Baby Ride.

Pulling into our driveway after work today I noticed a giant box on our doorstep. Read the box as I am trying to park the car and noticed it has the Chicco name brand on it. Now I know that is the brand of our carseat and we had ordered it 2 1/2 weeks ago. But no way. This carseat was backordered until late May. Trust me. I called the manufacturer to check on the expected arrival date because my heart was really set on this carseat in the green color. We still took our chanced ordering it and crossed our fingers.
Guess What though!! It was our carseat. In the green color!! :) Hooray!

Since we just got our stroller on Monday and the carseat today. We had to give them a test drive and set them up together to see how they adapted together. Let me tell you. Its a match made in heaven. It's an awesome combo together and it seems easy and light enough for me to use.

(For prego's out there in the shopping mode, here are the details of the products because I know a few weeks ago I was in that same boat wondering how in the heck to pick one carseat and stroller out of the SO MANY options!)

Stroller-- Baby Jogger City Mini (Black/Black color)
Carseat- Chicco Keyfit 30 (Midori color)

Both items had awesome reviews by so many users and not really many negative features listed. The carseat is lighter than most other carseats and is very user friendly. Not to mention one of the safest seats.
Stroller was listed as being light also and has all the bells and whistles you need but at an affordable price! Score!

Here is the setup! :) (Gee can you tell we are first time parents--so excited about the baby ride haha)

27 Weeks + 26 week Belly Shots.

One more week down, only 13 weeks to go.

Better yet.....

I have entered the third trimester!!! (holy smokes, right?)-- that's what I am saying!

Mini Bee is still an eggplant.

Baby Development:
Mini Bee's lungs are going through some major developments these days, which (combined with the opening of previously plugged nostrils) means he's now able to practice inhaling and exhaling. The lack of air inside of me means that every breath is filled with amniotic fluid, but hey--its progress! 

Dr Checkup Notes:

• Mini Bee's heartbeat was high 150's. Slightly lower than other times but she said it's probably because its getting tighter inside for him so he can't get his heart rate as high. Still in the healthy range for heartbeats though so don't worry. 

• Dr. mentioned that my belly is measuring under where it should be at this point. No concern but will be monitoring it. I said that I was flattered ;) Especially since this past week it seems to have popped. 
• Was given my rhogam shot (because of my blood type), managed to choke down the icky orange sugar juice to check my glucose levels and then let them take a few tubes of blood. Sometimes I think all this stuff is just to prepare you for childbirth because its not really pleasant experiences...

Cravings:

Still the following... (+ oranges)

I think it may have gotten worse. I can't seem to cut myself off of the pineapple lately. It just seems so extra sweet and juicy lately! Never mind that my tastes buds get completely burned off but I think I have built them up to tolerate the acid because it hasn't been happening the last few nights.

Mommy Symptoms: I have been extremely tired this week. I am glad that I only have a few more weeks of school because my body has been feeling heavier as the days go on and let's face it... Some of the tasks as a preschool teacher are getting difficult. Example: Tying kids shoes ALLL the way on the floor. Sitting in chairs made for little people (the tummy doesn't have it) And honestly just standing on my feet haha. I feel like a whiner but honestly trying to adapt to a giant tummy and weight gain this fast is hard to adjust to. Just a few more weeks....

This week's purchases:
Not much was purchased because we had one of our baby showers and received lots of awesome stuff. Will have to blog about that maybe tomorrow. (Just got the pictures from my sister today)
We did however get our baby jogger city mini on Monday!! Its awesome and I am so excited to use it. We gave the stroller a few pushes around the driveway and the store but resisted from (and you may find this to be surprising) but no animals were strapped down and made to ride in it. HAHA.

Now for the belly shot which seems so long ago....
It seems like the weeks are flying by and we have been so busy that the pictures aren't coming out fast enough.

My 26th week belly bump shoot.... (p.s. I think I popped this past 27 week mark so it will be bigger on the next shoot)

Buck Meow.

Happy Easter everyone!

I am out of town this weekend spending time with my family and I also got to have an awesome baby shower today!

How awesome to get to see relatives and have a fun party to celebrate the upcoming arrival of our Mini Bee.

In the spirit of Easter I have to share my favorite Easter youtube video.




Favorite part: Buck Meow :)

Happy Easter!

Teacher Perks.

My husband took this picture today and as a teacher I found a different light of humor to it than he did.

I feel like it explains the way us teachers are feeling at this point in the school year.

 Begging for the end because we feel ragged and worn out.

Then a few things happened this week that were pretty cool and helped me get through the week. I thought of a few perks I get as a teacher.

1. I get to meet famous people--exhibited below :)

2. I have kids who love me and can really make me feel good (of course they can do the complete opposite too) Kids have a way of being honest and really playing their cards right at times. Some mornings I will hear that I have the most beautiful hair, cute clothes and am so nice all within an hour. Heck, my co-teacher was even told she "is as beautiful as a shower rod". HAHA Hilarious because the kid really meant it as a compliment and could not have been more serious! Kids are priceless and they are what make teaching worth it. 

Here is a picture I found in one of my kid's bookbag the other day. Just the sweetest boy who is so shy. He finds other ways to show his love for me :)

(The scanner keeps cutting off parts of the words--It says "I Love You Malissa") Even with the name spelling error its still so sweet. It melted my heart.

It is simple reasons like these  --   why I teach :)

Mini Bee's Closet.

So besides the closet dividers, I also decided to go all out and make little cubby/ drawer labels to remind me what goes where.

Here are the labels:
(They have the hungry caterpillar on them - Found the image online and laminated the label. Then added a label made from a label maker)

Here is a view of the whole closet with the clothes and other few items we have purchased or received.

Maybe it doesn't look like much but I am pretty proud of what we have worked on. The closet previously had one of those white racks across the top and that was it. This will provide us with more storage and organization- my favorite :)

Baby Closet Dividers.

I finally finished those projects I have been mentioning. I think I am in semi-nesting mode because I have been so productive even after a full day of work lately. Here is one of the products of my nesting!

Closet Size Dividers

Here is the inspiration/ template for my creation.

Taken from: http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifehack/make-your-own-closet-rod-dividers.html

Supplies I Used:
Scissors
Ruler
Foam Sheets
Lid to a Vitamin Bottle
Glue Gun
Packing Tape (if doing the same design)

Step 1: Cut the foam to fit the original door hanger template.

Step 2: Find a lid to fit in the template circle and twist it leaving an imprint on the foam so that you know where to cut the circle at. (I used two sheets of foam/hanger to make it a little sturdier)

Step 3: Here are all of the dividers cut: 2 sheets/ color,

Step 4: I found some clip art on the computer and cut it out to fit my divider. Then covered it with packaging tape to help protect it from bleeding or tearing.  I also found some paper numbers to glue on for sizes. The color strip and numbers were hot glued on.

Final Product:

In Use:

Tomorrow I will show the other personalization I have done to the closet and show off the whole organizer that we setup a few weeks ago. Check back for updates :)

Projects Galore.

Gonna keep this blog short so that I have some chance at getting to bed at a reasonable time tonight.

I worked on a few projects this weekend even though we were at Fargo Force games most of the time this weekend. A few of the projects were for a gift I am giving to a friend so those won't be shown/mentioned for a week or two since it has to be mailed. I also started making closet dividers but wasn't able to finish those so check back later this week for the update. 

On top of those projects, I had a big accomplishment this weekend! I introduced myself to and became pals with my sewing machine! Something I have wanted to do for a while now but was really too intimidated to try. I started with making a burp cloth and then moved onto a more challenging project, mainly because it was such a tiny piece of clothing. Here is the final project for mini bee :)

So tiny and so dang cute right?

I am leaving this post, heading to bed so proud of myself for accomplishing so much today. That is such a great feeling. I should start every week with this feeling :)

Mommy Brain / Mr. Clean

Ok so being pregnant I have heard of this '"mommy brain" phenomena. I didn't think it would strike me (kind of like morning sickness, the puke on my toothbrush, and get nauseous easily phenomenas). It seems as though we all fall victim to the dreaded symptoms of pregnancy at some point. The mommy brain has struck. I have noticed it a few random times previously but tonight may have been the worst. This was even after a nap! Yikes. :)
Rewind a few hours into my night. Mitch and I have been super busy and honestly I have been too tired to tend to the house. It was a disaster. No pictures to document. Lame, I know but I can only be so honest.
After work, I race home so that I could take a nap and found myself walking into a *gasp Clean House!! YES-- Super hubby came to visit!! (Don't get me wrong, my husband is pretty awesome but cleaning the house is a whole nother level, especially dealing with how messy it was) I was so excited that my husband took one less thing off my to-do list and it made me feel so much more energized. (No worries--a nap was still taken) p.s. Thank you Mitch!
This new energy gave me ambition to take on some projects since my list is heaping! This is where the mommy brain kicks in. I could not seem to find tons of random supplies I had but seemed to misplaced recently. Then I was making a gift for someone and yep completed the entire project to realize I did it wrong. HAHA Honestly at this point it was just humorous because I am usually so on top of stuff and to be so absent minded is just ridiculous. A few projects were completed tonight (gifts, so no pictures) but it wasn't the most efficient night. Needless to say, I am going to need another night to work.
As I go to post this I am crossing my fingers that this all even makes sense. I just re-read it and realized I had lots of errors. If this entry doesn't make sense, I plead the mommy brain. Please excuse it.
Here's to Friday and hoping this energy stays with me through the weekend (and my mental sharpness returns)! 

One last thing to honor my blog rule.. Here's a photo that showcases my hardcore paint program skills. 

My hero for the day: Mr. (Mitch) Clean :)

25 Weeks.

25 Weeks and Mini Bee is an EGGPLANT...

and we made it to Month 6!!

Mini Bee now will be in the eggplant range for weeks 25-28. 

Baby Development: 
Mini Bee is starting to perfect blinking his eyes, is soaking up my antibodies to get his immune system ready for life outside my tummy and at this point would have hair on his head. 

Mommy Symptoms: 
I have been feeling more and more tired lately and definitely can tell when I do not take it easy in the classroom. The kid chairs in my classroom are getting less uncomfortable and the last few nights I have gotten cramps in my calves. Oh yeah, I have to pee constantly! Allergies also seem to be kicking in since its that time of the year but still avoiding taking allergy meds.

Food Cravings: 
Fruit!! (Strawberries, Bananas, Pineapple)

Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt. Flavors Vanilla and Red Velvet Cake with cocoa pebbles, fruity pebbles, brownie bites, and gummi bears on top. Amazing!

This Week's Purchases:
Our Baby Jogger City Mini Stroller (super light and easy to steer)

Chicco Keyfit 30 Carseat in Midori color (A carseat with some of the best reviews)

A start of a wardrobe from Gymboree (includes some caterpillar outfits) Too cute!
(You will have to see Mini Bee to see the outfits)

What I am Looking Forward to:
Receiving the above purchases in the mail
School Break. Only one more month of school before my kiddos are out for Summer.
Most days I look forward to sleep and/or naps :)

This Week's Classroom Reactions to Belly/Baby: 
One child everyday will rub my belly when leaving school and say "I love your baby". Before the belly it was "Merry Christmas" but now that the bump reminds her it changed to "I Love Your Baby". 
Another child during lunch today was watching me eat. He asked if the baby eats what I eat and I explained that the food goes in me and the baby gets to eat the food too so he can grow. He then asked "if the baby gets too big will your tummy explode?" It was such an honest and cute question.


Enough info for you? I would guess so that means time for bed :)

The Joys of Being Pregnant.

This weekend we had several Fargo Force events to attend and we saw lots of people. With attending all the Force games and of course Mitch being the photographer, lots of people have gotten to know us. It's always fun to go to the games to see familiar faces. With being pregnant it seems to be a time when people check in on me and see how I am doing. One common topic came up this weekend amongst several people I talked to. Being pregnant is such a fun time and that I should really enjoy it because more than likely I will miss it.

This brings me onto my blog topic. I figured I should write about this to help point out all the things I love about my current state. (And no people, don't just get pregnant because I make it sound glamorous. There are lots of things that aren't so glamorous but not something to discuss right now)

• Everyone seems concerned about how you are feeling and doing no matter how long it has been since they last saw you.
• Being pregnant always gives you a topic to talk about and to connect with strangers about.
• I have been receiving lots of compliments lately about how great I look and how cute my belly is. Compliments are always great to receive but especially great when my body is changing so fast.
• Baby gifts! Need I say more...
• I have been given lots of things to research at night on the Internet now with baby products. I no longer find myself searching for something to do on the Internet.
• I have reasons to shop. I really DO need a new wardrobe and its not a stretch of the truth like it would be before. Plus, I actually have a reason to buy those cute tiny baby outfits!
• Naps are ok and encouraged. YESSSSS! I love this part especially. 
• Cravings are perfectly normal and if I want to eat three giant oranges in a row, its ok! And being hungry every two hours perfectly acceptable. Nothing really comes across as odd when you are pregnant.
• Baby Showers/Parties to celebrate you and your belly.
• People have empathy for you and offering to help you.
• Having a belly is for once a cute thing. Awesome.
• I have developed a crazy sense of humor and a bigger laugh than I have ever had. This laugh too can get out of hand easily and usually at odd times. Makes my husbands life a little more interesting. 
• My husband has fallen in love with me all over again and has fallen in love with my belly. He has also taken such a fascination in what is going on with me and shows a new side of support that was never needed before.
• I have learned where the bathroom is in every location we visit.
• I have a new incentive and a pretty powerful one to eat healthier and drink lots of water.
• Healthy, glowing skin in the middle of winter? Yes please!
• Pregnancy brings about a build up of giant anticipation with so many unknowns. You can always prepare for anything in life but ultimately what is going to happen isnt in our hands. This is one of times this truly can happen.
• I seem to have lots of topics for blog writing. I wasn't pregnant before I started my blog so I wrote about different topics. My pregnancy has generated a lot of curiousity on my blog, especially with the belly bump pictures. It has been awesome to hear of people reading my blog who I didn't particularly think would take an interest in it. It has been a great way to keep people in the loop with what is going on along the whole way. Plus, it has created anticipation amongst my readers and spread further than I thought would happen. Just this weekend someone came up to me at a game and said that she really needed to tell me how much she loved my blog and my belly bump pictures. I am not exactly sure who she is but I love that I am reaching out to others. Plus, it is pretty awesome to have lots of people celebrating our Mini Bee!

P.S. You secret blog readers and anybody else too, show me some love and leave comments. I like to know you are there :)

Baby Talk.

Gotta keep this blog short since its super late after a long Fargo Force game / jersey auction.

Saw this video a few days ago and had to share it. If you haven't seen it, you really should watch it. Too cute!

Dr. Check Up(date) with videos :)

My doctor today reviewed what the ultrasound had found out. It was all good reports!! Yay!
 
A summary of the results:

Mini Bee may not be that mini. He is in the 55% for his weight which means he weighs a little more than average in weight but nothing to be concerned about.

Of course he was very active for the heartbeat check. Has he ever been anything different? Nope :) Heart rate in the 150's. When they scan my tummy it seems to make him rebel because I can always feel him kickin back at the monitor that is cramping his space!

All of the organs and limbs checked out healthy!

Update on Me:

My bump was measured for the first time and came in at 21 inches. No idea really what that means except that there is a baby bump :) Lots of my preschool parents recently have been asking if I am expecting because they just noticed a bump this week. Its flattering that they care enough to ask and that they are noticing but then again I think....My stomach has not always been like this HAHA.

I will not disclose how much weight I have gained but the doctor said it is at a healthy amount so far and not to worry. So odd how before if you gained 5 lbs that was so much and now you can put that on in a few weeks or less.

Like I say, all blog posts are more interesting with pictures. Here are some more exclusive pictures from our last ultrasound (20 weeks).

A picture of his pipes

Some videos showing how much he moves!

This one--- The 1,2 Punch (to my tummy)

His whole body being very active!

Isn't it awesome what they can do with technology today? I felt like I got so much closer to our baby seeing him move and seeing all his mini baby parts.

Our big dilemma this week is trying to figure out what stroller to get. I have been doing some research and have narrowed it down... I am seriously considering the baby jogger city mini or city select. I swear I have spent so many hours the past few nights trying to find the best deals and read research..... Any insight?

Safety Furrst.

Well I am home sick today but have felt the amazing Spring weather outside through my bedroom window. Heard the sounds of Spring and seen kids riding their bikes outside. This reminded me that it is time for me to do my Public Service Announcement.....

HAHA. Gotta love crazy pictures of our pets! :)  

(No pets were harmed in the making of this photo either) 

Now enjoy some of that Spring weather we wait sooo long for :)

Busy day tomorrow for us. I work of course, but it is Mitch and I's 5th wedding anniversary and we have a doctor appointment. Lots of fun things!! 

24 Weeks.

Well we have made it another week! :)

Our Mini Bee is 24 Weeks!

Still the size of a papaya but next week I will reveal a new fruit. Can you stand the suspense? :)

At 24 weeks, baby's skin is becoming more opaque as he starts to pack on fat. Also, small capillaries are starting to form making baby's skin pink :)

Mini Bee is kicking ALL the time! Mitch woke me up from a nap the other day and rested his head on my tummy. Just as I suspected, Mini Bee kicked him in the head a few times!

We also may have a name picked out for our little guy. This however will be kept a secret from everybody until the time comes. Hoping our mini bee fits the name. I always wonder if it is safe to pick a name without seeing your baby first. We will have our backup list just in case though. It's funny how the name has come about. We had it as our top three pick and through conversations and random situations the name keeps coming up. We are taking it as a sign that this is the name for us. Exciting to have that picked out.

It all is just building up into greater anticipation for meeting our bundle of joy. Just a few more months...

If only they were really delivered this way...

23 Weeks Bump Update.

HERE IT IS....

The long awaited photoshoot update :)

Lots of work in the nursery these past few weeks!

Music Dilemma.

So as I am preparing for a new baby, I am finding myself wondering how easy it will be to do some of my regular daily activities. Having a baby is going to be a big lifestyle adjustment...

This brought me to a question I thought of today as I was driving in my car...

So I have a confession. I love music and it has been a big part of my life forever (thank you mom and dad). I love all types of music but occasionally need some rap to pick my spirits up. It isn't always the cleanest language type music but I like the beat and rhythm of it. Seems to get me going. Now as I was listening to "Teach Me How to Dougie" in my car today I started to think whether or not my rap music listening days were numbered. I am not sure I would feel comfortable listening to rap with a baby in the backseat. Hmm...

Some solutions...

1. Get the edited version?
2. Listen only to Kidz Bop (Yeah, right. Absolutely not!)
3. Keep pondering the question and until then keep listening to it :)

Here is the video to the song I have been jammin to lately. Something catchy about it.



Or maybe we could just purchase a "Swagger Wagon". Maybe this vehicle would make the music more appropriate. This video too one of my favorites and really catchy (unfortunately). :)