I'm back!

It's been awhile since I last blogged.  Thanksgiving was so much fun, very busy but so great to see all of our family.  We were in Virginia for a week and it of course didn't seem long enough.  However it was wonderful to get back to our own bed.  Our halls are decked for Christmas and there is nothing better than relaxing on the couch looking at the Christmas tree.  I wonder if Olivia will get here before Christmas, I sure hope so.  I did buy a 1st Christmas fleece onesie just in case.  I'm going to try to get her stuff packed for the hospital tonight and to finish packing my stuff as much as I can for now at least.  I'm nervous about not being prepared.  I'm trying to keep the house in order, the last thing I want is to come home from the hospital to a messy house (Jonathun is not great at this).  I have had four baby showers and they were all so wonderful filled with love.  I feel so blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life.  I'd say right now the only complaint I have is being tired and not being able to sleep very well.  Tonight Jonathun and I are planning on making my families Christmas sausage bread!

34 WEEKS

Weekly Update

How far along? 34 Weeks

Baby size?  Cantaloupe, the doctor says she's 5 1/2 pounds already.

Maternity clothes?  I miss my clothes so much, sometimes I'll just look at them in my closet and think how cute they all are.  Maternity clothes are not cute. 

Stretch marks?  None yet, I just ran out of my Belly Balm, need to get some more ASAP.

Sleep? Still loving my body pillow

Foods I am loving?  Nothing specific, I really haven't had an appetite since I've been sick (a week now)

Foods I am hating?  All dairy has been less than desirable, due to this sinus infection.

Best moment of the week?  ULTRASOUND, Jonathun and I got to see Olivia this week.  She loves to cover her face with her hands, she smiled for us and pouted a bit.  We can't wait to meet her. 

Movement?  YES, she is head down so her feet are literally in my ribs.  I still can't get enough of her moving around.

Symptoms? I've had a sinus infection and ear infection for a week now and can't seem to kick it.  I've pretty much been miserable.

 

What I'm looking forward to?  Thanksgiving and see our families!  

We had a busy week, which could be partly why I'm not getting better as fast as I would like.  Thursday night, Friday night and all day today (Saturday) I have just hung around in sweats taking naps and doing a few little things around the house.  Hoping the down time will kick this nasty sinus infection, wondering if that's really all it is.  Tonight I did get myself together to go to a birthday dinner for our friend Mark, but then it will be right back home. 

Baby Shower Weekend

It was a relaxing weekend, Saturday I did a bunch of little things around the house and went on a great walk with my friend Stephanie and her adorable son Mason, then we made a fire and watched a movie that night.  Sunday was my baby shower hosted by Olga, Apryl and Staci they hosted such a fantastic shower, Olivia and I are so luckily to have them.  So many of my friends here in Charleston came to help me celebrate Olivia, I had so much fun with them all and they sure did shower us with some great stuff!  I'll post some pictures later.  The only downfall of the weekend was I got sick.... I was determined to make it through this entire pregnancy without getting sick.  I went to the doctor this morning and it turns out I have a nasty sinus infection and ear infection.  Needless to say I'm working from home today, there are however prescription meds safe to take while pregnant and I am loaded up on them.  I'm sure I'll be feeling much better before Thanksgiving.

xoxo, Holly

33 Weeks

Weekly Update

How far along? 33 Weeks

Baby size?  Feels to big for my belly

Maternity clothes?  YES, I am missing my pre-pregnancy clothes more and more

Stretch marks?  None yet, thanks to Burt’s Bee’s Belly Balm

Sleep? I finally bought a body pillow like everyone told me to... SO much more comfortable now.  

Foods I am loving?  Still Eggnog!!!!

Foods I am hating?  Coffee, haven't had any for about 2.5 weeks now

Best moment of the week?  Finally found/ordered a side table for Olivia's room, I've been looking for one for awhile now.  And hoping the dresser will come not broken tomorrow (I'll tell you about that later).

Movement?  YES, she is stronger now and was kicking me in the ribs last night.  By far my favorite thing about being pregnant

Symptoms? Just overall uncomfortable, my knees have been swelling if I'm on my feet all day.

What I'm looking forward to?  Baby Shower this weekend hosted by three amazing friends Olga, Apryl and Staci 

The dresser story is that the first dresser delivered had a broken drawer, so they sent a new one that had a broken leg. They/JCPenny took both broken ones and we waited for the third to be delivered, well it came also with a BROKEN leg.  We are both a little frustrated now, the FOURTH dresser will be delivered tomorrow.  Hoping that it is not broken, I'll keep you posted.

xoxo, Holly

Babymoon

One of my friends introduced me to the concept of a babymoon.  It is a vacation taken by a couple that is expecting a baby in order to allow the couple to enjoy a final trip together before the many sleepless nights that usually accompany a newborn baby.  I wanted to take one but didn't think we were going to have the time.  Jonathun surprised me last week with a weekend babymoon to Asheville, NC.  We drove up with the dogs Friday afternoon to a cabin he had rented about 10 minutes outside of downtown Asheville.  Our first dinner was Bonefish Grill one chain that I love and we do not have in Charleston, the bang bang shrimp is delicious.  Saturday we made breakfast together at the cabin then spent the day at the Biltmore.  It was the perfect weekend to go as they had just decorated for Christmas and the leaves were beautiful as the had changed for Fall.  We then went to Early Girl Eatery (a suggestion from Krista and Whitney) for breakfast Sunday... it was excellent!  Then we headed back to Charleston to watch the NY Jets beat the Buffalo Bills, it was a perfect weekend.  We had so much fun together and even though our next trip will be a little different we are looking forward to those as well.  


xoxo, Holly

Weekly Update

How far along? 32 Weeks

Baby size?  3 pounds

Maternity clothes?  YES, I am missing my pre-pregnancy clothes more and more

Stretch marks?  None yet, thanks to Burt’s Bee’s Belly Balm

Sleep? Some nights I don’t even have to get up, how amazing is that

Foods I am loving?  Eggnog!!!!

Foods I am hating?  Coffee

Best moment of the week?  Fair Food

Movement?  YES, she moves all through the day.  By far my favorite thing about being pregnant

Symptoms? Just overall uncomfortable, my knees have been swelling if I'm on my feet all day.

What I'm looking forward to?  Jonathun is surprising me with a weekend getaway.  He did not tell me where we are going just that I need to pack for Friday and Saturday night.  

Here is a picture after the Fair!

32 Weeks or 8 Months

I can't believe I'm 8 months pregnant already.  This pregnancy is flying by.  It's amazing how carrying a baby makes little things like bending over to put your shoes on so much more challenging.  I am a little overwhelmed with all of the little stuff I need/want to get done before "Olivia" arrives.  Yes we picked a name.  There are a bunch of little things around the house I want to get organized in the next 8 weeks, if I have 8 weeks.  I have a feeling I'm going to have her in the next 6 weeks, but that only God and Olivia know.  My amazing high school friends threw me a baby shower last weekend, it was so much fun and so great to see them all.  They all gave us so many wonderful presents for Olivia.  Makes me wonder why we live so far away, if we were still in Virginia I could see them and all of their babies so much more.  My grandma was sure to remind me of this on the way home from the shower.  Then there is my family who I miss so much it would be so nice to be close to them, we will have to see.  Having a baby sure is giving me Virginia fever.  The problem is I LOVE Charleston, it's such an amazing place to live.  We have made some great friendships here over the past five years, I am blessed to have such amazing people in my life.  Next up, beginning a family with Jonathun.  I posted a picture of Jonathun and I at my Mom's this past Sunday and of Duke on Halloween. 

Holly

28 Weeks - Start of my 3rd Trimester!!

How far along?  28 Weeks – The beginning of my 3^rd Trimester

Baby size?  A 2 – 2.5 pound eggplant

Maternity clothes?  YES, I’m thinking I’m going to need a pair of jeans; I have one pair of skinny maternity jeans however they are getting less and less comfortable. 

Stretch marks?  None yet, thanks to Burt’s Bee’s Belly Balm

Sleep? Some nights I don’t even have to get up, how amazing is that

Foods I am loving?  Fried Chicken, Baked Crispy Chicken and Subs

Foods I am hating?  None

Best moment of the week?  Standing up from a meeting and having the lady across get so excited saying “Oh my you are pregnant, how exciting”

Movement?  I can really feel her now, the movement is stronger and Jonathun can feel her too

Symptoms? OMG leg cramps at 5 AM, it hurt so bad that I woke Jonathun up AND Heartburn, which has also hit at 2 AM.  So some nights are better than others.

What I'm looking forward to?  My Mom, Sister-In-Law Terri, and nieces Juliana and Claire are coming to visit for the weekend. 

I can’t believe I only have 85 days to GO, that’s exciting and scary at the same time.  I have so much to do still, find a pediatrician, take a birthing class, take a breastfeeding class, organize the house, and buy Christmas presents…. I’ll start all of this next week and enjoy my weekend with my family but then it’s game time.

Nesting

My nesting has begun.  I cleaned out my pantry this week which felt awesome.  It is so organized, I love it.    Next up my closet and dresser.  Then I'll move onto the closets upstairs, the hope chest full of pictures, then the ATTIC.  The attic is a mess, we organized it at the beginning of this year but have been throwing stuff up there as we have been moving things around.  Jonathun has a hard time getting rid of things so I'm going to have to work on him or do some of this when he is not around :).  I also have the urge to change around my kitchen; however I know this will turn into a huge mess so I'll have to wait till I have more time and a game plan.  Tonight I am cleaning out our refrigerator and I plan on throwing away some of the condiments we never use.  Also I am going to vacuum our screened porch, this is to get ready for my Mom, Terri and nieces Juliana and Claire's visit.  They get here either late tomorrow night or first thing Friday morning, I can't wait.  Work has been super busy and it's going to get busier in the next month.  I just keep telling myself I need to get through the next three months then I will have a much needed break from Concentra.  I plan on having the entire house organized before the baby comes, let's see if I can make that happen....  

27 WEEKS

How far along?  27 Weeks

Baby size?  A 2 pound eggplant

Maternity clothes?  Pants: 100 % maternity pants, although my sweatpants still fit (it’s the elastic waist band).  Shirts: a mix of stretchy non-maternity shirts a handful of maternity tops.  I’m already sick of my maternity clothes.

Stretch marks?  None yet, thanks to Burt’s Bee’s Belly Balm

Sleep? Way to may pillows around me, but they sure do make a difference.  I have to put a pillow behind my back to keep me from rolling over and sleeping on my back. 

Foods I am loving?  Pizza is number one right now.  I had another Milkshake on Sunday and pretty much I am eating anything in sight. 

Foods I am hating?  None, remember my above statement “eating anything in sight”

Best moment of the week?  Running with my friend Staci

Movement?  She is moving around all the time, by far my favorite part of pregnancy!

Symptoms?  Sleepy

What I'm looking forward to?  Going to the South Carolina vs. Auburn football game this Saturday

Nursery in the making

The nursery is staring to look like a real room.  I am beginning to picture our little girl playing in her room, just a few final touches and it will be ready for our baby girl.  We still have not decided on a name, we have a few we really like.  I think it will take meeting her before we can truly commit to a name.  After spending the last few Saturday's working around the house we are almost back to order.  Maybe just one or two more weekends.  I am still searching for a side table and a rug along with a few decorative accents for the nursery.  As much fun as it's been, I have missed having my family close to share the excitement of picking out all the little things.  However I'm posting pictures for you all to see, best option.  

Love, Holly

Prenatal Yoga

I took my first prenatal yoga class, it was the lunch time class.  I'm lucky to have a somewhat flexible work schedule, however it was still a rush to get there and then get back to work.  I'm not totally sure but I think I was the only girl there that worked, the rest of the girls stayed around in yoga clothes to chat afterwards.  Not me, I changed back into work clothes grabbed my mat and dashed out the door.  I didn't know how tight I was, I felt so much more relaxed after the class.  With running and going to the gym I don't really get much stretching in, I think this class is going to be great for me.  I bought a 5 class pass, and am hoping to make at least on class a week.  I've always wanted to take one of those "hot" yoga classes, I'll have to try that after the baby is born.  As for the nursery, I bought a chandelier and curtain rods tonight.  This weekend I'm on a search for a lamp, side table and curtains.  The ones I really like are from Pottery Barn kids and are $200 before tax and shipping, just seems like a lot to pay for four curtain panels and plain white ones at that.  Also the bassinet that Jonathun's Dad bought us came today, Jonathun put it together!  It's really cute and the bedding is so soft.  This is the bassinet, we got the pink cuddle plush bedding in the second picture.

Love, Holly

The "outs" of pregnancy for me

What do I have to complain about, nothing really... I didn't get morning sickness, I held enough energy to go to school through my first trimester while working full time and I have been able to run and go to the gym still.  And first let me say I thank god for this everyday.  SO let me tell you what has been so surprising about my pregnancy.   Skin and weight.... my skin began breaking out almost immediately and is just now starting to get a little bit better (6 months in).  Now I'm left with these terrible red acne scars, thank goodness for Mac.  However I'm used to putting some mascara, eyeliner and blush on then out the door, those days are OVER.  At least until it's safe to get a chemical peel and or microdermabrasion.  That's another thing you can't do anything for your skin while your pregnant, that's a big "out" for me.  It only took me going to the dermatoligist twice and her telling me not to bother coming back until after the pregnancy. So for now it's foundation with a foundation brush (to get the best coverage), and powder reapplied every few hours, and this still is just subpar.  For the weight, I didn't expect to struggle with this.  Always being small and the fact that my Mom gained little to no weight during her three pregnancy's I assumed I'd be the same way.  Well let me tell you it's not been like that for me.  I let myself eat a ton and didn't exercise much during the first trimester (this was because I was taking night classes).  I was ravishing hungry during the first trimester and this was not mental, it didn't take long to catch up with me.  Now I've been much more aware of my food choices and have joined a gym again.  My friend Olga has told me my body will go back to normal, I'm not sure if my size 24 Hudson jeans will ever be worn by me again.  Feet... another "out" of pregnancy.... simply said they just hurt.  Stairs... an "out", maybe it's because I don't have to walk up stairs very much but when I do, I get winded and tired.  People Style Watch, only one of my favorite magazines, has become depressing since I know I can't wear anything in there this fall or winter.  I think I'll have to give it to a non pregnant friend for the next few months.  Those are the big ones I can think of for now.  Even with the "outs" of pregnancy, it has been fun and I'm embracing all of the moments that pregnancy brings my way.

Creating my first Blog

I have a friend who gave me the idea to create a blog to share news about my pregnancy since all of our family and many friends are so far away.  So here it goes.... it took a little bit of time to figure out the formatting.  This will help me keep up with technology.  As all of you know we are pregnant with a baby girl, I'll be 6 1/2 months on Thursday, it's flying by.  Pregnancy has been very different than I expected.  For one I've have a  fabulous pregnancy, the horrid morning sickness never hit me.  I'm thanking God for that one, he's been watching over me and for that I'm giving him thanks.  Jonathun has been working hard getting our babies nursery together, which has been so exciting.  This process has tested my patience as the upstairs of our house has been rearranged, messy and filled with stuff everywhere.  I'm the kind of person that needs order and our upstairs has had everything but order for the past few weeks.  Jonathun knowing this hired a crew to put in the wood floors and crown molding knowing he would not have time to get to it for awhile.  That has  helped things begin to be put back into place.  We sold our pool table and bought a new couch for the new theather room (the babies room was previously a theather room).  So that has been a big project as well, Jonathun has been running speaker wire though the ceiling and cutting holes in the walls.... more of a mess.  He has been working really hard, and in a few weeks it will all be done and we will be able to sit back and relax, that rarely happens though.  My goal of this blog is to stay in touch with you all and keep you involved in our life, as we begin a new chapter togehter.