29 Weeks

We had a great weekend! Saturday Colin worked and I was super lazy. I had my usual weekend to do list, but I think I only got to cross off one or two things...and one of them was to go get a pedicure!! Sunday we went to Mike's to watch the Bears game and then after that we  went to hang out with some of Colin's friends from work. We had a good time at both places, but the Bears suffered a BAD loss!!! 

Not a lot to report, but we had an appointment yesterday. Everything continues to be healthy. I passed my glucose test, had healthy iron levels, great blood pressure, and am feeling pretty good. His little heart was beating at 136 beats per minute, and he was measuring right on track at 29 weeks. After the appointment, Colin and I toured the Labor and Delivery part of the hospital. It is fairly new and really nice so that's good. I'm definitely growing and not getting around as quickly and easily as what I'm used to. I noticed Sunday at church that I can't kneel without squishing my belly. The weight gain is on the high side, but much of it is water from the swelling, so I'm trying to remain calm about it. :) Our electric bill was on the high side as well this month due to the fact that I crank the air way down at night since I get sooooo hot...very unusual for me! I now have to go back to the doctor every 2 weeks until December when it changes to every week until birth. The doctor mentioned that we have the option to be induced up to one week prior to his due date. I'm not really wanting to do that, but we will see how it is when the time comes. I told Colin that I don't want to plan on it because who knows...hopefully he will just decide to come on his own. We will be meeting with the pediatrician Thursday evening. Lately we've been researching, looking for, and setting up tours of day cares and preschools for him. It's hard to find a place that accepts just part time. We are fortunate enough to only need child care 2 days a week, sometimes even only 1.  Ideally, we won't have to send him until August when I return back to work next year, but it might not work out that way. We are still so excited and anxious for his arrival and are counting down the days! I think that's about it for now. Enjoy the week!! :)

The car seat came today, and here is a picture of it. It goes with the stroller.

I put the stroller together myself since Colin is working tonight. I was so proud of myself! I really like it - great recommendation by Katrina. :)

This is the swing we bought yesterday. It is collapsed in the corner here since the base is so big.

This is a 28 weeks, 1 day belly picture. :)

And lastly, here is little Roi bonding with Jack. :) He has recently been jumping on the couch and resting his head on my belly a lot! So cute!!! :)

Baby Showers

We just got back last night from our baby showers in Indiana. They were so much fun and our friends and family were extremely generous. His closet is stocked!! I'm super tired, so this is going to be mostly just a picture post.  I can't believe how puffy I am in all of these pictures!! I'm just retaining water like crazy. Luckily that will go away after Jack is born, and it will all be worth it. We want to thank everyone again for all of the fabulous gifts, and especially for being there. My friend Jessica made the trek all the way from South Carolina with her one and a half year old. That meant so much to us! Shannon came all the way from Iowa just for the day, which is quite a trip too. Colin's grandparents came from WI, and his parents came from IL. We were so happy to be able to see them. Thanks so much. We have the best family and friends ever! 

We had a wonderful weekend. We got home late last night and organized all of his new things in the nursery until about midnight. It just made us more excited to meet him! Notice the book rack down there - my mom got us that for the shower, and I couldn't wait to organize all of Jack's new books in it. Luckily, Colin's parents are driving down in December, and so they are going to bring some of the larger gifts that we got down at that time. However, I just couldn't part with the books, so Colin lugged the heavy box of books all the way through the airports. thanks! :) I also took a quick picture of his closet after we organized everything. The bottom right section is newborn to 6 month outfits, the top right section is 6 to 9 month outfits, and then the top left section is the 9+ month clothes that we have.

Another Recipe - Cinnamon Rolls

Here's another great recipe. This one I got from my friend Jessica, and I'm going to make it for something we are having at work this week. 

The night before:

1. Bring 1 stick of butter to a boil with 3/4 of a cup of brown sugar, and 3/4 of a teaspoon of cinnamon.

2. Put 12 frozen dinner rolls in the bottom of a bundt pan and sprinkle half a box of COOK AND SERVE butterscotch pudding powder evenly over the top. 

3. Put 12 more frozen dinner rolls on top, and pour the remaining pudding powder over the top. 

4. Pour the sugar mixture over the top, and cover loosely with foil. Let it sit out over night. 

In the morning:

5. Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees. 

6. Dump the bundt pan upside down onto the serving platter. 

**You can also serve these with pecans, but I never have. 

Chicken Pot Pie

I'm going to post this recipe. It is soooooo good! I didn't think I even liked chicken pot pie, but this is seriously yum! 

1. Peel 1 carrot and 1 parsnip. Cut the carrot, parsnip, 1 unpeeled red potato into 1/2 inch dices. 

2. Season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are cut into 1 inch cubes with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.

3. In a heavy pot with a lid, heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil over medium-high heat until very hot but not smoking.

4. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer to a plate.

5. Add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium, and let the butter melt.

6. Add the carrot, parsnip, potato, and 1/4 of a cup of water to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, and cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.

7. Stir in 2 minced shallots and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Meanwhile, fill a large bowl with ice water.

8. When the vegetables are ready, sprinkle 1/4 cup of flour over them and stir well.

9. Stir in 1/2 cup of dry white wine, 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth, and 1 teaspoon of thyme.

10. Return the chicken to the pot, raise the heat to medium-high, and bring to a simmer, stirring often. Transfer to a heat-proof bowl and nest the bowl in the ice bath. Let stand, stirring occasionally for about 30 minutes.

11. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Get 4 small bowls that can be put in the oven, each about 4 inches in diameter.  

12. On a lightly floured surface, roll out a thawed all-butter puff pastry into a 12 inch square. Cut out four 4-inch squares.

13. In a small bowl, beat 1 egg with a pinch of salt. Lightly brush the rim of each bowl with the beaten egg.

14. Divide the filling evenly among the bowls. 

15. Top each bowl with a pastry square, pressing it firmly against the rim.

16. Place the bowls on a rimmed baking sheet and put in refrigerator for 15 minutes.

17. Brush the pastry with the beaten egg, and sprinkle them with 1 teaspoon of thyme. 

18. Bake until golden, about 30 minutes.

19. Enjoy!!!

Updates - 26 Weeks

We had another doctor's appointment yesterday, and everything continues to be as healthy as can be. His heartbeat was 148 this time, which is higher than it has been recently. He was moving all around, as usual. And just like the last time, he kicked the doppler while the nurse was trying to get a heartbeat, and then he proceeded to turn away from it! I'm not exaggerating when I say that this kid moves around CONSTANTLY!! Colin even felt him kicking and moving at like 5am this morning before he left for work, when I was sound asleep. I think we are going to have an energetic one on our hands!

Our next appointment is Monday, October 13th, and after that one we go back every 2 weeks until December. I have to get a blood sugar test sometime this week or next to check for gestational diabetes. A week from today marks the beginning of the 3rd trimester. Other than that, nothing else is new. Still feeling pretty good, and my feet are starting to get a little better it seems! 

 

He should be nearing 2 lbs. according to my weekly email updates. We decided not to get the 4D ultrasound done. We'd rather put that money towards something we need for him, and plus, we will be meeting him soon enough!!! :):):)

26th Week

Feeling pretty good! My belly button has popped out of my stomach this week. He is still moving around all the time. Nothing else much new to report! Have a great weekend. :)