35 weeks

Total weight gain/loss:

After my 32 week beat down by my doctor, who the hell cares. I was at 35 pounds at week 32, but lost a pound at my 34 week appointment. So close enough.

Milestones:

I have finally gotten enough of my to do list done that I wouldn't freak out if the baby came early. Other than the nursery still missing a dresser and a glider, all the baby essentials have been purchased and organized. 

Maternity clothes:

Still living off one pair of jeans, one pair of sweats and 3 pairs of leggings. I'm actually a pretty big fan of my maternity tops (some of which I think I shall wear post-baby), but the cold weather makes dressing myself tricky. Too cold (and windy) now for skirts. After 5:00 and on weekends, my wardrobe consists of Clay's tshirts. That's it. There… you've been warned. If you come visit me, I have a pants optional policy in my home. Beware. 

Stretch marks:

None. Just that weird dark line. 

Sleep:

I keep thinking to myself, "oh I can't wait to not be pregnant anymore so I can get a goods night sleep." Ha, I forget pregnancy sleeplessness is replaced by a different kind of coma. The achy joints, giant belly, jumpy legs, burning feet and frequent potty breaks make for really teeny nights. Maybe I could get a better nights sleep if I slept on the toilet with my feet in a bucket of cold water and rest my head on the bathroom counter. Tempting actually...

Best moment last week:

Found out that the baby is measuring "normal" so currently no scare that I may have to be induced or have a C-section like my doctor threatened a couple weeks ago. 

I have such a wonderful support group! My 80+ year old grandparents came over one day to help me completely deep clean my entire house and my sister helped me get all my Christmas decorations up. I'm getting less and less mobile as the days fly by, so I am beyond grateful for all of their help! Ashley also was kind enough to take a bunch of maternity pictures of me in all my bloated glory! Thanks Stinky!

Movement:

Lil Arch is really groovin' in there. There have been several nights where I get to lay there and watch my belly move around. I'm actually going to miss that. It's weird sometimes because I'm not sure if it has really sunk in or not and then to see my belly move is such a mind boggling miracle. 

Food cravings:

I ate an entire container of cottage cheese the other day… never done that before. Ranch dressing is still pretty high on my fave food list. Other than that… nothing super crazy coming to mind.

Gender:

Human baby. Possibly a giraffe.

Labor signs:

Nothing that I've noticed at least. Occasional crampiness, but do I dare call those Braxton Hicks? Dunno.

Belly button in/out:

Eww, it's starting to poke out. Gross gross gross. My belly button ring hole is turning all purplish too to really add to the aesthetic.

Annoyances:

%$#@&*!? Langlois and Babies R Us! I want my furniture so I can finish up the nursery! No one buy from Langlois in Muskegon… ever. I even spoke to the sales manager the other day and he gives me the same "there's nothing we can do" BS that the dumb wench I've been working with gives me. 18 weeks and still no chair. I probably could've whittled my own rocking chair by now.  

Also, as someone who is ALWAYS cold… what the hell is up with these hot flashes?! I am warm all the time now! Twenty six years of my life freezing my buns off and now this?! Talk about shock. 

Mood swings:

The 10 solid days of rain and gloominess we just had didn't exactly help with my hormones. There may or may not have been some really weepy days in there. And apparently looking at other people's birthing photos and mellow songs make me cry instantly. That's normal, right? 

What I miss:

Fitting into normal clothes, walking without a waddle, not dreading climbing stairs and there are days… well shit, I just need a drink.

What I'm looking forward to:

Something in me changed over the last week or so in regards to my attitude towards going into labor. Planning on a natural birth has always instilled this fear of being able to handle the pain or not. Lately though, I absolutely cannot wait to go through that experience. Even apart from the obvious outcome of welcoming my first child into the world, I feel almost anxious and excited to be able to push my limits for such an incredible miracle. I'm sure I won't be singing the same tune 3 days into back labor (like my mom went through), but I am currently looking forward to that. 

Brownie Batter Pancake recipe

BROWNIE BATTER PANCAKES

• 1/4 C. spelt or all-purpose flour
• 1/4 t. baking powder
• 1 T. Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa, dutch or regular cocoa 
• 1 T. plus 1 t. sugar 
• 1/16 t. salt
• 1 1/2 T. applesauce or oil 
• 1 t. pure vanilla extract
• 5 1/2 T. milk

Mix dry ingredients very well, then add wet. Make pancakes! Yields 6-8 silver dollar pancakes. Feel free to throw in some chocolate chips too. (I'd recommend mini chips though.)

Nutrition facts: 130 calories

Buffalo Chicken Pizza recipe

I sort of combined two different meal ideas on this one. I originally was just going to cook up some crock pot buffalo chicken and eat on sub buns, but then I found a recipe for homemade pizza dough. So behold, buffalo chicken pizza.


CROCK POT BUFFALO CHICKEN

• 3 lb. bag of frozen chicken breast
• 1 packet ranch dressing seasoning
• 1 bottle Franks Wings sauce (or any buffalo sauce)

Combine all ingredients into crock pot. Let the chickies swim on low for 6-7 hours. Shred the chicken and let simmer another hour.


HOMEMADE PIZZA DOUGH

• 1 C. warm water
• 1 pkg. dry active yeast (.25 oz)
• 2 3/4 C. flour
• 1 t. sugar
• 1 t. salt
• 2 T. olive oil

Place water in a small bowl and stir in yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups flour, sugar and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until dough comes together and forms a ball. Turn out onto floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, ad as much of the remaining 1/4 cup of flour as needed. Form into disk and place in a bowl that has been lightly oiled with olive oil. Cover and let rise for 2 hours in a warm place. Remove dough and punch down. Roll into desired diameter.

Nutrition facts: 191 calories, 4 grams fat, 5 grams protein, 34 grams carbs and 1 gram fiber

Word to the wise! I thought I could handle the dough without greasing up my hands. Um no. This is the stickiest damn dough I have ever handled in my life. May as well have been rolling Gorilla Glue around in my hands. Grease your hands with olive oil before handling!!! 

Place shredded chicken onto rolled out dough, spoon out some sauce from the crock pot and put in over at 350 degrees. I think mine took about 30 minutes, but keep checking on it until it's done. Throw some mozzarella cheese on top when it's close to down and bake until cheese is melted.

I have yet to find a buffalo chicken pizza recipe that is super saucy and this one was a bit drier than I would have liked. (Any suggestions folks?) I ended up pouring some more buffalo sauce and of course some ranch on it before I ate it. I really liked it otherwise.

The life of a pregnant hunting widow

We're only two weeks into hunting season and husband is currently on his second 4 day weekend "getaway" up North. So since Friday, it has just been me and Miss Zora. Maybe Clayton will be home tomorrow... maybe not. Who knows anymore. From October thru December, he's more of a temporary housemate that stops by once in awhile anyways. 

Friday night, I decided to get a jump start on my Fall cleaning. Spent about 4 hours organizing, scrubbing, wiping down, sanitizing, etc. Got an early start Saturday morning to continue. My wonderful wonderful grandparents came over for almost 8 hours to help me get it all done.... and provided dinner and dessert! I sometimes forget my grandparents are in their 80s. In my mind, they're still in their 60s... always will be. I swear they don't age. Their stamina and health are pretty incredible. I wouldn't have been able to get all that work done without them... I'm so grateful!

Miss Zora was a huge help changing the bed

Grandpa is the best carpet cleaner dude ever! No more puppy smell!

Grandma is a machine. This 80-something year old woman outworked my pregnant ass.

The rest of the weekend was pretty uneventful. Sunday was my sister-in-law's bridal shower in Muskegon. Had a fun time seeing everyone and celebrating. It has been raining pretty much non stop for the last four days. Miss Zora hates rainy days... poor pup has been cooped up in the house forever. She does, however, love stealing Clay's side of the bed when he's gone. She's such a great spooner!

My sisters-in-law.

Me and the bride-to-be!

Zora... the bed hog.

Taking over my spot once again. Yet, adorable.

Some of the not so fantastic moments of my weekend:

• The drywall/painted wall safe double sided tape took off the first layer of drywall in two places on the main wall of my living room when I removed part of my collage
• The nasty wind ripped off my windshield wiper and dropped something on my car causing my windshield to crack in two places
• Pup ripped the plastic carrying handle off her crate and either ate it or hid it
• Still dealing with incompetent, rude sales people at Langlois furniture regarding my glider

F you tape. Burn in hell.

Grr. However, I did get to have a nice long Skype date with Miss Moose and Emmalyn last night and I got my hospital bags 99% packed tonight! Woot! I have my 34 week appointment tomorrow so hopefully baby isn't measuring too big. I feel a little unprepared right now and would love Lil Arch to just stay put until after Thanksgiving. My parents and grandparents are going to be out of the state until mid-November and we don't need any unnecessary rushing back home. 

Anyways, welp, sleep time. More baby updates tomorrow!

True Life: I'm a pregnant fatty

My 32-week OB appointment was a sad one today. No, baby is fine... actually measuring at 34 weeks and is finally positioned with its head down. My doctor gave me the "you're a fatty and not in a good way" lecture. Yes, I know I make it sound like I go home and binge on a bag of Oreos on a nightly basis, but in actuality, it's not like that at all. I've eaten more fruit and veggies during my pregnancy than I ever have before, increased my protein intake, cut back (most of the time) on my sweets, etc. Plus being someone who has always had to watch her weight, I'm already drinking the skim milks, buying the low- and non-fat whatever, opting for chicken and venison over the red meats, very rarely eating out... I'm not sure where I'm going wrong.

So talk about feeling like a failure after my fatty conversation with the OB. My stomach is growling and I'm afraid to approach the refrigerator to get dinner going. I mean, really, what the hell am I suppose to eat?! Yes, I realize maintaining a healthy pregnancy weight is important for the baby... but so is making sure I get in my folic acids, protein, etc. Where do you draw the line? And I'm honestly a little shocked that I've gained the weight I have. Other than my belly, I don't feel like the rest of me looks too different. Go ahead and tell me I'm full of shit I guess... my OB didn't seem to sugar coat it.

I want to know too, how to get in a decent workout when I can't seem to walk more than 10 minutes without having to pee. I think I need a catheter... or Depends... or maybe just wet myself because that's about how awesome I feel right now. It doesn't help that my dog is the world's worse walker ever. Zora, watching you stop and sniff EVERYTHING isn't doing much for me or my waistline.

Alright fellow moms and moms-to-be... what are some meal ideas or resources I can refer to? I need mainly dinner ideas that are low-fat/low-calorie but still packing the pregnancy essentials... but I'm a picky eater, so beware. Gah.  :(

Sad sad day for this fatty...

DIY: Fall/Thanksgiving decor for $1 or less

I hate to say this, but Fall is here. Husband just left this morning for 4 days of shananigans up North for opening day. Once the camo comes out, summer's over and cooler weather is just around the corner. So since it's just pup and I for the weekend, we spent today running errands and breaking out the fall decor. I'm here to share with you a few DIY and CHEAP decor solutions!

1. Ornamental Grasses + Vases (large)

(Grass - free; vases - $1)

This is the one DIY project that you have to jump on early enough before people start cutting their grasses down for the year. Depending on where you live, ou may be surprised on the variety of ornamental grasses that may exist even in your own neighborhood! Collect a lot... like way more than you think you'll need. Put your arrangement skills to the test and make a mess! 

When you go to pack up your Fall decor, simple bind your arrangement together with a rubberband and find a storage room or somewhere to hand these upside down where they'll dry. My collection of grasses is on it's 3rd season... drying them gives them longevity and that "dead plant" Autumn vibe. 

2. Dollar Store Knicknacks

($.50 - $1)

Don't underestimate your local Dollar Store or the dollar bins at Target, Walmart, etc.! Try to look past the cheap looking embellishments on some of the items... those can be removed, painted over, hidden, etc. This wicker pumpkin had really corny glittery apples stuck on it... so I snipped those off. Voila! Menards also has a pretty decent collection of holiday items... not a dollar, but not unreasonably priced either.

3. Stones + Wicker Basket

(Baskets - $1; stones - free or $1)

Nothing about stones are particularly Fall-ish, but the colors can accent the rest of the decor. My in-laws bought us this arrangement for our anniversary last year, but it can be easily duplicated to fit in with the rest of your Fall accents.

4. Pine Cones + Baskets

(Baskets - $1; pine cones - free)

This basket came from the dollar bins at Target (who doesn't love Target?!) and the pine cones were free! Yes, you can buy the bags of pine cones at a craft store, but why? Free trumps any price, any day. Unless you're somewhere without pine trees, I guess... but luckily I'm from The Mitten, so there's no shortage of pine trees.

5. Ornamental Grasses + Vases (small)

(Grass - free; vases - $1)

I used to have a large grass arrangement on my dining room table, but my husband hated how enormous it was and it did make quite a bit of mess when you had to move it every day for dinner. I suggest keep the large, messy arrangements in a place where they're going to remain stationery for the season and make a smaller one for your table. Remember, I said collect lots! The vase was my great-grandma's and compliments the dried grasses well.

6. Pine Cones + Polished Stones + Vases

(Vase - $1; pine cones - free; polished stones - $1)

Like the rocks, the right hue of polished stone can be a great Fall accent. Vase and stones came from the Dollar Store and I decided to stick a nice looking pine cone in there.

7. Painted Acorns + Vases

(Vase - $1; acorns - free; paint - had on hand)

This project was completed last year and I just love it. Took a little bit of time, but I think the outcome is well worth it. I purposely painted them the color of my living room walls to tie them in better and add some more yellow-gold accents to the room. For the full tutorial, click here!

September babies!

I just wanted to jot down a quick post to congratulate quite a few first time parents in my life! I've had the pleasure of Facebook stalking four very special couples in the past few weeks as they gave birth to their sons and daughters. Congratulations and good luck to all of you as you being this exciting new adventure... can't wait to join you!

1. Jack Michael Witte

DOB: September 17

Parents: John + Fawn Witte

(2nd cousins of mine)

2. Elise Ashley Maier

DOB: September 17

Parents: Phil + Justine Maier

(former co-worker)

3. Mackenzie Kristine Gee

DOB: September 20

Parents: Andy Gee + Dani Schmitz

(our good friends)

4. Asa Owen Kulchar

DOB: September 26

Parents: Josh + Sarah Kulchar

(fellow co-worker)

Blender mush... it's a texture thing.

I have texture issues. Like bad. Especially when it comes to fruit. Pears, peaches, applesauce, mushy berries... may as well be rollin' slime around in my mouth until I gag. So I've basically lived my whole life on a minimal fruit diet. Well, that doesn't fly when you're in charge of growing a tiny human.

I've never been a smoothie person before and until I became pregnant, never touched my blender. I am now, however, a smoothie fanatic! I've learned that you can't have texture issues when everything has just about the same consistency after a swim in the blender. So I figured I'd share with you some of my favorite smoothies I've been downing since becoming pregnant. Enjoy.  :)

Tropical Blend I

1 1/2 C. orange juice

1 T. lime juice

1 C. strawberries (fresh or frozen)

1 - 1 1/2 bananas

Ice

Tropical Blend II

1 1/2 C. orange juice

1 - 2 bananas

1 1/2 C. peaches (fresh or frozen)

Ice

Pina Colada

1 C. pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)

1 C. coconut milk

1 banana

1/4 C. ice

2 t. honey, optional

Green Monster

1 frozen sliced banana

1 T. reduced fat peanut butter

1/2 C. vanilla greek yogurt

1 C. unsweetened vanilla almond breeze or skim milk

4 C. baby spinach

Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake (Weight Watchers)

1 3/4 C. fat free chocolate milk

1 T. cocoa

1 1/2 T. sugar

1 1/2 T. reduced fat peanut butter

1 1/4 C. ice

2 bananas, optional

*Yields 2 servings - 2 points per serving (excluding bananas)

Lil Arch definitely isn't going without an adequate amount of potassium. I think I buy bananas every 3-4 days. I love the fruit smoothies in the afternoon... especially when it was such a warm summer. The chocolate peanut butter shake is a perfect alternative to my beloved Oreos in the evening when I need a chocolate fix. Plus I feel so much better getting the fruit, protein and dairy intake rather than bingeing on desserts.

A word to the wise... the green monster requires you to immediately rinse out/wash your glass after finishing up. I've left the remnants of the smoothie in a Nalgene bottle for the afternoon and it may as well be the organic version of gorilla glue. We're talking wallpaper paste-like consistency and I don't know about you, but I don't have dainty lil Bambi hands that can fit inside a water bottle for a good cleaning. Just sayin'... 

30 weeks

Today marks week 30 for Lil Arch! Holy cow. Time is flyyyying by. I still feel like there's a lot of time left... until I look at my to do list. Then I have a small panic attack and try to give my tired body a pep talk to get moving. Baby is the size of a cucumber this week weighing anywhere from 2.5 to 3.8 lbs at 15.2 to 16.7 inches long. The skin is getting smoother, but brain getting wrinklier (making way for all the essential brain tissue). Plus Hercules is now strong enough to grasp a finger!

Total weight gain/loss:

Just a smidge under 30 pounds. I know, total freak out, right?! Doctor assured me though that I'm perfectly on schedule for someone my size. I mean, shoot, I'm growing a 4 foot long baby! ;)

Milestones:

I have gotten sooooo much accomplished over the last few weeks, it's crazy! My to do list is broken down into "right now" and "before baby" projects. I've been organizing the house like mad, getting all the outside stuff done, prepping for baby, etc. I feel super awesome when I get big projects accomplished. Plus, I've gotten 61 things on my Bump Checklist done with only 17 more to go. Is it possible to be in the "nesting stage" all 9 months???

Maternity clothes:

Yes, I splurged and picked out a few more tops. Well, Mama Z picked them up. The weather started turning cold and windy this week, so skirts have been far less convenient. (My apologies to anyone that may have seen my wind vs. skirt disaster heading to my car after work today.)

Stretch marks:

Nope, thank God. Hopefully we can keep it that way.

Sleep:

What's that? Oh, my naps in between nighttime pee breaks? I'm so tired of sleeping on my side, having achy joints, burning feet, jumpy legs and peeing every 45 minutes... I could scream. I just want a good nights sleep... just one night. Is that too much to ask?

Best moment last week:

Passed my second glucose test! Yes, I failed the first. Major bummer. Doc said I passed with flying colors... especially since I was at the absolute minimum score for having to retest in the first place. We also got our pre-admission appointment out of the way. Normally this is done between 35 and 37 weeks, but A.) I wanted to get it done and off my to do list, and B.) those weeks are during hunting season. You're welcome husband.

Movement:

Sometimes moves like crazy, but has the same skittishness as a dog. As soon as it knows you're watching or put a hand on my belly, it stops moving. Turd. I love watching when I can see a head or limb come protruding out of my side. Such a miracle.

Food cravings:

Ranch dressing. I've gone through 3 bottles in the last few months. I love it on turkey wraps (with some pepperjack cheese and spinach... mmmmm.) Plus I've dipped all my chicken and drown my salad in it.

Gender:

Ashley's niecephew's gender is still unknown.

Labor signs:

Still too early. Maybe some Braxton Hicks contractions... maybe. Not sure.

Belly button in/out:

Still an innie... but barely. Where I had my belly button piercing, the scar tissue is starting to jet out a bit. Enough to see through my clothes along with the few super moles I have spazzing out on my belly. I feel like an animal with a bunch of nipples traveling down my belly. Eww.

Annoyances:

Not being able to finish up my nursery. My chair, that was suppose to be here in 6 to 8 weeks is now pushing 14. Langlois is "hoping" it'll be in by the end of the month. Uhhhh, it better be in addition to a discount or they're going to have an angry pregnant lady to deal with. I also have to re-order the tall dresser for the 3rd time since they keep sending me very yellowed ones. I'm tired of driving to GR to compare furniture colors every few weeks only to have it still be wrong. Damnit Babies R Us, get your shit together. Or else, you too will fear my wrath.

Mood swings:

Um, I think I'm doing ok. Husband might think otherwise, but other than semi-sad things making me start to bawl uncontrollably, I think I'm pretty stable... knock on wood.

What I miss:

Eating raw batter, lifting anything, laying on my belly, sleeping through the night, walking without a waddle, not grunting when I have to lift my feet to put on pants, being able to walk Zora more than just around the block (unless public urination is ok by my neighbors), etc.

What I'm looking forward to:

Getting to spend my favorite time of year at home with my lil one! I looooove Christmas time and the thought of my maternity leave falling right around the holidays brings me much joy. My sister is coming over probably right around Halloween to help me get my Christmas decorations up. Beware trick-or-treaters, my tree will probably be up and lit. Don't be confused. Plus Clay got me a super comfy giraffe robe for our anniversary and I just can't wait to spend my days around the Christmas tree snuggling my babe.

29 weeks

Not a whole lot to catch up on lately. I'm just here getting rounder and rounder and... yeah. Failed my glucose test a couple weeks ago and had to do the 3 hour retest last Tuesday. How the hell is it legal to prevent a pregnant lady from eating for 16.5 hours?! And what was even more mind boggling was "don't drink anything, but we're going to expect you to pee in a cup 5 times over a 3 hour span." Even my overworked bladder had a hard time performing that miracle. I'll find out Tuesday if I passed or failed glucose phase II. In addition to failing my first glucose test, my OB informed me I was anemic and had to get on iron supplements. Thanks doc, my digestive system thanks you.

Hmmm, what else. Dad came home for the weekend... had a great dinner and game night all 6 of us. Grandpa Z even incorporated baby stuff into his usual garage sale-ing. He's so cute. :)

We had Nut try on one of Lil Arch's new onesies and she was NOT a happy camper. Oops. Mom, Peanut and Dad headed back down to West Virginia today. Mom and Nut will be there for the next 7 weeks coming home right before Thanksgiving... and baby time!

This weekend was productive at home. Got the storage room under control and organized. Figured I'd better get that taken care of before I'm too big to move. Mom had given me a huge box of my toys from my youth, so I did the responsible OCD mom thing and gave 'em the Clorox swim in the sink. Four hours later, I had bleach seeping out all pores, but everything was super clean. I'm not sure who will be more excited to play with the toys... probably me. I remembered about 90% of them... oh memory lane.