Baby Max is a growing boy

We got good news at the ultrasound today. Max is growing nicely and his measurements are lining up with the norm. I have plenty of fluids and may just be measuring small. He could weigh up to 4lbs 15oz. His hands and feet were still up by his face. He is also still breech and has a few more weeks before they get concerned about that. Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers, he's a good little boy already.

Pregnancy Survey- 33 Weeks

How Far Along: 33 weeks

Size of baby: This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

Total Weight Gain: 19 lbs

Sleep: Still up to pee a few times a night, but sleeping pretty good with my pillows 

Symptoms: Feeling pretty good. We had a 33 week doctor appointment yesterday where they said that I was measuring too small. You are suppose to be the same number of cm's from your pelvic bone to the top of your uterus as the number of weeks you are (so approx 33- give or take). She said I was measuring only at 29/30 max. The heartbeat was fine and I have been feeling him move a good bit. We are scheduled for a growth check ultra sound on friday to see what is going on. Hopefully it is just his position making me look smaller. I did go to the appointment in the morning when I normally go after lunch so I measured after dinner and I was more around 31. Think good thoughts tomorrow and I will keep you posted. I'm trying not to worry too much so just keeping busy until the appointment. 

Cravings: I enjoyed eating a lot of these past few days with the holidays. I have had plenty of good food and desserts! 

Gender- Max David 

Movement: He's moving around a good bit still. 

Maternity Clothes: Yup, and just wearing some things a size up from my normal is working pretty good still. 

Best Moments this week: Having my family in town for the holidays. We had a great time at the baby shower (i'll do a whole post on that, it was very fun and everyone spoiled Max rotten), Christmas, shopping and getting Max's nursery up and going.  

What I'm looking forward to: Enjoying the rest of our Xmas staycation at home with David. Seeing Baby Max at the ultra sound tomorrow. 

Milestones: We surprised my mom and David's parents with a 3D/4D ultrasound where they could come with us to see Max. My sister and James also got to come and see him. He was very uncooperative by having his feet and hands above his head and covering up his face almost the entire time. I tried sugar and caffeine and he just wouldn't move them much. We did get a few good shots and the dvd that david edited. I'll do a sep. post on it, but here is a little teaser. His nursery is also moving along really well. David, James and my Brother did the customized closet unit, The gals bought and made decorative accents (wait until you see Max's name), Mom is making curtains, David made changing pad cover and pillows. Lots of projects to share soon. 

33 week belly shot taken on Christmas. 

Homemade Christmas Gifts

Hi Everyone, I am back... sorta. I am still on vacation from work, but wanted to share some of the things we've been doing over our Christmas break.

  I'll start with what David and I made for our families for homemade gifts. 

For my family I did these simple subway art frames. I used this print and just printed it on glossy paper and we spray painted some frames from Walmart with red. It was very simple and looks great. 

I also got this idea for decorative kitchen towels from pinterest. It was simple, but somewhat time consuming. You use flour sacks from walmart and just use an iron to put your hem on each side and pin it to your towel then just sew a nice hem on each side onto the towel. Who know hobby lobby had such cute kitchen fabric.

David also made these little earbud holders for the guys. He ran out of time though, it was going to have a zipper on it and be a little more fancy. 

We made fabric covered binder cookbooks for Davids family. I had made them last year for my mom and sister so we decided to make 8 more this year! 

They turned out really good and I just put some clear sheet protectors in with a recipe to get them going. So that is what we were doing for 2 weekends prior to Christmas in between all our baby classes. 

Pregnancy Survey- 32 Weeks

How Far Along: 32 weeks

Size of baby: By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, he'll gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next 7 weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb. He now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). His skin is becoming soft and smooth as he plumps up in preparation for birth.

Total Weight Gain: 18 lbs

Sleep: It's getting a bit more difficult to get comfy. I hug a long pillow that goes underneath my belly to sleep.

Symptoms: Feeling pretty good, I am starting to get tired more at night after coming home from work/making dinner and all that, but it's not until 9-10pm so I guess it could be worse.  It could also be the holiday time and rushing around to get everything done.

Cravings: I could go for some pizza after hearing my sister say she had Pizza Hut.

Gender- Max David

Movement: He's still moving, not as crazy as the past couple weeks, maybe he's moved?

Maternity Clothes: Yup, and just wearing some things a size up from my normal is working pretty good still.

Best Moments this week: I loved going to take a tour of the hospital. I've never been to North Side and it is really nice there. The delivery room is huge and the rooms you go to after are all private and have private bathrooms and all that fun stuff. We now know where to drop off and check-in. It is getting more real and you could have left me there to have the baby and I would have felt good about it. I am almost ready.

What I'm looking forward to: I am so excited for the coming days. Michelle and James arrive this afternoon and mom, brother and sister-in-law tomorrow! Then it's baby shower time and Christmas festivities with family. It's going to be a fun weekend-week ahead.

Milestones: My crib bedding is IN! I really love it and can't wait to get the nursery going. David did a great mock-up of the closet and we'll be using some IKEA storage items for inside the closet. I'll document to show you how we're doing it. I am looking forward to getting a lot accomplished within the next 10 days. I am really starting to sprout now, lol I say this every week, but the belly is growing rapidly.

Merry Christmas!

In between trying to work, I have been trying to finish everything for Christmas and before family arrives. I did have the help of professionals to clean my house yesterday and it is amazing! I am looking forward to my family arriving Thursday and Friday and we are going to my baby shower on Friday evening! The boys have their own happy hour event at wild wings planned for the shower, so that should be fun for them.

On Christmas eve I will be making my grandmas sauce for all to enjoy and Shell and James are bringing their fried turkey maker.

After all the family Christmas festivities it is Max's nursery time. The boys will be working on the closet unit and other fun stuff while the gals shop around and make curtains and such. I got the crib bedding in yesterday, but will hold off in showing you since I don't have a mattress or anything else yet. I love it though!

From our family to yours, we hope you have a Merry Christmas! I will be back tomorrow for a survey, but will be taking a little blogging time off after that.

It's a Boy!.... Ok Not for Real Yet

This weekend we were all over the place trying to run errands, finish homemade gifts and just get through our to-do list. We also went to our hospital tour and baby essentials class at north side hospital. I had never even visited the hospital so it was nice to see where to go and what to expect. It's a very nice place with private rooms for labor and delivery and for staying there. I feel more comfortable about where to go and the care we are going to receive. We also learned a lot in our baby essentials class.

My favorite part was when they handed out the baby doll and asked the guys to pick them up first. She said that most women know by instinct or have held a baby more than the guys so they would go first. It was cute and the lady was so sweet when she nicely corrected what the guys were doing that may not work as well.

I can't wait to show you all the homemade gifts we finished. The new sewing machine is amazing. Our whole dining room table is full of homemade gifts.

David also decided since we were moving through our to-do list so fast that he would add another project to the list... okay maybe it didn't exactly happen that way. He wanted to run cable to another wall in the spare bedroom so he was in the attic drilling a hole when I heard some curse words and went to see what happened.

There was def. a big hole in the ceiling in the hallway from his foot that missed a beam. It was just in the worse spot too because it was in the stairwell and we had to get his brother's big extension ladder to reach. I am honestly surprised this hasn't happened before, it's just bad timing with everything we have to get done before the family arrives in town.

It really was a lot bigger than it looks.

Pregnancy Survey- 31 Weeks

How Far Along: 31 weeks

Size of baby: This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

Total Weight Gain: 17 lbs

Sleep: I still get up a few times a night, but if I do get up around 5am I am up for a while. My mind starts waking up and I start thinking of the million things I have to do.

Symptoms: Still a little lower back/hip pain sometimes. I did have a horrible leg cramp after stretching my legs in bed this morning. Man, I won't do that again, it went all the way from my calf to my butt! Baby is transverse the midwife thinks. I went to the DR yesterday (starting my every 2 weeks now) and she thought he was sideways. She also said I was measuring at 29cm from pelvic bone to top of uterus and if he was in birthing position he would be right around 31 or 32. I asked about when he would turn and since I was interested and talking about it she put down another ultra sound in 4 weeks at my 35 week appt. to check the position! I am so thankful to have so many ultra sounds to check out baby. It makes your mind at ease knowing he's doing good in there when you see him.

Cravings: Nothing crazy. I am still loving my morning cereal with cold milk in it.
Gender- Max David

Movement: He's moving away all the time and I do still feel him on the right upper side and lower region. I have to elongate and sit up when he moves into my rib area to give him some extra room.

Maternity Clothes: Yup, and just wearing some things a size up from my normal is working pretty good still.

Best Moments this week: Hearing his heartbeat at the DR's. It was around 145. We also both had our work Xmas parties so it's nice to work for companies that have little gatherings to celebrate the holiday season.

What I'm looking forward to:  We are busy bee's for this coming weekend and straight into January. I have a lot to look forward to. We have our hospital tour and baby essentials class at northside hospital on Saturday. We are also finishing our xmas crafts on our new sewing machine! We are having our house deep cleaned by professionals this coming Tuesday (Merry Christmas to David and me) And this time next week, my family will soon be arriving for Christmas!

Milestones: My crib bedding has shipped!! It will be arriving before the holidays so that is very exciting news. 

Early Christmas Gift to Myself

This should be arriving today from amazon! It's a Brother CS6000i Sew Advance Sew Affordable 60-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine. I had a little incident with our sewing machine (could def. be user malfunction as I'm not the most perfect sewer) and I needed to finish my Christmas homemade gifts and we really do need something a bit more modern that will last a while. I am beyond excited for this sewing machine. It had over 700 reviews all with 4 and 5 stars. It also came with free standard shipping and I was thinking about rushing the shipping but good thing I didn't. It's going to get here in 2-3 days without me rushing anything. Thanks Amazon!

Here are some features of this baby-

• Free-arm computerized sewing machine; with 60 stitch functions, 7 styles of 1-step buttonholes, and variety of snap-on presser feet
• Computerized stitch selection on LCD screen; with auto threading, tension control dial, and auto-set drop-in bobbin
• 110-volt machine operated with either foot pedal or 1-touch button for start, stop, and reverse stitching; dual LED light
• Accessories include wide table accessory for quilting and more; hard cover case protects in storage

You can find the best ideas on Pinterest

I saw this on pinterest and thought it would be the coolest thing ever if it worked.

Source: homemadeserenity.blogspot.com via Jen on Pinterest

I heard it did so I was anxious to see. The instructions were: The next time you have green onions, don't throw away the white ends. Simply submerge them in a glass of water and place them in a sunny window. Your onions will begin to grow almost immediately and can be harvested almost indefinitely.

I used green onions in that salad I showed you yesterday so it was the perfect timing. I just left the white ends and stuck them in water by the window sill. By the next morning I was shocked to see the green stems already growing. They are sprouting away still so I'll have to keep you updated.

Chinese Chicken Salad

We were Christmas crafting this weekend so I can't show you any photos. We also had David's work Christmas party where we didn't take photos so I will share something else with you today. I made this salad for a work baby shower on Friday. This recipe comes from pinterest via the Amazing Meals blog. I doubled the recipe to have extra, but there is really no need. It makes a TON.

Chinese Chicken Salad

1 large or 2 medium chicken breasts

1/2 cup teriyaki sauce

2 cups water

1 head cabbage, finely chopped

4 green onions, finely chopped

1 package chicken flavored ramen noodles, broken up (save the flavoring packet)

1/2 medium-sized green pepper, finely chopped

2 Tablespoons sesame seeds

1/2 cup sliced almonds

To cook your chicken, she had this great technique. Mix soy sauce, sugar and water in a small sauce pan; bring to a boil. Add chicken breasts and cook over low heat for about an hour, until chicken is shreddable. Sorry if raw chicken grosses you out. I just wanted to show you what it looks like, I did have to flip it half way through to get the other side cooked.

Shred chicken and set aside. This can be done the day before if you want.This chicken really had great flavor.

Combine all of the vegetables, the ramen and the chicken in a large bowl. Add the sesame seeds and almonds. Toss with the dressing and chill one hour before serving.

Dressing

2 tablespoons sugar

3 tablespoons rice vinegar

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup vegetable oil

ramen flavoring packet

Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Pour over salad.

Pregnancy Survey- 30 Weeks

How Far Along: 30 weeks

Size of baby: Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and he weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds him, but that volume will decrease as he gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. His eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after he 's born, he'll keep his eyes closed for a good part of the day. When he does open them, he'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means he can only make out objects a few inches from his face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

Total Weight Gain: 16 lbs

Sleep: My belly is starting to get in the way now and I'm trying to use pillows to hold it up. I get in trouble with David when he finds me on my back by accident. Molly still hasn't gotten the memo that there is a baby in there, when it's cold she just curls up in my tummy nook as if nothing is in her way.

Symptoms: Slight lower back pain, but I'm doing my yoga still. He's moved up to my rib area a bit on the right side so it helps to stretch out and elongate to give him more room. He is still breech (feet down) but that's okay right now he still has approx. 6-8 weeks to move to the proper position.
Cravings: Nothing crazy. I did have the best orange soda the other day after I was really craving it and it was so good (and caffeine free).

Gender- Max David is his name :)

Movement: He's moving away all the time and I do still feel him on the right upper side and lower so must be hands and feet, or head/and bottom.

Maternity Clothes: Yup, and just wearing some things a size up from my normal is working pretty good still.

Best Moments this week: Seeing Max at the ultrasound, putting the crib together, picking out our stroller set and decorating for Xmas. Here is a pic from the ultrasound. Can't believe he is already 3 lbs. We start going every 2 weeks now to the doctor, crazy!

What I'm looking forward to:  Can't wait for my family to get here in 2 weeks (wow didn't realize it was that fast)! We have a lot of baby stuff and xmas stuff to do. I also got my GA shower invite in the mail the other day and it's adorable! Doesn't it look just like us?

Milestones: Crib is up and house is decorated for xmas. We are now moving on to homemade gifts and fixing stuff around the house still. I have been looking around at more nursery decor and just haven't settled on anything firm yet.

I set this photo up on the automatic timer and closed the door. Molly busted in at the exact time it was taking so I thought it was funny and left her busting in. My belly is growing rapidly now!

Pinterest Wednesday

I'm linking up with the vintage apple today for pinterest Wednesday.

I started looking at newborn photos since my sister and mom got us a newborn photoshoot!

Source: flickr.com via Jen on Pinterest

Very creative

Source: countryliving.com via Jen on Pinterest

Source: fckyeahbabies.tumblr.com via Jen on Pinterest

Chinese chicken salad that I'm going to make for a baby shower at work on Friday.  Source: amazingmeals.blogspot.com via Jen on Pinterest

I wish I would have seen this before we did our mirror framing. This is still 1 large

mirror that they added the middle part.

Source: hometalk.com via Jen on Pinterest

very cool, I've been wanting to do this

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Jen on Pinterest

I love these fabric letters.

Source: laboomeria.tumblr.com via Jen on Pinterest

Baby Nutrition & Nursery Update

At childbirth class we were given lots of information on nutrition and things to keep baby healthy. When we got home David took over the chalk board and wrote me key things that I need to get every day. It was cute. I told him to make it Christmas themed.

 Check out what the side says, you saw it here, now he has to do it!

 We also got the replacement crib parts and the crib is officially put together! I just love it! So I can remember this for later, our crib is the Babi Italia Eastside Classic Crib in White.

I am still not sure on the room arrangment. I tried the dresser by the window, but the wall to the right is blank and I'm sure I'll put it back there, but still need to find room for a chair. Any ideas?

Have I mentioned I'm selling the chair? I just don't love it and think I want something a bit newer that is possibly an oatmeal type color.

Weekend Recap & Holly Jolly Christmas Time!

We had a busy, but nice weekend. I was still getting over being sick and David was trying not to get sick, but some of it did pass on to him unfortunately. Our ultrasound appointment went really well Friday. Max is a growing boy, weighing in at approx. 3lbs! We had our childbirth class saturday, which was good, nothing too exciting though. After that we put up decorations most the time. Here is some of our hard work in action.

My lime green and red tree. It needs a little more pizzazz, but man that tree skirt is looking good! lol

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care...

We converted to LED for the outside icicle lights and they are bright, but I love them. David did a great job hanging them!