Overdue!

So, I'm still pregnant... 

||Pregnancy Questions||

How far along?  40 weeks 

Stretch marks? Yes indeed. Starting to get irritated when clothes rub against them. Ugh..

Sleep? Bout the same! I feel pretty lucky with that!

Miss anything? I couldn't possibly name all of the things I miss. I miss normal things even more now that I'm passed my due date! Haha 

Movement? Always! It makes me so anxious that I can feel him squirming in my arms soon. 

Cravings? I haven't been craving anything - but I have decided to indulge in snacks & some junk food because I haven't my whole pregnancy & I'll be eating super clean & healthy again once he's out. So excited to get my body back!

Belly button- in or out? I would say it's half n half. Haha 

Feeling? Pretty tired & uncomfortable. Sometimes I get emotional too- I'm just so ready to hold my son.

This is officially my last pregnancy update! Woooo!! If/when I hit 41 weeks, I'll be at the hospital being induced! I had my last appointment & haven't had much progress since last time. Still dilated to a 2 but now I'm 80% effaced! He stripped my membranes again hoping to speed things up, but I doubt it'll do any good. This little guy is quite cozy in there!

I'm starting to get pretty uncomfortable. He is getting big & my Braxton Hicks have been knocking the breath out of me! I haven't had many real contractions yet, that I know of! Hubby rubs my back every night after I put heat on it for a few minutes. It seems to help me relax & that makes it much easier to fall asleep! 

We have everything ready for this babe to make his debut! Hospital bag is packed, everything is washed, car seat is in the car & I have all my things for nursing & healing afterwords. Anytime now, baby boy! Also, we have his full name picked out & I'm just dying to share it. Only a few more days!! Can't wait til my posts are mostly of our little nugget! 

Counting down!

I'm officially four days away from my due date! At this point, I'm not near as nervous as I was a few weeks ago. I think I've come to a peaceful realization that if I stay positive & strong, it'll help get me through labor & delivery. I'm a firm believer that maintaining a positive mind set can go a long way! 

The past week I've started getting pretty uncomfortable. He is getting heaving & now that he is dropping, it feels like I can barely walk or that he could just fall out at any time! Haha // my nights are getting interesting too. Shawn wakes up from a dead sleep offering to help me get out of bed every two hours. This belly is no joke! I can tell that baby boy has way less room now, but he still squirms just as much! Everyone said I would start to feel him less during this last month, but I'm pretty sure he took that as a challenge! I feel him non-stop! I can almost grab onto his little feet. I'm not complaining though- he makes me so happy, even when he keeps me up til 4 am practicing his moves! 

I think I am actually starting to get kind of emotional about not being able to feel him in my belly soon. I know that having him here will be the most amazing thing that's ever happened to me, but I know for sure that I'll miss it. I feel like I've really embraced every aspect of my pregnancy though. Rarely have any complaints- even through the hard times. I love feeling his movements, hiccups & stretches! It feels like just yesterday I was getting excited over his little flutters, & now he is big n strong, ready to come out & change our whole life! 

Oh, & for anyone who is wondering about visiting us when he's born- we plan on only having our immediate family visit at the hospital. Once we are home & feeling up to it, we will have friends come visit! I know it's a bummer to wait, but I don't feel bad cause he is ours & we want to experience the first few days just us three. I will not be giving out info on our hospital or room number & our family is being advised not to either. I have already had some interesting responses to our plan, but I seriously don't feel even a little guilty. We still love you all, but we want him to ourselves for a bit. :)

Update on baby - we had our appointment today! I've only progressed a little but I'm up to 2 centimeters dilated & 50% effaced. He did a membrane sweep & I've already been feeling quite crampy from that. We are hoping he will come on or before his due date! I have my next appointment the day after he's due, but hopefully I won't have to go to that one & he'll be here already! 

Mango icee in hand- walking the canyon to get this boy out!

Me & my handsome - just waitin' on our little fella. [hopin' he looks just like his daddy] 

Pregnancy Q's & Bump Update

||Pregnancy Questions||

How far along?  38 weeks

Stretch marks?  Yes!

Sleep? Sadly, my sleep is getting worse every night. It's just hard to stay comfortable!

Miss anything? REAL sushi. I've been on a sushi kick & California Rolls are getting old!

Movement? All the time - especially now that Daddy is home. He goes crazy in there when he talks.

Cravings? Maybe the sushi is considered a craving? But not really, mostly ice water still!

Belly button- in or out? Still mostly flat, the top pops out sometimes though.

Feeling? So ready to be a mama! 

I know you guys are probably ready for me to stop posting about my belly and all these crazy questions, but now that I'm so close to my due date, I want to update as much as I can! This pregnancy is almost over- which completely blows my mind! Did it fly by to everyone else too? At the beginning, 40 weeks sounds like a lifetime but before you know it, you're nesting & just waiting for the baby. Ah! I'm so excited to NOT feel the nesting instinct though, I just want to relax! I'm always doing some kind of project. Cleaning baseboards, sanitizing the whole apartment- every day. Everything is so organized! I thought I was bad before, but WOW.

One thing I've noticed the past couple weeks is that I'm very anti-social! [I'm sorry to anyone who feels like I'm a bad friend.] I'm so scatterbrained, and the only thing I can think about is the upcoming weeks, and becoming a mother. It's hard for me to focus on anything else. I've talked to a few mom friends, & they all say they were the same way! Now that my hubby is home, its probably worse too. I just want to cuddle up with him, talk to our boy, and wait for him to arrive! 

Oh! I can't believe I forgot to mention my new blog design! I have been following/obsessing over this awesome girl, Heidi on Instagram for a little over a year now, and she agreed to help my ideas come to life! She did even better than I imagined. I'm completely obsessed with my logo/header. You should all check out her blog here! She is definitely a jack of all trades- you will love her! 

Anywho, I guess the only other update I have is that I went to the Dr yesterday & I've only dilated a 1/2 centimeter since last week. I'm starting to think he's pretty cozy in there! Every girl I know is either having their baby early or they are on the verge of it. Even ones due after me! It's pure torture. I really just want to hold my baby boy. I love being pregnant & I need to enjoy these last few weeks being just with Shawn but I think we are both getting anxious at this point. Come on, little guy!! 

Even my niece is ready for him. ;)

〈〈 38 weeks 〉〉

ready for you, baby boy. ◆

I've been away from my handsome husband for 6 weeks & he finally got home two nights ago! I'm so happy to have my other half back- I was starting to go crazy! It's such a relief that now he will be here whenever our son decides to make his grand appearance! I've been so worried that I would go into labor early & I would have to do it all without him by my side. I feel so blessed. I can't believe we will be a family of three in just a couple weeks! 

Everything is ready for our little man at this point! I've almost finished washing all his things & started packing our hospital bag. I'm hoping to have everything done by my 39 week mark. Ah, where has my pregnancy gone?! This strong baby boy will be out of my belly & in my arms before we know it. I am so, so excited! 

My nights have definitely started getting more uncomfortable, which was expected- especially with how close I am. It's just getting more awkward & hard to switch from side to side. Then I almost get up 6 times a night, regardless of how much I drink! When I actually sleep, it's good sleep though. But as for right now, he is doing some intense karate moves in my belly & making it far too amusing & ticklish for me to sleep! I have Braxton Hicks a TON throughout the day & night. I don't think they hurt, they are mostly just tense & my belly clenching makes it hard to move. I've been drinking lots of Raspberry Leaf Tea & I think it makes me have even more mini contractions.  I've heard great things about the wonders of the tea & it makes me happy cause it tastes sensational. It doesn't take much to please me in the tea department though, I love most teas. No sugar, no honey- just tea. Aaahhhh :)

Pregnancy has been such an amazing journey & I think it's definitely been the greatest thing I've ever experienced. From the moment I found out I was pregnant, I have fallen asleep smiling every night. He is the most incredible blessing. He has already changed me in countless ways - & I can't wait to see the ways he continues to change me. Becoming his mama bear will be the greatest adventure -I can't wait to meet this little cub. 

||Pregnancy Questions||

How far along?  37 weeks

Stretch marks?  YES! I all of a sudden started getting so many. I thought it would bum me out, but I honestly don't even mind them. He is worth every single one!

Sleep? Still sleeping good! If I didn't pee 4-6 times a night, I would say there is zero complaints on my sleep! ;)

Miss anything? Now that I'm so close to the end, and so huge - I miss everything! I can't wait to do things on my own again, and even walk without this waddle!

Movement? Still constant movement! He is getting so big & strong in there!

Cravings? Haven't really been experiencing cravings lately- just always thirsty for an ice water!

Belly button- in or out? Flat button! Sometimes it pokes out a little if I've eaten lots though!

Feeling? I'm feeling good! I get exhausted fast & I can't walk around for long - but other than that, I'm just so over excited about meeting my baby!!!

Yesterday I had my 37 week appointment! Baby boy is still doing great, already in position to come out! I am 1 centimeter dilated & 50% effaced! I'm just hoping he will stay in there a little bit longer & wait for Daddy to drive from Wyoming! It's so cool to think that in less than a month I'll be able to hold him in my arms & that he will be ours - forever!

I'll definitely miss playing games with him in there though. Usually he will kick water bottles right off my belly!

In other news - Shawn got me my mama car!! It's a 2010 Mazda CX-7.We have been looking for months & I finally found this one. I loved it instantly. It's a smooth ride, very comfy, gorgeous interior, lots of space, & it came with a tv that folds down on the ceiling so I can play movies for our little man during our many road trips! 

I'm not sure there's anything else to update you guys on! - but, if anyone has any advice on things they highly suggest me packing in my hospital bag, then please feel free to send me a list or the things you just couldn't live without! 

▸▸▸ katie 

Restless Mama

I am so blown away by how fast my pregnancy has gone by. It is still surreal that I'm even having a baby! I'm already so in love with this sweet little soul and I know I'm in for the most intense love I've ever known. He will be here in less than a month! I know I've said this before but, this pregnancy has been the most beautiful thing I've ever experienced. It is truly remarkable that my body was made for this. I think I've been pretty blessed though- I've had it pretty easy. I am just barely starting to get uncomfortable, and even that just depends on how he's situated in there. I have slept great the entire time, until tonight! But I think that's only because I am so excited! I day dream about him being here, then when it's time to sleep, I have problems shutting my brain off! I can't wait to just have him in my arms.

So, a little update on our life right now... Sadly, I'm in Utah while Shawn works in Wyoming. It is so hard being away from him. Especially while being pregnant. Baby E loves hearing daddy's voice, and I know Shawn hates not being able to hold on to my belly every night and feel his little boy moving around. It is so hard being away from my other half, but everything we do now, is for our son. He is already worth every minute we have to be apart. Shawn's job moves around a lot, and it's very unpredictable! So, we decided to rent out my mom's basement until his job signs on a long term contract somewhere. Hopefully it will only be a couple months! I'm so grateful for my hard working husband. He is amazing! 

My Dr. appointments have been going great! I'll now be going in every week for check-ups! Baby boy is measuring perfectly. I've gained about 21 pounds at this point - and my Dr. is guessing that he will weigh between 7 and 8 pounds! I'm starting to get pretty nervous about giving birth. I have felt so peaceful, and at ease with the thought of it, until recently when every woman decides to tell me her horror story! So, I've decided to kindly ask them to save their story for after I give birth to my little guy. I know my body was meant for this, and that he will be worth every bit of the pain and torture. Even though, I fully plan on getting an epidural- I'm still scared and worried! I'm hoping everything will go smoothly and that he will be a healthy, strong, little chunk. 

I'm pretty sure we have finally decided on a name for him too! We still have a few back up names, just in case the one we like doesn't fit! But we won't be announcing it until the big day! We have gone through so many names, and changed our minds a million times! It's so hard to name a person! Especially because Shawn and I both think he needs a strong name that will fit him for life, not just a cute baby name. I can't wait to share it with you guys!! 

-- I will do my pregnancy questions on my next post, and put up some bump pictures! 

xx, Katie

I'm the worst blogger!

Well, seeing as being a better blogger is one of my resolutions this year - I probably should get on that! Once I sit down to write, between letters to my baby & journal entries, I'm pretty drained before getting to my blog. So maybe I'll just try to blog once a week! 

2014 has been pretty good to us so far! We are starting to get extremely anxious with the arrival of our baby boy in 9 weeks. This pregnancy has flown by! It seems weird that I'm almost done with this journey, and preparing to start an even better one. We have moved so many times in these 8 months, it's crazy! I think between moving & trips home, it's helped the time pass! I have a feeling it will start to slow down because of how excited we are, & how crowded my belly is getting! 

I still don't have many complaints about pregnancy. There's definitely days where I'm more uncomfortable & just wish he could be out already, but it's so amazing going through this experience. We got a 3D/4D ultrasound just a few days ago & it was SO cool! Definitely worth the extra money! We were so happy when we got to see his squishy face. He was still stubborn, just like he's been in all my ultrasounds! He was hiding most of his face & trying to sleep. It was so neat though- cause usually we can't get good pictures because he won't hold still! He seemed so content in there. Just smiling, sticking his tongue out, & poking out his perfect lips! Did I mention that he is a chunk?! Oh man. If you didn't know this, chunky babies are my favorite & as soon as I laid eyes on those cheeks, I instantly had the urge to kiss & squeeze em! I could go on for days talking about all the things I'm excited to do with my babe, but I'll resist. Haha 

||Pregnancy Questions|| -

How far along?  31 weeks

Stretch marks? Not really- there are a few small ones, but none on my belly so far. 

Sleep? Now that he's getting more crowded, it's definitely harder to stay comfortable or even breathe! But yoga & little workouts help move him down so he's not up in my ribs! 

Miss anything? Haha! Umm.. Putting on my own shoes without cussing, ab workouts, sleeping on my belly & feeling sexy! (Any woman who feels sexy at this stage is very lucky- I feel beautiful but no where near sexy) 

Movement? All the time! My belly is always doing crazy things. Playing tag with him is my favorite! 

Cravings? Still fruit! I can't stop eating it. 

Belly button- in or out? It's sorta just flat! I thought it would have popped out by now! So we'll see. ;)

Feeling? I feel good for the most part. I get really short of breath though. Even just from talking! Some days are hard, but I just try to relax, stretch & drink lots of water. 

I am getting maternity photos done when I go to Utah for my baby showers, so I will definitely post some updated bump pictures! 

Wyoming residents!

I'm so excited to finally announce that we moved to Wyoming, and got an apartment! We are so excited to have our own place. We've lived in our Camper Trailer for almost a year, and the thought of living in it after a few nights in our new home, sounds terrifying! Our apartment is pretty empty at this point- seeing as all our furniture was connected to the trailer. ;) I can't wait to start fresh though! I have so many ideas! I'm most excited to do our little man's nursery though. I go in there, sit on the floor & just imagine it filled with his things. I can't wait til he's finally here! 

                       Our bedroom

[i'll be sure to post more of the house as we get it decorated!]

As for the lil guy, he is doing good! Getting bigger every day- kicking constantly! Throughout my pregnancy, I've wondered why I haven't had those uncontrollable cravings everyone talks about! I've mostly just thought things sounded good. But I guess I ignored the fact that since I've been pregnant, I've become addicted to orange juice. I can't even explain how delicious it is! The best part is, baby boy loves it!! He goes crazy in there. Which leads me to my newest (real) craving - anything in the produce section. I woke up the other morning, mouth watering for some fruit & veggies. I guess that's pretty lucky to crave something healthy, rather than fast food or icecream! 

I've recently noticed that a lot of girls complain constantly, about their pregnancy. It honestly drives me crazy. I understand that it gets uncomfortable, and that your back hurts all the time. I'm experiencing that also, but everytime I feel him move or catch myself talking to him all day, that makes up for the aches & pains. I feel so honored to have him in my belly. My body was created for this & I couldn't be more blessed to call him mine.. I just wish women would keep in mind how lucky they are to have this little gift in their bellies, especially when so many never get the opportunity. 

||Pregnancy Questions|| -

How far along?  26 weeks 5 days

Stretch marks? Nope, but now that he's getting so big- I am expecting them any time!

Sleep? It takes me longer to fall asleep cause I get so excited thinking about him, but I'm still sleeping good!

Miss anything? Hard workouts, getting off the floor without help, & fitting into my clothes! 

Movement? Constantly. I swear he does yoga in there. Always stretching out & kicking me. Love every minute of it.

Cravings? Fruits & vegetables! 

Belly button- in or out? Surprisingly, still in! Barely, though. We check every day! ;) 

Feeling? I still feel great! Some days are worse than others but I think that's mostly because I'm nearing my third trimester. I can still get lots done, I just get sore way easy! 

"Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside of me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle."  - Erma Bombeck

Our Son

I know I'm a little late announcing this on my blog, and I'm sure most of you already know, but we are having a BOY!! When I got my first ultrasound, Shawn & I instantly looked at each other saying "It's a boy!" So for 5 weeks we waited impatiently for the gender ultrasound. I would have been happy either way but after feeling so sure it was a boy, we were so excited to see very clearly that it's a boy! I was scared that we wouldn't get to find out because he is SO stubborn! Not only that, but he is a busy little guy. We couldn't get him to sit still long enough to get good pictures. I wanted a shot of his cute tush, and what does he do?! Puts his hands on his bum and starts kicking around. Haha! Needless to say, we are so in love with him. His movements are getting stronger every day, and although it'll get uncomfortable through the last part of my pregnancy, his kicks keep this mama stress free. I'm always laughing and resting my hand on my belly for that next big nudge. I feel extremely blessed.

The past few weeks have been so great! I've been visiting here in Utah with my family, then took a trip to Arizona to visit my brothers, dad, & best friend! It was so amazing. This is my last little vacation before I'm uncomfortably huge & a new mama. My trip home has been fantastic, but longer than expected- although its nice, I miss my husband so bad it hurts. Since finding out about our baby, he bargained with his job to get us out of North Dakota. Neither of us want to raise our baby there. I especially can't handle being that far away from my mom with her new grand baby. We will be living in Wyoming (6 hrs away) until his job transfers to Colorado! I couldn't be more excited. I can't wait to decorate a little home & finally put all my ideas into our boy's nursery! Things finally feel like they're falling into place. 

I have had so many people asking what we will name our tiny, but we seriously have no idea! We have looked through so many names, its unreal! So for the time being, we are going to stop looking because I don't wanna feel rushed into choosing the name he will have the rest of his life. Shawn & I only agree on a few names, and its definitely not worth arguing over. We both deserve to love his name! So if anyone has some cute suggestions, send 'em our way! 

||Pregnancy Questions|| -

How far along?  22 weeks & 5 days

Stretch marks? Still none, but I am starting to get the dark line down my belly!

Sleep? Some nights are harder than others, but I'm still getting tons of sleep.

Miss anything? Abs, sushi, & sleeping on my belly!

Movement? All I ever feel is movement! He is one busy babe! It's the best feeling in the world.

Cravings? Coke - but I'm fighting it as much as I can. I'm such a health nut & I never drink soda normally. So if I give in, its in moderation! 

Belly button- in or out? In - but not for long! 

Feeling? I've been good other than the stomach bug I've had the last few days! I've started to have more pressure on my back, but that just comes with the territory! Especially since he's finally weighing in at 1 pound! Seems small, I know- but he was the size of a peanut. :) 

Time to be a better blogger!

So, I may or may not have forgotten completely about my blog! So much has happened lately. As most of you know, I'm pregnant! The first few months were pretty rough. I rarely had the energy to even get out of bed! I am now 18 weeks and I finally feel like myself again! I want to be better at documenting our life and my pregnancy so my family//friends can always stay caught up with our little family. 

My belly has really seemed to pop the last week! Shawn thinks it gets bigger every day- especially since more than half my clothes don't fit anymore! I am pretty at peace with putting on weight for my sweet baby. I mostly laugh when trying on clothes cause I look like a hillbilly with this big belly hanging out! 

We are headed home in a couple days  to find out the gender! I've been counting down the days. I can't wait to find out - we don't really have a preference on what we want first. At this point, we are both guessing that it's a boy! So we'll find out very soon. I will do a gender reveal post & show you guys the cute baby stuff we get! 

                  Baby at 15 weeks! 

||Pregnancy Questions|| -

How far along? 18 weeks 

Stretch marks? None so far- fingers crossed!

Sleep? It's harder to get comfortable but I'm still getting tons of sleep & a few naps here & there! 

Miss anything? Sleeping on my belly!

Movement? I have felt baby E lots more this week! I only felt flutters for a while but now it seems like he/she is knocking on my belly! 

Cravings? Fruity pebbles, protein shakes & anything sweet! 

Belly button- in or out? In. 

Feeling? Energetic & extremely excited to find out the gender! 

x o x o // k