35 weeks

It's Odd...

Life is really busy right now.

I did that to myself on purpose - as a distraction from the last few weeks (39 days!) or so of pregnancy.

What's weird to me is that while life is gearing up to be busy for the next few weeks with much to do (I feel a list coming on)...it's actually kind of winding down. Let's see:

Monday/Wednesday - Alexys has 2 more weeks of swimming lessons (4 sessions).
Tuesday/Thursday - 2 more weeks of school (4 classes) and then 2 weeks off for Spring Break.
Wednesdays - This goes until June and she has a dress rehearsal next week, but then she gets a week off in March too and misses another class for class pictures (her first ballet pictures - I'm giddy!). Those pictures are on a Tuesday.
Tuesday/Thursday - Alexys' last week of skating is this week, ending with the Pop Concert Friday night (her first skating show...equally giddy!). Spring skating doesn't start until April and that's just once a week.

We also have special things coming up:
Preschool: White Day, Kite Day with field trip.
Dance: Dress rehearsal and pictures as mentioned.
Skating:  Pop Concert, as mentioned above.

As for me:
March 3: West Coast Challenge (judging for synchro)
March 5: Low Test Day in Aldergrove (judging)
March 9-11: Judging at Spring Fling in Aldergrove while simultaneously organizing volunteers.
March 24-26: SuperSeries Final in Surrey (judging)
...plus weekly midwife appointments starting next week!

I'm sure I'm missing something in there, but life is busy.

And then?

And then baby comes into a house of peace because our spring is much calmer with less commitments. I'm not sure if it will be lovely (probably for a while) or if I'll feel crazy and cooped up.

Now - off to shower, then swimming, home to work, and then a meeting tonight in Aldergrove. Jord is on evenings for 3 more days and then not again until after baby - phew. I also need to make time to do my last minute shopping for baby and I'm ordering my stroller online on the 2nd. I can't wait for my new stroller - it's cheapish and a thing of beauty. Pictures will come. Promise :D

kortney elise xoxo

34 Weeks

How far along: 34 weeks and 5 days (picture to follow, eek!)

Size of baby: Large cantaloupe - about 18.5 inches and 5.5 pounds. Apparently.

Total weight gain/loss: At my midwife appointment, I was up some more for a grand total of 12 pounds up - this was my biggest weight gain in a 2-week period yet...which mentally sucks...but the midwife was very pleased because I'd been a bit under the whole time. So 12 pounds total with just over 5 weeks left now.

Maternity clothes:  So once you answer this question yes, do I really need to answer it every week? Someone said to mention my favourite maternity clothes. Well, let me tell you a little secret. I HATE buying maternity clothes because you wear them for SO little time...so I have one pair of maternity jeans, a pair of black cords, and a pair of grey pants...I bought the latter 2 from a swap mama for $2 each. My maternity jeans were expensive but Santa bought them and they're great and comfy. I have a handful of maternity shirts (the same one from Target) in different colours - white, grey, black - and then 2 other shirts that my Aunt bought me. Seriously. I hate maternity clothes. I just wear my regular clothes and hope for the best.

Movement: Babe has been moving quite a bit and really high up which is quite relieving...we had a scare this week, but I think I'm mostly over the scary part, at least mentally now. At my midwife appointment this past week, I measured the same as I had the past 2 appointments making me 34 weeks and still measuring at 30-cm. The concern wasn't that I am measuring behind (did that with Lex too), but more that I didn't change. Midwife let me know it could be her measuring, baby's position - all the normal stuff - but did want me to get in for an ultrasound ASAP - that combined with low weight gain just made her want to check. I had my ultrasound on Saturday morning - I'll phone for results so my mom (and me) sleep better this week, but seeing as though they didn't send me to the hospital immediately, we're going with no news is good news. The ultrasound showed baby's head super, super low and engaged (rarer for 2nd time mommies) and feet on the ribcage. So long baby again, just perhaps weighs less than Lex?

Sleep:  Apparently I hit 34 weeks and sleep became an issue - I had a bad day and didn't sleep hardly at all the other night. I laid there awake processing everything and was cold, then hot, then uncomfortable...peed a lot. Yuck.The peeing thing has continued all week - just up twice a night with peeing, but a bit of pregnancy insomnia too...except early morning insomnia, which is a whole new world for me. How strange.

Cravings: Jello Jigglers - YUM. My friend made me a whole bowl JUST for me....

Symptoms: Nearly constant braxton hicks...uuuuuugh. Not painful or timetable, just constant. And I'm tired. And have a large belly that everyone seems to be commenting on this week. It's grown, I think anyways. And now...as I said I would...I turn into a house because there is no where for babe to go, but out. Here's hoping anyways.

Best moment of the week: As much as I don't think ultrasounds are great for babies, especially frequent ones (4th one this pregnancy), I do enjoy seeing baby. It's foot was pressed right up against my ribcage. It's rather large, little foot. It's just so neat seeing that little thing inside and that soon it will be outside. I also set up the carseat this week so it's ready to go. I'll install the base in my car at some later point and for the trip home in Jord's car, we'll just seat belt it in without the base. Alexys has been talking about the baby a lot now and will tell everyone she's too big for the car-seat and that it's the baby's. That was also pretty cute.

I'm Feeling...

I'm feeling...

• Tired...like bedtime will be before 10 tonight. 
• Excited...because I'm judging a test day tomorrow and I love to do that. 
• Anxious...because I really want to organize our scrapbook/crafts corner, but have to wait till I get new bins or it's a waste of time. 
• Frustrated...because I want to pay my parents back for the car battery they purchased for me last week - this is probably tied in with the anxiousness. I hate owing money. 
• Peaceful...because although the activities list is long this week, the other stuff is actually not much at all. 
• Anticipating...new baby, life changes, shopping trip prior to baby for baby things ;)
• Loved...jello jigglers from a dear friend made my day yesterday...and still today...and hopefully tomorrow ;) 
• Bogged down...by laundry. I just hate putting it away. 
• Blessed...Alexys was such a great kid today complete with listening and understanding, storytelling, and excitement. And then when I wanted just 5 minutes alone she came into the bathroom, wanted to share my shower, and asked if we could do "same faces" where we cuddle our faces close together and they look the same. I didn't mind sharing those 5 minutes with her. 

Good night xoxo
kortney elise

33 Weeks

 How far along: 33 weeks and 3 days

Size of baby: Well, according to something else I read, it said babe measured 17 inches...so it shrunk 2 inches? LOL - I think we're approaching the size of your baby is what it will be stage - my guess is babe will be around 20 inches, so therefore probably about 19 inches or so right now. It weighs somewhere in the just below 5-pound range. Crazy.

Total weight gain/loss: I haven't weighed myself this week, but my face is fat now and I feeeel heavy and yucky, so I know I've gained at least something. Ugh. Not loving this.

Maternity clothes:  So once you answer this question yes, do I really need to answer it every week?

Movement: We had a little scare the other night - movement was definitely decreased and took a LOT of poking and prodding to move this little bub around...but then finally it moved. It's been fine ever since, but movement is definitely slowing now. Guess it's running out of room. It also flipped sides at some point yesterday I think, because I'm feeling more kicking on my left than right (which hasn't happened this pregnancy at all!). I think it's still head down from what I can tell. Midwife is Tuesday. 

Sleep: I'm still sleeping pretty well. Up once to pee in the night and then when Jord gets up at 6:45...so really not bad at all. I wish I could sleep forever and a day right now, of course - I miss the days where I could be pregnant and sleep all day ;)

Cravings: I craved Catalina dressing this week. Yum. Totally bought some and ate a ton of spinach and goat cheese with it. YUM!!!!

Symptoms: Nearly constant braxton hicks...uuuuuugh. Not painful or timetable, just constant. And I'm tired. And have a large belly that everyone seems to be commenting on this week. It's grown ;) And now...as I said I would...I turn into a house because there is no where for babe to go, but out.

Best moment of the week: When I was having my little baby scare of it not moving...and I sat up for an hour eating chocolate and oranges and poking and prodding it...and then it moved - like a crazy kid - and it's just so relieving.

My Other Valentine

Making Dad's Favourite...pizza - in the shape of a heart - I love her!!!

On Valentine's Day...

1.  How long have you and your significant other been together?
We've been together as a couple since September 2004...which is 8.5 years. Wow.

Look - we were babies (there is earlier pics, but not on my computer LOL) - this about sums us up!

2.  How did you meet? (What's your "love" story?)
We met at...Bible school. How typically common for 2 young Christians to fall in love? We met at CLBI (Canadian Lutheran Bridal Bible Institute) in Camrose, Alberta.  The 1st year I went there, I paid no attention to him or any other guy...but somehow that 2nd year happened and bam. It was on the 2nd year canoe trip actually - the end of August - real live camping and canoeing our stuff down a river (who AM I right?). We had to pick partners and being a small girl, I picked the tallest, strongest guy...literally...and I did nothing but sit and pretend to canoe. It ended up in a giant water fight, I came down with terrible strep throat that he deemed Ebola, and we fell madly in love. We've been together ever since.

Our celebratory engagement dinner in Ryley - best steak ever.

3.  If married, how long have you been married?
We've been married since November 18, 2006...almost 5.5 years!

"You may now kiss the bride..."

4.  If you are married, where did you get married? Big or small wedding?
 We got married at the church I went to in Surrey and then had our reception in Ladner/South Delta at the South Delta Hall. It was small-ish and didn't have a full after reception. We just did appys, etc., and we were done that part by about 7 p.m.  We took our wedding party and extended families for an Italian dinner in Surrey at a yummy restaurant, Ville Verde. It was a small-ish wedding. We then had a reception a month later in Alberta to celebrate with more of Jord's side of his family.

Our Ryley reception...

5.  Do you have any nick-names that you call one another?
Jord and Kort? LOL - real creative huh? He calls me woman all the time. Don't worry. It makes me smile.

This was really early at an airport once - we weren't yet engaged, but I don't remember when.

6.  Name 3 things you love most about your honey?
 1.  He's so laid back which compliments my over-controlling, demanding personality.  He just goes with the flow so much better than I do.

2.  He works hard at his job, but knows how to relax - he provides for his family, but still desires and puts his family first. I know some disagree with this, but I'd rather my husband be home at night than kill himself working a 2nd job.

3.  He's so patient. He has 4000 times more patience than I do. Thank God.

At Mirror Lake in Camrose - where he asked me out...and I totally didn't get it - I thought he was telling me he didn't like me and didn't want to spend time together anymore.

7.  Tell us how he proposed.
We never said I love you until the day we were engaged - I promised myself I wouldn't be duped into some loser guy telling me he loved me when he didn't really mean it. So that was a rule and Jord listened - for 18 months of dating he never once said I love you. We went to the beach (March 18, 2006) in White Rock and walked along the pier late at night. It was cold and beautiful. We sat down on a bench, he got down on one knee, told me he loved me, and the rest is history!

Right after we got engaged :)

8.  Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy for v-day, or strawberries, champagne, and rose petals? 
 He's definitely a neither one of those guys kinda guy - he prefers chocolate chip cookies (check), heart-shaped pizza (check), and...lemonade? We don't do gifts on Vday ;)

Before a dinner downtown I believe...

9.  Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch?
 Well, these days I'm definitely a pop a movie in and relax on the couch kinda gal...I do like going out for dinner and walking along the beach, but let's face it. It's so much more convenient to be at home.

The end of our wedding night...exhaustion much?

10.  Tell us one thing you'd like to do with your significant other one day. If you could do anything? Go anywhere?
We'd like to go somewhere on a real vacation...neither have us have ever been on a warm, tropical (think Hawaii, Jamaica) kind of trip. I think we'll do Jamaica one day when the kids are a bit older and I look nice in a bikini again :D

My 22nd? Birthday...at the Planetarium :D

11.  Tell us what you plan on doing this Valentines Day?
Not a whole lot different than any other night. We're going to eat, watch TV, and chill. Hubs works till 7. We went out for dinner last Friday night when Lex was at my mom's house for the evening. That was a special treat and we called it our Vday dinner. We bought ourselves a new TV last month. That's our gift to each other...kinda. We would have bought it anyways ;)

Night trip to Harrison Hot springs...

12.  Are you asking for anything this Valentines Day?
Nope.

This was our first anniversary - we both had had a buuuuusy day seperate, but were determined to go out for dinner - so we did - to East Side Marios.

13.  Give us one piece of advice of keeping the relationship strong and full of love.
Don't ever take it too serious...the moment you do that, life becomes messy and the fighting starts. Just go with the flow and laugh about the little things.

Our wedding day :)

14.  Show us a picture of what love means to you.

I know it's supposed to be about me and Jord, but this is my favourite picture ever - words can't express all the love going on in this photo. It makes me cry every time I look at it.

I needed a list, because life is crazy right now and I have a lot of random tasks floating in my head. I feel if I don't write them down, I'll lose my mind...or I'll definitely forget something these days. My blackberry calendar helps much, but if I don't get this stuff out, I'll end up an anxious, stressed out mess.

• Drink my coffee and write this list (seriously - then I can cross it off!).
• Letters for 4 3 2 1 people...I can't explain this more, but I have 4 3 to write/finish writing. Today.
• Get hubs to set up my new Ikea shelf for baby stuff I bought yesterday.
• Get hubs to bring up the rest of the baby stuff so that I can wash it - the gender neutral clothes for the first few weeks :) After this, all the baby stuff I own will be washed and ready!
• Well...bring up tiny baby toys too and wash - just because I want it done, not because it needs to be done. 
• Bring up carseat and reassemble and store in closet for now - would just like this taken care of so it doesn't have to be done in the heat of the moment. 
• Bre is going to bring home my new bedding and cloth diaper soap from the States this week too - I ordered online - can't wait to set that up. 
• Laundry. Ugh. Lots of laundry. Folded. Washed. Put away. All of the above. Ugh. It's all done except for the hanging on the hangers of some shirts. Tomorrow!
• Get the inserts I want for my new Ikea shelf - I want the cloth boxes (not like Ikeas) - I know they're at Walmart, but they're kind of expensive...anyone know where else you could get good prices on them recently? 
• After I get said inserts, put my baby stuff away and out of sight. This will please me. 
• Shopping trip to the States with my mom next week, or perhaps the following week, to get all the last baby stuff I need want to buy new - my stroller, soothers...that's another list :) 
• Organize my corner of papers. It's driving me nuts. 
• Bank appointment to organize our RRSPs for the tax year. We're already cutting it close. Ugh. 
• Finish organizing tax papers and make appointment with our tax guy :) 
• Try and sell the rest of what is in my closet (feel free to add/look) or else get rid of it. Too much in my closet. 
• I need to make Valentine's Day treats for Alexys' class for Tuesday (just cookies). 
• Finish her Valentines for her preschool class party for Tuesday. 
• Crockpot freezer meals in bags (buy freezer bags) to freeze for baby. 
• Organize my high test papers from the weekend (judging). 
• Organize, print, send off my paperwork from Mountains to have reports written; plan a time to get all my stuff together to try and finish my Senior promotion in synchro :) *grins* I'm really excited for this!!!
• Make dinner (yum)!
• Do something with the meat in my fridge- it really needs to be bagged and frozen. Getting there. I swear! 
• Get emails prepared and lists made on Excel for organizing volunteers at Spring Fling (you know, I'll only be 37 weeks pregnant...figured it keeps me busy and occupied right? :D)
• Work like a crazy woman to catch up today...as soon as I shower and wake hubs up :) 

Alright. I'm sure there's more. I'm positive I will add to this list as the day progresses...but I'm hoping to cross off as I go too. Wahoo.

kortney elise xoxo

32 weeks

32 weeks and 3 days in the picture

 How far along: 32 weeks and 5 days

Size of baby: 19ish inches or so (still?!) - the size of a honeydew. At my 30-week ultrasound, babe was measuring about 50th percentile for most things - except femur length was only 10th percentile. It may be that my worst fears are coming true - I'm going to have a tall girl and a short boy (okay, I don't know this is a boy...but that's my fears LOL!).

Total weight gain/loss: On the midwife's scale, up 8 pounds total from my starting weight...which is perfectly on target with their weight gain goal of about 15 pounds this pregnancy - if I gain about a pound a week herein out, that will be about 16 pounds. Wahoo. Keep in mind I was 10 pounds heavier to start than I was with Lex...

Maternity clothes:  So once you answer this question yes, do I really need to answer it every week? I'm starting to approach the grumpy point where I can't find anything I want to wear. Yoga pants, tights, and sweats are my BFFs.

Movement: Babe hasn't actually moved position at all and the head is pretty much engaged - my midwife commented that I should be waddling more since the head is so low. I guess that explains feeling of the need to close my legs to keep the baby in ;) Baby is ROP which is the least desirable of head down positions for most moms, so we'll work towards moving it a bit closer to - here's info if you're curious as to why. There's also lots of kicking and jabbing going on. I love it.

Sleep: I totally long to go to bed at 9 pm and wake up whenever I want at some point.  I guess I'll sleep when my kids are teens. I look forward to it. I love nap time and have actually been sleeping really well - I can't complain too much.

Cravings: I am definitely at the hungry point in pregnancy now, and it's more of a struggle to continue to eat as healthy as I have been and not overindulge. I've been very impressed with my self-control this pregnancy and want to continue these last 8 weeks or so. It's hard now - I really just want to sit with a large bowl of cookie dough and consume it all. Oh, wait - that part did happen ;)

Symptoms: I've emotionally actually been better this week - and I'd definitely relate it back to poor eating last week. Too many carbs made me irritable. Hmph. Lesson learned. I have leaking boobs, but midwife assures me that it's a good thing and I'll have lots of milk (I wasn't worried since I was fine with Lex). I also have quite a lot of braxton hicks, but they're not super uncomfortable yet. I also have the stretchy skin feeling on my belly and stretch marks galore. Lucky I love my babies so much...my body sure doesn't like carrying them.

Best moment of the week: Hearing bub's heartbeat so fast and so strong. I love it. It never gets old and I think it'll be the one thing I miss most about being pregnant - it's a moment you cherish forever. I also enjoyed one evening this week watch bub pretty much play whack a mole on my belly - it was going nuts!!!

So Many Thoughts, So Little Time

My blogging times feel shorter and shorter these days. I have so many words in my head, but I just can't seem to get them out. Between the need to go to bed much, much earlier, trying to get my minimum hours in for work, Alexys' activities, my nesting urges, and everything else life calls for...I just haven't had the time. I barely find the moments to update my "weekly" pregnancy updates - and I want to ensure I have those because one day I'll find the time to create a baby book.

I'm finding it difficult this time knowing that I won't have a mat leave to do some of the things I like. Just the silly little things really - the time at night I had with Alexys where I could write in her baby book. I'll still make time of course for baby 2's baby book (and other stuff), but it will be (literally) at a cost/sacrifice of work time.

I have so much to do these days. And seemingly so little time to do it.

More soon,
kortney elise xoxo

31 Weeks

Better late than never - this was taken at 31 weeks and 3 days...even if it's past that now!

How far along: 31 weeks and 3 days (picture coming soon!)

Size of baby: 19ish inches, but still comparable to a head of lettuce!

Total weight gain/loss: Up 6 pounds total when I weighed myself on Tuesday - still can't believe it. Totally weird. I bet I'll gain quite a bit now though - I've really felt my appetite increase this week!

Maternity clothes:  So once you answer this question yes, do I really need to answer it every week?

Movement: Yep - we had hiccups again (they probably happen more often than I realize, but I don't have time to sit and dwell on them like I did with Lex...though she had the hiccups every single day in the womb and until about 8 months!).  Lots of rolling movement too - it shocks me sometimes. I love it.

Sleep: With Lex at this point, I was off work, didn't have responsibilities and quite literally slept all day. Let's just say I miss those days. Jord is off the next 5 days though so hopefully I'll sneak some long rests in there. I'm so tired! 

Cravings: Not so much this week, no. I've kind of wanted carbs more this week than I have the whole pregnancy, but they make me feel sick, so I try and skip them. I didn't yesterday and totally regretted it.

Symptoms: Ugh. Irritable, bitchy, and depressed quite honestly.  These hormones are raging OUT of control and I'm a constant grump and everything pisses me off.  How's that for honesty? I don't even have anything to be depressed about and nothing is out of control in my life right now - it's honestly hormones which sucks. I've got tactics for dealing with things, but I'm whining. I'm also starting to get a bit uncomfortable and feeling done. I know there are many weeks left so I'm trying to enjoy it - but hey, I'm grumpy and it's hard. I'm really tired too - did I mention that? :D

Best moment of the week: This morning me and babe were up before everyone else and I just laid quietly on the couch and experienced baby hiccups. I'm looking forward to those quiet moments just me and babe since I know they will be far and few between with my crazy 3 year old :)

Mountain Regionals

I just spent the last 4 days in Edmonton for Mountain Regionals as a judge for synchro. It was so much fun. I went a night early, spent the evening and most of Friday with Miss Anne McCune (more on her later :D), and then headed to the rink late Friday afternoon. I proceeded to spend the next...really long time...at the rink. I think 12 hours on Saturday and half the day on Sunday. It feels like more than that and I definitely have a rink hangover.

I had promised myself that I could pop and become uncomfortable after Mountains, knowing I'd spend most of the day in the judge's chair there. Don't worry - my body wasted no time. I think I popped overnight and while I'm still recovering from the rink and would have been exhausted regardless of pregnancy status, I'm truly dead to the world today. I'm not working. I'm not doing anything. I'm sort of catching up on laundry. I bought baby soap for my baby stuff today (and was really sad, but Purex doesn't come in HE [weird right?] so I had to buy Ivory - which is fine, but it doesn't smell the same). So that's my goal this week - to bring up and wash baby stuff. Just to be prepared. Because with babies you never know. And with pregnant people, you have to set goals or else nothing gets done.

The weekend was a blast though and it's great sharing and spending time with people who are as crazy obsessed with skating as I am. And who check results of simultaneous competitions (ie: Europeans and American Nationals) like I do. It's rare...but I've found them.

I thought I'd share a picture - mostly because I don't look very pregnant and I don't even look exhausted, and I like the picture...from this weekend. This is during one of the many small crises that were (not) averted throughout the weekend - this one a fire alarm. And yes, I was cold. Brrrrr - Edmonton so cold.

The group that happened to be on the panel when the alarm went off :)

31 weeks tomorrow - update soon :D
kortney elise xoxo

For Fun

What a great way to prove how old I look - guess that's what kids do to you...I'm totally carrying this one different, hey? And my hair was so great back then...even if it was growing in straight and I didn't realize it. And I had the glow...instead of the look of exhaustion :)

29 and 30 Week Update

29 weeks and 2 days

30 weeks and 1 day - I think my belly popped out more this week - I've gotten a couple "woah belly" comments - it's hard to say in a picture because I'm wearing black last week and white this week and black is "slimming" :) But my mom said it, so it must be true!!!

  How far along: 30 weeks and 1 day - I missed posting this last week...but I'll still include my last weeks' picture :)

Size of baby: At 29 weeks it said about 17 inches...still...the size of a butternut squash! At 30 weeks, about 18 inches and the size of a head of lettuce!

Total weight gain/loss: Up 6 pounds now total. Apparently I gained 2 in the last week...but I totally get it. I've been craving carbs and sugar this past week and eaten a lot more than my entire pregnancy thus far. It's okay. It's healthy. Well, save for the sugar...it hasn't been that bad, but I totally give into the cravings a bit to help ease them!

Maternity clothes:  So once you answer this question yes, do I really need to answer it every week?

Movement: It's the kind of movement I love. The kind I giggle at. The kind that makes me thankful I'm pregnant and experiencing this again. The kick you in the side so it kind of hurts, but at the same time is just so sweet and cute. The rolling all over, some sort of crazy random limb movement. I love it. It's a beautiful thing.

Sleep: I'm so tired. Iron is not helping. But I'm sleeping well. We've given up on Alexys and I'm just gonna hope that once baby comes, she'll want her own bed. Otherwise, for now, she's in the middle - I told her it's BYOB and to leave me alone. And clearly that's bring your own blanket. I'm too tired to deal with it and gave up. So apparently we have a family bed...and not by choice. Oh well. Pretty soon she'll be a teenager and hate me. Perhaps I'll climb into HER bed at noon when she won't get out of bed, steal her blankets, and cuddle up :D Oh. But pregnancy. Yeah, I'm sleeping fine and napping on any day I can. 

Cravings: Okay, yes. And my husband thinks they're totally gross. I made homemade macaroni and cheese...but I added a ton of Parmesan to it...and because I was craving processed deli meat (don't judge), I added it (it was cooked this way and safe). He said it tasted grainy and like soap. For dinner and lunch yesterday I ate eggs fried over red onion, red peppers, chicken, and mushrooms, and then put salsa on top. I totally craved gummy bears and bought some of the organic, juice ones. So yummy. Mmmm...

Symptoms: They're the good kind of symptoms, honestly. Well, besides the stabby crotch pains and the waddling. But that's not bad at all. I can totally handle it. And yes, I just admitted to stabby crotch pains on my blog. Ha. I can't complain. For now, I'm really enjoying this part of pregnancy except for being so gosh darn tired and the occasional heart burn moment.

Best moment of the week: We moved our bedroom around this weekend so that we can bring up the playpen (we use the top bassinet part for babe) and put it in our room. I'm going away tomorrow for 4 days to Edmonton for skating and I had promised myself always that it was after Mountains that I could start washing and prepping stuff. And it's here! I can't wait to wash everything and set it all up :)

So Many Thoughts

When wondering thoughts are in my head, I don't sleep well. Even if they're strange, unrelated, not that important thoughts...and so in turn I choose to share them on my blog. Sucks to be you? There may or may not be a logical turning point to this entry.

Alexys must have been going through  growth spurt last week. She ate and ate and slept and slept. And now her pants are too short. Interesting that while I expect that kind of behaviour in a baby, I didn't with a toddler...and I found myself frustrated and angry and impatient. Another lesson learned in motherhood. The lessons really never end. She didn't nap today and ate next to nothing. And she was an angel. She went to her first real birthday party for a little girl at school and I fully expected meltdown time when it was time to stop playing to eat dinner. And then I expected a meltdown when the little girl opened her presents instead of Alexys getting to. I expected a meltdown when the little girl got to blow out the candles.

Instead Alexys participated, listened, and didn't break down at all. No tears. A success in my mind.

Alexys keeps blowing my mind - with the person she is becoming and how much she knows. They are doing name and number recognition this month at preschool. When they come in for the day, we're supposed to accompany them and they're supposed to find their "nametag" to hang on the wall. All I said the first day was "Alexys, where's your name - it starts with an A." And she found it first time. And then the second day I said, "Alexys, find your name." And she did. Not a guess, not just a random point - but an actual, yep, that's my name, decision without trouble. I don't think I taught this to her. It wasn't intentional if I did.

She also has a puzzle that is the alphabet. Like each letter or 2 letters are a piece. Her and her friend were playing the other day and he was just jamming pieces in trying to make them fit. Alexys seriously rolled her eyes, took the piece, said "It's an L" and put it promptly into the spot. I haven't really spent that much time teaching her those things - we've watching YouTube videos with the alphabet on them. I take it she learns from there. I tested her the other day and I'd say she knows 20 of 26 letters to recognition...I was so worried she was behind because her speech was so different than the other kids - and yet, she seems quite ahead of at least half her class at school...and she's just 3 (versus a lot 3, 3.5, or almost 4). I'm very proud of how much she retains and knows.

And I'm not bragging...because I don't exactly remember teaching her. Or maybe I did, but it wasn't intentional :D Again, thanks YouTube and Wind and Tide *grins*

The attitude Alexys has developed lately is something else - she is SO going to be the greatest 22 year old I've ever met. Or maybe even before that. If we don't kill each other. She's me all over again...except better. She's persistent, determined, and demanding. She does not give up...as you might have guessed from my drag her across the mall story. She knows what she wants and how to get it. There is foot stomping and "I don't cares" that fly in abundance.  She's slammed a few doors and she will throw a fit like no other to get what she wants. Way beyond her friends. She has no embarrassment factor. It's a good thing I'm just as determined. And yet, at the same time, she is very well behaved most of the time - especially in public (save for our mall growth spurt day) and for others. I get compliments on her behaviour all the time...which I promptly laugh at, but then am relieved that she IS retaining the way of how she is being raised. It's a sigh of relief for sure. While I make her out to be this crazy, bratty kid sometimes - she's so not...I just feel it necessary to get those moments off my chest the most.

Indeed. She is observant. She takes everything in. Constantly (as apparently demonstrated by her knowledge of things I haven't taught her). She doesn't forget a thing. You can't trick her or tell her later. She doesn't fall for that. She picks up on people's lies. She is always quiet at first - when she is around new people or a new environment. She takes it all in before she roams or attacks. She becomes familiar. I know that's normal, but it's different than when I watch the other kids. She is so sweet hearted...she truly cares if you're alright and if you're okay. She rubs my back when I puke (yes it happens still once a week or so). She's started to rub my belly, kiss it, and tell me she'll be a big sister. She thinks it's a girl for the record. She's moved on that it's not Nemo...which is what I got at first.  Her imagination is brilliant - the conversations and storylines she creates for her princess dollies are unbelievable. She is coordinated and beautiful.

I love her.

Well, this has turned into an Alexys update, but she's one great kid and I felt that I should reflect on that after a good day. A day with moments of peace, smartness, and cuddles. Very little bad or anything like that. I just want to cuddle her and love on her always. And I will...but this is such a precious age that is sometimes overwhelmed by us forgetting 3 isn't very old - we expect them to act older than they are and get mad when they fail. I don't like that and I try to not act that way...but I'm only human.

Anyways. Blabbering now. Much to do tomorrow. MUCH to do tomorrow. Lots of work, a blog project (not on this one - a paid project for a company on a private blog), and family dinner. I leave for Edmonton on Thursday for 4 days to judge synchro regionals. I will see Anne. That is a different blog though.

Point is. It's bed time.
kortney elise xoxo

Rough Day

Today was a rough day and I'm exhausted mentally...even more than physically.
It had good points and I was proud of my own patience level with Alexys - but then I got thinking. I already posted this to my Facebook, but thought I'd post here too to get more mommy advice.

Here's my Facebook status - anyone have any input?

So on reflecting on today I have to wonder - do any of you mama's see a correlation between growth spurts and temper tantrums? Alexys was awful today, right from the get go - and yesterday wasn't much peachier. I was going to blame being pregnant and my own lack of patience, but when I thought about how much food she ate today, and the 2.5 hour naps she took today and yesterday...I wondered. Anyone else ever notice a correlation?

And then I referenced this article:
http://blogs.babiesonline.com/toddlers/toddlers-and-growth-spurts/

Anyone else ever notice a link between the two?

kortney elise xoxo

Train of Thought

I'm 29 weeks today. Update soonish.

The snow is falling again. Little pretty flakes, but that means they're probably big, mean flakes in Aldergrove where my daughter's skating lesson is at 4:30. I'm thinking we're not going. I don't do well in the snow and almost got stuck in the preschool parking lot. I did take her to school and was on time for both drop off and pickup.

I'm mad she is missing her lessons again today, but I'm really tired today. I'm not sure why. I guess this means I'll get a nap too (as opposed to Alexys only in the car).

I just about beat my child in public today. Three is a tough age and the word no is a tough word for that age to handle. I literally picked her up and waddled to the car with her screaming at the top of her lungs. I must have looked especially pathetic when 3 moms said on the way to the car "been there" sympathetically. Normally I feel like you get judging eyes...I must have been especially pathetic looking. But I stood my ground and my no. Even if I almost didn't. And my arms hurt from carrying said 3 year old across the parking lot 7 months pregnant. And now I'm really grumpy.

Did I mention I'm a tired, old, grump? Because I am.

Stupid snow.
kortney elise xoxo

We Made the Best of It...

28 Weeks

28 weeks and 3 days in the picture :)

How far along: 28 weeks and 4 days

Size of baby: About 17 inches - a small cabbage.

Total weight gain/loss: I'm actually still up only 4 pounds from my starting weight :P

Maternity clothes:  So once you answer this question yes, do I really need to answer it every week?

Movement:  So midwife confirmed that babe is head down at this point and the "limb" sticking up in my belly button is actually baby bum, shoulder, or back, depending on the moment...and it hurts LOL. I'm glad babe is head down though - hopefully it'll stay that way. The movement is the peaceful, usually more comfortable movement now. It definitely moves a lot, but it's not annoying and probably on par with Alexys. It moved more, stronger, and sooner...but now they're about the same from what I remember. The midwife also showed me how to feel baby and where it is...and it hasn't moved out of its position since my appointment on Tuesday. It's very cool feeling it. Even if it does have a knobby butt.

Sleep: I'm not going to lie. I don't think I sleep like a normal pregnant person. I remember Alexys being SO much harder to sleep with - always having to pee and being uncomfortable. Yesterday...I had a 1-hour nap while Alexys nap. And then I went to bed at 11 and slept until 7:30 this morning when Lex got up - I got up once to check the clock and go pee at 4.  I get tired easier, but I really am not as incredibly tired as I was with Alexys. Worn down? Yes. Tired? Not exhausted. I also have been taking iron pills for 4 days now and have actually noticed a difference, I'm pretty sure. Here's hoping it continues.

Cravings: Ummmm...cookie dough yesterday. So I made it. And I ate it for dinner. Don't judge. I know it's bad...but I totally enjoyed every minute of it. And then I ate quiche to counter the effects of cookie dough :D Or because I felt guilty LOL. I've totally just wanted fruits and veggies though. Pretty much anything else is unappealing. I eat a lot of oranges and grapefruit...and grapes and strawberries. Yum. 

Symptoms: Waddling. Oh man...the waddling.  You know that fluid that is released into your joints to help you become more "loose" during labour (though not necessarily more flexible as some interpret) - well it's been released lol. I feel like my legs have worked out for a week and I can't help but waddle. It takes some SERIOUS concentration to not waddle...and I feel like such a dork doing it because I'm totally not even that big like I should be waddling. But I can't help it. I'm actually feeling very decent right now and really can't complaint about much. Just don't laugh when I waddle.

Best moment of the week: I love seeing my midwife - and I had my favourite one too. She's great. My appointment was actually an hour long by the time we finished talking and going over things. She's so encouraging and thorough. Baby's heartbeat was 150 (if you're keeping track) and head down. My blood pressure hasn't hit 100 once through this pregnancy...always been 90/50 or so. Nice and low lol....or perhaps why I have so many freaking dizzy spells. Oh well - was like that with Lex too. Anyways. I love seeing midwives and totally regret not having them last time too. I've also started reading birthing books and thinking about labour/delivery...and I'm SO excited. I know. I'm such a weirdo but the rush of labour is like the adrenaline rush that you miss out on all your life. I love it and can't wait.

Oh...and I made a baby pool. There's a link on the side, but feel free to enter. You don't win anything, but I think it's fun :) Clicky here.

Random Thoughts

It's been a funny week this week. Last week was the first week back after Christmas, but Alexys was sick and missed a day of school and both days of skating...so it almost feels like this week is the first week back. My body definitely feels as such...I'm so tired! Let's catch up on a couple things all in one post!

First, competition on the weekend went great...I didn't even get "rink face" - and I was only a little delirious and glossy eyed by the end ;) I truly had a blast. My next competition is the last weekend in January...it's Mountain Regions and as a judge I had to be invited, as it was out of province...and I was :) I'm excited - it's my first real out of province invitation! It's in Edmonton and I'm flying out to spend an extra night with Anne before the competition gets underway!

Next...I had a midwife appointment this week that went really well - I'm 28 weeks now (post coming soon!). I'll see the midwife again at 32 weeks, then 34 and 36...and then weekly until baby comes. It's hard to believe babe will be here so soon. I have an ultrasound at 30 weeks to check on a fibroid, but I always like the extra reassurance anyways! I did also find out my recent bloodwork showed anemia so I started iron pills a couple days ago...I'm hoping that will help shake the run down feeling even a bit!

This week has been challenging because Jord is on evenings this week and next - it makes work hard as I truly am alone until about 10 minutes before Lex's bedtime (about 930) and I'm so exhausted by the time I sit down to work. Last night was his only night he was supposed to be off normal hours and he worked 3 hours of OT! While I feel bad for him and appreciate his hard work, I'm still grumpy and 7 months preggo. Anyways. I'm going to my mom's house tomorrow to work there during the day to make up for lost time during my evenings this week.

What else? Oh I've been bad at blogging these past few weeks because I'm doing a special blogging project through a research compant (privately) and so have been preoccupied with those posts...it's a paid endeavor and I'm enjoying it.

I'm sure originally I had more to share, but quite frankly, I forget! So that's all for now...28 week baby update soon (I was 28 weeks Tuesday!).

kortney elise xoxo

It's Here :D

Synchro competition season that is!

I have loved competitions since my very first one. It was Jingleblades and I came 8th. I was mad that I didn't hear my music and started late. Ever since? True love.

I've posted this before, but unless you personally have a passion in your soul for something, you will never, ever understanding my love for skating. And I don't mean a person. That's different. I think that as a parent one of my biggest wishes for Alexys is that she becomes passionate about something. Chances are good it won't be skating and that's fine...I want her to fall in love with something and it just be part of her.

I don't think there's denying I love skating. Borderline obsessed, it's true. Perhaps it's the zamboni fumes, but it's in you forever once it's there.

We remember when I retired from skating right? I had a mini personal comeback and then retired again (I'm sure 1 of many times *grins*). Well, still retired (and being pregnant acts as a good reason to be), but that passion never died. I just found something else to be as passionate about...judging skating :)

This post comes on the eve of the first synchro competition of the year. I still have the exact same excitement I did a really long time ago (hmmm...18 years ago, yish). No really. I have butterflies in my tummy and so much excitement. I know I've judged a bit this year already, but there's always going to be a special spot for synchro. It's where I'm safest in my fishbowl.

I was so excited for tomorrow that I got everything done today. Well...and my mom helped clean my bathroom and kitchen - that helped. I typed a ton today. Way more than normal. I just have one load of laundry to put away before bed...and it's still early for me! I purposely didn't nap (nor did I let Lex nap - experiment...we'll see at about 2 am!). Hopefully I'll be tired enough to sleep shortly. The dishes are already done and the toys are put away (a la the chore chart...a few more trial days and I'll post...! I think success has been found!). There's no anxiety here tonight...just bouncing off the walls excitement.

This post has no purpose except to share my excitement with you and serves as entertainment while I stand in the shower (does anyone else shower twice a day? My first is my real shower and the 2nd I just let the water run over my back and shoulders).

So I'm going to try and sleep now. Actually I'm going to have hot water and lemon, read some rules, and put the laundry away. And then I'll triple check my binders, pens, papers, clothes, blankets, shoes, and all I'm taking with.

I'll set my alarm for bright and early and await the Starbucks drive-thru in the morning. I know I'll dream of skating. And it'll be all over and I'll have a rink face and be exhausted in no time.

kortney elise xoxo

Anxiety...

One of the things that causes me anxiety is a messy house.

This is a recent discovery.

Because...ask my mom...I didn't use to be that way.

I don't really know when its come on, but I have definitely narrowed it down to a messy house makes my type A flare like no other.

Now. I'm not a clean freak. If my house is dirty, well - it doesn't bother me. It's the mess of toys and stuff I can't stand. I take this too as a sign that our place is small and learning contentment in it takes time. I'm getting there, I'm just putting 2 and 2 together here and sharing...mostly for my own thought processing.

I find blogging therapeutic. Truly. I think I sort myself out best in writing and this is my outlet to work through things I need to. It's a place where I can put my feelings down. I could do it privately, I suppose, but somehow knowing someone's reading...that eases my mind too. I'm not sure that makes sense...but it does to me. And knowing people tell me in person that my honesty and bluntness has helped them out...even privately. Well, for that I'm glad too.

Anyways. End tangent.

Messy house = Anxiety.

So go clean it? Well duh...except I'm too tired. It's lose-lose essentially. I want to be showering and relaxing right now (actually I am...I blog in the shower remember - more therapy). I don't want to clean. But at exactly the same time, I'm nearly tight-chested over the toys on my floor. The laundry in the dryer. The dishes on the counter.

Someone told me yesterday I'll be playing catch up for the rest of my life. Enjoy the rest (we slept till 11 am - oops!). And that has resonated well with me. I liked that. I needed to hear that. I know people who need to hear that.

I also had someone tell me yesterday that I do it all...constantly. And in the same day, I said no to someone asking for something to volunteer for. It was liberating - freeing even.

This is the most sporadic post and it's only slightly lightening the tight chest...I know I'll have to get out of the shower and clean up before bed.

I already have pregnancy insomnia. I don't need to add anxiety insomnia to it too.

Jordon is off tomorrow. For whatever reason, that helps...even if it's not always physical help, the distraction helps.

I'm going to add a list - sorry. I think it will lessen the chest tightening.

-Make bank appt for Mon or Tues tomorrow.

-Laundry by tomorrow night and put away.

-Competition aaaaaall day Saturday - good thing I'm already prepped (you almost got this post tonight).

-Finish weekly minutes for work...a stretch but doable. Sunday can be less stressful this way and only bonus audio :)

-Ask J to figure out the feeder part of the scanner so I can scan the rest of the promotion scattered across my table. Then I can chuck papers and it'll be killing 2 birds with 1 stone.

-Clean bathroom.

-Go to Ikea Monday or Tuesday.

-Also rearrange room and order bedding.

Okay. So it's not that bad. It feels more in my head. This is good...now perhaps I can settle. Today I got done a 25 minute report of outside dictation I took in, 3o minutes of regular work, the bank, eyebrows waxed, car cleaned (needs a vacuum and wash), school registration at the School Board (I was waitlisting Alexys...also another post), Starbucks, made Lex a "chore" chart (another post), caught up on emails and bills, took a nap (see - rest!), and made dinner. Oh and got my blood work done (yeah for eHealth and online results...boo to anemia).

Okay. I feel marginally better.

End tangents. And shower.

kortney elise xoxo

27 Weeks

27 weeks and 1 day

How far along: 27 weeks and 2 days (I can't believe we're in 3rd trimester territory already...some people say 27 weeks, others say 28 weeks...nevertheless - crazy!)

Size of baby: About 16 inches - a head of cauliflower!

Total weight gain/loss: I've gained 4 pounds total from my starting weight (after the drop/gain part). I figure at a pound a week which is healthy and normal from this point on that will only put me at 17 pounds from my starting weight and that makes me very happy. Remember....I'm 10 pounds heavier to start, at least, than I was with Alexys...and I never lost those last 10 pounds from Alexys :)

Maternity clothes:  So once you answer this question yes, do I really need to answer it every week?

Movement:  It's funny how with baby 2 I'll sit and think...hmmmm - baby hasn't really kicked much and I have to stop and feel it...realizing I'd felt it all day. I just don't have time to sit and revel in its magic as much as with Alexys. S/he kicks all day long, but some days I forget to feel it and have to concentrate on it. Also - it seems to have a limb or bum (I really can't tell which, though I'm thinking limb at this point - foot perhaps?!) stuck right under/kind in my belly button. It's *ALWAYS* there and it hurts. It's actually caused a stretch mark just in that one spot from pushing out so often. It's kinda gross.

Sleep: Well...last night I went to bed before midnight and me and Lex slept till 11 am! We were both sick yesterday though and so apparently totally needed a long sleep LOL! Other than that I can't complain other than Alexys seemingly deciding to crawl into our bed every night. That is stopping Thursday night though...Jord has a 5-day weekend and I'll be walking her back to bed over and over until she stays put. This is backtracking for her, but we've been giving in because she screams so loud about getting out of our bed during the night and I don't like to wreck Jord's sleep when he works. He's not so good on little sleep. Plus if he's home all weekend I can get a nap if I need to. But no pregnancy related sleep problems LOL!

Cravings: I craved apple cranberry muffins yesterday so I made them...even while barely functioning sick LOL. And they're SO yummy!

Symptoms: Besides the real apparent lack of immune system and always being sick...nothing really new. I'm debating if yesterday's sickness is indigestion, baby blocking my intestine, or the flu. I puked all day because nothing would go down - not even water. It felt like the food sat at the top of where my belly is. Kinda weird. I've never had indigestion/heart burn, but from what I read that's higher up in your heart area. But that was yesterday. Hopefully baby moved. I tried every labour position I could think of to try and MOVE baby and get the food through lol. Hopefully its moved.

Best moment of the week: Not going to lie. Sleeping until 11 today was a godsend and so lovely. Even when Jord is home and I get to sleep in, I can still hear Alexys and him usually and I just don't really sleep. But since Jord was gone and Lex was sleeping too...it was just so lovely!

Happy New Year

I generally hate New Years. I've never really partied ever on NYE because I think it's overrated. Yes, it's a new year, but yesterday was a new day. Why shouldn't we celebrate everyday with such vigor?

Anyways. I did spend the evening with my friend (from grade 2!) and my hubs joined us playing board games and eating. I made it past midnight and Alexys went to bed at 930ish, like normal. She's just started to grasp the concept of tomorrow versus today so why confuse her with years? ;)

I do like to use this time to reflect on my last year, though, simply for memory and record keeping purposes. I like to reflect on the next year too and while I don't like resolutions, I do focus on goals.

So 2011?
-Actually a pretty big year of change in some ways for our family. I started off the year at my old company and big promotions. Jordon was at his old company. We were actually making good money. We decided that as much as we like current money we need to focus on family and the long-term, rather than what was good for us at that very moment. So that resulted in:

• Jordon got a new job at Telus. He's been there a year in March and while there are definitely good days and bad days, I think overall it was the right move. There's a future and a pension and all that grown up stuff. There's places to move up to in the company and he's quite a bit younger than most people he works with (good on multiple levels I think). He's based in Abbotsford.
  
• I got a bunch of huge promotions with my old company and was working like mad. Alexys was being ignored during the day in favour of work. Didn't like it. Completely quit to start over and now work with a company called Accentus, and essentially I work for the Fraser Health Authority through them. There's a multitude of work, bonuses, etc. It's a good company. I can truly set my own hours, work after Alexys is in bed OR during the day if I have time, etc. It's a good place to go forward and grow with in the future. 

-So those were our big 2011 changes mostly. We're happy with our decisions even if the pay cut has taken a while to adjust to.  We're getting there and getting back on track though. What else?

• Alexys started "real life" in September as we like to call it. She started preschool, skating, and ballet. She was put on a little schedule and is absolutely thriving on it. It was an adjustment for us too actually - to get up and out the door before 9 a.m. sometimes, etc. We're very glad with our choices here though.
  
• I really can't remember at this point (I'm finishing this before I've had coffee...perhaps a dumb choice)...if anything else changed in 2011. Nothing major I don't think. It was just life as normal with a few adjustments really. 

So now? 2012. I hate resolutions, but I do like to look forward. I am a planner and constantly make short and long term goals and achieve them. So...barring any major lottery wins *grins* our 2012 looks like this (totally random in order, just as they pop up in my head):

• I guess the most obvious 2012 thing is that baby will be here in just 13 short weeks (I'm 27 weeks today) - give or take a couple. I told everyone my New Year's resolution is to have a baby *grinning more* - I'd say it's a good resolution I can keep at this point. I guess my short-term goal with this is to finish organizing the house and preparing for baby. I've been quite the nester lately and if I let it continue, I'll be done in no time. Now...just to get hubby to bring down these bins from upstairs (Christmas stuff) to put into storage. 
  
• Alexys will start 3-day a week preschool in September in the 4-year-old class, still at the same school she's at...regardless of location of US - she'll be there because I love, love, love her teachers, she's comfortable, and she's made some friends I'd like her to keep. She'll still do skating and ballet...and I think that's all for now.
  
• We'd like to move, truly. I don't know if it will happen in 2012. I really, really want it to happen, but I just don't know if it's feasible. If we do move in 2012 and buy a bigger place, it will take a lot of hard work and moving mountains. We hoped to move in the spring, but if it happens now I think it will have to be in the latter half of the year. Which is fine. We'll have to see...and basically that's all we can do. Of course, that would also mean selling this place and moving would obviously be dependent on that.
  
• We're going to pay off the rest of our loans/debt. There's not huge impending debt that's going to land us in financial crisis, but we're going to the bank this week and getting it sorted out and paid off quickly this way. The end. It's over :) This is actually our 1st priority in terms of moving, etc., this year. Neither of us can stop thinking about it. We paid off 2 loans (car and dentist) in 2011...2012 will bring more paying off. Wahoo.
  
• We're going to continue going to church and me to Bible study. This is something I need in my life and has lacked for far too long. It's important to us that Alexys is raised in a church.  We've been going the past few months on and off and we're going to work on more consistency of it. I don't know that we've found our home church, but we're going to one now and it's good for now.
  
• Judging: There's actually not a lot to say here, because after April judging will probably slow down a bit for baby. I'm good with it. I need to send in my last promotion (Novice singles if you're keeping track) ASAP...it's finished - I just have to scan and organize it all. I may apply for my Senior Synchro promotion come fall as well, but that will take some organization with our synchro rep, etc. I'm not sure it's feasible. If not, then it will have to wait a couple years. After that, I have my Senior Singles promotion (assuming I get my Novice *grinning*), but not really working on that at all. I probably won't do many competitions at first after babe comes, but may do a couple test days as those are generally just an hour or 2 :) 

 Well - that's my 2012. I think anyways. Who knows right? You can plan and goal-set as much as you like, but if you're not flexible, then life brings you shocking news too often :) So off we go. Life continues and while we aim for the best, we prepare for the worst (that's how my mind works anyways).

Hope you had a safe happy New Year's Eve and that your 2012 brings much joy. I saw a lot of sadness experienced in 2011 by close friends and I hope that this year brings only the best xoxo

kortney elise xoxo

26 Weeks

26 weeks and 4 days (New Year's Eve)

How far along: 26 weeks and 5 days

Size of baby: About 14.5 inches - and the length of a cucumber!!!

Total weight gain/loss: Truly? I haven't weighed myself since Christmas. And I'm not going to until my midwife appointment. LOL :)

Maternity clothes:  So once you answer this question yes, do I really need to answer it every week?

Movement:  The movement is definitely more dulled now than it was early on. It's not lessened by any means, but definitely more bearable and enjoyable than it was to start. They're like stronger punches, but like with a bigger hand/foot - which makes sense. I don't know. It just feels different and not as pokey.

Sleep: I've been sick and it was Christmas week. I just wanted to sleep constantly and didn't have time. And then today when I had time to nap, I just couldn't. I couldn't slow my brain down enough. I did take it easy today though and that made the sickness start to clear up. I'm going to bed early tonight!

Cravings: I totally am craving fruit and healthy food - I'll blame that on Christmas. I bought grapes, strawberries, grapefruit, and oranges today. Yum.

Symptoms: Not much is different really - the same old. Once or twice a week puking, sore back, tired...you know. The usual. Once this sinus infection goes away, I'm hoping for the best.

Best moment of the week: I can tell you I have to go for blood work in the next 2 weeks and I'm dreading that - that's the worst moment. The best? That Christmas is all done with and I can start reorganizing. I'm nesting like CRAZY which I never really did with Alexys. OCD, type-A tendencies, anxiety, and nesting are not a good combination. But let me tell you, my house is super organized. If I had a billion dollars, I think my whole house would just be full of bins to organize stuff into :) I had a pretty good new years too with my friend Leah and the hubs...we played board games, Lex went to bed, and we followed shortly after midnight :)

Braxton Hicks...

Rough day today - started pulling stuff out to put away Christmas stuff and start cleaning up and reorganizing stuff for babe (13 weeks and 5 days until my guess date!). We're just getting some extra Ikea shelves, moving our room around, etc....but I like to get a head start on it since life is so busy and January is (sigh) nuts. You know me - type A and OCD...so I want all the Christmas stuff long gone so that I can set up for babe. I know it's too early to wash things, but the thought has most certainly crossed my mind!!!

Anyways. I lifted nothing heavy and just brought the bins up from downstairs...but apparently babe didn't like that idea. I started getting really bad braxton hicks, combined with...flu-like symptoms...we'll just keep it PG on here - anyways. Called the midwife and since I was at risk of getting dehydrated and the BH were getting pretty terrible, I was told to try and lie down for the rest of the day. Right.

But I did.  Forceful rest is hard, especially when there's a 3 year old to chase after and care for. Bed rest would have been much appreciated the first time round when I could truly lie there ;) I'm feeling mostly better now and am going to attempt to head to bed pretty quick.

But since I didn't accomplish what I wanted to today - I feel the need to make a list of things I need to get done before Tuesday :) Slowly...I promise.

• Christmas stuff away - the village is down and put away, the stickers are put away and the glass cleaned (actually Alexys fully did that for me), and the ornaments are all down and put away. The tree is disassembled, but not smushed down how the leaves need to be. Jordon will put this all downstairs for me tomorrow after work - that's the hope anyways! 
• Work; I'm actually doing well this week, but now I've skipped today...so hopefully I'll catch up. Jord is off Saturday/Sunday so that helps. Trying to get a nice big paycheque these next few times to make some bigger payments on some things. 
• Call bank and make appointment for new year - we've decided to get a consolidated loan and pay the rest of our debt off even sooner than planned. We're cancelling all our credit cards and just taking out one no-fee "emergency/gas" credit card. We're kinda spread between 3 banks right now and that is stressing me out. So yes. Call the bank. 
• Vacuum the main area (a given perhaps because I took the tree down LOL). Move play kitchen to where I want it and vacuum out where Ikea shelves will go. 
• Get Jord to rearrange our bedroom so I can set up where the playpen will go and I can hang all the pretty pictures on our walls. Need to find bedding online to order too.  It will make me very happy to have my new room all set up pretty :) 

And I think that's it. Not too much, just enough to make me feel organized and clean and prepared. Like I said January is busier than I would have liked.

I have a dentist appointment next week, a synchro competition next weekend (don't worry, we sit allllll day :D), a synchro get together I'm somehow planning, and of course school, dance, and skating.

Oh well - Alexys does much better on a busy routine I've learned...and I think I do too. She's been a grump and totally off schedule the past 2 weeks. Too much stimulation and nothing and randomness. Neither of us like it.

Alright. Off to bed. For more rest :)
kortney elise xoxo

25 Weeks

In this picture I was 25 weeks and 1 day!

How far along: 25 weeks and 1 day (when I wrote this...I'm posting it at 25 weeks and 5 days, oops...thought I'd better quickly post it so I don't forget - also took a picture at 25 weeks and 1 day, but haven't uploaded it yet either - what a busy week!).

Size of baby: A bigger eggplant? 9.2 inches.

Total weight gain/loss: Up 2 pounds total now (well from my starting weight...I dropped remember? I just like to say 2 pounds, sounds better to me :D). 

Maternity clothes:  So once you answer this question yes, do I really need to answer it every week?

Movement:  Pretty sure it somersaulted and dive-bombed into my pelvic floor last night so that it's head down. I can't confirm, but it definitely did a somersault. The movements have also felt quite a bit different today and I can feel them up higher. I'm thinking it's been hanging out below my placenta and now it's kicking into my placenta and is a bit more dulled.

Sleep: Oh ugh. This is the part of pregnancy I dread. Where you body prepares you for a newborn. Also Alexys has decided to go through a sleep regression where she insists on being in my bed. But she's a bed hog so I leave and go in hers. Or on the couch. Either or makes for a rougher night. It has nothing to do with me physically. Just how it goes 'round this time.

Cravings: Nope. Not really. I've been eating a lot of frozen cranberries...but that's because they're in season. I have 5 bags in my freezer. I also really wanted to try this Hawaiian BBQ sauce from Target I saw on Pinterest that looked delicious. It was disgusting. How disappointing.

Symptoms: I'm not feeling good while I'm typing this. Not even a little bit good. So I probably shouldn't type anything, but I will. It's my blog and I'll whine if I want. I woke up with a sore throat, cold, and sore back and hips and shoulders from a bad sleep. Plus my eyes are all burning. And I'm grumpy and tired. Really tired. And I'm big and waddly. Hmph.

Best moment of the week: I changed this one today (at 25 weeks and 5 days) - of course it was Christmas morning with my family today :) So strange that next year I'll have an 8-month old to share in our Christmas morning with too. Bub was kicking away as Alexys opened presents this morning. Can't wait till you're here, little one xoxo

Struggles

There have been some struggles lately, amidst the blessings (of course - when isn't there?).

One I'm leaving to share - I've had a post pending for a bit now, but it's a rambling of thoughts, ideas, etc. I'm going to wait until after Alexys' doctor's appointment tomorrow to share that one - it's nothing intense or scary, just something we're dealing with...something I'm having a hard time dealing with.

I've also noticed anxiety creeping back a little lately - it's been fairly controlled the last few months and I've coped quite well. I'm hoping this 2 week break of nothing-ness will help get things under control, but I know there are a few things that are contributing to it.

I really like my job, you see, and I constantly struggle between wanting to work more and doing well, with just wanting to be with Alexys all day. I guess that's fair and I'd bet most moms struggle between this...except it's not really a struggle to me. I don't want to be both. I don't want a career and to stay home. I want one or the other. And it's causing anxiety.

Me not working isn't an option for us so I chose something that I could do from home to support us. It pays well - when I can dedicate time to my job. I'm SO glad that I can be home with Alexys during the day.

But here's the problem...being a work at home mom is not being a stay at home mom. Especially while pregnant. Because not only do I do everything a stay at home mom does (or working moms do on weekends), but then I have to go to work at night instead of relaxing.

That's causing anxiety.

Now, I'm not undercutting or pretending I have it harder.

I'm just saying what's causing anxiety.

When stay at home moms put their kids to bed at night, they watch TV or catch up on laundry or what not. When working moms put their kids to bed at night, they watch TV or catch up on laundry or what not. I don't have time for those things.

It's causing anxiety.

I am struggling with how to find a balance between being a mom, fitting in everything, and working. It's especially hard while pregnant, because while I used to be able to work late into the night, I don't have the mental capacity (even if I have the insomnia) to work much past 10:30 anymore. Jordon doesn't get home until 7 most nights and he works long stretches that make life tough for me.

I'm mostly just whining and then maybe looking for advice.

How do I find balance? I'm debating finding a daycare for Alexys once a week so that I can work and have an evening a week to myself after she's in bed. I feel like it's selfish, but also that in those 8 hours she's having fun in daycare, I could accomplish more work than I normally do all week. 8 hours of working straight would be glorious. I also don't want to pay for daycare and I'd feel so deeply hypocritical of myself because I believe so deeply in staying home with my babies.

I know this is short term. In just over 5 years, both my babies (eek!) will be in school full time and I will work in the day and life will return with some form of normalcy.

But for the next 5 years I don't want to feel this way.

End rant.

Blessed

Yesterday I was blessed.

I am blessed everyday actually - but yesterday I really felt it. Maybe God knew I needed some building up. Maybe it was my turn to get when the meter had run out. Maybe it's because I wasn't busy and had time to look for the blessings in the little things.

Maybe it actually started Friday.

I cancelled our picture plans Friday. Alexys was exhausted and me too. We stayed home, organized the house, and took some time out. I still had a test day to judge so off I went while Lex spent time with my brother.

A coach came and thanked me at test day - for being fair, honest, and providing real useful feedback to the skaters. I'm not sure you know this, but often being a judge is thankless - accused of cheating or sneered at or whatever. It was nice to just be thanked.

Saturday Jord worked and so Lex and I stayed home. I went grocery shopping once Jord got home. I was dreading the busyness of shopping the Saturday before Christmas Eve, but it had to be done.

Somehow I managed to go during the Canucks game. It wasn't intentional, but it was great. I could have parked 2 spots from the door - but didn't since I am able to walk.

I got a "free" buggy. And gave it to someone else after (I didn't take their loonie).

My 1-hr photos took 4 minutes :D

I got stocking stuffers for Lex on sale - teeny My Little Ponies!

I did pick the long line because of the lack of common sense of people, but got a sweet, quick cashier. I smiled at her.

We didn't go to a Christmas party we were supposed to. Alexys was irritable and had a bit of a fever. Jord was grumpy. We stayed home and spent time as a family.

Lex slept until after 8 this morning.

A friend offered to bring me milk in the afternoon when I didn't have any and didn't want to drag Lex out.

I got a $200 referral cheque from my MT school, I didn't even know was on the way...it even qualified under their bonus program of $100/person - normally it was only $50/person, but it happened at just the right time that it qualifed!

We didn't have juice either (hence the shopping) - so Dad came and brought us some.

I got a sweet text message from a friend that further made me feel appreciated and loved.

Taking time to notice the little blessings really fills you up.

Thanks for yesterday Jesus...and sorry we forgot today is Sunday and got up too late for church ;)

kortney elise xoxo

24 Weeks

Photo taken at exactly 24 weeks :)

How far along: 24 weeks and 4 days

Size of baby: 9 inches (head to rump - stretched out it's longer) - size of an eggplant.

Total weight gain/loss: I'm now officially at my starting weight (after all the weight loss). I'd be more than thrilled if I only gained a pound a week for the next 16 weeks or so :D

Maternity clothes:  Yep...although I am still in my pre-maternity jeans with a belly band mostly comfortably. And I can still do them up because I accidentally did the other night. It's not comfortable, but I can do it :)

Movement:  This child is beating me from the inside out. Literally. It's had the hiccups a couple times. And Jordon, my mom, and Leah have all felt it from the outside. It kicked through the entire Nutcracker the other night (as in at the ballet) and through all the test days of dance music at the rink.

Sleep: I've had my first couple nights of pregnancy awake-ness. You know when you can't sleep or you wake up and are just awake. My body is kicking into preparedness for when babe comes. Every time I find myself I wake I find myself excited to be awake in a few months nursing my babe! I still sleep half on my tummy and half on my side quite comfortably and don't like or use any extra pillows, etc.

Cravings: Actually...none! I really can't think of anything I've craved at all this past week. I really wanted cranberries when I saw them at the store, but that wasn't a craving so much as they were on sale and I like cranberries :)

Symptoms: It's actually an okay portion of pregnancy...I'm a bit tired and my back is sore and still spasmy - but nothing major. It hurts right now cuz I'm typing this in between work and it hurts sitting like this for long periods of time. My hair is definitely growing in straight and that's annoying. I have great nails and long leg hair (also a symptom of not shaving cuz it's winter :D :D :D). My belly button has half popped out which is weird because my belly is no where near as big. I've been a bit hungrier lately too - nothing like how I was with Lex, but hungrier.

Best moment of the week: I got my results from my ultrasound since I last posted - all is well - I do have an anterior placenta again (like I did with Lex) - but this babe, I think, is much lower than the placenta and kicking under it (I don't know if that's possible, it's what I assume). My fibroid they were monitoring is fine and out of the way - I do have to have a followup ultrasound at 30 weeks to check on it. I also got to hear babe's heartbeat at my midwife appointment (149 if you're keeping track - Lex always hovered around 150 too just for the record). The best moment of the week outside pregnancy? It's over :D And now this family is focusing on Jesus and the Christmas season.