19 Weeks

Well, baby decided to show up to the party this week!  I take back anything I ever said about wanting to feel pregnant and missing out on symptoms!  Keep reading and you'll see why...

How far along: 19 weeks

Size of baby: baby is the size of a mango

Total weight gain/loss: +11

Honestly, I am shocked I didn't gain 5 to 10 pounds this week.  Symptom number one that decided to show up--feeling the need to shove my face with food every 20 minutes.  I have gone for a while now with just eating normal.  I eat when I'm hungry, but it's been nothing more than I would normally eat. This week I seriously felt hungry ALL. THE. TIME.  There were times I was starving and didn't even want to eat because it just seemed like too much work since I had just eaten.  I'm not sure I've ever wished to NOT eat.  I don't mind eating more to feed the baby, but this is getting ridiculous! :)

Maternity clothes: pretty much all maternity with a few regular shirts/sweatshirts/sweaters thrown in here and there.

Gender: I still think it's a boy.  We'll find out tomorrow.  (For those of you who are not friends with me on facebook... you'll find out on here Wednesday).  I will be fine with either gender, but will seriously be SHOCKED if they say girl.

Movement: I'm feeling it much more now.  It's still a tickle and not a kick.  I feel it in the mornings (after I drink orange juice!), in the afternoons, and in the evenings.

Sleep: Terrible!  Symptom number 2 that showed up this week--insomnia.  I couldn't sleep no matter how tired I was and I also couldn't get  comfortable.  I think I had maybe two nights where I actually got about 8 hours of sleep.  One day I didn't even nap!  I was exhausted by bedtime and then just laid there for hours. :(  I have a feeling this is only going to get worse.

What I miss: normal sleep, hot dogs! Every time I go to Sonic I am reminded that I am missing out!

Cravings: FOOD!  Just give me food!!!!!

Symptoms: insomnia, feeling starved every twenty minutes (even if I just ate a big meal), acid reflux (symptom #3 in full affect this week!), having to blow my nose constantly and it being bloody (symptom #4--my nose is basically raw inside.  It's awful.  It's just one big sore.  Darn mucous membranes!), crazy dreams (#5), some snoring (#6), aching back (symptom #7 that decided to join in the fun this week)...no matter what chair I sit in or what position I try to contort myself to, my lower back aches-mostly my right side. Also, more round ligament pain (#8).  Oh--and morning sickness!  What?  I know!  Symptom #9 that came out of no where!  Four mornings this week I woke up feeling sick.  I felt nauseous and the need to puke.  I never did though.  This generally went away by 10 in the morning.

Surprises: Morning sickness!  I was told by two different doctors that if I didn't have it in the first 12 weeks that I was pretty much in the clear.  Crazy, crazy pregnancy.  Pretty much everything I've been told or read has been a lie! :)

Oh how I love thee... (17)

... let me count the ways!

I love that Michael has faith in me.  He thinks I can do anything.  Seriously!  He believes in me more than any other person I know.  I appreciate that.  It may sound simple, or that every husband should do that, but that's not always the case.  He's always telling me "you could do that".  Once, he even told me I could make a pair of shoes. :)  Ha!  I had a pair of shoes that were sort of made out of cloth on top.  He tried on a similar pair, but they didn't fit.  Later that day I said I wished they had fit him because I liked them.  He said, "Well, I'm sure you could make me a pair".  Um... no.  No I cannot make a pair of shoes.  He believes in all my crazy crafting ideas.  He thinks I could be some sort of decorator or designer.  Other examples are that he thinks I could start a business selling my crafts (they aren't that good!).  He thinks I can write a book.  He thinks I could teach classes to parents on how to discipline their children.  The list goes on.  He trusts my judgment and opinions.  He was willing to move all the way to Texas for me to keep my job.  A nanny job at that!  He has always believed that I am good at what I do, whether it was teaching or being a nanny.  I love that he supports me and encourages me and stands behind me.  He's a good confidence builder. :)  I love that he's my biggest cheerleader, because I'm his!

Happy Valentine's Day love!  You are the best!

Love Tree

We had another snow day this week!  Oh, and a late start another day.  I have been assured many, many times that this is not normal Texas weather.  I've also been told I won't experience this again for another ten to fifteen years.  I am hoping they are correct!

Anyway, it was time to break out the workbooks and another Valentine's Day craft for Little Man!  I can't take credit for this craft.  I saw variations of it on a few different blogs.  I just used what we had and  went with it.

First, I traced Little Man's hand and arm

Then he cut it out and glued it to a white piece of construction paper

I cut out a bunch of different size hearts from tissue paper.

Then Little Man glued them on however he wanted.

We were almost out of glue, so I just dribbled it all over the top instead of using dots for each heart.  It was hard to get any out, so this was our best option.

The end product

Simple. Cute. Festive!

Happy Valentine's Day weekend!

Let's Talk Registry...

Finding out the sex of the baby soon + having a baby shower date set (April 16th) = time to register!

Hopefully we'll be registering in the next few weeks.  I'm actually looking forward to it.  I know some people find it overwhelming, but I think it will be enjoyable.  I already told you that I've done a lot of research.  I spent an entire Saturday afternoon researching some items and making a list of what I wanted to register for at Target and what I wanted to register for at Babies R Us. 

Some things I absolutely know I want.  I have a pretty good knowledge on kids things.  I've done a lot of reading and research.  I pay attention to what people say. On the other hand, there are some things I'm not sure of.  That's where you come in! :)  Consumer Reports: The Best Baby Products was also pretty helpful.

For example, Consumer Reports recommends a bath tub with a sling.  It says it holds newborns better.  I don't think I've ever seen anyone use a baby bath tub with a sling.  I've never seen anyone receive one at a shower either (at least that I can remember).  I never would have thought it was important. We've pretty much decided that bath time will be Michael's deal (unless his work schedule prevents it).  Therefore, anything that can make him feel more comfortable is worth it to me.

On the other hand, CR said those cart covers are not a good idea.  They are cute and all, I'll give you that.  The main purpose is for baby comfort and to protect from germs.  Most people use them to protect from germs.  CR reported that they are actually worse than just sticking your baby in the cart!

They collect all the germs of the cart and can keep them in the cloth even after washing.  So if you wanted to use one, you'd have to wash it after every use.  That seems like a lot of work.  I've also heard a lot of moms say it was just one more thing to have to carry around and worry about and it was a hassle.  Normally, I probably would have put one of these on the registry.  Now I won't.  CR said it's much better just to wipe the cart off with a wipe that most stores provide.  Michael already does that, so I think we'll be OK.

I'll be registering for a boppy for sure.  Although I haven't been thrilled with the selection of boppy covers recently.  I'm hoping they break out something cute soon! :)

I've bought boppy covers for others before, and I know they were cute!

Other things I've heard are a must have: a bumbo, a bouncer, a gym/activity mat and a miracle blanket.

Of course there are a ton more items we are registering for.  

Here are my questions for all of you...

*What is something you registered for and didn't really use?

*What is something you wish you would have registered for, but didn't?

*What is/was your favorite baby item?

*I've heard not to register for blankets because you end up getting 50 anyway. True?

*I know they say babies are all different and opinionated--some love the swing, while others hate it... some love the bouncer, while others hate it... I've heard the same is true about bottles and nipples.  CR recommends using silicone nipples only.  Babies (and adults for that matter) can develop an allergy to latex.  So here is my question--register for one type of bottle and hope it works, or register for a few starter kits just to be covered?  I will be breastfeeding, so ones I'm thinking of are Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature and The First Years Breastflow.  These are suppose to be closest to a breast nipple.  CR recommends Playtex VentAire Advanced, BornFree and Nuby Non-Drip.  Anyone have a preference? 

*Also, thoughts on a carrier/sling?  I really can't picture myself (or Michael, for that matter) wearing one.  I mean a Moby sounds like it might be convenient, but I'm just not sure I'll use it.  Do you have a carrier or sling?  Do you love it? Should I get one? And if so, which one?

Thanks for your help! :)

Ladies and Gentlemen--We've got a crib!

I'll be honest... the whole crib thing was throwing me for a huge loop!  I had lots of thoughts and lots of options, and maybe a few worries.  I searched for weeks and was literally at a loss.  Before I share with you what we got, I'll let you know where my thoughts were.

First, I'm a little sad that we don't have a nursery.  Isn't that one of THE biggest sources of fun and enjoyment when you are pregnant?  What woman doesn't love decorating a nursery?  I've been looking at nursery ideas and bedding long before I was even pregnant.  I see people blog about their cute nursery ideas and get just a little bit jealous.  My sensible brain reminds me that I need to be happy just to be having a baby.  Trust me, I don't take that for granted.  I know entirely too many that struggle.  I know I'm lucky.  Also, my sensible brain tells me that renting for a year while our condo sells is the best move.  I also know that having a guest room really is important.  I have had many people tell me they will be coming to visit, and if someone is willing to spend money to come see us and our baby, then the least I can offer is a bed.  Unfortunately, sometimes my emotional dreamy woman brain gets a little sad.  I'll only have one first baby.  Sure, it will have a nursery eventually... but it's just not the same.

Second, where would I put this said crib.  We still aren't sure.  My thoughts are that babies sleep in their parents room from 3 to 6 months anyway.  We are crossing our fingers and hoping we are out of here when our one year lease is up.  That will be before baby turns 6 months.  I was just planning on having the crib in our room.  After getting a king sized bed in there, we aren't sure we'll have room.  Do I get a bassinet for the first few months (when most of the visitors will be coming), and then move the baby to the crib in the guest room?  Any moms out there have any thoughts on this?  When we actually put the crib together we'll see how it fits in our room.  That may make up our minds for us.

Third, convertible cribs are all the rage.  I get why they are so popular, but I wasn't sure I was sold.  Here's why---I never, and I do mean never, had a kids room.  I was either sharing a room with an older sister, sleeping under a plain red bedspread, or in a room that my parents thought should be decorated for guests.  That makes sense right?  Put a ten year old girl in a fru fru room decorated for guests, all so adults could sleep in my room the 3 or 4 times we got guests each year. (Ugh!)  So, I have vowed that my kids will actually have kids rooms.  If that means that I am spending a couple of hundred dollars every couple of years to redecorate, then it is worth it to me.  I'd love my little boy to have one of those car beds, or a little girl to have a princess bed (if that's what they are in to).  All that to say, turning a convertible crib into a toddler bed didn't thrill me.  PLUS, I don't even like how they convert into adult beds.  Almost all of them look like mission style headboards and that's not really my thing.  Unfortunately, some of the non-convertible cribs that I liked were just as much money as a convertible crib.  That didn't really make sense to me.

Sooo..... all that was juggling around in my head.  I'd find a crib I liked, but the matching changing table or dresser would have horrible reviews.  Or, I'd find one I liked, but it was $400. That's insane.  I kept flip flopping in my head what I wanted.  It was actually one of the main things I was stressing about.  Then one day I went on the Target website to look (for the thousandth time!!) at cribs.  I stumbled across one that looked pretty good, was reasonably priced and had 4 1/2 stars out of 5.  Then I checked out the matching dresser and changing table and they BOTH had 4 1/2 stars!  Honestly, I hadn't seen that anywhere else I looked or for any other set.  So this is what we got.

We got it in black cherry (color shown).  It's called the Delta Eclipse and is a 4 in 1 convertible crib.  I figured that around the time my first will be in a toddler bed, it may be time for a second.  Therefore, we'd just use it as a crib again instead of a toddler bed.  If down the road we need a headboard for a guest room or something, then we have one.  If not, then I'll just sell it used for cheap.

We also got the changing table

I plan on registering for some baskets to put on the shelves.

I didn't originally plan on getting a dresser.  Mostly because we have NO room for one.  But, after we talked it over, we decided we should probably get one.  That way, when we do have a nursery we will have matching furniture.  We have to order it from online.  We haven't yet, but plan to soon!

So, there you have it.  Mystery solved.  Crib bought.  We've yet to put it together yet.  Hopefully soon.  Then we can maybe figure out where it's going to go and if we need a smaller alternative for our room.

Super Bowl snack-Mini Soft Pretzels with dip

I love me some Pampered Chef! :)  Actually, I sold it for a time and have a lot of their items.  Yes, they are sometimes expensive, but I find my PC products useful, of good quality, and sometimes time saving.

We didn't really have a plan for the Super Bowl (since we know no one), but I thought it'd be fun to make a little snack.  Back when I was teaching I taught an after school cooking program for kids.  It was an extra curricular thing that the kids paid for (and was extra income for me).  I taught teaching techniques and we made a recipe.  The kids got to take home recipes and try them at home.  One thing we made was called Mini Soft Pretzels with Honey-Mustard Dip.  I thought they would be perfect for the Super Bowl.

The recipe came out of this cookbook

Sorry about the picture!  My kitchen has really bright track lighting and I've yet to figure out how to take pictures without some crazy shadow!

Here's what you need for the pretzels

1 pkg (10 oz) refrigerated pizza crust

1 egg, lightly beaten

1/2 tsp salt

1 tbsp caraway seeds or sesame seeds

Here's what you need for the honey-mustard dip

3/4 cup mayonnaise

3 tbsp dijon mustard

3 tbsp honey

1. Preheat oven to 425*.
2. Unroll pizza crust onto a flat cutting board.  (I skipped this part and just put it right on the cookie sheet.)
3. Using a pizza cutter, cut dough lengthwise into 18 1/2 inch wide strips.  I decided to make mini pretzels, so I cut mine a little different.

 It ripped a little on the way out of the package.

    

4. Form each strip into pretzels.  Again--I didn't follow the directions exactly.  I decided I didn't want to mess with trying to make crazy looking pretzels, so I just made twists.

 

5. In a small bowl, combine egg and salt; brush onto dough using a pastry brush.  Sprinkle with seeds. (I didn't use seeds, but I did sprinkle half of them with sea salt.)

6. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.

7. For honey mustard dip, whisk together all ingredients until well blended.  Hint: don't buy cheap dijon mustard.  I think it changes the taste.

8. Serve with warm pretzels.  We ended up going over to my bosses house to watch the game on their projection screen in their home theater.  I took these with us.

Valentine's Mobile-Kids Craft

Little Man didn't have school FOUR days last week!  Two of those days I was off, but two of those days I was chilling with him at home.  You can only sit around, play Star Wars, and watch TV so many times.  It was time to pull out a craft out of my hat.  I figure we'd do something Valentine's related.  LM loves to paint, so I decided we'd just make a simple mobile.

We could have just painted with brushes, but what fun is that? :)  We've painted with many different methods--marbles, bubble wrap, string, and sponges.  This time I decided to use things I could find around the kitchen.  Little Man was eating his breakfast while I was making my collection.  He knew we were getting ready to do an art project.  He kept saying, "Wow, I bet this is going to be really special" and "this art project is going to be so fun, huh?".  Painting is painting, but if I can make it exciting even before we start then I've done good.

Here's what I found:

Then I folded a pink piece of construction paper in half.  I took one half and halved it again.

I took the two smaller halves and taped them together to make a circle--the top of my mobile

Then I drew some hearts on some paper.  I made three pages and then traced them one time.  

That left me with six sheets.

Don't laugh at my paint colors!  I had a hard time coming up with a purple.  

Apparently it's not as simple as mixing red with blue. :)

Note to self: Don't take pictures for the blog when Little Man is wearing pajamas with his name on it!

The papers all done and drying

I ended up cutting the hearts out myself.  One, because there were a lot of them and I knew LM would get bored with it.  Two, because I didn't want the lines I drew to show.  Three, because I wanted the hearts that match to actually sort of match.

I also went ahead and just taped everything together.  Normally I like to do art projects where Little Man does the work, but sometimes it's just not gonna happen.

Here's how it turned out.

I forgot to mention that LM painted a few hearts on the top with a sponge.