Pregnancy quiz: 39 weeks

How far along: 39 weeks. Or 40+ weeks depending on which due date you are looking at! Awesome!

Sleep: Better. I asked my doctor if I could take Tylenol PM at its full dosage every night. She said yes and that it was perfectly safe. This has made this week's sleep much much improved.

Weight Gain/Loss: I'm up 23 lbs since the beginning of the pregnancy. On the small side, but still on target.

Belly button in or out: Out. As you saw in the photos below. Bellybuttons that have popped look kinda weird.

Movement: At 9:30 each night Baby Girl has a dance party. One night this week she didn't have her dance party and come to think of it, I hadn't felt a lot of moment that day at all. I freaked and started trying to wake her up. I lied in bed for over an hour and finally felt a few wiggles. The next day she was back to her active self, so I wasn't too worried, but for awhile, I thought I'd have to high-tail it to the hospital. (But James's movement slowed at the end too, so I wasn't too worried).

Size of Baby: 20" and about 7 lbs. We'll know the final height and weight soon!

Pregnancy Symptoms: Everything. I can't take baths anymore because the hot water doesn't "sit" well. My tummy feels heavy and tight, and dare I forget to take my heartburn meds, my stomach is on fire. My feet are still mostly unswollen, as are my hands and face. Yea!

Labor Signs: A couple of stronger braxton hicks contractions, 2 cm dilated, and 50% effaced. But nothing other than that.

Food Cravings: FRUIT FRUIT FRUIT. This entire pregnancy has been all about fruit. One night I woke up at 3:00 am and needed OJ. Good thing we had some, because after I drank a huge glass I was easily able to go back to sleep.

What I miss: Not feeling totally and completely wiped out all the time. I stay semi active with James when he's awake (who am I kidding, he's two years old, I stay very active) but by the time he's down for a nap or in bed I hardly have enough energy even to eat (today I ate lunch with my eyes closed). No energy for blogging, finishing Baby Girl's room, digging out the car seat, or even packing a hospital bag. I should do that soon...

What I am looking forward to: I WILL BE HOLDING MY BABY DAUGHTER IN UNDER A WEEK!!!!!

Weekly Wisdom: I am wise. And awesome. I can do this two kiddo thing. Even when I think I can't, I can. :)

Best moment this week: Naps nearly every day.

Milestones: I reached my official due date. Hello! I rock!

Per my goal on taking more day to day photos, I grabbed my camera the other morning and took the photo above of early morning bed snuggles and this one below, of James reading his Year 2 book. It's his favorite and he sees things from earlier in the year like the tram ride or the forest in Oregon and he says "go go go please!". I agree little man, soon.

Pregnancy quiz: 38 weeks

How far along: 38 weeks. Or 39 depending on which due date you are looking at.

Sleep: Horrible. One night was comically bad. James started the week with a horrible cold and on Tuesday night was up once an hour crying (reminds me of what newborns are like...). The same night I fell asleep crying due to frustration with the Ikea dresser (hello pregnancy hormones!), and it went on and on. Such a bad night. Other nights have sucked as well. Now that I have James's cold, one night I was up with a horrible sore throat, and last night I was up nearly all night because I couldn't breathe through my nose, and mouth breathing keeps me awake. Ugg... Plus, there is a lot on my mind these days. I'm not feeling very well rested to say the least.

Weight Gain/Loss: Up one pound since last week. Go me!

Belly button in or out: Out. :)

Movement: This little girl of mine keeps me company all night long. She is a night owl to the extreme. I'm a little worried.

Size of Baby: 19.5" and 6.5 lbs or so.

Pregnancy Symptoms: Everything. I've felt weepy this week (which is not me at all), I've felt exhausted. Everything hurts. I'm too far along in this pregnancy to carry James for more than just a few steps (and forget getting him in and out of his carseat...). Pelvic pressure is back with a vengeance, as is sciatic nerve pain. Plus, I have a full blown cold. I'm a real treat this week. ;)

Labor Signs: Nada. A couple of braxton hicks contractions, but nothing other than that.

Food Cravings: I have less of an appetite these days due to being sick and also hardly any room in my tummy for anything other than baby. James has hardly eaten this week either. Breaks my heart. Poor little dude.

What I miss: Ibuprofin. Like a lot. I forget how nice it is to pop a few when my throat is on fire or when my entire back is aching. Excited to have the chance again soon. Tylenol is just not cutting it.

What else I miss? Sleep. I don't think I've slept longer than three hours in a row for weeks. I'm up a lot at night. I guess this is my body's way of getting me ready for Baby Girl.

What I am looking forward to: Finishing the nursery (there is still a lot to do!), and meeting my daughter. Oh my oh my I'm excited for that!

Weekly Wisdom: Things could be worse. Keep that in mind. James and I are sick and yucky, but its only a cold and sinus infection. Thank goodness for that, by next week we'll be feeling 100%.

Best moment this week: My baby shower last Saturday and a full spa day on Sunday. Oh my word... best weekend ever!

Milestones: 38 weeks. My "official" due date is less than a week away! (Next Thursday, gulp!)

Above: my poor sick kiddo. I have such sympathy for him. Some days are better than others, and we've left the house, but today he is back to feeling yucky.

And below, my tummy. It's been a long time since I've been able to look down and see my toes. The flash cards? Doesn't matter how many times I clean them up, the throws them all over the floor again minutes later.
Huge tummy. Messy living room. Such is life. And here is what I looked like when I was 38 weeks with James. I think I'm about the same size.

Pregnancy quiz: 37 weeks

How far along: 37 weeks! Full term! (Also?! What's crazy? I'm still considered 38 weeks by my doc! I moved my due date back in my own mind because of what ultrasound shows, but HOLY MOLY!)

Sleep: Only ok. I'm exhausted by bedtime but have a lot on my mind. I think of something in the middle of the night and obsess over it until morning. Also, falling asleep is really hard. Staying asleep is even harder.

Weight Gain/Loss: I have gained so slowly. I think my grand total is up around 21 lbs without much gain in the last few weeks. I was nearing 26 lbs at this point with James and most woman are closer to 30+.

Belly button in or out: Out. :)

Movement: Yes. Now when I'm up in the middle of the night I realize I have someone that is also up. Baby Girl loves the 3:00 am hour! Oh dear....

Size of Baby: 19.5" and 6 lbs or so. Oh wow! She's ready at any time!

Pregnancy Symptoms: Pregnancy insomnia which includes a lot of getting up to pee, getting up to get a drink, waking up because my ears are killing me (huh?) and other fun things. I've been feeling surprisingly comfortable (comparatively) during the day, just exhausted. I've had a few Braxton Hicks contractions, which are not fun at all, but I had many more when I was pregnant with James, so I'm happy they are so few and far between.

Labor Signs: Last three weeks I've been 1 cm dilated and no change in my cirvix. Baby is head down (as she's been my entire pregnancy) and ready for the world.

Food Cravings: Fruit and vinegar. Salads with tons of vinegar dressing and salt and vinegar chips are my fave.

What I miss: Being able to do anything at all productive at any point in the day. James is asleep for a nice long nap mid day and goes to bed early and I'm in bed most of those hours too. I want to craft, I have things that need to be done, and they just aren't happening.

What I am looking forward to: Um? What any mom is excited for at 37 weeks?! Meeting my new baby! Looking so so so forward to that. Telling her I love her, that I adore her, that she will be perfect for our family. Telling her that I've wanted to be a mother of a daughter for my entire life, and she completes our family. I am so excited for that.

Also?! BEST WEEKEND EVER! Not even joking. Tomorrow I have a baby shower that I could not be more excited about, and Sunday E and I are taking our Spa day and dinner date that I asked for for Christmas. Spa day includes the entire day with E and no kiddo, a Japanese bath and a 90 minute prenatal massage. Yea, can't wait.

Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy every single minute. Very very soon I'll be the mama of two kiddos. These last weeks with James have been wonderful. I am soaking it all up.

Best moment this week: Daily time with my little side kick. I can't get enough of what a sweet amazing kid I've got.

Milestones: 37 weeks! I'm full term!

Something I feel like I'm slacking on is taking more day to day photos. I always grab my camera on the weekends and do a big weekend blog post, but what I want to remember is the small stuff. The little things that make my life so great. I usually have a (decent) excuse, like "the light is not good". Well the other morning when James was having his daily dance party on my bed and the light was horrible, I figured I'd snap a few photos anyway. I got what I wanted, a happy boy, a little view into my happiness, and something I would likely forget. With Apple TV we can listen to iTunes on the TV. He loves it and dances happily for a few songs but he has such particular music taste. Most the time he's telling me "new song!" and "bye bye song" meaning he's ready to dance to something else. So goofy.

Pregnancy quiz: 36 weeks

How far along: 36 weeks!

Sleep: Really horrible this week! Worst week in a long while. One night I was panicked because I couldn't remember what baby girl clothes I had purchased last summer. So in the middle of the night I had to hunt through the storage room to check. Yes, I knew it was crazy at the time, but I couldn't get it out of my head, and knew the only way I'd sleep was to just go check. Then? I still didn't fall asleep for two more hours. And every night has been horrible and weird, like that one.

Weight Gain/Loss: Didn't gain anything this week. So crazy because I'm eating plenty and buttering every piece of bread heavily.

Belly button in or out: Yep! I called it! When I was pregnant with James my belly button popped at 36 weeks, and with this pregnancy it did as well. I'd say I'm 70% popped. :)

Movement: So much! You can see my entire stomach shift positions. Super creepy. E won't let me put his hand on my tummy because of the amount of movement. He says "it creeps me out."

Size of Baby: 19" and gaining weight at about 5.75 lbs. Not growing in length much, but gaining weight!

Pregnancy Symptoms: Hello pregnancy insomnia. We meet again. Damn you. Sciatic nerve pain isn't quite as bad, but now my ears hurt (??) when I'm sleeping. I remember this from James's pregnancy as well. So weird.

Food Cravings: Fruit fruit fruit.

What I miss: Being able to keep up with James and have some energy in the middle of the day. I nap and am still exhausted by 7:30 pm.

What I am looking forward to: Setting up the nursery. Another thing I was panicked about this week in the middle of the night? The fact that we still don't have a crib. I had been undecided for my entire pregnancy on if I wanted to buy a second crib because James will be done with his fairly soon. I didn't want to move James out of his until he was ready, because he is such a good sleeper, the last thing I needed was two kids with crazy sleep. So I thought I'd use the pack and play (playpen) for Baby Girl. Well, the other night at 3:00 am I decided I NEEDED another crib, and ordered it the next morning. Poor E, he never knows what rant I'll go on first thing in the morning because I was "thinking" the night before.

Anyway, to make a long story short, I ordered the crib and crib mattress and it's already here, so I think we'll set it up this weekend. We are also planning on a trip to IKEA for a dresser. Her nursery will be almost complete soon!

Another thing I'm really looking forward to? A childhood friend of mine offered to host a baby shower for me. I was unsure at first, being that Baby Girl is not my first baby (and traditionally baby showers are only for your first), but after some convincing, I decided to go for it. She is hosting a Little Red Riding Hood themed shower next weekend for me. I am so so so excited. I convinced her to keep the guest list tiny, since it is my second shower, but am excited to celebrate Baby Girl with some close family and friends.

Weekly Wisdom: Note to self: when you need to check on the status of baby girl dresses at 3:00 am, just get up and do it. Trying to convince yourself that it's crazy, and you can check in the morning, for two hours, just makes the length of time you're up even longer.

Best moment this week: Talking baby shower details the other night with my friend who's hosting, I'm so excited. Also, finding that there are wonderful little girl clothes that I bought 6 months ago that are perfect, so I can stop freaking out.

Milestones: 36 weeks is the last week I'm considered pre-term. Next week I'll be considered full term! Scary and wonderful.

Photo above is another I took last Saturday on our snow day. I loved how simple it was and wanted to post it for Black and White Wednesday. Being that I'm exhausted and need to nap most days, I didn't post a B&W Wednesday this week. So here it is! A few days late.

And, I took this same quiz when I was 36 weeks pregnant with James, click here to compare.

Pregnancy quiz: 35 weeks

How far along: Anybody that is pregnant or has been pregnant knows the magic of hitting 35 weeks. It means 35 weeks past, 35 days to go. Holy moly.

Sleep: Some nights terrible. Most nights passable. Falling asleep in so so hard. I am more uncomfortable in my own bed then any other time of day. It is miserable.

Weight Gain/Loss: Up 21 lbs.

Belly button in or out: It is super flat. I think I'll pop out around 36 weeks, just like James's pregnancy.

Movement: Oh yes, a lot of it.

Size of Baby: 19" and gaining weight at about 5.5 lbs.

Pregnancy Symptoms: My sciatic is all I can think about these days. It hurts so much, especially when I try to sleep. Things that are not bothering me though? I'm not moody (whoo-hooo!), have no swelling (yes!!), can still fit into my regular shoes and my face isn't fat (hurrah!), and my feet don't hurt (most of the time).

Also this cold winter weather suits me so well. I hardly ever wear a coat when I'm out and the bedroom is nice and crisp at night. E keeps saying "cold" and tries to prove he's uncomfortable by wearing a full fleece set of PJs and a hat to bed (yep, its true) but it feels nice to me. ;)

Food Cravings: I need a fruit stand installed in my kitchen. I'm eating like a gorilla. Fresh fruit all the time, and lots of it.

What I miss: Sushi. The end has almost come.

What I am looking forward to: Meeting my daughter. Getting so excited for this. Not looking forward to labor, or the tantrums that will follow when James adjusts to being one of two kiddos, or the lack of sleep, but I'm very much looking forward to a new baby.

Also, E and I are going out to dinner tonight. We are going to try to go again (and maybe even once more after that) before Baby Girl gets here!

Weekly Wisdom: I had another ultrasound because my tummy is still measuring small. Baby Girl looked happy and healthy in my tummy and, according to her size, shows a due date of February 10th, which I've been planning on all along (eight days past her "official due date of Feb. 2nd). When they were trying to get a clear shot of her face for me, she kept showing them the back of her head, which as covered with quite a bit of thick hair. So darling.

Best moment this week: New Years Eve fondue rocked my world. I adore fondue. Also, the walk in the garden last weekend was so wonderful. The mild weather has stuck around and James and I have been enjoying being outside as much as possible.

Milestones: 35 weeks past, 35 days to go!

Pregnancy quiz: 34 weeks

How far along: 34 weeks. But remember, my doc still considers me 35 weeks, even though my bump is measuring a touch small.

Sleep: Starting to hurt more and more. Falling asleep sucks, staying asleep sucks and things ache by morning.

Weight Gain/Loss: Is slow. I hope to gain more and have a nice healthy fat baby, but my Doc warned me that Baby Girl will likely be smaller than James was.

Movement: Kick kick kick, right now.

Size of Baby: 19" and almost 5 lbs!

Pregnancy Symptoms: Umm, everything.

Food Cravings: Fresh fruit. I can not get enough.

What I miss: Being able to get comfortable in bed. I'm tired, I'm grumpy and I'm not comfortable. Yuck.

What I am looking forward to: Oh my! New Years Eve tomorrow night (E and I are staying in), New Year's Day we are driving up to Midway and January is already fun of fun activities.

Weekly Wisdom: There are limited weekends before Baby Girl arrives (after this weekend, like only 4 more to go!). E and I are making a list of what we still "must do" with one kiddo and without a newborn. Oh my! The list is longer than the 4 weekends can hold. Excited though.

Best moment this week: This has been the best week ever. I love having E home. He's made a big yummy breakfast every day and he got a Wok for Christmas, so he's made dinner almost every night. Spoiled doesn't even cover it.

Milestones: On Monday I'll be ONE month away from my "official" due date February 2nd. I'm still planning on the due date of February 10th, but that is quite exciting.

Photo above, taken today.

Pregnancy quiz: 33 weeks

How far along: 33 weeks. Although I pushed back my due date on this quiz when Baby Girl was measuring small in ultrasound, my official due date is still February 2nd, which means I'm 34 weeks. But, I'm still measuring small (only 32 weeks today), so I don't think I'll deliver before the second.

Sleep: Ok, once I'm asleep. Falling asleep is painful. My heavy tummy, my horrible bitchy sciatic nerve (which is the worst at bed time), and my pelvic pressure all keep me from getting comfortable.

Weight Gain/Loss:Went to the doc just today and I'm up 20 lbs.

Movement: She is kicking me right now. When they were trying to find her heartbeat at the doctors, she was moving around so much, they kept loosing it. What a silly girl

Size of Baby: Last week she was 19" long and almost 4 lbs. Not much change this week.

Pregnancy Symptoms: My sciatic nerve is killing me. My pelvic pressure is not fun. Heartburn, sore back and feet, achy tummy, strong sense of smell. Oh the joys of third trimester.

Food Cravings: Sweets are everywhere this time of year, aren't they? They always sound good and then give me a bit of a tummy ache, so I'm trying to steer clear, actually. Fresh fruit is still my favorite.

What I miss: Lying on my back without major pain. Jogging up a flight of stairs. Being able to roll over.

What I am looking forward to: BEST WEEK EVER! Christmas Eve tomorrow, Christmas the next day, and then an entire week with E off of work. Yea, there is a lot to be happy about.

Weekly Wisdom: My doctor told me to eat a lot over the holidays because of my "slower weight gain." Ok! Done and done!

Best moment this week: Lots of holiday traditions over the last week. Zoo lights, Dim Sum with my Dad and siblings, Solstice Party, and E's family cookie day last night (which I still need to blog about).

Milestones: Reaching 33 weeks? Let's just call that a milestone. :)

Pregnancy quiz: 32 weeks

How far along: 32 weeks!

Sleep: I've actually had the best week of sleep for a really really long time. I get up a lot to pee, but fall back to sleep super fast. And I'm napping while James naps most days. Yippee for lots of sleep! I'm trying to enjoy it because once Baby Dos comes, not only will I not get a big break when James naps, but I'll be up a lot at night as well.

Movement: Baby Girl is a dancer. Or a karate master. Or something that involves lots of kicking at 6:00 am.

Size of Baby: 19" long and almost 4 lbs. So sweet!

Pregnancy Symptoms: Sciatic nerve pain, a new fun (note the sarcasm) type of pelvic pain, more pain in my growing tummy and more feeling uncomfortable. Walking at any speed other than slow? Not going to happen.

Food Cravings: Hot cheesy foods. We had lasagna last night and I honestly though I could eat the entire tray. Yum!

What I miss: I'm trying to focus not on what I miss, but what I will miss once I have two kids. Long mornings alone with James? Yea, I'll miss that. Story time with just him? I'll miss that too. Tickling and playing with no worry about how loud he's being, or if he'll wake the baby. I'll miss that a lot.

What I am looking forward to: This week. The week before Christmas is almost as good as the holiday itself. I wrapped all my presents today, we are going to Zoo Lights tonight and there is more fun coming. I love this time of year.

Weekly Wisdom: And elbow to the sciatic nerve before bed helps me fall asleep. E gives me an elbow to my butt muscle every night. :) Sounds so bad but it helps.

Best moment this week: Today watching the birds. Some days are good bird days, and today is one of them. All the flickers are out. Like 6 of them! And other types of woodpeckers too! And magpies. And so many more. I love it.
Not my bird photo. Totally stollen from Pinterest. But aren't flickers amazing? They are a big type of woodpecker (about the size of a magpie) that mate for life. So so neat.

Milestones: James has been sleeping successfully in his new big boy room for two weeks. His old room we now refer to "Baby sister's room" and he is thrilled to have more space and a light switch he can turn on and off himself. He loves it in there. So happy because I can't wait to add some girly touches to the nursery. Photos of James's new room coming shortly, let's hope.

Another best moment of the week? This moment. Watching the snow gently fall towards the ground the other morning. Nothing stuck around, but seeing the white flakes was magical, nonetheless.

Pregnancy quiz: 31 weeks

How far along: 31 weeks. Two months from tomorrow is my due date. OH MY WORD!

Sleep: Most nights have been pretty good this week, actually. But last night James woke up screaming at 1:12 am. I jolted awake and went running to him. Hugged him and lied him back down and he was asleep before I left the room. Me on the other hand? Have you ever been jolted awake? I was so worried something was wrong I was up for hours.

Total weight gain/loss: I'm up 19 lbs.

Movement: Lots.

Size of Baby: 18" long (almost the length at birth) but still skinny at only 3.5 lbs.

Pregnancy Symptoms: Sciatic nerve pain has been a killer this week. Also, I'm feeling heavier and rounder and less able to move around freely. Walking up a flight of stairs totally winds me.

Food Cravings: Sweets after every meal which is totally not me. Good thing the house is stocked with candy due to the holidays.

What I miss: Lying on my back on the bed. For about three months I have not been able to read a book lying down, watch a movie, or even just relax on my back. Watching a movie curled on your side gets really old quite fast.

What I am looking forward to: Cookie baking day this weekend.

Weekly Wisdom: James is beyond smart. Last week we had a furnace guy come and look at our air flow problem and I told James his name was Kim. Today another man is here to fix the problem and every time James hears a clunk from the basement he says "Kim!". We haven't talked about Kim for the entire week.

Best moment this week: Some weeks I fall in love with my little boy all over again. This is one of those weeks, and the waves of love I feel is pretty awesome. Also, I've been getting excited about Christmas, and that's pretty fun too.

Milestones: Ever so slowly, we are moving forward on our name decision. It won't be Lily, even though that is James's choice. Also? I started doing these quizzes at 31 weeks with James. Here is a link if you care to compare (who am I kidding? I'll be the only one to click the link!).

And, above, we've hardly gone outside over the last week but one day we bundled up and met a couple of friends at the park. It was too cold within a half an hour, due to the quickly setting sun, but was fun while it lasted.

25 Christmas questions {a quiz}

I used to love these little quizzes, and did quite a lot of them here on the blog three+ years ago. I found one today on a Blog I enjoy called Matt and Kara Adopt. Kara had 22 questions on her blog, but I felt like 25 was a nice round number and thought up a few of my own to add to it.

Want to play along? Leave a comment that you did the quiz and I'll make sure to read each of them.

1. Egg nog or hot chocolate? Actually, neither. Is that horrible? Egg nog is a little heavy for my liking, and hot chocolate often gives me a tummy ache. My favorite holiday drink? A hot cup of tea in front of the fire. Biscotti too, please.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Growing up Santa always made sure to have different wrapping paper than the rest of the family gifts (of course he would, right?). Even after I knew the truth, little things like this totally added to the magic for me. They were wrapped and in piles for each sibling. Family presents were under the tree but seeing a huge pile of gifts with your name on it brings back such joy.

3. Colored lights or white on the tree? What about on the house? White on the tree. I still strictly follow this rule because the warm glow it creates is magic. Plus, in old fashioned times when they used real candles on the tree, the flames would have been white. And always colored on the house so we get best of both worlds. My brother Brandon and I were always in charge of the exterior of the house when we were older. We'd spend an entire day, sometimes six or eight hours fixing the outside until it was just right. When I was a lot younger we had a three story pine tree in our front yard. My dad would use a huge ladder and drape colored lights from its limbs. Seeing it lit up made me so happy.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? No, I did when we were living at the condo but it dried out and kinda fell apart. Oh well.

5. When do you put up your decorations? Traditionally the day after Thanksgiving. Although sometimes I wish we had a real tree, the fact that my fakey can be up for 1.5 months makes it worth it.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Oh man. There are a lot. For years my Grandparents served shrimp on Christmas Eve. A couple of times they also had Beef Wellington, which seriously blew me away. I also adore our traditional Christmas morning casserole made with hash browns, ham and eggs.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child? When I was about 13 we went with close family friends to a tree farm to pick out the perfect Christmas tree. It was cold, snow gently falling. I was with my best friend in the world and my siblings and her brother. We laughed and played until finding the perfect tree. Upon arriving home our Moms decided to start on some dinner and told us to "go play". We found the neighbors driveway flooded and frozen into a perfect sheet of ice. For the next hour we pretended to ice skate across the smooth surface laughing and playing the entire time. It was dark, cold and wonderful. I remember saying something along the lines of "this is the most wonderful Christmas activity ever!"

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? Kindergarten. A friend told me. I was heartbroken and quickly figured out the truth about the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We always opened new PJs on Christmas Eve.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? I love Christmas trees that tell a family story with lots of interesting and personal ornaments. I've collected ornaments on all the trips I've taken and it is so fun when decorating to find the Yosemite ornament, or the Italy ornament. I can't wait to start adding homemade ornaments that my kiddos make.

11. Snow! Love it or dread it? I love it! I just adore it at Christmas time. And as long as it is fresh (not icy and black) than I like it in January too. Come February and March I'm over it. Come April/May? I'm beyond over the snow and ready for spring.

12. Can you ice skate? I was a figure skater for eight years growing up. Private lessons, shows and even competitions. Now I'm not nearly as good, but still faster than my-once-hockey-playing husband. ;)

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? For some crazy reason when I was in third grade I really wanted crutches for Christmas. No idea why. But I got them and was over the moon. I also got my Addy American Girl doll when I was 13. She was a complete surprise and still is one of my favorite belongings.

14. What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you? Starting and building family traditions. St. Nicholas tea, my family's cookie day, E's family's cookie day, Christmas Eve, the list goes on and on.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? I'm not much of a dessert fan. Is that wrong? I much rather fill up on another helping of dinner.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? For a long time (nearly my entire life) Christmas Eve was my favorite tradition. My grandparents would host the formal affair. My sister and I would often go to the hair salon that day and get an "up-do" and wear our most fancy dresses to the evening. Since my Grandpa's death and my Grandma's stroke Christmas Eve is totally different and not nearly as special. But we are trying. This year my mom is hosting and I can't wait to see what she has in mind.

17. What tops your tree? At the condo where we had nice tall ceilings we had a gold star top the tree. At our current house the tree touches the ceiling so we don't have a topper. It doesn't look lonely though, we have ornaments all the way to the tip top.

18. Which do you prefer: giving or receiving? Who doesn't love getting a special Christmas gift they've yearned for? But I really do love giving. If I somehow don't realize someone is opening the present from me, and I miss it, I always feel so bummed. But I hardly ever miss it.

19. Candy canes: yuck or yum? I'll pass.

20. Favorite Christmas movie? The Christmas Story, of course. I can't get enough.

21. Saddest Christmas song? Um? No idea. That Christmas Shoes song is sad and sappy, but not my style. I've always liked O Holy Night as far as religious songs go.

22. What is your favorite Christmas song? Carol of the Bells. I love it. And also I really like Walking in a Winter's Wonderland by The Carpenters.

23. What is your favorite Christmas memory as an adult? Oh man, there are so many. However introducing E to all of my family's Christmas traditions has to top the list. The first time I invited him to my Grandparent's Christmas Eve party we were both only 18.

I also love the memory of our annual Luminary Walk. We would walk from my Grandparent's house on the winter solstice to the cemetery near by. On this specific night the cemetery would have hundreds of thousands of luminaries lit. We were cold and happy. Upon returning to my Grandparent's house we'd dig into a huge dish of chili and spiced apple cider. This tradition fizzled out when my Grandma had her stroke. James was only a month old when he went on his one and only Luminary Walk. It is a great memory.

24. Describe your perfect Christmas morning? Hard question because as I start my own family this is changing. Growing up it would be waking up at seven and running downstairs with my parents in tow to enjoy presents, food, music and sweets. Over the last eight or so years we've joined E's family on Christmas morning and it is just as magical. Lots of presents, so much food and stockings that are overflowing.

Within the next few years I want to start my own family's Christmas morning traditions. Lots of presents, staying in jammies all day, a yummy breakfast with a visiting set of Grandparents for breakfast and more gifts. Maybe some hot chocolate with candy canes. But for now we are happy to still join E's family for most of the morning. It is wonderful.

25. Can you fall asleep on Christmas Eve? As a kid? Never. I also woke up early so excited that Christmas had finally come. Now? I can fall asleep easily.

This post reminds me so much of this one (Top Ten Holiday Traditions) I did years ago. Some things have really changed. Most are the same.

Pregnancy quiz: 30 weeks {and decorating the Christmas tree!}

How far along: 30 weeks. Only ten (or 11) weeks to go!

Sleep: Some nights are ok, others are horrible. I'm awake a lot between 4 and 6 am.

Movement: Yep yep yep.

Size of Baby: 15.7" long and almost three pounds!

Pregnancy Symptoms: Pregnancy insomnia. Exhaustion, heartburn, back and leg aches. Sciatic nerve pain.

Food Cravings: Nothing much. Everything tastes good. Had to pretty much give up the tea and OJ this week due to heartburn.

What I miss: Coffee. It's been a long time since I've been able to enjoy a cup without that dang heartburn. Also, the warm sun. Although it hasn't snowed yet, it is cold outside making James and I stay indoors most of the day.

What I am looking forward to: St. Nicholas Tea is on Sunday. It is an annual tradition and one that really kicks off the Christmas season for me.

Weekly Wisdom: Watching someone you love grow older is horrible. My grandma is doing ok, but not well. She can't walk and is back at the rehab facility she was a year ago. Not sure if she'll ever walk again.

Best moment this week: Hearing James being a chatter box all through dinner last night. He was so excited to tell E about his day, he almost forgot to eat. Also we set up the Christmas tree last weekend. It was wonderful. We had the fire lit, Christmas music playing, and the most adorable little elf you've ever seen.

Milestones: 30 weeks feels like a milestone.

As I mentioned above, we set up the Christmas tree last weekend. Each year this gets more and more fun. James found the ornaments fascinating, and handed them to E and I with increasing speed for us to place on the tree. We joked that it was like a Christmas tree decorating sweat shop.
Near the end of decorating he decided to add a few of his own things. He stuffed them all in the back of one section of the tree. It is hilarious.
Finalizing his work.
After all the hard work James and Dada had to sit down for a story break. Of course we have many digger books on hand.
These photos remind me so much of decorating the tree last year with a one year old! Here is a link.

Pregnancy quiz: 29 weeks

How far along: 29 weeks. :)

Sleep: Better for a few nights and now not so hot again. Some nights I can't fall asleep, others I wake up in the early morning (around 3:00) and am up for a few hours before drifting off again.

Movement: Oh yes.

Size of Baby: Over 15" long and 2.5 lbs!

Pregnancy Symptoms: Oh my. Heartburn is ok due to new meds but everything else is bad.

Food Cravings: Nothing specific, Thanksgiving dinner rocked my world this week.

What I miss: Being able to easily play and sit on the floor with my little man. Not easy nor comfortable.

What I am looking forward to: More Thanksgiving eating at my Mom's tomorrow. Also, we are working on getting James's "big boy room" finished. It has hardly begun, but exciting nonetheless.

Weekly Wisdom: I have a 2 year old! Wisdom from that? Oh yes, teaches me every day patience.

Best moment this week: Thanksgiving day pretty much rocked. Still need to blog about the entire day.

Milestones: Now that we are past Thanksgiving and working towards Christmas, I can hardly believe how close February feels.


The day after James's birthday party he wanted to "cook". What else is new?! He made a huge mess of the counter, his jammies and everything around him. The digger had to be involved, of course. ;)

Pregnancy quiz: 28 weeks {third trimester!!!}

How far along: 28 weeks!

Sleep: Horrible this week. Last night was the only passable night. I'm starting to remember what the term pregnancy insomnia means, I had it horribly with James too.

Movement: She's kicking me right now as a matter of fact. :)

Weight Gain: Went to the doc just this morning an I'm up 15 lbs.

Pregnancy Symptoms: Pelvic pressure, heartburn (bad enough now I'm on some stronger meds), extreme exhaustion, sciatic nerve pain, insomnia.

Food Cravings: Nothing notable this week although I've eaten a lot of Mexican food.

What I miss: MY HUSBAND! In one short hour he will be home from his LAST international trip this season. He's been gone since Saturday and although I haven't felt weepy this week (thank god!) I sure do miss him. As does my little kiddo.

What I am looking forward to: Hugging E. Seeing James hug Dada. We've missed him a lot. Also, tomorrow we celebrate James's second birthday! Holy Moly! So excited. And Thanksgiving!!!! James turns 2 on Thanksgiving day and I'm super excited for lots of quality family time.

Weekly Wisdom: My boy is a very good boy. I adore the little kid.

Best moment this week: I will say it hasn't yet come. Seeing E in just an hour wins out.

Milestones: Third trimester baby!

Photos of the week (all three are from my cell phone):

Above: best moment of every day is talking to Dada via Skype. E has had an amazing trip in Paris but is so ready to be home. James misses him like crazy when he's away and will get super close to the computer screen when we talk trying to give snuggles. Sweetest thing you'll ever see.

One day (maybe Tuesday?) I went on a playdate with my friend Andra who has twins that are James's age. All three boys found the diggers at the park absolutely fascinating. I love James's super rosy cheeks. It was cold!
We still go to Gymboree once a week and it is the highlight of James's entire day. Eric, our fantastic teacher, is beyond fantastic. James, who is very particular about his favorite people, can't stop talking about Eric all week. Recently he's decided to sit on Eric's lap during picture time. This is the funniest thing, because there are less than 5 people in the entire wold that he wants to sit on. Glad Eric made the cut. ;)

Pregnancy quiz: 27 weeks

How far along: 27 weeks. This is the LAST week of my second trimester. Wow!

Sleep: Ok. Most nights I settle down easily but have a hard time falling back asleep. Plus this time change is still messing me up.

Movement: Yep, the other morning Baby Girl had a tap class at 6:00 am.

Pregnancy Symptoms: Pelvic pressure, heartburn, extreme exhaustion, sciatic nerve pain.

Food Cravings: OJ tastes AMAZING in the morning. But can't drink it later in the day because of heartburn.

What I miss: Getting out of the car easily. Getting out of bed easily. Both feel like huge tasks.

What I am looking forward to: E's last big international trip of the season to be behind us. So so close! Also, James's second birthday party next weekend.

Weekly Wisdom: I love to nap.

Best moment this week:Playing in the leaves yesterday. It was wonderful (scroll down to see the post).

Milestones: Hello! Last week of second trimester!

Photos: James's favorite toys right now are his bulldozer and construction vehicles toys. He's loved them for months and plays with them every day. The first time I ever saw him do creative play was with these babies. It doesn't matter how many times I tuck them under the table in the living room, they are dragged out mere seconds later and left in the middle of the room as horrible tripping hazards. I don't mind, I just smile though. I love that he loves diggers and bulldozers as much as he does.
In addition to about 5 toys, we also have half a dozen digger books, always open to the digger page, mind you.
In the sunlight after his nap, hence his jammie pants.
"Up, down, bang!" is what he always says.
My almost two year old is more amazing that I could have ever imagined.

Pregnancy quiz: 26 weeks

How far along: 26 weeks!

Sleep: One night was horrible but most others have been ok. I'm getting up a lot to pee again, which is not fun.

Belly button in or out: Still in, but every day it is more flat. Looking at my pregnancy quizzes from James's pregnancy, it looks like my belly button popped out at 36 weeks.

Movement: Yes yes yes. Still gentle enough to not cause much distress, I always smile.

Pregnancy Symptoms: Pelvic pressure is killing me. Also I'm exhausted. Last night I called it a night at 8:00pm and was asleep by 9:00. Felt awesome but today I was just as tired as ever. Also, I've got to pee almost every two hours.

Food Cravings: Asian food has taken over my life. We found a new Chinese takeout place this week that both E and I loved.

What I miss: Not getting up a million times a night, not needing to go to the bathroom a ton 24 hours a day.

What I am looking forward to: Today the weather changed from chilly autumn to windy winter. I made slow cooker chili and looked forward to it all day for dinner. It did not disappoint. (Here is the recipe, we use our crock pot and cooked for 6 hours on high. Seriously, bet chili you'll EVER have).

Weekly Wisdom: Staying indoors more this winter is going to be really really hard.

Best moment this week:Halloween. Weather was awesome and my little engineer had such a fun time.

Milestones: I'm closer to 30 weeks than I am to 20. Also, only two more weeks until my third trimester!

And above: As always, James and I have been enjoying any hint of sun this week even if the temperatures were in the forties. One morning we met a couple of friends at Crestwood Park (one of my all-time-favorites) and walked around. The photo I snapped with my phone just speaks November to me. Most the leaves are down, the little boy in a coat and hat, and the last days of sun ready to be enjoyed.

Pregnancy quiz: 25 weeks {and AMAZING autumn colors}

How far along: After two weeks at 24 weeks (more about that here), I'm finally advancing and now at 25 weeks.

Size of Baby: Almost 14" long and 1.5 lbs.

Sleep: Not as good this week. I'm exhausted during the day too, so nap most days when James naps. What I'm struggling with is staying asleep. Seems like I drift off only to wake up again soon after.

Pregnancy Clothes: YES.

Belly button in or out: Still in, but flattening.

Movement: Kicks all day long and quite often at night when I'm trying to fall back asleep.

Pregnancy Symptoms: Pelvic pressure, funky taste in my mouth, exhaustion.

Food Cravings: Asian food craving is still going strong. This week we did Thai takeout. Yum.

What I miss: Not being in pain when I take long walks with James. Being able to wear my coats.

What I am looking forward to: Carving pumpkins this weekend.

Weekly Wisdom: I watched Food Inc. last night on Netflix and loved it. So interesting. So crazy. I've been thinking about it ever since.

Best moment this week: On Monday night E and I saw two friends married after dating of 8 years. It was a beautiful small wedding. James went down to bed for a babysitter (my sister) for the FIRST TIME IN HIS LIFE! Melissa said he was great and cried for less than 30 secs.

Milestones: 25 weeks feels like a milestone, not sure why.

And because of the fact that I'm now napping most days instead of spending time on the computer, my blogging is a little backed up. Over a week ago a couple of friends and I met up at Temple Quarry Trail to enjoy the amazing colors. We were there by 10:00 am and the sun had yet to break over the steep mountains, which meant it was cold! So cold. But the colors were unreal.

This kid and his sticks. Finds one on every walk we take.
Reminds me so much of an early explorer here. Maybe it's the way he's gazing off or the stick clutched close.
The path littered with a rainbow of colors.
This tree was green only a month ago.
Finally the first rays of the sun!
With the sun, the already brilliant leaves become even brighter.

Pregnancy quiz: 24 weeks {re-visiting 24 weeks...}

How far along: 24 weeks. Yes, last week I was also 24 weeks. This week too. Why? I got another ultrasound this week and baby showed she is still measuring 8 days slow. First ultrasound gave me an estimated due date of February 10th, instead of February 2nd. This ultrasound showed the same thing. Which means... my due date is now 8 days later than I thought. I better get used to this idea. Adding eight days to your due date is not a huge deal, because everything else with Baby Girl is perfect! The doc was also worried about my cervical length (something that really worried me), but they measured three times during the appt and all looks very good and back to normal. Phew.

Size of Baby: At the ultrasound they told me she weighed 1 lbs. 7 oz. Cute!

Sleep: Mine is ok. Pretty good actually. Still getting up a lot to pee, but fall asleep again easily. And James's one hour naps? Well I got sick of them. After they lasted a month, one day once he'd woken up I went in and told him nap time was not over and he needed more sleep. Amazing part? He fell back asleep. I know. I felt like a goddess with super-awesome-nap-power at my fingertips. Wish I'd tried this much earlier in the month.

Weight Gain: They weighed me at the docs this week and total weight gain at this point is 13 lbs.

Pregnancy Clothes: Oh yea. All day every day.

Movement: I love feeling her little kicks and jabs throughout the day. Later in pregnancy this gets really uncomfortable, but now it is a sweet reminder I've got a human in there.

Pregnancy Symptoms: Pelvic pressure and heart burn have been this week's constant companions.

Food Cravings: Indian food, which is weird because I was totally turned off by Indian food during my first pregnancy. After I got good news at my ultrasound appointment, E and I decided to order Indian take-out. Best idea ever.

What I miss: Normal clothes. It is crazy how not-fun getting dressed is. I look like a cow in everything and wear yoga pants all the time. (Yea for looking like I just rolled out of bed!)

What I am looking forward to: Halloween. This year we are going to take James trick-or-treating for the first time. I am so so so excited.

Weekly Wisdom: October rocks.

Best moment this week: Neff's Canyon with the boy. Also, we went to the zoo last weekend and the tigers were out of this world. One hopped into the water (something I've always been longing to see) and then two of the big males stood up on their hind legs and batted at each other and roared. It was so awesome.

Milestones: Perfect ultrasound. Passed the glucose test. Both are celebration worthy! Oh and re-visiting week 24. :)

Two cell photo photos to add to this post:

James had his first bowl of cereal with milk today before nap time. He loved it. He thinks cereal is called "please" because that's what I told him he needed to say to his friend yesterday when James was trying to devour all of their Cheerios.
And about three weeks ago another of James's friends had a birthday party and gave out pirate gold as a favor. James? In love. He thinks that Mabel is the one that should be wearing the "fancy" and follows her around all day trying to place it on her. Mabel is an awesome sport and is oftentimes found all decorated by James.

Pregnancy quiz: 24 weeks {and my favorite photo of James and I EVER}

How far along: 24 weeks. I hate to say it, but I have a feeling this is the "middle" of this pregnancy for me. I have a feeling my due date will be pushed back a week due to Baby Girl measuring a week small, and I was pregnant for 41 weeks with James. So yea...

Re-reading this the next day made me realize I have major pregnancy brain. 24+24 does not in any way shape or form equal 42. Duh!

Size of Baby: Not sure. All sites say something different, but is seems that baby might be a foot long! WOW!

Sleep: James is still rocking the hour long naps this week, and my sleep has been ok. I'm exhausted by the end of the day and often call it a night by 9:00 pm.

Pregnancy Clothes: Yes. I bought some more this week. Pregnancy pants just kill me. They are terrible. So I got some yoga maternity pants. They are pretty much perfect other than the fact that I look like I'm always in my PJs.

Movement: Yes. She loves to move and wiggle. Last night at bed time I felt the first "hard" kick.

Pregnancy Symptoms: This week has been all about pelvic pressure. Tears are mostly gone (yea!) but sciatic nerve pain is still a pain in the ass. (haha! get it, because it's in the butt muscle.. haha!)

Food Cravings: Tomato soup and grilled cheese for lunch every day sounds perfect. This is how its been for two months already.

What I miss: Sushi. And James's long naps. Can I have them both please?

What I am looking forward to: Hearing that I have a perfectly growing baby and a nice thick cervix on my next appointment (scheduled for next Thursday!).

Weekly Wisdom: I love my life. I really really do.

Best moment this week: Seeing E arrive home. This was the best moment of the month.

Milestones: Still able to take longish walks with James? Does that count? Because this pelvic pressure is not fun.

And the two photos above? Yea. I was blown away too. My friend Sedra took those today of James and I at Wheeler Farm. AMAZING. My boy's smile just kills me. I haven't ever gotten this true happiness on camera before. Thank you thank you Sedra for having your camera at the right moment. I am seriously thinking of hanging these above my bed. (I liked these photos so much I swapped them into my header. Yea, love.)

More Wheeler Farm photos to come.

Pregnancy quiz: 23 weeks

How far along: 23 weeks, creeping along!

Size of Baby: Average baby at 23 weeks is eight inches and slightly over a pound. As far as I know baby girl is measuring a week late (so measuring at 22 weeks pregnant) so she might be a touch smaller than this.

Sleep: Last week I wrote: "mine ok. James's naps are only an hour this week. Uggg...." This week? Same. I really really need him to start napping a touch longer.

Pregnancy Clothes: Yep! I'm into both maternity pants and shirts. Pre-pregnancy hoodies I can still zip over my tummy, but its getting tight.

Movement: Yes. I love when I feel a gentle little kick.

Pregnancy Symptoms: I have been so teary this week. This is not me and I hate it. I hate feeling depressed and lonely and frustrated (which I've felt a lot this week).

Food Cravings: Fried foods. And things that are not at all good for me.

What I miss: My husband. Long work trips are the pits.

What I am looking forward to: Seeing E's smiling face when he returns!

Weekly Wisdom: When James is mean and aggressive, I've found that feeding him works better than timeout. Often times he's just hungry. Wish I knew that earlier this week.

Best moment this week: The fall leaves at Silver Lake. I'm still in awe.

Milestones: Baby Girl might be over a pound in weight!

Two videos this week! Both are shot from my iPhone vertically, hence the silly crop that YouTube gives it. Also, a sweet bath photo above. E is usually in charge of bath time, but being alone means I get to see all the sillies that bath time brings. I'm kinda liking it. ;)

We went to Barnes and Nobel when the weather turned from beautiful autumn to pre-winter yesterday. Both the videos are shot there.

The reason we went to Barnes and Nobel in the first place was to buy a truck book for this bulldozer and digger obsessed kid.

And James Joyce, the man who wrote Ulysses, is apparently Dada. James has done this for 6+ months and I find it hysterical.

Pregnancy quiz: 22 weeks

How far along: 22 weeks

Size of Baby: I mentioned last week that Baby Girl was measuring a bit small (19 weeks, 5 days instead of where she should have been at 20 weeks 6 days). They want me to come in for another ultrasound in four weeks to make sure she is growing well. Seeing baby girl in three more weeks seems like ok news, but it totally freaked me out that they were worried enough to schedule another ultrasound. Let's hope all is well. The news (along with my cervical length is a touch short) really upset me. :(

Sleep: Mine ok. James's naps are only an hour this week. Uggg....

Movement: I feel little kicks on a daily basis. Not strong enough to bother me yet, just make me smile.

Pregnancy Symptoms: My sciatic nerve can go to hell and burn.

Food Cravings: Nothing unusual.

What I miss: Feeling like I can pick up James without my sciatic nerve yelling at me. Not being winded all the time.

What I am looking forward to: E's next big Japan trip (9 days: two weekends plus the entire work week between) to be behind us.

Weekly Wisdom: James is super smart. We've had a few timeouts and it seems to be working. He is sweeter and smarter every day, and if we go outside near the road, he lifts his hand for me to hold it. Yea for that!

Best moment this week: Going up the mountains on Saturday was pretty awesome.

Milestones: Nothing big this week.

Onto photos: I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that there was some road work happening near my house. Well James is mesmerized. He LOVES big trucks. First thing out of his mouth in the morning? Bulldozer. First thing he wants to see after a nap? Bulldozer. This means we've been spending a lot of time down the road watching the digging and dumping and scooping and banging.

I've watched more construction vehicles in the last two weeks than I have in the 30 years perviously. I love having a little boy. I really do. :)
On Saturday all the diggers were off, so James got to "drive" one.
This thing really is huge.