Day 80: The end of the week and month

I'm glad this is the last day of August, and that tomorrow is Saturday. Did housewife stuff and wished that Alex was at home instead of work. We're having spaghetti, green beans, and garlic bread for dinner, and having a chill night. That's all for today.

Day 81: Wrapping up goals

August has felt like a super long month. I'm glad September is starting soon.
 My goals are kind of pass/fail this month-either I did them or I didn't.

1. Try juicing:

Here is my beautiful sister-in-law Belle showing the first time I made carrot juice. We think it's delicious! I tried adding cucumber, and it was okay. I also added beet-it didn't make a huge difference in taste, but added a pretty color to the carrot juice. As much as we enjoy it, it's extra prep time, money, and cleaning that I don't want to do on a regular basis. I have delicious organic carrots in the fridge, and will make it when I feel like it. I might try making a bunch at one time and storing it (filled to the brim) in the fridge so that I don't have to make it every day. I'm glad I finally tried my juicer and feel comfortable using it.

2. Read "What is Reformed Theology?" Done! Glad to have finished it. It's a lot of information, but I think I understood it all. To discuss any of it I would need to re-read sections of it. Now I can move on to the next list of books Alex has recommended.

3. Read at least one other book for fun: Check! I finished the first set of Percy Jackson Books! The books are super-fun to read. 

4. Practice piano: fail, but only kind of. Let me explain. I started out this month thinking that if I practiced consistently, I would perhaps be able to play songs at church and help out with the music. However, as the month progressed, I realized that I would have to practice the piano like it is a major part-time, or even full time, job-and that would cut out time for other things. God's been showing me a lot this month about where my priorities should be, and right now that is being a wife, a home maker, and a soon-to-be mom. In order for me to do these well, I don't need to make time for playing the piano. I don't believe that's where God's called me to minister at this time. So I'm letting go of this idea, and fully pursuing the duties He has set before me.

Since starting my 100 Days of Pregnancy posts, I'm not sure I'm going to keep making monthly goals. I really liked reading the other link-ups this month, but I think my focus has shifted. I'll post what I'm looking forward to each month to help with the countdown, but the daily posts are enough for me to keep up with. Most of my goals stay the same for each month: help Alex with church stuff, meal plan, fix food and grocery shop within budget, get ready for the baby, and keep up with the house. I don't anticipate this changing much.

Looking forward to September bringing me that much closer to our baby girl!

Day 82: Chocolate Attack

Today was a great day for chocolate. This morning Angie, Jayden and I enjoyed a wonderful mix of Hershey's Chocolate Kiss and Country Vanilla Swirl frozen yogurt at Sweet Cece's-with Reese's pieces and a brownie. We all shared a bowl. It was super delicious. No other frozen yogurt (or ice cream, for that matter) comes close to tasting as good as this stuff.

This afternoon Rachel came over and we made triple chocolate cupcakes: chocolate cupcakes with chocolate chips and chocolate icing. Also super yummy! I've decided I want to eat this while in labor...because it's definitely my favorite comfort food right now!

We had our "quality assurance test" and are bringing the rest to the youth group tonight. I don't know if I've said this before, but baking with Rachel is an absolute joy. She not only feels comfortable mixing and finding ingredients in my kitchen, but she cleans up EVERYTHING when we are done. Seriously. She loaded and started my dishwasher-including  some dishes that I hadn't loaded yet-and then washed the dishes that didn't go in the dishwasher.And wiped off the counters. And then she swept the floor. I told her she is welcome to come and cook with me whenever she wants to. 

100 Days of Pregnancy: Day 83-Signing up for free stuff

Today I walked in the park with the in-laws (always something I look forward to!). It was definitely a summer day, and we were feeling the heat!

When I came home I signed Alex up for a bunch of restaurants that give free stuff on birthdays. I'd already done it, and have gotten a postcard for a free meal at Zaxby's-it isn't my birthday, just a promo. Here's the link I used-I didn't sign up for everything, just the ones in the area that we like.

I also spent time online organizing various personal and church ideas. I really like organizing plans.

I already have a birth plan, but as I do more research, I'm going to be assigning very specific tasks to the people I've asked to be available when our wonderful baby comes. I hope to avoid any confusion or overlap-definitely don't want to worry about conflict when all I want to do is focus on birthing a baby. I will feel much more comfortable knowing that everyone has a role and knows what they are doing.

Day 84: First day of the third trimester!

Week 28 photo:

So excited to be in the third trimester! Last one! I hear this is when fatigue starts to set in more, and it gets a little more challenging to exercise-but I am determined to persevere. That means I really need God's grace in my life-I always do, but I recognize that more and more each day. Being a mom is something new for me, and I realize just how much I am able to do good only because of God's grace in me. So prayers now are much appreciated-prayers for mine and Adara's health, for me and Alex as we get closer and closer to parenthood, and for peace over the whole pregnancy and upcoming delivery. Thanks.

Day 85: Hootenanny

Today the youth game over. We had sandwiches (like usual) for lunch and watched "The Hunger Games." This is what I made for dinner:

It's called a Hootenanny! Also known as a baked pancake. It was an easy way to feed everyone. I also made scrambled eggs so that I wouldn't be serving/eating only sugar for "Brinner." We've decided that it would also taste good with cocoa powder and/or chocolate chips. I also only say it with a southern accent.  Here's the link to this dish.

Been feeling good. Still a few issues with leg cramps, but I usually don't have them if I drink plenty of water and exercise. One of the youth's grandma's send cookies and brownies over today, so I'm all sugared out right now. Fun way to end the second trimester.

Day 86: Chillaxin'

Didn't do much today, which was really nice. Did some exercise, watched Alex play a video game, ate leftovers throughout the day. Oh, and Alex, Belle and I went to see the Borne Legacy! It was good. We decided that we like the original ones better, but that we enjoyed this one. That's all for today.

Day 87: Turtle cupcakes!

Julia found a super cute idea to make turtle cupcakes-they are Squirt from Finding Nemo! Click here to see the original picture and directions.

Here's the "in-progress" cupcakes:

And here's what they look like finished!

We made them for Julia's birthday-her party is tonight and her birthday is next Wednesday. It was so much fun decorating them and seeing them actually look like tiny turtles!

Happy Birthday Julia!

Day 88: Fun at the park with friends

Today I went to the park and met up with a bunch of friends! It was super fun chatting with all these lovely ladies and getting to know them better! We talked a lot about babies and food-two of my favorite things to talk about! 

Day 89: See my meal planning calendar!

Here's what I worked on today:

Day 90: Gestational diabetes test

I decided that putting my "Glucola" drink in a cup with ice would make it look and taste more appealing. It really wasn't that bad. I drank it and noted the time, and went to my doctor's appointment.

Once there, I received a clipboard to give to the lab when they drew my blood, and was told to watch the time, as I needed to have my blood drawn an hour after I finished the drink.

Weight: 139-one more pound than my last appointment. When I met with the doctor she noted that I "was putting on weight" and asked about my appetite, which is good. Good=hungry a lot.
Blood pressure: um, it was something over 70, and the nurse said it was great.
Baby heartbeat: 148
The nurse practitioner came in and measured me, and said I'm measuring right on track.
I got my blood drawn before meeting with the doctor. Not so much fun. I'm glad that part is over.
When the doctor came in she ran through a list of symptoms to be concerned about, I said I wasn't experiencing any of them. She said to call the office or go to the emergency room if I started having some of said symptoms.
I showed her a copy of my birth plan. She read over the whole thing, and asked if I had someone who was going to be with me while in labor-and I said that my mom is also going to be like my doula while there, and she said that's good. She also mentioned waiting while in labor before coming to the hospital. The last thing she said was that she could do everything on the plan, but she is not sure about the pediatrician coming to the room. That was a relief! I wasn't sure if she would questions some of what I put on the birth plan, but she didn't seem to have an issue with any of it! Only that I be prepared, which is a legitimate doctor concern.

Next appointment in three weeks! The doctor said that after that appointment, I will have appointments every two weeks, and we will schedule the rest of the appointments the next time I come in!

Day 91: Week 27

Last week of the second trimester! So excited to almost be done with this trimester. This trimester has been great! I'm just excited about having another marker that means I am that much closer to having our baby in my arms! 

I've been feeling plenty of movement, which has been so much fun! I also am loving the fact that the weather is cooling off ever so slightly-much more comfortable being outside.

My gestational diabetes test is tomorrow....so not excited about that. I'm not really worried-I've been feeling fine. I am not looking forward to drinking  the orange drink and then having blood drawn. :(

Day 92: Youth group and soup

Today some from the youth group came over. We ate sandwiches and chips for lunch, played some games, and watched "A Bug's Life." I made soup and grilled cheese for dinner, and we also got some frozen pizzas. This is Jasmine, who was the only other person besides me who wanted soup. She also volunteered to be on my blog today :)

Days 94 and 93: Sleep issues and waffle cravings

So here's what happened:

Friday I had a lovely afternoon with friends at the Cool Springs mall talking about birth stories, options, recommendations, experiences, etc. I was going to take a picture at the mall, but I forgot. Bummer.

Alex got off work a little early and picked out a rental movie. We were looking forward to a chill evening. Neither of us had been sleeping very well the last couple of nights-Alex especially-and we were both tired.

Therefore, we decided the go to sleep shortly after dinner at 6:30pm.

Not the best idea. We did sleep for a while, but sometime in between a midnight bathroom run and 2:30am, neither of us got much sleep. When Alex checked the clock at 2:30, I told him I was really thirsty and hungry, and that I was craving waffles. Now, craving waffles is not a pregnancy thing. It's a being Calista thing. However, while asleep I'd been dreaming about waffles...and then spend two sleepless hours thinking about how hungry I felt and how delicious waffle are. Alex asked where we would get a waffle at 2:30 am-so I said Waffle House. My wonderful, amazing husband said that he would take me if I really wanted one that badly. So we went.

Yeah, I forgot to take a picture before I dove into the waffle.

When we got there, the parking lot was already pretty full! I was totally expecting the trucker or two sipping coffee experience. How wrong I was. There weren't even many seats open! The place was full of what looked like college age students, and even as we sat down, MORE people started coming in! It was really loud because of all the people. I was shocked. I feel like my eyes have been opened to another world where people don't realize they're supposed to be asleep (or at least at home) at 2:30am. At one point a super-grumpy guy sat down, complained about not getting service, and then finally left, saying he would go find someplace else to eat. I wanted to tell him "Good luck finding another place open!" I figured that wasn't a good idea, so I didn't.

Thankfully we didn't have to wait too long for our food-I got a pecan chocolate chip waffle. I drowned the thing in butter and syrup and ate the whole thing! We paid, left our nice waiter a tip, and went home.

And who can go back to sleep after eating a whole waffle? Not me! So Alex and I played some rounds of Call of Duty (where I died a lot) and then watched Netflix until a little after 6am, when we decided to go back to sleep. I woke up again around 9am and decided to get up for the day. Alex is still asleep. It's really nice to have a Saturday where the only thing planned is watching "Hunger Games" later this evening with some friends.

And that is why I was at Waffle House at 2:30am, and one of the many reasons why I have the best husband ever.

100 Days of Pregnancy: Day 95

Yay for preggo friends! We went swimming this morning, and grocery shopping this afternoon. It's nice to have someone with whom to talk about leg cramps, cravings, and mood swings.Angie (in picture) only has around a month left! Doesn't she look great? Such fun showing off belly bumps-only time when we can get excited that our middles are sticking out. My sis-in-law Lacey took this pic-she helped us carry up my groceries and carried up ALL my jugs and bottles of water! This is such an exhausting task for me! I always tell myself that it is my workout, but it was such a relief to not have to carry them up in this heat! 

100 Days of Pregnancy: Day 96

This morning I went walking with the in-laws, and then Sarah came over and played "Just Dance 3" with me for a bit. We learned a robot dance-it was hilarious, and so much fun! Definitely had a good walking and dancing workout today. We also stretched, and Sarah showed me how to do one stretch that helps my hips-good for this preggo!

100 Days of Pregnancy: Day 97

Check out this awesome swaddler I made! Well, I made most of it. Angie finished it for me.  Her sewing machine was acting up, so she ended up hand stitching the Velcro. It's for our crafty blog, so be watching for our step-by-step process coming soon!

It was SO exciting to have this project finished! I had so much fun picking out the fabric and then imagining a precious little girl wrapped up inside-and she'll be mine!

100 Days of Pregnancy: Day 98

Week 26

Week 26 photo update! I am definitely starting to feel heavier, and clothes don't fit quite as well as they did even a week ago. I'm not worried about weight gain (thanks to some reassurance from family and friends), but I DO need to eat more vegetables on a daily basis. It's easy for me to not worry about weight gain, and so pig out of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and other carb-rich foods. After having said sandwich this morning, I am now going to have a salad this afternoon if I feel hungry again. I am planning to have stir-fry with plenty of veggies and leftover chicken for dinner, so I know I'll get some good nutrients in.

Rest of the day is dedicated to cleaning up around the house! So glad to have Mondays with nothing planned other than cleaning up after a weekend of taking it easy.

100 Days of Pregnancy: Day 99

We usually have people over for lunch and hang out time after church on Sundays, but everyone else had other plans today. Since it was just Alex and I, we decided to get Wendy's, watch Burn Notice, and take it easy this afternoon. "Take it easy"= me facebooking, reading, napping, and Alex working on church lessons. 

My order at Wendy's is always a number 1 with Root Beer (sugar, but no caffeine). I should get it without cheese (doesn't agree with me, and can pass the allergy to baby) but I really wanted it today....maybe as I get a little closer to giving birth I'll feel more convicted about avoiding dairy.

No more triple digit countdown!

100 Days of Pregnancy: Day 100

I started the 100 day countdown by attending a lengthy comprehensive class for expectant parents. My mom stayed for the whole day, and helped me "think out loud" about upcoming issues, like who will be expected to do what, and what I might want to wear while laboring. The picture above is a packet of information provided at the class. The woman leading the class is a labor and delivery nurse, and was very informative. She seemed to prefer natural birth over a medicated one. I feel  much better about being in the hospital now that I've seen the labor and delivery room, and the mother/baby room-they have one room for the delivery, and another for recovery. The recovery room has a much nicer bed. I'm as convinced as ever that the best plan of action for me is to wait as long as possible before going to the hospital to give birth. Laboring as long as I can at home will be way more comfortable.

Mom also helped me sort through the mess I started a couple of days ago-SUPER helpful! Alex helped me put stuff back in the closet, and my stress about the mess and stuff is now gone! At some point we will need to make room yet again, and I still have some bits of things that need to be organized, but that can wait.

Great way to kick off the countdown!

Now I'm going to go eat some popcorn my wonderful husband is making for us :D

Announcement: 100 days of Pregnancy (tomorrow)

Starting tomorrow, I will have 100 days left until my due date. To celebrate the monumental countdown in our lives, I am going to have a daily update up until I go into the hospital to give birth. I've never done a successful daily blog, but I think this will be a fun way to celebrate the coming of our amazing little girl. I'll be sharing my funny pregnancy moments, and still have an update on my goals for the month. Plus "100 days of Pregnancy" sounded like a fun title.

Look for my Day 100 post tomorrow!

Photos: Six months in review

I feel like six month is a milestone in pregnancy. I am now half-way through this month, so that means I have about three and a half months left before my due date. Since not much has changed yet I thought I would provide a photo recap of my "belly progress." Enjoy!

After we found out but before we told people

week  9

week 16

Week 18

week 19

Week 20 (ultrasound day)

week 21

week 23

week 24

week 25

August Goals

Kelli just posted her August Resolutions, which reminded me that I wanted to come up with some goals for this month as well!

Here's what's happening this month:

• I'm going to a comprehensive class at the hospital 
• I take the glucose test at my next appointment
• I go to the dentist at the end of the month for a cleaning.
• I'm going to a wedding tomorrow.
• We're receiving our copy of "The Hunger Games"
• We'll go and see the new "Borne Legacy" movie when it comes out.

Those are the only things set in stone. I tried to make goals centered around events that are already happening. However:

• I don't think there's anything I can do to prep for the class. I plan to takes notes, but this doesn't really seem goal-worthy to just say "take lots of notes and ask lots of questions" at the class.
• I don't think I need to change my eating habits at this time. My only concern is a lack of gaining weight right now, but I hear it is easy to catch up in the third trimester. So gaining weight may be a goal for a later month if it's still an issue. I will have one food-related goal, but I'm not sure it has anything to do with the glucose test.
• I brush and floss daily. No dental worries at this time.
• I guess I could say I'll share my piece of wedding cake with Alex?
• Movies: could say I'll have a healthy snack, but mostly I'm just really excited about the movies.

So I've come up with some different kinds of goals for this month. The first one is food-related:

1. Try Juicing. Something I've never done before, and my grandma-in-law gave me a shredder/food processor/juicer and I want to try it. I keep hearing it's a great way to get in more veggies, which is definitely something I should be doing.

Source

2. Finish reading "What Is Reformed Theology" by R.C. Sproul. Alex said I should read this book months ago. I started it, but haven't made it a priority to finish. I've put off reading other things because I feel like I should keep reading this book.

Source

3. Read at least one other book for fun. Reading is a better alternative to facebook and pinterest. Not sure what I'll read yet, but I'm looking forward to picking up a book for fun.

4. Practice songs on the piano 3 times a week for 30 minutes at a time. I've recently started playing some praise and worship songs on our keyboard, and would like to continue practicing. I have one song with actual notes, and the rest are just chords. Chords are easy, but they also challenge me to be creative in how I play them. It's also a good reminder to praise God is all that I do.

Those are my goals for the month! I've enjoyed reading others' goals with the link on Kelli's blog!