Elmo & Cookie Monster

Friday morning I decided to tackle Ryan's closet. It really needed a good cleaning out plus there were things in there that I knew I needed for the new baby. (I am slowly recovering baby items - they are all scattered thought out our house/garage and in-laws....hopefully we will have everything in order by the time baby arrives!) Anyhow, back to the closet - Ryan had a ball uncovering toys that we hadn't seen in a while - one of which happened to be Elmo. 


Uncle Steve got Elmo for Ryan for his first birthday. He loved it a year ago but I think he might love it even more now. Ryan hugs him, kisses him and does the hokey pokey with him....over and over again. After playing with him solo for a good 30 minutes he decided to let cookie Monster join in the fun. So by 10:30am I have heard the hokey pokey and how much cookie monster loves cookies about 500 times. We were out in the living room and I mentioned to Ryan that I think E & CM were tired and needed to nap. I didn't really think much of my comment because he looked at me and then ran into his room. 


He turned on his sound machine and then he came out and grabbed both E & CM. When I went in there to see what he was doing he was trying to get them in his crib. I helped him out by putting them in there and of course him too - since that's what he wanted. Once they were all in the crib he tucked them in with his blankets. He was so proud of himself and it was so darn cute. He even let me take a picture of him!!! He was saying "cheese" for me!  

I know toddlers can be tough but you really just forget all about it when they do cute little things like this. What a sweetheart!

32 weeks

Lately every tech (and that's five in the last week) that puts a monitor on me or does a sonogram says the same thing....Oh wow, your baby is sooooo low! Oh yes, I know...because I certainly feel it!

How far along? 32 weeks (I took this picture right away this time!)

Total weight gain/loss? 19lbs -  I double-checked and couldn't believe it. Apparently I didn't gain any weight in the last two weeks. In fact, I actually lost .4 of a lb...I am not sure how this is possible but in celebration I am baking cookies. 

Baby size:  We didn't measure the size of the baby today at my sonogram - they only do that every two weeks.

Exercise: No exercise but at least I am no longer on bed rest as of today!

Maternity clothes? Yeah.

Stretch marks? Not yet but this belly feels huge! 

Sleep: Going to bed around 10:30 and only waking up once around 2-4 for the bathroom. 

Best moment this week: News that my cervix has remained stable at it's current length, which means no more bed rest! I am advised to take it easy but at least now I feel comfortable getting out and about. 

Miss anything: Really been craving sushi this week for some reason...won't be much longer!

Movement: So much movement. Baby likes to move it move it. Now at my sonogram appointments they will monitor fetal movement before I get a sonogram.  This is something that they do starting at 32 weeks and it is related to the SUA (not the shortened cervix). Anyhow, baby did great and showed lots of movement.

Food cravings: Well, I gave up sweets for three days (while I was on bed rest). After two deliveries of TIffs treats I was on sugar overload and feeling pretty icky. Three days without any sugary sweets wasn't too bad but of course I decided that sharing some of Ryan's cookie cake was a serious motherly duty. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: A couple of days this week I have felt a little nauseous but it's usually just in the mornings and doesn't last long.

Have you started to show yet: Yes

Gender predication: ? I have been hooked up to a lot of monitors lately and watched baby's heartbeat go from the 130s to 160s within a 5 minute span...so I know it's just an old wives tale but it is kinda difficult to use if baby's heartbeat changes so much!

Labor signs: I felt some contractions this week but they were 20 minutes apart - my doctor has reassured me to only be concerned if I have more than four contractions in an hour. 

Symptoms: Heartburn. Definitely feeling more exhausted these days oh & lots of pressure really low...

Wedding rings on or off? On...for now. 

Belly button in or out? Out.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!

Project 366 - week 29

Sunday, July 15th: Audrey with her birthday gift from Ryan (over a month late - oops!)

Monday, July 16th: My favorite hospital visitor!

Tuesday, July 17th: Daddy duty...headed to MDO

Wednesday, July 18th: Dad takes Ryan to the Children's Museum

Thursday, July 19th: Ryan discovered ABC dog and is obsessed!

Friday, July 20th: Loving a push pop in the hot sun!

Saturday, July 21st: Playing at Henry's 2nd birthday party at Gymboree

Project 366 - week 28

Sunday, July 8th: We had a mini session for Ryan's two year pictures in McKinney

Monday, July 9th: Ryan rocking out on the keyboard

Tuesday, July 10th: Ryan picked up a tummy tuck wrap and kept trying to put it in our cart...is he trying to tell me something? lol!

Wednesday, July 11th: Gelato for desert

Thursday, July 12th: Devouring a pickle

Friday, July 13th: Meeting Louise for the first time!

Saturday, July 14th: Emma's Elmo birthday party at the Natural History Museum

31 weeks

So...I didn't get a picture this week (which kinda bugs me) but I will just have to get over it. Anyhow, here is my update...I am sneaking this is fairly late since I am 32 weeks tomorrow (Saturday)!

How far along? 31 weeks 

Total weight gain/loss? 19+ lbs

Baby size: Sonogram on Monday showed baby at 3lbs 11oz...which is a 3 oz gain from last Tuesday. 

Exercise: I guess it's a good thing I haven't been pushing myself in this area - I guess now I don't have to feel guilty about not getting any exercise since I can't anymore. I will say that I think I will be ready to get back in the gym after this baby - I wasn't so worried about it after Ryan but I was a little more active during his pregnancy. 

Maternity clothes? Mostly PJs this week! Hence the not wanting to take a picture attitude.

Stretch marks? No

Sleep: Luckily I am still sleeping through the night which I find pretty amazing since I'm just laying around all day. 

Best moment this week: Having Ryan and Kevin visit me in the hospital. I mean...I had only been up there for three hours and I was already going crazy! Also, obviously not having to stay there. Love being home with my boys!

Miss anything: Getting out and about with Ryan. I really hope this bed rest only lasts for the week because I hate that I am missing out on the last little bit of time I have with him before his little sibling arrives - breaks my heart!

Movement: Yes, this baby likes to move it move it. 

Food cravings: Just a little bit of everything I'd say. I am trying to eat healthier since I am not really doing much but I can't resist some cookies and ice cream - especially since my parents surprised me with Tiff's Treats! My fav!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Was nauseous on Monday - but I also had a lot of other stuff going on with the ol' body so that might have been related. 

Have you started to show yet: Yes

Gender predication: ?

Labor signs: No

Symptoms: Heartburn. 

Wedding rings on or off? On...for now. 

Belly button in or out? Out.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!

Bed Rest - Four Days In!

So four days in and I can tell you it's no fun. We are definitely feeling the love though - lots of emails, texts, and calls from family and friends which we really appreciate. My parents surprised us with some yummy cookies, milk and ice cream and my good friend Nat came by today with a bunch of goodies including fresh veggies and fruit, some cilantro lime marinated shrimp and this amazing pesto with herbed butter salmon to pop in the oven for dinner. So yum! Kevin has been amazing (which I never would have doubted) and has taken on my "mom" duties as well as still getting in some work - he is quite the SUPER dad! He has been to swimming class, arts & crafts, music and tells me about all his new mom friends. He jokes that he might even start a blog - lol! He always manages to keep me laughing which I love.

Salmon and Rice-A-Roni (I love my rice-a-roni!)

So back to the resting - I never imagined it would be much fun - in fact I remember talking with my pregnant friends about how hard it would be to be on bed rest. Somewhat ironic now I suppose but yeah, I was right. I am not made for bed rest. I know it is for the best and that is what I have to keep telling myself but it is so hard to just sit around and not be able to help out. It makes me feel so lazy and I also hate that I am missing out on some of my last few precious weeks with Ryan as an only child.

While I am not enjoying it all that much this little guy sure loves all our extra time together. He sure is the perfect candidate for bed rest!

But enough complaining - I am glad to be at home and not in the hospital. A friend (of a friend) has been in the hospital for over 65 days on bed rest and I honestly don't know how she has done it! (She has a blog here.) She is pregnant with twins and just found out that she will have a c-section on the 27th - very exciting for her! I can't imagine how difficult it has been!

It still seems so odd to me that I have been put on bed rest. My pregnancy with Ryan was so easy and so textbook perfect and this pregnancy has been pretty easy too. It's so weird to just kinda have everything stop. I am trying to be really good and hope that when I go in for a follow up next week they will tell me that nothing has gotten worse and I can get back to my normal activities. Although I am not so sure how normal the next month is going to be....I wonder if I should tell my doctor that we may have just sold our house and if everything goes through we have to move out by August 24th (might I add that we actually have to find a place to move to as well). Oh dear...what have we got ourselves into!

On top of the moving I am still planning on throwing Ryan a birthday party but I will have a lot of help. I know last year I was exhausted afterwards so I really need to make sure that I am not overextending myself. I definitely don't want this little baby to show up at 34 weeks. My goal is for baby to make it to 37 weeks...which puts us right at August 25th - my 30th birthday! It would be a wonderful birthday present...and of course if baby decides to stay in longer I have no issue with that either!

Change of Plans

(My dinner visitor & date)

Soooo we were suppose to be leaving for Montana tomorrow but looks like we won't be making it this year. I am really disappointed but know it's for the best. Honestly I was nervous about this trip ever since we booked it but after two perfect doctor visits last week I felt good and was truly excited to make the trip. It's crazy how quickly things can change. 

Yesterday I woke up and noticed that I was feeling a lot of pressure really low. The only other time I had felt pressure like this was the day I went into labor with Ryan so I was definitely on alert. I didn't notice any contractions so I tried to ignore it. I was hoping that it was just growing pains and that after a good nights rest I would wake up and everything would be back to normal.

When I woke up this morning it was better, but after an hour the pressure/pain was back. When I was at Little Gym with Ryan I knew that I really needed to get in to see my doctor again...if anything to ease my mind. I headed over to my sister-in-laws house and she also agreed I should get in to the doctor before our trip. It was 11am and they told me to come in...I had planned to run up and see the doctor and be back to pick Ryan up by his nap time. Well, I ended up waiting for almost two hours to be worked in to the on-call doctor (Dr. Bertrand) who then referred me to Dr. Reinhart for a sonogram to check my cervix. He told me there was probably a 1% chance that my cervix had shortened (especially since it was checked last week) but to ease my mind before my trip I should go ahead and get it checked.

And here we go with that 1% again....if you remember it's 1% of all pregnancies that have a SUA (like baby #2). Apparently I am big on the 1% this go around.

So Dr. Rienhart checked and found that I do in fact have a shortened cervix. Last Tuesday it measured at 3.6 and today it was 2.4cm. At this point there really is no way of knowing if this is something that will continue to progress or if it will stay at this length until full-term but since it is considered in the shortened range it calls for bed rest. He told me that I needed to go check into triage and be monitored for a few hours. Once I was down there and all hooked up to monitors they noticed that I was having uterine irritability and contractions. They gave me a steroid shot to help develop baby's lungs in case he/she does come early (I get another one tomorrow) and then a pill that is suppose to calm contractions. After a little while Dr. Bertrand came in and broke the news: No Montana trip, bed rest for a week, and hospital stay until Wednesday. Goodness. This was not the way I saw my day/week going. He also said...well I guess it looks like you are in that 1% we talked about :)

Baby and I are good so no real concerns at this point. I am glad this happened today and not tomorrow when we would have been traveling or already up in Montana.  I am also so grateful for my sister-in-law who watched Ryan ALL day long...not only does she have three of her own kiddos but she was also trying to get the family ready for their trip to Montana tomorrow. She is amazing! Thanks again Sarah - I owe you! As for baby and me, I just need to stay rested and keep this little sizzler in there for a little while longer. Apparently my children aren't fans of my womb. 

Anyways...tonight I am in the hospital (all alone now....watching the bachelorette and eating a horrible cookie) but hopefully I will get some good rest and they will let me continue my bed rest from home starting tomorrow. I'll keep the updates coming!

30 weeks

How far along? 30 weeks 4 days (little late posting this - pic was taken last wednesday!)

Total weight gain/loss? up 19lbs to date (yikes...I gained 3lbs in two weeks...oops!)

Baby size: Had a sonogram done on Tuesday (7/10) and baby was 3lbs 8oz which is average size. Doctor pointed out that baby was already growing hair! Doesn't surprise me - Ryan came out with a full head of hair!

Exercise: Not so much.

Maternity clothes? Starting to feel like I wear the same things A LOT...but they are comfy and that's really all that matters to me now.

Stretch marks? No

Sleep: Same ol story.

Best moment this week: Getting to see baby again on a sonogram and hearing that everything is still looking great. Can't wait to meet the little bean!

Miss anything: Really wanting to sleep on belly

Movement: Yes, baby is very active. Head is down (and has been since previous appointment) but baby moves side to side because I feel kicks/hits on both sides of my belly!

Food cravings: Still on my sweets kick

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Have you started to show yet: Yes

Gender predication: If you ask me I will probably say boy even though I really have no idea...but that's all I know as far as babies go. However, apparently every stranger I meet likes to tell me that I am having a boy...so I guess they know. lol. 

Labor signs: No

Symptoms: Heartburn. Slight leg cramping. Swelling? (Not sure if that is pregnancy or the darn heat...probably both!) Shortness of breath and also congestion - I can't really breath through my nose which makes my breathing extremely loud through my mouth. I don't really notice it until the evening when I am sitting quietly with Kevin and he thinks I am making dramatic sighs because I am upset or something. He will stop and look at me and ask what is wrong...and I just have to remind him I can't breath. lol. 

Wedding rings on or off? On...for now. 

Belly button in or out? Out.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!

Annual 4th of July Reunion

Since the 4th fell on a Wednesday this year we decided to wait until the weekend to all gather for our yearly reunion at the Terry's lake house. First time all three boys have hung out together - I am sure this will be trouble one day....

Ryan - 23 months, Ben - 17 months,  & Jack - 13 months

There was so much yummy food but of course I focused on the deserts. 

Ryan feeding daddy a rice crispie treat

Oh and some for Bryan too!

Hanging out with Jack

Daddy and his beer, Ryan and his milk - watching the air show.  

Ryan and Marin watching the air show together. 

 Group shot!

And another with Jim!

Thanks again for inviting us - we always have such a great time! Looks like we are going to have to find another place for next year because they Terry's are going to demo the lake house and build a new one! Very exciting for them!

Project 366 - week 27

Sunday, July 1 - Dim Sum with Andy (and his family)!

Monday, July 2 - A quick visit from grandma & grandpa! They stopped in Dallas for a night on their way back to Montana from Europe. 

Tuesday, July 3 - Ryan made a 4th of July hat in school. He also had a little accident and was wearing these random clothes when I picked him up! lol

Wednesday, July 4th - Watching the Lakewood parade

Thursday, July 5th - swimming at Lakewood - loves putting ice in the pool

Friday, July 6th - Had a blast at Little Gym...tried all the activities (which doesn't usually happen)

Saturday, July 7th - Hanging out with Ben and Jack at the lake house for our annual 4th of July reunion.

Project 366 - week 26

Sunday, June 24 - Brunch at Company cafe on the trail. Ryan using his toy truck as a snack cup!
Monday, June 25 - Oops, apparently I forgot to take a pic!
Tuesday, June 26 - I didn't really take a pic this day either...but I did snap a shot of the Reeses Peanut butter banana bread that I made....so yum!
Wednesday, June 27 - At Little Explorers program using stamps....Ryan stamped the side of his face while I wasn't paying attention.
Thursday, June 28 - Quick trip to mall and Ryan was so good so I bought him a little mini cookies - he loved it!
Friday, June 29 - I found Bob laying like this and thought it was quite humorous. He is so silly sometimes.
Saturday, June 30 - Ryan and Ford banging on the pinata at Ford's party

Peek-a-Boo

Where is Ryan?

 Peek-a-boo!!!

This guy LOVES hiding behind pillows! He climbs behind them and is as quiet as a mouse then pops up and screams (and giggles too). It's pretty darn cute!

He loves to get on our bed and do this behind our pillows as well. And yesterday I found him hiding behind the pillows on the guest bed. What a silly little bug! Love him!

29 Weeks

How far along? 29 weeks 5 days

Total weight gain/loss? up 16.7lbs to date!

Baby size: Baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long.  (Babycenter.com) 

Exercise: Oops - forgot to check out that yoga class....perhaps next week!

Maternity clothes? Of course!

Stretch marks? So far so good!

Sleep: Same ol story - some nights I am up a few times for the bathroom and some nights I sleep all the way though. 

Best moment this week: Getting to spend extra family time together because the 4th fell on a Wednesday! Love having Kevin at home with us. 

Miss anything: Sleeping on my stomach!

Movement: Baby got hiccups this week for the first time

Food cravings: Cookies...and  fruit (apples & watermelon). I bought some ghirardelli triple chocolate chip cookie mix this past week and they are AMAZING. Also finally started wanting cereal for breakfast...this entire pregnancy I haven't been hungry for breakfast and nothing really sounded all that great. Glad to be back on the cereal train because now finding something to eat in the morning is quick and easy. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Have you started to show yet: Yes

Gender predication: Back on the boy train.

Labor signs: No

Symptoms: Starting to notice that I am getting tired again. Don't have as much energy during the day and get really tired around 7pm. Of course I haven't been going to sleep early...and I should! Since I can...for now....

Wedding rings on or off? On

Belly button in or out? Out.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!

Happy 4th of July!

Hope everyone had a wonderful & safe 4th yesterday!

We had a wonderful day celebrating with friends!

First off we headed over to a friends house on Lakewood Blvd to watch the Lakewood parade. Wanted to bring something festive for the party so after perusing Pinterest I decided some chocolate covered pretzels would do the trick. They were a hit with the kiddos! Yay!

The parade was great - all the little kids really seemed to enjoy. It was amazing that they ALL actually sat down and watched it!!! It lasted a good 30-45 min...that's pretty amazing if you ask me!

Ryan and Truly checking out the parade

Yay! Someone threw us some candy!

Henry & Ryan watching the parade

And watching with mommy!

After the parade all the kids gathered and they took a group shot...I am sure you can imagine how devastated I was to hear this happened while I was in the bathroom!!! Well, at least Ryan made it in the picture - so  I am now just waiting on one of the mommies to send me a pic. 

For party # 2 we headed out to the Offer's house. Ryan had a blast swimming with Parker & Megan and even took a nice long nap so mommy and daddy could enjoy some pool time. 

After nap time Ryan was ready to play again - here he is with Colin & Linds. 

And we had matching swimsuits on...although you can't really see here. Gotta love Target swimsuits!!!

Up and out since 9am made for a very tired mommy and daddy - we were beat! Hope everyone had a fabulous JULY 4TH too!!!

She Said Yes!

This past weekend our friends Lindsey & Colin got engaged! 

It was a surprise and it was GOOD. Poor Colin was so stressed all week but of course it was all worth it in the end. He did a great job with everything AND even included her friends in the special night- which shows he knows her well. 

The proposal was ADORABLE. The ring is WOW. Their cuteness is RIDICULOUS. 

CHEERS to the happy couple!

After he proposed he took her to dinner and surprised her by inviting his parents (they live in San Antonio) and hers (she thought they were out of town). After celebrating with their parents he brought her to the bar where they first met (and that's where her friends were waiting to surprise her). 

Yay for Linds!

Of course we didn't come empty handed. We wanted to put a little something together for the bride-to-be so we gathered some fun wedding goodies to surprise her with! I found an acrylic tub and used my cricut to personalize it for the happy couple and then we filled it with fun little items such as - bridal magazines, painted beer/wine glass, fun wedding games, wedding planner and cute buttons. Plus we brought a cookie cake - the grooms fav!

(Close up of our little surprise) 

Bling bling

Lindsey and her bling and me and my belly. I wasn't sure what to do with my hand...

Our handy work paid off - love taking credit for introducing the happy couple!

CP with the ladies!

So happy for these two! Such a fun night and so excited for all the wedding festivities to begin! Yay for weddings!