Week 35.5: A New Perspective & Priorities

As the reality of having a baby continues to sink in, I've noticed that I've taken on a whole new perspective on many things in my daily life.  Whether it be my choice of clothing, what items I purchase, food choices, etc.  It seems that everything comes back to Addie.  For example, Every outfit I wear I wonder, "is this mom appropriate?"  (Sadly I have gotten rid of about 1/4 of my clothes because of this question...)  Now don't get me wrong, I don't want to be frumpy, but tube tops and plaid skirts from college that I had held onto just in case they would someday make it into a Halloween costume ensemble had to go.

When I purchase ANY item for the house I think, could Addie hurt herself on this?  That goes for every item currently residing in the house as well.  And, considering that her Father's nickname as a little boy was "tank" because he would ram his head into EVERYTHING, this is a valid concern.  In addition I need the space for all of Addie's fun baby stuff so anything that isn't a necessity is out.

My attitude about food and beverages has followed suit as well. For example, the other day I made Jell-O just for the sake of wanting Jell-O and NOT for the sake of making Jell-O shots.  I haven't made Jell-O without alcohol since my college days...  Is that bad..?  Then, when I was getting ready to head up north for the 4th of July, all I focused on was the food I was bringing.  I used to be thinking about what fun new mixed drink I was going to be making but now all I worry about is if I have my 3 stainless steel water bottles.  Then once I'm at the party, my focus goes back to food.  Oh, and having the word "light" in front of any food item I buy is not acceptable.  I know, I know, getting light is probably healthier, but seriously deep down you know that original is the best.

Our nightly life around the house is starting to change too.  My cats are currently in the process of being demoted from sleeping on our bed to sleeping outside of our room completely.  Yeah, that's a tough one.  I'm weaning them off by allowing them in the room every other night.  For those of you who have never met my cats and are wondering what the harm is of having them in the room with the crib, allow me to explain..  One is 20.2 lbs and the other is 17.6 lbs.  Now, I doubt the 20 lb one would be able to haul his happy @$$ over the side of the crib, however, the 17 lb one has some ups.  The fear of them cuddling too close to baby's head, or sitting on it like they do with Greg, is a real and possible danger.  Therefore, no more cats in the bedroom.

All in all, things are changing, I'd say, for the better around the Walther household.  Our lifestyles are healthier, our happiness levels are higher, and our love stronger.  Just in time for our little baby girl to arrive.  4.5 weeks and counting!

This pic was taken on Monday and I already
feel twice as big today...haha

Week 35.5 Check-In

Weight Gain: 14.5 lbs, still.. (that just goes to show just how much we really do eat over the fourth of July bc I weighed the same when I got back from that weekend, lol)

Cravings: Nothing recently.  Well I've been wanting a lemon lime slushy from Dairy Queen so I finally got one, with soft serve down the middle...delicious

Innie or Outie Belly Button?: I think I can take this one off because I'm not sure if it'll ever retract now..  It looks like a bulls eye through all of my clothes..

Stretch Marks: Negative

Fetal Movement: Addie has been having hiccups!  She's still quite active and really likes to push her butt and/or legs up under my left ribs...ouch!

Contractions: Not so much yet.  I may have had a few Braxton Hicks but I'm still questioning it..

Swelling/Varicose Veins/Linea Nigra:  Swelling has commenced...sometimes my toes look like little sausages...  VV-not yet.  LN-not yet 

Nursery Preparations: Room is almost complete and most items are put in their respective locations!

What I miss:  Being able to get ready without trying on 3 outfits because certain pieces don't fit anymore..

Most Looking Forward To:  Her birth! Let's be honest here people!!

Favorite Moment This Week: Her 36 week ultrasound appointment!  More to come on that in my next blog

Week 34-Bring on the Belly

This last week has been absolutely amazing!  On top of spending a ton of time with my family and 8 month old nephew, I got to see a ton of friends from high school at a classmate's wedding.  In addition, my Mom and Sister threw me the most fabulous baby shower!  It was such a beautiful day and it was SO wonderful having everyone there to support Addie and I and help us prepare for her arrival.  We received so many generous and extremely thoughtful and creative gifts, and I can't wait to get her in all of the adorable outfits!  Leah and my mom had people write out notes of advice, wisdom, and encouraging thoughts that I will forever cherish.  I already know that the days when it seems tough and I'm pulling my hair out, those notes will help get me through.  It truly was such a special occasion and couldn't have been a better beginning to the weekend!

The Fourth of July is without a doubt my family's favorite holiday.  Every year we hang out all weekend and family and friends bring their RVs and campers and stay overnight.  One night is always capped off with an amazing firework show, courtesy of my Uncle Jeff, and my Dad's grill never, and I mean NEVER, stops going.  He even grills breakfast at least once during the weekend.  (p.s. If you have never experienced my Dad's grilling, whether it be breakfast, lunch, dinner, or fourth meal...or fifth meal at that, you are missing out and you NEED to plan on attending our 4th of July celebration next year. I'll get off of my soap box now.)  One night I believe he was even cooking hot wings, chicken, and steak until 2:30am.  Can you say amazing?  Though most people can't fathom eating such hearty food that late, let me just tell you, we train people well and pretty soon you'll be joining in too.  Bonfires are had and there is a ton of relaxing, catching up, and great food.

This year was particularly special because we had some new additions to our celebration!  We were blessed with the presence of Greyden (my 8 month old nephew), Jacob, Bryson, and Alana.  All of whom are under a year old.  Holding and playing with all of these cuties made me SO anxious to hold Addie....only 6.5 weeks left!!!!!!!!!!!!  (I can't believe it!!!)

Nikki with Bryson, Katie with Alana, Leah with Greyden
I mean really, HOW CUTE?! ?!

Speaking of having 6.5 weeks left, I am blowing up even more rapidly than ever before.  Apparently Addie is now supposed to be gaining about a 1/2 lb a week, and I feel every bit of it.  In addition,  heat + ever expanding belly=tiredness.  I just don't have as much oomph as I used to!  I seriously have to push myself through my household duties without allowing myself to rest or else I'll never get back up.  I just don't remember what it was like to be able to accomplish all of these tasks with ease!  And I know once the baby actually comes, it'll be 100% harder than it is now.  Needless to say, I'm currently in the process of recruiting Greg to help with some of the chores and am toying with the idea of making a chore checklist.....  Anyone think he'll actually go for it?!? (now don't get me wrong, he does help out a lot, I just need a little more consistency for my sanity's sake)  I know, I know, wishful thinking, but I may just give it a go.  You don't know unless you try, right?!

Recently I'm not only tired but I'm also ridiculously clumsy.  I'm not sure if it's my big belly or my baby brain or both but I can hardly keep it together.  I am more of a liability in the kitchen than what I'm worth, trust me, my mom and sister will vouch for that.  During the course of helping prep food for the weekend I managed to nail myself in the chest with a flying strawberry, mess up the pineapple salsa recipe not once, but twice, and anything I could drop or splatter, I did.  When it comes to common sense cooking in the kitchen, you might as well count me out for that too.  I have to read, and then re-read, recipes over and over, and even then I still manage to screw them up.  I'm hoping that it's just because I have SO much on my mind and once I'm not pregnant anymore that I'll get my brain back.  Wishful thinking?

Ay yay yay...Holy Belly here we come!

Week 34 Check-In

Weight Gain: 14.5 pounds  

Cravings: Nothing recently.  I just can't eat a lot because of heartburn, and heavy foods turn me off.  I prefer cold things like popsicles and watermelon...Mmmmm

Innie or Outie Belly Button?: Oh for SURE an outie now.

Stretch Marks: Not yet!  Knock on wood...

Nursery Preparations:  The room itself is set up, I'm plan on washing sheets etc. on Sunday

Most Looking Forward To:  Our 36 week ultrasound on July 21st!  That's when we'll find out her placement, about how big she'll be, and see what she looks like.  Gotta love 3D ultrasounds :)  I kinda don't want to spoil the surprise of seeing her for the first time at the hospital, but at the same time, my impatience/excitement is getting the best of me...

Favorite Moment This Week: Of course, as stated above, my baby shower and seeing all of my family and friends!  Playing and hanging out with Greyden has to be the highlight though.  Life is good :)

Week:31

Wow has it been a long time since I've posted about Adelaide!  First of all, the Walther family is doing great!  Nesting instincts have kicked into overdrive, for me at least, and I've been going to town getting things ready around the house.  Her crib is being put together this weekend, the mattress is on its way, and the wall decorations are being shipped!  I have been trying to put off putting the crib together because I know once I see it every night, since it will be in our room, I won't be able to contain my excitement.  Now don't get me wrong, a couple Thursdays ago at my doctor's appointment when he told me I had 10 weeks left, I still almost fainted from fear, but there's definitely more excitement than fear now as her due date draws nearer. 

As my bowling ball belly has quickly grown into a basketball, I am feeling the pressure to get things done.  Nine trash bags later, and a few trips to good will, our upstairs office is slowly being transformed into another bedroom, just in case we are still in our current house (fingers crossed we aren't) when we decide to move Addie into her own room. Another major hurdle crossed? Child birthing/child care class has been completed. One full Saturday and I am now even more aware of the scariness joy of the birthing process. Let me tell you, when your instructor says that the video is graphic, she is NOT kidding. Once again that look of horror crossed over my face as each subsequent birth story was shown.  My husband, on the other hand, was smiling like a little school girl while exclaiming, "that's going to be you soon!"  Can you tell he's excited to meet his little girl???

We also finished our Lactation Class which was actually pretty informative. And, can I add that mom's milk really does do a body good! (too much?) Anyway, we learned that not only does breastfeeding boost our babies immunity, but it also reduces the risk of childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes, . It's also good for mom too! It reduces the risk for certain cancers and helps mom loose her baby weight faster, amongst other things.  It's a win-win, that is IF we can get her to breastfeed.  Wow have I heard some horror stories lately...  Fingers crossed that breastfeeding goes smoothly as well!

By now I'm fully in maternity clothes and am actually finding them quite comfortable now that my belly is quite "large and in charge."  (I seriously can't imagine that I have 9 more weeks of growing; they MUST have calculated her due date wrong)  The only problem is that I had some issues shopping for my summer attire.  While I typically wear cute little shorts, I just didn't feel it was appropriate as a pregnant woman.  (plus you look really funny and off-balance with short shorts and a pregnant belly, trust me, I tried)  However, the maternity summer shorts that are available, at least where I shopped, were, how do you say, laughable?  I took Greg with me thinking that it would help to have a second opinion when it came to picking out my summer wardrobe, and he did help, it was just slightly humiliating at the same time.  I have figured out that there is definitely a reason I wear shorter shorts, the longer ones make me look like an idiot.  Yes, Greg did laugh a couple of times (trust me, it was warranted) as I tried on some pairs.  Some came just above the knee, some hit mid-to-low thigh, all looked ridiculous. I just don't have the legs for it.  I bought some out of desperation and after trying to wear them with an outfit one day, realized that Greg was not kidding when he told me they just didn't look right, and thus promptly returned them.  On a good note, I've found that some old flowy skirts that I have held onto for years and some cotton dresses still fit!  Yay!

On a really exciting note, Jan threw us our first baby shower last weekend at an adorable Bed and Breakfast in Caro, MI.  All of the women on Greg's side were invited and it couldn't have been more perfect!  What made it so special was that it was small and intimate so I got a chance to speak to everyone and catch up.  In addition, the location that Jan picked couldn't have been cuter!  Ever since she told me about it I've been so excited in anticipation.  And let me tell you, talk about amazing food.  They had chicken salad croissants with fruit, and for dessert, homemade strawberry shortcake with homemade whipped topping.  Can you say heavenly???  We got SO many adorable things too!!!  I can't wait to organize everything (I am such a dork) and set up her room!!!  Seeing all of her things in our house is making it WAY more real now!

27 Weeks

31 Weeks-is it me or
does my belly looky pointy?

Week 31 Check-In

Weight Gain: 11.5 pounds  

Cravings:  So a few weeks ago I think I finally may have had my first true craving...Busch's beans.  Yup, you read that right.  I couldn't get my mind off of their canned vegetarian baked beans...so I finally bought them...and ate them...straight out of the can...  So humiliating to admit, but that's what happened.  I've also developed a strange affection for chocolate, and I'm usually just a sugar candy girl.  I definitely indulged in some leftover chocolate frosting...by the spoonful...Mmmm.

Innie or Outie Belly Button?: It still keeps popping in and out!  Most days it's in, but when I'm bloated or have to pee really bad, it's way out there.  Oh, and when I laugh it pops out.  I just don't think this is normal..

Stretch Marks: Nope

Nursery Preparations:  With all of our new nursery items from the shower I'm really going to be able to make some headway on this one!  Hopefully I'll have pics soon.

Most Looking Forward To:  The 4th of July weekend!  Seeing Leah, Kev, & Grey, and my baby shower for my side of the family!

Favorite Moment This Week: Without a doubt, my  baby shower :)  I love all of the cute things people bought for Addie! And of course seeing my friends at Andrea's wedding this past weekend was amazing!!

Fresh corn & Chicken Salad with Bow Tie Pasta

While grocery shopping last week, I spotted a great deal on a large jar of good old fashioned mayonnaise.  I contemplated the purchase because, while Greg loves mayo, I love miracle whip, and it didn't seem economical, or space friendly, to buy such a large jar when it could go bad.  A smile crossed my face, however, when I realized that the summer months are upon us and I would soon be making the traditional mayo based salads to accompany our many cook-outs, and, in the basket it went.  That got me thinking though.  I'm kinda bored with the usual salads choices, ie potato salad, coleslaw, macaroni salad, seafood salad, and tuna salad etc. (of which the latter two I can't make because of my husband's allergies)  I wanted something fresh and invigorated with flavor!  Enter my favorite food blog "The Pioneer Woman Cooks" and her take on a literal chicken salad.  I read the ingredients and thought to myself, "man, with a little tweaking, that would be great with bow tie pasta!"  So here it is.  A divine and fresh take on our traditional American pasta salads.  Eat and be merry.

Fresh Corn & Chicken Salad with Bow Tie Pasta
Ingredients:
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, marinated in Italian dressing, fully cooked (preferably grilled), and sliced into thin pieces about 1/4 in. thick  (Much better than cubing)

I had already started digging in so
please disregard the "presentation" :-)

2-3 fresh ears corn, kernels cut from cob*
3 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 red pepper, finely chopped
1 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 lb Farfalle (bow tie) Pasta

Dressing:
1/4 C sour cream
1/4 C mayonnaise
1/4 C feta cheese
1 t dried dill or 1 T fresh dill
1 T lemon juice
S & P to taste

In a medium saucepan bring salted water to a boil and add pasta.  Cook according to package instructions.  Grill the chicken.  Once cooked and cooled, cut along the bias and then thinly slice.  (*You may want to cut the corn into the bowl before adding the dressing ingredients if the kernels are still on the cob at this point. )  In a large bowl create dressing by mixing all ingredients together.   Add corn, celery, red pepper, onion, and chicken to bowl, toss to coat.  Add drained and cooled pasta to bowl.  Toss to coat.  Serve with an additional sprinkling of feta cheese and garnish with dill.

*An easy way to get corn off the cob is to take a large glass bowl and invert a smaller plastic bowl that fits into the base of the large bowl.  Place the ear of corn vertically on top of the bottom of the small bowl and cut the kernels off.  Kernels are then automatically collected in the larger bowl.
Alt: You can toss in blueberries to an individual serving to add an extra punch of summery goodness.  Trust me, it's good.

Week 25: My "First" Mother's Day

It was quite a new experience having people say "Happy Mother's Day" to me and, that's when it really hit me; I'm going to be a MOM!  It's still so surreal to think that when I hear a child yelling "mom" at the park, that it soon could be mine.  I am going to be one of those people who live their every day for their families.  I will be in charge of a life, trying to raise a child to be a grateful, humble, and productive human being.  The pressure of it is starting to become so real, and so is the excitement!!!

I must say that the one thing that puts my worries about raising a family at ease is my wonderful, amazing, and loving husband.  Though he has his immature and goofy moments, when it comes to family values, he is all business.  Take my "first" Mother's Day for example.  He started the day by making me a breakfast spread complete with blueberry pancakes, and did the dishes.  I also received a "from the both of us" card from him and Addie.  He then gave me a tank top in my favorite color (lime green) and, after hearing me complain about how I don't have a good cookie spatula, somehow he found the perfect one!  I'm in love.

                                                                     

The rest of the day we relaxed, spent time with our animals, and swung on our porch swing until he decided it was time to grill Addie and I some food.  Yay me!  He made the most tender garlic and herb pork loin served with baked potatoes and onions, corn on the cob, fresh picked asparagus, and his signature garlic bread, which is to die for.  I am telling you this meal was AMAZING.  After he cleaned up he joined me on the front porch swing where we read more about Addie's development and becoming "confident parents".

As the reality of bringing a new life into this world comes clearer, I can't help but think about how my mother must have felt when she was about to embark on this same journey.  If she had her fears or doubts, you never would've known it.  She handled every situation with love and confidence.  She is absolutely the best mom I could have ever asked for, and I've told her this before, I wish I would've taken notes on how she did it all.  I can only hope to be as inspiring, loving, encouraging, and selfless with my children as my mother is to me.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!

And here I am in all of my pregnant morning glory, haha

25 Week Check-In

Weight Gain: 10 pounds (I'm thinking that last pound was from Sunday's meals alone...I may have over indulged just a tad)

Showing: Ok, this category has got to go.  I'm obviously pregnant as made clear when the secretary at a recent high school visit I did exclaimed, "are you pregnant!?  That's so exciting!!"  There's no hiding it now! 

Cravings:  hmmm

Innie or Outie Belly Button?: Is there and "inbetweeney" option?

Stretch Marks: Nope

Maternity Clothes: Still a mix of both

Nursery Preparations:  Another new category!  With only 15 weeks to go I figured I had better add this to keep me on top of things.  Greg and I did pick some wall art that we like http://www.wall-pops.com/Flower-Power-Kit-Decal.aspx.  Since we can't paint, this will have to do :)

Most Looking Forward To:  Finishing my registry, so overwhelming..

Favorite Moment This Week: Having a stranger notice that I was pregnant and, of course, Mother's Day.

Week 24: "Holy Movement!"

I must say that the coolest (and weirdest) thing about being pregnant is the movement I feel.  I always tried to imagine what it would feel like to have a little baby squirming around inside my abdomen, but nothing truly could've prepared me for what it actually feels like.

I can honestly say that prior to becoming pregnant, I was never excited about feeling the kicks.  It just weirded me out to hear people talk about it.  Recently my sister told me about how she would watch her belly while sitting on the couch at night and see Jr. poke out and move across her abdomen...  Not gonna lie, that kinda scurred me.  I had seen small movements a few weeks ago, but decided to give it a good look last night just to see if I could see some real action since her kicks are getting stronger.

So there I am lying on the couch feeling Adelaide's kicks more than ever.  I pulled my shirt up to expose my belly and started watching TV.  Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw my belly pop out!  I thought, "no way was that really a kick. I must be mistaken."  So, I stared at the same spot, waiting to see if she'd kick again and, "AHHHHHHHHH!!!!"  I screamed a startled scream and about scared the crap out of my cats who were napping at me feet.  I swear she poked out of my belly about an inch followed by pushing in a half-moon shape around the side of my belly.  After my yell, I immediately starting laughing hysterically and then tearing up for joy.  Can you say "pregnancy hormones on overload"?  It was seriously amazing to me to think that that was really her inside of me moving!!  After the shock/joy/tears subsided, I spent the rest of the night watching Adelaide poke and punch out of my belly.

24 Weeks, 16 to go. 

Chewy Granola Bars

My appetite has become more and more ferocious as my pregnancy progresses and I'm always in need of snacks on-the-go.  I used to have "feeding times" around 7:30am, 10:30am, noon, 3:00, 5:30 etc.  In recent weeks, however, my "feeding times" have become closer...and closer.  I am now having them about every 1.5-2 hours, and I'm sure during the third trimester it will be a constant thing.  It never fails that every time someone walks in my office I either have food in my mouth, or on its way to my mouth.  The best is when I have a huge spoonful of yogurt with the cup right underneath my chin for easier shoveling...now that's embarrassing.  Can you say "deer in headlights" look?  The good news is that I think my coworkers are getting used to it.  The bad news is that I'm running out of yummy and quick snack ideas.  Enter Food Network Magazine's "50 after-school snacks" pamphlet.  It was a God-send.

There are so many scrumptious and easy recipes in there, I could just drool thinking of them.  The one that caught my eye right away were the granola bars.  I used to buy the chewy quaker oatmeal granola bars but I have started to become more and more turned off by prepackaged goods and their ingredients.  They just don't taste good to me anymore, not to mention I get nervous when I can't pronounce all ingredients.  So I've been on the lookout for a quick and easy recipe.  These bars and me were meant to be.  

The recipe is SO easy and truly mess free that I just had to share.  I have made two different kinds now, and I will continue to experiment adding little things here and there.  In my usual fashion I have slightly altered the recipe from the original, so that's the one I'll share with you.  Then turn out soft and chewy, but hold up well enough to stay in bar form.  I knew that they were a winner when my husband tried them and requested them in cinnamon raisin form, chocolate chip, and a combination of both. (Sounds like a man pregnancy craving to me)

These are the Oatmeal Raisin Ones

Chewy Granola Bars

Ingredients

2 T butter

1/3 C honey

1/3 C brown sugar

pinch of salt

2 C oatmeal (I used the old fashioned oats)

1 C chopped nuts and dried fruit (I used a trail mix of almonds, cranberries, and sunflower seeds)

2 T flax seed (the recipe called for wheat germ but I LOVE flax seed)

Melt butter in a medium sauce pan over medium heat.  Add honey, brown sugar, and salt, stir to combine.  Take off heat and stir in oatmeal, nuts and fruit, and flax seed.  Press into a very well greased (I use Pam) 8x8 glass dish.  Bake at 300 degrees for 30 minutes.  Allow to cool completely then cut into bars.  I then wrap them individually in foil and keep in a plastic bag.

Note: If they aren't baked enough they may be a little too soft and have a hard time conforming to a bar shape without falling apart when you go to eat them.  To remedy, after wrapping the bar in foil, press together on all sides to help solidify the shape.

Alternate Recipes: Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and replace the 1 C chopped nuts & fruit with 1 C raisins.  Deeeelicious!  Greg likes this one way more than the cranberry ones I made.  If you want chocolate chip, I would just replace the 1 C nuts & fruit with 1 C mini chocolate chips.  No cinnamon. 

There are a multitude of different varieties you can make with this simple recipe as your base.  Please share if you make one you love!

Have fun!  Change it up!  Enjoy!