29 Week Update (I know it's late...)

I'm writing this really late... later than any other week update. I'll be 30 weeks in 30 minutes...

So this past week I have actually been able to sleep!! Thank goodness! It has been a struggle sleeping since I have found that every so often I wake up on my back. Don't worry, I use a million pillows to prop myself up, but it's something that has been happening to me. 

One annoying thing, when I wake up in the morning and hop out of bed my feet are instantly killing me! It's like I've been on my feet for days straight in bad shoes. Eventually it does get better as I move, so I just might be stiff but still annoying. 

Speaking of feet, I have been starting to swell more. I can tell the days that I'm busy and don't have time to sit for a bit that I swell more. So I've been trying to take it easy and rest more through the day. 

We live in Southern California and the summer heat mixed with my ever-changing hormones has been getting the best of me. I feel like I'm always hot and sweaty! I have never experienced this kind of heat and I usually love the summer. Now, I'm trying to find anything that I can be comfortable in and be in as much AC as possible!

As for my weight, I have gained a total of 14 pounds so far. My doctor says I'm on track for my weight and not to worry!

I did pass my glucose test! And trust me, I celebrated with chocolate cake!

Until next time,

Kandi

Picking Jack's Name & 26 Week Update

It honestly didn't take long to pick a name for our little boy. In fact, we had his name picked out for over a year before we even decided to have kids. One night we joking talked about kids names and came the the conclusion on ones we liked. We had a girl and boy name ready for whenever we decided we were ready.

Well, after being told that we might have issues getting pregnant we finally decided to begin trying since it could be a long road ahead. Only a few months later we found out we were pregnant! 

Fast forward a few more months and we found out we were having a boy! I knew, it was like magic, that I knew we were having a boy! From then we started calling him by his name.

We continued the format of our names: name + family name + last name. He'll be: Jack Willis.

We choose Jack because its a classic name but not overly used. It's a simple name and you can find it on souvenirs. It's also the name some of our favorite movie characters. And its easy to yell durning those fun mischievous kid days.

Willis is my Great Grandpa's first name. He was someone who was incredibly special to me and passed away when I was least expecting it. I wish he could have seen me have Jack and any of our future children, but I'm lucky to get to honor him this way. 

This past week my sleep hasn't gotten any better. I'm up late and try to get all the rest I can. It's hard to sleep on either side and I always wake out to be on my back. I have a feeling I will need to try and sleep in my "recliner" position again.

I'm back to no being interested in food. Nothing sounds good and I never know what to eat. I still eat, don't worry. I just make whatever sounds good for David and eat that. 

Jack is growing like crazy and I can feel my skin starting to stretch more and more. He also kicks like crazy, so much that I can see my stomach move!

I have only gained 10 pounds total so far and the doctor says I'm right where I need to be. I have about 10-15 more pounds to gain by the end. 

Until next time,

Kandi

Our Baby Shower

I choose to have my baby shower earlier than the norm. It seems most have their show around 32 weeks pregnant and I'm almost 25 weeks. 

I choose to have my shower early mainly because I have been told to prepare for bed rest and how for the best. This is all because of my hip, yes the one I always reference. I have been told since I was about 19 years old that I would be on bedrest quite a bit through pregnancy and have a c-section. So, I wanted to have my shower to be able to enjoy it! I am slowly having issues with my hip, but nothing to stop me from having fun any time soon!

Second reason I choose to have my shower early, to have time to finish preparing for little man's arrival and not feel stressed with a time crunch. Remember, I like to be prepared!

So, now that we have that out of the way, here's how I did my shower!

I did plan most of this my self but had lots of help from my best friend, Katey! 

I choose to keep it very simple. I wanted this so there wasn't a rush, it was fun and relaxing, people got to visit, and I didn't stress over things.

We had the shower at my parents house since they have lots of room. It ended up being almost 90*F! A lot warmer than planned but at least it was nice!

I did ask for books over cards in the invitation. I loved the idea that our family and close friends could pick their favorite book and we could read it Jack (name post coming soon!) as he grew up. 

In keeping things simple, I kept the "games" simple too! We had more stations of things to do instead of lots of games:

• Sign the onesie - just like a guestbook
• Guess the due date
• How many M&M's in the bottle?
• Decorate the bibs
• Don't say baby!
• Advice cards
• Prediction of size cards
• Guess the side of mom's belly

For food, I once again kept things simple. I forgot to get a picture of the table covered in food, so just imagine! We did water and lemonade for drinks. I had chips, pretzels, and some different dips out first. We then got three trays of sandwiches from our local grocery store to save us time and the mess of making them. And after, I had cupcakes from my favorite bakery and a variety of different cookies.

At the very end of the day, I finally remembered to snap a few more pictures! I was able to get a good photo of David and I from our big day. He's not a picture fan, so I take what I can get!

And of course a belly shot! I found my dress at Target on sale! I was planning to get this dress anyway, it's cotton, comfy, and can be used after being pregnant. And my Birkenstocks, not that glamours but what are comfortable to wear now.

And I couldn't forget a picture with Katey! I couldn't have done this without her!

The only thing I would have done differently: taken more photos! I forgot to get one with my parents and even my roommates from college! But I'm thankful for what we do have!

I haven't shared what I got as far as presents so I don't brag. I will be showing more photos of the nursery here soon and show off a bit of what we got!

Until next time,

Kandi

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

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

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

Do you know what you're having?

We were told by our doctor that we would have to wait till we were 20 weeks along before finding out the  sex of our baby. At this time we were only 13 weeks...

For me that was an eternity!

I instantly was researching a place we could go to for an early ultrasound. We are lucky enough to have two pretty local to us. I was set that we need to go find out. David could wait, he has the the patience I wish I had. After much pleading and begging, by he gave in and said we could go!

At 15 weeks and 2 days we found out what we were having!

Now, this was a Friday. Only a few close friends knew we were going to find out. We magically kept our parents in the dark! Once we knew what I was carrying, we were on a mission on how to announce it to our families. My family is local so we figured surprising them at dinner was an easy and doable option. David's family however is a few states a away. So we sent them a picture frame holder with wooden block on the front spelling the name we choose (a post about that is coming later).

Then we waited.

So, it turned out to be a little harder to get my mom to go out to dinner with no reason why. I had to make up so many reasons to go! My best friend was amazing and made cupcakes with little pink and blue onesies on top for the surprise. We had dinner like normal and surprised by parents with the cupcakes at the end. Of course my mom caught on quickly and hurried to eat a cup cake to find out what the sex of her first grandchild would be!

I had mailed out the gift to David's family on Monday and was told it should be there by Thursday. So we got my family together for dinner that night. But you'll never believe who was lagging... USPS. The gift didn't arrive till Friday!

Both of our families are super excited and surprised! So we succeeded!

So what are you having?

Until next time,

Kandi

Where I've Been

Hey,

It's been a while.

We moved and things got crazy.

Then we went on vacation and we got some exciting, crazy news...

We are expecting!

While on vacation, literally the first day I realized I was extra late. I have irregular periods so being a little late is normal. But I was extra late. So I did the normal thing and peed on a stick. Well, it was positive!

We were super excited from the beginning! David and I are were just starting to try for kids and knew it could take a while, but we were blessed that it didn't!

So here I am, finally feeling better now that I am in the second trimester. I had started making videos on YouTube about my pregnancy, but it was too much work for me. I finally decided to turn to my blog again to keep record as our lives slowly change for the better. I wanted somewhere I could easily write little stories about our lives and add some pictures.

Here are a few photos of our pregnancy so far!

So there you go, that's where I've been.

Get ready for nursery photos as that comes along and as we reveal the gender (we may or may not already know)!

Until next time,

Kandi