37 weeks pregnant

Weekly Pregnancy Update

How far along are you?

37 weeks!

How are you feeling?

Beyond uncomfortable, but so happy to be so close.  I have found that a breech baby is so much more awkward to carry.  I really haven't ever in my life been so uncomfortable for so long.  I would choose natural childbirth sans drugs anytime vs. these extremely horrible feelings.  In my opinion, carrying breech has been really disagreeable with my body, but it's still worth it!

Any weight gain? 

None this week.  Doctors are concerned with the plateau in weight gain - especially from him.  :(  

I was told that both the ultrasound doc and my OB wanted to induce labour to allow for our babe to thrive on the outside.  If he wasn’t breech they would recommend and push for it.  Sooo, if that isn’t scary enough, they want a final choice about what we want to do next visit (a few days away).  Nate and I are going to be doing some major praying and brainstorming.  I’m pretty sure we have our best plan of action ready to go here with timing and dates and most importantly the safety of son in mind.

0 pounds this week for a total of 26 pounds keeping me at 141

New symptoms?

Just the most uncomfortable pressure under the right side of my ribs.  I feel like I have a gigantic bowling ball laying on my lungs and stomach.  It’s brutal.  I feel like I can’t breathe about 70% of the time.  When I lay down it feels like someone is sitting on me from my hips all they way up to my neck so I have to prop myself up when I sleep - I’m almost sitting which is really strange.  For someone who is severely claustrophobic, this is kinda the worst feeling.

General mood?

Fussy.  (Haha, that’s an understatement).  Like I said, I’m happy to be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, but oh man.  This pregnancy has put me through the ringer.  I’m seriously considering never going through this all again - this little boy might be the last time I do this unless I’m CRAYYYY ZEE.  But then again, I’ll probably see his sweet face and start praying for another pregnancy.  #causeimnuts

Gender?

BOY!  

What foods are you craving?

None.  I’ve been feeling less hungry this week, maybe because I have zero space to put any food.  

  Do you miss anything?

Breathing normally and all the other usual things like wine, black coffee, sleeping on my stomach.  But I had sushi again this week - nothing raw so it was mostly dynamite and California rolls but it really hit the spot.

Sleep?    

Surprisingly has been great, especially the last three nights.  I’ve only woken two or three times to go to the washroom and then have fallen right back asleep afterwards.

Working out?  

None.  Can’t wait to get back into it though.  It's going to be so awesome and needed.

Best moment this week? 

Playdate with my b.f.f Jenny and her boys.  They came over here and we had the best time.  She and I talked and talked and laughed and then talked some more.  She was so wonderful (as usual).  Always asking tons of questions and then offering the best options and suggestion about what she would do if she were me - it was so nice to hear her perspective which was basically exactly the same as mine.  HAHA!  Maybe that’s why we get along so well.  But seriously, if you have ever met her you feel like one of the most important people in the world.  Everyone who meets her loves her cause she’s just one of those girls.  Even though she is beautiful, comes from an amazing family, has a kick butt job (ON T.V), lives in a gigantic beautiful home with her perfect family and hubby she never brags or gloats or even hints that they are doing really well for themselves, AND she always asks about you and then listens to the answer afterwards - you can really tell she listens and cares.  Oh, and she's flipping hilarious.  Such fantastic qualities in that one.  kay just needed to gush about that.  

What are you excited about?

Meeting this precious boy.  As trying as this pregnancy has been, I know our huge gift from God is just waiting to emerge into our lives and make a footprint on this world and our family.  We cannot WAIT to meet him.

Kate

xoxo

A few Instagram features!

Moments in the sun - a huge and flattering recognition.  I took this shot of Nate and Scarlet at the Calgary Corn Maze when we went a little while ago.  It was so tricky trying to get just the two of them in the frame because the corn maze was overflowing with local families.  But it all worked out since it forced me to take the pic from a really jagged angle and low and behold, it was chosen as a feature picture on this massively successful account!

#forforever

These next two were scouted out by #jj editors for the JoshJohnson account.  Although they weren’t chosen to be featured on the actual JJ account, I was still so happy to be ‘headhunted’ by these two artists/editors.  We're top left on the second one.  

Have a fantastic week everyone!

Kate

XOXO

Famjam of four sooner than expected?

Our soon-to-be family of FOUR!  I had to acknowledge our sweet little guy in our pumpkin set-up this year even though it will still be a few weeks before we meet him.  I can’t wait to carve these guys!  From left to right it's Dada, Scarlet, Momma and baby boy aka:

 Count Dracudada, The Pumpkin Princess, Mummy Pumpkin (kinda looks like I had plastic surgery though) and The Baby Bumpkin (soother included).  

So, something surprising that I learned over the last few weeks is that doctors schedule c-sections during week 38ish which means we are now 2 weeks closer to a due date than we initially thought!  Ummmm, ok yowza.

Our nursery is JUST done (hallelujah) but there are still about a billion other things I wish I could have or find the time for!  Like, omg… CHRISTMAS!

Breathe…

Breathe…

Breathe…

But there is always online shopping so that problem is solved, right?  Oh, and we’re hosting Xmas this year so there's that...  AM I CRAZY?!  Short answer - yes.  But, we’ll make due because this will also act as a meet the baby boy day so really I’ll be killing two birds (as violent as that is).  Right?  Please just say yes…

Anywho, it looks like we’re planning for the c-section which is both terrifying and a huge relief.  Even after trying moxibustion (a Eastern medicine technique to try to flip the baby), acupuncture and daily various positions that give me wicked headaches because the blood is rushing to my head - he's just not willing to turn.  Takes after his stubborn mommy I guess?

But, happily I'm able to take my mind off of that because so many other things need to get done.  Like, Halloween and all that jazz, and I just need to design, set-up, shoot and order newborn photos of my kids, send those out to relatives around the world, decorate the house for Xmas after taking down Halloween, buy gifts, wrap them, send those off, bake, cook, clean, host Christmas day…kay stressing again.  ARGH!!!  But seriously, it’s going to be ok.  I know it.  Oh, and we still have to lock down a name which changes almost EVERY SINGLE DAY!  At least it’s just between two firsts and two middles.  And so finally, I wanted to say that the blog may be a little bit abandoned for the next while since I’ll probably be recovering and dealing with the former.  But in the meantime there are some really cute pics of what the house has been looking like in the ‘Home’ section for the month of October.   

Thanks friends and enjoy!  Have a very happy and safe Halloween!

Kate 

XOXO

Would you ever?

I really love these things.  I get a kick out of thinking about the answers and various scenarios in my head - some are just so weird.  But here is a fun questionnaire to do if you’re bored.  I was thinking about how I would have answered them five or ten years ago compared to my answers now!  That’s just a whole new quiz I think…

Would you ever consider getting plastic surgery?

No, not right now.  If there was a way to do it sans knives and needles and putting you out, maybe.  

Would you ever donate a kidney or another vital organ?

Absolutely, especially to someone close to me - no hesitation.

Would you ever marry someone your parents didn't approve of?

Hmmmm.  Good question.  My parents have always had a huge influence on my decisions so I hate to say it but I probably wouldn’t…unless I really REALLY loved him and couldn’t be without him.  Thank goodness Nate is loved by my famjam.  

Would you ever drive a car if you had forgotten your license at home?

Unfortunately, yes and I have.

Would you ever drive at night with only one headlight?

Unfortuantely, yes and I have. 

Would you ever drive your car with a flat tire?

See above answers.  Short response: yes… and I have…unfortunately.

Would you ever consider going bungee jumping?

No, really not my thing.

Would you ever consider going skydiving?

Maybe.  Nate’s been twice (psycho) and has nothing but good things to say about it.  Maybe if I was with him.

Would you ever eat rice with sugar?

  No thanks.  Actually, isn’t that just rice pudding?  In which case, hells yah!

Would you ever get hair implants?

Yes, and/or extensions.  But I hear they’re kinda expensive and you can’t really ‘put up’ your hair which would be a problem for me, so I guess mayyyybe.

Would you ever give money to a panhandler?

I have, but I always wonder what they’ll actually end up buying with it.  Did I just enable them to continue a bad habit or addiction?  I would rather buy them a sandwich and a drink, but one homeless guy said ‘I don’t want your food!’  He seemed really insulted so I never offered again. 

Would you ever go skinny dipping? 

Already done it…more than once.  I was perkier…

Would you ever lie to your children?

ABSOTOOTINLOOTLY!  Hello?  That’s a major no brainer.  I think I already lie on a regular basis to her.  “Let’s go put on your socks and shoes Scarlet, it’s going to be SOOOO FUNNNN!!!”

Tooth fairy? 

Easter bunny?

Heck Leprechauns?  

All magical and great parenting persuasion tools.

I wouldn’t ever have to lie about Santa cause he’s real and if you don’t believe that I feel awful and will immediately start to pray for you. 

To your husband/wife? 

No way.

Would you ever lie to help a friend?

Yes.  YES times infinity.

Would you ever paint your living room black?

Maybe.  In the future.  If it was super chic.

Would you ever pick up a hitchhiker?

No way.

Would you ever slap someone for something they said?

Hmmmm.  I know I would WANT to but I don’t think I would actually do it.

Would you ever spank your child?

Uhhhhhhhh, hard one.  I would, but I don’t say this lightly because spanking is currently very frowned upon and for good reason.  But the ‘spank’ in my opinion is more of an embarrassment for the child rather than a physically painful experience.  Having had my bare bum flying in the wind while laying across my Dad’s knee was not a childhood highlight - it was mortifying!  It would have to be really huge for my kids to warrant the spank and it would be followed with a ton of love and hugs and kisses and communication at their eye level (like I would squat down and really make sure we were connecting eye to eye).  I spoke to my Mom about this and she said that really the only time you should ever 'spank' a child is if they have been told ‘no’, and then they become defiant by pushing boundaries (and your buttons) and/or their safety is compromised.  Talking (alone) doesn’t always get through with a toddler and they MUST learn the lesson.  Otherwise, I’m 95% of the time in favour of time outs, communication, FOB (flat on bed) in your room etc.  Spanking would be a very last resort and I really hope it doesn’t come to it.  Now, I say all of this but when it actually comes down to DOING it... maybe a different story?  I really don't know till I'm in the position, but currently these are my thoughts. 

Would you ever steal from your family or friends?

No way!

Would you ever "take a bullet" for someone else?

Yes.  Happily.  I would much rather go.

Would you ever walk downtown without any shoes on your feet?

Nope.

Would you eat a live cricket for $500? If not, how much money would it take?

Oooooo, toughie.  I don’t know if I could do it.  Make it an even 1,000 and we’ve got a deal.

Would you ever eat human flesh?

NOOOOO!  Not if I had a choice.  I mean, if my plane crashes in the middle of the frozen arctic tundra then perhaps, but not by choice.

Would you divorce your husband/wife if your favourite celebrity wanted to marry you?

HAHA!  Nope.

Would you name your children after favourite characters in movies or books?

Yes, if they were traditional and edgy and strong all at the same time.

Would you ever say yes to someone even if you meant no?

Yes unfortunately.  I had a hard time saying no to extra work as a teacher and I still have a hard time saying no to extra anything even out of work.

Would you ever consider writing your own book?

I’d consider it…

Would you ever try staying in the jungle for a month?

Is a spa involved with a five star restaurant and outdoor yoga zone included?  Then, yes.  Yes I would.  Otherwise, no.

Would you ever consider being a surrogate mother yourself?

No, sorry.  Being pregnant is really really hard on me and my body.  I give it up to those that do it but personally, no way.

Would you ever consider egg or sperm donation?

Yes - we were strongly considering all options when we were unable to conceive for two years.  I thought whatever it takes, I’ll do it.  I’d help out others in that way too.

Would you ever pretend to be someone (like a policeman, or a teacher, or a survey taker) just to get something that you wanted?

No, probably not.  

Would you ever drink your own urine?

Oh gosh no.  

Would you ever cheat on your husband/wife?

Absolutely not.  Never have cheated and never plan to.

Would you ever adopt a child?

Yes.  Nate and I talk about this quite a bit.

Would you ever give your child up for adoption?

Never in a million years would I even consider it.  No way, no how, just no.

Would you ever eat rat meat?

Does sushi count?  If so, A HELLLLLLLLLLLLLS YAHHHHHHHH!!!  I also really like beef tartar so yes #teamrawmeat

Kate

XOXO

36 weeks pregnant

Weekly Pregnancy Update

How far along are you?

36 weeks!

How are you feeling?

Anxious.  I had a doc appointment and he’s still breech.  Only 4% of babies end up breech at full term so already he’s already hitting some rare milestones haha.  I’m really praying that I can embrace and be somewhat OK with a c-section.  I know there are benefits and I’m focusing on those.  

As far as a breech delivery, there seems to be too many risks for me.  When my doc was discussing it, she mentioned the word ‘death’ about three times.  Death to me, death to the baby or Death to both.  I know that death is a risk with anything (even getting into your car to get a peppermint latte), but I’m trying to lessen the amount of times I have to worry about it.  With a breech delivery it seems there are so many things that can appear to be going ‘right’ and then wammo - the head gets stuck and a nurse has to push the baby BACK through the birth canal to do an emergency c-section.  Ummm, thanks but no.  There are also many boxes that you and the baby have to be able to check off to deliver breech - the baby has to be a certain weight, he has to be a Frank Breech vs. Footling, he has to have a ‘flexed’ neck, so to wait to see if he meets all of this criteria and get to 40 or 41 weeks only to discover I need a c-section would be pretty devastating.  

So, happily I think we’ll book a date and I get to pick it!  Positive number one ;)

Any weight gain? 

1 pound this week for a total of 26 pounds putting me at 141

New symptoms?

Swollen EVERYTHING.  Face, hands, feet.  I have it all.  I just started to take Epsom Salt baths at night and that seems to help reduce the swelling but MAN!  Major puff ball here.

I’m also feeling the hormones kick in, I’m overly emotional.  I know that certain things really don’t matter but I make them a HUGE deal.  

NESTING!!!  I have been cleaning cleaning cleaning - even before the cleaners arrive and then immediately afterwards.  It’s bizarre.  I know things are clean but I just can’t help myself.  I feel like we have the most important and special little person coming into our home and I want things to be spotless and dust free for him - and organized.  I’m even eager to get rid of our cat so that we have less stray fur hanging around.  It’s that serious.  I was like this with Scarlet too so I know it won’t go on for too much longer once he’s arrived haha.  Sleep will be the priority.  

General mood?

Pretty good.  Quite happy I must say.  Weather is amazing so that really helps.  It was 17 degrees the other day in the afternoon!  So nice.

Gender?

BOY!  

What foods are you craving?

Toasties and Lattes but not together.

  Do you miss anything?

Wine and black coffee, but not together.

Sleep?    

Better this week.  I tried to skip a few naps during the day and I find that I sleep much better at night if I can hold out until 10 or 11pm.

Working out?  

Zilch.  I was watching DWTS and it got me soooooooo excited to get back to the gym.  Those girls are just so smoking’ hot.  Nate and I are TOTALLY taking lessons after this boy is born!  Also, Biggest Loser is PVR’d and I know I’m such a sucker for this type of show but I love it because it gets me so pumped to lose the baby weight.  I know I’ll be out for at least 4 or 5 weeks postpartum, but after that, it’s going to be money.

Best moment this week? 

We were offered a date night from my Mother-in-law so we jumped at the opportunity.  We saw Dracula Untold which was pretty good but I felt like a total grandma!!!  First, I thought the movie was way too loud - I actually plugged my ears at points.  Then when I went to the washroom I wanted to speak with the manager about the state of that the ladies room!  Toilet paper everywhere except for the proper spot, fruit flies flying around in the stalls, soap and water splattered all of the countertops and mirrors, no paper towels, it even smelled like vomit in one of the bins!  Nasty.  Finally, I wanted to complain about one of the staff members coming in about every 15 to 20 minutes to check a little box at the front of the theatre with his blaring bright light.  Totally distracting.  Nate said it’s because they have to do ‘checks’ in the theatres now because of the unfortunate movie theatre shootings.  This, I understand, but why not put the box somewhere else in the theatre?  Perhaps at the back?   Also, it wasn’t like the staff member was actually doing anything.  He wasn’t even checking or scanning the theatre - he just walked in, opened the box, turned on the bright blue/white light and walked out.  All underneath the screen.  Awesome.  But other than all of that, it was really a fun night out haha!

What are you excited about?

Halloween.  Picking a due date.  Finishing decorating the new nursery and the house for Halloween (more pics soon I promise) and a playdate again this week with my bestie and her boys!

Kate

xoxo

p.s  Maternity clothes details are in 'Style'

A little Mommy haul from VS!

If you've seen my last few weekly pregnancy update posts, I’ve been feeling pretty big and uncomfortable - especially at night.  My older nighties are super tight (and fairly… homely) so I took some time to go out and get some comfy and cute pj’s for the last stretch along with some full back underwear that didn’t make me feel like a complete frump.  I also got a few little items for after the pregnancy when I get back to my normal size, but those are for the hubby's eyes only ;)

  Here are some shots of the comfy items.  It was really nice to treat myself to some cute and comfortable pretty little things. 

 Oversized nightgown which is very soft and comfortable.

Cute prints and patterns.  I love the new mesh line that they're carrying right now!  Very fun.
I guess pregnant women can have a good time in VS too!!!

 YUP, THAT'S RIGHT VICTORIA SECRET SUPERMODELS!!!  I, KATE WEILAND - ALMOST 9 MONTHS PREGNANT AND 25 POUNDS HEAVIER THAN NORMAL - JUST BOUGHT STUFF FROM YOUR STORE!
MMMMMWWWWHHHHAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!


 I mean...

Kay wait.  I'm just...

I'm super jealous of you right now and your perfect supermodel bodies that have perfect measurements and cups sizes that are proportionate to everything else... I'm sorry I got a carried away there. So, I apologize if there is a supermodel Angel reading this, but probably there isn't so...

yah.


HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYONE! <3

Kate
XOXO

Hilarious Read

Ok.  Do me a favour.  Wait...actually do me two favours.

1. Go to your nearest Library.

2. Sign out this book.

IT’S SO HILARIOUS! 

I’m not ashamed or embarrassed to say that I may have peed in my granny panties a few times reading 'I Heart My Little A-holes' because honestly it was sooooooooooooo worth it (note to self, continue with the Kegels).  But seriously, it is one of the most humorous books I have ever read.  If you’re a mommy and you’ve had a rough day, or week, or month, you absolutely will connect with this book…more than once.  It’s not even actually a book, it’s more of a quick skim through of a book.  It has a ton of really quick ‘chapters’ that have lot’s of bullets and lists to make you think that you’re accomplishing something when you notice you’re on page 150 in like a single sitting.   (I totally think the author did this on purpose).

Anywho, this was my in-between book until I get my next few from the Library (which are annoyingly on ‘hold’ so it may be a while) but really, this was EXACTLY what I needed at this point in my pregnancy and mommyhood - to pee in my undies from extreme laughter.  

GO GET IT!!!

Kate

XOXO

Kinda lucky...

But in all fairness I am at yet another rough point in the pregnancy and I’ve been feeling ‘off’ (and complaining about it all) so to get these autumn flowers from the hubby was a sweet surprise - a fabulous pick-me-up.  Thank goodness for understanding and loving men.  

I took these beauties outside to get the true natural lighting and colours.  These pics aren't edited in anyway so those hues are accurate.  GORGEOUS!

They don't really smell, but I'm MORE than ok with that.  Sometimes the scent of certain flowers is way too overpowering for me.  These are really more just to look at.  

#lovegettingflowers

Have a fantastic weekend!!!

Kate 

XOXO

35 weeks pregnant

Weekly Pregnancy Update

How far along are you?

35 weeks!

How are you feeling?

Uncomfortable but happy to be in the homestretch.  Pregnancy feels so long at points!  Thank goodness I'm not an elephant, two years?  Could NOT do that.

Any weight gain? 

1 pound this week putting me at 140 for a total of 25 pounds.  This is strange to me though.  I was actually heavier at this point (and throughout the pregnancy) with Scarlet and during these last few weeks I was PACKING on the weight.  So I think it’s interesting that the weight gain during this pregnancy has been so consistent and slow.  Hey - I’ll take it though.

New symptoms?

The stuffed up pregnancy nose syndrome where your nasal passages get so stuffed up because you’re so swollen and large.  I think it's called 'Prego Snout'.  No - that’s not right or accurate at all but for those of you who have been pregnant you know this stage and symptom.  Sucks for sleeping.

General mood?

Eager, excited and happy most moments.

Gender?

BOY!  

I had two major positive emotional moments this week.  I was crying out of pure joy and happiness at the fact that we're having a son.  One happened when we were decorating the nursery and one happened at the mall when I was looking at little boy onesies.  I’m so looking forward to meeting him!  I’m still so thrilled I’m having a boy!!!

What foods are you craving?

TOASTIES!  Ok - officially obsessed.  I LOOOOOOOVE these things.  We just got a Panini press from Breville and Nate and I have been having them everyday.  You can put really anything in them but I love Jalepeno Monterey Jack cheese, Arugula leaves and cherry tomatoes on the Ciabatta bun.  Sometimes I like to dip the excess bread into oil and vinegar!  I’ll post pics in ‘Eats’ soon.  

Also, Lattes with caffeine because of my lack of sleep.  In fact, I’m writing this at 5 am because I was still trying to wrap my head around having a c-section.  I really want him to flip.

I also want anything salty still - this is such a boy.

  Do you miss anything?

Sleeping through the night and my regular body.

Sleep?    

Has been baaaaad.  Waking constantly, can't get comfy, feeling like I can't breathe - you get it.

Working out?  

None.

Best moment this week? 

Decorating!  We did lot’s of that around the house.  We almost finished the nursery (pics soon), and I did some fun Halloween stuff around the pad.  Also getting together with an old girlfriend and her daughter at our house and seeing my B.F.F Jenny and her son yesterday.

What are you excited about?

HALLOWEEN!  We went to Value Village and got a few items to enhance our costume this year.  Exciting!

Kate

xoxo

What's in my Hospital Bag?

What’s in my Hospital bag with Baby #2?

Yay!  We're getting closer!

I’m really excited to share what I’m taking to the hospital this time around.  Even though we still have about 5 and a half weeks before he officially arrives - he really could come at any point.  So, I thought it would be a good idea to get this bag packed because I have heard that the second baby can come much faster than the first - and Scarlet came VERY quickly.

So here we go!

I’ll start with the bag (which took forever to find).  I searched for three days online to no avail which was really frustrating.  I found something I liked but would be blocked by either shipping restrictions or shipping taxes.  I wanted a weekender bag that I could use after the hospital and something that would be big enough to house three of four days worth of clothing and toiletries.  

After the online challenges I went to two malls and countless shops to find something affordable, big and cute.  I ended up in Victoria Secret in the Pink section where they had many different colours to pick from.  For $70 bucks I was able to leave with this awesome quilted duffle which is much better than my first hospital bag last time.  Score!

My stuff is on the left and baby boy's stuff in on the right

Diapers, car seat quilt bag, soothers, onesies, socks, wipes, bibs, and a spare pillow case. 

These are the only new items that I haven't featured yet - soothers, swaddle blankets and the cute little newborn onesie.

 I thought I would give the Belly Bandit a try this pregnancy.  I had to work fairly hard last pregnancy to work off the baby weight - it didn't just 'melt off' like I had been told it would.  Even though I breastfed, it took about six maybe even seven months to get back to pre-pregnancy measurements.  I had been reading online about this tool and I thought what the heck, it can't hurt so I'm looking forward to giving it a go!

Toiletries!

Body lotion, dry shampoo spray, Nivea makeup remover, Pantene 2-1, Eye sauce and contact case, Venus razor (which I'm not totally sure I'll use), Exact face wipes, Stylize hair elastics, Lanolin nipple cream, Lash blast mascara, True Match foundation, Sugar lip balm, two foam triangles and a new little Quo makeup bag.  I won't be bringing too much makeup this time around because I just didn't wear it last time.   

Nails and Teeth!  Cutest little nail kit from Quo for $10.  Disposable toothbrush for Nate and one for me too with a small Crest toothpaste.  

 LOVE THE PACKAGING!

Hair.  

Sandals for the shower ;)  

CHECK THE SWOLLEN FEET!!!

A cute little travel pack of Michael Kors perfume.  I LOVE these three scents and although I probably won't be spraying too much at the hospital, it will be nice to have a little luxury scent here or there.  Heck, new Mommies need to feel pretty too!  Also, I am obsessed with perfume. 

I also packed some thin panty liners as the hospital ones are effective, but after about day two, you want to feel like you're out of a diaper if only for a few hours.  I also made sure to bring a pair of ear plugs for sleeping.  Although I do get a private room at the new hospital (YAY) which is different from last time, I wasn't sure if I would be bothered by beeping sounds or machines - better to be safe than sorry.

So we're packed and ready to go!  FIVE ISH WEEKS BABY!

Kate

XOXO

34 weeks pregnant!

Weekly Update

How far along are you?

34 weeks!  That’s like 43 days till the due date!!!

How are you feeling?

So big.  So so so big.  AND, to top it off, I officially had the worst comment ever this week from a MALE!  It was so bizarre because as I said in the last pregnancy weekly update that I have only ever received comments from women.  Well, that has officially changed.  

Nate and I went to a wedding on Saturday and I know that the person that said this to me had had more than a few drinks in him, but he came right up to the group that Nate and I were standing in, looked directly at me, cut off the person that we were all listening to and said loud and clear; 

‘So Kate, are you pregnant or just fat?!’

Initially, I wasn’t offended at all, in fact I laughed out loud (along with a few other people) and then said back to him, 

‘Well, honestly, a lot of both’

in the happiest go-lucky way that I could.  Thankfully, the entire group laughed out loud so I guess I kinda saved us all some embarrassment.  Nate pushed his hand into the small of my back which I know meant ‘Are you ok and do you want to get out of here?’ without saying anything, but I grabbed his hand back and squeezed it hard which meant ‘no, I’m good to hang around a little longer’.
This guy wasn’t going to win.

But then I went home and thought a bit more about it and even as I type this I get a little bit red in the face with anger.  I mean, that was rude.  Rude and mean.  Yes he was drunk, yes he was TRYING to be funny but still, it hurt and at a pregnant woman’s expense. 

For the record, this GENTLEMEN (ha) is recently divorced and now I have a better understanding as to why that is.  Also, he was looking at my breasts for almost the entire time we were all standing there.  It was so obvious and uncomfortable.  So, I hope I’m painting a fairly detailed and accurate picture of the guy for you.  I politely said to Nate that I needed another soda water and we left the group after about five minutes.  But man, sometime you just have to laugh.  I would hate to hear what he said to his ex-wife when she was pregnant with their kids…

Any weight gain? 

1 pound this week for a total of 24 pounds putting me at 139

New symptoms?

Nothing to note really except for the same old things - itchy skin, heartburn etc.

General mood?

Eager, slightly moody, anxious about the unknown but overall pretty happy.

Gender?

 Boy, and he’s still breech the little hooligan.

What foods are you craving?

  Salty still. 

  Do you miss anything?

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.  Stomach sleeping.  I feel like every week gets a little bit more uncomfortable in bed as well as sitting and standing.  It’s just a lot of extra weight to carry around.

Sleep?    

Not great but I nap most days so that’s helpful.

Working out?  

I did legs yesterday!  After my shower when I was blow-drying my hair I did squats and lunges.  It was great and I kept thinking this is like strapping a 25 pound weight to my torso at the gym and doing my exercises!  I’ll probably try to do that more often.

Best moment this week? 

Getting my hair done and then shopping afterwards.  Nate offered to give me basically the entire afternoon to get some stuff done and organized for baby boy including the purchase of a hospital bag!  I'll do a post about what I'm packing really soon.

What are you excited about?

Thanksgiving!  

One more of us at the wedding.  

Kate

xoxo

Scarlet's 18 month update!

Well, it’s that time again!  I wanted to do an 18 month Scarlet update just because I had been pretty diligent about all the other months during her first year, but to actually be sitting down to write it is astonishing to me.  Where the heck does the time go?  Here it is!  Hope you enjoy.  HAPPY YEAR AND A HALF SCARLET!!!

Daily Routine:

Scarlet is very ‘by-the-watch’.  We are on a schedule that hasn’t changed much for quite a few months now, but if it’s off by even a half hour or so, I can really feel the fussy come out of her.  She wakes up at around 7:00 am everyday and we immediately go down in her jammies and housecoat for breakfast.  

We eat, clean up and play till around 8:00 am and then head upstairs to get ready for the day.  If we don’t have a playdate, we go to the mall, library or park till lunch at 11:00 am.  She goes down for her nap at around 12:15 and sleeps for approximately 2-2.5 hours each day.  Then we play some more - usually just in the backyard or in the playroom depending on the weather and Daddy gets home at around 4 ish so he takes over and I start to prep dinner.  At 5:00 pm we all sit down as a family (which is actually really important to me to do daily since I grew up doing this) and then we usually go for a long walk around the wetlands of our home or if it’s really nice, we’ll go to Fish Creek Park or the beach.  Scarlet takes her bath when we return home (Daddy does this), and then we put her to bed at around 7:30 pm.  We read before bed - both at nap and in the evening.

    

  It suits our family really well, because then Nate and I get Mommy/Daddy time till we go to bed at around 11pm which is just so nice.  

Eating:

Scarlet is starting to exhibit some picky eating habits.  She always used to be a great eater and people would always comment on how lucky we were to have that, but lately she will take bites and make a face and then spit out her food!  I was so shocked when this first started to happen, but now I’m just trying to stay calm when she does it and try to understand that I too don’t like everything that is ever presented to me either.  I usually do try to find something healthy to replace what she has refused, but I don’t go overboard.  If she’s not into it, she’s just not into it and we can try again next snack or meal.  

Clothing Sizes:

Scarly is very petite but quite tall, in fact I still have a 3-6 month sweater from Mexx that she can easily fit into!  HAHA.  But typically her clothing size is a 9-12 month size.  She is tiny so pants are usually a 12 month size at the most.  Each store is a bit different so it makes for lot’s and lot’s of fun shopping!

She kept saying; "Djadju? Djadju?", (which means Grandpa in Polish) over and over again.  

Milestones:

-Vocabulary

Probably the largest milestone that I’ve noticed in Scarlet is her vocabulary.  It’s incredible to hear new words on a daily basis.  I think it’s all of the reading that we do - if I’m being honest, we read about ten books throughout the day, everyday.  I also have to mention that I think there is a positive when it comes to toddlers watching t.v.  I have noticed that certain shows are GENIUS when it comes to learning.  In fact, I have no doubt that she has picked up words straight from the boob tube and I don’t have ANY qualms or guilt about that.  For the record, I do limit her screen time to about half an hour tops per day (if that) and I’m very selective about what is on during that time.

She says these words:

Mama

Dada
Cat

Pretty

No

Yah

Up

Apple

Nana (Banana)

Gigi (Grandma)

Dog

Nose

Kangaroo

Bahgdad

Moon

Way

This

Dow Pee (Down Please - says this when she’s done eating)

Hi!

Ugh Oh

Hot

Bubble

Wow

DjaDju (Grandpa)

Ball

Bye

Hello (but it’s more like Heywo)

Peas (Please)

Me

You

Shoe

Turtle

Boy

Girl

Towel

Purple

Red

Mermaid

Ready

Cookie

I know I’m probably missing a few…

-Physicality

Scarlet started walking at around 12 and a half months but is now so confident and eager to get out and about.  She is running and learning how to jump off of two feet when she’s really excited.  She dances (constantly, and even with no music which had me wondering) and spins around and around and around when she’s really into a song.  She also does these cute ‘salsa hips’.  We were at a party and Scarlet was hamming it up and choosing to be the centre of attention with all these adults and little kids watching her go bananas.  She was doing her little salsa moves and some of the moms were saying they had never seen such rhythm.  One Dad said that it totally just made his day.  It’s not the typical shake your bottom from side to side like you see other toddlers doing, her hips actually do a figure eight in a consistent motion over and over again and her legs are like two little wet noodles.  I don’t know where she learned it or picked it up, but the three of us do have family dance parties a lot, so maybe she saw Daddy doing it.  

???

-Socialization

There is no shy-gal here.  Quite the opposite in fact.  Scarlet will run up to other kids and adults and want to say hi or give them a hug or kiss.  It makes it somewhat awkward at times because my daughter literally wants to be absolutely everyone’s best friend, but at the same time I do love watching her put smiles on peoples faces.  We’re going to definitely have to talk about Stranger Danger in the near future though.  

Favourites:

T.V

I really only allow her to watch certain shows on t.v mainly because some of them just annoy the crap out of me or they’re just dribble and she’s not getting ANYTHING from them.

#1 Her ultimate favourite is Bubble Guppies which is a sweet little program that asks the kids questions about what they’ve just saw and then pauses so that the kid can process and consider what the answer might be without always being told.  It’s also got some cute songs and characters on there.

#2 is Sesame Street.  I LOVE this program.  I grew up with it too and although they didn’t have all of the same characters or the same format that they do now, it is still one of the most educational shows out there for kids!  Watch it if you haven’t seen it lately, you’ll be surprised.  I love that they have a daily word (today’s was DISAPPOINTED) and a daily number that they loop back into the various scenes.  It’s consistantly a solid show and I give it up to them.

#3 Max and Ruby

This show won some prestigious award for Children’s programming.  It’s all about a little bunny girl and her younger bunny brother (who is a bit of a handful) and the daily lessons that they learn together.  Very tame and sweet.

Bonus: Super WHY!  All about reading, letters and words.  Very educational and I've noticed she can sit through about 20 min tops right now.  

Kids programs that I DO NOT let Scarlet watch are:

Toopy and Bino - Way too annoying for mommy

Caillou - mostly because I can’t stand his whiny voice and bad attitude (he says NO! to his parents all the time and they totally take it)

Big big Friend - we used to LOVE this one and then the little girl (I think it’s Lily) started to get really lippy and bossy.  I didn’t want Scarlet taking on Lippy Lily’s behaviour so we don’t really go there anymore. 

Food

Her favourite food is probably Avocado.  WHO HOO!  She loves spaghetti and meat sauce (really any type of pasta and sauce) and just adores any fruit that you put in front of her.  She’s not a fan of tuna (which is weird to me) and doesn’t love carrots surprisingly enough.  She happily still eats all other veggies though so I’m not too concerned about the carrot thing.

People

Besides Nate and I who are OBVIOUSLY her favourites (hehe), she is in LOVE with both of her Grandmas.  She just gets so excited and crazy when either one of them comes over.  It’s so funny watching her react whenever the doorbell rings.  She loves her Grandpas too. 

Little Present for my special girl:

What a better way to enter into your 1.5 year old birthday than to receive a Toilet?!  That’s where we’re headed!  POTTY-TRAINING-VILLE!  Here is a little gift that I plan on giving Scar tomorrow morning and we’re going to start the process this week!  Although, in all honestly, she has been ‘training’ for a little while now.  She follows me into the bathroom when I have to go #1 and we talk about what is going on, what Mommy is doing, where to wipe the ‘flower’ and how to flush.  It’s all really cute and fun but I know that this next stage will be messy and frustrating.  But we have about six weeks of solid potty exercise before her brother arrives so we’ll do our best.  

Tee hee hee!

There it is!  Scarlet's one and a half year update.  So nuts.  But everyday that she gets a little older is ok by me as independence and growth is going to be really really important for us with a newborn on the way.  EXCITING!

Kate

XOXO