Pregnancy Questionnaire- 38 Weeks

Y'all! We are SO close to meeting our baby boy.  It's almost hard to believe as part of me feels like I have been pregnant forever while another part feels like we were just taking a test and jumping up and down when we saw the infamous pink lines.  It's a day I will never forget, that's for sure!

But can I be honest with y'all for a minute? These last couple of weeks have been taxing on me emotionally.  I am sure a lot of it is normal and just part of being a first time mom, but the devil has been trying his hardest to rain on my parade.  I have always dealt with anxiety at times in my life so it isn't a huge surprise to me that I have been feeling quite anxious lately.  And really it began in the beginning of this pregnancy.  It doesn't help that you hear and read so many sad stories of miscarriages, stillborns, babies being born with birth defects, etc. My mom told me it was so much easier to be pregnant back in her day because those things weren't discussed like they are now so you really weren't bombarded constantly with all the risks and things that can go wrong.  I think having a baby is such an immense blessing that I almost can't believe that I will have one of my very own! It's such a miracle and a gift from God that I feel so undeserving of.  But OBVIOUSLY, there is a growing baby inside of me and I have been blessed with a healthy pregnancy with the worst thing being heartburn so this baby boy is coming whether we are ready or not! I just can't even wrap my head around it all.  Our life is about to change in the very best way possible. Nolan Blaine, we are beyond ecstatic to meet you and kiss you from head to toe and just take care of you. Our home is ready for you sweet boy.

How far along: 38 weeks

Size of baby: Still the size of  a watermelon according to my What to Expect app and weighing in at 7 lbs also according to the app. 

Maternity clothes: Yes, although in this picture I am wearing regular pants with the Bella Band.

Stretch marks: Ugh, I had made it SO far without any stretch marks on my stomach...but, one did appear this week.  Just one and I hope it remains that way.  I know it's a silly thing to care about, but no one wishes for those!

Sleep: I have been sleeping a little better since it is cooler outside and much colder in our bedroom.  But, I still wake up with heartburn and to use the restroom, but I haven't found myself unable to fall back asleep so that's good.

Best moment this week:  Not baby related necessarily, but I finished up taking pictures for the year! It feels pretty good actually. This is usually my busiest time of year and I have had to turn people down left and right, but a baby is so worth it! Of course I will be taking a million pictures of Nolan once he is here!

Movement: Most definitely! Hopefully he is moving right on down!

Food cravings/aversions: This week food hasn't tasted as great and while I am hungry I just don't want to eat anything.  Well, besides chocolate.  There is always an appetite for chocolate.

Gender: IT'S A BOY!!!!! Nolan Blaine!

Labor signs: It's so hard to say.  Definitely some cramps and I guess Braxton Hicks and TONS of pressure, but nothing that I can time yet.  

Belly button - It's basically flat...so not an innie or outie :)

What I miss: I gotta be honest, I miss my regular clothes.  This Fall weather is making me want to wear all of my sweaters and boots, but of course none of them fit.  I guess I will be going shopping after this baby arrives :)

What I am looking forward to: Meeting this baby boy! He really could come at any moment which is completely exciting, overwhelming, and amazing! Can't wait!!!

Pregnancy Questionnaire- 36 Weeks

Y'all, I am wearing corduroy pants! It is starting to cool off out here in Texas and I am taking full advantage.  I have worn some scarves and cardigans too! Still a little warm for boots, but it won't be long! We are pretty much ready to meet this little guy.  I still need to pack the hospital bag and we will get the carseats installed next week.  Everyone is always saying "oh your first one will be late, don't even count on him coming on time", but we want to be ready just in case.  I have had plenty of friends have their first babies a little early or on their due date, so I am not going to just assume he will be late.  Plus, the thought of going to 42 weeks is really not something I want to think about ha.  But, we will take a healthy baby however he comes! I am just going to live in my little world that assumes he won't make this momma and daddy wait too long :)

How far along: 36 weeks and 1 day

Size of baby: The size of  a watermelon according to my What to Expect app and weighing in at 6.5 lbs also according to the app. A watermelon really sounds like a lot to be carrying around and I certainly feel like I am carrying a watermelon around all day ha.

Maternity clothes: Yes, although in this picture I am wearing regular pants with the Bella Band.

Stretch marks: No stretch marks on my belly...but, I may have a few in other places :-/

Sleep: Not sleeping well at all.  My whole body hurts...especially my hips since you have to sleep on your side.  I really look forward to being able to sleep on my back! 

Best moment this week:  I would say being able to wear some Fall clothes! It is finally starting to cool off here in Texas and it makes this pregnant lady real happy!

Movement: We have decided that Nolan is doing some form of twerking because he is always pushing his butt out and in! It makes me laugh! He must take after me and will have a bubble butt based on how large it seems in there ha.

Food cravings/aversions: Not too many aversions or cravings, but I told Erik I am living it up these last few weeks and so I bought some pumpkin pie Pop Tarts. Um, delicious!

Gender: IT'S A BOY!!!!! Nolan Blaine!

Labor signs: I don't think these are labor signs yet, but I have felt some cramping (kind of like menstrual cramps), but nothing often enough to be concerned about and not followed by anything alarming.  

Belly button - It's basically flat...so not an innie or outie :)

What I miss: I won't lie, I miss sleep! These dark circles are pretty much impossible to cover up.  My doctor even noticed them!

What I am looking forward to: Meeting this baby boy! He really could come at any moment which is completely exciting, overwhelming, and amazing! Can't wait!!!

Pregnancy Questionnaire- 34 Weeks

This week has been one full of aches, pains, and sleepless nights.  Just being honest, folks.  I knew there would come a time when I was extremely uncomfortable, I just didn't know it would be when I had 6 weeks or so left...I imagine it'll only get worse from here.  I am thankful for the chiropractor and am trying to get outside and walk to stay some what active even though all I really want do is lay in bed :) Last weekend we had our last baby shower and it was wonderful! We are so thankful for all of the family and friends who have showed so much support to us during this time and are blown away at the gifts.  Gifts aren't the most important, but it is nice that Nolan has been given so many things that he not only will need, but also treasure.  I hope to have some pictures from both of my showers soon to show y'all!
We also had our maternity pictures taken Sunday and it was so much fun and kind of weird being on the other side of the camera for a full session.  Once I get those on the disc, I will share them here also.

How far along: 34 weeks and 2 days in the picture.

Size of baby: The size of a large cantaloupe according to my What to Expect app and weighing in at 5.5 lbs also according to the app. I heard they gain about .5 a lb a week until they are born.  Obviously that weight is just what my app says, but I have a feeling he will be on the larger side :) As long as he has some chub, I don't care!

Maternity clothes: Does it look like I could fit in regular clothes?? I don't think so ha!

Stretch marks: No stretch marks on my belly...but, I may have a few in other places :-/

Sleep: Still not getting much sleep.  I wake up and end up just laying there for 2  hours or so wide awake.  So thankful for naps!

Best moment this week:  Maternity pictures with my sweet husband!

Movement: Lots of movement and it makes this momma happy happy happy!

Food cravings/aversions: I am hungry most all of the time again and just really want to eat whatever I can get my hands on.

Gender: IT'S A BOY!!!!! Nolan Blaine!

Labor signs: I don't think these are labor signs yet, but I have felt some cramping (kind of like menstrual cramps), but nothing often enough to be concerned about and not followed by anything alarming.  

Belly button - It's basically flat...so not an innie or outie :)

What I miss: Not having a clue what heartburn feels like! It's no fun at all.

What I am looking forward to: Finishing up our registry and getting things nice and organized in the nursery.

Pregnancy Questionnaire: 32 Weeks

I am actually starting my 33rd week so this is a little late, but the picture was taken at 32 weeks.

How are we this far along already?? I swear this pregnancy has flown by.  It seems the days go slowly, but the weeks go fast.  We are in the single digit countdown which is very exciting! We have one more baby shower this weekend and then it is the waiting game! I will busy myself with getting all of the clothes washed and put away and probably just hang out in the nursery a lot imagining little Nolan here...in our home.  So crazy!

How far along: 32 weeks in picture, but in 33rd week now! Single digit countdown...holla!!

Size of baby: The size of a head of honeydew according to my What to Expect app and weighing in at 4.5 lbs also according to the app. That is a lot of growth in 2 weeks! 

Maternity clothes: Does it look like I could fit in regular clothes?? I don't think so ha!

Stretch marks: No stretch marks on my belly...but, I may have a few in other places :-/

Sleep: Eh.  Not so much.  I think I get up to use the bathroom about 6 times a night and then I have trouble going back to sleep and getting comfortable.  It isn't fun, but again, I can take naps so it's all good!

Best moment this week:  Feeling hiccups for the first time! So much fun

Movement: Lots of movement and it makes this momma happy happy happy!

Food cravings/aversions: SWEETS

Gender: IT'S A BOY!!!!! Nolan Blaine!

Labor signs: I don't have labor signs really, but I think I have had some Braxton Hicks.  Not painful, but definitely have felt by stomach tighten up and get really hard.

Belly button - It's basically flat...so not an innie or outie :)

What I miss: I do miss a good night's sleep and I know I probably won't have another one for the next 18 years or so :-P

What I am looking forward to: Our baby shower this weekend and seeing family that is coming into town for it! Oh and our maternity session is Sunday! PRAYING FOR COOLER WEATHER!

Pregnancy Questionnaire: 30 Weeks

And I am wearing the same skirt as the last pic :P

I think it is impossible to look less tired in pictures ha.  The third trimester definitely has brought along the all the time exhaustion.  We go to bed early and I don't have a set time I have to wake up since I work at home. But between the constant potty breaks in the night, the being elbowed for snoring (not a snorer normally, but I suppose it's a pregnancy thing), the heartburn, and just the fact that it's hard to sleep comfortably all make the nights unsuccessful.  But I wouldn't trade it for anything! I guess I need to get used to not sleeping much...for the next 18 years. :)

We got back from Atlanta this week and we had such a great time! It is always a good thing to take a break from real life and enjoy family and friends.  Of course it was a little more fun since we had a sweet boy to talk about and celebrate.  We had a WONDERFUL baby shower! I was blown away by the gifts and all of the people that came.  This baby boy is so loved already!

I should have some photos of the shower soon from my bestie, Erin.  

How far along: 30 weeks! I can't believe our countdown is about to be in the SINGLE digits. Woo hoo!

Size of baby: The size of a head of lettuce according to my What to Expect app and weighing in at 3.2 lbs also according to the app. 

Maternity clothes: Pretty much everything except for some maxi skirts (like this one) and some maxi dresses.

Stretch marks: No stretch marks on my belly...but, I may have a few in other places :-/

Sleep: I wrote about this above.  I know it is only going to get worse as the weeks go by, but I can take naps during the day thankfully! 

Best moment this week:  Getting back with lots of adorable gifts from our first baby shower.

Movement: Lots of movement and it makes this momma happy happy happy!

Food cravings/aversions: I have craved bagels this week.  I have been broiling an everything bagel with ham and cheddar cheese to make a sandwich for lunch.  It is DELICIOUS. 

Gender: IT'S A BOY!!!!! Nolan Blaine!

Labor signs: I don't have labor signs really, but I think I have had some Braxton Hicks.  Not painful, but definitely have felt by stomach tighten up and get really hard.

Belly button - in or out? Sort of in sort of flat.

What I miss: I won't lie, I miss not having heartburn!

What I am looking forward to: Just getting this final countdown over with and meeting Nolan! It will be here before we know it!

Nursery Pictures

I am SO excited to post these pictures of Nolan's nursery!

I have dreamt of this long before we even became pregnant and had all kinds of ideas about what kind of nursery I wanted to create.  I wanted something that was peaceful, simple, colorful, and just warm and cozy.  I love things that are modern, but I also love traditional items and so I kind of have a mix of different styles.  Example: really modern, mid century dressers and then a more classic, traditional crib.

The curtains were the final touch to the room! I am sure things will change a little bit once we have our showers and have all of the baby gear and obviously we need more baby books to fill up the bookshelf, but I couldn't wait to go ahead and share it with y'all! The hubbs helped me so much in here and he is pretty fond of the room too :)

This is the view from the bedroom door. Makes me so happy!

 Definitely need to fill those bookshelves! The red dog was given to me by my brother a long time as a birthday gift so it is definitely very special! Hard to see, but there is a Nolan Ryan bobble head on the shelf that Erik got at a Ranger's game...so fun!

 The hooks that the baseball gloves are on Erik made with his grandpa when he was a kid and it has Tarpley engraved on it.  One of the gloves was Erik's and one was my dad's as a child.  The teddy bear was Erik's when he was little and he was called "Buddy."

 How adorable is that fabric on the curtains??  My mom sewed the fabric on those curtains for me and she did a fabulous job! The deer skull was killed by Erik's mom ha.  I had it in our dining room, but thought I'd add it to the nursery...I loved it!

 My mom bought that sweet red dino and I love how it is corduroy.

 "You start a dance party in my heart"

 See I really only have two fox things in the nursery...this pillow and then a picture you'll see below.  Once I wash all of the baby blankets, I will roll them up in the basket.

 Erik also made this with his grandpa.  It's a box for a shoe shining kit, but I plan to get wooden blocks to fill it up with.

 Love these animal prints...see the fox :)

 Seriously in love with this mobile.

 I found that wooden frame on the side of the road on my walk in the neighborhood one day and thought it would be perfect with a giant "N"

 I am sure we will fill those Coke crates with lots of baby things

I love it and I find myself going in there multiple times throughout the day and just imagining our sweet boy in there enjoying it...I know he won't even care about the nursery for a while, but I wanted to create a space that was full of love!

Here is a list of where most of the items came from:

Grey glider: Target.com

White curtains: Ikea and then fabric bought separate from a local fabric store in Dallas

Ottoman/pouf: Target

Floating shelves: Lowes

Cube bookshelf: Ikea

Striped baskets in shelves: The Container Store

End table with three baskets: Ross

Chalkboard: World Market

Curtain Rod: Lowes

Dressers: Antique store

Lamp: Ikea

Red Dino: Local store in Atlanta, but it's by the brand Jellycat (I know they sell stuff at Anthropologie)

Print on dresser: Etsy

Crib: Amazon

Polkadot crib sheet: Skiphop

Gingham crib skirt: made by me with Ikea fabric

Coke crates: Big Lots

Rug: Ikea...it's actually two rugs that we made into one

Mobile: Etsy

Animal prints: The Animal Print Shop

Oversized letter: From JoAnn's online and then was spray painted

Basket on changing table: The Container Store

Changing pad cover: Etsy

Ombre basket for blankets: Target

Captain's mirror: Target

Pregnancy Questionnaire- 28 Weeks

Woo hoo! We made it to the THIRD trimester! I am ecstatic to be here! This pregnancy has flown by and I hope that it continues.  Although I may have some moments once it's reallllly close that I panic.  But so far I haven't done any panicking.  We are just beyond excited to meet this little guy!! 

(Please ignore those awful roots I have going on there...accidental ombre maybe? Sheesh!)

How far along: 28 weeks!

Size of baby: The size of a head of cauliflower according to my What to Expect app and weighing in at 2.5 lbs also according to the app.  I guess he is still being measured head to rump? Him being compared to a round vegetable just creates an odd image in my head.

Maternity clothes: Pretty much everything except for some maxi skirts (like this one) and some maxi dresses.

Stretch marks: No stretch marks on my belly...but, I may have a few in other places :-/

Sleep: Eh...not the best lately.  I think last night Nolan was near my ribs or something because I kept feeling weird in that area and I just can't get that comfortable anymore.  I feel huge (I guess I look it to according to lots of people) and can't imagine how I will feel when I am full-term.  But, I am not complaining! I don't care how big I get....as long as I have a healthy baby, I can worry about the weight later.

Best moment this week:  Definitely getting to the third trimester! It just feels good to say...

Movement: Lots of movement and it makes this momma happy happy happy!

Food cravings/aversions: Pretty much normal as far as this goes, but I really try not to indulge in too many bad cravings.

Gender: IT'S A BOY!!!!! Nolan Blaine!

Labor signs: No Braxton Hicks or anything yet.

Belly button - in or out? In, but getting so close to being flat...is it weird I want a flat belly button?  I've always liked the way they look on pregnant women.  

What I miss: Not missing much, this is all so exciting to miss anything!

What I am looking forward to: Going to Atlanta next week for our baby shower! It will be so much fun to see family and friends and celebrate this precious baby boy!

Born Into Love

The other day Erik was playing Zane Williams (one of his favorite Texas country singers) and this song came on.  For those of you who don't know, Erik is a great singer and I love listening to him :)

Anyways, while this song was playing, we sat on the couch next to each other and he rubbed my belly and sang to our little Nolan.  Of course the tears came streaming down my face, but they were happy tears.  Just imagining our little guy coming into this world and the love that we already have for him just growing even deeper.

Nolan,

Your mommy and daddy love you so much already.  We can't wait to meet you in about 12 weeks.  We love imagining what you will look like, what your cry will sound like, what your little baby voice will sound like when you start talking, if you'll have a head full of blonde hair or not(I am really hoping you do!), what your sweet baby toes will look like, and so many other wonderful things.  I personally can't wait to smell you.  I know that may sound weird, Nolan...but, baby smell is the best! 

The world will definitely be so much sweeter once you're here!

We LOVE you so!

Here is the song...I couldn't find a video of Zane singing it besides a shorter version, so here is one a person posted on youtube with their own personal video.

Pregnancy Questionnaire- 26 Weeks

I really had intentions to blog more besides just these updates, but whenever I have a spare minute I typically am laying down or taking a bath...so, sorry about that! I do want to a post soon of how the nursery is coming along...I am waiting on the curtains my mom made to get here and hung and then maybe I will do a post.  We are loving the nursery and are almost done with it...until we have our showers and I am sure it will change a little bit once we fill it with all the fun baby stuff! And shall we talk about my hair?  The summer heat is making my hair all kinds of crazy and I am just too lazy to blow dry and curl it so this is pretty much the way I have worn it all summer.  The hubbs likes it so I guess that's all that matters :P

How far along: 26 weeks, 2 days!!

Size of baby: The size of an ear of a cucumber according to my What to Expect app and weighing in at 2.2 lbs also according to the app.  Yikes! Crazy to think about :)

Maternity clothes: Mostly wearing all maternity clothes.  This dress I am wearing isn't and I just got a large so it can hopefully grow with me throughout the rest of this pregnancy.

Stretch marks: No stretch marks on my belly...but, I may have a few in other places :-/

Sleep: Sleep hasn't been great (which is why I look so tired here!)...I apparently am snoring now and I thought it was bc of my allergies, but I think it may be a pregnancy symptom.  So I constantly waking up (some due to the husband nudging me) and worried that I am snoring.  We may have to sleep in separate beds if this keeps up :( And of course I have to potty multiple times a night.

Best moment this week:  Well this isn't really pregnancy related, but we just celebrated FIVE years of marriage! Holy cow! It really has flown by and we are having so much fun! It's a big year with a big anniversary, the husband turned 30, and then of course baby Nolan's arrival!

Movement: Still lots of kicks, but I haven't really felt him doing flips and all that like some people talk about.  I wonder if it's because of the anterior placenta.  I hope to feel that at some point, but I will take what I can get! Love feeling him move. 

Food cravings/aversions: Pretty much normal as far as this goes, but I really try not to indulge in too many bad cravings.

Gender: IT'S A BOY!!!!! Nolan Blaine!

Labor signs: No Braxton Hicks or anything yet.

Belly button - in or out? Still in, but it is getting more stretched out for sure...especially at the end of the day.

What I miss: Not missing much, this is all so exciting to miss anything!

What I am looking forward to: I guess getting into the 3rd trimester here pretty quick! This pregnancy is flying by! We will head to Atlanta at the end of the month for my baby shower there and we can't wait to see family and friends! We are driving which I am not too excited about, but it'll be worth it for sure :)

Pregnancy Questionnaire- 24 Weeks

I feel very matronly in this outfit ha and I feel like I look older.  And of course a little chubbier...but, I am not complaining.  I am thankful for this baby growing inside of me and I can always lose the weight afterwards! I seriously will have to join some sort of Baby Boot Camp to motivate myself.  I am feeling great and actually enjoy seeing how my belly grows from week to week.  It is funny that I thought I was so large at 16 weeks and then I see the pic and realize I wasn't.  I am sure I will say the same thing about this picture when I am full term :-P

How far along: 24 weeks!!

Size of baby: The size of an ear of corn according to my What to Expect app and apparently Nolan weighs a pound and a half! Crazy!

Maternity clothes: All maternity clothes for sure!

Stretch marks: No stretch marks on my belly...but, I may have a few in other places :-/

Sleep: This week I have woken up a ton to use the restroom.  But thankfully I fall back to sleep quickly.

Best moment this week:  I guess the fact that Nolan is "viable" now. Of course I do not want him coming any time soon, but it is comforting to know that if he does he has a much greater chance of surviving.

Movement: He has been moving a TON! It is so much fun and so crazy all at the same time.  Since I have an anterior placenta the kicks aren't as strong, but definitely can feel them.  

Food cravings/aversions: I crave a lot of fruit and cheese.  I could eat string cheese multiple times a day but I try to keep it to one :)

Gender: IT'S A BOY!!!!! Nolan Blaine!

Labor signs: No Braxton Hicks or anything yet.

Belly button - in or out? Still in, but it is getting more stretched out for sure...especially at the end of the day.

What I miss: Not missing much, this is all so exciting to miss anything!

What I am looking forward to: Well I have my 24 week appointment tomorrow and I get to take the glucose test..not excited about that, but looking forward to hearing Nolan's heartbeat and being reassured all is well with our little man :)

Pregnancy Questionnaire- 22 Weeks

I am dressed for July 4th here...would you believe that this red necklace is about the only red thing I own? I just have never been a red person I suppose.  Can't wait to stuff my face tonight at our friend's house and I made some delicious banana puddin' for the party.  Mmm good...I hope everyone is having a wonderful Independence Day and of course thank you to all of those who have served, are serving, and will serve.  God Bless America!

How far along: 22 weeks!!

Size of baby: The size of a spaghetti squash according to my What to Expect app and apparently Nolan weighs a pound! Crazy!

Maternity clothes: All maternity clothes for sure!

Stretch marks: No stretch marks on my belly...but, I may have a few in other places :-/

Sleep: Had some heartburn at night this week which is a huge bummer since I gotta get out of bed and take Tums and of course potty for the millionth time.  But, I am so thankful that I work from home so I can always sleep in a little if I didn't sleep great.

Best moment this week:  Seeing Nolan kick! I was taking a bath and I could see my stomach move THREE times! It was awesome...kind of weird, but totally amazing.  Hopefully Erik can feel Nolan kick soon...btw, it is so fun saying Nolan now :) Oh and we registered! Babies r Us and Amazon!

Movement: Not constant kicks, but definitely feeling a lot more movement than I had been! See above...

Food cravings/aversions: Not really many cravings...I like salty stuff now and of course still like sweets.    I eat most anything, but I have been making sure I am getting lots of protein since I have to record what I eat for our birth class...boo.

Gender: IT'S A BOY!!!!! Nolan Blaine!

Labor signs: None, but obviously WAY too soon for that business.

Belly button - in or out? Still in, but it is getting more stretched out for sure...especially at the end of the day.

What I miss: I don't really miss anything.

What I am looking forward to: Not much going on this week, but just looking forward to some more moves in my tummy!

Pregnancy Questionnaire- 20 Weeks

(Not the greatest picture of me...I was so tired and my hair was crazy yesterday ha, but you get the point!)

How far along: 20 weeks and 4 days (3 days in photo)!!

Size of baby: The size of a banana according to my What to Expect app :)  Although the doctor did tell us at our 20 week anatomy scan that the baby is measuring a week ahead and has a big head...like Erik and I do ha. 

Maternity clothes: All maternity clothes for sure!

Stretch marks: No stretch marks on my belly...but, I may have a few in other places :-/

Sleep: Sleeping pretty good these days! I am trying not to sleep on my back as I know you aren't supposed to, but I do catch myself on my back sometimes and quickly turn on my side.

Best moment this week:  Finding out the gender....

Movement: A little bit here and there, but I learned at our anatomy scan that I have an anterior placenta so that explains why I haven't been feeling as much movement, but the doctor said I definitely will be feeling more and more really soon.

Food cravings/aversions: Still not huge into chicken and I also tried pork chops and couldn't even finish a bite of it.

Gender: IT'S A BOY!!!!! Read below for details on that!

Labor signs: None, but obviously WAY too soon for that business.

Belly button - in or out? Still in...

What I miss: I don't really miss anything.

What I am looking forward to: Going to register this weekend and continue planning the nursery :)

So we had our 20 week anatomy scan on Friday.  I was SO anxious about this appointment for some reason.  I had no reason to think anything was wrong, but I just am really good at thinking the worst unfortunately.  I was also crazy excited to find out the gender because I knew it would make this all so much more real.  

Well....

No mistaking that for a boy I don't think...and btw this is the ONLY picture you will ever see with our baby's boy parts showing FYI.

It didn't take long for him to show off his genitals for us to see what we are having!  It was such a fun and exciting moment and we couldn't be more excited.  Erik let out a huge, "YES!" with his arms raised up :) So fun! I can't wait to have a momma's boy...within reason of course.  I will do my best not to coddle him too much hehe.

As far as our baby boy's name, it's Nolan Blaine.

Nolan isn't after anyone (although I guess maybe Nolan Ryan since we are in Texas..), but Blaine is Erik's middle name and I just love it.

Here are a few of the other sono pics of our precious baby boy...

We love this baby boy so much already and we give all the glory to God for a so far healthy pregnancy and baby and we know that He will continue to protect us.  We simply can't wait to meet Nolan in a little over FOUR months :)

I will post some pictures soon of what I have going on in the nursery...a boy nursery is actually tons of fun!

Thank you for all the kind words we have and continue to receive.  It is a blessing to share this exciting time with so many wonderful people!

Au Naturale

I have always had an interest in natural body care products, but I haven't been that strict about it or made much of an effort to really do my research until I became pregnant.  

It is scary to me all of the ingredients that are in so many products that we put on our bodies every single day!  

Shampoo, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, lotion, etc and etc.

Unfortunately it is more expensive to buy natural and organic products, but I truly feel like it is well worth the money! And I also think that I use way too much of each product and really could use a lot less and still get the same effect while maybe saving a little money.  

There are so many companies out there that offer organic products and do not hide what they put in their products.  And of course I am already doing research on baby products.  Did you know that Johnson and Johnson Baby Wash contains formaldehyde?  Apparently they are removing this from their products, but I just simply do not trust a company that uses chemicals like that.  I also learned that Aveeno is owned by Johnson and Johnson so I don't think I will be purchasing any of their products either.

Just a small portion of what I have learned about formaldehyde (courtesy of Wikipedia): A gas at room temperature, formaldehyde is colorless and has a characteristic pungent, irritating odor. It is an important precursor to many other materials and chemical compounds. In 2005, annual world production of formaldehyde was estimated to be 8.7 million tonnes. Commercial solutions of formaldehyde in water, commonly called formol, were formerly used as disinfectants and for preservation of biological specimens.

In view of its widespread use, toxicity and volatility, exposure to formaldehyde is a significant consideration for human health. In 2011, the US National Toxicology Program described formaldehyde as "known to be a human carcinogen".

Nothing about that sounds like anything I want to put on my body and certainly not my baby's body! 

Until recently I hadn't even thought about deodorant and what is in it.  Most antiperspirants contain aluminum.  Here is an interesting article about a possible correlation between aluminum and cancer:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/AP-Deo

Whether it is true or not, I would rather steer clear of putting aluminum anywhere near my lymph nodes.  

I recently purchased Tom's of Maine natural deodorant and once we finish this tube of Colgate toothpaste we have I plan to purchase Tom's of Maine toothpaste as well.

I also started using natural shampoo with lower sulfates as well as body wash from The Honest Co.

My friend has already sold me on some baby care products from Earth Mama Angel Baby.

Certainly expensive, but at the end of the day it is important to me what I am putting my baby's skin as well as mine.

We are planning to cloth diaper as well as use cloth wipes.  I will use the organic body wash for the solution for the cloth wipes as well.  Once I figure all of that out I will blog about it.

I am not tooting my own horn over here by any means and I have a ways to go, but I hoping maybe I will get someone else thinking about what they are using everyday as far as personal care goes and hope to shed some light about why it is so important to be educated in these things!  

I would love to know your thoughts and maybe any natural/organic health care products you use and enjoy...

Pregnancy Questionnaire- 18 Weeks

Hi friends!! I am so excited to be only a couple of weeks away from halfway there! This is all happening so fast and my belly is surely growing fast too! Yikes!

This last weekend I was in Memphis photographing a wedding with one of my besties! It was so much fun getting to see her, her husband, and their sweet baby boy Emory!  I was so sad to leave them, but I am glad we got to see one another and that she could see my little bump :)

When I got back, my husband had painted the nursery and put together the crib!  Best daddy ever!

I wanted the same crib and paint color regardless of whether we are having a boy or girl.  The paint color is a minty green.  I know it will go great with either pink/coral/greys/yellows/etc. for a girl as well as reds/navys/greys/yellows for a boy.

It looks so good and it definitely was a crazy wonderful feeling seeing a crib in there! We have the dresser, a chest of drawers, and a glider (on the way) already picked out and purchased.  More pics of that will come soon.

I am more on top of things since my mom will be here in a couple of weeks.  I wanted her to be able to see what we are doing in there since she can't be here to help decorate except for in June.  I can't wait to get going on the details!

Here is a shot of the crib along with an adorable baby blanket my bestie Erin got for us!  It's hard to tell the color of the walls, but like I said, it's a minty green color! I love it :)

18 week details:

How far along: 18 weeks!!

Size of baby: The size of a sweet potato according to my What to Expect app :)

Maternity clothes: I definitely am in all maternity pants.  I do have a Bella Band, but it isn't that comfortable in my opinion and I feel like I constantly am having to readjust it and make sure it is covering my unzipped zipper.

Stretch marks: No stretch marks on my belly...but, I may have a few in other places :-/

Sleep: Sleeping pretty good these days! I am trying not to sleep on my back as I know you aren't supposed to, but I do catch myself on my back sometimes and quickly turn on my side.

Best moment this week:  Coming home to a painted nursery and put together crib!

Movement: I have been feeling what I think are flutters, but no kicks or anything yet.

Food cravings/aversions: Pretty much no meat except beef and sausage.  We had tilapia tonight and I didn't even really like that and I normally love tilapia.

Gender: Don't know yet.  Our appointment is June 21st! HURRY UP JUNE 21st!

Labor signs: None, but obviously WAY too soon for that business.

Belly button - in or out? Still in...

What I miss: I don't really miss anything.

What I am looking forward to: My mom getting here in a couple of weeks and finding out the gender while she is here! Which of course means lots of decorating will be happening after that!