20 months

What does it look like at 20 months?

A whirlwind- a complete whirlwind! Noah- you are one active boy. This month you love to push strollers, grocery carts, trucks, cars, anything and everything across floors. At Lowe's on Monday, you quickly told us you were "all done" sitting in the cart. You were determined to push our shopping cart full of wood planks and piping down the aisles- people were moving JUMPING out of your way. Noah- you are Mr. Independent and like to figure out things for yourself.

I read a really great article on how to incorporate you into helping me. Noah- you want to do everything your mommy and daddy does. Although frustrating at times, I have realized that I need allow you to "help". We have been doing this a lot the past month and I can see such a difference in your attitude. You are proud of yourself and feel as though you are a part of the team. Verbal affirmation is huge for you, so I continue to sing your praises even for the small stuff.  Another key this month is giving you choices. I will offer you two things- allowing you to exercise your independence and feel a part of the decision. It has been another big breakthrough and a joy to watch you understand.

You love to sing and dance. This month's favorite song is "Old McDonald". You also make up your own songs- usually repeating a word or two over and over again to some kind of tune.  Words as of the past couple weeks- sky, ark, orange, bear, grass, DD (duck dynasty), Alice, one, two, three, duck, kiss, and that's all I can think of right now.

Food this month has been great. You like to eat all day and all the time. We have to limit the snacks or you will just pick at your lunch or dinner. Some of your favorites this month- avocado, dried fruit, Gatorade, grapes, blueberries, carrots, broccoli, zucchini, cheese crackers, graham crackers, macaroni and cheese, corn, salami, and pizza.

Sleep is great. You sleep eleven to thirteen hours at night and take a two to three hour nap during the afternoon.

You are trying to jump and get both feet off the ground. You twirl in circles to make yourself dizzy and count down as you sprint different places.  One night this week, you ran back and forth counting and checking yourself out in the window. You love to see yourself in the mirror, reflection of the refrigerator, or through the windows.

You try on sunglasses, daddy's shoes and your hats all day long. You love when daddy tells you how you are a "cool dude". There are a lot of high fives and fist pumps given between you two these days.

I could go on, but I'll leave this post now. Happy Friday!

Week 21

Along: 21 weeks

Size of baby: Baby is the size of a banana or carrot. I read both- which amazes me because they both seem like two totally different sizes. Peanut is around 9-10 1/2 inches long and weighs around 10-13 ounces. His/her eyebrows and eyelids are now present. Peanut is already starting to sleep and wake in subtle cycles. His/her bone marrow, rather than the baby's liver and spleen, has taken over its permanent job of making blood cells.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I would guess 12-15 pounds. I have my next appointment on July 11^th.

Maternity Clothes:  I have worn my new work pants which I love, the belly band, and a couple tops from last time with Noah. I am loving the bellyband- wish I would have thought of it and been made an instant millionaire/pregnant woman's best friend.

Gender: It's a surprise!

Movement: Yes. Yesterday, the peanut was pushing on my ribs and it was quite painful.

Sleep: Sleep is hit or miss. I am exhausted by the end of the day (couldn't keep my eyes open at 8:15 pm last night) but have trouble sleeping through the night. I toss and turn a lot.

What I miss: I miss not having to pee every hour.  

Cravings: I crave anything sweet. I love chocolate right now.  

Symptoms: Exhaustion, dizziness, swollen digits, and extra small bladder.

Best Moment This Week:  The Clem family went to Jason's Deli this past week (my favorite restaurant of this pregnancy- by far). Matt and I were deep in conversation, and Noah was done eating. I had sat Noah next to me on the booth and all of a sudden out of the corner of my eye I see him standing and doing the craziest dance moves. His head was bobbing all around and his arms were a-waving. Where do they pick these things up? Noah loves people, so I'm pretty sure he was doing anything for a little attention for those that were around him. It was so cute despite there not being any music to justify the moves! I love this age and can't wait to see how Noah adjusts to being a big brother. 20 month post to come!

What's Superdood Up to These Days?

I know the 20 month post is right around the corner, but I think if I used that post for all of Noah's new updates- it might be 3 pages long. I decided to do a small update now. Plus, I have these precious superman pictures that I've been dying to post- I EAT THIS BOY UP.

This month has been crazy in the development area for Noah. He has a new word almost every day. He is in a mimicking stage right now, so I think that has a lot to do with it. He wants to do exactly what mommy and daddy are doing- down to talking like them. I'll be in conversation with Matt- Noah obviously listening- and he will pull a word from what I am saying and say it over and over and over. Once he does that, I have to take that word and show him what to associate it with.

A couple of my favorite new word additions: Kaleb (KBOW), Nana (Matt's mom), Ahn (John- Leeann Watkins' husband), belt, Bevo (all longhorns and sounds more like BEBO), dude, oh cool, tattoo (Noah's definition - drawing on paper or himself), cracker, and the list goes on.

Matt has a new way to wake Noah up from his naps. He yells outside of his room "DOOD- wake up". Noah loves this! He responds- "DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD"! It's the cutest thing ever.

Noah has become quite the tattoo artist. He hasn't tested out the walls (yet), but the dood loves to draw on himself. We have let him so far- that may change here shortly.

Noah talks about Kaleb constantly. Noah calls him baby Kbow and it's probably the sweetest thing ever. We did dinner with the Baker's last week and the dood could not stop hugging, kissing, and loving on Kaleb. Kaleb didn't mind, but he wasn't ready to reciprocate quite yet. He just looks at Noah like you crazy, boy. 

I will save the rest for next week on the 20 month update, but Noah brings so much joy! We constantly are amazed by how God is developing his little personality. He has a tender spirit. (Noah cried the other day because a little boy pushed him on purpose- the dood had no idea why he would do that for no reason.) 

Noah, we pray over you often and can't wait to see you grow in the role of a big brother. 

Help from Nana

A contraption to help get rid of our fly problem

Matt's mom came down from Virginia to help us unpack this past week. I am so thankful- I don’t like to organize and with being pregnant, my energy dies fast. Matt and Laurie did almost everything. Noah's room is completely set up thanks to Laurie. Matt has been dominating the handy man projects and getting things like bathroom fan and gutters figured out. Now to get our room, office/study/peanut's room, and the pictures set up.

Noah's name on the wall

This week I was a photographer failure and only managed to take pictures one day. I blame it partly on the move, partly on pregnancy brain, and partly on exhaustion. I did manage to get a few good pictures, but I wish I would have documented better.

Kiss break during a daddy vs. son basketball game

To end the trip, Laurie treated Noah to a new basketball hoop. I can't tell who loves it more- Noah or Matt. 

He shoots - HE SCORES!!!

Throwing them 'bows

The happiest boy in town

The basketball boys!

I will post some house pics soon! We are loving DALLAS!

Week 20

Along: 20 weeks

Size of baby: Baby is the size of a cantaloupe. The baby's immune system is beginning to develop, as my body transfers antibodies to the him/her. The Peanut is now about 6 1/2 inches long from crown to rump and weighs between 10-11 ounces.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I would guess between 10-13. This is the halfway point, so I'm feeling good.  I gained 30 with Noah- hoping to do around the same with this one.

Maternity Clothes:  I wore a shirt this past week.  I haven't worn anything else yet. Matt bought me a pair of pants and a belly band on Tuesday. These will definitely be used at work next week.

Gender: It's a surprise! Matt thinks boy and I would guess girl. I am so excited either way.

Movement: Yes. After I eat sweets, the Peanut goes crazy!

Sleep: Sleep is hit or miss. I go to bed around 9-10:30 and no matter what I'm up around 6:30. I toss and turn quite a bit, but I always do that when pregnant. I also have crazy, vivid dreams.  

What I miss: I have been craving a margarita. With this hot weather in Texas, it sounds so refreshing.

Cravings: I crave chocolate, fruit, and cake/cookies. I love a cup of dark coffee in the morning. I love Chick-fil-a and their breakfast. I also have been loving the turkey wrap at Jason's deli. I could do that 3 times a week.

Symptoms: I have the pregnancy tiredness. I am more irritable and emotional. I have some back pain and get uncomfortable sitting for long periods of time.

Best Moment This Week:  We moved to Dallas this past week and have started to get settled in our new house. Matt's mom came and helped us organized/unpack. It was great and blessed us a lot. (Separate post to come later). 

Daddy's Day!

Happy Father’s Day to the best daddy around!

My new brother/sister and I love you to the moon and back! 

Week 19

Along: 19 weeks

Size of baby: Baby is the size of an heirloom tomato.  The Peanut's arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her/his body now. The kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her/his scalp is sprouting. (Let's be honest though- if #2 takes after Noah- peanut will be bald).

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I have gained 9 pounds total. The doctor is great with this- just doesn't want me to put on a new 9 every four weeks.  I'm a little concerned that the new 9 pounds might be partly Bluebell ice cream weight! I confess- I think when they told me to gain weight, I accepted the challenge- maybe a little too much.

Maternity Clothes:  None yet. I'm still fighting this. The pants are TIGHT!

Gender: I would guess boy. We really are loving the gender surprise- it's been so much fun to speculate. I really wasn't tempted to look when they did the check at our big sonogram and I'm very nosy.  

Movement: Yes! It's the best.

Sleep: I wake up a lot in the middle of the night, but that's typical. The snoogle is back on the bed. It has helped me to get more comfortable and provide the back support I need. If I run, I sleep better. I'm hoping with the move to Dallas, Ashley will get my booty back in running shape and I will sleep like a rock.

What I miss: My clothes fitting. I don’t enjoy the fat stage. I really don't. I want the belly to pop.

Cravings: I love cereal and milk. I have been eating Quaker Oatmeal square cereal- I CRAVE it. I also love fruit and anything cookie/cake related.

Symptoms: I have the pregnancy tiredness and go to sleep around 9 pm. I wake up a lot with cotton mouth. I have some toe cramps and back aches. For the most part though, I feel A-OK.

Best Moment This Week: We saw Noah's little brother or sister on June 6th and everything looked great. I was anxious about this sonogram, and I'm not sure why. This time around I know more what can go wrong. Satan has been using it to have me doubt the baby's heath and make me way more of a worrier. Anyways, throughout the sonogram, I just kept thinking of scripture-leaning on the truth that God had knit this little one together in my womb.  Peanut looks great- Praise God. Measuring right on target at 8 oz.'s. It was truly amazing to watch peanut suck his/her thumb and wave to us. This baby is also very active (similar to Noah). We can't wait to meet him/her this coming fall! I sometimes have to remind myself I'm going to be a mama to TWO sweet little ones. We couldn't be MORE excited. 

They MIGHT be related. 

19 weeks on that left-18 weeks on the right- exactly two years apart

Week 18

Why hello chubby cheeks and baby bump...you decided to really show at 18 weeks.

Along: 18 weeks

Size of baby: Baby is the size of a sweet potato.  Peanut's vocal cords are forming, and she/he is has begun to practice vocalizing. Baby can hear my heartbeat and the blood moving through the umbilical cord as well as my voice.  

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I think I've gained around 7-10 total. I have an early appointment on Thursday, so we will find out more then. I'm hoping I didn't go overboard.

Maternity Clothes: - I actually only have a couple shirts which I haven't busted out yet and I don't own any pants. I'm hoping to go out and get a belly band here in the next week or two. I am going to try to fight buying much just because I don't want to spend money on something I may only wear for a couple months ever. If we have ten kids, I really should probably expand my wardrobe now, but my guess is that we will have around 3-4 and the rest may not be from my womb. Whatever the Lord has in store!

Gender: My guess would be girl. I had a boy dream on Monday night though, so who knows? I would seriously be so happy either way. I love both names we have picked out. Matt is already an awesome boy dad and I think Matt would be an awesome girl dad too (as long as she didn't want to have too many tea parties).

Movement: Yes! Only I can feel it, but I love the little reminders. I'm looking forward to when Matt can feel the peanut too!

Sleep: This is hit or miss. I wake up a lot in the middle of the night, but I also still get 9-10 hours of sleep a night, so it works out.

What I miss: I miss doing boot camp with my co-worker Tara. We have taken a break this month, and I miss the sweat and soreness from our workouts. I have been trying to run 3 times a week- which I love- I just need to get motivated to try other exercises to give my body some variety.

Cravings: Empty carbs and sweets. I noticed this week I love breakfast foods- muffins, bread, cereal, you name it!

Symptoms: I have nausea at night and pregnancy tiredness. I think I was less crabby this week- I need to confirm with my sources but I feel like I had way more patience. I also still have the anxiety in tight close spaces. I know weird.

Best Moment This Week: We had our last meeting with our small group on Monday. It was such a neat time of fellowship and prayer. This group of people has blessed us so much these past two years. It was a great time of reflection and just talking about what God is doing. They ended the night- covering us in prayer. It is one of those things I'll never forget.

Sunday Getaway!

Matt, Noah, and I took a quick day trip to Fredericksburg yesterday to see my grandparents before our big move. It was such a blessing and a blast. They grilled us up some delicious pork chops and Noah was the entertainment. Noah loved that he could open their door and go from inside to outside whenever he wanted. It was so nice to sit down and chat after a long two weeks of packing and stressing. My grandparents have a beautiful new house that they bought in this past year. It was also very kid friendly, so I didn't have to do much chasing or monitoring!  The best part of this trip was watching Noah interact with my grandparents and their dog Jordan. Noah loved being held and getting all the attention. He thought that his great grandparents were very "cool"-Noah's new favorite word. 

Noah was confused whether Jordan was a cat or a dog.  I think the long fur and the butter fly ears threw him off. Noah is used to dogs with “oodle” in the name. Anyways, Noah wanted to be with the dog at all times and kept meowing at Jordan. Noah would pet him, chase him screaming “NOOO” (a.k.a. come back-don’t leave me) and try to feed Jordan his dog food. Noah also wanted Jordan to give him mouth kisses, but Jordan was a little overwhelmed to go that far. Jordan was so patient and very sweet to Noah. I love these pictures. You can tell the dood had the time of his life!