Milestone Catch Up!

8 weeks

How far along: 8 weeks

Maternity clothes: nope

Stretch marks: nope

Sleep: Sleep has been really hard for me lately.  Getting up through out the night to go to the bathroom and feeling so so tired by the evening.

Best moment this week: We told David's parents this week (I think I told mine the week just before).  Also, I got a facial this week at the Aveda school which was really nice and a special treat!

Worst moment this week:  I bought tickets for us to go to the circus on groupon.  But, I mixed up the date and we showed up the day after :(  We couldn't get our money back and they couldn't honor the tickets.  I felt so dumb for mixing up the date.  They did give us a discount though for new tickets and it we still had a fun time.

Movement: I don't think so

Food cravings: none really.  I have noticed that salads have made me feel like 1000x better when I am feeling nauseous so that is mostly what I have been eating.

Aversions: Yesterday plain chicken (on one of my favorite dishes...basically a french bread creamy cheesy chicken pizza) made me gag and I just had to stop eating it.  It was surprising for me because this is something I really like and make often.  It was strange to see how the pregnancy hormones really do affect you!  And I was bummed because I wanted to eat it, but it just was nasty every time I took a bite.

Queasy/Sick: One day this week was kind of bad, but most days are okay if I am making sure to eat enough, drink enough water, and eat healthy foods.

Other Symptoms: Tiredness and bad acne all around my chin/mouth.

Gender:  I am think a girl because of all the hormonal acne.  My friend told me once "a girl sucks all the beauty away from the momma".  So that's how I am feeling lately

Labor signs: Let's please hope not

Belly button - in or out? In! I hope it stays that way

What I miss: Having nice clear skin and not feeling so tired.

What I am looking forward to: Our first doctor appointment!

Milestones: telling parents :)

19 Weeks

How far along: 19 weeks

Maternity clothes: not yet, but wearing more flowy shirts and comfortable clothing

Stretch marks: nope

Sleep: Better than first trimester and not feeling so exhausted all the time, but still tossing and turning throughout the night and waking up to take more TUMS.

Best moment this week: Looking forward to our trip to San Diego and our ultrasound next week!

Worst moment this week: Can't really remember any worst moments for this week.  But, the next week (the week of Christmas) I started crying because "I have too many presents I have to wrap and we are running out of wrapping paper.  And my eye hurts!" (I had a stye that week).  Literally I was actually crying about this stuff.  Thankfully David and my mom were nice enough to just give me a hug and pick up some more wrapping paper and wrap the presents while I took a shower.  Then everything was fine and I felt silly.

Movement: Yes!  This was the week I was figuring out what the movements felt like.  For those that haven't been pregnant yet I would describe it kind of like stomach digestion or gas bubbles, except for that you know you don't have an upset stomach (yes, weird analogy I know...and not as pretty sounding as "butterflies" but it is truthful at least for me).

Food cravings: Not really.  I don't think I've had any true "cravings" yet.  Every once in a while I will think something sounds good (but I think that every once in a while even when I'm not pregnant, haha!).

Aversions: Still plain chicken wouldn't be my most favorite thing, but I would eat if I had to.

Queasy/Sick: nope!

Other Symptoms: Heartburn.  All. The. Time. No matter what I eat and even if I am sitting up straight and drinking lots of water.  Tums help for a few hours, but I have been meaning to call a nurse to see if I can take something stronger.

Gender: We are looking forward to finding out next week!

Labor signs: none yet, thank goodness

Belly button - in or out?: still in, but becoming more shallow

What I miss: nothing!

What I am looking forward to: Finding out our baby's gender and that he/she is growing healthy and strong.  I had a dream this week that our baby was born premature.  For some reason it was the size of a 6 month old though.  But the skull didn't form properly and the baby's brain was showing!  I kept having to remind people to be careful with the brain and I was so frustrated when they weren't listening to me.

23 Weeks

How far along: 23 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Yes, I got some for Christmas.  They are so much more comfortable and more flattering for a bump (regular clothes right now just make me look chubby in the tummy, not pregnant).  I can still wear a lot of my flowier tops and jeans and leggings too which is nice.  Soon I will probably buy a belly band so that those can be more comfortable as well.

Stretch marks: Nope.  I did start putting lotion on my belly every few nights as a precaution (although I am pretty sure you will still get them if you're meant to get them...but it makes me feel better at least).

Sleep: Getting better.  I switched to a more fluffy pillow so that is helping.

Best moment this week:  Getting together with friends for games (always fun!).  Also going to the crazy expensive baby store to try out their strollers then going to Target and finding one on Clearance for like half the price that I liked just as much.  We haven't put it together yet, but it is exciting to be gathering things for our little one.

Worst moment this week: I am just going to blame all my breakdowns on this pregnancy because I can, haha!  But I got really mad/frustrated with technology Sunday night trying to import some pictures.

Movement: Getting stronger!  Last night I was feeling bigger movements and I thought maybe David would be able to feel.  So I had him come touch my belly and he could pick out where/when they were happening.

Food cravings: Nope

Aversions: Not really

Queasy/Sick: Nope

Other Symptoms: Heartburn still and I feel like I have more frizzy/unmanageable hair right now, but that could be because I am not really taking a lot of time to do it nicely, I dunno.

Gender: BOY!!

Labor signs: nope

Belly button - in or out?: innie, but stretching out more and more each day

What I miss: ???  nothing really ???

What I am looking forward to: David feeling the baby's movements (which actually happened just last night, so mission accomplished).

Milestones: Baby is 8 inches and 1.2 pounds.  About 16 weeks left.  Baby is developing his senses (can hear sounds, sense light, etc).

Expecting!

I wanted to keep track of these things for myself so I could remember milestones and how this experience has been for me.  I promise not to post too many of these because I know the only people interested are my mom and other pregnant ladies!, but you will see them from time to time as things actually do change.  Also, I am trying to keep an honest log for myself so if things are TMI I am #sorrynotsorry about that and you can just skip over that sentence ;)

Finding out!

I didn't want to take a pregnancy test too early because I didn't want to be disappointed if it was negative.  My cycles had been all wacky ever since going off BC, so a lot of months I would think I would be pregnant only to be disappointed about a week (or two) later.  Basically, I didn't want to get my hopes up and wanted to be positive it would be positive if that makes sense!

Finally, Friday night we decided it might be fun just to take a test and after googling early pregnancy symptoms and checking the calendar I felt confident enough.  We went to Walmart and bought the test.  We saw about one or two people we distantly knew in the store and tried to not make eye contact or speak more than just a friendly hello.  Also, we had to grab something to hide the test because we felt embarrassed for some reason.  It's silly that we felt this way and ironic how society and culture has shifted perceptions and somehow associated this wonderful gift with shame  (too many TV shows, movies, etc portray "unwanted"/unplanned pregnancy).  Then we went home and I took the test and I set it on my nightstand for a few minutes while we talked and tried not to count down the time.  Finally I looked at it and couldn't make out a second line, so I told David it was negative and basically better luck next time.  We felt pretty let down after all that build up, but hey it's how life goes I guess.  A while later David thought to look at it again and he could see another faint pink line.  We went to look at it in better lighting and could make out another very faint pink line.  Our moods immediately shifted and I took another test--again POSITIVE.  We talked a bit about how excited and happy and surreal it all felt and then went to bed (it was pretty late by this point).  In the morning, I took another test to be triple sure; again POSITIVE and I felt so much relief.

I actually took this at 19 weeks trying to suck in, haha!  I wanted the picture but kept forgetting to take it when there was nice lighting.

Memorial Day Weekend

This past weekend was so fun!  We have both been so busy this month that it was nice to finally have a long weekend break. **note: I wrote this last month and am just now getting around to inserting pictures and posting...see post below about trying again :) 

We kicked things off by going to the Payson Temple Open House.(For more info on temples, click here)

The sun coming up just perfectly behind.

Not the best picture of us, but hey, whenever someone offers to take a picture instead of us trying to take a selfie I'll take them up on it! 

Really, really pretty

I found out Friday that Saturday was the very last day.  We didn't have tickets and knew that the standby line would be insane that day so we planned to get there right as it opened at 8am.  We had to wait just about 10 minutes or so, but that wasn't too bad (when we left there were cars backed up for miles just to get in the parking lot).  It was so gorgeous and I can't wait to go once it's dedicated and open.

Then we grabbed some yummy breakfast sandwiches at McDonald's.  I know everyone makes fun of McDonald's, but I really do love their breakfast sandwiches. There were tons of other people there that had also gone to the open house that morning.  It's funny because I feel like people are never wanting to admit that they go to McDonald's and it reminded David and I of this Jim Gaffigan sketch.  We kept quoting it and were laughing so hard.

Next, we met up with our friends Krista and TJ to go shooting.  David was so excited to finally try out his shotgun (it's been rainy every weekend since he got it), and I was pretty much just along for the ride.  He had a good time and I was finally brave enough to shoot it one time.  It's still not my thing, but at least I gave it a try.

I am pretty sure this was the first time he shot it.

^^This is much more my type of "shooting".^^

We even found some horses in an orchard on our drive home--such a gorgeous sight!

They came over to us right away, I was surprised.

...then left when they realized we had no food.

Then Monday we went on a little hike.  I heard Buffalo Peak was fun and quick and so we planned a little trip.  There are two ways to get there that I found out about.  One is just about a mile round trip and the other is about four miles round trip.  We decided on the longer one this time.  It was such a beautiful hike with lots of changing scenery and good views.

However, it was superrr muddy because it had been a little rainy that morning/weekend.  Then, on the way back we got a little lost....but ended up finding our way again (though we did have to go back to the last place we knew which was back uphill quite a ways...definitely not my favorite).  All in all it was a fun trip and a great way to end the long weekend.

Love,
Kristy Jane

Trying again

There have been a lot of things that I have tried lately and failed (or just plain got lazy or bored with) and given up on.  But then I try again and it all works out okay.  I have been thinking about that a lot lately.  A few things I've tried, given up on, and tried again.

Blogging.  I was all about it for a week and then totally left it in the dust.  (Although if I'm allowed to make excuses for myself I did get really busy and then my computer crashed, so hey.)

Running.  Tried to like it.  Seriously really, really tried.  Then I fell and hurt myself and went on a little break.  Then decided it's just not my thing (and didn't try again).  There's so many other things for exercise that I actually like to do, so I decided I'll just do those things instead!  Haha.  I'll enjoy it!  And maybe I'll try running again sometime later....maybe.

#Project365.  A photo a day for a whole year.  Really, wanted to do it.  Really thought I'd stay motivated.  Then I got busy and then just got lazy with it.  But now I'm back and enjoying it again.  And maybe my #project365 will actually take 2 or 3 years to get through.  But really, that's okay :)

Why do I share all my fails with you?  Well, because it reminds me that you can always always always try again.  Just because you make a mistake or get out of a habit doesn't mean you can't start again tomorrow.  So have something you want to do?  Try it!  Fail?  Try again! and keep trying again!  It really doesn't matter as long as you keep trying.

Anyway, wanted to share that today.

Keep Trying.

Love,
Kristy Jane

Current Favorite Recipes

Confession: I stalk pinterest multiple times a day for new recipes.  I love getting inspired by what I see and trying new recipes.  Sweets, treats, 30 minute meals, one pot wonders, restaurant copy-cats, healthy dinners, snacks, ect.  I love it all!

Here are some of my favorites that I've tried recently:

One Pot lasagna by: Damn Delicious

I do not even like lasagna, but I love this!  It's not too saucy and tomato-ey (which is what I don't like about lasagna).  Best of all--you make it all in one pan in under 30 minutes!  So great for when you want something tasty and quick.  David loves lasagna, so this recipe is definitely a keeper for us.  I'm making it tonight and can't wait to eat it again :)

Easier, Healthier Butter Chicken by:Half Baked Harvest

We love Indian Food and make it at home a lot!  This is probably my favorite recipe.  Now, it is "healthi-er", but it's definitely still not a diet meal.  Trust me, it is worth it though!  I love to serve this with rice (you can throw in a pinch of garam masala or turmeric for Indian flare), homemade garlic naan, and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top.  So yummy!  And best part?  It's a crock pot dish!

Pioneer Woman's Best Ever Fruit and Yogurt Parfait

This seriously is the "best ever".  I've actually been eating this a lot for breakfast, lunch, and dessert lately.  It is definitely something that you'll crave.  Fresh berries, cream, yogurt, brown sugar...mmmmm.  Make it for an indulgent snack--I promise it'll change the way you think about fruit and yogurt!  It is definitely a keeper for any brunch you might host.

Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps by SugarDish

This is a great, light dinner.  It packs lots of flavor and is so refreshing!  I cut back on the amount of buffalo sauce so that it wasn't too spicy.  Make a batch of "homemade ranch" (and by that I mean, use the packet and not the bottle) and pile your favorite veggies on top.  Yum!

Ooey, Gooey Caramel Corn

This is pretty fast and easy to make.  I love that it doesn't get hard, but stays "ooey, gooey",  It's just the right amount of sweet and salty.  I took this to a game night and it was devoured pretty quickly (mostly by me, but I was craving it, ok?).

What are you favorite recipes?  Let me know if you try any of these!

Love, 

Kristy Jane

Back To School??

So, for Christmas  this last year David got me Photoshop Elements.  I have always been interested in photography and wanted to learn more about editing.  I opened up Elements a few times, but really didn't know all that much about it.  I pinned a lot of tutorials to pinterest, but was so easily frustrated by them because I really didn't have a frame of reference for the program at all.  So, after about a month of fighting that losing battle I started to look into courses. UVU offered a community education course on the basics.  It was a good price, close by, and I thought the description of the course offered what I needed so I signed up.  It was back to school for a few hours twice a week for me!

I was a little hesitant about this because it was after all Community Ed.  I thought it would be filled with a bunch of retirees learning how to open up a picture.  Needless to say, my hypothesis was a little true.  My class was about 45% older "computer savvy" people (and by that I mean stuck in the floppy disc age, but still thinking they know what's going on), 50% moms, and 5% me.  Although it did move a little slow (and I felt slightly out of place), I still really really enjoyed it.  I was able to learn what the tools do and get a good base knowledge for what I want to know in the future :)

Here are a few things I learned to do:

Taking this picture.....

...to this picture of "Mr. Melonhead"

Fixing this scan (and kind of terrible quality picture)....

...to this better picture!

And this one I took a few weeks ago....

...Into this fun (and more flattering) picture!

^^^^Anyone notice one of the changes I made to the last one?  Haha, maybe a little vain and not the most "perfect" use of the tool.  But it was fun for me to think of this application and practice using it ;)

Also, I have to share this story because it is just too funny.  During my last semester (and even after graduating from BYU), I used to have this recurring dream that I completely forgot all semester about a class I had registered for and never attended. That would lead to me realizing months later that I got a big fat F on my transcript or couldn't graduate because it was a required course.  These dreams probably didn't go away for about a year.  During the first week of this Photoshop Elements course I was thinking about how I was so excited for my next class and wondering what we would learn next.  I thought about that for a while and then realized that I had completely missed my "next class"!  My "next class" was actually the night before and I had completely forgot about it until noon of the next day.  Too funny.  Good thing my recurring dream came true about a community ed class and not the real thing ;)

Love,
Kristy Jane

Spring Days (in February?!?)

So, I mentioned before that Utah has been weirdly warm this winter.  It has only snowed a handful of times and the weather has been nice enough to wear just a light jacket most days.  I know we'll need the water in the summer, but this California girl has really been enjoying it :)

This past weekend was especially warm.  I'm talking warm enough for me to wear short sleeves and flip flops and for David to wear his shorts.  It was absolute bliss for us.  That Sunday we decided we needed to have a picnic.  A picnic people.  Outside.  In the middle of February.  Like I was saying, pure bliss.

We made some sandwiches, packed a few snacks, and hopped on our bikes.  It was so fun to feel the sun shining on our faces.  The park was awesome.  Families were out on walks together and kids were having fun playing in the grass.  It reminded me of springtime.  My absolute favorite time of the year in Utah.

 Enjoying our picnic

Valentine's Hearts.  My favorite are the orange ones.

I'm afraid to jinx it, but maybe that little groundhog was wrong this year.

Here's hoping,
Kristy Jane