Merry Christmas, Happy New Year & Baby Update

Here is my little family on Christmas Eve as well as the latest belly shot; 33 weeks, 2 days along. Sadly to say, this is the extent of the Christmas pictures that I'll be able to post on here:( We went to download our pictures last night and it downloaded 14 pictures (out of 69) and then stopped and all the rest were gone. We were very disappointed, at least we got this good one.

Christmas was great as usual and we are quickly finding out that our house that we thought was so big really is not. Rather than ask Madi what she got for Christmas, it's easier to ask her what she didn't get. We were all very spoiled and had a great time spending time with our families. We had Christmas Eve with my family, Christmas day with our little family and then in the evening we enjoyed Dave's extended family Christmas. On the 26th we spent the day with Dave's immediate family. Most people know that I LOVE Christmas but I can honestly say that I am worn out this year and ready for a break. It could have something to do with the fact that we'll have a new baby within a month!

I had a Dr. appointment yesterday and am still measuring 3 weeks ahead; I am 34 weeks, measuring 37. I have not gained any weight in the last two months but Grace continues to grow so the thought of labor this time is getting a little scary if there's a chance she'll be bigger than her big sister who was 9lbs. 6oz.!!! I will go back to the Dr. in two weeks and have an ultrasound and do some stress tests to make sure everything with Grace is okay. My Dr. is happy with my blood sugars and now that Christmas is over it will be even easier to keep them under control.

Our New Year will be very uneventful since I have to work tomorrow. New Year's Day is the busiest day at the YMCA since everyone is making their New Year's resolutions! We are also dog sitting this weekend for Dave's parent's dog, Remy so we plan to spend the weekend at home undecorating for Christmas, getting the carseat put in the car and Dave and my brother are making jerkey. Hope everyone has a very safe and Happy New Year!

All I want for Christmas...

There is a commercial for a church that plays on the Christmas radio station we've been listening to that has kids singing, "All I want for Christmas is Jesus." Madi and I were driving the other day and she heard the commercial and said, "Mommy, those kids said all they want for Christmas is Jesus." I could tell the wheels were really turning in her head but I said yes and kept driving and then Madi said, "Mommy, I don't just want Jesus for Christmas." Trying not to burst out laughing I explained that Jesus' birthday was on Christmas and Jesus is the reason that we have Christmas but she went on to say, "but I still don't just want Jesus for Christmas." I'm sure in the mind of a 3 year old the idea of getting a grown man for Christmas is a little strange:)

Who needs presents...

...when you already have the best gift ever given.

Do you ever just look at your child and just get this overwhelming sense of love, pride, joy, etc. for them...like you just seriously want to pick them up and squeeze them as hard as you possibly can? Okay, maybe it's just me:) Sometimes I just look at this little face and can't believe that I am lucky enough for her to be mine. Here are a few things about my little princess...

*She can't stand it when her pants are over her belly and immediately pushes them down

*She calls herself Tinkerbell, calls me Queen Clarion, Dave is Terrance and Bear is Cheese...all characters from the Tinkerbell movie. Ask her who her Papa is and "he is just a man fairy."

*She firmly believes her Uncle Doug will not get any presents for Christmas because he is on the naughty list, she told me so this morning.

*She needs to sleep with me because "I miss you when I'm in my bed" and she has to come to the bathroom with me because "I love you and need to come in here with you."

*She loves Christmas just as much as I do and can really belt out the Christmas tunes

*She loves to watch Biggest Loser with me and there is always a commercial for a local fitness place on during Biggest Loser; she always tells me that I need to go exercise there because my belly is fat.

*I couldn't possibly love her more

My day...

About half of the treat plates I made for Dave's customers.
A few more goodies for the neighbors, etc.

Sitting down at the computer is the first I've sat down so far today and boy am I beat. I've been baking/cleaning since after church this morning, about 10:30. I made about 16 treat plates for some of Dave's customers; I think I should include a note that includes something about a few good sales in return:) It feels good to have them all done though. Thank goodness for a short week this week; half day Wednesday then off Thursday-Sunday with 4 Christmas celebrations packed in there somewhere. I'm off to finish the laundry, get ready for the week and get dinner. Have a great week!!!

A new understanding...

I have a new understanding and appreciation for diabetics. I used to not really understand why it was so hard for diabetics to keep their blood sugars under control. Since I've been monitoring mine though, it is much harder that I ever thought. My blood sugars have been running high the last couple of days and I just feel like such a horrible mom because I am eating everything I should be and they're still high. I just feel awful because I know this isn't good for my little Grace and I don't know what I'm doing wrong. It's just very frustrating and this time of the year is not helping one bit with all the treats hanging around every where you turn.

32 weeks on Tuesday

Grace's bedroom, all it needs now is her!
Dresser and quilt on the wall.

Very girly!

My favorite part of her room is this wall decal, I know it's hard to see in this picture but it is beautiful!

Total weight gain: I will find out Wednesday and I'm scared:)

Maternity clothes? Yep and even they are getting smaller and smaller by the day!

Stretch marks? Yes, probably some new and old...it feels like my belly can't possibly get any bigger.

Sleep: Hasn't been too bad lately I guess.

Best moment this week: I had some Braxton Hicks contractions, reminds me that Gracie's birthday is getting sooo close!

Movement: Lots of movement lately.

Food cravings: Not really, trying to eat good and keep my blood sugars in check.

Gender: "Still a girl"

Labor Signs: A few Braxton Hicks contractions and lots of backaches.

What I miss: Being able to cross my legs!

What I am looking forward to: Going to the Dr. this week and seeing what she says about how far I'm measuring.

Weekly Wisdom: Nothing much, I am just so excited for this little lady to be here!

Milestones: 8 months down!

Happy Birthday...to me!

Mommy and Madi and the beautiful cake Madi decorated for me!Opening my Wii Fit!!!

Very happy about my present!

Madi showing off the cool puzzle that she got at the library from Clifford.

Watching from a distance:)

Friday was my 27th birthday and I had a great day and a great weekend. Friday night we drove up to a little town that has an awesome park filled with Christmas lights and drove through that and went out to dinner. Saturday, Madi and I got up and went to the library where Clifford the big red dog was visiting for story time. It was alot of fun but Madi is pretty nervous around things in costume so she kept her distance:) After the library we headed to Green Bay with my mom and sister and we saw The Princess and the Frog movie...it was super cute. After the movie we met Doug and Sarah for church, dinner then birthday cake at their house. It was such a good day. I got super spoiled for my birthday and boy did they get one past me; they all went together and got me a Wii and Wii Fit for my birthday; I can hardly wait to get in shape after Ms. Grace is born!!! Here are a few pics from the weekend.

Thankful

Well I got my test results back from the Dr. about my glucose test and they said it was "normal" but on the high side of normal. My Dr. opted to send me to a diabetic counselor and look at my diet. I went today to meet with her and definitely learned a few things. I will need to monitor my blood surgar, testing it 4x each day and follow a more well balanced diet. Although it really stinks that it came to this, in a way, I'm glad it did. I needed that to make me realize I need to make some changes for me and for my family. We took Madi to the Dr. yesterday with concerns that she may be diabetic but thankfully her tests came back good with the exception of her having a urinary tract infection. I've never felt more scared in my life to think that my sweet little girl might have to deal with that at such a young age. We will definitely be making some changes in our house. My motivation will be keeping my family healthy and losing some weight (after Grace is born of course) for Doug and Sarah's wedding! Thanks for all the prayers for Madi that I know were out there, they worked!

30 weeks actual, 33 weeks probable

How far along? 30 Weeks but last week my Dr. said I was measuring 32 weeks when I was actually 29. Soooo, I'm about 3 weeks ahead of schedule.

Total weight gain: 30 lbs:(

Maternity clothes? Yep and even they are getting smaller and smaller by the day!

Stretch marks? Yes, probably some new and old.

Sleep: Getting harder and harder to do!

Best moment this week: Last night Grace was going CRAZY in my stomach, it's so much fun to watch my stomach bounce all around.

Movement: Lots of movement lately.

Food cravings: I'm really trying to behave myself, it's going to be so hard through the hoildays. Gender: "Still a girl"

Labor Signs: Lots of bachaches lately. After the Dr. told us I was measuring 3 weeks ahead of schedule I am really nervous thinking how soon that could actually be. We could seriously have a baby still this year!!!

What I miss: Sleep

What I am looking forward to: Getting our Christmas tree this weekend, the house is decorated but Daddy wasn't home last weekend to go cut down the tree.

Weekly Wisdom: If Grace is measuring 3 weeks ahead, she would be roughly 5 lbs. this week (at 33 weeks) and about 17 inches long!

Milestones: 3/4 of the way done, probably more!!!

I heard back from my Dr. today and my glucose test was "normal" but on the high side of normal. I will need to monitor my sugar and carb intake until our little girl makes her arrival, what a stinky time of the year to have to do that...anything for my baby though. They will also be watching my weight gain closely this last little while. I'm so thankful that the test was normal and it was a good wake-up call for me to eat better.

I need to get one of these shirts...

Seriously, it would really allow me to answer so many fewer questions:) I get asked when I'm due often and their response is usually, "oh, wow," with a very suprised look on their face which translates to me as "oh, wow, you're HUGE, I was expecting you to say you were due any day now." Today I am 29 weeks and Grace has been moving a ton lately. I go to the dr. tomorrow for my 3 hour glucose test so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everything is fine there. Thank goodness I have my Christmas cards to work on while I'm there, at least I can feel like I'm doing something productive with my day. Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!

**I would add something to this shirt if I got it-No, I am not having twins. I just walked out of my office at work and someone asked me if I was having twins; that's all, just that, no other hi, hello, how are you, just "are you having twins." I love people sometimes.

Dinner Dance

Super Star!
Madi and Auntie Sarah bustin' some moves.

Me, Dave, Madi with chocolate on her face and Gracie too of course, hidden under the table:)

Doug and Sarah, so cute!

Madi loved the dessert...Mommy and Grace did too, it was delicious!

A week ago Saturday we attended the Veteran's Day Dinner Dance put on by my sister's Jazz band with my mom, brother and Sarah. It was alot of fun, great food and great music. Her band played "dinner music" and then after dinner played some more so people could get out and dance. None of our family is much for dancing (except Madisyn who dragged Sarah out to dance, thanks for being such a good sport Sarah!). It was fun watching the people dancing who actually knew what they were doing! Way to go Pulaski Jazz Band!

My Hubby the Mighty Hunter

Dave with his buck. Way to go honey!!!
Notice the green wool pants, "Old Style" beer suspenders and beard...all of these things are now his good luck charms because he has never worn all of them together I guess. Whatever works!

Sesame Street Live

Madi and Mommy before the show.
Happy girl with her cotton candy!

Sesame Street characters dancing.

My blue lipped baby watching the show, she had blue cotton candy and a blue slushy drink:)

More Sesame Street.

Madi and I had a great time again at the Sesame Street Live show. This is the 3rd year we've gone and I think we will continue to make it a tradition until my girls are too big and won't go with me anymore:) Can't wait to include Grace in our fun next year!

No fun

I got a call from my doctor today that I'm pretty bummed about. During my standard 1-hour glucose screening test last week my glucose levels came back elevated. The normal range is 70-140 and mine came back at 164. It's standard for them to do a 3-hour test now which I will do next Wednesday. I will have to follow a high carb diet for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday and go in to the doctor fasting next Wednesday. They will draw blood right away when I come in and then each hour while I'm there. I was just thinking this morning that I hadn't heard anything and they told me no news is good news so I thought I was good to go. Please say an extra little prayer that everything will come back normal.

28 Weeks

How far along? 28 weeks
Total weight gain: This question wasn't such a good one afterall, my last Dr. appointment left me feeling very depressed about this:(
Maternity clothes? Absolutely, my shirts are getting shorter and shorter though!
Stretch marks? Not sure if there's any new ones but I still have the ones from Madi.
Sleep: What's sleep?
Best moment this week: Getting our 3D ultra sound at our last Dr. appointment!
Movement: Grace moves alot and does not like it if I lean up against my desk with my belly.
Food cravings: I wanted a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger from Weindy's yesterday but I did control myself and drove past:)
Gender: "Still a girl" as our ultrasound tech said last week. Thank goodness, I don't think a little boy would be thrilled with a purple room!
Labor Signs: Lots of bachaches lately. I'm very paranoid now; one lady told me she was due in February and had her baby in December and another lady told me her second baby was 8 weeks early!
What I miss: Sleep and not waddling.
What I am looking forward to: This Saturday Madi and I are going to Sesame Street Live. This will be our 3rd year and I'm really looking forward to a Madi/Mommy day.
Weekly Wisdom: Grace is the size of a Chinese Cabbage (?) this week, weighing roughly 2.5 lbs and about 15 inches long (this is average, I'm willing to bet that my daughter may be a little above average:)
Milestones: We have made it to the 3rd trimester and now begin going to the Dr. every 2 weeks!

Amazing Grace

Big Yawn! Grace Lori Reed-27 weeks, 1 day-November 10, 2009
My little Gracie girl with her foot and hand right by her mouth, it almost looks like she's sucking her toe instead of her thumb!

I went to the Dr. on Tuesday and had my glucose test, got my H1N1 shot and got a glimpse of our little girl! Although she wasn't the most cooperative I think we still got a couple good ones. I can't wait to meet her! Our Dr. appts. go to every 2 weeks now so it's definitely getting closer. Grace is currently breech so please say a prayer that she will get her little self turned around in time for her Birthday otherwise it will likely mean a c-section.

26 Weeks

How far along? 26 weeks
Total weight gain: This question wasn't such a good one afterall, this may be the last time I answer it. Just over 20 lbs. so far.
Maternity clothes? Yep, and some of my shirts are too short already and won't cover my belly!

Stretch marks? Not sure if there's any new ones but I still have the ones from Madi.
Sleep: I wish I could say it's getting better but it's not, now I'm hot all the time and I just can't get comfortable.

Best moment this week: All of Gracie's Aunties and her Grandma's threw a baby shower on Saturday, it was so much fun and she got so spoiled already! We did a baby pool and all but one person guessed Grace would be smaller than her sister and everyone guessed she would make her arrival before her due date, February 9th.
Movement: She moves more and more all the time, this morning she was kicking my bladder; as if I don't have to pee enough as it is now she is kicking it:)
Food cravings: Last night I was craving a ham & swiss Market Fresh sandwich from Arbys. Yes, I did get one for dinner!

Gender: It's a girl!!! Grace Lori Reed
Labor Signs: No, but I have a feeling the next few months could be VERY long, Grace sits so much differently than Madi did and really makes mommy uncomfortable sometimes:) I've been having alot of lower bachaches lately which I never had with Madi
What I miss: Sleep and not waddling.
What I am looking forward to: Next week we have a Dr. appointment and we will have the 3D/4D ultrasound done. I can hardly wait to get a good look at our little girl.

Weekly Wisdom: Grace is roughly the size of a small pineapple this week and has opened her eyes for the first time, hopefully she likes the view:)

Milestones: This is the last week of my 2nd trimester! 3rd trimester, here we come!!!

Trick or Treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat!

Madi trick-or-treating with one of her Prince Charmings, Papa
Madi and Daddy
What did ya give me Grandma Great?

So cute!

Halloween "treat" from Mommy & Daddy, the new Tinkerbell movie
We had such an eventful weekend this past weekend; wedding on Friday, baby shower and Halloween on Saturday and Packer parking on Sunday. It was all so much fun and Madi had a great Halloween. She went up and down our street with Daddy and Papa, spending most of her time and getting most of her candy from Great-Grandpa and Grandma Reed's house:) She looked so cute in her Snow White costume and what more could a girl ask for than to have two Prince Charmings to take her trick-or-treating. I put together all the fixin's for nachos at our house and Ga and Papa, Uncle Paul, Auntie Erin and Carter, Uncle Doug and Sarah and Great-Grandma Reed and Aunt Kathy all joined us for dinner. Then Madi headed home with Ga and Papa for the sleepover they'd been planning for weeks; the perfect way to end Halloween...send my sugar loaded child home with Grandpa and Grandma:)

Baby Shower

Madi and I (and Grace too of course) before the shower started.
Some of the yummy food at the shower...it was all soooooooooooo good.

My mom is so clever!

The adorable cake made by my mom.

Punch, cake and party favors.

Saturday Gracie got spoiled at our baby shower, thrown by all of her Aunties and her Grandmas. It was such a nice shower and we got awesome gifts. I really hadn't registered for much of anything, thinking we didn't need alot with Grace being our 2nd girl but everyone found her the cutest things! I can hardly wait to have her here! Thanks to Aunties Erin and Sarah for all their hard work and also to Grandma Reed and Grandma Hoverson. It was a great day!

Gray Hair

Last night Madisyn was buttoning up her pajama top and she asked me if I was getting gray hair. I just kind of laughed, having no idea where she was going with that one, and I told her that I didn’t think I was and she kept buttoning. She was taking a very long time but I didn’t say anything to her about hurrying up or anything, just let her go. So she goes, “well Ga is getting gray hair.” Dave and I laughed and I asked her why Ga is getting gray hair and she said, “because she is waiting so long for me to get in the car.” She thought that because I was waiting so long for her to button up her pajamas that I would be getting gray hair too. She is a thinker! So this morning she was unbuttoning her pajamas and I kiddingly said, “Madi, I’m getting gray hair.” She just giggled. I can just hear the conversaion she was having with my mom. I'm sure Madi was taking forever to get in the car as she usually does and my mom was teasing her saying that she was going to get gray hair waiting for her. This kid is just way too smart for her own good!!!

Pumpkin Carving

Not so sure about touching the "guts"

Ewwww!!!
Daddy you do it

Taking a minute to strike a pose

Finally time to start carving

She's clapping

Always posing

My favorite people (along with the one in my belly of course!)

The finished product, Snow White!

Madi and her pumpkin

Daddy helped Madi or rather, Madi helped Daddy carve this awesome Snow White pumpkin. Daddy did an awesome job and Madi was along to look cute and pose for pictures:)

On another note, tonight we were listening to the radio and the song "Party like a rockstar" came on. We were kind of singing along and pretty soon Madi starts singning, "I went potty like a rockstar." She is so funny. Tomorrow marks week 25 of this pregnancy and I absolutely cannot wait to meet this little girl. I think since we found out so soon that we were pregnant it seems like it's going so slow. I will post some pictures of Grace's room soon, it is absolutely adorable! We're almost to the point that all we will need to complete it is Grace!