July 6, 2014 - 21 Weeks

I hate that I can't be on top of these posts.  I guess that's to be expected with a toddler to run after and the fact that this feels like the busiest summer EVER.  I am writing them on time.  I've just been lazy uploading pictures.

Nothing really new or exciting pregnancy-wise to talk about.  Still feeling generally good.  I'm getting more tired by the end of the day with swollen feet here and there.  I was SO SWOLLEN by the end with Zoe, so I was hoping to avoid that this time around.  But maybe it's going to be in my cards again.  I'm also starting to get out of breath really easily.  I don't remember this happening so early before. And makes me a little nervous as to how I'm going to last 19 more weeks!

The highlight of the week was our weekend, adult getaway.  Beeba and Papa took Zoe up north while Aaron and I enjoyed a trip to Holland and then back for a night in GR.  We missed our little girl like crazy but it was so nice to just nap whenever, not worry about how late I was staying up because I knew I'd get to sleep in, not worry about eating at a certain time or nap time or any of the scheduling.  Don't get me wrong, I love every second (or almost every second ;) ) with that little girl.  Mommy just needs a little break to recharge once in a while.

Holland was filled with shopping and beach time.  It was crazy how quiet it was on the 4th.  The summer is their tourist season so I would have thought it would have been busier.  Nope, lots of stores and restaurants were closed.  GR was also fun.  The restaurant we wanted to go to was closed too (what?!), but we made do.  The fireworks were literally on top of our hotel so we were able to have a really good view.  Then Sunday it was back to my parents to pick up Little Miss who was so excited to see us.  She did have tons of fun though and had a few mini meltdowns when having to leave the "sings" and "wawa" (swings and water).  Story of our life so nothing new there :)  I think Beeba and Papa were exhausted too but had fun!

Next weekend it's off to CO!  Crazy busy summer!

June 8, 2014 - 17 Weeks

I feel like there was quite the jump from 16-17 weeks.

The doctors appointment went great on Friday.  I think I've gained around 9 lbs so far so very close to where I was at with Zoe.  I know it is what it is, but I just like to see where I'm at compared to with her.

The heart rate is in the 150s and sounded perfect!  I also scheduled the BIG ultra sound.  It's so crazy to know that will probably be the last time we'll see baby before he/she comes out.  And we are actually finding out the sex!  It makes it even more exciting :)  Then maybe I'll finally get moving on clearing out Zoe's new room and putting it together with the new stuff we've been accumulating.  I've bought a few things here and there already, and I mostly know exactly what else I need.  I'm still up in the air on what bedding I want, and if I want a chair in the room (I think it'll be too bare).  We also need to find a rug at some point.

I've been comparing these posts to my posts with Zoe and of course I didn't record the heart rate from my visit with her.  I just am trying to tell if I have any predictions...Part of me thinks girl because of how crappy I felt early on.  But then again there were a lot of other things that happened with Zoe that haven't happened this time.  So I basically still have no idea.  Everyone at daycare is thinking girl so that I can reuse all of Zoe's clothes.  They just think she has the cutest outfits.

This weekend was my sister's bridal shower.  It was jam packed with activities, but we had so much fun!  Friday we got in late because of horrible traffic.  Zoe was a champ though and fell asleep then woke up when we got home to have a drowsy bath (she was covered in sand from school or else we would have waited until Saturday) and then headed to bed.  We stayed up and chatted with my parents and got decorations ready for the shower. 

Saturday we got to meet our new nephew Ben.  Precious!  I can't believe Zoe was ever that tiny.  She was in complete awe of the "Baby" and did really well.  She wanted to be very close while we held him, but she wasn't by any means super jealous.  She got to touch his little feet and hands and even gave him a kiss before we left. 

After Zoe's nap, my mom, Jodi, Zoe, and I headed to Meijer Gardens to check out the kids area.  Zoe had a blast.  We stopped at the water features first and she did not want to leave.  She just sobbed and sobbed.  When we got to the next stop, she finally dried her tears.  Later, we made it to the giant rock querry (aka sand box) and she was in heaven there too.  It was getting close to closing time so we enticed her away with one more stop at the water.  Again, she sobbed when we left the sand...and again when we left the water.  At least we know she had fun :)  Picture overload…

That night we went out to dinner with some of my dad's side to see my uncle while he was in town.  Zoe stayed up too late again but was a champ.

Staying up way too late.

Sunday was the shower and Zoe came for a little bit before going over to Nana's.  The shower was perfect...the food was so good and it was so nice to see everyone that we don't get to see very often.  That afternoon we just relaxed out on the patio until it was time for dinner and to head home.

Showing Aunt Jodi and Poppa her drawings.

It was busy but fun!  I can't wait for CO in a few weeks :)

June 15, 2014 - 18 Weeks

It's so crazy to me to think that in TWO weeks, we'll know the gender of this baby!  Or could know depending on how we decide to find out ourselves.  I just can't wrap my head around the fact that time is just flying by so fast and we are almost halfway there.

I've been feeling great this week.  Tired from so much running around last weekend, but oh well.  I always seem to be tired even when I'm not pregnant :) 

My appetite has slowed down as well.  I still need a morning and afternoon snack, but they can be smaller and I don't have to go crazy and eat after dinner usually.

I'm definitely starting to show even more.  I've even been wearing some of my maternity tops.  I know with Zoe, I didn't bust those out until after my 20 week appointment so we're a little early this time around.  But I guess it's my second pregnancy so I expect to be bigger a little faster.  Aaron says he thought my baby belly looked cute (unsolicited) so I guess I'm good with it as long as it still looks "cute" and not "huge" :)

No real worries either.  I know, I know.  Who is this person typing?  I sometimes feel so bad that I haven't had any real time to sit and think about and embrace this pregnancy this time around.  With work and vacations and running around after Zoe, I have minimal time every day and by then, I pretty much crash on the couch and watch TV or read.

We did find a rug online last night for Zoe's room which was the major thing we needed.  So that's been ordered.  My mom is in town next weekend to babysit so we can go out for our anniversary and we plan to go to IKEA before she leaves so she can get a few supplies as well.  Then we should have the dresser and bookshelf.  Other than that, I have the vision planned, it's just a matter of putting it all together :)  I'm excited to make it girly since I never really got around to putting much pink in the nursery.  I have to live up the pink while I still am the one picking out the decor :)

Here's the rug we went with.

My parents are coming in August to help move a few of the heavier pieces out of the guest room and then I will be able to finish everything off.  I've made a list of everything we need to finish Zoe's new room, the nursery, and then a few baby gear items we'll need this time around.  Whew...it sounds like a lot!  It really shouldn't be too bad since I have 5 months to spread it out.

Father's Day was jam packed with going downtown to the River Walk and riding bikes.  Zoe had so much fun seeing the water the whole time.  We attempted to go to the new splash park but the water turned off as soon as we got there and wasn't working so we gave up and went back to the fountains.  She really could care less as you can see from her face.  Water is water to this girl :)

June 1, 2014 - 16 weeks

This week has been a whirlwind.  With the holiday and work meetings and trainings, it went so fast.  Which was nice, but I'm ready to come up for air any time now.  

My Old Navy packages came this week and I love the clothes I found.  I ordered one pair of pants which I might return (I HATE shopping for maternity pants).  I found the perfect pair at Gap while I was in CA and love them so much I want the other color, but of course they are back ordered until July.  I'm not sure if it's worth it to wait that long.  I might go to the mall in the next few weeks to see what I can find.

Zoe's flower girl dress also came.  So cute!  I think it should be perfect…not too poofy or scratchy but still white and dressy.  Now we just have to try and find some cute sandals to go with it.

Zoe always longingly stares through the fence at our neighbors when we are all outside.  They have two little ones, and I think she really wants to play.  It's usually always time for bed, or we are headed out or they are so she really never gets to play.  This weekend though it worked out for a little bit and they all came over and could play for a while.  Zoe thinks Liam is hilarious.  And she actually did well sharing and didn't scream when they were playing her toys.  I was very impressed!

We had a pretty low key weekend.  We have so much going on in June and July (all amazing stuff) that it's nice to just relax at home before things get insane.

Still feeling good over here.  I could tell I over did it yesterday walking so much.  I was exhausted by the end of the day.  I tried laying low today as much as I could.

My cravings are moving more towards fruit again.  I went shopping yesterday and bought everything I saw….it just all looked so good and now everything is finally ripe and in season.  

I swear I felt movement early on like I said, which now has me freaking out because I don't really feel anything consistent and haven't felt anything in a while that I've noticed.  I'm sure everything is fine.  I'm only 16 weeks so I don't expect any crazy movement.  I have my next appointment this coming week so thankfully I don't have to wait to long for my worries to be put to rest.

After solo parenting this morning while Aaron was running a race, I have a new found respect for pregnant moms with toddlers.  I have no idea how I could be a stay at home mom and be pregnant.  I am exhausted.  Thankfully she took an amazing 3 hour nap, but still.  I don't know how I'd keep up every day!

OH MY GOSH!  Poking my belly button is SO funny :)  AHHH!!!

May 25, 2014 - 15 weeks

Things just seem to be moving so fast!  15 weeks!  I organized my maternity pants this week and again, why did I wait so long?  They are so much more comfy.  I'm starting to feel less pudgy and more of a legit belly.  Not huge, but at least more babylike and less blah.  Thank you to Steph and Kate for letting me borrow some clothes!  It was a tight squeeze to get everything home, but I have a few new things to add to the wardrobe this time around.  Old Navy also had a sale so I scored a few new tops which I shouldn't need for a little while but will be nice to have.

The weather has been amazing this week, which means we've been outside every day after work.  I have to peel Zoe off her slide to get her in for dinner.  Which then involves a meltdown when we are inside because she's so hungry.  Ah, the joys of a toddler ;)

Have I mentioned that I swear I've felt little baby taps here and there?  It started just after 12 weeks.  I know they say you know more of what to look for in later pregnancies.  They aren't consistent by any means and it's only every few days, but it's nice to have that reassurance and to take a moment to step back and enjoy this pregnancy instead of running around chasing his/her big sister every hour she's awake.

After leaving CA and seeing how amazing of a sleeper Miss Harper is becoming, I can't help but be nervous how baby #2 will be.  Zoe had colic and reflux and was quite crabby her first 2-3 months of life (we still loved every minute), but she always slept at night, always.  It took some time to get her to the 7:30pm bedtime we wanted, but we got there before I went back to work.  What if this baby is so the opposite?  I won't have much time to nap this time around since I'll have Zoe.  I'm just so fearful of being a zombie.  I know no matter how the baby is, it will pass.  We'll work through it eventually whether it takes a few weeks or a few months, or a year.  I just hope this baby is blessed with Zoe's love for sleep :)

It's crazy to think that in just a little under 2 weeks and I have my 17 week appointment already.  I'm guessing we'll schedule the anatomy scan then too.  So excited!!!

My parents came out this weekend.  I know it wasn't relaxing really at all for them, but they were such a huge help.  I can't thank them enough.  Saturday, mom, Zoe and I went and got the flowers for landscaping while dad and Aaron washed, waxed, and cleaned the inside of my car.  Then mom and I planted the front yard while dad and Aaron ran to Home Depot.  We went out to eat Saturday and got ice cream.  We even got to eat a good meal rather than a toddler friendly place.  A huge thanks to my dad for taking Zoe for a walk when he and she were finished eating so the rest of us could finish up.  After Zoe went to bed, we had a fire in the back yard.  Sunday, we went to church and mom and I finished planting while the boys went to the Tigers game.  Zoe got to lounge in her pool after her nap.  We finished off their time here, with an excellent dinner and then said goodbye so they could make it home.  My poor parents had to landscape at their house all day Monday so they had no time to rest. 

Two more weeks and Aunt Jodi will be in MI for her wedding shower!  I can't believe the wedding is in less than 2 months now!  I'm so excited for our trip to CO and family time.  I hate how spread out we all are now, so it'll be so nice to have a week together.

Father's Day

I am so terrible at posting anything on time these days.  The excuses are endless, so I'll spare you...Anyways...

We had such a great Father's Day weekend.  Aaron had traveled to Vegas at the beginning of the week and then I went to Chicago at the end of the week so we were all ready for some R&R and time together.  Saturday I ran errands, cleaned and tried to get most of my weekend chores out of the way earlier in the day.  At night, we had friends over for a BBQ (although the weather didn't cooperate and we ate inside).

Sunday, Aaron got to pick what we did.  He played with Zoe while I ran and got his last present.  Then we got Zoe ready to play in her pool.  She LOVED it.  She probably would have stayed in it all day if we would have let her.  And a baby in a cute, little, pink bathing suit?  Cutest.thing.ever.  We threw in a few of her bath toys and she was happy as can be.  We were all having so much fun, we didn't even realize Wally had escaped and was almost to Woodward Ave.  Ugh.  We quickly wrangled him and continued our poolside fun. 

Aaron and I lounged in the back and ate lunch and read while Zoe napped.  Once she finally woke up, we all walked up to the park so she could play on the swings for a bit.  She thought they were so so, but daddy pushing her and jumping at her?  HILARIOUS! :)  Will her giggles ever stop melting my heart?  I doubt it.  We made a quick stop to 7 Eleven on our way home and then it was time to get dinner ready and start the nightly routine. 

As usual, the weekend went way too fast, but it was so nice to have such a relaxing time.  Zoe did so many projects for daddy!  She made him a card, footprints at her old daycare, and a footprint hanging thingy at her new daycare.  Then we did this which I found on Pinterest a long time ago and wanted to make sure I did when we had kids.  I thought it would be neat to update the pictures every year as she gets older. 

Weekend

And...Beeba was back!!  I honestly need to break this habit of having her come every weekend.  She has completely spoiled us.  But I enjoy her visits too much to stop asking her to come.

Before Beeba arrived, Wally wanted a little Zoe time himself.  He's been VERY interested in her.  He loves licking her toes.  I keep that to a minimum though.  Future BFFs??

Beeba came after work on Friday.  We ordered pizza for dinner and she and Zoe enjoyed lots of snuggles.

Beeba experienced her first full bath on Saturday before our visitors arrived.  She was convinced Zoe wouldn't cry since she didn't when she washed just her hair.  Umm...chica HATES being naked and naked and wet?  Yeah, worst thing ever.  She screamed the whole time.  Daddy even broke out the new tub since her cord fell off last week while Beeba was here.

During the day, Zoe had several visitors.  My friend from college made the trip down from Bay City to meet Little Miss.  Beeba and Daddy watched Zoe so Jenny and I could get out for a quick lunch.  It was so nice to catch up.  We don't get to see each other nearly enough.  (I didn't get a pic of Zoe and Jenny together...she'll just have to come back so I can snap one later on!! :) ).

My BFF and her husband also stopped by for a few hours.  They were both in town for the holiday and stopped by.  It's been so nice seeing them so much!  If only I could see her every day.

Beeba, Aaron, and I went out to dinner on Saturday with Zoe.  We then enjoyed a quiet evening at home while Beeba continued on with her hat making.  Sunday, Beeba and I went to Meijer and planned to run other errands, but Little Miss needed to eat so we came home to relieve daddy.  Daddy also busted out the Bjorn.  She loved it!  I may need to bust this out during the week so I can get things done while she naps.

My mom mentioned her and my dad moving to a condo or new house.  Are you guys sure you don't want to move over to Detroit???

Weekend Recap

We had a very busy, but very fun weekend!

We went back to Rockford for a wedding and our last shower.  Friday morning, I was lucky enough to have breakfast with my BFF who made it all the way from California for the shower :)  It meant so much to have her there!  

Later that day, we celebrated a wedding for two of our great friends.  The details were amazing and you could tell that they really put a lot of effort into every little thing.

After the wedding, we made the almost 2 hour drive back to Grand Rapids Friday night so that we didn't have to get up super early in the morning to drive back for our shower.  Aaron was kind of enough to stay coherent enough to stay awake and keep me company on the ride home :)

Saturday was our third shower.  Once again, this baby was spoiled!  We got so many great gifts.  And even better than the gifts, so many people came to show their love and support. People came from close by and really, really far away and in the middle.  The travel alone was greatly appreciated.  If only I could have spent more time with everyone.  It's just so hard when you have to make it around to all of the guests.  As I mentioned above, my BFF was in from CA, her sister came from Chicago, our college roommate from Bay City, and friends came from Detroit and Rockford.  Not to mention all of the family that came as well.  Thank you to everyone...it really meant so much to have each and every one of you there even if I couldn't sit and chat for long.  Love you guys!!  And a special thank you to my all of my aunts and my mom for putting on the shower.  It was greatly appreciated.

And we can't forget about Wally :)  These are just some random pictures, but I had to put them in.  I took him to the dog park before I left for the wedding to get some of his energy out (my parents don't have a fenced in yard).  And, on the ride home, his space was a little limited due to all the gifts we had to bring back.  He was just too cute not to photograph :)

We now have almost everything ready.  I plan to do a little more organizing this coming weekend.  My mom is coming out in early October and we are going to make the crib skirt, do a few returns at Buy Buy Baby, and purchase the rest of the items on the registry we need.  We're getting there! :)

Weekend Recap

I can't believe it's almost time to go back to work already.  As always, the weekend went by way too fast.  We had such a great weekend though.

Friday, I stopped to the YMCA on the way home.  For dinner, we decided to order pizza and catch up on True Blood (we are only in season 3 but we are HOOKED).  I fell asleep a little early on the couch (what's new).

Saturday, Aaron went for a long run and I cleaned the house.  Then we headed to Ann Arbor for a quick bbq with some of my in-laws.  While there, Aaron and I decided to go to the Tiger's game that night.  I FINALLY got my nachos (every other game we've been to has been way too hot for them to sound good).  And as has been the case recently, I definitely dropped a chip full of cheese all over my belly (tonight it was the mango from dinner).  It was a great game, and they won too!

On Sunday, Aaron was headed to see his high school friends in the afternoon, so we decided to organize the nursery as much as we could.  I have everything ready to wash (I'm waiting until after our next shower to do it all at once).  We arranged the furniture in it's final resting place.  The art work we have is hung above the crib.  The items that we won't use for a few months (toys, etc. for when the baby is older) are organized in the basement.  And we put together our main stroller, our snap and go, and our pack and play just to make sure everything was ok and didn't need to be returned.  We had a little too much fun rolling around our living room :)  We almost put Wally in the stroller, but decided against it :)

I hadn't put the pictures in the frames yet when I took these pictures.

I promise to take real pictures of the nursery once everything is put together.  We still have a few small things to take care of before I'll do the full reveal.

After Aaron left, I had a little work to take care of.

And Wally and I topped off our night with a trip to Dairy Queen :)  I think his ice cream was gone in less than 30 seconds.  I told him to slow down and enjoy it, but he never listens.

Today, I had some more work to do, and I ran the rest of my errands.  Wally was very happy when his daddy got home.  Apparently, I'm just not as fun.

And it's back to work tomorrow...Thankfully, it's a short week.  We have a Friday wedding on the west side of the state so I'm taking Friday off.  Only three days!

A Wedding, a Surprise, and a Family Weekend!

It has been a whirlwind few days here, but it's all been great!  This past weekend, we headed to Ohio for my brother's wedding.  He and his fiance, Nick, tied the knot on Saturday, July 21.  We all met in Ohio on Friday for the rehersal and rehersal dinner.  Saturday, us ladies were getting ready to go get our hair done and look who I found waiting for me in the hotel lobby??

Yes, my BFF pulled off a HUGE surprise :)  I knew her parents would be coming to the wedding.  And I knew she was in town the week before for work.  I thought we weren't going to see each other because of our work schedules (our parents live 2.5 hours from me so it would have been tough to see her during the week with work).  Little did I know, she asked her boss if she could work from MI a week before her actual training!  I was in so much shock, I started crying.  I was having a touch week the week before and was really missing her so it was the absolute perfect surprise :)  It was so nice to have her there all night.  Thank you Steph for making my weekend!!

The ceremony was amazing.  It was so nice to see so much love and support for these two.  I'm so thankful they got their special day as well.  Even though it was a non traditional ceremony, they both still deserved their day and I think it turned out perfect.  My brother is one heck of an amazing guy and has always been so loving and would do anything for anyone.  I always worry about him and what others will think and how he'll be treated.  But considering his wedding had greater attendance than mine, I don't think I need to worry there :)  Their favors were t-shirts that read, "Love Conquers Hate."  So perfect.  I can't wait to wear mine once I get back to my normal size in a few months.

After our 4+ hour trip to OH, it was time to head back to MI, pick up a few things at home, and then head to Grand Haven, MI for a few days with my in-laws.  It was so nice catching up with everyone and just relaxing for a few days at the pool and on the beach.  Aaron and I were scoping out all of the nearby homes for sale...maybe in retirement :)

Painting

What a crazy weekend!  Friday we went to Lowe's right after work to buy paint for the two rooms.  We woke up bright and early on Saturday to start.  The rooms had already been cleaned the previous weekend so now it was just a matter of moving a few things around to paint.  We flew through the first room, or so it felt.  Then we hit a wall, but powered through the first coat of the nursery.  I was so tired after and took Wally out to the backyard to let him play and me relax.  By then, it was dinner time, so I showered and then we went to get dinner.  We really did NOT want to keep going when we got home after 8pm, but I just wanted to be done and not have to worry the next day.  I made it through what I had to do by 10pm.  Aaron ran out of paint with just a half a wall left to go....so we went to bed with plans to finish in the morning.  After a long Sunday of cleaning, errands, lunch with family, etc., we finally were finished!  Vacation can't come soon enough :)  

Here are a few before and after pictures of both of the rooms.  I really need to figure out how to work Photoshop collage...but Aaron is gone tonight and I can't figure it out :)  Someday!

Guest room before (white)

Guest room after (blue)

Nursery before (light blue)

Nursery after (cool grey)