Baby Talk: Encouraged

I actually want to follow up to last week's Baby Talk.  I had discussed expectations and how Baby Hannay will affect Ryan and my marriage.  I thought I was going to get a lot of feedback about how hard marriage has been for new mamas and how life has really changed in a more difficult way.  I expected the worst but I got the best!

Every single message, email, and Facebook note that I got was so encouraging.  Everyone had positive feedback!  I was told that marriage can be deeply enriched and even better now than it ever was before baby.  I was encouraged that Ryan and I have a really strong marriage- thanks BMIL- and to enjoy pregnancy and our baby; not to worry as everything will be amazing.  Some people shared their secrets of date nights and reconnecting with their spouses.  And a special soon to be great-grandma shared a simple piece of advice: communication.  I was so encouraged to hear that I will find a new balance and Ryan and I will adjust to our new mini-roommate (loved this Kristin!).  So a huge THANK YOU to everyone who gave me encouragement and really made me feel better about the expectations for our marriage.

With much thanks,

Linking up today with Kristin's Baby Talk!

   

Weekend Shenanigans: Time Together

This weekend was AMAZING!  It wasn't like we did anything out of this world exciting!  We just had a really nice weekend together with some BEAUTIFUL weather- finally!  Friday after work, Ryan and I met up with Ben & Becca to go to the Wild game.  Although a very disappointing hockey game (Wild lost 1-6) we still had fun and enjoyed sibling time!

Then Saturday morning Ryan and I met my grandparents for breakfast.  It was so nice to get some time with just them!  And I have been craving breakfast food lately.  All I want is eggs, bacon, and toast!  Yummy!  When we got home Ryan and I took Dupree on a long walk into Mound to Caribou.  It's only 2 miles or so but for Dupree's little legs, it's a long walk!

After our walk, Ryan and I did a little taping for the nursery.  We've got a master plan to have two walls striped and two walls solid paint.  That's all I'm saying about the design :)

Saturday evening we went bowling with our friends Tim and Ellie and baby Landon and Alicia and Turner.  Photo fail- I didn't take a single picture.  But I did beat Ryan at bowling!  So fun to see these friends and do dinner afterwards at Park Tavern.  Ryan and I finished the night with a trip to Old Navy to get some maternity jeans- hot!- and a Target run which of course we spent more money than intended.  Who can ever get out of Target without spending over $50.  Seriously!

Sunday we got up early for Ryan's godson, Evan's first communion.  Evan was our ring bearer and seriously one of the cutest kids ever!

After brunch at Sunsets- yes I needed my breakfast food fix again- we got home to do a little laundry, some more nursery taping, and dinner.  Ryan even went on an 8 mile run and I took Dupree for another walk into Mound!

The weather was gorgeous all weekend and after some crazy busy work weeks, it was really nice to spend time with my husband doing things we love and being with good friends too!  Cheers to Monday!

16 weeks

Pumpkin this week...

~ listening to my voice
~ Growing hair (brown or red?), lashes (long please!), and eye brows (hopefully no uni-brow!)
~ Forming taste buds too!

Size of the Baby?
4.6 inches long and weights about 3.5 ounces.  The size of a an avocado!  I LOVED avocados pre-pregnancy.  I can hardly look at them now-- more or less eat one!

Total Weight Gain/Loss?

I'm up 7 lbs now.  I'm pretty happy with a steady gain.

Maternity Clothes?

I ordered a Jessica Simpson dress (for weddings) and a tank top too.  Can't wait to wear them!!

Stretch Marks?

Nope- and although hereditary, I need to be better about putting on body butter.  Just to make sure :)

Best Moments?

I had a family birthday party last Saturday and it was sort of fun for family to notice the tiny bump I have.  My grandma was thrilled and kept touching the bump- really adorable and fun to see our family get excited!

Movement?
Nope.  But maybe soon!

Nausea/Vomitting?

It's definitely getting better.  In the last week I only got sick twice.  What an improvement!

Labor Signs?

No way Jose!

Gender?

2 more weeks until we find out!!  CANNOT wait!

Belly Button In or Out?

In!

Wedding Rings On or Off?

Totally on!

Sleep?

Actually it's been a lot better lately.  Work slowed down after our conference last week so maybe it was just the stress that giving me restless nights and not the baby.  But I'm happy to back to deeper sleep and LOTS of dreaming!

Wisdom?

Don't overdo yourself.  After the conference I was exhausted last week.  I tried to take little breaks throughout the day as I get more tired a lot easier these days.  Listening to your body is really important!  And getting lots of sleep is key- you can never get enough!  I'm growing a baby for goodness sake!   

What am I most excited about?
To finally get some good weather!  Snow storm on Monday and 70 degrees this weekend!  It's nuts!  I had to document the fact that as of April 23rd we still have snow on the ground this year!  Baby Hannay, be happy you are warm and snuggled in my tummy!

And of course Dupree just had to sit right next to the chalkboard while taking pictures this week... do you think someone is going to be jealous of the baby?!

Looking forward to spring,

Wordless Wednesday

Love them!

Baby Talk: Expectations

I'm linking up with Kristin again for Baby Talk.  This link up couldn't have come at a better time for me.  I've got lots to talk about in regards to being pregnant, the baby's arrival, and what life will be like once we are a family of three + Dupree of course!  

Today I want to talk about what life will be like once our baby arrives.  And more focused on what marriage will be like.  I've had some amazing conversations with friends who have babies and the resounding statement is "It's hard."  I want to be realistic about this and not be naive, saying that Ryan and I are different from everyone else and that we'll be fine.  Nothing could change our incredible marriage.  But reality is, life changes you and your marriage.  Some of the strongest couples we know have shared stories of fights, struggles, and how marriage is simply different.

I SO badly want nothing to change- only get better.  I love our marriage and I'm so happy.  So the thought of things changing and being harder, more difficult is sort of daunting.  I have to be realistic and prepared.  I know, I know- nothing can prepare me/us for the changes ahead.  And I'm not trying to sound negative- perhaps the changes that will come will be amazing and of course bring new joy and elements to our marriage but I want to be realistic and prepared.

I've heard of families falling apart once all the kids are out of the house because husbands and wives don't know how to be married anymore.  They know how to parent together but they have lost their marriage.  I certainly don't want that.  I want our marriage to stay fresh, exciting, spicy, and connected.

So I'm asking for your advice.  What have you found to be the hardest?  What has worked for your marriage?  I'd love to hear your thoughts, advice, or stories.  Thanks!

  

15 Weeks

Pumpkin this week...

~ squirming a ton... even though I can't feel it
~ Might have the hiccups
~ Baby is making lots of progress... all of the limbs and joints can move now!

Size of the Baby?
4 inches long and weights about 2.5 ounces.  The size of a juicy orange!

Total Weight Gain/Loss?

Still at 6 lbs so I'm pleased with no gain and no loss.

Maternity Clothes?

I almost feel naked without my belly band now and I'm so thankful to have a few maternity tank tops.  I'm pretty certain that I'm going to have to go get a few pairs of maternity jeans soon.

Stretch Marks?

None and thrilled about that!

Best Moments?

Ryan and I listened to the heartbeat at home on a our fetal doppler this last weekend and it was incredible.  The heart beat was so loud and really strong.  Just amazing to hear and really comforting to know Baby Hannay is doing well!

Movement?

Not yet- probably at least 3 more weeks until I feel some flutters.

Nausea/Vomitting?

Well I thought I turned a corner but then I reverted.  Friday was the worst- I lost every meal I ate :(  Some days I'm in the clear and some days I don't know when my day will start outside of my bathroom.

Labor Signs?

Oh heck no!

Gender?

3 more weeks and we'll know if Baby Hannay is wearing blue or pink!

Belly Button In or Out?

In!

Wedding Rings On or Off?

Totally on!

Sleep?

I've used the body pillow a few times and it's helping me fall asleep quickly but this week was harder to fall back asleep after my first potty break.  Not sure why but I can't seem to get comfortable.

Wisdom?

Be mindful of what you are putting into your body- for both you and your baby.  It's really important to eat healthy and provide enough and healthy nutrients for you and your baby.

What am I most excited about?
That we started painting the nursery!  It's got a ways to go but at least the project has begun!

And how adorable is this card from my mom?!  I love the excitement surrounding this baby.  Baby Hannay you are so loved beyond measures!  We can't wait to meet you!

Happily Growing Our Baby,

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my mom's birthday!  She is the most beautiful, wonderful, caring person I know.  She has a heart of gold and would do anything for her family and friends.  I cannot say how blessed I am that she is my mom.  She has been my #1 cheerleader all of my life!  She is my prayer warrior and my friend.  I love you Mom!  Happy Birthday!

 XOXO,

Baby Talk: Truth About Not Trying

I'm back with Tuesday's link up with Kristin!  And I wanted to talk about not trying to try to have a baby.  Everyone- even Kristin- told me when you stop trying, it will happen.  It's sort of like when you stop looking for Mr. Right, he will come along.  Totally true for me in both circumstances.  When I ran into Ryan over 3 years ago at the gym, I wasn't looking for a boyfriend.  I wasn't in a hurry to get married.  I was happy living downtown, working my job, and being single.  And then Ryan showed up in my life.  To be honest I know it was God.  It was His timing, His plan, and His story.  I constantly thank God for being the author of my story.  But when I finally stopped looking for myself and trying to find a boyfriend, God gave me Ryan.  And again when I turned things over to God, we got pregnant.

We started trying for a baby in September.  I sort of thought it would happen right away but when it didn't I had plenty of reasons why September didn't work-- I just got off birth control, Ryan was sick in the hospital and on antibiotics, we had no idea when I was ovulating, etc.  We were just hopeful it would happen right away.  And then in October, November, and December I started thinking about it all time.  I was consumed.  I read blogs.  I tried to figure out my cycle.  I did everything but take an ovulation test- I wasn't ready to go to that yet.  But I quickly learned that trying to have a baby is harder than it seems.

And then at the beginning of 2013 we had a family event happen that opened my eyes.  I won't go into the event as it is really personal but I was awakened that God has a plan for Ryan and my life and it needed to be in His timing that we got pregnant.  I was completely content in giving up control and letting God give us a baby in His time.  I stopped reading blogs, I stopped counting days, and I started trusting God's plan.  I had to remind myself that up to now God has never failed me; instead he has richly blessed me with this life.  So I stopped planning and guess what?!  Yep we got pregnant in January!  Once again God reminded me to trust Him and His plans are perfect!

Here's the thing- whether you believe in God or think my story is ridiculous this part is true.  You can drive yourself crazy and stress yourself out if you are worried about getting pregnant.  You will add stress to your marriage and you will become distracted from the other important things in your life.  So let go and stop trying!

Weekend Shenanigans: New Favorite Restaurant

Just the highlights of the weekend-

Friday: Mani/pedi, dinner at Champps with Husband, and Surprise Birthday party for Bill Bentler

Saturday: Trip to the hardware store, started painting the nursery, worked on Shutterfly 2012 family yearbook, dinner at People's Organic with Mike & Danielle

Sunday: workout, passed USA Diving coaching test, laundry, more painting, church, dinner, relax

Side note: People's Organic is AMAZING!  So yummy and I will most certainly be frequenting this place all the time!  Yummo!

Hope you have a splendid Monday!

Friday Letters

Dear Husband- I am really excited to start painting the nursery with you this weekend.  Thank you for being so incredibly helpful with all the projects around the house.  You're the best!

Dear Mike and Danielle- We are looking forward to dinner at People's Organic this weekend!  Yay for wonderful friends!

Dear Minnesota Spring- I REALLY miss you and am anxiously waiting your arrival!

Dear Taxes- Sorry about being so late but we'll be all wrapped up soon.

Dear City of Mound- PLEASE approve our plans for a 4 season porch.  I would FOREVER love you.

Dear CHS/L&M team- I am so excited about breakfast this morning at OPH- yummy food with fun peeps!

Dear Weekend- last forever!

Sincerely,

14 Weeks

Apparently, husband thinks we are having a baby elephant!

Pumpkin this week...

~ sucking his/her thumb and wiggling toes... adorable right?
~ The kidneys, liver, and spleen are all doing their jobs.
~ Baby is growing lanugo-- peach-like fuzz all over the body-- to stay warm!

Size of the Baby?
3.5 inches long and weights about 1.5 ounces.  The size of a lemon!

Total Weight Gain/Loss?

To date I am up 6 lbs. since the day we found out about our pumpkin!  2 lbs this weekend is attributed to some bad eating and a lack of workouts... don't worry I made it to the gym this morning!!

Maternity Clothes?

In love with my belly band since I no longer button my pants.  Well I can- but they are not comfortable at all.  It's like trying to squeeze a full Thanksgiving tummy into skinny jeans!

Stretch Marks?

None.

Best Moments?

Finishing the 1st trimester and entering into the 2nd!  YAY!!!

Movement?

Not yet- a few more weeks until I feel that!

Nausea/Vomitting?

Oh my word I can't say how thankful I am to say that this has been less and less lately.  Every once in a while I still have an icky morning but they are getting to be fewer and far between.  It may just be that 2nd trimester wonderfulness that I have been hearing about!

Labor Signs?

We have a ways to go until this happens.

Gender?

We have an appointment set for May 9th to find out but we will announce to family on Mother's Day and then to all of you lovely people just after that!

Belly Button In or Out?

In!

Wedding Rings On or Off?

On and not even a little tight.

Sleep?

Always a potty break in the middle of the night but I can fall back asleep.  I keep wondering how the body pillow, Ryan, me, and Dupree are all going to fit in our queen size bed- might be a squeeze!

Wisdom?

I love being pregnant... I love the excitement of what is to come in the next six months.  HOWEVER- if all I talk about is this baby and being pregnant, I would drive myself, Ryan, and you all nuts!  I'm thrilled when women find out their having a baby but not everyone wants to hear you talk about it 24/7.  So be thoughtful and mindful of who is around you and what is going on in their life.  And remember everything else that used to fill your time, thoughts, and energy- those things are important too!  (Stepping off my soapbox now.)

What am I most excited about?
This energy and glow of the 2nd trimester!  Everyone says their energy increased a ton and they started to feel back to normal during the 2nd trimester and I can't wait!
Dupree loves pictures and being in front of the camera!

Embracing the 2nd trimester,

Wordless Wednesday

Just look at that face!  Happy Wednesday!

Baby Talk: Exercise

Today I am linking up with Kristin for a little baby talk!  As a mama-to-be I'm anxiously awaiting a whole lot of things!  I can't wait to meet this little bundle and be parents with Ryan.  This nine month process of growing baby is incredible.  Absolutely amazing and nothing short of a miracle!  It has been far from what I expected.  I'm entering my second trimester today!  Woohoo!  And I can't believe 6 months from yesterday we are due to meet Baby Hannay!  But all that aside- what I want to write about today is exercise.

Before getting pregnant I lost 13 lbs.  I started training in May and by the time we left for Europe I was down 12 lbs.  and when I got home I kept on training and lost a little more!  I was thrilled!  I haven't seen the 120s (high 120s!) since I was in high school.  And then I got pregnant and my weight has not seen the 120s since!  I got morning sickness during my 6th week and while I thought if I was sick I would lose weight, I was wrong!  Instead I had a complete lack of motivation and energy and did not make it to the gym very often.  My once disciplined, trained self was a couch potato eating mac n' cheese and in bed by 8:30.  I felt like a lazy piece of crap.  And to add coaching to the end of my day makes it near impossible to get to the gym at 9pm and my morning sickness was not helping me get up to make an early morning workout.  I kept reminding myself that I am growing a baby and that its okay to go to bed early.  But I just didn't feel like myself the last nine weeks.  After a good training schedule and working out almost daily, to not be at the gym more than once a week was frustrating.

I'm writing today not to gain sympathy for my lack luster of workouts but to talk about changing the way you think once you get pregnant.  Has anyone else experienced this?  I think as a woman, we are constantly looking at the scale, checking our weight and counting calories.  And to have wrapped my head around losing weight, gaining muscle, and getting lean and now to change all of that was hard.  I'm getting there.  It's a process.  Every pound I gain is healthy for the baby.  The food I eat is important to help our baby grow.  It's just a new way of thinking.  It's the mom way of thinking- thinking about my baby before my once selfish self.  Right?!

I'm happy to say that as the second trimester begins, I feel a new energy coming on and morning sickness being a thing of the past-- at least let's hope!  When I got pregnant, I made a goal to walk 400 miles during pregnancy.  A lofty goal!  I'm not discarding that goal but I am modifying to this-- get to the gym on any day that I am not coaching.  At the pool I'm active and moving all the time so to get to the gym the other 4 or 5 days a week even if for a quick 2 mile walk, would definitely be great!

How about you other mamas out there?  Or mamas to be?  Have you struggled to change your workout routine?  What helped?  And how the heck do you manage all of this when you actually have the baby?!  Oh my word!
Talkin' Baby...

  

Weekend Shenanigans: Random

We got a lot done this weekend.  Friday started with dinner at Benihana's for a date night.  Although Ryan and I work together, we have hardly seen each other lately and we wanted to spend some quality time together and enjoy Ryan's favorite restaurant.  Well we sat down with a father and son from Mound and never stopped talking.  So our date night dinner was more like party of 4.  After dinner Ryan ran to Home Depot and picked up sheet rock for his weekend project.  What was supposed to be a quick 20 minute trip to Home Depot, turned into a 3 hour ordeal and before Ryan got home, I was in bed and half asleep.  Oh well- maybe next date night will go more according to plan.

Saturday morning I did a dog walk with my mom at the MN Landscape Arboretum (where we got married!).  Dupree and Gracie loved the fresh air and getting some exercise.  I did too!  It was beautiful and it was so nice to spend some time with my mom.

Saturday afternoon Ryan spent the day working on the theater room in the basement with his friend Jeremy.  Thank you Jeremy for coming over!  They sheet rocked and mudded the room.  It's starting to take shape and I can't wait to show you the finished product!

My brother and SIL are off to Vegas for a few days so my niece and nephew are staying with us.  They came over Saturday night.  The boys immediately started playing the PS3, while Rose and I played card games and watched some HGTV.  Sunday the kids went with my sister while I coached and Ryan and Jeremy finished their work.  The ceiling is up, the walls are done.  We are ready to paint and carpet!!

So it was a productive weekend and I can't believe it's Monday again!

Cheers,

13 Weeks

Pumpkin this week...

~ is growing vocal chords and teeth.

~ already has fingerprints.

~ the intestines are making their way from the umbilical cord to their permanent place in the tummy.

Size of the Baby?

About 3 inches long.  The size of a peach!

Total Weight Gain/Loss?

Not sure how long I will want to share this information.  And even for the first trimester I wish it was a little less but, from the day I found out I was pregnant to now I'm up 4 lbs.  Per the doctor, I should gain between 1-5 lbs during the first trimester.    

Maternity Clothes?

Ryan and I did go to Motherhood one night a few weeks ago to get some tank tops and a belly band.  So far I can button my pants but the belly band is much more comfortable with pants unbuttoned.  I ordered a few tank tops from Old Navy and I love those- super comfy!

Stretch Marks?

So far none.  I hear it's hereditary and my mom didn't have any so fingers crossed I stay stretch mark free!

Best Moments?

We had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday morning and it was really good to connect with our doctor again.  She is the nicest and so great to answer any questions.  I just feel like she will be a perfect fit for me on delivery day!  And it was so good to hear baby's heartbeat again!  153 beats per minute!!  YAY!

Movement?

Still a few weeks until I get to feel that but I can't wait!

Nausea/Vomitting?

I've been pretty open about how I've had quite the morning sickness since 6.5 weeks.  Here's the thing- I know God knows me better than I know myself and I'm certain he knows if I didn't have morning sickness, I'd worry about Pumpkin.  Also my morning sickness is really just that- MORNING sickness.  By lunch time I'm good.  Some women have it for months.  And lastly, I'm just thrilled to be preggers so I can't possibly complain if I'm running for the bathroom.  I'm happily puking!  I read that headaches would kick in around the second trimester and I started getting strong headaches at 11 weeks.  They come and go but maybe I'm just trading being nauseous for headaches.

Labor Signs?

Heck no!

Gender?

Ryan affectionately always says 'he' when talking about the baby.  And I always jokingly say 'she.'  But to be completely honest, I don't care what we have.  I just want healthy.  However when we first found out we were pregnant I thought for sure boy.  But I have had quite a few baby dreams since getting pregnant and they are all about a baby girl.  So we'll see!!

Belly Button In or Out?

In!  And I have such a deep belly button- I can't imagine what it will look like popped!

Wedding Rings On or Off?

Definitely on!

Sleep?

I'm sleeping okay.  A few potty trips during the night but I can usually fall back asleep pretty quickly.  I'm thinking the body pillow will come in handy soon.  Although I'm lucky I've always been a side sleeper so this shouldn't be a hard transition.

Wisdom?

Don't read pregnancy blogs- every pregnancy is totally different.  You'll just freak yourself out if you read them.  Don't overdo yourself.  Listen to your body.  Sometimes I remind myself that I'm growing a baby and that is hard work so if I'm exhausted laying on the couch- that's okay.  

What am I most excited about?
I'm excited to say that the first trimester is behind us!!  Sometimes the days seem long but I cannot believe we are at week 13 and next week starts the second trimester- that's crazy!

 

Happily Pregnant,