Twins Tutu

I MUST make this tutu and headband. I found it when I was searching for baby girl MN Twins outfits and I think it's adorable!

Time for a craft afternoon. 

;)

Somebody said...

This poem was in the back of one of the books I've been readingl, and I thought it was sweet!

Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you’ve had a baby…somebody doesn’t know that once you’re a mother, normal is history.

Somebody said you learn how to be a mother by instinct…somebody never took a three-year-old shopping.

Somebody said being a mother is boring…somebody never rode in a car driven by a teenager with a driver’s license.

Somebody said if you’re a good mother, your child will “turn out good”…somebody thinks a child comes with directions and a guarantee.

Somebody said good mothers never raise their voices…somebody never came out the backdoor just in time to see her child hit a golf ball through the neighbor’s kitchen window.

Somebody said you don’t need an education to be a mother…somebody never helped a fourth grader with his math.

Somebody said you can’t love the fifth child as much as you love the first…somebody doesn’t have five children.

Somebody said a mother can find all the answers to her child-rearing questions in the books…somebody never had a child stuff beans up his nose or in his ears.

Somebody said the hardest part of bring a mother is labor and delivery…somebody never watched her baby get on the bus for the first day of kindergarten or on a plane headed for military boot camp.

Somebody said a mother can do her job with her eyes closed and one hand tied behind her back…somebody never organized seven giggling Brownies to sell cookies.

Somebody said a mother can stop worrying after her child gets married…somebody doesn’t know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a mother’s heartstrings.

Somebody said a mother’s job is done when her last child leaves home…somebody never had grandchildren.

Somebody said your mother knows you love her, so you don’t need to tell her…somebody isn’t a mother.

Lion Taggie

This past week was our Spring Break and it was so nice to be able to get a couple things done at home along with a few other fun crafty things.
I went on a road trip with the pup up to Longville to visit my parents for a few days. While up there my mom and I started working on making some curtains for the baby's room. She was hard at work sewing and pleating the fabric and I wanted in on the fun too!

We fired up another one of her machines and I was reminded of some taggie (sp?) blankets and toys I had seen on Pintrest. Mom always has fabric around and I knew she had ribbon. So I came up with my own design. I decided to make a little lion where the tags around the outside would be the mane.
We found a cute face to embroider in the middle and then I just cut apart different ribbons and started sewing.
I think it turned out so cute! It has about a 6 inch diameter so it's more of a toy.
Here it is! Sorry it's sideways.

This is the back. 

Our pup Kaiah has already discovered the lion and was carrying it around with her tail wagging. I can see that this is going to be a problem in the future...

-Val

Needles, and Blood, and Gestational Diabetes... Oh my!

Pebbles, 

I was really worried about you today. 

I had my second gestational diabetes test. Which involved a LOT of needles and blood, I will tell you the details when you about about 13. After the variety of tests, I was called with the results, it turns out I have gestational diabetes. Immediately I thought, "What does that mean for the baby?" This question lead me to oodles of websites with oodles of information. I read many of the complications involved with GD including: high birth weight, increased trauma to shoulders during delivery due to large birth weight, hyperinsulinemia/ a large drop in blood sugar, breathing difficulties, possible diabetes later in life, etc... 

After reading those things I felt like I let you down. :( I felt like I should have been able to do something more. As I am realizing more and more... sometimes things just happen that are out of our control and we don't know why. 

Let me tell you that letting you down is NOT one of the things that I will ever be doing as long as I have something to say about it! 

So now... I will be going into the dietitian next week. Who happens to be a good friend from high school, talk about things happening for a reason. At the appointment I'll learn more about testing my blood sugar and getting on a strict low carb/sugar high protein/fiber diet to manage my/I guess our, blood sugar. 

For now, I have a lot of support from friends and family who have had GD. They are giving me some pointers and I continue to be SO relieved that these people are in our lives helping to keep you and I healthy. 

I absolutely LOVE you and will do whatever it takes to keep you healthy. 

As Auntie Jenn said... I will "make Gestational Diabetes my BITCH!" 

 *Yet another reason you won't read this until you are 13! 

Love, 

Mom 

A little bit of progress

We have been working on our bathroom shower for the last week and that has turned out great! I should post pics of that too.
In between making decisions and overseeing the bathroom reno. I was trying to stay out of Jason's way by putting up a few things in the baby's room. We still don't have furniture but plan to get that in the next month.
For now, I've just been working on crafty things for her room.

This is a picture of the wall straight ahead when you walk into the room. I found some looms and painted them different colors. I also found some fun colorful fabrics to put inside. They say that contrast is key for infants. They contrast well on the navy wall. I think I want to get a couple smaller ones to mix in with the others.

This is a picture of the new light fixture we put up. I think it adds a nice feminine touch to go with the navy walls. Jason put a dimmer on it and also changed the outlets so they would be child safe.  I really LOVE the light. :)  FYI: The window frame you can barely see below on the right is the same window on the left in the picture above. 

I painted this abstract pink masterpiece!!  I know... you all want one now but I'm going to be really busy with the baby. ;) It was a bit of a learning experience. The masking tape I used to mark off the white lines didn't keep the pink out so the white lines were not so crisp when I took off the tape. I had to do a few layers of white to sharpen the white lines up. It turned out to be exactly what I wanted and was a pretty cheap piece of artwork!

The poms hanging from the ceiling are hanging in the place where we will put the crib. I made a few different sizes and would like to make the cluster a little bigger on the left side. The poms were made with tissue paper and flower wire. I think I spent a total of 5 dollars on all of them. I'm going for the contrast of the navy and the pink. It's all coming together little by little. 

Things that should be coming soon: 

Rug

Crib

Dresser

Shelves in the empty corner you can see with the picture of the light fixture. 

Closet organizer

and more!

10 weeks left!! :)

-Val

30 Weeks

It's been a while!!
I figured I should send out an update.

How far along? 30 weeks

Maternity clothes? Definitely! Necessary, and so comfortable. I am going to start looking for a pair of shorts or a little above the knee jean skirt. It's getting warm outside!

Stretch marks? Nope. Still doing pretty well in this area. I can feel that my skin is absolutely stretching out though! My veins are so easy to see, I feel transparent!

Sleep? I've been sleeping pretty well. I wake up every night at least a couple times due to heartburn or having to use the bathroom but I'm usually able to go right back to sleep. 

Best moment this week: This week my mom and I started making curtains for the room and did a little shopping at a local second hand store up north near their place. We found a bunch of cute clothes including some baby jelly shoes! I also sewed together a taggie stuffed animal that I'm pretty proud of! I'll have to post pics of that. 

Miss Anything? I miss being able to eat whatever I want without having to worry about heartburn. I also miss my old shorts and summer shirts that won't fit over this baby belly! I miss my cute bras. They could make larger bras a little more fun and... inviting...  I feel like I'm putting the ladies in a straight jacket! haha 

Movement: Oh boy! She moves all the time. The other day, I thought that she did a ninja kick inside, either that or it was a good ol' 1, 2, punch!

Food cravings: Lots of fruit. McDonald's oatmeal with a big glass of milk hits the spot too!

Anything making you queasy or sick: I didn't pass the 1 hour gestational diabetes test so I had to take the 3 hour test and get my blood drawn 4 times in one morning. The directions were to fast for 12 hours but after the 3 hour test (which is closer to 4 hrs.) I hadn't eaten in 16 hours! Which normally a person would be hungry but this pregnant momma was having crazy hunger pains. I also started to get a little nauseous after only having that sugary drink in my stomach. I've been feeling pretty good otherwise. 

Have you started to show yet? Yep! You can tell. I don't think I waddle yet but I'm quite a bit bigger!

Gender: A little girl! aka: Pebbles (for now) We sometimes call her Seatha Seath as a joke!

Labor Signs: I don't think so. It sometimes gets tighter "down there" and feels a bit like a cramp but I wouldn't know the difference!

Belly Button in or out?  In, I had a pretty deep belly button to begin with. It might start to turn in the next couple weeks though. It's getting closer to the surface. 

Wedding rings on or off? On. Not too much, or any swelling yet really. 

Happy or Moody most of the time? Happy most of the time. I can be a little short at times. 

Looking forward to: More frequent visits to the doctor where we will get to hear the heart beat! We start going in every two weeks now. We are also signed up for a Baby's and Beyond class that is two Saturdays in the middle of April. It will be nice to meet a few people that are going through this for the first time like us.

Baby Songs

This week I am 26 weeks which means that Baby Seath can hear the sounds around me.
According to BabyCenter:

The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. She may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other.

This means that baby can hear me sing! As most of you know, I LOVE music and have been singing before I could speak. So, I decided to make a playlist of my favorite songs to sing to baby on the way to work and home. I also decided to record a couple goodies so that if I am ever away once baby is born, she can still hear me. It's a little rough but here is one of the songs.

To make you feel my love- It's been done by Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Garth Brooks, and recently Adele. 

*Turn off/Stop the player at the bottom of the page if you want to hear this song instead. 

It's pretty song all about devotion and love. :)

p.s. We are going shopping and registering today. I'll let you all know how that went tomorrow night!
-Val

21 Weeks

How far along? 21 weeks

Maternity clothes? The maternity pants are more of a necessity now! I tried wear my biggest jeans I had and there is no way I am buttoning those and feeling comfortable wearing them. My belly is very hard and doesn't have much give these days! I can't wear most of my shirts without wearing a longer tank top underneath. I also must do layers. My classroom is never the same temperature and I think my own body temperature is up and down all day. I'm actually pretty comfortable though! I love how I no longer have to suck anything in! 

Stretch marks? Nope!  (fingers crossed) My mom didn't really get any either so I'm hoping it's in the genes. 

Sleep? I've been sleeping pretty well. Have I mentioned that my in-laws got me an awesome curved body pillow. I think it's been my saving grace. 

Best moment this week: This week we found out that we were having a girl! We went out for dinner over the weekend with my in-laws and Jason's grandmas and shared the ultrasound photos. A great friend told me I looked beautiful! :) Jason gave me a back massage! It's been a pretty good week. 

Miss Anything? I miss my random late, late Friday nights with my girlfriends and the guys. I miss going out and getting a good buzz with Jason on date nights! I'm supposed to be honest here, right?!

Movement: Yep. The movements are getting a little stronger too! 

Food cravings: Top the Tator dip and Ruffle potato chips! The perfect combo. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing this last week! :) I get really anxious almost queasy when people start telling me their labor and delivery stories. Unless of course they tell me that it lasted 1 hour and didn't hurt at all, but I haven't heard that story yet... anyone?

Have you started to show yet? Yes, I don't mind the hands from the people I know and care about, but if a stranger ever comes up and touches my belly, I might just slap them. Or better yet, I might tell them that I'm not actually pregnant and see how they react. That would be great! 

Gender: A little girl! aka: Pebbles (for now)

Labor Signs: I don't think I would know what they were if they happened at this point! I don't think I've had any.

Belly Button in or out? Pretty far in still 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time? Happy!

Looking forward to: Seeing the baby's room start to transform. We took the carpet out to reveal a decent hardwood floor underneath. I pulled out all the staples and Jason pulled up the trim and took off the closet doors. We are going to paint the trim and doors white. The room will stay dark navy blue. I think Navy is a beautiful color! I'm hoping that we can make some billowy, lacy curtains and add pops of hot pink and other baby colors to make it look a little more girly. I love hunting for the perfect "extras" to make her room unique and girly. 

Our Baby Girl

Dear Pebbles,
I can't wait to meet you!
Your dad and I just left the hospital where we were able to see you for the first time. :)
I can't see your expressions, look into your eyes or feel your emotions yet but you already have such a big place in my heart. My body has changed (Which hasn't been easy-remind me to mention that part when you are about 14) but I think the one thing that must have grown the most is my heart! I never knew that I could love something that I have never met so unconditionally! The woman working the ultrasound was listing off things she needed to check for and every time she found something or pointed out a new part of your body, I breathed a sigh of relief and smiled because I felt I was getting to know you a little better.  You were sucking your thumb, rolling around, relaxing with your hand behind your head, and moving your mouth (singing a beautiful song I'm sure!) We could have watched you move around the screen for hours and I'm sure we will spend hours in this world, watching in awe as you grow and share your talents right before our eyes!
We already have such a strong connection and you might even be able to feel my excitement when I talk about you but I want you to know that your dad is very excited for you too. He held my hand during the ultrasound and gave it a big ol' kiss when we found out you were a girl! He hasn't gotten to know you over the last few months as I have but you have been on his mind. He has been thinking about saving for your future, fixing up your room, repairing our house and getting a safer car so that you can have wonderful life when you arrive.
We talk about what it will be like when you are with us. Your dad and I have some great times together!! You are about to enter into a family that is going to love you to pieces and build as many memories with you as possible.
Keep growing and behave in there!
We love you little lady.
-Mom

20 Weeks

How far along? 20 weeks

Maternity clothes? Loving the maternity pants. Most of my shirts still fit but I need to wear a longer tank top under them. I've had to pack a few away.

Stretch marks? Nope! 

Sleep? I slept most of the weekend away which is why I'm awake right now... but my eyes are getting heavy! 

Best moment this week: My students voted between boy and girl and many of them voted for a boy! My brother stopped by unexpectedly. That's always nice. :)  I've been feeling pretty good lately which is a nice change from the rough few months previously. 

Miss Anything? Still missing that beer with olives. I also miss being able to do cartwheels and go rollerskating. I've never had to be so careful with my body. I'm usually just banging around and up for anything, if I get a bruise or hurt myself, big deal! But now, I have to think of the safety of the lil one inside too!

Movement: Yep! I haven't felt any kicks or pokes from the outside yet but I think I felt a "wave" or something like that. Maybe the baby's back moved against my stomach or something. I can't wait until Jason can feel the movement too. 

Food cravings: Grapefruit. I love the stuff that comes in the glass jar! Delicious! 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not this last week! Yay!  Wait... there was a strong smell (a stinky item a student had on or near him?) That made me a bit queasy. 

Have you started to show yet? Sure have! I'm posting a picture this time. 

Gender: A Mystery. We should know this time tomorrow as long as baby is not shy! 

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? Pretty far in still 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time? Happy majority of the time. I'm feeling pretty good right now!

Looking forward to: Finding out if we are having a boy or girl 

and more details about the baby's health. I'm also looking forward to sharing the news with our parents, Uncle Beau and the rest of our close friends and family! 

 

Boy or Girl?!

Monday, Jan. 16th we find out what we are having! I am getting pretty excited and my curiosity is driving me crazy! I decided to indulge in the many Old Wives Tales and put them to the test. Here are the results... 

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. (Every time we have heard the heartbeat it was over 160) 
Prediction outcome: GIRL

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. (I don't think I'm showing too much yet and I do feel like what does show is sticking straight out) 
Prediction outcome: BOY

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. (I think this test is rigged...) 
Prediction outcome: INCONCLUSIVE

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. (I'm pretty clear actually. I have mostly dry skin)
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. (I have been eating a little of everything... anything that stay down) 
Prediction outcome: INCONCLUSIVE

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. (I've got a variety of lines there, though I question who came up with this one... kinda odd) 
Prediction outcome: GIRL... I guess

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. (Ummmm... this is a little confusing depending on your definition of aggressive and which time we actually made it happen!)
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. (Well, as far as I know I'm only gaining in the torso, legs seem to be the same)
Prediction outcome: GIRL

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. (Well... I'm just gonna give my prediction as I'm sure most of you know how I'm feeling these days)
Prediction outcome: GIRL

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: GIRL

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. (well... this is bias as my only comparison are friends and family and they lie I'm sure saying I look beautiful... liars lol. but in my opinion, my skin in clearer, my hair is thicker and when I'm not throwing up I think I look nice! haha!) 
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. (I haven't had any dreams of the baby's gender yet.)
Prediction outcome: INCONCLUSIVE

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. (I'm pretty clumsy, have yet to fall but I'm running into things all the time and tripping on my students more than usual!) 
Prediction outcome: BOY

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. (This has been hard because I usually rest on my belly, which I can't do any more and I heard it's best for blood flow to lay on your left side. Therefore I have been laying on my left side.)
Prediction outcome: BOY

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.(Jason's weight hasn't changed. If anything he has lost weight for his new job at the prison) 
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. (I can't tell if one is bigger than the other and neither can Jason) 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: GIRL 

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. (Oh yea, I've been sick. it sucks.) 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. (I do still enjoy cheese, and meat. I've found I only want red meat, though I'm not getting much) 
Prediction outcome: BOY

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. (I have been wearing very thick socks and they do seem a little colder at night.)
Prediction outcome: BOY

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. (Jason and I have pretty solid names picked out for both. The boy name is more set in stone than the girl.)
Prediction outcome: BOY

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





Totals: 
GIRL: 8       BOY: 11  


We will find out on Monday!! :)