The Aftermath

This past weekend, Chad and I celebrated Halloween. We are very much homebodies and so we decided to stay in on Saturday, eat cookies and treats and watch a new season of Parks and Recreation that we haven't seen. I made Rolo cookies which made about 4 dozen. We also had Reeses Cups (totally remind me of Halloween) and Salt Water Taffy. Lets just say that Sunday morning brought upset tummies and major grogginess. There is a reason why kids get crabby after Halloween and its because of all the treat intake. Oh well, it was fun to celebrate.

A few weeks ago, Chad and I did some painting in our soon to be Nursery and Bathroom. I won't post the befores and afters of the Nursery yet because I am saving those for when I am done decorating but I will show you the bathroom. It feels amazing to have plain white walls, as odd as that sounds. So clean and crisp and because we live on the bottom level, its nice to have light walls so that it doesn't seem so dark.

Before:

The walls were a terrible flesh color, I have talked about this before. Our apartment also came with an absurd amounts of holes in the wall. Luckily, Chad is quite the handy man and patched those up very nicely. Though painting is kind of the worst, I do not enjoy it, it feels amazing to have everything freshened up a bit.

After:

In the past weeks, I have felt so swamped by laundry, which is odd because we don't really have more than normal. It just seems like its taking over my world. It will be interesting once the baby actually gets here, because we don't have a washing machine in our apartment. Ha, that will be fun.

Happy Monday!

Hil

Late 29 Weeker Baby Bump

Heyyyyyy, 29 weeks! Woweee, look at that belly. I had work early this morning and I work by myself on Saturdays so a hoodie and no makeup is acceptable :) This hoodie is being extremely generous during pregnancy, its the comfiest thing I own, especially in this state. Crazy thing is, it wasn't even a maternity sweater just a super long hoodie. Bless its heart :)

Went to the doctor yesterday for a check up. I refused to look at my weight when I weigh in and we talked to the doctor for about 4 minutes tops. He asked if I had questions, I said no. He said the heart rate was great, I was measuring correctly, and that my blood pressure was "beautiful". So, he sent us on our way. I go for my next appointment in 3 weeks and then after that every 2 weeks. Things are happening people, this little boy is getting ready. He is scheming to arrive in just a short time. Little stinker.

Happy Saturday!

Hil

Oh yeah, 29 Weeks

Today I got totally ready in a "cute" outfit and did my hair and makeup (because we had a meeting at work where I needed to look decent) and I was totally going to take a pregnancy pic. I get home and get in comfy pajamas (including a hoody that is peaking a little bit of belly at the bottom) and wash off all my make up, and as I am moisturizing my face, I realize I never took that picture, BLAST! So, no picture today, because this hoody is all too small and I am not about to show you some baby belly. Too bad.

Its been quiet here on ye old blog. In this situation, no news is good news. Work has been insanely busy but I have been holding it together surprisingly well. I feel like my old self again which is a welcome visitor :) Also, someone asked me when the baby is due and when I told them the date she said "thats soon!" HAPPY DAY! Thats the reaction I am looking for and yes, I only have 11 weeks left. In fact, I had my first "oh profanity" moment last night in bed when I thought of all the things I still want to do before he gets here. The list is pretty dang long. I've got to get crackin'!

Just wanted everyone to know that I am alive and doing well. I still feel fantastic. I feel extremely blessed truly. Its a little uncomfortable sleeping and my butt is still too flat to hold up my pants so everything slides south but all in all, I feel very fortunate :)

Happy Wednesday!

Hil

You look just like...

As the belly grows bigger, I can't help but think about how this baby will look. I have been dying to look at my baby books and dying even more to look at Chad's. I am sad to say I don't know what he looked like when he was really little. I am a bad wife! Any who, I, like most parents, fear of having an ugly child. Is this shallow? Sure but come on, its only human. I scrounged up two photos where Chad and I are fairly close in age and thought I would post them (hopefully I can get legitimate baby photos up soon!)

Can we talk about the Deer T-Shirt tucked into the stretchy shorts. Stylin'. With my big sis Haley, I am on the left.

Chad. I just love him. Look at his squinty eyes and ears. Too adorable.

Haley and I again, we were inseparable (because I wouldn't let her be anywhere without me). You can tell I was a chubby child but this picture doesn't even do my cheeks justice. As a baby I was bald for years and fat as ever. I believe I was 9lbs 3 oz when I was born. I was a big healthy girl....

There you have it, I am so excited to see this little guy. See if he gets is Daddy's ears or his Mommy's eyes. Very exciting :)

Happy Wednesday!

Hil

Third Trimester

Thats right nerds! I am 28 weeks and starting my 3rd trimester! Thank heaven is all I can say. I believe the 2nd trimester is the easiest but likely, the longest feeling. I have been feeling great, I am starting to feeling large and in charge but overall good.

This is not my proudest outfit. Looking slumpy but surprisingly comfy.

Cravings?: I crave deli sandwiches, like from Jimmy Johns or Jason's Deli. I cannot get enough of the salty and the chewy bread. Also, sugar. Love it, always.

Pains?: Not really, only in my hip. If I sleep on the same side too long it cramps up which is uncomfortable.

Emotions?: This has been the most prominent side effect during the 2nd trimester which is odd because they say that you are suppose to feel calmer during this time. Not me, I was all over the place with anxiety. Yikes. It is getting better though.

Fears?: Labor, being my first child, I fear the unexpected that labor brings. I just see women screaming on TV and think about my body pushing a human out of it and it is startling. I have moments where I think "I don't think I am ready for this" but its kind of too late :)

Excitement?: Unbelievable excitement! I cannot wait to meet this little dude. He is going to be so loved, its insane. We just painted the nursery and it felt so good to make space for him. And I love so much that its a him, it feels so right.

Clothing?: Still only have 1 pair of maternity pants and my butt still doesn't fill them out correctly. I wear them anyway but still wear pre-maternity jeans with a rubber band. They aren't the most comfortable but I don't think pregnancy is known for comfort. This child doesn't seem to grow anyway but out so I have gotten some surprised looks when I tell people I still have 2+ months. Long shirts are becoming necessity.

Happy Tuesday!

Hil

Day Off

Here is what our day looked like yesterday:

5:30am: Get up, pee, wake up Chad with nervous energy.

6:15: Roll out of bed, eat, Chad goes on a run. Watch a show. Contemplate going back to bed. Decide not to.

8:30: Take the pup out to potty, brush teeth, get ready to go run errands.

9:15: Go to Home Depot to buy paint.

9:50: Drop of clothes for donation, get fuel.

10:20: Go to Petsmart to pick up pup's food and nail clippers.

10:50: Go and pick up new undies (mine are getting to tight).

11:15: Go grocery shop.

11:40: Stop in the middle of grocery shopping to go potty again. Hope that someone doesn't tamper with my cart of food while I am pottying.

12:00: After a long, painful, check out line, head to car with groceries.

12:25pm: Return home to hubby, who surprises me with all that he accomplished while I was gone (it was incredible, that man has work ethic).

12:50: eat a Snickers because I need sugar for some energy and talk to hubby. Kick my feet up for about an hour. Exhausted.

2:00: Start taping office (which my husband miraculously cleared out on his own, this includes 3 bookcases).

2:20: begin painting with spouse. This takes about 2 1/2 hours and we are able to complete the first coat on the entire room (including corners and closet doors). Awesome.

5:30: Get showered for the first time that day and prepare to go to dinner for Brandon's birthday.

6:30: Dinner with friends. My feet hurt a great deal at this point. Big, Red, Puffy.

8:15: Head home after dinner and find the motivation to do one more coat in the office so we can call it good.

9:45: Finish the last coat of paint and tell my hubby that we need to relax. I watch my show and elevate my feet. Eat a bowl of cereal.

11:00: So tired, peel myself off the couch, brush my teeth, climb in bed.

This day was exhausting but we got SO much done! I was totally slammed this morning when I had to get up for work at 7am. My feet are not happy with me :) Today we paint the bathroom. Our apartment is a disaster. Pictures to come!

Happy Saturday!

Hil

Wake up to Anxiety

Woke up to pee (common activity for pregnant women) at 5:25 am. I try to keep my eyes closed so I can easily drift back to sleep but this was not happening this time. I climb back in bed and realize how hot it was and recognize that my spot was being taken by a small fur baby. I attempt to nudge the pup out of the way but she is dead to the world. Finally get situated with my new body pillow (thank you amazing Mother in-Law who buys an amazing pillow for her swelling daughter-in-law) I try to slip back into sleep.

This is the moment when everything is quiet and I feel alone. Everything is peaceful and its as if I took a 6 hour nap...I am awake. I start thinking, not thinking about fun things but about work and finances...I am awake. I wake up Chad, the most amazing husband ever, and I tell him my anxieties. He talks me down and tells me everything is alright, kind of a routine for us. Then Chad gets crabby because he is hot and a little fur baby has stolen his spot (not to mention his anxious pregnant wife just woke him up). He is only crabby for a moment though, he is ultimately kind and a great listener who makes me laugh, even at 5:30am. We move the pup so she has a more appropriate spot and open the door so our room isn't so warm and then we talk for about 30 minutes. We talk about what is worrying me but then we also talk about other stuff. Instead of trying to go back to sleep, we both get up at about 6:15 am and Chad goes for a run while I plop down on the couch and watch some show.

Its now 3 minutes to 8am and I am feeling sleepy but I have a big day because we are painting the nursery and bathroom today. I need to grocery shop, run to Petsmart, buy new undies (mine are becoming restricting), and purchase paint while Chad is at class. Yet, I sit on the couch feeling ever so sleepy.

Its mornings like these that make you feel hazy and emotional but they almost make you smile at the same time. Smile about the fact that you have a pup who steals your spot in bed and that you have a husband who happily wakes up and talks to you at 5:3oam, and that you have a baby on the way which makes you worry about finances. Its moments like these that are totally real and imperfect but that make you oddly pleased.

Oh and this is how pretty I look this morning. Just keeping it real :)

Apologies for any misspellings or incoherent sentences. I am tired.

Happy Friday!

Hil

On the Up and Up

Hello all. Hilary here, feeling better and more optimistic! This week (though it is only Wednesday) has been going so much better than the last two. My anxiety seems to have ceased (answer to prayer) and work is going smoothly. Knock on wood because it is only Wednesday!

This past weekend I had a hankering for something specific. There are certain foods that just taste better when they are store bought and totally artificial. For me, I would rather have Chips Ahoy cookies then homemade chocolate chip cookies (I am not a huge cookie fan myself). However, chocolate cake with my mom's chocolate frosting, cannot be beat! Nor can homemade red velvet with cream cheese frosting, the other stuff just won't cut it! BUT, when it comes to funfetti cupcakes, they must be from the box with frosting from the can.

I actually bought the wrong frosting. I wanted to get the kind that has the sprinkles IN the frosting already. Do you know what kind I am talking about? There is totally a difference and I was slightly disappointed. However, they ended up filling the craving I was having :)

Not my most fancy dessert but totally satisfying.

27 weeks today! I am feeling good and my belly button is quickly disappearing. I have always had a dark hole for a belly button but now its becoming more shallow. I am afraid to have an outty belly button. Lets be honest, they freak me out. Only 13 weeks left and I am definitely counting down the weeks.

This is my standard go to outfit during pregnancy. A t-shirt and cardigan. The ever growing bump is making my style stutter slightly. There just aren't as many options. But, I have read that everything will go back to normal eventually (hopefully)!

Happy Wednesday!

Hil

Ugg. And I don't mean the ugly boots.

Well, I think my laptop is on its last leg. I have had it since 2006 and really loved it but it is seriously beginning to bum out. So, the search for an affordable laptop begins. I could probably go without one but I use my laptop all the time. I don't need anything fancy, something that has the internet and a little space for pictures. Oh and I need to be able to watch DVDs while the hubs plays video games. The computer I use now is a Mac and I have enjoyed it but they are just so expensive and lets be frank, I don't know that I am hip enough to have one :)

Happy Sunday!

Hil

Slowly but Surely

You will recall in one of my recent posts about the Nursery for our little fellow, where I mentioned a color scheme that I was going to use. Blue, white, and gray. I have quite the fetish with the color gray, I think its a perfect neutral. Today, I was a little bit naughty and found something perfect for Geddy's soon to be room. Sadly, I won't get it for a few weeks because its back ordered but it was perfect and EXACTLY what I wanted. It pretty much used up all of my spending budget on the nursery but that was fine because I plan to make the rest of the wall decors by hand. I can be strangely crafty and artistic when I want to :)

Its a gray and white zigzag area rug. By "area" don't imagine something huge but it will be big enough to stand out in the Nursery. I will have to show befores and afters of this nursery when I have competed it, I hope its shocking and impressive, we shall see :)

Happy Saturday!

Hil

Real Week 26

So, here is a real week 26 baby bump. Pardon the spots on the mirror, unfortunately, they may be permanent. Just trying to keep it real.

This is a special post because it includes 2 shoes of the day. First off, my favorite pair of comfy shoes. I don't believe I have posted these in the past. They are moccasins that I got for about $20. They are cozy, warm, and perfect for a rainy day. I am wearing them in the baby bump pic as well.

The second shoe of the day is for baby Geddy! My mother in law is one of the most amazing women ever who has achieved more than most people. She is also in the running for being the MOST excited about this baby. This is not the first little gift that she has picked up for our little one. There are, in fact, some other little items that are on my list to blog about which Grandma dearest has found. These will obviously not be worn as a newborn but the boy will grow into them. Aren't they amazing?! I thought they were too cool for school. Our little dude is going to look pretty hip, if I do say so myself.

This last week has been tough, I have been struggling with anxiety. Feeling terribly anxious about work and its been a challenge to deal with. I am working on it and trying to keep my cool. I am thinking that it has something to do with the hormones of a pregnant woman, at least, I am choosing to blame that. Hope that it subsides soon because its really cramping my style of life. Something that always helps, is taking a day to go on a date and spend time with my man. We went and grabbed lunch at Mimi's Cafe and then mozied on over to Barnes and Noble (this is usually where our dates end up taking us, a book store). It was such a treat and I was glad to have the day off.

Hope everyone has a good weekend!

Happy Friday!

Hil

P.S. I saw my stomach move because of a kick from the baby. It was quite wonderful, I must say :)

26 Weeks

Good golly, I have been swamped as of late. Hence the lack of posts. Here is a quick baby bump update. This was actually from week 25 but I am going to say that I haven't grown that much in 1 week. I am starting to feel large and I know that its only the beginning. Other than that, I feel pretty great!

I realize the picture quality is sub par and my eyes are closed. You get the idea.

Happy Wednesday!

Hil

Welcome October

Its been a dry couple days on the blog front. But I am able to say that things are well and we are all alive. To be quite frank, I haven't had a lot to write about the last couple days. I am at the point in pregnancy where I feel good and can feel the baby move but January 11 (due date) feels like an eternity away. I am just so excited to meet this little guy. Although, I would like him to stay in the oven for a bit longer so we have developed body parts :)

Thats all for today, more to come :)

Happy Sunday!

Hil