35 days left!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello,
 I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and great Holidays if you don't celebrate Christmas.

Today I had a Doctors appointment and it hit both my husband and I that we have 35 days left. Yes, 35 days.  It's so odd, once you are 35 weeks, you can count the weeks on your hand. Anyways, here is a picture.

So, his/her hearing is fully developed and this little one has moved lower.  Which means that I'm getting uncomfortable, but hey...all pregnant women are suppose to be uncomfortable at the time.  With their being a month left, I'm super excited, but also super nervous. 

Ciao,

Funnies from facebook.

Every once in a while well searching my facebook newsfeed. So I figure in case you haven't seen them...why not share.

Dr.Seuss explains pregnancy:

http://9gag.com/gag/a5dQP3r

If men and women reversed roles at Christmas time:

http://vitaminl.tv/video/1754

A Cat thinking that he is the Star:

Do you have anything funny to share?

Where are you Christmas????

I love Christmas time. More or less, I love what leads up to Christmas. No, not Thanksgiving, but Advent. I know, not everyone believes what I believe, but sometimes I wonder where did Christmas go?  Lately, all I see are add on TV about getting the most expensive and greatest new toy on the market. People line up on Thanksgiving day to go Black Friday Shopping and it is all about the deals, deals, deals.


What happened to Christmas cookies? What happened to decorating the trees? What happened to singing Christmas Carols? What happened to spending time with your family?

I feel like little CindyLou Who from Dr. Seuss's  How the Grinch stole Christmas,  I really wonder where Christmas went? I don't know, maybe I'm just being reflective and crabby. What do you all think?


On a  different topic, what about the animals? People, please don't give a dog or a cat as a gift only to have given it up by Easter time. When you adopt a pet into your  family, they are yours to keep in my mind until the day that they die. And please, please bring them inside where it is warm and not sub-zero outside.

Ciao,

Dear Santa...

Dear Santa,
  I haven't sent you a letter in a long time, but figure why not now? There are only a few things I want for Christmas, besides everything listed in this song.

I want the school shootings to stop. I don't understand why they happen. I feel bad for the families of the victims, but I also feel bad for the family of the suspects. Of the shooters, because they suffer a heart ache too. I think, maybe, there is a solution somewhere out there, and with you being Santa, you can help find it.  You are suppose to represent good old Saint Nick, a patron saint of children, whose feast day is December 6th.  You also represent magic, and belief in all things good. With this special time of year, Jesus's birthday coming up, I wish (even though I would like these items) not for baby items, camera, sewing machines, and such, but for their to truly be peace. 

Ciao,

32 and 33 week update

Hi all,
 So are you ready for the 32 and 33 week update? I know I am.

 So we will start with size. This little one is growing and fast. His/her bones are hardening, he/she is developing fat and the lungs and brain are started to get 100% developed. (YAY) and yes, in the second picture I have on a maternity shirt.

Baby is still head down, and very active, he/she keeps me up all night.  I don't really have much to add, but that we do need to clean things up and set up the nursery. I will post pictures as soon as that happens :)

Ciao,

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree

Just some of my favorite ornaments

Organizing my Pinterest.

I have decided to tackle the task of organizing my pinterest. Why...I never realized how messy it is, plus I noticed some of the pins do not lead to what they say the do. Therefore, I must organize it. :)

Applesauce!

I don't know about you, but I like applesauce. Of course nothing can beat homemade apple sauce. I made this over Thanksgiving and meant to make a post about it. I guess it's always better late than never.

Earlier this year, I made my first batch of homemade apple sauce following a recipe from The Pioneer Woman.  After that, I began experimenting with my own recipe, using hers as a base.

So to start....I gathered my apples. I use about 8 of them and I don't use just one kind. I find that mixing a sweet apple (like a gala) with a sour apple, makes an applesauce that I enjoy best.

I then peel the apples and cut them up into small pieces. I like to get as much apple meat as possible, and I also like to leave just the tiniest bit of skin on the apples for a bite. I throw all my apples into a pot on the stove.

Then, I add some flavor. I know a lot of people use a lemon, but me I find it is sweeter to use orange juice. So my apple sauce isn't too sweet, I squeeze half of the juice from a lemon and half of the juice from an orange. I also use 1/2 cup of apple cider and 1/4 cup of water for my liquid base. 

 Next I add 1 tablespoon of cinnamon (yum) , 1/3 cup of brown sugar and 4 tablespoons of white sugar. Why...I like how it all tastes.

I put it on the stove, and let it come to a boil.It makes the house smell great!

After the juices all blend together, and the apples are soft and tender, I take it off of heat. I then use a food processor and blend it all together.

And the last thing I do is enjoy it!

Wordless Wednesday

In honor of National Cookie day....

Yum!

A Pinteresting day!

I haven't shared some of my great finds from Pinterest lately. Therefore, I say, I must share some of my pins.

We will start with some of the baby stuff I have pinned.

This is the travel system that I want

Such a cute picture

Baby dogs...so cute

And for other fun pins :)

Oh this could be yummy

It's always during winter that I miss not doing ballet. I would love to be able to be a snowflake in The Nutcracker.

So what have you been pinning lately?

Do you ever think about...

what your life would be like if you didn't have someone in your life?

I love my family, and yes, we have arguments just like every family, but I wouldn't be who I am today with out them.  They shaped me, molded me, and provided me with support every step of the way.

My friends, including my closet friends. Some of you I have known since, well 2nd grade, others since the first year of college, and others for even less. But they are all important in my book. They make me smile and laugh and although I have a small group of friends, I love them.

My husband...I could go on and on about him. What I think life would be like if we never met. Sometimes, I think it was in God's plan for my family to relocated when we did. I know that if we hadn't, I wouldn't have met him.

And last my dog. I know he's not a person, but he is my four legged furry child.

So, do you ever wonder?
Ciao,

Wordless (not) Wednesday

With tomorrow being Thanksgiving, I am not going to post my usually weekly change date. Instead, I will post about Thanksgiving and why it is important to me. So today, you get the picture of me being 31 weeks.

I feel like I'm getting big, but then I  think of how I can still wear my pre-pregnancy clothing. That and there is no place here to buy maternity clothes. So I know I have to order some online. 

I had an appointment this week and found out that the baby is head down, and a good size (Not too big, not too small) but I have been experiencing some contractions. That being said, my husband and I are super excited that this baby will be born soon. 

My husband does think that is baby is going to be a girl. There are times were I think boy and times were I think girl. As long as this baby is healthy I don't mind. So what do you think?

It's snowing!

Last night I had a dream that it snowed and there was 64 inches of snow on the ground! 64 inches! That's taller than me. Of course, I think if there were 64 inches of snow on the ground, we would be in a snow emergency. But then, I think of the giant snow man I could build...but bending hurts, so I guess I can't build it.

All in all, with the 1 inch that we have so far, I'm happy. It looks very nice and pretty outside. It makes me want to decorate for Christmas and have hot cocoa.
Ciao,

29 and 30 week update

I'm sorry, I got a cold and well, sleep was my friend.

So you get a 29 week picture, a 30 week picture and an update! (As well as a list of what I will try to cover in the next month)

In the pictures I say how big the baby is, so I'm not going to post that again. This baby  is still very active, I think he or she sleeps like 4 or 5 hours a day. Otherwise, I'm getting kicked in the ribs and punched in the bladder.  He or she also likes to hang out on my right side, that is where I'm feeling the most movement. 

Now for mommy updates. (It's scary thinking I'm going to be a mommy):  I haven't been as sick these past two weeks (but now I have probably jinxed myself and will get super sick) which I like. I'm just super tired, like my body is tired, and my mind is tired, but I cannot fall asleep. Not for the life of me, and when I do fall asleep, I'm always waking up. I have also started to get heart burn, it's not bad and very manageable, so that's good. 

What else, Oh the crib came on Tuesday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm very excited for that. Now we just need bedding for it. They next big ticket item...the car seat.  Of course, we do need a lot of other items, but the big ticket items to me are the most important. 

I think I have  updated you all on everything. Unless anyone has any gender guesses?

Topics:

• I have been knitting some pretty cute items, so I think I will share a pattern. I also made headbands if this LO is a girl and am finishing up a tie if this LO is a boy. 
• Why not post some wonderful food topics. Yum yum. 
• Pinterest idea, because face it pinterest is awesome
• The first snow. When ever we have that. 
• And let's see, maybe some thoughts on why I have been a sucky blogger. 

Pregnancy and NF

Today is not going to be a wordless Wednesday. Today is going to be information about NF and pregnancy. If you are new to my blog, you can click on my NF (Neurofiromatoses) tab on the top and learn about it.

Before I even start writing I will share some resources for you. There isn't much resources out there, which worries me. The second link take you to a study on NF and pregnancy.

http://www.marchofdimes.com/baby/neurofibromatoses.aspx
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8957502
   "Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF-1) is an autosomal dominant condition which has markedly variable clinical expression, with manifestations ranging from mild cutaneous lesions to severe orthopedic complications and functional impairment. The current obstetrical literature indicates that women with NF-1 have increased complications associated with pregnancy. However, the majority of publications are case reports involving no more than 11 patients each, and are likely biased toward reporting on cases in which complications occurred. This study presents data on pregnancy outcome in 105 women with NF-1. The data were obtained from questionnaires completed by the study participants, and by review of their pregnancy and peripartum medical records. The 105 women had a total of 247 pregnancies, resulting in 182 live births, 44 first trimester spontaneous abortions, 21 elective terminations, and 2 ectopic pregnancies. There were two sets of twins. The cesarean section rate in our series (36%) was greater than the general population rate (9.1-23.5%). In 7 of these patients, the cesarean section was required because of maternal NF-1 complications. The study did not show the previously reported increased incidence of preeclampsia, preterm delivery, intrauterine growth restriction, pregnancy-induced hypertension, stillbirth, spontaneous abortion, or perinatal mortality. Sixty-four (60%) of the one hundred five women reported growth of new neurofibromas during pregnancy and fifty-five (52%) noted enlargement of existing neurofibromas. Nineteen women observed no changes in the size of their neurofibromas and no growth of new neurofibromas during pregnancy.:"



As seen in the study, most women with NF can have normal pregnancies. (Is there such a term as normal) but sometimes due to the hormonal changes. IT mentioned the increase in neurofibromas. Thankfully, my Dr. and I have been watching this and I haven't had any increases so far. I'm hoping for no increases at all.  Some other complications mentioned in the study and through the March of  Dimes include an increase risk of complications to the umbilical chord, increase risk of high blood pressure and a high risk of needed a C-section. 

Although it all sounds scary, from my experience it helps to have a doctor who is knowledgeable and caring. One who will talk to you about all of your concerns.  I hope that this informative blog post will help you understand some different things that can happen with this disease and why I feel it is important to find a cure. 

Ciao,

To be Thankful

Last week I wrote about how I am thankful for my husband. This week there are three things I'm thankful for.
1. Veterans and all those who are serving in out military. I know that I missed Veteran day  as it was yesterday, but that still doesn't mean I'm not thankful for their service. Their sacrifice, everything that they do to keep us safe and protect us. I am thankful for all of that.

2. For Winston.  He is my little boy. He is there to cuddle anytime I want, he also makes me feel better  when I'm sad. He is playful, he is sweet and he is the prefect little dog for me. Plus who couldn't love this face.

3.The last thing I'm thankful for is the fact that I'm here and alive. That I wake up everyday and for all the little things I take for granted. 

Wedding planning!!!!

No, not for me, but for one of my friends. I'm super excited. I get to help wedding plan!!!!!!!!

(This is how I felt at first)

(and now this is how I feel)

I'm super excited! (If you can't tell.) The wedding is in May (the end of May) and I know this makes me sound superficial , but what am I going to wear? I know I am still tiny for being 28 weeks pregnant, but, I still have 12 weeks of growing left. And then after you give birth you cant work out until 6 weeks later and that give me a month to try to fit back into my old fancy dresses.  I might have to buy a new one or it will be like this

Oh well, I get to help plan a wedding :)

Ciao,

28 weeks!

I can't believe it, I can't believe that I have made it so far.

Yup, so I'm getting the size of an eggplant from two different apps, I also got the size of a small to medium pumpkin and lettuce.. But they all said the baby should be about 2 to 2.5lbs and a little over 14 inches. So...who wants eggplant?

The brain is developing, as well as the lungs. In fact is it an important time right now, because of how much development is going on in the brains and lungs. Fat is starting to build up under the skin and the baby is using his/ her muscles. I can tell this one, will be strong based on how hard they kick. 

On to me :) I have nothing new. Well, that's not true, I've been struggling with insomnia but when I can sleep, it's been a really heavy sleep which is new to me. I'm usually a light sleeper. Oh and the other exciting news, I have finally finished my baby registry! 

Ciao,

Happy Hump day!

Fall weather is here. Leaves are falling, there is a cool breeze and the weather has the nip too it. I love weather like this. I also love the food and drinks this time of year. So for my Wordless Wednesday (oopps sorry I have words today) why not share a favorite fall drink of mine.

November thankfulness

Can you believe that it is November already? It seems like just a year ago I was posting what I was thankful for. Instead of doing that for everyday, I will create a post once a week for what I'm thankful for. This week, being the first week of November, I want to say that I'm thankful for my husband. He is a wonderful man.

J provides for me. He works harder than any one I  have seen, just to make sure that I am taken care of. Not only that, but to make sure that my stress level is low so this baby inside me is safe. He makes sure that I am happy over his happiness, and to me, that is love. Since we have moved, I know things are tough, but by seeing how hard my wonderful husband works, I know just how loved I am. And for that, I'm extremely thankful for him.

(all of these pictures are form Mandy)

Ciao,