39 Weeks - Merry Christmas!!

How far along? 39 Weeks, 4 Day
Total weight gain/loss: 33 lbs.
Maternity clothes? Oh yeah!
Stretch marks? None yet!
Sleep: Sleep - haha I don't even know what that is. Between the bathroom trips in the middle of the night to my snoring that wakes me up, it's been rough! I'm exhausted
Best moment this week: Monday was my last day of work!! Wahoo it's so nice to be able to just sit at home and wait for the arrival of Kallen. Spending the Holidays with my family is always amazing :) Kallen got so spoiled for Christmas and he isn't even here yet!! 
Miss Anything? Sleep and just being comfortable
Movement: He is still very active, but I've noticed he has started to mellow out over the last couple of days.
Food Cravings: Haven't really had any. Eating just makes me uncomfortable and so full
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing really
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: I had my membranes stripped on Tuesday and I think I've started to lose part of my mucous plug - so hopefully that will get the ball rolling. This momma is ready
Symptoms: Mucous plug, slight cramps, my fingers and toes have been so achy. It's the worse in the mornings. I can barely move my hands
Belly Button in or out: Out
Wedding rings on or off: Off :( I hate it and can't wait until it fits again!!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy and ready to meet Kallen
Looking forward to: D-Day!!!

38 Weeks

How far along? 38 Weeks, 2 Day
Total weight gain/loss: 32 lbs.
Maternity clothes? Oh yeah!
Stretch marks? None yet!
Sleep: I've been so exhausted this week. I usually come home from work and fall asleep while my amazing hubby makes dinner. Trying to sleep through the night though is terrible. I'm up all the time for trips to the bathroom and just uncomfortable
Best moment this week: I'm just soaking up every last bit of being pregnant. Laying around feeling him kick and wiggle and eating all the snacks I want and not feeling guilty about it! I also had a doctor appointment this week and I'm 1 1/2 centimeters dilated and 70% effaced. Hopefully Kallen wants to make his appearance very soon. 
Miss Anything? So many things I can't even count, but I know I'm going to miss my baby belly more than all of them at this points!
Movement: He is so active. I swear he hardly sleeps anymore. He loves to kick momma in her rib cage. I'm looking forward to seeing his movements when he is on the outside :)
Food Cravings: Chocolate and SWEETS
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing really
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: Still just a lot of braxton hicks and some minor cramping. I have a feeling he is pretty cozy in there - but I know that he is running out of room
Symptoms: I've had lots of pelvis and hip pain. The doctor said that he is very engaged in my pelvis. I can sure tell/feel every time he moves his little head around. I've been getting really bad heartburn/acid reflux this week which has been no bueno
Belly Button in or out: Out
Wedding rings on or off: Off :( I can't wait until my hands aren't swollen and it fits again. I seriously feel so naked without it. There are times I'll be at work or out and about and freak out because I think I've lost it - when really it's just at home waiting for my fat little hand to be able to fit in it again
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, excited, scared and nervous all at the same time
Looking forward to: My last day of work and D-Day!!!

37 Weeks

How far along? 37 Weeks, 4 Day
Total weight gain/loss: 30 lbs.
Maternity clothes? Oh yeah!
Stretch marks? None yet!
Sleep: No bueno, I'm just so uncomfortable and get these random weird hiccups in the middle of the night that wake me up. Not to mention I'm so sick of sleeping on my side!!
Best moment this week: Getting my results back for the Strep B test - they came back negative - YAY!!! Getting to see my little guy on the ultrasound :) Doc is predicting he is 6 1/2 pounds. Lets hope Kallen doesn't grow too much in the next couple of weeks.
Miss Anything? Being comfortable! and being able to breathe, I feel like I have an elephant sitting on my chest
Movement: Lots of big movements and rearranging.....He is getting pretty cramped in there. I can feel little fingers and toes move I swear!!!
Food Cravings: I've been craving ice. I haven't had much of an appetite as baby is taking up most of my stomach/food room
Anything making you queasy or sick: Coffee, which is making me really sad because I really would love to enjoy a white peppermint mocha from Starbucks
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: Just a lot of braxton hicks late at night and on the weekends after I have been on the go all week
Symptoms: Week 37 has been a rough week - I feel like I have officially hit a wall mentally and physically. Being uncomfortable has a whole new meaning. I have no energy to do anything and feel like I've been such a horrible wife lately :( My stomach gets really tight at night and that is very painful. I get these horrible pains in my groin, which I'm sure is caused from his head pushing down there. My stupid heartburn is back in full force. All of these symptoms are horrible but in the end I know the will all be worth it when I'm holding my sweet baby boy in my arms.
Belly Button in or out: Out
Wedding rings on or off: Off, it officially stopped fitting this week. It may be because at work where I sit is a thousand degrees and I've had pretty bad swelling lately. It has been an abnormally warm December. Today 12/11/2014 it was 64 degrees!!!! I'm ready for the cold! This mama is baking in the heat
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy and miserable all at the same time
Looking forward to: Kallen's arrival of course!! I can't believe we are getting so close to his due date!!!

Pregnancy Must Haves

As my pregnancy is coming to a very near end...I thought I would share with you all of my favorite things that have made the last 9 months a little easier on me. I will be honest, I feel like I have had a pretty easy pregnancy. Rarely any morning sickness, slept pretty well, up until the last month. I have felt pretty good the entire time....up until these last weeks of course, when you are just so uncomfortable I don't think anything could make it better :) 

 Martinelli - The perfect alternative to all of the other things you can't drink while pregnant! Coffee in the afternoon, wine with dinner or a beer on a Saturday afternoon. Martinelli is great to have around when you're with a bunch of people drinking too. You have something to drink & it sort of gives you the same type of taste in your mouth :)
Maternity Leggings - I have LOVED my maternity leggings from Target....they are amazing! I will probably continue to wear them even after pregnancy because the are so comfy!
CeraVe Stretch Mark Cream - This stuff has saved my skin! I know they say it is very much hereditary whether or not you get stretch marks but I do believe that using a good moisturizer can help a lot! I used cocoa butter for a while at the begging, but quickly started to gag at the smell of it.
I'm Pregnant! - Loved this book, it was very informational and gave me great insight on what to expect during and after pregnancy.
Boopy Cuddle Pillow - This little guy helped so much with hip and tailbone pain. It also fits perfectly in bed. I got a large full body pillow from Target, but when hubby, me, Leo and the body pillow all tried to fit into our queen size bed, it was a no go!!!
Water Bottle - Sound silly but here is my reasoning. It is recommended that you drink 8 million cups of water each day while pregnant. If you have a water bottle that you LOVE....you will be so much more likely to keep filling it up rather than just using a glass. 

 

It's DECEMBER!

Sweet Baby Boy, 

It's your birth month!! I still remember writing "Estimated Arrival...December 2014" on the chalkboard for your announcement pictures, like it was yesterday. I can still see your Daddy's face when I told him I was pregnant with you. You'll be here in no time now, we can hardly wait. You are already loved by so many who can't wait to meet you!

Enjoy your last few weeks in my belly sweet little boy! I think you are very excited for you new home though. You love to kick & wiggle lots whenever I am in your nursery. We love you SO much already & can't wait to kiss your sweet face.

Love, Momma

 How far along? 36 Weeks, 2 Day
Total weight gain/loss: 27 lbs - This week I would like to think the weight gain is due to all the turkey I ate on Thanksgiving :)
Maternity clothes? yep - literally living in my leggings and maternity shirts from here on out!
Stretch marks? None yet, fingers crossed it stays that way
Sleep: I really don't even know what that is anymore. I fill like a zombie anymore
Best moment this week: Celebrating our 2 year wedding anniversary with my amazing husband. Although we didn't have a very eventful night I'm grateful for every night I get to spend with my hubby.
Miss Anything? I miss a lot of things. I would say that I miss sleep and being comfortable the most
Movement: Still lots of movement. Kallen kicks so hard sometimes that it takes my breath away
Food Cravings: Pumpkin - yummmm I have been eating so much pumpkin pie
Anything making you queasy or sick: The smell of green onions. We had some sitting in our fridge that stunk so bad!!
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: Still just a ton of braxton hicks and crampy feelings
Symptoms: My right ribs are really sore! I have been feeling a lot of pressure as my belly continues to grow - by the minutes I swear!
Belly Button in or out: Still a halfie
Wedding rings on or off: On, although it's starting to get tighter and by the end of the day my fingers are usually swollen to the point that it doesn't slide off so easily anymore
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy and uncomfortable all at the same time
Looking forward to: Kallen's arrival of course!! I'm also looking forward to seeing Kallen during our ultrasound next week. Doctor is going to see what position sweet baby boy is in and estimate how big baby boy is. Fingers crossed that he's not going to be a big baby!

Our Second Anniversary

  Today, my husband & I celebrate our second wedding anniversary.

 Two years ago today, we were getting ready to walk down the aisle and say "I Do!" We spent the day with all of our friends and family, and were enjoying our first night as Mr. & Mrs. 

Today. we feel all grow up. Expecting our first baby in just a few short weeks!!

Seems like just yesterday we were in high school on our first date. The years have flown by, through all of the good times & bad, we find ourselves happier than ever. He always goes out of his way to make sure that I'm happy and taken care of. He never complains when I decorate for holidays a month ahead of time. He always makes me laugh and is the most sincere loving person that I have ever met. I love him more than I ever have in my entire life. I just know he is going to be the BEST dad in the whole wide world & I can't wait for it!! Kallen is going to admire and look up to his daddy so much! I feel so blessed & thank God every day for giving me such an amazing husband!

 

Cheers to two amazing years & many more to come!!!!

He will forever be my always <3

Nursery Tour

So VERY excited to finally share pictures of Kallen's nursery!! 

 Kevin did such an awesome job painting the night stand and the shelf, as well as hanging everything in the nursery! I don't know what I would do without my handy dandy husband! I love how Kallen's nursery turned out and I can't wait for him to see it!

Nursery Before

Nursery Before

Nursery After

35 Weeks - Happy Thanksgiving!

How far along? 35 Weeks, 4 Day
Total weight gain/loss: 26 lbs - I just don't even like to look at the scale anymore at my Dr. appointments
Maternity clothes? Oh yes
Stretch marks? None yet, still going strong. I did however switch from coco butter to another cream due to the smell of coco making me sick
Sleep: I try to take a lot of naps, since I'm only sleeping about 2 hour increments
Best moment this week: Spending Thanksgiving with my family! Celebrating my little sisters 24th birthday and decorating the house for Christmas
Miss Anything? Breathing, sitting and laying normally and fitting in my sweats :(
Movement: More so rolls and wiggles - I'm sure he is pretty cramped in there. I will however get the random karate kick in the rib here and there
Food Cravings: Pumpkin - yummmm I have been eating so much pumpkin pie
Anything making you queasy or sick: Smell of coco butter
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: Still just braxton hicks at night or when I'm too active
Symptoms: Sore ribs, braxton hicks, starting to get swelling in my hands and feet
Belly Button in or out: Still a halfie - the top is out and the bottom is in
Wedding rings on or off: On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy but oooooo so tired
Looking forward to: Our next Dr. appointment on Monday December 1st and celebrating out 2 year wedding anniversary. I can't believe I have been married to my best friend for 2 years already. I guess the saying is true......time flies when you are having fun. I'm one lucky lady to have such an amazing husband, he is going to make the best dad! I can't wait for Kallen to meet his daddy

34 Weeks

How far along? 34 Weeks, 2 Day
Total weight gain/loss: 25 lbs
Maternity clothes? Yes. lots of them :) I'm so happy that it's finally starting to get cold. I've pretty much been living in my maternity leggings - they are so comfy!
Stretch marks? None yet - I've been lathering up with the coco butter - although the smell of it makes me sick!
Sleep: Sleep?? What is sleep? I'm up almost every two hours to use the bathroom. Leo still thinks he needs to sleep on baby brother and is like a brick house when I try to move him. Everyone says it's just preparing me for what's to come
Best moment this week: On Saturday I went shopping with my momma to get all of the last little things that baby Kallen is going to need. My mom has been a life saver and has helped me organize the nursery and finish up all the small final touches.
Miss Anything? I miss being able to sit comfortably, heck I can barley make it for the car ride up to my parents (which is only about 30 minutes!)
Movement: Still very active especially at night, around 11:00 PM when mama is trying to fall asleep, Kallen is in there having a party! He gets the hiccups a lot, and he gets so mad when he does he will start kicking up a storm
Food Cravings: This week it has been jello
Anything making you queasy or sick: Coffee has been making me very sick, so the mornings at work have become very rough and it takes me forever to wake up. All I want to do is sleep ZZZZZZZ
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: I've been getting very bad braxton hicks/contractions at night.
Symptoms: Kallen loves to kick mommy in my rib cage, so that has been causing some pain. After a 9 hour day of work, when I get home, my feet are starting to swell
Belly Button in or out: The top is out and the bottom is in. I hate laughing really hard because it pops in and out
Wedding rings on or off: On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy for the most part. I have had some weird emotional days lately where I just want to cry
Looking forward to: I nice relaxing weekend at home. I need to finish washing Kallen's clothes and organizing the kitchen and bath items.

KALLENS BABY SHOWER

Adorable Cake

Baby Kallen's shower was November 8th and it turned out amazing! You are already loved by so many baby boy - and they all can't wait to meet and love on you! My mom did an amazing job planning the shower and I appreciate each and everyone of you that helped her make it happen! Kallen and I love you guys oh so much!!! Kallen got so many gifts at his shower and is already so spoiled! It's crazy how much you can love someone that you have never even met!

Centerpieces

Waterin' Hole

Food Table

32 Weeks

How far along? 32 Weeks, 2 Day
Total weight gain/loss: 25 lbs
Maternity clothes? Yes. lots of them :) I'm starting to fill huge!
Stretch marks? None yet
Sleep: Sleep is not so great anymore! Leo thinks that he needs to sleep on top of baby brother every night and won't move when mom needs to get up to go potty
Best moment this week: Finishing all of the final touches for Kallen's baby shower this weekend!
Miss Anything? I miss having all of my cute pajama sets from VS fit me. I miss curling up in a ball on the couch and I miss not having a little human kick me in the rib cage
Movement: Still very active. At times it's annoying and really uncomfortable - but I know when he is out and not kicking anymore I'm going to miss that feeling
Food Cravings: Sweets!!!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really.....but food just doesn't sound that great.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Rib pain and my legs fall asleep constantly
Belly Button in or out: More out than in and if I laugh really hard it pops all the way out
Wedding rings on or off: On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: The baby shower this weekend!! I can't wait to see all of my friends and family and to celebrate this little bundle of joy!!

Sorry for the bad lighting in this picture! I'm going to have to start taking these pictures on Sunday seeing as with Daylight Savings Time it gets dark at 5:30 PM! Ugh I hate how fast it gets dark!!

Week 31 - Happy Halloween

How far along? 31 Weeks, 3 Day
Total weight gain/loss: 23 lbs
Maternity clothes? lots of maternity shirts & leggings. I bought a few dresses from Old Navy and some yoga pants from Motherhood that are so comfy
Stretch marks? None yet
Sleep: Sleep is just meh anymore. I wake up at least three times a night to use the restroom and my hips are starting to get sore. Oh how I miss sleeping on my tummy and back. I did buy a Boppy wedge body pillow that has seemed to help a little bit with the sore hips.
Best moment this week: This last weekend my amazing hubby took me to Midway for the weekend. It was so nice to get out of town and do nothing :) I would love to live in a place like Midway. So much simpler then the city and I love how quite it was up there.
Miss Anything? Everything - I'm officially at the uncomfortable stage. I'm out of breath from walking upstairs and trying to put my socks/boots on without huffing and puffing is becoming quite the task. Thankfully I have an awesome hubby who is always willing to help :)
Movement: He is kicking less and more so starting to shift and roll around. He gets the hiccups a lot - sometime 4 times a day!
Food Cravings: I'm still just craving sweets! Which is lucky for me being Halloween and all
Anything making you queasy or sick: This week has been pretty bad. Kallen has been wrecking havoc on his mommy this week - almost all food I've had a hard time eating and not getting sick. I'm hoping that this gets better
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: I'm having rib pain where I think his little feet are kicking me. Sitting at a desk all day has been rough - my legs fall asleep very easily so I have to get up and walk around a lot throughout the day. My feet are starting to swell if I'm on them all day
Belly Button in or out: top is starting to pop out - but it's still a halfie haha
Wedding rings on or off: On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy
Looking forward to:I'm excited for Halloween. Although we aren't dressing up and going all out this year, like usual, I'm excited to see all the cute little kids trick or treating. I'm also excited to finish up the guest room in the basement for after Kallen is born so Grandma J has a place to stay when she comes to visit us :) Oh how my weekends have changed :)

Week 30 and Name Revealed

How far along? 30 Weeks, 2 Day
Total weight gain/loss: 22 lbs - yikes - I'm getting up there!
Maternity clothes? Mostly my regular clothes with a few maternity items mixed in
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: All of the sudden sleep is not so great. I lay awake at night thinking of all the things to come and totally struggle to fall asleep. Then I wake up at least twice a night to go pee and not to mention the horrid leg cramps that I have been getting
Best moment this week: We started our third trimester class at Riverton Hospital. I'm not sure if this class is suppose to help you or if it's suppose to scare the hell out of you. Wendy the instructor is a L&D nurse and makes the class very fun and interesting
Miss Anything? I miss just being able to keep up with life. I'm so tired all the time - I can literally wake up from a nap and still be tired and ready to go back to bed. I don't know how I'm going to make it through the Holidays. Just the word Holidays is making me tired
Movement: He loves to kick his momma and is starting to kick up in my ribs - lucky me
Food Cravings: Still loving peppermint. Hopefully this is the case come December when Starbucks has their peppermint mochas :)
Anything making you queasy or sick: This week I haven't had anything make me sick
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out: It's a halfie haha - the top is poking out but the bottom is still in
Wedding rings on or off: On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Uncomfortable yet happy :)
Looking forward to: Going away for the weekend with the hubby. He was so sweet and got us a room in Midway. It will be nice to get away and not worry about anything expect spending time with him! Can't wait :)

We finally decided on a name!!!
His name will be....
KALLEN SCOTT SCHOUTEN

 

Kevin and I had a pretty difficult time agreeing and picking out a name! I thought we were never going to agree on one! I love unique names! The spelling of my name is fairly unique and I loved never having to share a name with someone else in school or at work. So that is why we choose to spell Kallen with a K instead of a C like we have typically seen.

Kevin was pretty dead set on the name Kallen, while I was leaning towards another name that we had picked out. It was really weird and his name just came to me one day! I love Baby K's name and couldn't be more happy with our decision. 

 

Week 29

How far along? 29 Weeks, 4 Day
Total weight gain/loss: 21 lbs - I'm praying all this weight is boobs and belly ;)
Maternity clothes? Mostly my regular clothes with a few maternity items mixed in
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: I'm still not sleeping that great.
Best moment this week: Finishing the nursery and finally choosing a name for Baby K! I'm just getting so much more excited as each day passes!
Miss Anything? Fitting into all of my winter clothes from last year, not having to deal with this horrible sciatic nerve pain and sleeping on my tummy
Movement: Still having a lot of movement. His kicks are getting a lot more aggressiveFood Cravings: I've been craving peppermint ice cream, which peppermint is apparently a natural cure for heartburn, which I've been getting a lot of lately :(
Anything making you queasy or sick: The smell of anything fish. We got Popeye's Chicken the other night and the hubby ordered shrimp and fish and I about threw up on the car ride home.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out: Ummmm it's weird! Only the top portion is semi popping out and it depends on how I'm laying or sitting
Wedding rings on or off: On - they seem looser than ever, that might just be because of the cold weather though
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, happy, happy!
Looking forward to: A fun filled weekend with friends and family

Week 28

How far along? 28 Weeks, 3 Day
Total weight gain/loss: 20 lbs - yikes getting up there!
Maternity clothes? I finally caved and bought some :) I still love wearing my maternity leggings though. I got a super cute pair of maternity jeans from H&M
Stretch marks? Nope - fingers crossed that I can keep answering no to this question
Sleep: I've not been sleeping so great. My sciatic nerve has been so horrible this past week. It's hard to fall asleep let along stay asleep. Oh zzzzzzz's how I miss theeeee :(
Best moment this week: Getting everything ready for Baby K's shower
Miss Anything? I miss not having morning sickness - So weird that I haven't been sick this whole pregnancy until now!
Movement: I'm pretty sure that Baby K is a ninja. He loves to move and wiggle and kick mommy in the ribs. Baby K hates it when I lay on my back and always kicks me super hard when I do
Anything making you queasy or sick: Coffee :( Which is making mornings very rough!!
Have you started to show yet: Yes - my belly is growing by the second
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: No but I have been experiencing Braxton Hicks
Belly Button in or out: Ummmm it's pretty much just flat. I'm just waiting for it to pop out
Wedding rings on or off: On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy and a little nervous and scared. Can't believe that I am already in my third trimester - the home stretch
Looking forward to: We were discussing going and getting a 3D Ultrasound done sometime. We will have to see :)

How adorable are Baby K's shower invites? I'm slightly obsessed :) Can't wait to see everyone at the shower! They were designed by GreenDotDesigns. Below is the link to her etsy page. https://www.etsy.com/shop/GreenDotDesigns 

My Favorite Things about Fall

I love this time of year - I always have.

While in some ways the season is bittersweet, in other ways, it's a quiet reminder of the beauty that is yet to come. I adore the orange, red and yellow leaves falling from the restless tree limbs. there is so much to love about autumn: the crisp-as-an-apple mornings, pumpkin spiced lattes, and of course, wearing scarves and warm boots! 

These are a few of my favorite things about fall! What is your favorite time of year?