Halfway There Bumpdate

How Far Along:   20 weeks + a few days 

Baby is the size of:  Size of banana or a small cantalope (yikes). It's weird because when I compare the baby to food I have a hard time eating it that item. 

Total weight gain: I'm up 16 in total. It maybe a little more after some fried oreos at the festival this weekend. 

Sleep: Still annoying but it has been better this week. I have encased myself with pillows. I've brought up our couch pillows to lay on. I have put accent pillows from my bed in between my legs. With sleep being better I feel so much happier and healthy. 

Best Moment of the week: So many great moments recently.
* I was pretty happy I got to go see the baby for a second sonogram. The first time around the sonogram tech forgot to measure the baby's arm so she spent a little extra time focusing on some fun stuff. The 6 extra pictures weren't so bad.

* Apparently my OB has been over charging me the last 5 months so I have a rather large credit on my account.


*Brian, Bogart and I went out for a fantastic hike over the weekend. I was surprised and happy I was able to hike 6 miles. I felt strong and fantastic. I'm hoping to continue with hikes and walks like the one we did over the weekend. 

* Friday I went shopping with my mom at Macy's and found so man adorable gender neutral baby clothes. We bought the cutest coming home outfit for baby!

Worst Moment of the week: Another really great week besides the meltdown over dinner on Saturday night. Brian makes dinner almost every night and on the weekends I try to make a nice dinner for him. I was planning on making spicy shrimp tacos and realized I forgot a bunch of ingredients at the grocery store. I was so focused on making this big, delicous dinner I ended up crying over nothing. The food was good even missing some main items. Shortly after that I was knocked out cold on the couch. Clearly, I was exhausted too.

Have you told Family and Friends:  Yes. Parent's of the children I work with are already taking bets on what I'm having.

Miss Anything: I've been thinking how great a good glass of chardonnay would taste especially when we had lobster over the weekend.

* I miss having a bra fit correctly. Did I mention I broke a bra last week? Yep, good times.

* I miss getting up and throwing on any clothing item I'd like. Clothes seem to be so uncomfortable these days.
Food Cravings: Sweet treats! 

 
Anything make you queasy or sick: Nope. Still feeling great. 

Have you started to show? Yes. I'm feeling like I'm not as big as I should be though. People have been saying I'm so small. The doctor said I was a perfect size and the baby is the right size too. 

Gender: Team Neutral!!! 

Symptoms: I'm feeling really good this week. My hips have been bothering me but since I'm sleeping better I feel better all around!

Workouts: The occasional walk and a nice 6 mile hike this weekend. 

Mood: Can't believe I'm halfway there. Wish I was feeling the baby more. 

Looking Forward to: So much! I've started buying some baby items. Neutral, of course, but it's so amazing to look at these clothes and realizing our little baby will be wearing them very soon. 

 

Maternity Clothes: Still taking advantage of the non maternity clothes I have. I've noticed maternity shirts are really large on me so for now I'm sticking to maternity jeans and non maternity tops. 

Reading: Not much lately. 

Milestones: He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system. He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in his bowels, and you'll see it in his first soiled diaper.

 

Sunday Funday

What a fantastic weekend. It's a shame it's Monday all over again.

On Saturday I spent the entire day cleaning out the house. All of the things we have accumulated in the last 4 years needed a good cleaning. I think I threw away 5 big garbage bags, recycled 4 big boxes of stuff, donated books and organized everything else.

On Sunday, Brian and I woke up early and took advantage of a beautiful morning by hiking the Appalachian Trail. We are so lucky to have such a beautiful spot so close to home. We have hiked it before but I haven't done much working out since I got pregnant. I was hoping I could keep up and I far surpassed my expectations. We were out for 2 hours and we completed 6 miles. It was such a beautiful morning. I felt amazing afterwards too. Six miles isn't so bad for a preggers!

After our hike we met up my parents and we all went to a small craft village for their annual corn and tomato festival. Lafayette Village is an adorable little craft area and is very dog friendly so Bogart came along too. We finished off the weekend with a delicious and home cooked lobster dinner. We cooked up some fresh veggies from the Lafayette Village Farmer's Market to go along with the lobster.

What did you do this weekend? Anything fun, exciting or outdoorsy?


http://synfullydelicious.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://i1158.photobucket.com/albums/p615/synfullydelicious1/Blog%20Design%20by%20CLS/200x200-TWI.jpg
" border="0" />

Happies and Crappies

HAPPIES

- Getting out early all this week and next week. I love working early hours and getting home before 5pm. I actually spend time with my husband before he rushes out to the gym and we get to cook dinner together! 

- Went to a foot and tea spa with my mother in law on Wednesday. It was pretty fantastic! I'm all about getting pampered lately!!! 

- Getting to take my mom along for our sonogram this week. She has never seen one and it was pretty awesome! We got to see the baby move, kick, fist pump (must be a Jersey baby!), and even yawn. One of the most exciting parts of having a baby is seeing the excitement on our parent's faces. It makes me so happy. 

- Getting 2 sonograms this week. Our tech forgot to measure babies arm the firt time so I go to go back. She felt so guilty I had to go back that she spent some extra time doing fun stuff. She also printed out 6 more pictures of baby. We got to watch baby drink, move his/her mouth and pull its legs over the head. Baby is now 11 ounces and the heart rate is at 139. From what they tell me at the office baby is perfectly healthy.

- Home Goods trip last night. Bought lots of goodies!

- We are going to a tomato and corn festival this weekend. Bring on the goodies!!!

CRAPPIES

- I took Bogart to the vet for senior blood work and a shot. When the tech had a needle in he jumped and game himself a nasty bruise. I feel terrible about it. He seems ok but I hate to know he could be hurting. Plus, when did my baby get to 10 years old????

- Sleep just plain old stinks lately. I've tried the couch lately but I do miss my husband and my bed. 

Linking up with Stephanie and Sarah




http://www.thevintagemodernwife.com/search/label/happiesandcrappies" title="The Vintage Modern Wife" target="_blank">http://i48.tinypic.com/wrlz7o.png

" alt="The Vintage Modern Wife: Happies and Crappies Link Up" style="border:none;"/>

I Want To Go Back To School

Lately, it seems like I've been at a crossroad. I feel like one thing that would make me feel a little bit better is going back to school. I just feel so lost and confused about this whole thing. I haven't applied to school since 1997. I feel like the hardest part for me is finding a program online. My current hours at work are 10-6:30 and I have a 40 minute commute each way. I barely have time to eat dinner when I get home. I don't think I'd ever be able to get to a class or even think classes are held that late.

I graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services with a specialty in client services. I have worked in many roles with the Developmentally Disabled population since 2001. I have held many different positions from direct care, day program staff, residential services, quality assurance. Currently, I run a day program for adults and after school program for children with Autism and other developmental disabilities. It is a great job but working in the field has always been stressful. Recently, the field in which I work has suffered numerous hits and lots of budget cuts. It's a sad world we are living in. The stress has taken a toll on me and with a baby coming in just about 5 months I have an entire new view on my career. I find myself bringing my job home with me at night. Some nights I cry just thinking about the trying day I had. After my week long vacation in July I cried for 2 days at the thought of having to go back. It's not the place or the field for me any longer. I am lucky to have a job and I put in 100% while I'm there

I have been toying around with the idea of going back to school for a while. The problem was I just didn't know what I wanted to do or what would be a good decision for our family. I threw around the idea of a Veterinary Assistant and I would honestly LOVE that but the cut in pay would not be feasible for us. I couldn't believe they get paid so little for all they do. Doesn't seem fair to me.

I am currently thinking of a Occupational Therapy Assistant. Since I have worked with children and adults I've seen many of the great things that they do. The problem with an OT program is that the hours are impossible. I'd have to stop working in order to take the basic classes at a community college. Honestly, I would LOVE that but  if I wanted to take master's level OT classes they would be held for 6+ hours all weekend long. With a new baby I have no idea how I'd be able to do that either.

I feel like I'm stuck at a fork in the road with what I feel like are little options. Has any one else ever felt like this? Advice? Suggestions?

Oh How Pinteresting!

Happy Wednesday. This week is moving along quite nicely. It's probably because I'm working early hours and I'm out before 4pm each day. I'm loving it. Weeks like this one make me enjoy what I do.

Lately, I've been pinning up a storm. After dinner, when Brian goes to the gym I sit with ear phones on my tummy for baby and as I relax I find myself pinning away. Here are just a few things I've been pinning lately.

Like what you see?
Follow me on Pinterest. 























Linking up with Michelle

19 Weeks

How Far Along:   19.5 weeks. We found out yesterday we are a little further in than originally expected.

Baby is the size of:  Heirloom Tomato 

Total weight gain: Ugh at my appointment yesterday I'm up 16 in total.

Sleep: Still depends on the day. I find myself getting so cranky halfway through the work day because I'm up from 4-6 every morning. 

Best Moment of the week: I felt a little flutter for the first time the other night. WI think it was baby but I'm not sure. It was a weird little feeling. I found it funny that it was 5 minutes after Brian was talking to my tummy. His story went something like this "There once was a baby who slept 8 hours a night and when that baby grew up they ate all their vegetables and went to school everyday with out complaining." Seeing the baby move and finding out all of his/her organs are perfect on the sonogram. I loved watching the baby be so active. In some of the pictures the baby was pushing back at the sonogram tech's tool (or whatever you call that thing!)

Worst Moment of the week: Didn't really have a bad week. Some days I feel ok and other days I feel great. 

Have you told Family and Friends:  Yes. Now the children at work know too. Most of them have started guessing if its a boy or girl. They are picking names for me too. Here are just a few: (Note: None of these are contenders,lol)

-Ashley

-Amber

-Tiffany

-Kayla

-Kylee

Apparently they don't think I'm having a boy! 

Miss Anything: I'm still stuck on that glass of red wine would taste lovely with a nice sushi roll. 

Food Cravings: Pop tarts! 

 
Anything make you queasy or sick: Nope. I feel so much better than I thought I would. 

Have you started to show? Yes. Have you seen that picture up there?!?! And holy boobs! On any given day I feel like I may just all flat on my face from the excess up front!!!

Gender: Team Neutral but I swore I heard the tech slip once yesterday and say she!

Symptoms: I've been getting terrible hip and rib cage pain. It is the most annoying pain. I'm uncomfortable when I sleep. I've got pillows all over the place in bed. Most nights I give up and sleep on the couch.

Workouts: The occasional walk. It's been too cold to go swimming lately. 

Mood: I'm feeling pretty good. Can't believe I'm just about halfway there. 

Looking Forward to: Everything!!! We are planning a baby shower and so many great things are happening in the next few months, best friend's wedding is fast approaching. Baby will be going to 2 weddings in the next few months! 

 

Maternity Clothes: Still taking advantage of the summer dresses while I can. Chub rub, not fun so I opt for jeans too or Powder Jell from Monistat. This stuff works wonders, and yes I have no shame!

Reading: Not much more than the instruction manual for the crib! 

Milestones: Baby's development has exploded. Baby's brain is designed to hear, smell, taste. Baby may even be able to hear my voice! I should probaby watch thos F-bombs from here on out.

And here is Baby G:

I can't get enough of that nose and those little lips!!!

 

This Weekend I...

After working a ton of extra hours the last few weeks I was so happy to have a 2 day weekend this time around. Of course Brian and I were busy all weekend but it was nice to go at our own pace and enjoy time with our families and friends.

-Friday night my are my nights out with my mom. It's our little tradition. We usually go our shopping or just out to dinner. Friday we had some pizza and just talked about all the awesome things coming up in our lives. I love that we get to spend so much time together. 

-Saturday I spent a lot of my morning just laying around. I caught up on some 90210 and One Tree Hill reruns. I also made a delicious peach salsa. Recipe to come soon. In the afternoon we had a party for Brian's cousin who graduated University of Delaware back in May. We spent time at his grandfather's beautiful home. Everyone took out the horses and kayaks. We played with our nephews and ate delicious food. It was a fantastic day. 

Max and Rocky

- Sunday was a rather sad day. Back in July my best friend lost her father to cancer and we attended his memorial service Sunday. Poppa Joe was an awesome guy. He loved to cook and fish. He held great conversations and made many friends. So many people came out to show their respect to Joe and his family. I was glad to know him for many years. I am proud to have been a part of the celebration of his life. We will miss you Poppa Joe. Rest peacefully.

Happy times back in 2012. 

- Sunday night we ate a late dinner and watched the Yankee, Red Sox game. I realized that baby can hear me now so I should probably curb my language. I don't want baby learn the F-bomb from mommy while still in the womb. I really need to curb this potty mouth! 

Going to see Baby G today. If we wanted we could find out what we are having BUT we are sticking with a surprise baby! Hopefully everything is still going well. Wish us luck :)

 

OHP

Yay, halfway through the week!!! I swear Friday night can not come fast enough! I need more weekend in my life and I need it fast!

In the meantime I'm linking up with Michelle for Oh How PInteresting.

18 Week Bumpdate

How Far Along:   18 Weeks! Yep, I forgot week 17

Baby is the size of:  Bell pepper

Total weight gain: It's still an embarrassing 10 pounds. 

Sleep: Still depends on the day. I usually wake up a few times a night. I have strange dreams  that wake me up around 5 each morning. 

Best Moment of the week: We purchased our crib. Love coupons! We saved $150 on the darn thing. 

Worst Moment of the week: I had a major break down on my commute home from work. My job is so stressful. The children I work with have behaviors of concern. It's hard to not get involved and it can sometimes be scary. I've also been stressing about the home from work. My job is so stressful. The children I work with have behaviors of concern. It's hard to not get involved and it can sometimes be scary. I've also been stressing about the amount of time I can take off and being sad I can't be a SAHM. 

Have you told Family and Friends:  Yes. Now the children at work have started asking. One poked my belly yesterday and said "Hey, baby get out of there."

Miss Anything: A glass of red wine would taste lovely with a nice sushi roll. 

Food Cravings: It's been PB and J this week. 

Anything make you queasy or sick: Nope. I feel so much better than I thought I would. 

Have you started to show? Yes. I finally feel like I look pregnant and not as much fat. 

Gender: Team Neutral!!!

Symptoms: Back pain and swollen feet !!! The extra weight and my growing sprout has really taken a toll on both. 

Workouts: The occasional walk. 

Mood: I'm worried but that has started to ease the further I get into this pregnancy. I feel really good and really excited. 

Looking Forward to: Feeling movement. I haven't felt anything yet. I'm starting to get nervous that I don't feel anything yet. 

Maternity Clothes: Still taking advantage of the summer dresses while I can. I wore a size medium dress last week. I was shocked it still fit. I did purchase some maternity clothes from Old Navy last week. 

Reading: My favorite mommy and mommy to be blogs, Catalyn, Laura, and Erin

Milestones: Baby's blood vessels are visible, ears are in the final position and the baby's gender will be clear on an ultra sound. 

Happies and Crappies

HAPPIES

- I ordered some goodies from Old Navy.com. I don't have any of their maternity clothes yet but I just got so tired of squeezing into my non maternity clothes. I wanted to make them last as long as I could so I wouldn't have to spend that much money but comfort comes first these days. 

-SHARK WEEK!!! 

 

- 40% a Vera Bradley coupon from my mom. I used it to buy this cutie. It was only $25!!! 

- Bogart and I took a trip to Starbucks in the rain. Bogart LOVES car rides and I had a craving for a Frapaccino so it was a win win for both of us. I want to send lots of fun and give him lots of extra love these last few months! 

He loved his car ride even if he didn't look happy here. 

- We created our registry. If you'd like to take a peek at some of our goodies check it out here.  I was also lucky enough to get some inexpensive hand me down car seats and other goodies. 

 

CRAPPIES

- I worked a lot of extra hours this week and I'm working again tomorrow. I'm exhausted. 

- I had a major meltdown this week. I think the stress of work and being exhausted really got to me this week. I finally just gave into the anxiety. 

- I had another terrible night sleep. Only 4 hours! I will never have another Frappacino (heartburn) after 8pm or read crazy, news stories late at night.

What were some of your happies and crappies this week?
Have a fantastic weeked!

Happy Birthday Mom!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMA!

Today is my mom's 60th birthday! I love that we were able to celebrate with her on Sunday with some of her favorite things, shopping, baby stuff and Thai food.

We love you!!!

Registry and Weekend Fun

So on Saturday Brian and I went to browse some cribs and baby room furniture and we ended up completing 2 baby registries! I feel so accomplished! Originally I was so overwhelmed by registering for baby items but the people at Buy Buy Baby were so helpful getting it started. When we got home I felt inspired to complete another registry at Pottery Barn Kids. 

Via 

This is by far my favorite item on the registry. The MamaRoo Swing is so awesome I want it for adults!   Motions include car ride with a figure eight on its side, KangaRoo with lots of up-and-down, tree swing,rock-a-bye and an ocean wave that moves around in a big circle! Plus, there is an adaptor for our iPods! 

These are some of our other goodies we added:

Snuggle Nest Infant Sleeper

Grass Drying Rack 

Chicco Stoller

ERGO Baby Carrier 

Graco Pack 'n Play

Treetop Friends Activity Gym 

Preppy Geo Sheeting

Harper Nursery Bedding

Flying Elephant Mobile 

In addition to a lot of baby fun we also celebrated an early birthday with my mom. Her big 6-0 birthday is coming up this week. She originally had plans to spend the weekend at a spa along but after the baby news she decided she wanted to save some cash for all the upcoming excitement and spend it with us. Sunday was perfect. Dad and Brian played some golf while mom and I shopped. We treated her out to her favorite Thai restaurant and I baked a delicious yet very sad looking chocolate cake.

Sadly, it's Monday and even worse we are almost finished with summer. This time of year I always get a little sad. I hate that the end of summer is so near. 

Happies and Crappies

Happies

- I'm feeling really good lately. I don't feel so yucky. People are even telling me I'm glowing.

- This week my mom and I got to spend some quality time together. We had dinner and did some shopping.

- The NJ State Fair starts today. That means all good (bad for you) food needs to be consumed this weekend. YUM!

- We introduced Bogart to my friend's son last night. He did really well. He was really inquisitive and very excited.He barked so I gave him a rawhide bone to calm him. Once we did this he was fine even when the baby cried. It gives me hope that we he will do well with our baby.

Crappies

- When I'm on my feet to much they are starting to swell. I feel like it's to early to be feeling this way.

- I slept really poorly last night. I'm really tired and I just feel like staying in bed rather than go to work even if it's Friday. 

1st Trimester Must Haves...

My first trimester wasn't that bad. It wasn't great but I know it could have been much worse. I am well into my 2nd trimester now. The ickiness of the last 3 months has subsided and I feel fantastic, most of the time. Since this is the first time I made it through a the first 3 months this was so scary. I remember calling my best friends who are both mommies with questions every other day. I wanted to share some of the things that really worked for me.

1st Trimester by kj2380 featuring nike shoes

Water Bottle- I opted for one with a straw. I tend to drink more out of a straw and bottles with out. It is important to stay hydrated especially if you aren't eating or able to keep food down. I didn't have this problem often but I craved ice cold water. The colder the better for me.

Foot Soak- I didn't start having foot pain until later on in my first trimester. I think it was a combination of the heat and long days on my feet. I found some relief in foot soaks. I tried a bunch of different ones. I enjoyed using epsom salt and peppermint the best.

Nike Comfort Sandals- These babies have been amazing on my feet. They are a bit to sporty for work but I wear them every where else. The comfort soles have pampered my super sore feet.

Club Soda- I was always a diet soda freak. I have given up all artificial sugar since I found out I was pregnant. I still like the carbonation and the bubbles helped out with any queasiness I was feeling.

Sports bra- Before my pregnancy these bad boys were big but let me tell ya they are ridiculous! My back and shoulders have been KILLING me. During the day I wear a regular bra but by the time I get home at night my shoulders have cuts in them from the straps. OUCH! The minute I get in the door I change into my sports bra. I love the light weight ones from Target.

Granola- I love Nature's Valley and granola bars have been such an easy snack that I take with me wherever I go. I have one in my bag, a few in my desk. They help me keep something in my stomach in between meals.

Metamucil- Ugh, one of the most uncomfortable things about the first trimester is, well, you know digestion changes. Constipation is just another sexy side effect. TMI? Sorry! This stuff, 3 times a day will help a little bit. My doctor made sure he warned me it only gets worse....GREAT!

Belly Band- Can I just say I LOVE THIS THING?!?! The belly band has made it so easy to continue wearing a lot of my shorts and jeans. Maternity clothes are expensive. Since I'll be pregnant through the summer, fall and winter months I'm trying to hold off on buying any summer maternity clothes. It was well worth the $15 I spent on it at Target.

Tums- Hello heartburn. I went with the smoothie flavors as a suggestion from my mommy friends.


Everyone and every pregnancy is so different. I am no expert just sharing some of the things that helped me through the hardest parts of my first trimester. Hope this comes in handy to some of you as well.

Oh How Pinteresting

Guess what day it is????

Haha, I just love that Gieco commercial!

Happy Wednesday. We are halfway there!!
Let's link up with Michelle for Oh How Pinteresting.

16 Week Bumpdate

How Far Along:   16 Weeks!

Baby is the size of:  Avocado, It makes me think of that silly Subway commercial.

Total weight gain: It's still an embarrassing 10 pounds.

Sleep: Depends on the day. Some nights I sleep like a rock and others I am up a few times a night. For some reason my body or my baby wake me up at 2am all the time.

Best Moment of the week: We went to a family party Saturday and watching my parents, especially my dad, telling everyone "You know, I'm going to be a grandfather" They are both so happy and so excited. Plus, Brian has been amazing. He wants to help with everything. I catch him rubbing my belly at night. I love when he talks to my belly even if it's about ridiculous things!Baby went to his/her first Yankee game! 

Worst Moment of the week: Nothing really. I'm feeling really good. I just hate getting winded so quickly. Everything seems to be getting harder.

Have you told Family and Friends:  Yes, everyone knows except the children I work with. I can't believe they haven't guessed yet. This bump is getting really noticeable 

Miss Anything: At the risk of sounding like a total alchy I miss Corona with lime! I even craved a Sabrett hot dog at the Yankee game. They smelled so good.I miss sleeping on my tummy too!

Food Cravings: Sweets! It's probably where all my break outs are coming from. I've also been craving sun tea with lots of lemon. As long as any fluid is ice cold, I want it! 

Anything make you queasy or sick: Nope. Feeling good.

Have you started to show? Yes. It's funny when I catch people look but they are still afraid to ask.

Gender: Team Neutral!!!

Symptoms: I'm starting to break out (sign of a girl?!!?) and getting really winded whenever doing anything. I'm also starting to feel a lot of pressure on my bladder. I originally thought it was the start of a bladder infection but it went away after a few house. 

Workouts: The occasional walk and swim.

Mood: I'm worried but that has started to ease the further I get into this pregnancy

Looking Forward to: Feeling movement. I haven't felt anything yet. I can't wait to buy and decorate for our nursery.

Maternity Clothes: Still taking advantage of the summer dresses while I can. The maternity shorts I bought are the most comfortable things!!!! It takes some time picking out clothes that fit and are comfortable! 

Reading: Mostly my favorite mommy and mommy to be blogs. I haven't gotten into any of the mommy books people have given me. I tend to hop onto BabyCenter for info.

Milestones: Getting ready for a growth spurt. Growing toenails, pumping 25 quarts of blood a day. 

This Weekend I....

This weekend I was busy, busy, busy!!!

On Friday I worked some early hours and got out by 3 in order to go to the Yankee game. Everything was incredible EXCEPT the Yankees! Tampa Bay crushed us! We had amazing, cushioned, box seats! They were perfect for my achy, pregnancy back pains and the food was pretty great too.

George Steinbrenner Memorial in Monument Park

Monument Park

View from Monument Park

Excellent seats

Funny guy

Apparently people think I have a "glow" I think I look a bit sweaty! 

On Saturday both Brian and I put in an extra day at work and then head over to my cousin's graduation party. We had a day filled with fun, family and good food.

With all of this excitement we crashed on Sunday. I napped for 3 hours and did some minor cleaning. It isn't often that Brian and I have a day to just hang and relax. It always feels nice to cuddle on the couch and do nothing.