Playing Catch Up

Prepare your little computer eyes! This is a long one!

The last two weeks have been a blur. So many things going on… Let me start with my last baby shower. It was hosted by my lovely Aunts, Cousins, and Grandmother on my daddy’s side. They did a “Cute as a Button” theme, and let me tell you, it was exactly that! We got so many things that we needed and things I thought I would never need, but now think we couldn’t live without!

::Let me just take a little moment to Thank everyone that has hosted, been a guest at, or had anything to do with one of my showers, or Cody’s diaper party, etc. We have been beyond blessed with great family and friends, and I cannot thank each and every one of you enough! So thank you!::

Here are a few pics from the shower…

 Cake thanks to mom!

 Some of my favorite ladies in the whole world.

 From Sherri and Jacee... such froo froo from the least froo froo gals I know! Love them!

 Cutest sock presentation EVER! Thanks Court!

Some sweet girls that attended my shower!

 

Updated Nursery Pics…

 This "F" has since been updated!

 No Nursery is complete without the inclusion of some "dachshund".

 

Now we also recently celebrated my brother’s 30^th bday! My sister-in-law Melissa hosted a surprise party for him at Dublin Square that turned out really well! Cody and I got him a 6 pack of Breckenridge Vanilla Porter (Yum, one of the many fall/winter brews that I am missing terribly!) and some of his own “brewmaster” mugs for his casa, and some candy. He seemed happy. We also celebrated his actual birthday night at my Mimis for a chicken fried steak dinner. Dinner would not be complete without a political battle at the dinner table, super fun!

I am so glad Election Day is over. I have literally not felt as much anxiety this pregnancy as I did following the Election on Nov. 6. I guess I am just glad it’s over. It may not have ended the way our household would have wished, but we will get through the next four years, if anything else together. I told Cody if I ended up on the streets I wouldn’t want it to be with anyone else, haha. Hold your comments; this is my blog, so therefore, my beliefs and opinions. Put that in your juice box and suck it.

The latest event going on in my life is trying to get over an ear/sinus infection. I have literally been down a week with this thing. The only thing I can really take is antibiotics for the infection and Tylenol for the pain. Tylenol blows for anyone that wants to know. I would say it is as useful as a glass hammer.  I literally feel so sad for babies with ear infections. It hurts just as bad when I broke my damn elbow. Luckily the throbbing has subsided but the feeling of “being underwater” has ceased to disappear. If I were not pregnant I would drown myself in any type of alcohol. I think it would help, hell, at least then there would be a reason for feeling “underwater”.

In other news, we got Cody a new car. Turns out we are in a better boat because of his accident. We have a brand new car (A diesel VW Jetta), a lower interest rate, a lower monthly paper, and even better gas mileage, which was hard to beat in the Altima. I think he is a happy camper, even though he can’t stand driving a car. Speaking of cars, we got enough back from the Altima for a hefty down payment, and we get to fix the tailgate dings on the Acadia from my little fender bender back in July. Clearly the Dean Household is very accident prone. Finley doesn’t stand a chance! She will probably be a hot mess like her momma!

My daddy always hated it when I would get scrapes and bruises when I was little because he said it was ruining my “model legs”. I don’t know where my daddy thought someone with my 5’3 stature, and short legs would be modeling, but he always did make me feel like the prettiest girl in the world. I bet Cody will make Finley feel the same way.

 

How far along? 29 weeks-ish

Maternity clothes? Yes here and there! Mostly here and mostly there.

Stretch marks? Nope phew!! Not counting the teeny tiny one I found under one of my 5 pound boobs. Gag.

Sleep: actually even with my ear situation, I have been sleeping better.  

Best moment this week: Sinus rinses. Yes. This is my favorite moments this week. Sad. Really, Really, Sad.  

Miss Anything? Hearing from my left ear!

Movement: Lots in the mornings and evenings! At my last OB appt she kept hiding from the Doppler (when they were trying to record her heart rate) they finally got her pinned down, and she hit the Doppler. I see more of my personality coming from that belly every day… poor Cody Dean.

Food cravings: The sweet infatuation may be coming to an end ladies and gentlemen. Lately other things have been on my mind like chicken and mashed potatoes. My appetite in general has faded this last week with the sinus issues, but it’s not sweets 24/7 like usual.

Anything making you queasy or sick: It makes me so sick to see animals that are sad. I am so serious!

Labor Signs: Not for a long time I hope! Lots of BH contractions lately about once or twice a day…

Symptoms: Peeing. Obscene tatas.

Belly Button in or out? I’ve come to terms with my bellybuttons and I’s new relationship. Hopefully she decides to stop being so stupid and go back to normal after the baby comes.

Wedding rings on or off? On...

Happy or Moody most of the time: Still happy, Ive had a few episodes over the sickness, and just being moody this last week though.

Looking forward to: 3D/4D sonogram this Friday. I literally just made this appt on a whim this week, since it’s the last week for “Optimal viewing”. I figure it’s my first baby, I should just do it. Maternity pics in December... (a sort of looking forward to)...

 

 

 

Holy Smokes!

It has been a good while since the last blog ::My Apologies:: … not really, I am not sorry, I have been busy! So some updates…

Have not heard back yet from my glucose test – I am thinking no news is good news, however, with the rate I eat cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, and donuts lately… it may just be overwhelmed with the sugar in my system and still processing my test. Haha. Whoops.

I had my first shower this last weekend. My mother in law and sister and law hosted and the theme was “Bun in the Oven”. It was a super cute shower, and I got lots of little girly things! It was so nice and decorated so cute. We had sliders, cinnamon rolls on a stick, cupcakes, and my MIL even figured out how to make my favorite raspberry tea that taste identical to Macaroni Grill's! Success!

Me and the cute oven!

Holley (MIL), Me, and Hayley (SIL)

Mimi (My Gma), Me, and Mom

I am slowly but surely getting Fin’s nursery in order, organized, and finished. I only have about 3 projects in the works right now… this is a small number for those who know how A.D.D I am, I have a million things going at one time. 3 seem small. I am sure tomorrow it will be 6.

I found some stockings today to match my peacock themed Christmas tree (another obsession). I got 3. One for Cody, Fin, and I… how weird is that? 3 Stockings! (Plus only $6 a piece!) Woot Woot!

I have not blogged about this but Cody got into a wreck recently… (2 weeks ago)… well they just decided today to total the damn thing. Only 12 more months and we would have had the car paid off. Go. Figure. I think it is a blessing in disguise … here’s to hoping. So now on the hunt for cars, Hal-a-freakin-lujah! I am thinking since the car was approaching 130k, this is better for us in the long run.

We also attended a costume party on Saturday. My options were limited, so I went with the “Pregnant Snooki” … I’d say for how little it cost me, it was one of my best costumes yet. Who knew so much work went into looking like Snooks though? It took me thirty minutes to get the orange bronzing powder off of my face and neck, and I am pretty positive I had an allergic reaction to the adhesive for the fake lashes.  My shower was the next day, and I am going to say my costume choice effected how cute I was at  said shower… my poor little face was swollen and raw. Haha. So not only is beauty pain, Ugly is too evidently! Oh Snooks! Cody’s costume was also pretty intense! He didn’t think anyone would get it, but it was a WINNER! And only cost me $ 1.50!

 

Cody looks like such a goon here! Hayley, Modern-day Baby, Cody, "God's gift to women" and Me, Snooks

 

Also I should let it be known to women thinking about getting pregnant… your boobs will grow. And by grow I mean, they get obscene. I know this may seem like common sense, but I was not expecting 3 cup sizes. We are talking OBSCENE. That is all. You’re welcome. (For any MTV Awkward watchers, I said that like Sadie!)

I think that’s all I got for now, I will update as soon as I get things in order around my house, finish my teaching certification, and over all get my life in check. I have been slacking lately. All the cupcakes have weighed me down! :: BUT THEY ARE SO DELICIOUS::

Over and Out!

How far along? 27 weeks-ish

Maternity clothes? I’d say its 50/50… this belly is getting outta control!

Stretch marks? Nope phew!!

Sleep: Nope. Between Cody’s “slumber noises” as I like to call them, and my dogs, shit is difficult. I say shit is difficult and not sleep, because the two are pretty equal in my book right now, shitty.

Best moment this week: Halloween costumes and shower!

Miss Anything? Fall beers!

Movement: Lots in the mornings and evenings! Sometimes she is really, really active. The other day she was hitting one of my dogs that had her head on my belly. She is not a nice baby.

Food cravings: Sweets, sweets, and more sweets. Pastries, donuts, ice cream, cakes, ::hell:: bags of icing… I like it all.  

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope nada!

Labor Signs: Not for a long time I hope! Lots of BH contractions lately about once or twice a day…

Symptoms: Peeing. Huge boobs.

Belly Button in or out? Today she is just awkward as usual. I should come up with a name for her.

Wedding rings on or off? On...

Happy or Moody most of the time: Still happy!

Looking forward to: My next shower! However, I should let it be known, crowds and opening presents give me a little anxiety and I become Awkward Annie, so don’t hate!

Sugar Sugar

Today I had a doctor's appointment. The appt was rather uneventful, but I did have my Glucose test!

The low down:

The "glucola" was not awesome but it was not "absolutely horrific" like I have been reading/hearing. I actually finished mine in 11 seconds which I was really proud of. I mean if there were a contest drinking glucola I think I could whip some ass. Now everyone else that I have spilled this information to today has not been impressed.... They must not realize how long I have been practicing chugging to prefect my drinking game... All those times I got "Iced" at the Grotto really paid off. But seriously. The Glucola is not bad at all.. I think Smirnoff Ice is actually ten times worse and I bet all of the women that whine about the test drink Smirnoff so I don't want to hear it anymore.

On another note, It seems Mal has made it safely to the ATL and is all settled in. Boo. Speaking of Boo, I am thinking of accosting my husband into taking me to Boo at the Zoo this weekend. I need to go. The animals are calling me. Plus I hear it's not very smart to go to haunted houses with child, so this could be an alternate choice. I really hate to be missing out on Halloween festivities such as Fright Fest at Six Flags!

This babe needs to get here so I can do things like

• ride roller-coasters
• stand on stools/furniture without family members freaking out
• button my pants
• Drink things with words like, Lite, Light, Moscato, and Woodchuck on the labels...
• Wear white shirts... why you ask? because my big ass boobs and this belly literally run into everything and attract things like grease, spaghetti, and mustard
• stay up past ten... and maybe make it through a whole night sleeping
• snowboard

Now you may think I don't realize I will most likely not get to do 80% (that’s not a scientific calculation, just a random number that popped into my head) of these things after Fin gets here. But. I do know that, it's just easier to go on believing I will get to!

On another note, Holley (mother-in-law) and Hayley (seester-in-law) did some shopping in Abilene last week and Holley came back with this little gem...

 

Probably the cutest thing I have ever seen! Ruffles on the butt? I'm in love! If everything goes smoothly Hay will get to come home in a few weekends for the shower that Holley has been working on, that I am super excited about! =)

Finley also got some early presents from some friends...

 

Cody is obsessed with Under Armor so this little onesie from Beau and Rachel is prob his fav thing so far! Mal got this little Pea Coat that is so stinking cute I can’t stand it! Thank you guys!

How far along? 25 weeks-ish

Maternity clothes? Tops mostly... still wearing regular jeans... that are getting very difficult to button.

Stretch marks? Nope phew!!

Sleep: Nope.

Best moment this week: My mom finishing up the baby's cradle!

Miss Anything? Participating in Halloween festivities!

Movement: Lots in the mornings and evenings!

Food cravings: just sweets. I could eat a chocolate donut everyday if I knew I wouldnt gain 80 pounds! 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope nada!

Labor Signs: Not for a long time I hope!

Symptoms: Peeing. Huge boobs.

Belly Button in or out? It's in when I lay down. It puckers out when I stand up. It's so fickle!

Wedding rings on or off? On...

Happy or Moody most of the time: Still happy!

Looking forward to: Shower at the end of the month!

Here is an updated pic of belly progress... which also shows me wearing a white shirt, which also had grease right on my right boob. True. Story. Enjoy.

 

Let us part on a good note... a little dog shaming to make your day a little brighter!

 

 

Shopping, Best Friends, and Hoohas... you'll see..

It’s already Thursday? Holy smokes! This week has gone by incredibly fast; probably because I have been sleeping like I am in my first trimester again. So tired! For some NBR (non-baby related) news …Today Holley and I got lots of retail therapy in… well not really since we didn’t buy anything crazy but we had fun looking! We went to Homegoods, Sam’s, Trader Joe’s, Central Market, and Chipotle… I would like to call that a good day! At Sam’s I got some of those delicious fruit snacks, the Kelloggs brand… I have been looking for them everywhere (Including Sam’s) and finally found them at Sam’s today by chance. It was like the clouds separated and beamed down a little piece of heaven just for me. Thank you Jesus for these amazing fruit snacks!

Well I have some bittersweet news. More bitter for me, more sweet for her. My bestest is moving to Georgia for an amazing opportunity for herself. While I am selfishly sad, I know it will be a great experience for her, and I am so excited for her. I think I am most bummed that I will not get the experience of my best friend being at my shower and Finley’s delivery; however, we can now thank the technology of FaceTime to deplete some of that sadness! Finley will know her Aunty Mal one way or another! And hopefully she can visit soon after the baby arrives! (A Birthday present to me Mal??? Hint hint!)

So the last time I wrote I think I had just started feeling her roll around in there (there being in the belly)… I say roll because that’s the best I can describe it. She’s like a tiny steam roller… Well now she feels like an almost two pound whack-a-mole player. I think she enjoys kicking, hitting, head butting, and whatever the hell else it is she does in there to any of my organs, walls, or whatever. Today, she was really getting after it… and it was low. And by low I mean TMI low… I thought at one point a tiny baby hand or foot might come right out of my hoo-ha. (I just had to sit and think for about two long minutes what word I found most blog appropriate for hoo-ha… so if you don’t like hoo-ha… sorry bout it!)

Anyhow, I have 500 things to do and no energy or motivation for that matter to do it.

1.       I need to get Finley’s name up on her wall…

2.       I need to get supplies, start, and finish some wall art I have planned for some canvas’…

3.       I should probably check my registries to make sure I actually completed them.

4.       I have about 2 or 3 online courses on Texas Teachers Cert that need to be done…

5.       AND I need to refinish a cradle.

Lord have mercy… If there were just 2 or 3… or 10 more hours in a day that would be fantastic…

In the mean time… a little trip of pics from throwback till now of me and my PIC!

 

 

These were the only appropriate pictures I could find! =)

How far along? 23 weeks-ish

Total weight gain: Over ten pounds fa sho... =-/ 

Maternity clothes? Tops mostly... still wearing regular jeans

Stretch marks? Nope phew!!

Sleep: Not last night... nightmare city!

Best moment this week: Going grocery shopping finally haha!

Miss Anything? a flat tummy!

Movement: Lots this week. She might be a gymnast! 

Food cravings: Nothing exceptionally this week... maybe Mexican food still. And Sandwiches?

Anything making you queasy or sick: OMG Cody fried some chicken in the house the other day. I. Almost. Died!

Labor Signs: Not for a long time I hope!

Symptoms: Peeing. Huge boobs.

Belly Button in or out? It's in for the most part. It randomly decided to poke out. Mostly at night. Ew.

Wedding rings on or off? On...

Happy or Moody most of the time: Still happy!

Looking forward to:  Shower at the end of the month!

Houston we have a name...

So... Today I had to make a special trip to a friend’s mom's office to put to rest my paranoia that baby D was a boy... yes I have been having crazy pregnancy dreams that baby G was in fact a baby B for two weeks now. I didn't tell Mr. Dean until after I went so he wouldn't further make fun of my hypochondriac antics... The ultrasound tech confirmed that Baby D had no boy parts! Wahoo... So I think now I (We) can reveal her name to the world... ::Drum Roll Please::

Cody and I have 99.9% positively decided on Finley Grace! Grace is Mark's (Cody's dad) mother's name (he is really excited we are using her name!). Finley is just a name I saw a while back that I fell in love with, and the first girl name that Cody liked. I needed confirmation that she was a girl to introduce her name! Thank God she is because her little nursery is becoming more and more full of little girl things!

The last two days I have been able to feel her move around so that is crazy/cool. I thought it was going to be a couple more weeks so I was pleasantly surprised. I think Cody may have been able to feel her the morning I first felt her, but he said it felt like a heartbeat so it may have just been my pulse... but he will eventually! I have heard everyone describe the feeling as butterflies... homegirl in the belly don't play that game... she feels like popcorn in the morning *just a few pops though! She might be a little feisty! Today she had her little hands over her eyes, and the ultrasound tech pointed out where here head was in my belly so I believe the little popcorn moves are punches rather than kicks!

This am I went for one of my frequent donut runs... I haven't had one for like a week, so we are doing well there. When I got there the little Asian woman said "Oh so sorry honey, this all I have left today"... It's sad she knows I get a chocolate twist every time, and knew when I came through the door that she was out! It’s ok I just had regular old chocolate donut! It was PHENOMENAL! The first week when I was getting these twists regularly about the third day she asked if I was pregnant, and I told her no I was just getting fat on her donuts, and then told her I was kidding. She laughed her hysterical Asian laugh and asks me about the baby every time she sees me now! "Oh honey you look so small, how baby, I give you extra donut today!" (Every time!)

Today I finished Miss Finley's bow holder. Thank you pinterest... it’s pretty cute if I do say so myself!

 

That's about all I have for today...

 

 

How far along? 22 weeks-ish

Total weight gain: Ask me next week... ahhhh.

Maternity clothes? um still wearing my Buffalo David Bitton jeans so were doing ok....

Stretch marks? Nope phew!!

Sleep: The sleep is getting better and better... especially when my sickly husband takes NyQuill and sleeps through the night without coughing ;-).

Best moment this week: Finally feeling her moving around in there!

Miss Anything? a flat tummy!

Movement: ^^

Food cravings: The donuts are still there... also Mexican food, but I feel like this has always been a craving of mine. Who doesn't love Mexican food? 

Anything making you queasy or sick: the freaking Wendy's jr cheeseburger that Cody insist we have for dinner last night. Last time. The. Last. Time.

Labor Signs: Not for a long time I hope!

Symptoms: Still peeing like a freaking race horse. Also if you do not visit this awesome site very often I suggest you do (It's hysterical). Then you will know what FLBP is and realize that I am experiencing this problem as we speak! (Boobie talk, don't get offended y'all!)

Belly Button in or out? It's in for the most part. I hate this belly button drama I have been having lately. It grosses me out.

Wedding rings on or off? On...

Happy or Moody most of the time: Still happy! When I get tired tho, the grumpiness emerges for sure!

Looking forward to: A paycheck from subbing, I AM BROKE!



 

 

Dear 15 Year-old Self...

Remember when you thought it would be a great idea to get your belly button pierced... well just so you know it's ten years later and that hole has still not grown in like you assured your mom it would... That hole really adds an extra something to that belly-button that’s trying to pop out (really? already?... only me).

But I am not nearly as mad at you as I am your 18 year-old self... A tramp stamp? ... Really? Who knew that back tats wouldn't be cool in 2012... Oh yea... YOUR MOM DID! (I know, I know, you told me so Mom)! Who knew that when you met your future husband he would make fun of it all the time, and you would be slightly ashamed at the thought of telling your baby girl on the way about it. By the way 15-18 year old-self you should have definitely paid more attention to high school math. This teaching certification test has got me a little worried about the math portion... would it have killed you to listen to Mrs. Cotton & Mr. Roberts just a little bit more?

At least you learned some valuable lessons along that time frame. I would say namely, the fact that your parents would be right about most things. I just know I am about to get pay back ten-fold.

...........

Back to more important things, so nothing exciting happening in the land of baby recently. It’s that half way mark and I hear things seem to go super slow for the next few weeks... (Hooray?) My mother in law cooked some chicken spaghetti today and had lots of left overs, so that’s one thing I am grateful for today: Not cooking dinner! =) Thanks Holley and your 12 serving recipe! YUM!

I am starting the first "face to face" portion of classes for my teaching certification this weekend. Kind of nervous for that to begin, but also excited because the last class is October 27th! It will be over before I know it!

Well my husband is yelling at me about some laundry so I guess I better get to that... He is such a slave driver ;-)

How far along? 20 weeks-ish

Total weight gain: I’m going to skip this today... I have been avoiding the scale.

Maternity clothes? Not really just the slacks.

Stretch marks? Nope nada!

Sleep: Its a rollercoaster on this subject. Some nights are greater than others...

Best moment this week: Getting Texas Teachers paid for and the ball a rolling...!

Miss Anything? Shopping.... A lot.

Movement: Nope. Still waiting...

Food cravings: Still on the donuts and chocolate milk in the AM.

Anything making you queasy or sick: no... but I wanted a pancake so bad the other day and it just did not taste the same... Denny's you screwed something up in that pancake batter!

Labor Signs: Not for a long time I hope!

Symptoms: Pee-pot

Belly Button in or out? IN, but slowly but surely this little booger is trying to make its way out... I just won't have it!

Wedding rings on or off? On...

Happy or Moody most of the time: Still happy happy! Don't get me wrong I have my cray cray moments!

Looking forward to: A paycheck from subbing, I AM BROKE!



 

A little bit of this, A little bit of that...

Yay for 3 day weekends! Glad I got to spend some extra time with Cody this weekend. We got to visit with our friends from out of town, get some sun, not to mention my mom got SOO much done for the nursery this weekend...

We (when I say we, I really just mean my mom) finished the curtains for the nursery, along with a crib sheet in the same fabric andddd a cover for the changing pad that is going on the dresser! It’s so cute and girly! My mother in law is doing the skirt and bumper for the crib; I absolutely cannot wait to see what it looks like all done and together! EEEK! I also can't wait to get the letter I am looking for to start her name on the nursery wall. I think we are pretty much set on her name at this point (at least her first name... middle is another story...). I'm thinking with all of this "I can't wait talk" i should probably really try to obtain some patience. Things are definitely coming along in the nursery (and her little closet). I think by the time this little girl gets here my mother will have to enroll in shoppers anonymous!

Speaking of addictions anonymous... I think I need to be on True Life I am a Caffeine Addict... I wish I were lying. I crave cokes, tea, and chocolate like it’s going out of style. I have always drank tea like a mad woman, but where did the chocolate and cokes all the time come from? So much for limiting my caffeine intake. Oh well if this is my biggest problem I think we are doing ok... here are some pictures updates on the nursery!

I absolutely love this pattern. We got the very last of it, so hopefully we will not need anymore!

Here is the finished product of the amazing curtains my lovely mom did!

Cute little changing pad cover that my mom made!

Finally the crib sheet that my mom also made! (Excited for the rest to come together!)

I finished putting all of the contact paper in her little dresser drawers (it is aqua in person, not boy blue)!

Our little cupcake's closet already filling with too many clothes (as her daddy says)! All girl's know you can never have enough clothes!

 

How far along? 19 weeks-ish

Total weight gain: oh lawd maybe 5? I haven't checked... I have eaten like a crazy person this weekend, so I know it's gone up! 

Maternity clothes? Well none of my slacks are fitting since they are high waisted... had to get some lower ones over the weekend... boo!

Stretch marks? Nope not yet, phew! Keep on chuggin that water!

Sleep: Sleep is getting much better... only getting up a couple times a night!

Best moment this week: Getting more girlie things in the nursery, it is coming a long!

Miss Anything? Right now... not much. I wish I didnt crave sweet stuff all the time though!

Movement: Nope. Still waiting...

Food cravings: Donuts and Chocolate milk in the AM.

Anything making you queasy or sick: the smell of dip is still making me nauseated... AHEM.

Labor Signs: Not for a long time I hope!

Symptoms: Just peeing nonstop.

Belly Button in or out? IN, but I swear it is trying to come out a bit!

Wedding rings on or off? On... a little tight in the AM!

Happy or Moody most of the time: Still happy happy! Don't get me wrong I have my cray cray moments!

Looking forward to: Getting her name on the wall and getting more wall art for nursery!