Thursday, December 30, 2010

Automatic Trash Can

I was looking back at my first posts last night and thought I'd post about post #2. Here's the link. Yes, we still have this trashcan in question. It is still amazing and I love it. Ian tends to still pull up on it and push it down even though it doesn't need that. I find that when I have guests, they do the same thing, despite what I tell them. It's a little funny.

Here's a similar trashcan from Costco (I did get mine here, but it wasn't this one, nor did I spend nearly that much on it. I think it was less than half that price... about $30). They are incredible, trust me. You should totally buy one. It's been over a year now and I still would make this purchase again and again if need be. I think we've only had to change the battery once. And well, I was playing with it a lot. And now, Ian does sometimes too. I think that's a pretty good deal. Plus, when we lived in the apartment, I strategically had it in a very high traffic area, so every single time somebody walked into the kitchen, it would open up for them. Ditto when they walked out of the kitchen too. Needless to say, it was used a lot just for that purpose. It no longer sits in a walking pathway.

However, the downside to this trashcan is that it makes me look incompetent from time to time. And truth be told, I'm already slightly incompetent because pregnancy brain is in full force. Mix that with mommy brain and you're lucky if I spit out a full sentence to you that isn't gibberish. Anyways, we'll be over at someone's house, or worse, out at a restaurant where you have to throw your own trash away. And low and behold, I'll just stand there with trash in my hand hovering over the trashcan waiting for it to open for me. Stephen will find the need to comment on it, but I mean really, it's what I'm used to. I'm sure it makes me look like a complete lunatic.

One last and final downside, it isn't fingerprint resistant.


Given, this is after Christmas time when we had a million people over. But this is barely a con. You should wipe down anything and everything in your kitchen, especially the trashcan. 

Verdict: everybody needs an automatic trashcan because they are super cool.

The end.

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Sunday, December 19, 2010

Mila's Nursery

Her room is no longer clean and it is pretty much a safety hazard walking in there, but here's a picture of the progress we have on it so far.


We decided to paint it blue because her colors are pink and green, but we didn't want it to be overwhelming. Her room is a mess now because I've torn out her closet and need to paint and build it back... then finish her changing table and toss that in there. Slowly but surely it'll get done... hopefully.

I'll have to take pictures of Ian's big boy room soon too. We aren't done with that either, but it has definite progress!!

Super short post for today. Hope that everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather!

Blog out.
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Friday, December 17, 2010

We're Back!!

Can you believe that I haven't updated since November?! How exciting is that? Well, good news! We got the internet back up and running. So, I may update more, at least until Mila gets here. Or at least, I'm going to try as hard as I can. We are all moved into our new house, but not fully unpacked yet. We're working on it though, sort of. I'm more working on getting Ian and Mila's rooms set up. I'm pretty excited.

I'll post pictures of the progress when I get a chance. Maybe tonight? We'll see.

Blog out!

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Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Super Busy

We've been so busy that I keep forgetting to update! So, here are some bullets that'll hopefully keep you up to date.

  • Reason for busy-ness? Stephen and I close on our first house in 9 days! We're pretty excited, but we haven't really packed anything and I still have a bagillion phone calls to make to set some things up. Needless to say, we're pretty much MIA until Mila is about a year old. :)
  • Speaking of Mila, she's 30 weeks and some odd days now. She weighs as much as a head of cabbage, about 3 pounds. And she's about 16 inches long. That's insane. But you can really tell. From the look of my belly, she's about the size of Ian.
  • Onto Ian! He's 2 now! Can you believe it? His birthday party was tons of fun. He got to play on the playground.
with his car

and slide on the slide

and make t-bone and Marissa crawl through tunnels.
  • He had super cool cupcakes too that my mom and Amy made. I made about two of them and sorted some marshmallows.

  • Oh, here's a 30 week picture:

  • And to end, here's how my family is 24/7:



That's all for now folks. Don't expect me to update too often for a long while..

Blog out.
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Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Ten on Tuesday

Breakfast is in the oven, so I figured I'd write out the Ten on Tuesday since I haven't done it in forever.

1. Do you color? If you do, is it with markers, crayons, colored pencils, etc.?
Yes, with whatever I have. Markers and crayons most of the time.

2. What’s the most organized part (or system) in your house?
Currently, my moving binder. It used to be my files, but they've been destroyed twice now by a child who shall remain nameless.

3. What’s the most unorganized part (or system) in your house?
Um... The DVDs. Ian has took it upon himself to enforce his own organizing system. I guess, it's more of the video games than the movies.

4. If you had unlimited amounts of time and money, what museum would you want to see and why?
I have no idea. Something that would interest my boys.

5. What is your favorite part of the fall season?
It used to be the weather. Though, it is colder today, so I'll take that!

6. Did you dress up for Halloween?
No, not this year. Maybe next year.

7. Have you started Christmas shopping?
No, but I've made the Christmas card. I just need to get it printed.

8. Do you crack your knuckles?
Sometimes I do.

9. If you had to live in another city for a year (all expenses paid), which city would you choose?
That's a toughy. Probably California somewhere.

10. Do you have any reoccurring dreams?
No, but I do have outrageous pregnancy dreams... and I mean outrageous. I don't understand them at all.


That's it for now folks! I won't be posting much do to the extreme craziness of my schedule.

Blog out.


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Sunday, October 31, 2010

Happy Halloween!

Quick post FULL of pictures!!

Marissa helping Ian get ahold of his Jack-o-lantern!

Ian heading out the door! He looks pretty excited, though he has no idea what to do.

I just thought he looked adorable in this one. We're waiting on D and M to come outside.

This was D-Money's costume.

This was Ian's reaction to it. So, Dylan kindly took it off until it was dark outside.


 Ian's first house! Like his reaction? I love how he is starring at his bucket. This is when he got pretty excited.

M helping Ian walk.

Ian looking back to make sure we're watching him.

The only picture that I could get of all three of them. Ian wouldn't sit still. He was ready to go.

Stephen pushing the stroller of alcohol.

I wanted a picture of Ian. He wanted his Papa.

Investigation, then eating some!

Stephen put glow sticks all over our stroller so that we wouldn't lose him.

That's it for now folks! It was a fun Halloween and now daddy and Yoda are fast asleep! :)

Blog out.
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Saturday, October 30, 2010

29 Weeks

Yup, today is 29 weeks. How exciting! Today, she's the size of a butternut squash, about 15 inches from feet to head and 2 1/2 pounds-ish.



Things are going very well lately. My back has been MUCH better thanks to my grandma. My pelvis still hurts, but we're working on that. It has actually started popping when I walk and yes, it's painful. But overall, things have been much better! Thanks Mila.

It's difficult to bend over and get things. It's to that point where I can't breathe while I tie my shoes. And, at work, when we see one of my coworkers, Mila always kicks my bladder so I have to bend over in pain. This coworker now always thinks I'm going to pop a baby out.

Blog out!
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Saturday, October 23, 2010

28 Weeks

I was going to post my adventure at the doctor's office during my 3 hours glucose test. But, I'll wait until I get the results to share that with you.

However, today I do have something new to share! A picture. :)


That's me at 28 weeks! Mila at 28 weeks is the size of a chinese cabbage. How big is that? It's about 2 1/4 pounds, weight wise. Mila is about 15 inches long from head to heel. That's big. She fills up a lot of space (as you can see). We are almost down to the single digit in weeks remaining. That's frightening.

Blog out!

(Happy Franny?)
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Monday, October 18, 2010

Mommy Goggles

Over the weekend, we went to the park. We haven't decided which park to throw Ian's party out, so we drove by a few and stopped at one to play at for a while. Needless to say, we had a great time.


Don't you just love that smile and that hair?! He was running and coming down that thing super fast. Stephen sat up at the top and I was on the bottom.


Yes, that is an awesome shirt that grandma bought for him. We pretty much love it. Not to say that the whole thing went smoothly, but something hilarious did happen...


I didn't see what happened at the top, but according to Stephen he was going down normally and his foot got caught and he just tumbled down the slide. I was terrified, but I was already taking these pictures. And now that I have them, I can't stop laughing. Please note, I jumped to his rescue, I was just looking through the lens when this happened.

Ian was not too excited to leave and started to throw a fit, but I think it's safe to say that he got over it.


Then, we ate lunch (where Ian at a chicken strip, yes you read that correctly) and then laid down for a nap. Grandma's birthday party was soon to follow.

Mila? She's doing good too, as far as I can tell. Tell you more after the doctor's appointment today.
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Saturday, October 16, 2010

Cauliflower

What's up blog readers? Today, I am 27 weeks pregnant. Today, Mila is the size of a head of cauliflower and is weighing at around 2 pounds. I'm excited to see how big she is when she's born, so we can see how close she is to the 'averages' in the whole pregnancy thing.

She is still making me a little bit uncomfortable, but she is either taking it easy lately, or I'm getting used to it. Don't get me wrong, I still have a hard time getting up, but it's not so bad... This coming week, I'll be getting the glucose test. Let's hope that goes well because you never know. Pregnancy symptoms are very similar to the gestational diabetes symptoms. I had to take the 3 hour test with Ian, which I passed. But, I'm still nervous about it.

Alas, I must get back to making Ian's birthday card. I just need to figure out where we will have his party, then, it'll be done. We're e-mailing out the invitation this year. 1) It's much friendlier for the environment 2) it's a little late to order nice ones 3) money saver! But, they're super cute, I promise.

Blog out.
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Thursday, October 14, 2010

Motherhood Cocktails

I know you were expecting an ACL update today, however, I thought I'd have pictures from my mom's camera and I was wrong. I've been incredibly busy lately and that's an understatement. For example, yesterday, I had a few extra hours. So, what did I do? I went to the grocery store and made two casseroles. I then told Stephen that I'm refusing to cook for the rest of the week, so that's what we'll survive on. One is a double casserole too, so hopefully they'll last a while.

I've just been so tired lately. I'm sure that allergy medicine isn't helping me with that, but to avoid having boogers and sneezing (gagging) and coughing (gagging) all over the children at work, I man up and take some medicine. Speaking of medicine, I just took my breakfast cocktail which consists of a prenatal with dha, vitamin c, and allergy medicine. Wonderous. Soon, I'll need one of those weekly things to keep all of my medicine. I never took any medicine when I was pregnant with Ian, so I feel a little guilty. Given, I didn't have allergies when I was pregnant with Ian either, so I guess I can't win everything.

Well people, it's time to get ready for my day. Hopefully you'll see my baby at his third ACL soon.

Blog out.

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Wednesday, October 13, 2010

First Day of Preschool

Earlier this week, Ian had his first day of preschool, but before I tell you about that, I need to tell you a fun fact about this pregnancy. I gag every. single. time. that I cough, sneeze, or yawn. My allergies have been horrendous lately (I refer to them as pregnancy allergies because I don't have them otherwise) so as you can imagine, I've been gagging nonstop lately.

Onto Ian's first day of school! I was a nervous wreck taking him to school, but I knew that he'd enjoy it... or so I'd hoped. After I put his stuff away and talked to his teacher, I asked him for a kiss, he turns from his toy, kisses me, then keeps playing whilst ignoring me. So, I left. No tears or anything. I was assured by the assistant director that I could call to check on him anytime I want... so I did. The report was really good and she immediately said "he played really hard outside." Then, she went to his class to check on him. He was doing awesome and I was relieved. It took everything in my body not to call 100 times that day, but I did restrain people. I did.

My mom picked Ian up from school and gave me a full report. But before said report, I got this picture:


Um.. seriously!? I had just told these teachers that my son does not sleep. Then, he does this. Isn't he so cute though? I love it. The teachers sent me home a packet and they also send home a daily note that tells me what they did that day, if he had a good, bad, or sad day and comments on it. It tells me how much he ate, his naps times, his diapers, and special notes. Amazing, right? I feel like this is perfect for me, the first time mom.

They said that he counted to 10, which I find very interesting because he only knows 8 and 9 when talking to me. He calls all of the other numbers "numbers." He also made his very first artwork, which is a crown with colored dots on it. I LOVE IT!!

I'm very relieved that his first day went so well. Hopefully, the next will be the same, but I'm still nervous about it! Speaking of which, prince charming just woke up. Goodbye Blog Readers!

Blog out.

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Monday, October 11, 2010

Mommy Goggles

Ian got his cast off on Thursday. He didn't walk that much until night time. But, he walked a lot on Friday and all weekend long. He sort of walks with a limp or takes smaller steps, but he's doing awesome! When he crawls, it's like he still has a cast on his leg and it's hysterical. Not to mention, he's already getting his baby belly back! I was getting nervous because he was losing so much weight  and was getting very skinny looking. Somehow, now that he can walk, he's chunking out again. I don't understand this, but whatever works.

He had a blast at ACL. I'm saving the ACL post for another day though. He behaved really well and had a great time. It was his third ACL, I think he's getting used to it. Let me just say this, my allergies are horrendous now... Ian's are too. We came home last night and Ian fell asleep while I was rinsing him off in the shower to get all of the 'outdoors' off of him. Thank you outdoors, but it was so worth it!

Mila is doing awesome, I'm assuming, as well too. She is about 14 inches long and 1 3/4 pounds. Ridiculous. She's huge. She's been giving me braxton hicks contractions at least once a day. If I try and walk or move, my pelvis hurts, but I find that sometimes it goes away if I walk a whole lot... but around that time, the BH contractions start. So... not too sure what to do there.

Other than that, recent cravings are toast and still pita and hummus. Well, over the weekend it was chocolate too. DELICIOUS!

Blog out.

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Friday, October 8, 2010

Awaken

Well, it's 2:30, I've been up since 1:30, as I have been all week. All of the days, with today as the exception, was because of nausea. Nausea that has decided to grace me with its presence in the third trimester. Tonight, it's because the babe has allergies. He was coughing up a storm. I mean, really bad. I think he was two coughs away from wheezing. Stupid allergies. He's had medicine, baby rub, the humidifier, and the ease of sleeping on my chest to elevate him. He's now sleeping next to me, finally. And, he hasn't coughed in 20 minutes.

This gives me a dilemma. I took off work tomorrow so that we could go to ACL. However, something is telling me that being outdoors on grass, in Austin, isn't very helpful to allergies. These are times when I wish Aunt Franny or Granny Janny were in town. But alas, I'll probably be staying with Ian. We'll probably attempt it regardless to see how he handles it.

But for now, my benadryl has worn off, so I'll be watching some TV in hopes that I can fall back asleep. Sorry for the lack of posts friends.

Blog out.

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Monday, October 4, 2010

Mommy Goggles

Good morning! Currently, waffles are being made, so I need to make this quick. Also, sometime today, there may be a new niece being born!! I have baby fever so bad!

Ian

Favorite Song: Danny Malone - Baby Blue. He sings it all the time and recognizes it from the start of the guitar. My parents have it, not me. But, I need to get it. I played it on YouTube last night and he loved it. He'll sing parts of the song before they are sung, so he must know it pretty well.

His cast will come off this week hopefully. Good thing, but he's trying to run in it now... yes, it looks as ridiculous as you think.

He will repeat anything you say. And I mean anything. This was learned several times, the hard way.

Mila

Besides giving me braxton hicks contractions, heartburn, and nausea... good. Sometimes I don't even notice when I'm having the bh contractions, then I'll notice that my stomach is super hard and what not, so I'll sit down and relax. Other times, they actually hurt a little bit at the same time. Nothing bad, just annoying.

I found the glider that I want for her room that'll go in the living room later. I cannot decide on the color. Which I really need to do because it takes like 6 weeks to come in. Sigh.

That's all today folks. Maybe more later this week, we are having a busy week!

Blog out.

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Saturday, October 2, 2010

3rd Trimester

25 weeks.
Today kicks off the beginning of the third trimester. There is some argument as to whether the third trimester starts anywhere between 25 to 28 weeks pregnant. I'm going with now, but I have a few reasons.

  • I have to carry Tums with me again. Heartburn is rampant again people. I got this amazing break during the second trimester, but it is back.
  • About half the time, I need help rolling over because my pelvis hurts so bad.
  • I know that I'm short, but if I sit down, the baby can be in my pelvis and kick my ribs at the same time. I found this out at lunch yesterday when we were saying prayer, I had to immediately jump up in the middle of it because I couldn't handle it. Note to self: no more sitting unless slightly leaned back.
  • I waddle.
  • Baby fever is becoming rampant.
  • My glucose test is coming up.
Let's move onto how Mila is doing. She's 25 weeks and weighs as much as an average rutabaga, about 1.5 pounds. She's going to start filling out more now and be chunky! And she's 13.5 inches long. That's about as long as a recorder, I know Amy knows what that is. It's times like these that I wish I had my midwife. She was able to tell me how big Ian was just by feeling my belly. About 100 times more accurate than the ultrasound. I miss my midwives.

How is Ian coping?
He is now to the point where I can say "Where's your sister?" and he'll point to my belly or give her a kiss. I was impressed, I don't think I've used that word very often, maybe the big brother book does. He still calls her eeela. It's super cute. I'm really hoping his transition into big brother hood goes as smoothly as possible.

I'll try and get Stephen to take a picture this weekend. We'll be a little busy though.

Blog out.


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Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Random

Bloggers, Ian and I just got home from running some errands. We're watching Glee for the second time. I love it. It's so awesome. Don't judge me. This blog will be on random topics because I can't choose what I want to write about.

UT - Emergency Alert System
As most of you probably know, there was a suicide on campus yesterday. I really refuse to call it a shooting because there was tons and tons of opportunities for him to kill people and he didn't take them. He randomly fired at the ground and through the air. Even according to the eye witnesses. However, this is about UT's response.

I'm really pleased with their quick response. I was driving to work and I was maybe a block away from the incident. I was sitting at a read light, minding my own business and I got a text from UT. It said there was an armed person around the PCL. About 10 seconds later, I see cops cars rushing towards campus. I saw more and more as I was driving to work, so apparently I got that message pretty quickly if emergency vehicles are responding.

Way to go UT! Nice quick text response. I got messages throughout the day pertaining to lockdowns and everything this. This was really helpful because many of our students have parents who are affiliated with UT, as well as employees. Anyways, I just wanted to give UT two thumbs up for a quick response.

Ian's Walking Ability
Stephen and I caught Ian yesterday...


Wait.. what's he doing?


Oh, nothing ma'. Just walking on my cast. He has about a week and a half left with this thing on. The doctor thinks he'll 'forget' how to walk again when it comes off. We'll see, I sort of agree.

Mila and Practicing Impulse Control
I went to Target today to buy my dad's birthday present (TODAY IS MY DAD'S BIRTHDAY!) and I had my basket full of baby things for Mila. I practiced good self control and only put this in my basket:

I got the pink one. I got a newborn size. It's awesome. She'll be born in January so I feel it's really necessary.

Blog out.
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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Ten on Tuesday

I am doing this with one arm while Ian snuggles in my lap. No Sharpie Liquid Pencil review today, you'll have to wait one more.

1. Growing up, what was one favorite item that you had to have with you at all times?
None. I never had a lovey or anything of the sort.

2. Being an adult, what is one favorite item that you have to have with you at all times, and what happens if you do not have it with you? Do you lose your sanity or just go back home to get it?
Ian. Does that count? If I left him at home, I'd definitely go back and get him because he's only 2. Other than that, my cell phone. No, I don't go back to get it if I leave it at home. I just live without it.

3. Where is your favorite place to be to just hide away from everything and breathe for a moment?
In my bed? I don't know, I don't really get the chance to hide away from everything. Is that bad? Before I was pregnant with Mila, I would wake up before everyone, make some coffee and sit in the big comfy chair and relax with my coffee for a little bit. I'm too tired to do that right now and I can't drink coffee. Maybe after she's born.

4. What is your favorite thing about your partner? (If you don’t have a partner, then someone who is very close and will always be in your life)

I only get to pick one thing? I guess it'd be his ability to read my mind. Yes, I'm being serious. I really don't have to do or say anything (that I'm aware of) and Stephen knows just what I want or how to fix it. It's an awesome quality.


5. What is your favorite thing about your job? (If you don’t have a job, then what is your favorite thing that you do during your day?)
Man, today's questions are tricky. I think the best thing about my job are the little things the kids will say or do. Like, if you've been working on something and one day, it finally clicks and they get it. Or, when they say things like "Mrs. Amanda, you make my day." That is definitely the best part of my job.


6. What is your favorite lesson that your parents taught you growing up? Looking back, is it something that you want to use to teach your children when they reach that age?
"If you can't tell me about it, you probably shouldn't be doing it." I love it! As I got older, it was "your grandma" or "your family" but it was always the same. And I completely agree. I hope we get that across our kids. :)

7. What is your favorite song, that will always bring a smile to your face and make you think of something happy?
Currently, that Bruno Mars song, Just the Way you are. I have lots of songs that bring a smile to my face.

8. What is your favorite things about being an American? (If you not American, what are you proud of in regards to your country)
Gee, a whole lot of favorites. My freedom to do what I want...

9. What is your favorite meal that reminds you of being a child?
Reminds me of being a child? I don't know, my mom still makes similar/same meals. But, I did love when I was sick and my mom would make us a grilled cheese and chicken soup. It still makes me feel better.

10. Name 3 things that other people would say are their favorite thing about you.
I'm brutally honest (good and bad I guess); I'm always there for my friends and family (unless I'm pregnant and forgetful, but I still try); my good listening skills (I may not always active listen though, because it drives Jackie insane, but I'm listening)

And that's it for today! Now, time for Ian and I to get ready for our day.

Blog out.

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Monday, September 27, 2010

Mommy Goggles

Waffle with peanut butter and banana is super tasty. I know why Ian eats it all the time now.

Ian
He is doing wonderful! And just in case you haven't seen my new facebook picture:


He's basically a grown adult now. Time has flown by! He desperately needs a hair cut. Can you please express this to Stephen? Thank you.

Leg breakage: going good. He still only crawls around and scoots on his behind, but I must say, he's starting to just randomly stand up in the middle of the room. The other day, I took him to play with the train set at Barnes and Noble and he'd walk from the table to the books. I don't think he realized he was walking. It's much like the cartoons where they can run in midair until they realize that they're in midair. As soon as he realizes he is walking he stops and falls to the ground to crawl. In two weeks, we get to go for a check up and hopefully get the cast off!

Ian has been getting skinnier and skinnier. I'm sure the doctor won't be too happy with this. I mean, he eats. It's still super healthy, minus the chocolate milk that I force him to drink every day because of his leg. People, the kid has a four pack now and he isn't even working out. It's ridiculous. I think that Stephen and Ian are going to go get their flu shots at the end of the week. I already got mine. My doctor was appalled that I had a kid, was pregnant, worked with kids, and had yet to get it. So, I went ahead and did it. My arm was sore for about a day.

I made a statement that I didn't want this cast to have signatures all over it. So of course, my brother stole Ian and got a sharpie and wrote "Aaron loves you" on it. Thanks. It's still the only thing on there. I guess I'll have to have people write on it.

Mila
I think she's doing fabulous because she's been moving a lot lately. Mostly at night, when I'm trying to sleep. Big brother still calls her "ila" and it's adorable. Speaking of which, we bought him a big brother book and he really enjoys reading it.

24 weeks, 2 days. Wait... really? Yes people, that is correct. I'm 6 months pregnant. And guess what, at the end of this week, I'll be in my third trimester! How ridiculous is that? She is the size of an ear of corn. I believe it, she's huge. I think at this point, she's getting fatter rather than taller. I'm sure it's going to be that way for the rest of the pregnancy. She's been about a foot long for a long time now.

That is all for today people. I have to call Franny today because I'm a terrible friend and forgot to call her last night. :( Sorry!

Blog out.

ETA: Expect a review of the liquid sharpie pencil tomorrow! :)

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