Time

I think I have probably said this before, but time flies when you have a child. Everyone tells you that you're going to blink and wonder where the time went, but you cannot grasp that concept until your child is with you. 

The last time I updated the blog was the end of December. Lenore was 5 months old. It's now almost May (only a few days away) and Lenore is 9.5 months old. Like I say every time I post, I haven't forgotten about the blog. I actually think about it quite a bit. But it's hard to find time to update when I'm relishing this special time with Lenore. She is hitting so many milestones right now and I feel like that will begin to slow down at some point. 

I really want to try and set aside at least one day a week to update. The weekend is probably my best option since I'm exhausted when I get home from work and really don't want to do anything except hang out with Jason and Lenore. I'm really, really going to try to get better.

First Christmas

Our little Lenny Lou is 5 months old (23 weeks to be exact). She is the happiest baby in the world. She is always smiling and laughing. No matter how shitty of a day I have had, her smile can turn it all around. One of my favorite parts is how her eyes light up when she smiles. They literally sparkle and it melts me.

Lenore's first Christmas was yesterday and it's safe to say that it was a success. She got so many presents (her favorite being a bouncer from Mommy & Daddy). We decided that one of our Christmas traditions will be to give Lenore a new pair of jammies on Christmas Eve (which we did). We hid her presents from her until Christmas, which I know may sound silly, but I want to feel the Christmas magic with her for as long as I can.

We hosted Christmas dinner at our house and it was a lot of fun. We made a completely gluten free meal and everything turned out pretty well. I made a Christmas Sangria (thanks Pinterest) that was delicious! I'll definitely be using that recipe again. After dinner and presents, we played some LCR and then everyone headed home for the night. Lenore did really well all day which was great. Sometimes she gets over stimulated and that makes her cranky, but she was golden all the way until we put her to bed, which made me happy.

With that, here's lots of pictures from yesterday. Merry Christmas!

10 Things Your Mom Never Told You

I came across this link the other day via Facebook (thanks Jericha!) and it is perfect. Reading it brought me to tears thinking about my sweet Lenore. I wanted to share because it's great. Read "10 Things Your Mom Never Told You" here.

Halloween 2014

I'm a little behind on my Halloween post, but here is a lovely photo dump! I tried to dress Lenore in as many Halloween outfits as I could. It was a bit warmer than expected so, I couldn't put her in a lot of long sleeve stuff. For Halloween, she was a cheetah and I was a lion. Jason had to work so, I had to improvise. We missed Daddy, but next Halloween will be more fun.

On a side note, Lenore will be 4 months old tomorrow. Once again, I can't believe how fast the time is flying.

October

Fall is here! October is here! This is the first time in probably almost 10 years that I don't have any Halloween decorations up yet. Having a baby makes it hard to do anything, especially find time to decorate my house the way I want to. Since Jason and I have the weekends off together now, I might be able to do it here soon.

Lenore is almost 12 weeks old. My how the time flies. I know I said that in my last semi-lengthy post, but it's crazy how fast she grows. Sometimes I look at her and she looks like a little girl instead of a baby to me. Slow down, time!

I'm looking forward to enjoying the fall festivities with my little family. Jason and I really want to take Lenore to a pumpkin patch. She may be a bit young, but so what. We're also still trying to decide what we're going to be for Halloween. We had it figured out, but then Jason came up with another cute idea so, we're on the fence. Lenore probably has about 15 Halloween outfits (onesies, etc.) and I'm looking forward to being able to have her wear one almost every day in October. Now that it's getting colder, I'm enjoying getting to bundle her up more.

I'm going to try and start updating more often again. Being back at work during the week and then spending time with the family during the weekend doesn't leave me with a ton of opportunities for posting. Poor excuse, I know.

I just realized that I never posted any of Lenore's newborn photos on the blog. I'll do that tonight. I really want to get some 3 month photos taken of her soon. I should probably get on that before I blink and she's 6 months old [insert HUGE sigh here].

Two Weeks

Today marks two weeks that our sweet Lenore has graced us with her presence. I can't believe it's been two weeks already. I find myself constantly staring at her in awe and wondering how my husband and I created such a perfect creature. She is literally the most beautiful thing I have ever laid my eyes on.

She looks so much like Jason. She has his nose, his jet black hair, and his ears. She has my eye shape and my butt chin (her chin is much cuter than mine, however). She has lovely long fingers and toes. I'm pretty sure her eyes are going to be brown, but they're a dark slate color right now. I can't wait to see how they'll change in the next few months.

It's so funny, when I sat down to type this, I had so much more that I wanted to say. However, I've been distracted by watching my daughter sleep and listening to her little coos as she dreams about whatever babies dream about. So, I'll have to update again at a later time.

The Nursery

I haven't gotten a chance to post photos of the nursery yet so, I figured I'd better do it now. 

Random Things I'm Excited About

Sleeping on my back

Eating a turkey sammy

Bending over

Seeing my feet

Shaving with ease

Eating sushi 

Taking Advil 

Wearing my wedding rings on my finger

No more swollen feet

Wearing shoes other then flip flops 

Painting my own toenails 

My boobs not sitting on my belly

Holding my baby <3

39 Weeks

We are 39 weeks pregnant today. I can't believe how the time has flown by. Our induction has been scheduled for Tuesday at 7:30am. That's 3 days away. THREE. I was already 4 cm dilated at my last check up so, I'm curious to know how much more I've progressed, if at all. My doctor thinks I'll have a pretty quick labor which is nice to think about even though there's really no way to tell. It's just hard to wrap my head around the fact that she's going to be here in 3 days or less..

Closing In

Tomorrow we are going to be 38 weeks pregnant. At my last appointment, the doctor said Lenore can come anytime and that I should probably make sure my hospital bag is packed (it's not) and that the carseat is in the car (it's not). The good news is - we have a carseat and I'm going to be packing my bag today. It's just hard to wrap my head around the idea that she could be here any day. I feel like I'm not ready, but that I'll never truly be ready so, I guess I'm as ready as I'm gonna get?

The swelling in my feet has gotten out of control. It feels like sleep is a distant relative that I see maybe once a year at a family reunion. My hormones are off the charts. I'm a raging bitch one minute and then crying the next. Bless my husband's heart for putting up with me because I am far from the easiest person to get along with right now.

My doctor has thrown around the bed rest word a few times because of how swollen my feet are. I told him that I wasn't going on bed rest unless it was medically necessary. He said it wasn't and that it would be more for comfort than anything. I figure that I've made it this far - I can handle another two weeks (give or take). I'm praying that I'm at home when I go into labor though. Not sure how I'm going to deal with my water breaking at work. Awkward.. I guess it's good that I work in an office full of women all of which have kids.

My nesting feeling has kicked in. All I want to do is clean and organize more than I have ever wanted to in my life. I just keep feeling like I'm running out of time and want everything done now. Having a three day weekend is nice because I can get a lot of stuff done. I've gotten a ton done today already, which is nice.

Other than that (which is a lot if you ask me), not much is going on. Prepping for Lenore has taken up all of our time. I had my second baby shower last weekend, thrown by my mother-in-law and aunt-in-law. It was great and the weather held up, which was awesome considering all the rain we've had. We got lots of great stuff and now I just have to figure out where to put all of it.

With that - I'll leave you with two photos. 32 weeks and 37 weeks. I'll be glad when my weekly photos are of Lenore and not me. Not that I don't love documenting my growing belly, but I don't like documenting my growing double chin.

29 Week Update

How far along? 29 weeks + 4 days.

Total weight gain/loss: 25 pounds gained.

Maternity clothes? Going shopping this weekend! The belly band isn't cutting it anymore.

Stretch marks? Lots on my thighs, butt, and knees. A few on the girls now. 

Sleep: Last week I was sleeping better than normal. This week I'm struggling. She wedges herself up into my ribs and squishes my diaphragm which makes me feel like I can't breathe.

Best moment this week: Finishing Lenore's closet

Movement: TONS. My belly rocks and shakes with every kick.

Food cravings: Apple sauce

What I miss: Wearing my wedding rings :(

What I am looking forward to: Our one year wedding anniversary

Labor Signs: None.

Belly Button in or out? OUT! Like a fat girl in dodgeball.

What's In a Name

Lenore (leh-NOR): Light

Louise (loo-EEZ): Famous Warrior

Random Things

Every day, pregnancy introduces me to new experiences. They range from significant to trivial to serious to silly. I thought I would post about some of them.

Bra Shopping - Having a substantial rack is something very new to me. I had to say goodbye to my modest sized chest about 8 weeks into my pregnancy. And apparently - they're only going to get bigger. Especially after the baby is born and my milk comes in. Now that I've welcomed a fuller bosom, bra shopping has completely changed. Full coverage, no padding, light lift bras are a whole different animal to me. Finding cute bras has suddenly become a little more difficult than it used to be. Comfort is starting to climb the priority ladder and will soon surpass cute. Thank God for Victoria's Secret or I don't know what I'd do. However, with no telling how big these things are going to get, spending $50+ on a bra that may not fit in 3 months seems silly.

Bending Over - Minds in the gutter aside, I'm being very serious with this one. Bending over has become one of the hardest things to do now that my flat belly has been replaced by a watermelon. Whether it be shaving, putting on my shoes, or picking something up off the floor, everything has become a chore. Never been pregnant? Put a basketball under your shirt and try to reach your feet. It's not easy!

Intense Sense of Smell - I walked into the cafeteria this afternoon and thought to myself, "It smells like mashed potatoes and gravy in here" and sure enough, there were mashed potatoes and gravy on the grill. Bloodhounds can eat their hearts out for real.

Swelling - Every part of your body swells when you're pregnant. Why I went into this thinking I was going to be an exception to the rule is beyond me. My legs, my feet, EVERYTHING is swollen. I think the worst part about it is not being able to wear my wedding rings anymore. I either wear just the band or both rings on a necklace. I can't wait to be able to wear them on my fingers again. 

Mama Bear Mentality - My baby girl isn't here yet, but I already have an overwhelming urge to protect her. When random people try to touch my belly, I move away, not so much for me, but for her. The thought of anyone doing anything to hurt her makes me see red. I haven't even met this little girl and I wouldn't hesitate to rip someone's throat out that posed any sort of threat to her. It's a wild feeling.

Every day it's something new! I look forward to what's to come next.

26 Week Update

How far along? 26 weeks.

Total weight gain/loss: 15 pounds gained.

Maternity clothes? I still haven't purchased maternity pants. But I'm definitely going to have to invest in more shirts. 

Stretch marks? On my thighs, behind my knees, and on my butt.

Sleep: The struggle is real.

Best moment this week: Feeling the baby have hiccups.

Movement: She's constantly kicking, punching, flipping over, and whatever else goes on in there.

Food cravings: Cocoa Pebbles and watermelon

What I miss: Sleeping on my back

What I am looking forward to: Our last ultrasound on Tuesday. Bittersweet. 

Labor Signs: None.

Belly Button in or out? It's pretty much out. 

Still Here

Hey ya'll. I promise I'm still alive. I'm slacking again, but what can ya do. Saturday we are going to be 26 weeks pregnant. It seems like every week goes by faster and faster. Tuesday is our last ultrasound of the pregnancy. It makes me sad that we won't be able to see Baby Girl every two weeks. On the positive side, our pregnancy is progressing normally and she is healthy, which is awesome. And 100 days from today, she'll be here!

Baby Girl has been moving around like crazy. I imagine her doing summersaults and flips. She's starting to wedge herself into my ribs which is one of the most uncomfortable feelings ever. Today she had the hiccups and I felt it for the first time. Feeling those little rhythmic bumps was so wild. Her little kicks and punches get stronger and more intense every day. Every once in a while she kicks me right in the bladder and I swear one of these days I'm going to pee my pants. Fingers crossed that doesn't happen though, haha.

Other than that, life is busy and I know it's just going to continue to get busier. With that, here's a 23 week photo. I promise we'll get better about taking our weekly photos again.

POTD - 03/23/14

(I've Had) The Time of My Life - Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
I'm Free (Heaven Helps the Man) - Kenny Loggins
Grease - Frankie Valli
Kingdom Come - The Civil Wars
Don't Worry Baby - The Real You 
I Want it All/We Will Rock You Mash Up - Queen & Armageddon 
Heavy In Your Arms - Florence + The Machine
Africa - Toto
Talking to the Moon - Bruno Mars
Cool - Gwen Stefani

23 Week Update

How far along? 23 weeks.

Total weight gain/loss: 15 pounds gained.

Maternity clothes? Maternity shirts and my belly bands are my best friends. Clothes are super uncomfortable right now. This includes pants and bras. Everything just feels too tight.

Stretch marks? I either have gnarly purple stretch marks or varicose veins on my thighs and my butt. They're weird.

Sleep: I don't get a lot.

Best moment this week: Buying Baby Girl her own little pink dream catcher.

Movement: Tons and tons of movement. She's like a little sea monster in there. 

Food cravings: Mediterranean food, ice cream.

What I miss: Lunch meat. I'd kill for a turkey sammy.

What I am looking forward to: Continuing to get her room ready

Labor Signs: None.

Belly Button in or out? Half in - half out. I think it's going to pop any day now.

Springing Forward

It's the first day of Spring and there is only a little over a week left in March. Time is flying. I remember the first 12 weeks of pregnancy went by so slowly and now it feels like they are speeding up. I can't believe we are almost 23 weeks. If you haven't noticed, I missed the last two weeks photos. Sorry. Keeping up on a blog every week is hard, no matter how exciting it is.

We had an ultrasound on Tuesday and Baby Girl had the hiccups. It was the cutest thing ever. She was also sucking her thumb which was crazy to see. Watching her on the ultrasounds is so amazing. I keep asking myself when this pregnancy is going to feel real. I don't think any of this is actually going to hit me until she is in my arms.

A little side note about ultrasounds - Jason has come to every single ultrasound we've had since we found out we were pregnant. He hasn't missed a one. It's pretty great. I'm pretty lucky. :)

I feel huge right now even though most people say I'm pretty small. So far, I'm all belly. Everything I wear is starting to become uncomfortable and it's only going to get worse from here on out. I honestly can't remember the last time I actually NEEDED (and not just wanted) to buy new underwear because my butt was growing. Weird..

With that, I'll leave you with our 22 week photo.

12 Weeks and Nicknames

We made it! We are 12 weeks today. I feel like the time has both flown and slowly creeped (crept?) by at the same time. Let the weekly belly photos begin! Monday we have our 12 week ultrasound and I can't wait to see our little baby. Last week he/she was the size of a fig and this week he/she is the size of a lime. Pretty crazy. Since it was the size of a fig last week, I started affectionately calling the baby "the figlet", which brings me to the topic of nicknames.

Our baby already has a wide range of quirky little names that we call him/her. Since we don't know the sex yet, we just come up with random things. We call it Baber, The Pod (my nickname has always been Bean since I was little - so my parents coined the baby "The Bean Pod"), Baby Bear, and Little Foot. I wonder if any of them will stick after we get to meet this little one in person. I'll probably be retiring the figlet since he/she has outgrown the size of a fig. 

I think that we'll be announcing our pregnancy (making it FB official and public knowledge) on Monday evening after I have an updated ultrasound photo. There are so many cute ways of announcing pregnancy (thanks a lot, Pinterest) so, I've been back and forth recently on what exactly I want to do. I think I've decided on my favorite idea though. =] That also means I won't have to be anonymous here anymore and I'll be able to share my blog with others as well. Wa-hoo!

Beating Heart, Baby

Monday I had my what-felt-like-it-took-forever-to-make-it-to doctor's appointment. It's tough going from 6 weeks to 10 weeks without an appointment. So much changes in that time! #patienceisavirtueiknow

We heard the heartbeat for the first time and it was a magical experience. I could have laid there and listened to it all day. It was a quick 163 bpm. The nurse said that's really good so, I was excited about it. My husband was sad because he said he didn't really hear it, but I think he wasn't quite sure what he was listening for. I also think he heard it because he was imitating the sound. Either way - I heard it and it was fucking awesome. 

Our next appointment is a little over a week away and we'll be 12 weeks by then! I can't wait to see an ultrasound where the baby actually kinda sorta looks like a baby.