Pregnancy: Week 34

I haven't updated much about my pregnancy so I thought I'd do so. With Logan's pregnancy, it seemed much easier. Maybe that's because I didn't have another child to tend to at the time. Maybe it's because time seems to pass by way too quickly. Or...maybe I'm just lazier this time around (that's bad, I know). This pregnancy is a true miracle for us. For those of you that don't know, Brian & I suffered a miscarriage in February 2012 after another embryo transfer. After more testing on myself, we found out that I have an antibody build up that causes my body to fight off pregnancy (kind of in the same way it does an infection or illness). Therefore, before we got pregnant with Levi I had to start preventative shots & medications to subside the anitbodies; which I've continued throughout the entire pregnancy. Luckily, the embryo transfer went well & at 14 weeks we got the 'all clear' from our fertility doctor & was released into his care. Since then I've seen my OB on a bi-weekly basis, the fertility doctor on a monthly basis, & the specialist on an every 2 month basis. Needless to say that I've seen more doctors in the past 8 months than I have in my entire life.

As of today, I no longer have to see the specialist because my ultrasound showed Levi is right on track with his growth. He's already head down & weighs approximately 5 lbs. 2 oz. At this rate, he'll be larger than his big brother! :) My OB (whom I saw immediately after the specialist) told me that I'm officially at the point in my pregnancy that if I go into labor he will NOT try to stop it. I've had contractions for about the past 4 weeks but they've been very spuratic. But over the past 2 weeks they've become more regular & actually happen daily. So I now have to keep track of them in case they become active labor pains. Besides that, everything is going well. My BP is great, weight is on track, & swelling is staying at a minimum. Here's a glimpse at our miracle:

I just LOVE his little nose & mouth!!! <3

Levi's Room

Now that Levi's room is complete, I thought it was time to share some photos of Brian's hard work. First, we replaced the carpet (which took place in all of bedrooms). Then Brian repainted the walls to match the crib bedding. The best part of Levi's room is his closet--Brian built an organizer. Since I'm a little particular about where things go & having order, I find this the most exciting part! :) The final touches came from him staining a shelf that's hung above the changing table & painting the letters to his name. Finding curtains is the only thing left to do...I should get going on that!!

Construction Zone is the theme

The only thing missing now is a special little boy to place in the crib. :)

Happy Valentine's Day...early

Since Valentine's Day falls on a day that I work, I thought Logan & I would make our Valentine cupcakes a little early. This is the first year he actually was excited to help me bake & decorate. I cheated this year (being 33 weeks pregnant will do that to a gal) by using boxed Funfetti cake mix & icing.

I even put them in these adorable V-Day cupcake foils I found at Target

 

Here are some pictures from our baking today:

He added the ingredients to the bowl for me

Logan was very excited (for some reason) to put the cupcake foils in the pans

I love this photo! His little hands adding his own special touch to each cupcake :)

Every baker needs a taste tester

February Update

Outside my window . . . I can see the sun trying to come out even though it's been overcast & rainy for most of the day

I am thinking . . . that I have a very short time left to take advantage of our time as a family of 3

I am thankful for . . . a husband who helps out around the house whenever & however he can. It's becoming more difficult these days to do certain 'chores' that would normally seem so easy. I can't thank Brian enough!!

In the kitchen . . . there are beautiful flowers my grandma gave me at my surprise baby 'sprinkle'

I am wearing . . . yoga pants & a t-shirt. It seems to be the most comfortable thing to wear these days.

I am creating . . . my menu & grocery list at the moment

I am going . . . to 2 doctor's appointments tomorrow. Here's to hoping for some good news!!!

I am wondering . . .who Levi will look like. Any guesses???

I am reading . . .'Reshaping It All' by Candace Cameron Bure

I am hoping . . . to get a lot accomplished at work this week. I know I'm off until Wednesday but sometimes my mind wonders to work related stuff. :(

I am looking forward to . . .my doctor appointment tomorrow; my Girls Night dinner on Thursday with my grandma, mom, & 2 sisters; & the DU banquet on Saturday

I am hearing . . . the washing machine running

Around the house . . . there aren't a lot of things to be done. All of the cleaning has been done since we hosted a Super Bowl party yesterday. :)

One of my favorite things . . . is to budget with Brian. I know it's corny but it's a great way to make sure we're both on the same page. Plus, it keeps us both in check with what's going on or coming up.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . .grocery shop, doctor's appointment, & work. I hope to squeeze in some time to hang out with some friends but we'll have to see what Brian's work schedule looks like for this weekend. Either way, it'll be a great week!!

Homemade Donuts

We had a great & rare surprise this past weekend...Brian didn't have to work. So, I decided to have a special breakfast on Saturday that consisted of something besides our traditional cereal. :) Brian is an awesome cook so any time he helps out in the kitchen I think it's a treat. Any way...we made homemade donuts & boy were they delicious!!!

This is about half of what we made :)
 

To make these fabulous guys all you need to do is take a can of biscuits (we used 2) & punch a hole in the middle of the biscuits by using a thimble. Pop the donuts into a Fry Daddy full of hot oil & let them do their thing. Once the donuts are nice & golden, take them out & cover them in your favorite topping. We used powered sugar & a cinnamon/sugar mix this time but I'd like to use icing & sprinkles next time too. The best part about making the donuts are turning the small pieces of dough you removed from the center of the donut into donut balls!!!

This was a fun & easy breakfast to start our Saturday off with. And I love how Logan can be involved by covering the donuts (and himself) in the toppings. :)

Taco Soup

Since it's absolutely frigid here in Evansville, I decided to make a nice pot of Taco Soup last night for dinner. It's an extremely quick, easy, & cheap dinner to make--plus it was a great way to warm up!! This entire pot of soup cost around $4 to make (not including the meat because we use deer meat).Here's the recipe I use but you can add or remove whatever you like to make it more of your own:

*1 1/2 lb. ground beef, browned (we use deer meat because that's what we have)
*2 cans of corn
*2 cans of beans (I use kidney beans)
*28 oz. can of diced tomatoes
*1 package of taco seasoning

Mix all ingredients into a pot & allow to simmer for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to low until you're ready to serve. I like to add more water to my soup so it isn't so think but of course that's optional. The best part about this soup are the toppings: tortilla chips, shredded cheese, & sour cream. Yum, yum! Enjoy!!! :)

January Update

Outside my window . . . it's sunny but very cold

I am thinking . . . that I have an amazing 3 year-old little boy who teaches me something new every day. He's going to make a great big brother!!

I am thankful for . . . nap time :)

In the kitchen . . . there are clean counter tops & bottles drying (nesting has kicked in).

I am wearing . . . yoga pants & a t-shirt. It seems to be the most comfortable thing to wear these days.

I am creating . . .a list of things to take to the hospital in case things happen sooner than expected, like last time.

I am going . . .to become a better blogger this year.

I am wondering . . .why General feels the need to shed so much hair all over the house. It becomes frustrating!!

I am reading . . .'Reshaping It All' by Candace Cameron Bure

I am hoping . . . to relax for a bit before Logan gets up. I'm one tired momma these days.

I am looking forward to . . .my doctor appointment on Tuesday. I love getting updates on little Levi. :)

I am hearing . . . Law & Order SVU on the TV

Around the house . . .are signs that a new baby is on his way.

One of my favorite things . . .having dinner with friends, which we're doing tonight. I'm excited to finally have a chance to catch up!

A few plans for the rest of the week . . .grocery shop, doctor's appointment, & work. It's an exciting life, I know.