15 Weeks

OOPS! I was so concerned with drawing an avocado that I didn't realize I was looking at the wrong fruit - Avocado is for 16 weeks! This week the baby is the size of an apple (4 inches long and 2.5oz). I guess it won't be hard to update my board for next week :)

How far along? 15 weeks 4 days

Total weight gain/loss? Since I had an unplanned doctor appointment I got an official weigh-in...up 2lbs 8oz

Maternity clothes? Not yet...loving that my shorts are low-rise and are super comfy! I hate wearing a belly band so I am glad I haven't had to bust it out yet. 

Exercise: Two workouts with trainer...nothing on my own. Oops!
Stretch marks? So far so good!

Sleep: All over the board this week ...but mainly due to the sick bug that hit our house.

Best moment this week: Hearing baby's heart beat!

Miss anything: Being able to take medicine when you are sick...

Movement: Not yet

Food cravings: Wasn't a big fan of food this week, but I have no doubt that will not last long.

Anything making you queasy or sick: My ridiculous headache

Have you started to show yet: Yes, but still no random comments so I think the general public is still scratching their heads.

Gender predication: I had TWO dreams this past week that had Ryan and another little baby boy...who was named William. (Kevin and I haven't even really talked baby names yet...although we both do like William)

Labor signs: No

Belly button in or out? In but working on coming out

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Ugh this week was tired and sick. boo!

Looking forward to: Feeling some kicks!

Project 366 - week 12

March 18: Playing in the sandbox at Lupe Tortillas
March 19: Yummy breakfast at Chick-fil-a before music at the library
March 20: Hanging our waiting for the doctor
March 21: Snuggling on the couch sick day
March 22: Another day at home
March 23: Sadly this was one of the only pictures I took
March 24: Ryan LOVING the swing

14 weeks

How far along? 14 weeks 5 days (oops!...almost missed this week)

Total weight gain/loss? n/a

Maternity clothes? Not yet...probably not much longer. Holding out as long as I can!

Exercise: It was Spring Break and we were down in Houston so I didn't make it to a gym...but I did get a couple of walks in.
Stretch marks? So far so good

Sleep: Still waking up at least 2x's a night to use the bathroom. Trying not to drink water before bed...but its so hard! I love water!

Best moment this week: xxx

Miss anything: Having wine at girls night! And wine with T & Claire!

Movement: Not yet

Food cravings: Hummus and pretzel chips

Anything making you queasy or sick: Still nauseous! 

Have you started to show yet: My friends and family definitely see my bump but I haven't been approached by any strangers yet...so I'd stay still in that odd phase.

Gender predication: ?

Labor signs: No

Belly button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: happy

Looking forward to: Feeling better and having more energy.

A week of YUCK

Yuck = Sick = no fun

We got back from Houston last Sunday and everyone was happy and healthy...for the most part. (Ol Kevin was nursing a little hangover from St. Patty's day on Saturday, but that was to be expected.) From there things went downhill. On Monday, my little man started with a cough and a little runny nose. I wished he could talk so badly because when Tuesday rolled around I knew he felt horrible but there were no signs of anything besides a little runny nose. He just wanted to be held.  I knew something was wrong. We ran up to the doctor to see if they could figure out what was going on. They checked him out and came to the same conclusion - just had a little cold.  He had a little sore throat but his ears looked nice and clear. Anyhow, we left and headed home. Since he was so clingy I knew something more was wrong and that going to swim lessons probably wasn't a good idea.

And thank goodness for that....right about the same time we would have been getting into the water he unleashed what I can only say was the reason for his discomfort. On my goodness...I cannot explain...and I won't explain but trust me, this was something only a mother (or father) could handle. The poor little guy seemed to be a bit happier after he got a lot out. But it was constant. We probably went though about 15 diapers.  Kevin even had to go in and change him before he went to sleep AND   in the morning he was fully loaded again. Poor little dude.

We spent Wednesday snuggled up together on the couch - I will say that I did enjoy our snuggle time! He never wants to snuggle for long but he loved it on Wednesday.  After a morning of nick jr., explosions and snuggles the little bug went down for a nap. I think his little body was on the mend and he slept for about four hours! He managed to stay dry the entire nap so I was hoping that meant we were in the clear but he unleashed one more 5 minute explosion...luckily that was out last one!

Ryan woke up on Thursday and was happy as a lark. Long story short mommy was sick. Things only got worse. On Friday I woke up and realized I was in no shape to parent. Thankfully my wonderful sister-in-law came to the rescue and picked Ryan up. When Ryan came home he went straight down for his nap and our sitter Natalie came over...I headed to my doctor to see what he could do. After chatting with him about my symptoms he decided that it would be best if I could just swing by the ol hospital (which is just an elevator ride away) and get an IV...just to be safe. (He was most concerned about my horrible headache that was causing nausea.) Ugh...not what I was interested in. I felt like it was a little overkill but I know since I am pregnant they just want to take every precaution. Luckily since my doctor called ahead for me everything was set up and things moved pretty quickly... I was basically in a gown and bed within 30 minutes...with an IV to follow. I had no fever when I arrived but shortly after it started to climb. Once they gave me two magical pills (as safe as it can technically be for pregnancy) I felt like new again. I quickly paged the nurse and told her I wanted to leave. I knew discharge would take forever and I didn't want to get stuck there. PLUS for the first time all day I was hungry and I knew what I wanted...not the nasty meal they brought me but I needed some In and Out Burger...and fast.

It was about 6:30 when I left and after making it though the drive thru and dropping my prescription off at Walgreens I was already starting to feel crummy again...starting to wonder if I should have left. By the time I got home with our food I had lost my appetite...and could only force down a few bites of my burger. I spent the evening laying on the couch with Kevin watching Hangover 2...everything hurt. I had chills, my stomach hurt, my head hurt...and then I took my temperature and it was 101.5....then 102.5....after that I was addicted and checked like every five minutes. Kevin started to get annoyed by this...mainly because our thermometer is so loud. It beeps twice then talks...a woman with a British accent says  "Your body temperature is xxx degrees". Anyhow, it gets old after a while...

I was so worried that I made a huge mistake by coming home. I took more of the migraine medicine that I was prescribed but noticed it started to make my heart race and feel tight (which was most likely a side effect of the caffeine in it). I got a couple readings of 103 (they told me to go to the ER at 104) but somehow I managed to get myself to calm down and fall asleep for a little while...and when I woke up my fever had broke. Whew!

Saturday I felt like I was hit by a truck and managed to stay in bed most of the day. On Sunday I woke up and was actually hungry...it was amazing. We made it out to Dim Sum with friends but that wore me out and I needed a nice long nap afterwards. Recharged, Ryan and I headed out to watch Kevin play softball, then a quick trip downtown for a snow cone before dinner at the McDonough's. By the time we got over to the McDonough's I was pretty drained again...and no appetite. I must have just worn myself out because I woke up Monday with my headache in full swing AND a darn fever.

My amazing Mother-in-law came and got Ryan at 9:30 and took him for the ENTIRE day so that I could rest. I am so grateful for her because I think that was the rest I really needed in order to kick whatever it was that I had. Kevin got home around 5pm and took over - played with Ryan, got dinner and everything else - so wonderful. I started feeling better but didn't want to push it...was hoping I would wake up feeling great on Tuesday. AND I did! I am so glad to have kicked this sickness! I still have a wee bit of a cold but feel a million times better which makes me so happy.

This pregnancy has been a little more challenging for me - I feel like I have been sick so much! Very exhausting. Hopefully we can stay healthy for the remainder of the time - fingers crossed!

Project 366 - week 11

(I have already posted most of these pictures, but still needed to do my Project 366 - so lots of repeats!)
March 11: Playing in the backyard with cousins
March 12: Eating dinner with Caroline & Camille in Houston
March 13: Bob laying on mommy's belly in the car
March 14: Uncle Steve & Ryan eating dinner
March 15: Skyping with daddy
March 16: Checking out Yiayia and Papu's pool
March 17: Lunch at the Rainforest Cafe

Spring Break 2012

Ryan and I headed down to Houston to spend the week with family and friends.

We drove down Monday around lunch time so that Ryan would be able to nap in the car - that worked for about an hour.  Luckily he is more content these days and he didn't seem to mind the drive that much. (Which by the way does not translate to "he enjoyed the ride"). Of course we stopped at Bucees on the way...

Ryan isn't sure what to think of that beaver. He wanted to keep him in his line of sight...

We made it to Houston and Mk & Brian cooked us a yummy dinner! Tiff and her girls came over too!

Tuesday night we had a girls night at Tiny #5 - so yummy! I didn't get any pictures of us girls but managed to nap one of little Miss Taylor K - so adorable!

The next day Ryan and I headed to the Houston Children's Museum to meet up with our old Dallas neighbor Mica and her kiddos! It was super crowded but Ryan loved the toddler play area!

Yay! I got a hat! After playing at the museum we headed to Tiny Boxwood for lunch (and that would be meal #3 in a day and a half at Tiny's) - no complaints here!

Wednesday night we were back in Katy for dinner with Uncle Steve. 

The rest of the week we were pretty low key and hung out in Katy. My brothers girlfriend Claire came in town and Ryan had so much fun with the both of them! Here are some pictures from the rest of our time.

Helping Uncle Steve with push ups!

Stylin' my hair in the tub!

Skyping with daddy

Watching The Backyardigans on Uncle Steve's computer

Playing at the park!

Playing in the pool at Yia yia's - the water was too cold to get in but Ryan loved splashing with his feet! 

First time to play in the sandbox at Lupe Tortillas - he LOVED it!

Ryan loves his Smart Trike - he is so cute when he picks up the little phone and pretends to chat.

Obsessed with water these days...

Yiayia took him to the Rainforest Cafe and he LOVED it! So much entertainment for the little guy.

Ryan and his little balloon fishing pole

One last trip to Lupe's before heading back to Dallas to see daddy!

Meal Plan Monday

Hooty Hoo! I'm back - well, kinda. I am still a bit nauseous and tired but I am so ready for a week of planned meals! Planning this week (or shall I say three days) of meals has been challenging because I am not sure what is going to sound good....or horrible when the time comes. Oh well...I will just have to deal with it!

Monday: Orzo and Chicken with Lemon

Kevin requested something healthy...so I think this sounds light and refreshing. I know I have seen this recipe before but I don't think I have actually made it. I found it on Pinterest so hopefully it will be good. 

Tuesday: Flounder Piccata

Another healthy recipe for K-sizzle. (Apparently I am currently thinking that anything lemony sounds good.) I love capers and lemons...and well fish so this should be right up my alley. It also says you can use any type of white fish so I will have to see what I end up with.  I think I will serve it with some type of rice and a quick and easy salad.

Wednesday: Asian Inspired Flat Iron Steak 

I had to throw some real meat in the week and this one caught my eye. Although she uses a flat iron steak I might just use flank steak - because I know what it is and where to get it. That is, unless I see a flat iron steak nearby...then I will go for it. Anyhow, I think this would be good with some yummy mashed potatoes and perhaps some asparagus. Sold.

Thursday: Leftovers!

Friday: Dine out!

13 weeks

How far along? 13 weeks 1 day

Total weight gain/loss? Only updating with official scale at doctor office...or else I might drive myself crazy

Maternity clothes? Not yet...but my pants are getting tight around the waist. I'll be in a belly band pretty soon! 

Exercise: I made it to one appointment with my trainer and I cancelled the other one...for no good reason except that I was tired...and it was raining outside. I felt so guilty that I got myself to the gym on Friday for some cardio. Still haven't made it 3xs a week yet....
Stretch marks? None - didn't get any with Ryan so hopefully I won't with baby #2

Sleep: Still waking up at least 2x's a night to use the bathroom. Trying not to drink water before bed...but its so hard! I love water!

Best moment this week: Seeing the little jelly bean on the sonogram! Also getting news that baby is healthy!

Miss anything: Sushi - Kevin was telling me about his lunch at Yutaka and I was super jealous!

Movement: Not yet

Food cravings: Grimaldi's pizza....had it Monday night, a slice for lunch Tuesday, a slice for breakfast Wednesday...LOVE. Rediscovered Cheez-its and some Paciugo gelato...don't worry, not together.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Usually nauseous when I haven't eaten in a while

Have you started to show yet: Definitely have started the chubby phase

Gender predication: eek...so hard not to picture a little boy (since that's what we already have). Would love a little brother for Ryan!

Labor signs: No

Belly button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: hmmmm I would say tired? 

Looking forward to: Feeling the little peanut

Other: Finally able to drink coffee again...easing back in with decaf

12 weeks

Since I took all these pictures I decided to just use them for my 12 week "bump" picture. Honestly I didn't have the energy to redo the board and take more pictures....ahhh...that is so not like me! 

How far along? 12 weeks 1 day
Total weight gain/loss? 2.4lbs
Maternity clothes? nope
Stretch marks? nope
Sleep: Still getting my daily nap - wohoo! Bedtime is no later than 9:30.
Exercise: Still working with my trainer 2x a week. Trying to get a day of cardio in but napping always seems so much better. Maybe next trimester...
Best moment this week: Getting to see the little peanut at our 12 week sonogram appointment. Also, the news of knowing our little bean is happy & healthy!
Have you told family and friends: YES! Told family after six week appointment and friends this week!
Miss anything: Ceviche...Kevin took me out to Hibiscus and I really really wanted the ceviche appetizer. I almost went for it, but since I wasn't even 12 weeks yet I decided to play it safe.
Movement: Not yet
Food cravings: Goodness....this changes daily
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing in particular...
Have you started to show yet: By the end of the day my little belly is in full swing...but I am guessing thats probably food/bloating...and maybe a little bit of baby belly.
Gender predication: We decided that we are not going to find out the sex of this baby which wasn't difficult until we got the sonogram. I am going to try my best to stick it out....no guesses yet.
Labor signs: No
Belly button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: hmmmm I would say tired?
Looking forward to: Feeling the little peanut

Project 366 - week 10

March 4: Walking with Caroline at the Arboretum
March 5: Yummy cookie after a nice long nap
March 6: First day of swim lessons
March 7: Mommy leaves the room for 5 minutes...
March 8: Very busy shopping at Buy Buy Baby
March 9: Oops! Forgot to take a picture!!! Girls night at S.W.I.G.
March 10: Did I mention Ryan's love of ketchup?

Friday Randoms

So it's Friday again...been a busy week. We had our 12 week NT testing and sonogram, we learned baby #2 is happy and healthy, we officially listed our house on the market, and we started swim lessons. Yay, bring on the weekend!

So I have been trying to figure out a little Easter outfit for Ryan. I can't decide if I want to go the "baby boy" or the "little man" route. I think this little outfit from Janie and Jack is ADORABLE! I love seersucker and think Ryan would be so darn tootin' cute in this...the only thing is that the entire outfit is over $150! That's a bit ridiculous considering he probably wouldn't wear it more than once. I have never been to a children's resale shop but I have seen one by Einstein Bagels and might go check it out next week.

Or there is always the smocked route...which I know Kevin isn't a huge fan of but he gives a hall pass on holidays. 

OMG, I think this is SO sweet and little R would just be adorable in this. hmmm did I just make up my mind? I can't wait to have two littles to dress up for holidays!

So I mentioned we started swim lessons this week. We are going to Dolfin Swim School again - they just opened a new facility on 75 & Walnut Hill. This is the same school we went to this past summer and Ryan loved it. This past week I dare say he wasn't the hugest fan...poor little guy wasn't so sure about the whole thing. When we got there and he saw the pool he was thrilled but when we actually got in the water he kinda wanted to get out. Although the pool is heated his little teeth were chattering. I bought him a little swim shirt for next week so hopefully that will help. Speaking of swim clothes - I just get so excited when all the bright and cheery spring/summer clothes start coming out. I found him an adorable bathing suit and some little mini crocs. They are so ridiculously cute!

Next week were are headed to Houston and if the weather is nice enough we might get to play in Yaya's pool! I am pretty sure Ryan would love that - I think he just requires sun (just like his momma).

Lastly, our house is finally listed - yay! It's been quite a process getting it ready, I guess now the challenge will be keeping it super clean...EVERY SINGLE DAY. It's quite a chore with a 19 month old. Anyhow, I am use to changing things up and adding new decor every once in a while but have stopped that for the time being. Yesterday I got an email from Very Jane (another deals site) and they had the most adorable Chevron Table runners for $14. Since I am obsessed with chevron right now I decided to order one.

Deciding on the color was the hardest part! I ended up going with teal & white. I decided that I probably wouldn't use this everyday since I already have some chevon going on, but I would use it for party decor. You can mix a lot of colors with teal (thinking orange, red, coral, pink or green) so it should be pretty versatile. Yay for chevron!

Ok, I am off to shower and CLEAN...yay! Super excited about celebrating my friend Lindsey's farewell to TRG and hello to her new job tonight with the girls, showering my friend shannon and her baby-to-be on Saturday, and a big family dinner on Sunday before we head to Houston on Monday.
Have a great weekend!

Big Brother

And because I just can't get enough of my little man...here are some more pictures of him making the big announcement!

Yay for BIG Brothers!

Growing Family

Yesterday was beautiful so we headed to the arboretum for a picnic lunch and to take some pictures! Over the past few weeks I have found so many cute ideas on pinterest and couldn't wait to try some of them myself. Here are a few of our favorites!

BTW...My friend MK was our awesome photographer! Thanks MK! 

I made this chalkboard and plan to update it weekly with my progress...so keep checking back for updates!

SURPRISE!

We are thrilled to announce that we are EXPECTING baby #2 this September!

How We Found Out:

Monday afternoon, January 23, Ryan and I had just arrived home from a five day trip to Houston to visit family and friends. When I was visiting with my friend MK we were talking about getting pregnant and I assured her I wasn't pregnant (in my head, my justification was that I didn't feel pregnant).  After that discussion I thought about the fact that I could actually be pregnant but somehow brushed it off not wanting to get my hopes up. (Last time it took us six months (which is average) but it felt like forever!) Since we hadn't officially started trying I didn't want to get the disappointment of a negative test.

Anyhow, I packed up our things and headed back to Dallas.  I remember feeling so exhausted the entire drive back but chalked it up as the result from a super busy and fun weekend. When we got home I decided what the heck, I have a test, I am all alone...no one will know, so I took it. I was unloading the car and trying to keep up with Ryan and ran inside to check the results. I didn't really feel pregnant so I thought there was no way I could be. I was really shocked (in a good way) when I saw the positive result.

I couldn't believe it. After I got the positive test result I started to realize that I DID have symptoms and I was totally brushing them off. I had been super hungry, felt dizzy and even had strange cravings! I mean, check out what I bought at Buckee's that very afternoon....that should have given me a CLUE!

My mind was going a mile a minute and was so excited I just wanted to scream it out. I wanted to call Kevin and tell him right away but then again I wanted to tell him in a fun way. I called my friend MK and told her the news - I also needed help on how I should tell Kevin. You would have thought that I had all sorts of ideas stored up but in reality I never thought I would know before him...odd. Anyhow, I ended up making a card that Ryan gave to him when he got home. Ryan loves bringing things over to people so it worked out perfectly. Daddy was totally not expecting it and as he read it out loud he was like "woah...that was totally not what I was expecting". Of course he was super excited - who wouldn't be?

Who We Told & How:
We were super excited to tell our family and I knew how I wanted to do it. I went searching all over town for a cute Big Brother shirt but couldn't find one. I know there are a ton on Etsy but I didn't want to wait on shipping. I wanted one ASAP, so I decided I would just make one.

(This is before I ironed the letters down)

We told Kevin's family first. Since it was a little chilly outside Ryan actually had his little red vest coat on. We decided that when we got over to the Hales house neither of us would take his jacket off so that whoever did would see his shirt first. It took about 20 minutes of Ryan running around inside with a jacket on until Grandma finally got him and took his little jacket off - she saw it right away and screamed out and of course everyone was thrilled for us.
We tried to do the same thing for my family but Ryan had a high fever and wasn't feeling well. We arrived in Houston about 10pm and the little guy was half asleep and not feeling well. I was holding him and trying to get everyone in the same room so I could reveal his shirt. Everyone was concerned with his fever and trying to feel him but I was trying to keep him turned away so he wouldn't reveal his shirt. I finally turned him around and everyone was excited. Poor little guy went straight to bed after all that.

How Does This Pregnancy Compare:
In general I think the first trimester has been fairly similar to last time (and probably anyone else's pregnancy for that matter). I am nauseous but haven't gotten sick and I am ridiculously exhausted. I guess the difference seems to be that I think I am more nauseous than last time and MORE exhausted. Luckily this trimester is almost over...AND lucky for me Ryan takes naps - I heart nap time.

I do not remember how food could sound so horribly disgusting but yet could be the most satisfying thing in the world. I feel like when I eat something that I am craving it tastes so freaking good...like better than normal. It is so odd and I don't remember that satisfaction last time.

Let's see, as far as food goes when I was pregnant with Ryan I could not stomach meat - this time that has not been an issue. I can basically eat whatever but in general nothing sounds good. I don't really have any consistent cravings...everyday it changes. One day I will want chinese food and the next day it sounds horribly disgusting. Let's just say that leftovers and I aren't getting along. Mexican food and I have been on the outs again (wasn't a huge fan with Ryan either). It's not that I don't like it, but I don't crave it or miss it if I don't get any. Usually I would go into queso withdrawl.

Loving right now:
Jimmy Johns Sandwiches & Chips
Eatzi's Hummus and bread
Grimaldi's pizza & Mediterranean salad
In-and-Out burger (I am not sure if I have ever eaten a burger for lunch...but I have now)

We have ordered out a lot these past few months and I cannot wait to get back in the kitchen cooking on a regular basis. I can't wait to get my energy back so that I can be productive during Ryan's nap time! I think that is all for now. We are so excited to welcome another little baby into our family. Ryan is going to be such a great big brother!

Project 366 - week 9

February 26: Getting walls fixed & repainted = chaos!
February 27: Throwing rocks with Grandma
February 28: Ryan's first science project at MDO
February 29: Watching all the cars go through the car wash
March 1: Playing on the playground at MDO
March 2: Playing with bubbles with Ford & Reid
March 3: Eating dinner with Caroline & Thompson!