Favorites ~ 2nd Trimester

After posting about my 1st Trimester favorites here, I figured I would continue with 2nd Trimester favorites. Since I've hit 27 weeks and this is my last week in the 2nd Trimester and today happens to be a snow day, today was the perfect day to write about my 2nd Trimester favorites! So here they are...

1. Cantaloop Belly Support Band ~ I found this gem on Zulilly back in December and it has been a lifesaver for my workouts and running. This band is by far my favorite purchase for maternity support. Ah-ma-zing. It seriously makes a huge difference while I am working out! I ordered the small and it fit perfectly, but I ordered the medium today just in case I need it for the 3rd trimester as I get bigger. I ordered the band in black and adore it. This would be one of my biggest recommendations! These are on Zulilly today for about $13.00.

2. Organized Life with Baby ~ Such a good book and full of great information!!

3. Palmer's Cocoa Butter, Tummy Butter ~ I cannot recommend this enough. I love it so much, I put it in my 2nd trimester favorites as well as the 1st.

4. Zulilly app ~ This may get you into trouble, but it's quick, easy, and Zulilly has tons of great deals!

5. Motherhood Maternity Sleeveless Ruched Tank top ~ Love love love this tank top. I have it in black and white and I wear them almost every day. They are amazing. They grow with me, are so comfortable, and are so nice and long!

6. Today's Expression Pregnancy Pillow ~ I got mine on Zulilly for about $10 cheaper (with free shipping) and I love it! This really helped with keeping me on my side and is great for belly support! They are on Zulilly today!

7. St. Ives Timeless Skin Moisturizer ~ This isn't really a maternity product, but I love it so I thought I would share! I found this randomly on Pinterest one day. Apparently, Dr. Oz highly recommends it for wrinkle prevention. It's never to early to start. Honestly, it's one of the best moisturizers I have ever used (and I'm not really into beauty products). I've already noticed a more "youthfulness" in my skin, it's not a heavy moisturizer, and best part?? you can get it at Wal-Mart for about $5.00. Yep, and it's a large tub so it lasts forever. Love.

Bumpdate ~ Week 26

Week 26. It came and went quickly! That's the one thing that has surprised me the most ~ how quickly the weeks are flying by! When I would think about being pregnant for 9 months, it seemed like such a long time. Now that I am pregnant, I cant believe how quickly it's going by! It's exciting and sad all at the same time. Exciting because I can't wait till our little man gets here, but sad because I've enjoyed being pregnant so much. Oh well...there's always Baby #2 and 3 to enjoy down the road!

On another note, I figured out that I've been having Braxton Hicks contractions since about 14 weeks! I had read about them and heard people talk about them, but wasn't sure about exactly how they felt. This week I was talking to one of the girls at work and she was telling me about her Braxton Hicks contractions and what her mid-wife had told her about them. Then she said, "I'm having one right now. Do you want to feel it?" So I did and lo ad behold, that's what my tummy had felt like previously! #duh. Well, at least that mystery has been solved! They're not painful, so I didn't think too much about it. I mostly get them in the mornings, especially when and after I wake up. The hubs even got to feel one this morning!

In other news during Week 26, the hubs started his Masters program!! Good for you hunny! My class is going well, I am learning tons in my photography class, and it is freeeeezing cold in Iowa. We didn't have school on Monday for MLK day, we had a delay Tuesday morning, and no school due to the negative temperatures on Thursday. We haven't had a full week of school since before Christmas break! And with the upcoming forecasts...it looks like school will be cancelled on Monday and maybe Tuesday due to negative temperatures and a blizzard warning. Yay. (enter sarcasm here)

• Week 26
• Baby is the size of a : head of lettuce
• Weight :  1.68  lb. / Length :  14.02  in. (from crown to heel)(average size)
• Baby's brain is developing more and more each week and 50% of his energy will be used to develop his brain. Baby's lungs are developing air sacks this week and the thin membranes are developed enough to allow him to take small breaths by the end of the week! Baby also has eyelashes this week and will begin to bat them soon.

Gender: BOY!

Weight Gain: I happened to weigh myself at the gym this week and the scale said I'm up 2 pounds since my last appointment. That brings me up to 22 pounds total, which is right on track at gaining 1 pound a week!

How I Feel: I'm feeling great! Other than I'm pretty sure I might have a bruised rib? Seriously. This baby loves laying on the right side (so yes, my belly looks a little lop-sided), and either his head or his rear is shoved up under my right rib. Holy cow. Ouch. It starts as a dull ache in the morning and progressively gets worse throughout the day. I guess that's what happens when you're short, all baby, and prego with an active boy! I still love feeling him in there, even though he's killing my ribs.

• Stretch marks: None.
• Belly button: Still in.
• Other: Still stuffy. Nothing too new! other than the fact that I've been having Braxton Hicks contractions. Also, I've been a little more tired than normal at night and in the mornings.

How Daddy's Feeling: Daddy started the "construction" on the Nursery this week with the help of his dad. Yep, we had 2 engineers working on the nursery this weekend, so you know everything is perfect! Momma B and I helped caulk, sand, and give our critiques. So far, I LOVE it!! I can't wait till we get the paint on the walls and watch it come together.

Daddy also likes to feel baby kick, punch, and wiggle. It's so cute! This morning I got out of bed, came out to the living room where he was reading his Bible (I love that man), and he looked at me and said, "You're belly is sticking out on the right. Must be where my son is hanging out." Haha! You got it.

Clothing: The same. Mostly maternity and a few of my normal clothes. The same.

Cravings: Salads. I can't get enough.

Food Aversions: Still sweets.

Movement: Tons! This kid is active! and he's moving all throughout the day. I still feel him more in the morning and at night though. My poor students. They want to feel him kicking so bad, but when we're actually settled in for the afternoon's guided reading he's pretty quiet. Must be his nap time. Some day soon kiddos, some day soon. I promised them all they could feel the baby as soon as they could! We seriously talk about this every day. It's so cute!

Sleep: Still sleeping well!

Best Moment This Week: Feeling an extra burst of energy at the gym and running more!

Worst Moment This Week: Sore ribs :(

Looking Forward to: Painting the nursery now that the board and batten is up!!

What I Miss: Nothing this week.

Pregnancy Thoughts this Week:

•  What am I going to do with these sore ribs? I'm only at Week 26! I try not to be one to complain, but they really are sore and it makes bending over a lot harder.
• Not looking forward to my next appointment. Week 28 is when I will have to drink the sugary drink to test for gestational diabetes. Ick.
• We have less than 14 weeks till little man gets here?! Woohoo and Yikes! We have lots to do!!
• I'm just really anxious about getting going on the nursery. I want it all done and ready...soon.
• This week, I've had a few thoughts and worries about "if baby came early." My cousin's baby came early and they made it through it, but I can't help but worry a little bit. I think I worry because I know my hormones are much lower than most. It's just a little scary, but I've laid all of that in God's hands. He's got me and Baby, so I am leaning on Him!

Diet: Still clean eating 80/20. This week seemed better than most though! Someone said something about how I eat this week and it made me want to clarify, even if it's in my own head and on my own post. Clean eating is about what you put into your body. It's not about weight gain/losing weight. Clean eating is part of a holistic healthy living lifestyle. You can't be healthy unless you're putting nutritious foods into your body. If more people would read the research, they would be astounded at the chemicals and toxins that are in even the "all natural" labeled foods. I don't want chemicals or toxins in my body. I want to feel good, be healthy, and treat my body well! Weight gain or losing weight is not a concern in clean eating.

Exercise: Again, exercise is part of the holistic approach to living a healthy lifestyle. You're body was made to be used! Doctors encourage women to exercise during their pregnancy because it's so good for them and for the baby. Exercise increases energy, gives the body endorphins, increases blood flow (which is sometimes a problem during pregnancy), and is overall just good for you!

This week I got to the gym 6 days out of the 7. Running felt great and lifting weights is still going well! And yes, I feel great!

Inside Pregnancy ~ Week 26

 

Bumpdate ~ Week 25

I'm a little behind in writing Week 25's post. We took our picture, but I just have not had time to sit down and write. Monday nights are my only night at home. Tuesday night we have our church small group, Wednesday night I have class, and Thursday night is my photography class. So I am jam-packed!! I finally had some time to write tonight, so here it is...Week 25!

• Week 25
• Baby is the size of a : cauliflower
• Weight :  1.46  lb. / Length :  13.62  in. (from crown to heel)(average size)
• Little man can hear our voices now and distinguish between them. He may even move to the sound of our voices or music! (We'll have to try that and see.) His lungs are developing and he is taking small breaths of amniotic fluid. Baby's veins are still visible through his skin, but this will change soon as his skin becomes less opaque. Over 50% of baby's energy will be used to develop his growing brain. Baby's eye's are completely developed and his brain is able to register various stimuli such as sound and light.

Gender: BOY!

Weight Gain: Not sure. Somewhere between 19-20 pounds. According to the Dr. I'm right on track. Baby is growing straight out, so I'm pretty happy!

How I Feel: Still feeling good, but I think I am getting into that uncomfortable stage. I don't mind it though. Every time I feel our sweet baby move, I can't help but smile.

• Stretch marks: None.
• Belly button: Still in...surprisingly.
• Other: Nothing that I can think of!

How Daddy's Feeling: Excited!! We get to start the nursery soon and he has been busy planning away! Our little man has been pretty active at night, so Daddy loves to lay in bed at night with his hand on my tummy and feel his son kick and move around. It's the sweetest thing.

Clothing: The same. Not going to lie...I kind of miss the variety of my normal wardrobe, but I've found some adorable maternity clothes and some great deals!

Cravings: Salsa and avocados...still!

Food Aversions: Sweets. They just don't appeal to me! However, chocolate has been on my mind lately.

Movement: Holy cow...this kid. His best times for moving are during the morning when I wake up and at night when I'm going to bed. Those are my favorite times of the day. I wake up and lay in bed and feel him moving around. It's become Mommy and Baby time. At night, our little family lays in bed and is just happy and content. I even felt an arm (or leg) rub across my hand one night. It wasn't a kick, it was definitely a body part. So cool!!

Sleep: Sleeping great!

Best Moment This Week: Feeling specific movements and knowing about where baby is laying.

Worst Moment This Week: Not really anything.

Looking Forward to: Starting the nursery!! So so excited.

What I Miss: Being able to bend over and put my shoes on without feeling like my lungs are squished.

Pregnancy Thoughts this Week:

•  Honestly, I have just been in awe at being pregnant this week. I hope every woman gets to experience this. It's absolutely amazing.

Diet: Still clean eating ~ 80/20. I can't tell you how good I feel when I am putting good nutritious food into my body. I feel more awake, have more energy, and just feel good! Good food, good feeling.

Exercise: Still lifting 4-5 days a week and getting 1-2 cardio days in on top of that. I keep a regular gym schedule of 5-6 days a week. It's funny watching the guys at the gym. They're all used to seeing me there, and now that they know I'm pregnant they are so sweet! It kind of makes me laugh, but it's so sweet. They take all the plates off for me after their done using something. Bless their hearts.

Inside Pregnancy ~ Week 25

3 more weeks until Trimester 3!

Dog Shaming

They're at it again. We've been letting both of the pups stay out and about in the house (after closing all room doors). They've been doing pretty well and have been out for a full week now! Belle has always been pretty good, but Abe had to be in his kennel until he got out of that puppy-chew-everything-in-site stage. He's such a good boy though.

Until, tonight...they both got in trouble. We've found that Belle is definitely the instigator and starter of the trouble. Abe is kind of dumb (for lack of better words) to get into trouble on his own. He has more of this, "She said I should" look on his face when he gets in trouble. Belle, the little stinker, always acts the most guilty as well. She looks for trouble. After came home, saw what the pups had done, both pups got spanked, the hubs said, "Get a piece of paper. It's time to shame them." Daddy is better at disciplining them these days. I can't stop laughing!

So, without further ado, here's what trouble these goofs got into tonight.

Quite the smug look Miss Belle...

Belle: "Sorry. I'm not Sorry."

Abe can't even look at us.

Never a dull moment in the Bishop household!

Bishop Weekend Shenanigans

January 10 - 12, 2014 
It was only a 3 day work week for me (Monday and Tuesday were snow days for me!), but I was definitely looking forward to the weekend. This weekend we finished up (mostly) our Baby Registry!! Whew!
We are registered at:

Talk about overwhelming and slightly stressful. What brand should we get? What do we need? Do we need everything on these checklists that I found? Why is everything so expensive? What brands are quality but don't cost a fortune?? Yep, like I said...overwhelming. However, we read our reviews, made some decisions, and had some fun with our registry.

Friday night was the perfect night for dinner (sushi - don't worry, mine is fully cooked) and a movie. Home date night!

Saturday, we drove down to Des Moines to finish our registry at Babies R Us. We had started our registry at Target here in town, but their selection is pretty limited and Des Moines is the closest full Babies R Us store. So off we went! When we got there, the hubs was most excited about this...

I have refused to park in these spaces...I like the walk! but since this was for our baby registry, we figured it was part of the experience! And the hubs has stated several times that, "Before you were pregnant, I saw a million of these, open, everywhere. Now that you're pregnant, I never see them and if I do, someone is parked in it! Come on!" Haha bless his heart.

It didn't take us too long to get everything we needed on our registry and we were both so glad we made the trip! Very much well worth it. We even found Baby's D's coming home outfit!! It. is. precious! Can't wait!!

Saturday was finished up with a trip to the gym, one of our favorite take-home dinner's from Tony's (the hubs gets the pizza and I get the create-your-own salad) and a movie.

This is what I crave...constantly.

Sunday we got up early for church because we had nursery duty. Church, grocery shopping, afternoon naps, gym, food-prep for the week, followed by some cuddle time after our Sunday night traditional dinner. Busy day!! Yep, I took a gym pic. 25 weeks prego and still hittin' the squats. Yeah, buddy!

Here's to another weekend!

Bumpdate ~ Week 24

Whew. 24 weeks means another appointment! The 4 weeks between my appointments have been going by so quickly.I wasn't super excited about going to this appointment because I knew I wouldn't be getting an ultrasound and more sonogram pictures....but I was going to my favorite doctor at least. This is our 5th appointment and the first one where I didn't get to see our sweet pea. Boo.

The appointment went really well though! Dr. G came in while the nurse was listening for Baby D's heartbeat. She put the doppler on my stomach and boom, there was baby's heartbeat. No searching needed! - which is normally what happens. Dr. G measured my belly and told me that everything looked great! I had a few questions, so this is what we discussed:

• I have gained 19 pounds!! Holy cow. I have never seen the scale go so high, so it's still a little weird. I asked her if that was too much weight and she said, "Absolutely not." She then went on to explain that since I was "tiny" when I first came in, that I should actually expect to gain 35-40 pounds! What?!? So she explained that the 25-30 pounds is for the average woman. She said that since I was so "tiny", I'm not an average woman and I wasn't carrying that weight previously to becoming pregnant, so my weight gain will actually be more. Yeesh!
• We also talked about my clean eating and exercise lifestyle. She said she was very happy to hear that I was still eating clean and exercising and that I should definitely continue to do so. She said it will only help me and the baby! Whew. She particularly was happy about my clean eating since that is what is supplying our baby. Yay!
• I also talked to her a little bit about our birth plan and how I want to go completely natural - no epidural. She said, "I am a huge advocate for natural births. I encourage you to do that and if I deliver the baby, then I will do everything I can to help you get there." YES!! Finally.
• This led to questions about a doula. I asked her opinion on them. She said, "I highly recommend getting a doula, especially since you want to have a natural birth. It is medically, research proven that they help mother's to their goal of a natural birth," YES!! I was so so excited to hear all these positive things about our birth plan! Woo!

Overall, I was really pleased with the appointment. The hubs didn't come to this one because we knew it wouldn't be much. Although, he did ask me about 5 times if I was sure I didn't care if he was there or not. He's so sweet. He just wants to be as involved as possible and I think he's done great! He's going to be a good daddy. Here's week 24...

• Week 24
• Baby is the size of an : ear of corn (crown to heel)
• Weight :  1.32  lb. / Length :  11.81  in. (from crown to heel)(average size)
• Baby's hair is beginning to change to the color it will be when little man is born. Baby's weight will double in the next 4 weeks! Baby's lungs are developing branches this week and preparing for his first breaths. They are also producing a substance that keeps them from collapsing or sticking together. Loud noises may startle baby, causing him to jump in uterus. In fact, Baby has basic control over all of his senses!

Gender: BOY!

Weight Gain:According to the doctor...19 pounds, but she was pretty happy about that. I told her as long as she was happy, I was happy. I don't feel like I've gained that much weight and so far I am pretty much all belly, so I can't complain!

How I Feel: I'm feeling pretty good! I think I've reached the stage where things are just starting to get slightly uncomfortable. Putting on my socks and shoes, getting up from the couch, rolling over in bed, etc. have just become a little more awkward. Comes with the territory! Since this is my first pregnancy, I'm kind of enjoying it and all the new experiences.

• Stretch marks: None.
• Belly button: Still in...surprisingly.
• Other: Stuffy nose! Pretty sure I've had one since we found out we were prego. According to all of my "baby sites" this symptom is called rhinitis of pregnancy and up to 30% of pregnant women "suffer" from it. Well, at least I'm not alone! The hubs tells me this is what allergies feels like. Ugh.

How Daddy's Feeling: The same...happy and excited! Our little man is kicking hard enough that the hubs can feel him whenever he kicks and see my belly moving! The hubs is also doing an awesome job of clearing out the office so that we can start on the Nursery!

Clothing: 90% maternity clothes. Zulilly is great!

Cravings: None.

Food Aversions: For a while there, I was not liking steamed broccoli, but the hubs finally convinced me to make it again on Monday night. I ate it and it wasn't terrible, but I didn't love it like I used to. 

Movement: This Baby is an active little man! and I love it! Now that I've been feeling him so much it's become part of my day. At night, after dinner when the hubs and I are hanging out I love to sit on the couch and just feel our Baby move and watch my belly jump every now and then. It's one of my favorite times of the day now!

Knowing that eventually I will be able to watch my belly jump and move is a weird thought, and let me tell you, it's even weirder when you see it! Watching my belly move is pretty cool and weird all at the same time. It's not moving too much, but I probably see my stomach "jump" once a day or every other day. Weird!

Sleep: Sleeping great! I am really passing out at night and waking up in the same position in the morning.

Best Moment This Week: Although I didn't have an ultrasound, my 24 week appointment was great!

Worst Moment This Week: The pain in my shins from running. It makes me feel so out of shape! Ick. 

Looking Forward to: Starting the nursery!! Colors and patterns are picked out and we're ready to work!!

What I Miss: Not really anything. I'm a pretty content prego.

Pregnancy Thoughts this Week:

•  The nursery has been on my mind the most. I'm so excited to get it started and am starting to worry that it will be done! I mean, I'm 24 weeks along!! We only have 16 weeks and a packed schedule for January and February already. Yikes! 
• Chevron...it was fun for a while, but I am SO over it and it does not belong anywhere in a little boy's room in my opinion. I'm almost to the point of hating chevron. Hating. I o own a few pieces for myself, but that is it. I want our little man's room to be a little man room. I don't want it to resemble anything girly at all. Somehow, finding baby bedding without chevron on it has almost been impossible. Ugh.
• On that note, baby bedding is ridiculously expensive!! What in the world?! I mean, it's a sheet, a crib skirt, some pillows maybe? Most sets are $200-$500?!? Are you kidding me? It's itty bitty. Ugh...end of rant. I want my baby's room to be adorable, but I am not willing to pay that much for some cute bedding. That's ridiculous.

Diet: I finally did it. I finally ordered the Tosca Reno Eat Clean cookbooks. The hubs and I dedicated to eating clean and this will only help provide some delish recipes! I've been using my own recipes as well as ones found on the internet, but now I have 4 cookbooks to try new recipes from! My first recipe was a Canadian Stew and instead of using beef, I substituted the deer meat that my hubs brought home in December. It turned out great! As always we try t eat 80% clean and 20% cheat meals.

Exercise: Still lifting 4-5 days a week and getting 1-2 cardio days in. I don't know if I've been running too much or a lot, but my shins have been killing me. The elliptical has become my best friend this week. Hopefully, I can figure something out and get back to a regular running schedule. I need my running time!

Inside Pregnancy ~ Week 24

4 weeks until we reach the 3rd Trimester! Yay!! and Yikes!!

I Confess That...

You know how everyone has little idiosyncrasies that are kind of funny but make them who they are? Welp...here are some of the ones I will confess to.

I confess that... I am petrified of spiders. I'm not talking just "scared". I mean scream, run away, makes me gag (seriously, I gag), can't even stand the thought of them - scared of spiders. Ick. In fact before the hubs and I were together, if there was a spider in my apartment, I would cover the spider (this took forever) with a mug and then I would either tell one of my guy friends to come kill it or leave it under there until it died. Yes, that means there were mugs sitting in one place for days.

I confess that... I am addicted to working out (#duh). I love the gym, lifting weights, running, hiking, cross-fit, push-ups, etc., anything that challenges my body. The harder, the better in my book. In fact, I was called a "fitness freak" just this morning - which is totally fine by me! especially since it's what "someone heard about me" and it was a compliment.

I confess that... I actually like blogging. My blog is like my diary/journal. I don't care how "big it is" or snazzy it is or how many followers I have. I don't want sponsors or adds. My blog is mine. It's my online journal of our life together. It just so happens that friends and family can read it! It has no purpose other than to document my life/thoughts/events/feelings. I was pretty skeptical at first about "blogging," but I really do enjoy it and it's so nice that family and friends get to see what we're up to!

I confess that... I definitely have OCP (Obsessive Compulsive Personality). And OCP is a real thing according to my Dr. friend. I'm basically OCD (self diagnosed), just not bad enough that I need medicine. Also known as - extreme Type A personality. Yep, that's me. I know it and am completely happy with it, especially since the hubs is just like me...maybe even worse. This includes (but is not limited to) oddness such as...

• I have to make the bed every morning before I leave the house. I can't leave unless it's made.
• I can't got o bed until all of the dishes are washed. The hubs knows this and helps out, thankfully! If there are dishes in the sink, I have to wash them before I get in bed.
• My closet is color-coded. My clothes are also ordered-blazers, cardigans, oxford shirts, long sleeves, 3/4 sleeves, short sleeves, sleeveless, skirts, work pants, colored jeans, jeans. All of these sections are also color-coded from lightest to darkest. My shoes, statement necklaces, and scarves are also color coordinated!
• I count - all the time. I count roads I go by while driving, cracks I step over while running, etc. 
• My files/pictures on my computer are incredibly organized. I have files within files within files. My pictures are ordered my year, then month, then date and labeled accordingly. My iPhone photos (of which there are entirely too many) are also organized by date (thanks to Dropbox) and in the correct month folder. Extremely organized.
• Everything has a place and needs to be in that exact place. There are a few exceptions around the house, but for the most part, if something is out of place it bothers me and I have to fix it.
• There are too many more to continue... ;)

I confess that... I am totally addicted to the Bachelor and reality TV. People are interesting/weird/funny/ridiculous!! They just are. Yes, I know most of it is probably scripted, but it's like the train wreck you can't stop looking at. As long as it's someone else's drama, I'm fine with it. Oh Reality TV, you have changed our lives forever...and not necessarily in a good way.

 I confess that... I don't "study". I was a terrible student (which is funny now that I'm a teacher)! I was the kid who did my homework 5 minutes before class, never really studied, and passed with mostly A's. Even in grad school (with a 3.918 GPA) - Never. Studied. Once. Terrible, terrible student. And now that I'm working on my 2nd BA...it's probably even worse. Shameful.

I confess that... apparently, I don't close containers all the way. The hubs constantly laughs at me for this and recently said, "If there is one corner that is slightly up on the container, I know who used it last!" Nothing spills out, so whatever...

I confess that... I'm not an emotional person. I'll attribute that to my lack of hormones and my upbringing. I don't really do the crying thing and it kind of makes me uncomfortable when other people cry. I just kind of want to walk away, but I am working on sympathizing. I just don't do the crying thing. Gross.  If I do cry...I'm probably mad. I figured I would cry a lot more during this pregnancy, but I have honestly cried 2 times in the past 6 months: 1) from being mad at myself for forgetting to set a timer on the protein bars and 2) when I had a complete breakdown about a parent harassing me from school.

I confess that... ice cream is my favorite to eat. If ice cream were calorie free, clean, and healthy I would probably eat it at every meal. Birthday cake ice cream is my absolute favorite and chocolate ice cream is right behind that. I probably actually eat ice cream 1-2 times a month though. It's my favorite cheat meal!

Well...I think that's enough confessions for now! Maybe more will come at a later date...

What weird/odd things do you do?

Making our House a Home

Sigh...brand new city, brand new neighborhood, brand new home, brand new marriage. The hubs and I moved into our new house on November 16, 2012. When we first moved in, we didn't "hop to" decorating a ton of things. There were a few other priorities that we had to cover first. Well, we've been in our house a little over a year now and we've finally gotten our house about where we want it! The only thing I am still working on is the living room and a few minor details around the house. I already know the color schemes I'm going to us in the living room, but we've been waiting to actually decorate it until we get our large entertainment center (hopefully this weekend). Then all we have upstairs is the Nursery!! and that will be super fun to do together.

*Side note: I do not claim to be an interior decorator - trust me. In fact, I think my decorating skills are slightly inadequate, but I do the best I can! I find pictures/ideas of things that I like and me and the hubs work together to create those ideas/inspirations in our own way. Sometimes, I wish I could hire someone to come in and decorate everything professionally, but I do love decorating our house and take some pride in making it our own...even if it's not "magazine" worthy. It's not a contest, it's our home!

The hubs and I pretty much agree on everything, but our decorating is slightly different. He's a minimalist and I love a good "homey" feel with some personality. We both agree on clutter free, however. He loves the way I've decorated the house and asks that I at least run things by him first, which is fine with me! It's his house too and he has to look at it every day. I want him to like it! So far, we've been able to decorate the house so that both of us are happy and feel at home. So, with a few updates, here it is! Hopefully, I can post the new living room soon (in a month or two).

Entry way. I'm still deciding if I want to paint in here. I'm leaning towards a grayish color.

After entering, looking to the left... a "half" hallway and the stairs to the basement.

The "gallery" wall. I'll be adding a top and bottom layer of photos to this soon!

I got our name sign right after we got engaged, so adding some black and white wedding photos went well with it!

I adore my the kitchen/dining room! I love open feeling, the counter space, my cabinets, and the island. Love, love, love! Our kitchen was red, black, and white in Greenville, but I have "refined" the color patterns to red, black, and white damask...one of my favorite "southern" patterns. Now I just need to get a valance made for the window above the sink (which I think I might DIY). Most of my damask decor is from Hobby Lobby.

I found this idea on Pinterest. Frame a fabric that matches your room decor!

Then around the corner to the Guest Bathroom and Guest Bedroom. I'm also still debating if I want to paint the bathroom a light brown color. The guest bedroom is one of my favorite rooms! I started this in Greenville, but we moved before I finished it. I had found a picture for the idea of a black and white room with a pop of blue/teal color as an accent wall and fell in love.

Just 2 more things need to be hung on either side of the mirror, and then this will be complete!

The office is currently being turned into the Nursery, so updates on that will follow in the next 3 months! Oh, and I guess I forgot the laundry room. The hubs has plans to make me a mud room as well as build some pedestals in the laundry room and then I will decorate that with grey, light teal, and yellow!

Then on to our bedroom. It's coming along nicely, but I have a few more DIY's to finish and hang on the walls. I also need to stop being so picky and find some curtains. We like waking up to the sunlight, so the curtains will be more for decor then functionality. We bought a down comforter last spring and found this perfect duvet cover from Target! Love it!! I wanted our bedroom to be neutral/warm colors. The whites, tans, and browns are just so peaceful. I would also like to add some decorative pillows to our bed. The hubs isn't a huge fan of all the pillows, but I make the bed every morning (I seriously can't leave the house unless it's completely made), so he wouldn't have to worry about it anyways! The monogram above our bed will eventually be replaced with a vinyl monogram (when it comes in the mail!)

Our bedroom leads into the Mater Bathroom (obviously), and then from the bathroom you can walk into our walk-in closet (where my awesome shoe shelves are. Thanks hubby!).

And that's our house! Now...to get started on that basement... Construction will start at the end of February!! It won't be finished when the babe gets here, but it will be almost done and we're saving almost $20,000 since the hubs will be working on most of it himself!

Clean Eating ~ Whole Wheat Pancakes

Pancakes have always been one of my favorite things to make on Saturday mornings after getting some much needed sleep. Unfortunately, pancakes are packed with processed flour and not-to-good-for-you stuff. That's why the hubs and I love this recipe so much!

This Whole Wheat Pancake recipe is clean (no processed foods) and is almost guilt-free! We prefer the taste of whole wheat to white, so this recipe is exactly what we look forward to every now and then on a lazier Saturday morning. If you try them out, I hope you enjoy these healthy, light and fluffy pancakes!

Whole Wheat Pancakes

Ingredients:

•  2 cups whole wheat flour
• 4 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 2 tsp. Stevia in the Raw
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups organic fat free milk
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• cooking spay

Directions:

1. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl. 
2. Mix all wet ingredients in a separate bowl.
3. Mix 2 bowls together well until there are no "dry spots", but do not over mix.
4. Heat a large skillet on medium to low heat. Spray with cooking spray.
5. Pour 1/4 cup batter for each pancake. When the pancake begins to bubble, flip it over. 
6. Repeat with the remainder of the batter.
7. Serving size is 2 pancakes.

Other:

• We use all-natural maple syrup, but you can find some tasty sugar free syrups as well!
• Try adding some fruit when the pancake begins to bubble before you flip it over. Blueberries are one of our favorites!

I hope you try them! I know they're good when the hubs asks me to make them! Happy clean eating!

Bumpdate ~ Week 23

Technically, I was 23 weeks along in 2013, but this is my first 2014 bumpdate post! Since I turn the new week on a Sunday, I usually wait until the end of the week to write the bumpdate. That way I can actually write about what happened that week!

23 weeks. It's hard to believe that we only have about 17 weeks left! Little Man will be here before we know it. It's 2014 and we're going to have a baby in about 4 months! This also means that I am 6 months pregnant?! Oh my stars. It sure doesn't seem like it's been that long. I guess that's a good thing, right?

• Week 23
• Baby is the size of an : eggplant (crown to heel)
• Weight :  1.10  lb. / Length :  11.38  in. (from crown to heel)
• In the next 5 weeks, Baby will experience a major growth spurt (oh boy!). Baby will begin to gain about 6 oz. a week!! REM (Rapid eye movements) have begun to occur while Baby is sleeping. Baby's cerebrum is preparing to be able to conduct communication between cells as well. (The cerebrum is a part of the brain that is responsible for memory, motor skills, and intellect.) Baby's hair and skin are beginning to darken and gain some pigment. Facial features are also becoming more distinct.

Gender: BOY!

Weight Gain: Not sure, but I think it must be normal. I just told the hubs that I feel like my belly is smaller than it was 2 weeks ago... He thinks I'm crazy. I don't feel like I'm gaining weight other than in my belly though. My legs and rear are looking pretty trim since I've been running :) success!

How I Feel: Pretty good this week. However, I did a number on my back on Sunday and couldn't stand up straight for about 15 minutes. That was not fun. We both visited the chiropractor the next day. He told me, "I don't know what you did, but you did a number on your lower back. Stay out of the gym for a few days." Then we both laughed and he said, "Ok, try not to lift for a day or two." I said, "Can I run?" He said, "Just do the elliptical. Don't irritate your back or you'll be right back here." Pretty sure we went to the gym that night. What?...I can't help it?!

• Stretch marks: None.
• Belly button: Still in.
• Other: My hair and nails are still nice and thick. That's always nice! I am also STARVING all of the time. I've noticed that if I don't eat asap when I'm hungry, my stomach starts to really hurt. This boy is eating me alive!! Oh, and my boobs are ridiculous right now. I've been putting off getting bigger bras for a few weeks, but it is going to have to happen this weekend! Here we go...

How Daddy's Feeling: Great! The hubs gets to feel his little man kicking quite a bit now. It was so much fun to grab his hand and put it on my belly throughout our break so that he could feel Baby moving around. Daddy and I like to lay in bed at night and feel Baby moving. It makes me giggle. The hubs also keeps asking me when we're going to start the Baby room. He's pretty excited!

Clothing:Maternity clothes. ZuLilly has been great for finding deals. Old Navy shirts/sweaters are nice, but the jean dye gets on everything. I have one pair and I never wear them anymore. Gap jeans and leggings are the way to go! Just spend the money. It's totally worth it.

Cravings: Just spicy, salty foods still. 

Food Aversions: Sweets.

Movement: Lots! In fact, I'm pretty sure little man is standing straight up because he is kicking me really really low and dancing on my bladder constantly. That made our road trip a little "painful." Baby's kicks are super low. It feels kind of weird! He was kicking my right side for the longest time, now it's all down low in the front. Stinker.

Sleep: Sleeping pretty well. I loved all the sleep we got over break!

Best Moment This Week: Daddy getting to feel our little man move around so much. His face and smile melt my heart!

Worst Moment This Week: Having to go back to work?! We had so much fun together on our break! 

Looking Forward to: Our weekend trips planned for January!! and starting the Baby room!

What I Miss: Sushi. I've been craving it a lot lately?! and running for long periods of time. Intervals will have to do for now. Oh, and my lean, toned body. Usually I'm the only girl in the gym lifting, but yesterday there was another girl about my previous size lifting. It made me miss my abs and toned arms... ha!

Pregnancy Thoughts this Week:

•  As of right now, we are pretty sure we are going to hire a Doula. Have you heard about them? They are usually certified nurses, but they also have to hold a Doula certification. They are a "non-medical" person who assists a woman before, during, and after birth. From what we have researched, a Doula is a great help when it comes to assisting a Natural Labor (which is what I'm planning on). The benefits are so great, that some insurances are starting to cover them!
• A friend of ours has a sister who is a certified nurse and Doula and a photographer. If she didn't live in Souix City, I would hire her immediately! I would love to have our Doula double as a photographer and catch all of those special moments immediately after (not during) our sweet man comes into this world. That would be perfect! The photos that I have seen from my friend's sister are some of the most touching I have ever seen. They're just so special and real!

Diet: Now that the holidays are over (although, I was really good during the holidays), the hubs and I are back on track with clean eating. I am reading more and more that supports clean eating - especially during pregnancy. I want my baby to be getting nutrient dense foods. Not crap. We don't eat white breads, sugary foods, unhealthy fats, processed foods, or anything containing added chemicals like aspartame and splenda. Yuck. Now, do we have cheat meals? Yep, sure do. Clean eating is at it's best when you eat clean 80% of the time. Your metabolism needs a change every now and then to function well and keep your body guessing.

Exercise: This week has been great for working out! We have been to the gym every single day this week (except I didn't go on Sunday when I messed my back up). I even got 2 full days of cardio in this week! Now, if I could just work around all the "New Year's Resolution"ers at the gym. Ugh. But...good for them! I'm glad they're getting into the gym!

Please notice the purple and orange...Gooooo TIGERS!! C-L-E-M-S-O-N!!

Inside Pregnancy ~ Week 23

photo from babycenter.com

Happy Week 23 to us!