BB2.0: 27 Weeks

Oh-my-gah-could-I-be-any-more-tired?!?!!!  I know I say it every week, but this week especially I am feeling it.  I think it's a combination of things, but not being able to sleep past 6:30 am ever since the time changed probably doesn't help matters.  On to more positive things because I feel like I start every post with "wah wah blah blah whine whine I'm tired."  But seriously.  Growing a human is hard.  :-)

Size of Baby Boy:  A head of cauliflower!

Baby boy weighs almost 2 pounds (see whale photo below, I'm not convinced that he doesn't already weigh 6...) and is about 14.5 inches long.  There is a lot going on this week with little man, developmentally:  he's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing his eyes and maybe even sucking his thumb like big sister Lilly Bean.  His brain is very active and his lungs are developed enough that he'd be a-ok (with medical help) if he for some reason were to be born right this second.  And, I should be on the lookout for hiccups.  Busy boy already - grow baby grow!

Weight Gain So Far:  Ughhhhhhhh every week I think about taking this category off because it depresses me.  Per this morning's weigh-in, I am up 2 lbs from last week, so 16.5 lbs total.  I should probably be grateful i wasn't up 10 lbs this week because I've been very hungry.  :-)  For comparison purposes, I said that I was +13 last time around at 27 weeks.  Lies!

Cravings:  I saw on someone's Facebook status today that the Chick Fil A peppermint shakes are back for the Holiday season.  I have been trying to avoid that knowledge, because I craved those before I was growing a human.  This is bad news, I tell you.

Aversions:  Still not a single one.  Probably I should rejoice, but I keep thinking that maybe if I had an aversion to candy and carbs I would be less whale-like.  HA.

Symptoms:  Same old!  Tired + insomnia are the main two.  Insomnia has actually been a little worse as of late, and I think it might be due to the fact that I am subconsciously pretty anxious about all of the things I need to do before this baby gets here.  Also I've been dealing with some back pain this week, but I'm not sure whether that's pregnancy-related.

Movement:  Ah yes.  I was so good about taking videos last time, I need to remember to do the same this time around!

What I Miss:  Sleep!  I know, it's only gonna get worse and I should get used to it.  How quickly we forget!  And this week, I REALLY missed wine.

Signs of a Bump:  Ah yes, the tiny whale has definitely made his presence known:

As a reminder, here was Miss Lilly at 27 weeks:

What I'm Thankful For:  Mush alert: my husband.  I definitely do not tell him often enough how much I appreciate him.  He was out of town for work for a few days this week and there were a few times when I honestly thought I might lose my mind (which led to anxiety about what in the world I'm going to do with two), but more than anything it just made me realize that I take for granted that second set of hands.  Clearly he will never know since he doesn't read the blog, but Dan, if you ever read this, please know that I am so thankful that you're such a hands-on Daddy and I appreciate everything you do more than you'll ever know.  We really missed you!

What I'm Looking Forward To:  Lots of fun and exciting things coming up for the Baums: a Mommy & Daddy trip to Houston this week to visit Dan's sister and her family (Lilly is excited to hang out with Grandma Susie & Papa), Boone next weekend for our first stay in my parents' (completed!) mountain house and L's first ASU football game, also the start of construction on the nursery next weekend, then Thanksgiving and lots of holiday activity after.  So much fun!

Next Doctor Appointment:  Next Tuesday!  Glucose test day EEK!  

Off to bed now, dreaming of the snow that all of my Facebook friends are getting - so jealous!  

Sarah

Meal Planning Monday

I still haven't found the time (or the energy) to compile the rest of the photos & video for the "Halloween with the Baums Part Deux" post, so I thought I'd go back to Meal Planning Monday.  Instead of featuring a recipe (and because I am trying out some new ones this week), I thought I'd just link to the recipes that I'm using for the week.  Actually, I guess I can't link to a couple of them, but if you want them holler and I'll post them another time.  Mmmmk?

Snacks/Make Ahead Breakfast Items:  These are items that I typically make on Sunday afternoon/evening in an effort to make the week a little easier.  I try to make things that will serve a dual purpose: easy snack or breakfast items for Dan and me AND things that are easy to throw in L's lunchbox for school.  Booyah.  Things that freeze well (as both of the below do) are a serious triple-whammy bonus.  Both of the below items were made on Sunday during nap time:

• Mini Blueberry Muffins (recipe courtesy of Steph a few years back and it is a definite favorite, holler if you want it and I'll post at some point)
• No-Bake Healthy Granola Bites - This was the first time I've made these, and they're pretty good - super easy and a good thing to grab on the go.  Unfortunately, I can't send them to school since school is nut-free and these call for peanut butter, but Lilly (shockingly) loved them and asked for more when I tried them out on her this morning.

Via

Dinners (and lunches because we always have leftovers!):  I have been excited about the changing weather because I've been able to add some of my favorite fall/winter recipes into the rotation as well as try out some new ones.

• MONDAY:  Chicken Pot Pie Crumble

Via

I assume that if I haven't mentioned it already y'all have picked up on my LOVE for all things Mel's Kitchen Cafe*.  Half of my meal planning battle is coming up with inspiration and trying new things to spice up our meal routine.  I have tried quite a few of Mel's recipes recently and have loved every single one - and so has my husband, which says a lot.  I made this one tonight because Dan is out of town and he maintains that he "doesn't like pot pies" but I am here to tell you that he seriously missed out.  It's not even really like a pot pie - for one thing, there is the addition of celery, and for another there is a really intense variety of flavor - there's cayenne pepper in the crumble topping that adds a lot to this dish.  Anyway, the point is, do yourself a favor and try it.  I honestly almost made myself sick from eating so much of it tonight.  

Here's what my version looked like (on Lilly's plate - she hated it, but she hates everything, so I wasn't offended.  Plus, I did get her to take two bites, so I consider it to be a victory!  Seriously, will she ever be non-picky?  It was so much easier when she was first eating solids and would eat any and everything I put in front of her!),  Not nearly as pretty as Mel's, SBI! 

• TUESDAY:  An only very slightly altered version of Ground Beef Stroganoff

Via

I have made this recipe a few times now since I discovered it a few months ago and it is a BIG hit.  The only thing I change is that I leave out the mushrooms because both Dan and I hate them (it's a texture thing for both of us, oddly enough).  I am betting that they add a TON of extra flavor, but the fact that it is still delicious without them says something.  Again, try it - I promise it will not disappoint!

• WEDNESDAY:  White chicken chili, because there is apparently a chance of snow here in Raleigh?!?!  This is actually the only recipe this week that is my own/not Mel's Kitchen.  Again, holler if you want the recipe and I'll post it at some point.

• THURSDAY:  Broccoli Cheese and Bacon Soup

Via

I wasn't going to do soup on Thursday since I'm doing chili on Wednesday (and Dan is about to be over soup, I'm betting, since it's all I've wanted to eat for what seems like this entire pregnancy!), but I stumbled across this recipe and knew I didn't have a choice.  I mean bacon makes everything better, but seriously, how delicious does that look?  I'll report back on whether or not we like it.

We're heading to Houston on Friday for the weekend which is why there's no plan for that day, but we normally eat out anyway.  My in-laws will be here keeping Lilly, and the good news for them is that they'll have a lot of (hopefully) delicious leftovers to eat!

*The only disclaimer I have to this wonderful website is that Mel's family is a lot bigger than mine, so I always seem to forget that her recipes make a TON of food.  If it's something I can freeze, I usually follow the directions as stated, but a lot of times I'll cut things in half and we still have a ton left over.  Just something to keep in mind!  

One thing I have learned from this "I will try to cook more" journey is that planning ahead is key.  I guess I actually knew that before, but seriously.  I know that the only way I will cook is if I plan all of my meals for the week and grocery shop prior to Monday.  Even if I accomplish that, there is still a lot of prep work to be done.  Most days I don't get home from work until 5:30 pm and we shoot for a 6:30 pm dinner (and we eat together as a family I'd say 95% of the time).  By the time I get home, talk to Carney about Lilly's day, get my things put away from work and get changed, there is not a lot of time left to cook dinner.  If I've planned ahead on meals, a lot of times I will do whatever I can the night before after L goes to bed (usually this means chopping veggies in advance or something of that sort).  Like I said, a lot of work, but worth it.  

This is definitely a work in progress (last week we only had a home cooked meal one night and it's only because Chef Dan made it), but I am at least working at it and trying to make it part of our routine.  Keep those new recipes for me to try coming, I love getting all of your suggestions!

Hope your Monday was great.  Off to bed for me - Daylight Savings has taken it's toll and I have not been able to sleep past 6 or 6:30 in a week. Ridiculous, I tell you!

Sarah

Weekend Roundup

This was our last weekend at home for a few weeks, and sadly I did not get one thing marked off of my to-do list (which included cleaning out/reorganizing the kitchen and guest bedroom and doing some baking for the week).  Friday night, Dan and I attended a fundraiser (Why do I never remember to take photos of the two of us when we're all fancied up?!).  Dan offered to take Lilly to breakfast and Marbles (the  original plan was the park but it was COLD) on Sunday so that I could sleep in, which was so sweet, but Lilly woke up early (I think it was because Friday night's sitter forgot to close the blinds/curtains), so we started the morning off with some snuggles and Elmo in Mommy & Daddy's bed (with Baby Grace, of course).

Of course after all of that I was WIDE awake and there was no more sleeping, so I decided to tag along.  We were all dragging a little but Big Ed's is always delicious and we always have a blast at Marbles (and it wears Lilly out, which is part of the point ha!).  

Checkers is serious business, Mom.

Sliding into the kids area.

Train tables...I foresee a lot of this in my future!

This was one of two cash registers that L found and I think they were her favorite thing to play with - we had to pry her away from both so that other kids could have a turn.  She loved them so much that I'm considering adding a cash register to her Christmas/birthday wish list! 

Fixing Daddy up in the back of the ambulance

I think she will be such a great big sister!

Hockey with the Carolina Hurricanes

Trampoline!

This exhibit scares Mommy to death, but my daredevil child loves it.  It's basically a basket on the second floor that hangs out over the first floor and you can go sit in it.  Scary!

Making pizza...and making Daddy pay her for it!

"Baby Brother in Lilly's belly!!!"

We were all beat after Marbles so everyone laid down for a nap.  Unfortunately, Lilly's was cut short by Lord only knows what, so my plan of a 1.5-2 hour nap and then kitchen reorganization was shot.  Uncle Frankie came into town at some point on Saturday afternoon to spend a day with us, and we were so excited to see him, especially Lilly (maybe because he brought her a toy monkey from the NCSU store that she's obsessed with!).  Uncle Bill came over on Saturday evening as well, so little miss L was in heaven with two of her favorite people around to entertain her!

This morning, Dan was up and out the door by 8:30 to head out of town for a work trip.  Lilly was up a little early again due to a poop (sigh), and I am here to tell you that by 10:00 am I was beyond exhausted.  I think that I definitely take for granted the fact that I have a second set of hands when Dan is around.  Luckily, L was in a great mood all day and we had a blast, but she is SO BUSY and I am so. tired.  Hurry home, Daddy!

Play time in our PJs.  We managed to destroy both the living room and the kitchen within about a 30 minute span.

This child LOVES to "wash dishes."  I wish I shared her enthusiasm for cleaning!  She played in warm soapy dishwater for probably 45 minutes this morning.

Happy girl!

While she was half naked due to aforementioned soapy water being EVERYWHERE, we decided to paint.  And after approximately 10 seconds we needed a bath.

Probably L's favorite part of the whole weekend: she was REALLY excited about a trip to the grocery store ("COOKIE!!!").

Checking things off our list

Bath time tonight.  Who is this big girl and where is my baby?

The curly rat tail gets me every time.

Our weekend was busy but we had a lot of fun.  We sure do miss Daddy already, though!

Hope your weekend was great as well and that your weeks get off to a good start tomorrow!  

Sarah

Halloween Part 1: Pumpkin Patch

I didn't think it could get much cuter than last year's trip to the pumpkin patch, but I was wrong (And I never admit that, just ask my husband!).  This year, we hit up Phillips Farms in Cary with the Munns and our besties, and we had a blast!  

There were so many things to do, it was the perfect spot to take the kids.  The only thing we didn't get to do that I wanted to do was ride the little train that looked like a cow, but by the time I remembered it was there we had already stayed long past nap time and the line was too long.  Maybe next year!  Anyway, if you live in the Raleigh area and have kids (Or even if you don't, there's still plenty to do and I actually think it would make a great place for a date), I would highly recommend checking this place out!

It's late and I'm tired so I'm going to attempt to let the photos do most of the talking...we'll see how that goes.

\

There was a gigantic John Deere, which Lills thought her PawPaw might appreciate.

Also, there were baby goats!  You could pay a quarter or something to feed them.  Unfortunately, I didn't get any good photos of the actual feeding, but Lilly loved them.

"Tractor racing" with Daddy

Duck races (sorry you can't actually see the rubber duckies!)

This slide was enormous.  They would not let Dan accompany Lilly down the slide and it was HUGE so I wasn't sure how she'd like it, but she LOVED it and went back multiple times.  In fact, she briefly got upset when we moved onto the next activity.

There was lots of playing...

...and also quite a few hugs that were maybe a little unwanted.  Ha!  Poor Jack and Hadley!

Sweet Hadley.  Check out those boots, I die!

L had a blast chasing her shadow.

We took a hayride to the pumpkin patch where we got to pick our very own smallest-pumpkin-ever straight from the vine!

I love, love, LOVE how much these two love their girls.

The BEST Daddies!

Lilly had a blast in the pumpkin patch.  She just kept walking around picking up pumpkins and putting them back down.  I like to think she was testing them all until she found the perfect one to bring home!

The winning pumpkin.

It would later be painted...more to come on that in another post.

More pumpkin testing...

Sweet Hadley, part 2!

Mommy's girl.

Photo shoot in the pumpkin patch (with lots of fake cheesin' I might add!).

Besties and babies (2 each, even though Steph is a skinny bia and BB2.0 looks like he ate Baby Stephen!).

There was a gigantic sandbox full of corn, and I'm pretty sure L would have spent the entire day in there if we let her.  I was very surprised when we got home to find that there wasn't any corn in her diaper.  Shocked, actually.

Gigantic bouncy pillow.  Hands down L's favorite part of the day.  I was worried she would freak out because she kept falling while all of the big kids were jumping, but she just giggled and squealed and giggled some more.  It was so cute!

Daddy's girls!

We topped off our trip with some delicious kettle corn before heading home for the shortest nap ever.  We had so much fun, and I hope we get to go back next year!  I'll try to do a "part 2" tomorrow night of all of the other Halloween activities that occurred this year.  At the rate I'm going, if I can wrap up Halloween posts prior to Thanksgiving, it will be a miracle!

Tomorrow is Thursday, wahoo!

Sarah