls for DIY Dresser project- $24
$27- Paint for Dresser

I have $27 remaining out of the $500 budget I started with. As of right now, I have all items needed to complete the nursery! I do have one small project remaining, so I will wait until the Nursery Reveal post to confirm I have $27 as my final remaining amount.

I have been spending most of my time in the nursery organizing gifts we have purchased and received and putting them away in their designated places (other than dresser items). I am finally content with the arrangement of the furniture in the nursery as well. I honestly think I made Andrew help me move everything around 3 or 4 times until we got it right! I have also been creating a little space in our bedroom, as a temporary baby area for baby's first weeks home (post coming on this later...). 

I am finishing up my Nanny job this week to be a stay at home wife/mommy. I also start my final semester at school this week before baby comes! So in my new spare time for the next few months, I am preparing for baby! My first project on the list is completing the dresser project. Look for the Dresser DIY Project post in the next few weeks! 
xoxo

Feeling Baby...

What a crazy, wonderful thing! I have been able to feel baby move for about 3 weeks now. Andrew was able to feel baby, too in the past week! It began as kind of a sensitive subject for me, as I did not feel baby as soon as others had felt theirs (in their pregnancies). I would think I felt baby, but second guess myself if that's what it really was or not. My one of many lessons learned so far this pregnancy: Not every pregnancy is the same! But let me tell you, the first time it happened, there was no doubt in my mind that Baby, was indeed what I was feeling! It was such a wonderful moment. I immediately called Andrew and he couldn't wait for me to get home. It has seemed like a long time coming for Andrew to finally feel the baby, but just the other night, Baby gave him a nice swift kick (or punch?). His eye's immediately lit up and he couldn't wipe the smile off his face. It was a wonderful moment to share with him.
Baby is most active in the afternoon and evening, especially during or after meals. Baby likes to "play" for the longest period of time in the evening while I am laying in bed reading before going to sleep. I have only had a few times that Baby wakes me up in the night with their "playing." But, each time it has happened it is usually paired with a dream about something being in my stomach, most recently, a monkey trapped in my stomach. They have been quite amusing.
It is still quite early and difficult for me to know what movements are paired with each feeling (kicking, punching, rolling, and stretching, etc).
The different names/descriptions I have given for the feelings I have had so far are:

• "Stomach" Flipping- This feels like I am on a roller coaster and my stomach (uterus) feels like it flips.
• "Water Balloon"- This feels like a water balloon filling up (causing pressure) then slowly relieves itself of the pressure.
• "Flicking"- It feels like if someone were to flick me, but from the inside...(Maybe they are! haha)

Baby can hear voices and noises now, too...

 Andrew and I plan to start reading to Baby a couple times each week :) xo

Consignment Sale Diva

* First I need to mention a food that I forgot to mention in last week's post about my cravings, safety nets, and obsessions......Malt-O-Meal! It is most definitely necessary for me to recognize it in this post, it has been my #1 go-to meal this pregnancy (and has always been a favorite) Just ask Andrew....who has made the mistake by proving he can make it properly.

OKAY......week 22! ( I am going to start each post from here on with what week we are on)

I like to think of myself as the Queen of Good Deals. Someday I would like to keep track on how much I save us in a year with my thriftiness (But I am just too busy finding the deals!). I have been a consignor in a Consignment Sale for Adult Clothing and Home goods, twice a year, here in Chattanooga. This year I got to shop the KIDS sale! Not only was this my first time shopping the Kid's sale, but it was my first time shopping for Baby (other than nursery decor)-FUN! I also decided to volunteer to work a couple shifts. By working two-four hour shifts, I got a free pass to shop in a private sale days before it opened to the public (along with the other volunteers--only about 12 other women). No fighting the crowds and dealing with mamma drama. It was a nice quiet evening shopping in a consignment sale in a closed and cleared department store (HUGE) WIN! We still needed things off the registry so my goal was to try and get all remaining sizes in clothes we still needed and at least a couple larger items to cross off. I really had no clue on what to expect for pricing of baby clothing and items, so I set my budget to $100.

Here are my deals: (Many of which were name brand and with tags. Also, I did not pay more than $4 on any baby clothing item!) I will mark the one's I bought NEW, with tags with a *

1-0 to 6 mo. Sleeper Sack* $3
8- Newborn Size Outfits (3*) (one-piece pajamas & two-piece comfy outfits) $1-3 each
9- 0 to 3 mo. Size Outfits (2*) (one-piece pajamas & outfits and two piece outfits) $1-3 each
1- 0 to 6 mo. GAP Sherpa Fleece-Lined Coat* $4
1- Infant Bath Tub $6
1-High Chair/Cart Cover for Public areas $10
1- Fabric Floor Play-Yard Gym $8
1-Pair GAP Maternity Jeans $10
2- Old Navy Maternity Tops (1*) (Fall Styles) $4 and $5
1-Long Sleeve Motherhood Maternity Feeding Nightgown*  $5
1- Spaghetti Strap Motherhood Maternity Feeding Nightgown $4
1-3 Pack Infant Socks (SO SOFT! Do they come in my size?!) $1.50
1-4 Pack Bibs* $2

Total Items: 29
Total Spent: $103.40

SO....I went $3.40 over budget, however I had not planned on purchasing the Maternity clothes for myself at that sale. When I found what I needed for baby and knew I was well under budget, I went over to the Maternity section and picked out a few things that I would have had to buy at full price later, anyway. So I say, "I done good."
Here are a few of my favorite finds....

Pajama Nursing Gowns - (Plan to pack for the hospital stay)

Baby Clothes!

Baby Bath

Fabric Floor Play Gym

BONUS! Forgot to mention that I also put a few items in the sale, so as of right now I have made $7.40. So for all you budget haters- I am now back under my $100 budget. Boom. xo

Pregnancy Cravings, Obsessions, and Safety Nets

So I don't believe I have posted anything about my Appetite, other than the lack of it in the first trimester...

My 'normal' (pre-pregnancy) diet to compare: 
-My biggest sweet tooth was for ice cream and Red Vine Licorice, other than those, I didn't eat sweets.
-I never caught on to coffee or pop so giving up caffeine was really no trouble for me, other than the occasional Iced Tea.
-Never was much of a fan of alcohol. I can probably count on one hand the # of drinks I've had over the last year.
-Loved me some pasta!
-Ate any red-meat Medium Rare. (I took Beef out of my diet completely for a while shortly before pregnancy and the first tirmester.  Don't worry, I broke out the A-1 sauce once the second trimester hit, however had to have it grilled "Medium-Well".)
-Any chance I got I went for whole grain option.
-HUGE fan of Milk, not a fan of Water
-We had a homemade meal at least 5 nights of the week on average. (We enjoyed Monday night 50cent tacos at the Mexican Restaurant down the street quite often.)
-We have a garden, so fresh-in season veggies are a must at every meal.
-We also love to grill and or smoke our food, especially on weekends.

Here are a list of things that I got nauseous with:
+Most of my nausea was triggered by smells, and not necessarily only bad ones.
-Tomatoes (figured out recently it was the guts that made me sick)
-Salad (recently began reintroducing this into my diet)
-Cold pasta (ex: pasta salad)
-Not a food, but the smell of the dishwasher (dirty or clean)
-Bleach
-Certain household cleaners

Here are a list of things I have been obsessed with (at some point) throughout the pregnancy: These are also must have-on hand items in the pantry.
-Cereals: Captain Crunch, Lucky Charms (literally ate one of these for 2/3 meals throughout the day for weeks at a time)
-Mike and Ikes
-Carrots
-Potato Soup (favorite easy recipe)
-Chocolate Milk

My list of safety foods (aka Lifesavers during nausea):
-Captain Crunch
-Applesauce
-Jolly Ranchers (only thing that worked to stop my gag reflex)
-Mike and Ikes
-Chef Boyardee Spaghetti O's and Meatballs
-Grilled Cheese and a favorite recipe of Potato Soup
-Cran-Grape Juice diluted with water (I had trouble drinking enough plain water in the beginning)


My Weakness Cravings:
-Dairy Queen (though I cannot remember a time when this wasn't a weakness...)
-Subway Spicy Italian Sub (see weird concoction below for details)
-A Can of Ice Cold Coke (Caffeine Free)
-Gummy Bears
-Mike and Ikes
-Ruffles Sour Cream and Cheddar Chips
-Ice Cream Malts

My weird concoctions:
-So I make this Tuna Salad with cut up red and yellow bell peppers, dill pickles, dried cranberries (Craisins), mayo and mustard. Is it really that bad?
-Subway Spicy Italian Sub on Italian Herbs n Cheese (toasted) with any combination of the following:
Pickles, Banana Peppers, Jalapenos, Spinach, Provolone Cheese, Tomato, Mayo, Oil n Vinegar, Southwest Sauce, oregano, and black pepper.

 My Favorite Snacks:
-Gogurt
-Fresh Peaches
-Fruit Snacks
-Cottage Cheese and cheez-its or pretzels
-Mike and Ikes
-Apple Slices
-Carrots
-Colby Jack Cheese and Crackers (Cracked Pepper and Olive Oil Triscuits)


My "can't wait till I pop this baby out" Cravings: (My OB took all cold deli meats out of my diet)
-Bologna Sandwich on White Bread with REAL mayo, a tinge of mustard, AMERICAN cheese, and crushed ORIGINAL lays potato chips.
-Pickled Bologna with Crackers and Cheese
-Subway Cold-Cut Trio on Italian Herbs and Cheese.
(Can you sense my pattern?)

Over the Hump: Belly Pics Round 3

So we are officially half way, people! (Taking a tiny moment to panic) So many exciting things going on--and happenings so quickly on top of one another!

• Sunday was 20 weeks! ( At our ultrasound we found out we were 3 days behind...)
• We had our big ultrasound last Friday 
• I (think) I have started feeling baby move! 
• I have finally started gaining weight! (Never thought I would ever celebrate weight gain) --I lost 3 lbs in the beginning due to nausea and have gained back that plus one pound. Goal for next visit is at least another couple pounds. Weight gain=Healthy Baby!

I thought it might be fun for the half-way point to celebrate how far we've come....here ya go!

4 WEEKS

5 WEEKS

6 WEEKS

7 WEEKS

8 WEEKS

9 WEEKS

10 WEEKS

11 WEEKS

12 WEEKS

13 WEEKS

14 WEEKS

15 WEEKS

16 WEEKS

17 WEEKS

18 WEEKS

19 WEEKS

20 WEEKS

I am looking forward to next week's Nursery Update post! xo

Ultrasound Experience

So we have officially had four ultrasounds so far...WHAT. AN. AMAZING. EXPERIENCE.

1st/2nd (done within a few days of one another) ultrasound was to confirm heartbeat so I could be passed on from my Gyno to the OB.
These were done at 7 and 7 1/2 weeks.

1st-A

1st-B

2nd

3rd ultrasound was done at 9 1/2 weeks to once again confirm pregnancy (by OB) and evaluate the shape of my uterus.

4th ultrasound was done, today at 19 weeks, 5 days to get measurements of baby. (Baby measured 3 days older than we thought, so our due date bumped up to 12/22/13!) This was also the ultrasound we found out gender!

IT'S A....................................................................................................Stubborn, 11 oz, Healthy Baby!

We stuck to our guns and are waiting for the big day to find out.... that's just not how we roll.
So Dr. said that everything looks amazing. As I said, baby weighs in at a whopping 11 ounces and the heart rate was 144 (last time was 145 and previously between 140-145). Did I mention that baby was being stubborn?! (Could this mean a little BOY is in our future taking after the Father??) The ultrasound took longer than normal because someone wasn't cooperating...Toward the end I started feeling faint/sick so she had me roll to my side and finish up in that position. The final shot was the feet and do you think that baby would stay still? I couldn't see how squirmy he/she was being, but by Andrew's laugh, I could tell it was entertaining. These are the best shots we got (give or take on the feet shot!)
Next appointment is in 4 weeks for general check-up, no ultrasound.

Hi!

Face

Side Profile of Foot (one tucked under another)

Profile