5 Tips to Planning a Wedding

            Hey peeps! I want to take a moment today to say Happy Anniversary to my beloved Hubby! I can’t believe that we are at 5 years already! It is truly amazing! You’ll remember last month I wrote about our technical anniversary. But today is the date we really celebrate. And who could argue with us when you look at the photos!

Everyone who has been married will understand when I say a wedding is stressful. I mean the planning and execution alone is a nightmare sometimes; then you have the relatives fighting about seating and who to invite and not invite. Luckily, Hubby and I have always kind of gone our own way about things and our wedding was no different.

Times of Seperation

I have been stressing a lot about this time in which Hubby will be separated from us. I know I shouldn’t stress....so it has brought me to my knees in prayer. God has settled in my heart that this time of waiting is important for us. There is work to be done in our marriage, family, and home. I don’t just mean the packing and putting in notices and all of that! I mean, God’s work, spiritual work, within our souls.

However, God created me as a planner...so that is what I have been doing! It is what I turn to when I feel bombarded with too much to do’s. It has taken me these couple of weeks to allow my mind to sift through the clumps of everything that has been setting their seeds down, but I think I have finally got...a list! Hehe...lists make me happy!

Stuck between a rock and a hard place

I've done it again peeps. I've hit a lull in my writing.

This time, though, it isn't because I don't want to write. I have so many ideas swirling around in my head, it is starting to make me sea sick!

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 8

Day 8: Nov 8, 2013

Today I am thankful for my planner. Between a family, a full time job and blogging....my life seems to spin out of control! I am thankful for the tools God has placed in my hands and that I have been able to create something that works for me!

By the way....did you hear the news? I'm finally on Instagram! Go follow me!




XOXxx

Shana Danae..

Some Financial Release and What You Missed 27.9

It’s been a rough week on the Organized Chaos front! I spoke before about wanting to change our family shopping habits. Let’s just say this didn’t work so well. But financially....things just aren’t getting easier!

I’ve been praying a lot about what we are supposed to do and for guidance in how we handle situations. A few weeks back though, God spoke to me insurmountably through scripture assuring me that I’m not only supposed to be trusting in Him to handle ALL things but that it is time for Hubby Dearest and I to take a few steps back and reassess the manner in which we are living.

Hebrews 13:5 

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Matthew 6:33 

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you

When God Has Other Plans {God Revealed}

I know I'm supposed to be posting for my third installment of Kids 'n Worship, but something went awry with my plans! 

You see, God does that sometimes. He takes what you want to do and throws it out the window and says 'I've got something else in mind, something better even!' And we've just got to trust Him enough to go along with it!

My plan is to have the third installment up next week Tuesday {or possibly even later this week! Keep checking back!} but for now you're welcome to go back and read Part 1 and Part 2.

Otherwise, stick around now and read up later!

Fitness Friday {3}

Recap 7 January- 13 January:

Jan 7: 20 minutes walk/run; 20 minutes full body workout
I got in the walk/run. The workout unfortunately was missed because the kids were running a muk when I got back to the house! Hubby Dearest must still get used to being alone with both kids! ;-) I guess I must alotte for a time of adjustment for him as well! Definetly realized I need better sports bras! The girls are much bigger with me breast feeding and I need support I didn't use to need! ;-)
Jan 8: 20 minutes walk/run; 20 minutes abs workout
Again the run was a success! I was super into it and even pushed myself a little faster than I expected. Understand I'm not running at a fast pace or even the full time. It is a walk warm up then run one minute walk one minute rotations. Each run I add one more rotation. I got in half of my workout before the children were needing my attention again!
Jan 9: Semi-rest day 30 minutes yoga
I did manage to squeeze in a short yoga session but not the 30 minutes.
Jan 10: 20 minutes walk/run
This is where everything went wrong! Friends stopped by our house just as I was to be heading out for my run. Run was postponed until Friday morning!
Jan 11: 20 minutes abs workout
Unfortunately (actually we really needed this so it was a blessing!) we woke up to big thunderstorms and since I don't own a treadmill my run was postponed again! Yet, we had plans to braai Friday night again so another day of no training :-/
Jan 12: 20 minutes walk/run; 30 minutes yoga
Again this was a flop. I'm very disappointed in myself but I believe I set my expectations too high. Physically I feel I can handle the plan but schedule wise I wanted to much too quickly. This is a time of adjustment for my entire family and I need to be consious of the changes for them as well. However, I need to remember that this is the one thing that is strictly for me that I do and need to make it more of a priority!
Future outlook:
I’ve acquired a plan via Womens Health about getting yourself running 30 minutes in 30 days. You can check it out here for more details to how the plan works. I’ve incorporated this into my plans along with some strength training.
I’ve added in an additional strength workout on Thursdays this week. I plan to keep up the 4 days double a week.
As I’ve said, these are my goals. Everything is subject to change based on how my mind and body copes.

Jan 21: 30 minutes walk/run; 30 minute yoga aerobics
Jan 22: 30 minutes walk/run; 30 minute full body workout
Jan 23: Semi-rest day 30 minutes yoga
Jan 24: 30 minutes walk/run; 30 minute yoga aerobics
Jan 25: 30 minute full body workout
Jan 26: 30 minutes walk/run; 30 minutes yoga

Wish me luck and stay tuned next week!

If you’re at all interested in what I’m doing or getting yourself back into shape can I please encourage you to check out two of my favourite mommy runners! These women love being mommies and their health and continually inspire me!

RunFasterMommy
Mommy With Her Running Shoes On

Shana..

Fitness Friday {2}

I find myself through the first couple weeks of my new fitness plans. I assure you that it is more difficult than I had imagined (I’m a glass half full girl!) but I’m coping well! You’re probably eager to hear about how week one went?? Well...

Recap 31 December- 6 January:
It wasn’t as good as I’d hoped. My plans were to walk everyday and get in 2 workouts. I only got in 1 workout and walked twice. It is harder than I imagined to get the kids into a routine. I have a feeling this is going to take a few weeks to get down right. LJ was doing excellent since birth at feeding. His timing was perfect for me to get in an early run. However, now that I wanted to begin training again he has moved his routine around completely and is cluster feeding from 4am to about 10am! I can’t get him settled long enough for me to be out the door! I’m holding thumbs for the future weeks!
I will say my motivation is good. I’m eager to get out there and love the feeling I have once I’m done. It is bringing back a lot of memories and I enjoy that I feel I’m setting a good example about a healthy lifestyle for my children! I’m rewarding myself with ice cream since my usual Sunday night glass of wine as a reward for meeting my goals is out the window what with breastfeeding and all! ;-)
Future outlook:
I’ve acquired a plan via Womens Health about getting yourself running 30 minutes in 30 days. You can check it out here for more details to how the plan works. I’ve incorporated this into my plans along with some strength training.

As I’ve said, these are my goals. Everything is subject to change based on how my mind and body copes.

Jan 14: 25 minutes walk/run; 20 minutes full body workout
Jan 15: 25 minutes walk/run; 20 minutes abs workout
Jan 16: Semi-rest day 30 minutes yoga
Jan 17: 25 minutes walk/run
Jan 18: 20 minutes abs workout
Jan 19: 25 minutes walk/run; 30 minutes yoga

Wish me luck and stay tuned next week!



Shana..

Fitness Fridays Week 1

If you’ve been following me for a while or taken some time to look through previous posts you must have picked up on the FACT that getting back into shape after my pregnancy with LJ has been a big focus of mine.

If you haven’t realized this yet the what the heck is going on here?? Please take sometime and go over to that little tag bubble on the right. Yea the paragraph with all the random words! Click on some of them like fitness, healthy living, new me or running and get an idea of where I’m headed in life right now!

My health is pivotal to my family. How can I be a strong and motivational mother if I’m not taking care of myself? My physical health is so much more than just that. It affects my daily mood and life in every aspect. My mental and physical health are linked and so is yours!! Hehe

Let me make it clear, however, that I am NOT a fitness expert of any kind. Anything I say on here is clearly and strictly that of my own opinion and Google research! Please do not decide to go with what I’m doing here as a perfect program! I know that my plans will at some point prove faulty and changes will be made. This is a learning process for me as well.

You don’t need a degree in physical health though to get and keep yourself in shape! There is plenty of information out there via internet, magazines, books and doctors/professionals to get you in the right direction!

I’ve been cleared however to begin light physical activity. For me this is perfect because I am working on getting myself from the couch to the Comrades! No not in the next year (this is a long term goal!) but it starts now! Just over two weeks since my LJ was born! Yea, I’m a little gun-ho! It’s all good though.

So each Friday I’ll be asking you to put up with reading about how my previous week has gone and what I’ll be doing in the next week. I’m doing this both as a journal and tracker for myself as well as that I want some encouragement along the way!

I also hope to encourage a few others to get out there and do it too! As someone who has been sitting on her butt for the past year almost, I hope that other women see that we can make huge changes by taking small steps at a time! By providing details about both the positives and negatives; ups and downs; and the victories and failures, I hope that others can see they aren’t alone in the struggle for physical dominance! ;-)

My recaps will be a week behind. For instance, my plans started December 31 but since we are still in this week the recap will be next Friday. The post on the 11^th will contain nothing of the week from December 7. However, I will include my plans for the week of the 14^th! A little confusing but you’ll fall into the routine quickly! ;-)

I am a firm believer that if you are unhappy with yourself then you are the only one who can change it! I’ve had such weight variations since moving to South Africa that I made it my mission to get myself under control and achieve a personal feat! I will write a post about why the Comrades and what it means to me.

Future outlook:

I’ve acquired a plan via Womens Health about getting yourself running 30 minutes in 30 days. You can check it out here for more details to how the plan works. I’ve incorporated this into my plans along with some strength training.

As I’ve said, these are my goals. Everything is subject to change based on how my mind and body copes.

Jan 7: 20 minutes walk/run; 20 minutes full body workout

Jan 8: 20 minutes walk/run; 20 minutes abs workout

Jan 9: Semi-rest day 30 minutes yoga

Jan 10: 20 minutes walk/run

Jan 11: 20 minutes abs workout

Jan 12: 20 minutes walk/run; 30 minutes yoga

Wish me luck and stay tuned next week!

If you’re at all interested in what I’m doing or getting yourself back into shape can I please encourage you to check out two of my favourite mommy runners! These women love being mommies and their health and they continually inspire me!

RunFasterMommy

Mommy WithHer Running Shoes On

Shana..

Christmas Traditions

Did you have any Christmas traditions growing up? Where there any favourites?

I know that there are some things that have ground themselves into my very nature when it comes to holidays. Yet, living in South Africa, some of these are now hard to come by.

I’ve decided that I need to start creating some new traditions mixed with a little old to make the years memories with my children!

So today, as this post is scheduled and I will not be on my blog, I have taken a moment to jot down a few new traditions that I want to begin with my children! I hope all of you are enjoying a very special Christmas with your families!

 

1)    I will make homemade eggnog every year! I love this stuff and used to drink myself sick on it during the holidays! I will make it for my children as we don’t buy it here! We will drink ice cold eggnog throughout the December holiday! ;-)

2)    I read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” every Christmas Eve. I know I posted about the meaning of Christmas, but this is an adorable story that will remain a past time with my boys!

3)    Starting next year I want my boys to make handmade Christmas cards to send out to our family and friends each year. I love Christmas cards but feel that something hand made is so much more special!

4)    As the boys get older, we will donate to a charity each year. I’d love to find something local that is involved with children so my boys can experience giving to needy ‘friends.’

5)    We will listen/sing Christmas carols while setting up and decorating our tree (note to self: buy Christmas music!)

6)    We spend time each season focusing on why we celebrate Christmas and doing activities about the birth of Jesus Christ.

7)    I want to study with my boys (at an age appropriate level) the life of Christ each year from Christmas to Easter. We will read the stories and do art and fun things so that as they grow up they will know His life and teachings! (not that we don’t read our Bibles all year!)

8)    Christmas will always be spent with family!

 

It isn’t about the traditions really, but I want my boys to remember that this is a special time for us and that we need to be enjoying it and learning it and making the most of it!

I hope and pray you have the opportunity to do just that today!

Merry Christmas!

Shana..

Loss in spirit; Gain in Spirit

This weekend has my internal clock all messed up! I’ve done so well since coming home from the hospital at being in bed by a decent time. However, Friday night we had a braai with our parents and I only got home after midnight and then on Saturday we had a braai with friends at our house. Again, I was in bed after midnight.

So now it is Sunday and after 10 pm and I still cannot sleep.

I’m surely going to regret this! Lil Mister does not sleep past 5:30am very often and I highly doubt karma is so kind as to let it be tomorrow that he does! ;-)

It doesn’t help that I only got Lil Mister to sleep 15 minutes ago and I figure based on LJ’s last feed he should be awake in the next 15 minutes again.

Coffee...you are my best friend these days!

I’m still in shock that it is already Christmas. Yes, I realize it is still another day away, but really!

This will be my fourth Christmas in South Africa, but I can’t seem to find the spirit anymore. It hasn’t felt like Christmas since I moved here.

As I sit looking at our Christmas tree, I’m taken back to all the years spent celebrating with my family.

I miss the cold weather. I remember tracking through the rows that never ended through the cold and snow to find the ‘perfect family Christmas Tree.’ (Please envision the Clark Griswold Family Christmas Tree here!)

As a child I would fill my pockets and even stuff my coat full of the pine cones I would find along the way. I still love the smell of fresh pine!

We’d get home that afternoon and my mom would make hot chocolate (I’m positive now that I’m a parent that my mom and dad’s hot chocolates were spiked with vodka; otherwise they weren’t making it until that night!) and we’d listen to Christmas music while decorating the tree.

Really cheesy but that is what we did EVERY year!

I can’t understand why when I enter a mall; I don’t smell that sickening sweet scent of the roasted nuts. Nor do I feel it is right that there aren’t Christmas lights and decorations covering the streets and houses.

There are no night time drives to see the lights. There are no Salvation Army guys ringing their silly little bells. We aren’t bundled up watching endless reruns of the same Christmas movies. And there is no snow to wake up to on Christmas morning.

I feel like I’ve lost Christmas.

Then I found it again.

All of the sudden I realized how commercialized even I had let Christmas become to me.

I grew up being taught the true meaning of Christmas and was in every single Christmas pageant at church. I know the story by heart because it is the equivalents of thousands of years of prophecy come true. It is the entire reason for the season (sorry for the cheesy rhyme!).

Yet, even I have fallen victim to Hallmarks branding over the years. As I grew older and was able to apply the memory of scents, sounds, and images to the holiday, I somehow lost what was truly important.

Christmas is after all about Christ’s birth.

I know you’re like...duh!

But how easily I’d let that fall to the back burner while still living in the states. I’d grown so accustomed to the hoopla of the season that I’d grown cold to the meaning. I’d lost Christmas when I moved to South Africa because I’d lost the meaning of it many years before that.

I’m grateful for this now. As I sit preparing my children’s presents, I realized how blessed we are. I’m thankful to raise my children in a way that they won’t experience the extravaganza firsthand the way I did. I’m thankful that I will be able to focus more on the meaning of Christmas and teach my children why we celebrate the holiday in such a close and family oriented manner.

I’m thankful that I had to lose my Christmas spirit to be able to rejoice Christmas in the Spirit!

I will still read “The Night before Christmas” to my children on Christmas Eve. And we will continue to give presents and donate to charities during this time as well.

But I will take a little less time worrying about the lights on my front door and a little more time answering questions about ‘baby Jazus’ and his ‘farm birth’.

Shana..

Week 36...counting down

I'm still working until December 10. But a countdown has officially started! I'm ready to meet our new addition and to be honest I'm over the pregnancy! :-/ Sadly, I've unpacked my hospital bags! :-0 I know right??!! But it is because I decided I needed to make sure EVERYTHING had been washed and ironed before LJ's arrival. So now we battle to put it all back together haha

Total Weight Gain: 63kg (+17 kg)

This week, Baby is: 2.8 kg

How far along? 36 weeks, 4 days (Kind of…so we think…guestimate…)

Due date: 6-18 Dec 2012 :-/

Total weight gain/loss: +1 kg

Maternity clothes? I got a great present in the form of vouchers at my baby shower! Hehe So I used it for some baby stuff but bought some nice black shorts (to the knee kind) that I can wear now and after and a black tube top maxi dress!! I love them! They are both great for afterwards too! Still not in the maternity section though…so it doesn’t count ;-)

Sleep: Non existent…period

Best moment this week: In the past 7 days…having a surprise baby shower!! ;-)

Food cravings: Salad and FISH…oh my word I’m begging Hubby Dearest to go fishing and bring home some bass I can bake or catfish to fry up!

Movement: So so busy especially at night!!

Symptoms: I have this weird pain in my upper legs….and back…going to have a lot of back labor!

Labor Signs: Braxton’s are coming at regular times each day.

Stretch Marks: nope and we’re working hard to keep it that way!

Swelling? It’s getting very bad in the evenings. I think I sit too much at work!!

Belly Button in or out? It is most definitely out!

What I miss: Being able to breath!!

Feeling toward Pregnancy: anxious…I guess I’m getting to the end right?!?

What I am looking forward to: Soaking up some summer sun with Lil Mister and LJ.

Milestones: I’ve packed!! Okay there are a few last minute things I need to throw in but yea…I’ve packed! Yay!!

News: There really isn’t much news….other than the weather which is that someone opened a window to hell and forgot to turn on our aircons!!

The LISTS are back this week because I got so much stuff at the shower!!

GENERAL NEEDS

 4-6 Tommy Tippee bottles
 Dummy
 Toweling nappies
 Hats
 Bibs
 Socks
 Stage 2 diapers
 Stage 3 diapers
 Wet wipes
 Breast pads
 Aqueous cream
 Baby powder
 Baby oil
 Bum cream
 New monitors
 Nipple cream
 Face cloths
 Pharmacy stock (Panado, tissue salts, boscopan, telements colic drops, gripe water, milk of magnesia, ear buds, cotton wool, )


****Things I’d like to have*****

 New breast pump
 Stoppers
 Microwave sterilizer
 2x more blankets
 2x more receiving blankets
 New nappy bag
 2x new towels


0-3 MONTHS
 Coming Home Outfit
 2x summer jammies

3-6 MONTHS (this is where I gave a lot of Liams stuff away!)
 12x vests (4 long sleeves) (I got 2!!)
 4x cotton pants (with feet)
 2x summer jammies
 4-6x T-shirts
 3-5x Rompers
 3-5x Onesies
6-12 MONTHS (this is a season change from winter to summer for us! 3 months in each season)
 2x Winter jammies
 3x summer jammies
 2x jackets
 4x cotton pants
 3x shorts
 2x long sleeves
 6x short sleeves
 12x vests
 2x Rompers


Shana

The New Me....

If you haven't known before, I battle right now with a motivation issue. This stems from my feeling helpless about my physical health with pregnancy beyond making sure I'm doing everything for baby!

When I fell pregnant….


Okay I have to stop myself right there. We don’t really fall pregnant now do we? I find this statement hilarious because whenever I say it or hear it I automatically envision Hubby Dearest literally falling on top of me while I’m cleaning the kitchen or something and bouncing up like a cartoon as my belly suddenly protrudes through my clothing ripping it like the Incredible Hulk!

When I became pregnant with Boetie I thought for numerous reasons that this was the worst possible timing! However I quickly came over that as I knew I was blessed by God to be expanding our family!



This is me 2 months before moving to SA at 115lbs!



Pregnancy though put a major damper on my fitness plans! I’ve never been a particularly big girl. Meaning I’m barely over 5 foot and managed to keep an average weight of 115 after high school. In school though and for a while thereafter I was very active. I ran or went to the gym daily. I was in dance and soccer in school. I loved my body.

When I moved to South Africa though, things took a bit of a dive. I gained quite a bit of weight in a very short time period. In the first four months here, I jumped up to around 155 lbs. On such a small frame this was a tremendous amount!

But I didn’t regain my healthy lifestyle.



On my wedding day just shy of 150lbs

In America I drank a lot of coffee. Black coffee though. Occasionally with dessert some cream and sugar. But all day long just black. I drank about 4L of water a day as well. I was active and made a point to get in at least 30 minutes a day. On top of that I taught PE for an elementary school twice a week (which involves a lot of running too! They sit if you sit!). AND I was a waitress. This was on my feet a lot and surprisingly it helped me with my lifestyle.
In South Africa, I drank a lot of coffee. A lot of sugar, milk, instant coffee. I stopped drinking water almost completely. I was going to the jol’s a lot with Hubby Dearest. I NEVER did exercise..unless my new Hubby counted ;-). AND I spent most of my day at the crèche where I was working…sitting!

The food also made a huge difference. I LOVED the food here. I ate like crazy! I’d sit and eat two plates of food the size of Hubby Dearest’s plate. Most of this food was in the form of red meat too. I ate mostly chicken and fish in America. But here, I maxed on red meat like I’d never tasted anything so juicy in my life!

I think you’re getting the picture…

Lovely South African braai vleis!!

So now what does all of this have to do with now?

Just before becoming pregnant with Lil Mister I began losing weight again. I had cut down my portions and was back to working in restaurants. Plus my metabolism had begun to finally adjust to all of the changes. I dropped down to about 132. At the end of my pregnancy with Lil Mister I had only managed to reach 141.

This was okay though because Lil Mister was a healthy guy coming in at a whopping 7.9 lbs!

In January '12 at my skinniest...97lbs

After Lil Mister I dramatically lost weight in the same fashion I picked it up. I wasn’t trying at all but my body decided to go extreme in the other direction. I wound up sitting at 97lbs 3 months after giving birth. The dramatic weight loss made breastfeeding impossible.
Finally a year later I begin to get my health back in order. Realizing that weight gain wasn’t going to happen like it did before; I knew I had to do something. I started planning family meals. I had to start eating balanced meals 3 times a day.

I also started working out again. Best of all I started RUNNING!

I loved it and was doing very well! It gave me something to chart and track. I could see and feel my improvements each week.

Then morning sickness hit and it was a complete road block.

Now I’ve done well to keep myself some what active this pregnancy and am so relieved to say that I’ve finally hit my goal weight at about 141 again. After pregnancy I would like to get to an average between 115-120.

The biggest thing is getting myself out there and moving post pregnancy!

To do that I have to get my mind in the right place. As I said, I wasn’t extremely unhealthy by any means but I believe as a woman YOU have to be happy with yourself. This is especially important being a mom and a wife. My child can quickly see when I am not happy with me and I do not want him to grow up aware of this. If I am not happy with me then I must change me. It is really that simple. I want to live a healthier lifestyle.

So here is my go to 5 steps for getting myself motivated for post-pregnancy training!!

1) Plan, Plan, and Plan: No I do not think that my plans are rigid and going to be effective immediately. I’m aware that things may have to change a little bit. But the best way to keep myself motivated is to work out a workout plan. I’ve looked into cross training that I’ve done before and mapped out a rough draft of how I want my training to go. Any moves that I can do now from those workouts, well I do them now! I’m mentally aware of what I plan to do in what time frame and I’m introducing my body to this plan as well!
I’ve also started getting together a healthier menu. I want to breastfeed Boetie and train for my first half so I need to have a very balanced diet. But I have two other men (Lil Mister counts as a man if you knew his personality!) in the house to feed. Meals need to cater to all and still be healthy for all!

2) Stay involved: I can’t run a marathon right now! I know many women who did run through most of their pregnancies. I shamefully regret not being one of them, but that doesn’t mean I should exclude myself from the fitness world! Every time I read about another mommy runner hitting a PR or see another runner cross that finish line after a long road I cheer for them. I soak in their excitement and emotions. I store that for later when someone will be cheering for me. I stay up to date on what is going on. I read, blog, watch, and listen for any news on people, gear and races! The more involved I am the more excited I am for afterwards!

3) Talk about it: I don’t hide my dreams or goals from friends or family. I hound my husband constantly. Look at my workout tracker I’ve created. Listen to what I read about the Comrades. These races are these months. I start training again on this date. I’m positive they are all sick of hearing about it but it keeps it a part of my mind and heart. If you can, find a partner who is willing to do this with you! Hubby Dearest has agreed that if we join a gym then he will gym with me! That is a great motivation because it is like a date night!

4) Schedule: Especially when you have young children it can be very difficult to just ‘squeeze’ in that run. Schedule time for your workouts. Speak with your spouse, partner, or someone who will be looking after the children. Set a time up each day in which you will run/gym. If you don’t make time for it, the time will go without it. I have already stressed to Hubby and family how important this is to me and that Hubby and I must work out a schedule!

5) Set goals: This I think is my biggest motivator. I have already planned my first 5k and am waiting for races schedules for next year to begin planning the rest of my progress. My largest goal is to run the Comrades in 2016. Yea, that is 3 years from now but it is also a 90km race! I need some time and training. But every step leads me closer. So…set goals. Say you want to be running this far in this amount of time. Be realistic…i.e. my first 5k is 4 months post birth. Unrealistic would have been a half marathon or scheduling my 5k only 4 weeks afterwards! Setting goals gives you something to work towards!

Will everything work out as planned? Probably not. My plans are more of guidelines. But this is where I am. I’m focused. I’m staying involved. I’m planning, scheduling, and dreaming everyday of achieving my goals. Now we play the waiting game. I will keep you updated on where everything is and as soon as my training starts I’ll make sure you are bored glued to your screen to know each pain, cry, tear, and triumph this body and mind of mine accomplishes! We’ll see after Boetie is here how it all goes!

Week 35...

Total Weight Gain: 62kg (+16 kg)
This week, Baby is: 2.4 kg

How far along? 35 weeks, 4 days (Kind of…so we think…guestimate…)
Due date: 6-18 Dec 2012 :-/

Total weight gain/loss: +1 kg

Maternity clothes? No…I don’t think I’m going to make it until the end either. Especially since I’m working until the end! I need to get like maybe one pair of pants!

Sleep: Non existent…period

Best moment this week: Getting the bags packed…finally!!

Food cravings: Still salty and fresh!! Bring on the raw tomato and avo with salt and pepper!

Movement: It seems like he has turned with his back to the right now because all the movements have swapped sides.

Symptoms: hmm….back pain! And very fierce contractions!

Labor Signs: Nope!

Stretch Marks: nope and we’re working hard to keep it that way!

Swelling? It’s getting very bad in the evenings. I think I sit too much at work!!

Belly Button in or out? It is most definitely out!

What I miss: wearing a swimsuit!!

Feeling toward Pregnancy: anxious…I guess I’m getting to the end right?!?

What I am looking forward to: Soaking up some summer sun with Lil Mister and LJ.

Milestones: I’ve packed!! Okay there are a few last minute things I need to throw in but yea…I’ve packed! Yay!!

News: I will NOT be going for an induction unless medically necessary. I really like my gynae but I know that God knows best. I shouldn’t rush things or try and fit them into my idea of a plan. If I am meant to have Daya deliver my baby then LJ will come before or after he is on leave. Otherwise I pray that God gives me whatever I need (patience, strength, understanding, ect) to like the gynae that does deliver LJ. I pray that God calms my spirit. All is in His hands.


I’ve removed my checklist for this week. I will only post it on the weeks where something changes. Otherwise I will post a link to the previous post with said list in case you’re curious as to how we’re coming along. I suddenly realized that I have less than 5 weeks left and there is so much not done!! Oh My WORD!!! Check my list here!

Shana

Week 34...and we're moving on!!!

Today would normally have been my Worship Wednesday and it will return next week. However in light on current events I needed to get my bumpdate out here AND I have decided to try out the Theme Thursday by Cloudy with a chance of wine. Check it out tomorrow!

Not wanting to loose complete view, however, I have to give praises. It is a praise sent out for God providing as He ALWAYS does and also for giving me the most amazing job and boss. My family and I have been blessed since being offered my current job and God continues to do work in this area. I can not express enough how thankful I am to have my boss and his family in my life both via work and personal. God is amazing. I am praising God now for the job He is GOING to provide my husband. Hubby Dearest’s contract with work ends at the end of December but I know God has things in store that we can’t even imagine. I thank Him for this now and I thank Him for using this time to teach us more about faith and patience!

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

WEEK 34…ish

Have I mentioned that I choose the most confusing birth possible? Not actually because of the birth but because of the doctors! Lil Misters pediatrician is Dr. Daya. So when it came time for me to choose a hospital I naturally choose the one that Lil Mister had been in. I knew the way the staff was. I knew the care they gave and was familiar with the layout. I had been quite impressed when I was there. So now came finding a gynae. Pediatrician was solved as Dr. Daya would also be there for LJ. Arranged and set up…check! So what do I go and do when finding a gynae? I choose our pediatricians brother! It made since to me! I liked him so I’d probably like his brother! Only one problem…they have the same name…duh! So now when I’m talking to the medical aid, Hubby Dearest or anyone else about this pregnancy I have to constantly specify Dr. Daya gynae or Dr. Daya pediatrician. I never assumed this would be a problem. I have an appointment with Dr Daya on Tuesday as my friends freak and ask what is wrong with Lil Mister. Confused me says ‘WHY IN THE HECK WOULD I TAKE MY SON TO A GYNAE…then it clicks! In my mind however they are now effectively labeled Daya va-jay-jay or Daya kids! Hehe

On that note….said Daya (gynae) will not be here for the first 2 weeks in December! His ultrasound (being much more advanced) has kicked out a whole spew of due dates for LJ. All are consistent and within 1 week before or after guestimated conceived date. However, this proposes huge problems! The earliest date we are getting is 6 December and that is via the head. The legs give us the 18 December. The abdomen and weight give us the 10 December….all of which do not satisfy my need for control. I was much happier at my GP where the due date had remained the same the WHOLE pregnancy!

Still, gynae says that baby is growing fine. I’m looking good and baby is in prime position for birth. He just needs to drop a little tiny bit lower. Hubby Dearest and I are feeling good. We’re happy. Then he hits us with the bomb shell. He is gone from the 1 December to the 17th!! WTH….apparently another gynae who I opted NOT TO USE will fill in for him during that time and then that gynae takes the remaining time in December off. He gives us an ultimatum….grr!

I must return on the 20th of this month and we will do an internal exam and check the baby’s lungs. At that time if everything says okay (I will be somewhere between 36-37 weeks) we will schedule an elective induction for late the following week putting me within days of 38 weeks if not already 38 weeks. INDUCTION!!!! This is not part of my plan. (Go here to know about my obsessive planning/control!) What am I suppose to do?

If I choose not to do an induction (or if baby isn’t ready) I get stuck more than likely going into labor and having a doctor I DO NOT KNOW! This concerns me. This bothers me. What if I do not like the doctor? What if he makes me uncomfortable? What if we clash as people? I like my gynae. I wanted him to deliver my baby! I wanted him to be the one I check back with! All of this is throwing me for a loop. I feel like I am being ridiculous. The ‘other guy’ is still a doctor. He’ll know what to do, but that doesn’t comfort me. After the terrible experience I had with delivering Lil Mister (all hospital not labor problems) I was so relieved to be going to a hospital I love with a doctor I like. I was feeling good about this. I was feeling confident. I was feeling like everything was falling into place. Now I get this put down in front of me.

It isn’t like we have a lot of time to decide! I wasn’t expecting to meet LJ for another almost 6 weeks. Now if I do this then he is here in 3! I was planning to be at work for another 6 weeks, but now I’d have to settle everything in 2! I’m all of the sudden nervous about meeting our newest addition. I’m nervous about the transition for Lil Mister. (Who by the way we started potty training! OMW! That was also suppose to be done before LJ got here!) I can’t understand how a God who is so mighty and strong and full of love can put such a decision into the hands of a human. I do not understand how I can be expected to make such a decision with so many what if’s for my child. What if the induction doesn’t progress and LJ gets stressed and I have to have a cesarean? What if the stress affects my body and my uterus ruptures (I know there is like a 1% chance but still!)? What if LJ isn’t physically ready and Daya says I’ll have to wait and use the ‘other guy’? I feel cheated. I feel confused. I feel lost. I really do not know what to do at this point. I am praying for guidance from God.

Total Weight Gain: 15kg or 33 lbs

This week, Baby is: 2.3 kg (LJ has grown 400g in two weeks!!)

How far along? 34 weeks, 4 days (Kind of…so we think…guestimate…)

Due date: 6-18 Dec 2012 :-/

Total weight gain/loss: 2kg or 4.4lbs in 2 weeks

Maternity clothes? No, but I’m starting to regret this….

Sleep: haha what is that??

Best moment this week: Hubby Dearest seems to be getting more interested and excited as we get closer to the end!!

Food cravings: Fresh fruit and Veg…I want to make a salad with tuna, fresh greens, tomato, cucumber, broccoli, cranberries, pecans, feta cheese, mixed peppers, radishes, and green onions….hmm

Movement: busy busy busy….especially when I eat

Symptoms: exhaustion…..does that count as a symptom???

Labor Signs: Nope!

Stretch Marks: nope and we’re working hard to keep it that way!

Swelling? Has gone down tremendously!

Belly Button in or out? its definitely almost out.


What I miss: sleep!!!

Feeling toward Pregnancy: Nervous….

What I am looking forward to: time at home with my family!!

Milestones: We had our Gynae appointment!

News: I will be making a decision in the next couple of days after I’ve spoken more with work and Hubby Dearest but you must either follow on facebook here or wait for next weeks bumpdate…sorry!


GENERAL NEEDS
 4-6 Tommy Tippee bottles (I’m not using Liams again) (I’m up to 4!!)
 Dummy
 Toweling nappies (Just need to embroider them now!) (MIL has done a beautiful job at crocheting and sewing ribbon on the outsides! Will get photos asap!)
 Hats
 Bibs
 Socks
 Stage 2 diapers
 Stage 3 diapers (Bought 1 pack!)
 Wet wipes** I like to stock up
 Breast pads (I have one pack now so I'm waiting to see how the breast feeding goes this round!)
 Aqueous cream
 Baby powder
 Baby oil
 Bum cream
 New monitors
 Nipple cream
 Face cloths
 Pharmacy stock (Panado, tissue salts, boscopan, telements colic drops, gripe water, milk of magnesia, ear buds, cotton wool, )


****Things I’d like to have*****
 New breast pump (I received a great gift from Living and Loving and Avent in a new pump!! Now I can use Liam’s old bottles with stoppers in them for storage as it fits the pump!
 Stoppers
 Microwave sterilizer
 2x more blankets
 2x more receiving blankets
 New nappy bag
 2x new towels

0-3 MONTHS
 Coming Home Outfit (Need wool! A friend is going to crochet a jacket and hat and booties for him! Then we'll just wear a vest and white pants!)
 2x summer jammies


3-6 MONTHS (this is where I gave a lot of Liams stuff away!)
 12x vests (4 long sleeves) (I got 2!!)
 4x cotton pants (with feet)
 2x summer jammies
 4-6x T-shirts
 3-5x Rompers (I got 1!!)
 3-5x Onesies (I got 3!!)

6-12 MONTHS (this is a season change from winter to summer for us! 3 months in each season)
 2x Winter jammies
 3x summer jammies
 2x jackets
 4x cotton pants
 3x shorts
 2x long sleeves
 6x short sleeves
 12x vests
 2x Rompers



Oh and in my true fashion I have made a list for the hospital bag as well! Maybe this will get me in motion a little bit. However, despite having been through this before I feel like I’m not packing everything I will need! Open to suggestions!

Labour/Birth Bag

 Admission documents
   o Passport
   o Doctors documents
   o Hospital documents
   o Any birth preferences
 Snacks/drinks
 Lip balm
 Little cash
 Music/Something to Read
 Calming focus photo
 Camera
 Facecloth x2 (one for in labor, one for shower after)
 Towel
 Change of comfortable clothes
 Change of panties
 Maternity pads
 Post-birth clothing
 LJ’s first outfit
   o Vest, pants, shirt, sweater
   o Socks, hat, bib
   o Nappy, bum cream
 Receiving blanket/blanket

Mommy’s Hospital Bag

 Maternity Pads
 3-4 sets pajamas
 Nursing bras/panties
 Bath robe
 Socks/slippers
 Breast pads
 Breast pump/bottles
 Toiletries
   o Shampoon/Cond
   o Soap
   o Toothpaste/toothbrush
   o Lotion/oil
   o Deo
   o Hairbrush/gel/spray/clips & bands
   o Nipple cream
 Extra towel
 Rehydrate
 Journal/Reading material
 Phone Charger
 Pillow & blanket

LJ’s Hospital Bag
 1x pack disposable nappies
 Dark face cloth for bum
 Wet wipes
 Bum cream
 Aqueous cream
 Cotton balls
 Soap
 Hair brush
 Towel/face cloth
 Vaseline
 Surgical Spirits
 5x baby grows
 5x vests
 5x socks/booties
 2x hats
 Jacket/jersey
 3x receiving blankets
 1x blanket
 3x toweling nappies
 Colic drop.
Shana

Week 33....almost there

So next week is my gynae appointment! Quite excited to hear what he has to say. At this point in the pregnancy everything seems to be hitting me all at once! There is a lot of stress going on which probably affects it all, but physically I feel like I’ve hit a brick wall. Things were going great only 2 weeks ago! If you’d have asked I’d have told you I’ve barely noticed this pregnancy other than that I can’t run simply because I know that physically I can’t take so much. But I was still walking and doing aerobics and even starting to swim with the weather warming up. Yet after the last month, I think it is finally a brick wall. We had in the last 6 weekends a bachelor/bachelorette party, a wedding, a carnival, another wedding, and the picnic. This weekend we have my works year end function. My body is tired, my mind is tired, my emotions are empty. As much as I want to carry full term and have LJ born on Hubby Dearest’s great grandfather’s birthday (15 December), if I was to go into labor now I’d be perfectly happy!!


Total Weight Gain: 29.7 lbs!!!

This week, Baby is: 1.9 kg or 4.2 lbs (and expected to double from here on out which will put him right in line with Lil Mister!)

How far along? 33 weeks, 5 days

Due date: 15 Dec 2012

Total weight gain/loss: Okay I know it is quite a jump and not completely accurate but it has been 6 weeks since my last appointment and I was guestimating!! So in 6 weeks I gained 12.1 lbs!! Whoo-hoo!!

Maternity clothes? No but with all the weight gain in the last few weeks I’m starting to see it! Haha but I’m way too stubborn. I’m past the point of no return.

Sleep: Getting worse…I seem to be having a lot of Braxton hicks in the night and in the morning and generally all day long...:-(

Best moment this week: I'm actually starting to really get excited for the birth! I guess because it is starting to get closer!!

Food cravings: I don’t even really want to eat at this point! There just isn't room for food...

Movement: Much less but he’s still busy in there. Extremely EXTREMELY still today...hmm

Symptoms: Just strong Braxton hicks...and another thing but I'm not so much into the over sharing :-/

Labor Signs: Nope!

Stretch Marks: nope and we’re working hard to keep it that way!

Swelling? My feet :-(

Belly Button in or out? its most definetly out.


What I miss: eating spicy foods without regretting it!!! Jalapeno and Pineapple anyone??

Feeling toward Pregnancy: Ready to meet LJ and be done with pregnancy….

What I am looking forward to: raising two wonderful boys to be men of God!

Milestones: Nothing major but I'm pretty sure LJ is in perfect position because I've gone still on my right side and all his kicks are to the left!!

News: Less than a week until gynae...YAY!!!

GENERAL NEEDS

 4-6 Tommy Tippee bottles  Did anyone else realize that the small Tommy Tippee bottles are the same ml as the medium Advent bottles??? And the price is better!

 Dummy (Side Bar: Lil Mister used Nuk dummy's until he was 18 months then only took a Tommy Tippee one but we still call it a nuk-nuk lol)

 Toweling nappies (Just need to embroider them now! MIL is working on that now...will get pictures up!)

 Hats

 Bibs

 Socks

 Stage 2 diapers

 Stage 3 diapers (I bought 1 pack!)

 Wet wipes** I like to stock up

 Breast pads (I have one pack now so I'm waiting to see how the breast feeding goes this round!)

 Aqueous cream

 Baby powder

 Baby oil

 Bum cream

 New monitors

 Nipple cream

 Face cloths (MIL is also working on crocheting these!)

 Pharmacy stock (Panado, tissue salts, boscopan, telements colic drops, gripe water, milk of magnesia, ear buds, cotton wool, )

****Things I’d like to have*****
 New breast pump (I received a great gift from Living and Loving and Avent in a new pump!! Now I can use Liam’s old bottles with stoppers in them for storage as it fits the pump!

 Stoppers

 Microwave sterilizer

 2x more blankets

 2x more receiving blankets

 New nappy bag

 2x new towels


0-3 MONTHS

 Coming Home Outfit (Need wool! A friend is going to crochet a jacket and hat and booties for him! Then we'll just wear a vest and white pants!)

 2x summer jammies


3-6 MONTHS (this is where I gave a lot of Liams stuff away!)

 12x vests (4 long sleeves) (I got 2!!)

 4x cotton pants (with feet)

 2x summer jammies

 4-6x T-shirts

 3-5x Rompers (I got 1!!)

 3-5x Onesies (I got 2!!)


6-12 MONTHS (this is a season change from winter to summer for us! 3 months in each season)

 2x Winter jammies

 3x summer jammies

 2x jackets

 4x cotton pants

 3x shorts

 2x long sleeves

 6x short sleeves

 12x vests

 2x Rompers


Oh and in my true fashion I have made a list for the hospital bag as well! Maybe this will get me in motion a little bit. However, despite having been through this before I feel like I’m not packing everything I will need! Open to suggestions!

Labour/Birth Bag

 Admission documents

o Passport

o Doctors documents

o Hospital documents

o Any birth preferences

 Snacks/drinks

 Lip balm

 Little cash

 Music/Something to Read

 Calming focus photo

 Camera

 Facecloth x2 (one for in labor, one for shower after)

 Towel

 Change of comfortable clothes

 Change of panties

 Maternity pads

 Post-birth clothing

 LJ’s first outfit

o Vest, pants, shirt, sweater

o Socks, hat, bib

o Nappy, bum cream

 Receiving blanket/blanket

Mommy’s Hospital Bag

 Maternity Pads

 3-4 sets pajamas

 Nursing bras/panties

 Bath robe

 Socks/slippers

 Breast pads

 Breast pump/bottles

 Toiletries

o Shampoon/Cond

o Soap

o Toothpaste/toothbrush

o Lotion/oil

o Deo

o Hairbrush/gel/spray/clips & bands

o Nipple cream

 Extra towel

 Rehydrate

 Journal/Reading material

 Phone Charger

 Pillow & blanket

LJ’s Hospital Bag

 1x pack disposable nappies

 Dark face cloth for bum

 Wet wipes

 Bum cream

 Aqueous cream

 Cotton balls

 Soap

 Hair brush

 Towel/face cloth

 Vaseline

 Surgical Spirits

 5x baby grows

 5x vests

 5x socks/booties

 2x hats

 Jacket/jersey

 3x receiving blankets

 1x blanket

 3x toweling nappies

 Colic drops

Shana

Week 32...bump-ology

So here we are...another week down! It amazes me how different these pregnancies have been since the beginning! I knew before my first missed period with Lil Mister. Don't ask how I just did. I verbalized this to Hubby Dearest the day I missed but still postponed a test until about week 6. I only caught on with this pregnancy around week 7 and then still convinced I was mistaken took a test at week 8! No symptoms other than tiredness with this pregnancy and the list goes on! My biggest surprise though has been this week at my long LONG awaited doctors appointment! My ultrasound confimed that LJ had turned which I had already suspected last week. Lil Mister turned at week 24 and never flipped again. However he remained high until the very end! I NEVER felt him drop. Apparently he only did this at the onset of my contractions. LJ however turned late and has settled very very low! He has also come out from my back all the time and it feels like I'm falling forward! I walk around picking up my tummy because it is as if he is pushing it way out! Strange...I wonder if they'll be this different in person too! (Oh and I think he looks like me!)


Total Weight Gain: 29.7 lbs!!!

This week, Baby is: 1.9 kg or 4.2 lbs (and expected to double from her on out which will put him right in line with Lil Mister!)

How far along? 32 weeks, 5 days

Due date: 15 Dec 2012 (has not varied a single bit!)

Total weight gain/loss week: Okay I know it is quite a jump and not completely accurate but it has been 6 weeks since my last appointment and I was guestimating!! So in 6 weeks I gained 12.1 lbs!! Woo-hoo!!

Maternity clothes? A firm nope!!

Sleep: Absolutely terrible! We’ve had two weddings in two weeks which involved hours of incredible dancing! Add that to my normal workouts and my body has decided it hates me!

Best moment this week: Getting to hear LJ’s heartbeat for the first time…it is so SO strong!

Food cravings: Salty salty salty!! OMW…you know about sunflower seeds back in America! Especially the Davids brand! I WANT!! We don’t get them here…

Movement: He has some slow days but mostly he is active at least a solid 15 minutes every hours!

Symptoms: Extreme pelvic pressure! Lil Mister always sat far in my back. LJ normally does too but he has been laying forward lately to the point where I feel like I need to support my belly or bend over.

Labor Signs: Nope!

Stretch Marks: nope and we’re working hard to keep it that way!

Swelling? In my feet a lot and a little in the face!!

Belly Button in or out? its definitely almost out.


What I miss: sleep  guess I’m preparing!

Feeling toward Pregnancy: Truly ready for it to be over. Just a few weeks ago I felt like it had flown by but now the stress on top of our home life is just too much! LJ just needs to make an appearance and remind us what it is all about!

What I am looking forward to: Watching the friendship grow between brothers over the years!!

Milestones: LJ has turned!!

News: I had a doctors appointment on Monday! I was incredibly excited! I finally got to have an ultrasound as Dr got a new machine! I could hear LJ’s heart and all! He is definitely a boy! I was relieved to know FOR SURE!! Blood results have all come back normal so for now we wait to hear what the gynae will say in two weeks. But my weight is up to a good point for birth and my size and there are no other complications so natural birth here we come!



GENERAL NEEDS

 4-6 Tommy Tippee bottles (I’m not using Liams again) (I've acquired 2 this week!!)

 Dummy

 Toweling nappies (Just need to embroider them now!)

 Hats

 Bibs

 Socks

 Stage 2 diapers

 Stage 3 diapers

 Wet wipes** I like to stock up

 Breast pads (I have one pack now so I'm waiting to see how the breast feeding goes this round!)

 Aqueous cream

 Baby powder

 Baby oil

 Bum cream

 New monitors

 Nipple cream

 Face cloths

 Pharmacy stock (Panado, tissue salts, boscopan, telements colic drops, gripe water, milk of magnesia, ear buds, cotton wool, )



****Things I’d like to have*****



 New breast pump (I received a great gift from Living and Loving and Avent in a new pump!! Now I can use Liam’s old bottles with stoppers in them for storage as it fits the pump!

 Stoppers

 Microwave sterilizer

 2x more blankets

 2x more receiving blankets

 New nappy bag

 2x new towels

0-3 MONTHS

 Coming Home Outfit (Need wool! A friend is going to crochet a jacket and hat and booties for him! Then we'll just wear a vest and white pants!)

 2x summer jammies

3-6 MONTHS (this is where I gave a lot of Liams stuff away!)

 12x vests (4 long sleeves) (I got 2!!)

 4x cotton pants (with feet)

 2x summer jammies

 4-6x T-shirts

 3-5x Rompers (I got 1!!)

 3-5x Onesies (I got 2!!)


6-12 MONTHS (this is a season change from winter to summer for us! 3 months in each season)

 2x Winter jammies

 3x summer jammies

 2x jackets

 4x cotton pants

 3x shorts

 2x long sleeves

 6x short sleeves

 12x vests

 2x Rompers



Oh and in my true fashion I have made a list for the hospital bag as well! Maybe this will get me in motion a little bit. However, despite having been through this before I feel like I’m not packing everything I will need! I’ve revised it into the separate bags I will pack. (My hospital is an hour from our home!) Open to suggestions!

Labour/Birth Bag

 Admission documents

o Passport

o Doctors documents

o Hospital documents

o Any birth preferences

 Snacks/drinks

 Lip balm

 Little cash

 Music/Something to Read

 Calming focus photo

 Camera

 Facecloth x2 (one for in labor, one for shower after)

 Towel

 Change of comfortable clothes

 Change of panties

 Maternity pads

 Post-birth clothing

 LJ’s first outfit

o Vest, pants, shirt, sweater

o Socks, hat, bib

o Nappy, bum cream

 Receiving blanket/blanket

Mommy’s Hospital Bag

 Maternity Pads

 3-4 sets pajamas

 Nursing bras/panties

 Bath robe

 Socks/slippers

 Breast pads

 Breast pump/bottles

 Toiletries

o Shampoon/Cond

o Soap

o Toothpaste/toothbrush

o Lotion/oil

o Deo

o Hairbrush/gel/spray/clips & bands

o Nipple cream

 Extra towel

 Rehydrate

 Journal/Reading material

 Phone Charger

 Pillow & blanket



LJ’s Hospital Bag

 1x pack disposable nappies

 Dark face cloth for bum

 Wet wipes

 Bum cream

 Aqueous cream

 Cotton balls

 Soap

 Hair brush

 Towel/face cloth

 Vaseline

 Surgical Spirits

 5x baby grows

 5x vests

 5x socks/booties

 2x hats

 Jacket/jersey

 3x receiving blankets

 1x blanket

 3x toweling nappies

 Colic drops

Shana

Week 30

Another week down and I’m getting more and more excited. I still haven’t packed a hospital bag! I’m terrible! I’ve got a plan laid out for after LJ joins us for running and getting back into shape and I believe I have found a partner for all of this! What is even better is that it is finally hot enough here to be in the pool!! I spend my weekends completely exhausted from continuous jumping and splashing! Soon I’ll be doing morning swims again! YAY!


Total Weight Gain: 14 pounds!
This week, Baby is the size of a: head of califlower!!! (I wonder how long he stays this size lol ;-])

How far along? 30 weeks, 5 das

Due date: 15 Dec 2012

Total weight gain/loss: 0000

Maternity clothes? Haha still not…I figure I’m riding this one out until the end!!

Sleep: I've resorted to having to sleep sitting up. It happened all of the sudden. Like wham bam thank you mam but tonight you are no longer comfortable!
Best moment this week: Finally feeling like I'm bonding with LJ. So often I just feel like he is there and I want him to be a part of our family because he is!! Oh and winning the really awesome breast pump!

Food cravings: I still want Mexican…and anything salty

Movement: His movements are definetly getting more distinct and exact! Sharp pains at times.

Symptoms: LJ is all up in my back lately!! I'm considering alternative methods j/k but really!

Labor Signs: Nope!

Stretch Marks: nope and we’re working hard to keep it that way!

Swelling? Just my feet and ankles still...my face seems a little swollen as well :-/

Belly Button in or out? its definitely almost out.


What I miss: dancing! We were at a wedding this past weekend and it was so awkward lol And we've got another one next weekend haha all our friends get married while I'm pregnant!

Feeling toward Pregnancy: It's gone too quickly and I haven't taken the time to enjoy it!

What I am looking forward to: taking some time off from work just to be Mom to both my kids!

Milestones: grr...my milk started coming in...I hate these ridiculously full breasts that decided to jump up a size overnight!

News: Still no appointment! I’m ridiculously upset and frustrated!! All I can tell myself is that for some unknown reason this is all part of God’s plan!


GENERAL NEEDS

 4-6 Tommy Tippee bottles (I’m not using Liams again) (I've acquired 2 this week!!)

 Dummy

 Toweling nappies (Just need to embroider them now!)

 Hats

 Bibs

 Socks

 Stage 2 diapers

 Stage 3 diapers



 Wet wipes** I like to stock up

 Breast pads (I have one pack now so I'm waiting to see how the breast feeding goes this round!)

 Aqueous cream

 Baby powder

 Baby oil

 Bum cream

 New monitors

 Nipple cream

 Face cloths

 Pharmacy stock (Panado, tissue salts, boscopan, ect)

****Things I’d like to have*****

 New breast pump (I received a great gift from Living and Loving and Avent in a new pump!! Now I can use Liam’s old bottles with stoppers in them for storage as it fits the pump!)

 Microwave sterilizer

 2x more blankets

 2x more receiving blankets

 New nappy bag

 2x new towels

0-3 MONTHS

 Coming Home Outfit (Need wool! A friend is going to crochet a jacket and hat and booties for him! Then we'll just wear a vest and white pants!)

 2x summer jammies

3-6 MONTHS (this is where I gave a lot of Liams stuff away!)

 12x vests (4 long sleeve) (I got 2!!)

 4x cotton pants (with feet)

 2x summer jammies

 4-6x T-shirts

 3-5x Rompers (I got 1!!)

 3-5x Onesies (I got 2!!)

6-12 MONTHS (this is a season change from winter to summer for us! 3 months in each season)

 2x Winter jammies

 3x summer jammies

 2x jackets

 4x cotton pants

 3x shorts

 2x long sleeves

 6x short sleeves

 12x vests

 2x Rompers

Shana