Wednesday, November 24, 2010

The Holidays at Home

Hey y'all! 

Just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!!  Matt and I worked on Monday and then headed back home to Indianapolis to spend the holiday with our families.  It was our official last road trip home as just the two of us.  I will not tell you that I had to make him pull over on the side of the road so I could throw up.  No.  I will not mention that.  I also will not mention the tantrum I threw upon finding out that the Peppermint Chocolate Chip Milkshake from Chick-fil-a has 150 grams of carbs.  How many can I have for breakfast?  30.  Yep.  Freaking diabetes...

Since being home I have done some serious baking.  I've made pumpkin butterscotch cookies and pumpkin cream pie.  Seriously yum.  I'm making a sweet potato casserole tomorrow to take over to my mama's as well.  Thanksgiving is going to be just delicious tomorrow! 

I've also had the opportunity to see some really fabulous friends.  I had dinner with two of them last night at my favorite Mexican restaurant of all time.  You know what's great about beef and cheese dip?  No carbs people.  0 carbs.  L.O.V.E.

I also got out and saw this movie today:


It really was super cute.  And see it in 3D please.  It is a must.

There is also something else really fantastic to look forward to this week.  My shower!  My sister, mama, and MIL are hosting it for me on Saturday and I just cannot wait!

Well, better get going but I'm sending out the love to all of you this Thanksgiving!  Y'all have given me so much and I'm throwing it right back at ya :)

Friday, November 19, 2010

Jenny: The Update

I have been a complete blog slacker this week.  And it's kinda sad because I've actually had a really busy week and so much has gone on!  So an update you shall receive...since you asked, right?

Right.

  • Last weekend my in-laws came up to visit and we enjoyed Sunday at the Fabulous Food Show.  We saw a presentation by this guy...

...which was super cool because he's actually from Cleveland.  Like, he's famous and he still lives here.  I know.  It's weird.  But it was a really cool show. 
Then we hopped around to different booths sampling all of the yummy food Cleveland has to offer.  My favorite?  Hm.  I'd have to go with the cheeses.  I do love me some cheese.

  • I had a blood pressure check on Monday and it was still slightly elevated.  I have to have one more today to determine whether or not I have to go on meds for high blood pressure.  Fingers crossed I don't have to.  I was super borderline last time so I'm hoping for a good number today.  Send me relaxing thoughts, okay?  I'm also meeting with the dietitian beforehand.  I've had so many appointments this week it's making my head spin.
  • I visited with a friend on Tuesday and she gave me lots of helpful new parenting advice as well as recommended a pediatrician.  Call me crazy but finding a pediatrician before our baby is even born was not something I ever knew I had to do.  Clearly I'm clueless.  But I'm in the loop now and we have a little meet and greet next month!
  • Wednesday I met with a nurse in the diabetic department and she gave me lots of helpful hints about my diet and what I should and should not be eating.  I have made some changes and am really trying to do what is best for my little girl.  Things are going fairly well, but sometimes my blood sugar levels are elevated in the morning and I have no idea why.  It's a little frustrating to not be able to totally control this...
  • If you can believe it...I actually purchased some clothes.  No I am not lying.  I spent money on myself.  And it was not on food.  I had a Junior League event last night that required a nicer looking outfit than jeans and a t-shirt so I was forced.  I bought some new black pants, a few sweaters, and some dressier shirts.  I can now attend church again and look respectable.
  • Last night was our annual fundraiser for the Junior League.  It was an okay time for the price ($65 and I couldn't take part in the open bar?  I'm thinking I got screwed...) but I got to catch up with some girls I haven't seen in quite a while so it was worth the trip downtown.  
  • I'm hoping to get the rest of the baby furniture ordered this weekend as well as our dining room table so it will be all ready for the holidays.  I have a full day of volunteering on Saturday at the hospital and a baby shower on Sunday.  I'm tired just thinking about it...  Aren't weekends for relaxing?
  • I officially have 17 more working days left.  I simply cannot believe it.  And only 9 more weeks of pregnancy.  I'm in the single digits!  I can't believe in just a few short months our lives are going to change so drastically.  It's so overwhelming...but incredibly exciting all at the same time!
Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!  I cannot wait for next week!  We're only working on Monday and then it's home to Indy for some serious family time :)  Yeah!  And the last time Matt and I will ever drive home just the two of us.  Ah!  I'm gonna be a MOM!!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

30 Weeks! And a Huge Update...

This week has been a little crazy in the baby department.  I found out on Thursday that I do indeed have gestational diabetes.  Lovely.  Apparently my levels were so high that I didn't even need the 3 hour test...straight to the specialist for me.  So what does this mean for me and the babes? 
  • My insulin levels have become a little screwy during the end of the pregnancy.  If not treated, it can result in my baby growing larger than normal giving us an increased risk of having to have a C-section and /or low blood sugar levels for our little girl when born.  I am also at double the risk of having to be induced because of the baby being in distress.
  • They are fairly certain, according to previous blood work, that this is not something I had before I became pregnant.  This is great news as diabetes can result in major problems early in pregnancy when the baby is just developing.  
So what's happening now?
  • I went to a diabetes specialist on Friday.  He gave me some information about gestational diabetes and assured me that it was not something I did to our little girl.  I was (and honestly still am) having a hard time feeling guilty about harming her.  But the doctor was very helpful and convinced me that this is not uncommon and with treatment I will not have to give birth to a "fat baby."  Which by the way is what the official name is for it.  Isn't that awful?  My poor little fat baby.  I actually asked him if our baby was already a fatty and he said no.  Thank goodness!
  • I have to check my blood sugar 4 times a day.  Like straight up prick my finger and take my blood 4 times a day.  I have a little pack I have to carry around with me and record everything.  I have become my grandmother.
  • I have to take these levels to the doctor in about 10 days to discuss whether or not I will need insulin injections.  Luckily...my readings so far have been in the required ranges so it is not looking like I will need this...thank goodness!  But only time will tell.
  • I also have to meet with a nutritionist next week to give me some advice on a diet.  Apparently it's not as simple as giving up candy bars.  :)  There's a little more to it and I'm very anxious to figure out what I can do to help this move in the right direction.
Following my appointment with my specialist, I had my regular appointment with my OB.  Turns out not only do I have gestational diabetes, my blood pressure is also high.  I know.  What else can go wrong?  But, she assured me that diabetes and high blood pressure often go together and it again is nothing I have done.  I have to get rechecked on Monday and if my blood pressure is still elevated I will be put on medication to treat that.

Also, I am now required to be monitored much more closely due to the diabetes.  Starting in two weeks I will have to go to my doctor every week, be hooked up to a monitor from 20-60 minutes, and sit on my booty while the baby's heart rate is monitored.  They're checking to make sure she is not in any sort of distress.  I will also have to have two more ultrasounds before she's born in order to make sure her growth is on track.

My doctor did say that babies of mother's with gestational diabetes are usually born healthier and easier than even normal babies because they are so closely monitored.  So I guess that's an upside.  And I'm really glad that we caught this in time and there are ways to treat it.  I know it could be a lot worse but I'm so thankful it is something that I have some control over now and can help our little girl as much as possible.

So anyway, prayers are appreciated!



We're 30 weeks!  Only 10 more weeks to go little one.  Please say in there as long as possible and cook away.  And let Mommy know just what you need, okay?  I'd do anything for you.  Even give up cupcakes.  And I wouldn't do that for just anyone. 

Thursday, November 11, 2010

A Christmas to Remember

Alright peeps.  Y'all have been chatting up these Shutterfly Christmas cards like it's your job.  So I had to check it out.  I haven't been really into the picture cards for a few years, but I figure this year is special.  I'm huge and I should document that, right?  Ha!  Plus, it would be nice for family and friends to see our little girl all nice and snug before she makes her appearance next year.  And fortunately I am taking maternity picture over Thanksgiving...so it's perfect timing!

I'm currently loving these:





The choices are endless!  And seriously, once our little girl is here, I'm not sure I'm going to be able to stop myself from getting these:


And just in case you have been living under a rock, thanks to Shutterfly...bloggers get 50 free holiday cards this year just for being awesome!  Or, you know, for blogging about them.  So sign up here!

P.S.  Christmas music is now on the radio!!  Forgive me but I am totally in the spirit :)

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

To Work or Not to Work

So, have I talked to y'all about my job yet?

You know I'm not going back, right?  Or did I forget to mention that? 

Yep.  I'm done.  December 17th to be exact.  23 glorious more working days.  In only a little over a month I'll be retired.  At least that's what I keep telling Matt.  He seems to think this whole not working thing is temporary.  He's got another thing coming...

But in all seriousness, I could not be more thrilled!  I feel so privileged and blessed to be able to stay home and raise our little girl. 

It's weird how far I've come from the woman I used to be.  When I was younger, being a stay at home mom was not something I ever, ever wanted to do.  Maybe that's because my mom didn't stay home.  Or maybe it's because I went to college with the intentions of becoming a doctor.  Either way, staying home raising babies was not something I even considered.  It's not like I was against the option...I just never thought it would be a possibility.

And then I met Matt.  And my whole life changed.  I realized that I didn't want to be in school for that long and work so hard for a career I wasn't sure I wanted.  All I really knew I wanted was to be his wife and have a life that allowed me to spend as much time with him as possible. 

Years later, that's still what I want. 

Don't get me wrong.  I still have my own goals.  Ambitions.  Dreams for my life.  They just include a husband and now a baby and all that goes along with those precious people.  They're different goals.  I've changed.  But I have never once felt like I have lost myself.  It's completely the opposite.  I feel like I have found myself.  Found the person I am supposed to be and the person I'm supposed to be with. 

Truly a blessing, I tell you. 

Anyway...my post about how I'm becoming a SAHM has somehow morphed into how cool my husband is.  How did that happen?  Hm.  Clearly it is no longer all about me :)

Monday, November 8, 2010

A Visit and Tons of Yummy Recipes!

Happy Monday friends!

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend!  I got to enjoy some much needed time with my parents in Cleveland this weekend (only their third visit to this fine city!) and it was just great!

They arrived Friday evening and we had some delicious jambalaya with bacon onion cheddar biscuits.  Oh my goodness were these good.  Click here for the recipe.  You will NOT be disappointed!  We finished off the meal with Oreo cheesecake bars.  Yum! 

Saturday I was up bright and early to head over to the lab for my glucose screening.  And guess what?  I didn't throw up!!  Woot, woot!  I was home before 9 and was able to enjoy some homemade cinnamon rolls from Pioneer Woman.  I thought I'd better wait to eat all that butter and sugar until after my glucose screening.  My mama didn't raise no dummy.

We spent the day watching football and doing a little shopping.  I introduced my mom and grandma to Costco and I think I created a monster!  You know those people who just stand there and wait for the samples to come out?  That was them.  I know.  I can't take them anywhere! 

We also enjoyed a few rousing games of bowling on the Wii and played a little Guitar Hero per my dad's request.  He enjoyed the tunes :) 

We ended up getting a late lunch of pizza (yum!) and were so full from that we didn't even have dinner :)  Ha!  I did make some of Shaina's delicious brownies which were so yummy warmed up it is hard to describe.  A must try!

Sunday I made cinnamon baked french toast for breakfast.  It was a hit! (I'm just realizing that when people visit...I always center around food.  Hm.  I think I have an issue.)  My family left around noon so Matt and I spent the rest of the day lounging around and catching up on some much needed sleep.  We also ordered most of the furniture for the nursery!!  I cannot wait to see it all set up :)

We don't get to rest too much though because my in-laws are coming this weekend!   Eek!

How was your weekend????

Friday, November 5, 2010

29 Weeks!

29 weeks and counting!  I can't believe my little girl is almost in her 30's!  Insane I tell you!  And she's getting so big....2 1/2 lbs.  She's been kicking up a storm too.  It's so amazing to me to feel her moving around in there.  Amazing.  And, you know, a little weird :)

I'm feeling pretty great too!  Matt is officially in charge of tying my shoes now, but other than that, I am a fully functional human being.  I'm sleeping well, I never get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, my hips rarely hurt, and my occasional back pain is minimal and wins me a massage. 

My parents are visiting today and bringing along my grandma so we're in for a fun filled weekend!  I whipped up some cinnamon rolls last night as well as Oreo cheesecake bars so if those are a success...expect recipes!  I'm all about cooking up a storm when we have guests.  What can I say...I'm a born entertainer!  So after my repeat glucose screening tomorrow...fun awaits!

Here we are at 29 weeks!  Have a great weekend friends!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

House Pictures!

I have downstairs house pictures for you!!  Aren't you impressed!?!  No.  Okay.  I get it.  But let's just go with it okay?  :)

First up, our family room. 


The fireplace is definitely my favorite part.  I'm pretty much in love with the stone we picked out.  And fyi...someday that awful couch will be gone.  It's on our list of must buys!  Yippee!!  You should see me try to get up off that thing now.  It's a sight...



The family room completely opens up to the kitchen and morning room.  The morning room is an addition we put on and will eventually be getting more furniture/a four person breakfast table to put in there.  Currently it is looking small and lonely...but it has such potential!



Finally, the kitchen.  It is by far the main reason I loved this house so much when we saw the design.  I LOVE it here.





We opted for black granite countertops and the dark cherry cabinets.  They looks just perfect together.  And my double oven.  Don't even get me started on how excited that makes me :)  And my gourmet island...swoon!

I will say, everyone that has been over has commented on how high the microwave is.  Funny, I never noticed.  Perhaps because I'm 5'11''??  Good thing I guess!

Hope y'all have a wonderful Thursday!!!

XOXO

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Let's Try This Again...

Morning friends!  

Sorry to do a weekend recap on a Wednesday, but have you really come to expect anything more of me lately?  I didn't think so...

We had a lovely Halloween!  We celebrated with some friends and got to help them pass out candy to the children in their neighborhood.  I provided the Halloween Bark.  Candy corn + white chocolate + Halloween Oreos = delicious people.  Simply delicious!



I also got off my butt and finally carved our pumpkin!  What do you think?



He looks so lonely on the porch all by himself, but I just didn't have the energy this year for Halloween/Thanksgiving decor.  I'm saving it up for Christmas!
Yesterday I had the day off work so I could go in for my glucose screening.  You know, the one where you have to drink the gross stuff, wait an hour, and then have your blood drawn?  Well, guess what I did.  I'll give you one guess.

I puked.

2 minutes before they were going to draw my blood.

I have to go back and do it again.

On a Saturday.

At 7 a.m.

Yep.

Oh well.  I did get my shots and blood drawn for other various tests I had to do as well as finish my prenatal interview so I'm glad most of the errands are out of the way.  And the drink really wasn't that bad.  It was more the empty stomach that got me.  Baby and I must eat as soon as we get up and when we can't....we get mad.  And clearly show our anger by puking.

But other than that, the weekend seems to be shaping up nicely!  My parents are coming up for a visit to see the new house.  They're in for a shock when they see me as I was only 6 weeks pregnant when I saw them last.  I've grown just a tad since then...