Blaze.

As I said in my last post my mind has been mush lately.. tonight I will blame it on the fire breathing dragon lurking in my throat.. he won't leave me alone.. how about I name him Blaze.. yes that sounds good!  Blaze does not seem to be accepting of his tums medicine tongith.. he's continuing to spit his nasty fire at me and it hurts, a lot! I have lots of random things on my mind but can't seem to focus on one thing.. here are some of my random thoughts.

I am in LOVE LOVE LOVE with this bedding set. (and it's 20% off right now!)

I really want to get my hair cut like this but know I will regret it after..

I wish I could afford to be a stay-at-home mom.  I stayed home with Gavin until he was 8 months old and although it was very very difficult at times I really really miss my kiddos during the day.  I know financially it just can't happen right now, especially with Gum Drop on his way but a girl can dream =)  I definitely admire and respect women (or men) who stay home and care for their families day in and day out - it's not easy - and is certainly more difficult than most full time jobs. 

My daughter is a freakin' rolling machine.. she is rolling and scooting allllll over the place.  I am not ready for her to be mobile.  I mean, I'm excited for her to be growing and developing, it's just all happening SO SO SO fast.  Before we know it her little brother will be rolling all over the place too.

Which leads me to my next random though - Mr. Gum Drop.  He is still nameless, although I think I 'finally' have a favortie.  I'm still working on hubbs a little - I have two very special middle names I'd like to give him but he's not feelin' that - thinks it's too much - so we'll see.  I'm also surprised at the amount of stuff we need for him even though we already have two kiddos.  We need a crib and bedding - since Gabby will still be in her crib.. we need a high chair (I really like the space saver fisherprice chair) - since Gabby will still need her high chair - we'll need new carseats - we'll need a double stroller - we'll need an extra set of hands or 2 - we'll need.. okay, that's enough for now.  I need a money tree =)

Leads me to my next random though - debt and money.  I've always been anxious about money.. I love to shop.. I enjoy getting a cart, putting my purse in the cart, pulling out my list and coupons, scanning shelves for products, placing products in the cart, crossing them off my list.. I do not enjoy paying.  I could shop every day of the week (I definitely don't but I know I could)  I've got to figure out a way to be smarter with our money - I'm not stupid with it by any means.. I'm a smart gal and am very aware of what's necessary, what's not and when enough is enough.. but I feel like we could do more with what we have, ya know.  I'd like to read a good 'financial security' or debt book.. if anyone has suggestions send them my way.  I really want to be proactive in regards to college funds and retirement but that's hard when some months are almost paycheck to paycheck.  I want to stretch what we have as far as possible and need some insight as to how to do that.

Speaking of stretching, I really need to get my butt on that exercise bike.  I feel like a giant tub of flab.. blah!  I may look into doing weight watchers after the baby arrives.. I've seen sevearl success stories online using weight watchers.  I'm a picky eater, hate to cook and would be very content eating cereal or peanut butter and jelly every night for dinner but that just won't work for my family.  I really think some sort of structure will be helpful for me with losing weight.  At my college graduation I was the same weight I was in 5th grade (136 lbs - yes, I was a chubby kid!) and my goal after Mr. Gum Drop arrives is to make it back to a healthy and strong 140, which is where I was before I got pregnant with Gabby.  I'm hopeful! (and hungry.. too bad the frosted flakes are gone..)

Okay, enough randomness for now, it's bedtime!

Oh yea, I forgot, I LOVE the new show BostonMed.. SO good.

24 weeks.

I am so behind on this blog.. after vacation my mind turned to mush and it's been hard to piece it back together.  While at the beach (on June 15th actually!) Gabby started to say dada.. SO CUTE!!  She obviously does not know what it means but it's still so cute to hear her say =)  She has mastered it now and it's a favorite of hers.  Of course hubbs is over the moon about it and loves to hear her say it too =)  Gavin has continued to grow into this amazing little fella.  Don't get me wrong, he certainly has his moments but overall he is really a great kid.  He is an incredible big brother - I sure hope that doesn't change when Gum Drop arrives. 

I had a DR visit on Friday.. here are the stats: 

Weight: I gained 5 lbs in 4 weeks - I blame most of that on our beach trip - so now I am offically up 8 pounds overall - at this point with Gabby I was up about 15 pounds so I guess I won't complain too much.. 

Blood pressure: 105/64 

Urine: negative for protein & glucose

Heartbeat: steady at 149/150 =)

Questions: I asked the midwife about the braxton hicks contractions I've been starting to have and she told me it's completely normal.  She said that my uterus is irritated because it "wasn't empty very long and it's letting you know it's annoyed."  I just had to laugh at that.. she's right.. so now I get to deal with these lovely 'fake' contractions for the next 3 1/2 months because my uterus is irritated.

Next appointment: I go back on July 23rd for my glucose test, a follow up ultrasound (not exactly sure why but the midwife said they want to do one) then my normal appointment - after this appointment I will start going every 2 weeks.

24 week quiz:

How far along: 24 weeks 3 days

Weight gain: I'm up 8 pounds now. 

Maternity clothes: no new ones.

Baby items: haven't purchased anything recently - actually we haven't purchased much at all - only a few outfits that were on clearance.  We've been looking at cribs and bedding but everything is so darn expensive..

Stretch marks: bio-oil is my friend =)

Sleep: not too bad recently.  Gabby actually slept from 8:30 p.m. until 6:30 a.m. this morning so it was nice to finally have a sound, solid night of sleep!

Best moment of the week: hanging out with friends and family this weekend.

Movement: his kicks are certainly becoming stronger =)

Food cravings: diner food - who knows why!

Gender: BOY =) 

Labor signs: no.

Belly button in or out: in but changing. 

What I miss: oh, same old stuff - wine, running, my 'normal' clothes, having energy, being able to paint my toe nails without having to readjust my tummy every minute =)

What I'm looking forward to: 4th of July weekend with family and having an extra day off from work.

Weekly wisdom: don't underestimate the power of a fun girls night =)

Milestones: Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long, picture an ear of corn, he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.
*I will post belly photos later.

23 weeks & a fire breathing dragon.

We had a great time at the beach.  The kiddos were wonderful - even slept in til 8 a.m. most of the mornings =)  Here are a few photos from our trip.  I’m trying to go through all of them and edit the good ones but I just don’t really have the time right now.  These are a few of my favorites =)

     

Here is my 23 week belly quiz:

How far along: 23 weeks 3 days

\Weight gain: I'm up about 8 pounds now - that beach trip really did add on a few pounds! 

Maternity clothes: no new ones.

Stretch marks: still just my old ones.. hopefully no new ones. 

Sleep: it's becoming harder to get comfortable but once I find that just right position I am out!  Sleeping at the beach was a little tough - we were cramped in a double bed and I had some yucky sunburn..

Best moment of the week: definitely our beach trip - watching Gavin play in the ocean was great and Gabby seemed to enjoy the water too.. both kids were just so good while we were away and the weather was wonderful.. we really had a great trip =)

Movement: yeppers.. not too strong yet and not real consistent but I definitely know my Gum Drop is in there!

Food cravings: peanut M&Ms

Gender: BOY =) 

Labor signs: no thanks.. although my braxton hicks contractions have started.. booooo!

Belly button in or out: in but changing. 

What I miss: feeling 'in shape' and strong - I just feel like a blob of fat and baby sometimes and I don't like it!  I also miss not having this fire breathing dragon in my throat almost all day.. he just won't go away no matter how many tums I use to try and destroy him =)

What I'm looking forward to: our DR appointment on Friday and seeing some good friends on Friday night!! =)

Weekly wisdom: don't forget to use your manners.

Milestones: Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound, about as much as a large mango, you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world.

back to reality.

We are home.. after a week in Ocean City, MD it’s back to our ‘normal’ life.  We had a great time, the kiddos were wonderful and we were blessed with great weather.  I will try my best to get some photos up soon =)

5 ? Friday

Mama M hosts 5 Question Friday and I thought I’d participate this week since I cannot sleep.  We are leaving for the beach on Monday so I am stressing about that and worrying that I will forget something important.  I’m also super mad about a late fee on my credit card that should not have been charged.. hopefully I can go to the bank tomorrow and get it worked out.  So, that’s why I am doing 5 Question Friday.. I can’t sleep, I need something to get my mind off things and it’s fun to learn new things about people =)

1. What do you think makes a good friend, or friendship?  this is hard for me.. I feel like I’ve failed at being a good friend many many times in my life.  I would say a good friend is someone you can rely on, trust, be yourself with, laugh with, cry with, someone who challenges you in positive ways, someone who understands and respects you, someone who you miss when they are not around and when you are with them you are always creating fun memories.  I do need to work on being a better friend.

2. What is the last thing you bought and later regretted?  I’d have to say my new laptop that I bought after my old one fell off the couch and the screen was completely destroyed – although I love my new computer and have really enjoyed using it since it was purchased I should have waited, done some research and just ordered a new screen for my old laptop and used that until it crashed for good.  Oh well.. it will take me a while to pay it off but it will be worth it =)

3. Have you ever had a prank played on you? Yes!  The one that comes to mind happened at Creation 2009.  My coworker and I were sitting in our lawn chairs enjoying the Casting Crowns concert when I felt something on my leg.  I looked down, saw a skunk and freaked!!  I jumped up, yelled SKUNK and started running.. full sprint.. as fast as I could.  Then.. I hear laughing and stop, look back and see my coworker Amy standing with this 11 year old kid… who is holding his stuffed skunk on a stick!!!  Oh my goodness it was an absolute classic moment that still makes me laugh so hard I almost pee myself =)

4.  What is your favorite theme park? Locally I guess I’d have to say Hershey Park.  Although they are over-priced I do enjoy several of their rides.  I also like their park during the holidays – we always try to go to their Christmas Candy Lane and enjoy some delicious hot chocolate.  I really haven’t been to many theme parks – just Hershey, Dutch Wonderland and Dorney Park and Six Flags when I was much much younger.  I of course LOVE Disney World and cannot wait to go back when our children are older =)

5. Have you ever seen someone else give birth? Yes, I was in the delivery room when both my niece Shayna and nephew Lucas were born.  When Shayna was born I was 14 and a freshman in high school and I was 16 and a junior when Lucas was born.  Both births were absolutely incredible and those memories I will treasure for the rest of my life!!  I’ve visited with a lot of my clients while they are in labor but I’ve never stayed for any of the births.

(another) giveaway!

Jenny at The Adventures of Two Under Two is hosting a giveaway!  The winner receives the hat of their choice from Creative Dragonfly.  Seriously, these are some of the cutest hats I have ever seen!  I’d love to order a handsome beanie for little baby Gum Drop!  I will keep my fingers crossed =)

21 weeks!

Hubbs and I took Gabrielle to the doctor today for her 6 month well baby visit.  We really love our doctor so it’s always nice to see him and brag about our lovely kiddos!!  The nurse measured her head circumference then her length – her head is now 17 1/4 inches and she is 29 inches long!!!  OFF THE CHARTS =)  Totally off the charts for her length but Dr. Scott acknowledged that her own growth curve is nice and consistent.  Miss Gabby did well on the scale too – she now weighs 18 lbs 12 oz. which is around the 90th percentile for weight.  Needless to say our sweet little potato is a BIG sweet potato!!  Dr. Scott, while looking at her plots on the chart said, “she is huge!”  Yes, we know, she’s a healthy growing girl =)  He completed his exam and said she looks fantastic!  We are certainly blessed with a healthy, beautiful, tall and chubby baby girl!    

Here are some great photos of my kiddos from the past few days!

 

 

21 week pregnancy quiz:
How far along: 21 weeks 3 day
Weight gain: I'm up 4-5 pounds but I know it will be more after our trip to the beach next week! 
Maternity clothes: My belly is starting to ‘pop’ and my regular shirts are getting a little small.  I’ve been having trouble finding summer maternity shirts because the sleeves are too short and uncomfortable.  I wish I could just wear t-shirts all the time and feel pretty =) 
Stretch marks: just my old ones. 
Sleep: blah.. been rough lately but I have no room to talk since my hubbs works nights, has the kiddos during the day and hardly ever sleeps.
Best moment of the week: silly = finding a really nice bra on clearance for $3.80 after I discovered the underwire on my absolute favorite bra was busted. serious = seeing my tummy move when Gum Drop kicked =) &  listening to my Gabby laughing with her brother (they are just so adorable together!!)
Movement: yes.. the movements aren’t consistent and I can’t really count his kicks yet but I can definitely feel him kicking periodically.. and I did finally see my tummy move today when he kicked me, definitely the strongest kick yet =)
Food cravings: chocolate, slushies and watermelon. 
Gender: BOY =) 
Labor signs: no no no!  I really do pray that I only have to push for 4 minutes like I did with Gabby – I do not want to push for 3 hours like I did with Gavin!
Belly button in or out: in.
What I miss: energy, running & wine.
What I'm looking forward to: our beach trip – we leave on Monday the 14th and will be coming home on Saturday the 19th.. it will be Gabby’s first trip to the beach so it will be special =)  I’m also really looking forward to my friend Lauren’s daughter’s 3rd birthday party this weekend – we haven’t seen their family since September so it will be neat for her to meet Gabby and to see my Gum Drop tummy!!!
Weekly wisdom: enter giveaways online – you never know when you might win something completely awesome!!!  I actually won a $50 giftcard to The Vintage Pearl through a giveaway that Kelly ran (yes, I did blog about it for extra entries)  This is the necklace I have already ordered from The Vintage Pearl and now with this gift card I can order a charm for Gum Drop and something else special =)

  
Milestones: Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long, the length of a carrot. You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now.

 

And in case you’re wondering.. we do not have a name for baby Gum Drop.  Steven and I have narrowed our list down and have a couple in mind but have not made a final decision yet.  I really think I’d like to wait to meet Gum Drop before naming him – that’s something we didn’t do with our other 2 kiddos.