Dog Days Are Over...

Have you guys heard that song? Its totally rad...even though the video is super weird. Check it out.

Dog days are over is also a good way to describe the changes that are going to happen in our house over the next few months. For about 3 years now our puppies have been the apple of our eye. We have called them our babies and spoiled the rotten. Well they are in for a big surprise because a real baby is coming soon!

Are you wondering how we are going to handle a newborn and 4 rambunctious puppies all at the same time!?! Well we were wondering too so we've been doing some research and asking around. We've come up with a few strategies we plan to use in order to make it a smooth transition for everyone (including our 4 first borns :)

One of the first tips we heard was to let the dogs in the baby's room before he is born. They say its important for that new room not to be a mystery to the dogs once the baby comes. Of course, when he comes they will only be allowed in there if we are in there with them. But for now, we are letting the dogs sniff everything they want to in that room so they get comfortable with the changes in "stuff" in there.

Probably the tip we heard the most was to bring home one of the baby's blankets from the hospital and let the dogs smell it before we bring the baby home. This is supposed to get the dogs used to the baby's scent before we bring him home. We plan to do that.

Another tip was to make sure and set aside some special time for each pet, to make sure they don't feel abandoned or slighted after the baby comes. Of course, we won't be able to devote the time and energy to the dogs they are used to but we are going to try our best to pay attention to each of them everyday so they won't get mad at the baby. After all we are their mommy and daddy too! Besides how could you not find some time to cuddle these adorable faces?

We've already made some changes around here to get ready for the baby. We used to let the dogs cuddle on our bed and even let Freckles sleep with us at night. We have stopped that a few months ago and it seems to be going fine. We don't want any accidents with a dog jumping up on the bed if the baby is on there too. They have adjusted well to this change and we hope they will have no problem adjusting to the other changes when the baby comes!

I'm sure we will have much more adjusting to do when the baby comes but hopefully we can all become one big, happy family!

Wish us luck!

29 Weeks...Kinda Scary!

I just need to get this out of the way: the second trimester rocks and I miss it so much. I am glad to be progressing in my pregnancy and glad the baby is growing and getting bigger but this third trimester stuff is really difficult. I mentioned before that it seemed like as soon as I hit the 3rd trimester mark, I started with the tell tale symptoms. Well that certainly has continued. I didn't expect to feel so uncomfortable so quickly. This week I have really noticed how heavy my belly is feeling. I guess it makes sense for that to happen but I didn't expect it. The belly is really getting in my way now and restricts what I can. Also, the baby is kicking super hard now. He wakes me up all the time with his kicks and makes me stop what I'm doing when I'm awake because they are so strong.

I knew going into the 3rd trimester that things could start to get serious. Well as usual, my pregnancy lived up to that! We had a bit of a scare this week. I had been having some pains and feeling pressure so I called the nurse line and they were pretty concerned. They said to call the doctor right away because those could be signs of preterm labor. I called the doctor that night but couldn't get in till noon the next day. Everything turned out fine, and I wasn't having labor. He said I should just try to take it easy and let him know if I develop any contractions or any other symptoms. But that was really scary for a minute there! Because of that scary situation, I decided not to go on my last work trip next week. I don't think getting on a plane and working long hours is a good idea right now. Luckily, my work was very understanding.

Here's how huge the belly is this week:

So this 3rd trimester really is no joke. As it gets closer to the due date, I'm having a much harder time sleeping, probably also because my belly is so uncomfortable now. I also am having a harder time with worrying all night long. So that's no fun! I used to be able to go right back to sleep every night after getting up to pee but now sometimes I just start thinking and worrying and I can't fall back asleep! It sucks! I guess that is how its going to be from now as a mother, so I should just get used to it!

Steve and I took our first childbirth/preparation class this weekend. It was a loooong day. We went from 9am to 4pm. We learned a lot and the class was pretty interesting. It was also a lot of information to take in so I hope we can remember it all! We have that class again next weekend. Also, next weekend is my first baby shower! I'm so excited!

This week the baby's muscles and lungs are maturing. His head is also growing bigger this week to fit his brain that continues to develop! Keep growing your head baby, make room for that brain! Here's how the baby is looking this week:

Exciting Moment of the Week: Well I dunno about good exciting, but we did have some excitement trying to figure out what was wrong with me. Luckily everything turned out ok and Steve and I are praying for a smooth rest of the pregnancy, no more "excitement".

What I am Missing this Week: A good night's sleep! Its so hard to sleep with this belly in the way and I am really missing being able to just lay however I want in bed and turn over with no problems. Its a process just to get adjusted in bed now!

Symptoms this Week: Well I think I've complained enough about those already! :)

Obsessions this Week: Steve and I were really excited for the childbirth class this week. We really liked the teacher, and felt like it was a great opportunity to ask a ton of questions. We both learned a lot, I think.

Message to the Baby: Baby, we are super excited that you are going to be coming in the next 10 weeks or so. Just don't come too early!!! We love you and want you to develop as much as you can before you come into this world.

Happy Third Birthday, Zora!

Zora turned 3 last week! Can you believe it? It seems like just yesterday we were bringing her home. She is so big now. I really can't believe she is 3 already. Time sure flies!!

Here she is the day we brought her home.

Wasn't she just the cutest puppy ever? She really was! Its crazy to think t how little she was when we brought her home. She was only about 5lbs. Boy did she get big!! She weighs about 35lbs now! That's my big girl!

Zora was our 2nd puppy after Zeus and when we brought her home, Zeus was not happy! Steve and I still joke about how Zeus used to drag Zora around the house by her neck fat when she was a puppy. He was bigger than her at that time but it didn't last long! She got bigger than him in a couple of months and quickly put him in his place! ha ha!

Even though Zora was supposed to be my puppy she's always favored Steve. I think its because he has been home with her more but who knows.

I mean I think she does love me and all that but if Steve is home, forget about it. She is right by his side or on his lap any chance she gets! Its actually kind of cute. I guess she's daddy's girl! :)

Zora is really a good dog. She is very low key and doesn't get too excited very often. She loves to look out the window at people and cars going by. She loves to eat too! This dog will eat anything, which is probably why she is so big! She is so funny, when we give the dogs treats she will gobble hers down in .2 seconds and look at you like, "That's it?" It seems like she wants to be ready for another treat at all times! One thing Zora doesn't like so much is going outside. She would much rather stay inside to cuddle and watch TV then go run around. Silly girl!

Here Zora is last year at her first photo shoot. I think she makes a great calendar girl, don't you?

Here she is hanging out in one of her favorite places. On the back of the couch! She just loves to perch there for some strange reason.

And here she is pretty recently just hanging out in the our bedroom with Zander.

So Happy Birthday to the diva! Can't believe you're 3 already!! Where does the time go??

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!! I know this is a little late but I wanted to wish everyone a great Valentine's Day. I know lots of people aren't too big on Valentine's Day and its not that big of a deal for me either but this year I am feeling the love! (Probably the pregnancy hormones).

It could also be because my wonderful, amazing husband surprised me with flowers, candy and the sweetest card I have ever received. He really put a lot of effort into it! His card made me cry...twice! So sweet. He also got a bouquet with purple roses which he said he had to order weeks ahead of time. What a sweetie he is!

I really feel lucky this year to have such a great husband. I know he's not perfect, but no one is! He really is great to me and I know he will be a great dad. I am very thankful to have him in my life!

So I hope everyone had a Happy Valentine's Day this year and got to spend it with someone special they love!

28 Weeks

Lots of things going on this week! I was on travel for work in San Diego, which was nice and warm for a change. I also came down with a cold at the end of last week so that was a bummer. In St. Louis the weather has been completely loco! We have had so much snow and ice this winter its crazy. They even had to cancel work one day the weather was so bad. Can you believe it? But I think traveling actually helped me out because I started to feel much better once I reached the warmer weather. So that was nice! The conference was another story...but its over! Yay!

As far as me and the baby, we are doing great! Like I said last week the belly is finally getting in my way. It is hard for me to lean forward when I'm sitting down. It puts pressure on my belly. I like to sit Indian style and lean forward when watching TV but I can't do that anymore! This belly is getting out of control! Unfortunately, since I was out of town all week we didn't get a belly picture. Sorry! I promise to put one up next week.

Last weekend before I left, I got a chance to work on a project for the nursery with Steve's mom, Gabby. It was so fun! She is so amazing and crafty. She is embroidering a banner for the baby's room. I couldn't decide what to do over the crib and she suggested a banner. What a great idea! We got to work on it together and it is so cute! I can't wait to show everyone!! The baby's room is going to be the nicest room in the house! ha ha!

Speaking of the baby's room, Steve and I finally hung up the clock my mom and I made in there. Here it is on the wall:

Pretty cute, no? We also put up some of the extra fish pictures on each side.

This week the baby has continued to move around a ton. The baby is now opening and closing his eyes and his eyelashes have developed. He can see light through my belly now! How weird is that? He is developing millions of tiny neurons for his brain. Go baby go! Here's how he's looking this week:

Steve and I are getting really excited the closer it gets to our due date! Steve thinks my belly even got bigger over the time I was gone! I bet he's right. It feels like the next 2.5 months are going to fly by and before we know it, we will have a baby boy!!

Since we are both super excited for the baby, we picked up a couple of cute outfits for the baby on clearance at Old Navy. I let Steve pick some out and look at the cute stuff he got!

Ha ha! I guess its pretty obvious he picked those out. We couldn't believe we found a Colt's shirt at our Old Navy here in St. Louis. Score! It was like $2 too. Awesome!!

Exciting Moment of the Week: Getting to work on the nursery banner with Steve's mom was really great. She is so creative and it is so neat to watch her work. I got to see a little bit about how to embroider and it was so fun! I can't wait to see how the banner turns out!

What I am Missing this Week: Honestly, I was missing my hubby this week! I was gone from Monday through Saturday afternoon for work and that was a long time to be without him. ha ha! How sappy!

Symptoms this Week: Biggest new symptom this week is this big belly I'm growing getting in the way. Its hard to have to sit back in every chair and not be able to lean forward when you normally would. Oh well, I guess I will get used to it!

Obsessions this Week: I'm not obsessed but I am getting really excited for the upcoming weeks. We have birthing classes and baby showers and lots of fun stuff coming up to look forward to. I'm getting very excited about those things!

Message to the Baby: Baby, we can't believe how big you are getting in my belly! Its getting closer and closer to the time when we get to meet you! I can't wait till that happens. I hope you continue to develop and grow and are just as healthy as can be!

27 Weeks...Growing Pains

This has been the first week of the third trimester and so far so good. I read there were some new symptoms and things to watch for in the third trimester and I didn't expect them to come right away but they started this week! One new symptom has been an increase in aches and pains, especially in my legs and back. They say this is normal due to the increased weight of the baby on your body. But I've definitely noticed a difference this week. I also have started getting charlie horses in my legs and this is supposed to be normal too but ouch! Those hurt! I guess I am firmly in the third trimester now!

I went to the doctor this week and he did a glucose test. I think it tests for diabetes...not totally sure. But I had to drink some sugary stuff and get blood work an hour afterwards. They made it sound like the stuff tasted awful but really it just tasted like really sweet Kool Aid. It wasn't so bad. Anyway, my results are normal, so yay! For some reason I was really worrying about that test. But everything is good.

This week the baby is still growing and gaining weight. The doctor says he weighs about 2lbs now. He said he is big for his age but still normal, around the 85 percentile. The baby's brain tissues are continuing to develop so they baby's brain activity is increasing now. They say he could even be sucking on his fingers in there now! How cute is that?! The baby is looking something like this, this week:

I'm going to try to put up a picture of how I look each week now that I'm in the 3rd trimester. Here's how big the belly is at 27 weeks, getting pretty big!

Exciting Moment of the Week: A few weeks ago some really generous friends (Julie and Matt)and family (Dan and Meghan) loaned us a ton of stuff for the baby. It was so nice!!! This week I finally got to going through those things and putting them away in our house. They really loaned us a lot of stuff! Our guest room was piled high. That was really exciting to have such generous friends and family!

What I am Missing this Week: The only thing I am really missing this week is being able to take medicine for these new aches and pains. I think I can take Tylenol but I really don't want to take anything if I don't really have to. (I know I'm one of those paranoid moms already!) If it gets really bad I will ask my doctor, but for now I'm going to tough it out. :)

Symptoms this Week: Just experiencing those aches and pains I talked about already. Plus, I'm really stuffy this week. I think I am coming down with what is going around the office. The other thing that has been a new symptom this week is my big belly getting in my way. Its finally happening!

Obsessions this Week: Not really obsessed too much with anything this week. Still trying to finish off the nursery.

Message to the Baby: Baby we love you so much! You are getting huge in mommy's belly! You are kicking all the time now and are very active. We can't wait to meet you!

26 Weeks...Second Trimester Over!

So after this week I've officially finished the second trimester of this pregnancy. Can you believe it? We are now in the "home stretch" and the closer I get the more I can't wait to meet our baby! Here is what I look like in the last week of my second trimester. Now granted that this sweater I am wearing is way too big but I think I look super prego! Of course I am taking pictures in the nursery, very appropriate don't you think?

That first one, Freckles was jumping on me. ha ha!

Also did you notice the super awesome curtains in the background of the pictures? They are so cool! My mom made them! Can you believe how cute and perfect they are for the nursery? Here they are in all their glory:
I just love the colors and how they are simple yet have little details. I absolutely love the yellow part at the top! It is so cute and we don't have anything yellow in the nursery yet. It goes so great with all the rest of the colors but adds a touch of brightness to the room. My super crafty mom also cut up the window valance that came with our bedroom set to get the ocean appliques that are on the curtains. Isn't that a great idea? What an awesome grandma she is already!

This week the baby is doing great. Still kicking away like 24/7...but the doctor says that's a good sign. I went to an appointment this week and he said the more kicking the better. So yay for the karate kid baby in my belly! This week the baby's ears are becoming better developed. He can hear us all the time now. He is also breathing in amniotic fluid (gross) to help develop his lungs. He's also starting to put on some baby fat this week. You go buddy! This is how the baby looks:

So this has been a really good week. We are all doing great and can't believe how fast this pregnancy is going! Steve and I are looking forward to the next few months where we will be finishing the nursery, taking child birthing classes, having baby showers and all sorts of fun stuff!

Exciting Moment of the Week: Seeing the curtains my mom made for the nursery was super exciting this week! I can't believe how beautiful they are! She is so creative. They go perfectly in the nursery and I love them.

What I am Missing this Week: I'm kind of bummed about not being able to travel as much with work this week. Last year I couldn't go anywhere due to funding issues and this year they are letting us travel more, but I won't be able to after February. I am going on 2 more work trips in February but then that's it. Kind of a bummer I won't get to go to the other conferences I am working on. And I feel bad my co-workers have to cover for me.

Symptoms this Week: Not too many new symptoms, still having some back pain and itchiness stuffy nose and getting tired. My belly is starting to cause problems and I'm sure its only going to get worse over the next 3 months. I can't sleep in certain positions now and can't sit certain ways due to this massive belly I am growing. Looking forward to more of that!

Obsessions this Week: Still trying to get the nursery completely finished in the next few weeks. I'm excited to work on a project with my mother-in-law for above the crib soon. That should be fun and I'm excited to see how it turns out!

Message to the Baby: Baby, I can't believe we are going to meet you in about 3 months! I feel so close to you everyday because you kick me and let me know you are doing ok in there. Your daddy can feel your kicks now and that is so much fun! We love you!