Something to make you smile...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE when people think outside the box!

Go ahead...get your 'warm fuzzy' on...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0

26 Weeks, 2 days and counting...

It's crazy to think that in less than a week, I'll be in my 3rd trimester already! Today I am 26 weeks, 2 days and counting... Lil P is measuring the size of a large zucchini!

The bad news: I failed my 1 hour glucose test this morning. I have to admit, I was heartbroken but I know they do these tests for a reason and a lot of women fail the 1 hour. So... next on the agenda is the 3 hour glucose test which I will succumb to next week. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

The good news: We found daycare! I toured a center today just outside our development and loved it! They are a Quality Star Rating, state-licensed daycare center that is on a smaller scale. They promote Creative Curriculum, which reminded me of the Montessori-type style of learning. And overall, I got a great vibe from the Director, teachers and other parents I talked to while getting the tour. We have secured our spot for the first of the year!

I'm going to try really hard to put down the Pillsbury products and pick up a veggie. I know it's going to go against every pregnant fiber in my being, but I also know it's probably best for Lil P. Andy and I are still walking nightly and I'm still schlepping outside on my breaks at work- hoping every little bit will help.

Here's my 26 week belly shot:

See you next week!

How many Kleenex to pull before you've gone through the whole box??

A lot~ and I think I used them all!

Last night, my good friend Jenny and I headed to the movies. We had both read the book 'My Sister's Keeper' and were anxious to see how the movie compared. I thought for sure I'd at least get through the first half of the movie without crying but... hello! Pregnancy hormones were in full effect and I cried the whole way through!

It was a good movie but I was a little disappointed about the ending they chose, which went in a different direction than the book. If you're on the fence, I say book over movie!

It was fun though to catch up with Jenny and I look forward to our next girl's night out!

25 Weeks, 2 days and counting...

Today I am 25 weeks, 2 days and counting... Reagan is the size of an eggplant! Andy and I met with our new Dr. yesterday and everything looked great. We heard the baby's heartbeat (holding steady at 150) and my blood pressure was normal. She didn't mention my weight gain (a candy bar here, an ice cream sundae there...it's all relative, right?) and I of course, didn't bring it up!

She did say swelling in my fingers and toes was normal as long as I made sure to rest my feet at night. No problem there! My new mantra: 'I am one with the La-z-boy.'

My glucose testing is scheduled for next week and I hope I pass with flying colors! Other than that, just the normal aches and pains with carrying a baby- no longer worried about fitting into my 'normal' clothes but now worrying about what to do if I grow out of my maternity clothes! Always an up-hill battle...

25 week belly shot:
Until next week! xo

Was that the weekend that just flew by???

Andy and I got to spend some R&R with my parents this weekend. Well, actually not R&R for the guys as they were busy getting our new computer desk settled in the basement and Scotty outdid himself with putting together the nursery furniture in record time (saved me plenty of tears, I'll admit!).

Saturday night, after feasting on Andy's smoked ribs and DQ birthday cake for Scotty, we started an engaging Wahoo tournament. I'll even admit defeat after the game but...(Hmmm... did the guys cheat? Is that how they won?). :)

We had a blast as always and wish Scotty a very happy birthday! xo

The 'desk that Scott built' in the 'basement that Scott built' (Do you see the theme here?!):

Gift from Gma Kollenkark:

Dresser and changing table/dresser:

Painting begins in the nursery the first week of August. Stay tuned for 'before' and 'after' pics!

From designer purses to designer daycare...

So there must come a time in every mom's life that she finally realizes it's no longer about the perfect outfit, accessory, or shoe... it's about affording quality, reliable daycare. I think I hit that point this week.

In this day and age, it's virtually impossible for Andy and I not to work. Like everyone else, we have bills, a mortgage, etc. So I'm finally hit with the age-old decision: in-home daycare or going to a center? Both have pro's and con's, it's just which pro's and con's I want to focus on. After being unsuccessful in lining up in-home daycare in our development I've expanded my search to include daycare centers as well.

Hence, the designer daycares... the perfect situation for us would be the daycare at Andy's work. It's a brand new, state-of-the-art, facility complete with a web cam at his desk for all day viewing of Lil P. The price tag? Almost as much as our mortgage. Now the inner voice in me is asking, 'okay can you really put a price tag on your child's care?' Not really, but we also have to be realistic. Having two payments a month that equal mortgage amounts is not really financially responsible either.

So what are new parents to do? I've been fighting an internal battle this week, hoping the right solution will fall into my lap without having to sacrifice too much. After all, I'm at peace with giving up the shoes, purses and accessories- but we still need to put food on the table!

I have some center tours lined up for the next couple of weeks and we'll see how things go... in the meantime, I'm going to return cans and bottles to add to the fund. Every little bit counts, right?

Is that the couch I hear calling my name??

As I type this, I'm supposed to be upstairs showering, primping, trying to find something to cover my bump...for a girl's night out tonight but I just don't. have. the. energy.

Now how many times have I heard that great myth about 'tons of energy in your 2nd trimester?' Cause it ain't happening...

And the couch won't stop calling my name....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....

P.S. I have successfully met my Pillsbury product quota for the day. Sheesh- whatever happened to Corporate sponsorship? I can be the 'spokespregnant' lady for the Puff-man, no problem!

24 Weeks, 2 days and counting...

It's hard to imagine that I'm rounding the corner of 2nd trimester and am only 3 short weeks from the final stretch!

I've definitely been on the quest for wide-width sandals and can only imagine how I'll cope once fall hits. Sleeping through the night is pretty much wishful thinking but the body pillow does help some.

I did find out some interesting news about my OBGYN- apparently, he is no longer with the practice so...out with the old and in with the new! At least Adrian is familiar with my new Dr. and squelched any fears I may have had. The biggest lesson to any pregnancy is being flexible, right? So here's to new beginnings- I'll get to meet her next Monday for my 25 week check-up and am sure everything will go smoothly.

Here's my customary 24 week belly shot- a baby or a basketball?? It's anyone's guess. :) See you next week!

Week in Review

In preparation for baby, our plan has been to move our computer from the family room into the basement. We are trying to minimize wires so have gone wireless as well as acquiring a wireless keyboard and mouse. This of course has its challenges as I'm learning how to trouble shoot when the connection goes down, and has also affected my ability to blog!

So here's a recap of the week's activities:

Wednesday night:

After a wonderful pedicure treat with Annette and her sissy, I headed over to my friend Adrian's new house in Windsor Heights. I'm happy that they are in the perfect house for them and are busy getting settled. And it wouldn't be a girls night without a shopping trip! We headed to Big Lots and I found an adorable light for Reagan's room:

Can't beat a $5 bargain!

Thursday night: Andy and I headed out for movie night with our friends the Crawford's and Lee's. We saw the Hangover and it was hilarious! Can't remember the last time I laughed so hard I cried. A good feeling!

Friday: I headed up North to spend some quality time with my family. My grandma had fallen and broken her hip so she was recovering in the nursing home. Thank goodness she came out of surgery okay and now will just focus on the long road to recovery. It was great to see her and priceless to witness her reaction when she saw me come into her room! Well worth the trip- plus I got to spend some retail therapy with my mama and saw the beautiful new computer desk that Scott built for us for the basement (will post pics after it's delivered next week!).

Saturday night: I met Kelli and Annette out for Kelli's birthday at the Star Bar! Of course, now that I'm on water duty I got to focus on the wonderful menu instead. Enjoyed some amazing pasta dish with a cream base- perfect for any pregnant girl!

Happy birthday Kelli Belli!

And to top off the weekend, we spent today celebrating Alyce's birthday! Steve-O really outdid himself on the grill today- stuffed peppers, grilled shrimp skewers and marinated chicken! I ate myself right into a 4:00 p.m. nap! It was always great to see how Jack and Evie are growing and spend time with the family. Happy birthday Alyce! We love you!

Hope everyone enjoyed the weekend! xo

23 Weeks, 2 Days and counting...

Time flies when you're having fun...or in my case- eating my way through my days and nights! I am 23 weeks, 2 days and counting. Next Sunday is my 'viability' date, which is a huge milestone!

Some anecdotes this week:

*The Frito Lay potato chip commercial on the radio makes me cry. 20% more chips for the same amount of money?! *tear*

*I had to bid farewell to my wedding ring. It was getting very snug and I wanted to be able to take it off sans dipping my finger in butter. It's tucked safely away in our safe and I hope to retrieve it before Christmas!

*I had to buy a small desk fan to use at work, even though my workplace is fondly referred to as 'the arctic.' So yes, I am producing enough energy to go solar.

Here is my 23 week shot and I find myself thinking, "It's going to get BIGGER??" But I'm blessed to still be feeling the kicks every now and then~especially when I have Willie Nelson and Neil Young playing on my belly- at least, she likes to dance!

Until next week! xo