Nesting

This week is an exciting week for many reasons. The first is we are over “the hump”. I have hit 21 weeks which means I am more than ½ way to meeting our little peanut.

Our basement made huge progress this weekend as Joel removed the back entrance stairs, made an upstairs closet, and is almost done putting up the drywall in the basement. I even helped with carrying out material (garbage) to the garage, screwing in some of the drywall, sweeping, and generally trying to tidy up behind Joel. My cousin came over yesterday to see the progress and let us know when he can start taping. Joel had wired their new house for extra lights (his trade) and so Ryan will tape and sand the drywall for our basement (Ryan’s trade). Actually while Ryan was over we mentioned future plans and I was excited to hear how “do-able” they are in terms of price. It looks like we may re-stucco the house when we add the French doors as our new back entrance. This would happen at the earliest in the spring, but it is exciting to know we could do it!

We did go last week for an ultrasound which was exciting to see however they do not tell you anything about the progress. The technician told me that a radiologist looks at the pictures then sends a report the doctor to relay to me. I have a doctor’s appointment today and am hoping for the results. Although Joel came with me, they would not let him in the room for the “medical” portion of the exam which lasted between 30-45 minutes. Joel was invited in for a tour of the baby (their term, not mine) which lasted about 10 minutes. We were able to clearly see the heart beating (and all 4 chambers), the spine, and the top of the head. During the medical portion I was able to see the baby’s hand move across their face as though they were wiping their forehead. These ultrasounds require you to order the prints if you wish which I did, so Joel humored me and we have them on order. Unfortunately, they do take between 4-6 weeks. We have asked for them to be put on CD which means I can then send them to my family, as well as print as many copies as I wish.

I have started my nesting phase, which included our personal files this weekend. Joel had bought a filing cabinet for me when we got the new office set up, but I just did not have the energy to organize files during my first trimester. That changed this weekend when I went over to Staples and picked up the pieces I needed to start and finish the job. (I needed the metal piece that fits inside the filing cabinet and holds the files) 3 hours later, we have clearly labeled files and one garbage bag of junk. It felt good! This phase also included my office this morning. I reorganized my large book shelf, computer, desk and scanner. I feel much better about it, and I was able to Lysol everything down while I did it. Once it was done it made me feel a lot calmer (I was fairly grumpy this morning) and definitely more rational. This weekend I am not sure what I will be compelled to organize, but I do know something will be on the “to do” list.

I have noticed my appetite has increased especially in the morning and later in the evening. Although I am trying not to over indulge, I also know that I need to feed little peanut when they are hungry.

I had been reading books to help with the transition to parenthood. Many included preparing our dogs for the baby, breastfeeding, what to expect when you are expecting, baby sign, maintaining a healthy marriage after the baby arrives, what to expect the first year from your newborn, and the lists go on and on. I like to read so it is not a surprise that I have taken delight in reading about what we are in for. This weekend however I received a gift from my mother in law. The book was titled “The Rules of Parenting – A personal code for raising happy confident children”. Even the first few pages of this book have brought a smile to my face. It reminded me that although there is advice out there, and books on every topic, that parenting is natural. And sometimes you won’t know what to do, or say, but that is okay too. It reminded me to relax and enjoy my pregnancy (which I have been very much) and that some things will come natural. Similar to the video my mother sent me of an elephant giving birth (her baby isn’t breathing, but by kicking it the mother revives the baby elephant) I need to remember some things are instinct and will come naturally.

I have picked out Joel’s gifts for Christmas and since he does not read my blog (actually I am sure he doesn’t even know where to look for it) I can mention what I have decided. About a month ago my mom and I were in the exchange headed over to E-Children. Along the way we saw a big sale at Tod Hall Toys. We stopped in and I found many neat games, puzzles, and generally things that would interest Joel. They also had a baby section that I was browsing when I stumbled across bacon flavored jelly beans. My husband LOVES bacon and jelly beans even though sweets are not his thing that I knew I had to get them for his stocking. This was only the beginning. I found bacon band aids, a bacon air freshener, and many other bacon novelty items that I needed to buy him. So I left the bag with my mom so Joel cannot find it in the house. He has also asked for the new NHL game for Wii which I will get and put in his stocking too. Joel’s Xbox stopped working last year, but he likes playing wii. Unfortunately for him most of our wii games are mine, so he has a limited selection of games that he actually likes. I will also try and find something small that is logoed with Calgary Flames. (Last year’s theme of gifts)

My research study is going well and they have started to create an advance option with their cardio work outs. For the most part that means incorporating arms into the routines. I much prefer the workouts when we can do this because it challenges me more than some of the routines in the past. I had to do a 3 day diet analysis and need to set up a meeting to review it with a dietitian. I am looking forward to what she will have to say. Next week a volunteer will also call me to confirm my physical fitness outside of the class, and although it might not be a structured class.

Anyways, that is it for now, so enjoy ~

19 Weeks plus a "just for fun" update!

At the end of August I had posted a entry titled "Just for Fun" where I used some common old wives tales to predict the gender of our baby.  Well I am going to update that same list today to see if anything has changed now that I am almost 1/2 way to meeting our little peanut. The first answers are from August and the second set of answers in red are from more recently.  We have an ultrasound this Wednesday so I will update this after the appointment.  Enjoy ~

Sleep Position

Pay attention to which way you lay down in bed tonight. If you prefer sleeping on your left side, you'll have a boy. Right side? Your pregnant with a girl.
Verdict: Boy. I always sleep on my left side if not on my stomach.
Verdict: Girl.  I prefer my right side and often wake up facing that side of the wall.

Upset Stomach
Little girls aren't always sweet. Extreme nausea means you are having a daughter.
Verdict: undetermined. Demends on the day and how they classify "extreme"
Verdict: Boy. I had minimal morning sickness, and I feel great nowadays.


Soft or Dry Hands
If your hands are dry during pregnancy, you are having a boy; soft -- expect a girl.
Verdict: Boy
Verdict: Boy

Food Cravings
Your favorite pregnancy foods may tell you what sex the baby is. If you're craving citrus while pregnant, you're having a girl.
Verdict: Boy. I have not craved anything citrus.
Verdict: undetermined. Depends on the day. I sometimes crave fruit, and other days I don't.......


Adult Acne
If altering hormones makes your skin break out, expect a girl.
Verdict: Boy. My skin has actually improved for the most part.
Verdict: Boy


Graceful or Clumsy Pregnancy
If you feel as though you're gliding through they day, you'll have a girl. Stumbling? It's a boy.
Verdict: Boy
Verdict: Boy



Face Weight Gain
If your face gets fuller, it means you're having a girl.
Verdict: undetermined. Maybe someone can help me out here......
Verdict: Girl

Sugar and Spice Food Cravings
Craving salt during pregnancy? Potato chips, pretzels, and popcorn means a boy is on the way. Need a little something sweet? Ice cream, chocolate, and candy means you're having a girl.
Verdict: Girl. A slurpee a day.......
Verdict: Girl, although for the most part I don't drink slurpees anymore. :)


Mood Changes
If you're experiencing pregnant mood-swings, expect a baby girl to arrive soon.
Verdict: Girl
Verdict: Girl

High or Low Pregnant Belly
If you're carrying the baby low on your stomach, expect a boy. If it's high, you're having a girl.
Verdict: undetermined yet
Verdict: Girl

Baby Weight
If you're carrying baby in front, it's a boy. Is the baby weight spaced all around your middle? It's a girl.
Verdict: undetermined yet
Verdict: Girl


Pendulum Test
Dangle a chain with a charm over your palm. If it swings back and forth: boy. In a circle: girl.
Verdict: Boy. Thank you Mindie.
Verdict: Boy.  did not retry this test, so stays the same as boy.


Model Your Hands
"Show me your hands." If you would hold your hands palms up it's a girl. Down? You're having a boy.
Verdict: Boy
Verdict: Boy

Toddler Advice
Get baby advice from a nephew or friend's little boy. If a toddler boy shows interest in your belly, you'll have a girl. If he ignores you, it's a boy.
Verdict: undetermined.
Verdict: If our dog Monster counts, then Girl


Eat Garlic
Guess the baby's sex by eating garlic. If the smell seeps out of your pores it's a boy. If there's no scent it's a little girl.
Verdict: undetermined. Had 40 clove garlic chicken and I never thought to ask anyone......
Verdict: Girl



Key to Pregnancy
If you pick up a key by the round end, you're having a boy. If it's by the long end? A girl.
Verdict: Boy
Verdict: Boy


Even and Odd Numbers
If your age and year of conception are both even or odd, it's girl. One even, one odd means a boy.
Verdict: Boy (24 and 2009)
Verdict: Boy



Baby's Heartbeat
If the baby's heart beats more than 150 times per minute, you're pregnant with a girl. Less than 150, it's a boy.
Verdict: Boy (131)
Verdict: Boy (148 ~ but note mine was also under 150 when my mom was carrying me)

Stress Test
A child tends to be of the same sex as the parent who is less stressed at the time of conception.
Verdict: Boy. Joel is always less stressed than me. :)
Verdict: Boy

Dream Meanings
If you dream about having a girl while pregnant, you will wind up having a boy and vice versa.
Verdict: Boy. Dreamt about having a girl at about week 8.
Verdict: Girl. I dreamt about having a boy named Preston at week 19.

Breast Size
If your right breast is larger than the left while pregnant, you are having a girl. If the left is larger, it's a baby boy.
Verdict: undetermined. Will have to ask Joel...... ;)
Verdict: Boy.

Thanksgiving Dinner

This weekend was the first time in a long time that I hosted anything at our house. We had Thanksgiving dinner with my parents, Joel’s parents and my grandma. Although Martin cooked the turkey and stuffing, my mom brought the cabbage rolls and wild rice casserole, and my grandma brought the pumpkin pie, I was completely overwhelmed! Now this is hard to explain, and even harder to admit to myself, but I just couldn’t do it. I had tons of help, but nothing was going right on my end. And with everything I forgot, the feeling of failure got stronger. I had everything organized and ready to go in the morning, so all I had to do was turn on the stove. I had the potatoes peeled and cut up waiting in water, the carrots chopped and ready to go, the asparagus sitting patiently, and I forgot it all! So we had to wait for the veggies. Then once everyone had loaded up their plates, I remember the meatballs I made were still in the oven. For dessert I had searched high and low for an oil based cool whip for Joel (he is allergic to dairy products but loves whip cream on his pie) but forgot it in the freezer until we went to serve the pie. By this point I was feeling awful, frustrated and completely disappointed and when I started to cut the cheesecake I had made, I almost started to cry. It stuck to the knife, and I could barely cut through the crust. It was a mess! Actually it took everything in me to stay seated instead of running to my room and locking the door for the rest of the night. Now this seems silly and by the next day it was still hard to understand my overreaction, but really it was just too much for me. I have always been the host, I love to host, but this time no matter what I did, everything seemed to fall apart. Although the dinner was excellent, and everything worked out, I realized this weekend, I just cannot host right now.



Monday morning Joel and I worked on the basement and we are finally starting to see real progress. It is funny how just a couple of sheets of drywall make such an amazing difference. I helped Joel with about 4 sheets of drywall which does not sound like a lot, but many of them required cut outs for lights, vents, plugs, etc., so we were happy with our progress. We called it a day around noon.


This week should be quiet for Joel and I. Friday we are going out for my mom’s birthday. Mom has wanted to go to South Beach for awhile now, and this weekend the Foster Martin band is playing, so we thought it would be a perfect time to try out the casino.


This week marks 19 weeks of pregnancy! I have mixed feelings about it. I am almost half way done which I am excited for but extremely nervous. I cannot wait to meet our little one, but at the same time, I have so many doubts about what I will be like as a mom.


We still do not have an ultrasound date, but should have one assigned by my next appointment which is October 27th. Starting to countdown!


Well, I that’s it for now, maybe I will get inspired and write later in the week. For now, enjoy ~

18 Weeks

Here is a picture taken at 18 weeks + 1 day
(It looks much more like my 16 week shot)

success all around

Shopping was a huge success! I found a comfortable dress, a cardigan, a winter jacket, and a few maternity tops as well as groceries, a hoodie for Joel, and a rocking chair with ottoman! Although the glider (rocking chair) is not in espresso like the crib and change table, it does match the hardwood floors of the nursery. I am starting to get excited to get my crib bedding so we can finally pick out colors and start putting that room together.



While I was shopping away, Joel, Martin and Barb were working away on the basement! I was delighted with the progress they made, and felt slightly guilty for being away while all that work was done. Barb (aka Habitat) helped Joel where she could, brought the boys lunch, and even vacuumed up the basement. I can actually walk down there now without shoes! Martin and Joel finished putting in the insulation, and vapor barrier. Joel has recruited my dad’s help on Saturday to finish putting up the drywall, and maybe even move the old fridge out of the laundry room. Once those things are done, Joel will be able to buy the rest of the drywall needed, and start pulling down the stairs! Although this is a major renovation, it is starting to finally take shape and I am excited to see it get closer to complete. Joel decided he is in fact going to keep the pool table and set it up in the basement. Joel toyed with this idea a lot and I am glad he is going to set it up. He thinks with the size of the basement, there will be room for both a child’s play area as well as the pool table. Hey, if nothing else, our little one can use the pool table as the top of their fort!

This week I had company visit on Monday. My friends Dana and Julia who I have known since grade one came to catch up with me. I played many games of baseball (although not traditional baseball, a game we invented outside on the school playground), basketball, competitive badminton and volleyball with these ladies. I even coached junior volleyball with Dana while in my last years of BH. We would later pick classes in high school based on each other so we would not be separated. I am pretty sure Dana stayed in multimedia for as long as she did despite her hate for the teacher because of me, and I can honestly say I considered dropping AP English more than once, but successfully completed it with the help of these girls. (And pre-calculus math!) We had many laughs in the hallways waiting for sports games and practice together, which sometime included meatball ping pong and developing the basketball bible. (What happened to that?!) But our relationship was not merely based on sports; I remember rollerblading throughout Linden Woods for hours waiting for it to be 10:30am so that we could visit a friend (we later remember she was out of town!), doing Tae Bo at 3am 4 times in a row, trying on Dana’s old spandex dance outfits, and discovering ICQ together. In our middle school years, I used to have my dad drop me off at Dana’s on his way to work, which unfortunately for all of us meant 7am. It is funny how in life, many things change. You graduate and some go onto school while others start working, you find companions, and maybe even move in together, you start your own family, etc. With everything that has changed, I am pleased to say I still consider these girls among my closest friends. Many people come into your life with a purpose, to teach you something, but they move on after the lesson is learned. These girls have taught me many things, and I am honored to still be a part of their lives.

This weekend is again filled with friends and family. Friday one of my closest friends from high school has joined the army and so we are attending her going away party. She goes to basic training on Oct. 19th, and although I could not be happier that she is doing something she is truly passion about and excited for, I am sad to see her leave. Carrie is a lot like me in how she was raised and in her personality. Although we do not speak every day, we have an unspoken understanding that we will always be friends, and be there for each other if the other one needs. So on Friday we honor Carrie and celebrate with her, her other friends and family out in Ste. Agathe.


Saturday Joel is working on the basement with my dad and moving our new shed from Lilac to our home. My parents are building a new deck and replacing a metal shed they had on their site with something more practical. This means the old shed has been generously donated to us, which will be great since our garage is not very big. I will spend Saturday getting ready for Sunday.


Sunday we are hosting thanksgiving dinner at our house. We hosted this celebration last year as well, and although Sarah and Jay will be missing from the family, we still should have a good day. (Sarah and Jay are headed to visit his side of the family) Martin is cooking the turkey for us, and my mom is bring cabbage rolls and wild rice casserole. My oven is just too small to host a family dinner, so I recruit help. My grandma is bring the pumpkin pie which leaves little for me to do! I am making mashed potatoes, asparagus, carrots, and a espresso cheesecake. I have never made a cheesecake before, and this recipe is for a non-baked version, so we will see how it turns out. If not, we always have the pumpkin pie. Monday will be a relaxing day with my boys and getting ready for the week ahead.


I had a doctor’s appointment on Monday and Joel was able to hear the heartbeat finally! It came in at 144 which is a strong heartbeat. According to the old wives tales, this represents a boy. (anything over 150 would be a girl, where less than that would be a boy) However, my mom told me yesterday that mine was less than 150, and I believe Barb said Sarah’s was as well. So, we will just have to wait and see. Joel and I have continued to work on names, and have started to get more in sync with selections. We have found some names we like, however do not love which leaves us still searching! I would like to have a few options for both sexes, so when we finally meet our little peanut, we can decide what suits them. I still do not have an ultrasound booked, which is both good and bad. On a positive note, I am healthy and there are no concerns, so they are not rushing me for an ultrasound. On the other side, I would love to see how our little one is developing, and confirm we are only expecting one little peanut and not two. I know, my negatives are not really negatives and they are completely selfish, but I still would like to see.


Things are good; I am feeling back to myself and even have all of my energy back. Joel has been so helpful for the days I struggle or feel bad which helps too. (although I think it is starting to get to him)  I am starting to feel movement which is strange and the coolest feeling ever, however it is not strong enough yet for Joel to feel it on the outside of my tummy.


That is it for now ~ Enjoy!

17 Weeks

This was taken at 17 weeks + 1 day by Joel.

Happy birthday and a few other notes

I should start off appropriately wishing my mom a Happy Birthday!! I love you and hope you have a wonderful day. And although I do not say this near enough, Joel and I really appreciate everything you and dad do for us. Your support and honesty have always been appreciated and I’m sure there were times when you felt like giving up on me. For all the times and every time you did not, I need to thank you. You will never really know how much you mean to me, but please know even when I get annoyed or frustrated or simply do not say it, I love you and I am proud to be your daughter. Hopefully, when I raise our child, I will pass onto him or her many of the same values, work ethic, and closeness you and dad instilled in me.



This Saturday is an exciting one! Not only do I get to travel to Fargo to shop the day away, but my wonderful husband and father-in-law are staying at home to work on our basement! Joel was originally planning to come down to Fargo with us, but after much debate he has decided this weekend would be a good one for continuing the home renovation. The temperature is still well enough to leave the dogs outside (and therefore out of Joel’s way) and he will not have to entertain me. The plan for us is an early departure (7:30am) followed by a day of baby and maternity shopping in Fargo and Grand Forks. We plan to eat at Chili’s (long story, but I trust me when I say I have waited years for this!) for lunch and my dad is picking our dinner destination. Dad will browse Menards in between chauffeuring mom and I from store to store. When I get home, it is my friend Dana’s birthday celebration so assuming I am not totally wiped and make it home at a decent hour, I will head over to the Tavern on Pembina for a good visit with friends.


I have made plans to host our Thanksgiving dinner again at our house, however due to the size of our oven, I have my in-laws cooking the turkey and stuffing and my parents cooking some of the side dishes. (Actually the ones I requested) I always love a good family dinner and have been lacking in my hosting duties lately. This year we are missing 2 staples at our place for Thanksgiving though. Kevin and Mel have joined us for the last couple of Thanksgiving dinners (between our house and my parent’s house) since Kevin’s parents go away and Mel’s parents are in Dryden. This year they will be in Steinbach celebrating with Kevin’s mom’s side of the family. Sarah and Jay are planning on visiting Jay’s family too so it will be a small get together this year.


I missed taking a picture yesterday, but will ask Joel to take one tonight so you can see the progress. I am hoping to have an ultrasound appointment booked soon, and have my next doctor’s appointment Monday. I cannot wait for Joel to hear the heart beat! I attended my workout class this past Monday with a different instructor and it was much easier. I was even told I was the “most fit in the class”. I laughed since there is only 2 other people who participate. One girl, Nicole is at 22 weeks and our newest addition is Wendy at 14 weeks. I need to make more of an effort to participate in the video training at home, but it always feels like I have something on the go. Hopefully tonight I can get a quick session in.

Well that is it for now ~ enjoy!