35 weeks

Merry Christmas Blogland!!  I have had a completely relaxing and blessed day spent with my amazing Husband.  I've been spoiled beyond belief this year and am typing to you on my new iMac!  We've been talking about this for while with my love of photography and new edition on the way and today it finally became a reality!  It's going to be a learning curve but I'm SO excited!  

Last Christmas before baby!

Last night we hosted our first California "Friendsmas" with other military orphans too far away to be with family this holiday season.  It was a blast to say the least!  Here are some of the highlights, and hilarious pics, that ensued!

So. Much. Food.  Don't forget the Birthday Boy, Joe!  

Vallejos & Lamberts!  I love when friends become family!

A little engineering and ghetto phone manipulation, eh voila, group photo!

The ladies went in the kitchen to talk doTERRA for 5 min, guess they were ready for Santa to come!

Awkward family photo or prego prom pic- either way it makes me giggle and I love it!!

How far along? 35 weeks, Day 2
Total weight gain: 12lbs and hoping to keep it that way!
Baby is the size of ? A Coconut
Maternity clothes? Yep!  Whoever said yoga pants and leggings weren't pants is wrong, just plain wrong.  Those things are a gift from God.  Come to think of it, anything stretchy is gracing my body these days.  You're welcome.
Stretch marks? Same!  Although I've noticed some older ones fading a bit, which makes me happy!
Sleep: Ahhh, we've definitely entered the third trimester sleep patterns, better known as "getting you ready for a newborn because you sleep like crappity, crap, crap"!  Unfortunately it's also around now when Mr. Ladd is getting banished to the, way more comfortable, guest bed.  I miss my husband but my sleep is SO precious I'll sacrifice a few nights with him! 
Best moment this week: Seeing the belly dance more and more!  We also had our birthing class last week and while it was pretty, um terrifying eyeopening, I feel more empowered and better prepared for the big event.  Might I add that at 35 weeks the lungs are fully developed?  While I'm not advocating for little Miss to make her debut tomorrow, I'm saying it's pretty much up to her now!
Miss Anything? Breathing and eating more than two bites of anything.  Enough said.
Movement: Little gymnast is doing summersaults all. the. time.
Food cravings: Anything sweet, but not really craving too much lately.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really but meat is starting to not appeal again.  Weird.
Exercise? Lots of walking around the office, during Christmas shopping and in general.  That's taking way more energy than it did before.  
Gender:  SHE
Labor Signs: Not really.  My belly keeps getting rock hard at the top but doesn't have any pain associated with it.  I am having random pains every now and then that stop me in my tracks, but they're done as fast as they come on.
Symptoms: Same.  I have good days and bad with random aches and pains.  Hello round ligament pain.  Google it.
Belly Button in or out? In- but I can now see both holes where my belly button ring would’ve resided.  
Wedding rings on or off? Normally I'm able to wear my engagement ring, but not my wedding band.  I'll take big and sparkly because people are serious judgers when I don't have any rings on.  Geezeeee.
Happy or Moody most of the time: More emotional than a 13yr old girl.  Make. it. STOP!
Looking forward to: Putting the nursery together, installing the carseat, writing my birth plan and packing our "to go bag".  Sh*t's getting real.

That's all for today folks!  I hope you have a fantastic Christmas and you remember the real reason for the season!  The most important things you get on Christmas, aren't things at all. 

Until next time...

Baby Ladd has a name!

As our dute date comes screetching towards us, one of the favorite questions people like to ask is "Do you have a name"?  Why, yes... we do.  So, if you've been waiting in anticipation for Baby Ladd's name, it's my pleasure to announce your wait is over!

Drum roll please...

 

 

 

Raegan

Meaning: king or regal.  A feisty, intelligent young woman. Someone who knows what she wants and works hard to get it. Is also known to be: extremely fun-loving, loyal, quick-witted, and sarcastic, but will stand by your side at all times.

 

Avery

Meaning: wise or counselor.  Avery means amazing, talented in every way , able to sucseed, will go far in life, loves and cares for that one special person, very good at basketball. (thank you urban dictionary, my husband will love that!) 

 

After making several attempts at adding my Mom, Grandma, D's Mom or Grandma's name into the mix we came up short and would've ended up with something like Renesmee.  Which, if that's your thing is fine, but it was definitely on my to-don't list.  So instead we went in search of a strong female name with a slightly androgynous feel.  It just so happens that her initials are the same as mine, in a different order :)  I think we nailed it!

 

Only 36 more days until this little ladies' proposed birthday!

 

Until next time...

 

 

 

5 Unbelievable Pregnancy Encounters

There are so many things I thought were exaggerated about pregnancy before I was pregnant.  Now, I get it.  I would like to say that I was expecting them but some things are so out there, that until they actually happened I’m pretty sure it never even crossed my mind.  Mind. Blown.  Here are just a few of my favorite moments I’ve experienced in pregnancy so far.

I’m a fragile little lamb-  It seems that once you hit the “whoa baby” noticeable stage people are so afraid of breaking you.  For instance, I’m not sure if it’s more about liability at work but people are afraid if I walk fast, drop something on the ground or get up to do something.  It’s pretty comical, in fact.  It’s such a nice feeling to have people at work give a damn that it almost makes me want to play along… Yes, I am in fact Queen of All Pregnant Ladies and you are my subjects.  Haha  But then I snap out of it and think, hey I’m still normal, just makin a human over here.  I’m perfectly capable of picking up my pen…. Well most times, unless I’m sitting at a table and if you’ve ever tried to put a purse or beach ball on your lap and bend over you know physics are not working in your favor. 

Virtual strangers touching my belly-  Now, I have to say at 34 weeks to the day I’ve avoided this so far.  I was seriously hoping it was a complete myth.  Unfortunately, I’m here to tell you that it happens.  It has happened to me and it will, most likely, happen to you.  Today, my friends, my belly was patted for the first time with a loving look from a gentleman I work with.  To say I was shocked, would be an understatement.  Not only did I get an unsuspecting pat, but I also got a “look at you” comment.  Double whammy.  My FB post went a little something like this:

Comments about the size/shape of my belly- Twice, people have made comments about my belly and have *barely* lived to tell the tale.  No, sample lady at Costco, I am not having twins but thank you again for the lovely TWO samples you insisted I take.  Yes, outspoken TSA Man, I am having a girl and thank you so much for your observation that I am carrying high.  FML.  I feel like that youtube kid on drugs after the dentist.  Is this really real?  Yes, yes it is.  I can’t make this up.
 

People sharing their stories with me- Thank you for enlightening me on your birthing experience even though I didn’t ask.  I loved hearing about your episiotomy and how that went.  *warning, do not google it* Oh, I’m so sorry your drugs wore off mid-pushing and you felt everything.  Wow, you went natural and really think I should too.  Thanks for your thoughts.  Shoot. Me. Now.

My life is over-  This may be my favorite of all moments.  When a haggard, yet seemingly put together woman proceeds to tell me what I have NO idea what I’m in for and that I better appreciate every late morning and free moment of my time because it will NEVER happen again.  Wow, first of all, let me say I’m sorry for you.  Truly.  I appreciate the concern on making sure I soak up all experiences now before our lives change forever, but I’m good.  You may believe I live in Never Never Land, but I assure you that I currently reside in California and am well aware of the changes my life will encounter.  However, and this may be the smug new parent in me, I fully believe that after the first couple (6) months of newborn haze that I’ll be ok.  My life will never be the “same” but that’s ok.  I know wine night with the girls, date nights with the hubby and a general life will be mine again.  So, thanks for trying to scare the beegeesus out of me but I’m good.

In closing, I’d like to offer some of the only things you should say to a pregnant woman- like EVER:

• You’re simply glowing
• Congratulations!

• You look so amazing

• How exciting, I hope everything is amazing for you

• You are going to be such a fantastic mother

Until next time...

 

 

32 weeks!

Just by the hair on my chinney, chin, chin (and I'm pregnant so that's not far off!) did I make this post happen!  Time is flying by and I have a lot to say.  Really, I should note that trimester 3 is kicking my booty and I'm so tired all. the. time.  I'm lucky to get dinner and a show in before I'm asleep in my chair or heading to bed.  Either way, the show the blog must go on! 

 

Since Halloween... oops... we've been living our normal lives with an amazing trip to WA thrown in the mix.  We headed to the Evergreen State for 7 fun-filled days of eating, shopping, driving, more driving and visiting with friends and family!  I had an amazing baby shower while were there and Baby Ladd was spoiled beyond belief by our amazing friends/family.  I saw some of my friends and sorority sisters that I haven't seen in years!  I miss everyone so much and it was flattering that they all took the time to come out and welcome Baby!  Of course, in true Annalee fashion, I didn't take many pics so I am missing a group shot and lots of other cute details!  Shoot! 

Prepare to be bombarded with pictures my lovelies! 

 

I was VERY thankful for a Hawks win on Thanksgiving!

My Baby Shower was so fun!  One of my best friends, Mary, and my Mom did such a great job!

Love this girl!  Also, I have her to thank for taking pics because I'm so bad at remembering!

Look, Ma- no hands!  Decorating onsies at the shower.

There were a couple onsies left over so D, Mary and I had a decorating party later!

Of course we had to stop off at the Pro Shop and get some baby Hawk gear!

Hockey game on Sunday night capped off a fantastic weekend!

Bumpdate!

How far along? 32 weeks, 7 days
Total weight gain: 12lbs- With baby at 4lbs I'm freaking out a little less :)
Baby is the size of ? An Squash and 15.2-16.7 in
Maternity clothes? Yep!  Bring on the black leggings and don't you dare tell me they're not pants.  Anything with an elastic waist band, no waist band or that goes below the belly and doesn't require a button is fair game! 
Stretch marks? No new ones!  Still battling them with doTERRA products and vitamin E/coconut oil which seems to be helping.  Not familiar with doTERRA?  ASK!  Hello life changing!

Sleep: Getting more elusive... 
Best moment this week: Seeing the belly move more on it's own and hearing Baby Ladd's heartbeat.  I should probably stop calling her Baby Ladd and tell you her name, huh?  SOON!Miss Anything? My back NOT aching, energy, being able to reach everything, not bumping the belly into things (serious problem)
Movement: Pretty sure she's a black belt ninja who loves oranges, sugar and taco salads!Food cravings: Cuties/Halos, those delicious little clementines have been disappearing by the bags at our casa! 
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really... pork is really the only culprit.  I feel so bad for D!
Exercise? Not as much as I should be doing... but I do walk a lot at work, does that count?Gender:  ??  Lady!Labor Signs: Nope.  Just your usual aches, pains and awkward stretchy feelings.

Symptoms: I have good days and bad with random aches and pains.  Hello round ligament pain.  Google it.
Belly Button in or out? In- but I can now see both holes where my belly button ring would’ve resided.  It's getting bad.
Wedding rings on or off? Engagement ring ON most days but the actual wedding band is touch and go.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Just call me Lady Cries-A-Lot.  It's redic and I'm so over it.  I don't want to feel feelings anymore!Looking forward to: Buying the little's car seat and setting up the nursery!

 

Look for a name reveal sometime SOON!! 

Until next time...