36 Weeks!

How far along: 36 weeks

Total weight gain: + 23 lbs- up 4 pounds from last dr. visit

Maternity clothes: All maternity now.   Having to do lots of laundry to make sure I have clothes.  Trying not to buy anything new with only a month left to go.  

Stretch marks: None on my belly, but definitely on my breasts

Sleep:Got lots of extra sleep this past week being out of school - it was my thanksgiving gift to myself.  Had a couple of nights of not waking up until 6 or 7 and that was AWESOME!!!!
Labor Signs: Been having some contractions in the last couple of days.  Not sure if they are Braxton Hicks or the real thing.  They don't last too long but they do hurt. 

Symptoms:  Leaking, hip pain, lower back pain, numb spot on my right leg, numb spot on my left shoulder, acne like a teenager, tired all the time, sore ribs from all the kicking and punching.

Best moment this week: Being out of school!  This meant extra sleep, getting to see our family in Tulsa, and spending some quality time with the hubby!  I really was able to relax a whole lot which doesn't happen very often.  

Miss anything: Being able to wear all my own clothes, Sushi, not being tired all the time, being able to put my shoes on without pain. 

Movement: She is still moving around like crazy.  My whole stomach moves when she does.  She also has the hiccups on a pretty regular basis. 
Food Cravings: Donut holes - haven't given into this one, apples and caramel, LOTS of apple juice, fruit - oranges, apples, grapefruit.  

Anything make you sick or queasy:ground beef still out, dead animals on the side of the road

Gender: GIRL!  Ainsleigh Ryen.

Belly Button in or out: in getting way smaller and flatter

Wedding rings on or off: on and with the cold weather they are also pretty loose most days.

Mood: Feeling good lately.  Really ready for the next few weeks to go by.  

Looking forward to:   Getting the house ready for Christmas, Waiting to wait for Ainsleigh in this season of Advent.  

35 Weeks... 5 Weeks to go!

How far along: 35 weeks and 1 day.  

Total weight gain: + 19 lbs

Maternity clothes: All maternity now.   Went and bought a few more winter things to get me through the next 5 weeks.  Trying to figure out ways to make my dresses last as long as possible by layering and wearing sweaters.   

Stretch marks: None on my belly, but definitely on my breasts.

Sleep: Sleep has been hit or miss.  Some nights I don't move get up and sleep like a rock.  Other nights I'm up 3 or 4 times and toss and turn all night.  Having the last couple of days off of school has given a few extra hours of sleep that I really needed.
Labor Signs: None yet

Symptoms:  Hip pain, lower back pain, numb spot on my right leg, numb spot on my left shoulder, acne like a teenager, tired all the time, sore ribs from all the kicking and punching.

Best moment this week: Getting to see our little girl again with a growth ultrasound.  Everything measured exactly perfect except her head - it's a little big.  Big heads run on both sides of the family.  We even got to see that she has hair!  

Miss anything: Being able to wear all my own clothes, Sushi, not being tired all the time, not being numb in weird places.

Movement: She is still moving around like crazy.  She also has the hiccups on a pretty regular basis. 
Food Cravings: Donut holes - haven't given into this one, apples and caramel, LOTS of apple juice. 

Anything make you sick or queasy:ground beef still out

Gender: GIRL!  Ainsleigh Ryen.

Belly Button in or out: in getting way smaller and flatter

Wedding rings on or off: on

Mood: Feeling good lately.  Really ready for the next few weeks to go by.  

Looking forward to:   Thanksgiving and all the food  and family that comes with it! Getting to put the finishing touches on the nursery.

Photo Collage

So it's been a while since I posted about anything other than my pregnancy, so here is something a little different while still related to Ainsleigh.  

One thing I have found on Pinterest that I really love are these photo collages. Here are some of my favorite!

 I have been looking at them for a quite a while trying to figure out where in my house I could create my own.  When we started planning Ainsleigh's nursery, I decided that a photo collage would be perfect over her dresser/changing table!  I didn't want to spend a whole lot of money on the frames, so I headed to our local thrift store called Helping Hands.  I spent some time looking through the preowned frames and walked out with $8.00 worth of frames (each cost no more that $2 a piece). Well one trip wasn't enough because after getting home the frames I bought weren't  in the best shape when I got them all home.  When my mom was in town, we headed back to helping hands and used this collage as our inspiration for finding the right frames.

 

We got all the frames home and I laid them out on our kitchen floor in the pattern that I wanted them on the wall. (I'm missing the W in this picture)

 

The next step in this process was to the paint all the frames one color.  Since our furniture is white and we are going with that clean look, we decided white would be best.  Mom took on this project and painted two coats of white spray paint on all the frames. Sorry no pictures of this step.

Next, we had to actually hand the frames.  I was trying to figure out a way to hang the frames in the places where I wanted them.  So I traced the frames on newspaper and cut out the templates of the frames.  I hung the templates on the wall in the same arrangement I had them laid on the floor. 

This method worked great to get the spacing correct and to make sure the frames were at the height I wanted over the dresser.  I could easily move the newspaper around before hammering a bunch of holes into the wall.  The hubby came in next to actually do the hammering and hanging of the frames.  He measured each frame to make sure the hole lined up with the frame hanger for each frame since they were all different.

Now, the frames don't have pictures in them quite yet.  We are waiting to get the prints back from our maternity shoot (see a sneak peak here) and I am going to order some elephant prints from Esty to display.  Here is the picture of the wall with all the frames!

 Once all the photos are in and the whole thing is complete I'll add a new photo!  

Happy Pinning!

PInspired Riss

 

33 Weeks

How far along: 33 Weeks - Pics are from 32 weeks 3 days.  

Total weight gain: +15ish 

Maternity clothes: Pretty much all my clothes are maternity, except some dresses.  I'm running into some problems with the weather changing because I only have one long-sleeved maternity shirt.  Have to start stretching things out!  Still have been able belly band a few things here and there.  Have had to start wearing my hubby's t-shirts so they are long enough. :)      

Stretch marks: None on my belly, but I found a few on my breasts this past week.

Sleep: Sleep was not great this past week, until I went on vacation.  Friday night was the best nights sleep I've had in weeks!

Symptoms:  Hip pain, lower back pain, numb spot on my right leg, acne like a teenager, tired all the time.

Best moment this week: We had some wonderful things happen this week.  My wonderful friend and co-worker took some beautiful maternity pictures as seen here!  Katie Brockmeyer Photography is amazing!

The hubby and I also got to get away for the weekend and get some much needed rest and relaxation.  This is the sunset view from our hotel room.
   

 

Miss anything: Sushi, not being tired all the time, not being numb in weird places.

Movement: She is still moving around like.  Hubby felt her giant movements last night and was in awe.   
Food Cravings: Donut holes - haven't given into this one, apples and caramel, LOTS of apple juice. 

Anything make you sick or queasy:ground beef still out

Gender: GIRL!  Ainsleigh Ryen.

Belly Button in or out: in but it is a lot smaller now than it ever has been before.

Wedding rings on or off: on

Mood: Feeling pretty even keel lately.  On top of things enough and letting the little things so I can enjoy my days and not be stressed all the time.  

Looking forward to:   Thankgiving and all the food that comes with it!  Also getting another week off of school will be great!

32 Weeks!

How far along: 32 Weeks in my Halloween costume! I'm Juno and the hubby is Paulie Bleaker!

Total weight gain: +15 according to the Dr. today.  

Maternity clothes: Pretty much all my clothes are maternity, except some dresses.  I'm running into some problems with the weather changing because I only have one long-sleeved maternity shirt.  Have to start stretching things out!  Still have been able belly band a few things here and there.  Have had to start wearing my hubby's t-shirts so they are long enough. :)      

Stretch marks: None so far and I'm hoping things continue that way.

Sleep: Sleep has been pretty good.  Lots of stuffy nose nights and my breathe strips are a MUST.  I'm tired pretty much all the time now.

Symptoms:  Hip pain, numb spot on my right leg, acne like a teenager, tired all the time.

Best moment this week: 2 wonderful things happened this week.  We finally went and picked up Ainsleigh's furniture and got it all put together.  It's absolutely beautiful and looks great against grey walls in her room.

The second wonderful thing was the hubby taking me to Build-A-Bear to make Ainsleigh her first bear.  We named him Ryen like her middle name.  I was nearly in tears when I kissed the heart that went inside him.  It was so sweet and a wonderful memory of my pregnancy!    

Miss anything: Sushi, be able to walk around for more than 30 minutes at a time without having to sit down and rest.

Movement:  I can feel her whole body move at once now.  My stomach pokes out and looks like the ocean at times with how much she's moving.   
Food Cravings: Donut holes, apples and caramel, apple juice, 

Anything make you sick or queasy:ground beef still out

Gender: GIRL!  Ainsleigh Ryen.

Belly Button in or out: in and still flattening

Wedding rings on or off: on

Mood: Really happy.  Feeling way on top of things lately!  

Looking forward to:   My birthday tomorrow!  Our weekend getaway for our dating anniversary this coming weekend!

31 Weeks!

How far along: 31 weeks with new short hair that I love!!!

Total weight gain: +13 according to both home and Dr.  I gained 3 pounds between last 2 visits.  

Maternity clothes: Pretty much all my clothes are maternity, except some dresses.  Still have been able belly band a few things here and there.  Have had to start wearing my hubby's t-shirts so they are long enough. :)      

Stretch marks: None so far and I'm hoping things continue that way.

Sleep:Sleep has been hit or miss this past week.  I think my body is ready to get back into a routine.  Back to waking up in the middle of the night for potty breaks.  Had lots of stuffy nose problems keeping awake, too.

Symptoms:  I have a spot on the lower left side of my back, top of my hip that hurts after sitting for a while. Keep getting it adjusted and hoping it doesn't get worse. I have a spot on my right leg that is tingly which the dr. says means little Ainsleigh is laying on a nerve. I also keep forgetting to mention that the acne fairy has made her presence known during the last few weeks.  I feel like I'm 13 again!!!!  It's awful!

Best moment this week: So many wonderful things happened this past week!  Spending a week creating all kinds of projects for Ainsleigh's room with my mom and mother-in-law.  I love everything we've made and can't wait to share all the pictures!  We had a wonderful shower with lots of family and friends at church.  I got the call today that our furniture has arrived and is ready to be picked up!    

Miss anything: Sushi, not getting winded every time I try to complete any task!

Movement:  Her movements are getting so much stronger these days. The rib bladder combination is quite painful at times. It also feels like she is close lining my stomach on the right side as usual. 
Food Cravings: Donut holes, starbursts, apples and caramel, apple juice, clementines.

Anything make you sick or queasy:ground beef still out

Gender: GIRL!  Ainsleigh Ryen.

Belly Button in or out: in but starting to flatten out and I finally took out my belly button ring this week and it has been so much more comfortable!

Wedding rings on or off: on

Mood: Really happy.  So much got done in the last week and I feel so on top of things - both at home and for school! 

Looking forward to:   Picking up our furntiture and getting everything put together in Ainsleigh's room.  My birthday next week!

30 Weeks down, 10 Weeks to go

How far along: 30 weeks 

Total weight gain: +13 according to home scale.  We'll see what the Dr. scale says on Wednesday

Maternity clothes: Pretty much all my clothes are maternity, except some dresses.  Still have been able belly band a few things here and there.  Have had to start wearing my hubby's t-shirts so they are long enough. :)      

Stretch marks: None so far and I'm hoping things continue that way.

Sleep:Getting good sleep most nights.  Been trying to get a little extra sleep on my 2 week break from school, because as soon as school is back... it's back to reality.   Breathe right strips help eliminate the snoring and the hubby is quick to remind me when I forget to use them.

Symptoms:  My back and feet are way more tired/sore at the end of EVERY day. I have a spot on the lower left side of my back, top of my hip that hurts after sitting for a while. Keep getting it adjusted and hoping it doesn't get worse. I have a spot on my right leg that is tingly which the dr. says means little Ainsleigh is laying on a nerve.

Best moment this week:Mom is in town and we are going to town on the nursery. I'm finally getting to work on all the projects that I've been planning for weeks.  I will be posting pictures once it's all complete.   

Miss anything: Sushi, not getting winded every time I try to complete any task!

Movement: The little girl discovered my ribs in the last couple of days.  She doesn't like it when I bend over and lean over at the waist and she certainly lets me know it.  It also feels like she is close lining my stomach on the right side as usual. 
Food Cravings: Sweets, apples and caramel, apple juice, clementines,.

Anything make you sick or queasy:ground beef still out

Gender: GIRL!  Ainsleigh Ryen. 

Belly Button in or out: in but starting to flatten out and my belly button ring doesn't quite sit right in my belly button any more.

Wedding rings on or off: on

Mood: Great this week! SO happy to have a break from school and get caught up on all the things that have been neglected over the last several weeks. 

Looking forward to:   Getting our furniture in. Craft fair weekend.  Church shower on Saturday!

29 Weeks

How far along: 29 weeks 

Total weight gain: +10 back to 24 week weight.

Maternity clothes: Very little still fits that isn't maternity.  I have found that out the hard way a few times this week.  I have purchased a few new pieces that are more appropriate for fall and the cooler weather.      

Stretch marks: None so far and I'm hoping things continue that way.

Sleep: Sleeping well.  Can't sleep in so much any more, which I guess is just preparing me for when Ainsleigh actually gets here.  Having some middle of the night trips to the bathroom, but not interrupting my sleep too much.  Back to be sleepy very early in the evening- around 8-8:30.  Breathe right strips help eliminate the snoring and the hubby is quick to remind me when I forget to use them.

Symptoms:  On top of all my regular pregnancy symptoms, my heart has been acting up this week.  Almost passed out at school and had to go home.  Dr. said everything looks fine, but my heart meds might be metabolizing quicker because I'm pregnant.  I just have to be careful and monitor how I'm feeling. My back and feet are way more tired/sore at the end of EVERY day.  Still have dizzy spells. I have a spot on my right leg that is tingly which the dr. says means little Ainsleigh is laying on a nerve.

Best moment this week:Making it to my October break! 2 weeks off officially started Friday at 3:00.  We also went camping this weekend, which we an now cross off our bucket list.  We had so much fun even though it was cold and rainy. 

Miss anything: Sushi, and a glass of red wine.

Movement: Lots of movement, but she was a still a little on Friday and Saturday and started to worry me.  But a kick count Saturday night made me feel all better as she moved 10 times in less than 10 minutes.  I think that she has also discovered the left side of my belly this week too.
Food Cravings: Sweets, apples and caramel, and all my camping foods that got to indulge in this week.

Anything make you sick or queasy:ground beef still out

Gender: GIRL!  Ainsleigh Ryen. 

Belly Button in or out: in but starting to flatten out and my belly button ring doesn't quite sit right in my belly button any more.

Wedding rings on or off: on

Mood: Happy most of the time.  Still have lots to do and get stressed easily. 

Looking forward to:   Getting our furniture in. Mom gets here on Thursday!!!!

Third Trimester

How far along: 28 weeks  1 Day

Total weight gain: +8.5... dropped some weight but measuring exactly perfect.  I did find out that I'm anemic and the Dr. told me to drink more milk to try to put on some weight.  I've also decided that I'm really going to stop worrying so much about what I'm eating.

Maternity clothes: Lots of dresses.  Can still belly band when my 3 pairs of maternity pants are dirty (as pictured)  Feeling like I need to go to shopping because I keep recycling the same outfits which is not like me at all!    

Stretch marks: None

Sleep: Sleeping well.  I can usually fall asleep very quickly.  Having some middle of the night trips to the bathroom, but not interrupting my sleep too much.  Back to be sleepy very early in the evening- around 8-8:30.  Breathe right strips help eliminate the snoring and the hubby is quick to remind me when I forget to use them.

Symptoms:  My back and feet are way more tired/sore at the end of EVERY day.  Still have dizzy spells. I have a spot on my right leg that is tingly which the dr. says means little Ainsleigh is laying on a nerve.

Best moment this week: Finally painting the nursery this past weekend.  It's a beautiful grey and I can't wait to get going all the rest of the room. 

Miss anything: Sushi, and a glass of red wine.

Movement: Lots of movement, especially after I eat.  I started feeling her kick/move up at the top of my stomach in the last couple of days.  I think she's finally starting to stretch out but she loves the right side still!
Food Cravings: Sweets, apples, sweet tea

Anything make you sick or queasy:ground beef still out and haven't done the Greek yogurt in the last 2 weeks

Gender: GIRL!  Ainsleigh Ryen. 

Belly Button in or out: in but starting to flatten out and my belly button ring doesn't quite sit right in my belly button any more.

Wedding rings on or off: on

Mood: Happy most of the time.  Still have lots to do and get stressed easily. 

Looking forward to:   Getting our furniture in. October break from school! Mom and MIL coming to town!!!

27 Weeks!

How far along: 27 weeks 

Total weight gain: +12ish.   I'll know for sure after Friday's Dr. appointment

Maternity clothes: Same as last week - Dresses are still working wonder (as pictured).  Going to need some more leggings soon as it gets cooler.  Maternity clothes on most days which means lots of laundry because I don't have near as many outfits in this section of my closet.     

Stretch marks: None

Sleep: Pretty good most nights.  Back to be sleepy very early in the evening- around 8-8:30.  Breathe right strips help eliminate the snoring and the hubby is quick to remind me when I forget to use them.

Symptoms:  My back and feet are way more tired/sore at the end of EVERY day.  Still have dizzy spells. Forgetting stuff, which is awful when I'm teaching!

Best moment this week: Waking up Saturday morning to a dance party in my belly!  I've never felt her move that much or that strong. We also got to go to a Hogs game and see Noises Off at a local theatre.  Such a great weekend!

Miss anything: Sushi, and a glass of red wine.

Movement: So much movement lately.  It such an amazing feeling.  Although I think it must be fun to kick/punch my bladder because she does it all the time!
Food Cravings: Still have a sweet tooth this week.  Really liking my fall candy!!!  

Anything make you sick or queasy: I genuinely tried to eat some ground beef yesterday and it was so gross!  The other thing this week that made my stomach turn was Greek yogurt.

Gender: GIRL!  Ainsleigh Ryen. 

Belly Button in or out: in but starting to flatten out and my belly button ring doesn't quite sit right in my belly button any more.

Wedding rings on or off: on

Mood: Much more calm this week.  Actually feeling like I have my head on my shoulders which is a welcomed feeling. 

Looking forward to: Dr. appt on Friday. Painting the nursery.  Getting our furniture in. October break from school! Mom and MIL coming to town!!!

26 Weeks Down... 14 to go!

How far along: 26 weeks 

Total weight gain: +10- 12 I'd guess.  I've given up trying to keep track of the difference between the home scale and the Dr.'s scale. 

Maternity clothes: Dresses are still working wonders.  Going to need some more leggings soon as it gets cooler.  Maternity clothes on most days which means lots of laundry because I don't have near as many outfits in this section of my closet.     

Stretch marks: None

Sleep: Sleep is hit or miss.  I feel like I'm sleeping well, but I'm way tired by the end of the day, so I question if I'm actually getting super solid sleep.  Still liking my breathe right strips (when I remember to put them on before going to bed).

Symptoms:  My back and feet are way more tired/sore at the end of EVERY day.  My gums have started bleeding when I brush my teeth.  I swear being pregnant has given me allergies too.  Never had those before, but lately my nose is ALWAYS messed up!

Best moment this week: Going to see Finding Nemo in 3D with the Hubby.  Yes, I cried, but I also some really good laughs, which I needed!

Miss anything: Sushi, and a glass of red wine.

Movement: She moves around like crazy.  I still feel her mostly low in my belly and I keep waiting for her to move up.
Food Cravings: Had quite the sweet tooth this week - Starbursts, Candycorn, and mellow cream pumpkins!  

Anything make you sick or queasy: Still no ground beef but everything else is pretty much good to go.

Gender: GIRL!  Ainsleigh Ryen. 

Belly Button in or out: in

Wedding rings on or off: on

Mood: A little less hormonal, but stressed.  So much on my plate and it never seems go away! 

Looking forward to: Painting the nursery.  Getting our furniture in. October break from school! Passing my glucose test at the end of the month.

25 Weeks Down... 15 To Go

How far along: 25 weeks 

Total weight gain: +10- 12 I'd guess.  I've given up trying to keep track of the difference between the home scale and the Dr.'s scale. 

Maternity clothes: Dresses are wonderful!  Belly band when absolutely necessary. Finally cool enough to wear my new-to-me maternity pants to school.     

Stretch marks: None

Sleep: Sleep was rough this past week, though I think it had little to do with the pregnancy and more to do with my stress level.  I'm really liking the breathe right strips - they seem to be helping the snoring (at least the hubby hasn't complained)  

Symptoms:  Way tired feet.  Trying to keep them up once I get home as much as possible.  Maybe TMI but man the gas this week!  It gets trapped too and hurts!  Belly not itching so bad lately which is a nice reprieve from what is was like a couple of weeks ago. Way hormonal and crying this week!

Best moment this week: Learning how to make bows for my sweet girl!  

Then once I learned how to make them, it required a trip to the craft store because "I didn't have enough supplies!".  Now I just need to make a bow to match every outfit that is already in that closet of hers.

Miss anything: Sushi, and a glass of red wine.

Movement: Lots of movement this week. It's usually the first thing I feel in the morning and the movement is getting a lot stronger.

Food Cravings: Still loving cheese and cheesy food.  I do crave Dr. Pepper and try to only give in occasionally.

Anything make you sick or queasy: ground beef really is pretty much the only thing I still avoid completely.  Other things don't always sound good, but that's more an in the moment kind of thing!

Gender: GIRL!  Ainsleigh Ryen. 

Belly Button in or out: in

Wedding rings on or off: on

Mood: Crazy and hormonal.  I think I was crazier and cried more this past week than the rest of my pregnancy combined.  I'm hoping that things will level out a little week.  

Looking forward to: Picking out paint for the nursery that is almost ready to be painted. Passing my glucose test at the end of the month.

24 Weeks!

How far along: 24 weeks 

Total weight gain: +10 according to the Dr. on Friday.  He said my weight gain was "perfect", which was nice to hear when trying to get over the mental gymnastics of gaining 10 pounds.  

Maternity clothes: Dresses are wonderful!  Belly band still works for the most part when needed.  Loving my maternity shirts that actually fit!  

Stretch marks: None

Sleep: I'm still sleeping well, and got some breath right strips to help with the snoring.   

Symptoms:  Mostly the same as last week: itchy stomach - using vitamin E to help, stuffy nose - thus the snoring, my appetite is finally back and actually better on somedays than pre-pregnancy, lots of dizzy spells, foot pain/soreness after teaching all day.  

Best moment this week: So many wonderful things happened this week!  Finally got some work done in the nursery. The closet is all Ainsleigh things now. We have agreed no more clothes buying until after we have our shower!

 We painted an accent wall in our bedroom after discussing it for months. (separate blog post on that project to come) We ordered nursery furniture finally! I got a 4 day weekend for Labor day and enjoyed all of it.  Today, I got to hang out with the wonderful hubby just having fun - lunch, bowling, and antique shopping. 

 So much fun!

Miss anything: Sushi, and a glass of red wine.

Movement: Moving regularly throughout the day and night.  I have actually seen those kicks on the outside of my belly.  Still most movement is below the belly button. 

Food Cravings: Cheese, bean and cheese burritos, ginger ale, chips and salsa, and sweet tea this week. 

Anything make you sick or queasy: ground beef really is pretty much the only thing I still avoid completely.  Other things don't always sound good, but that's more an in the moment kind of thing!

Gender: GIRL!  Ainsleigh Ryen. 

Belly Button in or out: in

Wedding rings on or off: on

Mood: Pretty happy and have quite a lot of energy which is great to get things done around the house.  

Looking forward to: Continuing to mark things off our pre-baby bucket list. Learning to make hair bows this coming weekend! Passing my glucose test at the end of the month.