29 Weeks and Sneak Peek

How Far Along: 29 Weeks

Size of Baby: Butternut Squash (15 inches, 2 1/2 pounds)
This is funny to me.....seeing how TWO weeks ago he weighed 2 pounds, 9 ounces. We see our little stinker again next week, can't wait to see how much he's grown! According to our pregnancy books, he has his most major growth spurt between 28-32 weeks.

Maternity Clothes: I got another bin full of maternity clothes from my friend, Sarah, this week! This is the THIRD set of hand-me-down's she's given me. Everytime I have new clothes to go through it's like Christmas morning--I love having nice, pretty clothes to cover my expanding belly! It makes a girl feel good :)

Sleep: I sleep pretty good---getting in and out of bed is another story. Ha!

Best Moment this Week:  Finishing up on Cale's room, Saturday Alan and his folks put their efforts together to hang a new ceiling fan.  Until we have our baby showers and start acquiring more things, the nursery is pretty much completed! It was my own goal to get all that stuff done before third trimester, just so I have some time to relax and enjoy these last few weeks of pregnancy.

Tuesday night during dinner I confessed to Alan my bittersweet feelings of pregnancy. I really DO love being pregnant, but at the same time, I'm also really ready to meet this little guy! I've been kinda weepy in the past week over my pregnancy that is winding down.  I'll miss being pregnant, waddling around, rubbing my belly, and talking to the little person growing inside me!  We've waited so long for these moments, and I've enjoyed being able to cherish each and every stage as it's come along.  As soon as I woke up Wednesday morning, Cale made me eat those sweet pregnancy thoughts! Haha! I battled pain (not discomfort) all day long in my lower back, tailbone, hips, legs and ankles.  He wanted to make it perfectly clear that as much as I was enjoying pregnancy he is NOT going to stay in there any longer than he has to! Point taken, kiddo.

This week you caught me in my jammies (sans make-up too) :) We are heading to the lake later this afternoon, so I figured pajamas was better than a bathing suit picture, eeeek!

And, for your enjoyment, here are a few sneak peek pictures at the nursery!

We didn't want to go over-the-top with a theme AND we didn't want it too baby-ish. We went with an average eclectic little boys room, things that represent all aspects of who we are as a family. We wanted it to be a room he could grow with---one that I wasn't having to paint or change the furniture every two years.

Our Poor Dog

We torture him in very inhumane ways.....

Alan got these new headphones, and obviously we thought Bentley needed to try them out :)

Turn My Frown Upside Down

I have a serious case of the Monday's today.  As in, I'm really tempted to write an entire bullet-point post of nothing but grouchiness....but, then y'all might not like me anymore ;) I think I will give-in to my grouchy ways to an extent, but follow it by a nice positive thought (at least it might be good for a laugh in the future!).

• I thought that maybe my handsome faced husband would get the *hint, hint* from my recent "Helplessly Romantic Heart needs Help" post. This girl is dying for some form of romance in my life. I think that the impending arrival of our son has sent me into this tailspin neediness for romance! I'm going to throw him under the bus for a second.....

In my little romantical head, I knew we both had Friday night off work. I was for sure that he would magically suggest a dinner date and dote on his pretty pregnant wife. Lo and behold, I got all gussied up--curled hair and everything! On his way home from golf, around 5pm, he called to see if I wanted anything from Taco Bueno. Sad face for me.

Then, Saturday night we attended a wedding---he DJed the event. I was looking maaaahvelous and dressed up this night too, as I was looking forward to the possibility of a slow dance with my man. Be still my heart, right?! Wrong. (Here's where I share too much). For those who have been pregnant before, you know that pregnancy can 'stop you up' for an extended period of time. During the reception the need to elimiate some waste hit me (this made me excited!), so after sharing the news with him I pranced off to the bathroom. No sooner did I drop my panty hose and settle in on the commode did I hear our song 'Carried Away' start to play. Whaaaaat?! So, I listened to our wedding song (that I could've been slow dancing to) all by my lonesome from the bathroom stall. Sad face.

I'm pitiful and should be ashamed of this new neediness, geez.  Now, in his defense, he has a lot on his plate right now--other than the two rounds of golf he played last week AND the two nights out he enjoyed with friends (sorry, honey!).  He's been spending his days off studying at the house for a big promotional exam at the beginning of December. I know he is not normally the type to be studious or confined to the books all day long, so it's quite a committment on his part.  It would be such a blessing to his career and our family if he promoted, and I know he's feeling that pressure too! 

Herein lies the problem with my selfishness: I'm getting larger, more uncomfortable, and more moody in my third trimester; thus, I'm think I need more attention and doting. In reality, I just need to man-up and be his cheerleader to the 100th-degree! It's much more productive than my whininess ;) Problem solved!

• My work situation is driving me nutty.  I still have no earthly idea what I'll be doing for a job after Cale arrives. Between my boss, his boss, and the boss above her, I get thirteen different stories---obviously no one likes to communicate around this joint. This is par for the course, and it's nothing I didn't know about the chain of command around here.  I've dealt with feelings of anger, resentment, and sadness regarding this situation and how things are being handled. Honestly, I've been wanting a way out of here for a while, and this might be my chance.

Do you think this situation is God slapping me upside the head, reminding me what it's like to lean on Him?! During our bout with infertility, I thought I'd mastered this concept---obviously not. I know that there is a plan for me, for our family. It's time to wake-up and trust GOD again. There's no sense in causing myself emotional stress over this situation when it's clearly out of my control. Thank God that He takes care of these things!  Problem solved!

• When I look tired, grouchy, and pregnant AND I'm sitting at my desk during the lunch hour with my head tilted back and eyes closed......it is NOT a good time to try to tell me gossip on all the "new" people out on the streets (ambulances) that I've never met before. I don't really care that "Sally keeps getting the north streets confused with the east streets, so she's thinking about quitting" and I don't care that "Billy didn't like his training officer so he's put in a request for another one."

Again, me being selfish. I'm starting to see a trend here, huh? Remember the whole Love God, Love People thing?! I should try to get better at that.....pronto! This attitude obviously isn't what I've been called to--I'll take the "when someone ask you to go one mile with them, go two miles" approach. Much better, problem solved!

Basically, I need a good old-fashioned whipping and a "turn your frown upside down" speech.

I have so much to be grateful for, and my life has been blessed far beyond what I deserve. Here's to putting my big girl panties on and dealing with these situations the way my Father would......cheers?

28 Weeks

How Far Along: 28 Weeks
THIRD TRIMESTER

Up until this point, even with a few very minor bumps in the road, I'd say pregnancy has been a breeze (don't hate me for that statement)! I've really enjoyed carrying Cale, preparing for motherhood, and loving on Bentley and Alan before our family expands. This past week I have felt 'pregnant' in every sense of the word--don't know how else to describe it, just the changes in my body.  I was content with the days passing by slowly up until this point, but I think I'm about to discover something different. I think God gives us the 'dog days' of the third trimester to prepare us for the little person that is fixing to physically enter this world.

Maternity Clothes: I was just looking back on all my old weekly bump updates, and it seems so surreal to me that 10 weeks ago I was barely wearing maternity clothes. Now I waddle around everywhere with my big 'ol belly and elastic waistbands :) I already love being a mommy to this baby boy!

Movement: He's been a man-on-the-go for awhile now, but I've noticed a couple changes this week. For starters, I feel his kicks and punches MUCH higher in my belly, which means he's getting bigger and moving up higher (my hips and bladder are thankful!). And secondly, he wakes me up during the night with his acrobatics. I will wake from my dead sleep to his romping in my belly--hope this isn't a sign of his sleep cycle to-be, haha!

Sleep: Much better this week! :) Especially considering it was my loooooong work week. I'm so thankful!

Best Moment this Week: Working on the nursery more, making additions with decorations and a recliner. I'm getting excited to share our progess with y'all, but I think I just might wait for the finished product ;)

First Concert

My mom took my two oldest nieces to their very first concert last night---Taylor Swift. I saw her last time she passed through town, but I was still a tad bit jealous of their evening adventures!  I provided hair artistry (ha!) and photography prior to the start of their night out on the town.

Several weeks ago, Mom took the girls to pick out new outfits specifically for this evening, so hype had been building up for a while.

There is just something about Taylor Swift that makes me channel my young, innocent, head-over-heels in love, high school inner self :) Love her.

I checked in with my mom this morning, who was rather tired from her late evening, but she said the girls had a GREAT time! :)

Just wanted to share the pictures of these two beautiful growing girls.

So Long Summertime

We're still having some warmer days around here, but for the most part, fall has settled into our home. It was somewhat of a bittersweet summer for us---our usual lake and camp times were destroyed by the 110-200 degree heat that we experienced. This crushed my sweet husband, as he is very much a summer time boy. I don't even have to play the pregnant card with this one, it was miserable for everyone! 

Not that I wanted to wish the summer away, but with this sweet little life inside of me, it was hard not to do that. I know fall times mean closer to baby times! :)  Not to mention, fall is my FAV season anyways.

I thought I'd post a few sweet little pictures that we recently had developed on one of those cheap waterproof cameras, some turned out pretty cute!

(Don't judge me for rocking my bikini at 16 weeks pregnant! :) This was just several days prior to finding out we were having a Cale, and not a sister girl.  I figured that it might be the last summer ever for little bitty bathing suits----plus, we were camping on the Illinois River in Oklahoma, aka: there were plenty less than desirable bodies flaunting even smaller bathing suits)

Moms on Call

I guess I woke up today with my Promotional Panties on :)

For my SECOND post in one day, I'd like to talk about Moms on Call.

I've been tossing around the idea of taking a Newborn Care class at our hospital, reading a book, or just winging this whole parenting thing!  After talking with Alan, we decided it couldn't hurt to make ourselves as knowledgeable as possible when it comes to caring for our little guy. We have all the love in our hearts to offer him, but that doesn't mean we won't have some parenting bumps in the road. Im sure we'll make mistakes, all parents do.

I've been researching classes and books, and I think I've finally come to a decision. We will be participating in the Moms on Call Newborn (0-6 months) Care web seminar and reading their book---on our own leisurely time! We're not looking to be perfect parents, but we're hoping to alleviate some lingering questions and eliminate some insecurities that new parents might have.

Well, lo and behold, sweet Megan at In This Wonderful Life, fellow Tulsan and mother to Cohen, Knox, and Sloane, is offering a fantastic Moms on Call giveaway this week! :) Perfect timing, huh?!  She just brought home twin babies, Knox and Sloane, and she sings the praises of Moms on Call!

We are expecting to learn basic infant care (umbilical cord care, circumcision care, bathing tips, swaddling tips, breastfeeding tips, night-time routines, etc) and any other useful knowledge these Moms have to offer us! Wish us luck :)

I almost hate to promote this giveaway, because I feel like being selfish to win this prize, haha! If you are a new mom, expecting mom, or looking for a great gift for one of the previous--go visit Megan's giveaway and check out the Moms on Call webpage.

Fall's Favorite Finds Blog Swap

It's time for another fabulous blog swap, and some of my favorite girls are hosting this one! :)



Who doesn't love to get fun fall goodies in the mail from another wonderful blogger OR who doesn't love an excuse to shop for some wonderful fall finds?! 

I might be looking forward to this blog swap more than any other blog swap (I think I say that every time!).

Without further adieu, go visit my girls:

Caroline at Simply Smithwick

Molly at The Fuschia News

Mateya at The Best is Yet to Come

You'll find all the blog swap information you need on their sites---no need to sign up on all three, one will do the trick and get you in the swap!

Helplessly Romantic Heart needs Help

Hmmm, what to say about my weekend...?! I worked.

(Only THREE more of these working weekends before Cale's arrival!)

On Friday, I took a half-day vacation to pamper myself before a date night with the handsome husband!  He had surprised me several months ago with tickets to Alan Jackson at the BOK Center, and Friday was the night.  We hadn't been out on a "date," like a real date by ourselves in....oh, forever.  Alan Jackson was good---but, the night was spoiled by several things. It certainly didn't fulfill the desire in my heart to be swooned over during a date (sorry, Love!). It was one of those nights where nothing seemed to go right.  It was rainy weather, we got a late start on our evening (thanks citizens of Tulsa for calling 911 and keeping husband at the fire station longer!), the rain forced me to run several hundred (slight exaggeration) yards to the building, I couldn't catch my breath for an hour (slight exaggeration), I had two stinky bathroom experiences at the BOK center (like the person in the stall next to me forced me to gag myself with toilet paper while trying to pee), I fought indigestion the entire evening, and we sat next to some unthoughtful concert-goers who blocked my view of the stage for 70% of the concert while talking screaming at each other over the music making it impossible to enjoy a song. I had visions of a perfect, fun evening---taking a few pictures of our pretty/handsome dressed-up selves, eating a nicer meal before the concert, having a handsome boy dote on me all night.  None of those things happened, and it was nothing either of us did (or didn't do!) It was just one of those nights when nothing could go right. Looking back, I guess you just kinda have to giggle about it.  It just left me with the desire to get all gussied up again, go out on another real date, and see Alan Jackson again.

I spent the rest of the weekend in my office.....watching football, duh! ;)

Proud of my SOONERS for an outstanding performance this weekend! So proud that I'm now trying to rationalize taking a 'vacation' with my husband and our nearly two-month-old to the BCS National Championship game in New Orleans in January. Ha! Who am I kidding?!

27 Weeks

How Far Along: 27 Weeks
Last Week in the 2nd Trimester

Total Weight Gain: +19 Pounds

Movement: Cale has been a man-on-the-go lately. I'm still loving every second of it!  I confessed to Alan this week that sometimes I feel guilty that I get to have all this fun with Cale while he doesn't get to experience it (at least not the way I do).  He was so sweet in his response when he said "that's just something extra special that comes with being a Mommy!"

Sleep:  I've spent the majority of the past week off work, and I notice a HUGE difference in my sleep patterns when it's my "light" week at work. During my loooooong stretch of five 12-hour days, I never feel like I get good sleep. You'd think being plum exhausted at the end of those days, my body would just crash?! Wrong. It's weird.  Anyhow, I slept amazingly, soundly, and comfortably next to a handsome man all my days off work.  My body needed that! No cramps, no restless legs, no sleeplessness, PRAISE JESUS!

Best Moment this Week:  For starters, I got the GREATEST surprise from Alan on Friday afternoon :) We hadn't purchased a crib just yet because we'd been back-and-forth on what we liked, and I was getting to the point where I just wanted to order one without being too particular.  We opened the garage door on Friday to a giant UPS truck in our driveway with a special delivery---Alan had ordered the crib as a surprise for me! I cried :) Happy tears!  Yesterday, we had a GREAT doctor's appointment. My swelling was pretty much gone, like all the way gone :)  We got some sweet, sweet pictures of Cale's little face AND we found out that he is almost a whole POUND above normal for his gestinational age (2 pounds, 9 ounces). Our doctor referred to him as a "show off!" Ha! (He gets that from his Daddy!)  We feel so blessed by his growing progress---we hope he keeps up this pace!  We know they are planning on taking him a few weeks early to prevent my body from laboring (thus, keeping me and Cale safe!), so the bigger he is--the BETTER!  Grow baby, grow!!

Hair-tastic

Help!

 I need some womanly wisdom and advice over the status of my current appearance: blah! I don't know if I've got the pregnancy blues or what, but I just haven't been pleased with my looks lately. Women have been asking me if pregnancy had changed my hair texture.....my original answer was "no." After looking at multiple weeks worth of pictures now, I'd venture to say otherwise.  Another obvious thought after looking at all these pictures of myself: I need some lip color in a baaaaad way.

I've been having some brown put into my hair each time I get it done, just to help lengthen the time between highlights/lowlights.  Not knowing what the future holds for my employment status or pocket book, I figured I was being a good steward of our money.  I'm second thinking my decisions, though.

Basically, I am suffering from the dull-drums in the looks department lately. I need a mommy-to-be spruce up!  So, girls, give me your best advice. Hair color, products to spruce up these dull duds, and some good fall lip color choices---here's your chance to speak your mind ;)



Pre-Pregnancy




Pre-Pregnancy



Pre-Pregnancy

Pre-Pregnancy
Rockin' the Pink Lipstick

Pre-Pregnancy

Pregnancy
Post-Brown Installment

Pregnancy
and Brittle :(

Pregnancy
Darker

Pregnancy
Lighter

I just need a gift certificate to Dillards for some new MAC make-up, that will fix all my problems ;) Right?!