27 Weeks

Oh this week. Starting Monday night, I just started to feel like I’m in the third trimester. I’m walking slow and my allergies kind of exploded. I miss my allegra-d! It is also interesting to see how the shape of my belly has changed 3 times in the past 10 days. I went from carrying low, to high and popped out, to a very spread out look. If that makes any sense?  Matt told me “you look small again honey” and it’s very true, since I think she has really stretched out and is kicking me in all kinds of different places now. She’s exploring as Matt says! Here is my bumpdate! And this photo below was taken at 26w3d, during our crazy memorial weekend in Galveston. 

How far along: 27 weeks

Baby size: about two lbs they say. I can not wait until my 33 week appointment to get the real size.

Weight gain: I’ve gain a lb. since last week, per the Dr. I've gained 14 lbs. "I think" I've gained 19 lbs. 

Stretch marks: nope. and I've gotten much better at applying bio oil lately.

Mood: getting impatient. Time is not feeling so fast these past couple of days., and I think it’s because I am trying to slow down.

Wedding ring: on.

Belly button:  in, but flattening out.

Sleep: I seem to sleep in 2 4-hour increments now. I wake up anywhere from 2-3 a.m. and am up for a solid hour. Two nights ago I walked around my house wide awake. I looked out all the windows and wondered, “what does my neighborhood look like at 2 a.m.?”  I then stared at the rain while eating a popsicle. Lol. It was definitely a bizarre moment where I thought “in a couple of months, I’ll be snuggling my baby at this time.” I'm convinced this will be her 'wake up time' in the future.

Gender: a little girl. The name debate is still on!

Movement:  I saw her move through my dress on Tuesday, and it. Was. Crazy. I looked down while at a traffic light, and bam! I just saw my dress changing shapes! it definitely brightened my morning.

Best moment this week: taking a Benadryl and waking up to some allergy relief. Yea, not so good of a moment but I’ll take it. I did have a really good weekend tho! And got my asos.com maternity clothes order.

Looking forward to: my glucose test next week! I just love going to the dr. office, even if for a glucose test.

Food cravings: um, pancakes and the tex-mex omelet from Black Walnut. Seriously the best pancakes in town.

Anything making you queasy or sick: nope.

Labor Signs: heck no. 

What I miss: being able to move quickly and normally.

Symptoms: back pain, pelvic bone pain, walking slow, and darkening skin. my linea negra showed up a while back, but it got very dark the past couple of weeks.

Workouts: none. Well, I have some pelvic tilts to help with back pain. Need to change this.

Random things: I started looking at what to pack for my hospital bag, and reading babywise. My to do list is crazy, but I've kind of blocked it out the past couple of days in my effort to ‘chill out.’

Furniture Friday

Happy good Friday blog friends! I am off today, but running errands and getting ready to go out of town. Not exactly how i want to spend my day off, But I woke up at 6 am on the dot. Little miss c says no sleeping in mommy! I'm gonna move around til you feed me! But back to the furniture, and why I'm writing today. 

If you're new around here, I enjoy a good house project every now and then, and have a sister who pretty much lives and breathes home projects. I'm not exaggerating, I don't think she does anything else with her spare time. And she is really awesome at it, if I can just brag on her for a second. So, I called on her to help us finish the house as much as possible before the baby gets here.  So in efforts to document this madness/huge nesting phase,  I'm going to start posting any projects on Friday. Furniture Friday that is! I've never had a weekly planned post before, so I'm really excited about it! 

And first up, the easiest and cheapest project we've ever taken on to date - a drum shade (aka a huge lamp shade) as a chandelier. We used a lighting kit from Home Depot, then this 30.00 drum shade from the West Elm section of pottery barn outlet in San Marcos. It originally cost 149.00 and I got this sucker for 30 bucks! 

BEFORE: 

AFTER: 

OH YEA!

Here is a close up of the lighting kit and how it fits into the shade. 

Now we got the new chairs and bench back in December, but I had to go wayyy back to find a picture that actually had that horrific lighting fixture in it. Now that gold beauty and the beast" mirror (does that not look like gaston?!)? That sucker is is my next victim. Stay tuned! 

I'm off to look at paint swatches before we head out to rockport, TX. 

Weekend + Discomfort

I don’t know what happened, but it seems that overnight I have become incredibly uncomfortable. My lower back hurts and my pelvis muscles are “stretching.” I am sure you aren’t, but in case you were curious, that feels like a pulled muscle. I am walking so weird, and it has been raining non-stop here in Houston so my allergies are beginning to sketch out on me. My allergies (and the crazy Texas heat) usually arrive much earlier than the end of May, so I am thankful for that. But I am already dreaming of tonight: I'll pop a Benadryl (my doctor approves), and conk out for the night!

Ok, grievances aired, now let’s move onto the weekend. This memorial weekend was jam-packed with all kinds of fun stuff. We went to the club to eat and swim with the kids, and I just love going there any time we can. That’s where Matthew and I had our wedding reception, and I just love the nostalgia that comes with stopping by. We hitched a ride on the boat, went to the beach, rode around the island in golf carts and fished off the dock a ton. It was muy fabuloso.

Now, is this crazy weekend the cause of back and pelvic pain? Possibly. I am making a major point to slow my roll from here on out, and start relaxing much more. Time to dial down the activity, and up the dial on long baths with lavender, prenatal yoga, squats. Over and out my friends.

25 & 26 Weeks Prego!

How far along: 26 weeks

Baby size: I was measuring a week behind at the Dr. during week 25 because I am carry low. We'll see what little miss has been doing at my next appointment in about 2 weeks. 

Weight gain: Sooo I have been calculating this based on what I thought my pre-pregnancy weight was, not per the Dr. So, per the Dr. I've gained 13 lbs. "I think" I've gained 18 lbs. 

Stretch marks: nope. and I've gotten much better at applying bio oil lately.

Mood: happy! excited!

Wedding ring: it's still on. feeling snug.

Belly button:  very much in. 

Sleep: ehhhh. getting a little weird lately. I set up all my pillows and finally get comfy, then bam its time to get up and go to the restroom! still not terrible tho. 

Gender: a little girl!

Movement:  SO much movement! 

Best moment this week: Definitely our 2 year anniversary. Matt and I went to Reef restaurant, he got me a silk robe to fit the cotton theme of 2 years, and it was a perfect date night. To add, I felt her near my belly button, meaning she moved up, and my belly really popped! I never want to forget that day because it was so sweet, anddd she also got off my bladder. That a was a major plus!

Looking forward to: Memorial Day Weekend in Galveston with family, Baby showers, and getting everything done! I'm so excited to accomplish things right now, especially when I can cross things off my list. I also took a really close look at my time off, and I will get paid roughly 80% of my paycheck while I am off. This makes me so happy and reduces so much stress for my leave. OH and I ordered a crap ton of maternity clothes from asos.com! 

Food cravings: anything high in protein. eggs, avocados, hamburgers, protein cereal, fish. anything jalapeno flavored. and add a dash of biscuits 

Anything making you queasy or sick: nope! and it feels glorious!

Labor Signs: heck no. 

What I miss: wine and cute clothes. did I mention wine?

Symptoms: nothing crazy, except my feet grew! a dash of tailbone pain, and having trouble getting up from sitting or laying down! I do this weird rollover shimmy thang to get up. lol. 

Workouts: does squatting to pick something up count?? haha. I have been walking a lot and generally been active with all my errands and my three flights of stairs, unfortunately no workouts. I do want to start squatting a lot soon. 

Random things: I am obsessed with two-inch heels. Flats hurt my lower back. 

Before the baby list

Before the baby list
  I know this list will change and morph, but here are some of the crazy things consuming all my time and swirling in my pregnant, scattered brain! 

updated 7/30

Ahem - name her. This is pretty important. It seems we are down to his favorite and my favorite, and now at a stand still. 
Order name sign - I know what I want, just gotta find it. I can't wait for a name decision so I can order it!
finalize shower lists and dates  I am so excited for showers! 
Empty upstairs guest room
Empty downstairs guest room
Put upstairs guest room items into downstairs guest room
Paint room
Order wall paper
research how to put wall paper up ... this is going to be interesting
Put wall paper up
Paint nursery dresser, order new knobs order 6 more in 3 inch
Order crib - I've been searching but nothing has really caught my eye just yet.
Register at buy buy baby - halfway done, I just need to add a lot of things online once I double check baby’s r us and amazon to make sure there aren’t cheaper options out there.
Register at baby’s r us - going here for more practical items
Do registry research
Find Crib bedding- “don’t do custom, don’t do custom” is what I am telling myself. 
Sell Altima- almost, almost done this task! gah. notaries + sending scanned documents back and forth = my lord it's almost done! 
Get new SUV - YAYYYYY CANT WAIT FOR THISSSS
Paint master
Get master headboard, night stands, dresser,
get full length mirror, new bath mats
Hang master curtains
paint hutch
get different fabric for cornice boards
Confirm pediatrician- we got some good recs, just need to seal the deal!
Fill out FMLA paperwork - eek. This is crazy to me! I am less than 100 days out
Go on hospital tour
Order pump. You can now get these for free through your insurance! (have to wait til july 28)
Sign up for short term disability! I figured some things out this week, and I'll will be paid for 80% of my leave. I'm super excited and proud of myself for this! 
Start squatting in hopes of a manageable delivery! 
Take better bump pics with DSLR 
Book maternity pics!! 
Take maternity pics
plan out maternity shoot
thank you cards from shower
read babywise - 30% done. I swear this book puts me to sleep after 5 pages.
read baby name wizard
get maid and in a routine - I am almost comfortable enough to let a stranger in my house. and have a few recs.
baby shower dress
reconcile registries, edit out duplicates
look for curtains, shelves, accessories and prints
pick rocker
hostess gifts 
hostess gifts again
find diaper bag
pack hospital bag and diaper bag
research daycare, book tours
pick daycare 
print pictures and hang around house
deep clean and organize house
set up swings, etc!  we've started this and it's so much fun!

Galveston Weekend

This past weekend, the weekend before Memorial Day, will always be super special to me. The weather is great, summer is around the corner, and it's the weekend we said "I do!" If you like to stalk wedding posts, I gots lots of em'!

To celebrate we headed south to Galveston, where we got married if you are new around here, and soaked up the sun and lots of family time. I'm so grateful for our marriage, and for this time as the clock counts down to becoming parents! #nopressure

Some scenes from the weekend!

 

bump and lola

sunning on the dock

hot dogs just the way I like em'

matthew and colbs paddleboarding

Steph and Grey Grey paddleboarding

Matt fished on kayak, we caught crabs, ran around the neighborhood in a golf cart, met my dad at the beach and soaked in a perfect weather weekend. We'll be back at it this Memorial day weekend, and I can not wait.

A Glorious Saturday

Oh my. It's been a glorious Saturday morning. We woke up late, watched Mad Men in bed, then headed out to pick up breakfast tacos practically in our Jammies. To add to the amazing ness of today, the weather here in Houston has been phenomenal, and I've found myself falling more and more in love with my neighborhood this spring / summer season. I love the trees mashed up against the urban scene.  It's just my cup of tea. Now we are headed to the coast! Happy weekend friends!

The Bumpty Dance, here's your chance to do the Bump!

I've survived the last two weeks! Hip hip hooray! We got a lot done in House and babyland last weekend - thank goodness for my family for coming over to help - and I'm taking a breather this week/weekend. I now have a baby shower date, and decided on a nursery 'theme' which I'd call garden. Lots of floral, pink, teal and gold!

How far along: 24 weeks

Baby size: 1.5 lbs they say!

Weight gain: I haven’t weighed myself since Sunday, but as of then I was at 15 lbs. I am focusing on gradual growth, and protein the upcoming week. I did really well with this in week 22, but week 23 was a doozy. I was so busy with work and life, but It’s time to get healthier again.

Stretch marks: no, and still slacking on applying bio oil. It’s just so messy, and has stained my granite a time or two.  I also go back and forth between thinking it’s hereditary to thinking I should stretch and use bio oil religiously to help.

Mood: Kinda wonky. I feel so out of control about what’s happening to me. And I’m kind of a control freak so this is hard.  The crying for no reason is really embarrassing! 

Sleep: getting lots of it, but waking up extra early. And I’m peppy too. #whoami???

Gender: Little Miss C! still no name. Matt and I have SUCH different taste and I'm getting worried! 

Movement:  Yuppers. She’s very low and I can finally see it, which always makes me excited! I always make up her internal dialogue as if she has thoughts already, which hey, maybe she does.  I imagine she’s thinking mommy feed me, Mommy be quiet, or Mommy get up when she kicks. Oh the things that entertain me these days! 

 

Best moment this week: Being able to relax since we’ve painted the nursery and master bedroom, and generally accomplished a lot in the house. I’m also done with huge work events, so a Big Bang Theory marathon has been happening for three days straight in the Cook household!

Looking forward to: Registering this weekend with my mommy! I’ve done a lot of research, have a direction for the nursery now so I am ready! My dad and Matthew's mom have been asking us about furniture items and I'm like uhhhhh. No clue yet! I'm ready to get that settled. Also seeing some friends on Saturday, AND Mother's day celebrations on Sunday! 

Food cravings: cinnamon roll monster right here!

Anything making you queasy or sick: nope! I have been off Zofran for about a week and a half!  

Labor Signs: nope.

What I miss: being able to move quickly and easily lol.

Symptoms: just a lot of back pain and tailbone pain if I walk / do too much. 

Workouts: none in week 23/24. But I walked OTC all day Tuesday, and up and down our three stories allllll weekend long when we were painting. My thighs were seriously on fire many a time. 

Furniture Friday

This weekend will be big in furniture Friday happenings. We are going to paint the nursery and master bed room, and hopefully paint a hutch for the dining room. I'm a little overwhelmed our to-do list, but glad we'll knock so much out in one weekend.

Onto exciting stuff, Last night I swatched the nursery! It's always so hard to pick paint, and the wallpaper swatch I have is also lacking the flowers in the wall paper, but we shall see what we decide this weekend. I'm off to have the busiest day of my life at work. Peace out homies! 

Tidbits

What I want to remember about week 22 and 23 is the growth spurt little miss c made. My belly is definitely out, and I can now tell the difference between a kick and a roll over in there. She must love spicy food, because I notice that she kicks up a storm after getting some spice!

I also want to remember how overwhelmed the baby registry process seemed, yet how many mommy friends have offered advice and recommendations that made me feel 100 times better. Now that I've done some research,  and consulted some mommy friends, I'm finally excited to go in and share start beeping away with that registry gun!  Ps. I heart mommy friends. If you commented on my stroller Instagram post, thank you thank you. I'm so excited to join the ranks of all these wonderful women, and appreciate it all so much. 

Just a few bump questions: 

My weight gain is now 15 lbs. I gained 9 lbs in my first 20 weeks, then 6 lbs in three weeks?! This scared the bejesus out of me, but I've gotten my "human garbage disposal" behavior in check since. While it's been good to see my first trimester fickle appetite become generally accepting of all foods, (ice cream, sure! Mexican food? Ya, why not!) I think body image has been hard on me this week. And it's not my bump. I love my bump. It's the extra layer of back fat and the sudden gift of hail damage (aka cellulite) that has me worried. 

So, I meal prepped this past Sunday, and worked out three times. I keep falling on and off the work out train and am working on my consistency. 

And overall, I feel ready for her to be here. The house isn't ready, and our to do list is still a mile long. But I don't know, I'm pretty ready to meet her now. 

And last but not least, go Houston rockets! I don't want to forget that we were in the first round of the playoffs, and my sleep schedule got wrecked a time or two to cheer on our team. 

Love, love.