Random Wednesday Post

The rainy, cold weather is giving me a run for my money. Entertaining a 1 year old inside, all day is exhausting. There are only so many times you can do the same puzzles and read the same books. Plus the attention span is all of a few minutes if we are lucky. Spring...where are you???

So when daddy headed to work, Austin and I headed to the mall (yet again!).

Our first stop with the Disney store where Austin walks through with wide eyes exclaiming "Mickey"!

Second stop was Barnes and Noble and the Train Table.

He loves playing here and the table keeps his attention long enough for me to sit down. It was nice to chat with another mom there, who had a daughter close in age. She too stays home and we definitely spoke the same language about needing the spring to arrive! 

Finally, a quick stop in the play area. He wasn't feeling it today, so we looked at the water fountains and then headed home. He had my phone during the ride home...apparently he figured out how to open the camera app and took some pictures of his shoes. Perhaps he will have a career in photography...

25 Weeks!!!

Since I will be delivering at 39 weeks...I am 14 weeks away!!! It seems so far, but very close. Here is a little girl update...

How Far Along? 25 weeks 

Size of Baby: Acorn Squash

Weight Gain: Not sure. I feel like a lot but I won't know until next week. 

Maternity Clothes: Still loving maternity clothes. I was able to do a little shopping and found a few tops that I am comfortable in.  

Stretch marks: Nope. I have started using Coco Butter Lotion and LOVING IT! Not necessarily for stretch marks but because my skin is so dry. 

Symptoms: Other then the ever growing belly. I've had some late evening Braxton Hicks contractions, which tells me that I need to be doing less. 

Cravings: I really have wanted milkshakes lately. Other then that, I am enjoying cold, fresh fruit and a good bowl of cereal in the morning. 

Gender: Still a GIRL! 

Mood: Tired. Happy. 

Nursery: We need to work on that. The colors for her nursery are pink, navy and white. 

Movement: She moves all the time. 

Sleep: I pulled out the pregnancy pillow and that is helping with the hip/sciatica pain. 

Workouts: Chasing my toddler all day. I am hoping to join a gym this week and plan to attempt at least 2 work outs a week. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not anymore! 

Best Moment This Week: Watching Austin sweetly come over, kiss my belly and say "baby"

Looking Forward To: Hubs and I are going to get away for a little together time. Will be leaving Austin with my mom (who he will be with when I deliver baby sister). I am excited to plan some time away! 

Another weekend over. Happy Valentines Day to all.

We got our little guy a heart donut and let him devour to his hearts content.

Man, it was a rough weekend here. Austin came down with a cold, which really is no big deal, except when he can't breathe and is up all night.

I believe I saw almost every hour on the clock Friday and Saturday night. Poor baby, poor mommy. Hubs tried to take him but we all know that when we are sick the only person we want is our mom. (I still feel like this.) So I endured the nighttime of rocking and swaying and laying in bed with my little guy.

At one point, he was tossing and turning next to me and the little girl was kicking my insides. I reminded myself in that moment that one day I will look back and long for nights where my kids just want me. When I am the answer to all the problems. I have seen the hours, days and weeks fly by and so in the middle of pure exhaustion, I chose to savor it, remember it and be thankful for it.

Due to the lack of a weekend update, I am going to post my meal planning for the week. I find that if I meal plan well, we spend far less money on groceries and I don't have to stare aimlessly into the fridge wondering what I will make for the day.

Week of February 15:

Monday: Tacos
Tuesday: Grilled Chicken and Italian Green Beans
Wednesday: Salsa Crockpot Chicken
Thursday: Meatballs
Friday: Turkey Burgers, roasted potatoes and a veggie
Saturday: ? Leftovers
Sunday: Lasagna and Salad

Plan to share some recipes over the week. Hope you are living in a place that is warmer then here!

Happy Friday!!

Here we are again. End of another work week. I am now 24 weeks pregnant and always hungry. I have to constantly remind myself how far along I am with this little one, when with Austin, I knew the week and date. Amazing how a toddler changes things.

Here are some scenes from last night...

When daddy is working night shift and mommy has to make dinner without help...Austin gets to play in the sink with water. Don't let the picture fool you. He, I and my kitchen ended up soaking wet.

A quick, easy, healthy side dish recipe to share:

1 1/2 Zucchini, sliced thin

1 can diced tomatoes

1 tbsp olive oil

basil

1/4 cup onion, diced (optional)

Cut zucchini thin and saute in olive oil over medium heat. (Can add onions if you want.) Saute for 5-10 minutes until zucchini becomes clear and cooked. 

Add can of diced tomatoes and cook down. 15-20 min. Add basil. 

Cook down until all the tomato juice has been absorbed and zucchini is soft. 

I don't have a name for this. It's from my moms kitchen and it has quickly become one of my husbands favorites. We have it as a side or would be good over chicken and pasta. Enjoy!

Austin's dinner ended with his favorite...a cookie. We never taught him to open the oreo and lick the cream...he figured this out all on his own. 

Hubby has to work night again tonight. We are excited about heading to see cousins and family tomorrow for the day! Have a blessed weekend! 

Happy Friday!!!

We woke up to snow on our cars and grass. Nothing big but it is pretty. We are gearing up for a fairly relaxing weekend.

Just to brighten your day and mine. These are from yesterday after we had played outside with bubbles for a little bit. Austin LOVES being outside. So even though it is pretty cold, we try to bundle up once a day and get some fresh air.

Austin 19 months!

Each month with this little guy keeps getting more fun. He is talking up a storm and learning new words left and right. He is so incredibly smart! He loves animals and knows what just about all of them say. Taking trips to the pet store to visit the birds, fish, kittens, puppies, bunnies etc is always a highlight for him. He loves talking to his long distance family on FaceTime & talks to daddy when he is at work. When we are out running errands or playing somewhere, he says "hi" to just about everyone.  Austin is pure joy! I pray that he continues to grow and most importantly, grows to know the Lord. 

MILESTONES/MOMENTS TO NOTE:
- 23 lbs
- almost running
- go up and down stairs (almost all alone)
- first real dentist appointment- have 12 teeth, all 1 year molars and did great having teeth cleaned.
- new words: clock, chair, tree, bath, cookie
- first snow storm 

LIKES:
- his Fisher Price play car
- water! he wants to play in water in the sink, bathtub, water table. 
- wrestling with daddy
- playing hide-n-seek upstairs (by closing doors, then looking for us)
- coloring
- watching Daniel Tiger & Veggie Tales
- Gymboree play class

DISLIKES:
- when he goes into time out for not listening
- sitting still to have his diaper changed or to get dressed
- long car rides 
- the doctors office (cries as soon as doctor comes into room)