Monday, October 29, 2012

Storybook Forest

Tonight we took JJ to a local event for younger kids.  It is basically a walk-through of different children's stories where they see the characters and collect candy.  We've talked about going every year but never did until today.  It was so worth the cold and the back ache that resulted afterwards.
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We walked through a lit trail in the forest and read parts of many different children's stories.   At each stop was a bucket of candy and a character or scene from the story.
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Trying to pull the sword out of the stone.  No such luck.  He sure did try, though!
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A scene from Hansel and Gretel.  He obviously thought this was funny.
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He couldn't figure out what was wrong with her.  ha!
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The end of the trail.  Now on to the next activity!

After the walk-through there were a few other things we had the option of doing....hayride, games, and roasting marshmallows, hot dogs, drinking hot chocolate, etc.  Jorge took JJ to play some games while I stood in line waiting for the hayride.  Pretty soon they joined me and we enjoyed a windy, dusty ride in the dark.  We did see deer though which was pretty cool.
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Waiting patiently in line for the hayride.
After our hayride we headed to roast some marshmallows and warm up by the fire.  Roasted marshmallows are one of life's simple pleasures and tasted especially good after a cold, windy ride.  I think Mommy enjoyed the marshmallows just as much as JJ did. 
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It was such a fun family evening.  We don't have much more time before this baby comes and I am so thankful we had another chance to enjoy another outing as a family of 3.
 

36 Weeks

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Baby's size? Baby is the size of a honeydew, measures over 18.5 inches head to toe and weighs about 5.75 pounds.

Weight Gain? 20 pounds total so far.  This morning's appointment showed that I gained another 2 pounds in the past 2 weeks.

Maternity clothes? My "around the house" clothes are all regular sizes but the clothes I wear to go anywhere are basically all maternity.  I can still wear my maxi dresses though.

Stretch marks? Nope!

Belly Button in or out? Out.

Sleeping? I sleep okay at night usually (unless JJ crawls in bed with us in the middle of the night).  Still getting up once a night to pee and my lower back and hip pain is always there. 

Foods I am loving? Anything sweet.

Foods I'm hating? Chicken Express.

Movement? Lots of rolling around going on.  He's also been doing a lot of pushing outward which is very uncomfortable.  I think he's trying to get out!

Best moment this week? We decided on a name!  (post about that coming soon)

Symptoms? Fat face, aching hips and back, always hungry, no energy, right arm going numb, pregnancy brain, among other things.  Thankfully my feet and hands haven't swelled yet.  I'm just waiting for it.  One lovely example of pregnancy brain was that I forgot what time I was supposed to pick up JJ from school last Friday.  We're supposed to be there by 12:00.  It's always been that way and I've never been late for it but for some reason this past Friday I had it in my head that 12:30 was the time I'm supposed to be there.  I was heading that direction when I got a call from the school asking if I was coming to get JJ.  Pregnancy brain, people.  It's real.  I've also noticed in the last few weeks that my hair seems thicker and I know I'm not shedding like I normally do.  I know that as soon as this baby is born that I'll be back to shedding hair again.

Gender? Boy!

What I miss? My Daddy. Every day. 

What I'm looking forward to? My baby shower this coming Saturday!

Milestones? My doctor checked me this morning to see if I've made any progress.  I'm 2 cm dilated and 60% effaced!  The more centimeters I can dilate without feeling anything, the better!  I know that I was dilated to a 3 for a couple weeks before JJ was born so we could still have several more weeks left.

Emotions?  Oh, boy.  Here we go.
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Saturday, October 27, 2012

Nursery DIY's

I have become a different person since I quit my job to stay home with JJ. I didn't enjoy cooking or baking and certainly never did any crafting.  I was just too tired and not interested in things like that. Thankfully, that changed when I became a stay at home Mommy.  As you well know, those are all things that I thoroughly enjoy now.

When I was planning JJ's nursery 4 1/2 years ago I wanted something simple and not too theme-y or baby-ish.  Which is exactly what I ended up with.  I loved the end result but there was not one thing in that nursery that was crafted or DIY'd by me.  Every single piece was purchased and then placed where I wanted it.  No personalization really.  I wouldn't say that I regret how I did JJ's nursery but I can say that I have changed since then and like to do things differently now.
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For baby boy #2's nursery there has been quite a bit of DIY-ing going on.  And it's so much fun!  I love putting my personal touch on things and not just buying and placing.  

One of the first projects I tackled was a boppy cover.  I have my boppy from when I was nursing JJ but I wasn't thrilled about the cover.  It was just so....blah.  Nothing special.  So after finding a tutorial on pinterest I made 2 different covers for the boppy and I love them!  So much better than the generic boring ones you get at the store.  And much cheaper than buying a boppy cover, too!
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Another project, and probably the biggest, is the ABC wall.  Just collecting the letters took a few months and then once I got them all I had to figure out how I was going to decorate each one and which color would look best where.  I painted the majority of the letters and then mod-podged a few of them.  So time consuming but SO worth it.  I absolutely love the finished product. 
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I decided that the baby's closet needed some kind of dividers for the clothes so, using materials that I had, I made these Thursday night.  Such a simple project but I think it will make life just a bit more organized.
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My latest project was re-covering this lamp.  I found this lamp on clearance for $10 and thought it would be perfect for recovering.  I thought going into this that it would be easy-peasy and I'd be done in no time.  haha!  How wrong I was.
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Beautiful, isn't it?
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The re-cover material.  It's actually brown, not black.
The material on this lamp does not come off without taking off the plastic behind it (which is holding the shape of the shade) and the material I purchased to re-cover the lamp with is a bit thin so I could see those lovely colors right through the material.  Not a problem, I thought.  I'll just do a coat or 2 of white paint over the original material, put on the new material and voila...I've got a beautiful new lamp!  Not so, people.  Not so.  After 4 coats of paint on the outside and 1 coat of pain on the inside of the lamp those colors still made their appearance through the new material.  Insert frustrated yelling here. The only other thing I could think of trying was spray paint.  Today I purchased a heavy-duty spray paint at Home Depot just knowing that it would do the trick.  2 more coats of paint on the outside and 2 more coats of paint on the inside and those colors still showed through.  Seriously.  I was on the verge of trashing the whole thing but instead decided to look for a thicker, less see-through material to cover the lamp with.
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This is after 6 coats of paint.
I came home with plain brown thick material.  Not my first choice but those darn colors would definitely not show through so I resigned myself to boring material.  copy 009-1
I covered the lamp with the brown material and while it was drying I decided to layer the original re-cover material over the plain brown material.  Just to see how it would look.  And voila, I finally got what I was looking for!  A cute lamp cover and no crazy colors showing through! 
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I am so happy with the finished product. It took a lot more work and time than I had originally planned but the result was worth it.  At least now I know what not to do next time I re-cover a lamp!

I believe these are all the DIY projects I'll be doing for this nursery but honestly, who knows.  I just may come up with something else!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Nursery Sneak Peek

So...the baby's room is finally starting to look like a nursery! I've been collecting things for it for quite awhile but today Mom and I got the biggest project done - the ABC letters hung up on the wall!  I have to touch up the paint on some of the letters but the hardest part is done (thanks, Mom!).  I've been collecting letters and painting/mod podging them for the last few months.  It's nice to see the finished product.
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I am really happy with how it turned out and cannot wait to get the rest of it done!  Now to finish the rest of the nursery decorations and fill up the closet.  The end is in sight!

 

Monday, October 22, 2012

JJ's First Special

Yesterday was our church's 34th Anniversary/Old Fashioned Sunday.  It was also the first time JJ sang in church!  He's been asking to sing a special in church for the past couple months so Jorge made a plan to sing with him at our Anniversary service.  At the beginning of service he kept saying that he didn't want to but by the time it was his turn to sing he was excited and ready. The battery on my camera died so I didn't get the whole thing but I only missed the last chorus.  I am so incredibly proud of my boy!

After services we had a potluck dinner then pumpkin painting, games for the kids, horseshoe contest for the guys, and a cherry pie contest for the ladies.
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This is the cherry pie I made and my prize for 2nd place. 

It was a day full of fun and fellowship and we all went home completely exhausted.

 

35 Weeks

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Baby's size? Baby is the size of a coconut, measures over 18 inches head to toe and weighs about 5.25 pounds.

Weight Gain? 18 pounds total so far.  Will find out more at next Monday's appointment.

Maternity clothes?
My "around the house" clothes are all regular sizes but the clothes I wear to go anywhere are basically all maternity.

Stretch marks? Nope!

Belly Button in or out? Out.

Sleeping? I sleep okay at night usually.  Still getting up once a night to pee and my lower back and hip pain are always worse at night.  When I first get up and start walking the pain in my hips and lower back is so bad I can barely walk but it works itself out and I'm walking normally within a few minutes.

Foods I am loving? Still love sweets.  I've been craving gas station nachos and ice cream cookie sandwiches (vanilla ice cream between 2 oatmeal cookies and covered in chocolate) lately.  Oh yum!

Foods I'm hating? Chicken Express.

Movement? Lots of rolling around going on.  He has some days that are calmer than others but for the most part he's always busy.

Best moment this week? My fabulous friend, Kelly, took maternity photos for us this past week.  I am so excited to see how they turned out!

Symptoms? Pretty much everything a 35 week pregnant woman can have.  ha!  And I think my face is getting fat.  I'm sure it has nothing to do with nachos and ice cream sandwiches.  My right hand/arm has also started going numb at night and also when I blow dry my hair.  I very clearly remember this happening when I was pregnant with JJ and towards the end it was miserable

Gender? Boy!

What I miss? My Daddy. Every day.  And feeling like a normal human being!

What I'm looking forward to? Deciding on a name! We had narrowed it down to 2 names and now I'm having doubts.  I just wish there was 1 name that I was absolutely in love with.  Would make this whole thing much easier!

Milestones? We are down to 35 days.  Holy crap! (as my brother would say)

Emotions?  I'm not ready for this.

 

Monday, October 15, 2012

34 Weeks

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Baby's size? Baby is the size of a butternut squash, measures 18 inches head to toe and weighs about 4 3/4-5 pounds.

Weight Gain? Today's appointment showed that I've gained another 2 pounds which is 18 pounds total.

Maternity clothes? My "around the house" clothes are all regular sizes but the clothes I wear to go anywhere are all maternity.

Stretch marks? Nope!

Belly Button in or out? Out.

Sleeping? I'm sleeping okay at night.  I'm still getting up once a night to use the bathroom and my lower back and hip pain are always worse at night.

Foods I am loving? Still love sweets and I'm always hungry it seems.

Foods I'm hating? I love everything but Chicken Express.

Movement? He's a mover.  In fact, this morning when I got up at 6:15 to use the restroom, baby boy started rolling and kicking and kept it up for quite awhile.  Needless to say, I didn't go back to sleep after that.  

Best moment this week? I heard baby's heart beat today AND more work was done on the nursery this weekend.  We're getting closer to being ready for this baby.

Symptoms? Pretty much everything a 34 week pregnant woman can have.  ha!

Gender? Boy!

What I miss? My Daddy. Every day. 

What I'm looking forward to? Deciding on a name!  We've narrowed it down to 2 names but I can't decide.  I think I've decided and then the next day I switch to the other one.  Sigh.  One of these days we'll figure it out.

Milestones? 6 weeks left. Holy crap! (as my brother would say)

Emotions?  I'm so excited to hold this baby in my arms but am nervous about being a Mommy to 2. 
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Saturday, October 13, 2012

Learning As I Go

I've figured out some things these past few months...

1.  The best place to cry is in the shower.
2.  It can happen to me.
3.  I can go through the greatest grief of my life and not hate God.
4.  I can live with a broken heart.
5.  I will never be the same.
6.  No matter how old I am, I will always need my Mom and Dad.
7.  Family is so important.
8.  Grief can come from anywhere or anything.
9.  The little things can end up being the big things.
10. I think I'm doing okay then I'll get smacked in the face and have some really bad days.
11. I have no idea why God allows things to happen.
12. I truly can't wait to get to heaven.
13. Cancer doesn't care who you are.
14. No one can ever understand unless they've been there.
15. I can wish to stop crying and hurting and at the same time I hope I never do.
16. Staying busy is key.
17. Time is so short.
18. Everyone grieves differently.
19. I will never stop missing him.
20. Sometimes it's easier to pretend it never happened.
21. I can still laugh.
22. It helps to talk about it.
23. I will always wonder why.
24. It's okay to be angry.
25. I can't imagine going through this without God.

These are just a few things that I've learned lately.  I'm sure I've got a lot more learning to do.



Friday, October 12, 2012

Just JJ

Most of my posts lately have been about baby #2 and about my Dad. I figured it's way past time to do a post about my first baby boy.
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 Playing outside in the rain.

For 4 1/2 years he's been my one and only and all-too-soon his little brother will be here and he won't be the child in my life.  He'll be one of 2 precious children in my life.  I cannot imagine what that will be like.  I know having a brother will be so good for JJ and I'm so excited to see the 2 of them together for the very first time but I can't help but be a little saddened by the fact that JJ won't be my only baby anymore.  How bittersweet it is.
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He finally wore himself out and fell asleep on the bathroom floor.

He is such a spunky little guy and so full of life.  If I could only have 1/4 of the energy that he does I'd have a spotless house, would weigh 15 pounds less, and would get 3 times more things done!  To say that he is energetic is putting it mildly.  If he slept 12 hours a night, had a 2 hour nap every day and ate 5 tablespoons of pure sugar I could understand the energy but my little guy is on an all natural energy high.  Every day.  All day.  From the minute he wakes up to the minute he goes to bed (and he only sleeps 9 hours a night) he is going non stop.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that maybe, just maybe, this next little guy will be a little more calm and laid back than his big brother.  :-)
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Helping Mommy paint letters for the nursery. 

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My sweet JJ is such a great joy and light in my life.  Even though he may wear me out and drive me crazy at times I absolutely, positively cannot imagine my life without him.  He is a good boy with a good heart and a big love for his Mommy and Daddy.  How beautiful and precious he is to me.  I am so thankful that God has allowed me to be this amazing little boys mother.
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Tuesday, October 9, 2012

33 Weeks

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Baby's size? Baby is the size of a pineapple, measures 17.2 inches head to toe and weighs about 4 - 4.5 pounds.

Weight Gain? I haven't checked since my last appointment but I'll find out this coming Monday.  It's at least 16+.

Maternity clothes? I wear mostly maternity with a few of my regular dresses and shirts.

Stretch marks? Nope!

Belly Button in or out? Out.

Sleeping?  Still uncomfortable at night.  I'm finding that my hips ache more now at night and it's almost impossible to turn over and get out of bed.  What an interesting sight I must be as I maneuver my way out of bed.

Foods I am loving? Still love sweets and I'm always hungry it seems.

Foods I'm hating? I love everything but Chicken Express.

Movement? I think he's running out of room.  I can feel him in my ribs and down low all at the same time.  

Best moment this week? More progress has been made on the nursery.  I'm starting to feel a little more prepared!

Symptoms? Oh, there are lots.  Just tonight my legs and feet started swelling.  Joy.

Gender? Boy!

What I miss? My Daddy. Every day.  Today was just "one of those days" for me.  I miss him more than words can say and my heart is so broken. 

What I'm looking forward to? We're getting closer to deciding on a name!  I think.

Milestones? 7 weeks left.  I, Lord willing, will have a baby NEXT MONTH!

Emotions?  I'm so incredibly sad that this baby won't know his Grandpa the way that JJ does.  And I'm dreading the emotions that will come with having this new baby but not being able to share him with my Dad. 
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Monday, October 1, 2012

32 Weeks

First I have to say that I cannot believe the hugeness I've got going on here. Just wow.  I blame it on the angle of the picture.  Yeah, that's it.
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Baby's size? Baby is the size of a squash, measures 16.7 inches head to toe and weighs about 3.8 pounds.

Weight Gain? Today's appointment showed  I've gained a total of 16 pounds so far.  That's 6 pounds since last month's appointment.  I'm definitely catching up in the weight gain department.

Maternity clothes? I wear mostly maternity with a few of my regular dresses and shirts.

Stretch marks? Nope!

Belly Button in or out? Out.

Sleeping?  I've been waking up in the night with my lower back and hips aching.  I'm just having a hard time getting comfortable.  And, of course, making a nightly trip to the bathroom.  Naps have been more frequent lately, too.

Foods I am loving? I'm seriously loving sweets right now.  Can't get enough.  And I had a craving this past week.  Glazed donut with bacon.  I actually wanted a donut with maple glaze topped with bacon.  At 11:30 at night my choices were limited so hubby ran to the nearest Dunkin Donuts and they special made me a bacon donut.   I want one right now!

Foods I'm hating? Fried chicken.

Movement? Sometimes he kicks so hard it surprises me and my whole body jerks but most of the times it's sweet rolls and flips.

Best moment this week? Getting closer to finishing the nursery.

Symptoms? Haven't had Braxton Hicks this week but the back/hip pain is pretty constant.  Sometimes I'll randomly get a sharp pain on my lower left hip that almost stops me in my tracks. I'm not waddling yet but when this happens I'm definitely limping.

Gender? Boy!

What I miss? My Daddy. Every day.  Oh.  And sleep.  And walking/standing without being in pain.

What I'm looking forward to? Figuring out what this little guy's name is going to be.  We know that his first name will be Jack (after my Dad) but haven't decided on a middle name yet (which is what he'll be called).

Milestones? My Dr. appointments are every 2 weeks now.

Emotions?  I'm getting close to the point where I'm ready to be done but I'm also not quite sure I'm ready for the whole newborn thing again. 


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