mommypalooza™ ~ a daily dose of mommy mayhem.

Four week countdown to baby.

My baby boy #3 is officially due in four weeks.  I am only praying he holds out that long!  I've still got so much to do and prepare.  Why is it so much easier to procrastinate these things the third time around?  I am so anxious to meet him but hope he stays cooking till at least October 1st.  I mentally need all of September! 

Today I finally was able to get this little number ordered and it will hopefully be here in ten or so days.

I already own a fantastic bassinet that stays by my bedside but wanted this one to stay put in the lower level of the house, most likely in the living room.

A while back I was able to snag the Dwell bedding off ebay for way less than one should be able to find it for.  But, I was patient and bid when the time was right!  Isn't it adorable and oh-so-Texas?

Today I also picked up the chocolate brown version of these fun cargo window panels from PBK.  Not sure how they'll look yet but I've got 90 days to make up my mind.  Let's hope it doesn't take that long.

And, I picked this up for baby's room as well.  Not sure why I like it but it's quite colorful and I love that it doesn't scream baby everywhere.  We'll see if it ends up making the final cut when the room is all put together.

 

And, I can't forget about this cute little lamp that I'll be picking up soon.  I'm not crazy about the lampshade, but luckily it's sold separately so I'll probably just find another on my own, or not use one at all and instead just use the light as a nightlight.

So, thoughts and plans are coming together in these final weeks.  I'll likely be working my husband to the bone to get it all done in time.  Meanwhile, I will enjoy these last few weeks of being pregnant - which I LOVE!  ♥

Me, lately.

My beauti-bump at 29 weeks.  I was bored while sitting through the car wash so I got a little camera-phone happy!

The past couple of weeks have flown by.  David and I have been enjoying each other's company but we miss the kids like crazy!  I've been able to enjoy a few shopping trips and all day TV but life's just not the same without them here!  I am looking forward to flying out to be with them and celebrate the baby shower of my brother and his girlfriend (Cassie) on Sunday.  I'll hopefully be able to get on an early flight (I'm flying using a stand-by pass) into Dallas, but we'll see.  Then we'll trek on over to Austin sometime this weekend for all the festivities and to see all the other family there.  My sis and her husband are flying in tomorrow for an extended vacay!

I can't believe I'm 29 weeks pregnant now! I am enjoying every minute of it! I'm anxious for some good heat down in Texas and looking forward to Tex-Mex and Texas style BBQ.  This baby won't know what hit him!  ♥

I'm officially a "Boy Mom"!

Yep.  That's right.  Baby #3 is a BOY!!!  But, then again, I already knew that.  We had our ultrasound today and we were all ecstatic to find out that our home will once again be blessed with even more testosterone!

This is what I get for constantly praying to God for patience.  I am sure this is His way of giving me opportunities to be patient.  In any case, I am excited!  I finally get to dig in and buy some fun goods I've been looking at for a while.

My little baby boy is looking healthy and growing so fast!  His approximate weight is 13.5 ounces and he is quite flexible - at one point during the sonogram, he was seen tapping his foot on top of his little head!  Nathan and Will got quite a kick out of that.  The sonographer was very nice and even printed each of them their very own personalized photo that read "Hi Nathan" and "Hi William", complete with a great view of baby's head.

I do have to say that Nathan's first reaction when we realized the baby is a boy, was "Awwww!  I wanted a sister!"  When  I asked him why, he replied, "I wanted a baby sister so we could have someone to be Princess Leia when we play Star Wars."  I then told him that I could be Princess Leia, but apparently that's just wishful thinking.  He indicated that I am too tall and that we'd need a smaller girl to play the part.  Classic.

For the most part we got a fabulous look at baby.  He was, however, reluctant to give up a good profile shot of himself so we'll be doing that when I go back in a month or so to check my placenta.  Apparently it's a little low-lying so I pray it will move up so that I'll be able to deliver vaginally as I have in the past. 

We did get some really good looks at him, though, including a look at his spine, fingers, toes, and lips, as well as his brain and and most of his vital organs that have already formed.  His heart rate was 154 beats per minute.

 Feet!

 His package.

 Face view.

Starting this whole process of documenting another beautiful life has made me realize I need to get on the ball now with coming up with creative yet time-saving ideas for preserving these memories!  I'm curious, how do you preserve your kids' ultrasound photos?  I would like to figure out a good way to save them and keep them so they don't erode over time!  ♥

World's most perfect food.

What can I say?  I am LOVING watermelon right now.  I am at the grocery store just around the corner nearly every other day picking up watermelon.  Hey, it's only 69 cents a pound right now and really quite sweet!  Speaking of sweet, I met the sweetest little lady there the other day who was picking out one for herself.  She was showing me how the more cracked ones are the ones to go for and are usually really ripe.  She also pointed out that I should look for less of the white around the rind.  Her advice has served me well over the last couple of days.

Lucky for me, Will is the only one who seems to want watermelon even half as much as I do.  I've been sharing my stash with him.  I am usually found snacking on it while making dinner because I need something to nibble on. 

I really can't wait for summer now....the fruit (I love most) only gets better! ♥

Week seventeen.

It's been a while since I've posted any pregnancy updates, and a couple of weeks since my last photo.  I had Will take this one of me this week.

 

As you can see, I've definitely been growing into my own!  I am quite pleased, though, that I'm still wearing my regular size clothes...well, with the help of this little nifty invention.  I'll have plenty of time to wear those wonderful little demi-panel pants and maternity tanks, but for now I am staying away from them!  That is, until, my hips decide to take on a life of their own and I'll be forced into stretch jeans.  Ew!

I am still experiencing some nausea but mostly at night or when I don't eat constantly.  I am hoping it will taper off someday soon, but who knows?  It could last the whole time as it has for a few of my friends!

Will is constantly telling me he's going to punch me in the belly.  Not maliciously, of course - his two favorite things are bowling and boxing.  David and I joke about how he's already hitting his little brother!  Yes, we both still think it's a boy.  But, we'll be finding out on May 18th, so mark your calendars! 

No real food cravings yet, but I have polished off an awful lot of watermelon lately! ♥

Weeks eleven & twelve.

 
Week twelve.  Nathan was out of town on Spring Break so I have no photo of my belly at eleven weeks.  Oh, well, not much difference, anyway.  I have no idea why the photo is so crooked!

Weeks eleven and twelve were definitely a bit better than previous weeks, though it's still a stretch to say that I am enjoying this pregnancy as much as I have enjoyed my previous two.  These past few weeks, the biggest change has been that I've come to rely on a drug to feel better - something I never thought I'd do!  I guess all pregnancies really are different!  Zofran has been my best friend, my confidant, my rock, my lover.  (Okay, that last one is a bit of a stretch.)  I've appropriately renamed it Zofriend. 

Anyhoo, seeing as how my insurance only covers twelve pills at $12, I have been rationing them in case I need them for our upcoming trip.  I do have two more refills left, but I am hoping to start feeling better any day now and actually NOT need to fork over the added $24.

I've been able to get back to the gym recently and am enjoying the elliptical as usual but not enjoying having to monitor my heart rate and stay at around 140 beats per minute.  Irritating.  I am used to just freely going about my cardio routine until I can feel myself in the fat burning zone.  I guess all of that is kinda pointless now anyway, huh?  I am however, liking the fact that I can ignore my abs and any exercises that go along with that part of my anatomy!  Looking forward to toning more of my arms and legs.

Still, I'm not 100% back to being me but I am hoping that I am turning a corner.  David has been an unbelievably helpful and supportive husband, though.  And I'm serious about that.  I've never loved him more than I do right now.  It feels nice to know he's got my back.  And he darn well better - this whole thing is partly his doing, right?  ♥

   

It's BAAAAACK!

My appetite, that is.  Don't get me wrong, I am still getting the occasional nausea spells but it's getting better.  Since last week I've had a grand craving for homemade migas.  This past week while grocery shopping I made sure to pick up all of the necessary stuff to make 'em tasty.  This morning, I nearly jumped out of bed remembering it was my migas morning. 

 
Sauteeing a few onions and corn tortillas.

 
Mmmm....almost done!  My mouth was watering by this point!

  
I've died and gone to Texas!  My finishing touches of some pico de gallo and fresh avocado made this dish even better!  

My take on the best Tex-Mex Migas?  Here you go!

What you'll need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or other favorite cooking oil - oh and I didn't measure this, just eyeballed it in the pan!)
• Corn tortillas (I used two) shredded/torn into bite size pieces
• 1/2 cup diced onion (I didn't really measure, just chopped till I thought it was enough)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• Store bought (from the produce section) - or homemade - pico de gallo OR your favorite salsa!
• Half an avocado (sliced and diced into small pieces)
• A big 'ol hefty fork!

How to get it:

Add oil to pan over medium heat.  Add onions and corn tortillas and begin a light simmer.  Once onions become soft and translucent and corn tortillas are softened,  add eggs to pan and cook thoroughly while mixing onions, tortillas, and eggs until firm.  Add salt and pepper, if desired.  Spoon the migas onto a plate and pile on the pico de gallo (or salsa) and fresh avocado.  Grab that hefty fork and dig in!

Variations on this:

Don't be afraid to experiement with your favorite ingredients!  That's what's great about migas....you can add just about anything!  Try mixing in bacon or using sour cream as a topping along with some fresh cilantro.  Either way, you can't go wrong!  ♥

   

Week ten.

Week 10 bump, courtesy of Nathan.

I've gotten a little behind on posting these updates but nonetheless, my tenth week of this pregnancy is almost over and I can hardly wait to get through the next two weeks. 

I finally broke down and got on some meds to help with my morning all day sickness because I just have felt so helpless over the past few weeks - unable to work, eat, be a mom with energy, clean, cook, blog, and just about everything else.

What has been exciting is that earlier this week I finally got to hear baby's heartbeat.  The rate was strong (at about 180) and healthy.  I'm still pretty sure it's a boy and am quite at ease with that.  I've recently found myself daydreaming about what it would be like having my three boys running around this house, playing, fighting, playing sports.  It's fantastic!  I'll be happy no matter what, but it would be very cool to have four or five sons by the time my life is said and done.  ♥

   

Weeks eight + nine.

What a whirlwind this pregnancy has been and is continuing to be!  Hence, the no blogging for a couple of weeks.   Although I still have my own intuition that I'm carrying a boy, this pregnancy sure is VERY different from my others.  I've still had Nathan taking pics of my weekly belly but have just been feeling too sick to post much.  I am hoping to start feeling better very soon though, with the close of my first trimester.  Let's keep our fingers crossed!

 
Eight week bump.

 
Nine week bump.

The food aversion thing is really throwing me for a loop.  I am used to actually craving and wanting certain foods (think: Sonic onion rings) when I am pregnant.  Instead, I find myself turning my nose up at anything that I find in the fridge or pantry.  I normally love our Monday night baked spaghetti dinners at home but now when I make it I find myself gagging at the smells.

I know it will be all worth it in the end and that months from now these feelings will be just a faint memory.  Good thing I have the blog to set the record straight!  ♥

   

I feel better already.

Today's been a day of recovery for us here at the T household.  Yesterday morning I woke up feeling totally off.  I could tell it was much more than just morning/pregnancy sickness.  We skipped Will's Kindermusik class and I didn't get out of bed until about 10:30.  As I was showering I could really feel the sickness coming on fast.  And, well, it did.  Good thing I was in the shower.  But I did find myself calling screaming out to God to please help me!  And, crying out that I wanted my mommy!  Ugh!  I LOATHE vomiting.  I finished my shower and then found myself feeling like total crap.  Then I went to the bathroom.  Yeah, that wasn't pretty either.

After getting dressed, I made my way downstairs only to find David already fixing lunch for the boys so that Nathan could make it off to school in time.  (Thank you wonderfully awesome husband of mine!)  He had mentioned that N didn't feel too great but I didn't think it was anything to worry about.  Wrong.

I was out on an appointment at about 12:40 when I got a voicemail from the school than N was in the nurse's office at school because he had vomited and that he needed to be picked up.  I felt so horrible.  Partly for the vomiting, but mostly because N was going to have to miss his entire pajama day at school - something he's been looking forward to since last week when it was announced!  Poor thing.  I picked him up from the nurse's office and he was just sitting there, all sickly looking with his Thomas the Tank Engine pj's on amidst a couple of other older elementary students who'd made their way into the office as well for various ailments. 

All N could talk about on the way home is how he was missing the dinosaur movie they were just about to watch and missing the kettle corn and sharing in the day with his friends.  I told him that we could have our own pj day too complete with kettle corn when he got to feeling better.  That wasn't really good enough because he of course would want his class there.

We made it home and set N all up on the couch where he wanted to be, all curled up with a blanket and pillow and a cup of Pedialyte.  He had free reign of the tv so he enjoyed watching for a bit.  I went upstairs and changed my clothes and was feeling even more sick than I had felt that morning.  D was at the gym with Will and when they came back home, I started in again with the up-chucking.  Yes, it was a horrible, horrible day.  But I knew that between the two of us (N and me) we had some horrible stomach bug.  Will had this same thing Sunday and into Monday so I assume he was the culprit. 

So, N and I pretty much spent literally all day yesterday in bed.  N was fine with some saltines and Pedialyte, but I couldn't keep down any liquids, much less food.  By 8 pm I called my doc's office because I began to worry that I would get dehydrated from all the digestive issues and not being able to hold down liquids, and knew that couldn't be good for the baby.  I spoke with the doc on call and she basically told me to try a bit of Gatorade about a tablespoon every fifteen minutes.  I started at about 9:00 pm and was able to hold that down until the middle of the night.  I slept in our guest room partly because I didn't want to share my germs but also because I needed the room to toss and turn in a bed occupied by just me!  It was a long night but I managed to sneak in sips of Gatorade throughout and made it okay. 

This morning we skipped N's violin lesson and I lingered in bed till about 1 pm!  N also stayed home from school again just be safe.  I am happy to report that both N and I are doing quite a bit better.  We're both holding down food and drink and although I am still somewhat nauseous and having food aversions, I am strides ahead of what I was yesterday.  I think I am just back to my old pregnancy symptoms.

But, getting back to the title of my post - my mom, step-dad, and brother are making a trek up here tomorrow for the weekend and I am excited to see them!  The kids will be thrilled!  Hopefully I will not feel as bad as I have been feeling lately and will be able to fully enjoy their company.   ♥

 

♥