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...

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...

29 weeks

What a crazy couple of weeks!  Time flies when you start a new job and are growing a human!  We've been on the move lately so here's a quick recap and bumpdate for ya!

This last weekend D and I went to the San Francisco Baby and Birth Fair.  Mind Blown!  I'm happy to say that it was a great and very informative time.  Did you know that encapsulating your placenta and taking it like a daily vitamin is a thing now?  Yeah, me either.  Pass and gag.  I did learn a lot about breastfeeding, baby carriers, how to avoid sore nipples and bought some awesome baby products!  Total win!!  Here are some pics of our adventures!

Also, since it was right next door, we went to the Renegade Craft Festival!  Coming straight from the baby fair, walking in was a bit of a culture shock.  Hipsters as far as the eye cold see... There were actually some really cool, and seriously overpriced goods but we were in baby mode- which is why we opted for gourmet chocolates and toffee!  Seriously can't even describe how life altering this toffee was.... And of course I forgot the guys card.  Alas, we did a quick lap and skedaddled before they tried to put tight pants on me and a mustache on D.

My- way too many hipsters face!

Next stop, a fancy dinner to celebrate my Veteran!  We headed to McCormik and Kuleto's for their free veteran meal!  Seriously any chance to get my hands on some good seafood and a romantic atmosphere and I'm sold.  This restaurant did not dissappint!  We started with a bacon wrapped shrimp appetizer before D had the beef medallions and I had bacon wrapped sturgeon.  The sounds coming from our mouths were less than appropriate, it was that good!! Topped off with some good 'ol creme brûlée and we were set!  However, D said the dessert didnt hold a candle to my creme brûlée, isn't he sweet!?  I think I'll keep him!

Onwards to the bumpdate!

 

 My Halloween Costume!

How far along? 29 weeks, 1 days (holy slacker alert!)
Total weight gain: 9lbs- Halloween candy was not nice to me.  Bring on the dark leafys!
Baby is the size of ? An Acorn Squash
Maternity clothes? Yep!  I’m still wearing non-maternity duds as well but I discovered a new phenomenon this week, physics.  So, it’s not that I can’t zip my pants because they’re too small… I’m finding that I cannot physically reach my arms around my belly to GET to my zipper.  Yeah, I feel like a T-rex and those e-cards are no longer funny. 
Stretch marks? Why yes, yes I do!  I have been battling them with doTERRA products and vitamin E/coconut oil which seems to be helping.  Not familiar with doTERRA?  ASK!  Hello life changing J
Sleep: It never seems like I get enough.  I’ve started going to be around 8:30 or 9, I know…, and yet I still wake up feeling like I haven’t slept at all. 
Best moment this week: I’m not sure what I classify this as, but I saw moment from the OUTSIDE this week!  Pretty freaky.  I know, miracle of birth and all but I can’t help but wonder if our little karate kid will make a Spaceballs entrance through my belly.  Yikes.
Miss Anything? My energy, being able to reach everything, not bumping the belly into things
Movement: Yeppers, kicks and punches galore!
Food cravings: Thanks to All Hallows Eve, sugar has been public enemy #1.  I need to reign it in, seriously.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really
Exercise? Not as much as I should be doing... working is pooping me out!
Gender:  ??  Pretty Pretty Princess!
Labor Signs: Nope.  My belly did get super hard the other night, I’m told I’ll start having signs like that.
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. 
Wedding rings on or off? Sadly to say… last week I met the swelling monster.  I’m drinking tons of water but haven’t worn a ring in 3 days!  Seriously sad panda right here.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Um, not sure who turned on the water works 24/7, but I’d like them to stop, k?  Anything and EVERYTHING are making me cry.  I am so over feeling feelings.
Looking forward to: Buying a crib and car seat!

24 Weeks

As D and I were walking in to the Dr's office on Monday I said "Can you believe I'm 6 months pregnant" to which he replied "No you're not, holy crap you are!".  Keepin' it classy folks.  But, it dawned on me that this pregnancy has kind of flown by and I have less than 4 months until we meet our sweet baby girl!  Crazy?  Yes.  Mind blown?  Yes.  Prepared?  No.  Freaking out?  Absolutely!!  While we did jump on the wagon and *almost* finish our registries this past week, we have not done a darn thing about the nursery yet!  Well, I shouldn't say that.  I have picked out colors and bought a couple things, but not much.  The panic is starting to sink in.

How far along? 24 weeks, 7 days
Total weight gain: 3lbs
Baby is the size of ? A Cantalope!
Maternity clothes? I finally gave in and bought some maternity items.  While they are comfortable, they're not flattering and I'm trying to come to terms with them.  Hopefully I'll find some cute stuff and make them my own!
Stretch marks? Why yes, yes I do.
Sleep: Starting to elude me.  It's like after the 6mo turn things start to really change...  not a fan!
Best moment this week: Last week D was able to feel the little lady move, brought tears to my eyes!  This week, she's rockin and rolling!  We just had our "20" weeks ultrasound, don't ask, and it was amazing to see her.  I'm so excited to meet her!
Miss Anything? My energy
Movement: Yeppers, kicks and punches galore!
Food cravings: Anything I can't have.  We have been eating a lot of chicken lately?
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really
Exercise? Not as much as I should be doing... working is pooping me out!
Gender:  ??  Girl, Girl, GIRL!!!
Labor Signs: Nope.
Symptoms: I have good days and bad with random aches and pains.  Hello round ligament pain.  Google it.
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On most of the time!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy most of the time, but I'm getting a lot more self-conscious of my body and how I look in clothes.  I know there's a baby in there but it sure would be nice to feel pretty while making a human!
Looking forward to: Finishing our registries and buying baby stuff!  

Until next time...

17/18 Weeks

 

 

 

Can you believe that I am almost half way to meeting my little bundle of joy?  The thought is kind of mind boggling to me!  I'm still workin hard on finding a job and I've actually made a couple friends!  I guess people really do like free hugs!?  Yippee!

How far along? 18 weeks, 5 days
Total weight gain: I haven't weighed myself at home this whole time, so I'll have to wait for my Dr. appt in two weeks to tell ya.  I feel like the baby is eating my fat from other areas and the only thing growing is the belly, so I think that's good?  I've tried on a couple of my pre-prego things that were a litte tight and even with giant tatas they fit a little more comfortably!  Now, if only my dresses weren't getting a littttttle short because of the bump, I'd be set!
Baby is the size of ? A Sweet Potato
Maternity clothes? Same.  Sticking to my pre-prego wardrobe but instead of trying to hide my belly, the bump is making everything look pretty darn cute!
Stretch marks? Nothin new!
Sleep: Pretty good lately.  I am loving my prego pillow and still continue to make myself a pillow fort all around.  Also, I was having ear aches right after I started using my prego pillow that I found out was because I was TO comfortable and not moving at all in the night.  Weird.  I've since started using my normal head pillow and have been just fine.  Can we talk about the cray cray prego dreams I've been having?  I mean nothing and no one is off limits... can we say uncomfortable?  Everything from crazy sex dreams to people dying, making me wake up sobbing!  Thanks hormones, you're a pal!
Best moment this week: Getting an awesome present from my bff Mary!  You might not all appreciate this gift, but I thought it was hilarious!!  And no... you don't read profanity to the baby!  However, the Dr. Suess book I'm pretty sure made the baby do a jig when Daddy read it :) Be still my heart!!

Miss Anything? Same really- Sleeping comfortably on my tummy, not waking up 2-3 times a night, sangria. 
Movement: Not serious pokes, but I'm pretty sure I feel movement through all my lovin!
Food cravings: Fruit and tart things.  I've been eating green apples like they're going out of style! 
Anything making you queasy or sick: Meat, specifically red meat.  I'm getting better about beef but still wouldn't pick it.  Pork is now turning my stomach- except bacon and sausage.  Baby knows better ;)
Exercise? Little less than I should be doing.  It's been blazing hot for this former AK resident and I've been DYING.  This whole indian summer business would be awesome if we had access to a pool- yeah, hey Cali!  Brilliant idea here... get a pool!!
Gender:  ??  We cracked an have made an appt for Tuesday for a 3D/4D ultrasound!  It's almost time!
Labor Signs: Nope.
Symptoms: Typical symptoms aren't there, but still tired.  
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On most of the time, sometimes the heat gets the best of me!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Normal and happy most of the time!  I've never been a huge crier and pretty much anything can make me shed a tear or two... I feel so girly- yuck!
Looking forward to: Finding out if Baby Ladd is a he or a she!

Until next time...

16 weeks

D thought he was so cute when we were looking for a good space to shoot!  His "bump" is bigger than mine!  hehe

How far along? 16 weeks, 4 days
Total weight gain: None!
Baby is the size of ? An Avocado
Maternity clothes? Not really.
Stretch marks? Nothin new!  But I did develop a super fun prego rash that seems to be slowly spreading. Still using the cream from the dr and hoping it will stop!
Sleep: So much better with my snoogle!  However, I was experiencing weird ear aches in the middle of the night!  After a little "on the line" research, it seems that this is a common problem for sleepy movers and shakers like myself.  I flipped that bugger over and now just cuddle with it while using my regular pillow for my head.  Problem solved... For now.
Best moment this week: Seeing more of a bump than a lump!
Miss Anything? Seriously the same!  Sleeping comfortably on my tummy, not waking up 2-3 times a night and even though I was never a huge beer drinker, it's been on my mind constantly.  I can smell BLL from a mile away! I swear I wasn't an alcoholic before pregnancy!  I guess it's true about always wanting what you can't have!!
Movement: Nothing yet- I keep thinking something is moving but I'm not sure!  Small flutters?
Food cravings: Nope.  If my eyes see it, I might crave it but nothing that I HAVE to have.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Still meat, specifically red meat.  Steak is ok but ground beef, and pretty much any meat I smell turns my stomach.  I'm pretty much a vegetarian!
Exercise? Lots of walking, still!   Currently getting the house all put together and looking for jobs but I would like to start swimming again, soon!
Gender:  ??  We'll have to wait for our next ultrasound!  Should be second week of Sept!
Labor Signs: Nope.
Symptoms: Typical symptoms aren't there, but still tired.  I have good days and bad with random aches and pains.
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On most of the time!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy most of the time, but I have had a couple of prego swings.  Those are not fun!
Looking forward to: Finding out if Baby Ladd is a he or a she so I can start buying and decorating!!

Until next time...

15 weeks

How far along? 15 weeks, 6 days- cutting it close, so please excuse the tardiness!
Total weight gain: None!  Booyah!  Lost weight again, only a pound but still my dr says its good :)
Baby is the size of ? An Orange!
Maternity clothes? Not really. 
Stretch marks? Nothin new!  But I did develop a super fun prego rash.  Hopefully it will go away with the help of a super fun cream my dr gave me.  If not, you'll be hearing more about it.  Yippie.
Sleep: Slightly eluding me at the moment.  After consulting the all mighty FB, I stole every pillow in the house for my "pillow fort" until my newly purchased prego pillow arrives.  My dr also ok'd sleepy tea and the occasional use of melatonin as a last result.  I'm going to try pillow first!  Wish me luck!
Best moment this week: We heard the baby's heartbeat for the first time yesterday.  It was amazing and an almost indescribable feeling.  There's a human in there!!
Miss Anything? Sleeping comfortably on my tummy, not waking up 2-3 times a night and even though I was never a huge beer drinker, it's been on my mind constantly.  I swear I wasn't an alcoholic before pregnancy!  I guess it's true about always wanting what you can't have!!
Movement: Nothing yet- I keep thinking something is moving but it could be indigestion :)
Food cravings: Nope.  Sweet stuff appeals more but I don't HAVE to have anything.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Still meat, specifically red meat.  Steak is ok but ground beef, and pretty much any meat I smell turns my stomach.  Poor D!!
Exercise? Lots of walking.  Currently getting the house all put together and looking for jobs but I would like to start swimming again, soon!
Gender:  ??  We'll have to wait for our next ultrasound!  Should be second week of Sept!
Labor Signs: Nope.
Symptoms: Typical symptoms aren't there, but still tired.  I escaped morning sickness but got horrible heartburn instead.  So that's fun. 
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On most of the time, sometimes the heat gets the best of me!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy most of the time, but I have had a couple of prego swings.  Those are not fun!
Looking forward to: Finding out if Baby Ladd is a he or a she so I can start buying and decorating!!

Until next time...

14 weeks

Hola!  This will be my first "bumpdate" for blogland!  I'm taking a few cues from my favorite blogs on how they did their bumpdates to make my own hybrid version!  I hope you enjoy!!

How far along? 14 weeks, 5 days
Total weight gain: None!  I actually lost weight.  Score one for the heavy girls!
Baby is the size of ? A Lemon
Maternity clothes? Not really.  I have purchased a dress, tank top and one pair of shorts that seem to have lost their way from AK to here.  I wore a lot of flowy things before I got pregnant and it's paying off!
Stretch marks? Nothin new!
Sleep: Depends on the day.  With the girls here we've been more active, leaving no time for naps, but there have been a couple of days where I think I slept more than I was awake! 
Best moment this week: We purchased a fun chalkboard for baby updates!
Miss Anything? Sleeping comfortably on my tummy, not waking up 2-3 times a night, sushi and sangria. 
Movement: Nothing yet- I keep thinking something is moving but it could be indigestion :)
Food cravings: Fruit and anything that see is fair game for a craving later! 
Anything making you queasy or sick: Meat, specifically red meat.  Steak is ok but ground beef, and pretty much any meat I smell turns my stomach.  Poor D!!
Exercise? Lots of walking.  Nothing today, today I'm relaxing!
Gender:  ??  We'll have to wait for our next ultrasound!
Labor Signs: Nope.
Symptoms: Typical symptoms aren't there, but still tired.  I escaped morning sickness but got horrible heartburn instead.  So that's fun. 
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On most of the time, sometimes the heat gets the best of me!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy most of the time, but I have had a couple of prego swings.  Those are not fun!
Looking forward to: Finding out if Baby Ladd is a he or a she!

Until next time...