It's been over a year...

I tried to write this on May 29th, but I knew I would just cry. So, here I am a couple days later. I could keep putting this off, and probably could if I didn't force myself. But I really want to write about this.

May 29 my great grandpa would have been 99 years old. He passed away a few days before he turned 98. Over the last few days I've thought about him a lot. We were really close at the end. He has passed away in his sleep while I was visiting my in-laws. To say it hit me hard, is very fair.

I went to high school over 30 minutes from where we lived since I chose to go to the new magnet school. I happened to be a 15 minute walk away from my grandpa's house. So, my mom pretty much forced me to stay with him a night or two during the school week. At first I thought it was a punishment. But as the years went on, I looked forward to it. Our routine was the same everyday: I got there and worked on homework, we would go to Carrow's for dinner or make a frozen meal because my grandpa never cooked, we would hang out a bit, have ice cream and go to bed. When I got to my senior year, he switched from Carrow's to Danny's where I worked a few nights a week. He would come in every time I worked.

When I got to college, I would pick him up and we still would go on lunch or dinner dates. I know it was something he really looked forward to.

As he got older I was older I was told he could pass away and to enjoy every moment with him. I honestly thought he would never die, he was like the enegizer bunny. He had survived a kamikaze bomber in WWII when his carrier sunk. He had survived cancer a couple times. He broke his first bone in his 90's. He kept going no matter what event hit him. He never slowed down. He gave up driving in his 90's and loved that we would take more places. I just really thought there was nothing that could stop him.

As he slowed down a little more and needed a little more helpful reminders about dinner time, we moved him from the VA home he had been at for about six years to a different elderly home that had more one on one care.

He was only there a few days before I got that call that he had passed. He had passed away in his sleep happy and peaceful. It was Memorial Day. It was a day I knew was special to him. A day he would always honor because he had know many that given their lives for our county.

What always baffled me was a few days before I took him for a physical and he passed with flying colors for his age. Yeah, he used a walked, couldn't hear good because he refuse hearing aids, and took naps every chance he could. When I had taken back home he told me I was one of the best things that ever happened to him and that he loved me more. He told me to have fun on vacation and that he would miss me.

I never would have guessed that would be the last time I saw him.

Now that he's gone, I try to remember that he got to witness so many big events in my life. He was there when I graduated high school and college. He was there for me wedding.

I'm really happy I quit my horrible cooperate job when I did, because it gave me more one on one time with my grandpa before he passed.

I really wish he could have lived a little longer to meet my son. He always was asking when I was going to have kids. I really wish he was still here to know I was naming my little boy after him.

Not many people realize he wasn't my great grandpa by blood but by marriage. He would have never let you know. He took care of everyone in the family like they were his own flesh and blood.

I always cry, pretty instantly, while thinking about my my grandpa. I was the closer to him over any other grandparent. I was blessed to know him so well and here so many stories. I can't wait to pass on all I've learned from him and to continue telling his stories from his 23 years in the Navy that he was incredibly proud of.

And I'll always miss him.

Willis Richard Adair

May 29, 1917 - May 25, 2015

I'm late... 21 Week Update

This past week I have been exhausted. I worked everyday and still managed the house (even though I should have let it go a bit... I wouldn't have cared). 

We have been blessed and I have been able to work part time so far this pregnancy. I was so exhausted, nauseous, and had so many headaches during the first trimester that I didn't know if I could handle the work load I had before. I started part time around 11 weeks and its been manageable for me.

But, I'm still waiting for my energy to come back like all the pregnancy books and apps say... it really hasn't come yet. I'm still tired and get exhausted easy. I've tried all sorts of things to get energy, but thank goodness for the one cup of coffee I drink a day. I always chug water as much as I can, the constant trips to the bathroom keeps me up and moving.

Speaking of coffee, I cannot wait for the day that I can drink three cups with out worrying. As soon as we found out we were expecting I cut down my caffeine intake immediately. I was a 3-5 cup of caffeine type of person... Now with only one cup in the morning because I need it, I function as well I can. I like a little french vanilla creamer and whipped cream in it. It helps keep the heartburn down and tastes good. I know I could switch to tea, but I think coffee if more of a placebo so I just drink it.

I haven't updated about my cravings and adversities lately, but the truth is they haven't really changed. Fruit always sounds good and I can eat Mexican food until my heartburn is killing me. Every so often something sweet sounds good, so I'll have a cookie or something. I do like ice cream. I have a little almost every night. 

I have finally gained some weight. I was 152 at 9 weeks and lost almost 10 pounds by the time I was 13 week. I'm finally up to 155 at 21 weeks. The doctor said I'm doing good and don't need to stress about gaining weight. I'm not going to lie, it's been hard thinking I need to gain weight after trying to loose some. But I'm up for anything that will ensure we will have a healthy baby.

I haven been congested. And it's not been fun. My normal crazy seasonal allergies are mixed with the hormonal pregnancy congestion are having fun with my body. Hot showers, a cool mis humidifier, an essential oil diffuser, and trying to sleep propped up... anything that could help.

But, I have felt our little guy kick! And kick a lot! When we had our anatomy ultrasound at 20 weeks I felt him kick as the tech pushed on him and tried to get him to cooperate. I had been assuming he was higher than he was, but no, he was able bladder level. Once I knew what it felt like for him to kick, he hasn't stopped kicking! Being more aware of his movement, I can tell that he likes his room. He's not a fan when I have a full bladder, when I have eaten a bigger meal or when we are pushing on him. He likes to kick hard and catch me off guard. I notice him the most when I sit down to relax or when falling asleep. 

Well, onto next week!

Until next time,

Kandi

Current Skin Care Routine

With being pregnant I had to change around my skin care routine. I had no idea you couldn't use acne face products! And with changing things up, I decided to go simple.

I'm pretty sure this was one of my best ideas!

So here's all I have been using. I don't use everything every day, but I do try to at least wash my face and put on moisturizer.

Face wash - I loving using CeraVe (or Cetaphil) face wash or the Yes to Grapefruit face scrub. I love that CeraVe is gentle and gets so much dirt and make up off your face. I use this morning and night. I mainly use the face scrub in shower since my skin is more sensitive with pregnancy.

Cleanser/Toner - Some mornings I just use the Garnier Micellar Water to clean off my face before putting on sunscreen or make up. I like it because it cleans your skin but is just like water. Plus, it doesn't dry you out!

For toner I have been using the Target brand alcohol free for a while. It's ok, but not life changing. I stopped using toners with alcohol in them because they really burned my skin and dried it out. Next I would like to use plain white hazel, but I've been trying to find the kind or brand I would like to use.

For moisturizer - I love, love using Cetaphil moisturizing cream for your body on my face (and everywhere else). It's thick and heavy but makes my skin feels so good! When I fall asleep without using it I can tell. I also love using pure Argan Oil mixed with Cetaphil or alone all over my face, neck, and hands. It gives so much moisture and you don't need much at all!

Eye cream - I am using two different eye creams at the moment. I keep on in the bathroom and one at my vanity. I got both of eye creams in my Boxycharm subscription (I not longer receive it) and didn't want them to go to waste. I have the Pur-Lisse in the bathroom and the Clark's Botanicals at my vanity, both get the job done and keep my under eyes not dry and crusty. I'm looking for the perfect eye cream and have a few I'm thinking of trying next.

There you have it, my simple skin care. I know I still use quite a few products but this is what's working for me!

Until next time,

Kandi

We are HALFWAY! 20 week update

We have made it half way!!! We are officially halfway through this pregnancy!

I seriuously cannot believe we are already here. I know everyone says it, but time has flown by. But this past week felt like it was moving so slow! I was super anxious and excited since we were having the big ultrasound, and I got no sleep!

Sleep has been one of my biggest struggles this pregnancy. I never though I would have issues sleeping early on. I knew it was coming, but I assumed that's when your large and in charge. Not my case at all! I can't sleep on my stomach (my favorite) but I can't sleep on my sides either. Sleeping on my sides puts too much pressure on my hips. My left hip is all messed up and I have trouble with it. I have finally found a position I can get some sleep: the recliner... Basically I used all our extra pillows to make a fake recliner in bed. No pressure on my hips but it does make it a little hard to get in out of the bed for the middle of the night bathroom trips.

Sleeping in the the recliner position also helps with my lovely congestion. I had no clue "pregnancy rhinitis" was a real symptom. I naturally was blessed with bas sinuses, so it's hit me hard. I sleep with a cool mist humidifier and essential oil defuser all night. 

Last night I had to everything I could to get sleep. Four to Six-ish hours a night does not cut it for me right now. I took a nice long lavender and epsom salt bath while drinking tea, rubbed some lavender lotion on my arms and chest, and put lavender essential oil on the back of my neck and the bottoms of my feet. Between all of this and being exhausted, I finally got a good night of sleep!!!

When we took our weekly bump shot Zero was in play mode. But it really looks like he's trying to play with baby boy!

Finally, the ultrasound. I had been looking forward to this ultrasound for weeks! We had it originally scheduled for Tuesday, but last minute they had an emergency situation and had to reschedule. Luckily it was only for the next day. But when you mix no sleep, how excited I was and the fun pregnancy hormones, I totally broke down and bawled my eyes out. Yes I was a little excited but thankful we only had to wait 24 more hours. Not that mattered to my hormones, but at least I was able to get a small nap out of the brake down.

Once we finally got to have the ultrasound our little man would not cooperate at all! He was super stubborn and wouldn't take his hands off from his face (first picture below). The tech was pushing all over my stomach trying to get him to more and help us get a good profile picture, but no luck (second photo below). 

I had been a little concerned that I hadn't really left him move. Before bed I usually lay with my hands on my belly just waiting to feel him. I was starting to get a little worried that something might be wrong. Well, turns out he was just way low! He is laying between my hips in my lower abdomen. He's actually below the bump I have! Now that we know where he is it makes perfect sense! I have tons of pressure in my lower abs and it feels like your trying to maneuver over a full bladder all the time. Now I know my kid is just hanging low and comfortable. I'm waiting till our appointment with the doctor next week to see if I should be worried about him so low.

But the best thing about knowing where he is: I can feel him kick and move. I've been curious why I get the funny fluttering feelings inside near my lower abs and hips. I've always passed it off as gas but now I know he's there! Last night I was relaxing in our recliner (my favorite spot to sit now) and felt a hard poke in my lower abs!!!! I'm guessing he was adjusting to comfortable! 

Until next time,

Kandi

19 Weeks Pregnant

I think this week my "pregnancy brain" has kicked in. And honestly, I have been way more exhausted this past week.

I don't think I've gotten that much energy in my second trimester like I was expecting. The firs trimester kicked by butt like no other. I had no energy at all! But, I think I don't have that much energy right now because I haven't been sleeping good.

I need to find some way to sleep! I've been trying sleeping on my side but I wake up hurting because it puts too much pressure on my hips. I have a problem with my left hip (hopefully one day we will know what's actually wrong with it) so long hours of sleep really irate it. I have been trying positioning my pillows like a recliner! Why? Well, it helps with my pregnancy congestion, no pressure on my hips, and feels amazing on my lower back. But, when I get up for my middle of the night bathroom breaks, it's super hard to get my pillows just right again!

On complete other news, my bestie Katey and I got the baby shower invites in the mail! I decided to have my baby shower at then end of my second trimester instead of the traditional time frame. There has been plenty of talk with previous doctors about my hip and pregnancy. Its up in the air and only time will tell how I can handle the end of my pregnancy. Basically, I have been told to be prepared if I have to be on bedrest or some form of it. I'm hoping for the best and doing all I can to prevent it.

So, I figured lets just have an early shower! Having it earlier means we have more time to figure out what we are lucky enough to receive and what we still need to get. I am a huge planner, and it's nice having things done early and how I would like them!

Also, I'm pretty sure I've felt my little boy move. I still have no idea what to expect so I feel like I don't feel him at all. I have been feeling these weird flipping feeling and random odd poking motions. I'm crossing my fingers its my baby and not gas!

I can't tell if my belly is getting bigger, but it's getting more round!

Until next time,

Kandi

I'm such a Planner

Since middle school I have used a planner. I kept track of homework, assignments, and other big events. I would color coordinate things and go crazy with sticky notes. High school I would experiment with other methods to keep track of things, but I would always come back to a planner.

When I got to college I started trying out different planners. I needed something to keep track of how busy my life had become. Taking close to 20 units each semester and working two jobs... color coordinating was my best friend.

Once I entered the "real world" I let my use of planners go... for about a year. I realized I needed something to help me remember important things, like when to pay my bills. I picked up a cheap planner at Target and used it like crazy. I kept track of bills, my ever changing work schedule, David's general schedule, family events, and birthdays.

Once I knew I relied on a planner, like really heavily relied on one, I splurged on an Erin Condren Vertical planner for 2015. I worked pretty good for me. I used colors to dictate my busy life and began dressing it up with washi tape and a few stickers. Towards the end of the year I began experimenting with different planners, too. I first tried the Erin Condren Horizontal planner, and found it more useful for my taste. Then when the Happy Planner came out I jumped on that bandwagon, but quickly realized that a vertical style just wasn't for me.

For 2016, I went back to my Erin Condren Horizontal. I like the space and the layout. Sometimes I wish the planner was a tag smaller for easier transport, but I still cart it around 80% of the time. I have used washi tape, tons of different stickers, and loads of different pens.

Recently I have found my style and am loving it. So, here's how I plan a week!

First, this was last week. Colorful and a few stickers. I didn't finish the weekend since we had a nice relaxing one.

Here's this week blank. Luckily I love this accent color, otherwise I would use a little washi tape across the top to make it more "me".

I use a few different stickers to keep track of the major things each day. I track my work schedule, my blog posts, my current week pregnant, my weight, main cleaning tasks, my prenatal intake, and dinners.

Sometimes I even add in an inpinstrational quote sticker from Me and My Big Ideas. 

Here's how my week looks with just my stickers. I use the blank boxes for my big tasks and keep the lines for day to day.

I pick a colorful pen each week, since I have so many, and that's my "to-do list" pen. Each day I layout what I would like to get done. Sometimes that doesn't happen or they get pushed to a different day. I seem to list the dishes everyday to give me the motivation I need!

So there's how I plan. It's a little more than just a pen and paper but I like it. And it works for me. Sometimes I plan at my desk or on the couch as we watch a movie. I usually plan on Sunday's when I know whats going on.

How many other's plan?

Until next time,

Kandi

Is this NESTING?

Lately I've been getting this wild hair to organize or clean out something in the house! I didn't think nesting could start this early but it sure seems like it! 

I'm not really complaining about nesting because it's getting all these random projects or just things that need to get done, well, they are getting done!

I keep going through my make up. I mean, really going though my stash! I am a huge make up lover. I love trying new products and finding hidden gems. This all comes with a price because I have collected quite a bit of make up over the years. 

I've been going though everything, tossing whats gone bad and setting aside gently used items to pass onto friends and family. I have downsides my collection about a third of what it used to be. I'm finding that I'm a lot more practical about what I like to use and what to keep. I'm not getting everything insight to just try it out. I've made progress.

I've also been talking our kitchen... it need it. We recently got a butcher block for this awkward will in our kitchen. I've rearranged a few cabinets from when we first moved in. And, I organized our pantry.

Thanks to Pinterest, I got the idea to use a shoe organizer for the small things in a pantry so they don't get lost in the dark abyss. We have a pretty deep pantry, but the actual shelves are not deep at all. I'm still on the hunt for some good ideas to use all our available space.

I have also:

• Hung more pictures on our walls! It's been making this place feel more like a home!
• I organized our laundry area! There are still plenty more things I want to do in that space, but I've gotten a good head start!
• And of course the nursery!

There will be more to come, I can promise that. I have this list of honey-do's to make this house more us and more functional. 

Until next time,

Kandi

18 Week Update + Nursery

Another week has flown by and here I am with another update!

Not too much had happened this week. At least nothing too noticeable.

Well, the only thing noticeable is that my baby bump is getting more round. For the past weeks my belly was pretty pointy as baby boy began to grow. I'm slowly starting to look pregnant and not like I "ate a big meal".

My chest is sore for the growing its been doing. My feet are starting to swell by the end of the day. I don't have too much energy but still managing pretty well. I like to eat a little ice cream before bed every night. I still prefer fresh fruit over anything. I've been searching for the most "comfortable" shoes. 

That's pretty much where I am at.

I still am under my original weight (152 lbs). I was 150 lbs at 17 weeks and still holding that. My doctor says there's nothing to worry so I'm not.

I can feel the difference in the changing ligaments in my body, mainly in my hips where I have my issues. I keep reading that your body goes through tons of changes in order to carry a baby and prepare for birth. These books aren't lying and the changes start happening quickly and earlier than I expected.

Now on to the nursery!

At the beginning of the year we moved to a bigger place. We are luck to have a three bedroom house with a backyard and a garage. Basically, we have a room for the our boy and all the baby stuff to come.

We have an extra dress that matches our bedroom set that is the perfect height for a changing table. I didn't want a typical changing table since I know we won't use it for that long. 

We found a crib and mattress as a set on our community yard sale site. Both were used only a handful of times and after some cleaning it was set up in the room.

We already have a pack n play with a bassinet setting, a diaper backpack, and some other nursery necessities. We have been incredibly lucky getting items lightly used for families willing to help.

This room doesn't have a light in the ceiling, strange I know, but we made it work with a simple tall lamp.

I'm lucky to have my great grandparents glider rocker with ottoman. It saved us a pretty penny and keeps their memory going. I do plan on making a slip cover for it, thanks to the help of my sister-in-law, to make cleaning easier. I know spit up is going to happen.

We have a nightstand I found for our last place that will be perfect for a nightlight late night drinks. 

The currently pillow is a placeholder. It's one I've had for years and I just haven't parted with it yet. I might make a slip cover for it, but I really haven't decided.

We do already have a Jeep walker! It will be some time before that is used!

Not pictured is the swing we got from a very generous family!

We have plenty other things and projects to come for this room! 

22 or so more weeks till our little boy will be here!

Until next time,

Kandi