Memorial Day Weekend! Oh yea, and we're 19 weeks!

How far along: 19 weeks

Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.

Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid. www.babycenter.com

Total Weight Gain: About 12 lbs.  I feel like I get bigger every single day!

Maternity Clothes: Yep.  The bags are out of retirement and I'm wearing some of my maternity shorts today.  Now...to be fair, they're not actually full blown maternity-just some larger sizes.

Stretch Marks: Nope.  Not on the belly.

Sleep: Mike was kind enough to find my body pillow for me- that I used from the last pregnancy.  However, I don't know if he was doing it to be nice or because he was tired of me whining and throwing my legs all over him??

Best moment of this week: Memorial weekend was great!  It was definitely jam-packed, but got to hang out with some of my favorite people.  On Saturday, we met my parents at Landon's new house!  He and Whitney found the cutest house to lease up in Frisco.. plus it's only about 20 minutes from us.  We woke up with full intentions of helping with moving day, but when we got there we found out that everyone had already unpacked everything!  Nice surprise! :)  Something that Grace loves about the new home is their awesome swing set in the backyard- I think she could swing all day.  It didn't hurt that she had Loli and Pop at her beckon call to push, pull, etc... whenever she wanted!

Who needs clothes?

All tuckered out- about 2 minutes into the ride home!

After some dinner, we called it an early night--knowing we had a big day ahead of us the next day!  On Sunday, we woke up and attended-yet another- great service.  The lesson was all about the church's efforts in Ethiopia and the work being done there.  My parents came with us and really seemed to enjoy it!  Every time I leave, I have a very strong sense of what is really important in life.  It just really helps keep my life in perspective- for not only me, but for my family.                                                                                                                     

After church, we headed to Tyler & Susie's for a little pool party celebration for our friend, Spud's, birthday.  Even though Mike, Grace, & I were the only ones who were brave enough to face the cold waters- it was nice seeing our friends and having some nice, relaxing visitation time.  I was interested to see how Grace would react to swimming since we haven't done it since last year.  She LOVED it.  At first, she was a little skeptical, but she warmed up quickly.  She loved walking along the steps and splashing.  Soon enough, she was ready to bound off the edge to Daddy! (Unfortunately, Grace deleted the video of her actually jumping off the edge- but there's a little sneak peak video.  There's also a sweet video of her loving on the 'baby' and slide time with Pops.  Check out my youtube link ------->)                                                                                    Grace was a trooper and made it until about 10, but I figured I better get her to bed since we were having another swimming day on Monday!  So...we headed out and left Mike to stay and party for the both of us. :)

ooonnneee, ttttwwoooo, tttthhhhrreeeeeee!!

Swing time- after pool time!

On Monday, we had a delicious Mexican lunch in Frisco- plus Lou needed some extra time with Loli and Pops before they headed home! 

Happy Memorial Day!

Cool 'Wall of Honor' in the restaurant! Thankful for all who serve!

After lunch, we bid farewell to my parents and head off to the other set of grandparent's!  We got to Tom & Patsy's a little late- around 2:30- said our hellos, and then it was pool time- AGAIN.  This time, Grace got to swim with her fun, loud, and much splash-ier cousins.  She seemed to have an awesome time playing and swimming with Dadda- especially since she had a crowd of onlookers to look all cute for! :)

That face says it all!!

Getting some love from Daddy!

Nate catching some rays on the side.

Serious pose.

Time for jumping again!

Moving on to noodle swimming- kick kick kick!

We loved the 'yellow' -as Grace called it!

Cousin Clay splashing around!

After some delicious fajitas and a little bit of play time, it was time to hit the road to get ready for the week ahead!            

Bad news: school's not out yet!  Good news:  only two more weeks and only one more Monday! PLUS- gender reveal in less than a week!   

On another note...I know I mentioned how Grace is such a big girl and sleeps in her big girl bed.  BUT- we were struggling with her getting out of bed, pulling out all of her stuffed friends, and sleeping in the middle of them.  It's super cute, I know, but bed sleeping is definitely preferable!  So, we bought a cheap little solution off amazon!  We thought it would make Grace sad that she couldn't get to all of her babies, but she actually loves it! She sees it as some kind of shrine- and gives some good ooohhhs, aaaaahhhss, and wwwhooooaaass every time she walks in her room.  

Does one child need this many stuffed animals?

We did have to leave her with a few of her favorites:
Barney, Daisy, Angel Bear & Minnie Mouse!

Miss Anything? Nah.  Besides the occasional drink or sushi withdraw, I can't complain!

Movement: This week was the first time I have felt the baby on the outside of my belly.  I've been trying to get the timing right so Mike can feel it, but no such luck- YET!

Food Craving: I'm working very hard to overcome my unhealthy cravings by keeping my house stocked with healthy substitutes! So far, so good.  I made a nice trip (ALONE) to Trader Joe's and found me some good stuff.  Right now, I'm keeping my snack cravings under control with Apricots, cottage cheese, and a big variety of smoothies <--- courtesy of Pinterest!  Don't get me wrong, I did have moments of weakness with a box of Cocoa Puffs and Fudgesicles (at least they're Skinny Cow).  I have always been the kind of person who does not diet because the second I tell myself I CAN'T have something- that's all I can think about and it's just miserable.  My mom has always had the best health advice (must be that nursing education):  eat more color, never eat a serving more than the size of your fist, and everything in moderation!  Plus, a grocery shopping tip: only shop on the OUTSIDE AISLES of the supermarket because these are the freshest, natural products that have to be replaced more frequently!   

Anything making you queasy or sick?  Not queasy...but I have had the most annoying lingering head cold!  I used my final two sick days this week catching up on my sleep, blowing my nose, and coughing like a crazy person.  Nobody in my house has shown a single sign of feeling crummy, so I'm thinking it's either allergies (which I've never had in my life) or pregnancy love. <3  

And P.S., the coughing fits aren't helping with my struggling bladder- geez! 

Gender Prediction: Gender reveal is less than a week away.  We are having a family dinner to reveal the gender and I was struggling to decide if I wanted to find out at the doctor appointment or find out with everybody else.  I've decided that I'm going to find out at the appointment with Mike.  For one, I don't think I could handle all the torture Mike would put me through until the dinner!  Plus, it will be nice for Mike and I to be able to have a more intimate celebration ourselves before we share the joy with the rest of the family!  So, now we get to torture everyone else together! (Loli & Gigi, in particular!)

Labor Signs: Nope

Symptoms: I'm afraid that I'm seeing signs of chloasma sneaking in.  I've noticed some darker patches of skin on my cheeks and upper lip (nice, huh?).  Right now, it's not that big of a deal- concealer's been covering it just fine, BUT it makes me a little nervous because my mom got it really bad when she was pregnant with my brother. Also, my back has really been bugging me this last week.  Could be a factor of my lack of working out or my extreme coughing fits..who knows.  I've realized I'm starting to sound very whiny, so enough with this! :)

Belly button in or out? We're in an in/out phase- if you know what I mean.  The belly button really wants out, but I am still capable of pushing that little sucker back in!

Wedding rings on or off?  Starting to get snug.  Only wedding band fits now.  What's weird is that the ring is still really loose once I get it on, I just have trouble getting by the knuckle.  It's like my knuckles are getting bigger???

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy happy happy.  Summer's getting closer.  More of my family has moved closer.  I'm about to get to stop calling my baby an 'it'. Grace is a perfect little angel.  Mike is a tremendous support system.  He's my lobster.  <3

Looking forward to: Probably don't have to say, BUT  June 3 and June 7 are some exciting days to look forward to! :)

18 down! 22 to go!

UPDATE TIME

How far along? 18 weeks

How your baby's growing:

Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound. www.babycenter.com


Total Weight Gain: Think I'm going between 10-12.  I feel like I get bigger every single day!

Maternity Clothes: My regular pants are officially going into retirement-temporarily.  The buttons are digging way too far!  Work out shorts and dresses are currently my BFF.

Stretch Marks: So far-so good.  For some reason stretch marks like to accumulate on my lower back and tops of my legs.  I've been lucky to keep them off my belly so far, but I've been lathering up the coconut oil!

Sleep: Daily naps are still a requirement.  I have to stay on my feet or I am out!

Best moment of this week: Been a pretty good week!

Grace had her very first gymnastics class on Thursday and she absolutely loved it.  I was bummed because we were about 10 minutes late-thanks Dallas traffic!  When we got there, the teacher told me not to be surprised if Grace just wanted to stay right by my side and have nothing to do with anything.  Well, she acted that way for about 10 seconds before she was overcome with excitement!  We started with some bar and beam exercises-which she loved!  She swung her legs like crazy.  Then, we went to the floor and trampoline where she proceeded to get nice and sweaty.  She didn't want to have anything to do with the teacher and she tended to completely ignore all structure they were trying to implement.  Other than that, it was fabulous and we will definitely be signing up for good!  Here's a few pics and I have a few videos on my youtube link ---------------->>>

Got to see my brother and his wife (<--weird saying that) graduate from Tech and it's always fun to visit God's country! Shout out!

Get your guns up people!  More Raiders in the family!

I had some amazingly disgusting chips at the Rangers game.  Thanks Beall for the invite- always a good time.  Even if they did lose 2-9.  

Strongly recommended concoction of chip heaven!- I suggest sharing!

I thought about getting a Murphadilla or a Beltre Burger, but figured I didn't need to be that ridiculous!

 

Also, last night, Mike went in to check on Grace and found her right inside the door. So funny..kinda sad..but funny! :) 

Grace snoozing on the floor: guess she wanted to be with all her babies!

Miss Anything? Still missing my caffeine and have been really craving a nice cold beverage on the patio to enjoy these warm days.

Movement: Still feeling little flutters. Nothing major yet.

Food Craving: Still going strong with the cravings of the most unhealthy food there is.  Ugh!

Anything making you queasy or sick? I figured out that 5 hours of graduation and 100 degree weather tends to wear on me.  If I don't drink enough water throughout the day, I really feel the affects of dehydration.  I don't really feel sick, but definitely light headed and queasiness comes and goes.

Gender Prediction: Very torn at this point.  VERY READY to find out.  Nurseries on pinterest are calling my name! ..and my new sister-in-law has introduced me to a nice little gem: www.projectnursery.com

Labor Signs: Thank goodness- no

Symptoms: The hair growth factor does not hit me as positively as I've heard from others.  I hear all these stories about women's hair getting thick and shiny and growing long and beautiful.  Um, no.  My hair on my head seems to be getting rattier and fro-ier--while hair everywhere else is growing like crazy.  Not to be gross or anything, but if you would like to get me an early birthday/Christmas/Valentine's Day, etc... present- I would really like laser hair removal for my entire body.  Please and thanks!

Belly button in or out? Already starting to poke out :(

Wedding rings on or off?  Starting to get snug. Probably moving only to the wedding band soon.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Feeling good.  I'll definitely feel happier and less anxious when tornado season is over!  There is nothing more stressful than having my family spread all over the place with a threat of a tornado.  I can't even begin to imagine the extreme devastation families are facing in Moore and we had a big scare with the tornado in Granbury.  My mom had a close call and I would say she's experiencing some PTSD after seeing that huge F4 sweep across Granbury. Can't blame her!  Look at this hail she snatched up out of the yard the night of the storm! The tornado isn't the Granbury tornado, but it's a pic a friend of ours took from a nearby town that same night!  Craziness!

Looking forward to: This weekend!  Not only is it a three day weekend, but Landon and Whitney will be moving to Dallas! -Yippee!  Haven't lived in the same town as Landon since I was in high school.  Also, we are having a pool party/ birthday celebrations for one of my good friends on Sunday.  Will be fun to see some friends that I haven't seen in too long!

Is it June yet?!?

Times have been very eventful lately! 

Between our yard project and transitioning Grace into her big girl bed, plus my daily necessary naps and conjestion nightmare...where do I start? 
I was informed by the doctor that my low platelet count could be a huge factor in the role of my necessary naps.  It really is crazy..I don't think I've ever been so tired in my life.  Never have I come home from work, sat down, and within a minute be passed out.  Mike has been so wonderful too.  He'll take Grace to the gym with him after work so I can have my daily siesta.  I feel pretty worthless and ridiculous, but what do you do?  I'm not done complaining yet! :)  This last week I have developed the worst congestion of my life- I have officially turned into a 'mouth breather', which is one of my biggest pet peeves!  I can't breathe at all and NO medicine does anything for me--I'm guessing this is another side effect of pregnancy. 

Usually when I'm feeling tired and under the weather, exercise is my biggest go-to...BUT it is not really happening that way.  I know that women exercise pregnant all the time and 'you go girl'!  I've tried going running multiple times, and it in NO WAY is an enjoyable experience.  Not only am I dead tired within 5 minutes, but I about pee myself every other step and my boobs just cannot get enough support.  So, needless to say, I will be checking into yoga/pilates soon.   Call me a quitter, call me a baby-don't care.  I'm done running for the next five months!

Mike has been on a roll lately.  He finished our backyard flower beds and they are awesome.  We have been trying to keep flowers alive IN the flower beds for the last three years and our dogs OUT of them!  They have been the biggest pain.  We now have two nice rock gardens with zero upkeep and no digging available for our dogs!  Next step is to figure out a plan for our bushes in the front yard.  Matt came over and helped Mike yank out quite a few of them, but now we need to create a new rock outline and fill in some holes..Mike is currently obsessed with Knockout Rose bushes.  He makes us randomly drive around our neighborhood and check out all the yards with bushes. I'll let you know how it's coming--could be a long, uphill battle.

Dogs lounging in the yard instead of digging in the flower beds!!

In preparation for this new baby on the way, we are working on transitions for Grace so we don't have to worry about it once the new baby comes.  This weekend we decided it was time to see how she does with a big girl bed!  We took down the gate and crossed our fingers.  WELL, even though Mike had very low expectations and just knew she would be banging on her door within seconds- she did fabulous.  She already was very good about taking herself to bed at her bedtime.  We just ask her if she wants to go get Barney/Baby/Minnie/Daisy, etc... and she'll walk herself back to her room to find them.  NOW, she walks back there (with me of course), gets her doll of choice, and get into bed.  I tuck her in and play with her hair a bit--and she is ready for night night.  I sat outside her door and just waited for her to get up and walk around and NEVER heard a thing.  Perfect little thing.  So, Mike's response was "Wait until naptime tomorrow-that will be a different story." 
Even though she has a little more trouble going to sleep at naptime, and I did hear her thrashing about a bit- I still never heard her get up and she was asleep within ten minutes.  She is doing sooo good!
We're still working on the potty. She goes at the babysitter and at least once everyday at home- so that's a start!  I'll put a little more effort into that when I have a summer of free time to devote. 
(*Look how cute that little bed is.  Bottom picture was how we found Grace at the end of her nap.  Doesn't she look so little?!)

SPEAKING OF SUMMER...it looks like I"m not going to be teaching summer school.  They moved it back a week this year, so it was going to interfere with our beach trip.  Since it's only 16 days long, they don't let you take any time off.  So, long story short, I went ahead and opted for a month of relaxation.  I have to admit I'm very excited about the relaxation, but a little bummed about the extra $$$.
IN OTHER NEWS...Rex and Grace's relationship has come to a whole new level.  The first couple months, Rex wouldn't even be in the same room as her and now he likes to lay with her and get her lovin'.  It might have something to do with the fact that Grace gives the dogs their treats. ;)

Mother's day was fabulous!  We got up Sunday morning and went to the early church service.  It was soo good.  The sermon was over global involvement and being aware of problems throughout the world.  I don't know if it's because I'm pregnant or what, but the past two Sundays at church I have cried like a blubbering idiot.  Oh well..it's good for the soul.  After church, we went to a brunch at Le Peep in Plano and it was mighty delicious!!  After Grace's nap, we met my parents at Pappadeaux's in Grapevine for a little Mother's Day linner around 2.  On the way home, we stopped at the inlaws in Lewisville to finish making the rounds and pick up some yummy chocolates from the in-laws.  That night, we rented Jack Reacher and that movie is GREAT.  Highly recommended. 
I'll leave you with a cute little picture of Grace getting ready for the babysitter last week.  I will admit, she is a Mama's girl right now!

Blue or Pink...What do you think?

Today was my 17 week checkup, and it was rather enlightening.  

It was just a regularly scheduled appointment-listening to the heartbeat with some updates.  Well, first of all, I was informed that I currently have quite a low blood platelet count (gestational thrombocytopenia).  Blood count should be somewhere between 150-400 million and mine is at 120. Good news is that it doesn't affect me or the baby NOW, but generally if platelet count is going to drop it will happen in the third trimester.  So, bad news is that the doctor told me if it drops below 100 I won't be a candidate for an epidural and THAT is not good news! I also do not like the fact that there is NOTHING I can do about it.  It's a 'watch and wait' type of problem-as the doctor referred to it.   Another somewhat upsetting piece of information I received at the doctor's office today was that even though we officially pay more for our insurance now, they pay for...well nothing! When time came to update our plans, we made sure to keep the best plan we could knowing that we would probably plan on having another baby soon.  Unfortunately, all that means for us is that we now pay a $4000 deductible before we get any insurance assistance.  Soooo..baby #2 is going to be a much bigger investment.  Oh well..gotta do what you gotta do I guess.

ON A LIGHTER NOTE

Two distinct differences I saw today at my doctor appointment were that the heart beat was on the much lower end of the spectrum: 120ish (Grace was NEVER low) and she had to search for the heartbeat very low.  She was searching all over my belly-starting to stress me out- and finally after undoing my pants and going down south we finally heard the little thing.  These are some things that are making me question the sex of Bolding fetus (as the students at school refer to it).
SOOO...onto the question of the day.  Based on the following information/wives tails, what do you think??

Carrying high or low? *Right now, ultrasound is showing LOW= BOY
Low or High heart rate? *Today showed 130 beats per minute (low)= BOY
Craving sweet or salty? *Definitely more sweets! = GIRL
Chinese Birth Chart?=GIRL
Even/ Odd Mayan Legend= 28-even/2013-odd= BOY
'Unlocking the Mystery' Key test= BOY
Breaking Out??= Yes!=GIRL
Ring on a string/pencil test= BOY
Morning Sickness?= Nope= BOY

(http://www.parenting.com/gender-predictor?pnid=13091)

UPDATE TIME

How far along? 17 weeks

 

Total Weight Gain: Doctor appointment this week indicated I'm at about 8 pounds. (Based on my scale, it's more like 10...sshhh, don't tell)

Maternity Clothes: I've busted out my maternity clothes from the first pregnancy, but I'm in the frustrating middle stage where maternity is still to big and normal clothes are about to cut into my skin.  At least the weather's getting warm and I can wing it with dresses and leggings for a while.

Stretch Marks: So far-so good

Sleep: Still sooo tired.  Even when I have pretty easy work days, I still come home so sleepy.  I have literally been going to bed around 8 or 9 every night, which is VERY unlike me!

Best moment of this week: Had my second doctor appointment and got to hear the little heartbeat! Also, Grace has started responding when we ask her: "Where's Mama's baby?"  She always goes and pats my belly...such a cutie!  

Miss Anything? Still missing my caffeine and have been really craving a nice cold beverage on the patio to enjoy these warm days.

Movement: Still feeling little flutters

Food Craving: Sonic is killing me with their 25 shake menu!  AND...since I'm at Sonic, I lose all self control and get some cheese sticks w/Ranch on the side.  NOT HEALTHY.  I realize this and am 'working' on it.  Also, I did have a random strong craving for some Cajun food the other day?  

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nah

Gender Prediction: After todays appointment, I'm thinking about changing my prediction to boy. Scares me a bit-we don't know what to do with a little boy! :)

Labor Signs: No!  slightly early…

Symptoms: Nothing new

Belly button in or out? Still going strong 

Wedding rings on or off? So far so good!

Happy or Moody most of the time: I have definitely felt my mood looking up more lately.  This probably has to do with school getting easier and summer getting closer.

Looking forward to: June 4!  Boy or girl...I cannot handle the suspense!

**Well, I didn't take a 17 week pic, but here is a -not so flattering- 16 week pic representing our little apple!

Looks like I need a nap...

IN OTHER NEWS

Even though school is slowly coming to a close for the year, that just means a whole other round of "to do's".  I guess I'm a glutton for punishment because I signed up for another year of summer school, BUT it really is an awesome gig.  Work 4 days a week/ 8am-noon/only 4 weeks- all for another paycheck.  Think I can handle it--especially since we have another birth to pay for!  Mike and I are also in full blown spring cleaning mode-mostly with exterior projects.  First things we are taking care of are the backyard flower beds.  We are sick of trying to upkeep them and keep the dogs OUT of them, so we decided to rock them.  Here is a little sneak peak..we are going to do the other bed this weekend and grout/cement the cracks.  I'll let you know how it turns out!

As well as outdoor projects, it has become more than apparent that we are in desperate need of a garage sale in our future.  So, in the future, it looks like you'll be hearing a lot about all the junk we have and how much garage sales suck.   As much of a bummer as Spring cleaning can be, it sure is a lot of fun with Miss Grace.  She would spend every waking minute outside if she could and loves going out with the dogs.  We've found ourselves a good little spot up the street where the dogs can run w/o leashes, get a little fresh air, and sniff every tree and bush within a mile radius!

Hope you all have a fabulous week and Mother's Day! Let me know your baby gender thoughts and remember...only 22 days until summer break! whoo hoo!

And then there were...FOUR!

So…it’s been about--well, forever--since I’ve updated this thing, but here we go!  So much has happened in the last year.  It is crazy times in the Bolding household.  We have Baby Bolding part 2 on the way and Gracie Lou is growing like a weed!  There are also so many other things going on in our family-like Landon getting married and moving the Dallas! YAY!!!  So excited for that!  Mike is loving and rocking his job for the Food & Agribusiness at Wells Fargo and I’m finishing up my fifth year teaching!  I also found out that I don’t have to coach next year, so I am super stoked about that because I am going to need some serious extra time with two babies.  <3

The Boldings-as we know it

 

Something I wish I would’ve done better with Grace was document my pregnancy.  When you’re pregnant, you feel like you couldn’t possibly forget the experience, but you do!  I’m taking the cue from one of my dear friends and copying her fabulous template!

 PREGNANCY! ROUND 2!

How far along? 16 weeks...SIZE OF AN APPLE

 

Total Weight Gain: so far, I’m at about 5 pounds-give or take.  Trying to avoid the doctor’s dirty looks this time!

Maternity Clothes: Maternity clothes? Not yet! Stretchy clothes?  You bet!  I am going to love maxi dresses and skirts this year!

Stretch Marks: I have been soooo lucky with the stretch marks so far! *knock on wood

Sleep: This is definitely the biggest difference from my first pregnancy.  I remember being tired the first trimester, but I cannot get enough sleep!  When I get home from school, if I sit down for more than 2 minutes I am out like a light!  Last night I went to bed right after Graceà8:15 ish and slept until 7:30 this morning, and I’m still tired!  Needless to say, I am looking better and better for work these days. HA!

Best moment of this week: Letting the cat out of the bag and telling my students I’m prego.  Gotta love teaching 8th grade because here were some of the student responses:

“I’m so glad you told us because we all thought you got a boob job!” 

“I knew it!  You were definitely looking fat!”

“That explains why you’ve been so grouchy! Haha!” ..Yea, haha.

Miss Anything? Cutting caffeine cold turkey is definitely a struggle.  I wouldn’t say that I necessarily NEED the caffeine, but caffeine is in everything delicious!  I miss my Coke Zero and McDonald’s Caramel Frappes! :(

Movement: I know it sounds crazy early, but I have felt little fluttery movements for a few weeks now!  When we went for our sonogram, the tech was going crazy over how bouncy and jumpy baby Bolding was.  Mike and I are afraid for what this means in the futureà Grace was such a chill and somber baby. 

Food Craving: I should’ve known I was pregnant long before I did because ALL I want is donuts, chocolate milk, and cheese sticks.  ß This is one healthy baby!

Anything making you queasy or sick? Eh, not really. Again, I have been beyond lucky with my pregnancies!  No sickness at all J

Gender Prediction: I’m leading towards girl because I feel the EXACT same as I did in my first pregnancy, plus it’s hard for me to imagine a baby that’s not a girl! J  Only 5 more weeks!

Labor Signs: No!  slightly early…

Symptoms: With both of my pregnancies I have broken out like a teenager!  It’s a bummer because literally NOTHING works and the last thing I want to do is wear MORE makeup.  Also, I have been crazy sleepy and hungry, but I am aware that I am so blessed because pregnancy has been quite a cakewalk for me.

Belly button in or out? Belly button didn’t pop out until the bitter end with Grace, but I can already feel it starting to weasel its way out!  It’s already feeling all mushy and gross! Grace like to poke it..lol

Wedding rings on or off? So far so good!

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy.  I have all the reason in the world to be happy!  A little exhausted and ready for summer, but happy! J

Looking forward to: School being out for summer!  Finding out the gender so I can start decorating the nursery! <3

 IN THE MEANTIME...

 

 

Mike and I have the most perfect little girl!  These 19 months have flown by so fast, and I know that this makes me sounds like a typical mom..but it’s true!  I swear she does something new every single day.  She has recently started her potty training, and we were really shocked by this.  Mike went to pick her up from Emma’s the other day and she told us that she’s been using the potty for days now.  We decided we should probably get her a potty for home now, and-of course-it’s a pink princess potty that places music.  Although we’re not adamant about spending every waking minute training her, she’s making some good progress!

She is such a little monkey with so many cute things to say.  She likes to climb and hang on everything, but in a cute-little-careful-girly way!  She’s working on her forward roll and loves to dance around-especially to ‘The Voice.’ Some cute things she says right now: “I love you” (to the tune of Barney of course) “I love me” (also to the tune of Barney), “uh-oh”, “ooooooo”, “buh bye”, and she also does the sound effects to a lot of animals! Super cute.  Something that I hope catches on is the fact that Emma calls Mike ‘Papi’ and so Grace has recently started doing that.  It would be so awesome if Grace called Mike-‘Papi!’ lol!

She can also recognize letters and start to sing the alphabet, sing the itsy bitsy spider (with hand signals of course), and she loves “Old Macdonald” and “Jesus Loves Me”.

She loves to read her books and do her puzzles, and right now she thinks every color is ‘bluuuuueeeee’.

Mike and I are just so beyond blessed and smitten with our precious little angel and we are overjoyed that we have another one on the way.  We know that we are so lucky because for both of our kiddos it was a ‘one stop shop’ and we have been so fortunate to have a healthy experience so far! Things are about the get real up in here!