Pregnancy Diary: 24 Weeks!

How Far Along? - 24 Weeks and 1 day! 

Total Weight Gain? - 16lbs... yikes!! 

Maternity Clothes? - Jeans are about to be retired for now... the belly band can only work for so long. I can still fit into most of my shirts but definitely wearing the bigger ones. 

Stretch Marks? - Not on the tummy... so far so good!

Sleep? - There are good nights and not so good nights. I've been waking up with headaches lately which is NOT fun. 

Best Moment This Week? - Seeing and holding my cousin's sweet new baby girl and realizing I am THAT much closer to holding my baby boy!!

Miss Anything? - Sleeping on my tummy, 

Movement? - Yes, goodness... the other night he was so active I could barely fall back asleep after my potty break. He was moving like crazy so I poked around at my belly a little bit and he calmed down. He must have been pretty happy! Also, this morning I swear my stomach leaped a couple inches! His kicks are getting strong! 

Food Cravings? - Fruit, Mexican, Chocolate Milk... they never seem to disappoint. 

Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick? - Nope

Gender: - BOY! :) 

Labor Signs? - No

Symptoms? - Lower back pain, heartburn and headaches

Belly Button in or out? - It's pretty much as far out as it can go. 

Wedding Ring, On or Off? - On!

Happy or Moody most of the time? - Super Happy!

Looking forward to:  Bradley classes next Tuesday!!

Baby is the size of an: Eggplant

Fun Facts: 

Average Size:   9inches and 1.7pounds

At week 24, baby’s progress isn’t just about internal stuff, it’s about his looks too. With pinker, more opaque skin, he’s looking more and more, well, like a baby. You might be experiencing some of the discomforts of the later months of pregnancy like leg cramps, backaches and swollen feet. (thankfully no leg cramps or swollen feet but definitely some backaches!)

Love the weekends...

... especially when they are filled with wonderful things! :) 

We went up to Wichita Falls on Friday night to visit some of my family. We try to get up there once a month or so... but we had a special reason for this trip. My cousin Katelyn gave birth to a beautiful baby girl! She was originally due on the 20th but baby Brylee decided she'd rather be evicted on Saturday morning rather than come on her own! Thankfully after 13hours of labor and 2 pushes, she decided to come join the family! I am so happy for Katelyn and I can't believe we are at that point in our lives to be extending our family with little ones. My youngest cousin is 16 so needless to say it's been a while since we've had a little one, let alone a baby around during the holidays and other get togethers. It will be so fun once our baby boy gets here... they will be 4 months apart and I can't wait to watch them grown up around each other! :) 

Of course Katelyn looks amazing with a one day young little girl! 

After visiting with her and holding Brylee, I realized how much closer I am to having one of my own! Have I mentioned how fast time flies!? It's pretty amazing how fast things happen. 

Babies are such miracles. Our bodies are such miracles! I am amazed more and more that with the help of a loving Heavenly Father we as woman are capable of bringing such a beautiful creation into this world! I am grateful for the ability my body has to do such an amazing thing.

*    *    *

While we were in Wichita Falls, I brought along a project to work on. A few weeks ago when Ben and I came home, I spotted an old latter back chair on the curb waiting to be trashed. I immediately asked Ben if he could snatch it up for me and carry it upstairs. Even though it was in the trash pile and perfectly fine for me to take... I told Ben to hurry so whoever was the previous owner wouldn't walk out and look at me crazy for taking their busted up chair!! I know... silly of me but whatever. 

Do you ever see something that is in less than perfect condition and immediately have an idea for it?! It doesn't happen to me all the time but this chair was an exception. As soon as I saw it I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it and lucky enough for me... it worked! :) 

                                          

As you can see from the picture above... the seat was completely busted. It was also pretty dirty and stinky! I wore rubber gloves and cut all that twine off of the seat and threw it away, I obviously wasn't going to use it in that condition! Then, I cleaned the entire chair with clorox wipes to make myself feel better about where it could have been etc. 

The next step was to change the color so I decided on Krylon Cherry Red. I also used black glaze over the red and sanded it in various places to give it a more distressed look.  Once the paint dried, I took old fabric scraps, ripped them into strips (1/2 inch - 1 inch thick) and tied them together using a basic knot. Then, I did a basic weave (over/under) to create a new seat! Ben kept insisting I do a rush/basket weave but I knew it would take a lot longer and wasn't sure I'd have the patience for it. I love the way the basic weave turned out and I love scrappy, frayed look of the fabric.  

It now sits inside the entry of our apartment where I had put one of our dining room chairs (temporarily). I love it... especially with the handmade pillows that Jess (the purple one) and I (the red quilted one) made. 

I love how you can take an old worn out chair headed for the trash and give it a new life. Sometimes those items make the very best projects. I didn't have to pay for the chair and I had all the other supplies on hand! Super cheap, Super simple and Super cute! :) 

*    *    * 

I've definitely been in a project mood lately... I think this is one of the first projects I've done using inspiration from Pinterest.

I love the typography art work from Pitter Patter Art. It's so eclectic and has a worn, rustic yet cheery look to it which I love. 

I really like how this piece is done so I decided to try and make one of my own. 

I didn't have a place to put a long canvas like this so I chose a smaller canvas instead. I also chose a different quote. "Start each day with a grateful heart." 

Here is mine... 

The lighting in the bathroom isn't very good for picture taking... but you get the idea! Once again, this was a super easy project. I had most of the supplies on hand and anything I needed to buy (canvas, antiquing/distressing ink) were inexpensive at Hobby Lobby, especially with the 40% off coupon!!

This time of year makes me so happy. I LOVE Spring... and I love that it has decided to come a month early! Although we could use the moisture from the snow and haven't had a good freeze... I am enjoying the 60-70 degree weather! The trees are starting to bloom, the fields are so fresh and green, the birds are chirping and girl scout cookies are being sold!! What's not to love about 10 boxes of girl scout cookies Spring?! :) 

                                 

a picture I took on the way home from my Aunt and Uncle's road... LOVE how green the grass is! 

Pregnancy update to come this evening! 

Pregnancy Diary: 23 Weeks

How Far Along? - 23 Weeks and 1 day! 

Total Weight Gain? - I have gained 3lbs. from my pre-pregnancy weight and 13lbs. from losing 10lbs. during the first trimester. 

Showing? - I am showing for sure! :) Went to Cheddar's the other night for dinner and was standing up waiting for our table and an older woman insisted that I sit down, I told her she could sit and that I was fine, but she pointed at me and insisted once again that I have a seat on the bench beside her. Maybe she was just being nice or maybe she noticed I was pregnant and being nice... :) 

Maternity Clothes? - Still fitting in my regular jeans (yay!) but with a belly band (what a fabulous invention!). We've had beautiful weather here so it's been nice not having to bundle up too much with heavy clothing. 

Stretch Marks? - Not on the tummy yet, just those same little ones on my sides. 

Sleep? - Sleep is getting better... just gotta get use to being on my side without my arm going numb or my ribs getting sore. 

Best Moment This Week? - Having my best friend of 8 years in town, crafting and making things for my upcoming shower! :) Love her!

Miss Anything? - Sleeping on my tummy, Walking around stores without my back hurting.

Movement? - Yes and I love it! Ben is able to feel it more often now and I can even see it on occasion. I ate a handful of grapes the other day and could see my belly twitch from side to side, so cool!  

Food Cravings? - Fruit, Mexican, Chocolate Milk... they never seem to disappoint. 

Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick? - Nope

Gender: - BOY! :) 

Labor Signs? - No

Symptoms? - Round Ligament pains... my tummy feels so swollen by the end of the day. Today I started having mild rib pain, no fun!

Belly Button in or out? - For it being an "outie" in the first place but a little sunken in... it's actually almost all the way out... if that makes sense?!

Wedding Ring, On or Off? - On!

Happy or Moody most of the time? - Happy!

Looking forward to:  Starting our Bradley classes in a couple weeks! I am nervous but really can't wait. Makes it more real the closer we get! 

Baby is the size of an: Ear of Corn

Fun Facts: 

Average Size: 8.5 inches and 1.5 pounds

He forming little nipples (yeah, really!). His face is fully formed now -- he just needs a little extra fat to fill it out.  He's  listening to your voice and your heartbeat -- and even to loud sounds like cars honking and dogs barking.

Pregnancy Diary: 22 weeks and 1 day!

How Far Along? - 22 Weeks and 1 day! 

Total Weight Gain? - I am finally back up to my original weight of 158lbs. They were right when they said "don't try to gain weight, it will happen eventually." It sure has started happening, I'm getting bigger by the day.

Showing? - Definitely showing now. I get so excited when people notice and point it out. Gaining weight and growing a bigger stomach isn't exactly something women wish for... but this has been the most amazing experience seeing my stomach grow. I can't tell you how many times Ben tells my I'm beautiful and how much he loves me. Of course he said so before I got pregnant but I hear it so much more now and it means the world to me! 


Maternity Clothes? - I am still in my regular jeans, I keep meaning to buy some belly bands because they definitely can't stay comfortably buttoned nowadays... even the ones that were a bit loose to begin with. I am wearing a mix of regular and maternity. 

Stretch Marks? - Still no stretch marks except the few I've had on my sides. 

Sleep? - Sleep is getting better... just gotta get use to being on my side without my arm going numb or my ribs getting sore. 

Best Moment This Week? - Having our very first sonogram and getting to see our sweet baby boy! What an awesome sight! :) 

Miss Anything? - Sleeping on my tummy, Walking around stores without my back hurting.

Movement? - I definitely have a mover in there! He is finally kicking hard enough that Ben can feel him on the outside. I am starting to recognize his sleep patterns more and more and it's so fun that he wakes up around the same time as I do. He will especially start moving when Ben wakes me up and says good morning etc. This evening I felt him "rotate"... it was pretty cool! I don't know if it was his butt, head, knee, elbow etc. but I felt a rounded motion, different than the sudden "kick". 

Food Cravings? - Still haven't had any crazy cravings... but Mexican food and BBQ is always tasty. Chocolate Milk <3

Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick? - Nope

Gender Prediction? - It's a BOY!! :) I can now say my dreams literally came true! Had three dreams of a baby boy and had the feeling all along... so fun to learn that my guess was right on! 

Labor Signs? - No

Symptoms? - Round ligament pains are back and not as dull as they were in the first trimester. They are definitely sharper and cover a larger area. Sometimes it's hard to stand up and walk because it hurts. Also... a few H's here and there. I don't want to bother you by saying the word... it's gross. Other than that, I am feeling great!

Belly Button in or out? - For it being an "outie" in the first place but a little sunken in... it's actually almost all the way out... if that makes sense?!

Wedding Ring, On or Off? - On!

Happy or Moody most of the time? - Happy!

Looking forward to:  Our 22 week appointment tomorrow afternoon! Also, celebrating our last Valentine's day as a couple without kids. (but definitely looking forward to the future Valentine's days with kids!!)

Baby is the size of a: Papaya! 

Fun Facts:

Average Size: 11in. and 1.2lbs.

Watch what you say -- baby is now able to hear outside noise from down in the womb. Studies show that baby finds gentle music and your own voice most soothing. Nipples are starting to sprout, and that little face is fully formed. And, baby's starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop.

I know the video only showed a few sonogram pictures so here are some more for you to see...

We had so much fun hearing from family and friends after they watched the video reveal! Everyone was so excited yet so frustrated all at the same time. I kept laughing through out the day as I'd receive phone calls and text messages about how cruel I was to put them through such a thing! :) It was such a fun way to do the reveal and I wouldn't have changed a thing! 

Thanks for all the love and support! :) 

17 weeks and 5 days to go! 

Gender Reveal!!

So... here is the moment you've all been waiting for!! 


Is baby a BOY or a GIRL?!





We are so excited and so grateful for all our family and friends who continue to support us along this exciting journey! We are glad we could share this special moment with you! 


Patience is a virtue ;)


Love, 
Amie & Ben 

Pregnancy Diary: 21 Weeks!

(Yucky last minute picture... hopefully you can tell I was tired!)

How Far Along? - 21 Weeks! 

Total Weight Gain? - Now weigh 156lbs. - 2lbs. to go before I reach my "pre-pregnancy" weight. Crazy to believe it's taken this long to get to that point but grateful to be healthy and not gaining excessively.

Showing? - Still a gradual progress. Ben said this morning, "You are definitely starting to show now." It's about time!! :) 

Maternity Clothes? - A few, the same as last week. LOVE my maxi skirt and yoga pants. 

I think baby does too, there's more room to dance around.  

Stretch Marks? - Thankfully none on the belly yet. Some on the sides but not super noticeable.

Sleep? - Same as before, good nights and bad nights. Sometimes I wake up with sore ribs from staying on my side. I toss and turn quite a bit more but feel well rested for the most part. 

Best Moment This Week? - 

Miss Anything? - Sleeping on my tummy. 

Movement? - Everyday and I LOVE it! Last night Ben and I were laying in bed talking and I knew the baby was awake cause I felt movement but then WHAM!! I jumped and said, "ouch!" Totally caught me off guard but he/she obviously thought it was NOT the time to be sleeping. I'm feeling about 1 strong kick a day or every other day... sometimes its on the bladder which is not the most pleasant feeling. I know I'll miss it though :) 

Food Cravings? - Ben brought home a huge container of Nesquick powder the other day. It definitely made my day... who knew?! :) 

Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick? - Not so much anymore

Gender Prediction? - Hmmm... as my last guess... I'll say girl just to switch it up a little bit. Maybe my dreams have been playing tricks on me. Who cares what I think anymore, we find out in 18 hours if "IT" is a boy or girl! I. CANT. WAIT.

Labor Signs? - No

Symptoms? - Round ligament pains are back and not as dull as they were in the first trimester. They are definitely sharper and cover a larger area. Sometimes it's hard to stand up and walk because it hurts. Other than that, I am feeling great!

Belly Button in or out? - In (I have an "outie" to begin with but it doesn't stick out above my stomach. I'm wondering though if I'll have a little knob when my belly button finally "pops"... How funny will that be?! lol!

Wedding Ring, On or Off? - On!

Happy or Moody most of the time? - Happy and Anxious...

Looking forward to:  Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I love you, Tomorrow, you're only a DAY away!! Needless to say, I am so looking forward to seeing our baby for the first time tomorrow, to see the arms and legs, fingers and toes. We have been praying for a happy, healthy baby and know that whatever happens is according to God's will. And of course, we are looking forward to finding out if we have a son or daughter :) 

Baby is the size of a: Spaghetti Squash

Fun Facts: 

Average Size: 8in. and 1lb. 

Baby gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for hydration and nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And, these days, those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth, babies are most interested in tastes they've already experienced through amniotic fluid. Meaning, think about what you want your future child to eat as you prepare your own lunch.

It's so amazing to know that whatever I eat right now, the baby can taste!! With that little known fact... I am pretty sure baby is going to LOVE chocolate milk and mexican food! I've consumed plenty of both in the last few weeks! Thankfully I do eat pretty healthy overall and I am not a big "junk" eater. 

I am also amazed that in such a quick time the baby has gone from a tiny little poppy seed to a big ol' spaghetti squash! I remember the blueberry and raspberry days... ready for the baby days!! 

We are headed to the Birthing Center tomorrow morning at 9:30am to see our baby for the very first time and to find out if it's a He or She! 

Meet me back here tomorrow at NOON to find out for yourself!!  :)