Bumpdate: Week 23

Today Jerry and I went to start our registry at Meijer only to find out that they no longer due registries. Left with almost no options we ran to Target and luckily found everything we needed and registered there. That's one registry done, one to go. Anyways this week's bumpdate.

How far along? 23 weeks and 6 days!

Total weight gain: I am 141 lb. I was stuck at 138 for so long and now I finally broke through. Sixteen pounds total weight gain since the beginning.

Stretch marks: No new ones!

Sleep: Still tough to come by. I just get a lot of back pain and short of getting a back massage every night nothing relieves it. Hopefully I can find some comfortable position soon and get some needed rest.

Miss anything? Besides sleeping on my back and stomach, not much this week.

Movement: She moves constantly! She loves the radio in the car, and she always stops and listens to daddy's voice. Lately she has been cuddling my bladder and lower stomach and we can feel her little back and butt pressed up against my belly.

Cravings: Still lots of chocolate! Jerry says it's just a sweet tooth and I use the baby as an excuse, but you know, it works! Also potatoes and cottage cheese have been another lately.

What makes you sick? Nothing lately!

Labor signs: None!

General Pregnancy Symptoms: I have been feeling a little on the emotional side this week. I don't know why, but I feel like it's a lot easier for my moods and emotions to take random turns, which is really new for me so far.

Looking forward to: V-Day! Sunday is the day Olivia becomes viable for the outside world. She better not take a peek at it quite yet though!

What's baby up to: Olivia is starting to pick up noises from the outside world and recognize them! Like the radio, she now hears the microwave go off, or the purr of a kitty on my stomach. We are also beginning to see her little kicks and wiggles from the outside!

Exercise: Not much this week, I didn't even get to do my squats everyday, but I did do a lot of walking today at the registry and yesterday touring my new workplace. 

That's all for today. Jerry and I finally went out and just bought a hot glue gun for the DIY project, but then we ran out of rope for it. Hoping to finish it by the end of this week, but we'll see.

Until tomorrow,

Charity

Baby To-Do List: Week 23

So I have been hoping to do another DIY project this week but our hot glue gun has gone missing. Since I figured I should probably post something, this week's baby to-do list was a good place to start. 

1. Go shopping for more maternity clothes.

It was perfect timing for Jerry and I. We got some extra money and I got a new job so I needed new maternity clothes more than ever. We spent the day running around to Goodwill's and I got really lucky with some nice finds.

2. As you think about the baby's first name, don't forget to consider what last name it will take.

Even though Jerry and I are not yet married we have decided she will have his last name, Berg.

3. Test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.

They go off whenever I cook meat so they still work.

Since that is all for this week here are some ultrasound pictures from our appointment last month.

Olivia was measured at .76 oz and 11 inches long three weeks ago. We just had our appointment on Tuesday and everything looked good, in fact, the bump is also a week ahead like they think she is. Also baby news, I got my maternity leave settled today and I am thinking I will probably take 8 weeks off, starting on my due date and ending directly two months after that.

Tomorrow I should have either a DIY project finally, a bumpdate, or something along those lines.

Until tomorrow,

Charity

DIY: Chore Board

I have been meaning to start crafting more again and I have been trying to get more organized in the house. On Pinterest I recently found a pin for a DIY Family Command Center and decided I would give it a try, I did it a little differently than the original and I made it more of a chore board for our house. Here's a link to the original posting: http://www.girllovesglam.com/2012/03/organization-board-tutorial.html

I started out with a 18x18 piece of plywood. 

I then painted the piece of plywood grey using the same Amish grey color I used for the table. 

I then took the bottle of white paint and used it as a template to draw polka dots on the board; then I painted the polka dots white.

(Sorry this looks yellow, bad lighting)

I then had bought four picture frames and added the printed papers to the frames. 

After adding them to the frames I attached the frames using mounting strips and I attached the board to the wall using command strips.

All in all a successful project! I got the original board for $5, the frames were a $1 each, $1 for the mounting and command strips, and the paint was leftover from painting our dining room table. So a grand total of $10. This has now been added to our kitchen and adds some nice decor to an otherwise bare wall.To find a more detailed list of instructions go to the original post here: http://www.girllovesglam.com/2012/03/organization-board-tutorial.html

Tomorrow I have another DIY project I have been wanting to do.

Until tomorrow,

Charity

Baby To-Do Lists: Weeks 16-22

Well it's time to catch up on to-do lists like everything else and there are many weeks to catch up on so let's get started!

1. Be sure to get plenty of calcium, from low-fay dairy or supplements.

This was thankfully no problem for me as I starting craving dairy right around this time.

2. Tour local birth centers.

Jerry and I took a tour of our birth center on our first visit to the doctor's office. Sometime just take a trip to the hospital, find the maternity ward and ask for a tour, they will probably be very happy to give you one.

3. Start your baby registry.

Jerry and I still haven't done this and it's now 22 weeks in, we have it narrowed done to the stores and stuff we want we just need to go do it.

4. Ask your mother or grandmother about their birthing experiences.

I am adopted so I sat down with my birth mother recently and asked her how it went with me and my two siblings. But don't just stop with close family experiences ask all women about their experiences, they will be glad to tell.

1. Combat your forgetful "pregnancy brain" with lots of notes and reminders.

Just two days ago I left my wallet at the grocery store luckily someone turned it in to the service counter. But I have to write everything down lately and it is probably the best thing for me.

2. Treat yourself to a prenatal massage.

That's what significant others are for, right? On a serious note though, it is not recommended to get massages unless they are given by a massage therapist who has had training with pregnant women. Massages are a known cause of pre-term labor.

3. Sign up for a childbirth class.

Our hospital doesn't do a sign-up for this until you are in the third trimester. Call your local hospital's maternity ward to find out their specifications on classes.

4. Start a college fund for baby-to-be.

You can open a savings account at your local bank in both of your names or you can start out simple with a change jar. Because money is extra tight for us right now, a change jar is the best we can do. 

5. Pick up a saline spray or humidifier to alleviate congestion caused by pregnancy.

Luckily for me I haven't had much congestion. Probably because it's winter and it's so dry in our house. I have an air purifier but it's not quite the same.

1. Consider signing up for infant CPR, prenatal breastfeeding, or newborn care classes.

Our hospital offers all of these classes. Though both Jerry and I already certified in CPR, I will be exclusively pumping, and we will definitely be taking the newborn care classes. I recommend calling your hospital and seeing what they offer, if they don't offer anything they will probably at least know of a facility that does.

2. Is it a boy or a girl? Find out at your mid-pregnancy ultrasound.

Our ultrasound wasn't until week 20. But either way we have a gorgeous little girl! Here's the link to our gender reveal video: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152546466940997

1. Scan your pictures from your ultrasound and share them via Facebook and email.

We of course did this immediately! 

2. Have a date night. 

Jerry and I have one every week! 

3. Research nursery furniture.

Since almost all our furniture is going to be given to us researching is kind on the back burner. The only thing I have researched thoroughly is the crib.

1. Talk to your other half about how you'll handle life after baby.

Jerry and I talk about this constantly, but we also understand nothing is set in stone.

2. Make sure you have flats or sensible shoes to live in for the next four months.

Time to retire the heels for a while. My mom recently bought me a beautifully, comfy pair of winter boots and just last week I got some new flats for work. All very supportive and with a little wiggle room if cankles decide to make an appearance.

3. Know the symptoms and risks of pre-eclampsia.

Ask your doctor to give you a list of the symptoms, meanwhile she or he will keep an eye out for high-blood pressure a common indicator of eclampsia. 

1. Research pros and cons of breastfeeding. Decide what's best for you and your baby once you have all the facts.

I recently spoke to a lactation counselor and I have researched it online heavily and Jerry and I just started a series of classes on breastfeeding. Here's what we have decided: I will probably breastfeed while in the hospital only. Afterwards I will be exclusively pumping. We love to hectic of a lifestyle and I would like to go back to work as soon after baby as I can. This is the option that works best for us.

2. Get organized and tackle pending projects around the house.

Just this week we carpet cleaned the whole house and as you can see we are in the process of many small updates. 

3. Buy a new maternity bra - again.

Yes, this I must do. I have gone from a 36D to a 38DD to finally I don't even know what size I am right now, but my back and my shoulders ache from the weight of the milk filled melons I am carrying around.

1. Work with your gracious baby shower host to plan party logistics.

My mom has been wonderful and decided to host a shower with me and we are currently working on a guest list. Jerry and I are also throwing a small party just for friends to celebrate our having a baby so we are getting things planned for that as well.

2. Now that you know the sex of the baby take a second look at names.

We had names decided way back at week, probably 8. Olivia Ellison will be her name.

3. Prevent varicose veins; avoid crossing your legs and long periods of sitting or standing, which may result in blood pooled in the legs.

Not crossing my legs is a problem for me, I just find it so comfortable. I have not gotten any varicose veins in my legs though, I have gotten some nice spider veins on the sides of my lower belly. 

That's all to catch up on! Tomorrow I will post a DIY project that I found on Pinterest and am dying to try.

Until tomorrow,

Charity

Bumpdate: Week 22

How far along? I am 22 weeks 6 days!

Total weight gain: 125 lb. pre-pregnancy and as of today I am 138.4 lb. So total weight gain is 13.4 lbs.

Stretch marks: None on the belly still (knock on wood), but unfortunately I have some nice red ones on the bottom of my boobs.

Sleep: I am finding it harder and harder to sleep comfortably at night. I spend a lot of time tossing and turning with lots of back pain, then rolling onto my back for 20 minutes to ease the pain, and finally moving back to my sides. 

Miss anything? Greasy over-fried food and salt! Whenever I have something salty or greasy I immediately feel sick and often throw-up.

Movement: Tons! When I wake up in the morning she's already up and moving. She settles down as I get ready, but right after my morning cup of coffee, she's jumping around again. Then it's nap time for the afternoon. When I start cooking dinner and sit down at the end of the day she's moving around again. But she moves the most when I climb in bed at the end of the day, right when I'm trying to fall asleep.

Cravings: Chocolate! but not just chocolate it has to be chocolate brownies, or cake, or cookies.

What makes you sick? Not much makes me sick anymore, unless I have 2 or more hamburgers in a day which I try to avoid. Even the reflux has calmed down, I had tomato soup and grilled cheese the other day and it was delicious.

Labor signs: Thankfully none!

General Pregnancy Symptoms: I feel super fat! I already have the sensation of being a beached whale and I just feel so big, it really tires me out some days. Also I am so hungry all the time, there aren't enough snacks in the house for me to consume! I finally got that energy burst, the pregnant ladies talk about and have been cleaning like crazy lately. Our house hasn't been and stayed this clean in a long time.

Looking forward to: Our doctor's appointment on Tuesday! 

What's baby up to: Little Olivia is getting to be big Olivia! She's over a pound and 12 inches long already! This week lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct and tooth buds are growing beneath the gums. 

Exercise: I am trying to start a small workout regimen, but the most I have been able to achieve everyday is 25-50 squats when I wake up in the morning. Hopefully I can get a better routine down.

That's it for today. Tomorrow I will post all of the baby to-do lists I have been missing over the past month to get everyone caught up.

Until tomorrow,

Charity

Last of the House Updates (for a little while)

It was really hard for me to get going today but eventually I got up and around. Today I decided I might as well finish off the house updates for a little bit. At least until I get around to going out and buying the required materials. 

So today I took the same four questions that I had asked yesterday and went from room to room in our house answering them. I am not going to list the answers to the fourth question yet because that would make this post rather lengthy. Here are my answers:

MASTER BED/BATH

Color Scheme: Blue & Brown 

1. I hate the paint color! You will hear me say this a lot because every single room in our house has the same dull yellow paint. Our bedroom was previously not very open and we had little to no decor.

2. I want to completely re-do!

3. Here's the list: add an ottoman, two end tables, new paint color, new tiling, new mirrors, a better place for shoes, jewelry, scarves and ties, a hidden electronic cord area, pictures, curtains, new light fixtures, outlet covers, a lamp, and new towel racks. Possibly a new dresser.

KITCHEN/LIVING ROOM

Color Scheme: Mint, Grey, Yellow, and White

1. I hate the pain color, and the allover layout of the living room. There is very little decor and furniture. The kitchen and living room both don't have much storage or counter space. Overall it looks really plain.

2. Re-do!

3. New paint color, a coffee table, end table, some wooden crates, pictures, wall hangings (of some kind), curtains, re-upholstery of the couch or at least a cover, another lounge chair, a bench, hidden electronic charging station, kitchen shelving, coat rack, new light fixtures, chore board, and outlet covers. With possibly new tiling, a new bookshelf, and maybe a new fan.

NURSERY

Color Scheme: Green & Brown

1. The nursery was really cluttered with unneeded stuff. And there is almost no decor.

2. Updo!

3. A new bookshelf, curtains, a mirror, lots of baby stuff, and outlet covers.

BATHROOM

Color Scheme: Black & White

1. Again I hate the paint color! The mirror framing reminds me of the 70's. The flooring I have mixed feelings about. The towel rods and doorstop have completely fallen off.

2. Re-do!!!

3. New paint, new mirror, new light fixtures, towel rods, outlet covers, shelving or an end table.

CRAFT ROOM

Color Scheme: White, Navy & Black OR Peach & Yellow

1. I hate the paint color, but am undecided on a new color scheme. It definitely lacks the storage capacity that a craft room needs. Minimum decor and little furniture. The craft room also has this big, empty window I would like to do something with. 

2. Re-do!

3. New light fixture, outlet covers, bookshelf, coffee table, closet storage containers, curtains, new paint, and new decor. Maybe a tv mount on the wall, turning the window into a window seat, and also maybe another desk. 

It was a good day for me to get my thoughts on the house out and on paper. I have already started on some of the changes and I look forward to completing the rest, hopefully pretty soon. Tomorrow I am going to post a long overdue, Bumpdate! 

Until tomorrow, 

Charity

More House Updates

Today has been a long, long day. Last night Jerry and I went out and rented a carpet cleaner to start in the process of redoing the house. Last night and all day today we have been moving and hauling stuff back and forth, from room to room cleaning all the carpeting in the house. We finally finished but now the house needs to be cleaned and organized, but at least our carpets are clean. 

This is our living room right after carpet cleaning.

(a note on the big carpet stain: Jerry, often gets very bored in winter and since he is a woodworker he hates the winter even more because it's hard for him to use his power tools inside. This puts him in the situation where he tries to work on small stuff inside, like staining some of his wooden wands. Well, Jerry is no longer allowed to use wood stain inside. We have another carpet that normally covers this spot, and we also have heavy duty stain remover Jerry has not gotten around to doing it yet, so until then I will be moving the other carpet back.) 

This is the nursery. We don't have much furniture right now and it's also doubling for a small storage space. Ignore the mess as most of it is from the carpet cleaning transfer of stuff.

Then I finally sit down to post the blog post I had written previously and apparently it was deleted from my computer so starting fresh. With today's post, I wanted to discuss the basis for re-modeling or re-decorating a room. I suggest grabbing a pen and a pad of paper and going to the room that plans on getting the new updo and then answer these four questions:

1. What do I not like about the room? Or what can I get rid of?

 In every room there has to be something you don't like or at least some clutter that could be removed otherwise why would you want to change. Think about the things you don't like and why you don't like them. If it's something you can immediately get rid of, do it.

2. Do I want to re-do or up-do?

Sometimes a room just needs a little bit of change. Maybe moving the couch to a different side of the room or maybe it was just to cluttered and it needed a deep clean. If that's it then great, all done! But if the room still seems kind of like it's putting you off then maybe it's time for a new coat of paint and some new decorations.

3. What do I want to add or change within the room?

Do I want new curtains? A re-upholstered couch? A new picture? A wall-hanging? What do you want or think would make the room look better. Make a list of things you want to add or change about the room. Look on Pinterest and gets some fresh ideas if you get a little stuck, or if you know exactly what you want go with it.

4. What materials do I need to start? 

Lastly, make a shopping list for yourself. Go to each item you wrote in the above list, i.e. curtains, and figure out what you need to make curtains happen. Maybe you want to buy the curtains pre-made, or maybe you have some material lying around that you could make curtains yourself. A curtain rod is definitely required materials. 

A note on number 4: I like making the list of things needed to start in a form of each task separated so I can buy things at my own pace. I will make a list of required materials for curtains, and then one for a chair upholstery. I will keep them separate so that when I go to the store I only work on one task at a time, otherwise the whole aspect of re-doing gets rather daunting and I start to feel a little overwhelmed. It also helps fit things into a budget easier and adds a little more flexibility to an already busy schedule.

Tomorrow I will either go over a new DIY project I want to start, or I will post an easy delicious dinner recipe set, or I will start going room to room in our house answering the above questions.

Until tomorrow,

Charity

House Updates

Well the past month has been one of the busiest months Jerry and I have had for a long time. I apologize for going dark for so long, but unfortunately it could not be helped. I am hoping to pick up where I left off, but this first round of posts may end up being fairly long. 

This first post I want to focus mostly on how the updates on the house are coming. Jerry and I are still unsure whether we will be getting to live in the historic house, information updates on that have been slow in coming. In the mean time we looked again for alternative places to live as our current place was becoming unbearably un-affordable. We found a few places that may in the future pan out, but were currently unavailable. At, kind of the last minute, we discovered that we could purchase the house we live in at a very affordable cost. This has been our latest option, before we can go any further though a lot of paperwork has to be pushed through the system, so we are stuck renting for at least another month or two. In the meantime we might as well prepare for baby and do as much to make ourselves happy as possible. 

 Starting with the far end of the house, these are the before pictures of our crafting/re-enacting room. Currently this room is filled with boxes that we are trying to sort through and decide what to keep and get rid of and sell. 

 The above is the layout of the room currently, and the below is what we hope the layout will be in the end. The below is subject to change, probably a little at least I kind of want to at least try and fit two bookcases in there and maybe still have a tv in there for distraction while crafting. 

 The next room is the nursery I will post a picture of the nursery as soon as I can, right now it's a baby stockpile waiting to be finished. Here is what we want the nursery to be in the end: 

Next we have the living room and kitchen. I have pictures somewhere of them before things were moved, but I cannot find them right now. Here are the layouts though: 

The above is the before and the below the after. Right now the futon has been moved out and the sofa and tv are in the positions below, but we have yet to purchase the other furniture.

Lastly we have the Master bed & bath. I just recently moved the furniture around the other night. Here are the before's: 

 Pardon all the mess, I did not think to take pictures until right before I was ready to move stuff. Here are the layouts we hope to going to and from: 

The above, again is the before and the below the after. I did not get around to moving the bookcase, because it is quite heavy and I didn't want to do that on my own. We also haven't the extra furniture for this room yet either.

This is everything we will be doing furniture and room setting-wise. Tomorrow I will be going through each room with a list of questions that will help me with the finer details of redecorating. I will also post a few DIY projects that I am hoping to start on soon later this week. 

Until tomorrow,

Charity