Let The Actual Countdown Begin

Now that we have made it this far, I am starting the official countdown. I am 30 weeks Pregnant! 30 weeks down & only 10 to go until baby Caroline's Due Date!

(her due date according to the doctor is February 3rd)

we think she'll be a January baby, just a hunch.

I am definitely experiencing the 3rd trimester slumber spell. I am pretty much exhausted all the time. Naps have become part of Ace & my daily routine. (not going to complain, I love my cuddle buddy).

I'm back on track for headaches too. If I don't wake up with one, it's a miracle, but I know I have limited time until one comes on. Hopefully those will disappear again- they're no fun for anyone. Tylenol nor caffeine help either and caffeine was a sure thing before.

This week I have been organizing in Caroline's room a little more. I've been washing clothes and putting them away. Also, I've been experimenting with the drawer organizers we bought for her. They're wonderful. I must get more. I love seeing all the pink everywhere. Especially the pale pink color we are using in the nursery. The color feels dainty and fragile, just like our little girl will be. I'm working on a strategy for good closet organization. I bought size dividers, they're gray and white chevron :) Super cute & extremely helpful already! As I wash, I put away accordingly.

 

Some more of my purchases have arrived! I am really into online shopping these days. You can find pretty much anything you can imagine and you can do it in your PJs if you so desire, its wonderful!

 

I've been making more lists. Getting more plans together & trying to finalize things. According to my reading, everything needs to be done around 35 weeks, incase of an early arrival. So I still have time, I'm just restless and wanting to speed up the process I think.

To my excitement, people are starting to receive their baby shower invites! It's really getting close. I want to help, but I'm supposed to just enjoy this time. I was given one special task though (I requested it, not going to lie). I get to receive the RSVPs, which is super exciting and it'll give me something to do to occupy my time! Plus I love talking to everyone! So people, send your RSVPs my way!

It's been apparent that Ace's favorite room in the house is Caroline's room. He spends the majority of his day laying in there, in different spots too. At first, it was just in the door way. Then he would lay smack dab in the middle, now he is laying up on the window seat and "posting up" on the ledge of the seat as well. It's like he is guarding her room. He is the look out. It's precious. I wonder how he is going to react once the room is finished and then once their is a baby that spends a lot of time in there.

 

 

I can't believe November is almost over. It has been a fast month. (which is fantastic for this pregnant person).

November 20th: The Baby Place. I am thankful for The Baby Place. The Baby Place is the care unit at the hospital Caroline will be born at. It is where we will get to meet her for the first time. It is where we will make many first memories of our little baby girl. It's where our family will gather and meet their Granddaughter and their niece for the first time. I am thankful for the friendly and informative staff it is filled with. I am thankful for their set up and all they have to offer a new family. I am so thankful that this is where my daughter will be brought into the world. I'm thankful for the reassurance that I felt after visiting the facility, I know she'll be in good hands. I am thankful that Caroline will be born at The Baby Place.

November 21st: Friends. I am thankful for the special people in my life I call my friends. "A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow." - William Shakespeare I am thankful for the friends that have been in my life since I was little and I am grateful for the new friends I have made. I am thankful for every different thing each of them bring to my life. I am thankful for the things they have taught me. I am thankful for the ups and the downs that we've all experienced together and for all the memories we have made. I am thankful for the laughter and the tears, the late nights and early mornings. I am thankful for the friends of mine that have always been straight with me and told me how it was. I'll always cherish them and each one of them for what they bring to my life. School wouldn't have been the same without them and my wedding wouldn't have been the same without them, life would be completely different without some of the friends I have made. I know Caroline is going to love them all just like I do. I'm thankful for all of my friends.

I would also like to say Happy birthday to one of my dearest friends. On November 21st this year, she turned 24. I am so blessed to have known her since I moved to Niceville in 2001. She has always been there for me. She is one of the most genuine people I know. I hope she had one of the happiest of birthdays because that is what she deserves. I wish I could've been there to celebrate the special day, but it will just have to be made up for. Happy birthday, and here is to many more years of friendship and laughter. (If Caroline could say it, she would say Happy Birthday, Aunt Kallz)

November 22nd: Energy. I am thankful for the days I am full of energy. I am thankful for the days that I want to get things done and I do because of the energy I have. I am thankful for the days I'm not completely exhausted and can continue with my regular routine. I know Ace is thankful for when I have energy because we get to go on walks. I am thankful for the bursts of energy I get on the rare occasion.

November 23rd: Family. I am thankful for my family. I was blessed with this perfect unconventional family. I am thankful for everything they've taught me about life. I am thankful for everything we've been through together. Although we are unconventional, I wouldn't trade us for anything. I love the closeness that we all have. I love how they all have grown to be more than just my family, I love how we are friends too. I am thankful for the years we all got to spend together under one roof. I am thankful for the conversations that we have. I am thankful that I have parents and a brother that I can tell anything without judgment. I am thankful for their advice. I am thankful to have been raised in a military family with a strong father and an even stronger mother. I am thankful that I can truly say my brother is my best friend. I am so grateful that even though we are grown now and spread out, that the four of us still talk regularly despite where we are in the world. I am thankful for the person they've made me. I am thankful for all the memories and photographs that I have to look back on. I am thankful for the stories that we can all tell to each other that remind me of how things were growing up. I love my family more than anything and I am so thankful for them.

November 24th: Marrying Joseph. I am thankful to have married the most amazing person I've ever met, Joseph. I am so thankful to have met him and to have joined our families together. His family has been a blessing. I am so thankful to have found someone like Joseph and to have gained his last name. August 24th will always be one of the best days of my life. I love knowing that it really was fate that brought us together, that one decision led to us having the opportunity to get to know each other. I am so thankful to have already made so many memories and to have experienced so much together. I am thankful for the ups and downs that we have encountered on our journey together, they have helped us grow together and built a stronger bond between us. I am thankful for his personality, I love his humor. I love his jokes and how he constantly makes me laugh, no matter how hard I try to fight it. I am thankful that he is more than my husband, so much more. I am so blessed to have the rest of our lives to spend together and I love knowing that everyday will be a new adventure. I am so thankful to be having a little girl with him, he will be the best father. I am so in love with him and couldn't imagine not having him in this life. I am so thankful for my husband, Joseph.

November 25th: Florida SunPass. I am thankful for the nifty contraption known as the Florida SunPass. I am thankful that by having this device, I can hop on the expressway right by our house and get pretty much anywhere in only half the time. I love the convenience. I am thankful that the SunPass is used in all parts of Florida. I am thankful that we have this wonderful contraption because it makes traveling in Orlando so much easier and less stressful. I am thankful for the Florida SunPass.

November 26th: Ebay. I am thankful for the online shopping experience known as Ebay. I am thankful for the small store that I have managed to create on there and for the success it has reached. I am thankful that I have been able to grow it more than I thought I would. I am so thankful that my husband has encouraged it and helped get it started. I am thankful for the extra money that Ebay brings in. I am thankful it provides me with something to do on a regular basis. I enjoy the responsibility of making buyers satisfied. I am thankful for all the people that shop on Ebay making a side business/hobby possible. I am thankful for online shopping on Ebay.

Our Thanksgiving plans have changed, yet again. We were both really looking forward to feeding families on Thanksgiving Day, but unfortunately it is going to have to be done another year. Another year that I'm not so pregnant. Apparently, shelters do not recommend women in their 3rd trimesters being exposed to everything that will be coming in and out with all the people. They wouldn't allow me to register. Thinking on it, they're completely right. It is something we should have thought about when we were discussing it in the first place. It wouldn't be a smart move for me to be there and "exposed." So another year!

So we've decided that we're back to plan A. We're going to have a nice small Thanksgiving at our house, just Joseph, me & Ace. It will be rather simple. I found a mini green bean casserole recipe  that just sounds absolutely delicious, so we're going to try it! I'll let you know how it turns out.

On another note, have I mentioned how much I love Sundays? This Sunday we did a little Christmas decorating. We hung lights outside, which is something I've always wanted to do in my very own house. We're keeping it a classic Christmas at this house this year. White lights all around.

 

Everyone in Lake Mary is very festive for the holidays, so I'm glad we're contributing to the neighborhood lights. There is still more to be done, but today was a start.

The weather was perfect. It was super chilly and windy. It was a leggings and boots kind of day. Pure Perfection. We were actually cold on our walk to the lake with Ace. love love love. Ace loved being outside all day. We were able to leave the door open to the backyard, such wonderful weather!

Next week we're getting our Christmas tree. We've decided to wait until after Thanksgiving to put it up. I'm pretty excited about that too!

We get to pick out ornaments!! eee. (I'm sure Joseph is saying "eeee" too haha). I've ordered a few personalized ones from Etsy. I Love Etsy. Of course the "Our 1st Christmas" ornament, Ace gets a doggy paw print ornament & then we have to represent our livelihood with a FSU & a Bama ornament (still in search for the sports teams). I'm ready for them to come in the mail!

I've found so many holiday treat recipes that I'm dying to try. Joseph's excitement for some of the treats is showing too! I'm in the process of rounding up the ingredients and then you might as well call me Betty Crocker, I'll be in the kitchen baking away!

Tomorrow is our doctor's appointment. Yay! & they appointments will be more and more frequent. I really like my doctor and I love updates on Caroline, so I really enjoy going!

How far along? 30 weeks! Only 10 to go until our due date :)
Total weight gain/loss: I haven't been weighed since last week, I'm going to guess I've gained a few more lbs. though.
Maternity Clothes? Still wearing them. Getting sick of them and how confined the pants make me feel. It's time to find a different solution I think. Let the search begin..
Stretch Marks? Still in the clear!
Sleep: I've been tossing and turning a lot lately, according to Joseph. Poor guy. & I've graduated from waking up once a night to twice. I hope this isn't the start of a pattern.
Best moment(s) this week: Understanding the purpose of a birth plan & actually making one while we were at the hospital for our tour. A lot of my questions go answered, it's a relief.
Miss anything?: Sushi. The crab & the shrimp and all that yummy goodness. Did I hear this correctly- I can have the creamy, crunch shrimp roll right? It's cooked......If so, I've gotta get me some of that!
Movement: The little one is always on the move. She's jabbing and poking and rolling in there is what it feels like.
Food cravings: Joseph says she is going to come out a stick of peanut butter with all the peanut butter that I have in my diet. What can I say? At least it's not a bad craving to have. We eat PB&J's, Peanut Butter Crackers, Apples with Peanut Butter & the latest: Oreos & Peanut butter (like the Parent Trap!)

Labor Signs: Negative.

Belly Button in or out? It's wanting to creep out. Still in for now- the bet is still on! STAY IN!

What I am looking forward to: My Doctors appointment on tomorrow with Joseph. It should be very informative. & None baby related, I get my new license with my name change on it on Monday! Yay, me!

Weekly Wisdom: Whenever in doubt, take a minute to pray. He hears you.

 

Labor & Delivery + The Baby Place

We Had Our Tour Of Labor & Delivery And Of The Baby Place Yesterday!

  

Needless to say, we were very pleased with everything at the hospital. The staff was wonderful & the facilities were amazing. They have so much to offer. They're very high on security and the amenities are endless.

 

I think we're both equally excited about delivering Caroline Ann at this hospital.

 

The woman that did the tour with us was very personable. She works in Labor & Delivery so she had first hand knowledge of the details. She walked us through each step of the process. We were explained how things would go from the moment we walked through the door, to the end of our stay after our lovely baby girl is born.

 

Is it January yet?!

 

I'm so ready for our little love to be here. I get more excited by the day. I'm so anxious to meet her and now that it's actually close I'm getting impatient. Fast forward, por favor?

 

Joseph & I are starting to get more of a plan together as to how things are going to go. (Things that have to be talked about and decided). It's funny, we have both been touching on the subject for a little while now, but now that things are closer we're like, HEY- planning time!

 

If you look around my house, you'll find list after list after list of important things to complete. (Different lists for different topics). Putting the skills I learned during my days of Event Planning to use- organization fanatic!

So much to do before she gets here!

 

We made decisions as far as the "birth plan" goes. I'm sorry but I think that concept is silly, you can't plan your birth. You can say little things that you want and don't want, but as for a plan.. Caroline is going to do what she wants, come when she wants and there is nothing I can control about it.

 

Anyway, I made a birth plan with small requests & preferences that Joseph & I decided on. It opened my eyes to see what people really request during birth. Some of which, we absolutely did not want to take part in. Some things, I didn't even realize were an option to request.

 

I'm looking forward to this experience. I'm looking forward to our baby girl being born into this world, to being surrounded by family & friends and to having this new bond with my husband.

 

 



29 Weeks & Karate Choppin'

Our little Caroline... Oh, sweet Caroline. You are getting bigger and the space in mommy's tummy is getting smaller. You're moving constantly it seems. You have got to be a ninja with all your "karate chops & ninja kicks" as your daddy says. It's precious and all but sometimes I will say you hurt a little. #youreworthit I'm amazed by the movement you make in my stomach. Just looking at it these days you can see you bouncing around in there. Sometimes, you can even tell where you are based on my lopsided belly.

I've been having this little debate in my head about her name. Should we keep it short and sweet and call her Caroline or should we keep it southern and call her Caroline Ann? I go back and forth.

This past week I had a meeting with a Healthy Start counselor. Not going to lie, I was a little scared walking into the building, so much that I almost walked out on my meeting (you had to be there). I was in agreement with myself that I wouldn't be missing anything and that everything the counselor and I would have discussed at the meeting, my hospital or my books would tell me about anyway. I don't qualify for any of the things the program is meant to offer but for the information, I'm glad I stayed.

The woman was amazing (first off, she was extremely easy to talk to, baby talk and regular conversation). I learned a lot from that one meeting. I was flooded with all sorts of information. Thank goodness! With all the questions I have running through my mind these days, this meeting was a blessing.

The counselor gave me flyer after flyer & tons of brochures to indulge myself with (very helpful). She 'snuck' me DVDs and told me to hide them when I brought them back to her. (I guess they have a movie room there to watch the DVDs and they're not supposed to be taken home....she said I seemed like a person she already knew and that she knew she could trust me). #myluckyday She even gave me a baby blanket for Caroline! Now I'm looking forward to going back to talk with her.

Over the weekend we ventured over to the other side of the Orlando area to visit with some family for a little while. It was a good time. We shared a wonderful meal together (I've been missing good southern cooking) and we enjoyed the Alabama v Mississippi State Game. #rolltide It was a very pleasant evening. I'm glad it was able to happen. & I know Joseph really enjoyed it. Did I mention Roll Tide?

On another football note, I am extremely proud of my Seminoles. They played an earlier game on Saturday and brought a smack down to Syracuse. 59-3. BOOM

I'm jealous that I haven't got to be at Doak for any of this fantastic season they're having. I know that place is rocking every game day. #seminolenation Keep it up, Noles! (Maybe next year, I'll get back up there.)

I guess I should go ahead and state this for the record, that way there is no confusion when the time comes. For the BCS National Championship, if Alabama & Florida State meet there together, is there really a question of who I will be pulling for in that game? Negative, absolutely not. I've said it once & I'll say it again: Florida State is my number 1, always has been always will. Alabama has been my number 2 for years, yes I married a die hard Alabama fan, but that does not mean I forgot my roots. I pull for both teams, except for in the occasion that they play each other. & in that case, I will be choppin' the whole game, fear the spear baby & go noles!

F-L-O-R-I-D-A S-T-A-T-E! Florida What? Florida State, Florida State, Florida State!

"Be Thankful For What You Have; You'll End Up Having More. If You Concentrate On What You Don't Have, You Will Never, Ever Have Enough" -- Oprah Winfrey

November 13th: Mommy Friends. I am thankful for all the mommy friends that I have. They have been such a blessing during this pregnancy. Whether it is friends that have already had one or two kids, new mommies or pregnant mommy-to-be's like me, they have all been very encouraging and supportive. All my mommy friends have offered advice and guidance for particular situations and made me think about things I haven't thought of yet. I'm thankful for their experiences and for sharing their knowledge with me. I'm grateful that they do not judge me and the choices I am making for my child. I am very thankful for their honesty they offer and for the dirty details they don't sugar coat. I am thankful for the mommy friends I have that have reached out to me.


November 14th: Chilly Air. I am thankful for chilly air that blows in central Florida. It's a rare thing down here. I am thankful for chilly mornings (even when they turn into hot afternoons) and I am thankful for chilly nights. I am thankful for, despite living in central Florida, getting to pull out long sleeve pull overs & boots on the random occasion. It reminds me of where I grew up (not quite as cold though). I am thankful that while visiting home in January, we will get to feel the cold for a few days. My wish? Bring on some more cold fronts, please! I am thankful for the, few and far between, chilly days that we have down here.

November 15th: Delivery. I am thankful for restaurants that offer delivery. Simple as that. I love that I can spend the evening with Joseph, doing things we love together and not have to worry about cooking. I love that we can go about our business, watching our shows and movies and just take a small timeout to answer the door and tip the lady or gentleman for bringing us the delightful dinner of our choice. I love how simple it has become to have a good meal arrive at your door and how 'on time' they are here in Lake Mary. (when they tell you a time they'll be at your house, they're there, if not early). I am thankful for the expansion of restaurants that now offer the service. I am thankful for restaurants that deliver.

November 16th: Family Friends. I am thankful for the people that have been friends for so long that we call them family. I am thankful for the time we get to spend with them and for how close they are to us. I am grateful for their company and for their love and support. I am thankful for the simplistic fun that can be had when we are with them. I love the conversations and the laughs that are had together. I am thankful for the new, short distance between all of us and for being able to catch up more easily. I am thankful for the people that are our family outside of our biological family.

November 17th: Sundays. I am thankful for the restful day of Sunday. I love Sundays. They're very relaxed, they're a day of reflection and a day I get to spend with my husband. I am thankful for the time we have together, just us. I am thankful for the things that we get to do together when there is nothing scheduled, nothing that has to be done. I am thankful for the blessings that Sunday's bring. I am thankful that this is a day to spend with our Lord. I am thankful that Sundays come last before the start of a new week. I am thankful for Sunday dinners and the conversations we enjoy. I am thankful for the long Sunday walks Joseph and I get to go on with Ace because we have no timeline for the day. I am so grateful for this day of the week. I am thankful for Sundays.

November 18th: Sleeping in. I am thankful for the mornings I get to sleep in and my body allows for me to. It is a rare occasion. I'm usually up like clock work, same time everyday. This morning however, was a much different case. I slept in later than usual and it felt amazing. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to sleep in. I had nothing I had to do first thing, I could lay in bed for as long as I wanted. I slept. I snoozed. Ace & I cuddled. I am thankful for mornings like this. I am thankful for my husband and his coworker that carpooled to work and I am thankful for a clear schedule. I am thankful for the rest I was given and for the slumber I received. I am thankful for sleeping in.

November 19th: Ace. I am thankful for my handsome 6 year old Doberman Pinscher, Ace. Born on November 19th of 2007, I am happy to say that we are celebrating his 6th birthday today. I am thankful to have had him since he was a baby pup. I am extremely grateful for all the years we have spent together. I am thankful for all the joy he brings to my life. I am thankful for his personality, his goofy & silliness and his huge heart. He is always there for me and is such a wonderful protector. I am blessed to have him in my life. I love that he has shown people what Dobermans really are. I love that when people meet him, their stereotype of the Doberman Pinscher vanishes. He is a true example of the kindness "vicious breeds" offer and he shows us that every dog can be a good dog, with a good owner. He is a true companion. He is this girl's best friend. I love the energy he puts off and how he knows when it's time to play and when he needs to be calm and gentle. I am thankful for his cuddles when I am sad and for the comfort that he brings me. Happy birthday to Ace The Doberman Robb and many more. He is more than a dog, he is a member of our little family, he is soon to be a big brother and new best friend to our Caroline. He has a piece of my heart and always will. I am so thankful that Ace & I found each other.

A friend of mine posted this recipe for "Doggy Birthday Cakes" not too long ago. You can call me The Puppy Chef, I'm thinking about giving it a shot today. I don't think I could mess it up, and if I happen to do so, I don't think Ace will mind or notice for that matter. So, he'll get "cake" on his birthday today!

Puppy Layered Cake
 Ingredients:
      1 pound ground beef, turkey, or chicken
      1 egg; beaten
      1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
      3-4 Milkbone treats; crushed
Directions:
      1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
      2. Mix meat until well incorporated with  ground meat of choice.
      3. Divide meat into two equal parts and shape into patties.
      4. Cover cookie sheet with foil & cook for 30 minutes; then let cool.
      5. Spread half of the greek yogurt onto one of the patties
      6. Sprinkle with half of the crushed milk bone treats.
      7. Stake the second pattie on top of the "dressed" pattie
      8. Spread with remaining yogurt and crushed Milkbones.

Incase you didn't see the title of this blog.. I am 29 weeks along now!! That means that we are getting closer and closer. Not quite yet, but we are almost to the single digit weeks! Pardon my excitement, I'm just so ready for her to be here and I know Joseph is too! I think even Ace is getting anxious now! #countingdown

According to my BabyBump app, Caroline is now the size of a butternut squash. The app says she is 15.25 inches and weighs 2.5 lbs. WELL, we already know that she, herself is not that size. At 28 weeks she weighed in at 3 lbs. so I wonder how long she really is and how much she has gained since then? Baby girl is above average. So I wonder what fruit/vegetable she really is...

From my understanding, my baby shower invitations are about to go in the mail! Yay! I'm so excited for it. We are doing girls & guys. I'm really looking forward to seeing family & friends all in one spot since our wedding! Minus the few that I already know cannot attend. (I know y'all are going to be there in spirit). I can't wait to see what it's going to look like! Pink, pink, pink EVERYWHERE!! I'm pretty sure it is going to be the same colors as Caroline's room: pale pink, grey & white. I'm really looking forward to it!

Also, I can't wait for tomorrow (Wednesday). I have a tour of our hospital where Miss Caroline Ann will be born. "The Baby Place." (pinch me.) I've read the book on everything they offer and it sounds completely amazing. So many educational classes for Joseph & I, they offer luxury suites for my family & me, and they offer massages for Joseph & I during our stay! I'm ready to go register and see the type of room we will have and get some more info! I keep trying to picture it. Yay, for tomorrow!

How far along? 29 weeks with our little love bug!
Total weight gain/loss: Yikes, considering I got weighed this past week, I know exactly how much. Ugh. 35 lbs. & from what I understand, rapid weight gain is about to start happening within the weeks coming.
Maternity Clothes? I've realized I only like shirts that convey my belly. Shirts that fit loosely, not so much. I feel like I have a large bag over me, which isn't flattering. Tight shirts please (show me the bellyyyyy)
Stretch Marks? Still fighting them off. Not one in sight so far! Still crossing my fingers and rotating through lotions
Sleep: Better! I can sleep through the whole night. I get 8-9 hours of sleep. I still wake up tired but it's good sleep.
Best moment(s) this week: Watching the alien in my belly move chasing the flashlight. It's crazy the waves you can see on the surface.
Miss anything?: My favorite pair of jeans & still laying on my stomach. I've found myself getting creative with ways to lay on my stomach, obviously so that I'm not actually on my stomach though. #feelingcreative
Movement: Karate choppin & ninja kickin'. Very active little girl we have!
Food cravings: I need a shower head that will rain chocolate for me. And then a milk machine. Then I'll be happy.

Labor Signs: No, hopefully holding off on those for as long as possible.

Belly Button in or out? Still an innie but I'm noticing some change. Stay an innie please! (Joseph & I have a bet going for how long it'll be an innie)

What I am looking forward to: My doctor appointment next week & My tour of "The Baby Place" tomorrow!

Weekly Wisdom: Try not to google things too much. Google can be wrong and it can freak you out. Listen to your doctor!

28 weeks & counting!

I can't believe that I have finally reached 28 weeks with our little buddle of joy. Who would've thought the 3rd trimester would get here as fast and as slow as it did? Yay, time is ticking and the days are counting down - Caroline will be here before we know it!

This has been one of the quickest weeks in quite sometime. It seriously flew by. And this was one of the weeks in which I would have loved for time to be slow motion. My mom was here, I had an ultrasound, we went to Tampa/Apollo Beach, and all kinds of other things.

During my moms first visit to Lake Mary, we went to Macaroni Grill (which it has been AT LEAST 15 years since either of us had been there, so good I might add + they let you color on the "table cloth" [table paper] which is perfect for people like us [score]), we shopped, we discovered a new part of the area that I hadn't seen, Park Avenue, where we ate at this super fresh & amazing Mexican restaurant called Cocina 214, and we caught up on some movies that we wanted to see.
 

 

P.S- If you have not seen "Olympus Has Fallen" please do so, it is a must see! So good. Starring Gerard Butler, who is one of my favorites. Check it out!

Her time with us flew by. Luckily, we met her later on in the week over on the west coast of Florida. #tampabay #apollobeach It was such a nice visit. We got to see my Aunt, Uncle and cousins. We shopped, Joseph got to play golf on a new course, I got to have lunch at this beautiful waterside restaurant called Bahia Beach, and we experienced a new church. Also, let me mention my extreme excitement for Saturday's college football. Florida State beat Wake Forest & Alabama beat LSU. It was a good day for us to say the very least!

 

All good things must come to an end, but now we're getting back into the daily swing of things at home. We have a couple weeks of just the two of us (and Ace) in our house and then the visits start again. So that is something to look forward to :)

Let the thankfulness continue in this gorgeous month of November:

November 4th: My Mom. I am thankful for my mother and everything she has ever done for me. I am thankful for the person she has made me. I am thankful for her improving health and how strong she has been throughout the years. I am thankful that even through the distance, through our phone conversations and catch up time that I feel like I'm not missing anything on her daily life. I am thankful for her visiting. I love that when she gets here, it feels like we just pick up where we left off. I love how she still takes care of me and now I take care of her. I'm forever grateful for her and to her. Caroline is so lucky to have her as a GiGi and she doesn't know it yet. She is going to make such a great grandmother. I am so blessed to have a woman like her in my life. If we could choose our moms, I couldn't have chosen a better one for myself. She is more than a mother, she is truly my best friend. I'm so thankful for the wonderful woman I am blessed to call my mom.

 

November 5th: Joseph's Job. I am thankful for Joseph's place of employment. I am thankful for how much he enjoys his workplace down here. I am thankful for all the good people he has met and that have helped him adjust. I am thankful that he enjoys going to work and that he is in a great work environment. I am grateful that he has a job and super grateful that he loves it. I am thankful for how they work with him on needing time to go to my doctor's appointments with me and how when we have emergencies they're understanding. I am so thankful that this career has worked out for him and that he has been able to grow within the company. I am thankful for his advancements and for his drive to succeed. I am thankful for Joseph's job.

November 6th:Ultrasounds. I am thankful for ultrasounds. I love how close they bring me to my daughter. I am thankful that my mom was able to be at this ultrasound and see her Granddaughter for the first time. I am thankful for how clear this ultrasound was and how beautiful my baby girl looked. I am thankful that I could see Caroline play with her feet and have a huge yawn. I am thankful that she cooperated the entire time and even played with the light. I am thankful the tech took so much time with my mom & I and explained every little thing about her to us. I am thankful for everything an Ultrasound allows us to see. This visit was by far the best ultrasound I have had so far. I am in love. I am thankful for Ultrasound appointments.

November 7th: Daily Walks in Nature. I am thankful for the beauty that nature has to offer us. I am grateful that I have a park that I can walk Ace to. I am thankful for the trees and the grass and the fresh air. I am thankful for the ducks that we see on our walks and for the lake we have to look at. I am thankful for the peace that can be found in nature. I love how being outside has a way of clearing the mind. I am thankful for the exercise I get while on our walks. I am thankful that Ace looks forward to them and enjoys them as much as I do. I am thankful for his good behavior while on these walks. I am thankful for the swings I get to swing on and for the clarity I get while at this park. I am thankful for being able to walk my dog through such a beautiful park trail any time I please.

November 8th: Photography. I am thankful for photography & photographers, specifically our wedding photos & White Sands Photography. I love how pictures capture moments and can take you back and make you remember that moment so clearly. I am thankful for photographers who capture real moments and take candid photos. I am thankful for posed pictures that show true feelings. I am thankful for photographers being at the right place at the right time. I am thankful for photographs that show timelines and make you feel like you're there again. I am thankful for Joseph & my wedding pictures. They take me back & make me enjoy the day again and again. I love looking at them. I love remembering the feelings I had on that day. I love seeing how we were looking at each other and how we held each other on the dance floor. I love the memories that I'll forever get to relive because I have these pictures. I am thankful for pictures & good photography.

November 9th: The water. I am thankful for living by the water. I love being able to hop on a boat and go cruising around.. I love how the air smells, I love the feel of a boat drifting atop of water, I love being able to watch the sunset in the middle of a body of water or from the beach and having someone to share it with. I love the ocean, I love the bays, canals, and lakes. I am thankful for the breathtaking sights you can experience on the water. I am thankful for being blessed to live in Florida by the water.

November 10th: Prayer. I am thankful for the strength of prayer. How powerful it can be. I am thankful for all the prayers that are answered & unanswered. I am thankful for understanding and for not understanding God's reasons sometimes. I am thankful for persistence and for group prayer. I am thankful for everyone who has ever put my family and myself in their prayers, I am thankful for their selflessness and their concern. I am thankful to God for listening. Pray daily, pray often. Pray for help, for forgiveness and for thanks. I am thankful for all the good prayer can do.

November 11th: United States Military. Veteran's Day is a day of celebration, remembrance, and pride. I am thankful to all of the men, women, and families who have served this great nation past, present and future and to the fallen soldiers who have given their lives for this great nation. I am thankful for all the military in my family, Air Force & Army & Navy, and am proud to have such a strong military background.  I am thankful for my Grandpa (retired), for my Late Opa (retired), for my Father (retired), for my Brother (active), for my Father-In-Law (retired), for my Uncles (retired), for my cousin (retired) and for the their families and elders. I am so thankful to know such strong people and have them in my life. I am thankful for our United States Military Veterans.

 

November 12th: Technology. I am thankful for technological advancements. Without them, so many questions are left unanswered. Technology has a way of simplifying things and easing the mind. It's amazing the things that can be done these days that used to be considered impossible. Through all the advancing, more things are able to be explained. I am thankful for GPS's for making directions more clear, I am thankful for improved Ultrasound machines that answer questions and concerns, I am thankful for Google for answering my questions and I am thankful for Blogger for making it easier to catch my family up on my life with details I might forget in a phone conversations. I am thankful for everyone who is technologically savvy and able to improve our way of life. I am thankful for all the useful gadgets we have today. I am thankful for technology and the ever improving world.

Joseph & I have been talking more about Thanksgiving since it's getting closer. I think we have a change in plans. I think our first Thanksgiving Holiday together we are going to donate our time to feeding the homeless. We are going to find a shelter in the area and go serve food. Neither of us have ever done it before and we both agree that it would be a wonderful and selfless way to spend our 1st Thanksgiving together. We want to give back for the many things we have been blessed with. I'm so glad we talked about it and this choice was brought up. I'm really looking forward to it.

All of our fall decorations are out now, being displayed around the house. [Even my 'Turner Pumpkins' have arrived!] All I am missing is a nice festive table cloth. Staying on the look out though.

We have already started making Christmas décor purchases & decisions. Our tree will be up the day after Thanksgiving as well as our Christmas lights! Yay for the Holidays!

Caroline's nursery is still underway. We did add a new addition to it though, thanks to my mommy. She worked very hard and the results show it. She redid a rocking chair for us and had it done in the nursery colors with a super cute fabric and all. We absolutely love it & so does everyone that has seen it. I was rather impressed, since I saw the rocking chair before the remodel started. Such a great transformation! I am so happy with it! Thank you, Mom!

Oh! & I've been steadily ordering things online that I just love, love, love for Caroline & one of the layettes finally arrived! I love it. It's monogrammed with her name. I love the words and I love the colors. It's adorable & I know both sets of her grandparents will love it too! "Grandpa's girl, Grandma's world"

After having Caroline's ultrasound this past week, we learned that she is a rather big baby. She is already weighing in at 3 lbs. (which is how much a baby at 30 weeks should weigh). Also, she has long bones. So we are expecting a long baby. In her ultrasound you could see the fuzz on her head, lots of it. We are predicting a full head of hair at birth. And she had super long eyelashes, thanks to her mommy & daddy. Her lips were full, they were perfect. (See above Ultrasound for more pictures). I can't wait to see her in 3D/4D and then meet her.

You learn something new every day. Did you know that during your 1st and 2nd trimester you can have a regular visit at the dentist's office. You can have x-rays and get your teeth cleaned as usual. BUT once you get to your 3rd trimester, no more dentist for you. You have to have approval from your doc then. Who would've thought. GOOGLE WAS WRONG!

How far along? 28 weeks! We're in the 3rd Trimester!!
Total weight gain/loss: 25 lbs. (I guess I hadn't been weighed in a while, because that jumped quite a bit!..Now to start gaining weight on the reg)
Maternity Clothes? Every day mixing it up. Maternity pants & regular shirts. My size small shirts don't fit me anymore but the mediums are still hanging in there!
Stretch Marks? None that are noticeable yet, fingers crossed for the remainder.
Sleep: One potty break most nights, besides that, I'm using Joseph as my pregnancy pillow since we don't believe in them- he loves it.
Best moment(s) this week: The ultrasound my mom & I got to see together. Caroline was so playful and exciting to watch. Her huge yawn was adorable. She's extra precious and I'm so happy my mom and I got to experience it together.
Miss anything?: Laying on my stomach. It was probably my favorite way to lay pre-pregnancy. Now I can't.
Movement: She is extremely busy in my belly. Her rest periods are shorter by day it seems.
Food cravings: Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate! PB & J and some fresh yummy salads!

Labor Signs: no, no, no. NEGATIVE.

Belly Button in or out? Still an innie.

What I am looking forward to: My Healthy start meeting tomorrow to learn about some Mommy & Daddy classes to prep and then our hospital tour on the 20th. We get to pick out our room and hear all about what "The Baby Place" has to offer.

Weekly Wisdom: Don't forget to pee before you go somewhere or do something, you never know when the next bathroom is going to come around.

Welcome to November!

The "it's officially Fall" month is finally here! (It's been fall for a little while, but it really feels like it this month with all the oranges, yellows and reds around). November is always such a beautiful month. Living in northern Florida for most of the falls I remember, this is a season for bonfires and leaf changing, hot coffee and scarves, jeans and boots.. and raking yards. One of the best times of the year. It's perfect for me when it is chilly but not freezing. I've always looked forward to it.

Joseph and I have moved south just in time for this season. We are not experiencing bonfires or chilly weather for that matter. The lows around here can be found at 64 degrees and that's at 1 o'clock in the morning. Some days are cooler than others. We experienced a low of 72 this last week! Woohoo! But, it was 90 yesterday. So if you want shorts all year round, move it down on south people!

From what I've been told, for "chilly-like weather," I better wait for December. So I'll be patiently awaiting the cold front however short-lived it may be.

November is a month to think of all you're thankful for, to cherish those around you and the ones at a distance and to appreciate the little things we have. A little November challenge? Each day choose something that I'm thankful for, however big or small.

November 1st: Teamwork. Joseph & I work so well together and I'm very thankful for that. Whether it is something small like double teaming dinner, him on the grill and me with the oven and stove, or its something larger like formulating a plan for things we need to take care of, we do it together. I couldn't imagine a better life partner. I love having him as my rock and me as his. We help each other and support each other and we accomplish goals together.  I'm very thankful for the team we are.

 

 November 2nd: College Game Day. I am thankful for Saturday College Football. I'm thankful for how happy my husband is when he wakes up on Saturday mornings #guesswhatdayitis #gameday. I'm thankful for Florida State and the amazing season they've had so far. I'm thankful for ESPN, Jameis Winston, Osceola and Renegade. I'm thankful for Alabama football and for their continuing victories. I love that football is something Joseph and I enjoy so much together. Saturday's are always fun around our house. Football, food and family makes our Saturdays complete. I'm thankful to spend Saturday's with my husband doing something we both enjoy.

November 3rd: My 2 Boys. I am thankful for Joseph & Ace. They bring such joy and happiness to my life. They always make me smile and laugh. They play and are silly and make it hard not to enjoy being around them. I am thankful that they love each other and that we are one little happy family. I love that they BOTH love Caroline already. I am thankful for the comfort that they bring to me and how safe I feel with them around. I am thankful that I have these 2 beauties to share life with.

I think it's the most adorable thing when Ace rests his head on my stomach. He tries to be as close as possible to his little sister. I can already tell how much he loves her and how protective of her he is going to be. It's the sweetest thing to see. Any and every chance he gets he lays his head on my stomach. I know he can hear her in there.

November, it's the month of Thanksgiving, which means family, friends and food, food, food. As I have mentioned, Joseph and I will be celebrating Thanksgiving just the two of us this year, and although it will be different, I am excited for it. It means that we get to start new traditions together, as a family.

I've got our menu set up already and most of the fall decorations are out. I've just recently ordered our newest fall addition and I cannot wait for it to arrive. #picturestocome

On news of our little love bug, I am 27 weeks pregnant! Princess Caroline is getting so strong. I think she dances in my belly or she is going to be a gymnast like her mom was with all that flipping around she keeps doing! She moves twice as much when Joseph rubs my stomach, it makes my heart melt. He brags about it (which makes me smile).

 I don't know if he knows it yet, but his heart is already hers, you can tell. She'll definitely be a daddy's girl.

 

How far along? 27 week! (13 to go!)
Total weight gain/loss: 18 lbs
Maternity Clothes? Still wearing them. I got really creative recently though with pre-pregnancy clothes. Yay, for more options!
Stretch Marks? Still doing good. Putting on lotion in the morning and at night before bed is like a ritual these days. Sometimes its annoying, but I know I'll be extremely grateful for it later on.
Sleep: The dreams are getting more strange. I'm still getting up once in the middle of the night for a potty break, but it's OK.. I get the best sleep ever afterwards!
Best moment(s) this week: Watching Joseph (and Ace) paint the nursery. I'm completely in love with Caroline's nursery already. I find myself spending more and more time in there now.
Miss anything?: How good does a Mich Ultra sound? Or a Sweetwater Blue? My goodness, delish. & I'm missing my body. Old photos make me jealous. Ready to get the pre-baby body back and take it to the next level.
Movement: More & more frequent. She plays up high at night and down low during the day. Still getting stronger, I can't help but stare at my belly when she's moving, its amazing to watch.
Food cravings: This week I've been wanting lots and lots of yogurt. Strawberry Banana, Raspberry, Blueberry and Blackberry are the winning favorites.

Labor Signs: no, no, no.

Belly Button in or out? Still an innie.

What I am looking forward to: My mom getting here on Monday & my ultrasound on Wednesday. I wonder what my mom's reaction is going to be? (it's the first Grandchild, so I'm not sure what to expect). I know she's really excited which makes me even more anxious for this appointment! Then Friday Joseph & I take a little vacay to Apollo Beach. Yay for shopping & golf!

Weekly Wisdom: "Feeling fat lasts 9 months, but the joy of becoming a mom lasts forever"