A Few of my Favorite Things...

I was blessed with many a wonderful thing for Christmas this year.  Here are some of my faves:

Also, my sister and BIL took one of our maternity pictures and had it blown up in black and white and framed.  This is the one they used:

BUT...the kicker!  See that little name there on the bench?  They had it changed to our last name.  It is just the most perfect gift of all time.  Now, where to put it?

A Little Update...

So much to update you on!  What better way than with the old stand by bulleted post, right? 

• My last day of work was on the 17th.  I'm officially a SAHM with no baby yet :)  It was a bittersweet last day as so many of my co-workers were incredibly thoughtful about me leaving.  Isn't it sad, though, that you only really find out how much you are appreciated until you leave? 

• Upon my retirement, I spent all of my time preparing the house for our Christmas visitors!  I finally cleaned up the dining room and the study which had become catch-alls for anything and everything I didn't know what to do with.  I also baked my little heart out!

• We welcomed a whole host of visitors this year to Cleveland for the holidays.  My parents, Matt's parents, my sister and her husband, and my brother all stayed with us for several days to celebrate.  Everyone was so worried about me having to do so much with everyone here, but I seriously don't think I did a thing.  Whenever I woke up the dishes were done and put away and the kitchen was always clean.  It's like I had a built in maid-service for three days. 

• Christmas was just wonderful!  I got some amazing gifts from my family and we were able to soak in so much time together.  Simply precious.

• My brother stayed a few extra days to help Matt and I get the nursery ready!  Her little room is now finally painted (touch ups still to be completed), she has a completed hutch, and her glider came yesterday!  All of her furniture is here just waiting for her arrival.  I even knocked out the assembly to the stroller by myself.  Impressive, yes?

• Speaking of the babykins, perhaps I had an exam yesterday and I am already at 4 cm and 100% effaced!  I was 3 cm about a week and a half ago so I am progressing slowly...but my doc assured me to get to the hospital ASAP when and if I break my water...as this baby girl is coming fast!  Apparently I am a great candidate for a natural childbirth, if I choose to go that route, as I am already further along than many women at the beginning of their labors.  So...we shall see!

• Matt went back to work today so I feel as if this is my first day truly being "home" and not working.  So far I have gotten up at 6 a.m., done two loads of laundry, made a list for Walmart where I intend to get my extremely overdue oil changed, and watched two episodes of Saved by the Bell.  I'm pretty sure the day can already be classified as a success.

To My Special Someone

Today is a very special day. 

31 years ago on this very day, God created my husband.  My handsome, caring, fan-freaking-tabulous husband.  The man with whom I am diving into this adventure of parenthood. The man who is my entire world and surrounds me with so much love and joy I wonder how I ever got this lucky.

I love you to the moon and back my sweet.  And I will thank God everyday for the rest of my life for bringing you into my world.  Muah!

And on an exciting baby note:  at my 35 week appointment on Friday...the doctor checked me and it turns out that I am already 3 cm!  She was VERY surprised but everything looks good to go.  So perhaps this baby will come a little earlier than expected?  Or maybe not?  Isn't God's timing perfectly unpredictable?   

Maternity Shoot

Over Thanksgiving, my dear BIL, an aspiring photographer, offered to take some maternity photos for us.  Matt was less than thrilled but I think we got some really great shots of the three of us together.  Most of these I used on my Christmas cards, but these were my favorites.

It ended up being such a beautiful morning and I'm so glad we had the opportunity to capture this time together.  Thanks DMB.  You rock my world! 

And in baby news:  we are meeting with our potential pediatrician today!!  Hopefully it goes well and our little one will be all set in that department.  Yeah!  One more thing to check off my list.  999 to go!  :)

Tinkerbell Cake

Remember that girl's blog you used to read that made cakes?  Where did she go? 

Peek-a-boo!

Here I am!

Apparently moving and being pregnant puts a little damper on the cake business.  But I managed to fit one in this weekend and I think it turned out super cute.  I made a Tinkerbell cake for a little girl's 3rd birthday.  This is the third cake I have made for her and she is just precious.  Great repeat customer :)

I also decorated a special doll cake just for her!  It's pretty much my favorite thing of all time.

They could not have been more pleased which makes my heart full.

Now, what to make for Christmas??

And since I think everyone has gotten their Christmas card...I'll share! 

A Chanel Experience

Last week I had a Junior League event on the east side of the city.  I will not complain to you that it took me over 2 hours to get there because of a massive snow storm.  Nope.  I'll just skip right over that part.

Anyway, it was a Chanel event I was co-chairing so I had to go.  I'm not much of a fancy makeup kind of girl.  I don't even know what half those products are or what they do.  Maybe someday I'll find out.  When I'm old and rich and able to shop for my makeup at Saks instead of Walmart.

So the ladies are all up in my face asking me about my routine and if I have any questions.  I actually do have trouble matching the particular powder I use to my skin tone as I always seem to get these lines around my chin that do not blend in.  So our conversation proceeds as follows:

Saleswoman:  "Do you have any questions?"

Me:  "Well, I use a powder as my base and I am having a hard time finding a color that really matches my skin tone."

Saleswoman:  "When you say you use powder, do you use Bare Minerals?"

Me:   "Um, no.  I use Cover Girl."

Awkward....

She should've known right then and there I was not going to buy anything.  I mean, the lowest priced lotion they carried was $75.  Clearly I was out of my league.  I get pissed because my powder is $7.  But honestly, she was super sweet and found me a beautiful color that matched really well.

I didn't buy it.  But I looked good leaving the store!

34 Weeks!

Happy Friday y'all!  I'm so excited the weekend is almost here.  But I'm mostly excited because after today I only have one more week of work!!  Can you believe it?  After over four years at this awful place I finally get to pack up and leave.  And I'm leaving for the best possible reason ever...to take care of my little girl.

I've had a few appointments this week and everything is looking great.  They upped my insulin levels a wee bit at night but doc told me I was doing a good job so that makes me smile.  And our sweet girl is in the 52% in weight according to our last ultrasound...so she's completely normal.  No fat baby here yet!

And really I'm feeling pretty great too.  I get tired much quicker if I'm cooking or baking in the kitchen...and the babes can pack a serious punch these days that startles the poo out of me on a regular basis...but other than that it's been fabulous.  Compared to the first 1/2 of pregnancy...this has been a dream.

Next week is going to be super busy!  We have a few more baby classes, we're meeting with our potential pediatrician, and I have a few events planned in celebration of my last day of work.  And then, you know, Matt's birthday is the 20th!  Don't worry.  His shopping is done :)  Now, what to make him for dinner??  Hm.

A Weekend of Childbirth

Hey y'all!

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend!  Ours was jam packed.  We didn't get much time for rest and relaxation at all.  Because you know what we did??

Childbirth class.

Dun, dun, dun.

That's right.  Matt and I spent all day Saturday and Sunday engrossing ourselves in the birthing process.  Let me just tell you, it freaked me the heck out people!  I mean, every single one of those women in the videos looked like they wanted to actually die.  All I wanted to do was to see just one woman smile.  Just one.  But all I got were moans, groans, and screams.  Not pleasant. 

Now don't get me wrong.  Clearly I know that birthing a child is a painful process.  I didn't expect it not to be.  I just wasn't prepared for the up close and personal view of doing it.

But I think overall the class was helpful.  Now I know what to expect, I have strategies to help me through the pain, and if those don't work...I know all about the drugs :)  Plus, the part of the class where I just got to lie there and get a massage was totally worth the cash.

Can I just tell you though that when we learned hand massages, Matt made me do it to him!  I know.  My husband made his pregnant wife massage him during childbirth class.  I looked around the room making the observation that no other wife had to do this.  You know his response?  "You're the best wife in this class."  Ha.  Nice cover my friend.

Other than all things babies, we did have a chance to get our beautiful Christmas tree from the farm and put up almost all of the decorations.  Isn't Christmas time just the most fabulous time of the year?  It makes my heart so happy :)  I'll share pics soon! 

As for now, I'm off to learn infant CPR!  Woot, woot!  Wish me luck!

33 Weeks...and a Shower Sneak Peak!

Morning friends!  Sorry it's been a million years since I last posted.  I really don't mean to take these breaks.  Work has just been insane with me leaving and the impending holidays at my new, not fully unpacked house are taking their toll.  Thanks for sticking with me!

Today marks 33 weeks for me and the babes.  We're doing well and feeling okay.  I get tired by the end of the day but other than that I truly can't complain.

My diabetes specialist put me on insulin in the evenings to curve my high blood sugar readings in the morning.  Jabbing myself every night with a needle in the belly is certainly not my idea of a good time...but again, I'm thankful there is something I can do to help our little girl.

Because I'm on insulin, I have to go into the doctor twice a week for the remainder of my pregnancy.   I had an ultrasound on Monday and she was measuring just two days ahead of schedule!  I'm so relieved!  I actually asked the tech if she was already huge and she just laughed at me.  So far, I have a 4 1/2 lb. beautiful little girl.

I also had to be put on monitors whilst I was in the office to make sure her heart rate was normal.  I was in the room with one other woman whose little one was just beating away completely normally.  But not ours!  She kept moving around like crazy and making the machine get really loud totally out of the blue.  Honestly, it was hilarious!  My girl does not stay in one place any longer.  The doctor kept walking by and saying, "happy baby!"  She sure is!

We start our childbirth classes this weekend!  Things are really starting to come together.  I haven't really let myself think about giving birth because honestly the thought of it terrifies me...but I'm starting to get more comfortable with the idea of actually having our baby.  I mean, it's one day, right?  And then I get to take home our sweet little girl and love on her every second of every day.  I simply cannot wait!

And for your viewing pleasure, here's a little sneak peak at some pics from my shower I had over Thanksgiving weekend at home.  It was so beautiful and everything my family put together was just perfect!  I'll share more when I get some pics from my sis.

Pay attention to the gorgeous candy buffet.  Sure, it's a diabetics nightmare...but so worth it.

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:

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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 :)

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...

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...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!!

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. 

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:

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Check some out for yourself right here!

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:

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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 :)

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 :)

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????

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!

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

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...

28 Weeks...and House Pictures (FINALLY!)

28 weeks.  28 weeks.  I made it to the third trimester!  I can't believe this is already 2/3's over.  In just a few short months we are going to be able to actually meet our little girl!  She's real you know.  I felt her kick :)

My glucose screening test is on Tuesday (can't wait...) and I also have to get an Rh shot because apparently I am in the 20% of women who are Rh negative.  Great odds, huh?  But I took the day off, so score one for Jenny on that one! 

I have made some serious headway unpacking this week as my parents are visiting next weekend.  But did you know that when you're pregnant, you can't really do as much physical labor as you were able to do before?  I know, right?  Who knew?  I get winded pretty quickly and bending over to unpack a box has my abs feeling like I've been doing several hours of Pilates.  So with frequent breaks I have been able to knock out all of the upstairs and most of the office.  Yippee!

We're going to finish registering for the major tickets items this weekend as my sis is sending out the shower invites soon!  I cannot wait to have this registry done!  Then, you know, I can start receiving gifts :)  Ha!

So without further ado, here is my 28 week belly shot:

Girl is large and in charge.  How much bigger can I really get in 12 weeks?  Yikes.  Guess I'll just have to wait and see!

Now, some of you have been requesting house pictures!  I've been trying to hold you off until I got unpacked, but I figured you might want to see them before my little girl turns one so you'll have to excuse the boxes :)  Just pretend they're not there, okay?  And that we have furniture.

Up first, the dining room.  It is currently holding all of those items that were in the basement of our hold house that I know we don't need.  So I'm making Matt look through everything with me and for the love all that is holy please give some stuff away.  Until then, it will sit here.  Or until we buy a table.

This is looking into the living room from the dining room.  It is filled with a mixture of furniture that was in our old basement.  Low on the priority list to replace...so it will probably look like this for a few years.  But eventually it will be beautiful...
 

Also downstairs is the study.  It has really cool french doors which I wanted you to see.

I'm still in unpacking mode in this room and we have to build the desk/bookcase...but you get the idea.

That's all for now!  Still up, kitchen...family room...and all of the upstairs!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!!

Milestone

Matt felt our little girl kick yesterday. 


AMAZING.


It was one of those forever moments, you know? 

27 Weeks!

27 weeks people!  My little girl is a whole 2 lbs. now!  Believe me, I can tell.  I feel like my belly has expanded exponentially in the last few weeks.  She's a growin'! 

P.S.  So are my boobs.  How they can still be growing I have no idea.  When I was doing laundry on Sunday, I tried to put on one of my old bras and I couldn't even get it around my waist to fasten it!  INSANE!  Putting clothes on that I haven't tried on in a while is SO not my idea of fun...

Along with her growth spurts I have developed back pain and more severe leg cramps.  You know the kind that wake you up and you have to get out of bed and walk around to make them stop?  Yeah.  That's what I have.  But I'm soaking up as many massages as I can from the hubs...so that's a plus! 

Also, I'm feeling a bit more prepared for our little one's arrival.  We have nailed down some pieces of furniture to order...just waiting on some info about our glider and then we're golden.  What do you think??

I'm pretty much in love with it.  I didn't think I would get black furniture as I was leaning toward more of a pink/brown theme....but as soon as I saw this crib I knew it had to be mine :)  Good thing I waited to paint/decorate!  Ha!

We're also going to register this weekend!  I have started already online and made a serious dent, but I think a trip to the store is in order.  So that should be an adventure!

I have a doctor's appointment today and then in about a week I go for my glucose test.  Yum.  Not.  Hopefully all goes well with that and I know getting it done and out of the way will be a load off of my mind. 

I have been feeling her moving more and more lately, but I still feel behind in this area.  The only time I feel definite kicks/punches is at night when I roll over a bit too fast and she says, "Mom!  Stop!  I was trying to sleep!"  But other than that, it's more of a bubble feeling throughout the day.  How am I supposed to start counting kicks when I can't tell what the heck are kicks?  Blech.

I'm starting to have some serious issues getting up off the couch.  It's fairly low to the ground to begin with and it is just not a pretty sight.  Also, I discovered last night that my favorite position to sit on the couch is no longer working out.  You see, I'm crazy.  Apparently I cannot just sit on a couch like a normal person.  I must have my feet up at all times.  Not all sprawled out laying down or anything.  Just criss-crossed or folded up or something.  I didn't really know I did this until a few years ago when Matt told me.  And it's so true.  But now, having my legs all curled up squishes my stomach and it is not comfortable.  So you'd think I'd resort to sitting like a normal human being?  Nope.  Insert foot stool.

Today, you get the privilege of a t-shirt pic :)  I had to sport my Purdue shirt as they are playing Ohio State tomorrow and I need to represent.  Enjoy..

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!  We're having company on Sunday....our first guests to our new house!  So, clearly I will be cleaning :)

XOXO