17 Week Bumpdate

Baby Size: A turnip! 5 inches long, 4.5-5oz. 
Weight gain: Still holding steady at pre-pregnancy weight. 
Maternity clothes: Saturday we'll be going to Greensboro. The closest Old Navy with a maternity section. I hope to get some shorts and maybe a bathing suit! I have one pair of pre-pregnancy jeans I can button. Thank you Lord for hair ties and bella bands!
Stretch marks: None yet! Zulily had a sale on The Honest Company Organic Belly Balm and I stocked up!   Sleep: Only waking up a couple of times for the bathroom. Having CRAZY pregnancy dreams though.    Gender: Still feeling girl! But had a moment of feeling boy yesterday. I keep flipping and flopping. 2 weeks from Friday and we'll know! That is unreal. 
Movement: Pretty sure I'm now feeling sweet baby W. It happened the first time while driving and I was on the phone with my sister. I had a OH MY GOSH that was the baby moment. It felt kind of like a muscle contracting/the way you "lose" your stomach on a roller coaster. Either way its the sweetest most surreal feeling. Ever. 
Best moment this week: My awesome MIL called Saturday morning and is sending us a doppler to hear the heart beat whenever we want. She purchased it for my sister-in-law and now passing it to us. I can't wait to use it!  
Looking forward to: Shopping and the Kentucky Derby Party we're attending on Saturday. Bring on the big hats, Lilly dresses, and seersucker pants for the hubs. We're excited. 
Food cravings: Still fruit and muffins.      Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!   Labor Signs: Let's wait a while for these!   What I miss: Nothing really! 
Symptoms: Feeling extremely full after eating still. Having to some meals in phases.     Nursery: Got some more furniture moved out of the nursery this weekend! Working on clearing off my desk and that's all that is left for me to do. I can't move the treadmill. 
Belly Button in or out? In.
Wedding rings on or off? On and hoping they stay that way.
Mood: Happy, happy, happy and anxious to find out gender. 
Workouts: Walking, I really need to look into pregnancy classes. 
Prayers for our sweet bean: 
Lord,  We couldn't be more grateful for a healthy pregnancy thus far. We pray for a continued healthy pregnancy for both mommy and baby. We thank you for this sweet gift. We pray for the continued healthy development of sweet Baby W. We also pray for those that are struggling right now Lord. May You be their peace and comfort.   Amen
Sarah 

Five on Friday!

This week really just flew right on by. I can't believe it's already Friday, not that I'm complaining one bit. Weekends are good for the soul. A chance to recharge my batteries and get more things done.

1) It should come as no surprise that our 16 week prenatal check up was my most favorite thing this week! I love hearing sweet Baby W's heartbeat. 3 weeks from today and we find out gender! Holy mama we'll also be halfway there at that point. 

2) Derik is playing in a golf tournament tomorrow and I'm ready to do some baking! I've been craving a lot of my grandmother's cooking lately and since that sweet woman is no longer with us I've been attempting to whip up similar yummies in the kitchen on my own. That woman never wrote a single recipe down. I think I may attempt a version of her lemon pound cake tomorrow. Now if I can only figure out her chocolate cake recipe, my sister and I would be two very happy ladies. 

Oh please don't fail my specific taste buds!

3)  Zulily has been hosting a maternity sale this week! Woop Woop! The Pink Blush Maternity sale ends in 2 days! Rack up while you can ladies. I've ordered a few dresses for weddings this summer all under $50!

4) I finally have been craving something OTHER than bread and pasta. I made a fruit salad and I've been enjoying it all week long. :) I know these are still carbs but at least they are teeny bit better for you right?

5) This time last year we had both just returned from our bachelor/bachelorette trips! I can't believe our one year anniversary is right around the corner. I included a little throwback to remember a fun trip with some of my nearest and dearest! I really can't believe it was this time last year. Trips down memory lane are always my favorite!

Hope y'all have a great weekend! 

Sweet Sixteen!

We're finishing up week #16. It is seriously flying by. Thankfully the issue I had last week is all cleared up. :) Thank you Lord, now if it will stay away and not become a recurring issue throughout pregnancy. We had our 16 week appointment yesterday and it was rather uneventful which is great in pregnancy, I'm not complaining one bit. Plus, it always makes for a good appointment when hearing sweet Baby W's heartbeat is involved. Sweetest sound ever, onto the bumpdate! 

Baby Size: An avocado. 4-5 inches long, 3-5oz. 
Weight gain: As of yesterday I've reached pre-pregnancy weight. 
Maternity clothes: Some tops and a couple pairs of jeans and maxi skirts, I've been looking for some dresses for upcoming wedding season. I'm trying my hardest not to spend an arm, leg, and elbow. Also really trying to find non-maternity with empire waist. 
Stretch marks: None yet! Zulily had a sale on The Honest Company Organic Belly Balm and I stocked up!   Sleep: I slept all the way through the night this week, It. Was. Amazing.    Gender: Still feeling girl! Our doctors office does anatomy scan at 20 weeks but we're starting to get super anxious.
Movement: None that I can feel yet but doctor said anytime now between now and 20ish weeks! :)
Best moment this week: Hearing that sweet heartbeat. 
Looking forward to: Another beautiful spring weekend!
Food cravings: Fruit, fruit, fruit and bagel bites?     Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope, haven't been sick in over 2 weeks! :)   Labor Signs: Let's wait a while for these!   What I miss: Nothing really! Allergy medicine mainly. I'm really trying to tough it out even though I can take something!
Symptoms: Round ligament pain. Holy mama jama.    Nursery: I'm starting to get anxious and really want to start working on it!
Belly Button in or out? In.
Wedding rings on or off? On and hoping they stay that way.
Mood: Happy, happy, happy and anxious to find out gender. 
Workouts: Walking!
Prayers for our sweet bean: 
Lord,  We pray for sweet baby's growth. We pray that everything continues to grow and form perfectly in your image Lord. We thank you for a strong healthy heartbeat, the sweetest sound we've ever heard. We are still in awe of this sweet miraculous gift you've given us. We pray that you calm my nerves during the moments of round ligament pain. Lord, help me to be at peace that it is completely normal and everything is fine. If it's a girl I pray for the development of her ovaries this week, may she one day be able to experience the blessing of pregnancy. We are so grateful Lord, thank you for this sweet blessing!
Amen.

Happy Easter!

Today is a very special day for me! Today our Savior did not let the grave hold Him. He ROSE right out of that grave. We don't serve a King that is dead, but we serve a living God. How amazing is that? I'm still in awe and in wonder of our sweet Lord that chose to send His only son to hang on a cross and die for my sins. One that is perfect, without blemish, to die for me. One who is not so perfect and has tons of blemishes. But oh so grateful for the grace and mercy He chooses to reign down upon me. Hell has been defeated, the grave could not HOLD A KING! This song gives me chill bumps every single time. Thank you Jesus! Hope everyone has had a wonderful Easter!

15 Week Bumpdate

Woops, I've been a little slack this week! I only had a two day work week, thanks to spring break and I chose not to sit behind my lap top screen and instead get a lot of stuff accomplished. Everything in our house is clean, washed, and put away. Hallelujah praise the Lord! I'm currently writing this bumpdate from my favorite place in the world, Ocean Isle! Even though technically I was 16 weeks yesterday, I'll still fill you in on my 15 weeks and then 16 weeks next week. :)

Baby Size: An apple! 4 inches long!
Weight gain: Gained two pounds so I'm a pound away to reaching pre-pregnancy weight!
Maternity clothes: Some tops and a couple pairs of jeans and maxi skirts!
Stretch marks: None yet! Zulily had a sell on The Honest Company Organic Belly Balm and I stocked up!   Sleep: I slept all the way through the night this week, It. Was. Amazing.    Gender: Still feeling girl but had a inkling it was a boy! We scheduled our gender appointment this week!
Movement: None that I can feel yet!
Best moment this week: Being at Ocean Isle for a long weekend!
Looking forward to: Our 16 week appointment on Tuesday. Even though I had to go last week for a not so pleasant pregnancy issue. The baby and I are completely fine, we hear a very strong heartbeat Wednesday!
Food cravings: Carbs still.      Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope, haven't been sick in almost 2 weeks! :)   Labor Signs: Let's wait a while for these!   What I miss: Nothing now! I stayed up until midnight the other night, big thing for me people!    Symptoms: Ugh a not very fun lady infection. But very common during pregnancy!    Nursery: Still working on the cleaning out process! Will probably start looking at neutral paint colors soon. :)
Belly Button in or out? In.
Wedding rings on or off? On and hoping they stay that way.
Mood: Happy, happy, happy and relaxed!
Workouts: Walking!
Prayers for our sweet bean:  Lord,  We praise you for hearing that sweet heartbeat for the very first time Wednesday. What a beautiful sound, one that will be forever be in our hearts and mind. I thank you that my other issue seems to be clearing up!  Lord as our sweet baby continues to develop we pray that he/she continues to form in your image Lord. We thank you for this sweetest gift! Amen

   Week 13                    Week 14                                      Week 15

Weekend Recap

Good Monday morning! I actually feel refreshed this Monday morning, thank you second trimester energy I really appreciate you showing your lovely self. We had a wonderful weekend that was busy busy. We started refreshing our guest bathroom--painting the cabinets, changing the hardware, and cleaning. Ok so Derik did the first two I stuck to the cleaning. We also did yard work lots of yard work.

Friday night my parents took us to dinner and then the sweetest husband took me to get a sno-ball. We've had a new sno-ball stand open and I have a feeling the close proximity to our house, the 100 different flavors, and the reasonable prices are going to be an issue the next few months. I swear ever since I've started carrying this sweet child my cravings have reverted me back to childhood. Saturday was full of errands, family time, and yard work! We worked hard in the front yard Saturday and saved the back for Sunday after church. Saturday evening we spent with our neighbors, I love our sweet little neighborhood. Sunday was church and yet another trip to Lowe's. I'm really surprised after the 4 trips we took this weekend they don't know us by our first names. With the crowd that was there all four times we went it seems like everyone else in our little town had the same idea we had the garden center was packed! We ended up spreading 10 bails of pine straw on our embankment in the backyard. It looks so much better than the red dirt and dead grass! We also made our little natural area I was talking about in this post. It looks nowhere close to our pinspirations but it's a start. A few more plants and flowers and I'll be happy!

I'm so thankful for good refreshing weekends it felt good to be productive instead of only wanting to lay in bed. Thank you second trimester. So far I'm loving you.

My newest addiction. Thank you Pelican SnoBalls. 

Fancy girl got a new collar. It's navy and green with pink whales. Hello 40% off collars and leashes at our local pet store. 

I think this was our third trip to Lowes....all the flowers that are now in our little natural area. 

Before. We're also working so hard to grow more grass in our back and front yard. Stupid contractor grass. 

And after. Excuse the shadow it was kind of impossible to avoid. It's a lot of yellow. We plan on adding some larger plants. Any suggestions?

 We love grilling season. Last night was grilled pizzas! My very most favorite way to eat pizza. It's so yummy. And yes preggie ate all 3 of those pieces.

Hope y'all had a wonderful weekend! 

Sarah 

Five On Friday! King George, Pup girl, Seester, Doughnuts, and Yardwork.

Looking at my Facebook feed I feel the general consensus that this was one long week. I know for me it was a week full of counseling theories, ethics, and laws. Doesn't that sound delightful? I really do LOVE what I'm going to be doing its just the nitty gritty of the matter that isn't so fun. Anyways let's recap this week with 5 favorite things!!!

1) If there is one thing you should have learned about me by now is this girl loves her country music. So of course Sunday night you would have found me curled up on the couch watching the Academy of Country Music Awards. With my main man, King George, being the big winner of the night taking home Entertainer of the Year. Let's face it the man defines country music.

2) My fury child, especially at night becomes my shadow. I think because after dinner my belly tends to poke out in full force and puppy girl knows something is up. The other night she snuggled in right behind me. Literally right behind me our backs were touching. She's so sweet but is her own personal space heater so mommy has to be mean and asks her to move. With her breeds mixed she's going to make for one protective big sister. 

3) Apparently, yesterday was national sibling day. I didn't really go look it up to see if what insta and facebook was telling me was true. But who I don't need a national day to celebrate my seester! I have a big sister, best friend and partner in crime all rolled into one. Beyond thankful for the bond we share, it's like no other. 

Ps Check out the perm for sis and super short hair for me. Thanks mom. Thanks. 

4) I may have indulged in a couple of Krispy Kreme doughnuts this week. Woops. I'm not even going to apologize for them because they were that good. We have a Dunkin and Krispy Kreme that essentially share the same parking lot--cops heaven--I can make fun of them cause one of the hubs best friends is a cop and he loves doughnuts seriously he gave them up for lent. But Kristy Kreme wins in my eyes. Every single time.  

5) So our backyard now is just kinda well bleh. We have a small patio space which we extended last summer for our grill and we fenced it in for the pup but that's about it. We would LOVE a nice deck but let's face it our sweet little abode is more than likely not our forever home and decks aren't exactly cheap. So I've been pinning away for inexpensive backyard makeovers. We plan on starting this weekend since it's going to be another gorgeous Carolina spring weekend! This would be ideal, but probably not in our budget....any ideas of inexpensive makeovers or shrubbery? 

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

xo, 

Sarah 

How I made it through the first trimester...

Y'all I really can't complain, compared to some of the horror stories I've heard my first trimester was a breeze. However, when you yourself are going through it it didn't feel much like said breeze. We ended up having to tell friends and family a little earlier than planned because I would take off in a dash to the bathroom--in home and out in public--.  I lost 3lbs between my two doctor appointments so it's safe to say weeks 8, 9, 10, 11 were the worst. I could have been a lot more sick than I was and I wasn't and for that I'm extremely grateful! Here are the things that helped me get through those rough weeks.

1) Literally the best thing I could do was stay out of our kitchen. Thank you sweet Lord for my amazing husband. He did the cooking and the cleaning. Smells really got to me and raw meat so I stayed as far away as I could.

2) Those cracker rounds were my meals quite a few days. Sometimes I got a little wild and added peanut butter.

3) Moisturizing lotion with aloe in it! I've always used Target's brand and I love it. Did anyone else's skin become extremely dry and itchy? It probably didn't help that it was also winter and I was in my prime dry skin time.

4) EOS eggs. I was obsessed before but they were a lip saver.

5) Clear Frost sparkling water. Any flavor. It helped settle my stomach but also helped to get fluids in me!

6) Breathe Right Strips. I didn't discover these until the last week of my first trimester. I'm on box #2. Seriously no more waking up every hour feeling like I have a mouth full of straw! Thankful for these bad boys, they may not be attractive but they certainly get the job done!

That's what helped me! What else should I keep in mind or add?

Sarah

Week 14 Bumpdate!

Baby Size: Size of a lemon! 3 and 1/2 inches long. 
Weight gain: Still down 3 pounds. 
Maternity clothes: Some tops and a couple pairs of jeans. Also ordered two maxi skirts from Old Navy! Stretch marks: None yet! Zulily had a sell on The Honest Company Organic Belly Balm and I stocked up!   Sleep: I usually wake up once or twice, I have terrible dry mouth at night. Sleeping much better though thanks to breathe right strips!   Gender: Still feeling girl. I've had multiple dreams that this one is a girl! Movement: None that I can feel yet!
Best moment this week: Spending time with my mom and my sister! We rarely get just us girl time. :) Looking forward to: The continuing process of cleaning out what will be baby's room. Once I actually start cleaning I don't stop. I just need to start. Also, hopefully finishing some yard work and soaking up some sunshine! Food cravings: Fruit! Lots of fruit and still carbs. The hubs had pork chops and yummy steamed veggies last night and I stuck with my spaghetti.      Anything making you queasy or sick: I ate ranch this week and didn't gag!!! Smells are still getting to me though.   Labor Signs: Let's wait about 26 weeks before I start answering this question. :)   What I miss: Energy.   Symptoms: Still tired and I get light headed if I stand up too quickly.    Nursery: We've got the garage cleaned out which will be the treadmill and workout stuff's new home. So we can finish cleaning out the nursery! I see many trips to goodwill in our future. 
Belly Button in or out? In.
Wedding rings on or off? On and hoping  they stay that way.
Mood: Happy, happy, happy and a little tired. Workouts: With the beautiful weather we've had this week (the exception of yesterday) morning walks have been wonderful! Looking into pregnancy yoga as well! 
Prayers for our sweet bean:  Lord, we are still in awe of this sweet gift you've chosen to bless us with. We are so thankful for the little bean growing in my belly. Thank you for blessing us with the opportunity to be this child's earthly parents. Lord, we pray that as the sweet baby continues to develop that it continues to grow strong and healthy Lord. We thank you for the blessing of a healthy pregnancy this far Lord and we pray that it continues. We give all our anxieties to you Lord for we know that You care for us. You want to carry our burdens and we thank you for that! I pray that you take away the fears in my heart and give me a sense of peace and rest in Your arms.  1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you.  In Christ name we pray,  Amen. 

                                                

Five on Friday!

Happy Friday everyone! I've been slammed with school work this week. About to start listening to my 7th and final presentation of the week. Hallelujah Amen! A girl can only fit so many research theories in her head. But anyways, here's to my favorite things this week!

1) Remember that pedicure I was talking about last weekend? While the hubs was playing golf in the blustery chilly conditions, I was enjoying 45 minutes of pure bliss. If golf can be in the budget, make room for the pedicures hubs! 

2) I had an appointment in Greensboro on Wednesday and was able to grab a smoothie from one of my very most favorite place, Juice Shop. Not going to lie when I lived in Greensboro these were a once a week treat during the summer with my favorite kiddos! Plus a pregnancy craving was satisfied and it doesn't get much sweeter than that!

3) Does anyone else watch Scandal? Did it make anyone else's blood pressure shoot sky high last night? Holy cow Olivia Pope what in the world!!! I also just want to say Kerry Washington is phenomenal. I plan on popping in Save the Last Dance to watch her pre-white trench coat. 

4) Let's talk cravings, because peanut butter and jelly sandwiches have really hit the spot this week? So have chicken nuggets. Have I reverted back to a child since I'm carrying one? Thankfully I'm eating fruit like it's no one's business so at least I'm getting some nutritional value in my diet! Anyone else have random cravings?

5) My sweet daddy gets his 4th round of chemo today. Please join with me in prayer that this is helping to treat his blood disorder and that feeling crummy on the weekends is serving a greater purpose. Bless his heart. It's hard to keep that man down and it about kills me to see him feeling so miserable. All the while, my uncle ( my dad's baby brother) it at the hospital down the road from my dad right now undergoing open heart surgery a triple bypass. These are MOST CERTAINLY not two of my favorite things this week but prayer is always my favorite thing and I believe in the power of prayer! 

Most precious man alive, my sweet daddy!

My dad and his siblings in 2009, my uncle is Mr. Clean's twin. These four need an updated picture!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! :) Anybody have fun plans?

xo, 

Sarah 

Week 13-BUMP-date.

I still cannot believe I'm posting bumpdates. It is so surreal. We're excited to do these weekly to see the changes in me physically and follow document this journey that is pregnancy!

How far along: 13 weeks

Baby Size: About the size of a peach. 3 inches long. 
Weight gain: Since I've been so sick I'm actually down 3 pounds. 
Maternity clothes: Some tops and one pair of jeans. Thank goodness for belly bands and hair ties!

Stretch marks: None yet! Zulily had a sell on The Honest Company Organic Belly Balm and I stocked up!   Sleep: I usually wake up once or twice, I have terrible dry mouth at night.    Gender: We'll find out right before our first wedding anniversary! I'm feeling girl though.

Movement: None that I can feel. But we saw last week at our ultrasound little bean is active. We saw bean swallow and wave! Coolest. Thing. Ever. 
Best moment this week: So much love for Baby Walters already. Still can't get over all of the sweet well wishes and congratulations after our announcement! We are so blessed. 
Looking forward to: My sissy comes this weekend! :) AND a full week of 70's and sunshine. 

Food cravings: Still spaghetti. My mom craved italian constantly with me...     Anything making you queasy or sick: Ew, hot sauce, ranch dressing, and yogurt. The thought of the 3 alone makes me queasy. Gross.    Labor Signs: Let's wait about 27 weeks before I start answering this question. :)   What I miss: Nothing really. Although I was craving a margarita the other night, even though I typically don't drink? Weird.    Symptoms: Still some nausea, still tired, and feeling VERY full after eating.    Nursery: We've got the nursery closet cleaned out. Baby steps y'all. Baby steps. 

Belly Button in or out? In.
Wedding rings on or off? On and hoping it stays that way.
Mood: Happy, happy, happy.
Workouts: Walking. 

Prayer for Baby Bean:    Lord, this week our sweet baby is developing fingerprints. Our prayer is that your fingerprints be forever etched into their heart, mind, and soul. Lord we pray that as Baby W's vocal chords develop that they will only speak the truth and say things that are pleasing to you. We pray that this sweet baby continues to grow and develop healthy and strong. Thank you for this blessing we most certainly do not deserve.  In Christ's name we pray,  Amen.