Nursery Sneak Peak

Here is a Sneak Peak at our nursery. We started out having a Map/Eclectic World Traveler themed nursery, but it's ending up more like an African Safari/Indiana Jones theme but I LOVE IT!!

Here are some before/during pictures. The after pictures will hopefully be posted soon!

Here is bad view, but peak into the room that WAS a catch all for the junk that we didn't have any other place for. It all got cleared out to make room for BABY!!

 Here is the room cleared out and freshly painted. It looks so much bigger without a queen sized bed and a bunch of random stuff!! 

 Here is another "before" view of the room. There was a queen sized bed in here, but we took that out before these pictures were taken. It looks like a lot of work ahead...

 Here is the same view of the room but all of the crap is cleared out and the paint it done! Thanks to my parents, who came over while Tim and I were at work to paint! Tim just had to finish up a bit when he got home. 

 Here is a picture of the same spot, but the crib is up, (filled with some more stuff for the nursery) and decals are on the wall.  There will be a huge 55" x 35" antique map hanging on the slant above his crib and seafoam/aqua paper lanterns hanging over his changing table which is just to the left of the picture as an abstract globe mobile. 

 One last "before picture". I just noticed that our dog, Shadow, is mysteriously in this picture, snooping around at all of the baby stuff! 

 The same corner "after". I absolutely LOVE this giraffe decal! There will be a glider in this corner at well but the cushions are getting recovered to match the room. 

 Here is a foot stool that will be used in the room. I got it from my "sisters" and "surrogate mom" as a shower gift. It works perfectly in this room!  

Last but not least...I had to add a picture of Tim putting the crib together. We were a great team and it actually didn't take very long. Only one swear word muttered by me and not over the crib. Tim accidentally pinched my finger in the crib when he was trying to catch himself from falling over. He has the WORST balance. I love the crib too! It is so much prettier in person than the pictures show. I can't wait for Graysen to get to rest his precious little head in it!

To Doula or Not to Doula???? That is the question!

This weekend Tim and I attended our Weekend Childbirth Class. It was very enlightening and I/we feel much more prepared. Not saying we are totally prepared because no one really is, but we are a lot more confident in the birthing experience. Our question now...Doula or no Doula?? 

For those of you that don't know what a Doula is, Doula means Woman's Servant and she comes and assists in the childbirth process. They make sure that Mom and Baby are as comfortable as they can be and that the labor/delivery process is exactly or as close to exactly what you would like. They aid in comfort measures and provide emotional support. 

When a Doula is present during/after the birthing process: 

• tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
• reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction
• reduces mothers’ requests for pain medication and epidurals
• reduces cesarean sections by up to 26%
• improves the mother’s satisfaction with her birth experience
• reduces postpartum depression
• improves breastfeeding success
• reduces the length of hospital stays
• builds mother’s self confidence in the postpartum period

We know that we want to try very hard to not use any drugs during labor and to have a natural vaginal birth. I feel very confident in my ability to do this. I am strong and woman have been doing it for hundreds of years! It's what your body was made to do. At last resort, if something should happen, we are not opposed to a C-Section. If we need it, we need it but we want to try every other method before we just at an epidural. I want our baby to come out alert and ready to breastfeed. 

The childbirth educators, who are also Doulas, reassured us that if you can make it to 7 centimeters during the Transition Stage of labor, you can do it the rest of the way. The worst is most likely over. I've never had a baby, but I have been in labor and had my cervix opened and dilated.  I had to get an IUD and since my cervix had never been opened, they had to dilate me and induce me to open it manually. That was AWFUL but I drove myself home having contractions!!! I know that actual childbirth is going to be even more intense but I have faith that I can do it! I really want to try. I will have a WONDERFUL coach who is also my best friend helping me through it. 

An amazing thing about the Birth Center, where we are having Graysen is that we CAN make it our own experience. We plan to bring in relaxing/meditating music, aromatherapy, soft lighting and use the whirlpool tub/shower. They have labor balls, beds that move into all sorts of positions and not to mention that they delivered 900 babies last year alone!! We are in great hands! 

Our only question is...do we get a Doula or not?? They usually make two house visits before hand to go over what you want and the experience you want to have, are there when you go into labor and stay through the birth. They will stay for a couple hours if you want and they will assist with lactation right away as many of them are also lactation consultants. They usually make a home visit sometime within the first month after baby is born to check up and what not. There are several reputable/licensed Doula's in SE MN...we are just debating on whether we will use one. 

Leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts. Did you use one? Do you know someone who did? Do you wish you had used one?? HELP!!!!

27 Weeks!

How Far Along: 27 Weeks

Total Weight Gain: 25 lbs (I had the stomach flu this week so I lost a couple pounds.)

Milestones: Baby has brain activity and is breathing (amniotic fluid, not air yet) with his newly developed lungs!

Baby Is The Size Of: a Cauliflower

Sleep: Sleep is pretty good. It was a rough past couple nights because I had the stomach flu, but overall...it's ok. Still some hip pains and it feels like my pubic bone is splitting in two when I change positions. 

Best Moment This Week: Quilting Graysen's baby quilt on the long arm machine. Just need to bind it. I'll post pictures when it's done. It was nice to have a 2 hour late start this morning at school too. 

Miss Anything?:I miss being able to bend over without being in pain and not able to breathe. I miss being able to sit on the couch at eat at the coffee table. It's too low to bend over. I miss being able to have a drink. I miss eating without heartburn and indigestion. I miss being able to just sit without my ribs/sides/back hurting.   

Movement?: A lot of movement is going on. He is hiccuping now and my stomach goes crazy when that happens. It's fun to see him and feel him move at the same time. 

Food Cravings: Still really liking Mexican food! Not really craving anything anymore. Water and fruit taste good right now. I made raspberry pancakes the other night and they were so good!!

Things That Make Me Queasy: I had the stomach flu this week. That was HORRIBLE. Everything I tried to eat made me throw up. Having the flu while almost 7 months pregnant is awful. It hurts to cough let alone throw up violently. I was bawling over the toilet as Tim was rubbing my back. My sides hurt so bad!

Gender: BOY

Labor Signs: Still some Braxton Hicks every now and then. We are going to our Labor and Delivery Class this weekend so we'll get see what we are in for when they really do start coming!

Symptoms:Indigestion, heartburn, leg cramps now and then, slight swelling in my hands when I wake up and lots of pressure in my stomach. He is putting a lot of pressure on my bladder as well which is forcing me to visit the bathroom every 20 minutes at least! 

Inny or Outy: Flat, flat, flat. It pops out now and then but mostly it's flat. 

Wedding Band On or Off:  I can still wear it but I took it off because of some minor swelling in the mornings. I am claustrophobic and it freaks me out thinking I might not be able to get it off. It still spins and goes on easily though.  

Mood Most Of The Time: Mainly happy...I'm moody at times though. Just ask Tim. I can tell the hormones are starting to rage again. Little things annoy me more than normal. :) 

Looking Forward To: Our Labor and Delivery Class...maybe I shouldn't be, but I am. Starting to paint the nursery. It's almost cleaned out! I'm also excited to finish Graysen's baby quilt. 

26 Weeks!

How Far Along: 26 Weeks

Total Weight Gain: 26 lbs...YIKES!

Milestones: Baby's eyes are forming and will soon be blinking. His eyelashes are already formed and ready to bat! 

Baby Is The Size Of: a Head of Lettuce

Sleep: Sleep is better but not great. I have been snoring still according to Tim. I have a lot of heartburn and night and get up to use the bathroom a lot!! I can't complain though because it could be so much worse!

Best Moment This Week: Getting paint for the nursery along with some new/gently used clothes for him! Had a Dr. appointment and found out Graysen is growing and doing well! Having a night away with my husband! Oh...and Chuck and Julie! :) 

Miss Anything?:Oh goodness, where to start. I miss being able to sit on the couch and eat off the coffee table without my ribs in excruciating pain. (Guess it's not all bad...I should use the table anyway!) I miss being able to bend down to pick up something without grunting and it taking an immense amount of effort. Good thing Kindergartners love to help!!    

Movement?: Still a ton of movement. I'm pretty sure he's having a party in there and we weren't invited! We are seeing his movements on the outside now!

Food Cravings: Still really liking Mexican food! Not really craving anything anymore but DID get a fried bologna sandwich last night which was AAAAAMAZING!!!!!!!!

Things That Make Me Queasy: The queasiness had subsided, but this last week, I'm not sure if it was a bug or my morning/all day sickness coming back. Today was better so fingers crossed that it was just a little bug! 

Gender: BOY

Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks contractions are happening now and then but nothing to worry about. Dr. says my cervix is still closed tightly and as long as they are not consistent and progressively stronger, they are fine! Just practicing for the real deal!

Symptoms: Indigestion/heartburn after eating. Doesn't matter what it is...I get heartburn! Tums are in my purse at all times. Lots of rib pain. I think my uterus is growing up instead of out. Also, it feels like my pubic bone is splitting in two. Dr. says that it basically is! Great!!! :/

Inny or Outy: Flat. It pops out sometimes depending on the position I'm laying in. Belly buttons gross Tim out and the other night as we were laying there WATCHING him move, my belly button was half-way out and Tim put his hand on it to cover it so he couldn't see it. It made me laugh and he freaked out because when I laughed it made it pop in and out on his hand, which made me laugh more. You had to be there but it was hilarious to watch a grown man freak out about a belly button! :) One more reason I love him!!!! 

Wedding Band On or Off:  I could still wear it but took it off because it was getting tight at times. It was just easier to leave it off. I'm claustrophobic and the tight feeling was freaking me out a little. 

Mood Most Of The Time: Happy for the most part. I can tell my hormones are starting to kick in again though. 

Looking Forward To: Getting the nursery ready! I'll post pictures as we go. Marit and I are quilting our baby quilts on Sunday. I can't wait to have that done too! Also...baby showers are coming to starting to help plan those is exciting as well! 

My thoughts on almost being a half a year pregnant...

Wow...I can't believe that in a week, I'll have been pregnant for a half a year! I remember vividly that morning that I took the pregnancy test that almost instantly read PREGNANT! We new that we were going to start trying to have a baby right away after we got married. I have endometriosis and the doctor said that we should start right away because it may take a long time...if at all! Well...as you can see...it didn't take long at all! We got married July 16, had my IUD out August 26, and conceived on September 15. We decided to do the ovulation tests and by golly, they work!

My first trimester fears consisted of things like...

"What will it feel like to be pregnant?" 

"Can we really afford a baby right now?" 

"What will happen to my body?"

"Am I going to be THIS sick the WHOLE 40 weeks?"

Most of those have subsided. The fears/questions have changed to things like...

"Will we have everything we need when he gets here in 15 weeks or less?"

"What will we do about insurance?" 

"Will I ever sleep again...I'm already not sleeping now!"

"Still...can we really afford this baby?" 

"Our life is going to change so much...!"
"Are we going to be good parents? We 'raise' kids all day, but this is our own!" 

I guess you're never REALLY ready to have a baby. You just do it! 

I can't wait to meet Graysen and see the 'alien' that's been punching and kicking me in the ribs/crotch all day long...the little person that's been growing inside of me for all of these months. 

After our scare with his brain cysts, we are so grateful to be delivering a healthy baby boy! It really makes you appreciate everything once you go through something like that.

 We live by the motto, "If we're handed it...we can handle it!" 

This pregnancy has been a roller coaster of emotions and the best ride of my life! I can't wait to see where it takes us. I am so excited to be a mommy!

25 Weeks!

How Far Along: 25 Weeks

Total Weight Gain: 24 lbs

Milestones: Baby has a new sense of equilibrium and knows what's up...and down! He's also gaining more fat and hair. 

Baby Is The Size Of: an Eggplant 

Sleep: Sleep is so so. Lot's of tossing and turning. I keep Tim awake with my pregnancy snoring. Apparently now that my sinuses are enlarged and swollen from pregnancy...I snore! Hopefully that will go away! 

Best Moment This Week: Getting to SEE Graysen kick on the outside! I had to stare a long time, but yep...there it was...saw him give a punch/jab/kick. We also got the crib this week!! Now the room needs to get painted so we can set it up!!

Miss Anything?: I miss being able to sit for a period of time without my rib being in excruciating pain! I also miss being able to go more than 1 hour without peeing! The bathroom is my new favorite spot!  

Movement?: Lots and lots of movement!! Even SEEING the movements now!

Food Cravings: Not really any cravings anymore. I think he's going to like spicy/Mexican food. I was craving mini tacos and Chipotle for awhile. A lot of people think browning hamburger was gross while pregnant, but I didn't mind it...it usually meant I was going to get to eat tacos or burritos! :) 

Things That Make Me Queasy: Raw meat, Onions, Pledge, Our dog's smelly gas!

Gender: BOY

Labor Signs: Maybe some Braxton Hicks but nothing serious or alarming. 

Symptoms: A lot of indigestion! I am getting bigger every day!! You'll see from the picture. I didn't do a 24 week so it seems like a lot from weeks 23 to 25. I have slight swelling in my hands/feet, especially in the morning. That dreaded brown line on my belly appeared this week as well! Morning sickness is back!!!! Not bad, but slightly nauseous when I wake up lately!

Inny or Outy: Pretty flat now. 

Wedding Band On or Off:  On though it's getting tighter. I had it off for a couple days. 

Mood Most Of The Time: Most of the time, I'm happy. I had a little freak out last night over nothing. Just cried for like 30 minutes. Overall though, I'm ecstatic! We are seeing Graysen move, I'm feeling better, for the most part...morning sickness is back though. Slightly nauseous  in the mornings when I first get up. 

Looking Forward To: Getting the nursery ready! I'll post pictures as we go. Also getting to go away on a mini vacation with my hubby and his cousin and wife for Tim's birthday. A 3 day weekend is definitely what the doctor ordered!

23 Weeks!!

How Far Along: 23 Weeks

Total Weight Gain: 20 lbs

Milestones: Baby's face is fully formed...just needs some fat to fill it in and he is listening to our voices, my heartbeat and the dog barking! 

Baby Is The Size Of: a Pomegranate

Sleep: Sleep is pretty good. I feel like there is an ocean between me and Tim. Our new bed is great and my Leachco Back & Belly Pillow is wonderful too. I'm still getting some hip pain when I'm sleeping, but overall....sleep is ok, not the best I've had, but not the worst...YET!

Best Moment This Week: Getting fabric for the nursery. I LOVE Hancock Fabric! (Especially when I can get $20/yard drapery fabric for $5! We are doing an "Eclectic World Traveler" theme for the nursery. I got some great fabrics for a quilt also. I will post pictures later in the week. 

Miss Anything?: I miss being able to put my socks on with ease. My ribs miss not being squished up into my lungs/throat!! I miss being able to sneeze/laugh/bowl without the fear of peeing my pants!!

Movement?: He is very, very active! Lately he likes to kick/punch me in the right rib. He'll then somersault over and kick me in the crotch! That's a great feeling...especially when I'm trying to teach 23 5&6 year olds!

Food Cravings: Toast with cream cheese, Auntie Anne's pretzels, Lunch Meat, Cookies & Cream Ice Cream, Cinnamon anything! Cinnamon Rolls, Cinnabon Cereal, Granny Smith Apples. My cravings have pretty much subsided but these things still taste really good right now!

Things That Make Me Queasy: Raw meat, Onions, Pledge, Our dog's smelly gas!

Gender: BOY

Labor Signs: I think I had a Braxton Hicks contraction last week but nothing serious. 

Symptoms: Well I'm having a ton of indigestion/heartburn lately. My ribs feel like they are in my throat and it almost takes my breath away to bend over already. Overall, my symptoms are pretty good. I'm definitely showing and I think my belly is getting bigger every single day!

Inny or Outy: Belly Button is getting flatter but still in slightly.

Wedding Band On or Off:  On though it's getting tighter. 

Mood Most Of The Time: Happy most of the time. I had a little freak out the other day thinking about not being ready and not having anything. We went and picked up some clothes and are starting the nursery (which I'm super excited about) so I'm feeling more at ease. A friend told me the other day..."I felt like a demon took over my body at times when I was pregnant!" Well put Jen! Sometimes...You aren't sure what you're freaking out about or why you are so emotional!! Overall...very happy!! 

Looking Forward To: Getting the nursery ready! I'll post pictures as we go. 

21 Weeks 4 Days!

How Far Along: 21 Weeks  4 Days

Total Weight Gain: 18-20 lbs

Milestones: Baby's digestive system is developing.  

Baby Is The Size Of: a Banana

Sleep: Sleep is so so. We got a new bed yesterday so that's nice. We finally have a king and it's firm. Our other bed was WAY TOO SOFT. I still love my Leachco Back & Belly pillow. I'm up peeing, having weird dreams and just can't sleep. I think my body is getting ready for the sleepless nights to come sooner than I know! My hips and knees have been hurting a little lately too. I think it's the extra weight. 

Best Moment This Week: Finding out that Graysen's cysts are almost gone!!! Just a little puddle of fluid left on the left side where a cysts was and the one on the right is completely gone!

Miss Anything?: Coffee and Lunch Meat STILL!! Sleeping on my back! We had my grandpa's funeral today and they had cold meat sandwiches. I had to have cheese on a bun & cake. 

Movement?: Graysen is still VERY ACTIVE. My short torso makes it hard for him to get around...so you'd think! His feet get stuck under my ribs already. He is still managing to get in those somersaults though! 

Food Cravings: Toast with cream cheese, Auntie Anne's pretzels, Lunch Meat, Cookies & Cream Ice Cream, Cinnamon anything! Cinnamon Rolls, Cinnabon Cereal, etc.

Things That Make Me Queasy: Raw meat, Onions, Pledge, Our dog's smelly gas!

Gender: BOY

Labor Signs: I think I had a Braxton Hicks contraction today but nothing serious. 

Symptoms: Grandma informed me yesterday, "You're really coming out!" Well...she's right. My belly is popping out and getting bigger every day! I'm feeling the stretching ligaments too! His feet like I said earlier, get stuck under my ribs so that's kind of uncomfortable at times. Otherwise...I'm feeling pretty good. I wish my acne would clear up! I didn't break out this bad during puberty! I thought "Never looked better!" with a boy! WRONG!!! Though my uncle keeps telling me, "Pregnancy suits you! You look good!"

Inny or Outy: Belly Button is getting flatter but still in slightly.

Wedding Band On or Off:  On though it's getting tighter. 

Mood Most Of The Time: HAPPY now that we've found out Graysen is going to be ok and got good results at our level 2 ultrasound. Still very tired from the stresses we've had the last couple weeks between Graysen's cysts and my grandfather getting very sick and passing away. 

Looking Forward To: Getting the nursery ready! I'll post pictures as we go. 

Level 2 Ultrasound Results

YAY!!!!!!!

We are excited to announce the results of Baby O's level 2 ultrasound are wonderful! The Choroid Plexus Cysts (CPCs) that they found bilaterally in Baby O's brain are already resolving themselves. The left side is completely clear and there is just a small amount of fluid on the right side that is disapating.They also moved my due date....AGAIN! Started out at June 1st, then moved to June 6th, then June 3rd at last ultrasound and now back up to May 31st. So...I'm 21 weeks instead of 20 weeks right now.  Here are some pictures from the ultrasound. They aren't as clear as our other ones but they had to zoom in so close to see all of his little organs and limbs. I wish we would have gotten all of the pictures, but they only gave us a few. Here they are!

Baby O's little heart. If you look closely, you can see the 4 chambers. There were better pictures, but she used this one to check his fetal heart rate which was 139.

More pictures of Graysen's feet! They already look bigger than his 19 week ultrasound.

Hard to see, but this is Graysen's hand. You can see his fingers. The little hand is pointing to his 5th finger. They were looking for a Trisomy 18 marker...didn't find any!

Baby's face. It's turned to the side so you may have to tilt your head to the right to see it.

Graysen's face again! This time his mouth is open. We did get to see the lenses in his eyes too. Hard to see in these pictures, but that's neat! He really wanted that left hand by his face too! Stubborn little turd...we were trying to see if his fist was clenched (that is another marker) and he wouldn't move the darn thing or he would wave it quickly and all we would see what a blur. We finally found it incidentally!

Profile picture from the left side. Again..wanted his fingers in his mouth or up by his face.

Profile from the left again. Our other images are clearer but like I said, he would not stop moving today so some of them are a little blurry!

One last profile from the left side.

Toilet shot to see Femurs and show once again..It's a BOY!

Profile from the right side. Again...sorry it's blurry.

Here is a better profile picture from the right side.

After talking to the Dr. today, we are very pleased with the results. We could go back in 5 weeks for another ultrasound to make sure that everything has cleared up but by the way everything else looked, we are opting not to have one. If they had found other markers for Trisomy 18, we would maybe think about it. At this point, they have found nothing and even if they had...it wasn't going to change anything with the pregnancy. We are very thankful to have things turn out the way they did and by the way he's constantly moving and already acting stubborn...I think we are going to have our hands full!

20 Weeks and Gender Reveal Party!

Wow...20 weeks! Half way there!!!

I know I haven't posted anything for awhile. Things have been crazy here. After our 19 week ultrasound, we found out that our baby has Choroid Plexus Cysts on the brain. Most of the time, they just clear themselves up by 32 weeks. Sometimes, in rare cases, they are isolated and related to some other chromosomal disorder like Trimosy 18. This is a slight risk, but we have to have it checked. We are certain though that our baby is fighter and that everything will be ok! We go to Mayo Clinic on Friday to have a Type 2 ultrasound and genetic counseling. We will know by the end of the day on Friday if they are isolated or not.

We live by this quote: "If we're handed it...We can handle it!"

Gender Reveal Party Details!

We had our Gender Reveal Party on Saturday. It was great. It was so fun to see everyone's votes and reveal the sex and name of the baby. Here are a few snapshots of the party.

We had a big box filled with balloons that we released to tell the sex of the baby.

Next to the box, we had all of our ultrasound pictures laid out so that people could look and cast their vote. Boy or Girl??? It ended up pretty even. Most of the people there voted Boy but some people that couldn't make it still wanted to vote and most of them voted Girl.

19 week ultrasound pictures of Baby O.

17 Week pictures. These were taken the day I had to have an ultrasound on my Gallbladder and Kidneys because they are pretty sure I passed a kidney stone. No gallstones or kidney stones showed up in the ultrasound so they are thinking I had already passed it. Either way...worst pain of my life!! Plus side: Got to see a little preview of Baby O. before our 19 week ultrasound.

Basically same pictures as 17 week ultrasound but 2 weeks later and what a difference in development. The top picture is hard to see but Baby O. is flexing saying, "I'm a fighter and I'll make it!!"

The bottom picture didn't come out very clear but these are Baby O's little feet. So adorable!

What are you craving?? All of the food at the party was based on my pregnancy cravings.

He/She Cookie's & Creme Candy Bars. I'm loving everything cookies and cream!

There were Cinnamon Roll Bites (biggest craving as you know), Cheetos, Pigs in a Blanket, Auntie Anne's Pretzel Bites (I drove 45 minutes to Rochester to get one of these pretzels towards the beginning of my pregnancy...sad I know!), Pickle Roll Ups (Not a craving of mine because I hate pickles and can't have ham, but pickles are a stereotypical pregnancy craving.), Hot Turkey Sandwiches, Cinnamon Bread with Cream Cheese and Cake!

Better Than SEX Cake!! What other kind of cake would you have at a Gender Reveal Party??

My aunts voting Boy or Girl...

Our party goers mingling and waiting for the big reveal!!!

Tim, Aaron and Devin probably talking basketball!

Terisa and Marit most likely laughing at the guys...

The proud grandpas waiting to hear...Boy or Girl. Notice how they both voted BOY!

I tried very hard to upload the video of us opening the box and releasing the balloons here but...it did not download dispite the 4 attempts I made. So...you'll just have to scroll down to see the picture!

It's a................

The proud grandpas again showing us that...they were right! It's a BOY! We are pleased to announce that Baby O. is a boy and will be named Graysen Harold!

How Far Along: 20 Weeks and 3 Days

Total Weight Gain: 14-16lbs
Milestones: Baby now has working tastebuds and practicing gulping (amniotic fluid right now) 
Baby Is The Size Of: a Small Cantaloupe
Sleep:So, my LeachCo Back & Belly pillow came and it is AMAZING!!!!!!!! If you don't have one...you NEED one. It doesn't matter if you are pregnant or not! It's wonderful! Of course, it does take up a lot of the bed. Good thing we have a new king-sized bed coming this week with our wedding money. No leg cramps since I got the pillow either. They aren't really cramps but pain in my hip and side of my knee. Mainly the left leg. I think it's from pressure on them with extra weight.

Best Moment This Week: Getting to tell our family and friends that Baby O. is a BOY!

Miss Anything?: Coffee and Lunch Meat STILL!! Sleeping on my back! 

Movement?: YES! All the time. I said a few weeks ago that I swore he was doing somersaults...well...I was right. We saw it on the ultrasound with our own eyes. The ultrasound tech had to "chase" him around my belly because he moves so much. I think I also said he was going to be a UFC fighter if he was a boy...again...witnessed the punches and kicks. I think Tim and I are in for a wild ride with this one!

Food Cravings: Toast with cream cheese, Auntie Anne's pretzels, Lunch Meat, Ice Cream...cookies & cream, peppermint, you name it!! Cinnamon anything! Cinnamon Rolls, Cinnabon Cereal, etc.

Things That Make Me Queasy: Raw meat, Onions, Pledge, Our dog's smelly gas!

Gender: BOY

Labor Signs: No.

Symptoms: Well, my belly is getting bigger by the minute I think. I am also having heartburn and indigestion. I wish my hair and nails would start looking better though. I though having a boy meant..."Never looked better!" Apparently not in all cases! I can't complain though because my symptoms have been fairly minimal since starting my second trimester. I am very short though (5 feet) and have a short torso. I am all belly and there is no where for it to go. My ribs, especially on the right side, feel like they are in my throat already! He is also breech right now so his head is pushing on my ribs.

Inny or Outy: Belly Button is getting flatter but still in slightly.

Wedding Band On or Off: On
Mood Most Of The Time: HAPPY though very tired lately and have some stress with other things going on. I haven't gotten a lot of sleep so my patience isn't quite as long as it used to be.
Looking Forward To: Our appointment at Mayo on Friday where we will have a Type 2 ultrasound and find out if the baby's brain cysts are isolated or not. Even though it's crappy that we have to go through this, we will get a video of the utlrasound instead of just a picture!

Cini-Mini CRAVING!!!!!!!!

My biggest craving...CINI-MINIS!!!

Ok, I LOVE cinnamon rolls and right now, I'm craving everything sweet. Not so much chocolate, but I don't really like chocolate when I'm not pregnant. I know...weird! A woman who doesn't really care for chocolate. Lately though, I'm craving sweet! Cinnamon rolls, pancakes and syrup, ice cream, mini donuts...donuts WITH ice cream! (By the way, the best place to get this is in Grand Marais, MN. Go to World's Best Donuts first thing in the morning and get a fresh raised glazed and then go down the street and get a scoop of homemade custard on the boardwalk! Oh...I'm contemplating the 7 hour drive just to get one!!) Here is the latest Cini-Mini recipe I'm trying tonight. I'm pretty sure they are going to be to die for!

Recipe:

Ingredients

1 can of Pillsbury crescent rolls

4 T brown sugar

1 t cinnamon

1 T butter

1 T flour

1/2 C powdered sugar

2 t milk

Directions:

Use half of package at a time so the dough stays cold.

In a small bowl mix together a tablespoon of slightly melted butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, and flour. Open crescent rolls, take half of dough and separate at the vertical seams. Press the diagonal seams of dough together so that the dough is smooth. Spoon half of the cinnamon mixture onto dough, roll short side up then continue with the remainding dough. (I used one sheet of Pillsbury Crescent Dough...no seams. Worked Wonderfully!) Cut 2 inch slices and place all the rolls on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes.

When rolls have cooled, mix powdered sugar with  milk. Add more sugar/milk to get frosting to the consistency of your liking.I had to add more sugar. Drizzle the sugar over the rolls then let dry. (I couldn't wait and wanted to eat mine warm so I drizzled the glaze over them as soon as they came out of the oven.) AMAZING!!!!!!

Happy Eating!!!

18 Weeks!

How Far Along: 18 Weeks
Total Weight Gain: 14lbs or so
Milestones: Baby is kicking like a UFC fighter and practicing sucking.
Baby Is The Size Of: a Sweet Potato
Sleep:My Leachco Back & Belly Pillow is on the way!!! I'm so excited! This should mean better sleep. Sleep has not been horrible but it's so hard to find a comfortable position that doesn't make my hips & knees hurt. Hopefully it will fit on our bed!!! :)
Best Moment This Week: Ordering my pregnancy pillow and continually feeling Baby Ostrom practicing kicks, punches and what feels like elbow smashes!! I think the baby thinks its a cage fighter and my uterus is the cage!!
Miss Anything?: Coffee and Lunch Meat STILL!! Sleeping on my back! 
Movement?: YES! All the time. Sometimes it's faint and other times I swear it's doing somersaults in there!
Food Cravings: Toast with cream cheese, Auntie Anne's pretzels, Lunch Meat, Ice Cream...cookies & cream, peppermint, you name it!! I was on Pinerest the other day and I think I pinned 5 recipes for cinnamon rolls!! Dang it...now I really want a cinnamon roll!
Things That Make Me Queasy: Still the smell of raw meat! Tim was using Pledge the other day and I thought I was going to vomit, the smell was so strong. (At least he was cleaning so...I'm not going to complain too much!) I also went to my Mother-In-Law's to get leftover Ribs/Saurkraut from New Year's Day for Tim and yep...there was another queasy-inducing smell!
Gender Prediction: Girl
Labor Signs: No.
Symptoms: Had a lot of indigestion this week. Not so much heartburn but burping up acid. I'm getting some leg cramps at night despite the large amounts of water I'm drinking and the bananas. Hopefully this new pillow will help. My belly has "popped" as my friends tell me this week also. Looks more like a "baby belly" and less like a "beer belly"! Although...my friend, Tonya, just informed me today that the phrase "baby belly" has been outlawed now at Michigan's Lake Superior State University from the Queen's English for its misuse, overuse and general uselessness! Huh...I'm still going to call it a baby bump!
Inny or Outy: Belly Button is still in!
Wedding Band On or Off: On
Mood Most Of The Time: HAPPY!
Looking Forward To: Finding out if it's a he or a she in ONE WEEK and having our Gender Reveal Party for our friends/family!