Pregnancy update

How far along: 24 weeks, 2 days
Total weight gain/loss: +8 total, 3 overall
Maternity clothes: heck yes
Stretch marks: sadly, they're starting
Sleep: I slept like a baby this week, but maybe that's because the doc told me to take tylenol pm
Best moment this week: Dan brought home some of her furniture!
Movement: She's getting really strong!  New favorite game - put something on the belly while she's moving and see if she'll kick it off.  what can I say, I'm easily amused.
Food cravings: loving swiss cake rolls :)
Food aversions: none!
Gender: Sweet baby girl!
Belly Button in or out: In.
What I miss: Sleeping regular hours
What I am looking forward to: Christmas with our families - I can't wait to see everyone!
Milestones: We hit viability this week!  Woohoo!

The case of the switching Saturns

Last week was stressful.  Tuesday was a normal day, I worked from home and noticed that we were out of dog food.  Dan was getting off at 4:30 that day so he offered to pick some up on his way home.  He called me when he left the bank.  About 20 minutes later I got another phone call.  I assumed he was calling to say he was on his way home but it went like this instead - 

Dan - "We have a little problem here." 

Jamie - thinks that the store is out of our brand of dog food. "Ok, what's going on?"

Dan - "I got in an accident."

Jamie - "You've got to be kidding me."

I'm pretty sure you can guess where the rest of this conversation went.  No, no one was hurt.  No, no one was issued a ticket. Yes, it was probably our fault but the insurance companies can battle that out.  I looked at it a little bit that night but the next morning got the full effect of what really happened.

Wednesday we dropped it off at collision center and waited.

Thursday the insurance company said they'd like to total it out.  We decided that while we weren't planning on getting a different vehicle, the Saturn (or sad-turd as referred to in our house) wasn't really going to be a safe place to put our baby, even if we had it fixed. Looked at cars that night.

Friday, Danny asked for the afternoon off so we could continue our search.  We drove (well, Danny did) countless vehicles.  Dan set his heart on a few that we fortunately decided that were not going to be appropriate for our growing family.  We ended the night thinking we had probably found our next car but wanted to sleep on it and do a little more research. Then we had a great dinner with Jim and Rie.

Saturday found us the proud owners of a new car.

Yes, it's another Saturn.  No, I have not driven it yet but Danny seems to love it.  It has plenty of room inside for a carseat and the pups.  Danny is actually impressed that he has plenty of leg room without pushing the seat all the way back.  We're looking forward to taking lots more family road trips in this car since we took our first one this weekend!  More on that later!  

Ultrasound pictures

Sorry to overwhelm with so many posts in 24 hours but, I wanted to share our ultrasound pictures before I forgot!

Kicks

I've been feeling Putty (aka Sweet Baby Girl) move around for about a week and a half now.  It started if I would try to listen to her with the doppler.  She apparently doesn't like to be poked or prodded because one night she kicked it and swam off (disclaimer: I try not to listen to her more than once a week and only for a minute or so.  My mom is uber worried about that :P).  Since that night, I can feel her every once and awhile and it's been very sporadic.

This morning however, she's been going nuts!  I think I've felt her more this morning (granted I've been awake since 5:30) than I have in an entire day before.  Danny has the day off so I keep making him feel my belly (at first he thought I was nuts).  Just a minute ago though, he felt her and got this big grin on his face. I'm glad she's finally making herself known to her daddy. :)

Putty update

How far along: 19 weeks, 6 days (they pushed me back a week!)
Total weight gain/loss: gained 1 pound this month - still down 1 overall
Maternity clothes: heck yes
Stretch marks: sadly, they're starting
Sleep: ummm...not so much
Best moment this week: Seeing our daughter at the ultrasound this morning!
Movement: Sporadically
Food cravings: More like I get stuck on a food - I ate burritos 5 days in a row this week
Food aversions: Still happens all the time.
Gender: Sweet baby girl!
Belly Button in or out: In.
What I miss: Sleeping regular hours
What I am looking forward to: Feeling her move more often.  Being able to use the gender specific pronoun when we talk about her!
Milestones: I was sent back a week because she's measuring small (but looks perfect) so I get to relive the halfway point tomorrow!

I changed my mind

I'm taking the easy way out if Putty is a girl - just found bedding from Target that I love.

Seriously obsessed. :)

Ticked off

It's been awhile since I found something my dogs love.  They're both slightly destructive and love treats. - I've been reading recommendations online for awhile about the Everlasting Treat Ball.  I was looking for something to entertain them and keep them distracted from torturing playing with my parents' dog this week so I bought two.  Minnie managed to dig the treats out of both ends in just over 1.5 hours.  Charlie gnawed for nearly 2.5 hours before he got distracted by something shiny.  Rather than let Minnie eat more treats today I decided to take it away and put it up high so Minnie couldn't steal it.  This is what happened:

She barked at it (the small blue thing you see right in front of her) for nearly 30 minutes.  Hey, at least she was occupied!

Remember how I said I'm obsessive?

Here are some better images.  Plus, I forgot to cover up on of the choices below.

 

And for a little boy....

Madras (minus the trains) for PBK

or

Kasey Striped (minus George) from PBK

I'm really liking the idea of using primary colors for the bedding - mostly because I've fallen in love with a certain line of sock monkeys and pals...

I have a problem

I have a slight obsession with baby bedding.  Actually the problem really is that I have this idea in my head about how I want the nursery to look and I can't find bedding that matches my vision.  Especially if we end up with a girl.  Enter:  overly ambitious Jamie.  I've been toying with the idea of making the bedding/textiles in baby's room.  Check out what I spent 2 + hours working on today....

Still not exactly what I have in my head but we're getting there.  This could very well be the fabrics we use if we have a girl :).  You can check them out here (ignore the browns, it's my lame version of editing a picture that originally had more than 12 different prints on it).

Boy bedding is a whole 'nother demon within itself and right now I really need to get something done. :)

P.S.  Many thanks to Kage for helping to cultivate my new obsession.

Awkward

Confession:  I have really dry skin.  To the point where it keeps me up at night.  When I was a kid, I had horrible eczema complete with prescriptions to special lotions.  I've only ever found one brand of yummy smelling body wash that doesn't make me break out.  When the cool weather sets in I know I need to use lotion but I:
     1.) suck at remembering
     b.) hate oily lotions
    iii.) like lists in 3's

Enter:  Pregnancy.  Not only pregnancy but also cool Fall weather. For me, this is a recipe for eternally itchy skin makes me want to peel my skin entirely off.  Because skinny myself sounds like it might be more comfortable than the constant itching.

Not sure if you've heard but, during pregnancy your skin stretches and grows (I know, big idea but hold on for me).  If you've seen me lately you know that my belly is finally starting show. Now for a math lesson... [(dry skin) + (cool weather)]*pregnancy = stretch marks before 20 weeks.  Don't worry, I'm embarrassed for all of us.

However, the moral of my long-winded, run-on story is this: I found a lotion I love.  Meet my new best friend

Smells wonderful (lightly sweet), goes on smooth, isn't sticky, and doesn't leave some weird film on my skin or hands.  Seriously, you all need this lotion.

You're welcome in advance,

Jamie

Woot!

I can blog o. The iPad. Thank you technology gods for fixing this issue. Now, maybe I'll blog more often (or at least think about it).

Getting real

Last weekend I went shopping with my wonderful mom and sisters on Sunday. The weather was beautiful, the outlet had great sales and I kept my lunch down. What more could a girl ask for? Fast-forward to early Monday morning when I got up to pee for the 4th time that night and saw this in the hallway:

Talk about a sobering experience.  I did what any 26 year old girl would do.  I freaked out (quietly as not to wake the husband or the dogs) and then texted my mom.  

I hung the baby clothes you bought us on the doorknob at the end of the hall.  It's weird to think see and think that in 5 months someone that small will take over my house and my life.

The clock by my bed says 154 days until my due date.  Three weeks from today we find out if we're having a son or a daughter.  In nineteen weeks my baby will be considered full term, six weeks until he or she is viable.  Holy cow.  We're really going to be parents.

Drama

To say this has been a tough week is a bit of an understatement. I'm sure it could have been worse, it's just been far from the normal routine.

Danny left on Monday for training in Davenport all week. Danny hasn't been away from me and our house since he went on a fishing trip with my family 3 summers ago. We're pretty used to the idea of me leaving but Danny being gone was odd. I realize I'm whining but, this is my blog and I can whine if I want to. :)

I actually had scheduled, structured work 3.5 days this week. Again, not odd for most people but, when you're used to setting your own hours its a little different. I also traveled to NE with my boss for a conference. Which meant neither of us were home. Which meant we had to board the pups. Which leads to my next source of stress.

Charlie has a mild case of kennel cough. Not too bad as Minnie doesn't have it (yet). But, I had a minor meltdown about it yesterday. I think it's the first thing that I've cried about in a long time and I fully blame the tears on pregnancy and stress. The cough isn't too bad, and he could get over it on his own but we need to board them next week while we head to AZ so I need Charlie to get better ASAP. Also, I need Minnie not to get it. And finally, as another fun result of pregnancy, my immune system is lower than normal so I have to be careful not to get to. Thank goodness for Dan coming home today so he can give C his meds. This is the main thing I'm not supposed to do with him.

Alright, vent over. Aren't you glad you stopped by? ;)

Dear Blogger

Dear Blogger,

It really bothers me that if one person comments on a blogger post, not on my blog obviously ;), that you say there is "1 comments." Really? It can't be that hard to make comment singular.

Love, Jamie

Sunday conversations

This morning Dan and I were talking about all the stuff you need/want for a baby. The following conversation took place....

Dan: "I want a baby backpack."

Jamie: "Like a diaper bag backpack?"

Dan: "No, a baby backpack."

Jamie (visualizing a backpack leash for a toddler): "I don't think we'll need one of those right away. You could get it for a 1st birthday gift for baby if you really want one."

Dan: "No, I want a baby backpack. Like the one in The Hangover. So I can spill food on it and carry it around."

Jamie: "You mean you want a baby carrier?"

Dan: "Yeah, I want a baby backpack."

Should I be nervous about him learning parenting tips from movies like The Hangover?

Putty update

How far along: 13 weeks, 1 day
Total weight gain/loss: - 4lbs...they finally wrote me a prescription of anti-nausea meds.
Maternity clothes: some things are just more comfortable with an elastic waist. Especially if I know I'm going to be sitting all day.
Stretch marks: Nothing new
Sleep: Thank goodness for naps.
Best moment this week: When they finally found the heartbeat at our appointment.
Movement: No sir.
Food cravings: Happens randomly and rarely.
Food aversions: Happens all the time.
Gender: I think boy.
Belly Button in or out: In.
What I miss: Sleeping regular hours
What I am looking forward to: I caved and bought a doppler. It comes tomorrow. I'm excited and looking forward to the piece of mind. Even though we hit 2nd trimester, I'm not sure I'll stop being afraid of losing this baby until I can regularly feel him/her.
Milestones: I failed my glucose test...oh wait, is that not a milestone? blech.

Random

I never noticed the creepy hand on the left side of my background. Pretty sure I'll have nightmares about it now.

I sure hope not

I came across this today,

The day you deliver, outside will be light. Your baby will arrive in the late evening. After a labor lasting approximately 24 hours, your child, a boy, will be born. Your baby will weigh about 12 pounds, 5 ounces, and will be 21 -1/2 inches long. This child will have medium hazel eyes and some brown hair.

I really hope the weight is wrong...and maybe the labor time. Really hope the weight is wrong.

Disclaimer: I did this completely for fun and put no stock into what Madame Z's prediction is. :)

Update

How far along: 12 weeks, 1 day
Total weight gain/loss: I'm avoiding the scale. But, I have a Dr.'s appointment on Tuesday so I'll find out then.
Maternity clothes: some things are just more comfortable with an elastic waist. Especially if I know I'm going to be sitting all day.
Stretch marks: Nothing new
Sleep: Not getting enough -- I'm good at waking up at 2am and staying awake until it's almost time for me to get up. Awesome.
Best moment this week: Realizing I only have 3 days left on my progesterone.
Movement: No sir.
Food cravings: Happens randomly and rarely.
Food aversions: Happens all the time.
Gender: I think boy.
Belly Button in or out: In.
What I miss: Beer and eating whatever I want.
What I am looking forward to: Cool weather
Milestones: Almost out of 1st trimester and done with progesterone!

All in all, I feel like crap 75% of my day. Hoping to feel better soon.

Thankful on Thursday

41. Gato.rade propel

42. My husband...he's way too good to me

43. Naps

44. Spending time with family

45. Matched socks

46. To do lists

47. Checking things off the to do list

48. Researching non school related things

49. Quiet places to work

50. Puppy snuggles

I'm good at waiting a month in between posts.

Thursday

It's official. I'm addicted to Arrested Development. I stayed home sick today and spent most of the day watching. Don't worry, I already know how awesome I am.

And now for your regularly scheduled Thankful on Thursdays....

31. my water bottle

32. good friends to have good dinners with

33. colleagues that are trying to plan a cruise conference

34. snuggling puppies

35. sand volleyball league being over (fun but went way too long!)

36. conferences in town so I don't have to leave snuggling puppies and the husband

37. Ali living close!!

38. sweatshirt blankets

39. family trips to the cabin

40. that the futon I had in college is still comfy as can be

Thankful on Thursday

21. Air conditioning

22. Being able to buy a new fan because of no air conditioning...more accurately, finding a close by store to buy one and not getting lost in a new city!

23. Phone calls with great news!

24. The farmer's market

25. Goat cheese

26. That I love to read.

27. Great in-laws

28. my MiFi

29. cute shoes

30. compliments on cute shoes!

Frustrated

This is not how things were supposed to be going right now. :/

Thankful on Thursday

11. new friends

12. sleepovers with my sisters

13. snuggly pups

14. my coffee maker - a Keurig

15. really super easy to make coffee

16. our godson

17. impromptu breakfasts with Jackie in Boston

18. learning to love guacamole

19. ceiling fans

20. a sister moving 40 minutes away from me!

Dear Husband

Dear Husband,

I just wanted to let you know that I love you immensely. I wanted to take the time to tell you thank you for taking care of us the past few months. Thank you for taking care of me. Thank you for taking care of the pups, especially while I was away for work and everything else that has taken me away from our home recently. Thank you for knowing that it's more important to live what you believe. Thank you for reminding me to do the same. Thank you for working so hard. Thank you for making me laugh by leaving buckets on the roof and wearing mullets- you are always full of surprises. Thank you for knowing how to break into our house without breaking a window and staying calm while you did it. Thank you for loving me. For going to get me a glass of water even though I know you'd rather not. Thank you for being patient.

Thank you for being strong. Thank you for asking me how I'm doing, how I'm really doing. Thank you for caring about our future. Thank you for being a silent leader. Thank you for finishing school, it meant the world to me. Thank you for letting me know that I am always a priority. Thank you for being so amazing that I could continue on forever and ever.

Dan, you are truly the best thing about me. I am so blessed to know you and to be loved by you. Thank you for all that you do and for all that you are. With you, I know that everything that happens will be ok. Thank you so much for that.

Love always, J

Stand By Me

Love this video.

Thankful on Thursday

1. A wonderful husband that lets me travel for work...

2. ...and welcomes me home lovingly

3. A job that I enjoy

4. Online conversations with friends about why we're friends

5. Colorado

6. Getting to see Aja 3 times in 6 months!

7. Warm weather

8. Direct flights

9. the Kindle app on my iPad

10. cute shoes with palm trees

It's been awhile

Great, now I've got the song in my head.

I finished my class last week. Well, at least attending my class, now I have a ton of work to get done by Friday. I'm praying that my computer acts ok until them, I've been having issues with it but want to get through this class and the conference before I take it in. I'm happy to have my iPad just in case in Denver just hoping it doesn't come down to that.

I leave for Denver on Thursday. I always feel bad leaving Dan behind but promised him that next year he can come to San Fran with me. I'll know then to book far enough in advance that I can get my own room then we'll just have to pay for his airfare.

I'm really looking forward to this trip...to getting away. Mostly because I get to see Aja. Also because I'll get to meet great people at the conference, eat great food and have some unforgettable experiences. :) Plus, when I come home I have this darn thesis to work on. Must finish three chapters this summer!

I Will Carry You

When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. Some of you say, “Joy is greater than sorrow,” and others say, “Nay, sorrow is the greater.” But I say unto you, they are inseparable. Together they come, and when one sits alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed. Verily you are suspended like scales between your sorrow and your joy. —Kahlil Gibran

I read I Will Carry You by Angie Smith over the weekend. Great read. Helped my heart, my soul, and my faith. Will definitely read again, probably after my class is finished and would recommend to everyone - especially those dealing with loss.

Love like crazy

I love the words to the song "Love Like Crazy" by Lee Brice, especially the chorus:

Be a best friend, tell the truth, and overuse I love you
Go to work, do your best, don't outsmart your common sense
Never let your prayin' knees get lazy
And love like crazy

And try to remember them whenever I'm having a rough day. :)

Confused, sad, and really sad. Also really wanting to pity myself. Tonight sucks.

Neglect

Dear blog,
I'm sorry I've neglected you for the past 1.5 months. At first I didn't want to write because I didn't want to spoil our news. Then I kind of forgot about you. Next, life sucked really bad and we were too sad to talk to anyone. Now, I'd like to be friends again. What do you say, can you forgive me?

Love,
Jamie

Decorating

I'm pretty sure that no one reads this but, I need help decorating my house. Anyone interested in helping?

Back from Colorado

We're back from Colorado and after 5.5 days gone and 20+ hours in the car together, we've learned a few things:

1. I do like beer. Just not all beers. Dan is not happy about this as it means he now must share his beer.
2. Minnie and Charlie are pretty good car dogs.
3. We could definitely live in Colorado at some point in our lives...and thoroughly enjoy it.
4. Dan loves beer. And breweries. He even bought a book about it. And started reading it!
5. Dan also loves belt buckles. I do not.

I'm sure there are other things but I can't remember at this moment. It was wonderful to see all of our friends and we hope to have more adventures with all of them soon!

These two are trouble

but well worth it (most days)!

And we're taking them on a 20 hour round trip car ride this weekend. Should be interesting!

Jumping off the deep end

We (mainly being Jamie) have decided to start a blog. I'm not sure if what we have to say is something people are interested in but thought that it would be a good way to keep in touch with family and update you all on our lives. We're hoping for big things in the future and can't wait to share them with all of you!