Birthdays

September is a big month of birthdays for our family. My brothers is the 1st, mine is the 15th, and Hubby's is the 25th.  Instead of doing individual posts about each birthday I decided to combine them into one.
My 34th  birthday fell on a Saturday this year.  It was a very busy day for us but Hubby and JJ made sure to do something special for me.

They took me out for lunch then Jorge took JJ to pick out my present while I stayed home.  When they came home JJ pranced in with all the pride in the world and handed me beautiful flowers and yummy cupcakes.  He was just so cute and so proud of himself.  To him, they were the most beautiful flowers and the best cupcakes in the world.  And they are to me, too!


Overall, it was a very busy and crazy day but it was a sweet day because of my sweet boys.

Today is Hubby's 29th birthday.  Being a Tuesday we didn't get to do too much but I did make sure to make Hubby a big meal with some of his favorites...Crock Pot Pork Chops, Spinach Strawberry Salad, Roasted Broccoli, and Sweet Tea.  I didn't get a picture of the dessert but I made a Cappuccino Cheesecake with a Chocolate Cookie Crust topped with Coffee Whipping Cream.  We all walked away from the table with our bellies quite full and content.

JJ got to borrow this astronaut suit from a friend today and has worn it most of the evening. So, of course, he had to wear it for pictures!
 

Before my Dad died he gave Jorge a pistol. We've had it for a few months but have never had any ammo for it. Today, I gave Jorge a bag full of ammo for his birthday (woo hoo!). Yep, we're getting old. He's been wanting to go to the shooting range for a while so now he's loaded...literally...and ready to go.

We both made it through one more year.  It's been a tough year and like nothing I ever imagined it would be.  I never would have guessed last year at my birthday that I would become pregnant with baby #2 this year and I certainly never would have guessed that my Daddy would leave us before I reached my 34th birthday.  Who knows what will happen this year. 

31 Weeks

Baby's size? Baby is the size of a pineapple, measures 16.5 inches head to toe and weighs about 3.5 pounds.

Weight Gain? My last appointment showed  I've gained a total of 10 pounds so far.  That's been a couple weeks ago so I'm sure I've gained more since then.

Maternity clothes? I wear regular size dresses and a few shirts but everything else is maternity.

Stretch marks? Nope!

Belly Button in or out? Basically out with a little bit still in.

Sleeping?  I wake up just about every morning with hip and lower back pain and I get up once a night to use the bathroom. I've also been really tired lately.  Reminds me of 1st trimester exhaustion.

Foods I am loving? Sweets!  And Starbucks fall drinks.  Oh, yum.

Foods I'm hating? Same old, same old. 

Movement? He has days where he's more active than others.  This past week JJ got to sit and feel him move for the longest time.  Such a sweet thing to watch my baby boy's eyes light up when he could feel his little brother.

Best moment this week? Watching JJ's excitement over feeling his baby brother move.

Symptoms? A new thing started this week.  Braxton Hicks.  I've been wondering when they would show up.  Also, not sure what you call it, but I feel like I've been kicked in the crotch (sorry, tmi).  I'm guessing it's my pelvis opening up and getting ready for delivery.

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? We're in the single digits!  9 weeks!

Emotions?  I'm starting to look forward more to meeting this little guy but at the same time I'm not ready to have 2 boys!  And I feel so not prepared this time.  With JJ I had everything set up and ready 1 month in advance.  This time, I've got clothes, a stroller, a car seat, a play pen, and the nursery furniture (all but the stroller is passed down from JJ).  I still need a few other things and to set up the nursery.  All of it is still stored in the garage/attic.  The next 2 months will be busy ones!  Oh, and I need diapers.  Yeah, can't forget that one.

New Mommy Mobile

We have been a 1-vehicle family for a little over a year and a half. It was not fun and it was not easy but we managed to make it without killing each other. The discussion of getting a 2nd vehicle had come up many, many times before and we finally decided to do something about it a couple weeks ago. I had done my research and knew what I liked and what would work for us. After test driving a couple SUV's we decided that the GMC Acadia was the one we wanted.  And finally, after a year and a half of running back and forth and sharing 1 vehicle, I got to drive home in this....

I love it!  And I especially love the fact that we don't have to check with each others schedules and make sure we each have the car when we need it.  I forgot how nice it was to be a 2-vehicle family!

Another great thing about it is that JJ loves it, too.  He wants to tell everyone he meets about his new car.  And I love the fact that he stays nice and cool in his seat.  In our other vehicle JJ would sweat all summer long because the air just never got cool enough.  Now, he gets too cold!  What a blessing this new vehicle has been for this Mommy.  I am so thankful.

30 Weeks

Baby's size? Baby is the size of a head of cabbage, measures 16 inches head to toe and weighs about 3 pounds.

Weight Gain? My last appointment showed  I've gained a total of 10 pounds so far. 

Maternity clothes? I wear regular size dresses but everything else is maternity.

Stretch marks? Nope!

Belly Button in or out? Basically out with a little bit still in.

Sleeping?  I wake up just about every morning with hip and lower back pain and I get up once a night to use the bathroom. I've also been really tired lately.  Reminds me of 1st trimester exhaustion.

Foods I am loving? Sweets!  And Starbucks fall drinks.  Oh, yum.

Foods I'm hating? Chicken Express is the only thing I can't stand the thought of.

Movement? This little guy is a mover.  Well, more like a roller.  Once in awhile I feel a punch or a kick but most of the time it feels likes rolls.

Best moment this week? I don't know if this really qualifies as a best moment but I turned 34 on Saturday.  No.  Nevermind.  Definitely not a best moment.  ;)

Symptoms? Basically any symptom a pregnant woman would have, I've got!

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, finishing the nursery, and buying all other necessary items. It's so fun shopping for this little one!  I've also figured out how I want to do JJ's big boy room and am so excited to get started on that, too!

Milestones? Passed my glucose test!  Although I did find out that I am anemic.  I was anemic with JJ too.

Emotions? The joy of pregnancy has been overshadowed by my grief of losing Dad but I am getting there.  I'm starting to look forward more to meeting this little guy but at the same time I'm not ready to have 2 boys!  And I know it will be here before I know it.  Can't believe there's only 10 weeks left!  Ack!


 

Gearing-Up-For-Fall Baking

I've been on a baking spree lately. I think it's the fact that fall is getting closer and that definitely puts me in baking mode.  All but the cheesecake recipe was found on Pinterest.  Oh, Pinterest, how I love thee! 

First, I made Mini Pumpkin Spice Donuts. These are so very good and are even better in the morning with a cup of coffee!  The bad thing is that they're so tiny so you find yourself eating more than one..or a dozen!


Next is Pumpkin Snickerdoodles.  Just the name is perfection!  A slightly crunchy cinnamon/sugar coating on the outside and a soft pumpkin-y inside.  Oh, yes.  So good!


I made this Angel Food Cake as requested by my brother for his birthday. He's watching what he eats so he wanted something that was a bit healthier than normal. I'd have to say that he made a good choice.  This was the first time I made an Angel Food Cake from scratch.  It sounded a bit intimidating but I have to say that it was easier than I thought it would be.  And so yummy, too!  JJ kept calling it the marshmallow cake because it was light and fluffy like a marshmallow. That description sounds pretty good to me!


This Simple Cheesecake is a result of my prego cravings. I've been needing a cheesecake for weeks and a freezer cheesecake from the grocery store just wouldn't do (yuck!) so I decided this past Saturday night to bake a cheesecake so we could have it for dessert on Sunday.  The problem with cheesecakes is that there is no immediate satisfaction.  You've got to wait!  But it is so worth it.  It turned out creamy and delicious and perfect!

Little Notes

Just a couple hours ago I found myself suddenly desperate to find something that Dad had written.  I needed to find something, anything that would have his writing on it.  After a bit of searching I was able to find a handful of random cards in which he had written something.  But the one thing that I wanted the most were the little cards with the bear and bees on them. 
You see, years ago my Dad would randomly leave me one of those little cards with a note on the inside and/or the outside.  Most of the time it was just a simple I Love You but once in awhile he'd draw some kind of picture.  Back then I thought it was sweet but goofy.  Now?  Oh how very precious they are to me. 

When I saw this card, the tears immediately began to fall.  "I love you more."  That is a special phrase that my Dad always used with me.  Any time I told him  that I loved him (and even when I didn't) he would always tell me that he loves me more.  How greatly I miss hearing him say those 4 special words.

These little notes from my Daddy have now become priceless to me and I will cherish them for as long as I live. 

29 Weeks

Baby's size? Baby is the size of an acorn squash, measures a little over 15 inches head to toe and weighs 2 1/2 pounds.

Weight Gain? At my appointment last week I found out that I've gained a total of 10 pounds so far.  5 of those pounds were gained in the last month.  That's not so good but I figure if I gain 10 pounds in the next 2 months then I'll still be under the 30 pound weight gain I had with JJ.  And I'm definitely okay with that!

Maternity clothes? I've been able to wear a mix of both maternity and regular clothes.  I've had to buy maternity tops lately because a lot of the regular tops just aren't long enough anymore.

Stretch marks? Nope!

Belly Button in or out? Mostly out but there's still a little bit that's still in.

Sleeping?  Even though I've got myself surrounded with 3 pillows, sleeping has not been easy.  I wake up every morning with hip and lower back pain.  And I get up once a night to use the bathroom.  Fun.

Foods I am loving? Sweets, of course.  And the desire to bake has come back pretty strong.  I've done a lot of baking lately.  I'm also loving soup and salads (501 Cafe especially!).

Foods I'm hating? Chicken Express is the only thing I can't stand the thought of.

Movement? I feel movement daily and can see my stomach move and roll now.  He's a very active little guy.

Best moment this week? Andrew and Mom felt the baby move for the first time last week.

Symptoms? Big belly, constantly hungry, breathless, and hip and lower back pain.

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, finishing the nursery, and buying all other necessary items. It's so fun shopping for this little one!  I've also figured out how I want to do JJ's big boy room and am so excited to get started on that, too!

Milestones? My glucose test was this past Thursday.  I'm guessing I passed since I haven't heard anything yet.

Emotions? The joy of pregnancy has been overshadowed by my grief of losing Dad but I am getting there.  I'm starting to look forward more to meeting this little guy but at the same time I'm not ready to have 2 boys!  And I know it will be here before I know it.  Can't believe there's only 11 weeks left!

 

Dear Daddy,

Today, while at your house on our weekly Tuesday visit, I walked over to your bedside table to look at your belongings that are left there. Two of the items are the combs you used to use. I picked up one that was halfway under your glasses case and sniffed it. I didn't expect anything but I was hoping there would be a hint of you left. To my surprise it was still there. Your scent. The smell that is specifically you and no one else. It's not the smell of your shampoo or your Old Spice, it's just...you. And I love it. And I miss it. Terribly. Emotions flooded over me as I remembered you and I couldn't have stopped the tears if I wanted to. I know that your scent will soon fade away and I am so, so sad about that. It's just one more part of you that I no longer get to have.

I do know that being in heaven with God is so much better than being here on earth but it's hard not to wish that you were still here.  Still living a full life with family who loves you more than anything.  Still teaching your grandson how to build things.  Still anxiously awaiting the arrival of your 2nd grandbaby.  What I would give to have you still here with us.

As a mommy, one of the hardest things is seeing my son without his Grandpa.  Almost daily JJ will randomly talk about you and say that he misses you.  Once, in Target, he lifted his eyes upwards and with all sincerity he prayed, "God, please let my Grandpa come back here to earth with us".  Oh how sad for this Mommy's heart.   I wish I could answer his prayer but I cannot.  I can only be here for him and explain to him the hope we have of seeing you again one day.  How thankful I am for that hope!  I can't imagine going through this without it. 
 
I miss you, Daddy.  Oh, how deeply I miss you.  So many things bring you to mind and I am constantly reminded that you are not here with us.  Many days I have a literal physical ache in my heart that lets me know just how much I still need you.  You are my Daddy and I know that no matter how old I get I will forever need you.

You were there when I took my first breath and what a privilege it was for me to hold your hand and be there with you as you took your last.  I love you more!


Forever your little girl,

Nursery and Big Boy Room Inspiration

It took me a little bit but I finally decided how I wanted to do the boys' rooms.  One of the things I insist on is a nursery that doesn't look too "nursery-ish".  I want him to be able to grow up with it.  I learned that lesson from JJ's nursery.  It really was a cute nursery but it was just that - a nursery.  Nothing he could grow into.  And so I find myself now re-doing his room.  But this time I made sure that it's a room that he can grow into and will last him for years to come.

The nursery was inspired by one I found at Project Nursery.  I saw it and immediately loved it.  The first thing that caught my eye was the ABC wall.  Such a cool concept.  So far I've purchased a majority of the letters but have several left to find.  As for the rest of the nursery I'll be using JJ's old crib and dresser and the glider that my parents bought.  I would like to re-cover the glider using a great green color as seen in the inspiration pics.  And that's about it.  I haven't purchased anything else for the nursery.  When I was pregnant with JJ we had the nursery decorated and ready to go quite a bit before he was due.  This time I feel like I'm just so. far. behind. 

The bedding wouldn't be my first choice on it's own but I think it looks great with the whole nursery put together.

JJ's room took me a little bit longer to figure out. I actually just found this inspiration room the other day and knew it was the one. Such a cool room that isn't too little boy.  I'm not big on the whole theme thing so I immediately fell in love with this room.  And the great thing is that JJ likes it, too.  Since I just figured out what I wanted to do with JJ's room I have purchased nothing.  We're going to have start from the beginning with a bedroom set (since the baby is getting his old set) and go from there.  I can't wait to get started on his room!

Disclaimer: JJ's room will be without the huge flatscreen TV. Goodness knows he doesn't need that!

28 Weeks

 
Baby's size? Baby is the size of an eggplant, measures 14.8 inches head to toe and weighs 2-2 1/2 pounds.

Weight Gain? I don't weigh myself between appointments but I'm sure I've gained since my last appointment so it's at least 5+.

Maternity clothes? I've been able to wear a mix of both maternity and regular clothes.  I've had to buy maternity tops lately because a lot of the regular tops just aren't long enough anymore.

Stretch marks? Not yet.  Hallelujah!

Belly Button in or out? Still in.  Almost poked out all the way.

Sleeping?  Even though I've got myself surrounded with 3 pillows, sleeping has not been easy.  I wake up every morning with hip and lower back pain.

Foods I am loving? Still sweets.  And the desire to bake has come back pretty strong.  Unfortunately, hubby has started training for a marathon so I can't fill the house with baked goods like I'd like to.  :( 

Foods I'm hating? Same old, same old...Chicken Express.  Can you say greasy?

Movement? I feel movement daily and can see my stomach move and roll now.  He's a very active little guy.

Best moment this week? We purchased a GMC Acadia today so we're ready to fill it up with 2 car seats now! 

Symptoms? Big belly, constantly hungry, breathless, and hip and lower back pain.

Gender? Boy!

What I miss? My Daddy. Every day.  Oh.  And sleep.

What I'm looking forward to? Figuring out what this little guy's name is going to be, finishing the nursery, and buying all other necessary items. It's so fun shopping for this little one!  I've also figured out how I want to do JJ's big boy room and am so excited to get started on that, too!

Milestones? 3rd and final trimester, baby!

Emotions? The joy of pregnancy has been overshadowed by my grief of losing Dad but I am getting there.  I'm starting to look forward more to meeting this little guy but at the same time I'm not ready to have 2 boys!  And I know it will be here before I know it.