Waiting for Baby V: Twenty-Five Frosty Weeks!

Merry Christmas to all my sweet friends and family! This week was a lot better than last for sure! It has been illed with Christmas fun and celebrations, and reminders of why I love this time of year. I had much less stress this week too, or made a huge effort to not be stressed, and kept an eye on my blood pressure. It has gotten better which then has made me feel much better too! Many of you have given me such kind words and hugs since my last post, and so appreciate them. I am very human, and it is nice to know I am not alone. If you thought of me this week or took the time to say a kind word to me, I LOVE YOU and am so thankful for you!

And tonight, on Christmas Eve, we have SNOW on the way! Oh my goodness! Excited, but hopefully there isn't a blizzard like they've warned. Most of all, I am happy to be here with Chris, in our warm little home, watching "It's a Wonderful Life", wrapping the last few gifts, and waiting for Santa Clause to come. I love Christmastime, and am so looking forward to next year with little Ellie here to experience it all.

A day late, but who's counting this time of year? :) If you're reading, you are a dedicated followers, and I so appreciate you!

1. Total weight gain: +22 lbs  (1 lb this week...YAY! Fearful what next week will bring though...)

2. Maternity clothes?: YES! And got some awesome new ones this week from our shopping trip with Tess this week, which is a fun Christmas tradition with Chris, Tess, Ashley, and me. Next year, Ellie can join!

3. Stretch marks?: Not yet! YAY!

4. Sleep?: Heartburn and leg cramps are abundant this week! Had such a bad leg cramp that it left my calf hurting the rest of the day. And the heartburn might have to do with what we've been eating. Haha...
5. Best moment this week?: There were so many little moments this week that were special to me...spending time with friends and family, a hug from a student, a surprise gift, a Christmas card, making goodies with Chris, wrapping gifts for others, shopping at the mall...They were innumerable, and I am thankful for each one. 

6. Miss anything?: Eating endless amounts of food without heartburn or feeling like I can't breathe, but I guess that's a good thing too. 

7. Movement?: She is certainly a little wiggle-worm! She wants to move mostly at night, which might be a bad sign for when she's born. Oh well! We'll be happy that she is here! 

8. Food cravings?: Not much, since I've indulged in everything! Always can drink a big glass of milk though. YUM!

9. Anything make you queasy or sick?: No! 

10. Gender?: Our little girl is going to get us in too much trouble! Trying to hold off getting things for her, since I know she'll get a lot of sweet stuff soon. She already has actually!
11. Labor signs?: No. Watching that high blood pressure still.

12. Symptoms?: Tired legs and feet and a wiggly one in my tummy. 

13. Belly button in or out?: In

14. Wedding rings on or off?: On

15. Happy or moody most of the time?: Happy happy happy this week! Christmas everything and Christmas celebrations all around make a happy preggo Kiley!

16. Looking forward to most?: Having Ellie here next year most of all! But this week, I am looking forward to more Christmas celebrations with family. Tonight we celebrated at Grandma Cash's house with our usual finger foods. We started earlier, which worked out nicely because we all got home earlier too, and now I still have the energy to finish this blog!

Well I hope all of you and yours are tucked snuggly in their beds, and have a wonderful few days with your loved ones. Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!

Waiting for Baby V: Twenty-Four Fatigued Weeks!

Well, I am not going to lie. This week was a tough one. There was much good in it, so let's talk about that first! Chris's 28th birthday was Tuesday, and we celebrated mostly at home. We had nutella and peanut butter French toast for breakfast, then for dinner we had Chris's favorite: meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and glazed carrots. Good choice Chris! YUM! We then decided to be wild people and go see an 8:55 movie, "Rise of the Guardians". Every year, I try to make Chris's birthday special because he makes my everyday so wonderful. I think I did a pretty good job, and that Chris had a good day! What a fun birthday next year will be too...I will be a stay-at-home mom with a little Ellie to help me prepare for his birthday! So excited! And our night ended with Chris being able to feel our little girl wiggle in my tummy. It even seemed like she gave him a high five too! Such a sweet moment together.

Birthday gifts: New jacket, Ferrero Rocher chocolate, and Haribo Gummy Bears (for the movie)

The meatloaf, specially decorated for the bday boy!

Chris's bday celebration with my family: Game night and an Italian Creme Cake made by my Momma!

And now onto why this week was a rough one...There was so much going on this week, in real life and  on my mind, that bottom line was that I got really overwhelmed. I think it might have had to do with pregnancy hormones getting the best of me too, but for a few days I just felt really sad. Wednesday and Thursday were stressful days at school, and I think it's partially due to the holidays, which makes everyone stressed out too. I also didn't feel very good and was having serious back pain, with moments of my right leg just giving out when I walked. Then, Friday came and I was looking forward to our doctor's appointment, but got some not so awesome news. My blood pressure has been a bit high the past few times, so we've been monitoring it. But this time, our doctor decided to put me on medication for it, as well as have me stop taking my allergy pills. We also had blood work done (which I hate), and I started crying at the doctor's office. I explained that this week had been especially stressful with school, holidays, and such, but it still meant it is time to do something else. Through these three days, I asked myself these questions that are completely self-imposed, random, and that vacillate from one end of the spectrum to the next: How can I have such an amazing husband that I do not even deserve? Do I show my appreciation enough? Will I be able to be a good enough mom? Am I already screwing up with this motherhood thing by having poor health? How many other women have head healthy pregnancies, and why can't I have one too? Why could other women, like my Mom and Chris's Mom, handle having a full-time job and being a mom, and I don't think I can? What will I do next year without being around all these people that think I'm awesome, when I don't even think I'm all that awesome? Why I am feeling so overwhelmed when I should feel so happy?

Today things are much better, and I have had a couple wonderfully relaxing days with people I love. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel with Christmas break almost here, Christmas shopping almost done, and Christmas celebrations planned and organized. So I must say I am feeling much much better, but it was rough. Chris is always a wonderful support to this crazy woman, and I am so thankful for him. He loves me for me, even when I am not sure who I am or if it's what I want to be. Just a hug and "everything will okay" helps me feel better. I hope to be what he deserves in a wife and a mother of his children, but that is something I must figure out within myself because he does everything he can to reassure me of my doubts. Being "good enough" is something I've struggled with my whole life, and it frustrates me when it steps back into my life as an adult, and leaves me feeling inadequate and overwhelmed. I must rest in knowing that I am "good enough" in His eyes, and that I always have been. I have wonderful people all around too, both family and friends that are like family, that add so much to my life. So at the end of everyday, I must be grateful and cherish all that I have in my life and believe that I am "good enough" to have it.  

So now onto the reason why I write this each week...Sweet baby Ellie!

1. Total weight gain: +21 lbs  (2 lbs this week...Wah wah wah)

2. Maternity clothes?: All I can wear! Getting in the groove with my winter outfits, and pick them out at the beginning of the week so I have time to be more excited about it. Takes a bit more creativity than usual!

3. Stretch marks?: Not yet! YAY!

4. Sleep?: Heartburn and leg cramps continue this week, but I have been sleeping better. Last night I didn't even get up to use the restroom! WOW!

5. Best moment this week?: Chris's birthday day. We spent the morning before work together, which gives a glimpse into next year, and then only did fun things that evening. Maybe we should just do that more often?

6. Miss anything?: Not really this week, except again the want for wine at these Christmas parties. But oh well. It's really okay!

7. Movement?: Feeling her move at least every hour! Makes this feel so crazily real, which could be why I had a bit of an emotional meltdown this week. 

8. Food cravings?: Warm foods, peanut butter still, and Christmas treats. And I love a glass of chocolate milk. YUM!

9. Anything make you queasy or sick?: No! 

10. Gender?: Tiny little wiggly girl Ellie! Looking forward to AFTER the holidays for the first time ever, so that we can start focusing on her and her nursery. 

11. Labor signs?: No, but high blood pressure, which could lead to early labor. Boo.

12. Symptoms?: Back pain, tired legs and feet, and moving Ellie.

13. Belly button in or out?: In

14. Wedding rings on or off?: On

15. Happy or moody most of the time?: Pregnancy hormones and therefore crying got the best of me this week. Had many happy moments this week, but had some difficult days too. Guess that's what makes the good days so good?

16. Looking forward to most?: 4-day work week then a much needed Christmas break! This time next week I will be focusing on family and relaxing. Hooray! But first, I am going to enjoy Christmas this week and not allow it to overwhelm me so much!

Waiting for Baby V: Twenty-Three Christmas-y Weeks!

We had a big and fun-filled week in the Valentas household! There was lots of couch-sitting throughout the week, but the fun started Friday. We finally got our new doors! And just in time, because it is supposed to be very chilly the next few nights. They aren't all stained and painted, but they are beautiful because they shut completely, there are no gaps at the top or bottom, and they still look like they belong in our house. I am looking forward to warmer weather even now too (but we need something wintry weather first, and hopefully that will include some snow) so that we can get some good use out of our new screen door. Hooray! And since our mail slot was in our door, we got a new mailbox. I love it when things come together on our house that we have been trying to do since we moved in! We also got to spontaneously hang out with some of my teacher friends this week. What am I going to do when I don't see them everyday next year? Guess I'll have to have them over for lunch regularly!

Then on Saturday, we got up for the Norman Main Street Christmas Parade. It was fun seeing all the community out and celebrating together. Got a little choked up with the combined NNHS/NHS band playing Christmas songs though. Silly me. Chris and I then went and tried out Syrup, a new-ish breakfast place downtown. It was pretty good, but nothing can beat The Diner. We then had our Christmas card pictures taken by the lovely Francesca at a local tree farm. It was a bit stressful because we decided to bring the dog along too, but we got several great pictures! We ordered our cards today too! Here are a few of our favorites...

Last night we then headed to Pops in Arcadia (aka Edmond) to celebrate the December birthdays: Brian, Karla (though she couldn't be there), Francesca, and Chris! December is such a crazy month for everyone, but we always try to make a point to make these people feel special. They are there month after month for everyone else's day, and those that were able to come were very appreciated I am sure. We came back to our house for some mugs cakes and apple cider, and though we had planned to play games, we all were pooped, so we just hung out for a little while. 

Me and Ellie:

1. Total weight gain: +19 lbs  (1 lb this week)

2. Maternity clothes?: Yep of course! I have a few favorites that I like to wear, and am getting good use out of them. I did good the past two weeks though and haven't bought anything more! :) Tee hee!

3. Stretch marks?: Not yet! YAY!

4. Sleep?: Tossing and turning is the norm, with new heartburn and leg cramps, but I have been sleeping better overall. Maybe it's the colder weather?

5. Best moment this week?: Starting to feel Miss Eloise kick her tiny legs. I feel little "bunny thumps" throughout the day now, and it feel more and more real. This really started Wednesday, which was a nice little mid-week pick me up! 

6. Miss anything?: With holiday celebrations in full-swing, I am really missing being able to have a glass of wine. I don't need a swirl from the Mont or a margarita, just a glass of red wine! Or some mulled cider! Sigh...

7. Movement?: YES! Finally feeling her move consistently! Was getting a bit worried, but all is good now. Can't wait to meet this tiny girl. 

8. Food cravings?: This week it was anything that required little to no effort to make and a plus if it was warm too. Peanut butter and jellies are my lunch best friend, and warm foods at night. I did a bit better in the evenings too; didn't have dessert every night! :)

9. Anything make you queasy or sick?: No! 

10. Gender?: Eloise Marie...Our sweet little girl! I say her name a million times a day, and can't wait to see her! Hope she has a ton of crazy, dark hair!

11. Labor signs?: No

12. Symptoms?: Tired and swollen feet at the end of the day still. And little girl moving a bunch!

13. Belly button in or out?: In

14. Wedding rings on or off?: On

15. Happy or moody most of the time?: I'm happy the majority of time, but think this week has brought on a few irrationally moody moments (poor Chris). Probably also has to do with the time of year and it's stresses. I am trying hard to NOT be stressed out about it though!

16. Looking forward to most?: Chris's birthday is this week, so we will be doing some fun stuff to celebrate that, and I can finally give him his gift! Then, I only have to worry about not telling him his Christmas gifts. Haha... AND OF COURSE...The English Christmas Party!!! One of my favorites all year. We also have another doctor's appointment Friday, which I look forward to every time.  

Waiting for Baby V: Twenty-Two Tasty Weeks!

Wow! Another week has come and gone, and now it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Well, not outside with 75 degree weather today on December 3, but around the Valentas household the halls are definitely decked! And now I'm not quite as sad to come home when it's almost dark, because the I can turn on the Christmas tree and look at the lovely lights. And this week's blog is entitled "tasty" because I have eaten many delicious and pregnancy cravings this week. From Doritos Locos to chicken fried steak to mint M&M's...it has been delicious! :) I am also almost half-way through with Christmas shopping, and getting a head start on wrapping tonight! I will NOT be stressed this Christmas! I will enjoy every bit of it instead!

This week continued with the last five days of people I want to thank. Here they are:
26. Loan K. Vu - One of the sweetest, most thoughtful people I know! We met Loan in college in the Pride, and she has photographed many important events over the years. She took our pictures for our "Prego" baby announcement, many from the Gender Reveal, and I am sure we will enlist her to do many other photo shoots. I love her zest for life, and that she will never let an opportunity go by to have fun and make memories with people she loves. And you should see the pics of food she posts on Instagram! I wish I could just hang out with Loan all the time and see all the amazing things she does. But I guess it's also about perspective too. And she has an amazing one!
27. The NHS Secretaries - These ladies do so much for us on a day to day basis, and make our lives a much better! I so appreciate all they do for us!
28. Bassets - Danielle, Adam, and cutie Mackenzie...This little family has been there for us in so many different stages of our lives, and continues to do so. We got both got engaged within a few months, as well as engaged, and now I get to start my stay-at-home mom journey with Danielle too. They are such a giving family, whether it means a hug or a home cooked meal the first week of school.
29. Lindsey - One of the first things I remember thinking about Lindsey is that she is one of the nicest people you can meet. She will do anything for a friend...help them move, help them paint, bake a cake for them, or invite them over for a meal when they are having a crazy week. She has been one of our best friends for several years, and I am so glad to have her in my life!
30. Student S - What an awesome kid this is! He makes me smile everyday, and goes out of his way to say "hi!" to me each morning, even when I am a bit grumpy. One of his good friends has a severe physical disability, and he helps him eat lunch everyday. He is a great person - giving to others in any way that he can.

Preggo-Me:

1. Total weight gain: +18 lbs with 3 lbs gained this week. I think I was making up for Thanksgiving week, when I gained some but then lost it again with the stomach bug. As long as I don't do it every week!

2. Maternity clothes?: Yes siree! None of my non-maternity clothes really fit anymore, so it's what I wear.
3. Stretch marks?: Not yet! YAY!

4. Sleep?: Tossing and turning is the norm, though I did fall asleep on the couch last night at 8:30, and slept in until 9:00 today. Goodness!
5. Best moment this week?: A few people have made kind comments that I am looking good, definitely pregnant, but not fat. Never knew how much a pregnant lady needs that! I also had a fun week of TV...many Christmas specials I look forward to watching every year!

6. Miss anything?: Buying regular clothes. So many cute clothes out there right now! Most of all, I want to buy/wear brightly colored pants and a button-up plaid shirt. :( 

7. Movement?: Some slight bubbles in the evenings...

8. Food cravings?: This week it was sweets (as always), Doritos Locos Tacos, and that wanted chicken fried steak. And none of the above disappointed!

9. Anything make you queasy or sick?: Not really. I am okay with that!

10. Gender?: Knowing we are having a girl makes this all the more real. Ellie has already stolen our hearts!

11. Labor signs?: No

12. Symptoms?: Tired and swollen feet at the end of the day. Geez!

13. Belly button in or out?: In

14. Wedding rings on or off?: On

15. Happy or moody most of the time?: Pretty happy this week, despite it being the first 5-day work week I've had in a while. It went by quickly, and I had a pretty good humor about most things this week. 

16. Looking forward to most?: Hmmmm... This week it is probably eating a recreated Thanksgiving  meal all this week. Baked the turkey, and made mashed potatoes, gravy, and glazed carrots last night, and it was delicious! Then we'll make other random sides that we love and leftover turkey all week. We wrapped gifts last night too while we watched a Christmas movie. It took a while for us to decide because there are too many that we love!