Fabric Choices

If you have been around any type of social media of mine, you would know that with this pregnancy I have become the most indecisive version of myself. I use to never have problems making up my mind, but now it's a different story. I second guess everything!! The decision I'm having the toughest time with these days is my fabric choices for the crib skirt, sheets, changing pad cover, and curtains.

 (all of which I plan on DIY-ing) 

My thoughts:

Mint or mint/white for the crib sheets, curtain, and changing pad cover.

Black/white/grey for crib skirt and maybe changing pad cover. 

So far these are some of my options:

Black & White Wolves for the bed skirt 

(maiden name is wolf so I thought this would be cool)

These options are all from fabric.com and as you can see I've only been able to find a few options in black/white/grey. It makes me too nervous to pick a mint color out online. I plan on going to a few stores in town to hopefully find the perfect fabrics in mint! 

As much as I want all different types of patters, I don't want things to look sloppy or too busy. 

Who knows what I'm going to do. Hopefully after this weekend when we get paint on the walls, the rug in place, and our dresser built I will be able to visualize things a little better. 

 Have ya'll ordered fabric from online before? 

Week 18

How far along: 18 Weeks

Food Comparison: Sweet Potato

Gender: Boy!!  We are so excited for our little man and even more so after working a bow booth at the Women's Fair this past week. I just really noticed how girls are so dramatic, bossy, snotty, and diva-licious! 

Weight gain: +8 lbs . . . yikes. I don't know if this is on schedule of if I need to slow down.

Maternity clothes: A dress, a few shirts, and I'm living in leggings!

Stretch marks: No - still slathering up with my belly butter!

Belly button in or out: In with belly button ring. 

Sleep: Ehh . . . good sleep is hard to come by.  

Best moment last week: Really starting to feel his little bumps throughout the day. 

Worst moment last week: He starts to ball up (or something) and is sitting on or hitting some organ down low which is kind of painful and makes me super uncomfortable. I have to give him and little nudge and move him out of the way. I thinking there isn't much room in there yet.

Miss anything: My pants being able to button.   

Movement: Yes, not much but some. 

Cravings: Beef ramen noodles and caesar salads. 

Queasy or sick: Nope! 

Looking forward to: My prenatal massage on Wednesday, painting the 'nursery' this weekend, and putting together his dresser/changing table that came in today!  

Prayer Request: This week I just pray for the overall health of Baby K. With the anatomy scan a few weeks away -- I pray all of his organs are functioning properly, I pray that he has 10 fingers and 10 toes, I pray that he has eyes that can see and ears that can hear. I pray that he is perfectly healthy so that his challenges in life aren't physical ones. 

Week 17

How far along: 17 Weeks

Food Comparison: Onion

Gender: Boy!!  We are so excited for our little man.

Weight gain: +6 lbs

Maternity clothes: I now own 1 maternity dress from Target and a few basic tees that are long so I can wear them with leggings. 

Stretch marks: No - still slathering up with my belly butter!

Belly button in or out: In with belly button ring. 

Sleep: One night last week I slept the entire night from 10p-545a. That is quite an accomplishment. Other than that though, it hasn't been good. Especially since last night I dreamt all night about an anaconda in our apartment and it was trying to search for the baby. So scary! What was crazy was every time I got up to go to the bathroom (which is 3 times a night usually) I went right back into the same dream. 

Best moment last week: Finding out the sex. Deciding on paint colors. Shopping with CT and then again in KC with Jenna and Ayns. Purchasing our dresser/changing table. Creating our registry at Babies R' Us

. . . the list could go on! 

Worst moment last week: I'm getting more sore an uncomfortable as the days go on. I swear I need a massage every day and I'm only on week 17. 

Miss anything: Sleeping all the way through the night.   

Movement: I'm pretty sure I feel him move about 2-3 times a day. Usually it's after dinner when I'm laying on the couch. They definitely aren't kicks but they are movements for sure! 

Cravings: Beef ramen noodles, asparagus, and turnips. I love my veggies! 

Queasy or sick: Nope! 

Looking forward to: Putting his nursery together. I keep buying stuff but I need to start doing stuff. 

Prayer Request: This week I just pray for the overall health of Baby K. With the anatomy scan a few weeks away -- I pray all of his organs are functioning properly, I pray that he has 10 fingers and 10 toes, I pray that he has eyes that can see and ears that can hear. I pray that he is perfectly healthy so that his challenges in life aren't physical ones. 

It's A . . .

CT and I are so excited to announce that Baby K is a precious little boy. 

We are ecstatic and so are our parents!! 

My poor dad has 3 girls - so giving him a boy as his first grandbaby is such a gift. 

We found out on Monday and it has been a whirlwind since then. We spent all day Tuesday out and about shopping and looking at baby things, and since then my mind has been going a 100mph planning for this baby.

We ended up picking out our paint colors. 

White furniture, black and white patterns, dark gray walls, and mint and metallic accents. 

I was easily able to talk CT into mint once I showed him the other paint selections. 

I love getting my way. =)

We then headed to Babies R' Us and started our registry. 

Talk about EXHAUSTING! 

We were told we should register for 200-300 items and we left the store with 35 items on our registry. It's overwhelming and such big decisions. Why does there have to be 15 different monitors, 6 brands of diapers ... like how am I suppose to know which will work best for our unborn baby? Anyways, I'm still in the process of doing research and slowly but surely adding things to our registry. For all you mamas - what are some must haves? 

We then ending the day doing some shopping/window shopping.

Baby Depot, TJ Max, Baby Gap, Super Target, and the Mall. 

We only bought stuff on sale and that we loved. It was actually quiet difficult to find things we really liked. We hope to dress Baby K like a little man - and unfortunately most things had cartoon dogs and elephants on them. No thanks, we will pass! 

It was such a good day - but I definitely needed a foot massage after being on my feet for 8 hours! 

I'm heading to Kansas City tomorrow in hopes for some great president day sales! I'm most excited about coming home with my dresser/changing table.

 Fingers crossed that I like it as much in person as I do online! 

Week 16

How far along: 16 Weeks

Food Comparison: Avocado

Gender: We find out at 315 today! Stay tuned!

Weight gain: +5 lbs

Maternity clothes: I purchased my first maternity dress using the Cartwheel by Target app. It was 40% off so I couldn't pass it up. 

Stretch marks: No - still slathering up with my belly butter!

Belly button in or out: In with belly button ring. 

Sleep: Good. Without my body pillow it would be rough though.

Best moment last week: CT's mom took us shopping yesterday and we picked out our crib. It should be here in about a month. Can't wait! 

Worst moment last week: CT having 3 back to back snow days plus choosing to take the Monday off before. He literally purchased and watched 10+ redbox movies and didn't shower or get out of bed for 3 days. It's pretty rough being a teacher. 

Miss anything: Margarita's and deli meat. Weird thing is - I hardly ate deli meat before but it's been such a huge craving.  

Movement: Not really.   

Cravings: I made CT take me to Buffalo Wild Wings for some boneless wings this week. 

Queasy or sick: Nope! 

Looking forward to: Finding out the gender of Baby K today and starting our registry/nursery tomorrow! 

Prayer Request: This week as Baby K has more and more calcium deposited in their bones - I pray that they grow up to be big and strong. I pray that they are not only physically strong but also emotionally strong. I also pray that Baby K is so strong in their faith. It's a harsh world out there these days and I hope to raise strong Christian children. 

The Cartwheel App - By Target

SO thankful for my friend Jenna who introduced me to the awesome app - Cartwheel by Target. 

Today I was able to score my very first maternity purchase, on sale with the app! 

Navy & White Liz Lange Maternity Short Sleeve Dress. 

$24. 99 on sale for 40% off with my cartwheel app = $14.99

If you are new to cartwheel . . . 

 Download the free app on your phone. 

Scroll through all of the deals. 

Select the ones that tickle your fancy - these will be added to your que.

10 coupons max stored on your que.

Check out and they will scan the barcode from your phone. 

Discount applied! 

I'm all about saving a buck! 

Plus it's super simple to use.

Get the app and head to target today.

The 40% maternity discount is good through 2/15/14. 

Happy shopping! 

Old Wives Tales for Predicting Gender

In preparation for our gender scan on Monday, I figured I'd put all these old wives tales to the test! Come Monday, we will see which ones were right for me and which ones weren't. 

Old Wives Tale #1: Heart Rate 

If the babies heart rate is above 140 bpm, it is said that the baby will be a girl. If it is under 140 bpm, then it will be a boy. (It's been 173bpm and 143 bpm)

 Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #2: Shape of Belly

If you are carrying high with a big, round belly, you are having a girl. If you are carrying low with a smaller belly that sticks straight out, it’s a boy. (Hard to tell because I'm not showing much)

 Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #3: Ring Test
Using a string, hang your wedding ring over your pregnant belly. You are having a girl if the ring swings in circles and it’s a boy if it swings back and forth. 

Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #4: Acne
If you have acne while pregnant, it’s a girl. It’s thought that acne during pregnancy is caused by the extra hormones. ( SO. MUCH. ACNE.)

Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #5: Cravings
People believe that if you are craving salty foods while pregnant, you can count on having a boy. If you crave sweets, fruit, and orange juice, you are having a little girl. (During the first few weeks - I couldn't get enough of Sunny D, apples, and cuties - now it's more just sugary sweets and veggies)

Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #6: Skin under Left Eye
The eye test is when a “V” or “branches” appear when you pull down the skin under your left eye. If you see a “V” or “branches” in the white part, you’re having a girl. (I don't really get where I'm suppose to look - confused!)

 Prediction outcome: INCONCLUSIVE

Old Wives Tale #7: Time of Conception
The person that is most aggressive in bed at the time of conception is the opposite of what the baby will be. 

Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #8: Legs
If your legs get really big, you’re having a boy. If your legs stay in shape and lean, it’s a girl. (Legs seem to be staying the same - but I am only almost 16 weeks)

 Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #9: Moodiness and a Little Pecker 
If you are really moody, you are having a girl since you have another extra girl hormones in you. Your pregnancy will make you smile and be more happy if you are having a boy because there’s a little penis inside you. (Based on what CT would say - i'm moody and get annoyed easy)

 Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #10: Chinese Gender Chart
The Chinese Gender Chart claims to have an accuracy rate of over 90%. It is based on how old the mother is at conception and the month that she conceived.

 Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #11: Mom’s Beauty
Basically you are having a girl if your beauty disappears during pregnancy. It is said that the girl “steals” the mother’s beauty. If you think that pregnancy has never made you look more beautiful, a little boy it is. (Well I've broken out more times in this pregnancy than I have in my life, and I am currently on my second outbreak of cold sores.)

 Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #12: Dream of Sex of Baby
If you have dreams that you are having a boy, you will have a girl. If you dream about having a girl, it will be a boy. Dreams show the opposite of what you are having. (I haven't had any dreams really - only about breast feeding. Maybe one about a little girl?)

Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #13: Clumsy vs. Graceful
If the pregnant woman is graceful throughout her pregnancy, she’s having a girl. If she becomes clumsy, she’s having a boy. (Clumsy is so me these days!) 

Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #14: Side You Most Rest On
If a pregnant woman prefers to lay on her left side, she’s having a boy. If she prefers resting on her right side, she’s having a girl. (What if you prefer to lay on your back the most?)

Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #15: Dad’s Weight Gain
If the dad-to-be gains weight while you are pregnant, it’s a girl. If he doesn’t gain weight, you’re having a boy. (I swear CT thinks he's eating for 2 too)

Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #16: Breast Test
If a pregnant woman’s left breast is larger than the right breast, she’s having a girl. If the right breast is larger, it’s a boy. (Even though this isn't anything new due to pregnacy) 

Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #17: What Do You Think?
71% of the time, the mom-to-be knows what she is having. 

Prediction outcome: BOY 

Old Wives Tale #18: Morning Sickness
If you had a smooth pregnancy with no morning sickness, it’s a boy. If you were sick or felt really nauseous during your pregnancy, count on a girl. (At the beginning I had major smell adversions - but never any throwing up) 

Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #19: Areolae
If your areolaes have darkened, it’s a boy. If they haven't, its a girl. 

Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #20: Protein
When a pregnant woman craves meat and cheese, count on a boy. (I've always loved cheese and the one things I'm missing the most is deli sandwiches. For a while I couldn't stand red meat though.)

 Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #21: Feet
Are your feet colder now that you are pregnant? If so, you just might be having a boy. If your feet have stayed the same before pregnancy and during, you’re having a little girl. 

Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #22: Headaches
If you are having headaches, you might be carrying a boy.

 Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #23: Baby Names
It is said that when you can only think of specific names for a boy or a girl, you will have that particularly baby. (We've had both names picked out for years so this doesn't work for us)

 Prediction outcome: INCONCLUSIVE

Old Wives Tale #24: Urine
What color is your pee? If it is bright yellow, you will have a little boy. If your urine is a dull yellow, plan on a girl. 

Prediction outcome: BOY

BOY = 9

GIRL = 12

Looks like if these prediction tests are true - Baby K will be a little girl! 

Tests taken from Baby & Bump.

Nursery Inspiration

A sneak peak into what my vision is for Baby K's nursery! 

1// Million Dollar Baby - Ashbury Crib (all white furniture)

2// lots, and lots, and lots of patterns

3// dark grey walls

4// Owl wall hanging - gift from an art festival (original color inspiration)

5// Black/White Chevron Rug (talked about here)

6// Mamaroo Swing/Rocker (modern everything)

7// Mint or Raspberry accents based on gender (still talking CT into this)

8// Reflections 3 Piece Cabinet (storage + changing table)

As you can see our theme is black/white/metallic + an accent color. I am SOO excited to see how this turns out. It's very modern and not the most kid friendly, but it's so our taste. I told CT that this is a preview of how our forever home eventually someday look like. 

Lots of patterns, metallic anywhere we can get it, but still keeping in mind simple is better. I've seen too many nursery's that are super cluttered, so I think this is going to be our biggest challenge. Well . . . besides the fact that we are technically transforming our dining room into a nursery. Complete with having to create a closet and some sort of separation between the nursery and the hallway. 

Let's not get started - that's a story for a whole other day. 

What are your thoughts on the inspiration? 

It's a Tiffany original!  =) 

It's definitely not most people's taste for a nursery, but it's ours and I can't wait to see how it all turns out! 

linking up with Serenity Now.

Nesting: Cleaning the Microwave

Let me start off by saying there are not enough hours in a day. How am I suppose to prepare my house and create a nursery only on the weekends? My days are filled with work, my nights are filled with sports and CT - where am I to find the time? 15.5 weeks have already gone by and I have nothing to show for it. How does anyone do it?

I've already decided there's no way I can compromise any sleep. 

Seems like the most logical thing to do is to quit my dream job at the dream company.

You know, live off a PE teachers salary the rest of our lives. =) 

Anyways . . . when I do find the time to do things - it seems to be more nesting related. I can't tackle the soon to be nursery until everything else in the apartment is cleaned and organized! 

One thing that has been bugging me for months is the nastiness of my microwave. You know - all the explosions and all the crustiness that have been there for a good year. 

(This looks good compared to what I've cleaned before)

Want a sparkling clean microwave? Use this!

2 cups Water

1 Lemon

3 tbsp Distilled Vinegar 

Microwave for 5 minutes.

 Let stand for a few more minutes so the steam has extra time to do its job. 

Remove mixture from microwave, pour down kitchen drain, and turn on disposal. 

(It has dual purposes - removing grime and curbing the smell in your sink)  

Take a towel to the microwave and wipe it down. 

Completing these steps I was able to clean the top, sides, and microwave door with no problem. I did need some additional help to get the gunk off the bottom of the microwave. 

I can't praise this Lysol with Hydrogen Peroxide mixture enough. 

I sprayed it all over the microwave, let it stand a minute, and then didn't have a problem removing any of the remaining gunk after that. 

We also use this all over the kitchen: appliances, counters, sink.

 It works for everything! Plus there is no bleach so we don't have a problem with it staining kitchen towels or clothes if we get a little close. 

I couldn't be more happy with the outcome! Plus it required very little work and hardly any elbow grease. 

How often do you clean your microwave and what are your tricks? 

The Diaper Bag

I have come to the conclusion after countless hours of research - that the diaper bag is trickiest baby item to choose. There are SO many options for every single baby item: cribs, car seats, bottles, diaper bags, diapers  . . . but the diaper bag to me is essential in making the baby and mama's life so much easier. 

I have always been a girl that carries a huge purse. In that purse has always been my 10 different kinds of lip stuff, a huge Erin Condren planner, a extra notebook, a bag a pens, perfume, wallet . . . you get the picture = way too much! The bigger the bag the more I want to carry. I get shoulder pain just thinking about how much stuff is in there. 

I have decided that there is no way I can carry a huge tote, a diaper bag, and a carrier filled with a baby. Theres no way. So I have come to the painful conclusion that my diaper bag will be my purse - and I'll have a little wallet that I will take with me when I'm without Baby K. 

Diaper Bag Preferences

- something stylish

- something that can go on both shoulders to make things more comfortable

- something CT will feel comfortable carrying around 

- something that is durable

- something that can hold multiple stuffed cloth diapers (clean & dirty) 

- something gender neutral so I can hopefully use it for multiple babies

After a little research, these are some of my faves!

1// Tory Burch Billy Backpack

2// Tory Burch Penn Backpack

3// Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack - Almond Raspberry

4// Coach Multifunction Patent Tote - Peyton

As you can see - most of these are designer bags. I hate spending that type of money on a bag - but if I'm going to use it 100% of the time and I'm having to give up my designer purses for it, I figure it's money well spent. Now I just have to get CT to think the same way!

I LOVE #1 and #4. 
Black is beautiful and timeless.
Plus, not that it matters, but it also matches our nursery theme: black/white/metallic. 

I'm just worry that #1 doesn't have enough room and that #4 will be a pain because it isn't a backpack that you can wear on both shoulders.
I need more mamas to do reviews on non-traditional diaper bags!

Do you have a diaper bag that you just love? 

Suggestions are always welcome!