Bumpdate: 30 & 31 weeks

 

 

following along: weeks 5-12 , weeks 13-16  , weeks 17-19 , weeks 20-22, week 23 , week 24 , week 25, week 26, week 27

  28 weeks, 29 weeks

 

How Far Along? 31w5d

Gender: GIRL

Weight Gain: 19.5lbs

Maternity Clothes:  I'm living in leggings and long sweaters

Nursery: We started making some headway! The crib is up, the changing table has been moved out of Leo's room and into the nursery, along with the glider and ottoman. That means that Leo's room got some changing too - a new dresser and a big new white day bed. I'm actually loving the way Leo's room is looking, but I need to organize the dresser in the coming weeks.

Next up for the baby; I want to spray paint a collage of mirrors I took from my mom. They will be getting a fresh coat of gold. I need to find some black out drapes and I'd like to find a shelving unit as well.

 

Movement: All. Day. Long. Some movements are getting more and more uncomfortable and a few have stopped me in my tracks too. 

Symptoms: Feeling more pregnant. I feel like I'm moving more pregnant-ly and breathing is getting a little heavier too but overall - I'm really, really thankful for how this pregnancy is treating me.

Sleep: No matter how tired I am (and I've been feeling really tired lately) I cannot nap. It blows. Thankfully I sleep well at night about 80% of the time.

Joel: Did major work to get the nursery started which has been enormously helpful. I just have the motivation for nothin' so thankfully he is great at getting jobs done. I try to take Leo out of the house for a few hours on the afternoon so that he can work in peace, and it's always really fun to come home and see the progress.

 Workouts:  Does packing boxes count? I've been with my parents almost every day for the last 2 weeks packing up their old house and then unpacking in their new house. A few days I overdid it on my feet but I'm glad that I was still able to be around to help them. We still have a lot of work to do but I'm happy not to see a tape gun for a while.

I also made it to yoga and kickboxing.

And in another note on workouts, I got a note from my doctor today to start my gym maternity leave as early as December 1st, so we'll see how I'm feeling in the next 4 weeks.





Mood/Mental State: Great. The last two weeks I've felt really calm, cool, and collected and my 32 week doctors appointment didn't make me panic like the appointments normally do which was a really refreshing mental break.

Cravings: Halloween candy has been making wayyyyy too many appearances. 

What I Miss: Not being pregnant ;) That's going to stay....I'm starting to get excited to get to the other side.

Random Things:  Our 32 week appointment today went fantastic - such an amazing feeling to leave the doctors after a healthy report. Baby measured right on track at 32 weeks, heartbeat was 148, and the doctor sent me on my way until 35 weeks!




Best Moment of the Week: Getting my parents into their new, much anticipated house and a very healthy doctors appointment

Looking Forward To: Our babymoon! We are heading to The American Club in Kohler, WI this weekend for lots of spa services, sleep, books, and time together. We both are so excited to check out for a few days, spend some low key time together, and just relax.

Weekend Recap

We had a great weekend over here. It hit that perfect balance of relaxing, productive, and fun - so you really can't ask for much more than that. 

We have school on Friday mornings, which is one of Leo's favorite days of the week, so it always kick starts our weekend off right.

 

Friday afternoon, Leo and I walked to my parents house, Joel picked us up on his way home from dinner, and we just hung out. We decided to do baths, catch up on our DVR, and sort of fend for dinner. 

Saturday mornings are my favorite morning of the week. We let Leo come cuddle in bed with us when he wakes up and watch a show, and then Joel takes him downstairs and they bring me up coffee and breakfast. It is heavenly - and this week they decided to go to Menards afterwards so I got an extra long session and it allowed me to finish my book (more to come on that later). 

We took a walk to my parents house when they got home and then I spent the entire afternoon with my parents helping them pack their kitchen. They are moving into their dream home this Wednesday so it's all hands on deck.

I got home at 5, threw together a salad and some dessert, and we walked down the street to our neighbors to grill burgers and hang with them.

We really lucked out in the neighbor department. I've been family friends with my girlfriend for years and years and she and her family just recently moved back to CL too, so it's been perfect having them a stone's throw away.

Plus, they have a 15 week old baby girl, so I anticipate lots and lots of Saturday nights with them for years to come. 

Sunday was perfect. It was cold, rainy, and our plans for the day were to spend time with family, carve pumpkins, and make dinner. 

Leo wasn't the biggest fan of the slime, but we had fun doing them anyhow. The football game was on, I got to light all of my fall candles...it was pretty close to perfection for me!

And they're the perfect little addition to our front porch (I'm just hoping deer and chipmunks leave them be for the next two weeks!). 

 

I made my mom's family famous lasagna that was SO good, we had baked apples for dessert, and then sent the girls on their way back into the city. 

 

This week is going to be crazy getting my parents moved but I'm SO excited for them and cannot wait to spend lots and lots of time at their new casa. 

Bumpdate: 29 weeks

 

following along: weeks 5-12 , weeks 13-16  , weeks 17-19 , weeks 20-22, week 23 , week 24 , week 25, week 26, week 27

 

How Far Along? 29w6d

Gender: GIRL

Weight Gain: 19.5lbs (I was up 22lbs at this point with Leo)

Maternity Clothes:  I have a feeling I'm going to live the next 9 weeks in leggings and long sweaters. I found really cheap, comfortable leggings at Nordstrom Rack (brand is Abound and they were $10). They're nothing amazing, but they're comfy, I sized up, and bought two pairs and wear them pretty much if I'm not in workout clothes.

Nursery: We bought a dresser for Leo's room which is good because in the next few weeks the dresser that Leo has been using will go into the nursery. It will be slightly annoying because that means we will have to change Leo in the nursery, but it just didn't make sense to me to buy a whole second changing station (and diaper pail) to be used for only 6-10 months (or until Leo decided to potty train). 

 

If it does turn out to be a huge pain, we can always figure out an option B, but Leo is really only getting changed 4ish times a day, and I just don't think it will be that big of a deal............ 

  My sister-in-law also graciously gifted us an old swing and an extra Rock and Play so that was pretty awesome too since I think it will be really nice to have an extra RP on the first floor. 

Movement: YES - and lots. Baby girl has had lots of hiccups this week too. At my 24week appointment the doctor pointed out that the baby was sideways, and I'm fairly certain she still is. I can feel her head and butt (not sure which is which) which I love.

Symptoms: Not horrible this week. Had some emotional moments which isn't always fun, but it is what it is. Also, my hormones when I'm pregnant pump out lots of anxiety, so I do have to battle that everyday. I really don't like being alone or bored - both of which bring my anxiety to a head - so I've been spending lots of time with my mom.  

I also find myself sitting a lot more. I'm pretty used to staying busy or being on the floor with Leo, but both of those are getting a little more tiring, so I'm much more apt to take a seat than I am when I'm not pregnant.

Sleep: Really well this week and I don't think I've taken any afternoon naps lately. Sometimes I'll lay down and read for an hour, and I do try to take it pretty easy during Leo's nap time, but I'm always pretty excited to go upstairs for the night and turn in.

Joel: Supportive while I lost my cool a few times this week.

 Workouts:  Fit in yoga and kickboxing this week, but my walks were a little weak this week because the weather was a little off. The forecast looks fantastic for the next two weeks so hopefully we can fill in some of those gaps.

Mood/Mental State: More anxious this week than last but trying to not tailspin.

Cravings: Much healthier week overall than last - but I don't really restrict myself much (and probably could a touch more...but whatever!).

What I Miss: Not being pregnant ;)

Random Things:  I think I nested a bit this weekend which was nice. I loved getting a few pieces of furniture from my parents and found myself just sitting in the living room looking at them all weekend long. I'm starting to get excited about tackling the nursery now that we're kind of making baby steps toward progress.


Best Moment of the Week: The fall-like weather and time at home with my boys.

Looking Forward To: A healthy, calm, low key week that will take us into the THIRTIES! That feels like a really big milestone and one that I'm so excited and grateful to see. 

Weekly Menu

Thai Meatballs with Pre-Bagged Asain Salad // Kale Salad // Chicken Pitas and Sweet Potato Fries // Pumpkin Turkey Chili with the best corn casserole ever!
 

 I really do enjoy putting dinner on the table during the week. The whole process - meal planning/grocery shopping/cooking/cleaning....it can be a hassle - there is no doubt - but there is something about the fall and winter season that allows me to enjoy it again. I don't have fun with it during the summer months I've officially decided. 

I also am finding that I feel better physically and mentally right now staying busy, so I'm trying to keep my afternoons filled with productive tasks - like making dinner. 

I cook a pretty consistent 20 or so recipes, but I'm constantly looking for new and easy recipes and pretty much only use Pintrest or Designer Bags and Dirty Diapers as my sources! 

Weekend Recap + House Updates

 

On Friday afternoon we were supposed to head to Iowa to spend the weekend with Joel's brother and his family, but a few of their kids got sick, so we decided to stay home. 

We ended up joining my parents for dinner for a fun Oktoberfest dinner at the country club and then coming home and catching up on a few shows we had DVR'ed over the week. 

Saturday the weather was super cruddy, but we spent most of the day helping my parents start their move. They are moving out of their house in 10 days, so we helped box stuff, take things to GoodWill, and the most fun....take a few pieces of their furniture to our house! 

My mom had two antique tables that were her parents that aren't going to work in their new house that she gifted to me and I am OBSESSED.

They made a hugggggge improvement in our living room/dining room space and they're just such beautiful tables with so much history, I feel honored to have them at our house now. 

 

This piece isn't an antique, but it won't work for their new house so I'm going to try and make it work for us. Our house has a lot of square footage and open spaces, and I like pieces that help fill the space and keep it cozier.

 

It needs to be styled, but it's got great storage and fits this wall perfectly. 

 

I popped into World Market on Friday and ended up buying this dresser for Leo's big kid room. 

 

It was the floor sample so it was already built (major win for Joel) and on major sale (major win for me) and it majorly cute (major win for Leo) so everyone wins! 

They're are a lot of moving pieces for the nursery/big kid transition, so it will sit empty for a few more weeks, but I'm glad that I finally found a piece that we actually need. Some forward progress! 

Saturday night we walked over to our neighbors to watch the Cubs play the Dodgers in the first NLCS game. 

 

 They served chili which was perfect for the super windy and stormy night, and thankfully the power only flickered so we could watch the entire game. Sadly it didn't go in our favor, but I'm really hoping the Cubs can come out on top.

 

After taking a bath, Leo always gets wrapped up in a robe or towel and wants to play "baby". He literally makes his entire body a limp noodle and it just cracks us the heck up. It's the cutest darn thing. 

 

Sunday morning was perfectly fall - it was 50 degrees and windy and crisp, so we decided to treat ourselves to latte's and cinnamon bread at Starbucks before taking our groceries home.

We spent Sunday afternoon doing things around the house, and then I made some pumpkin turkey chili and cornbread casserole for my parents and us for our Sunday night dinner.  

Bumpdate: 28 weeks - HELLO 3rd TRIMESTER!

 

 

following along: weeks 5-12 , weeks 13-16  , weeks 17-19 , weeks 20-22, week 23 , week 24 , week 25, week 26, week 27

 

How Far Along? 28w6d

Gender: GIRL

Weight Gain: didn't get on this week but I'm guessing 16/17lbs

Maternity Clothes:  Same....in maternity pants and select normal shirts for the most part. My workout clothes have been fine but I'm probably ruining them.

Nursery: Nothing.....eek! Now that Leo's birthday party is behind us, it's our next big thing. We are getting a few things from my sister-in-law this weekend, borrowing a crib in the next few weeks from my cousin, doing an Ikea trip and having a sprinkle that should help motivate some movement in this department!

Movement: YES - and lots. I love it, even though it happens 24 hours a day - and oftentimes on my bladder.

Symptoms: Walks are getting harder. I get some pretty solid round ligament pains during my walks that really slow my pace and lately have been forcing me to stop in my tracks. I remember them happening with Leo but I thought it was closer to 33/34 weeks. 

 

If I don't have to bend down, I won't. It seems to take longer to regulate my breath when I'm relaxing/sitting. I think it's just the weight on my lungs, but I take these like deep deep breaths...It's kind of annoying. 

Sleep: Pretty good this week. I fall asleep instantly and try really hard to not look at my phone when I get up to use the bathroom (2ish times/night).

Joel: Was a huge help at Leo's 2nd birthday party - and was really appreciative of what I did to pull it together too which was nice. We were able to go on TWO dates this past week which was a treat, and we both feel like we should be doing that as often as we can before the baby comes and date night takes a backseat for a while.

 Workouts:  Was able to get to yoga and kickboxing, take a really long walk with Joel and Leo on Sunday, and fit in a few other walks throughout the week as well. The weather has been just beyond fantastic, so we are still able to walk most days at least once, if not twice. CocoPop (my parents) live just under a mile, so they're a great destination in the afternoon to walk over to and just pop in and say hi.

Mood/Mental State:REALLY good. I had a great doctors appointment on Monday that really reassured me and made a different in my mental state all week long.

Cravings: Holy cow, after I found out that I passed my glucose test last Tuesday, I sort of went hog wild on all. the. treats. On Tuesday after the nurse called to tell me that my results were normal, I had to treat myself to an apple cider donut, and then Joel came home with a pint of ice cream as a celebratory treat which was sweet but sweet. Then with Leo's birthday....we hit the sweets WAY too hard this week.

What I Miss: My energy and mimosas.

Random Things: We had Leo's 2nd birthday party which was the first time a lot of my family had seen me since my belly has really made its appearance so that was really fun seeing everyone and getting excited.

Best Moment of the Week:  Finding out I passed the 1hr glucose test and celebrating Leo's 2nd birthday party.

Looking Forward To: A healthy week, less sugar, and a weekend in Iowa with Joel's brother's family.

Birthday Party Recap

 

I had really wanted to have a fall/Halloween party for Leo's 2nd birthday, so we decided to have his little party two weeks after his actual birth date. I really liked spacing it out too, because it gave us a chance to celebrate his actual birthday as just a family, and then celebrate with friends and family a little later.

For his party, I kept it really easy. Mainly family came by on Saturday from 10-1pm, and we served coffee, mimosas, bagels, quiche, fruit, and pumpkin cupcakes! And I made life extra easy with fun paper plates and cups.

 

The entire idea of the party was to keep it simple and have fun, so I set up a few activities for the kids, tried to find cheap and easy decorations, and just enjoy each other's company. I just can't do fussy children's parties so it was a pretty simple morning. 

We set up an extra long table in the dining room for people to sit down and eat, and I set out face masks for kids to color with out in the dining room too.

 

In the playroom I had movies going and set up a little pumpkin decorating station for everyone to decorate a pumpkin and then take it home as part of a favor. This turned out to be a huge hit....the kids loved it and the stickers I found at Hobby Lobby stuck to the pumpkins really well.  

Of course, as soon as people started coming through the doors, I totally forgot to snap any pictures. Thankfully my sisters got a few cute ones!

 

And as luck would have it - the gloomy day stayed perfect until the party wrapped up and then the storms came out. It gave all the kids a chance to run off their cupcakes outside and hopefully nap well for their parents afterwards. 

 

 

Joel and I cleaned up the party while Leo napped - and then we were treated to a night out by his parents! It was such a treat to get out of the house after hosting and just have a good time. We met friends out to watch the cubs game and then grabbed a pizza on the way home. 

It was a perfect Saturday and this guy was spoiled with lots and lots of love, toys and cake! 

October Goals

 

I love October. I've looked forward to October in Chicago for a long time....especially now that I can enjoy it that much more through the eyes of a cute little two year old. I love traditions, and want to make sure we are starting and keeping our own family traditions - and so a lot of this list is rooted in that....along with some necessary goals to a. enjoy this month before newborn life begins and b. organize my life a bit before newborn life begins!

• Get up to date with our family yearbook

 I'm a big memory keeper kind of girl. I've stopped just ordering prints of pictures (unless I'm purposefully filling picture frames) because I literally have hundreds of gallon bags filled to the brim of pictures that don't get loved on. Instead, this year, I'm starting the tradition of a family yearbook. I'm using Shutterfly, which I always do for photobooks, and I'm trying to get up to date so that I don't have much too much to add in January.

• Throw Leo's 2nd birthday party

This is happening on Saturday, so I know it's going to get crossed off the list, but I'm hoping I can enjoy it along with throwing it. It's a pretty small group, the only thing I'm bummed about is that it's calling for rain. I'm not quite sure what all of the young kids are going to do, but we'll figure it out. I have a few easy activities so hopefully it won't feel too boring or too chaotic!

• Boo our neighbors  

Ok, this is also happening this week. We were BOO'ed by our neighbors on Sunday night, and we are continuing the train by boo-ing other neighbors this afternoon. It's a really cute, cheap little activity that hopefully will be a fun neighborhood tradition for years to come. 

• Go on a few dates with Joel

We have a darling babysitter that we are trying to use every other week. She is in high school (so she is really affordable), she ADORES Leo and he ADORES her, so we're trying to take advantage of the situation as much as we can these next two months. This week we are going to go to the movies and we're going to keep trying to go on fun, easy, no fuss, date nights just to enjoy getting out of the house just the two of us.

• Apple Picking on a not 95 degree day

We attempted a really fun day a few weeks back, but it was so hot, I want a do-over. I'm thinking about possibly trying to fit a trip in this weekend with my sisters, so we'll see if it happens sooner than later. My mom's side of the family has an Apple Pie day every year where we all bake tons of apple pies for the holidays, but I think that may be happening in November, so we'll have to find a few other uses for some fresh apples. 

• Make some progress on the nursery

We have done NADA, and I'd like to start soon. One of these days!  I also want to get to Ikea and load up on a few Ikea goodies...including this roller cart for the first floor so I can have necessities down here too.

• Read (at least) 1 book

I recently finished a cute, easy book, and I just love easy, fall books that kind of take you to other places for a little while. If you have any great recommendations, please send them my way. 

• Freeze a few dinners 

I've been trying to double dinners here and there to keep our garage freezer full and ready. It just makes some weeks SO much easier. I know that will only continue to be the way, so I really want to start stockpiling a bit. This week I'm adding Enchiladas to the mix, but I'd like to add a few new kinds of dinners, so again, if you have a favorite freezer meal, please pass it along! I may ask this again in November when we plan out a few freezer stocking days too. 

• Organize hall closet, playroom, and deep clean the garage 

I'd like to get both first floor closets really purposefully organized. They're both kind of a catch all, and they bug me, so I need a storage containers and systems implemented so that they become less of a pain! 

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With the holidays in November and December, plus the reality of having a new baby and all of the stress that comes with that, I feel like October is kind of our last hurrah of calm so here goes nothing!