19 weeks

We're almost at the halfway point....crazy to think! 

Baby Oliver is taking his/her first vacation and trip to the beach this week!! 

Super excited to spend time with family and be at the beach. 

Little Flutters & Kicks

Baby Oliver is a very mobile one. Like I mentioned in a previous post, during our ultrasound, Baby Oliver wouldn't quit moving :) I was surprised I wasn't feeling the baby sooner or at the office. Since the appointment, I have felt Baby Oliver lots more. I notice in the morning I feel Baby Oliver, sometimes after I eat, and other times when I lay down. A strange occurrence is when I am sitting with the laptop on my lap, I feel Baby Oliver move more, too. I am excited and it's a magical feeling, what a blessing! Now I'm even more anxious for when others can feel Baby Oliver move, especially Andrew! I hope that happens soon, maybe this week :) I know everyone says don't rush the movement, then the baby moves a lot and keeps you awake, but I am so excited for that movement, too!!

Next time we see Baby Oliver will not be until September. We've had our 3 ultrasounds at the doctor. Our doctor said unless they foresee a problem, then we will not have another ultrasound. So the plan is to have a 3D/4D ultrasound in September, which I cannot wait for!! We have scheduled the appointment, so about 12 weeks until then (our appointment is on 31 weeks). Can't wait!!!! 

Stock Pile

I've been told by 2 friends it's best to stock up on diapers and wipes while pregnant with the baby, so to not have to buy them once baby gets here...great idea, right? So we started. I've really been wanting to start doing stuff like this, because I feel like time is slipping away. Although November feels forever away and being 21 weeks away sounds like forever, it's crazy to think we're almost at the half way point of it all...so we found some good coupons and using some tips from http://www.southernsavers.com/2012/08/stocking-up-on-diapers-how-much-to-buy-at-what-price/ we started our stock pile.

2 packs of Huggies at Wal-Mart for $8.97 each

2 coupons for $3 off a pack of Huggies

equals

$5.97 per pack =11 cents per diaper!!! 

Wipes at Sam's 900 for $16.98 (2 cents per wipe)

They have a sale on the Huggies brand wipes, which actually come out a tad cheaper than 2 cents per wipe, might have to invest in those next Sam's trip. 

We are also recruiting family to print off more coupons for us. I am aware we will get more diapers and wipes at showers, but I like feeling prepared. Now to stock up on sizes 1, 2, 3 and more!! 

Gender Votes: Boy or Girl??

Boy or Girl? One of the most exciting questions to be answered when expecting a baby. Andrew has voted and wanted a boy from day one. My dad and grandma have voiced their vote for boy, too. One aunt has told me boy. Another aunt and my Grannie voted boy. My mom has voted and wanted a girl from day one.  My cousin Amy told me girl, my sister in law Rebecca told me girl, my friend Jessie says girl, and I think my vote might be girl...I can't fully decide!

So what is your vote? 

Boy 

 6 votes

OR

Girl

4 votes

If there are others who have voiced their votes, please forgive me, if I've forgotten, now is your time to cast your vote. Only a few more weeks before the gender is revealed. I've been indecisive, but usually leaning towards girl.

On June 25th, we went to the doctor for our ultrasound for the anatomy and measuring so many little baby parts---like the head, abdomen, fluid in certain places & the right amount, etc. Needless to say, the ultrasound took about an hour, which we were totally ok with. We loved looking at Baby Oliver! Baby Oliver is a very active one, although I am not feeling him/her very often (yet), he/she was VERY active on the screen--doing flips, sometimes standing on his/her head, and just moving nonstop-which is why it took so long. Every time the technician had a good shot, Baby Oliver moved. Overall, it was a great experience. 

Unfortunately, we will not have another look at Baby Oliver with our doctor. She said only if they measure and have reason to believe something is wrong will they do another ultrasound :( But this does mean, in order to see a glimpse of baby again, we'll need to visit WeeSee for a 3D/4D ultrasound (which I already told Andrew I wanted that as my birthday present, hint hint). 

After our appointment, we called family and told them all about it.All is healthy and well for me and baby.  Then we went to dinner and shopped around to buy some stuff for the gender reveal party!!

Here's a look at us before the appointment. I have on pink and blue, but I think my vote is mostly PINK! But I'll be happy either way, although I did have a dream a few weeks ago we had a girl and then the night before the appointment, I had a dream we had a boy...so stay tuned until July 13th to find out...

Andrew is clearly voting BOY!! Look at his all blue outfit!

Baby Oliver's Gender Revealed on July 13th...Coming Soon

Here's a look at Baby Oliver 

Heartbeat-151

Pointing a finger at us

Profile of Baby Oliver

Baby Oliver's foot

Little Baby Oliver

Girl or Boy?

To Be Continued....

Nursery Picks

One of the most fun things about having a baby is about to happen for us....finding out the gender! Then the next fun thing comes, decorating and designing the nursery! It's also a scary thing, an investment for sure, and it's something you want to be happy with, so it's a big decision (at least to me). We've decided names and I think I've narrowed down our nursery choices.

Here's my choice for a girl:

Here's my choice for a boy:

This first one was my first choice. Not what I envisioned but when we went to register, we saw this and I fell in love with it. But for some reason, once I started searching for the girl stuff, too, I started to doubt my choice for the boy...

But Andrew and I discussed it again, and these are our 2 final choices!! 

18 weeks and counting...

17 weeks 6 days

(don't you love Tink in the background posing with me)

(I took this picture to send to Andrew since he's been gone this week.)

Looks like maternity clothes are in need. These shorts still button. I was thinking of saying fit, but really if I were at a store and this size buying these shorts, I would not buy this size because of the tightness...so I guess that means officially they do not fit. However, I have these lovely things called Belly Bands that Jamie and Jessie have loaned me. They're amazing! They allow you to wear your regular pants and wear them unbuttoned because you wear this band and it keeps the pants up and tight enough without being uncomfortable. Jamie said it allowed her to wear many of her pants well into her pregnancy--good news for me (I hope) because of my short legs. I hope my lil baby gets long legs from his/her daddy! lol. Do you know how hard it is to find pants in short? and then try finding maternity pants in short? I wouldn't be looking already except I know I'll need them for when school starts. Luckily I'm borrowing clothes but she has long legs so most of her pants are the right size but in a long length. 

I have found that when I wear maternity clothes, it looks like there's a bump, where as normal clothes do not accentuate the bump, they cover it. 

Next week, Tuesday, June 25th, we go for our next appointment and ultrasound. This next ultrasound reveals the gender of our baby! We are not officially announcing until our gender reveal party on July 13th!! So everyone will have to wait. We have names picked though, so once we know boy or girl, we have a name to call him/her. 

Our name choices are

Baby Boy Oliver: Lucas Benjamin (Benjamin is Andrew's middle name)

Baby Girl Oliver: Lilly Grace (actually found out my great grandma's name was Lillian, so cool connection)

Last night when laying down I had one spot that felt like a little pressure and then it was like a jab, quick, happened 2 times back to back and then happened one more time. Honestly, I don't know what to make of it. It almost felt like a heart beat, but slow (obviously I know you can't feel the baby's heartbeat through you), but when I researched it, some people said there is a huge artery that runs down your stomach that you could be feeling. However, this wasn't something that continued and it wasn't rhythmic, it was quick and only happened 3 times, so I am questioning was this the baby? Or am I making something out of nothing just because I'm so excited to feel him/her and experience that? I was convinced the baby was waiting until Andrew came home, lol, the problem is, I don't know if it can be felt from the outside yet. I was touching the spot after the first 2 'jabs' then I put my hand where I felt it, and felt it again. However, because I can feel it from the inside too, I wonder if that feeling was just from the inside or did I feel it from the outside, too? 

18 week pictures below

(Tanner wanted in on the pictures and love)

He was trying to get my attention :)

Cleaning & Pregnant

Trying to clean your house while pregnant can be a challenge, mainly because of harsh chemicals, which you're told to avoid. I am serious fan of the Clorox Bleach Foam Cleanser, I used to use it in the shower all the time. It was great for those really tough spots, but being pregnant, maybe I'm being paranoid, but I don't want to take the chance.  However, I saw a 'pin' on Pinterest as probably most people did a while ago: vinegar & dish soap in a dish wand used to scrub the shower. I decided today when I was going to clean the shower, I needed to try this combo again (I'd used it before).

Picture from the Pin: Check it out here ---> Cleaning Tip

It worked like a charm, wasn't too hard and was easy to make and clean with!! Might have a new go-to!

The 1st Father's Day

A special tribute to all of the Dad's in my life....

One girl could NOT be more blessed. I love each of you and I would not be the person I am without each of you!!

Happy Father's Day to some of the best men in my life!! Andrew Oliver-life would not be as much fun without you-Happy 1st Father's Day, cannot wait to celebrate with Baby Oliver next year! Mark Steedley-thank you for always being my #1 fan, always believing in and supporting me. I cannot wait for next year-Happy 1st Father's day as a Grandpa-to-Be.Eddie Fillman-I am so lucky to have you in my life, you are a true blessing to me-Happy 1st Father's day as a Poppie-to-Be! Guy Oliver-thank you for accepting me as yours from day one-so happy to say Happy 1st Father's Day as a Grandpa-to-Be. I love all of you and although I cannot be with all of you today, know you hold a special place in my heart, in our hearts, and we could not do life without each of you. I love you dearly!!! Also, a Happy Father's Day to all of my grandpas, who aren't on FB. I love each of you. Steen Pender-Hope your day is awesome, Love you!!

Here's a little glimpse into the day.

the dogs were posing so well

love that dog

was too funny to not get for him

still posing for me

Smoking Box for the grill

Happy Father's Day to the Daddy-to-Be 

The Baby Updates below: 17 weeks

playing around with the huge ribbon used to wrap his present

17 weeks

Still waiting to feel some movement Baby Oliver

2 new books for Baby Oliver-found them for a lot cheaper at Sam's. I am in love with the Heaven is for Real series after reading the novel. This one will be for Baby Oliver, and I am hoping to be given or buy the kids version, too. Also, I snagged this adorable and sweet book, Thank You, God, for Daddy. It is super sweet, and was part of Andrew's father's day present. 

Also, a Lamaze toy found at Goodwill, brand new for $3!!! Steam cleaned it, ready to go for Baby Oliver.

Counting the days until we know boy or girl!!! But we won't be announcing on Facebook or to friends until our Gender Reveal party on July 13th!!

Summer Outings

Today was a perfect day for summer. Jessie and I started the day at the pool and laying in the sun. We went for lunch and then of course, had to venture over to Once Upon a Child. She found a few outfits, and I bought a couple of books. Jessie suggested the book "On the Night You Were Born", super sweet book. I've read it to Baby Oliver once, and yes, it does feel weird to read aloud. Also, there was a cute swing/bouncy chair combo for a good price, but I couldn't take the plunge and buy it. I called Andrew for his opinion, he said it was up to me.

Then tonight, Andrew and I tried Quaker Steak and Lube, it was an interesting place...kind of like a mix of Red Robin and Planet Hollywood--with the decorations and the menu, that's where I came up with the combo. After dinner tonight, we went back to look at the swing/chair combo, they had 3 (all the same) and the one that was nicest was gone...oh well, lesson learned..don't leave things there, haha. But it's ok, they get new stuff in all the time, so I'll just know for next time. But I wasn't 100% sure about it, so it's ok with me that we didn't get it. However, after going back, I found a new in package fleece swaddle blanket, it's blue, but either way, the baby can wear it, and so I got it.

Also tonight I think one official clothing option is now out of my choices. The jean skirt I wore to dinner was a little tight and somewhat uncomfortable after dinner...looks like the first piece of the wardrobe falls prey to Baby Oliver's little home...one down and many to go. Still seems that I am able to wear everything else so far, which is exciting and great! But I will be excited once it actually looks like I have a baby bump truly! Excited for currently normal fitting clothes and anxious for the baby bump to be! 

Pregnancy related? or just a new snack?

While focusing more on eating healthy years ago, I came across Laughing Cow cheese. I love to eat a 35 cal wedge with some Wheat Thins. The other day I found a new flavor the Laughing Cow cheese, white cheddar.

Yesterday, I had the idea of eating this new flavor with pickles on the crackers, too. I found a website with good pre/post workout snacks. One good post workout snack was Laughing Cow cheese on the Wheat Thins with sandwich meat...well since my lunch meat consumption has to be heated or eliminated or eaten rarely...so in my mind, I substituted dill pickles. We have a new favorite called Guss' Dill Pickles in the refrigerated section.


Is this pregnancy related or just a new snack? Not sure, but it's tasty and low in calories! :)

Marriage is fun with YOU!!

Our anniversary was so us and I loved it. We went to Miyabi's for dinner, but of course, I was not able to have my favorite Mexican roll, but I survived. The only other downfall is that my steak had to be cooked well done, which used to be the only way I'd eat it, but since being with Andrew, I've expanded the temperature of steak I'll eat (nothing too crazy, usually med well or med at Miyabi's). It's not a big deal, but like I explained to Andrew, it seems so minimal until you think 'Oh I want a sandwich or sushi, etc' then realize it'll be a while before that happens, just a weird adjustment.

Here are a few pictures before dinner (lovely sunflare)

a few close ups 

After dinner, we went to see Fast & Furious 6, it was AWESOME!!! and very us!!

Then we came home to exchange presents

Andrew knows me all too well. He got me a Precious Moments baby book. He didn't know this, but my first bible was a Precious Moments bible. I was thinking the other day that we should get our baby a Precious Moments bible. I'd love to have one for him/her already, but one of my memories as a child was going to pick out and get my first bible. 

How cute is my husband? We have an inside nickname that started a few years back (Minez & Urz), but notice who else the present was from besides Urz, (Urz, Jr) awwww <3

Andrew's anniversary present

I thought he'd love one with his name on it. It matches the bible I have, except his is a man's version.

Our 3 Year Anniversary

Today marks 3 years since the day we said, "I do". Most people commented and said finally on that day, as did we :) but God had perfect timing. There were reasons beyond our understanding that led us to that day. I am so excited to celebrate 3 years of marriage with the man I call my best friend, my husband, and the father to our new baby on the way. We've been through a lot in being married, and luckily we have followed God's plans for us and trusted him. I would say I have grown closer to God and so has Andrew in our marriage than ever before. I've been told before if you're both serving God and both serving one another, you'll ultimately grow closer to God and one another--so that is my goal everyday. I know everyone has their own idea on how they can best serve their spouse, and every spouse has an idea of how they can best be served.

I am also excited that in our 3rd year of marriage, we will also celebrate 10 years of dating and being a couple on July 27, 2013 (that will always be our date). I am lucky and blessed to have a husband who not only puts up with and humors me and celebrates the smallest things still to this day. Also, in our 3rd year of marriage, we started our family and will be welcoming a beautiful little baby into our lives later this year in November 2013. Even though we were planning to start our family, God again had his perfect timing and planning for the whole process.

Below is a small look at some big events in the past 3 years of our lives:

Some of the important dates pictured

Wedding June 12, 2010

Honeymoon June 2010

First Christmas/Snow Dec. 26, 2010

1 Year anniversary June 12, 2011

Celebrating birthdays & 2 years 2012

Closing date on our house May 10, 2012

Announcing our Pregnancy May 12, 2013