Thankful Thursday - 59

What do I have to be thankful for this week?...

1. Beautiful sunrises. We're at the point in the year where the sunrise happens between 6:45 and 7 am. This just so happens to be the exact time I walk to work every morning! After a hectic morning I saw this sunrise and thought, "Maybe today will be okay after all!" Then I arrived to work... but that's another story! I feel like part of an "exclusive club" when I get to watch the sunrise knowing so many people are still sleeping at this time!

6:55 am September 29, 2016

2. Health and Wellness. I had been having some back/hip/pelvic pain the past couple weeks, so I finally got in to see the Chiropractor. She spent 45 minutes massaging and adjusting me in a way that is safest/best for me and baby at this point in pregnancy. She kept pressing spots and asking if it hurt. I mean... sure it hurts because it's sore and you're pressing on it, but nothing crazy! As the appointment progressed she said she was so amazed how well me (my body) was doing with the pregnancy so far! Apparently she has another client who has a similar due date to me and she is in terrible pain. Her and I are night and day apparently. I feel for her, but I am very grateful that my pain is "minimal" at this time. I only hobble a little when I walk ;)

3. FaceTime with my fur-baby. I was having a super rough day at work and feeling deflated, frustrated and discouraged. I told David how drained I was and then I got a FaceTime call. Seeing Sherlock passed out on the couch made me smile. I really just wanted to curl up in a ball under my desk, but that little fuzz-ball of laziness still managed to cheer me up!

Wish I could be there with you buddy!

 Even on the tough days it's important to look for/remember things to be grateful for!

While the Husband's Away, The Wife Shall...

David was away hiking in (and around) Revelstoke with his dad for 5 nights. We hadn't been apart this long in a few years, and I was worried how I'd do running the household and dealing with the dog all by myself. Especially in my current state...

I had many people to help out (thank you to all!) and David and I were able to check in once or twice a day just to make sure everything was still going well. 

On work-days, I brought Sherlock to David's parents' house close to my work where he got to hang out with Fynn, Matthias, Allana and Shelley throughout the days! He seems quite comfortable there, and it's nice for me to know he's happy!

I kept my days super packed while David was away... I had all these ambitions of crafting and relaxing, but... being busy is good too!

Wednesday I was working over-time. I got home from a long day at work, spent an hour and a half cooking, took the dog to the dog park, and then that night we had dog agility, and Sherlock ran like a dream! So proud of him lately :)

Thursday I again was working OT, so picked Sherlock up, had dinner, took him for a nice long walk, and then headed out to our first Small Group discussion of the season at Brent & Amy's house!

A very tired pup after a long day playing with Allana, Fynn & Matty!

Friday I again had to work an extra hour, but luckily we had a potluck at work, so at least I was well-fed and actually skipped dinner that night! It was pouring rain that day, but I took Sherlock out for a walk, and then headed out to a girls night with some work ladies! While I was out (because I have guilt about leaving Sherlock too often), Scott and Courtney came by to watch Sherlock while they watched Sherlock (on Netflix) :) Thank you!! 

I hate selfies... I just hate pictures by myself in general I think. 

Scott cuddling with Sherlock while watching Sherlock... cute.

Saturday morning Sherly let me sleep in until 8am (what a treat!). As a reward we went out and played fetch for a bit, and then I had band practice at church from 10-12ish. After practice, I went to Oma's for lunch and had a really nice visit! The rest of the day was spent putzing around. I did some chores, and then got an invite to Mom & Dad's for BLT's and a dog walk! Yup... I'll be there! After dinner and a walk at Tynehead, I went home, showered, and curled up on the couch to watch Netflix for the next three hours (this is how I envisioned my weekend!!). 

I think Sherlock would have slept forever Saturday morning if he didn't have to get up to pee and eat! Haha!

He is absolutely at his happiest when we have the chuck-it and a ball. 

Relaxing Saturday night! Painted my nails...

Had Sherlock impatiently waiting for me to bring the nachos over. Notice the OJ in a wine glass? I'm super classy... Okay... I really just miss my one-person wine nights.

Crystal was cleaning out her garage and came across this foot massager she used a lot while she was pregnant. Sherlock wasn't so sure about it... He kept trying to eat the moving parts!

Sunday I was up early again to play bass in church. We had an interesting service as there was a medical emergency in the middle of the sermon. Luckily we had a paramedic/nurse, another nurse, an EHS dispatcher and a doctor in the congregation. They tended to the gentleman until two ambulances and a firetruck arrived to take him away. I haven't received any updates on his status, but hopefully everything is okay... 
It is "funny" how Dave was preaching about our earthly work being the work of the Lord and trusting that our work is not in vain. That every vocation is the work of the Lord. Here we have a handful of people who were able to calmly and professionally attend to this emergency while most of us may not have known what to do... Talk about finding value in our work!!

After church it was a trip to the Dublin for brunch with Shelley, Rachel, Kyle, Scott & Courtney. I had every intention of ordering the $5 breakfast because, well.... it's $5. Then, as the waitress came to take my order, I panicked and ordered eggs benedict... No regrets... No regrets. 

From here I had to go pick up some Newborn Diapers I won on a Facebook bidding site, and the house just so happened to be close to Noel Booth Park in Langley... Lucky Sherlock! Took that crazy lad for a walk and swim at the park. Everyone we passed loved him... We often get comments on him, but yesterday was especially loving. I wonder what that was about?! 

Car show going on at the parking lot of the Fire Hall by Noel Booth... Clearly I didn't care enough to try for a proper photo that actually showed one of the cars... 

Hooray for smelly wet happy dogs!

After our walk, we had an hour or two at home, before heading out to Mom & Dad's again. I car-pooled with them and Oma to Cactus Club in Richmond to celebrate Aunty Sonya's birthday! What a special treat :)

Mom, Dad & I split the ravioli & prawn trio for starters. Just Yum... I then shared the Baja Fish Tacos with mom... Cactus Club always has consistently delicious food!

For dessert Aunty Sonya got a special candle and message on the pumpkin pie cheese cake. We also got 3 caramel chocolate mousses as well as a peanut butter crunch bar... No problem scarfing all that down in 3 minutes flat!

By the time we got home from Cactus Club it was time for bed and then back up early Monday morning for work again.

There was very little room for R&R this weekend! I was worried about being lonely while David was away, but my friends and family reminded me I'll never be alone and that they're always just a phone-call away!

Now... I am super glad to have David home again! Maybe I'll try convince him to do a guest post about his trip. Or at least give me some pictures to post! (Sounds like he got some GORGEOUS shots!)

Many... MANY Sherlock selfies were taken this weekend... I'm not normally a selfie person. I don't know what happened to me! Sherlock and I were like teenage girls all over again.

Looking into the distance...

Unsure...

Kisses...

Sherlock definitely missed his Dad while he was away! Snuggle-monster...

25 WEEKS (RUTABAGA): Sep 18-24

How do I still have 15 weeks of growth left in me?! Some days I feel huge, others I feel like I've just always been this way. Seeing it in a picture, and comparing it to where I started is pretty dramatic though... 

For a reference, here's me at 6 weeks... 

That... is shocking...

• What on earth is a rutabaga? Apparently it's a root vegetable somewhere between a cabbage and a turnip... Whatever it is, it must be about 13" long, as that's how big our baby is from head to toe! Speaking of strange vegetable comparisons... it looks like now they are not comparing size so much to the fruit/vegetable, but moreso the weight. Good to know... maybe it makes more sense now(?)

• Baby is weighing in at about 1.5 lb this week. 
• Baby's lungs are developing, and capillaries are forming at the surface of his skin as well as around the alveoli in the lungs. Surfactant is also developing in the lungs which will assist with his first breaths. 
• Another breathing point, baby's nostrils will open up this week and he will start practicing breathing motions. This could (hopefully) lead to some hiccups for baby which I will likely be able to feel! I'm on the look out!
• Baby is supposedly developing a routine of playing and napping now. He will "play" for a while (somersaults, wriggling, etc.) and then follow it up with a nap. These are short-lived play sessions most of the time, except when I wake up at night and he's going to town!
• I've been continuing to have some back pain, but I just got a new chair and exercise ball in my office. Over time this will hopefully help improve my posture and core strength and improve the back pain!
• Along with back pain, I find my hips and tailbone get sore when I'm walking or standing for a longer period of time. This is normal for pregnancy... Gotta get stretching!
• I catch myself getting out of breath much quicker than I used to. All part of the fun I suppose! I can't quite hoof it on my way to work as much anymore, and I can't handle the hills or walking and talking while we walk the dog as well. I have to stop to catch my breath every so often! Silliness. 
• I got my results from my Gestational Diabetes test I took on Friday. Everything looks good, so I should be in the clear as long as I maintain my diet and exercise routine!
• "They" say that the next 3 weeks are likely going to be baby's most active weeks. So far baby has been very true to this! Had my first kick to the ribs the other day at work, and just constant movement and pushing and shoving. A strange stroking motion moved my whole stomach around on day when I was laying on the couch. Totally creeped David and I out. We wonder if maybe his knee was pushing along the side wall of my uterus? Very odd. Much of the movement now I feel along the sides of my abdomen. I guess he is laying across me.... one end to the other. 
• Midwife appointment and prenatal class on September 19 went well!
• My Blood Pressure: 111/60 (high for me, but midwife was very happy with it)
• My Weight: 133 lb. Total gain of 10 lb. since first appointment
• Belly Measurement: 22 cm. I am 25 weeks, so I expected this to be 25 cm and got concerned. The Midwife, Carol, assured me that it can have a lower measurement as I'm a smaller person and that my baby is certainly growing. They don't really focus on the exact measurements until after 28 weeks. For now they just want to see that I'm growing. (Phew!)
• Baby's Heart Rate: 140 BPM. Carol let us listen to heart for a while because she got such a good sound from the Doppler. The little heart was just pumping! So clear and loud! She said baby sounds very happy and healthy, especially when he started punching or something while the Doppler was on my stomach. 
• Carol recommended I start taking Vitamin D supplements as we're getting into Fall & Winter. I'll have to pick some of those up! My Hemoglobin levels were on the lower level of normal, so I may look into iron supplements as well. My iron levels were still okay, but way lower than pre-pregnancy levels (went from 93 to 35). I'm sure my diet lately hasn't helped either... 
• In the prenatal class we discussed Pregnancy and its effects on our bodies. Interesting class, with lots of reassurance that all these mamas are having similar symptoms as I am. I'm the farthest along in the class by a good week or two (since I'm due very early January), so I occasionally have symptoms that they don't yet (Braxton Hicks for example). 
• We also discussed Doulas and registering for one. David and I will be registering for a Doula. This Community Birthing Program is one of only 2 programs in all of Canada that has doula's incorporated into the program. Otherwise you have to hire one privately and that can run you $500-$1000! It's a win-win for us!! So lucky! (A doula is a birthing coach and support person for you and your partner during labor and delivery). 
• I'm officially sporting a half-outie belly-button! 
• In our prenatal class we were discussing back pain, and possible remedies, and a few of the ladies started RAVING about the snoogle pillows. I considered buying one in the past, but figured $80 for a pillow was a bit excessive. They insisted it was well worth the money, so right then and there I went online and ordered it (one sale I might add)! I picked it up Tuesday night, and I've gotta say... so far it's been a pretty amazing blessing! Sooo comfortable and keeps you in optimal positions for pregnancy. Such a handy tool!

See how happy this lady is with her Snoogle?!

• A few other baby purchases were made throughout this week... We got our BOB Revolution SE Jogging Stroller, and I "won" (bidded on) a pack of 80 new born Pamper Sensitive Diapers... I got them for $7.00! That's less than 9 cents per diaper! Steal! I'll take it! They're so tiny and cute. 

Thankful Thursday - 58

This week has been nutso, as David is now away hiking with his father for 6 days, and I am working overtime every day this week. Only one more day of this after today! Whew!!

This week I am grateful for...

1. David having the opportunity to go away. Selfishly, I wish he was still home to help me out around the house. For example, This morning I was trying to pack up the dog to get him to David's parents' house for the day while I went to work. Well... Sherlock decided to protest and REFUSED to get in the car. Too far from our normal morning routine maybe? Anyway, it got to the point where I had to lift him up and help him into the car... almost 6 months pregnant and lifting a 45-50 lb. dog into a car... probably not the best idea! Could have used David in that moment!
Anywho, NOT selfishly, I'm really glad David is able to get out with his dad to go enjoy nature one more time before our family grows. It's going to be much more difficult for him to take off for a week over the next 15-20 years with our growing family. 

They're going to Revelstoke to camp and then doing some hiking around there, and maybe venturing over to Glacier National Park in BC. 

2. Craigslist Deals! After trying out Brent & Amy's City Select and BOB strollers back in January, and with recommendations from them, we've decided to purchase a BOB jogging stroller as our primary single-stroller. They're upwards of $400-600 brand new, and Amy sent a link on Craigslist the other day. Hooray! $250 for a 2015 BOB Revolution SE stroller! Now we just have to select our car seat and buy an adapter for that :) What a steal!!

Why the BOB? We wanted something we could take on trails (such as Tynehead) and that would be light and easy to pack around. This one folds up so easily, and steers like a dream. We've already tried out walking Sherlock with one when I went to Tynehead with Amy and the kids the other day. No issues! It seems to be super practical for our lifestyle!

3. My Snoogle. I don't know about you, but I love feeling nest-y and safe and cozy while I sleep. My snoogle (though I've only used for two nights so far) has been dreamy! sure, it takes up a lot of space on the bed, but no more than me and my other pillow configurations in the past! I still use a lot of pillows all around me, but that's just how I like it! Why do you think we got a King size bed this year? Haha

Okay. enough of these stock photos!

Here are a few random photos of what we've been up to lately.

Sherlock visiting his neighborhood goat friend

This is what I have to deal with while I make cards in my craft room/guest room... Those eyes...

Cactus Club with these two! Double Date!

Oh yum... this is a caramel chocolate mousse dessert from Cactus Club. SO Delicious... I'd recommend :) And only $3!!

Every day is a gift! There is always something to be thankful for :)

Until next week!

24 WEEKS (CORN ON THE COB): Sep 11-17

Erp! I feel huge!

• Baby boy is 11.5 inches long, which is like a long ear of corn on the cob! Baby weighs about 1.33 lb, and will continue to gain about 6 oz. per week! 
• Baby has eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair growing on his head, but it is all still lacking pigment, and if he was born now it would be white! Interesting...
• Baby's skin is transparent until he puts on some more fat and fills out a little!
• If baby was born this week, with extensive medical care, he would be expected to survive... Amazing... Here's hoping he stays in here for another 16 weeks, but that is pretty incredible to me! I still feel like I have so far to go, but people actually have their babies this early sometimes, and they are viable... Wow! (I googled pictures of babies born at 24 weeks... Super emotional. They're so tiny, and all wired up to the hospital hardware, but... they're alive, and incredible. It's a strange feeling seeing what is actually bumping around in my belly right now. I wonder what he looks like... what will he look like?
• I am feeling pretty good... Starting to actually feel pregnant now. I have a harder time sitting up from lying down, or bending over to grab things I drop. It's still doable, but it is definitely more difficult than it used to be! 
• People are really starting to notice the belly. At agility I had a number of people ask me when I'm due, or something to that effect. Not that I need help believing this is real anymore, but it sure makes it feel like the real deal when strangers are asking about your growing belly!
• Running at agility was still okay. I got out of breath quicker, and maybe ran a little awkwardly (which I didn't notice until I watched the videos), but nothing too crazy! Maybe time to invest in a good sports bra though... a little more jiggling in that area than I would have liked... 
• The main negative symptom I've been experiencing is... (TMI)... constipation and all that goes along with that... It is horribly uncomfortable, and I can only imagine it will get worse. I will ask the midwives about it next week. I have a pretty high fibre intake, but will pick up some all bran or something to help out. Also I will continue to drink lots of water. The hormone Relaxin causes my large intestine to relax/slow down. This allows baby to absorb more nutrients from my food, but it also makes things sit in there for a lot longer and...ahem... dry out. (sorry.) I bought some Fibre Plus cereal and that seems to have helped for now! If all I have to do is eat some cereal that isn't honey-nut cheerios, I can handle that!! :)
• My energy has been fairly good. I don't get physically tired much quicker than before, but I definitely get "people tired" a lot quicker. 
• No major cravings, but I have my Gestational Diabetes Screening this week, so I have to try to eat well (or normally) so the results are more accurate! The screening wasn't actually too bad. I had an appointment at Life Labs and was in and out of there within 1 hour 15 minutes. I had to drink some juice that was very nostalgic. It reminded me way too much of the crappy orange juice they used to serve at New West CRC when I was little. Then once that was done, sit for an hour and then have blood drawn to check for levels! Quick(ish) and easy!
• I mentioned a couple weeks ago that I had started having Braxton Hicks contractions. These don't happen often, but I notice they happen more when I'm stressed (usually at work). My job is typically pretty low key, but the last few months have just been one thing after another, and I feel like I'm drowning sometimes. After having some more frequent BH contractions, and a bit of cramping and exhaustion I decided to play it safe and took a sick day last Friday. I will work on leaving work at work and hopefully alleviating some of the stress. Baby lets me know when things become too much. I only have to make it until December 9!!!
• Baby is getting big enough, and I'm becoming aware enough to be able to figure out how baby is positioned in my belly. Monday at work, baby was along my left side. His head is up, and his feet are kicking down. I can feel his back... I can imagine him curled up in there. He was punching me in the top near my ribs, and kicking me down low near my bladder. If I push on my belly, there is tons of resistance (solid) on the left, and almost nothing on the right... All empty on that side!
• This boy is definitely getting longer! On Thursday night I woke up a few times in the night-time, and every time I woke up on my side, I'd feel him kicking off both sides of my abdomen. Like he was stretching. It would be simultaneous punches on either side of my stomach. Felt so strange from the inside and out! Very strong too. He's an active one when he's not sleeping/growth-spurting!

Thankful Thursday - 57

Time to practice gratitude again whether I'm feeling it or not!
This week has actually been much better so far than last week was. I am feeling more energetic, less stressed, and more... "together" for the most part. Whew!!

1. Team work! As you may have seen in my agility post the other day, Sherlock and I had our first trial last weekend and it was a blast... in hindsight. In the moment it can be tough, but I have always been taught to focus on the positives! Instead of leaving the ring and thinking, "Why isn't he listening? Why is he so slow?" I walk out saying, "Wow! He got all his contacts and nailed his weaves! What a good boy!! And he had fun!!" It's amazing what tricking yourself into a better attitude will do!

Look at this proud lad exercising his discipline (not eating the ruffly ribbon...)

2. Baby boy clothes. I haven't actually bought any, but went to Winners the other day to browse and saw some pretty cute little clothes that make me excited for our little nugget!

This is just for David...

Little puppies on this onesie! A must :)

He's going to be so handsome!

3. Dual Monitor. I got a second monitor installed at work this week. Wow does this ever make my job easier! I didn't expect it to be so practical! I also got a new chair last week which is much better ergonomically. David brought an exercise ball in for me this week too as it is recommended for pregnancy. I am splitting my time between the new chair and the exercise ball for now. 

4. Bumpy bump. I'm at the point now where I think my belly looks kind of cute and obvious in clothes. It's getting uncomfortable to bend or stand for long periods of time, but I know that's only going to get worse! Might as well enjoy being relatively comfortable and fitting into most maternity clothes while I can!

David takes these great photos of me every Sunday, but I choose to post this awkward, messy cell-phone selfie. The bump looks different in different clothes! So wanted to get some variety in there ;)

Baked "Apple Pie" Oatmeal - Recipe

I got this recipe for a Baked "Apple Pie" Oatmeal that I just had to try.

Baked "Apple Pie" Oatmeal

Yields: one pie plate or one 9"x13" pan. Cut to preferred serving size

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. sea salt
• 2 apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 cup of water with 1/2 cup chia seeds whisked in - sit for 10-15 minutes to gel
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (I made my own applesauce)
• 2 Tbsp. raw honey (I just used regular honey)
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• pure maple syrup (optional)
• blueberries (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 400F.

2. Grease a pie plate (or whatever dish you decide to use) with coconut oil

3. In a large bowl, mix the oats, walnuts, cinnamon and salt. Fold in the apple slices (reserving a few for topping if you wish)

Dry ingredients

Apples folded in

4. In a separate bowl, mix the 1 cup of water with the chia seats and let sit for 10-15 minutes to gel. 

5. Add the second 1 cup of water, applesauce, honey and vanilla to chia seed mix once set. Mix well. 

6. Combine dry and wet ingredients and pour into the pie plate. Top with apple slices as desired

7. Bake for 45 minutes. Let cool 10-15 minutes before serving

Not the greatest photo, but you get the idea :) Yummies!

Extra Notes:

- I made my own apple sauce. I (okay... with David's help) chopped three apples into small cubes and put them in a pot with a little bit of water. Boil/simmer until apples are desired texture. BAM! Unsweetened applesauce!

- We ate a piece each that night, and then cut the rest and refrigerated it. Just microwave for 30 seconds or so to enjoy in the morning.

- I added a few blueberries (whatever I could scrape out of our frozen berry mix) for additional yummies.

- I sprinkled a little bit of cinnamon on top before baking as well.

- If you find it too bland, try adding a little pure maple syrup to the top after it is heated. 

Have your husband help you by peeling and chopping the apples! Saves tons of time ;)

Applesauce. So yummy and simple!

Happy baking (and more importantly; eating)! Enjoy your no added sugar, high in omega-3 fatty acids, healthy filling breakfast oatmeal!