Halloween is Near!

I love Halloween.  I also love fall {even those I hate what fall does to my allergies}, so as soon as October hits I'm ready to bust out the pumpkins.  We took Michael to his first pumpkin patch at the beginning the month - and being a great mom, I left my camera at the office {or so I thought, turns out I had it with me the entire time} so my sister was nice enough to post some pictures. 

But my favorite picture is one that I actually made.  He looked so cute in his church outfit I dressed up the picture to fit fall!

This was edited with Photoshop CS4.  I started with him sitting on the couch, then found a great pumpkin background.  Using a mask I think brush him into the pumpkins and added a little big of shadowing.  Volia!

Tuesday Tens

Wow, so it's the end of October.  How in the world did the past month fly by? I've been MIA lately - why you ask?  Well let's see...

1. Being sick every other week is killer.  While I'm not ready for cold weather to fully set in, I am looking forward to the pollen and other fall "crap" going away!
2. I've been going to bed earlier and earlier.
3. Work is CHAOS!  We have an exciting new product launch on top of all the usual work so things have been nuts and by the time I get home the last thing I want to do is look at a computer.
4. The bug is starting to really get a personality, so I really want to hang with him when he's awake...
5. ....which means when he crashes I have a redic list of things to get done.  I have yet to master the juggling of playing with baby and getting stuff done.
6. I've been making baby food.  That's been a fun process but cleaning up is pain.
7. I've been quilting....as said, I get tired of staring at comptuers so I turned my attention to making a really fun quilt.
8. I've been out of town.  I usually try to plan my posts and pre-write on the weekends, but for the past month we've been gone EVERY SINGLE WEEKEND.  Yep.  We have been burning up the road.
9. I forgot - yeah self-explanitory.
10. Fall TV is back.  Yeah that's dorky but I really love tv!

So, there's my reasons.  Crappy I know.  The sad part is I really want to blog and talk about life, so I'm going to make sure I take the time going forward. 

3WF

Yesterday was our 4 year anniversary.  Since this has been a big year - what with a baby arriving and all - vacations were sort of out of the question.  But Chris and I needed a break, so to celebrate we're heading north to my favorite city - CHICAGO!  I've loved the city for as long as I can remember, but Chris has never been!  I can't wait to wander around the city again.  I'm also seriously looking forward to some amazing pizza.  Shopping is also on the list of to-do's.  And the bug - well he's enjoying some time with his Mimi {aka my mom}.  She's got a weekend full of activities and is already worn out after just 4 hours with him.  I already miss the little guy, but I have to admit I'm really looking forward to some one-on-one time with the hubs.  The last time we had a weekend to ourselves, it didn't go so well.

3WF

I'm normally on the ball and rarely forget anything - and I mean anything.  But this week, I think my memory had checked out.  I suspect it's chilling on a beach somewhere, while I slave away. 

Forgetting to post yesterday was one of the many things I forgot this week.  I forgot meetings, to take medicine, assignments, promises to do things, phone calls...the list can go on and on.  I blame it on the lack on sleep.  The bug hasn't wanted to sleep at night.  After 3 months of solid sleeping through the night, I forgot what it was like to be this tired.  We thought it was because he was hungry.  Eating cerel hasn't gone well, so we've started putting in his bottle as well to at least keep him full.  Turns out, he's got an ear infection - AGAIN!  That's right - the 5th one in about 2 1/2 months.  Unfortunately the doctor didn't have a good solution for how to prevent it other than what we're already doing. 

Which means....tubes are in future!  I hear most parents dread this news and freak out when it finally comes.  But seriously, I'm counting down the days until we can.  I hate seeing my little guy in pain and feeling bad.  And I hate even more having to constantly keep him on meds.  It's bad enough that he's allergic to penecillin.  We have to use other antibiotics, and being allergic to penecillin too, I know there are only a few options. Hopefully this latest round will help and with fall coming and hopefully cooler weather {...It's been 95-100 for the last couple of days} we are praying his allergies calm down and we get a break.

Momma needs a break and some sleep.  Hopefully this weekend I can rest, and my mind returns from whatever remote island it's been lounging on.

Tuesday Top 10

I don't remember where I picked this up, but I recently saw on someone's blog a Top 10 Tuesday - and thought it was a great idea!  So today, in honor of tomorrow being the Official First Day of Fall, I'm giving you my top 10 favorite things about fall!

Welcome to Fall! 
 10.  The End of Yard Work - I don't mind yard work, but to not have to worry about mowing the grass or watering the flowers is a very nice change after months!
 9.  The End of the Oppressive Heat! - So while I don't always enjoy the end of warm weather, this fall I am glad to see it leave.  Here in Kentucky, we pretty consistantly posted 90+ degree days, and frankly I'm ready to walk out my door and be able to breath.
 8.  Football - I'm not a huge football fan in general, but there's something about the "Boys of Fall" as Kenny Chesney puts it that gets me excited.
 7.  Leaves Changing - I find the changing leaves so beautiful and peaceful.
 6.  Chili - For whatever reason, I can't bring myself to make or even eat chili during the summer, so at the first hint of cooler weather, I get to bust out the chili pot!  Plus you can't have football without Chili!
 5.  Campfires - I love spending evenings outside with our friends by a fire.
 4.  Beer Roast - One of our favorite dishes but it's such a hearty dish that we can't make it during the summer!  I'll post the receipe soon!
 3.  Pumpkin Patches - I love pumpkins!  They are just so cute and sweet looking!
 2.   Sweaters and Coats - I love fall clothing!  It always makes my weekend when I can finally break out my cozy sweaters, and fun coats.  Boots don't fall far behind, because I love me some shoes!
 1.  Halloween! - From a very young age, I've been obsessed with Halloween.  I love the spookiness.  I love the creepy crawly critters.  I'm not all about the blood and gore, but I love the holiday! I also can't help myself with all the cute little costumes!

3WF

1 Year Ago

Today marks a very special day!  It was 1 year ago today that I found out I was expecting and that my life would be forever changed.

Unlike a lot of people, I didn't have the exciting "Look Honey it's Positive" moment.  For several days leading up to the 17th I wasn't feeling great, but figured it was Aunt Flo on her way.  Then on the 16th I was sitting in the middle of a team meeting when I felt like I was going to puke.  I immediately headed home thinking it was the flu and proceeded to spend the next 24 hours puking.  Finally at the urging of my mom and husband, I went to immediate care.  I laugh now, because on the way I joked with my husband that I really hoped it was just the flu because if I was pregnant and had to feel like this for weeks on end I wouldn't survive.  At the care center, I went back to the exam room while the husband waited in the waiting room.  The doctor immediately asked if I could be pregnant and sent me to take a test.

Waiting for those results probably only took 10 minutes, but it felt like hours. Finally the doctor came in and told me - all alone - the news.  I was PREGNANT!  Dumbfounded is the only word that could come close to describing how I felt.  When I finally made it out to the waiting room - I burst into tears.  I think Chris thought I had lost my mind until I told him the news.  Those first few days, I think we were both terrified.  I continued my puking streak and after a tearful call to the OB, convinced them to get me in for a visit in just 3 days.  I vividly remember days of crying because I felt so bad, and wondering how on earth I was going to survive.  But we did.  It's amazing the difference a year can make and we wouldn't change it for the world!

Doctor Update

Today we took the bug in for his 4 month check up.  Neither Chris nor I guessed right on the weight.  Michael weighed in exactly inbetween our guesses at 17 lbs 1 oz.  And he measured 25 1/2 inches long.  I think he's prepping for a big growth spurt.  The doctor then did her exam and said he was doing Great - of course! :-) 

But we had the dreaded shots waiting to wrap up the visit.  No mom enjoys watching her baby get shots, but I know it's for the best, which is what I have to remind myself when I watch him wiggle away from the nurse.  The first one happened without even a flinch.  I don't think he felt a thing with his chunky legs.  Then the second.  The nurse warned us it burned - and she was right - when the meds went in, our little guy came alive!  We experienced super sonic screams! Within a few minutes our boy was back to him normal giggly self - thankfully!  Overall a successful visit - now if we could only master this spoon feeding thing.

4 Months Old

Today we've made it 1/3 of the way through a year.  I can't believe it's already been 4 months.  Our time with Michael has been so unbelievable wonderful.  Everyday I count my blessings for the gift that we've been given with such a great baby.  Of course, all parents thinks their child is the best!

The last few nights we've woken up to Michael crying because....well...we think he's hungry.  The little piglet eats at least 8 ounces every night but still wants a midnight snack.  Last night, right on schedule I heard the familiar rumblings coming from the nursery - but they weren't cries.  It took me a minute to fully tune in, but what I ulitmately heard was babbling and laughter.  The bug was enjoying his conversation with I guess the mobile, but within just a couple minutes he was off to sleep.  It made me laugh until I realized 40 minutes later I was still awake!

Tomorrow we go for the 4 month check up.  I'm betting the little guy weighs in at 17 1/2 lbs.  Chris is betting 16 lbs 10 oz.  We'll see!

Sew I Did It!

This weekend I should have been cleaning or doing laundry, but after the last few cram-packed weekends I decided I wasn’t doing anything but relax. I didn’t want to sit around the house though – so Saturday we decided to go shopping because the bug is growing so much, he was just about out of clothing that fits. I managed to score some great deals for him at Macy’s and Old Navy and even snagged a cute pair of jeans {skinny ones at that} for me. I also picked up some fabric to make Michael a coat.


Sundays are football day so while Chris went off to watch his game, I started working on the jacket. Now, I’m not a great seamstress. It’s been several years since I even attempted to make something that actually required a proper fit {although 3 years ago I made some awesome capes for our Harry Potter costumes} and never have I actually produced a wearable item of clothing. Needless to say I wasn’t sure how this was going to work, but I was determined to make it work!

Here's the pattern I used.  I used a nice thick fleece so that bug can wear it this winter.  This entire set could easily be done in a number of fabrics.

Step One – Cut the pattern. I usually rush through this part – never really taking the time to accurately cut, yet alone iron the pattern – but I was determined, so I did every single step. Iron the paper pattern – Check! Pin down to the fabric – Check! Cut in a straight and neat way – sort of Check! Fleece is a difficult fabric to cut.


Step Two – Start sewing. I read the instructions 3 times to make sure I didn’t forget anything {remember that game from middle school that's suppose to teach you to read the entire directions first} – then I dove in. 15 minutes later I realized I had no idea how to attach/use bias tape and the instructions in the pattern made no sense – so off to Google I went! I swear, I don’t know what people did before Google. 5 minutes later I found a video, watched it and was back to sewing.

Step Three - Don't go crazy.  While this pattern was easy to follow - there were a few steps that I thought were out of order.  Because I was determined to make this coat, I followed the pattern and steps exactly.  Next time, I'll be doing a few things different.


3 hours later though, I was finished. Somewhere in there Michael had to be fed and played with – which really kills the momentum but once I was finished he loved it! And so did Daddy! This next weekend I’m going to make him a UK one too. It was sew {pun intended} much fun that I can’t wait to start my next project. Maybe something for me?!

Modeling his new coat!

The finished product!

3WF

So I meant to post this yesterday, but I was busy from sun up to sun down.  Either way, I had to post to share the big news - we've starting eating cereal!  After a trying weekend and little sleep - we were back at the doctor first thing Tuesday morning with yet again, another ear infection.  The doctor suspects little Mikey has allergies {big surprise there} so we were back on antibiotics and Benadryl.  The doctor also suggested we start him on rice cereal.  Yippee!  So Thursday night we tried and it did not go over well. 

This was the first bite.  Not a big fan!

We're three days in now and doing a little better.  The face is less horrified when the spoon goes in our mouth, but we still refuse to open our mouth.  So a little playing is involved to get bug to laugh, then we sneak the spoon in.  He's still not a fan but not nearly as upset. 

Much Better!

Weekend Wrap Up

Wow, even long weekends never seem to have enough time. Every week, when everything is getting to me and I'm exhausted, I always plan for a relaxing weekend. Unfortunately, that doesn't always {maybe never} actually happen, and this past long weekend was no exception.


We started our weekend Friday night with a lovely dinner and wine tasting with our neighbors at our house. Not only are we lucky enough to have great neighbors, one happens to be furthering his education in wine, and we get the benefit. If you're fan of wine - I highly recommend his blog Everdayday Wine Choices. Unfortunately as our evening progress, our little guy began getting fussy, so we had to cut the evening short in favor of rocking a baby - who at the time I thought was just over stimulated.

Turns out - not the case! Saturday morning, bright and early, he woke up with a 100.7º temperature. So after 40 minutes on the phone trying to get an appointment, we trekked to the doctor. 2 hours later, I was told to treat the fever and go to Urgent Treatment if he got worse. {Yesterday we made another trip to the doctor to confirm it was an ear infection – the 4th in just 2 months, JOY!} We spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the first batch of chili and some college football! GO CATS!

Sunday, we made the trip to my mom’s house for a family cookout. It was a great visit but incredibly tiring. I swear, taking a just shy of 4-month-old anywhere for any period of time, is like packing the whole house and then some. Of course, Michael enjoyed seeing his Mimi and slept just fine, but mom and dad were sure ready for bed after the day.


Finally, Monday came around and we had Chris’ family down for lunch and visiting. It was great to see everyone, especially the Foley clan, since in just a few weeks they are moving to Florida. This was also the first time that Michael really noticed his cousin Crews who’s 10 weeks older. They had a blast playing together.

Hey! You look interesting!

Let's Wrestle!

Sucessfull Weekend - Check!
Ready for the next weekend {hopefully a relaxing one} – Double Check!

Easy Beef Enchiladas

I'm always looking for easy meals that are quick to fix on a weekday night after work - or even better, on the weekend that I can then freeze and reheat later.  So for all the busy moms, I'll try to post some of my recipes.  This week I did super easy Beef Enchiladas.

Ingredients:
1lb Lean Ground Beef (Chicken will also work well)
1 Large Green Bell Pepper
1 Large Red Bell Pepper
1/2 Medium Onion
8 Small Soft Taco Shells
4 Cups Taco/Nacho Shredded Cheese (Or just plain Cheddar works too)
1 Can Tomato Soup
1 packet taco seasoning
1/2 Cup Sour Cream
9 x 13 Baking Dish (Grease with light cooking or spray oil)

1) Chop Green & Red Bell Peppers and Onion into small pieces (to save time I use a food processor).  Set Aside.
2) In a large skillet, brown the ground beef.  Once cooked drained any grease.
3) Add in chopped peppers and onion.  Saute until peppers are soft.
4) Using 2 cups of cheese, lightly line each shell with cheese.
5) Add in the beef and pepper mixture to each shell and role up.  Place each shell with the overlapping ends down in the dish.
6) In a seperate bowl, mix together tomato soup, tace seasoning, sour cream, and 1/2 can water.
7) Pour sauce mixture over stuff shells.  Cover with remaining cheese.
8) Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees.

Depending on your schedule you can fix the dish - minus the cheese on top - and freeze.  To cook - unthaw, add cheese to the top, and bake for 30-35 minutes.  This is a great option too for freezer meals when friends need it!

Alternatively, you can fix the beef mixture ahead of time, and simply refrigerate until your ready to fix the rest of the dish. 

Hope you enjoy!

3 Word Fridays

That's Right!  College Football season has begun which means it's time for tailgates {which might be interesting with a 4 month old} and chili!  And this weekend the University of Kentucky Wilcats take on the University of Louisville Cardinals the in the Governors Cup.  It's the match up of the season, and we'll all {at least in my house} be sporting our Blue and White to cheer on the CATS. 

Personally I'm not a huge football fan - well really sports in general - but the husband is, so it's a mandatory thing in our household.  What it does mean though, is that fall is just around the corner.  I simply can't wait for the first crisp morning.  Fall is my favorite time of year!  So whoever you cheer for, I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend!

It's a little blurry - but even Michael was decked out in UK Blue today!

Little Turtle

All mom's worry - that just comes with the job.  However, since our 2 month check up where we got a little tisk tisk from the doctor, I've been worried about Michael and his development.  I know all babies hit milestons at different times, but tummy time has been a particularly difficult task, mainly because he REFUSED to participate.  Screaming and tears always ensued whenever we attempted it, and you can only listen to your baby cry for so long.  But we've been trying, even Daycare has been trying.  And it all seemed for not, until this weekend.  Out of the blue, Michael was holding up his head and upper body like a little turtle.  He even was laughing and smiling for minutes at a time.  And when it couldn't get any better - he rolled over, twice.  Yeah I'm a proud Mother!  And now we're all tucked!

3WF

I should have posted this yesterday, but the hectic day that was it was prevented me from even looking at my computer until now.  We've had a very busy week - work is crazy, and it seems like every night we had something going on.  Wednesday after work, we enjoyed another fantastic wine tasting with our neighbors.  This time around we did Pinot Gris, which was great.  Thursday we cleaned - because last night my mother-in-law visited and spent the night, so she could see the bug.  Michael has been his usual self - happy, smiling, and all around good baby.  We really as blessed. 

As for me - I spent the morning in the Dentist's chair getting my second round of fillings.  They don't warn you of all the side effects of having a baby.  There's the obvious stuff, but since having Michael I've had to have my gallbladder removed (most likely because of the hormones in pregnancy) and I've developed cavities {which I NEVER had prior to baby}.  It's the gift that keeps on giving - but I certainly wouldn't change it for the world!

This week I had to have a second 3 words because Fantasty Football is officially starting.  For months now, husband has been plotting and practicing for the season.  He's done about a million mock drafts, has ESPN on any second I'm not around and even considered spending $10 on a magazine dedicated to the subject {I had the veto that last one}.  And now the day has come - he will officially draft at 1 PM today - which starts the crazy season. 

Trying Something New

Have you ever saw something that you though "That sounds good - I should try it" but never do?  Sadly I have this happen a lot, for reasons unknown to me.  I love trying new foods, but I think my practical side holds me back from spending money, especially with a little one.  So everytime I see their catchy commercials I can't stop myself from thinking - "I want those" but for some reason whenever I get to the cheese case nothing looks appealing.  Proof that marketing does work but maybe not as good as they hope.  Well that was until last week.  Once again that catchy theme song caught my attention {you the one - "whatever you do don't stop"} but this time it was different - they introduced new flavors - and one caught my eye!  Mozzarella, Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil - something I couldn't deny I wouldn't like - scratch that, LOVE.  Alas, Laughing Cow, you've got my attention! 

So I did it. I branched out and snapped up one of those cute little circles with those even cuter little wedges inside.  And now....I LOVE THEM!  Seriously - it's that good.  And those little wedges are only 35 calories, which is good because I've already put down 3 - my first little circle isn't going to last long at this pace.  I can't believe I fought the urge for so long.  Watch out Kroger, I'm cleaning out your cheese case on my next trip. 

http://www.thelaughingcow.com/

Sick Days

I've been fighting something for days.  I tried to fend it off - Vitamin C, cold meds, soup - the works, but to no avail.  This morning I woke up to full blown, can't get out of the bed, sick.  I visited the doctor, got some good medicine and hope that tomorrow brings a healthier version of me. 

No one enjoys being sick - but it's even harder now that I'm mom. I'm quarantined to my room because hubby thinks it's probably best - I have to agree.  It seems that all three of us just keeping passing around bugs, so I'll stay to myself, missing my little guy.  Thank goodness there's good TV.  The finale of The Real Housewives of New Jersey is tonight - and I can't wait! So maybe being sick tonight isn't so bad after all! ;-)

While the Baby's Away the Parents Will Play?

This weekend has been strange - not at all what I had planned.  I had expected to have a nice relaxing and romantic weekend with my husband.  I thought we'd be able to sleep in and have breakfast in bed, enjoy a nice dinner out and all in all enjoy the weekends like we did before the bug came around.  Instead, I've spent the weekend sick (so much for romance) and I find myself grativating towards anything baby when I normally would be doing something for Michael.  Even as I write this post I keep thinking, I should be feeding the baby, even though there isn't a baby to feed.  And in every room there is something that reminds me of my little guy.  No he's not gone forever, and in just a few short hours I'll be back in Mommy mode with my little man in the house, but I'm amazed at how difficult it was to switch gears.  I've forgotten what it was it like to not have diapers to change and bottles to make - I've forgotten what it was like to just be me - but I wouldn't change it for a second.

This morning though, my sweet husband decided to make us french toast and coffee.  What a yummy way to enjoy the morning together.  Now it's time to get to all the things I said I needed to do while the baby was away - only a few short hours before he's home again.

3 Word Fridays

Baby Free Weekend!

One of my favorite mommy bloggers - Jenni (http://babycarterscorner.blogspot.com/) has done this every Friday for as long as I've been following her, and since I'm making a really big effort to ACTUALLY keep up with this blog I thought I'd borrow her idea.  

So that's right!  Momma and Daddy getting a weekend to ourselves!  My mom has been dying to spend some time with the bug, which is perfect timing, because boy do I need a break - Chris does too.  For the last 3 weeks all 3 of us have been battling one sickness after another.  It started with a stomach bug that then went into a gross cold and pink eye.  Chris and Michael are both getting over the lastest round, but now I'm starting to feel the cold sneak in.  So beginning today we've got a baby free weekend.  I wish there were some exciting plans waiting for us, but sadly it looks like a weekend of cleaning the house, laundry, and lots of sleep.  Sounds perfect to me!

3 Months and Surviving!

We made it!  The first 3 months have flow by and when I think back to all the days and weeks since Michael was born it seems like an enternity ago.  Michael was impatient to get into the world, and unfortunately in his haste to escape he passed some meconium in the womb and then inhaled it during delivery.  Our little guy spent 5 days in the NICU before we finally got to bring him home with a clean bill of health.  Since then he's been a dream baby!  We even mastered sleeping through the night at 5 weeks - gasp! - I thank the Lord everyday for that one.  Now that I'm back to work, Michael's spending his days at daycare.  It breaks my heart to have to leave him, but he doesn't mind and I quickly learned within the first few days of maternity leave, that staying home just wasn't for me.  Our little guy is quickly outgrowing his "little" label - tipping the scales at 15lbs.  Yeah my boy likes to eat!

It's a BOY!

Michael Christopher Burns was born Saturday May 15th at 12:18 PM.  He weighed in a 7 lb 5 oz and 20.5 inches long. 

30 Week Update and Nursery Photos

It's been WAY too long since I updated.  Things have been very busy and it just seems like time is flying by!  We've finished up the nursery, so we have space for the baby now.  Just need to get all the other stuff like bottles, a carseat, clothes, etc.  May 26th is creeping up!  Here's my update and some pictures!

Week: 30 1/2

Weight Gain: I was doing really well until this last week.  At my 28 week appointment my doctor was a little concerned because I hadn't gained a lot of weight.  So between weeks 28 and 30 I gained a total of 6 pounds.   Lots of donuts and cupcakes will do that!  Needless to say, I'm going to have to watch my sweets a little better moving forward.

Sleep: Great!  I've been sleeping through the nights and only wake up a few times to switch positions. 

Feeling: Pretty good.  Life has been busy, so I've been really focused on getting everything else organized so that I can enjoy the baby to the fullest once he or she comes.

Health: Overall good.  Haven't been sick in a while - thank goodness!  Just hoping I continue to feel good between now and May.

Energy: Starting to fade.  I don't have as much energy as I'd like, but I'm managing to get everything done and still allow plenty of time to relax and rest.  Chris is keeping a close eye on me too and reminding me when I've been doing too much.

Movement: All the time - I think Baby M is trying to escape at times.

Cravings: Sweets!  Especially ice cream right now.
 
Here's some pictures of our nursery too!

 

 

25 Week Update

It's be a little while since I last updated.  Chris and I spent the last week of January in Las Vegas for a work trip.  It was wonderful to get away for a week not to mention we got an change to see/meet some of our new co-workers.  Unfortunately, somewhere between Las Vegas and Louisville Chris caught a nasty virus that ended up as a chest infection that has lingered on for almost 2 weeks now.  And, to make matters worse, despite having him sleep in another room, I also got sick and have been fighting it this week as well. 


We have a 3 day weekend coming up and am hoping a few days of sleeping and relaxing will do the trick to get us back to normal.  I promise to post so picture of Vegas as well as a new bump picture this weekend!

So back to the baby update.  We had a great visit today and Baby Burns checked out great!  Just looking forward to May to meeting this little person!

Week: 25

Weight Gain: I've finally caught up to my pre-pregnancy weight.  So net gain is 0 at this point. 
Sleep: Pretty good.  Benadryl is still a good friend so that helps, but I find my high energy level during the day quickly crashes at night, so I'm always ready to sleep.  I can still lay on my stomach, but am finding that it's not as comfortable and Baby gets annoyed and has no problem letting me know it when I lay on my belly for too long. 
Feeling: Good but Nervous.  Minus the sickness this week, I'm eating well and have good energy levels.  All in all, I can't complain.  I am starting to find that I can't move as well as I'd like, but suppose it's just part of it.  As we get closer and closer to D-Day, nerves are starting to set in, but we're super excited so that helps us forget!
Health: Thankfully - good. Minus the sinus stuff.  Blood pressure is great, so here's hoping everything continues!
Energy: Good during the days, but quickly fades at night.  I'm learning to pace myself better, but every now and then Chris has to tell me to settle down and chill and not over do it.
Movement: Tons!  I have a crazy kid that's for sure! Baby M still likes to be extremely active in the afternoon and at night.  Chris has even gotten to play with baby which is pretty cool. 
Cravings: Chocolate - still all the time! I really love Chocolate Dounuts!  Other than that, my cravings change from day to day so I never know what I'm going to want. 

22 Weeks!

One of my New Year Resolutions was to be a better blogger, which I haven't really succeed at thus far.  To be fair, work has been crazy, so I find that after looking at a computer screen for 8-10 hours a day, coming and spending time trying to write something just doesn't work.  That said - here's the 22 week update, with my first "bump" picture!

I'm very excited that there's finally a bump to show! 

Week: 22

Weight Gain: I've gained about 6 pounds from my lowest point.

Sleep: Right now, it's pretty good.  Unfortunately I've been dealing with lots of sinus issues, so I'm getting help in the sleep department from my friend Benadryl.  I'm still able to sleep on my stomach with no problem, although I think that's coming to an end soon. 

Feeling: Pretty Good.  Right now I'm most excited about the impending arrival of our nephew Crews.  Sara Jo is at 33 weeks and we're all excited for the little man to arrive.  Once he's here, I think everything will really start to set in that we're next!

Here's Sara Jo and I this past Sunday at bowling party!

Health: Thankfully - good.  Minus the sinus stuff.  I've been feeling great and eating everything, which is a vast improvement for me from the first trimester.

Energy: I'm hitting my stride I think.  I have a lot of energy during the day.  Sometimes I find I'm moving a little too fast and need to take a breather and slow down.  It's been good for getting things done around our house and at work.

Movement: Lots!  What a unique feeling have a baby move around inside you!  It's a feeling that I just can't quite describe.  Baby M is really active in the afternoon and evening.

Cravings: Chocolate - all the time!  I really love Chocolate Dounuts!  I'm also really craving Pizza and pasta. 

Ultrasounds Pictures!

Here's Baby Burns at 21 weeks 1 day.  Measured 15 oz and right on date.

Baby was getting bored with us and showed us just how large of a mouth they have.  I think baby takes after Mommy!









More of Baby Burns' head.








 Stretching the neck out.









Baby decided to show off it's toes.











The other foot.

Big Ultrasound Today!

We had our big ultrasound today!  Up until minutes before we got the hospital we (and by we, of course I mean me) were debating on whether we would find out the gender.  Christopher of course held his ground, and I caved, so we did not find out the gender.  We did get to see the little monkey, who was quite active the entire time.  Thankfully everything checked out just fine and we have a healthy little one, who really likes to kick.  Pictures will be posted soon!