18 weeks

How far along:  18 weeks

Baby Size:  Small electric shaver :) or a sweet potato.

Weight:  127.4.  I think I'm up 4 1/2lbs

Symptoms:   

• Super emotional
• Cramping
• Tired

Maternity Clothes:   I still am fine in regular clothes, but I got a bunch of stuff from my sister so I've started mixing them in.

Sleep:  I got a few 2 hours stretches Saturday night.  It's the little things that make me happy.  I even got an almost 3 hour stretch Sunday night (and then was up with insomnia the next hour), but it seems to be getting better.

Cravings/Food Aversions:  Pizza, donuts and fruits (I should probably indulge that one the most).  I'm starting to eat meat, but burger and chicken aren't working for me.  I did have a brat and then a sausage mcmuffin from Mcdonalds and had no issues with those.

Belly Button:  In

Rings on or off: In

Gender:  After we tell a few more people, I'll share it!

Name:  Probably have a first name, still debating the middle.

Movement: Nope, I 'think' I may have felt something, but I really don't think it was the baby. 

Best moment: Knowing that everything was okay with the baby.  Rob getting to see the baby again.  Finding out the sex of the baby!

Looking forward to:  Being halfway done.  2 more weeks!

What I miss:  Cherry coke.  I'm probably going to have to have some soon.


Labor signs: No thank you.

Appointments:   20 week appt in 2 weeks. 

Misc.  Last night Rob made cookies (or really pillsbury made them and he just baked them) and I was not eating obe right away and Rob told me to "Eat the cookie because the baby wants it"  :)

The song by Gary Alan "Every storm runs out of rain" has been my motivation this pregnancy.  I first heard it a week before I found out I was pregnant.  It came on in the car today.  As it's down pouring outside.  Ironic?  But now the sun is out and shinning. :)

 

Say Hello Diamonds Pantina Earring Giveaway

The following is a review and giveaway on behalf of Manic Mama of 2.
I did not review the product nor write the review.

 I was given the chance to try out a pair of Say Hello Diamonds Pantina earrings. This review is fully my own and the opinion may differ from that of yours. Lately I have been looking for some earrings that are classy and yet I can wear them every day with no worries of them looking out of place.
 

When I received my Pantina Earrings from Say Hello Diamonds, I was thrilled. They came in a little black box and they were everything that I was looking for. I have not taken them off one day since I received them. I wanted to make sure that they would stand the test of little ones and so that is why I waited a while to do my review. I have worn them out to eat with the hubs, to job interviews, and even just to the grocery store with my hair in a bun. They look classy and elegant and not the least bit gaudy.
Here is a little bit about Say Hello Diamonds: Say Hello Diamonds Founder Jeannie Manzo believes that everyone should be able to afford the thrill of luxury jewelry without breaking the bank. Her products have the look of real diamonds and her team takes the time to inspect each product to ensure perfection in every piece. Our superior craftsmanship, exceptional quality and design integrity insures your special gift will last for years to come. Tell your loved one that they’re always on your mind with a surprise pair of earrings or a theme piece. Never forget to express your love for your partner, family, and friends.
My Verdict: If I would not have known that they were not real diamonds, I would not have been able to tell the difference. It gives me the style that I want without having to break the bank! My hubs had to do a double take when I had these on. That is how real and sparkly that they really do look. The compliments that I got on these were a deal sealer for me!
The Giveaway: And now for the part that you have all been waiting for, THE GIVEAWAY! I am please that I am able to offer one of my readers a pair of these Pantina Earrings for themselves. Make sure you enter on the rafflecopter below.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guess Baby's Gender

We find out next Tuesday if baby is a boy or girl.  Since neither of us have any real strong feelings I want to know what you guys think.  Vote in the poll below!

Is baby a boy or girl?

Getting ready for summer giveaway-Blogger opportunity

Hosted by:

 NYSavingSpecials 

and 

Your Fashion Resource

Come and join us on this great giveaway

"Getting ready for Summer"

We will have 3 winners, all prizes will be ordered and shipped from Toysrus.com

Prize #1 Any bike up to $150 (kids or adult/Safety accessories not included)

Prize #2 Step2-Touring-Wagon-Functions Value $119 (if not available winner can pick another wagon up to $119)

Prize # 3 Scooter up to $80 (Safety accessories not included)

Here are the details to sign up:

-Free Link (Twitter or Pinterest)  

The first 50 bloggers to sign up will get a link free with announcement. 

Announcement is require or you have to pay a waver fee of $5.00

Please get your announcement here.

(Please read the sign up form on the top to know if we still have free space available)

-Link/ or extra links $4.00 each (if the free spots are gone, to be part of this giveaway you will need to pay $4.00 for each link you want on the giveaway)

Announcement is require or you have to pay a waver fee of $5.00.

Please get your announcement here.

-Co-Host $20.00

The co-host get 2 host page.  

10 links on the RC.

No announcement require.

Please send payment to melisurveys1978@gmail.com as a gift.

Sign up here

17 week update

How far along:  17 weeks

Baby Size:  A hockey puck or an onion.

Weight:  126.4, up .2 lbs from last week.

Symptoms:   

• Really tired
• Super hungry lately
• Smelling things that aren't anywhere nearby 
• Winded very easily.  Like walking up the stairs with a laundry basket leaves me out of breath.  It could be that I'm super out of shape though.
• Gassy ::hangs head in embarrassment::  Most are odorless, but I almost dutch ovened myself the other day
• Sensitive; I've been crying more
• This is a little tmi but I heard the term lightning crotch after getting pregnant and didn't understand what it meant.  I just experienced it last night.  Ouch Ouch.  

Maternity Clothes:  No, but I'm down to one pair of jeans that are comfortable.  I have one more that I can use the hair-tie trick on.  I am going to wash a few more to see how they work.  I have no maternity shirts for when I need them though.

Sleep:  I had two good nights and then the up all night every night started again.  I got some unisom, but I'm nervous to take it (even though my ob suggested it).

Cravings/Food Aversions:  Lots of fruit.  I wish it was cheaper though because I spent more on grapes than I want to admit. 
I can eat most things (other than meat), but in small portions.

Belly Button:  In

Rings on or off: On, but they have always been a little loose so I think they will fit for a while. 

Gender:  I'm really thinking girl.  I'd love a daughter or a son, but I think I will be surprised if it winds up being a boy.  Not in a disappointing way, but surprised.

Name:   Not sure if it's a girl, pretty sure if it's a boy. 

Movement:  No, although I try really hard to see if I feel anything sometimes.  

Best moment: We were really blessed to have some stuff given to us yesterday by family.  We got a swing/bouncer (although the swing part isn't working; Rob's going to have to figure it out), a play mat, a crib (we had one, but this matches better), a diaper bag, a bassinet and a few misc things.  Rob even has the crib mostly put together.  Being down to one income has put a freeze on baby spending so I feel so thankful for people who are giving us things. 

Looking forward to:  Finding out if baby is a boy or girl next week.

What I miss:  Diet coke (I've had the caffeine free version but it isn't as good)

Labor signs: Nope, and I'd be okay if they stay away for another 20 weeks

Appointments:  The a/s in one week!  20 week appointment on May 14. 

Misc.  I am starting to feel uncomfortable when I am sitting and lean forward.  I can't sit like that anymore.

I'm also a little bit freaking out about that fact that the anatomy scan is next week.  I posted about it here.  I know the purpose isn't to find out the sex of the baby, it's to check development.  Finding out is a bonus.  I just can't believe I'm already at that point.  I'm nervous also because I just want to know that the baby is healthy and doesn't have any issues.  

Free blogger opp. Water slide giveaway

Summer Adventure Event

Hosted by: Mom to Bed by 8

Prize: Banzai Plummet Falls Adventure Slide Water Park

Event dates: 5/13 - 5/28

Free Blogger Event: Sign Up HERE

ZIPaboo Giveaway

Welcome to the ZIPaboo Giveaway

Hosted by: The Nurse Mommy!

(Most of you know that I'm pregnant with my first and due this fall.  I have changed so many diapers in my years of working in childcare to know that this product is easily a must have.  A lot of times I wouldn't even do all the snaps on an outfit knowing that in an hour I would have to do it all over.  This would make life so much easier)

ZIPaboo is an adorable sleeper, designed by exhausted mama, Erin Lang, during a 2am diaper change. What she says about ZIPaboo:

I had spent months trying to figure out a way to change his diaper in the middle of the night without disturbing him so he would easily fall back asleep. But, nothing worked! I would try to change his diaper with the absolute least amount of light possible to get everything unpackaged, cleaned, repackaged, suited up in pajamas, and back in to the crib. It was always a struggle because whatever type of pajama I used seemed to take too long to change, always woke him up, and resulted in us watching reruns of the Golden Girls every night together. I started using pajamas that had snaps in the legs and up the chest, but I spent so long re-aligning snaps that he perked up and was ready to play.Or, I used a zippered pajama and would practically have to get him completely undressed to change his diaper. My favorite aspect to the zippered pajamas was playing pretzel leg with my five month old to get it crammed in to the awkward side. It did not make any sense to me. I was growing more and more frustrated with traditional footed pajamas.

And this was the moment that ZIPaboo was born! I stood over my sweet little boy and thought, “This is crazy! Why isn’t there a round zipper that gives me direct access to what I need?” The next morning, I loaded Jake up in the car and we drove to a local tailor to create our first prototype. I received it back after a few days and we tried it on that night. It worked GREAT! I actually surprised myself by how easy and functional it was to use.

For details of the review and some seriously adorable baby pics, 

see Katrina's ZIPaboo Sleeper Review

Giveaway runs from 4/22 - 5/7 midnight. ARV $36. US only. Winner has 48 hours to respond to email notification or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen. Please enter via Rafflecopter below!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Katrina received a ZIPaboo sleeper in exchange for review, see review for details. No other compensation was received for this posting. The Nurse Mommy blog will always provide honest opinions, beliefs or experiences on products reviewed. We will only recommend products or services that we feel are of benefit to our readers. The Nurse Mommy and participating bloggers are not responsible for prize obligations. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or any other social media outlets. Links enclosed may contain affiliate links. 

Mini-Freak Out

At church this weekend I was asked when and if we were going to find out the sex of the baby.

I said yeah.  Next week.

Wait?  Next week?  Already?

I don't look pregnant (at least to others, I've seen a change in my stomach over the last few weeks, Rob can start to see it also), and I don't feel the baby or really feel pregnant so it's crazy to think I'm this far along. 

ZIPaboo Sleeper Giveaway

Great New Blogger Opportunity here for you bloggers!
And a sneak peek at an exciting upcoming giveaway for you Mommies!!
Zipaboo Sleeper Giveaway ARV $40

We're looking to team up with 10 bloggers to help us promote a giveaway running starting the week of 4/22.Giveaway will run from 4/22-5/7.

Free option available. Only one co-host/secret word task page spot available. First come.

Sign ups: on Google Docs

Questions? Email Michelle from The Nurse Mommy

Keurig Giveaway

Urban Times in Michigan welcomes you to the Massdrop Giveaway Event

Are you a coffee drinker? I'm not a coffee drinker, but Rob drinks it and we own a Keurig of our own. It's get's used on a daily basis. I make hot chocolate or apple cider k-cups in it. Rob drinks donut house coffee (his favorite), or heats water up for tea.

Massdrop takes a group of people that each want to buy the same thing, combines their order, and places that order directly with the manufacturer. If you are interested in a product for a group buy you can start a poll to see how many people might be interested. When people vote on a poll, Massdrop calls the manufacturer and negotiates with them to get the group the best price possible.

As a result, everybody in the group gets the large quantity price while only having to buy one, or however many you want. Of course, the larger the group the better price everyone will get!!

Massdrop just had this great group buy on a Keurig B60 Single-Cup Home-Brewing System. Normally, this Keurig retails for around $169.99 but, Massdrop worked their magic and offered it for $97.00! Even though this deal has ended you can "request" the group to be on again, or create a poll to vote for upcoming group buys you want.

One lucky winner will receive a Keurig B60 Single-Cup Home-Brewing System!!

Organized by: Mom Powered Media

Hosted by: Baby Costcutters, Mom to Bed By 8, Powered by Mom, Giveaway Booster, Homeschooling Mom 4 Two, Making Memories With Your Kids, Mommy May We, and Frugality For Less

Giveaway ends May 8th at 11:59pm, open Worldwide, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Urban Times in Michigan is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. This event was organized by MomPoweredMedia please contact tina@babycostcutters.com with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!

Weekly Update 4.19.13 (lots of pictures)

1) Our nephew was born on Monday. Welcome to the world baby Gabe! I loved those newborn baby snuggles.  Now we have 2 nieces and 2 nephews.  Our baby will be the tie-breaker on both sides. 

2) Monday was also our anniversary.  We were a little busy with work, visiting the hospital and then going out to dinner that it was after 9 before we got home and I just forgot about it, so we actually took the picture on Tuesday.  I'm a little weird about not doing it on the exact day, but it's silly.  It's not like one day makes that much of a difference. 

3) I figured out how to add a link to my blog's facebook, twitter and my pinterest page using an icon.  I figured out how to do it before but I wanted to use the icon.  It took me a while to find html code to do it, because I have no clue how to write my own code, but then it was fairly easy.  I couldn't find a smaller image for pinterest though.  Visit them and like or follow them, and if you could click the 'we're on the fence button' I would appreciate it. If not I'll still like you.

4) With all the bad stuff that's been happening this week, the Boston marathon bombings, the explosion at a plant in Texas (although I think that was accidental), I am more thankful than ever for knowing that when I die I am going to Heaven.  Jesus saved me and I can have hope.
I don't want to have to suffer, who really does, but I know that in the end it will all be okay.  Not everyone can say that, and that makes me so sad.
I am reminded though in the stories I read about the good people that exist; the people who ran toward danger instead of away from it; the people who worked night and day to save and protect people.  I am  going to remind myself of that because I need something positive.

5) In weather related news, we've had rain here almost every, if not every day for the last several weeks.  As a result flood levels are high.  Like really high.  Higher than I can remember them every being and high enough that if it rains today there will be records set.  Here are some pictures (I didn't take most these; found them on local news sites and facebook)

Summer 2008; Traveling Vietnam Wall; I did take this one

April 2013

Downtown Grand Rapids

April 2008; Taken by me

April 2013

6) This week was kind of a roller coaster week with the job.   I posted last week about how it was ending.  Then Monday there was a chance it could still work out.  Yesterday I found out it won't.  I understand budgets and not being able to pay me what I need.  I'm just not willing to work 9 days a month, some 8 hour, some 5 hours, starting at 6am until 3pm (on the 8 hour days).  It winds up being 5-8 dollars an hour.  I know I should have taken it because it's money, and I know Rob was annoyed that I asked for $500 instead.  My time is still valuable though, and I know what I am worth.  I'm hopeful I can find something.  It almost might be easier since with that job my scheduled would have varied so much (like different days every week).  I have no hard feelings that it won't work out.  I wish it could have, but budgets stink.

7) I won a cloth diaper and inserts from Imagine diapers and a certificate to Chelory this week.  Chelory has a hunting camo diaper which I probably am getting.  It is a one size which means it won't work in the newborn stage (baby needs to be 12lbs I think).  Rob asked me last night if I could find a newborn camo print and I am having a hard time.  I want to so badly since it's the first time he's asked for something like that.  I can find a few one-size, but no newborn.  It has to be hunting camo, not military camo. If you have seen one let me know please.
I have time, but it would be so perfect considering I am due on October 1st, which is opening day of bow season.  I did tell Rob that he could go out hunting if the baby hasn't come yet, as long as he doesn't go more than 30 minutes away and keeps his phone on him at ALL times.   I also told him that he won't be going up to deer camp with my dad and brother this year for opening gun day (November 15), because that would be an overnight trip.  I'm not sure I want to be overnight alone with a tiny baby.

8) And I've been thinking about birth announcements this week.  We ordered all our wedding stuff from vistaprint and I was really happy with them and we got a lot of free stuff as well.  One of the free things we got were photo magnets and I put an engagement picture on them and shared them with family.
Anyway so I was going to order the announcements from vista print because they are cheaper than shutterfly (where I would have otherwise). Then my smart self thinks to do magnet announcements and I can get them in a post card size and they are cheaper still than shutterfly.
Then yesterday I see a groupon for vistaprint.  $17 for $70 worth of stuff.  So I bought it.  It expired October 15.  I think I should be safe with that.  So I can get at least 50 announcements plus note cards for under $20.  Awesome!

9)  This is my latest craft project.  I like to start them and not finish them.  This is made from felt.  The little bucket stores the pieces, and is sewn on with embroidery thread.  I sewed it by hand because I didn't know if I had a proper needle for my sewing machine.  The potato head form is glued with felt glue to the sheet.  I just need velcro for the pieces. I'm proud of it so far.  It's the start of my quiet book.

10) Speaking of contests I am participating in my first blogger giveaway (see right sidebar).  They are free to participate in and I think it's cool too. I love sweeping so I love helping others find them as well as promoting them. 

Gourmet Brownies Giveaway

Sponsored by: Bombshell Brownie Co.
Organized by: : Adventure Into Domesticland


3 Winners!
Each gets to pick 3 gourmet brownies.
For a full list of flavors visit Bombshell Brownie Co.


One FREE Link with announcement post OR $5 to participate.
(Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest)
Additional Paid links available for $2 each.
Email Subscription, RSS or Feedburn links for $3.
Picketfence, Daily Vote or Daily Comments for $5.

Co-Host Spots Available - $10
You will receive 4 links of your choice on the Rafflecopter and a link to your blog in the giveaway post.
Benefits of becoming a Co-Host include, increasing your followers, increase your traffic, increase number of backlinks/links in, and help better stats, ranks, and ratings.

REFERRAL PRIZE!!
The person who signs up the most referrals will be given a co-host spot for FREE!


Sign Up Here!

16 weeks down

I'm pretty sure I need this shirt :)

How far along:  16 weeks

Baby Size:  Avocado or a small stud finder. 

Weight:  126.2, up almost 2 1/2lbs from last week, and 3 1/2 total.  I'd have been surprised if it hadn't gone up.  I ate a lot this last week.  Probably because I went to the grocery store and had options.

Symptoms:  

• I still get nauseated when I don't wear my seabands
• A lot of cramping in the lower stomach, I think that's RLP.
• Wanting to eat all the time
• My gums were bleeding, but I am not very good about flossing so that might be why ::hangs head in shame::

Maternity Clothes:  No, I tired on a pair of jeans that I washed that had the fully belly panel.  They were so lose. Guess I need a belly first.

Sleep:  Still up all night every night, except for last night (only up twice; normal for me)

Cravings/Food Aversions:  I'm at the point where if I see a commercial or something on tv then of course it sounds good.  I'm usually to lazy to leave the house and go find it though, so I settle for what is in the house.

Belly Button: In

Rings on or off: On

Gender:  Still unsure.  I guess I learn more towards girl, but I just really don't have any vibes

Name:  Rob decided to waver on the girl name, maybe I mentioned that last week, so while I still like our girl choice, I've been looking for other names.

Movement: Not yet, but sometimes I try to be still and see if anything feels different, but I still think it's way to early.  I don't expect to feel anything for a few weeks at least.

Best moment: Yesterday was a fantastic day!  Not only was it our 2nd wedding anniversary (see lots of pictures here), but our nephew came 2 weeks early and was born. 

Looking forward to:  Finding out what baby is, feeling the baby, and looking pregnant.

What I miss:  Sleep, sleeping next to Rob.  He sleeps in the guest room.  I don't blame him, but I miss him.  Although he did sleep in our bed last night, and I actually was only up a few times.  I slept a lot better with him there.


Labor signs: Nope

Appointments:  A/s in 2 weeks, regular checkup in 4 weeks. 

Misc.  I had my 16 week appt this morning.  Hearing the heartbeat was a relief (I don't know why I still worry).  It was in the 160's. 

Happy 2nd Anniversary!

This post is very picture heavy and the formatting is a little messed up. It also can be kind of sappy :)

Us on our first anniversary.  Every year we will add to this picture. 

Today marks our second wedding anniversary! We got married 4.15.2011.  We knew we wanted a spring wedding and we wanted it to be on a Friday.  We thought about the 22nd, but turns out that was good Friday and the place we were going to have the reception wasn't available so we went with the week before that.  There was no ceremony or anything to choosing the date.

We got married at the church we attend.  The weather was cold and I really wanted outdoor pictures (it was one of the few things I insisted on). It was the kind of cold that you stop feeling after a minute, but we were quick and I love the pictures.

Rob surprised me at the end of the night with a night at the Amway; I thought we were just going back to our house, and I would have been okay with that.  He even hired a car to drive us there, and packed a bag for me (and he did pretty good, forgot extra shoes for me though :) ).

Rob proposed 7.4.10 just as the fireworks were starting.  He had planned it out and after the fireworks we celebrated with cake and sparkling cider. Looking at these pictures make me smile.

Rehearsal Dinner

The view from the room Rob surprised me with. 

Like all couples we have our moments, but I love Rob so much.  I love the way he supports and encourages me when I'm having a bad day or feeling stressed out.  He can always make me laugh and smile, even when I want nothing more than to be mad at him. 

I think year 2 was actually harder than the first year.  Not just because of the pregnancy losses, but I think the whole newlywed thing started to wear off, and we had to adjust more. 

We're pretty good at talking things out when we have issues and not just forgetting about it and pushing it under the rug. 

I'm thankful to have him as my husband and look forward to many years to grow as a family.

Pregnant Mama's Mother's Day Giveaway

Urban Times in Michigan is happy to join in with Adventures of My Family of 8 and Blog with Mom in this Advertise with Bloggers Event!

Pregnant Mama's Mother's Day Gift Package

Are you an expecting Mama? Do you know someone who is? Well, let's not forget these exceptional ladies who are creating life within them, this Mother's Day!!! I'm due with my first this fall and would love to have any of these products. The nightshirt would be great to have in the hot summer. We are very happy to introduce you to Be Here Soon, Baby & Maternity Boutique offering only the best gifts for expecting Mama's and their babies too! So this Mother’s Day, don't forget about the expecting Mama and give her an extra special gift from Be Here Soon!

WIN IT - a Pregnant Mama's Mother's Day Gift Package!

Prize - One winner will win a Pregnant Women Mothers Day Gift/Labor Bag with the following: A Pregnancy Night Shirt, a bottle of Pregnancy Ance Face Wash, and a Baby Naming Book - from our friends at Be Here Soon... it has an ERV of $103.98

  Prize Details: - Pregnancy Nightshirt is designed with "1" monogrammed letter and available in either s/m or l/xl size. - Mom/Labor Bag is available in either soft green or blue color. Can include the monogrammed "Baby" design as image shows or have no design included. - Pregnancy Acne Face Wash is a 6.7 oz bottle to help promote clean and blemish free skin during pregnancy. - Baby Name book includes around 4,000 names ideas including their origins/meanings. Giveaway Details: Event Dates: April 15th through May 1st Giveaway Rules:

• All mandatory entries must be submitted in the entry form below. All other entries are optional for more chances to win this beautiful
• All entrants must be 18 years or older and live in the US
• See full disclosures in the entry form

⇩⇩⇩⇩Enter Giveaway Here⇩⇩⇩⇩

Entry-Form

**DISCLOSURE** Urban Times in Michigan is acting as an advertisement for the Sponsor and is not responsible for prize. This event is brought to you by Blog with Mom and Adventures of 8 through Advertise with Bloggers! If you are interested in sponsoring an event like this, please contact Advertise with Bloggers.

Back to square one

So that babysitting job that was sporadic and only for a few hours, but at least was something, looks like it's only going to be going for a few more weeks.

Their jobs are changing, and they would need me more but they can't pay me what I need to make.  

Now I'm pack to square one.  I need to decide if I want to stick with childcare again or go for something different.

Weekly Wrap Up 4.12.13

1) Here is my duh moment of the week.  Me: Why is the tv so quiet?  Rob: It's on mute. 

2) I haven't won anything in a few weeks. I got the last prize that I won this week and it is adorable.

It is a onesie from Kinderstuff and is made with organic cotton and it is so soft.  I don't know if baby is a boy or a girl yet (just a few more weeks), but I went with this because while it might be more boyish, I think a baby girl could still rock it.  If I change my mind I always have a baby nephew coming who probably doesn't really need clothes, but would look adorable in this.





3) I also won this (Premama Prenatal Vitamin Powdered Supplement Mix, 30 On-The-Go Servings) a while back, and was not impressed. I mixed both packets with 16oz of water and it was not flavorless at all.  It tasted awful.  Maybe if I did one packet at a time in with juice or soda it would be okay. I want to give it one more shot though. I was a little hesitant at first because the box wasn't sealed, the flap was just tucked in, but the blogger I won it from said the same thing happened to hers. Oh, and there was only 29 instead of 30 (yes I counted), but it was free so I just let it go.

4)  We celebrated Rob's mom's birthday on Sunday with lunch at Outback.  I was a little nervous I wouldn't find anything because of my meat aversion, which is mostly me eating it, but sometimes the sight of it grosses me out a little.  I had a baked potato and a salad and that was actually sufficient for me.  I'm really happy to have in-laws that I love and get along with.  I hear horror stories about in-laws, and I have never had an issue.  They are always helpful and supportive to us.

5) The weather here has been cold and rainy all week.  I don't hate the rain, but the cold plus the rain together is awful.  All I want to do is stay inside under a blanket.  I had to run errands Wednesday and I wore my rain boots   Bad idea.  I went to 7 stores and walking around in them for hours was not a smart choice. My feet were in agony.   I didn't realize it would be a problem, but I won't make that mistake again.  The rain is likely to continue for another week or so.  Come back sun!

6) I made fajitas this week for Rob.  I baked them in the oven and Rob said the taste wasn't any different, but I think they were easier.  I still had to do all the same prep-work, but then I didn't have to constantly monitor the pan.

7) I'm attempting to make cloth wipes using old pajamas.  I cut them up but I'm not very good at that and the sizes are all different.  I am using 3 layers of fabric.  My plan is to sew
them together.  I started to and the needle kept coming un-threaded and then I finally got into the groove and the bobbin ran out of thread.  I took it as a sign to stop for the day.

8) Actually I did win 2 things yesterday (I add to the post throughout the week so when I wrote #1 I hadn't yet).  I won a bottle of contact solution in an instant win.  I don't normally enter those, but it had a really high amount of winners.  I also won a paint color deck, which I don't really know what that means, but I'm guessing it probably wasn't the top prize in the contest.
I have a list of everything I've won in a tab at the top of the page for those who have been asking.  I don't keep everything.  I've kept most of the baby/kid stuff, but a lot of the other things I have given as gifts.

If you made it to the end and want to do me a favor can you click on the vote for me button on the right sidebar.  I'd appreciate it. Thanks!  You don't have to sign up for anything and it is seriously one click.

15 weeks already?!?

How far along:  15 weeks

Baby Size: A baseball or a naval orange.

Weight:  123.6.  I actually lost weight this last week.  I'm up less than a pound total.  I'm developing some sort of bump.  It's not a cute baby bump, but it's rounding out and I notice it is bigger in the evening.

Symptoms:  

• I'm starting to get what I think is round ligament pain in my lower stomach area. 
• Sleep is horrible still (see below)
• Nausea hasn't gone away.  It's better, but sometimes I just get hit with it and have to go lay down right away. 

Maternity Clothes: I washed a pair or jeans and top that were given to me. I think I will be wearing them soon.

Sleep:   Horrible. Last night I got an almost 3 hour stretch for the first time in a week and a half.  I was still up 5 times.  Usually I'm up at least 6 times a night and until last night I haven't even slept a 2 hour stretch in the last week and a half.

Cravings/Food Aversions:   I really wanted pizza last weekend.  I tried calling places Friday for lunch and nothing was open yet.  I cried.  Then I ate waffles which were not the same thing at all.  Rob's grandparents took us out for dinner that night and I got my pizza at the restaurant   I ate a piece and a half and was done and now I don't want it again.  

I stole a few sips of Rob's Mt.Dew Sunday.  I really miss pop that has caffeine, like diet coke etc..  I cut out caffeine even before getting pregnant, but I want it now.  That was the first time I have had it (and I only took 2 small sips) since Christmas time.

Belly Button:  In

Rings on or off: On

Gender: Not sure yet, 3 more weeks!

Name: Rob has been saying all along that we have the names chosen, but this week he started to waver on the girl name.  He really likes the nickname and I really like the full version.   I don't really want to think about it until after we find out what the sex is since it may not even be an issue. 
I think we are good on the boy name. 

Movement: Not yet.  I think it's to early, and I'm not sure I would know if I felt it anyway.

Best moment: Baby getting it's first gift (End of this post)

Looking forward to:  My sister is due at the end of this month and I can't wait to meet my new nephew and get baby snuggles.

What I miss:  Soda & sleep


Labor signs: Nope, Nothing for at least 20 weeks. 

Appointments: Next week is my 16 week checkup, and in 3 weeks the anatomy scan.  I can't wait for Rob to see the baby again.  He has seen the pictures from 8 and 12 weeks, but hasn't actually seen the baby via ultrasound since 6 weeks. 

Misc. Rob got the wallpaper border up in the baby's room.  I think it's to early to do things, because then I know I will want to redo them if we have all this time, but when I walk by and see it up, it makes me smile.

Rob & I as newborns.  

The Ultimate Blog Party 2013 #UBP13

I've been seeing a lot of my favorite bloggers participating in this and so I thought I would check it out.  

I'm Kelly, I'm 27 and will be celebrating my second wedding anniversary next week.  I live in a small town in West Michigan.

I began blogging when we first started trying to get pregnant with our first.  It was completely private at that point (although I knew I would share it eventually).  After my first pregnancy loss I made it public to my friends on the bump, and after the second loss I made it public to the blogging world.  I didn't make it public to friends and family until just a few weeks ago, when I felt ready to share this pregnancy.

Blogging has been a great outlet for me.  I love reading others blogs and finding other people who have gone through the similar experiences and situations.  I tend to mostly read 'mommy' blogs, but I also enjoy reading diy and food blogs.

I hope to get more into review and giveaways and to be able to share my insight with others.

Bloglovin

I am making the switch to bloglovin thanks to this easy post over at Measuring Flower.

You can follow me there to read my posts just by clicking the link below or on the left sidebar.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Three Things Thursday

I haven't linked up with this in a while. 

Pregnancy cravings I had

(I really haven't had any cravings yet, as in I need (insert whatever it is) RIGHT NOW, but these things usually sound good)

1) Fruit

2)Waffles

3) Pickles (I know right?)

Apps I use the most

1) Sprout Pregnancy (I like knowing what my baby is up to)

2) Nexercise (you earn points for exercising and you can redeem for prizes; I just stared using it last week).

3) Pandora (I put the ipod on the dock and play Spice Girls channel when I clean)

What makes me cry

1) When I think about all the support I got from people after talking about my losses, especially the ladies over on the bump.  They don't know me, don't even know my real name, but they rock!

2) The national anthem.  I know it's lame and I don't cry but I tear up at the sense of patriotism and how lucky we are to live where we do.  Yeah there is always hard times and problems, but we do have a lot more than other people. 

3) When I'm mad, angry, stressed, tired etc... Instead of yelling or screaming, I cry.