25 Weeks!

We're approaching the 25 week mark (Monday) and momma/baby are feeling good! At my last checkup, I measured a bit bigger than I should be at this week mark (not in weight, in fact I'm a little behind in that) so at my next appointment we will do another ultrasound to determine the cause. Could be that the baby's position is simply pushing outward, there is too much amniotic fluid, development of gestational diabetes OR this is just one big baby (among other possibilities)! No matter the outcome, there are relatively simply measures/procedures we can take to ensure the health of both momma and baby... so, no worries everyone... all is well :) Baby is becoming more and more active as the weeks go on and we've discovered that Leopold has quite the calming effect. He will curl up on my belly and begin purring which immediately puts the baby at ease and the kicks cease. It's a pretty comical sight to see, as Leopold is no small cat, but he's definitely a cuddler and I appreciate his ability to calm our little peanut down... (s)he is getting big enough to where some of those kicks/punches are a little uncomfortable! Both of the cats have also taken to sleeping in the new nursery. They've quickly made the crib their own and are often found snuggling with the baby's teddy. Once the baby is big enough, I have a feeling all three of them will be cuddled up together :)

The Beulah Miners football team is set to play in the first round of playoffs this weekend vs. Wahpeton. It's a home game, so I will be manning the concession stand with my juniors (bundled up like Arctic explorers no doubt, it's predicted to be a cold afternoon). Send good luck our way as this class of athletes is going for their 3rd trip to a state tournament (boys basketball and baseball last fall and spring) in less than a year! Also, our volleyball girls will be showing what they've got in the district tournament, they play on Monday. GO MINERS!

22 Weeks (Almost 6 months)

We have met the end of the second trimester and now we are into the home-stretch! I am still feeling good (heavier than normal, but hey... it's expected) and have had good results for all lab tests up to this point. "Baby" is doing well and spending all of his/her day napping and then all night apparently practicing his/her acrobatic routines. I must admit, the movement is rather comical and it's good to know the baby is actively growing and exploring their space (which technically, is MY space but apparently he/she could care less?)! We have our 23 week/6 month check-up on Wednesday the 17th and are looking forward to hearing more good news and getting a chance to hear a healthy heart beat again (fingers crossed). We'll keep you all posted!

Happy October!

Couldn't help but feel like a kid again, getting excited for October 31st, as I was putting up my Halloween tree... compliments of my lovely little grandmother. As you can gather from the photos below, most of them are they are hand-stitched with love - witches, ghosts, haunted houses, pumpkins, etc. Just another "little nothing," to quote my great-grandmother Elsie, that adds happiness to this time of year :)

Our Little 'Punkin'...

We had the opportunity, this past week, to see our little one via ultrasound. We've made it to 20-weeks and both momma and baby are feeling great! The doctor was happy with our little one's growth and all of the baby's measurements are on par with this stage of development. I've been feeling good so far and my appetite is quickly returning to full-force... and then some. It was so neat to see our little one moving around and seemingly squirming with joy. The technician was having a tough time avoiding the baby's eagerness to show off it's gender and was laughing at him/her for 'talking' during the entire ultrasound... I wonder what side of the family that comes from?!

 

Autumn Treasures...

Autumn has officially arrived... it doesn't take more than a glance outside at the 'painted' trees and shrubs as well as the recently harvested crops and bare, stubble fields to notice that fall is upon us. Not only that, but the daily temperature highs and lows also give you a glimpse of the fleeting warmth of summer and the approaching cold of winter. I took advantage of the energy and lift-of-spirit this new season has instilled in me and began emptying my closets of clothes, knick-knacks, books etc and held my own yard-sale a few weeks ago. I was positive everything I put out on those tables was a treasure (who doesn't think everything they own is great?) just waiting to be plucked from the treasure chest by someone who shared my love of modern and eclectic, antique and refurbished. We were utterly surprised as the amount of items we sold and the profit we made - apparently, I've got great taste?! I was also granted an hour reprieve, from running the sale, from my understanding husband who knew I could not possible spend the entire day selling my own things and miss out on the hunt! In that time, I was able to find a one-of-a-kind little chair... a circa 1970's mustard yellow accent chair for a reasonable price. Which has found itself at home in a corner of my dining room...

And, now that I have decorated the house in the hues to match the changing colors of the season and have candles releasing the scent of pumpkin spice and apple pie, I feel that I am totally ready for all that autumn has in store for me/us... take a deep breath of that cool, refreshing harvest air and smile!

Back - 2 - School!

The last weekend of summer (for my district and many others) is upon us... We will be beginning in-services on Monday and school is back in session on Wednesday. As August was approaching, I will admit I was not excited in the least. That meant that summer as we knew it was over and pretty soon we'd be back in the grind. However, now that I've been in my classroom a few times to prepare for the students I feel a little better about things. There is something about going up to the school for a bit, the week before it all starts, that helps to settle my nerves and build my confidence. Yes, I'm ready... let's do this!

New addition to my classroom this year, Walter (he's SO ready for a new school year)!

And the Journey Begins...

Now that we've shared our exciting news, I'll give everyone an opportunity to follow along with us on our journey to bringing our little one into the world...

(14 Weeks & Feeling good!)