Raised Bed. Our garden

I've had a few questions about our garden since I posted a pic of the little girl and her daddy pulling early spring weeds from it :-) I wrote an email to one blogger, and after a few other questions and prompts for a post on it.....I am turning my email into a post. Why didn't I think of it on my own. blogger fail. 

A few years ago I asked the hubby to build a raised bed for our summer garden. We don't have a huge 

back yard (long and narrow) and we had tried a small garden on the ground the previous summer, but I wanted a raised bed. 

Matt started to do his research and he found that the wood typically used to build a raised bed was treated and the chemicals would leach into the soil and our plants. The untreated lumber wouldn't last but a couple years before it rotted and would need to be replaced. So we started looking into bricks. There are lots of options, the prettier the brick/block, the more pricey. Our budget (as always) was limited. So ultimately we decided to use the cinder block. For a few reasons, cheap and we figured (kids, nieces/nephews) could paint on it or draw with chalk on it so it would be an extra space for outdoor fun- as well as a fabulous place for a garden. The biggest sell on the cinder for me was the holes in the cinder block that allowed perfect spots for herbs to grow alongside the plants. Fresh cilantro, basil, chives, parsley, rosemary...All ready for me at anytime throughout the summer.

Our yard is kind of sloped. So on one end the garden it is pretty short and low to the ground, but on the far end its about 4 blocks high! (too your waist) At first I didn't really like how tall it was. But considering we don't have a large area for plants- esp. the kinds with vines the tall end has allowed us to grow cucumbers and put old chairs up against it and give the vines a way to grow out and towards the ground! It's worked great in that respect. We love cucumbers and having a garden without them was just sad for us.

It's been 3 years and I love that it's up off the ground and you don't have to bend over to weed it! Since this will be the 2nd spring/summer I've been pregnant and using the garden, having to not bed over to weed/plant/harvest....SOLD. Seriously, you can sit on the edge of the block and reach all the way to the middle!

It was relatively easy for the husband and FIL to build. (they are pretty handy). We needed a sizable truck load of dirt (which we got from a farm friend out of a cow pasture. Grows amazing after years of "fertilization"! :-) But it was a several days of them working on it and getting it level. Then filling with dirt. They did pour a little concrete in a few of the cinder holes to keep it from moving over time and having the weight of the dirt push it out. Each year the dirt has settled a bit and we've had to add a little top soil. But nothing expensive or that a few bags of dirt didn't solve.

My one complaint is that its a bit of an eye sore in the winter. A big cement block structure in the back yard without much in it. But with that said I don't care that much about what others think and its in MY back yard and I think that as our kiddies get older I will have them paint on it. What mama doesn't love the artwork of their children....even the scribbles of a toddler. 

I would say we probably spent about $150 or less on the initial building of it. I think more in the $120 range. But after Matt broke a tool and a saw blade we were probably in the $150 range :-)

Let me know if you have any questions! We love it.

Here are a few pictures from the past couple summers.

I love photos of my husband working on projects with his dad. Something warms my heart every time.

Done! Ready for dirt!

First year we tried "square foot gardening" although my square feet weren't exactly right.

Early cucumbers planted right on the end of the tall side so we could have plenty of room for other plants

Cucumbers growing over tall end. Chairs not shown. We added those about this time so they could vine a bit more before hitting the grass.

Basil!

Good luck in your gardening ventures this spring/summer. I hope to try and document our produce and garden this summer. Remind me as I will likely forget I wanted to blog about it!

My daughter loves the dirt

Working in the garden with daddy!

A little bit of this and that.....Randoms

Things have been super busy around these parts. - But really, when aren't they?

I'll share below the randomness we've been up to.

Last weekend we hosted Babypalooza 2.0. :-) Some of our college friends are starting to have babies as well. Two couples so far to be exact. (That we are close with) Our first one was in Michigan in late summer. We all got together this past weekend. A total of 3 couples (6 adults) and 3 babies at our house. We don't have a big house at all. We were pretty much filled to max capacity. But we had the best time! The weather was amazing and everyone enjoyed themselves. It was awesome to see the kiddos- they grow and change so fast! It was a bit of a joke all of us trying to get out of the house. One bathroom and 3 kiddos on different nap/sleeping schedules. I was totally wore out from all the hosting, but no complaints and would do it all over again. We are making memories here, and loving every bit of it.

Simple happiness!

The neighbors have a 5 year old and he has grown out of a Little Tykes slide. So they washed it up and brought it over to us. Presley is in love! She loves the slide at the park, but really is thrilled to have her own in her back yard!


Last night we went to the Aquarium. It was my niece's 3rd birthday. It was such a blast! Presley loved it. She was able to walk around. (or ride in her stroller if she needed a rest or snack) It's so fun to see her enjoy new things. I love being able to experience all these things with her. I can't wait for her to be pointing out the fish or sharks to her little sister! Life.is.good.

Pointing out the octopus to daddy!

A lift from Uncle Dave. Birthday girl all smiles

Loved to make the frog go ribbit!

Checking out Mighty Mike with Grandma!

"What's this floor mommy?"

I don't know about you all- but it was kinda (dare I say) Hot this week? 87?!?! It's apparent that I need my AC charged, Presley and I were sweating running errands yesterday. Poor girl! We don't have central air (gasp! old house) Our window units work quite well, but aren't installed this early! Luckily, it's cooled off. Let's hope we get a little normal spring weather. It was one thing thinking I would have June/July to be a HOT preggo mama. But add 2 additional months to that.......not so cool. (literally)

Poop story.........:-) I know all you mama's have them.
Last night after getting home from the aquarium it was time to get Presley a bath. Girlfriend was dirty and I know she put her little hands on anything she could at the aquarium. We don't like to bring dirt in our beds....:-) So, I strip her down....let her get a little air while I run bath water and grab her a cup of milk for after her bath. Normally she is running to the bathroom when she hears the water running! Well I was in there running the water and she didn't come. So I called for her. You know, a guarantee that she will come now. But nothing. So I get up and go to find what she is up to....Well out sweet little love bug was pooping! On the floor. Apparently, she needed to go and she needed to go now! I screamed (not a mad one) - the kind where you are shocked by what you are witnessing. LOL It startled her and she stepped in it. Squished between the toes and into the carpet! YUCK! Hubby was laughing, I was laughing. Presley was just confused. Hubby cleaned it up- I bathed her and cleaned up the tub.  Never a dull moment these days. :-) Let's just hope she doesn't make it a habit. And I will be leery of letting her run around without a diaper....ever again!

Otherwise, we have spent most daylight hours (off work) outside. The weather is truly amazing and we love it. Presley loves being outside. Getting dirty and exploring all the things she can. We go to the park- there is a perfect sized one not to far for her to climb on. Pictures are limited because it's hard to photograph and be on duty watching the kid. We've been eating dinner on the porch and having snacks out there too. She seems happiest when we are outside playing. I am too! So it's awesome.

Park snack for a tired girl!

Pushing her car outside.

Hi everyone! I have my purse full of chalk!

Matt goes out of town for a whole week soon and I will miss him desperately! Then, in a few weeks, I leave for work for 3 days. I'm nervous already. First time I will have ever been away from here overnight. (Well there was once, but it was for just over 12 hours (6p-7a kinda thing) 

It's a.........

Hubby and I went for an ultrasound this AM. 7:30am to be exact. I could hardly wait to find out about Baby #2....let alone wait all day the day of the appointment. 

So we went in, and right away the tech was measuring our little one's long legs. A trait we are obviously passing on to baby #2. I knew immediately when she was measuring her legs what we were looking at. I exclaimed to the hubby! "You're right!" Before the tech even was looking in the area.... The tech said, "Oh I wasn't checking out that yet" :-) I told her she could double check for me, but I knew :-)

We will be having another girl! I kinda knew we were. Only because we have a boy name picked out...and I knew that wasn't the name of the child in my belly. But that's all I knew. Hubby has said for weeks we are having another girl :-) He's been dying to hash out names. I have been refusing, because....we don't have the same girl name taste at all. So it will be another journey to find the perfect name :-) 

I guess now we have to start working on that...Naming baby girl #2!

We are feeling overjoyed that Presley will have a sister and another precious little girl in our house. Our hearts are overflowing. We know that little girls 19 months apart will be a handful and full of some of drama. But ultimately, we can't wait to raise two best friends and teach them how to love and care for one another in a way only sisters can. 

I am still in a bit of shock on the fact that I am the mom of girls! As I've said before, I grew up the only girl with 3 brothers. One girl is one thing, two girls is something that will be completely new to me. It's going to be an adventure, I can't wait to see what this girly ride is going to be like. :-) 

My scanner is broke- I will scan the U/S pictures when its back up and running. 

Double Stroller Recommendations?

OK friends...I need a little help.

I'm looking for a double stroller. Prefer something light weight, as we already own a travel system. And although I love it. It's heavy and I don't want to own another heavy bulky stroller.

But, I'm totally open for looking into most everything. It may turn out I ditch the travel system stroller for something else.

What recommendations do you all have? Will two strollers be a s good as a double? I could simply get an additional umbrella stroller for Presley and use the other for the new baby.

Oh choices...

Words :-)

So at 14 months (post is late) this is the list of words, signs or sounds for words Miss Presley is making.

Mom

Dada (she says dad waaay more often. Little Stinker!)

Elmo (doesn't say it all the time, but she she does- it's very distinct and directed right at her favorite character)

Bluuuu for blueberry (favorite fruit)

Aaaaa for apple (2nd favorite fruit)

Baw for ball

Dog

Woof

More and signs more at the same time

Signs bath- sometime squeaks our a "ba" at the same time

Uh-oh 

Hat

 

She also seems to understand so much. She complies with "sit on your bottom", "go get your ball", "throw you ball", "go get your book"- many other things she is understanding but I can't think of them at this moment.

"bump" 19 wks. Excuse the dirty mirror, messy bed, etc. But as you can tell- baby 2 is there and growing and I'm thankful for the overall weight loss. I have a long way to go once baby 2 is born.

Jumping on the couch after she put on her dad's hat backwards. Cracking me up on a daily basis!

Super silly "daddy's girl" Loves her blanky and hats!

typical toddler pass out.

morning apple snack. loves them. requests them specifically

passionately saying "aaaaaa". She loves apples

At her great-grandparents. Proud smile for figuring out the toy. This is my grandpa. Love him so!

My mom playing "puppets" with my neice Reese. Reese will be three this month and has a fantastic imagination! Also, note her sunglasses. This was about 7pm and they are totally upside down.

My niece Camille (Cami). She is 19 months and such a beauty with curly dark hair. And the sweetest little love bug!

Presley having a snack of carrots and cranberries. She is about to feed her snack to the dog.

"Mmmmm"

Here are some photos of this past week/weekend.

Update: 19 weeks!

How far along? 19 weeks

Baby’s Size: Large Mango :-) (6 to 8inches)

Total Weight Gain:-20 lbs total. Seriously, this is going to slow or stop and at some point with the amount of food we've consumed (baby and me) we are going to gain.

Maternity Clothes:Yes. Wearing maternity pants and a mix of tops.

Gender: We find out on 3/12! 11 more days! Hubby swears its a girl. I don't care...he doesn't either, but he is sure its a girl for some reason.

Movement: Yes! Not crazy yet. But feeling this little one do gymnastics in my belly is fun :-)

Sleep:  Great! Up 2-3 times to pee. Presley is sleeping better. 

Symptoms: Starving. Lower back pain. Saw a chiropractor for the first time 2 weeks ago. It's been very helpful, but most helpful are the exercises she has me doing. About a week ago, this bump "popped" out. And there it is :-) random folks are probably still wondering about a beer gut, but those who know...most definitely see baby bump these days. 

Food Aversions: Cheese alone. This is so sad for me, as I believe that cheese and crackers is an important food group. :-) With a large glass of wine. But, cheese by itself...no longer has a place in my heart. I hope this will change soon. 

Food Cravings: Meat- ribs (we went on a date 2 weeks ago and got this craving...now I want more) Steak. Also went to one of our favorite Butchers and got some yummy Filet's and a tri-tip. And grilled out. Need to do that again - ASAP. Standard, carbs :-) 
Chewing gummy candy- orange slices, swedish fish. skittles. 
Fruit. Lots of fruit. Probably eat the most of this. Although, I crave the others more :-) Me and apples are BFF's- same as with Presley.

Best Moments this week: Scheduling the ultrasound for 3/12! Having my back feel better and feeling the baby move more. 

What I miss: Wine. I don't know when I will stop missing this. I guess not till I can drink it. 

What I am Looking forward to: 3/12! Ultrasound. Finding out if Baby W R2 :-) is a boy or girl!

Milestones: Bump popping out. More baby movement. Being past what would have the "half way point" with Presley - Since she came 9 days early. Note to baby2...9 days early is the perfect time. Fully cooked, but mommy is more than ready. So if you do as your Big Sister, we are officially to the half way point ;-) (Not, counting on anything...baby's do their own thing)

OK, I keep forgetting to get a bump photo. Bad me! Cause I got one to show. Instead, here's a face shot of P and I on my day off yesterday. She is all excited about this toy, UNTIL the camera comes out. Then she gets shy and sucks those lips in.

Early shift

Hubs said he'd get up w P this am for me. We've had a rough two nights with a cough and teeth..... This is what I wake up to.

*in his defense she was baby gated in a safe room. She had milk and her favorite show on.....:)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Presley 2/14/11

One year ago! My little valentine!

Happy Valentine's Day!~

Can't believe an entire year has passed. My serious little peanut is now a toddler in full force! 

I have to say we have a very low-key day planned. It's Daddy/Presley day. I am at work. I will come home about 5p. Cook dinner, play with Presley hang out with hubs. Do the normal chores. Then snuggle with the hubby a bit. Nothing crazy. We may get a sitter for Friday night and go out to eat. OOOO fancy! :-) Then again, we may not. Just not sure yet. 

Going for a ride on her dog! LOL...she has been tossed of a few times ;-)

Morning Elmo and Milk...Serious business.

Eating Stirfry with a spoon. It ended up really messy. But she started out OK

This is my little peanut this year. Time sure flies. They grow so fast!

Sleepy Sunday

My child has fallen asleep in three places she loves today.... In backward order of occurrence.

Playing and then before you know she is snuggled up to the dog asleep! I guess bedtime couldnt wait any longer! I guess a day of partying and playing with her cousins was just too much for her!

Afternoon nap with her great-grandma during a Baby Sprinkle Party for her little cousin!

Pre-party nap in uncle David's lap.

Don't Miss her giveaway!

The lovely Mrs. to Mama is doing another giveaway...and I want to win.

To win, I gotta do a blog post on it! :-) Now, as much as I want to tell you about it...I don't actually want you to enter....selfish? yes, I want to win!

But go ahead, if you really want. Nothing better than good competition. Plus, the giveaway is good stuff!

Check it out!

http://www.frommrstomama.com/2012/02/valentines-day-giveaway-time.html

Oh and her daughter...adorable.

Thanks Becky! I hope I win!

Love Story Link Up!

A link up from the ALWAYS Lovely, Mrs. to Mama.

1. How long have you and your significant other been together?

9 years in April. Wow. really! 
2. How did you meet? {What's your "love" story?}

I dated one of his friends. (whoops) But we hung unplanned for the first time at a big college block party. A few more random hanging out events. Then summer came and the rest is history. Last summer I ever lived at home. :-) The rest were spent in Oxford with my love very close by.
3. If married, how long have you been married? If not, is this the guy you hope to marry? {do tell}

4 years on 6/21/12. Time is flying right by us. Seems like just yesterday we were driving cross country exploring everything we possibly could in 2 weeks!
4. If you are married, where did you get married at? Big or small wedding?  If not, where would you like to get married? And will it be big or small?

We got married at the Church/Elementary School Matt attended. We had 220 guests at an outdoor reception under a big tent at his parents. We had the best day ever on the solstice.
5. Do you have any nick-names that you call one another? Do share!

Hmmm. I guess not a ton. "babe. hon. honey."
6. Name 3 things you love most about your honey.

He is an excellent father. He is the best partner I could ask for. He loves me...a lot.
7. Tell us how he proposed? Or your ideal proposal?

My hubby isn't a genius in the romance department. We were in Vegas....(for my work!lol) Of course we arrived a day early to play a little and we had tickets for the Beatles Love Show. We were staying at the Venetian. So we got ready to go to the show, and having no clue where it was in the Mirage or how to get there I wanted to leave early. Hubby, wanted to ride in the Gondolas! I denied him! First of all, glad he didn't propose there, cause its not real Venice and a bit cheesy for me :-) BUT that would be romantic to him. (bless his heart) So of course we arrive WAY too early in the Mirage and we must decide what to do, we have over an hour to kill. We hit up a Martini Bar and order some cocktails. And before I know it, he is on one knee proposing! Wait what! Didn't see that coming! It was awesome. I said yes! I love our story. Nothing fancy and crazy romantic, but you know, that just isn't the guy I married. But he does other things....like randomly brings flowers home. Writes me a love note. And makes me chill out when I am all Type A - wound up!
8. Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy for v-day, or strawberries, champagne, and rose petals?

 He is flowers and champagne kinda guy. Flowers to make me smile, champagne or liquor to get me frisky!
9. Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch?

Can you be both. I love a beautiful dinner on the beach, or lake overlooking water. But I love popping in a movie and relaxing on the couch.
10. Tell us one thing you'd like to do with your significant one day. If you could do anything? Go anywhere?

Take him out of the country. Ireland- in the summer. We'd both agree on the climate.
11. Tell us what you plan on doing on this Valentine's Day. 

Since we will have 14 month old and I will be 4 months preggo.... We will be lucky to get a babysitter and go out to dinner. I'm OK with that.
12. Are you asking for anything this Valentine's day?

No. Too practical. We are pretty broke these days. (paying our bills) but not much extra. And the tax bill is always due this time of year. 
13. Give us one piece of advice of keeping a relationship strong and full of love. 

For me its that we are equal partners. I wouldn't be able to be with someone who didn't work with me as a team member at home. We both work full-time long days. And I just can't do it all and be a good mom. He helps with the house, cleanup, baths, dishes. There are a few things we both have that are exclusively our chores...But I'm OK with that. I don't do dog poop...and he has never mopped the floor :-) I dust and clean corners he empties the trash and recycles and takes it to the street. The rest we just do to get it done. I'm blessed here. Of course, it isnt perfect. He has his days...weeks. But he really does do his part at him.
14.  Show us a picture of what love means to you.

15 weeks! Update

How far along? 15 weeks

Baby’s Size: Avocado (4 to 5inches)

Total Weight Gain:-15 lbs total. Not sure what this is all about. It will be back around.

Maternity Clothes:I don't have to wear any of my maternity clothes yet. I pulled them out and have tossed a few smaller shirts into the wardrobe to vary things up. Pants are getting tighter in the waist. Ordered new maternity jeans last week. Will probably wear them this week to avoid any discomforts.

Gender: Who knows! Either way we are excited

Movement:Sometimes at night when I am just relaxing I feel little flutters or what I think is a little babe rolling and flipping. But I can't be 100% certain. It feels much different than "gas"

Sleep:  As long as Presley isn't waking me up....it's amazing and I can't get enough of it! Starting to pee more thru the night......boooo

Symptoms: Gag reflex is terrible. So I vomit when I brush my teeth! (tmi!?!?!) Tired all the time. Days of extreme hunger. Days of wanting nothing. Peeing....too often

Food Aversions:Varies daily. I'm always in a "love it" or "hate it" mode with it comes to food. Either it sounds awesome or terrible. Not finding consistencies yet.

Food Cravings:Craving ribs- Montgomery Inn ones!  This week add a filet and mashed potatoes and anything else delicious in this category. Fruit. Carbs of course...but limiting my consumption. 

Best Moments this week: Being down another 6lbs. I was shocked. Honestly, I am not sure how it's happening. I am eating! In fact, some days...a lot. project re-distribution is underway. Move it all to the growing baby. Since I'm quite overweight to begin with the dr. is not concerned at all and I told her I am not dieting. Eating when hungry and going about our normal pretty busy life. She said then my body is doing exactly what it's supposed to do and my baby is growing perfectly (measuring a week ahead in fact)....so there is nothing to worry about. Continue doing what I am doing. 

What I miss: Wine. 

What I am Looking forward to: 20 wk ultrasound! We will schedule it after my next monthly appointment. So soon!

Baby W2. 14 wks 5 days

Milestones: Surprise ultrasound of baby W2 last Thursday. Dr.'s Doppler was broken so she had to have a ultrasound to get a heartbeat. Not a great pic. But he/she is all tucked in napping....They couldn't guess gender b/c baby was all tucked up...No biggy. But would have been fun to guess.

I'm closer to considering posting a clothed bump picture. Probably next update. It's slowly starting to arrive.

Recovery...2.5 days of Laundry

We had a long week last week- and thru the weekend. 

Matt worked the early part of the week on a specific job. The days were long. Presley and I were both fighting a cold and typically he is a huge help in the mornings and during evening routine...But unfortunately, he just wasn't around to be helpful last week. 

Tuesday night I had my first experience with toddler vomit. People, I'm telling you...this is no joke. It's projectile. It comes out of nowhere and keeps coming until their stomachs are completely empty. Of course, Presley got sick right after dinner and her bath. She was all dressed for bed rocking with me and out of the blue with no warning she sits up and just starts puking and crying. POOR baby.

I was lucky in this instance that Matt had just got home from work and came running to help. He re-bathed her while I stripped down to my undies and bra and cleaned the puke off the chair, floor and myself. 

Since we'd both had a cold, I was sure if she was gagging on congestion that started the vomit or if she had a stomach bug. She got a little sick once more an hour later, but still wasn't sure. In the morning I slowly gave her water, a little milk then cheerios and she held it all down and was quite happy. So off to work and Mini U we went. She had diarrhea there once....but I wasn't sure if it was stomach or teething. 

I was off on Thursday and she didn't have the greatest appetite, but no vomit, no diarrhea and was happy, IF she was attached to me all day long. It was a long day for sure, I love the snuggles of my little baby- but I was literally peeing with her sitting on my knee, unless I wanted to hear screaming. 

Daddy got home late and I was so happy to see him. We ate a quick dinner and he instantly said, "I don't feel good" Up to bed he went. Presley and I decided it was best to sleep in the guest room. She slept good, woke up happy had milk and a snack and off for the day we went. I was exhausted and I feel terrible but when I went to check on Matt Friday morning and he said he'd been violently ill all night long......More than anything, I was annoyed. Not at him, but because I was exhausted from a looong week with little help and I just couldn't handle him being sick.  I ran him some Gatorade and sprite in the early hours of the day. 

Then the daycare called and said Presley had two diarrhea blow outs and it was 11am. On the 3rd you have to come get them and many of the kids had been out due to a stomach bug. I asked about her mood and eating...All of those were fine. And sometimes we have days like that when we are teething...so I just never know. Well at 2pm they called again, she just threw up her lunch. So I shut down everything at work and went and picked her up.  When I finally got into the car, I had a little cry. I was so tired and going home with a husband puking and a baby puking and the fear of catching it myself was just overwhelming. (mostly the exhaustion) 

I got P home gave her a light snack and some water. She cuddled with me and she was in bed by 5pm. Hubby was also in bed. I commenced project take all used bedding and every bit of laundry to the basement and started tackling a week's worth of  laundry and disinfecting toys and all surfaces. Clorox wipes and bleach spray....best friends! 

By Sunday I had all the laundry done but the two loads we accumulated since I started the project Friday night. The house is cleaned....toys are back out making a mess. But it's clean. 

I have to say....I'm glad to be back at work today with no sickness and resting from all the stairs I climbed this weekend and the labor of scrubbing the house and floors.

And for your viewing pleasure...Because all posts are much better with lots of pictures! 

9 Things I Learned in the Parent Encouragement Program....

9 Things I Learned In The Parent Encouragement Program, AKA Shitty Parents Anonymous

This is pretty funny. And actually has several decent points. I laughed a lot and also thought to myself...these are good points!  So I wanted to share with you ladies. Has some a handful of four letter words in it. So not everyone may be interested in it....Some of you will want to read it because you love 4 letter words :-)

All is well in the Williamson household. Well we have colds, and Presley soaked me in vomit last night. But you know, typically stuff with a toddler in a busy household. She did start walking this weekend! I'm so proud. She is learning so much every.single.day. I love watching her gain some independence. Feeding herself yogurt/applesauce/etc with a spoon (trying to anyway...GIANT mess usually. But she insists on being a big girl)- She is a avid fruit lover. 2 bananas yesterday and a clementine. Oh and apples....eats them whole. Loves it. She is the best sharer...loves to share her snacks and anything she can with the DOG (yuck)

Baby Williamson #2 had an ultrasound last week and is really in there! Before you can feel them and when you don't have many symptoms besides a missing period....I am still thinking "prove it" Baby is measuring 1 week ahead (already! and they are saying we have a 13w 5 day baby) I am still losing weight. Hmm. Baby measuring ahead and my ass getting smaller. This picture isn't right. Someone's scale is broken. I really think this baby is a boy and he is just draining everything out of me...food wise. He's taking it all for himself. Which is OK by me. I go to the OB next Thursday and will probably do a more official 14+ week update. And its possible with the amount of carbs I ate over the weekend, the scale just might level out here soon. All my clothes still fit, but my already bulky abdomen is thickening for sure. I ordered a handful of maternity clothes online the other day..(sales sales!) With Presley one morning I woke up and none of my clothes fit and they were fine the day before. I can't have that happening again. And I am preggo in the complete opposite season this time. FIGURES. My wardrobe from Presley the bigger stuff from right before she was born was ALL winter...Well those are way to big for me now. And I will need the bigger stuff this time for the end of July! I seriously don't have the cash to spend on clothes so I am watching clearance sales and getting it now. Lots of decent online summer clearance stuff. Hope its not out of style for this summer...but it will fit! (yeah i know, first world problem)

Happy Wednesday all. Hope you are having a great week. I'm reading your blogs.

I didn't proofread this post at all. But if I want to publish it's gotta go now...out of time :-)

11 weeks

How far along?11 wks

Baby’s Size: 2 inches 

Total Weight Gain:-9lbs, seems a bit odd. I made her check it twice. lol

Maternity Clothes:None yet. I pulled them out of the bottom of the closet just in case any pants start to get a little snug in the waist in the coming weeks. I left my brother's girlfriend borrow my belly bands and i doubt I am getting those back. So instead of those, when the pants get tight, I'll just switch to maternity pants.

Gender: Who knows! Either way we are excited

Movement:Too early for that. But that makes the whole thing seem a lot more real

Sleep:  As long as Presley isn't waking me up....it's amazing and I can't get enough of it!

Symptoms:Not too many symptoms. Some days starving, some not hungry at all. Gag reflex is terrible. So I vomit when I brush my teeth! (tmi!?!?!) Tired all the time.

Food Aversions:Varies daily. I'm always in a "love it" or "hate it" mode with it comes to food. Either it sounds awesome or terrible. Not finding consistencies yet.

Food Cravings:Craving ribs- Montgomery Inn ones! Fruit. Carbs of course...but limiting my consumption. Liquor. LOL I rarely drink liquor not pregnant, but for some reason I was really wanting some Wild Turkey Honey on ice last weekend! I didn't have it (duh!)

Best Moments this week:Being down 9lbs after the holidays. Having Presley snuggle on my lap to watch a Sesame Street episode. It wasn't nap time or anything but she wanted some mommy snuggles. She brought her blankie over to me and wanted up. So we snuggled until daddy and the pup came home from work. I will miss these special moments with her. I know they won't go away, but they won't always be the same.

What I miss:Is it too early to miss wine? or Beer?

What I am Looking forward to: Ultrasound in 2 weeks

Milestones: see above. Love seeing babies face. It's hard for me the first few weeks for it to seem "real". The ultrasound at 11/12 wks helps it settle in for me. 

No bump pics for me. There is no bump to show. Just my typical waistline and I am gonna do everyone a favor and hold the bump photos till we are closer to 20 wks :-) I will share regular photos when they are taken that I am included in. For now there aren't too many of those since I do most of the photos around my house :-)