26 Weeks Bump Check

Hope you & your fams had a very Merry Christmas. We had so much fun being with lots of family & also enjoyed celebrating our last Christmas as a family of two! Christmas is going to be a little different next year.

Today completes week 26 of being pregnant and starts the last week of the second trimester --- crazy.

How far along? 26 weeks

Baby Size: 2lbs, 14 inches long, & continuing to put on the baby fat. The baby’s ears are almost fully developed & can now hear our voices. No more drama! Jk.

Total weight gain/loss: No clue but I’m hoping I’ve slowed down since last doc visit.

Maternity clothes? All bottoms are maternity at this point but still squeezing into a lot of non-maternity tops.

Stretch marks? No, but I did buy some Palmer’s lotion to hopefully keep this answer a 'no'.

Sleep: Yes & No. Waking up a lot during the night but thinking this is due to holiday chaos.

Best moment this week: Spending Christmas with my family and talking about how much fun next year will be with the little one.

Miss Anything? The vino sure would have been delightful over the holiday but I drank lots of Welch’s sparkling grape juice- brings back lots of childhood memories! I did have a glass of fancy wine (who can resist?) and it was relaxing. Sure did enjoy not having holiday hangovers this year like most of my fam!

Movement: A little bit, mostly at night. This continues to worry me (me worry?) but I’m trying to remember that I have an anterior placenta (sorry for the medical/baby term) so it prevents a barrier between baby and stomach, which leads to less feeling of movement yet the baby is more than likely kicking away.

Food cravings: Oddly, lots of sweets this past week. Over-indulged in Christmas chocolate & pies. And I may have gone thru Chick fil a yesterday for a cookies & crème milk shake as if my holiday intake wasn’t enough!   

Aversions/Anything making you queasy or sick:  Nada.

Misc: I passed the 3 hour glucose test!!! Praise the lord.  

 



Merry Christmas!

Hope you & you family have a very Merry Christmas!

Lots to be grateful & thankful for this year!

The Bump: 100 Days to go

I just received an email saying '100 days to go until your due date'....I about fell out of my chair! This pregnancy is flying by.

Today I am 25 weeks & 5 days. Only 14 weeks to go. 100 days. Wow.

I know this little blog has turned into a preggos dump, but when I actually take the time to post it's only fitting I report on the babe. As mentioned, pregnancy brain really does exist and I have a pretty serious case of it, so I want to remember as much as I can. Only fitting to dump it all at LTK.

Here is the recent scoop...

25 weeks, 5 days

How far along? 25 weeks, 5 days

Baby Size: 1.5 lbs & 13 inches long. Also starting to pack on the baby fat- so cute.

Total weight gain/loss: Oh boy! We went for our 24 week last week. I gained 10lbs since the last 4 week visit, making it 20 total. I was told while the overall is right on track, the 10 since the last appt needs to slow down a bit. I wasn't kidding when I said I have indulged in all things savory...french toast, waffles, sweet tea. And it's all been oh so good. I'm going to blame it on the season- lots of Christmas parties & treats at work :) but it was a good reminder to continue eating fruits & veggies and eat the sweet stuff in moderation.

Maternity clothes? Just received a maternity order I placed last week.  So glad  to have more stretchy dresses & pants, especially for work.

Stretch marks? No.    

Sleep: Yes. Loving the pillow between the legs.

Best moment this week: Lots of movement throughout the day. It goes in spurts and when the baby moves, it moves a lot! Best feeling ever.

Worst moment this week: Failing the 1 hour glucose test. I'm hoping it was the chick fil a chicken biscuit I had the morning of (so stupid) but we'll see. Took the 3 hour test yesterday and have the heroin addict arms to show for it!

Miss Anything? All the sweet tea I've cut back on.

Movement: Lots!

Food cravings: Nothing of note. Just the usual. I feel like i've discussed a lot of food this post. Fat girl in me. While I'm eating a lot, I'm still working out at least 4 days a week on the elliptical or the treadmill.

Aversions/Anything making you queasy or sick:  All good here.

 

And here is a progression shot from the last few weeks...

 

The last pic is kind of scary how big I look!  Can't wait to see the tum in 14 more weeks at full term. Yet, still so grateful for a growing stomach & healthy baby.



The Bump: 23 & 24 weeks

I cannot stay up to date on these preggos posts.

Date wise, I am actually wrapping up my 25th week today. So crazy! I begin a new pregnancy week every Friday. My bump has majorly grown in just the past 10 days, but I'll save that post for week 25.

But...catching up from 23 and 24 weeks. If I can remember. Preggos brain really does exist.

These photos aren't the greatest. I keep forgetting to get husband to snap the 'posed preggos pics' (they are so awkward). These are iphone pics I often snap before or after work to send to my mom & sister- the babe's biggest fans.

23 weeks



How far along? This pic was taken at 23 weeks, 3 days

Baby Size: A mango..1.5 LB! 8 inches tall.

Total weight gain/loss: Not sure. I got an email saying "This week marks the beginning of some serious weight gain for the baby. Your baby's weight in the next four weeks alone should double (and you may feel as though yours is too" 

Maternity clothes? This dress is non-maternity and comfortable, but my tights are definitely tight & uncomfortable.

Stretch marks? Not yet.   

Sleep: Yes. Still one potty trip and pillow switch up but getting plenty of zzz's.

Best moment this week: Getting our Christmas Tree and talking about how different Christmas will be this time next year

Miss Anything? Nothing of big notice

Movement: Lots of flutters before bedtime.

Food cravings: Savory. Cereal, French Toast, Sweet Tea

Aversions/Anything making you queasy or sick: Still no interest in coffee

Have you started to show yet: I should just delete this question.

 

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And 24 weeks...

 

 

How far along? This pic was taken at 24 weeks, 4 days

Baby Size: 1.5 lbs. Picture an ear of corn crown-to-rump with a fully formed face. Amazing! Per the emails, the babe is gaining 6oz a week.

Total weight gain/loss: Doc on Wednesday, can't wait scared to see.

Maternity clothes? This dress is non maternity but comfortable because it's stretchy. I wore non-maternity pants to work yesterday and let's just say a safety pin and half zipper were involved! Just placed a maternity online order. #overdue

Stretch marks? No. And still not using any creams. Need to look into this pronto.  

Sleep: Yes. Still one potty trip around 3-4am.

Best moment this week: Going to NYC this past weekend and getting to see my sister and show her the bump in real life! I swear the bump grew more and more while we were there. We laughed as every morning I woke up bigger & bigger. Also, our crib was delivered! My MIL gave it to us for Christmas. It's in the basement for now as the nursery is still bare, but it was exciting to receive our first big baby gift.

Miss Anything? Booze in the big city! NYC is so vibrant and fun & really made me miss indulging in the drinks and atmosphere.

Movement: Nervous nelly here didn't feel any movement for a few days so I called the doc and while she told me not to worry, she recommended I come in to hear the heartbeat just for ease of mind. Within 3 seconds, the baby's heart beat was racing away and she/he even gave us a few kicks for show!

Food cravings: I way over induleged in lots of food and desserts to make up for missing out on the cocktails.

Aversions/Anything making you queasy or sick: NYC is general smells bad!

 

Going to the Chapel

We are so excited...Looks like 2013 is shaping up to be a BIG year! 

My brother & his gf got engaged last weekend. It was the sweetest, cutest proposal ever. Very thoughtful. He got an invitation made for a 'Christmas party' to throw her off and have her dressed up for the big question...he proposed down at our family cabin which is a special place to them and then had both sides of the family waiting to suprise her & celebrate after the proposal.

We are so excited to celebrate W & K next year. She is a perfect addition to our fam!

Thankful & 22 weeks

Checking in....we had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Hope you did to! Lots to be thankful for this year, especially a healthy and growing baby.

I haven't downloaded my t'giving pics but here is a picture John snapped of Finn at our family's 50 year old cabin. I love pretty much everything about this picture. It sums up our dog and the place. 

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As for bambino, all is well. People in our office building are now starting to notice the belly and it's funny to see their reaction.

22 weeks -- 18 to go! 

I snapped this picture within a day of each other. It's interesting to see how differently it looks like i'm carrying the bump between these pics.

How far along? Actually 23 weeks today, but this is based off of 22.

Baby Size: 1 LB! so hard to believe.

Total weight gain/loss: Not sure, i'm only checking the scale at the doc but I would guess 12-15 lbs?

Maternity clothes? Finally purchased my first pair of jeans and jeggings. OH MY! Why I waited so long who in the hell knows?! These things are amazing (& so necessary).

Stretch marks? Not yet. I'm scared.

Sleep: Sleeping ok. Waking up once a night for bathroom and once around 5am to put pillow between legs. That does wonders as well.

Best moment this week: Spending Thanksgiving with family. My sister finally seeing the growing babe.

Miss Anything? Missed the vino at Thanksgiving but made up for it with pecan pie and all the fixins'.

Movement: Yes! It's amazing. The baby moves when i'm lying down at night in our bed reading or watching tv. It's a good reminder to slow down and take in this exciting time.

Food cravings: Still Sweet Tea. Everyday. And I look forward to my morning cereal (currently life with banana on top) but that isn't out of the norm. 

Food aversions: Sort of. Still no interest in coffee or meat, except I did indulge in Turkey.

Anything making you queasy or sick: No but I can smell B.O. and jersey shore perfume a mile a way.

Have you started to show yet: It's all out there! Especially as the day goes on. Fun to see a real, actual bump.

Half Way There

 

 

 

I can't believe it. I am 20 weeks along. Half way there. Crazy! Sometimes I feel like the weeks are creeping by but overall this pregnancy has flown by. We had our 20 week appointment on Monday and it was amazing to see the little one move. The ultra sound tech said I have a very active baby. John and I both laughed. Would you expect anything different?

They were able to tell the sex of the baby but we didn't find out. So funny to think they know something we don't know! We are excited for the surprise and can't wait to meet the little one in 20 more weeks. So grateful for a healthy baby that is growing more and more everyday.

I found these little stats on a blog and thought it would be fun to track my own.

 

How far along? 20 Weeks 5 days

Baby Size: 6oz. A small cantaloupe...or the length of a banana!
Total weight gain/loss: 10lbs!
Maternity clothes? Not yet. Just lots of leggings and loose dresses. The jeans haven't zipped in weeks.

Stretch marks? What?! eeewww not yet.

Sleep: I'm still sleeping fine...waking up once or twice throughout the night for bathroom or to put pillow in between legs - it really is true how much it helps.

Best moment this week: Seeing the babe on the ultrasound. Amazing!

Miss Anything? Starting to miss the vino and a cold beer during the Saturday football games.

Movement: Not really. I think I feel the occasional flutter but no real movement.

Food cravings: Sweet Tea. So strange. I was never really a tea drinker and now I can't get enough of it. Also waffles and french toast and cereal.

Food aversions: Still slightly grossed out by most meats (especially chicken) but that was an issue before being preggers. Also, my morning coffee which makes me sad. I'll get the occasional decaf with all the works but it's not the same.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really...but your sense of smell is unbelievable.
Have you started to show yet: Oh yea!

 

 

$20 Bench: Before & After

I got this ugly duckling bench this summer while thrifting at the beach on a rainy day. The paint was chipping and the seat fabric wasn't a looker, but for $20 I saw potential.

First step, popped off the seat and removed the current fabric to find this fabric under the 'silk'.

Much prettier than the purple right?? I decided not to remove this and just use this as my cushion since you couldn't see thru with new fabric.

Second step, washed down the bench for a clean, fresh surface.

Third step, primer. Just used a spray paint primer that was easy and quick.

Next step, stapled the new fabric to the seat. Just fold the edges over like a present. Doesn't have to be pretty or perfect.

And lastly, spray paint. Just a couple of thin, even coats that I let dry 15 or so minutes in between sprays.

The end result. Not bad for $40 total!

$20 bench, $10 fabric, and $10 primer & paint. 

Preggos Pics

Just popping in to say that I have officially 'popped'.

I haven't announced the big news to the blog, but it should be pretty obvious. John & I are going to be PARENTS! 

Baby Haynes is making it's debut March 29, 2013...we are thrilled!

Not sure why it's taken me so long to do a post. For the first few weeks it was a top secret just for family, then the next several weeks felt like e.t.e.r.n.i.t.y as we waited 12 weeks to share the news with friends. Some friends knew before then because let's be honest...when you are a drinker - a white wine & corona girl at heart - it's a tough secret to hide. Lastly, I was holding out as long as possible to tell work. Word is in a corporate setting you keep it hush as long as possible, then tell the boss man before (s)he starts to speculate. Fortunately, my boss and co workers were all very supportive and kind and even surprised. I was really nervous for their reactions, so it was a huge relief to finally spill the beans. 

So, here we are. I am 18 weeks along and feeling great. For the first 12 weeks I was really tired. Like a tiredness that's impossible to explain to someone who has never been pregnant. I used to hear people tell me how 'exhausted they were' and I couldn't grasp exactly what they meant. Boy now do I get it! My bedtime went from 10:30ish to 8:30, 8:45 at the latest. Other than that, I've had a few nauseous days, some food aversions (oh starbux sadly I do not miss you) and a couple of sick episodes. But otherwise, feeling good.

The second trimester has been good to me. My energy is back, I'm staying up until after the sun goes down, and the food consumption has officially picked up. You name it...i'll eat it! {Other than meat - typing that word still makes me cringe.} I would say as of this week I have officially popped. I really started showing around 15-16 weeks but I mostly looked 'puffy'. As of this week, it's a true baby bump.  


Here a few preggers pics we've documented along the way...

8 weeks (August 22)



10 weeks (Labor day) 

12 weeks (mid September)

...oops no 14 weeks...

16 weeks (mid October)

18 weeks (Oct 25)

ps- John asked me if I got a spray tan or if I had 'jaundice'. Someones been reading their baby manual! I'd like to think of this random tan picture as 'pregnancy glow' but honestly it's just the flash.

As for the gender, we are not finding out. Some days I think it's a boy, but lately I've been on the girl train as I feel like there is one bump in the front and two muffin tops in the back. We are so excited for the surprise!!

I won't turn LTK into baby central, but I will check in to document this incredible process. It will be fun to look back on the various stages. In the meantime, keep our little one in your prayers! This whole journey really is an incredible gift from God.

Team Hayden Run

We had a fun weekend supporting our good friend Hayden who is currently fighting the fight and beating down esophageal cancer.

Emory hosted a 5k run around their campus. We had 170+ people run for Team Hayden, raising close to $20k!! It was such a success and lots of fun.

Team H warming up



The bopsy twins take off...

Recent House Pics -- Almost There

How amazing is this weather? Fall is officially here. A little chill in the mornings and perfect walking weather in the afternoons.

We are almost to the finish line at our house. Best part...we are ahead of the scheduled completion date and I think we are still within budget, yet I have a hard time believing it when you look at our dwindling bank account.

Here's what has happened since our last house happening post, exactly a month ago. The trim has been installed, doors are installed, all the rooms are painted, and yesterday the light fixtures were installed.

Here are some updated pics...

Hallway Before:

Hallway After:

Crazy huh?!

Opposite view looking into the bedroom...



Bedroom Before:

Bedroom After:

Laundry Before:

Laundry After:

Sorry for the horrible iphone pics and the nighttime lighting but it's always fun to see progress.

So, what's left to do?

-Counter tops to be installed (early next week - they are oh so pretty)
-Final inspection with the county
-Install the furniture!

House Host Perfection

Hi there. I was out of the office the latter part of last week at another one of those bond outings...you know where we 'work'-- networking among others in the industry...while at the beach.

This was my view on Friday during the working hours. Beach in October and perfect weather. Hard to complain about my j.o.b.

I took an early flight on Saturday where I could have a full weekend at home - still questioning why I wanted to leave a 5star resort and this luxury - but then again they don't call it work for nothin'.

I arrived home from traveling mid morning hoping to take a quick nap to catch up from lost zzzz's, only to walk into a house full of fumes. They installed the new hardwoods for the addition while I was away.

Preggers (oh yea, have yet to mention that on LTK yet?!) & Polyurethane do not mix.

So...I've been homeless and a nomad since Saturday. I have jumped from home to home because I'm one of those people that does not like intruding. I know it's weird, friends are friends for reasons like these, but it's just one of my things. We have so many amazing friends that have graciously offered their homes and for every one of you I cannot thank you enough.

Every stay has been so wonderful. John & I got a good laugh sharing a full sized bed Saturday night at a sweet neighbors house and Sunday night I got to spend the night with a bestie girlfriend, who was my roomie for 5+ years. Bringing it back to the good old days!! John gave it one night & decided he would rather fight the fumes & sleep in his own bed. Typical guy, right?

Last night I stayed at another dear friends and let me tell you this friend knows how to host. {bws, i know you are going to kill me but you know its so typical for me to do things like this!}.

I snapped some pics because I thought it was a good reminder for myself on how to host the perfect overnight guest. I also thought it was blog worthy material because who doesn't enjoy looking at a pretty room?

So I arrive to a cozy room with the curtains drawn...(not to mention the amazing custom headboard and Matouk linens).

 Next up, I died. She had a bottle of water on my bedside table with fresh flowers (& the remote).

And lastly, fresh linens in the bathroom.

You think they've hosted friends a time or two? Thanks BS for a perfect night sleep. I may just have to take you up on two nights in a row!

Bathroom: Sconce Selection

We are making progress in the bathroom. Shower fully tiled {pics to come-amazing}, french doors installed, walls painted, and vanity currently being built.

Next up, sconce selection.

I've had a 'bathroom inspiration' file since we first bought our house. A girl can dream right? It makes looking at our mustard yellow & burgundy brown bathroom manageable! It's funny when looking back through the file, I see the same sconce in several pictures. You would think that would make the decision rather easy, right? Not when it comes to buying for your own new bathroom. Not to mention, the sticker shock from some of the price tags has me questioning my sanity. 

So, here are the contenders...

Circa French Deco

Circa Dauphine

Circa Bryant

Circa Reed

Restoration Hardware Lugarno

RH Wilshire

And the winner?  The Bryant Sconce (with a different shade than above).

As much as I loved the look of brass, we are going with hardwood floors, subway tile shower & marble counter tops, so the nickel goes better with the overall vision. While I loved the look of the RH choices, we needed something a slightly bigger since we opted for a large frame-less mirror instead of 2 decorative ones and our vanity is dual sinks.

It's been a fave for a long time, so i'm excited with the final decision!

Life thru a Reno

Hey, I'm here. It's been crazy town around our house these past few weeks. Leave for work, greet the eager workers. Get home from work and listen to banging and pounding for a good two more hours then give them a powerade or homemade store bought cookies and thank them for another hard days work. I cannot say enough how hard and fast these people work. And to think some people want them out of the country...that's another post in itself.

Anyways, no complaints. We are very pleased with how things are moving along. As of last week, we are still on time and still on budget---I.am.scared.writing.that. We are now getting into counter tops, light fixtures and the like, so the budget is soon to be broken at some point but we're just impressed we've made it this far.

So, here's our house turned upside down. We cleared out our back room where they can start making the entrance to the new addition. The door on the left is a closet and the door on the right is the half-bath, which will now become the hallway entrance to the new master. At one point, we considered knocking out both the closet and the half bath and expanding that back room, but due to pipes and the likes it was going to be a bigger mess {gotta love the ranchers!}, so we are keeping the closet for now - may make it a wet bar at some point- and just getting rid of the half bath.

Crazy to see how dirty floors are even after mopping & vacuuming each week.

Dog currently sleeping in our room. Bed unmade. This isn't a big deal to most but JH and I are both sticklers about a made bed.

And best of all. How much furniture can you fit in one room? #hoarders.



Just keepin' it real.