Wii Night

Guess who we got to hang out with tonight... three of our most favorite girls (and their parents and Val) =) 

Britton (kind of blurry b/c I was holding her AND taking the picture)

Charli (looking way too grown up for my liking)

Dac and Eden (having more fun than either of them looks to be... ha)

Always a good time with these friends and their girls. 

Friendly PSA

So, I will be getting this booster prior to the end of pregnancy... as will Dac. Have you had your booster? PS - sorry for the interruption in our regularly scheduled programming... feel free to scroll on down and check out my totally intriguing midweek randoms! =)

NC officials report first infant death from whooping cough

(Story from wcnc.com - link above)

RALEIGH, N.C. -– A two-month-old child from Forsyth County has died from pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough -- the first such death in the state this year, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Health officials stress that whooping cough continues to spread throughout the state and country, and strongly urge parents to take these immediate steps to protect their children and other loved ones:

1. Make sure your child is current on his or her vaccinations. The DTaP vaccination series is recommended for children starting at 2 months of age, and continuing at 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months and 4-6 years of age.

2. Insist that the adults in your children’s lives are vaccinated also. Whooping cough spreads easily from person to person, and young babies especially are not fully protected until they receive the full series of shots.

3. Ask about your children’s caregivers. Babysitters, child care providers, family members, etc. who come in close contact with your children should be vaccinated.

4. Don’t forget booster shots. By age 11, children should receive the Tdap booster. It’s never too late for teenagers or adults to receive the booster if they haven’t already.

“Babies and young children are not fully immunized until they have finished a series of vaccinations, so their only protection against whooping cough is the people around them,” said State Health Director Dr. Laura Gerald. “Anyone who lives with or will be around a baby should be vaccinated.”

The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services announced in March that the Tdap vaccine, which protects against pertussis, would be available at no-cost to anyone seven years and older for a limited time.

There may be an administration fee depending on your health care provider. The vaccine is still readily available through the N.C. Immunization Network, which includes private health care providers and local health departments.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious illness that is spread from person to person usually by coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others. It can be serious at any age, but is life-threatening in newborns and infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated. Many infants who get whooping cough are infected by caregivers who might not even know they have the disease. 

The Tdap booster shot is recommended for any child 7–10 who did not complete the childhood DTaP vaccination series and anyone 11 and older who has not yet received a Tdap booster. Tdap is particularly recommended for:
 

• Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant;
• All close contacts of infants under 12 months of age (parents, siblings, grandparents, household contacts, child care providers); and
• Anyone with a pre-existing, chronic respiratory disease.

Midweek Randoms

I believe I left off on Friday.

• I trick or treated at work Friday. Oh yes I did. Several people put new candy on their desks after lunch, so I told Vicki I needed to go trick-or-treating. Of course, Vicki happened to have this little jewel handy ('cuz why wouldn't you?) and sent me on my way. I collected some laffy taffy, saltwater taffy, tootsie rolls, and jolly ranchers. =) I'm so glad I work with some people that have senses of humor.

• That night, we went to Ponca for ribs and spent a titilating 1+ hours in Lowe's. =) I stuffed my face, loved it, cracked jokes, then ended up sore and with swollen ankles and stains all down the front of my shirt (this is before we left). I like to dress up when we go out to eat. =) haha. But hey, after a day in dress clothes, this couldn't have felt more wonderful.

• Oh - but I came across this at Lowe's... FINALLY, a setting for plus size paulie's. =) 

• Saturday, I got up bright and early to head to the "Baby Your Baby" fair at the hospital where I'll be delivering. Cori and Val went with me. I learned about infant CPR and what to do if the baby is choking. Scary stuff but I feel better having done the class. Then we collected a few freebies (kind of disappointed in the amount of freebies/coupons) and signed up for giveaways. I (and apparently everyone else who attended) won a free class from Wesley (the hospital). I'm considering the breastfeeding class. I also got FIVE free diapers and some wipes. And a bib and sippy cup. And candy.

• After that, we ran to Babies-R-Us and another baby store so Cori could pick up a few essentials. We ate at BJ's... got some yummy food and I got some tasty homemade cream soda too. YUM! Then it was a quick stop at Target and Cherry Berry before heading home.

• Once we got there, we stopped by Aunt Darla's to pick up the babies. I got to hold each of them for a while and it was nice to visit. Ooooh - did I mention it rained too? A LOT! I love me some rain. Dac and I made a last minute trip to the Wal-Marts around 8:30 that night and got caught in a downpour about the time we needed to load the car and leave. Dac was absolutely drenched... he ran out to the car then pulled it up front and loaded it so that I wouldn't get too wet and/or slip and fall. Nice guy. When we finally got home, we popped in a pizza, watched some TV, and went to sleep!

• Sunday, I had originally planned to go to church, but Dac was getting up to work on the house with his Dad, so I decided to stay home and get some things done too. I started making cavatini and doing some cleaning and laundry when I got a call from my mom. Turns out my Dad had a gall bladder attack in the middle of the night and was at the hospital. Poor guy. And who am I kidding, poor Mom too. As soon as I got the cavatini done enough to leave, I headed up to the hospital with some breakfast. He was pretty sick but by the time I left, the pain and nausea meds seemed to be working ok. Still, I know he was miserable. He had surgery Monday and came out just fine. Drugged and in pain, of course, but fine. My uncle had heart surgery (again) on Monday too... kind of a hectic day.  He's doing well too. Thank God for all that!

• That afternoon I did newborn pictures for miss Felicity. Oh sweet baby. I'm going to have to snag some more cuddle time once things calm down for them. =) It's hard when you're there to work and NOT to cuddle and play. haha. 

• You know what I don't like? I don't like when I wear a ruffly shirt (oddly, my non-girly self loves soft tees with ruffles) and all the crumbs from my snack end up in the ruffles. Then, I don't notice it until I'm walking down the hall to the bathroom (for the up-teenth time) and they either start falling out - leaving a trail - OR - I see them in the bathroom mirror. Crumbs in ruffles = NOT classy friends.

• Monday night I had a board meeting. It was SUPER short though... AMAZING... so I came home, got into some comfies, read my new American Baby magazine in total peace and quiet and then watched some TV. Then, I proceeded to sleep pretty dang good. Successful night? I think so!

• Ya'll listen. A funny thing happened to me. I was asked by our local paper's sports editor to serve on the "Gridiron Gurus" panel. Basically, he sends out a list of football games each week (high school through NFL) and I have to pick a winner and guess by how much they'll win. I follow some college football stuff (mostly Big 12 and even that's not much) but I am about as in the dark on this stuff as it gets. =) Should be interesting. All I can tell you is I will have OSU winning every single week they play. Even against OU... even though I know it'll be pretty hard to beat them on their turf. I'm professing my faith! =) 

• I know I sort of mentioned this earlier but I am getting stain after stain after stain down the front of my shirts. ANNOYING. 

• I visited my Dad last night - took him some Subway to eat. I enjoyed our visit and seeing that he's doing pretty well.

• I came home to my Peety pug. He had another trip to the vet. you may remember it was just a few weeks ago he went under the knife. Well, today, he got put under again. Love pug. He's had a rough go at it lately. His poor paws can't catch a break. =|

• Then I did a load of laundry and watched the documentary "The Business of Being Born" on Netflix with my swollen feet propped up. It was interesting. A little hoakie, granola, scary and painful. But interesting. 

• One of my bosses brought donuts to work today. Happy Wednesday!

Monday Morning Pop Tart

Week 26: Your dad and I have had a very busy work week! He especially has been putting in lots of overtime. We had an appt. with Dr. A this week. You’re measuring well and your heart rate was 140 this time. My weight, however, wasn’t so great. I’ll be trying to really watch sodium, etc... this month in hopes that it’ll level out and we’ll both be healthy! We were there when your friend Felicity was born. =) I hope when the time comes, we do as good as she and her momma did! Your nursery continues to come along. I’m ready to see it all come together. You’re wiggling more and more all the time and as we’re about to enter the third trimester things are starting to get a bit more real and surreal. It’ll be an adventure, that’s for sure! =) You ready to hang on tight!?

Highlights

How Far Along: 26 weeks

Size of baby: Head of Lettuce

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Wait for it... don't judge... you probably expect it... 35 lbs. =( The goal was 40 or under for the entire pregnancy and I have 3 months to go. The doctor said she thinks it's mostly water weight since I've been swelling so much, but still. If it doesn't level out this month, I'm sure she'll have me on some kind of stricter plan at my next appt. Let's all say a prayer for cooler temps so the swelling can go down and I can get out and walk!

Maternity Clothes: Oh yes.

Gender: It's a surprise! 

Movement: Feeling quite a bit and it seems to be getting more consistent... maybe? Definitely still noticing it more around bedtime and I'm also feeling it more during the night now. Oh! I also think I may have felt some baby hiccups too.

Sleep: Hit or miss.

Symptoms: Nothing new really... same things (heartburn, headaches, back pain, cramping, swelling...) I have been feeling more wobbly lately... this belly is throwing me off more than I expected. Nothing too bad though. I've been so blessed with a healthy pregnancy.

What I miss: Being able to easily bend over and pick something up. 

Cravings: Fruit and donuts. 

Best Moment this week: Photographing the birth of my sweet 'niece' Felicity Anne. She could not be more beautiful... reminds me so much of her big sister when she was born. Mom and baby were both awesome and I'm thankful I got the opportunity to be there! =) Second best moment was my purchase of some new comfy pants. They made the long night at the hospital even more enjoyable! =) 

What I am looking forward to: A long weekend. I'll still be working (photo sessions) but still... it'll be nice and I hope we can get quite a bit done on the house.

There's a new kid in town...

Guess who I got to meet yesterday... even got to photograph her world debut...

Miss Felicity Anne. =) Super cute baby of our good friends Mark and Kayla. She's a doll and I love her already! I also love getting to be an auntie! =)

She looks so much like her big sister did when she was born. Different, of course, but so similar too. Beautiful babies.

Just for kicks - here's a flash back!

I'm so happy everything went well. Kayla did awesome and Felicity is just perfect! More later...

Mini Update

• I had my OB appt. today. Everything looked good... baby's heart rate was about 140, my blood pressure was perfect, and no sugars or proteins showed up in the pee test. =) 

• My weight is a little scary... and she was a little concerned about it. She thinks most of it is water weight (I'm not so sure, but ok... let's go with that) since I've been swelling for so long. She's giving me one more month to see if it levels out and if not, I guess we'll put some kind of plan in place next time. My glucose test is in 4 weeks so I'm sure she's kind of holding off for those results too. We'll see how it goes. My hope is that the weather cools off and thus I have less swelling and thus I can get out and walk some. Clearly I'm going to have to cut back on the sweets too. Clearly.

• When I talked to her about the cramping, she wasn't concerned about it being another bleed. She thought some of what I was feeling was sharp round ligament pain and some was crampy braxton hicks contractions. She said they're different for everyone and mine seem to be presenting as cramps instead of the typical "tighten and release" you (I) think of as "contractions". My actual labor contractions might very well be crampy too so she told me to keep an eye on them so I can discern if it's just practice or if it's pre-term labor. Regardless, the chat put me more at ease. 

• There wasn't really anything else all that exciting at the appt. Like I said, I go back in 4 weeks for another check up/glucose test, then I start going every other week. Ay yi yi. How is it we've come this far already?

• In other news, I stopped by Babies-R-Us today. Oh no she di'int!!! Oh yes she did! =)

• Then, I stopped by Target... picked up some new comfy pants (maternity even, so they don't squeeze my belly) AND they were on clearance. Holla!

• Dac put the crib together tonight. Check it!! =) Isn't it cute? Isn't he cute? =) 

• I'm on call for miss Felicity's arrival. Could be over night - could be tomorrow. Kayla's at the hospital... and I'm antsy! ha!! =) 

• I'm gonna hop in the tub so maybe my pain and swelling will improve before go-time!! Excited!

Midweek Randoms

• It's been a busy, productive week so far!

• We had Wii Night last week - it was my turn to cook. Dac suggested pork tacos and guacamole, so that's what we had. =) We cooked it the slow way so it was a 2-day process but I think it ended up being worth it (though next time I wouldn't be above using the crock pot! ha!) Here it is in the starting stages... all the onions, peppers, liquid, etc... boiled out and we were left with some spicy, shredded pork that we slapped on some tortillas. The guacamole I made was Chipotle's recipe (except I used the wrong peppers... oops) and it was pretty good. Different - but good.

• Friday, Dac worked late then we met his family for Chinese.

• The next day I spent the day out of the house because Dac was refinishing the nursery floor. I went with Val and Terese to Oxford to check out an antique store (looking for a dresser) and to lunch at Biederman's. Then we headed down to Ponca for some more browsing and Cherry Berry. When we got back we spent a couple hours with Cori and the girls.  =)

• Here's what the floor looked like when he was done. We made the decision a while back to skip the staining step. We both really wanted darker floors and that was the plan... but since we're running on a tight schedule now, we decided to go natural and just slap some polyurethane on top. It's also shinier than we planned since we took advice and did the high gloss. We'd both prefer quite a bit less but hopefully this will help it last longer. All-n-all, I think it turned out very well and I'm happy with it. It looks much better than before and Dac did a great job! =) We're talking about trying to get the rest of the floors up front done soon too... we'll see if we can stand the smell again. =) Oh - and the piece of missing corner round is back on now... just needs some touch up paint. Then all that's left is building shelves, etc... in the closet and the room will be move-in ready! HOLLA! So thankful for all the hard work that has gone into this room.

• Sunday, Dac put the final coat on the floor, painted shelves for and put trim back in the hallway closet while I did some cookin'. I have a list of freezer meals I plan to make for after the baby's here and/or in the final days before if Heaven forbid I'm on bedrest or just simply don't have the energy to fix something. I had already froze a couple tubs of the carnitas meat (pork from Wii Night) so Sunday I baked some chocolate chip cookies (most of which we ate that day) and I made dough balls out of the rest of the cookie batter so we can just pop however many in the oven we want to at a time. There's two bags of those. I also made two small containers of baked oatmeal. It too just needs popped in the oven to bake before serving. Easy enough! I've never had it before but it looked good and it helped me clean out the pantry! =) Don't worry I do have actual "meals" on my list to make too! ha! This is just stuff I already had ingredients for and needed to use up.

• Yesterday was the day all teachers and other school staff come back to work. It's a busy day. We have our big "opening convocation" meeting where we welcome all the adorably refreshed peeps back. =) I get lots of calls and questions from everyone about the website, etc... - half of which, I can't answer, and then we have an insurance info. session followed by a staff "picnic" of sorts. 

• Today (Tuesday) was insurance sign-up day. Normally, this is a pretty easy peasy process for us. But THIS year, things are a'changin' and we just got ourselves all confused and didn't know what plans were best for us. Sigh. SO - we visited with the insurance experts and got it alllllllll figured out. I took a lower deductible plan while Dac took a higher one, we re-vamped a couple other areas, I thanked God I took out a short term disability benefit last year so I might actually be able to take some time off for maternity leave and whew - I'm just glad it's figured out. I'm still a little nervous about money (won't I always be?) but feeling much better!!! =)

• Even outside of work I had such a productive day today.Over lunch, I went to the grocery store, threw a big bag of frozen chicken into the crock pot, used a coupon to get a free snack size oreo McFlurry  =), then I came home shredded the chicken real quick, made taquitos and apple enchiladas, cleaned up, ordered some Scentsy bars on sale, ran the dishwasher, and did a load of laundry. Whew!! I'm pooped! 

• The taquitos made enough for our dinner tonight and a container to freeze for later. I also made enough apple enchiladas for tonight plus two big containers to freeze. HOLLA. Oh - and I got two extra bags of shredded chicken to freeze too. =) 

• Now my tired, achy self if sitting here on the couch ready to enjoy the rest of the night. 

• Tomorrow is my chiropractor appt. AND my doctor appt. I'm kind of excited about both of those. 

• THEN - assuming Kayla's baby girl hasn't graced us with her presence by then, Kayla goes in to be induced tomorrow night. I was able to take Thursday off so I can be there for the big event. =) So excited for them, to meet her, and to shoot my second birth story.

• I washed my flip flops tonight... again. Lord have mercy those things stink. Hopefully that helps.

• That's it. I'm tired. =) Have a great rest of the week.

Monday Morning Pop Tart

Week 25: You were a little kinder to your momma this week. Thank you! =) We went with your grandma to register for shower gifts - that was a lot of fun. I’m also pretty sure I felt my first braxton hicks contraction. It was a night you were moving like crazy. Your dad even saw it this time. He’s been extra busy re-finishing your bedroom floor so we’re that much closer to being able to move you and your things in! =)

To be fair... this picture was taken Friday evening (not morning like usual)... after a huge plate (or two) of Chinese food. Still, that's a whole lotta belly.

Highlights

How Far Along: 25 weeks

Size of baby: Cauliflower

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I'm still not sure exactly... no problem growing or putting on weight though. Plenty of people are pointing that out too! Ha! 

Maternity Clothes: Yep. I'm going to have to get some new things as we move into fall (are we going to move into fall?)

Gender: It's a surprise! 

Movement: Some days it's not much then one day the baby is a wild child. I've been feeling the majority of it close to bedtime. A lot of the movement is noticeable from the outside too... belly wiggling all over. 

Sleep: I've had some pretty good nights of sleep this week! YAY! A couple not-so-good ones too, of course, but no complaints! I will take what I can get and LOVE it. ha! 

Symptoms: I think - almost positive - I felt my first braxton hicks contraction. It was kind of scary at first because ever since that hemorrhage... anytime I feel cramping I get a little nervous. BUT - I think I'm good. Crazy to think I'm getting close enough to fee that stuff. Other than that... just tiring out quickly... it makes me feel a little defeated but I also know it's important not to overdue it. I'm trying. Still having heartburn although the Pepcid helps a ton, back pain (but no tears from it this week!), and just some overall discomfort and belly pain/cramping. The swelling still comes and goes. Really though, I have felt TONS better this week than the week before. SO thankful for that. =)

What I miss: Nothing. 

Cravings: Brownies. Don't worry... I took care of that one. =) I didn't really crave anything else specifically but felt like I could NOT get enough to eat this week.

Best Moment this week: A day of shopping and registering with my mom! =)

What I am looking forward to: My dr's appt. this week.

Midweek Randoms

• More naps please!

• Also, more treats please! =) My dog agrees.

• The glimpses of 70-something-degree weather has me excited for fall. I really need to get out and walk but the high temps are making it a "no thank you". 

• Speaking of not walking, people sure aren't shy about calling a pregnant lady huge are they? I don't mind when it's just in reference to my belly... that's totally something to be proud of. =) BUT - when in reference to my overall physique... well... duh... I don't need to be informed of what I can see in the mirror each day. ha! =) It's funny to me more than anything. No senese in getting bent out of shape about it... I'm already out of shape. Bahaha. 

• Like I mentioned Monday, last week was a total bear. I was exhausted, in pain, and just felt downright awful most the time. One night we were trying to clean up the house and Dac ended up having to finish the vacuuming for me. I just couldn't do it anymore. How lame is that!? Here's a look at my swollen feet another night. (why oh why do I feel the need to share these things?) That right one is a looker, no? And this was after having them propped up a while. 

• It's the start of school and that makes for lots of office craziness and crankiness. Oy.

• For once, we haven't been watching much tv at home - especially since the OIympics are over. Instead, we've been "nesting" I guess. Dac has been working on fixing our basement door, re-building our hall closet and nursery closet, and refinishing the hallway closet and nursery floors. The hallway closet looks great so far. We'd both prefer a darker stain on the floor but decided to go with ease and quickness and keep them natural. I'm super excited for them to be done so we can start setting things up and getting organized. =) I've been cleaning up after him, stocking up on supplies to make freezer meals, and other random organizing tasks. It's getting real up in there ya'll. Other big projects include possibly re-doing the other wood floors, putting doors on our office and re-organizing it to include a space for guests. As much as I'd like our bathroom project to be complete pre-baby, I'm just not sure it's possible at this point. Makes me super sad and frustrated but I'm coming to terms with it.

• I got to spend the day in Wichita with my mom Saturday. We went and registered at Babies-R-Us and Target so that was fun. =) We don't get to hang out too often and I for one enjoyed it! 

• Sunday, we went to church (gasp) and stayed for a lunch/meeting after. It was all about the positives and challenges of our church and where we'd like to see it be in the future. This is something Dac and I talk a lot about. We both grew up in this church and have a lot of love, respect, and nostalgia for it and especially for the people there but we also have a pretty good idea what we want in a church, we've both experienced it in other places, and I'm not sure if our church will/can ever really provide that. So the question is... when do you give it your all to create what you want and when do you accept that it's not the right place and move on? It's so tough.

• We have, once again, been spending more money than we can afford. SO - after a quick breakdown/panic attack, we sat down, re-visited our income and expenses and vowed to cut way the heck back this month. That, unfortunately, means not as much eating out, movies, and other fun stuff and unnecessary purchases (which isn't really our problem, it's mostly the eating out, etc...). Even our grocery bill has been a little out of sorts which is funny considering the eating out I just mentioned. Sigh... how did this happen? We used to be so good?! After that trauma we ate Ramen. It made me feel a little better. ha!

• I love donuts. I love donuts and Reeses and brownies and double dip cones and more donuts. =) And zebra cakes. Don't judge.

• Why is it so hard to find a rocker/recliner that is JUST right? It shouldn't be so hard.

• Here's me photo-bombin' the work place (or at least the office bathroom) yesterday. =)

• So far this week has been a little better. I'm still fighting the tired's (hoping it's more of a phase) and all but I've been able to be productive and I just feel better about things overall. =) 

Monday Morning Pop Tart

Week 24: Wow. I can’t believe we’re here already. We’ve made it to the point of viability. Don’t get any ideas though... you’d better just stay put. The odds still aren’t quite good enough for my liking. I think now that your dad has felt you move, it’s become a bit more real for him. He thought it might be fun to play some dub step music during my weekly photo session to see if you liked that. We had a little dance party but you didn’t seem too interested. ha! =) We will definitely be working to make sure you know and love lots of music styles. As I type this you’re listening to Matchbox Twenty circa 1996. Total classic! We’ve had a few more jam sessions and he has even read a book to you. =)

Highlights

How Far Along: 24 weeks

Size of baby: Cantaloupe

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Even my maternity dress pants are on the tight side now. Sigh. Time for a replacement I guess. Still not totally sure on the amount gained. I am officially heavier than my husband though. Applause! 

Maternity Clothes: See above. Ha!

Gender: It's a surprise!

Movement: Still feeling it! That's a great sign, right!? =) Sometimes it's high, sometimes low, and sometimes I can even see it. 

Sleep: Restless... some nights better than others. Back pain is continuing to make it difficult to get and stay comfy.

Symptoms: This past week has felt a lot like the first trimester... minus the nausea and plus the more recent stuff I've had. I've been exhausted and needing naps right now. I've also kissed my clear skin goodbye and said hello once again to a face full of zits. My belly button is getting shallower (and I have a deeeeep belly button). After two surgeries my belly button is pretty nasty... won't be showing that off anytime soon (not that I would have anyway, ha!) Let's see, what else... heartburn on occasion - particularly when I forget to take meds, back pain that makes me cry, restless sleep, headaches, swelling... the usual. It's been kind of a rough week all the way around. =| Here's hoping this one's better!

What I miss: I don't really miss this per se, but if we're being open and honest, I could have really gone for a drink this past week. Just a little one would have done.

Cravings: Fruit, toast with butter and jelly, candy (basically sweet stuff... shocker)

Best Moment this week: Dance party with the hubs and the Pop Tart. =) AND a date night.

What I am looking forward to: Photographing my 2nd birth story and cooler weather.

MIdweek Randoms

• I had a chiropractor appt. this morning. The back and hip pain is out of control. =( I about couldn't get off the couch last night, there's no such thing as a really comfortable position, and it hurt so bad I could have just cried. Well, I'm sure the adjustment will help in the long run but for now I just have even more pain and a ridiculous headache to boot.

• The Olympics are intense, are they not? I get way into it... even running and I hate running for crying out loud. Don't even get me started on beach volleyball... I can't keep my mouth shut and I can't sit still. =) It's a sight.

• There's this Wichita, KS commercial with lots of 20-somethings talking about how they've heard the town isn't what it used to be, etc... and that basically they're stepping up to make "their town" more amazing than ever. This one guy says "I've heard we've lost our swagger". I don't know why, but this tickles me. haha. Random.

• You may have noticed I posted about a giveaway yesterday. I wouldn't normally post those types of things but I got 10 extra entries if I shared it on my blog and I'm all about trying to win things right now. I'm determined to win some baby things. Determined. 

• The bulk of  the nursery fabric came in this week. We can now move ahead on that. =) I'm ready to see the basic things take shape so I can get to the fun decorating and organizing steps. Dac is going to work on the closet this weekend so he can get the floor varnished. That's really what everything is waiting on at this point. 

• I dove into my search for a daycare provider yesterday. I've been doing some asking around and thinking about it for months but I'm making myself really get on the ball now. I'm pretty sure this is harder than the back pain. Maybe? Why does it have to be so hard? I'd rather just stay home. 

• I went home yesterday and fell asleep after work. Slept for over an hour and a half!!! Holy moly. How did that happen?! Apparently I needed it. Geesh!

• Sunday, I went to my grandma's family's reunion. It was her, her siblings, and their families. It was a little potluck. I didn't really know most the people there but it was good to see those I did remember from being a kid and spend time with my grandparents and aunt. 

• I've been using this new body wash... Dove Visible Care. I chose the toning version (there's 3) but anyway, I like it. Dove's always been nice on my sensitive skin but this seems to make it even softer and doesn't have a strong smell at all. Is it toning? Who knows. But I'm calling it a win regardless.

• I sold some more stuff on our county's facebook buy/sell/trade page. We're hoping to sell some bigger items soon to help with our bathroom remodel. I can't say enough how  badly I want that to be done. Oh. My. Word. 

• I guess that's about it! Have a great week! =) And go USA! =)

Breastfeeding Week Giveaway

Just entered to win this giveaway over at www.simplyrealmoms.com. Thought you may be interested too! =)

It's a date

Dac and I had pictures in Wichita Saturday evening. We got up that morning and I went to breakfast with Kayla =) while Dac mowed the church yard. We left that afternoon to do some quick shopping and go out to eat before the session.

We decided to go to Wichita Brewing Company. We've been there before and loved it. Yummy pizza and they brew their own beer which is a bonus for Dac. It's a cool place and we like to support it since it's local and all. 

Anyway, turns out it was their 1-year anniversary and they had specials going on, etc... it was fun! Dac even had a guy at the next table come over and talk to him because of the beer shirt he was wearing. haha! =)

Dac got one of their new special beers while I slurped on their home-brewed rootbeer. It was delicious! =)  Dac looked away right at the last second. haha!

We also got 1/2 price spinach artichoke dip and cheese bread. Also delicious.

While we ate our cajun chicken ranch pizza - which I realize I didn't get a picture of - Dac sampled the watermelon ale. 

We've kind of dropped our weekly date nights - NOT COOL - but we've got to enjoy a couple this past week and it's been great! =) We had a lot of fun that day and even though I was hot and miserable while walking around, it really cooled off nicely for our session that night. =) AND he even took my the Quik Trips on the way home for a donut and a drink. Man after my own heart.

Monday Morning Pop Tart

Week 23: Oh Pop Tart... you made some VERY happy parents this week. One day I was in the bath tub and noticed my belly was lopsided. You were all balled up on the left side. =) That same day I could see you kicking. I figured it wouldn’t be long before your dad could feel it too. SO - the next evening, I’m chilling on the couch watching the Olympics and I see it again. I told your dad to come over and after a couple minutes worth of a whole lotta nothin’... you did it. You kicked several times and he felt it!!! =) We were both grinning so big! It’s so comforting (even when it’s not comfortable) to know you’re in there moving around and doing well. Before all this you and I spent some time floating in the pool at a family reunion. It was very cool and comfy... I could have gotten real used to that! =)


Crazy hair alert...

Highlights

How Far Along: 23 weeks

Size of baby: Grapefruit

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Still a'gainin' and outgrowing clothes. Yes - maternity clothes. Don't judge.

Maternity Clothes: See above. Ha!

Gender: It's a surprise!

Movement: Yes! Movement I can feel AND see. =) Dac felt it for the first time this week too. So cool.

Sleep: Oh my. How do I put this nicely? Sleep is not happening quite like I'd like it to, I'm afraid. I'm having lots of back pain that is really interfering with my ability to get comfy and sleep good. I'm considering wearing one of those glamorous maternity belts during the day and going back to physical therapy. 

Symptoms: Back/hip pain. Headaches. Some swelling still. Gas ('scuse me). 

What I miss: Being able to find a comfortable position to sit/lay.

Cravings: Cheetos puffs, candy, double dip ice cream cones. oops.

Best Moment this week: Dac feeling the baby move!! =) Spending time in a pool and the weightlessness it brought me! ha!

What I am looking forward to: Nursery progress... just got some fabric in! 

Midweek Randoms

• Whew! I feel like maybe I can actually stop and catch my breath for a minute. Busy weekend followed by two days of training = playing catch up today. BUT - I'm getting there!

• I'd like to send out a special thanks to miss Charli for letting me borrow her fabulous Tinker Bell step stool. I keep it under my desk at work so I can put my feet up. It's helping a little with the swelling. =)

• My sample fabric for the nursery came in. One of the fabrics didn't work out but I'm pretty positive this one is staying. I plan to have a good family friend make the crib skirt and changing pad cover out of this. What do you think?

• I got some other fun fabric too that will probably be used on burp cloths or an extra pillow, etc... P.S - fabric can be EXPENSIVE.

• I made a trip to Dollar General today just for candy.

• Dac and I made a spontaneous trip to Rib Crib last night for some bbq. It turned out to be a nice little impromptu date night. =) Perfect after a long day.

• I've really enjoyed watching the Olympics. I think it's so fun. I wish they'd show more stuff but I get such a kick out of seeing Team USA bring in the medals. =)

• I got some cute little baby clothes in. I ordered a few things on sale from Gap and Old Navy. Got a couple gowns and a couple pairs of striped pants. I love when I'm able to find gender neutral stuff that isn't the same ol' ducks and frogs routine.

• My poor Peety pug. He broke his toenail way back Sunday. Pitiful thing was limping around and whimpering. It was pretty bad and I KNOW he was hurting. He just looked at me with his big bug eyes like "help me". Heart breaking. Dac took him to the vet Monday morning, they had to gas him up and remove the majority of the nail. That meant he got to wear a little boot for a couple days. 

• Peety totally rocked it. This was right before Dac cut it off last night... he's like a whole new dog. =) See that smile? I got worried because this morning he came hobbling up the deck to come back inside and he looked like he was in pain again. I was afraid something happened to that paw but it turns out it was just a sticker. Dr. Dac took care of that and he was running again in no time. =) Love him.

• I don't have a ton of new stuff to report.