My Placenta, the plan ruiner

Happy Halloween! I can't believe we are halfway through the week already. Time is flying and I am oh so excited to get to Friday. Not only is it my bee-day (which I seriously keep forgetting about), but my lady friend Amanda is coming into town for a long weekend visit. I can't wait to see her and catch up, let her love on Grace, and watch her run the Savannah Rock 'n Roll Half on Saturday. Yes, watch. Dun-dun-dun...:(

Momma is no longer cleared to run...basically because my placenta is a big 'ol party pooper.

At my anatomy ultrasound on Monday the tech and a student she was mentoring did all of the fun baby measurements and assured me everything looked great and then kept going back to measuring around my cervix. I just thought the student needed more practice getting a good image, but after the tech asked if I'd experienced any bleeding and asked me to empty my bladder a second time so that they could give that measurement another go, I realized there might be more to it.

Basically it's not a huge deal, but my placenta (that word is so weird) is located pretty close to my cervix right now, and it's just something to keep an eye on as the pregnancy progresses to make sure my little girl has a clear path to escape from when she decides to make her entrace into the world. It could move back as the baby grows, so hopefully the issue will resolve itself.

For now, I'm on "pelvic rest", which means nothing because D is gone, if you catch my drift, and can not run or do any high impact activities. I could walk the 13.1 miles if I wanted to...hah, hahahaha, but let's be real, I'll be on the sidelines with a warm beverage and cheering my loudest.

Part of me is super bummed- not so much at the fact that I can't run, but more at the realization that I won't be able to say I ran a half marathon at 20 weeks pregnant and also that I won't have the chance to try for it again. It's silly really, but it was a goal and I worked those long weekend runs to get literally less than a week out from race day and find out it won't be happening. Another part of me is SO relieved. I was looking forward to the race this weekend, but mostly it being OVER so that I could slow way down and relax a little bit. I am definitely thankful that my appointment was before this weekend, because bleeding out in the middle of thousands of runners is not my idea of a good time. (Gagggg me.)

Anyways, cross your fingers that my placenta stops being an uber bitch and relocates herself. I'll go back in 4 weeks to have another ultrasound and see what the deal is. I'll also get to see my girl again, so that's the silver lining there. Worse case? If things move further into the no-zone I guess I might have to have a c-section, which is not something I'd appreciate- mostly because of the scar factor (so vain). BUT, I would have it scheduled, which would ensure my mom and other people were here and in place for the big day.

I need to not even go there yet.

SO anyways. Less talk about that, more talk about the fact that I am officially HALFWAY THERE. When did that happen?! I have my 20 week appointment today and am anxious to hear more from my doctor about everything going on. Update tomorrow, hopefully.

Tonight I'll be celebrating Halloween with my little mouse, who coincidentally hates costumes and is too shy to go up to someones door by herself. Sort of got roped into trick or treating with some neighbors, so we'll see how long that lasts!

 

 

Stay warm and eat candy!

 

xo,

H

19 Weeks

October 24-30

Can you believe we hit the halfway mark tomorrow? The last 20 weeks seem to drag on much longer than the first 20, but I'm hoping the holidays help with that issue for the next couple of months. This was another rough week in general/non baby related news. I'm looking forward to things leveling out over the next couple of weeks as we get into a rhythm with everything going on and I think that the exciting gender news, this weekend's plans (more on this tomorrow) and Thanksgiving will lend itself to that.

Survey says...

How far along?: 19 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Down .5 this week or no gain, just depending on how my scale feels. Still right at about +6. I think I may have had a touch of G's virus this past weekend and wasn't very hungry. Don't worry, I'm back to making up for it now. Sitting at 144. With Grace I was up +11. WOOF.

Maternity clothes?: Most pants. Gotta stay comfy cozy.

Sleep: SO, so, SO much better this week. Grace is back to rockstar sleeping status and I've been wrapped around my snoogle like a sloth. It's basically my new husband.

Best moment of the week: Finding out our little nugget is a girl. Getting to tell D.

 

Movement: Every day. :)

Food Cravings: Still on my Caramel Apple Spice kick. Not really craving much.

Gender: Girly girl.

Belly Button: Getting more shallow by the day...it never popped out with Grace, so we'll see.

Stretchmarks?: Not yet.

What I miss: Right now? I miss the running that I am no longer cleared to do this weekend. Again, more on that soon.

What I am looking forward to: Halfway there tomorrow and 20 week appointment.

Weekly Wisdom: Listen to your doctors, take it easy, slow down, get rest, be healthy.

Milestones:  Anatomy u/s...everything looked great. :)

Grace's space: I surprised Grace with pink balloons when I picked her up from daycare after my appointment. She told me the balloons were "pick" (pink) and I explained that they were special pink balloons because the baby in mommy's belly is a GIRL just like her. She seemed to glaze over during my little speech, but later when I asked her about the balloons she got, she was able to tell me they were pink and we talked more about the baby. I really do think she's starting to understand.

19 weeks

 

and for comparison...

19 weeks with Grace

 xo,
H

It's a...

 

Girl!

 

 

So looking forward to another little lady in the house!

Grace is taking the news in stride...she loved her pink balloons and isn't really sure why she got them.

D is coming to terms with the fact that it is his fate in life to be surrounded by beautiful women.

(He couldn't be happier).

As for me? I'm just excited to know more about my little dancing machine and slightly relieved to not have to deal with tiny man-parts. There. I said it.

 

Be back with a Week 19 update!

 

xo,

H



Sleepless in Savannah - Randoms

Oh, heyyyyy! We're still here...and after an extra long week, all I can think about is face planting into my pillow tonight. It is going to be glorious. Here are some rando's about what we've been up to:

• Grace's sickies didn't go away until almost Wednesday, after a Tuesday evening trip to Urgent Care at the advisory of her daycare center. Everything was fine. Also? Sometimes children can get a rash as a result of their bodies clearing a virus. Fun times for all.

• After our Urgent Care visit, I experienced my first "hot mess moment" of this deployment. I think a lack of sleep and reality of the deployment situation finally hitting just overwhelmed me to the point of ugly tears. Luckily I have awesome friends who lend an ear and show up unexpectedly with ice cream, do my dishes, help me bathe my child, get her in bed, and hang out until morale is back up to appropriate levels. Thank you times a million. :)

• That lack of sleep note above? Work has been horrendous. I'm talking working an 8+ hour day, interacting with my kid for a few hours, and then working from when she goes to sleep until lateee. As if this weren't enough to tire out my preggo ass, G had some rough nights herself earlier this week while battling through the her monster virus. (What happened to kids getting over things in 24 hours?) I'm in zombie mode right now. Just in time for Halloween?!?

• Speaking of Halloween. I went to grab Grace a costume today and was unaware that party stores turn into Weirdoville, USA around this time of year. It was mobbed and I left costumeless. Thank the sweet baby J for online shopping and quick shipping.

• Even though I've spent most of this post complaining about my schleepiness, we have had some fun in the last week. We painted our pumpkins. Behold...

• We've skyped, emailed, and talked to D/addy multiple times. G is doing well. She talks about him a lot and will ask when he's coming home. I'll explain that he's at work and ask if she'll be a big girl and help momma out while he's gone, and she seems to be content with that. The daddy doll is a hit...

Some nights she gives "Daddy" a hug and kiss before bed. I die.

• Tomorrow marks my last long training run and I am seriously so ready to get it over with. In fact? I'm ready for this weekend to be over because next week is pretty epic:
• Anatomy ultrasound Monday (get your votes in, yo)
• 20 week appt Wednesday
• Halloween
• Race packet pick-up Thursday
• Grace's first school pictures Friday
• My birthday on Friday too, anddd, last but not least...
• My best girl gets into town Friday night becauseeeee
• The Rock 'n Roll Savannah Half Marathon is on Saturday (11/3)
• and then we have the whole weekend and Monday to play!

So that's what's up around here. I promise I will be around more next week now that I've wrapped up the work project from hell. I also should be a little more coherent after sleeping...no promises though.

Hope you all have a lovely weekend!

xo,
H

18 Weeks

October 17 - 23

This has been my hardest week of pregnancy to date. Symptom-wise, I'm great, but just in terms of everything going on, it's been a rough one. Solo parenting is no joke, especially when your little one gets sick for 4 days (which is like a month in toddler time), doesn't eat, and just generally feels poopy. We've had 3 nights of co-sleeping after early morning wake-ups (which is RARE for G) and I'm not trying to make a habit out of sharing a bed. Lack of sleep combined + G being sick + daddy gone = sucky week.

Survey says...

How far along?: 18 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Up another pound. Ugh. I totally ate my feelings the past few days and deserve it. Up about 6.5, weighing in at 144.5 lbs. With Grace I was up 10.5. At least I have that going for me.

Maternity clothes?: Same old, yes and no. Maybe 50% of the time and mostly pants.

Sleep: Going fine on the pregnancy front, not going great on the "working until midnight and then having Grace wake up at 2am" side of the house. Mama started laying down the law last night hopefully she goes back to her blissful 11 hour nights here soon.

Best moment of the week: Skyping with D. Getting excited for next week's anatomy u/s and 20 week appointment.

 

Movement: Every day. :)

Food Cravings: Nothing crazy. I have been enjoying Caramel Apple Spice drinks from Starbs. It's basically the best apple cider you've ever had and I can share it with G, so it's a win-win for both of us. Truth? I haven't even had or craved a Pumpkin Spice Latte this season. Who am I?

Gender: I'm so clueless. Now back to thinking maybe boy? D said that he almost hopes it's another girl, just to make things easy...but part of me thinks he's just psyching himself up so that he's not disappointed either way.

Belly Button: Innie.

Stretchmarks?: Not yet.

What I miss: My baby dady. Our timing was not great with this one, but I will say I prefer him coming back soon after the birth to him being here and then leaving after #2's arrival. We'll deal.

What I am looking forward to: Finding out BOY or GIRL! By the next weekly post you all will know too. :)

Weekly Wisdom: Even with all the whining that I just threw out there earlier in this post, I do realize how well we have it and how much I have to look forward to and be happy about. I have a beautiful 2 year old who keeps me on my toes, a sweet little belly baby that karate chops me when I need it most, and a wonderful husband who is selfless enough to have a job that puts the welfare of our country above his own. At the end of the day I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Milestones: Nothing this week.

Grace's space: The more Grace talks and the more I see how perceptive she is with everything going on, I really do think she knows about the baby or at least is starting to get it. I asked her if we should have a boy or girl baby the other night and she smiled and said boy. Who knows. Baby steps. ;)

18 weeks

Here's a Grace comparison:

I'm slightly offended no one told me how hideous and unflattering these bermuda shorts were. Just wow...

xo, H

The small things.

I'm not a big thrower-arounder (technical term) of things like religion and politics on the blog, but sometimes things line up in a way that leaves me no doubt that there is something and someone bigger than us all calling the shots.

This last week has been stressful. At times things have moved forward seamlessly, while others have left me crying to multiple, poor, unsuspecting AT&T employees on the phone (and that was while D was still here).

D-day arrived...in fact it came and went, and we're fine. We went over our lists and checked off all of the things that needed to be done and they all got taken care of. 9 months worth of pet medications have been pre-purchased, flights home for Christmas have been booked, the ins and outs of the sprinkler system, alarm system, and fire arms have been discussed. Power of Attorney has been granted, wills have been drawn up (vom), daddy dolls have been gifted and enough hugs and kisses to cover the next several months have been given and received.

In just the last few days we've gotten 3 new neighbors. We are literally surrounded now and it feels so comforting to know that the houses around ours are filled with other families and not sitting vacant. I feel like our little house is right in the middle of a big house hug...haha. But seriously, what are the odds that after almost 4 months of living here, we'd FINALLY get a sense of community right when we need it most? D was even able to meet all of them with us and I know he feels at ease knowing that our closest neighbor is no longer a quarter mile down the loop of homes. (Ok- there is one closer than that, but they aren't social enough to count.)

To our right is a vacant lot between our house the next. For months we randomly have talked about how it would be so nice for that lot to be built before March so that we don't have to deal with construction noise while bringing home a new baby and dealing with all that will entail. There are 72 lots in our neighborhood...less than 15 have been completed...and you guys, I am not lying when I say they came literally at the end of the workday while D was outside getting his things packed up and marked off that space to be built next. I know it seems sort of silly, but out of almost 60 options, that is the one that was chosen. It's just another small thing that makes me smile...and also makes me concerned that we may have people listening in on our conversations. Either one.

It hasn't been long, but Grace is doing just fine. In fact, I need to give the kid more credit. I was dreading school pick-up and having her ask "Daddy home?" like she always does. She hasn't asked once since he left, instead she'll state, "Daddy work." She will go on and on and basically tell me that daddy is at work right now. She says it when she wakes up and before she goes to sleep next to her daddy doll. She is more perceptive than I thought. I really haven't had to explain anything yet and just confirm that, "Yes, Daddy is at work and he misses us and we can draw a picture to send to him soon!" We'll see how things go as time goes on.

Me? I miss my best friend and get sad sometimes, but the easiest way to move forward is just to stay busy. I've been more productive at home than I have in weeks and everything- taking the trash out, doing a load of dishes, putting away laundry...sort of seems like a small victory. Dumb, but it's like, okay, I can still do all of these things and it's fine. In fact, no one else is going to do them, so it's on me to keep our home functioning as usual...and even though they are things I've always done, I feel a bigger sense of purpose doing them now. Work has picked up and I can get some extra hours during naptime and after bedtime this weekend, so those lulls during the day won't be so lonely. Coping at it's finest. :)

 

 

On a lighter note, we are almost exactly 5 months out from Baby #2's due date...which means hopefully less. Halfway in less than 2 weeks and things are going wonderfully. Grow little nugget. :)

 

xo,

H

17 Weeks

October 10-16

All in all, week 17 was pretty good. I'm feeling okay, though if I had one pregnancy complaint it would be how hormonal/emotional I've been lately. I think it's pretty understandable given everything going on with D, but seriously, the waterworks need to take a break. I got teary-eyed taking Grace to school this morning...which is not a great look when you combine it with my maternity leggings, disheveled hair, and over sized hoodie. Word around the school is going to be that Grace's mom is a hot mess. (Which may or may not be true.) ;)

Survey says...

How far along?: 17 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Up about 1 pound. Up a total of about 5.5 lbs. With G I was up 9 at this point. I know I'm pregnant and obviously going to gain weight, but I'd be lying to you if I didn't admit it gives me anxiety.

Maternity clothes?: Big week. I've officially joined Team Leggings as Pants and I don't see myself turning back anytime soon. Embracing maternity wear this time around. It's so comfy and there are cute things out there...why deal with discomfort just to say I'm wearing regular clothes?!

Sleep: Ok. Breaking out the snoogle pillow or whatever that monstrosity is called later this week.

Best moment of the week: I don't think we have any one best moment, still enjoying family time and prepping for some changes.

Movement: Yes! On and off. Not really consistent yet, but it's there.

Food Cravings: You know those Annie's Bunnies? They come in cheese, chocolate, graham and we buy them for Grace...yeah. Basically anything bunny shaped is in danger right now.

Gender: T-minus 2 weeks until reveal day! Still thinking another girl.

Belly Button: Innie.

Stretchmarks?: Nope...although nightly inspection is already underway.

What I miss: Nothing really.

What I am looking forward to: Finding out gender, getting started on the "Great Room Swap of 2012/2013" so I have some projects to occupy myself with.

Weekly Wisdom: Stay busy. Keep working out.

Milestones: Nothing this week.

Grace's space: Oh, Gracie. I don't even know what to say. My friend Kendayl sent a birthday package that arrived last week and Grace is obsessed with the Big Sister book she included. Specifically one page, where the baby has on a diaper and the big sister uses the potty. She says, "Baby poop!" very excitedly every time we are on this page. Not sure if that translates to anything baby related, or if she is just really into potties and poop these days. I'm leaning towards option 2.

17 weeks - Baby 2

and for fun...

17 weeks with Grace

Dear God I have aged. Thanks pregnancy/childbirth/toddler raising. ;) I will say I look less bloated and more bumpy this time around. 1 point for Baby 2.

xo,
H

Running pregnant

Finishing the Squash for Josh 5k September 22 

One of my biggest accomplishments so far this pregnancy, has been keeping up with half marathon training. I will be the first to admit, my weekday runs have been a little shaky, but my Sunday long distance runs have been on point for months now. Things started off rough during the first trimester, where my first distance run (of 6 miles) felt like forever and I had to stop frequently to catch my breath, ease the pain of cramping, or, I dunno, try not to hurl. Each week I've tried to really get into a rhythm with my preparation, eating habits, and pace of the runs themselves, and things seem to be going pretty well. I have two running buddies and am always running with someone for my long runs. I've felt really good throughout training for the most part, but there is no way I'd be able to clock the distance on my own. Also, having a buddy keeps me talking for most of the run, which let's me know my heart rate is staying where it needs to be.

At present, I am 2 training runs away from race day and have topped out at 12 miles. A half marathon is 13.1 miles and it's looking like it shouldn't be a problem. Part of my reasoning for hitting my longest distance so quickly is that I know in the coming weeks I can expect some belly growth and I know from previous race training, that I do better getting the mileage down and then working on my pace and maintaining.

After an awesome 8 miler this morning, the plan is to hit 12 again next weekend and then possibly 8-10 the weekend before the race. I'm getting really excited for the run itself, but honestly? I'm a little excited for it to be over as well. Like I said, I'm feeling great, but I'm ready to sleep in or at least veg out a little bit on my weekend mornings. I still plan on running as long as I can through the rest of this pregnancy and my goal is to maintain a distance of 5 miles after the race so that it won't be too hard to start back up once the baby arrives. I'm also planning on running the same race again next November...which should put me at about 7 months post partum. Not a bad goal, right?!

xo,
H

Friday!

Creative title, no? To celebrate the end of the week, little babe #2 has decided to start making his/her presence known. "Flutters" have turned into definite movement and I'm pretty sure there is some sort of fetus dance party that I was not invited to. Rude.

I know I'm a broken record, but seriously, where are the freaking weeks going?! We've had a pretty good one so far.

Grace and I started brainstorming her future big girl room. Construction will get underway soon...and hopefully not involve any of the colors on those swatches...

I bought a spirilizer (I may have invented that word) and life got so much easier. Seriously though, best purchase ever. Takes me less than 2 minutes to get my zucchini "noodles" prepped. Also, what did we all do before amazon.com?

Horrible self photo. Ick.

D and I got in a weeknight date yesterday at Marker 107, a local restuarant that we've been wanting to try. It was SO good and the view on the water at sunset worth the 2 hours for a babysitter alone. Gorgeous. I'm gonna miss night's like these just a little bit over the next several months. At least I'll be able to order wine next time we go out, right? Silver lining?

This weekend we are taking it easy. D didn't want to make any crazy plans and still has a lot of last minute things to take care of...I know he wants to get in a couple last rounds of golf too. Can't argue with that. We'll have dinner with friends, I'll do my long run Sunday, and I'm sure we'll have football and some family park trips thrown in there, too. Just making the most out of time and getting ready to keep moving ahead! Hope you all have great weekends!

xo,
H

16 Weeks

October 3-9

Not too much to report on this week, just cruising along. Still feeling comfortable, have energy, and have actually been pretty productive lately. Not sure if it's baby related or deployment related, but I have been "nesting" like a crazy person. Just organized my pantry this weekend and was way too proud of myself. Sometimes I just go look in it to see how clean it is. Hope this rubs off on to the rest of the house. ;)
Survey says...

How far along?: 16 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Up .5 lbs. Topping out around 142, which is actually what I started at with Grace. Sort of thrilled that if I gain a pound a week from here on out, I should still keep my total gain closer to 30...which is more than 15 pounds lighter than last time.

Maternity clothes?: Yes and no. Again, don't really need them yet, but loving the longer shirts and stretchy pants. Why fight comfort, ya know?

Sleep: Pretty good. Not even waking up to pee some nights. Having a hard time not sleeping on my stomach. I hate side sleeping.

Best moment of the week: Hearing our littles heartbeat last week.

Movement: I think I've felt flutters a couple of times the past few nights. Very light.

Food Cravings: Nothing crazy. (For once!)

Gender: Your guess is as good as mine, so take the blog poll and cast your vote. Maybe send some blue vibes my way too, if you feel so inclined. ;)

Belly Button: Innie.

Stretchmarks?: Nope.

What I miss: Clear(er) skin.

What I am looking forward to: Finding out gender on October 29th. Starting to work on the nursery and G's big girl room once we find out.

Weekly Wisdom: Seriously, start moisturizing. I don't know why I'm being so lazy about it this time around.

Milestones: First flutters.

Grace's space: Not much to report here. Grace points at my stomach and giggles if I ask her if my belly is big. We went to dinner over the weekend with some friends who have a newborn and she oohed and ahhed, but wasn't overly interested.

16 Weeks

xo,
H

Friday Fun

I've been super productive today...

(eye roll.)

I've written a blog post, gone to lunch with some girlfriends, come home to find a massive spider on my porch (you're welcome for not posting that picture) and called one of said girlfriends over to kill him. I've rearranged my office furniture. Tested a different paint color on the wall (that is already painted...), tried on some clothes that came in the mail, and resorted some clothes piles.

I'm clearly gunning for employee of the month.

Anyways, in addition to all of that crucial work, I made a gender poll for you to take on the blog. So. Those of you in Google Reader (like me), go to the page and cast your vote. You have till the 29th. I'm interested to see what you all think, since your guess is as good as mine.

Have a great LONG weekend!

xo,
H

Making the days count

It's almost the weekend...thank the sweet baby J. This week flew, but let's be serious, weekends are the best and with only a couple more to spend as a family, I'm savoring them.

I had my 16 week appointment on Wednesday, which was quick and easy. Heartrate at 155, everything looked good, quick bloodwork and I was out the door. We scheduled our gender ultrasound for October 29th and then I have my 20 week appointment on the 31st. Unfortunately D will be unavailable for both, so with the help of a friend's idea, I've started getting a little reveal set up for him abroad. 

I'll admit...for 1 second these made me
wish I was going to have one of each!

He said he doesn't mind if I find out first, as long as I tell him before spilling to everyone else. Simple request, right? Well rather than just say, "We're having a ____!", I'm wrapping up these sweet little onesies into tiny little packages and numbering them 1 and 2. When we get to skype, the plan is to (hopefully) remember which number corresponds to boy or girl and have him open that package, which will reveal the gender of our babe! This also allows me to be there for his reaction and get excited together. I'm loving the concept and hope it works!

For Grace, I'll get some balloons in the appropriate color. Maybe do a reveal a la Kelle Hampton and open something together. Cute photo op (clearly don't expect a video from me...haha) and you know how much my kid adores balloons.


(Source)

This is the first "exciting thing" lined up post D leaving, and it's one that I can count on being a great moment for us all. As far as D's deployment, I know I said I wasn't going to talk much about it on here. But I lied. I mean, I'm not going to talk about where he is, when exactly he leaves/returns, and what he's doing- but I think a large part of the next 9 months are going to center around how we function without him here. How our daily routines change and how I make the most of having an opportunity to stay productive, positive, and oh you know, raise and 2 year old and bring another child into the world without having my number one support system around every day. So I'm planning to share and looking forward to tackling the time head on and keeping super busy with life in general. I'll be sharing parts of this with you. Hopefully one day, when daddy being gone is just a blip on the radar, Grace and I can look back on all the time we had together and how we made the most of it. :)

Before we get quite there, we are making sure to have quality time all together. Last night I decided I didn't want to cook that we were picking up sandwiches and taking them to the park, so that's what we did. There aren't any pictures because D and I spent our time on the playground with our girl, cheering her down the tall slide, climbing up big kid playground steps, and running to and from the swings. We practically had to beg her to leave...which wasn't too sad because we got ice cream on the way home. Grace prefers playing in our little ice cream shops toy/chalkboard area to actually eating her ice cream, so mommy and daddy enjoyed ours while she played. We wrapped up the night with some outside time with our dogs, a MUCH needed bath, and some sleepy cuddles before bedtime. It was perfect...and something I'll be adding to our schedule at least once a week this Fall.

So that's where we are right now. We have a jam packed couple of weeks and then you know I have some plans in the works for the next several months. I don't know that fun is the correct word to use, so how about: interesting times ahead.

xo,
H

Midweek Randoms

• There are currently 4-6 homes in our neighborhood either being built or completed with Under Contract signs out front. Two of these are on either side of our house and one is across the street. I am pumped for some neighbors and am already planning a welcome card and treats. Brown nosing much? Why yes, yes I am.

• On Monday night I butchered one of D's socks and discovered my hair is in fact long enough for the sock bun. Life will never be the same...(overstatement of the year)

Is 27 too early for botox?



• Another one of my girlfriends got engaged this past weekend. Congratulations Jen and Corey! Can't wait to see you both over the holidays and celebrate. Bring on the 2013 weddings! xoxo 

• Momma got an early birthday present because:
• My husband gets super excited about gift giving and,
• He won't be here for the actual day and,
• I give very specific gift ideas. :)

Mildy obsessed.

• I found a cute little consignment shop in our town and got a Boden tunic dress for $20 last week. It's a couple sizes too big, but will be awesome with leggings and flats or boots for later this winter. Gotta love a good deal!

• I shouldn't get this excited about television, but I am LOVING the new seasons of Modern Family, New Girl, The Office, and Parks and Rec. The New Normal is quickly becoming a fave as well. Tuesday - Thursday evenings you can find me parked on the couch probably snacking.

• In conclusion, all of my underwear has decided to look ratty at the same time. Any good deals out there other than Vicki's Secret 5/$25? You are welcome for that visual. Have a great day! ;)

xo,
H

15 Weeks

September 26 - October 2

Another crazy fast week down. You won't hear me complaining! If the rest of the Fall/Winter season goes this way, that would be fantastic. Once again, the second tri generally has me feeling better than my normal non-pregnant days, which is pretty darn sweet.

*Added my 15 week picture down below!

Survey says...

How far along?: 15 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: I don't think I gained anything this week. Still right around 141, usually a little above. Prob around 3 lbs gained total...I'm convinced this is because I'm not regularly crossfitting and am losing muscle, but it is nice to see a slow and steady increase.

Maternity clothes?: Some. Just randomly. This week I've ordered a couple of maternity and non-maternity things that I think will work. I was large and in charge with Grace in the summer, so I can justify getting a few winter staples.

Sleep: Still awesome. I love the second tri. It's the best.

Best moment of the week: Probably the feeling after I got my 11 mile long run in on Sunday. It felt SO good. I'll post more on running later this week, but so far I think the half marathon (that is 1 month away!) will totally happen. Booyah.

Movement: Nada.

Food Cravings: Nothing too crazy this week. Lots of lemon in water.

Gender: Still not sure...I go back and forth daily. I looked into finding out early, but the closest ultrasound place is 2+ hours away, so not happening. Womp, womp.

Belly Button: Innie.

Stretchmarks?: Nope.

What I miss: Not gonna lie, wine and raw cookie dough are high on my list this week. I should get over the cookie dough thing, but after getting food poisoning twice this past year, I'm convinced my stomach hates me and am not taking any chances.

What I am looking forward to: 16 week appointment TOMORROW! Will be the last one D gets to go with me to, so sort of bittersweet. We will get to make our 20 week appointment and schedule our big ultrasound for later this month/early November. Will report back soon.

Weekly Wisdom: I got nada. I actually am considering removing this question.

Milestones: Nothing big this week.

Grace's space: Oh, to be a crazy 2 year old. Even though we have bought "New Baby" and "Big Sis" books, Grace really could care less about them at this point. Once, she even came up to me and closed the book when I was trying to read it to her and get her interested. Oh well.

15 Weeks

xo,
H

Grace at 2

Grace is officially 2 years old...and has been for a little over a week. Yes, I know I still owe party pics. I'm working on it. ;) In the meantime, here are a few 2 year stats I want to make sure we remember...

 

Height: Not sure, going to say around 36". I'll get back to this one. Homegirl is long and lean.

Weight: 28 lbs

 

Clothes size: 2T-3T. Mommy spent a lot of money on Grace's Fall/Winter wardrobe and then realized that although she is tall enough for 3Ts...skirts just fall off of her little waist. You'd think her carb diet would quickly remedy this, but so far she is still a skinny minnie.

Shoe Size: 7

Diaper Size: 5

Potty Training?: Starting to potty train, we don't push it. She sits on the potty about once a day, but mostly wants to play with toilet paper...

Speaking: We are starting to really make strides here. I mentioned earlier that we were going to have her evaluated at school, but it was determined that she would not qualify for state funded speech therapy...she was right on the borderline a few months back and they recommended waiting until 2, because at that point, standards go up. We agreed, waited, and as of now I don't think it is necessary. She has started linking words together more frequently and is adding new words to her vocab almost daily. I'm just going to sit back and let her do her thing for now. :)

Favorite Color: PURPLE

Favorite Number: 2! duh... ;) Sometimes we count and she'll go, "Two, two, two, two, TWO!" Haha...we are working on numbers.

Favorite Things: Being outside, balloons, Mickey Mouse and his crew, getting tickled, spun around, or climbling all over mommy and daddy. Prediction? Gymnastics is going to go well for her. Loves animals, coloring, is attached to her blankie, and LOVES the park.

Favorite Song: She requests Itsy, Bitsy Spider a lot. I'm working on getting her into real radio music.

Favorite Foods: Cheese sticks, Annies bunnies or goldfish, mac 'n cheese, scrambled eggs, steamed broccoli, baby carrots, apple slices, popcorn...and momma's Pumpkin Spice Cookies. ;)

 

 

Here's a little sneak into some of our bath time convos. We have been going over words lately and I try to do new ones each time. It's kinda long, and bear with me cutting off part of her head during the first part...but holy cuteness!

 

Two started off kind of rough, but I have to say- the last week has been one of the best ever. Dare I say I sort of love 2? It brings independence and curiosity, but my little miss remains the best snuggler, hugger, and giver of unexpected kisses. I hope she never loses her sweetness.

 

 

 

We love you, big girl! Keep growing and learning and playing and being your sweet self. This is going to be quite the year for you and Momma, and I can't wait to share the next several months with you. I know things are going to be a little bit bumpy as we find our stride with some of the big changes that will be taking place, but I promise we will make it fun and do it all together. 

 

xo,
H