29 Weeks!

how far along? 29 Weeks 4 Days
how are you measuring? Right on schedule

size of baby? A butternut squash
heartbeat? 142 bpm
total weight gain/loss? 8-10 pounds
maternity clothes? Oh yes! 
stretch marks? No, and I am putting Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula on my stomach every night.
sleep? haha!
best moment this week?  We spent over three hours in Lowe's yesterday getting stuff for our house (including blinds for Winslow's nursery) and we picked up a new patio set! I am so excited for this fall when we'll have a little chunky babe and we'll spend our evenings on the deck under the umbrella. :)

movement? All day long, but mostly at night. All night long.  It's such a weird feeling when he gets behind my belly button and starts kicking- it sometimes distracts me so much when I'm with my customers at work. haha!
food cravings? Cold milk, watermelon! I seriously ate a WHOLE watermelon (it was a smaller one) by myself this past weekend.
gender predictions? A boy!
what i miss: Sleeping on my stomach, turkey sandwiches

what i'm looking forward to: My birthday is this Friday! :)
how are you feeling? Feeling great! Pregnancy is awesome- I am loving it. Also, while at Lowe's yesterday my mind was running WILD with all these new house projects/ DIY ideas...I think nesting has set in!  To sum it up: I want to paint the bonus room, remove carpet in our bedroom, repaint the deck, get a new fence, and landscape our yard. All before Winslow's arrival! Ha! Good one, right babe?

A letter to my son.

Dear Winslow,

It's been a few weeks since I wrote you a letter- and lots has happened that you need to know! Daddy does a great job of updating you each night when he talks to you, and boy do you kick like crazy! I think you know his voice by now..or if you don't just yet, it sure is cute to think that you do.  We've added some bookshlelves to your nursery and hope you love to read as much as mommy and daddy! We always have a book in our hands and daddy stays up late with the light on to read.  Sometime when I'm trying to sleep (gotta get all the sleep in before you arrive!) it makes me a little mad because daddy has the light on, but that's okay.  I usually don't mind.

We also went to New Bern this past weekend to celebrate our third anniversary!  We have been married three years and this time next year you'll almost be a year old!

The best part about this past week was seeing your adorable little body and face.  Oh my gosh, I almost cried when I got to see you because it was the sweetest thing in the world!  
When the doctor first showed you to us, you were not that excited about being poked.  Your little hands were covering up your face so mommy and daddy couldn't see what you looked like!  But the doctor had other ideas:  he started poking the other side of my stomach which made you move a little and we could see your mouth open and close like you were saying "Hey now! I am nice and comfy in here and I don't like all this bouncing around!"  Then you stuck your tongue out!  

We finally got to see your face after the doctor moved you a little and boy are you handsome! I want these next 11 weeks to FLY by so I can have you in my arms! I know I won't want to share you, but I guess i'll have to. :)  Daddy and grandma say you have my lips.  I wouldn't mind that! As far as your nose, we are not sure!  Looks like it might be a Hogan nose (mine as well!)   Maybe you'll be as tall as your dad!  It's fun to think about what and who you'll look like!  

As far as cravings go, you sure like to make me crave sweets! I don't always give in because I want to make sure you're enjoying lots of fruits and veggies too but oreos and powdered donuts are something that I've enjoyed the past few weeks.  I also try to have a banana and an apple once a day so you will grow up strong!  

We sure do love you to pieces little one, and cannot wait until you make your appearance!  Maybe you'll come just a tad early so we don't have to wait so long for you.  But you come when you're ready, baby boy.

Mommy and Daddy love you very much!!  See you sooon!!!

-Mommy 

28 Weeks!

how far along? 28 Weeks! Helllooo third trimester!!!!
how are you measuring? 1 or 2 days ahead...
size of baby? An acorn squash
heartbeat? 142 bpm
total weight gain/loss? Around 8-10 pounds
maternity clothes? Oh yes! 
stretch marks? No, and I am putting Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula on my stomach every night. But i do see a lot more blue veins on my stomach. joy joy
sleep? I haven't slept well the past two months-literally.  I dread going to sleep (I know, I know, y'all are thinking "wait until baby is here! Doesn't get any better")  I just keep tossing and turning and every time I do, I wake up.  Also, he kicks me all night long, which i LOVE, but sometimes when I'm trying to sleep it gets a tiny bit frustrating.  :)    
best moment this week?  DEFINITELY seeing our sweet sweet babe in a 4d ultrasound.  OMG i can't wait to share photos.  He is SOOO cute!
movement? All day long. I LOVE IT!
food cravings? I have to have a cold glass of milk every morning, but other than that no cravings lately.
gender predictions? A boy!
what i miss: Sleeping on my stomach, sleeping well, bending over without struggling, ha!
what i'm looking forward to: We start our birthing classes this week- should be interesting and educational!
how are you feeling? Pretty good!  No more back pain, thankfully! I can't bend down really that easily anymore so I am depending on my husband to help me change the laundry (we have stackables) and pick things up from the floor.  Thanks Darling!

27 Weeks!

 

 

how far along? 27 Weeks and 3 days (One more week from my third trimester!!!)
how are you measuring? 1 or 2 days ahead...nothing to really worry about.

size of baby? A cauliflower (yum!)
heartbeat? 142 bpm
total weight gain/loss? Around 7-8 lbs
maternity clothes? Oh yes! 
stretch marks? No, and I am putting Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula on my stomach every night.
sleep? I think God is preparing me for being up at night, because the past two weeks, I've not been sleeping well at all.  I usually put a pillow between my knees and that helps, but every time I roll over, I wake up.  Also been having stomach "cramps" when I move...maybe he's getting stuck in my organs.haha I have no idea! I am also getting charlie horse cramps in my legs every night.  NO FUN!  (And yes, I do drink enough water...)
best moment this week?  Mother's Day is tomorrow and we are having a cookout! I also finished some book ledges for the nursery this week- can't wait to fill them with books!

movement? All day long. I LOVE IT! He is especially active at night when I'm trying to sleep..he has dance parties all night long! I've also had my first experience with Braxton Hicks...strange is all I can describe it.  They are not regular and I haven't had any in a couple days...
food cravings? Cold milk, oreos, apples.
gender predictions? A boy!
what i miss: Sleeping on my stomach, turkey sandwiche, sushi

what i'm looking forward to: We are going on a mini-anniversary trip this coming weekend AND have a 3d ultrasound scheduled!! YAY!
how are you feeling?Major back pain last week that is getting better...thankfully! But other than that, and not sleeping well..I'm doing great! 

26 Weeks

how far along? 26 Weeks 4 days
how are you measuring? Right on schedule- had an appointment last week and I was measuring perfectly!
size of baby? A head of lettuce
heartbeat? 142 bpm
total weight gain/loss? Gained about 2.8 pounds from last month.  Not too bad, but I think this next appointment on May 29 will say I've gained a little more.. i ate a whole package of oreas over the weekend. minus three that hubby ate.  oops!
maternity clothes? Oh yes! 
stretch marks? No, and I am putting Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula on my stomach every night.
sleep? Not so great- I am having a time with sciatic back pain.  It's been hurting me all week and this week it got so bad I could hardly walk.  So every time i toss at night, i wake up in pain. :(  Any remedies for sciatic back pain, ladies?
best moment this week?  Hearing Winslow's heartbeat, passing my glucose test, eating a package of oreos. ha!
movement? All day long. I LOVE IT!
food cravings? Milk, oreos,
gender predictions? A boy!
what i miss: Sleeping on my stomach, turkey sandwiches
what i'm looking forward to: We have a 3d ultrasound in a couple weeks- I can't wait!
how are you feeling?Back pain can go straight to hades.  I hope it gets better because I got three more months of cooking this little fella!

Dear Winslow,

I cannot believe I've never met you, but love you so much. From the moment I felt the very fist flutter in my stomach, I wanted to cry with joy.  I am so thankful and blessed that God is choosing me to be your mommy.  All day long you kick me, and I will tell you the truth, sometimes at night I get a little annoyed because you keep me up.  But that just means you're growing and healthy and I am so thankful for that.  I have been meaning to write you letters for a while, but every time I tried, my words got all jumbled up in my head. Even though you've been in my belly for almost 27 weeks, I feel like you have been with me forever.  I love being pregnant.  Daddy loves you too- he talks to you every single night and tells you what we've been up to.  The first song you heard was his choice "Stay All Night" by Willie Nelson.  Imagine that.  Daddy really wants you to grow up loving music and I think he's so cute when he sings to you.  Your little legs and arms will kick me when you hear his voice. It's like you know it's daddy.  

Let me just tell you, you are already one loved little boy.  I cannot wait until I get to meet you, count your little toes, smell your heavenly baby scent, and cuddle with you all day long.  I can't wait to introduce you to our sweet pup, Darla, and our fat orange cat Huey.  I wonder what they'll think of you.  I can't wait to tell you about Jesus.  That's my prayer for you now and forever- that you'll grow up loving Him more than anything in this world.  More than oreos and powedered donuts (because that's what you've been telling me to eat these past several weeks!)

 Oh, and for the record, I do eat apples and bananas a lot too.  Gotta make sure you're healthy!  As far as having a sweet tooth goes, if you're anything like mom AND dad, you'll not pass up a donut. hehe

You are growing great, says the doctor! I was a little worried because I had my glucose test where they take my blood (and mommy hates needles) but I was a big girl and didn't even flinch or pass out like last time!  We get to see your sweet little body in two weeks and I cannot wait.  

Keep on growing, little one.  But if you want, swim your way to the other side of my belly and get off my sciatic nerve.  ;)

I love you Winslow.  

Love,

Your mommy.

Nursery Ideas

SOOOO....what are we doing in the nursery, you ask?

I'm not too crazy about a big "themed" nursery, and going along with the current decor of our home, we decided to incorporate some antique items, and a few woodland animals.  We are calling his nursery a "Woodland Cabin"..and are about 75% finished with it!  Here's the original inspiration:

1. Cube bookshelf from Landofnod.com
2.Woodland animal prints from etsy.com
3.Crib is made by Young America by Stanley (retails for $1000, and we got our from Craigslist for $150!)
4. Red dresser from google
5.Chicken wire frame from etsy.com
6. Bowtie quilt that is now Winslow's baby bedding was from eBay.
7. Woodland mobile from etsy.com
8. USA map from landofnod.com
9. Bear rug from Cabelas.com

So...I found a dresser/changing table from our local thrift store for TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS!!!! 100% wood, and the perfect antique.  I painted it a couple months ago, can't wait to share it!  Here's a sneak peek. i LOVE the burlap knobs. they are from hobby lobby.

My friend, Nick, is a graphic designer and he made me some woodland animal prints FO FREE!  I love them!

I made a woodland animal mobile that took me YEARS (okay, not really) but it's just adorable, if I do say so myself.  Here are just three of the seven or eight animals I made:

And hubby built a cubed bookshelf for his toys and such that I am in love with.  We used pine and then stained it a nice rustic walnut.  Ahhhh... it looks fabulous.  Here's hubby building away:

 Let's just say when we tried putting the crib together, we both said more curse words than we wanted to.  I hate putting together furniture...and so does my man.  He wanted to throw it outside before he was done with it. But then I had to remind him, if he did, Winslow would have to sleep in our bed forever. :)  He decided against it.

 And just because, my man testing out strollers.  Ain't he a good lookin' dad?

I can't wait to share his nursery!! We have a window seat and some bookshelves to build before we are done..so it might be a few more weeks!

Xoxo,

Kait