21 Weeks ...AND BIG NEWS!!!

Well, I could certainly make you wait for the big news... but I'm not that cruel.

 

This is a picture of my sister-in-law, Stacey, and I. Stacey married my brother in May of 2009, roughly six months after Jason and I got married. This picture was taken last weekend at a family get together in Virginia.

 

 

The best part of this picture??? There are actually FOUR people in this picture! That's right folks... my sister-in-law is pregnant!!! She is due about two months after me. She is twelve weeks today and I am so happy for Stacey and my brother. The baby has a strong heartbeat and everything is progressing very well for them. What could be more awesome than having someone close to go through the pregnancy experience with?! I'm thrilled that our children will be so close in age. Our family is very blessed!

 

I'm so excited to become an AUNT!!! I've wanted to shout this news for weeks, but I've kept quiet per their wishes. However on Christmas Day, after sharing the news with family and friends, they posted this picture on Facebook:

 

 

As they say, it's now "Facebook Official" which means Aunt Kris can share the news, too!

 

Ok. Now that I've spilled the beans... we can proceed with the weekly update. :)

 

How Far Along? 21 Weeks, 4 Days

 

Size of Baby: 8 inches long, 1 pound

 

 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Had another weigh in at my appointment yesterday... Down 2lbs from my last appointment in November. Still lingering at the -5lbs mark.

 

Maternity Clothes: Yep! Got some really cute maternity tops for Christmas from my Mom and mother-in-law. My wardrobe is slowly growing!  

Gender: Sweet baby boy!  

 

Movement: Love feeling my baby move... Getting lots of punches/kicks low in my belly every day.

 

What I miss: Being able to cough without A) peeing a little. B) being in pain!   Hey, just being honest!    The peeing part is just embarassing, but true. The part about being in pain can be attributed to round ligament pain. Muscles/tendons are stretching to accomodate my growing belly, and those pains are especially bothersome when I cough.

 

Cravings: Ok. Prepare yourself... because the craving I'm about to share with you is NOT a healthy fruit/salad craving. No-sir-ree. I have been craving...  

 

 

and

Now, now... before you send me pregnancy hate-mail about how unhealthy I am eating, let me tell you that I limit myself to one McDonalds stop per week, and my Hot & Spicy McChicken sandwich is only 380 calories. And the sweet tea is just the perfect drink to wash down the delicious spicyness.

 

Symptoms: Other than my round ligament pain and some achiness in my hips, I can't think of any other "new" symptoms this week.

 

Best Moment This Week: Really enjoying having a baby belly! I'm finally out of the awkward frumpy "did she gain weight or is she pregnant?" stage, and I love it.  

 

 

Looking Forward To: the new year! Bring on 2013! 

 

21 Weeks Pregnant:

 

 

See you next week!

xoxox

 

 



Christmas Highlights

It's hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone already. Every year, it seems like the holiday season gets more and more rushed, and then it's all over before you know it.

 

I'm really looking forward to next Christmas though... Our little boy will be here and Christmas will be even more sweeter through his eyes.

 

Here are some Instagram favorites of mine from the busy Christmas season:

 

 

As you can see from some of the pictures, we had a white Christmas this year. I will admit that I sang along when they played ''I'm dreaming of a white Christmas..." on the radio, but NEVER AGAIN will I dream of or wish for a white Christmas. Yes, it was quite beautiful... but it was not cool for my Hubby to have to work really late on Christmas Eve and early on Christmas morning. His new job is directly related to the state roads department... and when it snows, he needs to be there. For our children's sake, I hope we don't have too many white Christmases in the future. No one wants their Daddy to be working on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning.

 

Here are a few other highlights of our Christmas:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merry Christmas!



Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, with Love from our Family to Yours

 

Outside of Card

 

Inside Top of Card

 

Inside Bottom of Card

 

 Linking up {{here}}.



20 Weeks! HALFWAY THERE!!!

How Far Along? 20 Weeks

 

Size of Baby: About the size of a banana!

 

 

 

 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Still maintaining weight!

 

Maternity Clothes: Ohhhh yes. Gone are the days of going shopping for regular clothes. Just praying that my pre-preggo wardrobe still fits after baby Caudill makes his arrival!

 

Gender:  Sweet baby boy!

 

Movement: Yes and LOVING it! Still waiting to be able to feel his kicks by putting my hand on my belly, but I'm sure those days are coming. Just can't wait for my Hubby to be able to feel his little guy kicking up a storm.  

What I miss: Sleeping longer than 2 hours at a time due to having to get up and go to the bathroom multiple times during the night! I guess my little guy is hanging out on my bladder... he's already prepping me for our late night rendez-vous, I have a feeling.

 

Cravings: A crispy cold salad with spicy ranch dressing!  

 

Symptoms: Starting to experience some round ligament pain. It's basically short, sharp pains on the underside of my belly when I stretch, roll over on my side in bed, cough/sneeze... etc. I guess it's just proof that the belly really is growing!

 

Best Moment This Week: The Gender Reveal and baking cookies with my Momma :)

 

Looking Forward To: Having my baby boy in my arms next Christmas!

 

20 Weeks Pregnant:  

 

Officially FIVE MONTHS! Half way through my pregnancy :)

 

 

 

 

See you next week!



The Gender Reveal!

Last weekend, we had our families come over for dinner to reveal the gender of our sweet little baby. The hardest part of the entire event was keeping my lips sealed the two days prior to the reveal, because we found out what we were having on Thursday and the reveal wasn't until Saturday.

 

I kept busy enough, though. I planned the menu, bought some decorations, and arranged a mini-photo shoot to document the excitement of finding out the gender of our baby.

 

We decided on the following menu - not for any particular reason, other than the fact that it sounded really good to this pregnant lady! LOL

 

 

Lasagna

Meatballs

Garlic Bread

Cesar Salad

Watergate Salad

 

...And of course, cake of a certain color.

 

 I decided to have the reveal cake in the dining room, and I decorated the basement for our dinner. There was absolutely no way I was going to be able to make it through dinner without talking about the ultrasound, so we decided to have the grandparents of our baby cut into the cake before we ate dinner. Guests arrived promptly at 6 and we took a few pictures before actually cutting the cake.

 

Enjoy the photos and the video.

 

 

The cake:

 

Mommy & Daddy To Be!

 

Team Pink!

 

Team Blue!

 

...And now, for the cake cutting!

 

IT'S A BOY!!!

 

 

 

The Decorations:

 

 

 

Can't wait for our baby boy to join the family!

 

 

Before my big ultrasound last Thursday, I asked my students if they thought I was going to have a boy or a girl. I even put my name under the "boy" side because we all know I've had a feeling that there will be a little man in our lives. Here's what they thought:

 

 

On Monday morning when I returned to school, I had a balloon attached to my technology cart to share the big news:

 

 

So excited to meet my baby boy in May!!!



A loss for words...

As a mommy-to-be and a teacher, the events of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School have been really grieving my heart. In the midst of such a joyous time in my life when I just found out that I'm going to have a little boy, my heart aches for the mothers and fathers that sent their babies to school on Friday like any other day, only to receive the worst news of their lives.

 

I found this poem floating around the internet, and I thought I would share it.

I continue to pray for the families, friends, and community of Sandy Hook Elementary School.

 

 

 

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38,
When 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
They were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.

They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"Where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"This is heaven." declared a small boy. "We're spending Christmas at God's house."
When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
But Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
Then He opened His arms and He called them by name,
And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring.
Those children all flew into the arms of their King,
And as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
One small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
And as if He could read all the questions she had,
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of Mom and Dad."
Then He looked down on earth, the world far below,
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe.
Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"May this country be delivered from the hands of fools."
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"

Then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"Come now my children, let me show you around."
Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

 



What You've Been Waiting For!

 

It's a...

 

 

We are so, so, SO excited to announce that we are expecting a SON in May!

 

So, it turns out my Mommy's intuition was right!

I'll have a sweet baby boy to love on in a few months.

 

Our ultrasound was Thursday at 3pm. They ask you to drink 24oz of water one hour prior to your ultrasound. Needless to say, by the time I got to the diagnostic center, I had to pee so bad I was in PAIN. So, I went to the bathroom to "let a little bit out" and prayed that my bladder was still full enough for the ultrasound pictures to be clear. When they finally called me back at 3:20, the technician introduced herself and said, "You can go change into a hospital gown. Go ahead and empty your bladder. Trust me, I've been doing this for 30 years and your bladder will fill back up again."

 

Are you serious!? LOL All that pain for nothin'.

 

When the tech started the ultrasound, she asked if we wanted to know the gender. Of course, we said yes. So she went ahead and zoomed in on the critical area. Unfortunately, my little man had his legs crossed and knees bent, so his feet were tucked right where we needed to see. She continued to go about getting other measurements, and about half an hour later tried to get a good look again. At this point she said, ''I'm sorry, you might not be able to find out today..." A little while later though, Baby decided to make a move. He scooched from my lower belly up to above my belly button. It was funny because the ultrasound tech was literally chasing him around my belly. During all of his moving around, the tech said ''I think I might see something between the legs!" Sure enough, a few more close-up pictures indicated that we certainly do have a little boy on the way. Here are some cute pictures of his hands and feet:

 

 

 

 

While we got the million dollar picture of his boy parts, the technician was struggling to get some other important pictures because the baby was turned around facing in towards me with his back to the camera. She tried shaking my belly around a bit, but he just didn't want to move. The technician went out and had another girl come in to see if she could get a better shot of what they needed. They had me get up, go to the bathroom (because yes, I did have to go again by then), and then they had me roll onto my side.

 

Magically, he turned around and we finally got a glimpse of his little face! Granted, at 20 weeks a baby's face is very thin... In fact the technician said that around 24 weeks, the face looks much fuller and more baby-like. But still... seeing his little nose and cheeks filled my heart with joy. I left the diagnostic center after my 90 minute ultrasound (that was supposed to take 60 minutes, thanks to my little guy wanting to be shy) with a handful of ultrasound pictures and a disc. It was really hard, but I was able to keep the gender news to myself until we shared with our parents on Saturday. I'll have a separate post coming with a video of Baby's grandparents cutting the cake!

 

 

 

 

 

So there you have it... We are having a boy and we are so excited!

 

 

 

 

 



19 Weeks!

How Far Along? 19 weeks, 4 days
 

Size of Baby: About the size of a small cantaloupe!  

    Total Weight Gain/Loss: No gain this week... still down 7lbs.

 

Maternity Clothes: Yepper! Maternity pants, shirts, you name it... I'm wearin' it.

 

Gender:  We found out yesterday! Can't wait to share with our families tomorrow night.
  Movement: Lots of rolling around and a few little kicks/nudges here and there. Love it!

 

What I miss: Eggnog! What I wouldn't give for a glass of eggnog.

 

Cravings: Lately, I cannot get enough WATER to drink. So weird! I down 4-5 bottles of water during the day at school and in the evenings.

 

Symptoms: Started having some shooting pain in my left butt cheek (sorry if that's TMI!). The pain goes down my left leg and it comes and goes. I can go from having to walk with a limp to feeling absolutely fine.

 

Best Moment This Week: Having 90 minutes of screen time with the baby yesterday! So exciting to see that sweet little face.

 

Looking Forward To: Sharing the news with our families tomorrow night! Look for a post this weekend on the big reveal ;)

 

19 Weeks Pregnant:  

 



Old Wives Tales...

Old Wives Tale #1: Heart Rate
If the baby’s heart rate is above 140 bpm, it is said that the baby will be a girl. If it is under 140 bpm, then it will be a boy.

Prediction outcome: GIRL

Our baby's heartbeat has always been between 150 - 170.

Old Wives Tale #2: Shape of Belly
If you are carrying high with a big, round belly, you are having a girl. If you are carrying low with a smaller belly that sticks straight out, it’s a boy.

Prediction outcome: GIRL

So far, my belly is round all over.

Old Wives Tale #3: Ring Test
Using a string, hang your wedding ring over your pregnant belly. You are having a girl if the ring swings back and forth and it’s a boy if it swings in a circle. 

 Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #4: Acne
If you have acne while pregnant, it’s a girl. It’s thought that acne during pregnancy is caused by the extra hormones.

Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #5: Cravings
People believe that if you are craving salty foods while pregnant, you can count on having a boy. If you crave sweets, fruit, and orange juice, you are having a little girl.

 Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #6: Skin under Left Eye
The eye test is when a “V” or “branches” appear when you pull down the skin under your left eye. If you see a “V” or “branches” in the white part, you’re having a girl.

Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #7: Time of Conception
The person that is most aggressive in bed at the time of conception is the opposite of what the baby will be.

Prediction outcome: INCONCLUSIVE

Old Wives Tale #8: Legs
If your legs get really big, you’re having a boy. If your legs stay in shape and lean, it’s a girl. I think it’s too early for me to tell on this one. 

Prediction outcome: GIRL

...So far, legs are the same size... maybe even a little smaller?

Old Wives Tale #9: Moodiness and a Little Pecker (this one is odd, but funny)
If you are really moody, you are having a girl since you have another extra girl hormones in you. Your pregnancy will make you smile and be more happy if you are having a boy because there’s a little penis inside you.

Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #10: Chinese Gender Chart
The Chinese Gender Chart claims to have an accuracy rate of over 90%. It is based on how old the mother is at conception and the month that she conceived.

Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #11: Mom’s Beauty
Basically you are having a girl if your beauty disappears during pregnancy. It is said that the girl “steals” the mother’s beauty. If you think that pregnancy has never made you look more beautiful, a little boy it is.

Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #12: Dream of Sex of Baby
If you have dreams that you are having a boy, you will have a girl. If you dream about having a girl, it will be a boy. Dreams show the opposite of what you are having.

Prediction outcome: INCONCLUSIVE

I have dreampt of both!

Old Wives Tale #13: Clumsy vs. Graceful
If the pregnant woman is graceful throughout her pregnancy, she’s having a girl. If she becomes clumsy, she’s having a boy.

Prediction outcome: BOY

I drop stuff all the time - not sure if that's clumsiness, though!

Old Wives Tale #14: Side You Most Rest On
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.

Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #15: Dad’s Weight Gain
If the dad-to-be gains weight while you are pregnant, it’s a girl. If he doesn’t gain weight, you’re having a boy.

Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #16: Breast Test
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. 

Prediction outcome: INCONCLUSIVE

Old Wives Tale #17: What Do You Think?
71% of the time, the mom-to-be knows what she is having.

 Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #18: Morning Sickness
If you had a smooth pregnancy with no morning sickness, it’s a boy. If you were sick or felt really nauseous during your pregnancy, count on a girl.

 Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #19: Areolae
If your areolae (the part around your nips) have darkened, it’s a boy. If they haven't, its a girl. Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #20: Protein
When a pregnant woman craves meat and cheese, count on a boy. 

Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #21: Feet
Are your feet colder now that you are pregnant? If so, you just might be having a boy. If your feet have stayed the same before pregnancy and during, you’re having a little girl.

Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #22: Headaches
If you are having headaches, you might be carrying a boy.

Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #23: Baby Names
It is said that when you can only think of specific names for a boy or a girl, you will have that particularly baby. 

Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #24: Urine
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.

Prediction outcome: GIRL

 

 

11 Girl

10 Boy

...Too close to call!