Baby Gardner- 22 weeks

How far along? 22 weeks
Total weight gain.  13.5 lbs
Baby Development. Baby Gardner is about 1 pound now. His main job for the next 18 weeks is to gain weight and get really strong. He has had a major growth spurt in the past week or so. Hello bump.
Maternity Clothes? Still loving my maternity leggings, also bought a few basic maternity tees
Stretch Marks? Nope
Sleep? Sleeping great
Best Moment of the week? Even though I dreaded my birthday, it actually turned out to be a pretty great day. Ross did an extra good job with presents this year(more to come in later post)
Symptoms? Feeling like I have to pee all the time(thought this wasn't suppose to start till later in the pregnancy).
Food cravings? This week has been full of birthday sweets. Can't get enough of them
Miss anything? Pushing my body when working out, it has always given me a great start to the day.
Movement? This little boy is very active, especially in the evening
Gender ? Little baby boy
Belly Button in or out? In
Goals for upcoming week? Would really like to decide on a color combo for the nursery. Have two ideas I am trying to decide between and since I am so indecisive, I am not getting anywhere. Getting a little frustrated.
Looking Forward to?  Making progress on the nursery, NEED TO MAKE DECISIONS
Thoughts?  I am trying to remind myself that its just a nursery and not to think too much into it. I don't want to go overboard and i want to stick with my original vision-simple, classic, and peaceful.

Humor only a Preggo could love

My sister in law sent me a link to a youtube video a few weeks ago, and like most links I get, I told myself I would watch it later. Well, a few days ago I was going through my list of "to do" links and videos and ran across this. Let me just say, I WAS CRACKING UP.  Before I was pregnant I would have thought it was the stupidest thing, but now, its brilliant. Similar to Jenny McCarthy's book Belly Laughs.

Anyways, this video is awesome, thanks again for thinking of me Carly, I am still laughing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THAaNPIxEek

Last house project before the nursery

For the past few years I have been wanting to update our kitchen, nothing major, just give it a little facelift. Keeping in mind that we don't plan on staying in this house for more than 3-4 more years, I decided to just update the counters and sink. Our old counters were a cream color and I just hated them. And the sink, a cheap builders sink with the cheapest possible faucet. Here are a few 'before' pictures.

old sink and faucet

Even though I was unsure what it would look like with our light cabinets and backspash, I decided to go with a dark, shiny finish counter top. I also decided on a black sink with a pull down faucet. I am so happy with how it turned out. It was relatively inexpensive and I think it made a huge difference when it comes to the look of our kitchen!!  Plus, I am in there enough, I figured it was well worth it.

That was the last official home project that I wanted to get done before our little man comes. Now I am 100% dedicated to the nursery!!! Let the madness begin.

Baby Gardner- 21 weeks

How far along? 21 weeks
Total weight gain.  12.5 lbs
Baby Development. Baby is the size of a banana.  He is about 10.5 inches long and weighs about 13 ounces. Hair is beginning to grow on his head and he is developing eyelashes and eyebrows.
Maternity Clothes? Wearing my new favorite clothing item, Gap maternity leggings!!! They are so comfy. These bad boys are staying in my life long after pregnancy.
Stretch Marks? Nope, lathering my mid section with lots of tummy butter.
Sleep? No problems here, still trying to remind myself to stay off my back though
Best Moment of the week? Still on a high from finding out the gender
Symptoms? Starting to experience more heartburn and running is getting very difficult, it feels like he is jumping up and down on my bladder when I run.
Food cravings? Yogurt and granola, grapefruit, pita chips and hummus
Miss anything? Enjoying a nice long run on these beautiful 45 degree days we have been having
Movement? Lots of movement. Ross was able to feel him for the first time this week while laying in bed, it was very special.
 Gender ? Little baby boy
Belly Button in or out? In, but looking very shallow these days
Goals for upcoming week? Order the crib, dresser and nursery chair.
Looking Forward to?  This week should be very laid back at work, so I hope to get lots of ideas collected for the nursery!!
 Thoughts? This past week has been a tough one for me, mentally and emotionally. I am really hoping for a better week.

Baby Gardner- 20 weeks

Belly finally popped. Plus I just ate a huge dinner and lots of gender cake!

How far along? 20 weeks
Total weight gain.  11.5 lbs
Baby Development.  Baby can cover his ears with his hands if the sounds are too loud, and he may even "jump" inside the womb if any sounds startle him. The hair on his scalp is also growing.
Maternity Clothes? Still wearing my cloths, but I need to buy a belly band, the jeans just aren't wanting to button these days. But mostly wearing leggings and dresses when not in scrubs.
Stretch Marks? No signs yet!!
Sleep?Sleep is good, but I am waking up with a sore shoulder(whatever side I am laying on). Dr says no more back laying, so I am trying to sleep completely on my side
Best Moment of the week? Our 20 week appointment and ultrasound. He is growing so much. And of course finding out the sex!!!And feeling movement with my hand, that was AMAZING.
Symptoms?Starting to get some reflux, Tums takes care of it though. Also running is getting a little more uncomfortable. When I start running I feel like he is jumping up and down on my bladder.
Food cravings? Nothing in particular, fruit and yogurt still sound good all the time. And Cracker Barrel Cheddar Cheese.
Miss anything? nope
Movement? Oh Yeah, Its in little spurts, usually mid afternoon and in the evening. I love every movement.
 Gender ? ITS A BABY BOY!!!
Belly Button in or out? in
Goals for upcoming week?Get serious about the nursery decor. Also get the nursery closet cleaned out.
Looking Forward to? Being able to confidently buy little boy cloths and nursery items
 Thoughts? Half way there!!! Getting a little nervous to decide on a daycare, I don't want to take my little man to daycare, he is still going to be such a little nugget.

Gender Reveal

So, we had our 20 week appointment and ultrasound on Wednesday the 6th of February. We did not reveal gender, the tech put the evidence in an envelope for us to take to a bakery to have a cake made. Originally we were going to wait until Valentines Day to do a reveal, but after having the ultrasound done, there was no way I was waiting 8 more days. So, we decided to do it on Friday the 8th instead. We went and had a great dinner at J. Coco's, then headed home to cut the much anticipated 'gender reveal cake'.

So, we held hands and cut the cake to find out if we were having a boy or girl....

ITS A BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Me and our 'boy' cake

My very proud husband, Ross and his boy cake!!

We are both so ecstatic to be having a boy. Ross is still grinning from ear to ear and I cannot wait to have me a little Ross!! YAY, we are having a boy!!

A little trip North

I am a little late with this post, but a very hectic week got in my way. About a week and a half ago I headed home to Minneapolis for a long weekend with the family. The main reason was to celebrate my moms 60th birthday, but at the same time, my hair needed some major TLC, so a visit to the salon was in order.

I drove up on Tuesday night due to the fact that I needed to be back Saturday night to prepare for our annual Super Bowl party. I didn't get in until late, so after a little catching up with my mom and stepdad, it was off to bed. I awoke Wednesday morning with a smile on my face knowing I had the next 3 days to spend with my favorite people in the world, my sisters.  So after running errands with mom, I headed down to meet Jordan and Paige. Jordan was getting her hair cut by Paige, so I hoped over the salon to say hi. After talking about my moms party a bit and getting a game plan for the next few days, Jordan and I left Paige to finish work. We spent the rest of the day shopping(hello, tax free cloths) and then to my parents to make dinner. After dinner we made a few of the desserts for the next day(mom's birthday get together).

I woke up Thursday, to the most dreadful sight, and I thought Nebraska was bad.

In case you can't see my mom's doggie thermometer, that says -17, yes,the actual temperature. Feels like was only -24 at the time.  One look at that thermometer cured me of ever wanting to live there. Don't get me wrong, I will visit all the time, but seriously, -17, that's just plain stupid.

Despite the cold and my utter disbelief that I was not in an awful nightmare, I managed to get ready and start the birthday extravaganza. The day started with my mom, two sisters and I getting manicures and pedicures.

After that we drove down to Dinkytown (this is right off the U of M campus), very cool little area. We got family waxes(oh yeah, with 3 girls, its gonna happen) at the Refinery then popped over to Potbelly's for some warm soup and sandwiches. And of course, the best and biggest pickles in MN!!!

I am the biggest pickle fan, pregnant or not. As a kid, I ate pickle sandwiches. Growing up, my mom would buy the massive jars from Sam's club to keep my sisters and I happy. And of course, to make my  pickle life story even better, I married someone who LITERALLY gags at the smell of pickles. I wish I was being dramatic here. If we are out to eat and our food comes and there is a pickle on Ross's place, I hurry up and take it off and wipe his plate down with my napkin so he will eat his food. Needless to say, much of my pickle consumption happens before Ross gets home from work or far away from him.

After my pickle fix, we stopped by Babies R Us to check out a few strollers, cribs and car seats.  Holy overwhelming. Do babies seriously need all that crap??? An entire warehouse sized store for babies, really.  OK, I am in!! I roamed every isle, sat in all the rockers and tried to figure out why there are 65 different brands of bottles. Oh boy, I have my work cut out. Mainly in the self control department, a $250 infant bathtub that has jets and an adjustable back, I don't need it, I don't need it, I don't need it. But them Paige made the point that when the baby is done using it, I can give myself pedicures in it. I love that girl, finds a way to justify the craziest stuff, sounds totally practical to me!!

After that trip I needed a big glass of Pinot, oh shoot I forgot. OK, I settled for a red velvet cheesecake cookie. Much better. So we headed home and got ready for the party. Nothing big or extravagant, just a nice little gathering with some delicious food and drinks. My sisters and I made some shredded beef tacos, Brushetta, a layered greek dip, cheese and crackers, buffalo chicken bites, and some fruit. Then for dessert we made Red Velvet cheesecake cookies, chocolate dipped strawberries, and Key Lime cheesecake cupcakes. Yes, it was all as delicious as it sounds. I tried everything except the wide selection of wines, but I did bury my nose in Paige's wine glass a few times for a good whiff. It was a fun get together and I got a kick out of everyone in disbelief that my mom is 60. Yeah, you look good momma. Happy Birthday!!

Friday was a day full of outlet mall shopping with Paige. It again was like -5 and snowing, so the weather made it a little difficult to fully appreciate the good deals, but we managed. I came home with goods from Under Armour, Gap, and lululemon. A very good day with some great company. The exciting day wasn't over just yet.  After getting home, eating some dinner and changing into my PJ's, I settled in on the couch to catch up on blogs. Well, as I am sitting there with my hand on my belly holding my Ipad, I felt it. A FOR REAL KICK!!! It was amazing and weird and life changing all at once. Since that moment, i have been able to feel every little movement my little peanut was making. I love it.

Saturday I got up, packed and headed down to Juut at Southdale. Since I am safe to color my hair, I needed to touch up my Balayage and get a cut. Thanks to Dana for the amazing color and my amazing sister Paige for the cut. I seriously will drive 5 hours for this cut, she is AMAZING!!!

It was a great trip home, despite the subzero temperature. I seriously treasure all the time I get to spend with my sisters, you don't know how good you got it until they are 6 hours away.

Baby Gardner- 19 weeks

How far along? 19 weeks, 4 days
Total weight gain.  10 lbs, feel like this was my "pop" week
Baby Development. Baby G is the size of a mango and it's swimming pool( my uterus) is the size of a cantaloupe.
Maternity Clothes? Still rocking one pair of my old skinny jeans that fit, otherwise all leggings for this girl
Stretch Marks? No signs yet!!
Sleep? Lovely, can't get enough of it
Best Moment of the week?  Feeling an actual "kick" with my hand, makes me smile everytime now.
Symptoms?  The belly is starting to get a little itchy, but when it feels itchy I add another layer of belly butter. I have also been getting some muscle spasms in my butt.
Food cravings? Nothing in particular.Still can't get enough yogurt, granola, and homemade applesauce
Miss anything? Wish I could have shared a bottle glass of wine with my sisters 
Movement?Yep, LOTS.  The movements generally happen mostly in the evening and early afternoon. Can't wait for Ross to feel it.
 Gender predictions? Boy. We will find out for sure next week
Belly Button in or out? in
Goals for upcoming week? Narrow down our daycare selection and get more ideas for the nursery. Once we know what the sex is, we can get started on it
Looking Forward to? Our 20 week appointment/ultrasound. Can't wait to see our little peanut
 Thoughts? Cannot believe I am approaching 20 weeks, how can I  be half way done??? I have been very blessed with a relatively easy pregnancy, very grateful.