25 Week Update

This week has been a whole lot of not sleeping. I'm not sure if will get better. I've been trying everything possible to sleep. It seems like my mind just won't turn off even though my body is tired.

Since the weather is slowly getting more "summer like" I have noticed the beginning of feet swelling. More like my ankles get huge and hurt. I try to sit and elevate them but that doesn't always seem to help.

My hot flashes have gone from at night only to daytime too. I usually love hot weather, I would rather be warm then cold. Now I'm starting to hate it! I live in minimal, comfy clothing to stay comfortable. The blower motor (what blows the AC) went out in my Jeep, so my amazing husband is replacing that for me this weekend!

My skin seems to be more dry and itchy then before. I just keep slathering on lotion and drinking lots of water. I know hormones aren't helping, but it's sure annoying!

We spent Father's Day at a car show and I had to get a picture with my Baby Daddy. You can even see my belly starting to poke out!

Zero, our husky mix, has always been all about David. He really doesn't care for me unless David is gone and he wants something. Now, he's starting to get super excited when I come home and follow me around the house more. I've read that dogs can sense you body changing and the baby, so I'm starting to think thats whats going on. 

He's even cuddled with my belly and been super confused when he gets kicked. He keeps coming back for more kicks in the face, so I just hope he falls in love with Jack like we are.

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

24 Week Update!

I think it's finally happened. My belly is finally looking like it has popped out! I still carry him low, or at least it seems low to me, he's finally being noticeable!

Now that we are 24 weeks, we have about 16 weeks or 112 days till our son makes his way into the world.

My biggest issue continues to be the lack of sleep I get. I had perfected my schedule to get around 9 hours of sleep a night before getting pregnant. I'm lucky to get 7 hours now. And let me tell you, I'm feeling it! After about a week or more of no sleep, I can finally pass out hard from exhaustion. I try everything to have a good bedtime routine, but between nighttime heart burn and baby dance classes, I just can't fall asleep until midnight to 1am-ish. I'm up around 7am to keep with my daily schedule. There are days I could sleep in but when I do, I feel like I've wasted so much time.

When I do get to sleep, I'm so hot! Like sweating and gross. I know it's the hormone changes, but I've never had this issue in my life. I love, love the feeling of heavy blankets. But between the heat I put off, the obstacle of pillows, and the amount I move around, the favorite blankets don't cut it any more. We currently use a top sheet and (one of my all time favorite) thin handmade blanket.

My second sleep issue: if I nap, I have a super hard time falling asleep at night. I've never been a napper. I've always been better at pushing through my day and passing out early. When I nap, I wake up groggy and take forever to fully wake up. This happens to me if I take a cat-nap or one of those coma-naps. And I keep napping more! It's such a vicious circle!

Now, my boobs. I still don't know how so many friends have neglected to pass the information about how much your chest can change during pregnancy. Mine are currently itchy and hurt all the time. I have completely grown out of pre-baby bras. I have bought some nursing bras (to save money since I plan on using them post-birth) and some sleep type bras. I have fallen in love with how comfortable the nursing bras are! I almost never want to go back to an underwire bra! Granted, they aren't that pretty or sexy but they are practical and still offer support. I have searched around for affordable bras to save some money. So far Burlington Coat Factory has been the best for selection and price!

What's comfy and whats not? The dress I'm wearing in the photos from the week is from Target's Maternity section. I have it in three different prints and would live in them all the time if I could. I have found that my jean material pants and capris are getting more and more uncomfortable as time goes on. I have invested in some thin capri leggings (that might not be actual pants but I've using them as some) and they are amazing. I do notice as time goes on, I get more uncomfortable in my skin so whatever I can get to make these next 16 weeks go by faster, well I buy it!

I have wide hips (thanks to my Mom) but I can tell they are widening more! I started my pregnancy journey wearing small/medium underwear and I'm now wearing large/extra large ones. I haven't gained much weight yet, just the normal pregnancy weight. I can still pull my pre-pregnancy jean up my thighs but they don't fit around my hips. I had read that ligaments loosen and things move around to carry the baby and to prepare for labor, but I didn't realize it would be such a change so fast!

Speaking of weight gain, I'm now at 160. I started at 152 at 9 weeks and was 146 at 13 weeks. I'm not sure if I've gained 8 or 14 pounds, but not much yet. My doctor was a little worried at first with my weight loss from nausea, but says I'm doing good now so not to worry. She would like me to gain around 25 pounds. I found this helpful to explain pregnancy weight gain.

I have fallen in love with baby moccasins. I have found so many small business that make their own little shoes and have to stop myself from buying all the pairs! I'm waiting to see how big little man's feet are when he's born before buying any. I know they aren't practical as a tiny baby, but during the winter I would like something for his feet besides just socks. I like that moccasins are soft and have give unlike so many baby shoes that have hard soles.

Ok, diaper bags... How many are acceptable? My in-laws got us the Jeep backpack diaper bag when we first told them we were pregnant. Without much research it seemed practical. Now that I've been researching baby things in general, I haven't figured out if we have the best diaper bag for us. David is fine with whatever, but likes the idea of a backpack one to be hands free. But my issue is that I have found this other diaper bag at Burlington Coat Factory that is a cross body style. My girl friends have suggested I get it, so that if I want I can swap out between the two. I'm really debating about getting it, but we shall see how much self control I have.

We don't have cable so my main "tv" type of entertainment is YouTube. For the longest time I loved watching beauty videos and planner videos, I've not switched to "mommy" videos. I've been watching tons of "what to take to hospital" and "whats in your diaper bag" videos. I have also watched all of Aaryn William's videos leading up to her delivery. I love being able to watch what other pregnant ladies are going through or what they suggest through their pregnancy.

Until next time,

Kandi

23 Week Update!

Here we are, 23 weeks!! We have about 17 weeks or 119 days to go till we meet our little guy!

This past week my symptoms are getting real. I have stretch marks that are visible already. I knew I would get some since I did growing up, but these are noticeable. My chest has gone up two sizes already, so I have some there. I have noticed a few on my inner thighs and outer hips too. I just keep putting Bio-Oil and Cetephil Body Cream all over my body. What happens will happen, I just didn't think I would so soon.

My congestion has decreased some this week. I'm not dying from not being able to breathe. Being able to breath through your nose is an amazing thing!

I have been so hot when sleeping lately! I have taken our comforter off the bed and just have a light blanket. Besides our ceiling fan and the window open, I've added another fan. I have always been a cold sleeper, but I guess not now!

My feet are starting to swell. My left hip has issues can cause my whole leg to swell but now its getting worse. And my right leg is starting to join the party.

My arches fell around week 16 and I got a pair of Birkenstocks to help. They have been amazing but I'm noticing that my sneakers aren't fitting anymore now. I wore basic Keds all the time, but now they are too tight in width and my Nike's are starting to get too tight after wearing them for a few hours. I'm lucky we are in southern California so I can wear sandals all the time, but sometimes you need closed-toe shoes, so I'm gonna need to go shopping...

I have slowly been gaining weight as I should! I began at 152 lbs and now at 159 lbs. All the baby books I've read says I should gain about a pound a week so we are on the right track!

This past week a stranger asked if I was pregnant! My first time! I said yes, and of course received some unsolicited advice, but it was a nice feeling! People keep saying he's starting to pop out!

Until next time,

Kandi

22 Week Update

This week feels just like last week so far.

I have been super congested and not sleeping good. Meh... I don't think this is going to change anytime soon.

On a happy note, I have had a little extra energy! I felt so energized that I cleaned the whole house and it looked amazing for a good three hours! Once I let Zero (our pup) in and David got home from work, that was it - the house was a mess again. But a messy house is a house full of love!

I will by in my good friend from college's wedding this October. Yep same month I am estimated to give birth. Luckily, baby boy is due the 5th and the wedding is the 29th! But, shopping for a bridesmaid dress six months pregnant was such a "Debbie Downer" moment. I don't have the body shape for super cute dresses, I'm A-line all the way (thanks Mom for big hips). And needing to factor in a post-pregnancy body, I was left with only a few options. I settled on one, not exactly my favorite but flatters my body. Big truth, only my husband will say I look amazing, it's her wedding day and all eyes will be on her like they should!

As I'm writing this, little man is bouncing off the walls. He's become a big mover. I have a feeling I will be going a lot with this one!

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

17 Week Baby Update

It's that time for another update. I find that I get questions from lots of people asking general things about my pregnancy now that I'm slowly showing.

So, here we go!

Baby boy's heartbeat is strong and normal around 145 bpm. It seems that he is laying across my hips with his legs up towards my ribs. We get to see him in three weeks when we have our second trimester ultrasound.

I am anxiously waiting to feel baby boy kick! I'm honestly not sure if I'm starting to feel little flutters or if my stomach is just rumbling... So I'm just waiting. I know it won't be much longer and he will be kicking me in the ribs. I can't wait to feel the little flutters that just the two of us will share. 

I did take advantage of the recent sale at Target and stocked up on my favorite tank tops that stretch and I'm hoping to wear as long as I can. I bought them a few sizes bigger so they are a little loose and I have room to grow. They are normally $9 but were on sale 3 for $24, plus there was 50% the exact tanks on the Cartwheel app! Maternity tan dresses were 50% off too, so I grabbed a couple. 

Slowly my clothes aren't fitting. Or at least some on my favorite shirts and definitely my normal pants. I am on the petite side so maternity pants are becoming my best friend. Now I'm just on the hunt for some good yoga pants.

There isn't anything am craving, at least not yet. I've been eating everything like normal. Bagels or oatmeal in the morning with my watered down coffee get me going. I usually eat leftovers for lunch. And I still make normal meals for dinner. 

I cannot stand the smell of mayonnaise or fried eggs. I don't care for either in general. And now, just a big nope!

Two normal pregnancy symptoms I've developed are acid reflux and congestion. I can't help the acid reflux too much besides Tums, chocolate milk and hope it doesn't last my whole pregnancy. For the congestion is just sucks. I naturally get congested during the spring from all the pollen in the air. I've had two small sinus surgeries to help, but hormones are in full force. I sleep with Vick's Vapor Rub and a defuser every night. I'm seeing a humidifier coming soon.

I also have some hip issues. I've something wrong with my left hip and have seem numerous doctors and specialists to see what's wrong with me since I was 19. It's speculated that I have Rheumatoid Arthris but nothing is definitive. I've had x-rays, bloodwork, MRIs, and even a biopsy. Doctors have always eluded that I might have hip issues whenever I got pregnant. Well, I'm starting to have some issues. Mainly it's pain in my hip as my ligaments are starting to loosen. I have a prescription to help if my hip hurts really bad. It's a big wait and see game as I get closer to by due date.

So there ya go, my 17 week update.

We have 23 more weeks till our due date. I'm anxiously waiting for this little one to arrive but incredibly happy that he's growing and developing as he should.

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