Boy or Girl?

It's a boy if:

You didn't experience morning sickness in early pregnancy
Your baby's heart rate is less than 140 beats per minute
You are carrying the extra weight out front
Your belly looks like a basketball
Your areolas have darkened considerably
You are carrying low
You are craving salty or sour foods
You are craving protein -- meats and cheese
Your feet are colder than they were before pregnancy
The hair on your legs has grown faster during pregnancy
Your hands are very dry
Your pillow faces north when you sleep
Dad-to-be is gaining weight, right along with you
Pregnancy has you looking better than ever
Your urine is bright yellow in color
Your nose is spreading
You hang your wedding ring over your belly and it moves in circles
You are having headaches
You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you conceived and the sum is an even number

It's a girl if:

You had morning sickness early in pregnancy
Your baby's heart rate is at least 140 beats per minute
You are carrying the weight in your hips and rear
Your left breast is larger than your right breast
Your hair develops red highlights
You are carrying high
Your belly looks like a watermelon
You are craving sweets
You are craving fruit
You crave orange juice
You don't look quite as good as normal during pregnancy
You are moodier than usual during pregnancy
Your face breaks out more than usual
You refuse to eat the heel of a loaf of bread
Your breasts have really blossomed!
Your pillow faces south when you sleep
Your urine is a dull yellow color
You hang your wedding ring over your belly and it moves from side to side
You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you conceived and the sum is an odd number

Monday Funnies

Attending a wedding for the first time, a little girl whispered to her mother, 'Why is the bride dressed in white?'' The mother replied, 'Because white is the color of happiness, and today is the happiest day of her life.'
The child thought about this for a moment then said, 'So why is the groom wearing black?' ~~~~~~~~~~~~

A little girl, dressed in her Sunday best, was running as fast as she could, trying not to be late for Bible class. As she ran she prayed, 'Dear Lord, please don't let me be late! Dear Lord, please don't let me be late!'
While she was running and praying, she tripped on a curb and fell, getting her clothes dirty and tearing her dress. She got up, brushed herself off, and started running again! As she ran she once again began to pray, 'Dear Lord, please don't let me be late..... But please don't shove me either!' ~~~~~~~~~~~~

Three boys are in the school yard bragging about their fathers. The first boy says, 'My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a poem, they give him $50.'
The second boy says, 'That's nothing. My Dad scribbles a few words on piece of paper, he calls it a song, they give him $100.'
The third boy says, 'I got you both beat. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a sermon, and it takes eight people to collect all the money!'

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An elderly woman died last month. Having never married , she requested no male pallbearers. In her handwritten instructions for her memorial service, she wrote, 'They wouldn't take me out while I was alive, I don't want them to take me out when I'm dead.'

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A police recruit was asked during the exam, 'What would you do if you had to arrest your own mother?' He answered, 'Call for backup.'

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A Sunday School teacher asked her class why Joseph and Mary took Jesus with them to Jerusalem ... A small child replied, 'They couldn't get a baby-sitter.'

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A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six year olds. After explaining the commandment to 'Honor thy father and thy mother,' she asked, 'Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?' Without missing a beat, one little boy answered, 'Thou shall not kill.'

~~~~~~~~~~~~
At Sunday School they were teaching how God created everything, including human beings. Little Johnny seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam's ribs.

Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and she said, 'Johnny, what is the matter?' Little Johnny responded, 'I have pain in my side. I think I'm going to have a wife.'

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Two boys were walking home from Sunday school after hearing a strong preaching on the devil. One said to the other, 'What do you think about all this Satan stuff?'
The other boy replied, 'Well, you know how Santa Claus turned out. It's probably just your Dad.'

Update on the Pain in My Side

After two full days of rest, the pain in my right side has disappeared. My OB/GYN and I both believe that the pain was a combination of an aggrevated muscle and my pelvic joints beginning to loosen. She assured me that the loosening is normal and that the discomfort should be minimal.... but advised that if anything "felt" different or wrong, we would get to the bottom of the problem.

So for now, I am cutting back on my workouts and adding more stretching to my routine. Thank you for all the concerns and comments.

A Pain in my Side

Today around 1:30, I went to get out of my office chair and was immediately hit with a sharp pain in my lower right side. It took a minute for the pain to pass so that I was able to stand up straight. From that point forward, I have had a dull ache on that side. Normally, I would be nervous/scared, but since I work in a hospital I have a myriad of health professionals at my disposal who can offer their educated opinions on such as these. The general thought is that I've pulled a muscle -(maybe working out 5 days a week isn't such a good idea anymore) - so I'm under strict order to skip the gym and go rest. If the pain is still present in the morning, I'll be visiting the Diagnostic imaging department for an ultrasound to ensure that things are okay with Peanut.


*I have also spoken with my OB/GYN who agrees with the 100 other opinions I have gotten today. If the pain worsen or other symptoms present themselves, M and I will make a beeline for the ER.

12 weeks

**Picture to be added later. Daddy the photographer has been super busy this week.**

What's Happening with Peanut?

• Peanut has started to develop reflexes.
• His/Her fingers are opening, toes are curling, and that tiny mouth is making sucking motions
• Meanwhile, nerve cells are multiplying rapidly, and in Peanut's brain, synapses are forming furiously. His face looks unquestionably human: His eyes have moved from the sides to the front of his head, and his ears are right where they should be.
• From crown to rump, Peanut is just over 2 inches long and weighs half an ounce.
  

What's Happening with Mama?

• Sickness: None. (Keeping fingers crossed it stays that way)
• Weight gain: 4 pounds
• Mood swings: Still hanging around, although nearly as severe as last week. It is amazing what a good nigh's sleep will do for one's mood.
• Food cravings: Mashed potatoes and creamed spinach
• Sleep: I slept better during the night this week, and did not have take more than a 30 minute nap on Sudnay.

What's happening with Daddy?

• Daddy is close to completing the State Patrol office he has been working on for over a year. The school that he is building is slowly making progress.
• Daddy has done a great job of helping Mama with the household chores - even going so far as to fold several loads of laundry and shampoo the carpets.

Next week, Mama and Daddy will go back to the doctor for a check up and hopefully will get to hear Peanut's heartbeat on the doppler.

Date Night Plans

Today marks 5 months since my wedding day. And in those 5 months, M and I have had quite a few adventures (and perhaps a mis-adventure or two); and ever day I fall more in love with him and am so grateful that I have a lifetime to spend with this amazing man.

 

Over the last 5 months, M has taken on more and more responsibility at his job. He went for estimating bids to managing not 1 but 2 major projects at his company. While in the middle of that, he devoted countless hours to the farm that he co-owns with his brother and father.  And to top it all off, he still comes home helps cook dinner, washes the dishes, folds laundry and gives his tired/pregnant wife a foot rub.

 

So to honor the fantastic man he is - I am taking M out tonight for dinner and a few surprises. After all, he deserves it!

11 Weeks ( A little Late, but better than never)

What's Happening with Peanut?

• Peanut is now about 1.5 inches long and roughly the size of a fig.
• He/She is very busy kicking, stretching, and performing what looks like water ballet. But I can't feel the movements yet.
• The diaphragm is starting to form.
• Peanut is getting tiny tooth buds under his/her gums and some of the bones are starting to harden.

What's Happening with Mama?

• Sickness: None. (Keeping fingers crossed it stays that way)
• Weight gain: Up roughly 3 pounds, which is what my doctor recommends for the first trimester
• Mood swings: Present and accounted for.... mostly swinging from happy to weepy in about 2.5 seconds
• Food cravings: Last week, I craved ice cream non-stop, so much in fact that I have 2 blizzards in a single day. I also craved yeast rolls with honey butter. My parents happily indulged my craving by taking me to Golden Corral for dinner where I promptly ate 4 rolls.
• Sleep: I am sleeping 90% thru the night - still waking up a few times to answer nature's call. But I am making up for it with naps on the weekends ( almost 4 hours worth on Saturday).

What's happening with Daddy?

• Daddy has been working lots of long hours at the office trying to wrap up 1 of the 2 construction projects he is managing. But he is still finding time to pamper Mama by rubbing her feet and back - which seem to get achey a lot easier these days. And by indulging her cravings and overlooking her mood swings.
• Daddy has also started talking to Peanut - although it is mostly silly boy conversation, but it is still super sweet.
  

Menu Planning Monday

Last week was much calmer than the previous few weeks and as a result I was able to prepare 2 out of the 4 meals that I had planned on, the other two meals were dinner out courtesy of my parents. Last night I took stock of our freezer/fridge/pantry and was able to come up with 6 different meal ideas for the upcoming week. Those meals include

1. Slow Cooker Beef Stew
2. Italian Turkey Sausages with Peppers Onions - I will post the receipe later
3. Turkey Sloppy Joe's - My own receipe which I will post seperately
4. Cuban Chicken Salad
5. Saucy Italian Pork Chops
6. Breakfast for Dinner - Whole Wheat Waffles, Eggs, and Turkey Bacon


What will you be eating this week? Do you meal plan - why or why not?

"Foto" Friday - They Hold my heart in their Hands

First Day of Pre-K

*Today my oldest nephew Trevor started pre-K. I was there to capture the moment on "film" and in my own mind.

Trevor,

Today you started Pre-K. And Aunt Kimbo could not be prouder of you. It seems that just yesterday, I was coming into your Mama's hospital room to hold you for the first time. You seemed so tiny at that time. Then again, you were the first newborn I'd ever seen, so it may have been just my perception.

I had been holding you just a few moments when you started fussing. I scrambled to find a way to soothe you - and began singing the Georgia Tech fight song - softly and very off key. It was not a traditional lullabye, but you loved it. And from that moment to this one, you have held my heart.

I have been amazed to watch you grow, to see you take your first steps, say your first words. And I was quite proud the day you learned to say Kimbo. Your Mama said that you would point at any picture of me at Nana's and exclaim "Kimbo!". I was tickled pink.

Now you love to come over to my house and play with Bailey and watch your Thomas the Tank engine DVDs. We always have such fun - laughing, playing, and giving lots of kisses.

You have gotten so big. I can not wait to see what skills you learn in the coming weeks/months. Just don't grow up too fast, okay, Aunt Kimbo's not sure if she can handle it.

All my love,

* And I will note that I managed not to cry while taking the picture or walking him to his classroom. But I did sob from his school to my office. And I have teared up several times today, I'm just gonna blam the pregnancy hormones.

Menu Planning Monday

Last week I had grand plans to prepare 4 home cooked meals for M and I. However, last week was one of those weeks where everything that could conspire against me did. On Monday, M had to be on site for one of the two projects he is managing which meant I would be eating alone. Tuesday was a birthday dinner out for me. Wednesday was a long/late work day which left little time prior to church for cooking. And on Thursday, I was just too tired to attempt to cook. Thankfully, I have amazing in-laws who love to cook for their family.

Therefore on Monday night, I joined my MIL, FIL, SIL and two nieces for a delicious meal of grilled chicken breasts, home made mac and cheese, and lots of fresh veggies. Wednesday night, my in-law's once again saved the day with hamburgers and french fries for a quick meal. And on Thursday my FIL prepared his signature stir-fry. I loved eating all the veggies.....yum-o!

This week is looking like it will be a much easier one in terms of work responsibilities, so M and I should both make it home at a decent hour. Therefore, we are returning the favor to the in-law's and cooking for them. I will be using the same menu as I had last week.

10 Weeks

After another ultrasound this week, it was determined that Peanut was measuring at 9 weeks and a few days....which means that I am now offically 10 weeks pregnant.

What's Happening with Peanut?

• He's barely the size of a kumquat — a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce.
• He's swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including his kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function.
• If I could take a peek inside the womb, I'd spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin.
• Peanut's limbs can bend now. His hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart, and his feet may be long enough to meet in front of his body. The outline of his spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from his spinal cord.

What's happening with Mama?

• Weight gain has offically been noted. Per the doctor I have gained roughly 4 pounds since the start of my pregnancy, which is right where I need to be.
• My energy is finally returning to pre-peanut levels. Although, I still tire more that I use to, I no longer feel as though I need a nap every day at 3 p.m.
• Morning/afternoon sickness has been minimal- a fact for which I am very grateful.
• I have had a few weird (at least for me) food cravings - including brussel sprouts, and a combo of cheese grits & taco salad.

New Blog Look

So readers, do you like the new look of my blog? I am absolutely in love with the design. If you think your own blog needs a little "sprucing up" check out my designer Leslie. She is fantastic to work with and the results speak for themselves.

27 Years Ago....

At a minute to 6:00 a.m., I entered this world with a head full of hair and lungs that were quite capable of emitting ear piercing screeches and cries. But to my parents who had wanted nearly 8 years for me, they were a melody.  My 26th year of life was an interesting one - I started a new job, got married, and started building a home and a life with my husband. But the 27th year should proove to be even  more of adventure as it is the year during which I will become a mother....and just like my parents before me those screeches and cries will be music to my ears.

 

Although my birthday is only 5 hours and 31 minutes old, I have already had a fantastic day. It started with an extra long snuggle with my husband as he hit the snooze button repeatedly, was followed by a lesiurely bubble bath to start my day, a sweet voicemail from my Mama,  flowers from my Daddy, texts from several friends, Facebook/Myspace well wishes, and to top it off I won a blog giveaway.  I am having lunch (my favorite pizza) with my parents, sister, and nephews and then a mid-week date with my husband!

 

I hope each of you has a great day....in fact I DEMAND that you do....it's my birthday after all and I still believe that everyone should be happy on my birthday!

Menu Planning Monday

For several months now, I have seen "Menu Planning Monday" posts all over some of my favorite blogs. The concept seemed easy enough ... each week you layout the meals you are planning on making.

Summer has kept M and I quite busy and most of the meals we've eaten have either been prepared by someone else (pizza at my sister-in-law's, spaghetti with my father-in-law) or fly by the seat of our pants (whatever was left over in the fridge). Needless to say my eating has not been as healthy as I would have liked it to be. So in an effort to regain some control over my eating and retain a bit of my sanity, I convinced M that we should try Meal Planning Monday.

Last Thursday, I sought out yummy looking receipes from a few of my favorite blogs/websites, reviewed the meals with M, figured out what ingredients we had on hand, and then what ingredients we would need to by, and then complied my shopping list. On Friday, I left work a bit early and did all of my shopping. M and I planned on 4 suppers during the week, 1 supper of leftovers, and 1 supper out (date night). With all that being said, here's what we will be eating this week:

Slow-Cooker Beef Stew: I found this meal idea at Org Junkie .

Saucy Italian Pork Chops

Healthy Mexican Skillet

Low-Fat Poppyseed Chicken Casserole

M and I have not assigned a specific meal to each day, but rather will choose a meal based on what appeals to us at that time. Keep checking back for his/her reviews on each of the meals.