23 Weeks (Baby is STILL the Size of a Papaya)

How far along? 23 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 12 lbs.

Maternity clothes? I got several shirts for Christmas!

Stretch marks? Nope.

Sleep: Not so great... I toss and turn all night BUT my mom did buy me a pregnancy wedge & it has helped!

 Best moment this week: Christmas of course! Opening all the gifts for Kylee was very exciting! Mike said she already has 8 pairs of shoes! Oh My!!

New nursery plans: We are going to paint next week and install blinds...YAY!!!!

Miss Anything? First off, from last week's complaint... I bought some amazing oil spray and my hair is back to normal! BUT Now I miss being able to squeeze into small places...I can't even lean over the counter to get close to the mirror!!

Movement:Oh YES! The List of people who have felt these kicks is growing!

Food cravings: Not really anything???

 Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope. :) I love that answer!

 Have you started to show yet: Yes

Labor Signs: No!!!!!!!!
Belly Button in or out? Popping out again...

Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: VERY HAPPY & RELAXED this time off is exactly what I needed!!!

Looking forward to: Starting on the nursery! I have a lot of ideas but now I need to just get to work!

Nursery Plans

Decorating the nursery is going to be the BEST thing on my looooooonnnnnngggggg to-do list. However, finding what I like is never easy. When Mike and I were planning our wedding all I ever said was "No, I don't like that!" and unfortunately the same is true for this nursery. I have spent countless hours searching for color schemes, furniture set-up, decorations....the list goes on! I knew right away that I didn't want a "themed" room. I don't want flowers and butterflies or Disney etc. I want a room that Kylee can grow up with. Well like most girly girls my favorite color is pink and once we found out that we are having a girl I instantly saw pink, pink and more pink. BUT after my searching (mostly Pinterest) and Mike saying he doesn't want to have pink walls I found the color scheme for Kylee's room.

Image via Pinterest

The only thing different is instead of the top cream color we are using white. We will paint the walls with a light gray color and use the pink's for accents. Gray should have been easy for me to realize since my WHOLE house is decorated with black, white and gray! Anyways after I found the color scheme and Mike AGREED (yippee) I started to find lots of inspiring nurseries...here are my top two!



Image via rhbabyandchild.com

Who wouldn't LOVE this adorable nursery! I sure do! Unfortunately we do not have two windows in the room but, I will be hanging pink curtains from the one that we do have. Also I do love the mirror but Mike says it's a bit much :) I also love the idea of a chandelier BUT also like this light I saw at IKEA.



Image via projectnursery.com



This room is A LOT closer to what ours will look like. Starting with that exact glider... I found it at Babies R Us!!!! We are also looking at a white crib, a short dresser (to be used for a changing table) and a bookcase. I am NOT a fan of the fur rug or the fact that all the furniture is on one side. Oh and how cute is the little kid chair!?!?

I also found some ideas for decorations above the crib. I like the idea of either a quote or her monogram. I just want her first name though.



Image via ESTY openheartcreations



Image via ETSY JustTheFrosting



I also found some art work on ETSY that Mike and I both like.

And for the bedding I just ordered several fabric swatches from babybedding.com

Now the ideas are flowing....time to get to work!

22 Weeks (Baby is the size of a Papaya)

How far along? 22 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 12 lbs.

Maternity clothes? No, I don't even want to go shopping for clothes :( Everything at my normal stores fit WEIRD and everything at the maternity store is to BIG!

Stretch marks? Nope. Just keep rubbing on the belly butter!

Sleep: Not so great... I can no longer sleep on my tummy.

 Best moment this week: Going to see The Nutcracker Ballet with my mom! We had a great time and Kylee must have LOVED it because she was dancing in my belly the entire time! My mom even got to feel her kick :) 

New nursery plans: We have yet to buy ANYTHING! I am now debating between a chandelier or this funky white light fixture at IKEA. Also ordered some fabric swatches for the bedding choices :)

Miss Anything? I miss my old hair...I am now a NOT so proud owner of frizzy dry hair :( I thought prenatal vitamins were magical???

Movement:Yes and I love it. It's such an amazing reminder that I am growing a baby!!!

Food cravings: Chili's Salsa...which I made at home :)

 Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope. Let's keep it that way!

 Have you started to show yet: Yes

Labor Signs: No!!!!!!!!
Belly Button in or out? Popping out again...

Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY...I love this time of year! Especially the two week vacation!!!

Looking forward to: Taking a lot of naps over the break and enjoying some time with my wonderful husband! Oh and getting my hair done...it's been way to long!!!!

21 Weeks (Baby is the Size of a Banana)

How far along? 21 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 10 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Nothing else but it is amazing how the tank tops have helped! They cover up my unbuttoned & unzipped pants perfectly!!

Stretch marks? Still feeling lucky...I don't even have that dark line under the belly button. Although I must admit I did freak out a little because I thought I saw a stretch mark, turns out it was just from my leggings being to tight.

Sleep: Still sleeping great but an update to the heartburn... Mike suggested a glass of milk (since this helps with spicy food). I tried it, with chocolate syrup of course and... MAGICALLY it worked!

 Best moment this week: Having MANY people in public ask when I'm due! I know people complain about the strangers BUT I am excited I'm officially showing enough to not be mistaken for eating to much!!!

New nursery plans: Found great fabric ideas for the crib online, a fabulous glider and CRIB...but deciding between white and espresso??? I didn't think I wanted white furniture but I think it will look the best... We will see??

Miss Anything? I miss being able to shop all day and NOT be exhausted!

Movement:Yes and the kicks are getting stronger! The other night Dallas yelped in the middle of the night and Kylee kicked me SO HARD...she is already concerned about her big brother!

Food cravings: The sweets have come and gone...thank goodness! Don't get me wrong I still love my chocolate but dessert every night is a bit much...right?

 Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope. I even saw a picture of breaded pork chops and though it looked delicious!

 Have you started to show yet: Yes

Labor Signs: No!!!!!!!!
Belly Button in or out? Starting to be flat as a pancake...much better than popping out!

Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Still HAPPY...and a little stressed with all the choices needing to be made on the registry!Looking forward to: Choosing a paint color in the nursery. We bought 3 samples of different shades of gray and we will paint over the Christmas break!!!!!

20 Weeks (Baby is the Size of a Cantaloupe)

 

How far along? 20 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 8 lbs.

Maternity clothes? I didn't buy "maternity clothes" BUT I bought 8 new tank tops (very long) and a few simple shirts...these necessities are helping BIG TIME!!!

Stretch marks? No. I am wondering how much more my belly can stretch...I know its going to get a lot bigger but I just don't see how? Until then LOTS of Belly Butter!

Sleep: Still sleeping great but starting to have heartburn as soon as I hit the sheets :( I have to prop up my pillow for a while and slowly ease my way down.

Best moment this week: Revealing the news of our wonderful baby GIRL and having half my kindergartners say "YESSSS" and the others say "Ah Man..." I guess they were disappointed HA HA

Have you told family and friends: <~~~ taking this question off and adding a new one below

New nursery plans: Pink and Gray with white furniture...lots of picture frames with quotes, sayings and lyrics

Miss Anything? I miss SALSA...I still eat it but I pick and choose because of HEARTBURN

Movement:YES!!!! Still waiting for Mike to enjoy the kicks. Kylee is pretty stubborn...which must be from her father (; because every time I make him touch my belly she stops kicking!

Food cravings: Sweets, sweets, and more SWEETS...can't wait to see the scale next week!

Anything making you queasy or sick: The morning sickness is completely gone and I am SO HAPPY about that! I'm even drinking regular brewed coffee at home. This is saving lots of money for the nursery :)

 Have you started to show yet: Yes

Labor Signs: No!!!!!!!!
Belly Button in or out? Looking flat at times but a little dot sticks out???

Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Still HAPPY...who wouldn't be happy with such an amazing experience?

Looking forward to: Searching the web for nursery ideas...decorating is so fun!

BLUE or PINK????

        We are tickled pink and happy to say
           a darling baby girl is on the way!


This was by far the most exciting doctors appointment yet. It seriously felt like Christmas Eve the night before our appointment because all I wanted to do is go to bed BUT I was way to excited!! Waiting in that waiting room felt like forever and when they finally called my name I was suddenly nervous. As we walked to the room I had a huge smile on my face and that smile NEVER left. Of course before we could hear the BIG NEWS they had to take a million measurements. Then the news was revealed and shown CLEAR AS DAY that we were having a baby GIRL. I must say my smile got much bigger and I looked straight at Mike who was staring at the screen with a huge smile as well. The doctor printed us pictures & gave us a CD with copies to share with family and friends. I couldn't take my eyes off of the pictures and would not let go of them. Mike had to snap me out of my daze as I had some  work to do while we waited to talk to the doctor about the measurements and results.

I had decided to order cupcakes with pink icing inside as a way to announce our BABY GIRL. I also bought balloon's for the "Mimi & Grammy". After our LONG appointment with nothing but good news had ended, we began our journey around town to hand deliver the news. Here are the reactions....

We also decided to have a fun announcement for our family in Texas. Since the next day was Thanksgiving we put together an idea to announce the news during their Thanksgiving feast. Thanks to Tonie, she put together the box and stuffed it with pink balloons...and once opened we heard (and captured a picture)a GREAT reaction!!

We also bought our first "gifts" for our baby girl!! Mike picked out an adorable bib and it speaks the truth!!!

I picked out her first pair of shoes...we all know a girl can NEVER have to many shoes :)

                   We can't wait to meet Kylee Rose Lankford!!!!!

19 Weeks (The Baby is the Size on a Mango)

How far along? 19 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 7 lbs.

Maternity clothes? I am desperately needing some maternity clothes...all my shirt are about to expose my belly!!!

Stretch marks? Nope BUT in addition to my coco butter my mom bought me Burt Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter. She also bought some new PJ's from Victoria Secrets AND bought them in a size small instead of extra small! HA HA

Sleep: Sleeping GREAT again with my new PJ's...they are so comfortable!

Best moment this week: Having all week off school and spending time with family

Have you told family and friends: Yes

Miss Anything? WINE...what else is their to miss...especially HOMEADE WINE!!!

Movement:YES!!!! I love it & can't wait for Mike to enjoy it as well

Food cravings: Ice Cream...my new favorite place...Menchies Yogurt

Anything making you queasy or sick: Still feeling great BUT I've started to experience heart burn :(

 Have you started to show yet: Yes

Labor Signs: No!!!!!!!!
Belly Button in or out? It's slightly popped out...and was even noticed through my shirt!

Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Beyond HAPPY I can't wait to find out the BIG NEWS...pink or blue??

Looking forward to: Sharing the news with family and friends...I've got some GREAT ideas!!!

18 Weeks (The Baby is the Size of a Sweet Potato)

How far along? 18 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 6 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Still nothing new...

Stretch marks? Nope :)

Sleep: Sleeping good but I get pretty hot at night

Best moment this week: Hearing everyone vote for BOY or GIRL!

Have you told family and friends: Yes the news if ALL out

Miss Anything? A glass of wine...or two

Movement:YES!!!! A lot at night & one time I felt the baby while reading a story to my class

Food cravings: Really looking forward to some delicious TURKEY

Anything making you queasy or sick: Knock on wood BUT I'm feeling fabulous!

 Have you started to show yet: Yes

Labor Signs: No!!!!!!!!
Belly Button in or out? In...but seriously about to pop...

Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Extremely happy...did I mention I get an entire week off of work for Thanksgiving???Looking forward to: All I can think about is finding out BOY or GIRL...and my exciting ideas to share the news ;)

17 Weeks (The baby is the Size of an Onion....my LEAST favorite vegetable)

How far along? 17 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 5 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Still nothing new...

Stretch marks? No! I did buy coco butter lotion ( I'm not sure if I believe this will prevent BUT my belly will be soft)

Sleep: Great Sleep & some GREAT naps on the weekends

Best moment this week: One of my students said "your belly is getting BIG" and another said "Its going to be really really big" <~~~using his arms to make a BIG belly! How CUTE!

Have you told family and friends: Yes the news if ALL out

Miss Anything? I think I'm getting use to the changes...for now ;)

Movement:YES!!!! Only on the inside (Mike can't feel it yet) but wow it is AMAZING!!

Food cravings: MMMM Sweets...at the grocery store I ALWAYS want to add a chocolate bar!

Anything making you queasy or sick: It's improving but still ever once in a while...

 Have you started to show yet: Yes

Labor Signs: No!!!!!!!!
Belly Button in or out? In...and holding on for dear life!!!!

Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Very happy...I love this time of year!

Looking forward to: Making thanksgiving day decorations & of course BOY OR GIRL....so excited!!!!

16 Weeks (Baby is the Size of an Avocado...Holy Guacamole)

How far along? 16 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 5 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Nothing new BUT I am really loving the jeans I bought!!

Stretch marks? No...but my belly is soo itchy!!
Sleep: Sleeping better now :) Thank goodness!!

Best moment this week: The countless times Mike has touched my belly...it is so cute!!!

Have you told family and friends: Yes & a lot of my student's parents asked me on conference night :)

Miss Anything? being able to "squeeze" into small spaces! This belly is starting to get in my way!

Movement: No, my doctor told me it feels like a pop & I should lay really still...it's not working yet

Food cravings: Nothing I'm craving just things I defiantly DON'T want!!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Knock on wood but it is getting a little better this week :)

 Have you started to show yet: Yes

Labor Signs: No!!!!!!!!
Belly Button in or out? In...still not for long though
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Very happy...I love this time of year!

Looking forward to: Still Thanksgiving, Finding out the sex on November 23rd & having a whole week off school!!!

15 Weeks (Baby is the Size of a Navel Orange)

How far along? 15 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Still 4lbs.

Maternity clothes? YES! I finally bought a pair of jeans!!! I also bought a cute dress and shirt :)

Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Sleeping good but having a hard time getting comfortable

Best moment this week: We finally found the heartbeat on our own with the Baby Doppler!!

Have you told family and friends: Yes and the word is spreading to all the kids at my school! I must say its pretty cute hearing kids ask me if I have a baby in my belly :)

Miss Anything? WINE WINE WINE...I'm really "whining" over this!!

Movement: Not yet... but I heard its very soon!! Maybe 18 wks

Food cravings: Nothing really this week...but I had a lot of sweets :/ I'm surprised I didn't gain 5lbs.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Smells....why won't this go away :( Morning time is no fun!!

 Have you started to show yet: Yep...all I hear is WOW you really popped out

Labor Signs: No!!!!!!!!
Belly Button in or out? In...not for long though
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Still happy except in the mornings with the nausea...I'm over it!!

Looking forward to: Thanksgiving...we are having it at our house & we are hopefully going to know the sex by then :) MMMMM Turkey

Happy Halloween!!!

 

Yay! Halloween is finally here!!! I had a blast at school today with my Kindergartners BUT all of them were oblivious to the BABY skeleton on my shirt (which I made)! Finally at the end of the day I questioned them all and they said "Is there a baby in your belly?" YES!!! The secret is officially out to everyone :) One of my students asked if I could bring HER to school tomorrow. HAHAHA Of course I told her we didn't know if the baby was a boy or girl & she would have to wait until April! The kids were so cute & all wanted to lightly rub my belly :)

Anyways I hope everyone had a FABULOUS Halloween & didn't eat as much candy as me!!!

14 Weeks (Baby is the size of a Lemon)

Sorry this is LATE...I have had some horrible headaches the past 3 days!!!

How far along? 14 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 4 lbs.

Maternity clothes? I went to buy some jeans and the smalls and WAY to big in the thighs and length... NOT GOOD

Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Sleeping great & still laying on my belly

 Best moment this week: My moms monthly gift! Its a baby Doppler!!! I can listen to our baby's heartbeat at home!!! Although I have yet to hear the actual heartbeat, I still get to hear the wiggle and squish sounds. Thanks mom (Mi Mi) :) 

Have you told family and friends: Yes BUT I haven't told my kindergarten students...I am waiting until someone asks...although I don't think they are noticing :)

Miss Anything? I'm missing being able to wait until lunch to eat! It is a PAIN to go get applesauce and then eat it in front of a bunch of 5 year old's.

Movement: Not yet...

Food cravings: The sweets are starting to settle in... I have been eating candy A LOT!!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Seriously I'm over the queasy symptom...it was suppose to stop at the 2nd trimester and I'm still suffering :(

 Have you started to show yet: YES I had one of my old student's parent ask the office staff if I was pregnant & then she came to touch my belly and say congrats!!

Labor Signs: No!!!!!!!!
Belly Button in or out? In...but its getting very shallow...this is the one thing I am not happy about...and the possibility of future stretch marks
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: I think I got a little moody this week... I blame it on stress not the baby

Looking forward to: Still Halloween (yummmm CANDY)