Pregnancy: 25 Weeks

How far along:  

25 weeks

How big is baby:  

The size of a cauliflower.

Maternity clothes:  

My wonderful step-sis got me three new maternity shirts for Christmas and my mom got me some adorable new leggings!  I have a pretty cute maternity wardrobe at this point!

Stretch marks:

No more that I can see... I am beyond stressing it at this point.  My body is growing my precious boy and if it needs to stretch to accommodate him then I can deal with it.

Sleep:

I am enjoying taking daily naps with Gia now.  It is a great excuse for extra sleep and snuggle time.

Best moment of the week:

Seeing Gia's face on Christmas morning when she first looked under the tree!

She took her time opening gifts and thoroughly savored each one.  Each thing she opened had to be taken out of the package and played with before moving on to the next one.  It was a joy to watch!

Food cravings:

Chocolate and sausage balls.

Food aversions:

Not big on chicken right now.

Nausea:

Occassionally

Energy:

I'm still really tired... probably a combination of recouping from being sick and the holiday festivities.  We took down our Christmas decorations already (I figured since we put them up in early November we were in the clear).  As Gia says, it gives us more room for toys!

Here I am looking exhausted at a family holiday gathering.

Movement:

Gavin is still super active.  :-)  He is kicking me as I type this.

What I'm looking forward to:

Getting back to normal after the holidays!  I'm so ready to settle back into daily life.

What I'm nervous about:

I'm starting to get nervous about a hospital birth... still praying I can have a home birth somehow.

What I miss:

Being well... this cold/flu has kicked my butt!

Pregnancy: 24 Weeks

How far along:  

24 weeks

How big is baby:  

The size of an ear of corn.

Maternity clothes:  

I officially have a pair of footie pajamas that covers my belly!  I'm so excited!  :-)  They are perfect for cold cuddly days...

Stretch marks:

I have seen two small ones appear this week.  :-(  I was sooooo hoping to not add any to my collection with this pregnancy, but it seems baby boy has other plans.

Sleep:

I've been so busy catering and getting ready for Christmas these last few weeks that my sleep has been greatly lacking.  I'm hoping to catch up this coming week.

Best moment of the week:

Food cravings:

Salad and breaded chicken wraps.  I've been wanting healthy food this week.

Food aversions:

Nothing really

Nausea:

Nope

Energy:

Lacking due to lots going on...

Movement:

My baby boy is SUPER active... I watch my belly jump around with a big smile on my face!

What I'm looking forward to:

I am excited about Christmas... and planning for Gia's third birthday party!

What I'm nervous about:

Having the energy to get through Christmas.

What I miss:

The fantasy of a white picket fence family...

Hummingbird Cake Recipe

With Christmas quickly approaching, I have been super busy with holiday catering.  I thought I would take a moment to share one of my grandmother's yummy dessert recipes... hummingbird cake.

Start by spraying three round pans with non-stick cooking spray.  Preheat your oven to 350.

Next, mix the following dry ingredients in a bowl.  Stir by hand (do not use a mixer).

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups sugar

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

Once the above ingredients are combined, add the following to your mixture.

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

3 eggs

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

1 8oz. can crushed pineapple (undrained)

2 cups chopped bananas

1 cup chopped pecans

Mix well by hand.  Pour batter into your waiting pans (split evenly).  Bake for 30 minutes.

For your icing, you will beat the following ingredients together until smooth and spread on baked cakes.

1 8oz. package cream cheese (softened)

1 stick margarine (softened)

1 tsp. vanilla

1 lb. powdered sugar

Stack baked and iced cakes to equal three layers.  Serve and enjoy!

Pregnancy: 23 Weeks

How far along:  

23 weeks

How big is baby:  

The size of a grapefruit.

Maternity clothes:  

Trying to figure out the coat situation is proving interesting... my leather coat doesn't cover any of my belly!  :-)

Stretch marks:

Still not sure... I don't think so.

Sleep:

I'm restless and up to pee multiple times through the night.

Best moment of the week:

I had another ultrasound this week!  Gavin weighs 1 lb 3 oz now.  I had to giggle at how he was laying during the ultrasound... with his legs straight and his feet in front of his face, as well as his hands.  

Food cravings:

Mexican and key lime pie.

Food aversions:

None this week.

Nausea:

Not bad this week.

Energy:

What is energy?  I have worked all week and am getting sick, so it is nonexistent.

Movement:

I was able to watch my belly jump while he was kicking... it is absolutely amazing.

What I'm looking forward to:

I am excited about Christmas... and planning for Gia's third birthday party!

What I'm nervous about:

Finding the energy to work this coming week... I am sick with a bad cold.

What I miss:

Moving without extreme back pain.

Pregnancy: 22 Weeks

How far along:  

22 weeks

How big is baby:  

The size of a papaya.

Maternity clothes:  

I'm starting to add in cute blazers with my maternity shirts to dress up my wardrobe a bit.

Stretch marks:

I can't really see the bottom part of my belly so I'm not sure anymore.

Belly button:

Sticking out.

Sleep:

Nightmares are back so sleep isn't that great.

Best moment of the week:

Gia and I went to see the movie Frozen with my family... it was SO funny that I started choking at one point during the movie!  Gia loved it and was glued to the screen the whole time.  By far the best moment of my week.

Food cravings:

Sweets and LOTS of milk.

Food aversions:

None this week.

Nausea:

Still getting nauseated from severe indigestion.

Energy:

I finished moving over the weekend then worked all week... so I'm exhausted.

Movement:

Gavin is officially able to be felt kicking from the outside of my belly now!  I felt him the first time on December 1st... Gia got to feel him too!  So far, only Gia, my sister, and mom have felt him.  He is most active when I'm laying down.

What I'm looking forward to:

I'm supposed to have another ultrasound this coming week, so I'm excited to see!

What I'm nervous about:

I'm having trouble with my insurance... it is cancelled at the moment.  I'm praying that it gets fixed before Thursday so I am able to go to my doctor appointments.

What I miss:

Having my house organized still... I'm working on it!

Stiletto Love

I have a sick shoe obsession... stilettos are my absolute favorite!  It seems that no matter what kind of day I am having, an amazing pair of heels can lift my mood like nothing else.  

Know what I mean?

I have some really amazing shoes... pink cheetah print peep-toes with skull jewels, black leather and cheetah studded wedges, blue and gold peep-toe wedges... the list goes on!

So in honor of my love for heels, I want to know what your heels do for you and what is your favorite pair?

Advent - Books & Bible Verses

While scouring Pinterest for holiday ideas to try, I came across a great idea by TSJ Photography... books and Bible verses.  As many of you may know, we absolutely love to read in my house!

To start, collect twenty-four Christmas or winter themed books you already have.  I will confess that a couple of the ones we used are not in either of those categories because we ran out.  I then wrapped each one up, sticking a Bible verse inside the front of each.  Next I labeled the front with the numbers 2 through 24 (we missed the first day).  They are under the front of our Christmas tree to open each night until Christmas.

What a great way to incorporate reading time and scripture through the holidays!

We have read two books so far and are really enjoying it.  

Have you tried a book tradition in your house?

The Elf on the Shelf

This is our first year doing the infamous "Elf on the Shelf" tradition.  I have heard great things about it and figured we would give it a try.  Gia and I sat down last night and read the book.  We named our elf "Sparkle" and I explained that the elf was not to play with but was sent as Santa's helper.  As soon as we finished with the story and I sat Sparkle up for the night... my daughter had a meltdown!

Let me take a moment to explain that Gia is overly compassionate and everything is a "baby" to her (rocks, dolls, marshmallows, etc.).  She was crying that she didn't want Sparkle to fly to Santa at night because she would miss her SO much!  I finally calmed her down - yes, by threatening that Sparkle would not live with us if she didn't - and we turned in for the night.  Don't judge me, sometimes that is the only way to move past a super-compassion-meltdown-fiasco.  Anyway, once she was asleep, I moved Sparkle to her new spot...

This might prove to be fun after all finding a new watch-spot each night.  I just hope I can remember to do it.  When Gia woke up this morning, the first thing she spotted was Sparkle!

Have you tried Elf on the Shelf with your kids?  If so, what do you think about it?

Pregnancy: 21 Weeks

How far along:  

21 weeks

How big is baby:  

The size of a large carrot.

Maternity clothes:  

My red or flower leggings with my grey maternity sweater and black FLAT boots is my new favorite outfit!

Stretch marks:

Still safe from new additions so far.

Belly button:

Sticking out.

Sleep:

Heartburn is making sleep a little more uncomfortable.  Gia is sleeping late these days though so I get to catch up in the mornings - Yay!

Best moment of the week:

It was a busy week for us!  We went to one of Gia's friend's birthday parties on Saturday and followed it up with seeing the Christmas lights at Opryland Hotel.  They were beautiful and Gia really loved them!  My big mistake was wearing stiletto boots... pregnancy makes it much more uncomfortable then I'm used to.  Ugh.  Gia got to sit in Santa's lap too!  

It snowed this week too!  We had lots of fun playing in it...

Thanksgiving with the family was nice too!

Food cravings:

Still Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes!!!

Food aversions:

None this week.

Nausea:

Bad heartburn makes me have waves of nausea.

Energy:

Getting worn out!

Movement:

I think my baby boy had the hiccups on Thanksgiving morning... it was precious!

What I'm looking forward to:

Christmas

What I'm nervous about:

LOTS of doctors appointments coming up... my fear is that my pregnancy will become so medically managed that they will want to intervene and set off a cascade of interventions.  Prayers please...

What I miss:

Having my house organized!

Pregnancy: Week 20

How far along:  

20 weeks

How big is baby:  

The size of a banana.

Maternity clothes:  

I went clothes shopping and got some of the CUTEST maternity outfits!  Yay... I feel stylish again!

Stretch marks:

No new ones to date.

Belly button:

Sticking out.

Sleep:

Sleeping well... I miss being able to sleep on my belly though.

Best moment of the week:

Gia and I had coffee with my close friend Abby.  It was great to just relax and catch up over Starbucks.

Abby & Gia

Gia put on a show for all the patrons while we enjoyed our drinks.

Food cravings:

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes!!!

Food aversions:

None this week.

Nausea:

None... but baby boy is giving me LOTS of indigestion!

Energy:

I'm feeling good but getting worn out by the end of the day.

Movement:

Lots of movement.

What I'm looking forward to:

Thanksgiving with the family next week.  We are having a good friend of mine and my goddaughter come visit next week too!

What I'm nervous about:

Sorting out legalities of a divorce... it is really stressing me out.

What I miss:

Having a car!  Ugh...

Control Freak to Faith

I will admit that I am somewhat of a control freak.  Okay, maybe that is not strong enough of a statement.  I am a total control freak when it comes to life - or at least I have been for the majority of my life.  I just want things to be good and peaceful.  Don't you?  Things have shifted for me...

I am really working to LET GO!  I have faith that nothing happens by mistake and God has everything under control.  As my faith has grown and strengthened over this past year, my need for total control has lessened.  I know that I am not actually in control of anything.  As scary of a realization as this has been, it has also been such a relief.  I can now breathe and let God lead me... I am so grateful for the path my life has lead me down.  Despite all my crazy adventures and rough spots, I am blessed beyond measure.

Can you take a deep breath and let go?

A Mellow Evening With Old School Blogging

I love this Old School Blogging link up hosted by Elaine of The Miss Elaine-ous Life and her co-host, Brittany of That’s Vandy.  Elaine dug up these questions from 2008.  What a fun way to get to know one another better... and share a little more of myself with you.  

Where is your cell phone? On the coffee table in front of me.

Your significant other?  Is no more... I am recently separated and soon to be divorced.

Your hair? Seriously needs to be trimmed!  I am currently my natural color though... a first in about twelve years.

Your mother? Is a strong woman who has always been my constant.  

Me & Mom

Your father? I don't know my father.  I have never had good luck with father figures so I don't feel that I am missing out.

Your favorite thing? My children. 

Your dream last night? They were crazy!  People holding us hostage and us escaping... lots of guns and hooded figures.  Creepy...

Your favorite drink? Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte <3... If that isn't available, I love coffee.

Your dream/goal?  To be a successful mommy and business woman, working from home and raising my kids.

The room you are in? My baby and I have relocated to a one room accommodation, so I am sitting in the part of the room used as the living room.

Your fear? Failure.

Where do you want to be in six years? I would like to be a homeowner living comfortably with my children in East Nashville... or maybe I will move closer to the ocean.  Who knows...



Where were you last night? Out to dinner with my mom, sister, step-dad, and of course Queen G.  Pizza Hut quelled my pizza craving... yummy!

What are you not? A conformist... I break the mold on almost every topic!

Muffins? Definitely... blueberry is the best!

One of your wish list items? A car...

Where you grew up? Portland, Tennessee

The last thing you did? Ate chips and salsa.

What are you wearing? My new blue/black striped maternity shirt and black leggings...

Your TV? Is almost always turned off.  We don't have cable (and I don't miss it).  

Your pets? We have two female pit bulls, Mirage and Dralie.  They are both almost ten years old and are absolutely phenomenal with Gia.  She dresses them up all the time... they are great sports!

Mirage

Dralie

Your computer? A Mac... I LOVE it!

Your life? Is always crazy and not at all how I planned it.  I am truly blessed though and wouldn't change it.  My children are my driving force and my reason for everything.

Your mood? Mellow... I have a quiet night to myself and am using it to relax and blog.

Missing someone? I always miss my baby when she isn't home... other than her, it would be great to catch up with some friends who don't live close by anymore.

Your Car? Doesn't currently exist... 

Something you are not wearing? Socks

Favorite store? T.J. Maxx and Target



Your summer? Was spent at home... I didn't get to take Gia to the beach this year.  :-(  We did some fun stuff locally though.

Like someone? LOL... nope.  I did feel like I was back in middle school with this question.

Your favorite color? According to Gia it is pink or black... but I honestly don't think I have one.

When was the last time you laughed? This afternoon... cutting up on the phone.

Last time you cried? Earlier today while watching this video online... One Miraculous Year In The Life of a Baby Born Too Soon



What is one thing on your To-Do list?  My list is a mile long!  Contact a divorce lawyer, make my blog business plan, give the dogs a bath...

Want to join in?  Link up with Elaine and Brittany and tweet with them @elainea and @BrittanyVandy, hashtag #OSBlog!