Saturday, December 2, 2017

33 Weeks

Where has the time gone?! I can't believe that next month is baby month! Everyone told me it flies by much quicker the 2nd time around and boy were they right. Nearing the end of this pregnancy is bringing me a lot of emotion.. We are excited to snuggle our little girl and watch her learn and grow alongside her sister. I'd be lying though, if I didn't say I'm also feeling anxiety and fear too. I get stressed when thinking about how I will split my time and attention between the girls. Sadie has been my little bestie for 3 & 1/2 years now and I'm nervous about her feelings with the big change. Most mothers I've talked to have been through these same emotions though, and assure me that everyone transitions just fine with time. Will keeps reminding me that my heart isn't going to split between the two, it will simply grow to allow even more room for each kid we have. I love that man's positive reassurance.



How far along: 33 weeks
Total weight gain: 18 lbs.
Stretch marks: Not that I can see yet
Ring on/off: On
Sleep: Between baby bouncing on my bladder, kennel training our puppy, and a toddler who is a nightowl, not so great anymore..
Best moment this week: Decorating for Christmas time
Miss anything: Not having my belly hang out of almost every shirt I own.. small sacrifice to pay though!
Movement: Alot! Especially late at night
Food cravings: SWEETS but what else is new?
Food aversions: Still greasy food
Gender: Girl
Belly button: Outie!
Happy or moody: Both
Looking forward to: A full month of holiday festivities



Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Seattle Pt. 2

 By day 3 of our trip, we were ready to venture outside of the main city. We took a scenic drive up north and stopped for breakfast at The Original Pancake House. We loved going to the one up in Salt Lake when we lived there, so it was a pleasant surprise to find another one along our drive. After breakfast, we went to Snoqualmie Falls. It is a gigantic waterfall surrounded by pretty pines and fall colors. Too bad we picked the rainiest day to visit.. so we didn't stay too long. But the view was gorgeous!




We decided it would be a good indoor, shopping day so we stopped at a mall in the closest town, Bellevue. I got pampered with hand massages and loads of samples by the girls working in Nordstrom. It was nice to shop at our own pace for once. For dinner that night, we decided to try out the highly-rated Duke's Chowder House in Seattle. It was delicious! We sampled a couple different chowders and shared a yummy marionberry pie topped with vanilla ice cream. Mm mm.

 Our last day was Sunday and everywhere seemed to calm down. We walked over to Tilikum Place Cafe for breakfast. I had delicious gingerbread pancakes topped with lingon berries. So good! (Can you tell, this was more like a "food-cation" yet?) After that, we checked out of our hotel and parked near the ferry port. Following many recommendations, we caught the Bainbridge Island ferry and enjoyed a serene ride across Elliott Bay and Puget Sound. It was the first completely sunny day, so the views were spectacular! We fell in love with the cute, colorful little homes lining the island.

 Will had no idea what this recreation from the Titantic movie was..




Our original plan was to catch a movie and lunch over there before heading to the airport, but the selections were pretty slim. We took a nice, long walk soaking in the gorgeous fall colors then hopped back on the ferry. Will's feet were killing him so I suggested we get a pedicure together (his first). It is the funniest thing to hear him retell the story.. he has the most ticklish feet and between that and him wincing through the pain of hang nails being pulled out, I doubt he will ever be back into a nail salon. I however, sat back and enjoyed haha. We finished off the trip with Pike Place Chowder. It's an alley up from the market and really popular, but was definitely worth the 30 min wait in line. We love a good clam chowder in a bread bowl! This trip was the perfect couple retreat for us. We can't wait to go back again someday with our girls!

28 Weeks

Today, I'm 28 weeks + 4 days. I can't believe we're already starting the 3rd trimester! I feel like the 2nd trimester came and went in the blink of an eye... I can't believe in just 2 &1/2 months our little girl will be here! Sadie is excited to play and help teach her so many things. The things she talks about the most are "teaching her not to eat sand", sharing her puppies (even her prized "Daddy puppy") with her, and sharing a bunk bed together with her someday like her cousins Vi & Jackie. She has of course already staked her claim on the top bunk. I can't wait to watch the sisterly love grow. Now without further adieu... Bump-date!


How far along: 28 weeks + 4 days
Total weight gain: About 15 lbs.
Stretch marks: None yet from this pregnancy
Ring on/off: On.. haven't noticed any swelling yet
Sleep: Starting to toss and turn more throughout the night
Best moment this week: All of the Halloween festivities with my family
Miss anything: Sleeping on my stomach
Movement: Alot! I've been pretty sugar buzzed this month.. haha
Food cravings: SWEETS
Food aversions: Pizza and burgers most of the time..
Gender: Girl
Belly button: It's officially an outie!
Happy or moody: So much happier now that the sickness has passed
Looking forward to: Soaking up the holiday season

Monday, October 23, 2017

Seattle Pt.1

Growing up in a city with 300+ days of sunshine per year, I daydreamed of vacationing in places with lush green trees and endless rain. When Will and I started talking about a "babymoon" trip, Seattle was the first place that came to mind! Especially being fall, I had a good feeling we would be blown away with the natural beauty there. Boy was I right! 


  



On our first day, we walked to Pike's Place Market. We stopped into the first cafe that caught our attention, Bacco Cafe, and found out it was top rated after enjoying a delicious breakfast and hot cocoas. Then, we checked out the vendors in the market, saw "The Great Gum Wall" (but forgot to bring some to add), and rode on Seattle's Great Wheel. We found the famous fish stand and Will bought a little shrimp cocktail so they would entertain us with some fish throwing (see video). 




For lunch, we drove over to Alki Beach and ate at Salty's overlooking Elliott Bay. It was very romantic and the view couldn't be beat. Our server was so warm and friendly and we kept cracking eachother up. When she brought out this giant pepper shaker, Will couldn't resist snapping a pic. 



After lunch, we hung around the beach for a bit skipping rocks. It drizzled off and on all day but really wasn't too chilly. After that, we went exploring at a local park named Schmitz Preserve Park. It was so peaceful (probably being a weekday) and beautiful. It felt like we were the only ones there.


 Then we went back to the hotel for a nap (like every good babymoon entails...) When we woke up, we looked up a movie theatre and walked about a mile away to see "Only The Brave". It is based on the true story of a team of forest fire fighters in Prescott, AZ (don't want to give away too much for those who haven't seen it).. but it was really eye opening and made us appreciate those who put their lives on the line even more. 

 The second day, we walked down to Pike's Place again for breakfast. We tried a Russian bakery named "Piroshky, Piroshky" and were hoping the owners would be there so Will could practice speaking Russian with them. Too bad they weren't, but the pastries were still delicious! It was worth the marion berry stains I got all over my top from one dripping on me as I devoured it.

 We celebrated the fact that I entered my 3rd trimester over the weekend. We're only 3 months away from meeting our sweet baby girl! Will surprised me with such a nice "push present".. my first designer bag! It's a gorgeous, taupe Gucci purse. He really outdid himself.. I love it! The lady who sold it to us actually lived down in Scottsdale for several years, so we had a nice chat with her before taking off to a few more stores. We bought Sadie a couple of new stories (about puppies of course) and a stuffed Clifford dog (which has been glued to her side ever since we got home). Then, we got a recommendation to try The Pink Door for a nice Italian lunch with a view. It took us a bit to find it, since it didn't have a sign. It was literally just a pink door in Post Alley, but it added to the mysterious charm of it. Inside, it was gorgeous and classy. I had a vegetarian lasagna that was to die for!

After lunch, the sun started to peak through the clouds. We decided it was a good time to check out The Space Needle since it was almost sunset time. There was hardly a line and when we got up there, the view was breathtaking. Puget Sound had rays of light peaking through on it in the distance and all of the fall leaves added splashes of color to the city below. I told Will that I loved the view even more than the Empire State Building (that we went up on last spring). 



For a late dinner that night, we walked up the hill to 13 Coins Restaurant. I tried a dutch baby that had cinnamon and apples on top. Mm mm. We definitely ate our way through Seattle on this trip.. but the food (and service) was always outstanding! 


Family Halloween Party

Two weekends ago, Will and I hosted a family Halloween party. We knew the month would only get busier as it went on for my big family, so early it was! Most of the group dressed up and everyone pitched in something yummy to share. We played classic Halloween party games like a mummy wrap race, donuts on a string, and the skittles/straw game. Everyone had a howling good time! 


 As soon as I asked for a pic of the little girls together, Sadie jumped inside that ottoman next to Taylee (on the right) and hid. She can be a stinker when it comes to photos haha. At least my nieces gave me pretty "princess smiles" :)


 My mom whipped up her famous lil smoky "mummies".


 SO much sugar for the littles!


Sunday, September 24, 2017

Sadie's 1st Haircut

The fact that Sadie's first haircut requires a post of it's own tells you how much of an emotional person I am.. haha. But for three years, this babe has not had a single hair cut off of her head! We just got it trimmed with a few light layers, so the difference probably isn't even obvious.. but guys! These were the blonde curls she had as a tiny baby that were cut off. And yes, I definitely saved them in a little plastic bag for her baby book. It's just another step up to big kid she's made recently. She's looking so grown up now!





Sadie Tee Ball

A couple of weeks ago, we signed Sadie up for tee ball. After hearing about an all-girls team of 3 & 4 year olds that plays locally, Will was sold. He had played (both tee ball and baseball) for years as a kid and convinced me that she wasn't too young to start learning the sport. I'm glad he did because it has been so fun to watch her! The first week, she was pretty clueless and ran to the wrong bases and got bored fast in the outfield. She bonded with her little teammates though and did a great job sticking it out in the heat. The second week, she had already improved alot and was chasing balls and hitting off the tee the first try when she was up to bat. It was a confidence boost for her I'm sure. Anytime she didn't get to the ball faster than a teammate, she would ask them nicely if she could have it though.. haha. Her favorite part is giving high-fives to the other team and saying "good game" to each player at the end. There's not much competitive drive in this one yet, but at least she has good sportsmanship!


 







23 weeks

We made it past the halfway mark! This pregnancy has been a little tougher for me both physically and emotionally. I am still feeling some morning sickness on most days and definitely have moments where I feel like I'm going a little crazy. I am SO beyond grateful for our little blessing though coming in just 4 months! I feel like the time left will fly by with the holiday season coming up. 

Here are my current updates:


How far along: 23 weeks
Total weight gain: 10 lbs.
Stretch marks: None yet from this pregnancy
Sleep: Surprisingly well still!
Best moment this week: Watching my other baby girl in her dance class and teeball
Miss anything: Fitting into some of my favorite clothes
Movement: Yes! Lots of kicks and rolling around throughout the day, but especially late at night. Will has felt some too!
Food cravings: Sugar and chocolate :)
Food aversions: Fried, greasy, and acidic foods.. heartburn stinks.
Gender: GIRL
Belly button: Top half out, bottom half in still
Happy or moody: Both!
Looking forward to: A few fall trips and holiday parties


Tuesday, August 22, 2017

18 weeks

Hooray! I've made it to the 2nd trimester! Over the past 2 weeks my sickness has almost completely subsided. Hallelujiah! I would take any pain or struggle to carry this pregnancy, but boy is feeling good such a blessing! We've been taking advantage of it and gone  up to Flagstaff, camping, and roadtripped up to Utah over the past month. This pregnancy seems to be flying by much quicker than my first and I'm sure will cruise through during the holiday season. We can't wait!
Here are my updates:



How far along: 18 weeks +3 days
Total weight gain: 4lbs.
Stretch marks: None yet from this pregnancy
Sleep: I'm able to make it through the day without naps and thanks to my body pillow, sleeping pretty good at night still!
Best moment this week: Spending some pool time with one of my fave mama friends and feeling baby move around a lot more!
Miss anything: Not having heartburn and acid reflux..
Movement: Yes! Not so many pronounced kicks but my stomach hardens in certain spots and I can tell baby is stretching out in there :)
Food cravings: Sweets and the "Burrito Especial" from Rubios
Food aversions: Soda, chips, burgers, greasy foods
Gender: GIRL
Belly button: Top half out, bottom half in haha
Happy or moody: Much more happy this trimester!
Looking forward to: Our babymoon to Seattle this fall


We still can't believe we are going to be a family of 4! This baby is a dream come true for our whole family and we can't wait to meet her come January!

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

13 weeks

It's hard to believe I'm practically into my 2nd trimester now.. I'm grateful for the patience and kindness people have shown me as I've had a rough go with morning sickness for most of the last 7 weeks. There's nothing I wouldn't take on for this tiny babe, though! I want to make sure I'm documenting this pregnancy pretty well so I don't forget the special details. We're still pinching ourselves that this is all real. We're thrilled for the future and can't wait to watch Sadie become a big sister! She has been soaking up everything that we talk about and has a good understanding of it all. She is excited to help out when baby comes.


How far along: 13 weeks + 4 days

Total weight gain: At my last appt. it was only 1/2 lb haha, I'm guessing a few more since the morning sickness has started easing up

Stretch marks: None yet

Sleep: Waking up 1-2 times to pee and I have a toddler who is a night owl, so...

Best moment this week: Enjoying a few days in Oceanside 

Miss anything: Sleeping on my stomach and eating pizza

Movement: I swear I've felt little flutters but I hear it's a little early

Food cravings: Donuts + strawberry & cream frappuchinos (not coffee)

Food aversions: Pizza and anything greasy

Gender: Hoping to find out this weekend!

Belly button: Top half out, bottom half in haha

Happy or moody: Moody Judy.. but of course sooooo happy 

Looking forward to: Doing some shopping for baby after we find out the gender :)



We love you Baby!!!