Holiday Season

Merry Christmas everyone!!!  So here I sit at my gestational diabetes test, I have downed the dreaded liquid, no where as bad as I envisioned. Really tasted like the Orange "juice" we got as kids out of the big Orange McDonald's cooler after a sports game. I didn't have a problem drinking it in the allotted 5 minutes I was given, took about 30 seconds, wouldn't want to drag it out longer than that anyways. Boy oh boy does it make baby kick though...fun to sit here and feel all the activity.

Today marks my 180 day of pregnancy or so says my daily app.  That means after today I will be in the double digit count down, really is amazing ho  quickly things are flying by.  Kyle asked if we could go baby shopping this evening, start collecting some essentials for bringing munchkin home. Shower date has been nailed down, grandma has her plane tickets, things are starting to take shape.  My sister and mom are coming up next weekend  to help me decorate and finalize the nursery decor, can not wait.

For the holidays, Kyle and I made the long road trip down to southern California, so great to spend time with the family and just relax. My dad`s mom isn't doing so well so it was especially nice to visit with her for Christmas eve, another fabulous dinner with the Irgens side.  As is the tradition, we spoiled one another again this year. My grandma's living room was consumed my presents. Next year I imagine the recipients will be slightly younger in age and not quite as impressed by the massive pile of goodies, but the following year, oh goodness!!! The doggies enjoyed their vacation as well, walks multiple times a day with a morning run behind a local church with my mom and dad.

So along with progressing in weeks toward delivery and meeting our new family member, my belly continues to expand. I swear this baby is standing on its toes and stretching as far toward my ribs as possible all while sticking its little booty toward my belly button. The skin on my mid section is stretched just about as tight as it could go, after every meal I tell Kyle I feel like I am going to rip open.  And if you missed my confession on Facebook I am pretty sure my nice innie belly button is a thing of the past, at least until baby has arrived and I get to do some crunches. But these things are a small price to pay for the sweet baby we will get in April. 

Next milestone for me...continue cooking baby and visit doctor regularly. Ultrasound will be at 32 weeks so a little while to wait on that.

One last thing, I am writing on my kindle, so if something doesn't make sense please ignore for now, I am going to proof read from home this afternoon, thank you.

Holidays are closing in!

Let's start with baby news and then we can finish with holiday fun.  Baby is almost 6 months incubated (Thursday 12/18 - my mom's birthday).  I find kiddo likes to kick around morning snack time and later in the evening while I'm watching TV, it is always reassuring to get that little tap tap from the inside like "I'm still in here and doing well Mom, see you in a few months."  And then I think oh crap I literally only have 3.5 months left...how am I ever going to be ready for this, not mentally or emotionally but essentials-wise.  My belly is getting bigger and maternity pants are pretty much an everyday thing until I get home and relax in my cozy pants.  I did end up getting several pairs of pants for work from Old Navy and Motherhood.  I'm a much bigger fan of the under the belly pants than the fully coverage style, which is complete opposite of what I expected but hey it is what it is.  And maybe that will change as the belly continues to expand. 

23 weeks "big"

Kyle and I have a registry open on Amazon and I add things to it all the time thinking this is a really great thing, I'll need that or so and so suggested that I'll put it on there.  I just haven't gotten around to pulling the trigger and actually making some purchases.  But then I sit back and think you'll be fine, get the basics and what you have to have to get baby home and the rest will work out.  So, I envision after the new year and x-mas fun Kyle and I will be making a couple runs to Costco and Buy Buy Baby for the must haves and then wait for the baby shower to fill in the gaps :-) 

Oh yeah oh yeah, how could I forget the most important news since the last update...Devarae and Mychal are expecting a baby too!!!  End of June is their prediction as of now.  Kyle and I couldn't be happier for them and are so excited that they will have a cousin so close in age to grow up with...now if we could just get them to move closer to us ;-)  My parents are just over the moon excited, not one grandkid this spring/summer but 2!!!  I've been asked a couple times how I'm doing with the news and I just want to share that I honestly NEVER EVER considered this taking away from my experience, only adding to the happiness and excitement.  My only regret is that I won't have much older sister advice to pass along (or hand-me-downs).  I can just see into the future at all the summer trips to hang with cousin at Auntie and Uncle's house and us hosting their child, family vacations there will always be a buddy to hang out with and the bond they can form will be everlasting.  Now, the surprise part will be, do we both have girls or boys or one of each...only time will tell!!!  The picture below is how she told our family of the good news, both babies are present in the picture, my mom and I just didn't know it (this was when I went to San Diego in November).

YAYAYAYAYAY!!!!

I believe Kyle and I have a direction we would like to go with the nursery, if you look back at some of the older blogs say from the wedding or home remodeling you'll notice that I am a big fan of bright bold colors.  You may also notice that Kyle and I like to travel and see new places (also evident from our destination wedding).  So sticking with my natural draw we are going with a Pixar Up themed room.  Bright balloons, animals and adventures.  I can't wait to put the finishing touches on the nursery and make it "look" ready for its little inhabitant. I don't want to go over the top with Up but it will be my kicking off of the final product.

Crib and closet organizers coming together!

Futon in the baby room

Changing table in place (this is the one my mom used when she had me :-))

I started a prenatal yoga class on Sunday mornings with a couple friends, and boy oh boy I've already noticed a huge difference when I wake up in the mornings.  I was getting very stiff in my hips and just one session of stretching has helped immensely.  As time goes on I may start going a second night of the week but for now I'll hang with Sunday mornings and the gym other nights.  I've also signed us up for some of our "prep" classes...tour of the maternity wing at the hospital, infant care, breastfeeding and birthing classes.  Checking things off the list. 

Holidays...presents are being wrapped and ready to go to Southern California.  We should be leaving San Jose Tuesday 12/23 after work so hopefully we will make good time and our vacation can get started.  Kyle is planning to do some work while we are down there but hey I'll be with the family so more power to him :-)  not ideal but I understand. I believe he'll also be heading to San Diego to catch up with some friends and do a little golfing since he had to miss our trip in November.  While he is gone my mom, sister, grandma and I are heading to the spa for a little pampering!  Another first for us this year is Mychal and Devarae will not be with our family for the actual x-mas day, they are heading to Oregon to celebrate with his family.  They are very lucky to have them and they know they will be missed with our family but are in very good hands and loving hearts.  Enjoy the cold you two!  We went to my holiday party this last week, very fun, great turn out!  Didn't get a chance to upload a picture from Kyle's party in the last update so I'm including one from both our parties in this blog. 


Laura, Me and Kyle at the Kimley-Horn Holiday Function

Kyle, Me, Danielle (also expecting), and Nick at the Airport Holiday Party

Ok I think I've dumped enough for this lunch hour, now I get to insert pictures (everyone's favorite part).  Happy holidays to all and I hope your 2015 is as magical as ours.

Much love,
Kyle, Shalyce and Baby C

Tucker Dog helping decorate the tree....good boy!

Packages under the tree and Sequoia trying to refrain from chewing them up ;-)

Quick Update

Had my regular Dr. appointment today, everything went well and baby's heart was strong and kicking at the Dr.  We got an A+ grade :-)  Between now and 1/5/15 I have to go get my diabetes test done, thank goodness no fasting...drink I can handle not eating would be too much for me to survive!  Got information about birthing classes and a list of pediatricians to pick from so the next round of fun begins.

Our search for daycare continues, looking around for one by my work so I can utilize the carpool lane...I know selfish but I'm not above it, HA.  We found one we like down by home but the hunt continues just to be sure there isn't a carpool option. 

My mom brought the changing table down this weekend, it fits in the room perfectly and what special meaning it holds for me (it was the table my mom used for me and I used it as a dresser growing up).  Some new lining in the drawers and it will be good to go.  I'll insert a picture of it in this blog later, don't have one at the moment.

On top of the dresser delivery, my mom was here for the annual ladies' ornament exchange party. What a great group of ladies this year, we talked and talked and talked on top of exchanging some very beautiful ornaments.  Thank you to all who could make it and I already can't wait until next year :-)  More fun ahead with work parties and basketball parties and tacky sweater parties...not the best time of year to be sober but hey the sacrifices we make for our kids ;-)  wow that sounds weird to say but so true.

Sidenote - I can't wait for my black belly band to arrive, I tried to keep a pair of non maternity pants closed with a safety pin today and it didn't work too well...fail, but the band would have done the trick nicely.  Still too small for the belt extender thing but too big for my regular pants guess I go back to the jeggings ;-) speaking of, I have another pair in the mail somewhere I need to check the status of. 

Little baby is kicking up a storm these days and it is only going to get more distracted, so I apologize if I am talking to you and seem to stop paying attention at points, nothing personal, I'm sure whatever you are telling me is very interesting, just so distracting getting punched from the inside.

Alright I'll close out for now.  Enjoy some fun pictures from the past weekend and I'll tag on a couple more when I get them from Kyle or have a chance to take one at home.

Picture update - 20 & 21

Holy moly where does the time go?!?!  I know I know, just wait till baby arrives and then I'll really be saying that but it sure does seem to be moving in light speed right now.  Things are going extremely well for me, I feel wonderful and can really feel baby moving around now.  Little bits seems to be the most active in the evenings, kick kick kick.  I head to the Dr. again on Monday for the regular check up and I've been warned this is when we'll schedule my diabetes test...always a surprise.  Need/want to start looking into birthing classes and get signed up for a desirable time slot. 

Thanksgiving was great, spent some quality time with my parents and Grandma. Did a little black Friday shopping in Woodland/Davis, love the "crowds"!  HEHE.  We got our tree on Saturday and decorated indoors on Sunday, unfortunately it was pouring rain on Sunday so our exterior is still unlight...maybe this Friday I'll work on it when my mom gets into town :-)  I've slowly been shopping via amazon for x-mas presents and feel like I'm in good shape so far, trying to stay away from crazy crowds but we'll see if I can maintain! 

More pictures and updates to come as more things start happening.  Probably start working on baby shower dates and planning in the coming weeks/months.  Can't wait for our trip down south to see all the family. 

Enjoy the pictures :-)

 

Dad and Gram with 2 photo bombers

After the "trot"

Action Shot



Turkey Trot Crew
 

Frying the Turkey Tradition

Wicked game of ping pong

After thanksgiving birthday pie cake with special flower candle ablaze

Kyle helping pick out our Christmas tree

My turn to help with the tree picking

Best little helper dog around :-)



Closing in on the Half Way Mark

Quick update while I'm thinking about stuff...

Definitely pretty sure maybe I'm feeling baby kick.  I've been waiting for the alleged "flutter" and what I feel is nothing like a flutter, I would say it equivalent to what a muscle twitch feels like.  If that is what it feels like then I've DEFINITELY felt little one, but I've been waiting for a flutter, as in butterfly wings or soft little taps.  I'm sure everyone is different but I've also heard it feels like gas bubbles, and unless my gas is very different than other peoples I would describe as bubbles either.  REGARDLESS there is something going on down there and it is starting to feel more like there is a baby in there than just my mid section expanding, very exciting. 
In regards to expanding mid-section, I gave in today and wore my first pair of maternity pants all be it, I do not have the belly flap pulled up to the bottom of my bust line, it is folded over neatly to form a waste band.  The jeggings I'm wearing feel phenomenal! I may have just officially said goodbye to zippers for the next few months and will be investing in at least two more pairs of these jeggings.

The word is starting to spread around the office, I thought it would travel faster than it has which is either really reassuring that there isn't much gossip around this place or I'm slightly hurt because no one thinks my news is worth gossiping about.  Needless to say it has been a very interesting and comical last couple weeks with people "asking" if I'm expecting and then being flabbergasted that I'm already at just under 5 months and barely showing.  It feels very VERY odd to interact with people and them stare at my stomach, especially when they know I'm pregnant and aren't trying to figure out if my winter fat has come on early or if in fact I'm with child.  The silly grins I get from people when they see me like they couldn't be happier for me EVERY time they see me is slightly on the awkward side but I realize it is an exciting time and they are just happy for me, so I smile back and share in their happiness.  The amount of advise people share or impart on me is just amazing, I do my best to listen and say thank you for the tip but it is comical to me the things people share (i.e. I shouldn't be wearing high heels for my safety).  I'm enjoying this experience and am definitely taking it all in.

I'm very much enjoying this journey and I am even more excited that I'm reaching a point where I feel like this is more than just a busting out of my jeans moment.  The little kicks (at least that's what I'm going with) and the farewell to zippers makes it all more real. 

We have been very luck to have so many generous friends, we've received two cribs (one for us and one for Grandma and Grandpa's house), a monitor, books, changing table, strollers, etc. Kyle and I assembled our crib this weekend and think it just fits the room so perfectly.  We are going to pick up the changing table over thanksgiving and then my glider after Christmas to call the "big" items for the house done (or so I think).  From there it will be filling the room with all the fun and necessary items. 

I continue my daycare search and am hopefully we will find the right fit very soon.  I am struggling with nanny vs. daycare, close to work vs. close to home, how many hours a day to employ the care, will we be on a waiting list, etc.  My favorite response from several places I call is "we just need the name of the child and we can put you on the waiting list."  I'm like, seriously I just told you I wasn't due until April AND we won't know the name until then...I'm about to just give them a fake name if it comes down to it, crazy that a name is what does it not my cold hard $$ that holds my place in line?!?!?  Anyways, it will work out and all will be good to go. 

Next Dr. appointment is December 8th.  I'm tracking at a good weight and pulse/blood pressure looks good.  Dr. told me at my next appointment I'll need to schedule the dreaded gestational diabetes test, I'm extra curious about the fabled drink that accompanies the test.  Also, going to ask how much longer she'll let me play basketball...after the 8th I have 2 more games before the season is over, fingers crossed she'll be on board with finishing it out.  I feel great and love being active.  No more regular yoga for me, the stomach moves just are plain uncomfortable and makes me want to pee every time.  I've found and will start a weekly pre-natal yoga class to keep things limber and have a dedicated relax time.  I am thinking about starting swim more at the gym, it always feels so good afterwards and is a pretty impact free way to get in some cardio, time to invest in some waterproof Bluetooth headphones :-)  do I hear a Christmas present???? 

Thanks for reading the blog and I'll try to get a post or two up here that don't have to do with this baby bump journey. 

Here is the nursery with the crib in it...what a difference a crib makes I tell ya!

Bump Picture Update - 18 & 19

Two pictures this week...I really want to write more about my experience and my experience at work but I will wait until lunch or later tonight.

Enjoy the pictures for now :)

Week 17

Weekly picture...feeling good but pants are definitely getting tight. In strange in between stage, normal pants too tight but maternity too much pant and weather still too warm for sweaters and leggings. I will figure it out but it is odd for now.

Pumpkin King 2014 is Crowned!

The winner by 1 vote is our host with the most...KYLE CHILDERS...pumpkin number XIII.  Thank you for everyone who voted.  Here is the winner's pumpkin.

XIII

 

And here is the breakdown of who carved the other pumpkins
I - Eric
II - Heather
III - Silva Family (tie for second place)
IV - Corbin (tie for second place)
V - Jeff
VI - Vinceena
VII - Larry
VIII - Corbin (unofficial entry, can't leave a pumpkin out)
IX - Bree and Bob
X - Danielle
XI - Nicole and Kelly
XII - Shalyce
XIII - Kyle (Pumpkin King 2014)

I believe I captured that correctly but if I misspoke on an artist please let me know and I will correct.  Thank you again everyone who made it, we had a FABULOUS turn out and an excellent time visiting with everyone.

Look forward to next year!

Congratulations Kyle

And we are having a.....

SURPRISE!!!! You all still have to wait until April to find out what I am growing all these months.

Baby was wrapped up in a tight ball, sitting very low in my tummy. It was not easy to get all the measurements and pictures they needed but doctor said everything looks great and nothing to raise any concerns. Next ultrasound will be at 32 weeks, so long to wait!!!

We are so thankful to have a healthy baby on the way and I am still so so lucky to be feeling good. I look forward to what comes next, San Diego trip this coming weekend. Can't wait for some fun in the sun and quality time with family and friends.

Enjoy our latest pictures of the little peanut, I think baby has my nose for sure ;)

Baby update Week 16 picture

Well tomorrow marks week 17 and I can't deny the bump any longer, had to unbutton my pants today. App says baby will double in size in the next few weeks, crazy to think we are almost half way there.

I feel great still and look forward to our appointment on Monday. This would be THE appointment to find out the sex of the baby but we are still going to wait. I will post pictures from our appointment though for anyone who wants to see our little munchkin.

Can't wait to head to San Diego next weekend for a wedding and long weekend with my family. We have a ton of fun planned and will try to post some pictures.

Pumpkin King 2014 Voting is Now OPEN!!!

Please follow the link to the voting survey...I will close the voting Sunday 11/2 at 8pm so get your vote in now :-)  Be sure to push submit at the bottom of the survey to finalize your vote, you make your selection, a check mark is shown and then you push submit to lock in your vote.  Please only one vote per person.

http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1867008/Pumpkin-King-2014

We had such a fabulous time this year, we had so many great friends and family with us.  So much food to enjoy and the company was fantastic.  Thank you all for joining the fun this year and we look forward to next year.

Now, what is our next party.......

Have to include a picture of my family

Week 15

Couple days late but here we go. Tired after long day of painting, finish up painting base boards tomorrow then decorate. Wahooo!

Room progress

We painted today! Tomorrow I will paint the baseboards white and it will be complete. Can't wait to put the blinds back up and get some new curtains. Shelf and TV to be rehung and then baby stuff can move it.

Maternity Clothes

Thankfully I'm not in a bind and scrambling to find maternity clothes, my skinny jeans are still fitting comfortably.  But I was curious about what other mother's found to be their fav maternity brand.  It seems that places like Ross and TJMaxx have a VERY limited, if any, maternity section and that is where I was hoping to campout and find the deals.  I gearing up for an Old Navy and Target trip but the majority of their items are online and this whole S, M or L endeavor is a little simplistic for me, especially in the pants world.  Since when do jeans and work pants come in S, M, or L???  And which of those categories will I fall into when I'm 8 months pregnant?!?!?  And then how in the world do I buy them online without trying them on?  See my dilemma?  I know I know, 1st world problems...but I find it very confusing.  I don't wear a small pant size pre pregnancy but is that what I'm supposed to wear now?  What about those tiny people wear smalls normally, what do they do? 

Any who...the real purpose of this blog entry is to find out if there are any lines in particular that have worked well for you all?  I really only want to get the basics and not spend a ton of money on clothes, but I'll need work basics, casual basics and a winter coat...any thoughts or suggestions would be great!  Send me links those are even better!

Thank you everyone for any information you have to share :-)

100 days down, 180 left to go

We made it to the triple digits! Feeling good and just trying to enjoy the trip. Things around the house haven't really changed yet, sleeping in with the pups and enjoying our weekends.

Would like to make a trip to buy buy baby and do some hands on shopping so I can shop smarter on Amazon :) maybe I will do that Monday when I am not working, yes!!! This Tuesday is my one year work anniversary, it is amazing how quickly time has flown by this last year.

Look forward to this next year and all the work challenges and baby excitement.

Progress Pictures

Weeks 11-14

 

 

Still haven't quick figured out how I should stand to make these work better but as the time goes by the belly will be more pronounced and it won't matter how I stand.  And at this point I better not change things so they can all be the same.  I need to find an App that will make these into a little video and can watch the progress easier