24 Weeks Pregnant

Weekly Pregnancy Update

How far along are you?
24 weeks which is also 6 months.  BABY IS VIABLE!

How are you feeling?
I feel great.  It’s such a relief getting to this stage in the pregnancy.  My new goal is 28 weeks and I’ll know so much more at my next ultrasound tomorrow.

Any weight gain? 
2 pounds for a total of 13 pounds putting me at 128 which is lovely!  I’ve never been happier seeing the scale go up - I just want this little guy to flourish in there.  Right now, there are few things that make me happier than another indication that he is growing and thriving.

New symptoms?
Not much, just getting a little bit more uncomfortable with the growth in belly size which is great.

General mood?
  Pretty happy again ;)  We've been playing around with Boys names and it's been awesome calling the little prince some of the choices we've been thinking of.  Boys names are HARD!  I think I've mentioned before that I love strong, solid, classic boys names that have nickname options.  Trendy isn't really something I like (since it will go out quickly) and unusual names sometimes feel like parents are stretching too hard to be unique.  But there is also the teacher factor that I have to consider.  Nate will suggest something and I will say; 'oh, no I'm sorry babe - taught a (insert boy name here) and there is no chance I'm naming my first born son after him'.  So all in all, it's been tricky but so fun.

Gender?
BOY!

What foods are you craving?
I wanted a Vietnamese sub last night really badly but didn’t end up getting one.  Must have been the salt…

  Do you miss anything?
Sleeping on my stomach.  I’m over the wine thing and I’ve been having some ‘fake’ sushi - dynamite and California rolls

Sleep?
This past week hasn’t been great - I think t.v right before bed is affecting it a little.  I’m going to start reading again before bed.

Working out?
Zero

Best moment this week?
When my sister-in-law came over with my nephew Charlie all the way from Vancouver!  She is so awesome.  She brought Starbucks and a birthday present for me and a gift for Scarlet!  Like - wha?!  So spoiled.  It was such a wonderful morning.  Also, Nate has been taking time off of work to be with us and help me out during the day.  We go to the beach regularly as a family.  I just get to sit around and take pictures of the two of them.  It is so wonderful.

What are you excited about?
Obviously the ultrasound - I just need to see my precious boy.  I’m also looking forward to some East Indian tonight!  Our new nanny (who is from India) has offered to cook us dinner!  AUTHENTIC BUTTER CHICKEN!  I feel like the luckiest fam jam in the world.  She has been really great but depending on the results of tomorrow at the hospital we may or may not keep her on.  It’s strange - I love her and her help, but occasionally Scarlet acts out and refuses to play with her.  She’ll run to me and get frustrated if the nanny is doing something for her.  It’s hard.  I have to sneak out and give them time and space to connect.  But overall it has been really nice having some professional help.

Kate

xoxo

WHAT THE?!?!?!?!?!

OK - this, I never, EVER thought would happen.  JOSH JOHNSON!?!?!?!  I thought maybe in about a hundred years after I had a ton of experience under my belt.  But a picture that I took of Scarlet was featured on the JoshJohnson account that has six-hundred and thirty-nine THOUSAND members! 689,000?!  The pic was chosen under the theme ‘Courage’ and it’s Scarlet’s little bum climbing our second level of stairs.  This definitely boosts a little confidence in the photography dream.  Maybe I'll go pro for real ;)

Then, this happened…

As I was about to blog this post, I noticed that another one of my pics had been featured on VSCO_Hub!  OMGosh I feel like I’m dreaming.  Two in the same day?  This one took guts to post on Instagram.  I was going for a slightly different feel (I was hoping to see my own facial reflection in the water but clearly I don’t understand basic reflection principles).  This ‘selfie’ was meant to be a little twisted, weird and different.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - I’m really trying to steer clear of the stand and smile shots on Instagram but it’s very hard for me.  I grew up in a household and then profession where you stand and smile (or else) so this is all new and tricky for me.  But hey!  I’m loving the fun!!!  Also, this couldn’t be a better way to get my mind off of the four day wait I have until my detailed ultrasound at the hospital.

Check them out if you're interested (joshjohnson and vsco_hub)

#jj_forum #vsco_hub

I could get used to this

Because I have been somewhat house-bound for a while now, tonight Nate sent me out for a pedi while he played with, fed, washed and put Scarlet down for bed. This little treat was so needed I can't even tell you!  My feet were starting to look like I could catch my dinner out of lake with my eagle talons!  It really was that bad.  I went to the new Merle Norman in Quarry Park which is fairly close to us so it was like a mini quick stay-away vacay.  Booyah!  This is me waiting in the 'lounge'.  So poshy :)

I went with a pretty coral that but the colour isn't quite accurate in this pic.  I really love it compared to the white I had been living with for a while.  Super fun and summery.

23 Weeks Pregnant

Weekly Update

How far along are you?

23 weeks

How are you feeling?

Ok.  Most days are very good and I feel fine and then the odd cramp or pinch or pain will send me into a tailspin of worrying.  It’s VERY hard for me not to worry but as each day and week go by we’re just a bit closer to viability and this little guy making it.

Any weight gain? 

1 pound for a total of 11 pounds putting me at 126

New symptoms?

Nothing really

General mood?

Pretty good.  I’m so eager to get to 24 weeks.  

Gender?

Boy! I’m still so excited about this - the shopping has been so much fun.  I’ve been online a lot lately ‘looking’ and buying ;)  I’ll post more pics as soon as they arrive.  Also, I’m DYING to do the nursery.  Every time I pass by it, I get another idea and I’ve been scouring HOUZZ website for inspiration. 

What foods are you craving?

Ugh!  I’m so boring.  Honestly, it’s still just salty things.  Last night was the first night I entertained the thought of some dessert and Nate went out and bought Skor ice cream for me.  I had a few bites and thought; ‘Meh’.  

  Do you miss anything?

Running around.  It’s crazy how much I took advantage of this when I was able to.  I know it’s not the truth but I feel very lazy being on ‘bed rest’.  I would even settle for walking around.

Sleep?

Has been good - just not enough of it cause Nate and I are obsessed with another show on Netflix - Season 3 of Suits.  So GOOD!  We stay up way too late watching it.

Working out?

No and I miss this hour a day of sweat, but my time will come again.  

Best moment this week?

 Getting together with my best friend at their place for a BBQ.  It was so nice having someone else cook dinner for us and the kids playing together was adorable.  LOVE that family.

What are you excited about?

Seeing my sister-in-law and my nephew this Friday!

Another BBQ at another friend’s home (company and no-cooking make for a happy Kate) and obviously just getting through 

another week.

Kate

xoxo

Westcoast-kids

One of my all-time favourite kids stores is Westcoast-kids (also known as e-children).  Although their merchandise is NOT cheap, it withstands all the spit-up, poop, pee, tears, wine spills (from Mommy) and is very difficult to rip, tear or damage in anyway.  I also love the material on many of their items - usually 100% organic cotton and occasionally re-purposed or recycled products if you're ever buying furniture.  Although we bought our change table and crib online, Westcoast has just brought in that brand and it contains some of these awesome qualities - not to mention the gorgeous modern patterns, lines and styles.  

So chic.  This little trip to Westcoast was meant to return a baby gate that we didn't need, but what actually happened?  You guessed it, I ended up looking for and purchasing items for the little Prince.  Shocker I know ;)

This small haul includes a magnetic onesie (read on at this onesie's awesomeness), two fitted crib sheets and the softest sleep sack you will ever touch.  We also bought some new sippycups for Scar but didn't include them in the pic - they are Zoo-li cups and they are the best ever.  

Scarlet basically slept in her two sleep sack from Westcoast up until she was around 6 months and grew too large for them.  After that, we just purchased the next size up and she still goes down in these things.  I absolutely love them.  This new one with the blue on the boarder of the neckline is the blue I'd like to accent the new nursery with.  This is from the line Dwell Studio and runs about $70 with tax.  Worth it, worth it, worth it.

These two fitted crib sheets are cute, modern and work with our nautical theme.  The one on the left is from Dwell Studio and runs in at $45 with tax and the right is from the line blue banana - $30 with tax.  

These onesies saved my bacon with Scar.  I ended up buying about 3 or 4 when she was tiny because I just loved them so much.  A) they are magnetic B) they are the softest cotton ever.  LIKE EVER! and C) hello?  A blue 'wood' onesie?  Can somebody say Nate's son?  haha.  Adorable patterns on all of them, but this one sold me.

It also comes with little 'mitts' for those razor blade sharp newborn baby fingernails.  

This onesie costs about 38 bucks with tax.  

The shoes below are from Joe Fresh and I just died when I saw them.  Nautical with stripes, sharks and ropes on the sides!  Talk about mini Sperry's or what?!    

Bottom of the sole

Fantastic price too.  For these crib shoes I paid $7 bucks with tax.  STEAL!  Gotta love me some boat shoes.  

It's just fun...

Amazingly, one of my photos (that I set up) has been chosen to be featured on a fairly large account on instagram!  11K followers!  WOAH!  This was a shot that I took one day after showing Scarlet the ‘belly’.  She went right in for a smooch and this cool silhouette was captured.  I love it!  This just gets me inspired to take more and play/edit with other pics.  I’m eager to resist the urge to sit and smile in photos and want to take more natural and interesting pics.  When I’m well and able, I’m registering for a few photography courses with one of my girlfriends.  I just have to keep the growth flowing.  Wicked and so exciting!

(Our pic is Bottom Left)

22 Weeks Pregnant

Weekly Pregnancy Update

How far along are you?

22 weeks

How are you feeling?

Better - definitely more and more positive as each passing day is a good thing and that much further along if anything were to happen.

Any weight gain? 

1 pound gained for a total of 10 pounds putting me at 125.

New symptoms?

Crazy itchy belly which I’m excited about because it means my skin is stretching and he’s growing!  Also, lightening crotch.  This was a phenomenon that I had only ever heard about and never experienced with Scarlet’s pregnancy but it is no joke!  It feels like (and stop reading if you don’t want to know) but it feels like someone is taking a pin and pricking your cervix for a split second and then it goes away.  Last night it was on and off for about 10 minutes and I was dying!  After doing a little research about it, I learned that the babe is pushing on a nerve and causing this really bizarre sensation.  Super trippy!

General mood?

Less of a roller coaster this week.  My mood is definitely turning around into something happier again.

Gender?

It’s a BOY!  

What foods are you craving?

I wanted Viet this week and Thai.  Still salty I guess.

  Do you miss anything?

I miss my alone time with Scar.  NOT THAT I DON’T APPRECIATE THE HELP FROM ALL OF THOSE THAT HAVE COME OVER TO BE HERE!  I want to make that totally clear, but we’ve just hired a Nanny to come in for a few days a week as well, and she’s INCREDIBLE, but I just do really miss the her and me alone time.  Right now, I just can’t take complete care of her while on bed rest so everyone and their dog has been over to help out.  It’s been really nice, but I’m looking forward to mommy-dots alone time again.

Sleep?

Not great.  I’ve been having a hard time falling asleep.  My mind just doesn’t want to stop thinking about all of this as hard as I try to.  Journalling, talking and praying help but after all of that is done, I’m still left with a few of my fears trickling in here and there.

Working out?

No.

Best moment this week?

 There are surprisingly lots!  My best friend in the WHOLE WORLD came over one day and spent the entire morn and afternoon by my side just laughing and talking and we listened to music. NO KIDS EITHER!  It was like we were in high school again.  She also brought over dinner which was the best!  BFFs are lifesavers.

Also, going to the hospital for an appointment was really great as well because they sent me home again ;)  Meaning, I didn’t have to stay there on bed rest (which would be awful).  

It was also our anniversary which was very special too.  We are celebrating tomorrow night - we have someone watching Scar so it will just be us two out on the town.

What are you excited about?

Getting another week out of the way.

Kate

xoxo

And so it begins...

THE SHOPPING THAT IS!!!

I’m finding various ways to think positively about our future son’s current living environment (aka, my uterus), and one of those methods is to picture his cute little body in adorable onesies, leggings, knitted hats, bow ties, suspenders and other boy stuff.  I was even so bold as to request a special Heather Gray knit toque to be handmade by my Mom as a little gift for him.  

But perhaps the most fun I’ve had so far has been my first small trip to Carter’s.  It’s like a totally new world has erupted out of nowhere with the cutest little boy gear ever!  I must admit that I have never really even looked at that side of the store except for the occasional gift for a friend or my sweet nephew so I’m just loving this stuff. 

Here are a few picks from my first time out shopping.  When the little muffin is a newborn babe, I want to go with soft whites, creams, greys, light blues and the occasional dark blue here and there as his nursery is going to be a modern and chic nautical theme.  I’ll also post pictures of the nursery when we’re done decorating that as well.  The goal is to start it in Sept (so I have ample time to rest) and have it done by Oct since he’s due in Nov!  As funny as it is, this shopping for my son does help me feel like all is well and there is nothing to panic about.  I know that's strange, but I guess whatever works is what I'll keep doing ;)

Sweet navy blue sailboats!!!  

 I couldn't get over how little these newborn outfits really were!  I totally forgot.

I love you too!

Bear bum.

Cute stripes

Fuzzy miniture socks.

Not so bad...

‘Bed rest’ isn’t sooooo awful when you have a good book and this little number to help you keep track of time.  I was so excited and surprised to receive this gorgeous watch from Nate for my birthday this year.  It’s gold which is something that I’ve just started to collect (so he really listens).  I just find I have a ton of white gold and silver that I wear all the time so it’s nice to be able to change things up a bit.  I feel like the gold is also extra summery and beachy and really brings out a tan!  As for the book - well, it is a page turner that’s for sure but it is also quite unsettling.

The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters was given to me by my Mother-in-Law to read as one of my summer novels.  I won’t lie though, some moments are definitely suspenseful and dare I say scary, but, it’s more of a suspenseful, gothic drama than a horror.  I don’t usually DO these types of books, but this one kept me turing pages which was a good sign.  Yes - it’s gripping.  If you’re wanting a quick and fun read keep this baby on the back burner. The themes of the book are two strong and obvious ones: Evil and Class.  The protagonist is a male doctor who sets out to assist a once very wealthy family in a postwar England setting.  Romantic, edgy, freaky and a little addicting.  I’d say read it if you’ve got a week or two to kill this summer.

On another note, how fun would it be to start a book club?  My mom has been a part of one for nearly 15-20 years!  Awesome.  Anywho, just an idea.  I’m just putting it out there into the universe, I’d love to be a part of one too or when the time is right even start one!  Ahhh, the possibilities with the time I have right now...

Beautiful

I received some of the most stunning flowers ever for my birthday this year.  Here are a few pictures of the glorious blossoms - I pulled certain stems out and took shots to get in really close.  The colours in these photographs are all unedited!  Incredible brilliance.

Here is the large bouquet as a whole.  There were so many various beautiful things going on in this one even right down to the purple mason jar that it arrived it.  I have to thank my beautiful and very thoughtful sister-in-law Kelsey and her husband Rodney who made the effort for my birthday all the way from AUSTRALIA!  I'm a blessed girl.

21st week Pregnancy Update

Weekly Pregnancy Update

How far along are you?

21 weeks

How are you feeling?

Anxious.  Nervous.  Edgy and occasionally irritated.  I know it all stems from fear but I’m working hard to resist the temptation to let it take over me.

Any weight gain? 

From all the stress this week I unfortunately have not put on any weight.  I know this is bad and I’m also working on it.  Docs say I’m small for pregnancy time frame and our sweet babe is measuring slightly small too.  I’m not panicking about it too much - Scarlet was measuring small for her entire pregnancy so I figure Nate and I just make petite babes.  Plus, the best things come in small packages.  0 pounds gained for a total of 9 pounds keeping me at 124.

New symptoms?

Abdominal pressure, itchy belly, headaches and major backache.

General mood?

Don’t really know how to answer this one this week.  I’m kinda all over the place.  It’s been a roller coaster in my head.  

Gender?

It’s a BOY!  Which I’m still so excited about.  I just keep envisioning him and his sweet face.  We are also almost 100% set on his amazing name so I keep saying it to myself over and over.  He’s fine, he’s perfect, my little prince is doing so well.    

What foods are you craving?

Nothing this week.  I wanted East Indian for my birthday dinner so that was a good sign.  I also forced myself to eat a ton of it and our baby boy just went wild with kicks afterwards.  I guess he likes it too!

  Do you miss anything?

The normalcy of not thinking about my placenta every two minutes.

I miss running after Scarlet.  

I miss swooping her up and dancing with her to our Salsa music.

I miss taking her for walks in the morning.  

I could go on but this is making me kinda sad - I guess writing this I’ve been caught in a bummer mood.

Sleep?

Crazy enough has been good.  I’ve been journalling before bed which helps.  Nate and I always have a super long conversation before we fall asleep and lately he gives me a pep talk about how the rest is for our son.  I also pray and prayer has worked wonders for me.  I'm calmer, more confident and feel like I can give someone else this problem to worry about if only for a few minutes - which actually helps.  Sometimes I fall asleep mid-prayer but it’s all good.  I know God gets it…

Working out?

Currently, my regime is antithetic to a work out.  I’m so far from it at this point but I don’t care.  I’ll do anything in my power to bring this baby into the world safely and whatever I can physically do for him is what will happen.    

Best moment this week?

Seeing our baby thrive on the ultrasound regardless of the bleeding that I had and the scary news about the possibilities from the doctors.  My birthday was also extremely fun and lovely.  I told Nate that I felt guilty for enjoying myself because I felt by not ‘thinking’ about the situation I had somehow stopped worrying and therefore stopped ‘fixing’ the issue.  But I’m not fixing anything by obsessing over it and worrying.  I know that.  I received some beautiful gifts from my family and Nate spoiled me just the right amount.  When I’m feeling up to it, I’ll post some pics of the really fun and pretty gifts.  

What are you excited about?

Daily kicks from the babe.  I’m also excited to see him again on Friday as now I will have major monitoring at the hospital on a weekly basis.  

Kate

xoxo

Taking a little break

My sweet girl and my baby boy bump

I just love this picture.  Nobody is done up extra special in anyway, in fact I think I just woke up from a nap here, but I just adore this shot that Nate took of Scarlet, baby boy and I.  I asked Scarlet for a hug and she just went right in there and hung on for a good minute.  It was a love hug to her baby brother.

This has been a hard week for our family.  Not only did our long family kitty cat ‘Kassy’ have to be put down, which was devastating in itself, but I also had some bleeding that sent me to the hospital.  I struggled with writing about what happened on the blog, but believe that the more prayers and positive thoughts that came our way the better.

Although our son looks 100% healthy and perfect, the placenta has separated ever so slightly away from the uterus.  At 20 weeks, the doctors have said that this could be is a serious complication as it could continue to separate, reattach or stay the same at it is now.  We also have learned that there is a tiny blood clot in-between the placenta and uterus that could irritate my body into early labour contractions.  Obviously, this is terrifying as there is such a small chance that he would survive.

I had a horrible melt-down cry fest, like: oh-dear-I-know-this-is-ugly-crying-but-I-can’t-stop-it-from-coming-out but I let myself have that one day and I’m moving on from it.  My Mom came over to the house and one happened then and of course as soon as I saw Nate I just lost it in his arms.  He let me wet his shoulder really well.  Since then, I’ve just been saying to myself: nope, my history is not my future and I’ve got to stay positive for this baby boy and my mental health and my daughter and my husband.

I am on a type of bed rest where I’m allowed to be out of the hospital, but I have to take it very easy and rest/sleep not pick anything up, bend over, etc until more tests are run next week.  If you are able to, I know our little family would love any positive prayers or thoughts.  It would be greatly appreciated and I know the power of prayer is huge.  I myself have been reaching deep to find that connection with my God and leaning big time on Him.  I know He has our sweet babe in His hands protecting him every single day so I trust the He will allow me to take him to full term so that we may meet him and bring him up in His name.  

I’ll keep an update on the situation.  Unfortunately, I’ll have to take a little bit of a break away from the Style, Eats and Glam sections of the blog but in the end, it will all be worth it.  I’m confident and hopeful that with God this little man is going to be just fine.

July 5th

How cute are these two?

We were invited over to our dear friend’s home for brunch last weekend and these two were just out of control adorable in their little wagon.  Scarlet absolutely loved it so much we had to go out and buy a similar one a few days later!  I didn’t feel badly about it, because we rarely buy her new toys - this kid gets books and book and more books, but she was just so enamoured with how fun it was that we thought it would be a neat little family thing to do after dinner on a long summer night.  

Our friends also have a great play station in their backyard which surprisingly Scarlet was not a fan of.  It was a little disappointing to see her strain to get out of the swing because I so loved swings when I was young, but to each their own I guess.  It’s interesting, she doesn’t like the swings at the playground either.  I wonder if it’s a bit of fear over the height that they go, or the hard rubber that they sit in?  I don’t know… but the wagon?  Golden.

20 week pregnancy update

Weekly Pregnancy Update

How far along are you?

20 weeks.  HALF WAY!

How are you feeling?

Good.  Bigger than last week for sure but good.

Any weight gain? 

2 pounds gained for a total of 9 pounds putting me at 124

New symptoms?

None

General mood?

Cheerful.  Content.  Giddy.  Ok, yes happy.  Trying to expand the good ole vocab.

Gender?

It’s a BOY!!!  I can’t believe how wild this is.  I think I’m still in shock.  As you can see in almost every one of my former weekly updates, I clearly thought this one was another girl.  Absolutely, 100% without a doubt.  One of my sister-in-laws said it is going to be so nice to have some variety in the family now and I totally agree.  It’s an honour to be baring the first Weiland Boy on Nate’s side of the family.  I know both sets of our parents are thrilled as well.  

What foods are you craving?

None this week.  Just regular food.

  Do you miss anything?

Sleeping on my stomach and white wine spritzers.

Sleep?

Has been good, can’t complain.

Working out?

Walks and squats.  

Best moment this week?

Finding out about our son!  Also, I went out for SUSHI with a friend on Monday night and it was AMAZEBALLS!  

I had all the ‘safe’ rolls aka the imitation crab and veggie ones with some tempura and seaweed salad.  It totally did the trick and I’ll be hitting up our local sushi bar again with Nate asap.

What are you excited about?

My birthday is coming up!  I’m also exciting about shopping for a little boy.  It’s like a whole new world has emerged!  I’ve already done a little and the pieces that I’ve bought are so soooo sweet.  I can’t believe how small newborn clothing is!  I’ll post pictures really soon.  I’m also really excited about picking out a boys name.  I want something unique but classic and edgy.  I know it’s a tall order but I’m determined to find something we love and something that I haven’t seen a billion times.  It’s hard naming kids in itself, but also being a teacher makes it even worse because of name association and how common a name can be.  I remember one year I had something like six different girls named Emily!  But we’re throwing around some different options and so far it’s been fun.  We won’t share the name before he is born, partly because I feel like I already share so much information on the blog and we also want to be confident in our choice.  You can’t please everyone and there are bound to be a few naysayers regardless of how awesome the name is so I just have to accept that Nate and I love it and that’s what is most important.   

Kate

xoxo