20 Week Pregnancy Blog

Written on Monday August 25, 2014

Can't believe I am half-way there! I'm trying really hard to enjoy the pregnancy, but I'm not going to lie, I'm constantly counting down to the due date. I can't wait to meet our sweet baby face-to-face! Josh and I are so happy and thankful. We feel very blessed by this wonderful gift.

How far along? 20 weeks 4 days

Baby: The baby weighs about 10.5 ounces and measures 6.5 inches head to bottom -- the size of a small cantaloupe or mango. The baby is also 10 inches from head to heel -- the length of a banana. Until 20 weeks of pregnancy, babies are measured from the top of their head to their "rump." That's because their legs are curled up against their torso during the first half of pregnancy, so they're hard to measure. Baby is swallowing more these days, which is good practice for the digestive system. Peanut's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in the bowels, and I'll see it in his/her first soiled diaper.

Total Weight Gain: This week I am fluctuating between a 8-9 lb. weight gain, which is similar to last week. I was more disciplined this week with the food and it paid off. I've also been trying to walk more and do something active every day. The baby is measuring right on time, so I plan on continuing with this food/exercise routine because it seems to be working well! I also feel better the more active I am and when I don't eat as much junk food. I got my thyroid level results back last week and they were still measuring too high (low-hypo), so they upped my dosage to 200 mcg. We will see if this has any impact!

Maternity Clothes: This week I was showing a little more...exciting! I'm still fitting into my regular shorts and pants with my belly band. I fit into most shirts, but the longer ones work best because they accommodate my little bump.

Stretch Marks: I'm still applying my stretch mark cream at least once a day, if not each morning and night. I'm in a good routine with it and so far, no stretch marks have appeared. Fingers crossed! My belly and boobs are getting bigger, so I'm really trying to apply the creams as often as possible...it takes a lot of discipline!

Sleep: I had more energy this past week and didn't require as many naps. I'm also waking up more in the middle of the night and am starting to have trouble getting comfortable. Nothing major yet, but my belly is growing which complicates sleep.

Miss Anything? Still missing regular coffee! I'm drinking one cup of half caff a day which definitely helps. I also miss having clear skin -- hormonal acne stinks!

Best Moment of the Week: There were so many! We went to Peanut's anatomy scan and everything went perfectly! They were able to keep the gender a secret (YAY!) and Peanut is developing right on track. The doctor checked all the vital organs and everything was there and functioning...so cool! The baby's heartbeat is 146 BPM and he/she is measuring right on time (technically Peanut was measuring one day ahead)! I was worried about how small I am, so it was a relief to hear the baby is developing perfectly and growing right on track. We also have a post-baby plan set, as far as, jobs and finances go. Again, a big relief! AND yesterday while shopping at Wal-Mart, I stumbled upon the baby bedding that I LOVE! It matches the room color scheme perfectly (teal and yellow) and also has owls and trees on it which is the theme I wanted. I was so excited we found something that matches so perfectly! Last but not least, I went to a baby consignment sale with my mom this weekend and we got a few baby things for her house. So fun to start shopping!

Movement: YES! FINALLY! After seeing the healthy baby on Tuesday, I started feeling much more confident about the movements I thought I was feeling. The flutters are getting stronger and stronger and I'm starting to recognize them. I felt the first big "kick" yesterday as I was falling asleep and it was so cool. The baby is getting more and more active and I can finally feel it! To me, it feels like someone is flicking me or like a little "pop" in my tummy. This baby is definitely a kicker...Daddy is hoping for a little soccer star in the making! ;) The baby also kicked last night while hearing Josh sing at church...so sweet :) I was told at my appointment this week that I have an anterior placenta which means my placenta attached in the front on my uterus rather than the back. It's a little less common, but nothing to worry about. They did say I wouldn't feel movement quite as often or as soon as other pregnant women.

Food Cravings: Still loving sweets! I've been giving in more to sweets lately, but am trying to maintain a healthy balance. We had brownies at the house this weekend and it was so hard not to eat the whole box! I honestly don't know if its the baby who loves sweets or just me...

Anything making you queasy or sick? No, but when my body needs to eat, it NEEDS to eat. Definitely can't push myself as much as I used to in that department.

Gender: I had a dream it was a boy the other day (I've had multiple dreams it was a girl and a boy). I'm trying to keep an open mind because it really could go both ways :)

Symptoms: This week I noticed more pressure on my stomach, kind of feels like someone is sitting on it sometimes! This pressure has also caused me to feel like I have to pee more often. Still dealing with the thrush in my mouth, but it's getting better. Acne has been awful.

Happy or moody: Happy!

Looking forward to: Registering for baby items and getting more done with the nursery! Also looking forward to feeling Peanut move more and getting a bigger bump!

Pregnancy Blog: Old Wives' Tales Gender Prediction

I get so many questions about Baby Gale's gender, so I thought I would clarify. Josh and I have decided not to find out the gender and keep it a surprise until birth! We are really excited about doing it this way and can't wait to find out what we are having when Peanut arrives. With that being said, who doesn't love to guess the baby's gender?! I know I do! I thought it would be fun to test out the Old Wives' Tales and see what they had to say about it. So, according to the Old Wives' Tales, will Baby Gale be a GIRL or a BOY? Let's see!

1. Morning Sickness -- Yes or No

2. Cravings -- Sweet or Salty

3. Mommy's Intuition -- Girl or Boy

4. Skin -- Clear or Breaking Out

5. Headaches -- Yes or No

6. Heartbeat -- Above 140 or Below 140

7. Chinese Gender Prediction -- Boy or Girl

8. Carrying -- High or Low

9. Daddy's Weight -- Gaining or Maintaining

10. Mood -- Happy or Moody

11. Mayan Gender Chart -- Boy or Girl

12. Disposition -- Graceful or Clumsy

13. Feet -- Warm or Cold

14. Dream of Sex of Baby -- Boy or Girl (I've had dreams about both!)

15. Side You Most Rest On --  Right or Left

16. Weight Distribution -- Up Front or All Over

Girl -- 8

Boy -- 9 (WINNER!)

So, will it be bowties or bows? If these predictions hold true, we should be expecting a baby BOY come January! The numbers were extremely close and these are just predictions after all, but it's fun to try to figure it out! Less than 5 more months until we meet our baby face-to-face and know for sure...we can't wait! :) Did you find any of these gender predictions true for your kids? Think all the Old Wives' Tales are just a big hoax? What do you look for when guessing the gender? Let me know what you think!

Our Engagement

Two years ago today, Josh asked me to marry him! I love thinking back on that day and all the memories it holds. It was an extra special day full of surprises, travel, and jumping out of a plane! I wrote this description of the day we got engaged right after the big day, so I feel like it sums up the day perfectly and most accurately. My most vivid memories from that day are being speechless, TWICE, in one day. I thought the most exciting thing that would happen to me that day would be skydiving, but I was wrong...and completely stunned as to what was to come. August 18 will always hold a special place in my heart!

"Well, Josh and I had been planning on going skydiving for our 1 year anniversary. Because of all the craziness in our lives, it got pushed back a month. The week before, Josh told me that he wanted to go to Helen after skydiving because we both had the day off (which was a rare occasion). He also mentioned wanting to go see the Anna Ruby waterfalls.  The morning of skydiving, we left extremely early because Josh scheduled our jump for 8 am, so that we would "have more time in Helen." I didn't think anything of it because I was so consumed with nerves about skydiving. Skydiving went great and it was an amazing experience that Josh and I got to share together. I was looking forward to the rest of what I thought would be a relaxing day in Helen. I didn't think anything more exciting would be happening that day, but I was wrong. We drove up to Helen and walked some in the little town before heading to Anna Ruby Falls. When we pulled in, Josh wanted to bring his packback along for the .4 mile hike to the top. I asked him why he needed to bring his backpack and he told me it was in case we needed snacks or water for our "long" hike ahead. Again, I didn't think much of it. As we were walking up the trail to the falls, Josh was EXTREMELY excited. He was almost giddy for us to get to the top. I didn't understand why he was SO excited about seeing waterfalls that we had both seen before when we were kids. We finally made it to the top and walked over to look at the waterfalls. It was a serene and happy moment. All of the sudden, Josh took a deep breath and told me that he wouldn't want to be anywhere else in that moment. Then he told me that he had lied to me. My heart started racing and I was really confused. Why was he saying something like that in this peaceful and perfect moment? He told me that skydiving wasn't the most exciting thing that would be happening today and then he walked me into the middle of the platform next to the waterfalls. I was slowly catching on, but still very confused. Then in the middle of the crowd, he got on one knee, reached into his backpack, pulled out the ring and asked me to marry him! :) I was so happy and filled with joy. I was also in utter shock until the crowd started clapping around us and it sunk in that we had just gotten engaged! The surprises contined as some of our friends jumped out of the bushes and ran up the stairs to congratulate us. They had documented the entire thing! It was the most amazing day that I will never, ever forget."

My Favorite Summer Make-Up & Skin Care Products

I can't believe that summer is on its way to an end...time is flying! Although school is starting, the weather is still hot and we have a good 6 weeks before fall officially sets in. With that in mind, I wanted to share my favorite summer make-up and skin care products with ya'll. These have been my go-to products for the summer and with 6 weeks of summer left to spare, I wanted to let you guys know the products that worked best for me in case you wanted to give any of them a try!

 

1. Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream -- Medium Sheer Tint

 

I decided to try this specific BB cream out after hearing a lot of good things about BB creams in general and knowing I was soon headed to Costa Rica where I would have little time to apply make-up. Pregnancy has caused my skin to breakout, so I knew I needed something to give me some coverage, but also light on my skin and easy to apply. This product has served as exactly that and more. BB cream has so many hidden benefits including:

• Clears acne
• Conceals Imperfections
• Minimizes look of pores
• Reduces appearance of redness
• Adjusts to skin tone
• Hydrates and smoothes
• Enhances and clarifies skin
• Oil-free, with a lightweight feel

This particular BB cream also contains 2% salicylic acid which helps your skin fight acne, yet it is gentle enough for you to use on a daily basis without drying out your skin. I love this product and use it each day. It can be used as a tinted moisturizer or a base for your regular foundation. But for my skin, it serves as a good foundation. I prefer a lighter foundation in the summer and don't want anything caked on my skin. This stuff doesn't leave that nasty orange residue on your skin like some liquid foundations do and it also stays put despite the heat. I think it does a good job at covering up blemishes when paired with a powder finish. It's easy and quick to apply and within 1 minute my foundation is complete. If you are looking for something low maintenance and light on your skin for summer, I would highly recommend this product! Also, it's only $8.99 and a little goes a long way!

2. L'Oreal's Color Rich Lip Balm -- Tender Mauve

This lip product was one I happened to see at the drug store one day. I liked the concept (lip balm with a hint of color), so I picked it up. I was surprised at how much I liked this balm! It stays true to the concept of being a lip balm and a lipstick all in one. Because of my job and on-the-go lifestyle, I don't always want a heavy lip color. I need something more simple and natural looking on a day-to-day basis. That is why I love this product. It gives you the hydration of a lip balm with a pop of color like a lipstick. Perfect for my busy, low maintenance lifestyle! I have loved the Tender Mauve shade, but there are 7 other shades to choose from. It's nice to have a good selection! You can find this lip product at your local drug store or Ulta for about $7.99! It doesn't melt off in the summer heat, keeps your lips moisturized and gives you a fun pop of color...perfect for summer!

3. Murad Skin Care Products

A few months ago, my husband was sweet enough to go to a spa and get me a gift card for a massage. While he was there, the employees gave him a bunch of free samples of different products from the Murad Skin Care line. I had never heard of this skin care line, but I was open to trying anything to clear my hormonal breakouts. My skin has reacted really well to these products and has cleared up a lot after I started using them. My skin is not perfectly clear (probably because there is no stopping pregnancy acne), but it is more clear and the acne is much more contained than it once was. This product is sold at Ulta, Sephora, and Massage Envy Spas. If you are looking for a good skin care line, I believe you should give Murad a try!

 

The first product sample I was given is the Murad Essential-C Cleanser. This is just a face wash that I use in the shower, but I have really liked how it feels on my skin. It smells like oranges, hence the Essential-C (vitamin C) reference. It has helped clear up my skin and is very refreshing. The cleanser is hydrating and does not dry your skin out. This formula is full of antioxidants and sunscreen protectants for your skin. It's a great summer cleanser!



 

The next product is the Murad Acne Spot Treatment. My skin has been a really big pain lately, like I said the hormonal acne has been rampant, and this product really works on my skin. It helps treat current spots and helps prevent new ones. Each time I use the Spot Treatment, I wake up the next day with clearer skin than I had the night before. It works effectively and quickly! It has not fully prevented my skin from breaking out, but it does a good job at quickly clearing away the acne that I do have. The Spot Treatment contains Benzoyl Peroxide which is a big ingredient in most expensive topical acne medications. This cream retails for $16 which isn't too bad for a good, non-prescription acne cream. If you are looking for a good quality and fast-acting acne cream, I would highly recommend this product.

 

 

Lastly, Murad Acne Clearing Solution is used as more of an allover acne prevention cream. The formula is not as intense, but does a good job of clearing and preventing acne. The Clearing Solution treats breakouts, reduces redness and restores skin clarity. If you need a mild cream for breakouts, this is a great choice!

So there you have it, my favorite summer make-up and skin care products! I will probably continue using most of these products in the fall because I really enjoy them and think they are very effective. I think they give you the most bang for your buck! And isn't that what we are all looking for anyways, cost-effective quality? What have your favorite summer products been? Any suggestions?

Happy Tuesday! :)

 

 

17 Week Pregnancy Blog

Written on Monday August 4, 2014

How far along? 17 weeks 4 days

Baby: The baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — lifeline to the placenta— is growing stronger and thicker. Baby now weighs 5 ounces (about as much as a turnip or an onion) and is around 5 inches long from head to bottom. Peanut can move its joints, and the sweat glands are starting to develop.                  

Total Weight Gain: This week I am fluctuating between a 6-7 lb. weight gain . I've been making a big effort to eat healthy and not overeat and it seems like it's paying off with a slow and steady weight gain. I've also been staying active with lots of walking and doing the elliptical at the gym which seems to help.

Maternity Clothes: I finally got to wear some maternity clothes this week! Some people may not be excited, but I definitely was. I was fortunate enough to be given maternity clothes from 3 different women so far which I greatly appreciated! I am collecting a new wardrobe and that makes it harder to resist wearing. I found a few things that I fit into that show off my little bump well. Most of it is still too big, but I am using my belly band for my pants that still fit.

Stretch Marks: I have been doing well at using my stretch mark creams and oils in the mornings and at night. I feel very moisturized, so I hope this is helping with prevention! I have developed quite a collection of creams, lotions, and oils that will hopefully last me a long time!

Sleep: I'm sleeping wonderfully and very hard. I hardly remember laying my head on the pillow at night because I fall asleep so quickly and I barely wake up to my alarm in the mornings. I am still trying to nap more (took 2 this weekend!) which helps me catch up on sleep and feel more rested instead of dragging.

Miss Anything? Not this week! It was a good week and I am enjoying my pregnancy :)

Best Moment of the Week: Getting to wear maternity clothes and show off my little bump! Also, Josh and I went to Babies R Us on Friday night and it was fun (also slightly overwhelming) to look at all the baby things we are going to need. We are finally deciding on nursery colors and themes which makes me excited to start registering and painting the nursery!

Movement: I'm dying to feel movement and thought I had maybe once or twice. It hasn't happened since so I'm not sure if it was really baby movement or not. I can't wait to feel it for sure soon though!

Food Cravings: I really haven't craved anything in particular which is quite boring. I still love food (nothing has changed there) and am still really liking the fresh veggies with hummus and fresh fruit! I also have my moments of craving sweets.

Anything making you queasy or sick? No.

Gender: I am very up in the air. The first trimester, I felt like it was definitely a boy. But now, I'm torn. It could definitely go either way!

Symptoms: This week my symptoms were mild but included acne, tiredness, and a growing belly! I'm still moody and emotional (crying has become more common). Boobs have been slightly hurting again and I had some mild round ligament pain this week.

Happy or moody: Moody and irritable!

Looking forward to: The anatomy scan in 2 weeks! I can't wait to see our little Peanut again :) Also, I'm really looking forward to fall. For some reason, I have been like daydreaming about fall and all the fun activities, as well as, the cooler weather. Plus I'll be heading into my 3rd trimester at that point which is another step closer to meeting our sweet baby. Gosh I can't wait!

1 Year Blogging Anniversary!

This month marks my 1 year blogging anniversary...I can't believe I have been blogging for an entire year! Wow, it's flown by. I've experienced so many changes in the past year and I loved being able to document them here on this blog. I have always enjoyed writing and this has been a creative outlet for me. Thank you all for your support over this year and for making me feel like my posts have made an impact and a difference. I like to write about things going on in my life and hope that there is someone out there who I can encourage through my experiences. Many of you weren't around when I originally started this blog, so I thought I would share a little bit about myself through 25 random facts about me!

1. Cereal is my favorite food -- I could eat it every day and be perfectly happy.
2. I love country music.
3. I'm a runner and have been since I was 12. Running is therapeutic to me.
4. My favorite shows are Gilmore Girls and Friends. I still watch the reruns all the time.
5. I'm currently 17 weeks pregnant with my first child. :)
6. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism when I was 11 years old.
7. I love coffee! Now that I'm pregnant, I only drink decaf, but I still love the taste.
8. One of my favorite activities is going on walks with my husband and my dog.
9. My mom is my best friend and always has been.
10. I'm extremely organized and basically live by my planner.
11. My husband and I have been married for a little over a year and a half.
12. Our dog Cedric is like our child -- he is very spoiled and loved!
13. I graduated from the University of West Georgia in 2011 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration: Concentration Management and Marketing.
14. I'm red headed, blue-eyed, fair-skinned and left-handed -- basically one big recessive gene!
15. I have a passion for missions and children.
16. I genuinely enjoy eating healthy foods and staying active.
17. On the same note, my downfall is sweets. I am a true chocoholic.
18. I currently work for Land Rover as a cashier and accounts payable clerk.
19. I've lived in Georgia my whole life, but often get mistaken for a Yankee.
20. I'm not very athletic but I have tried tap, jazz, ballet, softball, and tennis over the years.
21. My dream is to one day work for a Christian non-profit and have a job that truly helps make a difference in people's lives.
22. I love to travel and have been to Jamaica, Mexico, South Korea, and Costa Rica.
23. My favorite place in the world is the beach. It's the place where I feel the most connected to God.
24. I am an Assistant Pastor's wife and our family is very active in ministry and church life.
25. It's very hard for me to give up on something. I put everything I have into the things that I do and the people who I love. I will fight hard to make those things and relationships work.

Again, I genuinely appreciate all the support and hope you continue to follow and be encouraged by my story. If you have anything in particular that you would like me to write about, please let me know! :)