Oh boy, IT'S A BOY!!!

Cohen Lees Jaroscak, EDD September 2, 2012!!

Oh my goodness - there really aren't words for how I'm feeling right now...where do I even begin to start!?!

Yesterday was our Level 2 Ultrasound, which not only gave us a clear picture of Baby Sac and how everything is growing and developing, but it also gave us the opportunity to plan out the shopping spree of a lifetime.  As an avid shopper, I can tell you that I thought I've hit the holy grail of purchases a few times in my life.  For example, senior year of highschool I bought the perfect Cache' Prom dress...and 2 years ago I bought the perfect princess wedding dress.  But never have I been more excited for THIS shopping spree...but first we had to find out whether we'd be buying pink or blue!!

I dont know why, but I was incredibly nervous, sitting in the waiting room...I couldn't seem to sit still!  I don't know whether it was the anticipation of knowing that in a few minutes I'd know if I was going to be a Momma to a baby girl or boy, or if it was the Arby's Big Montana and large Coke (not diet, not caffiene free - I wanted to make sure this baby showed us the goods, so I housed a large full-blown, high octane Coca-Cola), that momma and I split in the car on the way to my appointment.  Either way, I thought I was going to go crazy!!  Drew got there and seemed way more calm than I was (naturally, of course), and I asked him one last time what he thought Baby Sac was going to be.  From day 1 I've thought boy, although there were a few times that I let the old wive's tales get in my head and given my morning sickness or the skin breakouts or the high heart rate, I thought we may be having a girl.  But my gut always said boy.  Not for Drew - he has said girl, and said girl again yesterday in the waiting room.  Finally, they called us back...

I remember walking down the hall and thinking to myself that the next time I passed a certain picture on the wall, I would know the sex of our baby! My ultrasound tech was a student in her last round of internship. So it was cool because she was REALLY thorough and wanted to make sure she impressed everyone watching her by really taking her time, which of course, was fine with me :) I laid back and took a deep breath... 3 minutes of the tech waving the wand around my stomach and I saw it...and yelled "OMG, it's a BOY". Now, given that I'm no 'official' ultrasound tech (although given the hours I've spent Googling and YouTubing ultrasounds at every gestational age possible I think I could be well on my way to a really high-paying career in the u/s field), I know that Drew and Momma had their doubts about me.  But you should have seen the look on their faces when the tech said "well, I wasn't going to say anything yet, but you're right...IT'S A BOY!"  A BOY!  WE'RE HAVING A BEAUTIFUL, PERFECT, HEALTHY LITTLE BABY BOY!!  I'm bawling, Momma's bawling, Andrew's jumping around in full 2-yr old Christmas morning style and it was by far one of the most amazing moment in my entire life.

No denying it - IT'S A BOY!

The next hour or so was just me laying there, in complete awe of the tiny little man on the screen in front of me.  I kept thinking 'this is all in life that really matters'.  There are so many days where I get consumed with people and things around me, and in that moment of clarity, I knew that none of those things mattered.  I have a husband who adores me, a family that completely supports us, amazing friends that share in every inch of our joy, and now I have a SON who will contribute more than I can ever imagine to making me the happiest woman in the world.  I can't seem to find the words to thank God for all He has done and continues to do for us.  "Thank you" doesn't seem to even come close to doing it justice.  But I find myself just repeating it over and over and over...and I'll continue to do so every day for the rest of my life. 

I am so thrilled to be able to report that our little boy is completely happy and 100% healthy. We saw his brain, all 4 chambers of his beautiful heart, and the rest of his vital organs that are working perfectly! All of my blood work came back normal, no chromosomal or genetic abnormalities. We even got to see him playing with his feet and folding his hands as if he was praying. He must share in my gratitude for how amazing of a little blessing he is. Boy or girl, I would have been happy given either gender. However, now that I've had 24 hours of knowing that I'm going to have a son, I can't imagine having anything but. 

Momma's Boy :)

We met Uncle Boo for a celebratory patio session at Nolen Kitchen!  I dont know that I've ever seen him so happy.  He's already talking about taking the baby to his first Braves game and I know they're going to be BFF!  In honor of a BOY, he ordered a BLUE Moon (which they no longer carry) and then requested a Pabst BLUE ribbon (which hello, it's Nolen, not Rack Em), so he told the bartender to just make him something blue.  And that's exactly what he got!  We couldn't decide what exactly was in it and I'm sure it was sweeter than what Brandon's used to, but he didn't care, as long as there was blue in the glass.

Proud Uncle Boo!!

The rest of the afternoon and evening was spent shopping and celebrating!  I'll have to take pictures later of the start to what is sure to be an enviable closet for any male, as less than 5 hours into knowing we were having a boy, this child already has 7 Polo outfits! 

We had dinner outside at City Tavern, and Momma took what I realized is the first picture that Drew and I have had made together in a LONG time...but considering it was such a momentous occasion, I said ok and smiled as pretty as I could after bawling all my makeup off during our dr visit.

Daddy and Mommy!!

Thanks to Momma (aka, Grammy Mack), we had blue cupcakes and cookies to help us celebrate...and I have to admit, I celebrated last night and twice this morning before I left the house...I mean, who can deny themselves cupcakes and homemade sugar cookies?  I justify it saying that I'm doing it for my son.  That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Yum.  That is all.

So there you have it - come September I'll be really outnumbered in my house, given the male gender of my husband, my cat, and now my son.  But trust me, I have enough love in my heart for all of them...and I couldn't be more blessed.

16 Week Recap: Dermatologist + Pregnancy = Not a Good Look.

16ish Weeks

So I have to be completely honest about something - the 'self portraits' I take aren't really from the week that it says they are.  They were at first, but now since I've gotten past the morning sickness and I look at my bump more like a really cool accesory than an actual sign that I'm pregnant, I kind of forget sometimes that I am.  So, I take a picture when I think about it - and because some websites say I'm a week further than the doctor says I am, let's just say from now on all pictures will end with the phrase "-ish", so I dont feel like I'm completely lying to everyone.  Ok, now that my conscious is clear, let's get onto all of the wonderful and exciting things that happened in Week 16...

The week began on Monday with an 8am trip to the lab at the OB office for the 2nd round of the blood work for the genetic testing.  I'm feeling kind of like a pin cushion these days, but at least I can finally make it back and forth to the doctor that I've been to since I was 18 without getting lost.  Dangit, Charlotte and your one-way streets!!

Tuesday was Drew's first softball game of the Spring season.  It's great for us because it gives him a night to do something that he loves and time to hang out with his friends, and it allows me a night to lay around, not have to cook for anyone but myself (Spaghettio's anyone!?) and I have a chance to catch up on all of my beloved Bravo shows on my DVR.  Last Tuesday was especially exciting though because it was the first time I actually felt the baby KICK.  It wasn't those little flutters or the swimmy feeling I've had off and on, but a real kick!!  It was the coolest feeling!!  Drew ran over to feel it, but he was so disappointed when I told him that it would be a few more weeks before the baby was big and strong enough for him to be able to feel it from the outside.  Since then I've felt it a few times a day, but I try and keep my sheer excitement to a minimum because I dont want Drew to feel left out.  But let me say, it's the coolest feeling in the entire world.

Wednesday kind of sucked.  I had an appt at the dermatologist for my 6mo checkup.  Now, no one is EVER a fan of the dreaded derm, but being pregnant, it especially sucked.  Not only did he ask me to roll over on my stomach (um, 4mos preggo doc, kind of impossible) and gave me attitude when I couldnt, but then he took a pencil eraser-sized piece off the back of my left leg.  And 'because I was pregnant', he couldn't numb it or cauterize it.  So basically I was left with about 10 layers of gauze and a crazy looking bandage wrapped around my leg.  NOT a good day to be sporting a sun dress.  Oh, and when the receptionist asked when I wanted to schedule my next 6mo checkup and recommended that September 6 was free, I had to tell her I'd either be in labor or had just given birth, so that probably wasn't an ideal date.  Ugh - glad I dont have to do that for another 6mos!!

Thursday - ONE WEEK TIL WE FIND OUT WHETHER BABY SAC IS GOING TO BE A CHEERLEADER OR A LINEBACKER!  (Dear Lord, please let the time between now and then go by faaaaast!)

Friday evening was spent at our dear friend, Vinny Spaulding's engagement party.  It was such a good time and awesome to see Skip and Shirleen and some people we hadn't seen in awhile!  They're like family to us and we couldn't be happier for Vinny and Courtney!  Can't wait til the big day on July 28th - although I'll probably have to be rolled into the church by then.

Saturday I got up and went to buy some Springtime flowers for the front porch!  It's crazy how much difference a few pots of bright flowers really brings life to an area!  I already can't wait to add to it!  Dana and Kevin and baby Ava came to see the house and visit for awhile and then we went to the DeMeio's for the Ohio State game.  Ohio State is in the Final Four, so it was a pretty happy weekend at the Jaroscak house.  GO BUCKS!!

My beautiful Spring flowers.
Anyone wanna set the over/under on how long I can keep them alive?

WEEK 16 CRAVINGS:  Still on the frozen grape kick.  Thankfully it's a healthy snack because I stuff my face with them.  Also, still on the nightly Oreo and milk kick.  A big shout out to Dana for the pack of Double Stuffs she brought me Saturday.  You'll be happy to know they're almost half gone :)

WEEK 16 "Dose of Daddy":  I had to dig way back into the archives for this week's picture.  This was taken on our cruise in December while we were in port at Cozumel, Mexico.  I laugh when I look at this picture because I was like 3 weeks pregnant and had no idea (and yes, I asked my doctor and he assured me the tequila in the margarita pictured here didn't hurt a thing).  But then I really laugh when I think of Andrew not heeding the waiter's warning when he told us that the habanero salsa was EXTREMELY spicy.  Always up for a challenge (and one to never pay attention to the rules), Drew loaded up a nacho and paid for it...big time.  I've never seen anyone down a margarita so fast in my life...even after a realllllly bad day at work.  Anywho, it made us all laugh...and cost Andrew a gnarly tongue burn and the ability to taste anything for the rest of the day.  OLE'!!

Famous Last Words:  "It can't be THAT spicy".

WEEK 16 "To Remembers":  Take my weekly picture on the actual week that it is.  Duh...
Oh, and to map out the necessary stops for the Baby Sac gender shopping spree that will take place next Thursday immediately following our doctor appointment.


Dear Baby Sac - 4mo Letter

Hi Baby!!

Well, it's been 3 months (actually 3 months and 2 days) since we found out I was pregnant with you!  In some ways it seems like it's creeping by slowly, and in others it seems like it's flying by.  Either way, I can tell you that I can't remember what life was like before we knew I was carrying you!  And each day I get a little more excited :)

Over the past month your body has become covered with a layer of thick, downy hair called lanugo.  Your eyes are facing forward and you begin to blink!!  Right now you're about 5 inches long (crown to rump, which means if you were stretched out you'd be even longer!).  You only weight about 5 ounces, but you're growing a ton!  Considering you were the size of a poppy seed when I found out I was pregnant and now you're the size of a small grapefruit is so crazy to me!  I find myself walking around the produce department, just to get a gauge of how big you are.  In addition to your body growing faster than your head (finally!!), your finger and toe prints have developed!!  You can suck your thumb (which we saw a few weeks ago at our last ultrasound) and although it's kinda gross, you're swallowing amniotic fluid and passing it as urine.  Ewww!!  You're beginning to practive breathing movements and the placenta (which is growing and making my belly bigger and bigger) is fully functional and provides you with nourishment and oxygen.  If you're a little girl, your uterus has formed and your ovaries are equipped with primitive egg cells that will one day make YOUR baby!!  Crazy to think!!  Your bones are harder and your arms and legs are moving like crazy! 

Speaking of you wiggling around in there, I felt you really 'kick' for the first time last Tuesday evening!!  Daddy had just gotten back from a softball game and I was curled up on the couch when I felt it!  I sat quietly, and waited to see if I felt it again before I said anything about it.  And there again, you kicked!  And kicked once more!!  I was so excited and Daddy ran over to put his hand on my belly, but although I can feel you here and there already, he won't be able to feel you for a few more weeks, when you get bigger and stronger.  Since then, I've felt you a few more times - and I get so excited!  In fact, you were trying to kick Greyson off of me while we tried to take a nap yesterday!  I can't wait to feel you move all the time, and for Daddy to be able to feel you move - it's such a cool feeling from the inside!

This week is one of the most exciting since we found out I was pregnant with you - on Thursday we find out whether you're a little boy or a little girl!!  Everyone keeps asking what we're hoping you are, and all we can say is 'healthy'!  For us, you're just such a little miracle in the first place, and we feel beyond blessed that God has picked us to be your Momma and Daddy - it doesn't matter to us if we paint your nursery pink or blue, we're just thrilled to have you!!  I just hope this week goes by fast for us, because we cant wait to find out and actually call you a real name!

Time for this month's 5 things.  This month is all about your extended family.  Although there isn't enough time or room for all of the amazing things I can say about everyone, here's what you should know:
~~~You are blessed with 6 amazing grand parents!!~~~ 
***1.  Grammy Mack and Poppy Mack are my Momma and Step-Daddy.  They live at Lake Murray and I can't wait to take you there!  You're going to love it there as much as your Daddy and I do...it's my favorite place in the world and I can't wait to make so many memories there.  You're sure to love the water as much as we do, so we're going to have to watch carefully and make sure you dont just hop in on your own and swim around like the little fishy I'm sure you'll be :)  Poppy is already excited to take you out on the boat and show you around to all of our lake friends!!  Grammy and Poppy have an awesome car auction business and you're already loved by so many of our extended 'car show' family!  I'm pretty sure that Grammy is just as excited about you as Daddy and I are - she already has a toy box started for you when you come to visit!! 
***2.  Granddad and Grammaw Tracie are my Daddy and Step-Momma.  It's exciting that they live only about 20 minutes away from us, so you'll be seeing them often and I'm sure they'll be at your t-ball games and school plays!!  When you're old enough, Granddad will tell you stories about "Freddy the Frog", and give you "Magic Chair Rides" up the stairs to bed, just like he did with me when I was a little girl!!  He makes the most amazing crepes and when you have teeth I'm sure that's one of the first things he'll make for you!  Grammaw Tracie is so funny and sweet and she will teach you words like 'Chitchibah'...which you may say even before you say normal words that all kids say.  It's fun to have your own little language :)  They have a little dog names Toby, who you're sure to love...although he likes all the attention at their house so it may take him some time to get used to having to share it with you.
***3.  Mimi and PapPap are Daddy's Mom and Dad.  They live in Cleveland, Ohio and it's fun to pack up the car and go to visit them!!  It takes awhile to get there, but we always have SO much fun with them!!  Mimi is a greeting card designer and she's very creative.  And PapPap is a graphic designer, so hopefully you'll get some of their artistic talent and make beautiful things for me to hang in the house!!  Mimi and PapPap always have fun, no matter what they're doing, and they cant wait for you to join in!!
~~~You are also blessed with 6 aunts and uncles!!~~~
***4.  Uncle Boo and Aunt Dee are my brother and his girlfriend.  Uncle Boo is Momma's best friend and he cant wait to meet you!  He's one of the funniest people you'll ever meet and I cant wait to see him hold you.  He's the one that will take you to Atlanta for Braves games!!  He has a crazy dog named Avery, who will cover you with sweet, wet kissies.  And Aunt Dee is the sweetest - she'll be the one to give you your first hair cut!!  Hopefully they'll get married very soon and yuo can be the flower girl or ring bearer!! 
Along with Uncle Boo and Aunt Dee, I also have a Step-Sister, Kelly and her husband, Brady.  Kelly is Poppy's daughter and is one of the sweetest people you'll ever meet.  They live in Charleston and are so excited to have you around!!
***5.  Aunt Abby and Uncle Nick are Daddy's sister and brother in law.  They live in Detroit, Michigan!  We always have such a good time with them. and wish we all lived closer so we could see them more often!  It gets cold where they live, but it's so much fun to bundle up and head North to their house!!  One of the best things about Aunt Abby and Uncle Nick!?  They're the proud parents of your cousins, Aubrey and Will!!  By the time you're born, Aubrey will be 4 and Will will be 2.  I can't wait for them to meet you and to see what kind of memories you all make together as you get older!! 

160 days to go - and next month when I write to you I can address it to your actual name!  I can't wait!

All my love little one,
Mommy.

15 Week Recap

15 Weeks - YAY FOR DRESSES!

So this week was the first REALLY super nice and warm spring-time weather week we've had so far.  And let me be the first to say, this is like reason 1,362,497 why I LOOOOOOOOVE being a Carolina girl.  It was so awesome to have the windows open and all of the fresh air flowing through the house!!

Monday was awesome because Daddy came over to see the house and take us to dinner!  He loved the house and we had such a great time just chatting and catching up.  I love my long talks with him and how much he makes me laugh!  The yeast rolls at O'Charleys were just an added bonus ;)

I did the first 'active' thing I've done all pregnancy this past week by walking around the neighborhood with Mandy.  It was so nice to be out and about and walking around in the spring weather and looking at the beautiful houses.  I'm one of those people who would rather be working out with someone because if I have someone to talk to the task doesn't seem as daunting and incredibly boring.  I've never been one of those weirdos who "loves" working out.  If given the choice, I'd rather be on the couch with a bag of Doritos, but in the attempt to remain as healthy and happy as possible for this baby, I traded the Doritos for Nikes and really had a great time.  I think we did about 2 1/2 miles, which, for my first time and keeping up with someone who isn't pregnant, I think it was a pretty successful trip!! 

Thursday afternoon I had my 4-month checkup and this time I actually got to see MY doctor, the beloved Dr Belle.  There aren't enough great things I can say about her and I can tell you that if she happens to not be on-call to deliver my baby, I will cross my legs as tight as I can and hold this baby in until she shows up.  Baby Sac is doing great - really fast and STRONG heartbeat!  I'm telling you, it's the best sound in the entire world and I could just lay there for hours listening to it.  Naturally, that was the best thing about the appointment, but in a close 2nd was the fact that they gave me what I refer to as the 'penthouse' room.  Being a Midtown OBGYN patient since I was 18, I've only been in this room once or twice and it's awesome.  Reason being?  I give you the view:


Seriously, who gets this view from their OBGYN room??

Friday night Drew and I decided we'd take full advantage of the nice weather and grill out!  Unfortunately, as soon as he threw the steaks on the grill, the sky opened up and it began to storm.  So inside grilling it was!  It smelled good, but by the time it was ready and in front of me, I couldn't eat it.  So I forced a few bites of mashed potatoes and laid on the couch for the rest of the evening.  (I can't lie - about 9pm I started to feel better and had to give into my nightly Oreo and milk craving - but I hadn't really eaten since lunch, so that's how I justified it).  Most nights I just throw caution to the wind and admit my undying 29-year old love affair for Oreos and milk. 

Saturday was an awesome day!  We went downtown for the St Patty's Day Bar Crawl in honor of Brandon's 27th birthday.  (Seriously - 27!?  Ridic.)  Anywho, I was a little terrified of being pregnant in the midst of the world's largest bar crawl, but it ended up being so much fun!  We met up with Dana and their crew at Whiskey River and I danced up a storm with my water and lemon - and I think I fit in pretty well with the 10,000+ bar crawlers, except they sported green beers and I sported a baby bump, but everyone gave me my space and also gave me props.  I only felt slightly skanky and redneck and out of place when I realized I was shakin it and screaming the words to "Pour Some Sugar on Me" and the thought crossed my mind that in 5 months I'd be a mom.  But that thought was quickly replaced with regained awesomeness when 'Yeah' by Usher started.  I was so tired by 6pm and 4 hours of being on my feet so Drew and I headed to Rock Bottom for dinner and then home for the night.  Some may think I'm crazy for even attempting such a feat, but I get it honest - Momma said 27 years ago that day she was out doing the exact same thing - then had Brandon the next day!! So for all of the people who think being pregnant means you're stuck on the couch eating BonBons for 9 months, let me tell you - that's only half true ;)

Can you spot the preggo in the picture? 
HINT: she's the only one grinning like an idiot.

WEEK 15 CRAVINGS:  Frozen green seedless grapes.  I have a bag in my freezer at home, a bag in the freezer at work and I've been known to sit up in bed with pregnancy-induced insomnia at 2am watching a Friends marathon eating them.  I've had these little treats since I was little and my momma gave them to us as a replacement for the traditional sugary popsicle and if you've never tried it, go to the grocery store, buy a bag and freeze them immediately.  You'll thank me - and yourself ;) 

WEEK 15 "Dose of Daddy":  Since I'm (thankfully) past the point of the first trimester pregnancy aversions, I've decided to replace that section of the weekly recap with a "Dose of Daddy".  This will give me an opportunity to share a weekly picture or funny anecdote from Drew in attempt to make you laugh.  This week I give you a picture I took yesterday afternoon.  We haven't had a chance to get window treatments or even blinds for our house yet, so this is how Drew was dealing with the sunset while trying to enjoy March Madness. 

He looks like a very chic Dr. Claw from Inspector Gadget with Greyson sitting right beside him.

WEEK 15 "To Remembers": Even at 4 months pregnant I can still shake it with the best of em.  With that said, I have a new appreciation for my garden bathtub that I soaked my feet in for almost an hour that night.

14 Week Recap

Bye bye bloat - this is ALL baby, baby.

Once again, the week proved to be kind of uneventful.  Ah, such is the life of a preggo. 
The uneventfulness was actually really welcome, considering the closing and the move and everything else we've had on the back burner lately.

We spent most of our spare time just unpacking boxes and relaxing.  It's crazy how much stuff we have - we still have an entire house of stuff in the garage.  The plan is to tackle that this weekend. 

We got a fridge on Tuesday (or was that Wednesday...ugh I cant get my days straight anymore) and let me tell you - you don't realize how much you enjoy the luxury of having a fridge until you're having to go back and forth to the styrofoam cooler on the back patio just to get milk to ease your pregnancy-induced heartburn.  Fun stuff!  Made us really appreciate something we obviously take for granted. 

I made my first dinner in my new kitchen this past week - baked crunchy pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy and green beans.  We had our good friends, the O'Briens, over and it was awesome to relax in my own kitchen and make dinner for everyone :)  I look forward to every time I get to cook in that kitchen - and cant wait until the baby is big enough to help me out!  Their 10 month old, Damon, is crawling all over the place now and it made me realize I only have about a year and a half to enjoy my house being beautiful with cool little accent pieces here and there.  I wasn't worried at all about him breaking something, but I was so scared he was going to get hurt because Aunt Lindsey's house isn't exactly 'kid-friendly'...at least not just yet. 

Friday evening was awesome because Momma and Aunt Patty came to visit!!  It was awesome to have them there - I sat and watched and talked while Momma made enough spaghetti to feed an army and Aunt Patty made the biggest batch of Nanner Puddin I've ever seen.  It's been less than a week and it's almost completely gone...I think it actually says my name when I walk by the fridge.  But I choose to blame it on the baby - who am I to deprive my sweet little one when they want nanner puddin??  Besides, bananas are high in protein and potassium and all other kinds of good-for-you things, so I'm actually doing something really great for the baby by feeding it nanner puddin.  The calories in the actual 'puddin' are just a slight afterthought. :D

Saturday we had some friends over and that evening we went to the Checkers game with Brandon and Denise.  B got the tickets through work, so we were only about 12 rows up from the ice, which, considering the crazy stair climbing that the last Checkers game entailed, was AWESOME.  We had a great time and the guys even got on the JumboTron score board thingy. 

Sunday we missed church because I woke up with a terrible headache and a stuffy nose.  Hello pregnancy rhinitis!!  I've always been one prone to seasonal allergy and sinus issues, so with those two things combined, I should have a pretty enjoyable Spring season.  I'm just trying to keep myself from my previous non-preggo life as a pill popper and tough it out.  Like all other pregnancy symptoms though, both good and bad, I'll take it as a blessing and smile through the snot.

WEEK 14 CRAVINGS:  Bojangles large half sweet/half unsweet tea with extra lemon.  Again.  And strawberry popsicles (the kind with the real fruit in them) - they are my 3:30pm treat at work and I look forward to them everyday - especially after my 3pm 'I've hit a wall and cant even imagine making it til 5' daily experience.  Oh, and AP's nanner puddin.  She's gonna have to come make it for me weekly now.

WEEK 14 AVERSIONS:  I'm happy to say that I think the pregnancy aversions section may be dwindling.  I'm back to loving chicken and I cant really think of anything that makes me want to hurl when the thought or smell crosses my path.  YAY for normalcy.  Whatever pregnancy 'normalcy' is.

WEEK 14 "To Remembers": Being the DD isn't always fun, but it's necessary at times and considering I'm forbid to indulge in any alcoholic spirit for the next 5 months, it makes sense for me to be the ideal candidate.  However, you better believe everyone that I'm toting around these days while they're having the time of their life and I'm in the drivers seat sure does owe me, big time.  I've started a list...and at the rate that it's growing, I wont have to drive ANYWHERE for the next 5 or so years.

13 Week Recap - HELLO 2nd TRIMESTER!!



The view from the top.

 IT'S OFFICIAL - 2nd TRIMESTER IS HEERRRREEE!!!
And I couldn't be more thrilled!  Bye bye nausea, bye bye spending half the day with my head in the toilet.  However, I have to say hello to dizziness, headaches and heartburn.  Whatever, I'll gladly take it over the quality time I spent praying to the porcelain gods. 

This week was SUPER busy, with the move and all.  So busy, in fact, that I didn't even remember to take my weekly bump pic.  However, I did have my feet up on my computer at work and took this picture to send to Drew.  Working hard - or hardly working?  You be the judge, but it's safe to say that I was little more than slightly distracted this past week.

We spent almost every spare moment we had in the beginning of the week packing and organizing the townhome.  I had NO idea how much stuff we've accumulated over the past year!  I'm thankful we have it though because the house is huge and it's gonna take a lot of odds and ends to decorate 3000 square feet.  Monday I learned the hard way what the doctor meant when he said "take it easy and don't push yourself".  I packed up the kitchen while Drew worked a little late, and by the time he got home and I sat down, my back settled and I was crawling on my hands and knees to the bathroom because my lower back hurt so bad.  I think this has been the hardest thing for me to understand so far - I know that I have to take it easy, but there's nothing really "easy" when it comes to moving and I just wanted it done.  And what's worse is that with this new-found 2nd trimester energy spurt, my body doesn't really 'tell' me when I need to stop...I just eventually sit down and realize I've pushed myself too far.  I learned my lesson though and while it was frustrating to sit on the couch with my heating pad and watch Drew pack the rest of the stuff, I knew that if I didn't, I'd really regret it.  So I relaxed and didn't pick up one single box...I just directed furniture traffic and focused on my favorite part of moving: unpacking and organizing :)

We closed on Friday and by Saturday evening, all of our furniture was in!!  I woke up Sunday morning in my new master bedroom and thought to myself 'I really get to LIVE here!?...and this is really OURS!?'  It's just so beautiful and so much more than I expected for me and Andrew at only 30 years old.  I mean, this is a 'forever' type of house and to own it at such a young age is so crazy to me.  I was there by myself for a few minutes on Saturday morning before the guys got there and stood in what's going to be the baby's nursery and was just amazed at how much God has blessed us with over the past few months.  And I know those blessings are going to increase by a million once this baby arrives. 

I'm BEYOND thankful for all of my family and friends that have encouraged and supported us to make this dream a reality.  Andrew and I have worked so hard over the past year or so to get us to the point where we could buy, but we couldn't have done it without all of the love and prayers and generosity of the people that we're so blessed to have in our lives.  We love you ALL more than you'll ever know.



Home Sweet Home.

 WEEK 13 CRAVINGS:  Panda Express crunchy honey pecan shrimp and beijing beef.  3 good reasons why this craving is awesome: 1) for a 3-entree and 1 side dish meal, that will feed both Drew and myself, it's only $9.  SCORE.  2) in the midst of the move, havinga  Panda Express at Rivergate was incredibly convenient.  So convenient in fact, that we ate there twice this week.  YUM.  3) Every time you eat at Panda Express they give you a survey at the bottom of your receipt that when you fill it out, gives you a free entree.  My new obsession, Operation 'Save Money/Stay Organized' is off to a good start!

WEEK 13 AVERSIONS:  Moving.  I know this isn't an actual pregnancy-related aversion, but even the thought of moving consumes me with anxiety and makes me a little nauseas.  I'm so glad it's over and even more glad that I don't have to do it again for a LONG time.  Considering I've moved almost every single year since I was 18, it's nice to know that we're finally putting down some roots and we won't have to complete another move for many, many years. 

WEEK 13 "To Remembers": When the doctor says to 'take it easy', he means business.  And that my husband is the most amazing person in the world - how hard he worked to move everything and how he picked up my slack because I couldn't be much help was so awesome.  But beyond that, his care and concern for me and the baby and me overdoing it was so comforting.  I knew I had a good one, but this just further confirms that I have the best.