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...

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!

Dressing the Bump!

Now that I have finally given in to the fact that I am growing, whether I like it or not, I have actually purchased some *gasp* maternity clothes!  D and I decided that for my self-esteem and the fact that I am still in a working environment, I would be purchasing outfits that could transcend different environments (aka cost a bit more than I wanted to spend).  Seriously, when did I become the frugal one?

Today's the first shot at really dressing FOR the bump!  What do you think?

Please excuse the photo, this was on a whim and my photographer was absent :)

Top, Scarf, Leggings

I really think people may be on to something with these "maternity" clothes, if you find the right ones!  I feel like I'm wearing pajamas and they actually hug all the right areas!  If that's wrong, I don't want to be right!  

Look out for more posts on how to dress the bump!  

Until next time...

Frank Fridays | Giggles & Galas

You made it!  It's officially TGI-FRIDAY!  Make that #bluefriday for all of my fellow Hawks fans!  Holla!  My Instagram feed has been blowing up with all sorts of Hawk love and it just makes my heart happy!

This weekend should be one for the books!  Today is the *almost* last day at my current temp assignment and if you read the last Frank Friday you'll understand how excited and giggly I am!  Also, the reason I'm ending early is that I have procured myself an amazing temp-to-hire, full time position with much better hours and pay at a seriously rad company!  I mean, when they tell me there's beer in the fridge and it's ok to drink it, there's a ping pong table in the building and I can bring my dog to work- I pretty much fell in love.  I was going to work there, whether they knew it or not.  Luckily, I didn't have to go all stalker status on me because they checked the "yes" box on yours truly!  Score!

So, Sunday is actually my truly last day for my current assignment.  Sunday!?!  Yes, Sunday.  There is a super fancy Gala that I've been helping with for that will finally come to fruition this weekend!  Don't worry, D has a fancy suit and I broke down and got the cutest maternity dress I could find for this shin-dig!  Who says bumps aren't stylish?  I'm starting to beg to differ!  Either way, as official DD for the next couple of months, I'm going to dawn my best people watching skills while the boat parties the night away!  It should be a stellar event.... and then I'm DONE!  Yeay!

Cheers to a Hawks "W", a great Gala and new opportunities on Monday!  Have a fantastic weekend, and don't forget to be frank!

Until next time...

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Pumpkin Filled Weekends| Part One

My amazing Husband, and favorite pumpkin enabler, took me to my first Bay Area pumpkin patch two weekends ago!  After scouring the internet we decided on one that looked pretty authentic.  We were in for a surprise.

Clayton Farms is about an hour from where we live in Northern California.  The drive was great but we were getting a little suspicious when kept driving through residential areas.  We popped out of our last neighborhood following Siri's awesome directions and made the last 3 miles of what could *almost* be described as farmland.  I think the drought may have had something to do with it but while we thought we were driving up to pick our own pumpkin from a patch... we were actually just picking out our pumpkin from groups.  Kind of a let-down, but we still made it fun!

Silly faces are mandatory!

Of course we took this opportunity to take a pic of our little pumpkin!

Train rides and hay tunnels for the littles!

This is one of the main reasons I wanted to come here, the pumpkin treats!  The treats mentioned on the website made my mouth water!  Unfortunately... the pumpkin whoopie pie, and pumpkin cookie looked more amazing than they tasted.  Tiny violins are playing everywhere for me!

Of course D needed a gigantic pumpkin.

All in all, this Cali pumpkin patch was ok.  It was nothing compared to the seriously high expectations we had from our Washington pumpkin patches, but it was still fun.  I think if we had kids in tow and it wasn't 100 degrees it may have been a bit more exciting.  We did, however, come home with 4 cute pumpkins which I can't wait to place outside!

Until next time...

Hawaiin BBQ Chicken Pizza

I've started making menus for each week to cut grocery costs and so we're not left in a lurch with me not wanting to cook all the time.  I bought a super cute vinyl chalkboard sticker and some plywood and voila- cute menu board!  No, you can't see it yet because it's still lacking a frame so it's kind of naked.  As soon as we rectify that sitch, you can have a gander!

I found this recipe from one of my favorite blogs, 3 Ladies and Their Gent!  Seriously Amber knows her way around a kitchen!  Being a wife, mother to twins, blogger and dietician it's amazing how she always looks so amazing and feeds her family.  I am in serious awe.  You can find her original recipe, here.

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pizza

Ingredients:
1 tube Pillsbury Wheat Pizza Crust
1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (we used Sweet Baby Ray's, Sweet n' Spicy!)
1 (15oz) can pineapple, drained or fresh pineapple
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
2 grilled chicken breasts, or 1/2lb left over chicken- chopped
1-2 cup(s) monterey jack cheese, shredded

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

Grill chicken and let rest until ready to add to pizza.

Roll out the pizza crust dough onto a greased, medium sized rimmed baking sheet, flattening it to fit to the corners.

Place the pizza crust into the oven for 6-9 minutes (or as directed on tube), until slightly puffed and beginning to turn golden brown. Remove from oven.

Spread BBQ sauce evenly over crust.  Sprinkle some of your cheese on top and then add chicken breast.  Next, add the pineapple and onion, as much or as little as you like.

  Top evenly with shredded cheese.

Place back into the heated oven for another 6-8 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown (and delicious!)

What's your favorite quick and healthy meal?

Until next time...

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...