Bumpdate - 21 Weeks

What's baby up to this week? She is the size of a carrot, measuring 10 1/2" long and weighs three quarters of a pound. Her eyebrows and eyelids are present and her vagina has begun to form.

What's been going on with mom? I was super bad with the junk this week. Sigh. The hubby brought home cookies and those are seriously a weakness. I tried to work out a bit, but I got so sore! I guess I need to go more often! But I had a sciatica problem, and I think it flared up. Still trying to walk at lunch to get some exercise in daily. I have been super itchy, so I started slathering on the lotion on the tummy, hips and girls. No stretch marks yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if I did get them. We went to a surprise party for my S.I.L. and I was the designated "go get more booze" lady. Who better than to send the pregger. She's not drinking! Lol. We have settled on two names that are pretty much guarantees, it's figuring out a middle name to go with each and settling on one.

Symptoms: Heartburn. My trouble sleeping has returned.....gah! This time it's my hip falling asleep and waking me up. I guess I need to try the pillow thing again. Also cannot sleep on my back anymore. As I mentioned above I am having low back pain. Ugh that is the worst. I think some stretching and massages are in my future! ;-P Moody at times, and emotional this week too.

Yummy/Icky: Stupid cookies....YUM! Oranges are still high on the list. BIG YUM. I think baby girl likes them to. She wiggles when I have them!

Clothing: All maternity on the bottom, but still rocking the long pre-pregnancy shirts.

Movement: Ok, so I said last week that rice causes the dance parties....I don't think that's true anymore, but she just loves when I eat. She makes sure she reminds me of mealtimes and kicks when they get close. Her movements are still really low, but I was lying in bed yesterday and she kicked my belly button which completely got my attention because it was the first time up that high. I love her kicks and can't wait for them to get stronger.

Belly Button In/Out: Still in, but I can feel it getting shallower. My old navel ring piercing looks bizarre also...I hope that doesn't stretch out funny.

Wedding Rings On/Off: On! Still spinning around like they always do.

Best Moment this Week: Just being able to relax has been a welcome event.

Looking forward to: Hearing the heartbeat at our appointment next week and picking a name!!!!

So I couldn't remember which font I used last week, pregnancy brain, so I had to pick a new one. Below is a closeup of the chalkboard and a silly outtake from our bump shoot. The hubs was playing with the settings so I was making faces! Also, please disregard the UGLY red paint on the fence behind me. Our complex is repainting and it's leaving our areas less than desirable currently.

Awkward sexy preggp pose? I guess modeling is not in my future anymore! Lol

Be sure to follow me on Instagram (dianekimball07)

DIY Quilted Carseat Canopy

Does it feel like it's been forever since I posted a DIY? It does to me since every time I go to write a post some of them say to me...."when is it my turn?" I haven't posted this yet because I was kicking myself for not taking more progress photos, but since I didn't I'll have to get away with simple text instruction. I know....POO! Text is no fun, but I at least took SOME progress photo's so the main part is at least easily figured out!

What You'll Need:
(6) Fat Quarter's in various patterns
1/2 yard fabric for backing, sashings/borders and straps (shown in blue plaid)
Sew on Velcro
Pins

Fabric Cuts:
Cut (12) 11"x 9.5" squares out of your various fat quarters
Cut (8) 1.5"x 9.5" Strips out of your sashing fabric (blue plaid)
Cut (3) 1.5"x 34.5" strips out of your sashing fabric (blue plaid)
Cut (2) 1.25"x 39.5" strips out of your sashing fabric for the left and right sides (blue plaid)
Cut (2) 1.25"x 36" strips out of your sashing fabric for the top and bottom (blue plaid)
Cut (1)  36"x 41" square out of your sashing fabric for the back (blue plaid)
Cut (4) 8"x 3" strips out of your sashing fabric for the straps (blue plaid)

Note: Not all fabrics pictured were used for this project

Directions:
1. Lay out your 11"x 9.5" squares and 1.5"x 9.5" strips until you get a pattern you like. Sew a 1/4" seam end to end of the squares and strips until you get 4 long strips. Press your seams to one side.

2. Take your (3) 1.5"x 34" sashing strips and attach them using a 1/4" seam along the long ends of the body strips you made in step one, leaving the top and bottom free. Press your seams to one side.

3. Take your (2) 1.25"x 39.5" top and bottom strips and attach them to the top and bottom of your main body. Press your seams to one side.

4. Take your (2) 1.25"x 36" side strips and attach them to each side of your main body. When your finished your top should look like the below photo. Press your seams to one side.

5. Take your backing fabric and place it right sides together to the front quilted piece and pin around the sides. Sew a 1/4" seam around the entire perimeter leaving a 6" opening for turning. Clip your corners, turn right side out and press.

6. Turn in your opening 1/4", pin and top stitch a 1/4" seam along the perimeter closing your opening and leaving a nice finished edge.

7. Now its time for the straps. Take (2) of your 8"x 3" strips and place them right sides together. Sew a 1/4" seam along one short end and both long ends, leaving one short end open. Clip your corners, turn and press. Turn in your open end 1/4", pin, and top stitch around the entire edge closing your opening. Repeat with the other two strips.

8. Cut a 2.5" strip of your sew on velcro onto the one end of the back and front of the strap to create a loop. See main photo

9. I centered my straps along the long center sashing strip and on each small sashing strip. Fold your strip in half long ways and sew several back and forth lines to secure it to the canopy.

I hope this all makes sense. I know text directions don't help as much as pictures, but if you have any questions please don't hesitate to comment or email me! It was just too cute to not post a tutorial of. I realized I made this the week I found out I was preggers so my brain was a little pre-occupied and forgot to take photos. Oopsie.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Happy crafting!

Boys Behind the Blog - February Edition

He's back! With answers to this months Boys Behind the Blog questions Sochi and Vday Style! His answers were a little more wordy today AND I got him to get them to me early! Go D! As usual my responses are in Purple. 

1.If you could live anywhere, where would you live?  So, if I could live anywhere where would it be???  Umm…that a great question because I know it would not be in California any more. But if I had to pick I would probably pick somewhere on the east coast because I think the scenery is beautiful. I am thinking somewhere like South Carolina. Can't get him away from the coast. Guess it's good we will never be landlocked!

2. Sand or snow? When it comes to sand or snow why do I have to pick. Why can't I have both. One of my favorite vacation destinations is Lake Tahoe that has sandy beaches to walk on and snow capped mountains to snowboard or ski on. I have never been skiing or snowboarding. It's on the bucket list, but it might be a while. I'll probably need to get my ab muscles back! 

3. What Winter Olympic sport would you rock at?  I have never played or done any winter Olympic sport but I think I would "rock" at speed skating. I always had my rollerblades on growing up either playing street hockey or sprinting up and down our street. I don't doubt it. He's compact and strong! Gotta work out those leg muscles and you'd be right in!

4. You're cooking a romantic dinner- what is your go-to dish?  If I was to surprise my beautiful wife with a romantic dinner I would probably pick my go to dish of spicy sausage jambalaya or one of her favorites Beef Stroganoff. YUM! Are you making beef stroganoff tonight?!?! Preggo craving!

5. Fill in the blank: This year, I gave (your wife/girlfriend/fiance's name) a ____________________ for Valentine's Day? So this year I gave my wife Diane a bouquet of flowers, a card, and a box of chocolates for Valentine's day. The box of chocolates, I have to admit, was for a selfish reason though. At our ultrasound when we found out I will be the father of a baby girl they gave Diane chocolate to help motivate the baby to move and be active. So I got her a box of chocolate so I could feel my baby daughter kick. So far this year, feeling my daughter kick for the first time has to be one of my fondest memories. Uh...I thought he was just being a sweetie bear and getting me chocolate. I didn't know he had ulterior motives! :-( That's ok though....anything for him to feel her move!

Well there you have it. Another round of fun answers from my main squeeze! Love you Babie!

Bumpdate - 20 Weeks

Well I seemed to have slacked a little this week. Because of the President's Day holiday yesterday today is my official "Monday" so we are getting off a little late this week. I did however take this photo early since we spent the weekend with my folks and couldn't travel with the chalkboard. I hadn't eaten anything yet, so there's no bloat in sight....that's all baby!

What's baby up to this week? She is the size of a banana, measuring 6 1/2" long from head to rump, 10" from head to heel and weighs about 10 1/2 oz. All measurements will be from head to heel from here on out. Baby girl is swallowing more, getting practice in for the digestive system. She is also producing meconium as well.

What's been going on with mom? I had a calm and uneventful week. It was something that was high on the necessity menu. We had a relaxing Valentine's Day and the hubby brought me home a box of See's candy. YUM! I made a nice dinner and we have just been talk talk talking away about baby names. Naming a human being is HARD! I also started my first custom piece for baby. The diaper bag! It turned out adorable. I need to put the snaps on it still and then I will let you all see it!

Symptoms: Heartburn comes and goes. Been super tired, with a lot of extra acne (probably due to the gender reveal being over!) Emotions are running high and I seem to cry a lot easier these days. Skin has been really dry and itchy so I

Yummy/Icky: Chicken salad sandwiches are really yummy as are oranges and strawberries. Really wanted some coffee this week. Asked the hubs to make himself a cup so I could have a sip, but he wouldn't let me drink any. *Sad face!*

Clothing: I wore nothing but maternity pants last week and it was AMAZING. Why I waited so long I will never know. Still in non-maternity shirts, but they have to be long. My bump shows more prominently in preggo pants! :-D although I need to return a pair of the jeans because they stretch out to momentous proportions and slide down my hips. Annoying.

Movement: We have discovered that rice causes dance parties. Baby girl loves her some rice. I notice movement a lot after eating meals. D has felt her kick several times, but sometimes she is shy. Feeling the pressure of his hand on my tummy makes her stop kicking sometimes. Lying flat on my back ensures that we feel the most movement. My mom got to feel her first granddaughter kicks as well.

Best Moment this Week: My mom feeling baby girl kick and making her first craft!

Looking forward to: Hearing the heartbeat and picking a name!!!!

I changed the font this week on the chalkboard. Haven't decided if I am going to keep this same font for the next 9 weeks, or if I am going to change it up. Time will tell.

Comfortable With Each Other - Happy VDay!

In honor of Valentine's Day, and inspired by a fellow blogger, I thought that I would take a break from all the baby talk around here (I know, your all applauding) and discuss the various things that they hubby and I are comfortable doing around one another......well maybe this more applies to me, as there are no boundaries when it come to D and I. In relationships you get to that comfortable stage and frankly certain things don't bother you like they once did. The hubby and I have been together for such a long time that all the traditional taboo topics have been discussed or experienced! There are those times when you just have to look at one another and laugh....which is what we tend to do.

Via

1. Get Dolled Up - I don't know about you guys, but when I met my husband I rarely did my hair or put on makeup. I only get dolled up for special occasions these days. Really my routine is concealer, powder and mascara. I can't tell you how many times the hubby has come up to me with a tee, jeans and my hair in a ponytail and told me how beautiful I look. Awe!

2. Eat off one another's fork in public - People may look at us funny, but I think it takes way too much time and energy to cut off a slice and place it on the others plate. Just get a bite and let them eat it! Who cares!

3. Expel Gas (Belching or Farting) - Everyone does it! It's always funny! Now, being pregnant, it is a side effect that cannot be avoided. Honestly who has time to run to the bathroom every five minutes? Not me! At first I made an attempt to conceal it from the hubby....and I still am a lady in public of course! Always excusing myself. But at home we each do it, and get a kick out of one another.

Via

4. Leaving the door open - Since we are on this topic, and this is only me we are talking about, I don't always close the door when I am using the bathroom. Don't ask me why, but I don't. Call it lazy, or whatever but I have done this for YEARS. I don't see it changing soon. Drive's the hubby up the walls.

5. Be a big baby - Seriously....I cannot kill a spider to save my life. I insist that D do it every time I find one! I act like a little girl, pointing up at the ceiling and saying KILL IT! Not my most attractive feature!

6. Swear -  I have an affinity towards certain swear words. I use them religiously when I get irritated or upset. The hubby hates it when I swear. It's something that I have been working on especially now being pregnant....but at some point, it's the MOST appropriate word for the moment.

7. Honesty - The farther you get into a relationship, the more honest you can be with one another. Don't ask the "Does this shirt make me look fat?" question if you don't want an honest answer....and yes your breath smells rancid in the morning....go brush those bad boys! You get to be honest about your feelings, fears, dreams, etc. Anything and everything is allowed on the table.

8. Not shaving - You betcha I'm guilty of this, and so is he. You know there comes a time when you can't remember when the last time you shaved....this is the time when you need to or else you will have a fur coat for winter. There will be times when the hubby and I are cuddling in bed, and my nose is itchy but I am too lazy to actually scratch it myself....I'll just use his overgrowth on his chin!

Via

Well I think I opened myself up there a little bit! Haha.....but I know that most women are guilty of some if not all of these as well. I love the fact that the hubby and I are so comfortable in our own skin and with each others quirks that we just know how each one will react. Neither of us feel insecure or a need to be someone else when were around each other, and to me that is perfect!

Wishing my hubby a Happy Valentines Day and I can't wait until you have a new Valentine in your life to spoil! I love you so much!

Bumpdate - 19 Weeks

My mom was in town to help with the food and to keep my sanity this weekend for our gender reveal, so we needed to take our photo a day early, but missed the sun (hence the in the dark photo). I wrote both genders on the chalkboard and then the hubby helped by photo shopping off the wrong one and created the little GIF above! :-)

What's baby up to this week? She is the size of a heirloom tomato (YUM!), measuring 6" long and weighs about 8 oz. Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision and touch. Research shows that she can hear our voices now, and D has been talking away to her. Kidney's continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. We had our anatomy scan on Wednesday and it was completely AWESOME to see all the cool little parts on the screen (see below for cool photos) Everything checked out a-ok with the scan, but when it came to get to the good information, baby girl refused to uncross her legs. We ate chocolate, went potty, did some toe touches all to get baby to change positions. It almost looked like we weren't going to get our information. In a last ditch effort D went to get juice out of my car and as soon as he left the room, she uncrossed her legs and showed the goods! A little hamburger if you follow Dooce. Our modest little girl!

What's been going on with mom? Seriously, I have been going mad working away at the gender reveal party, having nerves about our anatomy scan and getting very little sleep.....which honestly is probably more related to over-active brain instead of a pregnancy symptom. I have decided that the hubby and I are going to eat a better, even more well rounded diet from this point on!

Symptoms: Heartburn still likes to rear its head with tomato sauce....sigh. Light headedness and high emotions. I had my first balling moment this week also.

Yummy/Icky: Nothing this week.

Clothing: I FINALLY got some maternity clothes thanks to my super awesome mom and mother-in-law. They spoiled me at Destination Maternity so I have some SUPER comfy work slacks, jeans and work-out pants. I got some work tops and a couple of new bras for the growing girls. You have no idea how grateful I am to be in comfortable clothes!!!! YAY! Question.....why don't we always have the stretchy pull over panel? It is the most amazing this invented!!!!

Movement: The tapping is getting more and more consistent. I generally know when to expect it! After our appointment on Wednesday I was lying in bed and the hubby was on the computer. Baby girl whacked me really hard several times, and when I put my hand to my stomach I felt it from the outside. I called D over and he felt the baby move. He was so excited he was talking away to her. Everytime I think I'm going to have a "dance party" I call him over. My mom is still waiting for strong enough ones for her to feel.

Best Moment this Week: There were so many awesome moments, but sharing the news with our families was pretty darn cool....I will share more on the gender reveal soon!

Looking forward to: Registering and feeling stronger movements!

Here's a shot that the hubby wanted to take special this week, he is so excited for "Daddy's Little Girl"

And here are some pictures from our anatomy scan.

Profile

Dancer to be!

Waving Hi!

And The Gender Is???

We had our gender reveal party this weekend and was able to throw a little party for our immediate family announcing the gender of our baby. We found out on Wednesday after a lot of poking, prodding and enticing that we are expecting a bouncing baby GIRL! We are so excited and I was able to get my hubby into a pink shirt! Hehe. I can't wait to share with you all about the reveal and finally post everything I created! Happy Monday. Look for my bumpdate tomorrow! Mommy Monday got delayed due to a PINK circumstance.

Old Wives Tales - Gender Predictions

Via

Everyone knows about the old wives tales predictions about figuring out the gender. I mean they are completely just superstitions, but it's totally fun to test the theories and how they compare to the actual result! We had our anatomy scan on Wednesday, but are keeping the results hush hush until after our gender reveal this weekend. I know that you are all DYING inside to find out what we are having and trust me I feel your pain. I have compiled a fun little list of 20 O.W.T. that will keep you entertained in the meantime!

1. Legends say that if you are having a little girl, she'll steal your beauty. So, if you've got acne and other not-so-pretty skin blemishes, you've got a little princess coming your way. Girl (I always have acne! It cleared up a bit at the beginning of my 2nd tri, but it seems to be coming back in spurts.)

2. Dry hands and cold feet are signs of a boy. So, if you've got these ailments, break out the baby blue. Boy (Although I don't know how that's different from my non pregnancy times)

3. Take off your wedding ring, tie it to a piece of string, and hang it over your belly. If it swings in a circle, you are promised a boy; back and forth indicates a girl. Girl (Did this 5 times, twice said boy...three times said girl....who knows)

4. Your baby's heart rate might be an indicator of its gender. If your little one's heart rate is under 140 beats per minute, you're having a little boy. If it's over, get ready for your little girl! Girl (156 at last checkup!)

5. Craving sweets? According to some, that means you’re going to have a little girl. Salty and sour cravings indicate a boy. Boy (All I want is salt and spicy!! Which you know if you have read my updates. Lol)

6. Chinese birth charts use your age at conception and the month you conceived to determine the sex of your baby. Girl 

7. The Mayans used a similar method. They looked at your age at conception and the year your baby was conceived. If both are even or odd, it's a girl. If one is even and one is odd, oh baby — it's a boy! Boy

8. Has your spouse been indulging in your pregnancy cravings, too? If your hubby packs on a little sympathy weight, the tales say you're in for a sugary-sweet little girl. Girl (He said that he weighed himself and he has put on some pounds

9. Actually, morning sickness means pink. If you're stricken with a queasy stomach during your first trimester, think ribbons and bows. If you sail through your pregnancy with nary an upset stomach, it's blue all the way. Boy (some mild nausea for 1 week)

10. Carrying high or low? Boy (I'm gonna say low because that's the only place I see it at the moment, I'll have to get actual confirmation at the Gender Reveal party!)

11. If your legs get really big, you’re having a boy. If your legs stay in shape and lean, it’s a girl. Boy (I think they have chunked up!) 

12. If the pregnant woman is graceful throughout her pregnancy, she’s having a girl. If she becomes clumsy, she’s having a boy. Boy (Have become pretty clumsy, I have been dropping things like crazy! Just call me butterfingers.) 

13. If a pregnant woman prefers to lay on her left side, she’s having a boy. If she prefers resting on her right side, she’s having a girl. Boy (Still have to sleep on my right, but left is more comfortable)

14. If a pregnant woman’s left breast is larger than the right breast, she’s having a girl. If the right breast is larger, it’s a boy. Boy (Again this isn't different from normal haha)

15. 71% of the time, the mom-to-be knows what she is having. Boy 

16. If your areolae (the part around your nips) have darkened, it’s a boy. If they haven't, it’s a girl. Girl 

17. When a pregnant woman craves meat and cheese, count on a boy. Boy (MEAT! It's whats for dinner!)

18. If you are having headaches, you might be carrying a boy. Girl (Mostly no headaches. Every so often I get one)

19. It is said that when you can only think of specific names for a boy or a girl, you will have that particularly baby. Boy (Have had a boy name forever.....been hard to come up with a girl name)

20. What color is your pee? If it is bright yellow, you will have a little boy. If your urine is a dull yellow, plan on a girl. Boy (This was a weird question)

So lets view the totals shall we. Total: Boy: 13 Total: Girl: 7

If we base the prediction solely on this I think we know what the winner is going to be! BOY! I guess everyone will just have to wait and see!

Of course I wouldn't leave you without an oh so AWESOME portrait of our peanut from the scan. We got so many cool photos....so I'll be sure to share!

 

Bumpdate - 18 Weeks

What a terrible blogger I have been lately. I'm so sorry. I have been consumed with gender reveal party making all week. Every spare moment has been dedicated to making sure the party goes off without a hitch. I have some stuff lined up for this week though!

What's baby up to this week? He/she is the size of a bell pepper, measuring 5"-1/2" long and weighs about 7 oz. Blood vessels are visible through thin skin and ears are in their final position, although they're standing out from the head a bit. A protective coating of myelin is beginning to form around the nerves, a process that will continue for a year after birth. If Baby K is a girl, her uterus and Fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If Baby K is a boy, his genitals are noticeable now.

What's been going on with mom? Insomnia is better, but still lingering. Anxiety is starting to rear it's head as we approach our anatomy scan! Ahhhh I can't believe it's here! Just trying to keep myself occupied with tasks. Still trying to walk everyday....but need to step back up on the pre-natal yoga.

Symptoms: Mild heartburn. I get dizzy when I change positions quickly, which I know is common. Gas and constipation are a constant irritation. The short fuse and high emotions are back! :/

Yummy/Icky: Tuna sandwiches and cheddar cheese. Still working to find things for dinner that sound amazing. I really wanted a meatball sub sandwich but we didn't have any homemade family sauce. Honestly....if I am going to make myself suffer with heartburn its not going to come out of a jar!

Clothing: I am SO UNCOMFORTABLE in most of my pants. I have been wearing maxi skirts and dresses since my work slacks strangle me, but we are finally getting our winter here and I have been really cold, so I need real pants. I went to Target to pick up some slacks since they are having a clearance and a 40% off in my Cartwheel app.....unfortunately they are in mid season switch and really had nothing. I am an in between size and the one pair of slacks I found only came in a large and the black maxi was in an xs or a large.....sigh. I left empty handed and really irritated!

Movement: I feel a consistent "tapping" in my lower abdomen after eating lunch. Thursday night we were lying in bed and I felt the soft tapping for about 5 minutes then it tapered off. Then out of nowhere I felt a really strong tap. It took me so off guard that I jumped. I feel them in 5-8 taps at a time increments usually after eating.

Best Moment this Week: That momentous tap and finally hearing back that my 2nd tri screening came back clear! YAY!

Looking forward to: Our anatomy scan on WEDNESDAY and hopefully our party this weekend! We're so excited to learn what baby is!

I'd like to give a special shout out to our friend who let us use his backyard before the super bowl to take our bump photo. He would like you to notice that squirrel and turtle are photo-bombing the shot!

Another special shout out to my hubby. He has been SO wonderful picking up my slack and helping out around the house. He also helped so much with the decor assembly for the party. I'm a lucky gal! Love you babie. He also requested that I put the Bronco's logo on this weeks chalkboard (since we take the photos on Sunday's) in honor of the team he was rooting for. Sorry that the game was such a disappointment! Here's week 18's chalkboard closeup!