27 Weeks Development

How your baby's growing:

This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

How your life's changing:

The second trimester is drawing to a close, but as your body gears up for the final lap, you may start noticing some new symptoms. Along with an aching back, for example, you may find that your leg muscles cramp up now and then. They're carrying extra weight, after all, and your expanding uterus is putting pressure on the veins that return blood from your legs to your heart as well as on the nerves leading from your trunk to your legs. Unfortunately, the cramps may get worse as your pregnancy progresses. Leg cramps are more common at night but can also happen during the day. When a cramp strikes, stretching the calf muscle should give you some relief. Straighten your leg and then gently flex your toes back toward your shin. Walking for a few minutes or massaging your calf sometimes helps, too.

Great Mail Day!!

Yesterday our changing table and bedding set came in the mail. Brian wanted me to wait until he got home to assemble the changing table but I couldn't wait-I was too anxious to have it put together. It only took me 30 minutes to assemble-it was super easy. The color is antique white so it doesn't totally match the crib but that's not a big deal. It's solid and sturdy and that's all that matters. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the new bedding set. It looks so nice and I'm so glad to get rid of the old ratty set. Although the old comforter we kept because Gizmo thinks it's his so we put it on the end of the bed so he would have something to sleep on and to keep him off the new comforter for awhile :-)

Tasty Tuesday

In honor of the upcoming Super Bowl

PARTY PITA WEDGES

2 regular sized pita pockets (6 inch)
2 large cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
16 slices pepperoni
4 round slices provolone cheese
1/3 cup medium chunky salsa


In a heatproof cup or bowl heat olive oil, oregano, salt and pepper in microwave on high for 40 seconds. Remove and add butter. Stir and set aside.

Using kitchen scissors, cut pita pockets into 4 pizza slice shaped wedges (slice in half, then slice each half again to make the wedges). Cut again along curved outer edge to separate into 2. Brush both sides of the pita wedges with warm olive oil mixture, coating well.

Place wedges crust side down on a baking sheet. Spread 1 teaspoon of salsa to top each wedge. Cut provolone slices into 4 wedge shapes and place one on top of each. Top with a slice of pepperoni, if desired. Drizzle with any remaining olive oil and sprinkle lightly with coarse sea salt.

Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is bubbly. Serve while still warm.

Makes 16 wedges.


Variation: Cut pita into 4 wedge shaped pockets. Fill the same way as above (but only half as much cheese wedges and pepperoni slices will be needed if making pockets instead of crusts).

6 Month Checkup & Belly Pics

Today was our 6 month checkup. Addison's heartbeat was 15obpm. I just loving hearing the swish swash of the heartbeat. What a wonderful sound!! Next week I have to go and have my glucose screening and iron levels checked. Next week also starts my third trimester!! Where has the time gone?? We signed up for the childbirth/lamaze classes today. The February class was full so we'll go to the March classes.

She has been moving around and kicking so much lately. It's such a great and reassuring feeling. I believe she already knows Brian's voice because everynight when he gets home from work and starts talking she starts kicking-so she's either trying to tell him to be quiet because she was sleeping or she's excited to hear him...haha!!

26 Weeks Development

How your baby's growing:

The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. She may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. She's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when she's born and takes that first gulp of air. And she's continuing to put on baby fat. She now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches-the length of an English hothouse cucumber from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.

How your life's changing:

Are you rushing around trying to get to childbirth classes and prepare your baby's room while still taking care of all your other daily tasks? Make sure that you also continue to eat well and get plenty of rest. Around this time, your blood pressure may be increasing slightly, although it's probably still lower than it was before you got pregnant. (Typically, blood pressure falls toward the end of the first trimester, and it tends to reach a low at about 22 to 24 weeks.)

Preeclampsia — a serious disorder characterized by high blood pressure and protein in your urine — most often shows up after 37 weeks, but it can happen earlier so it's important to be aware of the warning signs of this condition. Call your caregiver if you have swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, more than slight swelling of your hands, excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, or rapid weight gain (more than 4 pounds in a week). With more severe preeclampsia, you may experience other symptoms. Let your caregiver know immediately if you have a severe or persistent headache, vision changes (including double or blurred vision, seeing spots or flashing lights, sensitivity to light, or temporary loss of vision), intense pain or tenderness in your upper abdomen, or vomiting.

If your lower back seems a little achy lately, you can thank both your growing uterus — which shifts your center of gravity, stretches out and weakens your abdominal muscles, and may be pressing on a nerve — as well as hormonal changes that loosen your joints and ligaments. Plus, the extra weight you're carrying means more work for your muscles and increased stress on your joints, which is why you may feel worse at the end of the day. Walking, standing, or sitting for long periods, as well as bending and lifting can all put a strain on your back. A warm bath or hot compress might bring relief. (Some women, though, find cool compresses more comforting.) Try to maintain good posture during the day, avoid activities that require bending and twisting at the same time, take frequent breaks when sitting or standing, and sleep on your side with one or both knees bent with a pillow between your legs, using another pillow (or wedge) to support your abdomen.

Changing Table

I've been looking for a changing table FOREVER!! I'm really picky and couldn't find anything I really liked. All the changing tables are being made to look sleeker which means less protection/railing to keep the baby safe while on the table. After searching the web I found one that I fell in LOVE with but Target was the only place that carried it and they no longer sell it...boo!!! So after much pursuit I was able to locate one online and purchased it and it should arrive in the next week or so. I love how it seems safe and durable. The only thing I would change is the feet-I might remove the "knobs." All we need now is the glider/ottoman and we will have everything for the nursery!! My Mom will be bringing the white dresser I used as a child when she comes this summer.

Happy Birthday Brian!!

Here's wishing my hubby a very Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!

Tasty Tuesday

CHEDDAR CHEESE BROCCOLI SOUP






4 heads broccoli, chopped

16 oz. Velveeta cheese, chopped

2 c. onions, chopped

4 c. water

2 cans cream of celery soup

2 cans cheddar cheese soup

1 can cream of mushroom soup



Mix chopped broccoli and onions and 4 cups of water and boil. Allow mixture to boil for 5 minutes. Pour 2 cans of cream of celery, 1 can of cream of mushroom and 2 cans of cheddar cheese soup into mixture. Stir and turn heat to low. Put chopped Velveeta cheese on top slowly while stirring.

25 Weeks Development

How your baby's growing:

Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an eggplant, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture. Let your spouse put an ear to your belly -- he might be able to pick up baby's heartbeat (no stethoscope required). Inside the womb, the formation of tiny capillaries is giving baby a healthy pink glow. Baby's also soaking up your antibodies, getting the immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and baby will soon perfect the blink -- perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes.

How your life's changing:

Your baby's not the only one with more hair — your locks may look more full and lustrous than ever. It's not that you're growing more hair, but thanks to hormonal changes, the hair that you'd normally shed is sticking around longer than usual. Enjoy the fullness while you can — the extra hair will fall out after you give birth.

You may also notice that you can't move around as gracefully as before. Unless your caregiver has advised you otherwise, it's fine to continue to exercise, but followa few safety rules: Don't work out when you're feeling overly tired and stop if you feel any pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Don't lie flat on your back and avoid contact sports as well as any exercise where you're apt to lose your balance. Be sure to drink plenty of water, and make time for both warm-up and cool-down periods.

When you have your glucose-screening test at 24 to 28 weeks, a second tube of blood may be taken at the same time to check for anemia. If blood tests show that you have iron-deficiency anemia the most common type of anemia), your caregiver will probably recommend that you take an iron supplement.

New Phone

So I went on a online shopping spree yesterday. Besides my bedding purchase I decided after having my cell phone for 1.5 years it was time for an upgrade...so I splurged!! I ordered the Pink Samsung Instinct Touch screen phone. It's been compared alot to the iphone and actually customers prefer it over the iphone! It has so many features to it that I can't wait to use. Here's a list of some of the features.

GPS Navigation

Receive audible and visual turn-by-turn driving directions, map your location, or conduct local searches direct from your handset.

Sprint Mobile Email

Get easy access to your favorite home email services including AOL, Yahoo!, Gmail, and MSN/Windows Live Hotmail and more...

Sprint Mobile Email Work

Now access work email on the popular non-PDA phones. Receive email from Microsoft Exchange 2000, 2003, 2007 and Lotus Notes Domino versions 6.0, 6.5 and 7.0 with our latest software update.

SMS Text Messaging

Instantly send and receive SMS text messages across the room or around the country.

Visual Voicemail

Visual Voicemail gives you quick and easy access to just the messages you want to listen to by letting you go directly to a specific message, without needing to listen to or skip past previous messages.

2.0 mp camera and camcorder

Shoot and share pictures plus videos with a 2.0 megapixel camera and camcorder and view them in your phone's picture gallery. View images and videos in thumbnail mode or scroll through larger previews with filmstrip mode.

Customizable Favorites Menu

Personalize your phone based on the applications most frequently used; assign favorite device activities to the corresponding menu numbers for quick access.

Speech to Action Button

The Speech to Action feature let's you place calls using your voice, store voice reminders, and record voice memos right on your device.

Sprint Mobile Email Work Calendar

Have instant access to your work calendar almost anywhere. The Sprint Mobile Email Work tool lets users sync directly with their work calendars in Microsoft Exchange or Lotus Notes on select phones. One-click access to your calendar, plus the ability to add new events, get reminders when they come up and keeps you connected virtually wherever you go.

Bluetooth® Enabled including Stereo BT profile

Enjoy the convenience of hands-free communication by using headsets, car-kits and other Bluetooth-compatible devices.* Stereo Bluetooth lets you listen to your music on the go or listen to your music using compatible accessories without wires. *Bluetooth wireless accessories are sold separately.

Bluetooth Caller ID

When connected to a Bluetooth device, caller information for incoming calls will be spoken through the Bluetooth device. Decide to answer the call without ever looking at your phone.

MicroSD Memory Card

Store data on the included 2GB removable memory card. Up to 8GB cards supported and available for purchase.

Sprint® Music Store^SM

Download stereo-quality tracks instantly to your wireless phone or PC. Choose songs from thousands of artists in virtually every genre, and listen wherever you go.

Streaming Music

Get over 30 channels - Hip Hop, Top Hits, Latin Pop, music videos and shows from NPR, Sporting News and more, streamed to your phone.

Background music playing mode

Use the Sprint Music Store to listen to music while sending text messages, browsing the Web, or playing a downloaded game.

Sprint TV® Enabled

Watch live TV and video-on-demand with full-motion video and vivid sound. Catch the latest news, sports, weather, entertainment and movie trailers on the go.

Live Search by Microsoft®

Live Search by Microsoft® lets you use device web and location capabilities together to find just what you want right now.

Sprint® Mobile Sync

Load contact info to your phone and sync with PC, any time you add, edit or remove contacts it auto updates the back-up PC contact list.

Speaker-Independent Voice Dialing

Say the name of any entry in your phone book and the number is dialed automatically without using the keypad. This feature is speaker-independent, so there is no need to train the phone to respond to any one person's voice. Receive an audible status report of your phone/s coverage, signal strength, and battery strength.

New Bedding

So I couldn't stand how hideous our worn out bedding looked on our bed (pics in the post below) And when I actually saw it in the pictures I decided it's time for a new bedding set. Here's the one I ordered and it should hopefully arrive next week!!

The Crib

The crib arrived on Saturday and thankfully this one wasn't damaged. It was so easy to assemble. Brian and I got it assembled in about one hour.

We have decided we are going to be the overprotective parents :-) and cherish as much time with her as possible and since we are so fortunate to have such a large bedroom we are going to keep Addison in our room until she's 9 months or so-then move her into her own room. Therefore, the crib is in our room and Brian and my Dad painted one wall of our room a light green so it'll be "Addison's Space" while her crib remains in our room. I still have to put her name on the wall and a few other things but since I have plenty of time still I'm in no rush yet. Here's a few pics of her crib (minus the bedding) and some pics of our bedroom.

When she gets old enough to reach and grab for things we will move the crib over a bit away from the cable cord in the wall.

The TV stand looks closer than it really is but we'll probably be moving it anyways to allow room for a glider/ottoman or a changing table.


Here's a stock photo of the bedding we want to use for the crib


We are definitely due for a new comforter set...

I love our vinyl saying above our bed :-)

The room before the paint and crib

Another "before crib" and paint pic

Computer Desk and looking into Master Bath

24 Weeks Development

How your baby's growing:

Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts her at just over a pound. Since she's almost a foot long, she cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but her body is filling out proportionally and she'll soon start to plump up. Her brain is also growing quickly now, and her taste buds are continuing to develop. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help her air sacs inflate once she hits the outside world. Her skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

How your life's changing:

In the past few weeks, the top of your uterus has risen above your belly button and is now about the size of a soccer ball.

Most women have a glucose-screening-and-glucose-tolerance-test(also called a glucose challenge test or GCT) between now and 28 weeks. This test checks for gestational diabetes, a pregnancy-related high-blood-sugar condition. Untreated diabetes increases your risk of having a difficult vaginal delivery or needing a cesarean section because it causes your baby to grow too large, especially in his upper body. It also raises your baby's odds for other complications like low blood sugar right after birth. A positive result on your GCT doesn't mean you have gestational diabetes, but it does mean that you'll need to take the glucose tolerance test (GTT) to find out for sure.

Finally, if you don't already know how to spot the signs of preterm labor, now's the time to learn. Contact your caregiver immediately if you notice any of the signs.

Our Crib

A few weeks ago we ordered Addison's crib. We found it at Babies R Us. We also ordered the mattress and the conversion kit for it. It is a 4-in-1 convertible crib which means that it goes from a crib to a toddler bed to a day bed to a full size headboard and footboard. It should last for a long time. The crib arrived last Saturday night. We were so excited because we wanted to have it all put together before my parents left on Sunday. As we opened the package and started to put it together we noticed that there was some damage to the wood. One of the railings had a big divot in it, the wood was split below another railing and there were some scratches. You would think that it would've been inspected better before it shipped because the damage didn't occur during shipping it definitely occured at the manufacturer's. So anyways we called Babies R Us and they picked up the crib on Monday and are shipping out another one. It should arrive this weekend so we are keeping our fingers crossed that the next one doesn't arrive damaged!! Here are some stock photos of the crib.

My New Diaper Bag

I am so excited about my new Diaper Bag :-) I went shopping at the Kate Spade Outlet knowing that I may find a bag but still keeping in mind how expensive her bags can be even at the outlet store. Well I never could've predicted what a great deal I would find...I found this bag which I love, love, love and it was originally $245 and I got it for $60!!! No way was I passing up a deal that great! Brian laughs and says "Of course you had to get a designer diaper bag. I'm sure you'll be using it for a purse before Addison is even born" Okay, so he may know me all too well but I don't think I'd find that great of a deal again.

Tasty Tuesday

No Fuss Beer BBQ Meatballs-Crockpot


Ingredients:

• 3 pounds frozen meatballs
• 2 medium onions, cut in wedges
• 1 bottle beer, 12 ounces
• 1 1/2 cups ketchup
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Preparation:

Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low 8 to 12 hours.

About 96 meatballs, but this recipe is easy to cut in half. Also, you can use your own homemade meatballs, first browned in oven or skillet.

Gator Bowl 2008

Thursday we went to the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville. We had tickets to the Nebraska Tailgate party put on by the Nebraska Alumni Association. They had tons of food-ribs, shrimp, potatoes, salads, desserts, etc. They had different guest speakers-previous Husker players and Tom Osborne. The marching band played the fight song and the alma mater.

The first half of the game wasn't too exciting, but the second half was great!! The Huskers won the Gator Bowl 26 to 21!!

Kick Off

Huskers on the field prior to the start of the game

Pre Game Warm-Ups

Clemson Side

Nebraska Side

Husker Bike

Former Coach Tom Osborne

Half Time

Huskers entering the field

Nebraska Marching Band

Nebraska Marching Band

Nebraska Marching Band

Pre Game Warm-Ups

Pre Game

Pre Game

Mom showing her Husker Spirit

Mom and Dad at the Tailgate Party

Mom and the Geico Gecko

Sarah, Mom and Matt Davison (former Husker player)

Me and Brian

Me and a Crazy Husker Fan

Me and the Geico Gecko