Over Christmas Hiatus

I had very good intentions of blogging over Christmas vacation. You know what they say about good intentions.

Hanging out with this guy won over. He has relaxing down to a science, and I was happy to be his student. Only a few pouts when USPS/FedEx/UPS over promised and under delivered on his Christmas presents. You know what they say about promising and delivering.

Ironically, (most) of my presents came on time. One of my favorite: a next best thing to gel nail polish. More to come on that. The nail polish is good, but no one promised I can paint nails better than a 5 year old. Maybe a skill I will work on in the new year. With all my free time.

A sweet friend sent these, and Oh. My. Gosh. If I wasn't jealous of everyone that lived close to a Trader Joe's, I am now. They were a huge hit at our house.

We didn't let the season go by without our annual Christmas Eve Eve Chinese food and Christmas Vacation tradition. Up to bat this year: Sesame Chicken with stir fry veggies and brown rice. Topped off with eggnog and chocolate chocolate chip cookies (more on those later as well).

I had a nice view from the couch.

Just the next night we managed to find the Griswolds in our town. My camera couldn't even capture it all. I should have employed the panoramic feature, but I was too in awe, and curious as to their power bill.

Christmas morning brought gifts for everyone. Except Namath. It really was so sad. Thankfully, the grandparents came to the rescue with his very own deer antler. Yes, we live in Alabama.

I bought some more nail polish.

Namath got a closer look at the Pioneer Woman's dogs. He was not a fan. Clearly he hasn't had her cinnamon rolls.

We joined Prime and haven't looked back. I made good use of my one month free and shipped as much stuff as I could. Anything you order off Prime I'm not thinking about?

32 Weeks

How far along? 32 weeks. Baby boy is the size of a jicama. What, you don't know what that is? Me either. He has fingernails, toenails and some peach fuzz for hair. I can't wait to see what color that fuzz is:) I was jet black when I was born and MS was blonde. 

Total weight gain: Around 17 lbs. 

Maternity Clothes: Yep. Leggings are the best, with a long sweater and a scarf. I have a feeling this will continue past February. 

Stretch Marks: Not yet.

Sleep: Sleeping well and looking forward to some time off where I can enjoy sleeping in, afternoon naps and staying up later than 9 if my little heart desires. 

Best Moment this Week: Getting dressed up for Christmas parties with my baby Daddy. 

Miss anything? I was a little sad to miss out on the holiday cocktails. Although I did have to have just a little sip of Martha Stewart's eggnog. 

Movement: Rolls and the alien movements - I can feel distinct body parts. I think MS got freaked out when he could feel the head straight on. 

Food Cravings:  I like it all. The Publix Premium White Christmas ice cream has won a special place in my heart though. Coffee flavored ice cream with espresso chocolate chips? Yes, please. 

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Food is hit or miss these days, but nothing too bad.

Exercise:  Still at it. I'm really hoping the consistency pays off during and after delivery. It's getting harder and harder to get out in the cold, but it really does make me feel better and sleep better.

Gender: Boy!

Labor signs: Nothing yet. Have a few weeks before we'll even start checking at weekly appointments. I'ts amazing how the time has flown.

Symptoms: Things like cleaning and vacuuming wear me out pretty fast. The belly and lower back get really tight. Does this mean I can hire a maid? Please advise.

Most looking forward to: Christmas!

31 Weeks

I'm so ashamed. I don't have a picture. 

How far along? 31 weeks. Baby is a little over 3 pounds and starting to plump up. Yay! The eggnog will help.

Total weight gain: Between 16-17 pounds, depending on the day. 

Maternity Clothes: All maternity, all the time.

Stretch Marks: Not yet.

Sleep: Sleeping well and loving an afternoon nap (on the weekends, of course)

Best Moment this Week: Enjoying kicking off our last Christmas season as a family of 2. 

Miss anything? Nothing new worth noting.

Movement: Most active at night and early in the mornings. Fun times ahead! He is very graceful - lots of smooth rolls rather than kicks. 

Food Cravings:  Nothing crazy. Enjoying this last little bit of indulging myself without too much guilt.

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Food is hit or miss these days, but nothing too bad.

Exercise:  About half and half between kickboxing/weight lifting and running/walking. 

Gender: Boy! We even committed to a name. It's getting real.

Labor signs: Just now learning what they are, for when we get a little bit closer. 

Symptoms: A little more tired than usual, but nothing my 9 p.m. bedtime can't cure.

Most looking forward to: Finishing the nursery.I'm not sure the crib will ever arrive.

Five on Friday

Between work and the holidays, the blog has taken an unintentional back seat. But I can't resist popping in for a few Friday Favorites!

1. Stuffed Pepper Soup

I found this recipe over at Forever Young and couldn't wait to try it! It did not disappoint. It had a great flavor, and it's low cal. Perfect for a cold winter night, and it leaves some calories for my next obsession...

2. Eggnog

I usually start craving this about 9 a.m. every morning. So far, I've been able to hold off until an appropriate eggnog hour. The creaminess, the nutmeg taste....can you blame me? There's also an ice cream. I have a problem.

3. Christmas Music

While you're drinking your Christmas cocktail of choice, you've gotta have some Christmas music in the background. Laura sent me this CD as a Christmas happy, and I've enjoyed it every morning on the way to work!

Erika's Little Drummer Boy post also made me feel led to post about my most favorite Christmas song for the third year in a row.

If this doesn't give you chills...well, I'll reserve my judgment in the spirit of the season.

4. Holiday Grooming

Just in time for all the holiday parties and junk food I've been eating...Dixie on My Mind suggested this face mask and I've loved it! I've been fighting my skin since, oh, June, and my weapons are limited until February. This has helped clear some breakouts, and it's so refreshing!

I found it at Ulta and you can't beat the price.

5. Homemade Cleaner

Your face is clean, might as well keep the streak alive with your house. I found this homemade granite cleaner on Pinterest and it has worked so well on our hard to clean black granite.

That's about as exciting as life is right now. Hope you and yours are able to slow down and enjoy the season. With clear skin and clean counters.

30 Weeks

How far along? 30 Weeks. Baby is the size of a head of lettuce and weighs almost 3 pounds. He'll really start packing on the pounds in the next 10 weeks - although from the 4D he has stored up a good bit in some plump sweet cheeks!

Total weight gain: Between 16-17 pounds, depending on the day. 

Maternity Clothes: Yep. And I've added the skill of being able to fill out a large sweatshirt. 

Stretch Marks: Not yet.

Sleep: Sleeping well and loving an afternoon nap (on the weekends, of course)

Best Moment this Week: Indulging in delicious Thanksgiving food. My mom made a spice cake that was out of this world.

Miss anything? Nothing new worth noting.

Movement: He's most active at night. We'll be working on that post delivery.

Food Cravings:  I keep eating sweets, and they always make me feel a little sick. Try, try again, I say. God forbid I not support the cake industry.

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Food is hit or miss these days, but nothing too bad.

Exercise:  Running is getting a little harder, but it's still doable. I would have bet I quit by this point because it seemed SO far along, but as long as I feel good, I'm going to try and keep at it. I really think it's helped with any minor aches and pains, swelling and the ability to sleep. But part of that is probably just luck.

Gender: Boy!

Labor signs: Just now learning what they are, for when we get a little bit closer. 

Symptoms: A little more tired than usual, but nothing my 9 p.m. bedtime can't cure.

Most looking forward to: Enjoying the holidays with my little family, and soaking up our last Christmas just the 2 (and fur child) of us.

Go Grizzy, It's Your Birthday

I've taken an unintentional blog hiatus, but I'm back in time to commemorate the fur child's 8th birthday.

This dog makes me so happy. He's just funny to look at. But he's also got enough personality for every dog on our street.

A lot has changed since he waddled into my heart in Valley, Alabama 8 years ago. I'm so glad he's been along for the ride.

Sometimes even man's best friend needs to take some solace in the bottle.

So glad I've had this 55 lb shadow for eight whole years. I love that as soon as I sit down he will get up from wherever he's passed out to come sit beside me. Melt my heart.

I'm about to be totally outnumbered by boys, and couldn't be happier about it. He brings our little family so much joy! Now if I could teach him to fetch diapers....

Cheers to another healthy year!

29 Weeks

How far along? 29 weeks. 

Total weight gain: Between 16-17 pounds, depending on the day. Bring on the eggnog. 

Maternity Clothes: Yes! Leggings are my best friend, as is the full panel since I now am sporting an outie. Yikes.

Stretch Marks: Not yet.

Sleep: Can't get enough. 9 hours plus a nap? Don't mind if I do. My days are numbered, I know that full well. Pretty sure that's a Psalm. 

Best Moment this Week: 4D ultrasound, hands down. We debated doing one, but when the doctors office put it on special for the holidays, I couldn't resist. Now I've got a sweet little picture in my phone to show whoever will look:)

Miss anything? Not really. Sleeping on my stomach a little. 

Movement: Lots! I can feel hands and feet, and sometimes have to push them back in. Alien. 

Food Cravings:  Hot Chocolate. I bought the 60 count box at Costco this week. He'll probably come out drinking hot chocolate. 

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Food is hit or miss these days, but nothing too bad.

Exercise:  Running, kickboxing, some weights. The 4D confirmed he is right on my bladder. Fun!

Gender: Boy!

Labor signs: Nothing to report.

Symptoms: . Feel pretty good! I feel very blessed to have had a great pregnancy, despite the people that tell you "oh, you just wait a few more weeks." Jeez. 

Most looking forward to: If the crib will ever come in...finishing the nursery.