:: 31 Weeks ::

Welcome to 31 Weeks!

 

Well here we are, 31 weeks strong. 

This week has flown by. 

So much so that the two pictures above are the only 31 week belly shots I got. 

 I had a check up this week (starting to have to go every two weeks now)...It went good. Only thing that came as a shocker to me was the fact that I've put on 6 pounds in 3 weeks.
It hasn't been too hard for me to swallow the weight gain, but for some reason this past week it has been bothering me a little bit. 

Partially because I worry that I'm eating too unhealthy (it's really important to me that he's getting the nutrition he needs and not just junk), and because it just doesn't feel good to have your thighs enlarging so much so that your pants are getting too snug . ;/  So far I've gained almost 30 pounds since the beginning.
*Don't get me wrong here - I actually LOVE having a pregnant growing belly, it makes me smile. It's just the "other" parts of me that I don't enjoy growing so much ;P

It's really not that big of a deal and Kevin was super encouraging when I was feeling down about it this week. I just need to keep focusing on this little guy growing, how it's such a blessing and that the weight gain is good for his little body! ;) 

I surprised Kevin with this book. I just had to get it. It's so cute, and I knew Kev would love it.

Kevin LOVES camping and I know he's excited to take our little guy with him someday. 

How sweet is it when a child (who doesn't know you well) comes an snuggles you? Um, SO sweet.

This is Mason and he was very content and snuggly by my side the other night. 

It was so cute. I like to think he was sensing my "motherly instincts" kicking in. ;)

I can't wait to snuggle my little boy. What a blessing children are.

 

I've been working on redoing my dinning room chairs (taking forever). 

I was finally able to pick out some new fabric for them over the weekend. 

Here's a snapshot of what I picked.

My goal has been to get them done by the end of April. So far I'm on track. :)

 I also worked on making some bow ties for my little guy. 

They turned out great! I just need to finish them off by sewing on some snaps.

They will be interchangeable bow ties for the onesies.

Also, I've been working on opening an Etsy to sell onesies, bow ties, and more. I actually have a number of things already made for it. Finding time to post it all and getting it up and running is slow coming though. I'm hoping to squeeze that in soon. We'll see though, it might have to wait till May or after baby gets here. 

Either way I'm excited, and I hope it's a success. :)

Here's a peak at some onesies & bow ties I plan on adding to the shop.

I offered to make the banner for my Michigan baby shower coming up soon (I was happy to do it!). 

Here's what I came up with. :) 

(The colors are more vibrant in person)

 

Cheers to 31 weeks!

:: 30 Weeks ::

Welcome to 30 weeks!

Wow, am I so thankful to have made it thus far in my pregnancy.

I was anxious to get to 30 weeks. Something about it just felt like a big milestone. 

I'd have to say the two themes of this week have been: TIREDNESS & FORGETFULNESS.

Oh man, those two things kicked into high gear. The two mixed together make a person do and say some interesting things. ;)  

We bought our little guy his first books. 

Can't wait to read them to him.   

I love soaking up all the time I can get with this guy.
He's been so great through this pregnancy.
He's handled my melts with care, and he's beyond excited to meet our baby.
I love the affection he already shows towards his son. It's precious.  

 I also began working on some hospital outfits for my little guy. More pictures to come. 
:: Random Belly Shots of the Week ::

Yay to 30 weeks! :)

:: 29 Weeks ::

 Welcome to week 29!

Well, this week I thought I'd go bare belly for my shots. ;)

We've got ourselves a growing boy. 

Seems like a lot has taken place this past week too.

For starters:: we received our crib bedding in the mail. 

Who knew such things could be so exciting? ;) 

Unfortunately, the bumper didn't fit correctly though :( BUT THANKFULLY the Etsy seller was so accommodating. She said she could adjust it, and she would pay for shipping too.
Now that's good customer service. 

I'm only showing some pictures of the bedding. 

Once we have it all back together I'll post it in it's full glory.

His little TOMS came in the mail. So tiny and so cute! Kevin has also put me on a shoe band. I can't purchase anymore shoes for him he says. ;P That's OK.
I bought these TOMS on sale through Zulily for a great price.
(ps, sorry for the blur behind Kev's head, but babies name is written on the wood).

His little shoe collection makes me happy happy happy. ;)

 I've been hunting for a decent lamp for the nursery and finally came across this one at Target. 

It's perfect. I like the design and color pop. 

We worked on putting up a lot of the decor, and his walls are almost complete! 

We just need to find some book shelves now.

(I'll be posting much better pictures once it's all done. My iphone shots aren't the greatest)
 

Parenting:: We had our first parenting class this week called "Baby Care."

Some people think it's silly to take these classes, but we don't!

I don't judge anyone for NOT or FOR taking classes. 

I know a class can only teach you so much and experience is the ultimate teacher, but hey for my sanity, I need to prepare as much as I can. 

    

If anything the class gave use more of a reality check of what we're about to embark on. And frankly, I think it's better for us to have this reality check now instead of later. ;)

 We were able to take away some really helpful information. Glad we went! 
If anything it was fun to spend time with my hubby and learn through this journey together. 
We have two more classes we're taking in April: Preparing for Childbirth & Infant Safety. 

Here we are on our way to the class. 

Ignore Kevin's scowl. He was making that face because I kept taking pictures of him. ;P

We learned how to swaddle a baby - and yes, I had no idea how. ;)

Random belly shots of the week::

 

Cheers to our growing boy!

Can't wait to meet him!! 

:: Liebster Award ::

I was excited when Megan from "I Have Thoughts.." nominated me for the Liebster award last week! Thanks, Megan! From what I hear through the grapevine, the Liebster award is a networking tool for new[er] bloggers and a way to recognize bloggers with less than 200 followers. That's me!

:: Here are the rules ::

1. Answer the 11 questions the blogger who nominated you asked you
2. Give 11 random facts about yourself
3. Nominate 11 bloggers with less than 200 followers
4. Create 11 questions for the nominees to answers

:: My answers to Megan's questions ::

1. what is one of your life goals? 
To finish my college degree in business management (currently a junior, slowly but surely) and eventually pursue a masters degree as well.

2. do you consider yourself a hipster?
Ha, no. :)

3. what is the best concert you've ever been to?
The Mars Volta concert.

4. if you were to road trip, where would you go?
Sunny Florida. The beach is sounding really good right about now.

5. are you an american idol watcher? who's your fave this year?
No, I've never been a consistent watcher, and I don't know who is even on the show right now.

6. what is your favorite season?
I love spring and summer. I LOVE sunshine. :)

7. what is your dream job?
I've always wanted to be able to speak/teach people about the Bible. Someone who encourages others in there walk of faith.

8. what would your day look like if it were all up to you?
Sleep in a little bit, workout, starbucks, devotionals, target, crafts, etc. ;)

9. how do you feel about the hunger games?
I haven't read the books, and have only seen the movie. It was good, but strange too. Some of it I didn't enjoy, but I think the concept is interesting and thought provoking.

10. do you like to cook? what's your favorite meal?
Cooking isn't my favorite. I pretty much dread having to make dinner. Thankfully my hubby is pretty helpful with dinners. We use this website - which has helped us A LOT with our cooking skills. The Fresh 20. A favorite meal: can't go wrong with the Chicken Parmesan from Olive Garden.

11. were you more of a tomboy or princess growing up?
I was a mixture of both. I didn't mind getting dirty, but I did love girly things too. 


:: 11 random facts about me ::

1. I love coffee (Starbucks in particular)
2. I enjoy running
3. I'm the oldest of 3 other siblings; our ages range from 28, 19, 12 & 9yrs old (quite a gap)
4. I've been to NYC during New Years Eve. We got to be on stage with Giuliana & Bill Rancic. My hubby and I ended up being on TV while kissing when the ball dropped. Really neat experience. Check it out here-> NY Eve
5. I've been to Paris with my hubby
6. I have two Shih-Tzu's - Bailey & Leonidas
7. I used to FEAR being pregnant, but now being 29 weeks I've realized it's not as scary as I anticipated (thank you Lord) 
8. I LOVE brownies
9. My husband and I met in youth group when we were 16 or 17
10. My father passed away when I was 16. Miss him, but I know he's in a better place
11. I really wish I could sing and play the piano!

:: My nominees ::

1. http://www.lifeasliz.com/
2. http://aprilh1692.blogspot.com/
3. http://aubreyzaruba.blogspot.com
4. http://www.mrskandcaptainj.net
5. http://www.turquoisebohemian.com
6. http://www.accordingtolaurajean.com
7. http://arizonasunshinegirls.blogspot.com
8. http://ncbelleinboots.blogspot.com
9. http://danielleatpurejoy.blogspot.com
10. http://www.letsgetbananas.com/ 
11. http://www.confessionsofabusybusybee.blogspot.com/

:: Questions for my nominees ::
1. What is a favorite childhood memory you have?
2. Were you more of a tomboy or princess growing up?
3. What is a dream you have?
4. What is an accomplishment you are proud of?
5. Whose a hero in your life?
6. What is one fear you have?
7. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
8. Do you have a current favorite TV show, if so, what is it?
9. What is one of your favorite quotes?
10. Do you like to cook or bake?
11. What's an interesting fact about yourself? 

Thanks for participating! Can't wait to read your answers. :) 

:: 28 Weeks :: 3rd Trimester is a game changer!

Welcome to week 28!
3rd Trimester!!

Wow Baby!  Between weeks 27 & 28 this little guy definitely hit a growth spurt. I was feeling it for sure; feeling like my belly was literally about to pop. It seems that AS SOON as I hit the 3rd trimester some things started to change.

:: To name a few ::

• My sleeping started getting all wacky. I've begun waking at odd hours of the night either just wide awake or wide awake and ravishing for food. 
• I've begun having bad sciatica pain, especially on my left side.
• More hungry & more thirsty.
• Tired. Very tired. 
• Acid reflux has returned (thankfully not everyday, but it's back). 
• Punches & kicks to the bladder.  
• Feeling nauseous after I eat. 
• People telling me I have popped. YEP. I have, thank you very much. (I really don't mind people pointing it out, it's just funny how it's become a more common phrase I'm hearing)

Even though these "fun" pregnancy things are happening, I wouldn't change it for the world since it means I'm one day closer to meeting my baby.

When it feels like it's getting too hard, I stop and pray, asking that God would give me the strength I need to endure and He has been so faithful to do so. Thank you Lord! 

I can't even begin to tell you how much I LOVE to feel this little guy move. 
I seriously find myself literally smiling when he's moving. 
I'm aware that this positive attitude might change if he starts kicking my ribs, 
but so far so good! So I'm soaking it up while I can.

Him and I have a special thing going. When I talk to him I tap/push on my belly, so he knows I'm talking to him and not someone else. And when I tell him, "I love you" - I tap/push my belly three times to go along with the words that I'm saying. :) I hope he knows it's true. 

:: Nursery Update ::
This week we received our glider in the mail. We were so excited. Thankfully it was super easy for Kevin to put together too. We like it a lot, it's comfy and glides great. ;)
  

Excited to get it put together!

 

Mr. Leonidas was excited to help dad put it together.

Here we are working on putting up the decor above the crib. The neat thing about the decor is that it has his name on it. Since we're currently not sharing the name, I can only show little glimpses of what it is. We purchased it from an awesome local vendor called Regeneration.

Can't wait to eventually show the whole thing!

  
So, I have to admit something/get it off my chest, because I feel guilty: Out of everything we've bought for the baby/nursery, I do have one main regret so far. I've tried to be frugal when it comes to purchases for the baby/nursery, but I allowed myself to splurge when purchasing the mobile. I felt like I just HAD to have it. Later regretted it though, but couldn't go back on the purchase since it was already ordered through Etsy. 
I love it a lot, but it's JUST a mobile. Being that this is my first, I think in the beginning I got anxious to make everything perfect, and I really wanted this one, but looking back now it was a silly purchase, and I could have found a mobile for much cheaper. :(
Oh well, you live and learn right? 
I'm sure I'll make more purchases along the way, that I end up regretting. 
Here's some pics of it. Sorry they're blurry, it wouldn't stay still. ;P

:: Random belly shot ::

In other news:  I had my sugar test done, and passed. I also had to get a shot, and my arm has been killing me for a few days. They gave me the shot in the right arm, so on a positive note it's forcing me to sleep on my left side only (which is hard for me).

Cheers to 28 weeks, and more to come!

**Don't forget to check out the awesome giveaway happening here - See post below**

Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)

I just have to share this song.
It's such a blessing to me.
And has become the prayer of my heart.

I've struggled with a battle of fear (among other battles) throughout my life.
If it weren't for God the enemy would have won by now.
[I know I'm not alone in this struggle either]

This song speaks volumes of my desire to keep fighting and allowing God to be the victor in my life.
Throughout this lifetime I want to walk upon the waters.
To me that means doing the miraculous wherever God leads me.
Allowing His power to rule and win in my life and in the lives of those around me.

I could go on about what this song says to me.
For now I leave it with you in hopes that it becomes your prayer too.