Baby Must Haves.....

I originally thought this stuff was just a gimmick, but it does work sometimes.  I mean, I can't say it works every night, but it does relax Kendall at times.  Plus it smells so good!  We will definitely have to keep this in stock.

These bottles really helped Kendall when she was in the hospital and learning how to suck, swallow, and breathe while feeding.  The nipple imitates the breast, so babies take to them well.  Kendall just loves them and drinks all her milk for the most part with these bottles.  We wouldn't use anything else.

This is a soothie pacifier by Playtex.  Kendall started using these in the NICU.  The ones at the hospital smelled like vanilla, but they don't sell the scented ones in the stores.  Any who, Kendall still likes it without the vanilla scent.  This definitely comes in handy.

We recently got this boucer, and let's just say it wasn't Kendall's fave.  She has grown to tolerate it a little bit more.  Those times when I need to put her down to do something, she usually settles down and enjoys the bouncing motion.  A great find!!!!!!!!!!!

Baby Bump Chronicles-26w 5d

Here's a picture of me after work today.  She's getting bigger and moving all around.  I just love it!!!!!!!!

Skee Wee!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The following are some pictures from this past weekend when I was at UCA Homecoming.  We celebrated our sorority line birthday.  Yep, those pretty ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha had to represent.  Enjoy the pictures to follow!

My line sisters and I with another UCA alumni...None other than Scottie Pippen, former Chicago Bulls player and NBA champion

Kendall's mama still got it...just doing a little dance at the tailgate

Dancin' to the left

Dancin' to the right

Natasha, Niya, Raven, and Me

Natasha, Shana, TaRhee, Niya, Me, Jazmin, Raven, and Angel at Mike's Place in Conway after a long day at the tailgate.

Baby Bump Chronicles-24w 4d

Due Date: February 16th




Zodiac Sign: AQUARIUS-which has characteristics of being good communicators, being friendly, intelligent, and strong-willed.



Symptoms: Here lately I can feel Kendall really low in my abdomen.  I can say it's not the most comfortable feeling, but it's one of the parts of my pregnancy (I guess).  I am feeling her move more and more now.


How big is the Baby: She is a little over a pound now and almost a foot long.


Any Cravings: I love sweets.  My new thing is lemon coffee cake that I've been getting from the cafe downstairs at work.  It's sooooooooooooooo good!

What can't you stand to eat? I still can't stand Mayo or creamy stuff.



Any Anticipations? I am looking forward to finishing Kendall's room, and decorating for Christmas.  I just love decorating.


Maternity Clothes: I have some larger shirts that I have been wearing, and some cute maternity jeans.  They are all so comfy!!!!!


Exercise: Child Please!!!!!!! lol


Diet:  Lots of fruit and water.  I just love soul food, but I'm try and eat healthy with every meal.  Lots of green veggies.

Things I miss: Sleeping on my back and stomach, glasses of wine, and shopping at The Limited.  I also miss being able to bend down normally (I use my thighs and squat down).



Things I'm enjoying: Scott talking to my belly bump, my growing belly, and people actually being able to tell that I am pregnant. People actually can tell I'm pregnant, and I love it!!!!

Baby Bump Chronicles 23w1d

Here's my latest picture.  Little Miss Kendall is really growing, and so am I.  She is a little over a pound and the size of a large mango.  I feel her movements more and more now.  It's so amazing!!!!!!!

This is Kendall's first outfit.  One of our church members and friend, Annette, gave this to us for Kendall.  I just thought this was so sweet of her.  I can't wait to put my little girl in this outfit. 

Thank God for Snoogles

This is the latest addition to the family.  This is a snoogle pillow that my wonderful hubby got me.  I slept with it for the first time last night and loved it.  I had been sleeping with a body pillow and two other pillows, but this one pillow takes the cake.  I basically wrap it around my whole body and my back and belly bump are supported all night long.  Before, I was waking up to adjust my pillows and just trying to get comfortable.  My hips and back were suffering quite a bit.  Since I am to the stage where sleeping on my stomach and back are frowned upon (plus it's not good for Kendall), this pillow will definitely come in handy.  I highly recommend it!

Baby Bump Chronicles-22w

Here's me at 22 weeks.  I think I finally look pregant enough that people actually feel comfortable asking me, "Are you pregnant?"  I must say it feels good to finally be pregnant enough.  I had to think, I only have 18 more weeks left to go.  Scott and I are working on the nursery now, and everything is turning out cute so far.  I can't wait to get it all up and ready for Kendall. 

Until then later,

Tootles

DIY Project

This is my latest craft project.  Some friends of mine have done this, and I just thought it was so neat.  I got the instructions from pinterest.com and decided to try it.  I made these letters to go into a project called Project Nursery.  You will get more details on the nursery later on.  Until then, here's how I did the letters B and Q that you see above:
Instructions for Decorated Wooden Block Initial:

Step 1. Purchase a wooden alphabet block (letters can be purchased at Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Wal-Mart, Target, etc.)

Step 2. If letter is not already painted to your liking, paint the letter using paint and a foam brush.  I used white acrylic paint.  Once dry, sand edges of letter using sand paper, if desired (for a vintage look).

Step 3. Purchase scrapbook paper(s) of desired color and design (ideally mimic colors and theme of baby's nursery).
Step 4. Place wooden letter on top of paper you'd like to cover the face of the letter with. Using a pencil, trace around the letter onto the paper. Cut the letter out of the paper just a little bit to the inside of the traced lines (so the paper doesn't hang over the wooden letter edge). Then place the paper letter on the top of the wooden letter. Make any trimming adjustments to the paper if necessary.

Step 5. Use Mod Podge or craft glue to cover the back of the paper letter with a thin layer of adhesive. Apply paper to wooden block and smooth out the paper.

Step 6. You can Mod Podge the face of the letter to give it a sheen and to make the whole letter smooth - brush a layer of this on and let it dry completely

Baby Bump Chronicles 21w

Due Date: February 16th


Zodiac Sign: AQUARIUS-which has characteristics of being good communicators, being friendly, intelligent, and strong-willed.

Symptoms: My stomach has started itching, but I am not going to scratch it.  I've just been rubbing this cream on my stomach 2 sometimes 3 times a day that my friend, Mary, turned me onto.  It feels so good when I rub it on.  I do go to the bathroom a lot more.  Other than that, I'm pretty much the same ol' Christian.

How big is the Baby: She is 3/4 of a pound and the length of a carrot (10 1/2 inches).

Any Cravings: I love rice krispy treats for lunch.  I've been eating 2 a day with my lunch.  That's about it.  I'm sure I will wear out this whole rice krispy thing here in a few days.

What can't you stand to eat? I still can't stand Mayo or creamy stuff.

Any Anticipations? Scott and I went to our first Baby CPR class this past Tuesday.  We learned how to do cpr on an infant to a 1 year old, a 1 year old to an 8 year old, and an adult.  We also learned how to do the heimlich maneuver on infants, toddlers, and even on pregnant women like me.  Next week, we learn about child-proofing our house and choosing the right child seat.  Very informative stuff.  I am also looking forward to finishing up the baby room that we recently started working on.  I can't wait to see how it comes together.

Maternity Clothes: I've been wearing the bella band over my pants. If you are not familiar with a bella band, it's a elastic thinga-ma-jig that you put over your unbutton pants to hold them together and closed. It's really comfortable. I think I am too the point wear I am going to have to break down and get some maternity pants this week.  I have cute shirts, so I just need some pants.

Exercise: I still need to do something, but sorry to say, I still haven't started. (Sad Face)

Diet: I think I am eating pretty healthy and good.

Things I miss: Sleeping on my back and stomach, glasses of wine, and shopping at The Limited.

Things I'm enjoying: Scott talking to my belly bump, my growing belly, and people actually being able to tell that I am pregnant.

Baby Bump Chronicles 17w6d....It's A....

GIRL!  Yep, Kendall Grace is on her way.  Scott and I went to Baby Views, which is an outside clinic from my doctor's office, that offers 2D and 4D ultrasounds.  We got our 2D ultrasound done.  The sonographer not only told us that we were having a girl, but she showed us just about all of Kendall's body parts.  All of her body parts have developed and are the right size for this point in the pregnancy.  She is 8 ounces and 5 1/2 inches long.  She is a healthy little girl.  I just can't wait to see her.

So how did we come up with the name Kendall Grace?  Well for those of you who don't know, Scott's first name is Wendell.  One day way back before I even got pregnant, I was just talking, and I said, "We could name our daughter Kendall because it rhymes with Wendell.  We both liked the name, so Kendall just stuck.  We both liked Grace.  Since it's because of God's grace that our daughter is on the way, we thought Grace would only be appropriate for her. 

Here are some pictures from Kendall's latest photo shoot:



Kendell's side view.  I think she was sleeping on her back until the sonographer woke her up.



She's stretching out here with her ankles crossed.

She's waving here and saying in her sweet little girl voice, "Hi Mom and Dad, what's shaking? LOL

Here's a pic of my baby bump.  It's getting bigger and bigger.

Note:  Early this morning sitting up in the bed, I thought I felt Kendall move.  As I was typing this post, I felt it again.  Scott felt it too.  It doesn't feel like butterflies like everyone says.  It feels more like she is hiccupping, which she may very well be.  It just feels good to finally feel her.

Baby 101

Last Tuesday, Scott and I went to our first baby care class (sorry for the late post).  This was a class that taught us new parents how to feed, change, swaddle, bathe, and soothe a newborn baby.  I thought it was funny how when the teacher asked us all why we signed up for the class, just about all of us said, "I just want to know how to not cause something tragic to happen to my child."  We all just don't want to do anything wrong to this defenseless baby when we bring him/her home.  The class was very interesting and informative.  Just about all mothers in the class were about to give birth.  I was the only early bird...lol

The picture of the baby is Lil Timmy.  He was one of our practice babies.  Oh yeah, the practice baby was a boy.  I wonder if that's a sign...mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Baby Bump Chronicles 16w

Here's just a random picture of me at 16 weeks.

Baby Bump Chronicles 15w4d

Due Date: February 16th

Zodiac Sign: AQUARIUS-which has characteristics of being good communicators, being friendly, intelligent, and strong-willed.



Symptoms: I feel really good except for this headache that I've had for the past 3 days.  I'm not tired like I use to be, so I am really glad of that.


How big is the Baby: The size of a red delicious apple.  He/She is the 4 inches long and about 2 1/2 ounces


Any Cravings: Still no cravings.  I love fruit still.  I just got some yummy plums from the grocery store that are oh so yummy.  I am sooooooooooo tired of eating out, so I am craving home cooked food.  Glad I'm not tired so I can cook it.


What can't you stand to eat? I still can't stand Mayo or creamy stuff.


Any Anticipations? Scott and I go to our first child care class at the hospital this week.  I'm excited to see what all they tell us.  We find out the sex of our baby at the end of this month, so I am really excited about that. 

Maternity Clothes: I've been wearing the bella band over my pants.  If you are not familiar with a bella band, it's a elastic thinga-ma-jig that you put over your unbutton pants to hold them together and closed.  It's really comfortable. 


Exercise: I still need to do something, but sorry to say, I still haven't started.  (Sad Face)


Diet: I think I am eating pretty healthy and good.  Even think I've gained a little weight.



Things I miss: A good glass of wine and sleeping on my stomach sometimes.  I try to stay sleeping on my sides because its better for the baby.


Things I'm enjoying: Scott talking to my belly bump and my growing belly.

Ol' Wives Tales: Fact or Myth?

Everyone keeps asking me, "Do you know what you're having?" or "Do you want a boy or a girl?"  Well, I wouldn't mind having either being that this is our first child.  I just want to see 2 healthy eyes, one healthy nose, a healthy mouth, ten little fingers, ten little toes....y'all know the deal...lol  Any who, there are so many ol wives tales that people tell you to do to see if you're having a boy or a girl.  Of course, me being me, I've tried them all.  I thought it would be neat to share all the tests I've done, and the results.  Oh yeah, check out our newly painted bathroom courtesy of Scott.  Not too bad, huh?  Also, I'm officially 13 weeks.  Woo Hoo!

Chinese Gender Chart:  The Chinese Gender Chart is a chart that the Chinese use to determine if a mother is having a boy or a girl.  Of course, the Chinese are pro boys.  The way the chart works is I enter my due date (Feb 16th) and my birth date (June 9th).  The chart uses some type of calculation to figure out what I'm having.  The chart said that I am having a.................GIRL.  This chart has a 93% accuracy rate.  Will shall see in due time.  Here's the link if you want to try it yourself:
http://www.babycenter.com/chinese-gender-predictor

Pencil Pregnancy Test:  With this test, you stick a needle into the center of an eraser on a pencil.  Then you thread the needle.  A second person will hold both ends of the thread, and then center the pencil on the middle part of the mother's wrist.  After the pencil is still, the second person raises the pencil up above the mother's wrist.  If the pencil sways up and down (wrist to elbow), you're having a boy.  If the pencil sways across left to right, you're having a girl.  If it sways diagonally, you're having twins.  So you want to know what this test said I'm having........A BOY  LOL   Here's the link for more information on this test: 
http://pencilpregnancytest.com/

Heartrate Test:  This one is easy.  If the baby's heartrate is above 140, you're having a girl.  If the heartrate is below 140, you're having a boy.  Just FYI, a safe and normal heartrate for a baby is 120 to 160 beats per minute.  At our appointment yesterday, the baby's heartrate was 155.  So you know what that means, I'm having a GIRL!  For more information, you can go to the following link:
http://pregnancy.about.com/od/genderpredictions1/ss/genderfht.htm

Baking Soda Test:  With this test, you take a teaspoon of baking soda and put in a cup.  Then you pee in a cup.  Next, you pour a very small amount of pee on the baking soda.  If it fizzles any, you're having a boy.  If it does nothing, you're having a girl.  This test determined that I am having a........BOY!  These tests are cracking me up.  Here's the link:
http://community.babycenter.com/post/a26396415/baking_soda_gender_test

Carrying Low or High:  If you are carrying high, you're having a girl.  If you are carrying low, you're having a boy.  I'm not really sure myself how I'm carrying since it's so early.  My mom says I am carrying low right now, so that would mean I am having a BOY!
http://www.parenting.com/gender-predictor

Mayan Legend:  Legend has it that the Mayans determined a baby's sex by looking at the mother's age at conception and the year of conception. If both are even or odd, it's a girl. If one's even and one's odd, it's a boy.  I was 29 when we conceived and the year is 2011.  9 and 11 are both odd numbers, so that means we are having a GIRL.
http://www.parenting.com/gender-predictor?pnid=13991


Queasy or not:  They say if you are sick as a dog during your first trimester, you're having a Girl.  If you have little or no morning sickness, you're having a Boy.  I was hardly sick at all. So according to this test, I'm having a BOY!

What everyone else says:  Scott and I took a poll with our immediate family.  64% say GIRL and 36% say Boy

Mother's Intuition:  Well, early in my pregnancy around the 7th or 8th week, I had a dream I was holding a little boy.  He was a cute little boy.  You know they say you have vivid dreams while pregnant.  I don't have a "feeling" either way right now, so we will just have to wait and see.

I think all these Ol' Wives Tales are just fun to do while you wait.  It will be fun to finally find out what we are having.  We have about another 7 or 8 weeks before we find out though.  Ugh!  The agony of waiting and not knowing.  I'll just continue bugging all of you in blogland when I get antsy about it...lol

Baby Bump Chronicles 11w

Due Date:    February 16th

Zodiac Sign:  AQUARIUS-which has characteristics of being good communicators, being friendly, intelligent, and strong-willed.

Symptoms:  I'm not as tired as I have been, so that's a plus.  I'm almost out of this first trimester, so I am excited about that.  My boobies are still sore, but I'm dealing with that.  I also have a breakout going on with my face.  I really hope this clears up fast.  I don't get nauseous like I would before, so that's a big plus.  Pretty much, this is a good pregnancy.  Thank God!

How big is the Baby:  The size of a fig and over 1 1/2 inches long.

Any Cravings:  No real cravings.  I do like eating fruit. I've always liked fruit, so I don't know if I can really call that a craving.

What can't you stand to eat?  I still can't stand Mayo or creamy stuff.  It just irks me.

Any Anticipations?  I am ready to officially be in my second trimester, and to hear the heartbeat again at our next appointment.  I plan to make a list of things that I need to start working on for the baby this weekend.  I need to call some daycares, get some maternity clothes, schedule Scott and I for a baby CPR class at the hospital, start designing a nursery so we will know how we are going to decorate it, clean out the baby room, research car seats and other baby stuff, and the list goes on and on.  Now that I'm not as tired, I feel like I can get a lot done.  No time like the present to start on this long and growing list of things to do.

Maternity Clothes:  Still don't have any, but I plan to pick up a few items this weekend.  Some of my clothes are fitting a little snug.

Exercise:  Oh yeah, I do need to start doing something.  I have some exercises in my newest pregnancy book that I plan to do.  I have started stretching daily though.

Diet:  My diet is still pretty much the same.  Just enjoying eating like I always have!

Things I miss:  A good glass of wine, sleeping all the way through the night, and buying clothes from the Limited

Things I'm enjoying:  Scott talking to my belly bump, being in the bed early most nights, and people's reaction when they hear our news

Who all knows:  Pretty Much everyone.  Our families, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and as of Wednesday, our church members in the youth ministry that we both volunteer in.  Scott made the announcement during our first meeting for the upcoming school year.  Everyone started clapping and congratulating us.  It was a good feeling!

Latest Belly Pic:  See Below

Baby Bump at 11 weeks

Baby Bump Chronicles 10w4d

This is a book that my dr recommended that I read.  I am kind of excited about reading it.  I am usually a recreational fiction book reader, so this will be different for me.  I have some other books to read that my sister-in-law gave me, so I have a lot of reading to do.  I will give my review here soon, so stay tuned.

Baby Bump Chronicles- 10w

Due Date:    February 16th

Symptoms:    I have been sooooooooooo tired.  I don't think I have been this tired in my whole life.  I usually am able to get on up in the mornings, but lately I just lay in the bed until the last possible minute.  And that's not to mention that I get in the bed pretty early now, and I am still tired in the mornings.  I haven't had any morning sickness.  I get a little nauseous sometimes when I haven't eaten in a while.  As long as I keep something on my stomach, I am good though.  One other symptom is my boobies are sore, and I think they may be getting bigger already.  Can we say, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Oh yeah about 3 times out of the week, I have to get up in the middle of the night to pee.  I am usually an all night sleeper, but not any more.

How Big is the Baby?  The size of a Kumquat.  I know you say, what in the world is a kumquat?  It's a fruit similar to an orange, and about the size of an olive.

Any Cravings?  Actually, I don't have any real cravings.  I just have to make sure that I have something on my stomach, or I get a little nauseous.  I did just up and made a pecan pie Tuesday night, and it's gone as of last night.....LOL  I do like having some fruit around.  I recently had some yummy watermelon that I wouldn't mind having some more of.  But for the most part, there isn't just one thing that I just have to have all the time.

What can't you stand to eat?  I can't stand mayo.  I have always loved chicken and tuna salad, but now I can't stand the site of it.  I think it's the white texture that bothers me.  All I can say is when I see it, it's GROSS!!!!

Any Anticipations?  I am looking forward to knowing the sex of the baby.  The Chinese Gender Predictor says that we are having a girl, but we shall see in due time.  I truly go with the old cliche'...It doesn't matter to me as long as he/she is healthy.

Maternity Clothes:  I haven't bought any yet, but I have noticed that some of my work slacks are a little snugger than normal.  I plan to get some cute dresses, maternity slacks and jeans, and flats .  Since I will be my biggest during the colder months, I want to get some outfits that I can wear then.  September through December is my favorite time of the year because of football, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and all the new season's tv shows.   I am really excited about this fall.

Exercise:  I haven't done a thing.  I do plan to start a little pregnancy workout because it will make the pregnancy better and even delivery easier.  I think I will start a workout plan this week.

Diet:  I have been eating a lot of fruit (pineapples, grapes, peaches, nectarines, watermelon, and strawberries).  I eat lots of yogurt and drink lots of water.   I think I am doing well with eating.  I just wish I had some good home-cooking.

Latest Belly Pic:  See below

Belly Pic at 10 weeks

Breaking News...

It's official, I'm Pregnant, or should I use the new lingo, Preggers or Prego.  I am currently 9w5d (that's 9 weeks and 5 days).  I'm due Feb 16th.  Scott and I are so excited.  Now that I have exciting happenings going on with me now, you will be hearing a lot more from me.  So stay tuned for the Baby Bump Chronicles to come.

Oh yeah, my good friend, Telischa, gave me The Belly Book as a gift today.  She is just the sweetest!  I can take pictures of my baby bump, and put the pictures in this book.  I can also keep a little journal with ultrasound pictures and interesting things that happen along the pregnancy.  I can't wait to enter my first journal posting here in the next few days.