Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Hobbit

aka Bottomless Pit Syndrome.

It's what I've been afflicted with lately, apparently. For the last 48 hours, it seems like I can never get full. I don't really eat a whole lot at one time any more, but it seems like I am constantly grazing.

I'm just rollin' with it. I like eating and I went grocery shopping last night, so I was able to get some goodies.

Did you know Weight Watcher meals were on sale this week at my store? Neither did I until I went. 5 for $10 ($2 each- save 0.75 each) and if you buy 10, you get $4 off at the register instantly. Okay, so that's 10 for $20, minus $4 = 10 for $16 or $1.60 each??? I bought 10.

I'm down to 6 already. I ate 2 packages of the brownie desserts (so 4 desserts total) and 2 packages of the French toast and sausage links. Yum, yum.

4 chocolate desserts lasted about 12 hours in the house. It's a new record... that's the longest anything chocolate has ever lasted in the house.

I also got a pound of sliced turkey for sandwiches. I love sandwiches.

I've put together a grocery list for "life with baby". Next week, I am spending a little bit extra at the grocery store to stock up on necessities for the baby. And if the baby doesn't come early, well, I'm going to devote part of my budget each week to groceries to keep it stocked.

Today the weather is nasty- it's been raining for about 3 days straight and now we are in the middle of a winter storm warning until 1 am. It's a mix of rain and snow, so right now it's sleeting. Fun. Did I mention Brian is working in this shit today? Bitches better tip him well, that's all I have to say.

It's the perfect day to cuddle up under the blankets with a huge (I mean huge) mug of hot chocolate and just play on the iPad hehe

Monday, November 28, 2011

Nursery Update

Here I took some pics on my fancy iPad 2 and uploaded them for you guys to see. Our nursery is completely done now. 

No, we actually can't fit anything else on that changing table.

Crib is all decked out.

The bench seat lifts up, the bench is hollow and perfect for storage.

Gliding rocker, nursing pillow all ready to go.

We have 500 diapers and lots and lots of wipes. The crib will be emptied of all the stuffed animals and blankies when the baby comes. I was even told by a few people they thought I should remove the bumpers as well because the baby might get stuck in them... so what is the point of bedding? Might as well swaddle the baby up and lay them on the floor with all of the warnings and what not.

The only thing we don't have right now is a night light. That's next on my list. Of course we also don't have a play yard but I am not worried about that... I don't think we need one just yet. We also don't have any baby monitors either... uhm.. because we live in an apartment. And the crib is up against the wall that we share with our bedroom. So I thought, again, that was unnecessary. (Plus, you all secretly know that when I start freaking out about the baby being in a different room, Brian will end up moving the crib into the bedroom anyway.)

Brian's mom was upset we weren't painting the walls/decorating. We are moving in 4 months. I don't want to have to paint the walls back when we are trying to move, with a 3 month old in tow. That sounds like WAY too much effort. Plus, as Brian pointed out, the baby isn't going to remember his room was white. Meh. I'm worn out from decorating. I was going to do Winnie the Pooh style borders on the walls and such, but we decided to wait.

I'm so glad that it's done with and we can start focusing on packing for the hospital. I have the cutest! going home outfit and receiving blanket for the baby already to go. I will make that an entirely different post, because I could gush about it for hours want to do a hospital bag post.

I'm so glad it's Monday. The last day I worked was last Tuesday, so it's nice being back to work and getting on with the week. I'm completely worn out from this holiday weekend and happy to start normal life again. Or, what is my new normal. Hard to believe in just 3-5 weeks my normal will change once again!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Complete

Finally! Everything is complete! We managed to finish rearranging all the furniture in the house, including the nursery. I haven't taken pics yet because there is still cleaning and organizing left to do, but I am very happy with it overall. Not a very long blog today, I'm writing this on my iPad with the google app and it's not quite compatible with it. It refuses to keep line breaks so all you get is one huge. Paragraph. Meh better than nothing though. Hope you are all doing well!

Friday, November 25, 2011

My Thanksgiving Weekend

We had Thanksgiving dinner at my uncle's house, which was delicious, then we had a get-together at the bowling alley/restaurant my brother in law works at. He volunteered a 12 hour shift on Thanksgiving so he could have Christmas Eve off.

We hung out and bowled. Well, they did. I hung out and drank blue slushies all night. His mom kept trying to get me to "eat something" despite the fact we had just come from a gorge fest with my family.

Tonight is their Thanksgiving and they still don't know what time they are having dinner. Sigh. We won't be able to go anyway, because Brian works 5-8:30 pm tonight, but we are still going over after he gets off work and changes.

Then Brian is headed out with his brothers for a night of drinking and general goofing around. It's his last hurrah before fatherhood. I was reassured by my brothers in law that I would indeed have my husband home again, and Brian promised me he wouldn't "get too stupid" lol. I told him to call me if he needs a ride home. I'll not be going. I'm going to be home with the dog and getting started on the next phase of nesting.

Which reminds me... Brian's nesting too. He has decided he wanted to take my "re-arrange the nursery" and raise the stakes to "re-arrange the whole apartment". I'll admit, I jumped all over the idea once it was suggested now he is stuck doing it all. Ha, because I can't help.

I've been doing the things I can help with, which is pointing and saying "No put it over here. You're right, it looked better over there!" and doing laundry/dishes/cooking. Womanly duties lol.

So far we got the bedroom done. We moved the bed against a different wall, the one that is shared with the nursery. The crib is going to be on that wall too, but on the nursery side. Then we have 2 computer desks & chairs taking up one wall and the dog's crate taking up the other one.  We also have a full walk in closet and bathroom off the last wall. There's a lot of stuff in this one room, but it doesn't feel crowded. It's easily the biggest room in the apartment.

Next up is the living room. I guess we aren't doing the nursery yet (wtf!) because his brothers are coming over later today- maybe - so he wants to make sure the living room is done. Fine by me, I wanted to put the Christmas tree up this weekend. You know why? Because it's after Thanksgiving! Duh! Now is when it is seasonally-appropriate to put up the tree. Not after Halloween. Not before Thanksgiving.

After all of that... then we finally get to do the nursery. Hey, he's the one re-arranging and moving all of our heavy, awkward furniture, so he can do it in any order he wants.

Saturday we are back over to visiting my parents. Sunday he's working. We definitely have a busy, productive holiday weekend. Two get-togethers with each family. Cleaning and re-arranging the apartment from top to bottom. I may need another vacation from my vacation.


Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Week 35: Bump Update

Technically, I'm 34 weeks 6 days, but my check up is today  was yesterday instead of tomorrow today, what with it being Thanksgiving and all. WTF Thanksgiving is tomorrow today? Holy shit. 36 35 days left until my EDD (estimated due date)

This appointment... was not one I was looking forward to. When am I looking forward to any of them? I was especially cranky and moody today, so a Xanax helped calm me down.

Weight: 254 (+1, +32 total)
Blood pressure: Good! Finally their automatic machine works on me. I guess I just have to be in a state of panic for it to work.
Baby HR: Again, good. He was being a little stinker today and not being cooperative, but we heard the echo. I told the nurse I was pretty sure he was still in there... somewhere. Which made her laugh.

The swab went quickly, so that's all that I can ask for. He checked my cervix too, to see if there was any dilation or effacement. There's not! So I'm good. (Secretly, I was panicking that I would be dilated) The doctor told me I have anywhere from 3-5 weeks left, so I am going to prepare for 3 weeks and then be pleasantly surprised when I have an additional 2 :) I asked about my pains and yep, Braxton-Hicks. They told me I would know real labor when it hit me, because I would probably be almost knocked off my feet, and nothing I can do will stop real labor (walking, changing positions, etc). They noticed I had some "puffiness" in my feet, and I told them yeah, but I wasn't overly worried about it. I don't hurt like I used to, just my bad ankle gets a little cranky. Mostly taking Tylenol helps.

Now I'm back in every Thursday until showtime. I won't get a pelvic exam again until week 38. But after that, it's weekly. Then, he told me when I'm in labor, someone will come and check me every HOUR until it's time to go. I'm pretty laid back about getting undressed in front of doctors/nurses and having things checked/poked, so I am not even going to mind. I'll probably be too busy freaking out over what ungodly pain I'm in to notice what anyone down there is doing.


The Bump:

Can you tell this thing is heavy to haul around?

I look like a roly-poly... and feel like one lol 

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Rain, Rain, Go Away

It is raining like a beast today. I am staying inside where it is warm and dry. Poor Brian though, he's out in the rain all evening.

 Tomorrow is my first weekly check up. I think it's just a pelvic exam. What kind, I'm not sure. Maybe a pap and the group b strep swab? Or he could be checking to see if my cervix is ripening. Either way I'm looking forward to getting it done with.

 Nothing makes me nervous like the dr inspecting my nether region. I worry more about personal grooming for the dr than I do for Brian lol! I always wonder if I smell ok, if I'm clean enough, make sure I got on clean panties, did I shave my legs? Am I too hairy? Am I hairy enough? I don't want to look prepubescent. The exam itself is no sweat. I don't mind going, I just want to look presentable and not be a topic of discussion for the nurses for the rest of the day lol

 I woke up with the most intense heart burn today. Two Zantec haven't cured it yet. Milk makes it worse. Brian teases me that the milk is "too spicy". Har, har. It says not to take more than 2 every 24 hrs. But I'll probably take another one.

 Rainy day equals chicken noodle soup from scratch for dinner. The only thing I didn't make by hand was the noodles.

 Brian was talking to his friend at work who just had a baby. He asked her if the baby ever kicked "obscenely low" lol and she told him yes. She also mentioned that at 8 months, she was dilated 3 centimeters. So of course he is wondering if I'm going the same route. He really wants the baby born and home before Christmas. Healthily, of course. I told him 37 weeks is considered full term and that's December 8th. He may get his wish.

 I'm ready to have the baby too, just so I can see my feet again and go upstairs with out breaking a sweat and becoming winded. It's a lot harder being pregnant than it was being 240 lbs. I've got an extra 31 lbs on my already overweight frame. That can't help either.

 Baby bump update tomorrow instead of Thursday.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Low-Rider

The baby is really low lately. I don't think he's "dropped" yet because I don't feel like I can breathe easier, or that my weight has shifted, but I know that that day is getting closer and closer as each day passes.

Last night I was laying down, and I felt the baby start to kick. Except it wasn't in my stomach, or even my lower stomach... it was much much lower. As in, so low, it would be considered inappropriate to put anyone's hand there to feel the kicks.

Brian was kind of worried a bit, but I told him everything was fine. I wasn't having contractions or anything, just ... interesting that the baby was so low.

Apparently he is both nervous and excited, because every 5 minutes after that he asked me if I was alright and if I needed anything, and am I sure I should be doing that?

Cute. At one point I was rolling over and he rushed over to help me lol thinking I was getting up I guess or maybe he thought it was time.


Nope, not time.

It reminds me how fast this journey has gone and yet how slowly too at the same time. These last few weeks seem to both be dragging along yet whizzing by at the speed of light. Wednesday is my next appointment and from there on out, we go weekly, until it's time.

We were going to rearrange the nursery on Sunday, but Brian's back was hurting so we haven't done that yet. I am wondering if there is actually anything I can do in there on my own, but I've decided not to risk it. I get yelled at enough for attempting things!

It will probably only take all of ten minutes for him to do it anyway, and it would be an all day venture for me (pregnant or not) so I'll wait. Maybe he will be in a good mood tonight when he comes home from work and he can do it for me really quick.

The need to nest hasn't stopped. It's manifested itself into the kitchen now and I am roasting whole young chickens, picking all the meat off the carcass, making homemade stock, and using the left over meat to make chicken noodle soup. Yeah, it was my first time ever roasting a chicken, but by golly it was the BEST chicken I have ever had. I seriously think I will end up roasting one every week. It was so easy to do and it was so juicy and succulent. My only regret was not having corn on the cob and biscuits to go with it.

The secret for perfectly moist meat and a perfectly browned, crispy skin? Place 1 Tb of butter under the skin on each breast. Just wiggle it on up there. The rest of the seasoning was salt and pepper on top and inside. In addition, inside the cavity, I stuck 2 celery sticks and 2 carrot sticks and a crushed clove of garlic, as well as an additional 2 Tb of butter.

Heaven is a place on earth, and that place is my kitchen.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Valpo Recap

We went to Valpo and had a great time. Grandma and Grandpa had us go out for dinner again at Strongbow's, the expensive eatery in town.

We were having our Thanksgiving dinner and Grandma and I ordered the full turkey dinner meal from the restaurant. It came with freshly carved turkey (both white and dark meat- yum!) real mashed potatoes, and real dressing/stuffing (whatever you call it. I call it stuffing) with thick, home made turkey gravy, green beans and freshly made cranberry sauce. All real food, prepared that day. Fresh from the kitchen. That is one restaurant that I would LOVE to work at. (and gain 400 pounds, of course).

Brian had a turkey club sandwich with thick sliced turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and it was on toasted, freshly-made-that-day wheat bread. He said it was the best sandwich he had ever eaten. I was so stuffed, unable to finish all of mine, so we took the leftovers home and it fed us both. We also got dessert- I had vanilla ice cream (with real vanilla! I never knew vanilla ice cream had so much flavor!) and Brian had a slice of freshly made pumpkin pie.

Grandma had a slice of apple pie after her turkey dinner; Grandpa had the "light" lunch, which was a pretty nice sized turkey sandwich. He ate all of the cranberry jelly as well. I had a glass of cranberry juice (so good!) Their bakery is so impressive. I wonder what it would be like to work there. Probably hot and sweaty, but amazing!

We went back to their house and had more pie (also from Strongbow's; they get a lot of their food from there if you can't tell) and cookies shaped like pumpkins and turkeys. She sent us home with the cookies, potato chips, bottled soda and tried to give us the pies too. They loved their gift of hot chocolate mix and homemade cookies- Grandma thinks I'm a great baker (a few years ago, I brought pie!) and Grandpa loved the idea of me making him sugar-free dark hot chocolate mix. I didn't know this, but apparently, he's a bit of a hot chocolate lover. So I made the perfect gift!

We helped her with her computer, and we listened to stories of when they were growing up and Grandpa showed Brian all the music he composed on the computer. He put the music in a program that he could pick whatever instruments he wanted and it would play it back. He could edit the sheet music straight from the computer as well. He does string quartets and makes CDs of his music. Complete with printed labels on the disc and for the jewel case. Pretty impressive for an 89-year old man, am I right?!

They were telling us how nice it was for us to visit them this year on Grandpa's birthday, but next year, for his 90th, they are going to South America for a few weeks and they are going to go all over... in a 4-wheeler, because it sounds fun! LOL It was either ziplining, flying or 4-wheeling.

They completely wore out Max- I don't think he was prepared for how much attention they would give him. He was allowed to run and play, and he got treats, and lots of love (he even sat on the loveseat next to Grandma at her request). Anytime they got up to move, he followed them around. They recently adopted a stray cat and he left the cat completely alone. They were so impressed they were about to steal him! They kept making comments "when the baby comes, Max, you can come live with us, and Brian and Christie can visit you whenever they want, you won't be needed there. Too much chaos with a baby." Completely serious, too. They are so funny.

Grandma was telling us how she bought Grandpa's entire Wish List of books on Amazon for the Kindle on his birthday, and how annoyed he was some of her books were on his Kindle and told her to take them off. She called him an "ungrateful wretch" and he just laughed. She told us of the time they had taken Grandpa's mother to see a play years ago, and how they had to leave in the middle of it because the lady was so offended. Grandma couldn't believe that anyone could possibly be offended by a play, in which a woman jumped through a giant, detailed vagina on stage. Grandpa said it was shaping up to be a good play too. LOL.

It was so nice to visit for so long because we aren't going to be seeing them over Christmas (they want me home and near the hospital of course) and on our way to leave, she said next time we visit, she wants us to bring both the baby and the dog. We aren't allowed to leave Max at home if we visit.

She gave me a lovely glass doll figurine, and Brian a leather drum, and a few other goodies, including a few CDs of Grandpa's music. I am so blessed to be a part of his family. I have more to say on the subject, but it will have to wait until next week. I can hardly wait!



Saturday, November 19, 2011

Baking Queen

There's a reason why my gamer tag is CooknQueen. I love to cook! No surprise there, right? Well today, I am Baking Queen because I am mixing up something delicious in the kitchen.

First on the list is Sugar Free Hot Cocoa Mix.

I absolutely love hot chocolate and there is nothing better than homemade.. so I made a bunch from scratch. Here's the recipe via AllRecipes.com

Sugar Free Hot Cocoa Mix
Servings: 24 

1.5 cups Splenda or other no calorie sweetener. granulated
1 cup powdered non-dairy creamer (your choice flavor)
1 cup dry milk powder
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

The directions are pretty simple: Combine all in a blender and pulse until fine, then dump in an air tight container. 

I used Hershey's Special Dark unsweetened cocoa powder, because according to the reviews, it gave for a much more chocolatey taste than regular unsweetened. I recommend using the blender (or Magic Bullet) to pulse the dry milk powder and sugar substitute together, as it makes the powders finer. 

Naturally, after making a mess in the kitchen making this cocoa mix (it gets everywhere!) I had to try out a cup. I heated up some milk in a microwave and put in 2 tablespoons of cocoa mix. It dissolved simply, completely (better than I can say for any store bought brand) and it turned a kind of purple color. Probably because of the extra dark chocolate, but it's tasty. It's a chocolatey treat that doesn't taste sugary or overly sweet. Just the right amount. 

I packaged it up in a mason jar and made a little card with some ribbon on it:

Drink Me! Yes a little reference from Alice in Wonderland :)


Instructions and Nutritional Information :)


Next up on my list was sugar cookies with peppermint frosting. I love sugar cookies, probably more than any other cookie, if you can believe that. 

So I got a packaged cookie mix, which was said to yield 3 dozen cookies, but I made the bigger version (using tablespoon-sized drops instead of teaspoon). I got a little under 3 dozen that way- 33 cookies. I made them according to the directions and while the cookies were cooling, I put a drop or two of peppermint extract in store bought frosting, and mixed it up really well. It had just the perfect amount of peppermint flavor. A little goes a long, long way here. 

I iced the cookies and then let them sit out for a bit so the frosting would stiffen up, making them easier for packaging. 
They are so tasty

About 2 dozen cookies fit in here 


I got extra bakey today because we are going to Valpo tomorrow morning to visit with Brian's grandparents and we are celebrating Christmas early. What better way to test my food gifts than on unsuspecting grandparents hehehe

Everyone is getting a jar of cocoa mix this year, but I think I will probably not do the cookies again. I might make Oreo truffles or peanut butter balls for everyone else :) Yes I spoiled the surprise... but come on, who doesn't love food gifts??? That's right, no one. Everyone loves them.

In addition to being extra bakey, I got extra cleany too. I did 3 loads of dishes by hand, 2 loads of laundry, and I gave Max a bath. So I am exhausted and it's time for bed. I'm up at 9:30 to pack and get ready (hair and make up etc) Nighty night. 


Friday, November 18, 2011

Preparations

I've spent a lot of time today cleaning... more on that later, I have a special post about what I've been up to in the kitchen :) and I did a little bit of goofing around in Photoshop for the first time in ages, designing Christmas cards. I think this year we are going to make our own cards. If Drake is with us before Christmas, all the better, but if not, then I will have to do a Happy New Year's card too and send it out to everyone. :)

I got in a ton of exercise yesterday. I had to wash pillows for our rocking chair. They didn't fit in the washer (we have a compact model) or the dryer, so I filled up the bath tub, dumped some detergent on and agitated them... by foot. I stood on top of them in the tub, holding on to the walls, and marched up and down on them for about 20 minutes, kind of like how they used to do grape stomping for wine.

Why yes, that is I Love Lucy.
Then I rinsed them out. The pillows are actually foam blocks, so they hold a LOT of water. I spent another 20 minutes or so squishing all of the water out. I used a combination of the foot stomping method and then I used my thighs of steel (lol) squeezing out as much as I could. Then I put the fan on and let them air dry.

Hard to believe it worked so well! It was a lot of fun too. Brian stood by the tub and held on to me so I wouldn't fall. I totally had it under control though, and never even slipped once. But I was still glad he was there. He even dried off my feet for me, the dear.

Max was, once again, disappointed that he did not get a bath. "It's too cold for puppies to get baths!" I tried explaining but obviously he didn't agree. So, he got a bath today. How can I deny a dog who WANTS to get clean?? I'd be insane.

I have so much more cleaning to do. I really need to get on it. We are leaving early (early being 11 am lol) for Valpo, and I need to make sure that I have everything done and cleaned so I can come home to a nice clean house tomorrow night and enjoy my Sunday instead of cleaning.


Thursday, November 17, 2011

Week 34: Bump Update

No doctor visit this week, but starting next week, I'm on a weekly basis. Which means... it's almost time.
Seems like time isn't something I really have a lot of any more. :)

Week 34: That means I am officially 8 months pregnant. Holy crap in a bucket, Batman. (For those of you who don't know, pregnancy is measured in weeks. They start off from the first day of your last menstrual cycle and then calculate out 40 weeks for your estimated due date. The first 2 weeks you aren't even pregnant. Stupid, I know, but that's how it works. So 34 - 2 = 32 / 4 = 8!)

I feel like I am all out of room. I'm totally swollen with child. I get heartburn/acid reflux off of practically everything, since my stomach is jammed up into my throat. Mint helps. Maybe that's why I'm eating everything mint in a 10 mile radius of my person at all times.

Hot flashes are still a huge issue. They seem to last at least 20 minutes, sometimes an hour at a time. But I asked my doctor, who just said "at least you'll be warm this winter." Thanks, doc.

Brian and I watched a video on diapering a baby. We both knew in theory how to diaper a kid, but we have never had the ...pleasure... of doing it. So a video was in order. It was incredibly informative. The lady who did the video is apparently an expert on diapering tips (I didn't know such a thing existed) and it was kind of fun and exciting to watch. I mean, in just a few short weeks, we will be able to do that. Hahah. Watch the video here if you are interested.

Drake is still very active this week, but the kicks are starting to feel different. It's not so much "stretching out to punch you" its more "I'm so big now, all I can do is wiggle around!" And it's true... at 34 weeks, the baby is too big to float around in the womb. Most likely, he is in a heads down, rump up position. I think he is. I can totally feel his little backside. His legs will still randomly kick out, making me feel like I punctured a lung or something. His arms flutter and wiggle all about really low in the pelvic region.

4.75 pounds this week and 18 inches long (on average). Hard to believe the little guy is getting so big now. They compare the weight to a cantaloupe... but I've never held one. Hahaha, isn't that funny!!

My lovely baby bump

Hard to believe this is one of the few shirts that still fits. And I bought it last year.
What do you guys think of the bump? Is it larger than life? Totally feels like it. I definitely have a lot more lower back strain than I did 2 weeks ago. It seems never ending. But we are almost at the end. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!! I love Picasa photo editor. It has a button that automatically detects and fixes red eye. Pretty damn awesome, don't you think?

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Indiana

Jeff Foxworthy must have lived in Indiana for a while! Here's what he had to say about the Hoosier state.

-If your local Dairy Queen is closed from September through May, you may live in Indiana.
-If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don't even work there, you may live in Indiana. 
-If you've worn shorts and a jacket at the same time, you may live in Indiana. (Guilty!)
-If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you may live in Indiana.
 -If "vacation" means going anywhere south of Fort Wayne for the weekend, you may live in Indiana. (Guilty!)
-If you measure distance in hours, you may live in Indiana. (I do!) 
-If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once, you may live in Indiana. (Yep.)
-If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C' in the same day and back again, you may live in Indiana. (Guilty!)
-If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you may live in Indiana. 
-If you install security lights on your house and garage, but leave both doors unlocked, you may live in Indiana. 
-If you carry jumpers in your car and your wife knows how to use them, you may live in Indiana. 
-If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit, you may live in Indiana. 
-If the speed limit on the highway is 55 mph -you're going 80 and everybody is passing you, you may live in Indiana. 
-If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow, you may live in Indiana. 
-If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and road construction, you may live in Indiana. (Hahaha, that one is SO TRUE)
-If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car, you may live in Indiana. 
-If you find 10 degrees "a little chilly", you may live in Indiana.

These all made me laugh so hard, because they are very true. Especially the heat and A/C one and definitely the 4 seasons. Ha- road construction. I snorted so bad when I read that one. 

So, fellow Hoosiers... do you think it's a pretty accurate picture of the Cross Road State? I do! lol 

Today

The weather is being weird. But it's Indiana, what do you expect? Nothing less. One day it's in the 60's-70's (we had thunderstorms that day, naturally). The day before? 30's. The next it's in the 50's.  Today? 45 degrees.

Sigh.

 It's still nice to curl up under a blanket (or three), have a cup of hot chocolate (or three), and read a book (or three.)

Tonight is Brian's "long night" at work. He works from 4 until about midnight. I'm praying that he makes a lot of money tonight, because so far this month, every one is being stingy with tips. Probably because Christmas is coming up and everyone forgot to buy everyone else a gift. Sigh. So the poor pizza guy gets stiffed. A few people haven't tipped him at all. Someone gave him 3 pennies. Wow. We are rich. Usually their attitudes will change once it snows for the first time and the weather turns nastier... I guess people feel bad for ordering pizza and making people drive out in blizzards for them. So the tips generally are pretty big.

I had a delicious breakfast of egg ham and cheese delight. Which is basically a breakfast casserole. Crack open some eggs, toss in some ham, some cheese, a bit of milk, and a pinch of breadcrumbs/crackers. Bake until set. I had it with a piece of 100% whole wheat toast and a bottle of water.

Today I'm working on Brian's stupid scarf trying to get that finished. Yeah I never finished it, but last night I got into it again and probably added another 3". Unfortunately I still have about a ball and a half of yarn to go through before it's finished so I hope that I can push through and get it done. I have plenty of time to do that today. The scarf is proving frustrating, only because I really have to focus on it to make sure I am getting the correct number of stitches every other row. Sounds easy and it probably should be, but I've had to rip out more than one row. More like, all but one row. More than once.

It's given me something to do since Brian will be at work all night and I don't have much to do today in terms of work or even work around the house. I guess doing a load of dishes every night has really cut back on the amount of dishes to do. Who would have thought? I've been trying to do the same with the laundry. So far.. C minus.

We actually did really well last week at the grocery store and still have about half of the food we had bought! This makes me happy, because it means spending less at the store this week. On the menu this week, we have spaghetti and meatballs (yum), old fashioned chicken noodle soup with mashed potatoes (also yum), cheeseburgers (always a favorite here), and of course, breakfast. Which I think will come in the form of sausage links and pumpkin pancakes. The only thing I have to buy is buns for the cheeseburgers, sausage links, and syrup. Plus our staples like cereal, milk, juice.

We found out what is going on with his family (sort of) for Thanksgiving. I guess it's at his parents house (still not sure about that part) and it's at 5. My family's dinner is from 3-6 so we will probably drop by his family's and hang out, but not eat. We also confirmed with his grandparents what time we were meeting in Valparaiso on Saturday. Which is 1 pm their time, 2 pm ours. It's a two hour drive, so it means we will have to leave a little before noon to make it there about 2 pm (or 1 their time). They asked us to bring Max, so of course we shall :) How could I deny them that lol

Since we are celebrating both Thanksgiving and Christmas with his grandparents I was thinking of what I should bring. Maybe I'll make some sugar cookies and decorate them! Sounds good to me :P Should I even make them in Christmas shapes? I was thinking of making home made frosting, but using a box mix for the cookies (hey- don't judge). I was thinking of making the frosting peppermint flavored. Not only because I love peppermint, but because I know his grandparents love peppermint. Ohh... And some homemade hot chocolate mix. In a gift basket. That's pretty much what everyone is getting this year.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Update

Here's a bunch of random stuff that's happened. I don't really have a real update. Here you go.

We have 2 bathrooms. One in the hall way and one in our bedroom. I started the shower in the master bath (not really a master bathroom... its tiny) and went into the other one to get my clean clothes out of the dryer.
I was so surprised to see Max sitting in the bathtub. Whataya doing you goofy dog?
I guess he heard the water running and thought it was time for his bath. He looked sad that I didn't give him one. But it made me laugh and laugh. So he wins some brownie points. 

Brian's dad called. Wanted to know what we were doing for Thanksgiving. We're having it with my family this year. His family still doesn't know who's house it's going to be at or what time it's going to be... but we're invited. So are we coming? Probably not... just because no one has any idea of what's going on. 

It's hard to believe that it is only Tuesday. I am so ready for this week to be over. Which is sad, since it just started really. We are going to Valpo this weekend and I am so ready to go. I'm ready to be out of the house. 

Brian has three days off work this week. Blessing and a curse. We could use the money but he's been working 6 days a week for a few weeks now so it's time for a little R&R. Thursday he promised me that we were going to rearrange the nursery and we're in Valpo on Saturday. Sunday will be a do nothing day. Everyone needs a do nothing day. 

I think I am still suffering from caffeine withdrawal. I keep getting nasty headaches-turned-migraines and my energy levels have been less than stellar. If I were to get a grade on it, I'd get an "N" for "Needs improvement" Or maybe a "U" for "Unsatisfactory."

I have 2 days to plan a grocery list. I think I'll start on that now. 


Sunday, November 13, 2011

Today I'm Not Doing Anything

I'm so ready for a break. I'm completely worn out mentally, emotionally, and physically.

I have a hard time focusing on anything. Call it pregnancy brain if you want, but it doesn't matter. It is affecting my everything.

My Kindle froze last night while I was reading it, and I thought for sure that it had broken. They are notorious for that, after all. I couldn't help it. I broke down and I cried and I cried over it. It's fine, I just had to restart it. Well, Brian did a force restart and it was fine. I cried in the bathroom, great big tears streaking down my face, blubbering away.

Maybe it was part hormone related. I don't know. It certainly didn't feel like it was all hormones... I think I've just gotten myself to that point where I was about to break down over anything- all I needed was that little push, and suddenly I'm as wobbly as Jell-o.

I almost feel like I am battling depression right now. I just want to sleep. I don't want to cook, I don't want to dress, I don't want to shower. I just want to lay in bed all day. Hell, it could still be symptoms of caffeine withdrawal. *shrug* I dunno.

I did do one nice thing for myself. I made sure that I had 2 days off from work. 48 full hours of not working.

I'm hoping this will help me feel better. One of those days will be spent with family in Valparaiso- celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Grandpa's Birthday. I'm really excited to go see them. We are also going to try and squeeze in a visit with Brian's former sister in law, who recently had a baby. Ohhh yes! I've been wanting to get my grubby little hands on a baby for a while now hehehehe

One thing I am doing is forcing myself to slog through it when I have to, taking a Xanax when I need one, and making sure not to go too hard on myself. This too, shall pass.

Oh I don't mean to sound like a Negative Nancy. I'm still in general very happy with my life and how things are going, it's just sort of a gray patch right now. I'll get through it. I always do :)

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Week 33: Update

We are almost officially at 8 months: that will be next Thursday! So that means this week, I am 7 months and 3 weeks pregnant. Holy crap!

 I had a doctor's appointment today.

I hate going to the doctor really...

My weight: 253 (+30 lbs in 33 weeks) = AVERAGE
My blood pressure: AVERAGE- same as last time
Baby's heart beat: AVERAGE- same as last time

Interesting to note...

The nurse was acting kind of weird when we first got there and asked me if she called me this past week. I said no, were you trying to? "Oh good, because we had you scheduled for a colposcopy" (which is basically an up-close look at the cervix.)

This confused me, because I thought she said colonoscopy- QUITE different. I was wondering how she would know the state of my colon, anyway. Hahaha my mistake.

The funny thing is, I have had a colposcopy before- right before they shaved off a good chunk of my cervix. So I was not overly pleased about hearing that I was scheduled for one. Then I was let off the hook, because they had the wrong Christine. In 2 weeks, the last bi-weekly appointment, I will have a pap smear. I think. I heard the words "pelvic exam" and "culture sample" so I am assuming it's either a pap or for the group b strep or both. Swab away, doc. Swab away.

How's Mom-to-be this week?: Aside from the hot flashes and the joint pain, I'm good. Still in nesting phase and I am wondering if I will be done with that any time soon. I'm tired of cleaning. I keep having weird pregnancy dreams. Meh. I'm over those.

How's Baby this week?: Kickin'! We had fun at the doctor's office today. We couldn't hear the heartbeat- just the echo- but even with the echo and all the kicking and squirming the baby was doing, we figured he was fine. The doctor reassured me that happens alot. I wasn't worried- I know my baby's fine. He kicks me in the ribs every day to let me know he's fine lol

How's Dad-to-be this week?: Since Brian learned about his sympathy symptoms, he's been doing a lot better. It's always good to figure out the cause of one's problems. Also, he is geared up for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim to be released at midnight tonight.

I'd take a picture, but my camera battery died. :( I'll update with one tomorrow.




Wednesday, November 9, 2011

You Have My Sympathies

I've got Brian reading the Expectant Dads section of What to Expect When You're Expecting and it's shed a little light on what's been going on with him lately.

You see, he gained a little weight. He thought it was bloat from eating out too much and drinking too much soda. Then he started to worry it was a beer belly (even though he hardly drinks- oh the lies we tell ourselves lol)

As he was reading, he kept saying "Oh my god!" and "Hmmm...."

When I asked him about it, he told me that he must be experiencing sympathy pregnancy symptoms. (Common in about half of all men).

-He's gained weight (10 lbs. Poor thing weighs 195 now. I can relate how devastating it is to see that number... but I'd kill to weigh that much lol)

-He's craving sweets. The man does not have a sweet tooth by nature. Suddenly, he does.

-He's having mood swings. Not as dramatic as mine, but for a man who doesn't emote very often, it's noticeable.

-His libido has diminished. And not because I look like a giant whale clad in a lacy nightie... no, he's just all around less interested in sex. This was a gradual, but noticeable, change. It's very unusual because he normally has a very high libido (part of the reason we got pregnant in the first place! haha)

It's nice that he is experiencing some of the same things I am, but I feel terrible for him gaining weight. Especially now that he has mood swings, because he gets really mopey :(

He did say he was glad to read the section in the book though, because it was very informative and easy to read. I got my Kindle today, so tomorrow at the doctor's office, I might even be nice and let him read some more of it on my Kindle :)

Monday, November 7, 2011

Exciting News

Hello! Hurray, I got some exciting news! Brian's grandparents called him today and want us to come up and visit on the 19th! I love visiting them! Grandma said that it would be our Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Grandpa's birthday all wrapped up in one day! Grandpa's birthday is on the 20th. (That's a lot of celebrating)

I can't wait! She asked how I was doing and Brian told her I was doing really well, besides some minor aches and pains. Grandma then asked if I have been getting crampy lately (can she sense my cramps??) and he said yes, I was. She assured him (and me!) that it was normal. Grandma's a retired nurse. Cracks me up.

Really, it made me realize just how easy I've had it. Yeah, I'm sore, I'm crampy, cranky, and limited in ways I never thought I would be, but on a scale from 1-10, my pregnancy has been like a 1.25 :) So I'm taking it in stride.

Another reason I love his grandparents? His grandma is so cutting edge. They came to the baby shower and were showing off their Kindles they bought for their latest trip to Canada. Totally jealous! (I bought one eventually) and tonight she told Brian that she just had her internet company set her up with wireless in her house so she could... get an iPad.

Blown away.

Brian's grandma is going to be the first person I know personally to have an iPad. And Brian gets to play with it first to set it up for her.

She's so hip. I hope I'm that hip when I am a grandma.

I think Grandpa is going to be.... 89??? Last I remember he was 88 and I remember us going for a walk with him and their dog, and Grandpa could walk faster than Brian and I... it was kind of humbling. No wonder they travel everywhere! He's got a lot of gas in his tank! I think that was last year. I can't remember if it was or not... maybe it's his 90th??!

I'm excited either way. Can't wait. Roll on the 19th!

Monday

I'm still nesting... I guess. I have been working really hard on cleaning the house. Not sure why it suddenly hit me to clean ALL THE THINGS but it has. 

Our dishwasher is a POS. We are having maintenance come look at it, but we don't have our hopes up. I have been doing dishes by hand. I've noticed a few things. 1) It takes less time to do all the dishes that way and 2) it really hurts my lower back. I have to stand away from the sink a bit because of the baby bump, which means I have to lean forward/over slightly... ouch. 3) I'd rather do dishes than laundry. 

I ordered a Kindle and it should be here on Wednesday. 

Thursday is my 2 week check up. I've been having more crampy feelings, which is a little cause for concern. Am I just growing? Are they Braxton-Hicks? Hmm. It's probably nothing (famous last words!) but I am going to bring it up anyway. They don't get stronger or more frequent but they are enough to make me stop what I am doing and they hurt.... so we will see. 

I drew up the floor plans for the nursery and also decided I wanted to rearrange our bedroom. I made a few designs of each room and let Brian pick which he wanted to do, since he has to move the furniture. I'm so nice, right?? But he says he actually likes to rearrange every few months, so I'll let him ;)

Day 2 of caffeine detox... so far so good... I'm not miserable...maybe it's because my body hasn't realized it yet? Or maybe I will be lucky and skip withdrawal haha... one can wish right??


The rest of this week will be spent moving furniture around and making sure everything is cleaned. I also have this incredible urge to start packing for the hospital stay as well... hmm wonder how long I can deny that impulse??

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Soda Cleanse

Eat This, Not That! has changed our lives... hopefully for the better.

Because of that little book, Brian's decided to nix soda completely. Usually it's me who tries to get us to kick the soda habit. Brian's never wanted to... but now he wants to.

In Eat This, Not That!, they mention that the average American consumes enough soda to pack on an additional 22 lbs of weight each year. I believe it! I also believe we drink way more soda than the average American.

For instance, we are currently drinking 8- 2 liters of soda a week. Between the two of us. That's about 4 each. Each 2 liter has six servings and ranges from 140-180 calories per serving, depending on the brand. We'll go with 180.

So each bottle of soda contains 1,080 calories. One thousand eighty empty calories. It takes me approximately 2 days to get through a 2 liter. And that means I have about 3.5 a week, but let's just round it up to 4. 4 bottles/week x 1,080/bottle = 4,320 calories a week.

There are roughly 3,500 calories in a pound. That means I am consuming roughly 1.25 pounds worth of soda each and every week. That is roughly 5 pounds a month. 


You all remember your times tables right? Yeah me too, so it didn't take me long to figure out that 5 pounds a month easily translates into 60 pounds a year. In soda. (which is almost TRIPLE what the typical American consumes)

UGH

Amazing how even though I knew soda was bad for me, I didn't realize what I could potentially be doing to myself with it. So we are going cold turkey, Brian's orders! I've started chugging water like nobody's business because I want to flush my system out and hopefully get over the withdrawal symptoms quicker....

That's the main reason we haven't quit drinking soda. We can't 'deal' with the withdrawal. It's too haaard. But I know once I get past the first 2 or 3 days, I feel so much better. So I'll just have to tough it out.

Pregnant woman + caffeine headache = watch out!

Wish us luck.

Once Bitten...

Me thinks I am in nesting mode again... because I had this huge, overwhelming desire to tackle all the laundry in the house today (and I mean ALL the laundry!) as well as tackling the kitchen. I even made Brian drive me to the store for cleaning supplies at 1 am.

This is extremely odd. Not going to the store at 1 am; that's actually normal. The odd thing is the cleaning. And not just regular "wash dry fold" kind of laundry... I took out the filters in the washing machine (weird our machine as filters...) and scrubbed them clean. I did the same thing with the lint filter in the dryer. And I noticed that the cavity the filters sit in collect a lot of lint.... so I asked Brian to vacuum them out with the hose attachment.

Weird... I know.

Then I got a growing pain... or two. I am hoping they are growing pains, at least. I'm not quite ready to meet the little one just yet. I only had two and it's been over an hour since, and they weren't super strong... so I am praying they were just growing pains.

I'm trying not to let the thought of early labor get to me... because I keep having these weird dreams where my water breaks and I end up flooding the room... clearly I am getting anxious about the impending birth. I keep trying to keep my head on straight.

Brian said that he would rearrange the nursery for me tomorrow. Except I need to draw up a diagram of how I want it to look. What a great husband! He's also been extremely helpful with all the laundry and kitchen nonsense I've been putting him through.

The cleaning bug has bit me... and it itches like crazy.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Eat This, Not That!

If you haven't seen the Eat This, Not That! books around, I recommend picking one up (either at your local library or just your bookstore!) because it is jam packed with great nutritional advice....

Taken from Amazon.com

It tells you things you already should know. That eating real, whole foods is best. That eating processed foods is not. But it also considers real life. You know, how we go out to restaurants and like to eat our ice creams. It gives you food swaps... instead of eating 1 cup of Ben and Jerry's ice cream, have 1 cup of Breyer's all natural in the same flavor... and save a few hundred calories!

It's one of those books that gives you the information you need to realize the choices that we are making aren't always fantastic... but it doesn't make you feel guilty about eating anything. It simply gives you knowledge, tells you leaner options, and leaves it up to you to do what you will about it.

I really like it. It's small enough to toss in your purse or keep in the car for quick little dips. I got the 2011 version and it has a supermarket guide and also an extensive restaurant guide. I'm hoping to also get the supermarket survival guide, which is exclusive to grocery products and also the kids' edition. Since I'm having one and all. I'm not planning on using it as the "no diet diet" as it is called... but I am planning on using it as a reference and a tool. Like a responsible adult! wow... when did that shit happen?

Brian and I have been talking about eating more at home and one of my desires is to start cooking from scratch. I have some reservations because I love baked goods. If I made my own biscuits, I'd probably make them all the time and be a huge fat ass. I am trying to come up with a solution for that... but I love cooking and want to continue to expand my knowledge and make great, home made meals.

Reading the Eat This, Not That! book has shed a little more light on to the subject of nutrition for me. I realize I have little knowledge in that area. I mean, I know what calories and macronutrients are. I know the difference between a complex and simple carb, but I don't know enough about the rest of it.

I want to make better decisions about eating. I don't know if I will ever get to the point where I love fruits and veggies, but I am hoping that even swapping out one food for a slightly better version will help me get to that point. Brian wants to go balls to the wall and get rid of soda, caffeine, and anything that is not 100% natural. I love how he can eat fresh fruits and veggies all the time... but I am going to need to take baby steps.

I'm interested in hearing your recommendations for books and movies/documentaries on nutrition and eating better. But please- nothing that is all like "100% vegetarian/vegan- meat is evil!" stuff, because I am not really interested in becoming meat less. I just want to be more informed. Scientific, non-biased (or as little bias as possible) views will be my best options. 


Also, I just bought a Kindle so anything that is an e-book = win ;)

Friday, November 4, 2011

Emotions

Last night, we were watching Biggest Loser season 11. They were showing the eliminated contestant and how they were doing. One part of the segment had a little boy on it, saying how proud he was of his father and how much he looked up to him now. The kid couldn't have been older than 7.

I look over at Brian and he has his head in his hands. At first, I thought he had a head ache but then I realized he was shaking..he was crying.

I asked him what was wrong. "Nothing....nothing's wrong." He didn't want to talk about it any, but I didn't let up. I kept asking him if something had happened. "It's just... I'm going to be a father. I am so happy. I can't wait."

Then he put his head on my shoulder, and his hand on my belly. Drake pushed against him. Brian sobbed harder. "I hope I am a good father."

"You're already a great father. You know how I know? 8 months ago, we didn't want kids. Now, you point out babies to me and tell me how excited you are. You cry when you see little boys mention how proud they are. You are a fantastic husband. There is no doubt in my mind."

We sat like that for a while. Him, with tears flowing down his cheeks. Me, with a big goofy grin on my face.

They say a woman becomes a mother when she becomes pregnant. A man becomes a father when he holds his child for the first time. To me, Brian just proved them wrong.


I couldn't be luckier.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Week 32: Bump Update

No doctor's visit this week. But I did promise a bump update every week for the last 10 weeks. Now we are at week 32 and we only have 8 weeks left to greet our little one. Wow. 8 weeks. 56 days.

Baby Drake is about 16.7 inches long and he weighs about 3.75 lbs and we can expect him to gain an average of half a pound a week. At week 37, he will be 90% of his full term birth weight. Baby is packing on the pounds!! Grow baby, grow!!

I can't help but be very excited. We are turning a corner... in the last stretch of the baby making game.

It's getting more difficult to sleep through the night. I am definitely restless. Between my hips hurting and not being able to get comfortable, it's a struggle. I am trying to find what is best for me right now. It's definitely affecting Brian too. All of my tossing and turning keeps waking him up.

I may just sleep on the couch... it's a more comfortable option right now, sadly.

It's kind of interesting and also a little nerve wracking to know that even though I technically have 8 weeks to go, Drake will come when he wants to. He could come early, he could come late, he could come right on his due date and be that odd 5% of babies who are born that day. I love that babies make up their own minds. It shows that they definitely have their own personalities.

Drake's favorite thing to do? Stretching out! His little feet like to press out against my tummy right under my rib cage. He then uses his arms and bangs against my lower abdomben, right above my pelvis. Sometimes, he will do both those things and also get hiccups. Which can last for-ev-er.

It's cute, because I can press down where his feet are pushing on my tummy and he will push back as hard as he can. My poor abs. Getting poked from both sides! Hahah.

I have a going home outfit for Drake already picked out. I can't wait to meet the little guy.

Anyway, here's how we've grown this week:


Girl look at that baby!

I walk around like this all the time haha

32 Weeks and loving it!

Next week: A doctor's appointment- measure and weight update. That will be my second-to-last bi-weekly visitation, then we start going weekly!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Makes You Wonder

Call it what you will: fate, destiny, karma, God, the divine, the universe, the powers that be.... whatever you prefer.

I believe that everything works out as it is meant to. After selling the Taurus, we became a 1 car family. I am not against the idea of being a one car family. I was hoping to not get a second car until Drake is ready for school.

The biggest concern though, was Brian's schedule at work. He works 9 or 10 hours a day, on Monday and Tuesday. It's hard to be home alone all that time and not have the option to go anywhere. Even if I never go anywhere haha.

He had mentioned to his boss that come December, he would like to get off the day shift at work and work exclusively nights. We felt this is the best decision because "nights" don't start until 4 pm. This way he can sleep during the day, and help me with the baby once he gets home from work.

Well, we found out yesterday that he had been taken off of the day shift now. We weren't sure what to think of that, since it's a whole extra month ahead of time. But it seems like it was a blessing. Now he can help me with errands during the day before work. He makes just as much working half the shift, and they gave him an extra day of working. Now he works 5 hours a day, 6 days a week.

Doesn't seem like a lot of working, but it is actually perfect. It gives him plenty of time to focus on commissions as well.

It's a blessing. It's so neat how things like that work out, isn't it?

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

November Goals

It's November 1st. So for the first time in a long time, I think I will set some goals for the month.

I plan on finishing that popcorn scarf for Brian Thursday.
I'm going to do a crochet-along with Lion Brand Yarn to make a purse.

I'm also going to get in the decorating spirit a little early. As my pregnancy progresses, it's getting harder and harder to do things. I want to rearrange the nursery, do a little decorating in there, and also set up for Christmas. I want everything to be done by Thanksgiving. So, yeah, I'll have my Christmas tree and lights up before Thanksgiving. Last year I waited until mid-December to do that.

I also want to start on Christmas gifts too. I have no idea what to get the majority of the people on my list, so I'm thinking... food. Hahaha! I'm going to be doing gift baskets I think this year. I don't know. I'll have to think about it some more.


I also plan on finishing the online child birth class I am taking.

There are financial goals as well- to pay off another debt this month. We have two that we could knock off the list if we really wanted to. So I am going to go for one and see if I can't find the motivation to get the other one as well.

Goals:

1. Finish the scarf by 11/3
2. Crochet and finish purse by 11/30
3. Rearrange the nursery by 11/10
4. Decorate the nursery by 11/30
5. Decorate for Christmas by 11/24

I really wanted to set some tangible goals this month because I feel like I am sort of just drifting along really... and it's making me feel a little anxious. It will feel good to be accomplishing tasks. Projects always put me in a good mood when I can finish them, so this will be about pushing my creativity as much as getting my ass into gear.

Hope everyone had a great October!