Midweek Randoms

• Before my appointment Wednesday, we made a trip to Rob's Beer World and Target. Then afterwards, we ate supper at N&J's. Complete with some delightful hummus.

• We didn't get home until right as Criminal Minds was starting last week, so it was just Dac and I watching. 

• Thursday was a fabulous spaghetti Wii Night. Yay friends!

• Friday, we went out for ribs with Dac's family and heard about the fun trip his parents took. Jealous. When we got home, we kicked it with some 24. As the night progressed I started feeling bad... then got real sick. I thought I was getting the stomach flu but thankfully it didn't last all that long so it must have either been A) something I ate not agreeing with me, or B) baby. Either way, it wasn't pleasant for any of us involved. I didn't get a wink of sleep that night and continued feeling not so fabulous the next morning.

• Due to my lack of energy and queasy stomach, I wasted a perfectly potentially productive Saturday and instead, watched more 24 and took one heck of an afternoon nap. That helped some! Even Peety was lazy. =)

• Sunday, I felt a little better but still wasn't all that productive. =/ Oops. I did manage to get some laundry done and make it to the store though. Came home with chicken nuggets, pizza, cereal, and ice cream. =) I really shouldn't be trusted to go to the store anymore.

• Monday - total fail. Felt bad all day and didn't get a thing done except a mini nap after work. 

• I wish when people park really close to the side of my car they'd understand that I can't suck this gut in. Makes it a little difficult to get in the car. I realize nobody is doing this on purpose... but still, it's quite troublesome. =) 

• I accidentally mixed a packet of peach oatmeal with a packet of blueberry oatmeal (thinking both were peach)... I thought it'd end up disgusting, but it was actually quite delightful. Alisha: oatmeal mixologist. 

• I came in first place in the football picks last week!!! I went 10-2. YEAH! Granted, I'm still in 3rd from LAST place overall but I'm calling it a total victory! 

• Yesterday I actually felt pretty good! Score! I took a late lunch and got my brows waxed and a deep conditioning treatment for my hair. Conditioner. It's good for the soul. 

• I felt so good afterwards that I made french toast for dinner and cleaned the fridge. One deep cleaning project done. The house is still a mess but at least that is done. =)

• We have our first childbirth class this weekend. That should be... interesting. haha! It's most the day Saturday (we have it the following Saturday too) and then we have a photo session up there. THEN we need to do some shopping because we have OUR maternity session the next day with our talented friend Laura. Woohoo! I'm excited but could not be less prepared. ha! I know Laura will make them fabulous even with my lack of outfit coordination, etc... =)

• Anyway, it's Wednesday! Half way through the first of two incredibly busy and jam-packed weeks. Next week wears me out just thinking about it - but more on that later. =) Happy Wednesday!! 

Monday Morning Pop Tart

Week 33: You tagged along while we photographed our last wedding before you arrive. Your dad said I was a trooper and I think you were too. =) We had our picture taken with Pistol Pete at the wedding reception! GO POKES! Other than that we’ve been doing a lot of resting in the evenings. I don’t have the energy right now to do much else. We did have an appt. with Dr. A. this week. Your heart rate was 153 this time because you were squirming all around having a jolly good time in there. You seem to be just like you’re supposed to be and I love hearing that we’re both doing A-OK. I don’t think that’ll ever stop being a relief and I’m very grateful!

(Fresh out the bath - keepin' it real)

Highlights

How Far Along: 33 weeks

Size of baby: Durian. (Apparently it's a large, spiky fruit from Indonesia.)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Forgot to ask again. =| I'm sure I'm up over 45 lbs though.

Maternity Clothes: Yep - been donning maternity yoga pants to work (and even to the wedding we photographed) instead of my too-tight maternity dress pants. It's sad but true. 

Gender: Still don't know.

Movement: Yes! It's getting a bit more painful too - little booger. Took a kick/punch to the gut like I haven't felt in a long time. If I hadn't been sitting in the car it probably would have brought me to the ground. haha.

Sleep: Still getting some sleep. I'll take it!!

Symptoms: More stretch marks, more hip pain, and more of the usual suspects. 

What I miss: Energy and being able to move/turn over in bed without it practically taking a crane.

Cravings: Cereal, muffins/breads

Best Moment this week: Hanging with Pistol Pete and surviving the wedding!

What I am looking forward to: Childbirth class (I think) and maternity pictures with Laura!!

Dr's Appt.

So I had my date with Dr. A. yesterday. It wasn't the most pleasant of appointments but all-n-all things are good. I go back again in three weeks then every week after that. We went ahead and scheduled all those appointments and even tacked on an extra in December just in case. Dr. A. is out the week of Thanksgiving so I'll see another doctor in the practice that Wednesday. Hopefully that goes ok and hopefully baby waits until after Thanksgiving (and Dr. A's return) before making his/her debut. =)

I forgot to ask how much weight I'd gained but they didn't bring it up so I'm guessing it wasn't TOO bad. =)

I got my flu shot.

I was measuring 33 weeks - so just a couple days ahead - no biggie at all.

My BP was good although a tad higher than my usual.

Baby's heart rate was 153. It's been 140 several times in a row so that was something different. He/she seemed happy and active, and Dr. A. found the heartbeat the second the doppler hit my belly. She said it was a good sign that the baby can regulate its heart rate like that.

***Now then, EARMUFFS if you don't want intimate details.***



Due to the weird contractions and an increase in discharge she went ahead and did a cervical check. The good news is: everything's still closed up like it should be right now. The bad news is: I may have a slight yeast infection so she called in something for that and we'll just see how things go from there.

Midweek Randoms

• So, picking up where we left off... Criminal Minds wasn't on but Kayla, Felicity and I ate some Subway and hung out for a bit anyway. 

• That night I had the strangest feelings. They weren't like the typical braxton hicks I've felt but they weren't like the cramps I've felt either. It was like a horrible combination of the two. I must say, I wasn't a fan. Not sure what they were all about but thankfully they went away during the night. I plan to ask my doctor about them today. Oh - and so I don't forget later on - a little funny. =) That night, in addition to the contractions, I was having pretty intense lower back pain. I had been in the recliner most the night and was also super hot. When Dac kindly agreed to rub my back he noticed it was very red. He said "wow, your back is really red, does that mean something?" I just giggled and said "yes, it means I'm HOT!" =) Poor guy - I know he was just concerned and not knowing what to think. I got a kick out of it. =)

• Dac came across this article. I find it kind of silly but I'm all for going with it! =)

• The next day I spent time cleaning and once I was worn out from that, we watched 24. I rather enjoy my recliner.

• I took a vacation day Friday to rest up and prepare for the weekend's wedding. It was needed and appreciated, that's for sure. I did laundry, cleaned, charged batteries, and packed all our camera gear, and caught up on some TV online including this season's SVU premiere (whoa) and the Chicago Fire pilot (which I loved). 

• Saturday was the big day. The day I'd been anxious for and, at times, downright nervous about. A long day at an out of town wedding - 32 weeks pregnant. Yikes. BUT - it was a wedding we had been looking forward to for months - before we knew there would be a baby. It was for a fun couple, outside, on OSU's campus. HELLO. It was my dream wedding come true! ha! We had our photo friend Jennifer Miller join us and I'm so glad we did. She helped take a lot of the pressure off me, she climbed on chairs when I couldn't, and gave us both such peace of mind. Not to mention it was fun! =) I could get used to that three photographers business. =) Anyway, the day (though cold) went better than I could have imagined and we're both relieved it went smoothly. Plus, the couple, their friends, and their family made it so much fun. Perfect! =) Oh - and PS - Pistol Pete made a surprise guest appearance at the reception. So here's Pop Tart's first picture with THE cowboy. (excuse the back-of-the-camera shot, ha!)

• While we were out, my parents came down and finished painting our trim in the family room and hallway. SO thankful for that help.

• Sunday, we attempted to sleep in. I failed. So I got up and did laundry, etc... Then we went on a little post wedding day lunch date to Gambino's. Pretty sure I've officially outgrown most booths. The table was digging in to my belly. 

• I worked on culling through images from the wedding and then went to Journey's super cute Doc McStuffins birthday party. Yeah, she's 4 now. Where the heck has the time gone? Oy. 

• I attempted cleaning when I got home, but guys, I was pooped. SO, instead - we heated up some chili and watched 24 the rest of the night. =) I really don't even feel guilty about it. TIRED I tell you!

• A sweet girl whose blog I've followed for a few years lost her husband in a car accident this weekend. I'm just heart broken for her. I've followed her blog through her husband's health problems a few years back, through their struggle with infertility, through having their sweet baby girl (who is just now 10-months old). I can't imagine. They are an incredibly sweet couple/family and have definitely been in my prayers this week. It just isn't ok. =(

• Like I mentioned earlier - it's Dr. day today. As far as I know it'll just be a normal check up with a couple vaccines thrown in too. WOOO! =/ Goals for the day include: not gaining more than 4 lbs and getting a good, healthy report! =) 

Monday Morning Pop Tart

Week 32: You’ve caused quite a bit of commotion this week. There’s been lots of new pains and a couple bouts of false labor. You’d better just stay put, k? No more scares. It’s just too early for that. You and I have been enjoying the new rocker. =) We’ve rested quite a bit while watching TV and Netflix. Your big brother Peety has been a little love pug too. I know he knows you’re coming. It’ll be an adjustment for him but I know he’ll be good to you and you two will be buddies. =)

Highlights

How Far Along: 32 weeks

Size of baby: Head of Lettuce

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I think you've probably got the idea...

Maternity Clothes: Yes! Honestly, (and this is VERY unlike me) I could do without clothes at this point. Very few things are actually comfy and I'm hot 3/4 the time anyway. They're getting to be a bit overrated, but I'll spare you that sight. =)

Gender: Surprise. Getting more excited to find out. Soon!!

Movement: Yes!

Sleep: It just is what it is and that's ok.

Symptoms: All the usuals plus stretch marks. I also have this painful/itchy rash-ish thing on my belly. I'm not totally sure what it is - may just be stretched, irritated-by-too-tight-pants or it may actually be a legitimate rash. Either way, I don't like clothes touching it and am slathering on the hydrocortisone cream like a mad woman. I'm also noticing my energy levels dwindling every day and apparently this "pregnancy brain" thing is for real. =| I've forgotten so many important things lately (meetings, appt's, etc...) - I'm not normally like this and I'm hoping I bounce back to my old self soon. It's like my head is in a big fog and I'm not a fan. I also had a night of spooky false labor. These weren't the usual cramps or tightening feelings... these were double over in pain - take your breath away pains. Thankfully they were gone by morning! Not ready for that yet!

What I miss: Nothing really, I'm happy to be where I'm at right now.

Cravings: Just random stuff. Treats of course, as usual, and I've been eating lots of raisin bran but I haven't just been over taken with cravings lately.

Best Moment this week: Time with Dac, family, and friends.

What I am looking forward to: Next appt. and all the fun activities October brings.

Midweek Randoms

• First episode of Criminal Minds this season. I enjoyed it with Kayla, Felicity, and some Reeses pumpkin ice cream sandwiches. =) The episode wasn't all that exciting - in fact, it was a bit on the sad side - so it wasn't a great season opener but still a great night. 

• My husband told me the other morning that my belly button had popped out. This was news to me, so I picked my belly up (nope - can't see it without picking it up - don't judge) and Dac started cracking up. He said "I figured you'd have to do that". Belly button is still in. Funny. HILARIOUS.

• Thursday was Wii Night. My turn to cook and the menu was russian jack chicken, baked taters, and veggies. Not too bad. I also made salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars - definitely tasty. =) 

• Friday, Dac and I did some housework and finished up the night with more 24. 

• Saturday was a photo session with friends in Wichita. We did lunch at McAlister's (yum) before recliner shopping (found one - yay!) and shopping for some gifts. It was nice to spend the day together. These days, when we're home, we're working on separate house projects or Dac's in the office editing photos, and he works late quite a bit so even having supper together is a treat. A whole day together was fabulous.

• When we got back, Dac went to mow the church then worked on the house with his Dad. Meanwhile, Val called a girls night to order and she, Cori, and her girls came over. We ate pasta and breadsticks from PIzza Hut, watched This Means War, and held babies. Fun girls night!

• Sunday, we went to my parents house for a scrumptious lunch, got a speeding ticket on the way home (don't even get me started on this one), then I headed to Amanda's baby shower while Dac edited photos.

• You may remember these girls from Dac's family reunion a couple months ago. Well - things have changed. Let's compare, shall we? Kayla, of course, already had miss Felicity and the rest of us are all due in November. 

• I shopped for and made 10 freezer crock pot meals Monday night. They were all chicken and I'll do some beef/pork ones another day. The real exciting part... they all feature veggies! Look out. =)

• My new recliner came in yesterday. The back room is totally discombobulated and mis-matchy - BUT - I. Do. Not. Care. My back, butt, hips - you name it - rejoice!! =) haha. It's easier to get up and my weight is evenly distributed. OH - and I can elevate the sausages feet. Let the Netflix marathons commence!

• Oh - and - it's Fall. My body and hormone-induced hot spells are grateful. I love Fall. I love Fall feels, smells, eats, drinks, and decor. Meet one of my two new sunny friends. =)

• Speaking of cooler weather - we have our final wedding of the year Saturday. It's in Stillwater, on campus, and is sure to be gorgeous and lots of fun. BUT. I'm nervous. I'd be lying if I acted all cool, calm, and collected about it. I'm nervous because I'm big. Tired. In pain. And heck, even a stroll around Wal-Mart about does me in. I'm also nervous because it's been months since we shot a wedding (we purposely only took on a couple once we knew there was a baby on the way... this one happened to be scheduled before we knew though) and those jitters come back. ALSO - I see where rain may be in the forecast. I sure hope it stays clear of their beautiful ceremony in front of Old Central!! Anyway, nerves aside, I am excited for the opportunity. I know we'll have a great time and I'm looking forward to shooting again!

• Criminal Minds isn't on tonight. Apparently the networks think the presidential debate is more important. Huh. 

• Happy Wednesday!!! =D

Monday Morning Pop Tart

Week 31: Oh Pop Tart. You are already one heck of a spoiled baby (and we’re a couple of spoiled parents). Your baby shower was phenomenal and your aunties really outdid themselves. The theme was “things that pop” and all the treats, etc... fit it perfectly! Everyone that came outdid themselves too... we were shown so much love and support it’s almost unreal. The front of our house was overflowing with goodies for you and it took all weekend to sort through things and put them away. Now, most everything is in its place - just waiting to be put to good use by you! I hope you grow up with an awareness of just how much love is around you at all times. You’ve been movin’ and a’groovin’ in my belly. There hasn’t been a doubt in my mind lately if I’ve felt you move or not. =) Glad you’re having fun in there.

Highlights

How Far Along: 31 weeks

Size of baby: Pineapple

Total Weight Gain/Loss: + 41 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: Yes! And probably will be wearing them for the next nine months too! You don't exactly gain over 40 lbs and "make your current wardrobe work". haha! Maternity clothes all the way! =)

Gender: Surprise. Hmmm... more people are moving to team pink. I think it's funny.

Movement: Yes! Tons!

Sleep: I've had a few more first trimester-like nights here recently. They come and go. It seems like I'm either unable to fall asleep and up 3 times a night OR I'm conked out on the couch by 8:30 and still barely able to pry my sore body out of bed in the morning. Either way, I HAVE been sleeping and that's what matters.

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks, that unbearable back/hip/leg pain again, hot flashes (or constantly being hot) trouble breathing, swelling, total fatigue and exhaustion from picking something up off the floor, doing the couch dismount, =) or putting on a shirt. Heaven forbid I need to do all those at/around the same time. NAP PLEASE.

What I miss: Nothing really, I'm happy to be where I'm at right now.

Cravings: Not anything specific really, for once.

Best Moment this week: The shower and seeing lots of family and friends!!

What I am looking forward to: As much as I love October (it's like my favorite month I think), it is super busy this year even busier than usual despite my good solid effort to keep crazy to a minimum this close to baby time. I can't believe I'm going to say this, and I'll probably regret it, but I'm sort of looking forward to November 1 just so I can stop and breathe again.... maybe? Then again, I don't want time to go too fast. I guess I just want to make it through... one day at a time, right? I can do this. Inhale, exhale.