Wednesday, March 28, 2012

37 Weeks

I'm a day late... oops!
  Size of baby: According to Babyzone she's about the size of a collard greens

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  +39... up a pound from last week... kind of disappointed that I'll more than likely  break the 40 lbs mark. =P

Maternity Clothes: Leggings and dresses... all the way! lol

Gender: It's a girl!

Movement: She's kicking the shit out of me as we speak! lol

What I miss: Being able to sleep for more than 1-2 hours at a time

Sleep:I haven't been sleeping well at all.  I think I've been getting up roughly 5+ times each night... does not make for a restful sleep.  I've actually been doing the fall asleep head nod on public transportation the last two days... that's just wrong!

Symptoms: Exhausted from lack of sleep.  I can fall asleep at a moments notice during the day, but can't stay asleep for more than 1-2 hours at night. =(

Cravings:  Eating lots of oranges and bananas, and chocolate of course =)

Dr. Appointment:  Everything a-ok this week!  Nothing much to report. 

Best Moment this week: I helped surprise Jacob with a Man-shower/Dad-chelor party with his friends, brother and dad.  It was a way for him to get a celebration in prior to the little one arriving.  I was hoping for some photos... but it doesn't appear that anyone took any. =(

What I am looking forward to:  Baby consignment sale this weekend!  My brother and soon-to-be sister-in-law are coming up to go with me.  I'm hoping to find a jogging stroller and a swing/bouncer thingie.  And then we're off to see the Hunger Games! =)

Sunday, March 25, 2012

The Case of the Missing Biscuit

About a month ago I was making dinner and planning to bake up some biscuits... you know, the kind that come in the tube?  I unwrapped the tube and... nothing happened!  Usually it pops open on it's own, right down the middle.  But this time, nothin'.  So, I lightly tapped the tube against the kitchen counter hoping to help break the seal... and I sure did!  Instead of the tube breaking in the middle, the end cap popped off and went flying across the room... as did about 1/3-1/2 of the biscuits inside!

I laughed A LOT.  Jacob came into the kitchen to see what was going on and laughed with me.  Then we set to work retrieving the lost biscuits from the counter, floor, etc. around our kitchen.

(If you remember, our kitchen opens up into a dining area and formal sitting area, so those little doughy discs had a LOT of space to cover!)

After picking up dough discs from various locations, we discovered that we had 9... out of a package of 10.  We checked each biscuit to see if two of them had stuck together.  Nothing.  We checked the floors again, and behind/underneath things on the counter.  We checked behind the sofa.  We looked EVERYWHERE and NO BISCUIT! 

We were stumped, but figured that maybe the package was a fluke and there was only 9 in there in the first place.  So, I didn't worry about it too much.  Until this morning.

It's been about a month since the biscuit blow up.  I had near forgotten about the missing dough disc.  This morning, however, I saw something funny when I went into our kitchen to make breakfast.  One of our overhead light bulbs had blown out... and, as I went over to inspect, something unusual caught my eye.


We have this little "rock" display on our coffee table that kids like to play with when they came over.  My first thought was that they'd taken one of the rocks and somehow balanced it on top of the light shade, but, as I got closer, it became more obvious that it wasn't a rock at all...


I ran back into the bedroom, grabbed my phone and told Jacob to get out of bed as I had something to show him.

We laughed... a LOT!  =)

Happy Sunday everyone! =)

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Baby Pool!

I started a BabyHunch Pool today... place your "bets" on birth date, weight, length, etc.... but please be kind, wishful thinkers! lol

The Nursery: Revealed!

I have blogged a little bit about some of the work that we have done on the nursery... painting... putting the crib together... getting my wonderful glider.  But it has been several weeks since I last posted anything about the progress of the nursery.  That's because I was doing my favorite part... decorating! =)  And also receiving various items from our friends and family members.

The nursery has been "done" for probably about a month now.  By "done" I mean that, if she came really early, we would be able to make due with what we had in place.  However, now I feel that the nursery is REALLY done... i.e. it looks cute, too! =)

Here are some photos of our little one's room... just waiting for her to show up!


Found this decal at Target.... had to make a few adjustments, but I love the idea!


For shopping lists and "to-do's"

Sitting area... complete with cushions c/o my soon-to-be sister-in-law Jennifer, for some cozy "guest" seating. =)
Dresser/changing area. The frames will be filled with baby photos. There is also a white-painted letter hanging in the hole between the three shelves... but, since we aren't revealing the name yet, you're going to have to wait to see the letter! =)
 
Found this lamp via CL. I wanted something that would give me enough light to see by in the middle of the night, but wouldn't totally freak out my senses! I may still get a dimmer bulb for it.

We really lucked out in terms of furniture and supplies.  The crib came from Jacob's brother, who used it for his two kids.  The dresser and chest we had already in our "guest room" (both came from Jacob's family as well).  The shelves also came from Jacob's folks.  The glider and lamp were both Criagslist finds, and the shelving unit came from Target.  We bought the crib mattress and changing table pad at Babies R Us, and the shaggy rug at Target.  The curtains and cushions are home made.  I'm very happy with how it all turned out... and looking forward to seeing what is going to be needing to be changed to make it a bit more "functional" (I'm sure there will be surprises that I haven't even thought about yet! lol).
Just a little over 3 weeks to go! =)

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

36 Weeks

Size of baby: According to Babyzone she's about the size of a gala melon... no clue what this is... lol

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  +38... averaged two pounds in two weeks.  Kind of on track.  I'm starting to come to terms with the fact that I'm going to break the 40 lbs mark.

Maternity Clothes: Leggings have become my best friends.

Gender: It's a girl!

Movement: Lots of poking and pushing body parts out of me.  I wish the exit process was actually going to be as easy as she thinks it is! lol

What I miss: Being able to fit into ANY of the underwear options that I have in my closet. lol

Sleep:Between pregnancy stuff and this damn head cold that I have, I haven't gotten more than 2-3 hours of sleep straight for the last three days.  I'm exhausted.

Symptoms: Right now my cold symptoms are outweighing those of the pregnancy.  But I will say that I'm getting leg cramps when I try to fall asleep at night... I think that's probably more prego-pain than cold symptom. =)

Cravings:  I've been eating a lot of oranges recently... I was never a big orange person before.

Dr. Appointment:  I'm adding this in now as I'm on a weekly appointment schedule.  Today my doctor confirmed that the baby is HEAD DOWN!  Yeah! =)

Best Moment this week: I felt a lot of hiccups this week.  I may have felt them before and didn't realize it, but this week I KNEW what I was feeling.  It was kind of weird... but cool. =)  I also packed my hospital bag and we got the car seat strapped into the car.  we're all set! =)

What I am looking forward to:  There's a big baby stuff consignment sale the last weekend of the month.  I'm going to check that out and try to get some of the remaining "big things" that we need (stroller, swing/bouncy thing) and then we're going to use our 10% discount for our baby registry at Target to get the last of the stuff that we want/need.  I'm excited to finish up this last bit of shopping =)

Jacob and I are both sick and, thus, were too lazy to get into our standard room/pose for comparison sake.  We'll do better next time. =)

Big Belly Photos!

Back in July Jacob and I participated in a Relay for Life event in Eugene.  Part of the fundraising at the walk was a silent auction.  One of the prizes was a family photo shoot.  I bid on it, thinking that it would be a cool gift for my parents to get some photos of our whole, HUGE and growing family.  However, after I won the auction (yay!) I soon realized how difficult it was to get 4 siblings, each with a significant other, and one child (whose parents split custody) in the same place, at the same time, and NOT on a nationally recognized holiday.  It is near impossible.
Then, about a month later, we found out that soon our family would be growing as well.  So, my focus for the photo shoot changed for "my family" to "our family".  I contacted to the photographer to see if she would be willing to wait about 6 months to do a maternity shoot.  She agreed..  And so, last month, we finally met for some shots... but little did I know at the time that I would actually get TWO maternity shoots!

Here are so photos from our session with Kallee Alise Photography, taken on the University or Oregon campus one dreary day in February:









After this shoot (and the maternity session that I personally photographed), I realized that, while I was sure these photos were going to turn out nicely, I wanted some that were a little more "intimate" than anything that I would get outside on a cold day in a public place.  So, I contacted another photographer who regularly sets up in-home studio sessions.  I don't know how I found Erin at EB Photography, but I know that I've had her website bookmarked for awhile.  And, since I'd paid for the other shoot last July, it didn't really FEEL like I was paying for two photo sessions... so.... we decided to go for it!

Erin came out to our home a couple of weeks after our outdoor shoot to take some casual photos of us hanging out around the house in our PJs. =)  It was definitely the first time I've greeted a visitor in my pajamas (on purposes!) since I was about 8! lol  And we are VERY happy with the shots that she was able to get!








In a few weeks I'll have some photos to show you via Erin.. however, as we're not revealing the name yet, these photos will have to wait! ;)  Only 4 weeks until d-date though! =)

Grossness

Two Fridays ago Jacob woke up feeling like shit. 

I KNOW that he was feeling horrible because he called in sick to work.  He NEVER calls in sick/admits that he's sick.  He was sick all weekend and called in to work M-Thur of last week.  All week i did my best to distance myself from him.  We both got a little lonely.  =(  But, I made it through the week and was feeling ok.  I thought that I'd lucked out and beat it.

And then Saturday morning I woke up and had no more illusions that my immune system was that of a God.  I was sick. But, like my husband, I have a hard time admitting it/sitting around and doing nothing.  So, I tried to be productive over the weekend... maybe a good idea, maybe not, I don't know.  But it's day four and I still feel gross... more gross last night/today than I've felt since Saturday.  I hope and pray that 1) it gets better quickly, and 2) I don't go into labor... I can't even IMAGINE doing that while dealing with this!

What sucks more (in my mind) than feeling gross right now, is knowing that I am going through my "sick time" at work right now... meaning that, when I actually do go on my maternity leave in a few weeks, that I won't have as much time saved up, hence, won't be able to "bring in" as much money to help the household expenses while I'm out.  I feel like karma bit me in the butt... and I don't understand why, 'cause I'm a good person! lol

Being sick while pregnant is a whole different can of worms, too.  I don't think that I've slept for more than 2-3 hours in a stretch since Saturday.  I either can't get comfortable, can't breathe, wake up coughing/snoring, or have to pee... and not usually all at the same time.  Which means it goes: Can't breathe, can't fall asleep.  Need to pee... get up.  Get back into bed, can't get comfortable: leg cramp.  Lie there for an hour throwing a tiny temper tantrum, need to pee again.  Come back to bed.  Finally fall asleep.  Wake up coughing.  Need to pee. Get up and the whole cycle starts over again.

I'm so tired...

Monday, March 19, 2012

Our "Car Story"

Jacob and I decided that, this year, with our tax refund money, we would invest in a new car.  I've been toying around with getting something new for a while.  I got my car (a Hyundai Elantra) back in 2006.  It had a few electronic glitches, but nothing was horribly wrong with it.  Pretty much, after driving the same thing for 6 years I was ready for the something new.  Plus, I've had issues with the head room for awhile (I'm tall and in the Elantra I couldn't put my sunglasses on top of my head, or go over a large speed bump without hitting my head on the ceiling!), and really wanted something with a hatch back and more trunk space for hauling large or unusually shaped items.  My car has been paid off for several years now, so I know that any trade in value would go directly to a new purchase.  Plus, what we have as "My Car" is going to be the family car.  Jacob drives a 2-door Scion TC... not exactly baby friendly!

So, this weekend we decided to start shopping around.  And, by shopping around I mean actually going TO dealerships... we've been checking out different models of cars in parking lots and via the web for a couple of months now! lol  Jacob reminded me that we were just going to look, and not to expect to by anything this weekend.  I agreed.  And off we went.

This was the first time that I'd gone car shopping 'by myself".  The last two cars that I've bought I've had my dad there helping me with the haggling process and dealing with the sales people.  I was a nervous... particularly since I don't know much at all about cars, and Jacob is not one to question things.  So, I made sure to have a conversation with Jacob before we got to the first dealership regarding what our actual budget was, and what we were going to tell the salesmen our budget was.  I know that they would try to make us go higher than our agreed to "budget" so, I figured if we gave them a low number we'd be more likely to hit it closer to home. =)

At the first dealership, a Ron Tonkin lot, we took a look at about three different cars (crossover/station wagon styles).  We test drove a Ford Escape, and it was nice, but being the first place that we looked, and knowing anything about that particular car, we left it there... especially since it started to pour down rain on us!

We then came home (thankfully we have about half a dozen dealerships within a 5 mile radius of us!) and looked up the specs on the Ford Escape and customer reviews.  They weren't good.  We wanted something with decent miles per gallon, and the Escape did not have that.  We then went to another dealership, this time Dick Hannah.  We looked at a Dodge Caliber (too small/short) and a Jeep Limited (I liked it, but a bit over budget and had high miles) and then we test drove a Volkswagen Toureg.  Jacob and I both really liked the Toureg, but, again, didn't know anything about it.  So, we returned home and visited our friend Google.  We found out that the mpg was HORRIBLE (17 mpg).  I didn't want something that was going to leave me worse off than my Elantra (which I think got roughly 27 mpg).

By this time in the day I was tired, frustrated and feeling icky (I caught a pretty bad cold and was trying to pretend that I was functional... I think I was failing miserably).  AND it was raining/hailing/snowing outside!  But I'm not someone to give up.  Jacob and I sat at our computer for about an hour or more looking at the online inventory of different dealerships in our area, as well as checking out Google.  A lot out in Beaverton had a couple of Subaru Foresters that looked of interest, but I didn't know if we wanted to make the 30-45 minute drive out there just to be disappointed.  Meanwhile, Jacob started to look at Prius dealerships.

Something that you should know about Jacob is that he is ALL about the cool new gadget.  He has his heart set on getting an electric car (specifically a Tesla) one day, so it was no surprise that he started to look at hybrids.  But, at the same time, they were WAY above our budget (even our real one! lol).  By this point, I had to go to the bathroom (for, like, the 20th time that day).  When I came out, Jacob was on the phone telling someone that we could be there in 10 minutes.  Apparently he had remembered that Ford had a hybrid version of their Escape (remember, that was the first car we test drove and we liked it, but weren't fond of the mpg) and he found only two in the metro area for sale... one which happened to be at another Ron Tonkin dealership down the street.  So, back in the car we got.

The asking price on the hybrid was about 2k over our "max" budget.  Not a whole lot, but still more than I wanted to spend.  I voiced this and Jacob had arguments lined up about the money we'd save in gas (this car was supposed to get 30+ miles per gallon, both highway and city).  By the time that we'd gotten to the dealership they were pulling the car up to their covered area (as it had started raining again--HARD!).  It was a cute car.  A newer model than the one we had test drove and a silvery blue color.  Jacob handed over his driver's license and we took it for a spin... in the snow! lol  It's not very often that you have the chance to test drive a car in the snow in Portland! =)

We both really liked it.  Except for the price.  I handed over the keys to my Elantra so that they could take a look and give me an estimate on trade-in value and we headed inside to talk numbers.  This is where I really got concerned.  It was suddenly getting very real, and I was going to have to "play the game".

They asked me how much I was expecting for my Elantra.  I told them... but, of course, I told them high (as I knew they'd come back with a lower number and I wanted to get as close to what I actually thought I could get has possible).  I'd blue-booked it before coming, so I had an idea of what I could expect.  They also asked what we wanted to pay per month.  I told them that we could figure out financing once we settled on a purchase price, and let them know that we had good credit and planned to put down a down payment as well.  I also expressed to the salesman that the sticker price on the car was about 2k over what we had originally wanted to spend on a car.  I know that I was taking a risk here, and we would, no doubt, go over our budget a bit, but I also had an idea (again based on blue book value of the Escape... which I also researched before I left) that there was no way we could get it under our budget.  The salesman left to "see what we could do."

He came back a few minutes later with a list of "payment options".  They had agreed to give me $2500 for my Elantra ($500 less than what I told them that I wanted, but spot on with what I REALLY was expecting. lol) but that they couldn't drop the purchase price of the car as it was already on a "discount".  I KNOW that no one pays sticker for a car.  So this annoyed me a little bit.  I asked the salesman to give Jacob and I few minutes to discuss it.  I expressed my concerns to Jacob, and told him that I felt we would be offered a better deal if we left our number and walked away.  But, I also told him that I was willing to make a hard, final offer for 1k over our budget if he was (which still meant that they dealership would have to come down to our level).  He said that he would stand behind me on it.

We called the salesman back over and told him that we were not willing to pay the sticker cost, but that we would drive it home today if they were able to take another thousand off.  He asked if taking $250 would sway our decision.  I said "no".  He said that he would be back.  He then brought over the finance guy who gave us another offer that was $550 off the sticker price.  I saw this as a good sign, but, again, I told him no and asked for the keys back to my Elantra expressing that we were already going over our budget, and that there was another dealership that we hadn't hit yet with some cars of interest.  He said that he understood and that he would get our keys.

Not 5 minutes later our salesman comes back... not with keys, but with another offer that is at our 1k mark! =)  He tells us how much of a "loss" they are taking and asks that we recommend him to all of our friends (and gives us several of his business cards). lol

We signed on the line, and then went to their little waiting area for the finance guy to put the paperwork together (and Jacob bought me a Snickers out of the vending machine, as we had now been there for roughly 2 hours and I was STARVING!).  Another hour later, I was removing all of my possessions from my trusty Elantra, and we were driving home in our new Escape Hybrid!

I'm not looking forward to having car payments again (and am scared that I'm going to damage it! lol), but am excited to have something new.  And am very proud of myself for being able to haggle without my dad.  He taught me well. =)  Jacob texted his folks that "Pregnant Brittney is a lot better negotiator" that he is! lol

Here's our new ride... 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid (so much for only looking this weekend! lol





Old Fashion

You may call me old fashioned, but, I don't trust the Internet.  I don't trust that 30 years from now it's still going to "exist" and that everything that I've written on my various blogs will be preserved for myself and future generations to have access to.  I much prefer the old school version of written content storage... books! =)  So, for the past couple of years I have been using the website Blog2Print to turn a year's worth of blog into a bound book. 

I LOVE it!  I feel like it's a great value for my money and will be around "forever".  I've already gone back through some of the older entries in nostalgia. =)

This morning I got an e-mail letting me know that the website is having a 15% of sale until March 23rd, so I wanted to pass this news along to all of you in case you are interested.  Simply put in couple code: simplysave15

I hope someone takes advantage of this.  I really have been happy with my experiences with the company!

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Let the Countdown Begin

Oh Shit. lol



I have a lot more to write about... but not right now.  I have a cold and feel miserable. =(

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

35 Weeks

Size of baby: According to Babyzone she's about the size of a large pineapple!

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  +36... no gain from last week!  Score! =)

Maternity Clothes: I need to do laundry more often now... I don't have enough clothes that fit (well) to make it through the week! lol

Gender: It's a girl!

Movement: Still lots of movement.  Jacob asked me if it was painful the other day... I want to take a broomstick and jab his stomach from the inside to show him what it feels like! lol

What I miss: My memory.  It's gone.  Kaput.

Sleep: I think I'm running on about 4-5 hours right now.  I can't get comfortable.  I have leg cramps.  I have to pee every 20 minutes.  It really, really sucks.

Symptoms: Swollen feet... so weird.

Cravings:  Same as last week... sweets and carbs all the way.  But I'm dong my best to eat more fruits these days and not as much bread.

Best Moment this week:Had a couple of girlfriend from high school come to visit me this weekend and make me some freezer dinners for after the baby is born.  It was nice to see/visit with them and be able to ask them questions... since they are both fairly new moms.

What I am looking forward to:  My maternity leave.  I feel like a waste of space at work most days (my mind is not what it used to be and I'm getting frustrated with myself on a daily basis), plus, I could REALLY use the sleep/rest.  I only have about 4.5 weeks to go (assuming she doesn't come early!)

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Jelly

That's what my brain is like these days.

I feel like I'm losing my mind.  I can't remember anything for more than about 30 seconds.  I get up to do something and I can't rememberwhat it was by the time I get to the appropriate location (I, quite literally, almost forgot that I was even going to write this post!)

I lost my umbrella last week... I'm guessing that I must have forgotten it on the light rail.  This is NOT the time of year to be without one in Oregon.

Work is getting complicated.  I have a really thinky/organizy job... and I'm losing it.  Today I was half an hour late to an appointment because I forgot to change my calendar when we altered the original time.  I blamed a client for standing me up for an appointment yesterday... he reminded me that he had actually called to cancel the day before.

I'm losing my damn mind!

Baby brain is no joke!

(I was making waffles the other day.  When I opened the waffle iron to check on it, there was no waffle in it!  I thought that I was going absolutely batty.  Then I realized that the damn waffle was actually stuck to the TOP of the iron!  Thank God! lol)

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Winner, Winner!

Well, my first winner didn't respond... so time to pick a second winner...Aaaaand the winner of my 100 custom postcard giveaway from PrintRunner is.....

Sadie!

(Please get me your e-mail address by 8 PM tomorrow! Otherwise I'll have to pick another winner.)

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

34 Weeks

Size of baby: According to Babyzone she's about the size of a honeydew melon!

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  +36... I'm still worried that I'm gong to gain "too much" weight. =(

Maternity Clothes: I bought a couple of maternity shirts this week... it's difficult because I know that I won't be wearing them much longer, but all of my regular shirts are getting too small. =(

Gender: It's a girl!

Movement: Alien invasion style!  Poking out of me... a lot.

What I miss: Having any sort of energy.  I want to DO things... these beautiful days that we've been having make me want to go out and go hiking or biking or something.  But 1) I lack the motivation to try and 2) I know that I'm just going to get winded after a very brief period of time.

Sleep: I've been sleeping better this week.  It's kind of nice. =)

Symptoms:  I've read that during the third trimester you may start to feel nauseous like you did during the first.  I didn't get morning sickness during my first trimester, and I'm not getting it now... BUT I am reverting back to my first trimester and I am hungry ALL THE TIME.  I've also read that you're stomach is supposedly smaller now as the baby is squishing it, but I can never seem to get full.  I'm a medical marvel or something. =P

Cravings:  Sweets and carbs.  I could eat them all day long.

Best Moment this week: Had a baby shower with my friends and some coworkers this last weekend... and had another round of maternity photos taken.  Both were great and very relaxing!

What I am looking forward to:  Meeting my daughter.  I want to see this little creature that is beating the hell out of my insides! lol

I know that I have been posting "belly-progress" pictures on even weeks, but this week I'm going to leave you with a sneak peek from our maternity shoot this weekend with Erin and EB Photography.  I can't wait to see the others!


Friday, March 2, 2012

Invasion of the Body Snatchers! Part 2

This is how I felt last night...


I was lying in bed last night and noticed this weird hard spot just above my belly button.  So, naturally, I started to play with it... and it kicked back!  I thought that was pretty weird/odd/funny so I made Jacob do it, too. lol  Only, this time, instead of kicking back, I could feel the little person inside of me completely shift her position, and poke me REALLY hard on my right side.  I jerked and, involuntarily moved my hand to the pained area, only to discover a GIANT lump poking out of the side of stomach!

My response:  "Oh My GOD!"  and pulled my hand away in horror (Jacob is still making fun of me almost 24 hours later for it).  Jacob then felt whatever it was (knee?  elbow?) and was able to "massage" the extended appendage back into the roundness of my stomach.

Freakiest damn thing EVER! lol  It's so weird that the end is getting so close that I'm now able to feel body parts!