{this moment} birds

{A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

 Inspired by SouleMama.

*Navalgazing* Reflections at 24 Weeks Pregnant

Wow!  Twenty-Four Weeks.  For some reason this seems like a milestone to me.  I guess every four-week increment does to some degree, but twenty-four seems particularly significant. 

I had a midwife appointment on Monday that was relativley uneventful.  I did take a glucose and protein test that looked a little green when I first arrived,  and so was slightly anxious, but my blood pressure was very low (as usual) and when I redid the test before leaving it was normal.  Sprout was, and has been, extrememly active and was kicking the doppler.  It made me laugh. 

She is moving around so much now and has gotten strong enough that we can see it when she's kicking.  I could watch for hours.

My bellybutton is starting to stretch out a bit.  I'm glad that it's remained an innie so far and kind of hope it doesn't get to the point where it pops out.  This is going to sound totally bizarre, but my bellybutton is one of my favourite features, so I'll be a bit sad if it doesn't go back to normal after Sprout is born. 

I got some cal/mag and so far that seems to be helping with the leg cramps.  My gums have been a bit sensitive lately, but I also changed my toothbrush so it could just be that. 

Photo from 24(+2) weeks pregnant:

{this moment} storytime

{A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.  If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

 

 

Inspired by SouleMama.

Spend Nothing Month

I was hesitant to post about this earlier, because honestly I didn't know how successful I'd be and I didn't want to embarrass myself.  Anyway, sometime in July I decided that I would try to do a "spend nothing month" in August.  I figured since it'd be my last month with a paycheque for a while, it'd be good way to start being more mindful of my purchases. 

That said, I do not consider myself a big spender.  I don't buy many new clothes for myself, my haircuts are few and far between, I'll occassionally indulge in a tea or treat when out but rarely eat meals out.  The Bean (and now Sprout) are my biggest weaknessess.

I should note that it's these "extras" which I've been trying to not spend on.  Obviously bills still need to be paid, groceries need to be bought, and the car needs to be filled up.  We also had to pull a significant amount from our savings this month to pay for the cat's medical treatment. 

I haven't been entirely successful, but I think I've done okay.  There have definitely been times when I've not spent on something that I normally would have. 

Here is where I've been unsuccessful so far:
-$10 on dinner out when we were just too tired to cook
-$10 donation for a friend's bike ride
-$4 on poutine and a drink while we were on our trip
-$2.50 on Google storage for blog photos

I also cheated a little by using some giftcards to purchase a pair of rainboots ($10) for The Bean, as well as a potty seat ($6) and some wool to make a fellow blogger who is sending some stuff for Sprout a few hats for her little girl. 

I'm hoping that even with a reduced income we'll be able to keep putting a little into savings every month and I that I'm able to finish off this month without spending anything else... and maybe more importanly not indulge too much once the month is over! 

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Photoshoot

WARNING: This is a photo heavy post. 

 

In my defense, it was just too hard to narrow down my favourites any more. 

 

While we were up north, my sister-in-law was kind enough to take some photos for us.  Her super-fancy camera is in need of repair, but she was able to fiddle around with mine and get some great shots of The Bean (and us). 

 

I'm so grateful to have these along with the ones she took of us last summer.  Such a treasure. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Slowing Down

I wrote a little bit about our vacation in my last *Navalgazing* update.  I am so glad we were able to get away and to see the family.  Still, it is nice to be back home and get back into the routine here.  It's been a very busy summer and though I've certainly enjoyed it, it will be nice to have some predicatbility to the days again. 

Yesterday morning, I pulled out my little notebook and wrote down my "To Dos" for the day.  Not everything got crossed off, but I did accomplish a good bit.  Today's list will likely be shorter, but with some bigger projects (it's finally time to get all my school papers sorted and packed away).  

Some photos from yesterday:

Saying hello to the little birds that hang out in our front yard.

Hanging laundry on the clothesline.

Finishing up Sprout's first mama-mades.

Doting on the recovering patient.

Hopefully I'll get into a routine of blogging more regularly too.  At the beginning of the summer I thought I'd have time to update most days, but our schedule hasn't really allowed for that.  Now that things are slowing down, maybe it will.

Vacation Recap and *Navalgazing* Reflections at 23 Weeks Pregnant

We had a bit of a crazy week here.

We went "up north" to cottage country for a family vacation.  Jen's parents as well as her brother and his family (wife and two kids) met us there.  It was great to see everyone.  The Bean LOVED having big kids to play with and all the extra adult attention.  It was fun, but not exactly relaxing, having a toddler to entertain/chase around.  Fortunately the grandparents stepped in a couple of afternoons when I needed extra down time. 

There was some added stress surrounding The Bean's older sister, Mo.  (Our cat.)  We'd noticed that she hadn't been eating much lately and had taken her to the vet the week before leaving.  They put her on fluids and an antibiotic and gave her an appetite stimulant.  A few days later we got her home but didn't notice much of a change, so brought her back to the vet for boarding while we were going to be away.  We wanted them to be able to keep an eye on her.  Mid-vacation we got a call and ended up having to drive back to the city to take her to the emergency vet.  After an ultrasound we found out that she had a blocked gall bladder and needed surgery to reroute the drainage.  She is home now sporting a lovely blue cone and on a heavy schedule of various medications, but seems to be on her way to recovery.  Thank goodness.  We love that kitty. 

So, even though we were on vacation, this week has been tiring.  The king-sized bed at the resort was lovely and sharing a room with The Bean wasn't as difficult as I worried it might be. 

In pregnancy news, Sprout's movements have become even more pronounced.  Now I'm not only getting the flutters, jabs and stretches, but I've started to notice two simultaneous pokes at a time.  Arms and legs, perhaps?  Have I mentioned she's an active one?  Between her and her brother, we're going to have our hands full! 

I got another wicked Charlie horse while away.  Probably from being on my feet a lot.  A few people suggested it in my last update and I've also read calcium and magnesium help (in addition to potassium) so in addition to eating bananas I've been trying to drink more milk.  I may also start taking a supplement. 

Even though it's only been a few days, I'll post another belly photo soon.

*Navalgazing* Reflections at 22 (+2) Weeks Pregnant

I've started to feel quite large.  I can't imagine what I'm going to feel like at 40 weeks given how I'm feeling now.  I'm starting to notice more of a "stretch" along the sides of my stomach.  Perhaps needless to say, I haven't been too comfortable lately.  Sleep continues to be a bit of a challenge and I've been very tired during the days.  A few nights ago I woke up with a Charlie horse.  Did it ever hurt.  I'm trying to eat more bananas now. 

 

Despite all that I can say with confidence that I will miss being pregnant.  The thing I'll miss the most is feeling Sprout flutter around.  I just love it. 

 

The photo is from 22+4 weeks.  We were on vacation and got sidetracked.  I didn't even think to pack the right jeans or tank top.  Close enough though, right?

 

 

 

Nineteen Months Old!

Today The Bean is nineteen months old!

 

Our bouncing baby boy continues to keep us busy!

 

-He really is bouncing now.  It seems to be his newest dance move.  He's also into adding "splits" which mostly ends with him falling down on his bum.  Sometimes he'll say ouch, but he usually gets right back up and starts dancing some more.  He's taken to going over to the radio and saying "dance" so we'll turn it on for him.

 

-Always active, he has become very bold in his movements.  He has little hesitation on stairs, slides, and climbers.  We have to keep a close eye on him at the park. 

 

-We were seeing a real downward trend with his eating at mealtimes.  He was refusing food and even throwing it and his utensils from his chair.  Very frustrating.  So, we made a few changes.  He is only allowed to eat in his highcair now and we are trying to limit the number of snacks he is getting between meals.  It seems to be helping. 

 

-He is down to one nap per day.  At home he'll sleep for 2-3 hours, but at daycare it's usually only 1-2.  I wish he'd go longer there, but I'm sure the noise from the other children and their schedule make that difficult. 

 

-He is picking up on new words daily as well as starting to repeat some of the words that we say.  He chatters constantly.  "No!" seems to be a favourite word.  He can be very emphatic when using it, and sometimes he really means what he says, whereas other times it seems like a little bit of a joke. 

 

-He is also understanding SO MUCH.  He will follow multi-step directions.  It's amazing when we ask him to do something and he actually does it! 

 

-His picnic basket, teapot and baby stroller have been his favourite toys this month.  Unfortunately the baby stroller is showing some signs of wear as he decided he would like to sit in it.  It is clearly not designed to hold 20+lbs. 

 

We've been having a great summer with lots of extra time together.  We're lucky mommies to have this little boy in our lives. 

 

Wordless Wednesday: Balcony Bubbles

 

*Navalgazing* Reflections at 21 (+1) Weeks Pregnant

Not too many changes this week, other than that Sprout seems to have been especially active.  I can feel her "kicking" on my left side at various points throughout the day and every once in a while I feel what I can only imagine is her rolling around deeper inside my stomach.  (It's a very odd sensation.) 

It's been quite hot again, so I've been somewhat uncomfortable.  My legs and feet continue to feel swollen by the end of the day (though they don't really look it) and I think I'm going to try wearing running shoes rather than my Birkenstocks and see if that helps at all. 

I picked up a bunch of sleepers and onesies and just a few outfits from a woman who was selling them on Craigslist.  I got them for a very good price and she even said that she'd let me know when she was ready to sell her little girl's summer clothing.  Her baby was born this past January so I figure it's a fairly safe bet sizing-wise.  My sister also gave us a bag of girly things she's picked up from Goodwill.  We're building a wardrobe!  We'll have to figure out how we're going to share the dresser.  It kind of makes me regret getting the smaller dresser when building the nursery, but I'm sure we'll make due. 


We've started giving some thought to what we're going to need for this little one's arrival.  Though we plan on having her co-sleep with us for the first several months, we will need a second crib and crib mattress (The Bean moves around so much at night that I can't imagine putting him in a bed anytime soon).  The need for a double stroller is up in the air.  And if we do get one, there's the question of which one to get.  Any imput from other moms/dads out there is welcome!  Beyond those two bigger items, there doesn't seem to be anything essential.  Are we forgetting anything obvious? 

Photo taken at 21(+2) Weeks:

{this moment} sharing

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Inspired by SouleMama.

Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to L from Baby Mamas Drama on winning the My Family! Giveaway!

Thanks to everyone who participated.  Also, Cheril and the producer of the Rainbow Sparkles CD have offered to host ANOTHER giveaway, so stay tuned for details! 

Wordless Wednesday: New Park