22 and 24 weeks...

I've been a slacker with our chalkboard but the Simpsons have been crazy busy the last month. Our house is almost together...I just need help decorating now😊. 

 How far along: 24 weeks

Baby is the size of a: cantaloupe 10.5-11.8 in and 12.7-20.8 oz.! 

Total weight gain/loss: 5 lbs.! 

The Bump: pretty round and getting bigger everyday! 

Symptoms: a few Braxton hicks, swelling feet and hands, and my poor husband....I'm a little crazy emotionally wise. I cry over the silliest things. 

Food cravings: McChicken from McDonald's. I know terrible but seriously I want to eat one all the time. I don't though 😊 

Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: nope, I've actually been feeling pretty great these days! 

Sleep: I sleep like a baby! 

What I miss: Nothing really.....besides my friends in Texas. 

Weddings Rings On or Off: some days I can wear it other days my fingers swell. 

Any Names Picked Out Yet: Charlie! We're still unsure on the middle name....

Gender: A girl! its been so fun saying SHE!

Movement: Charlie has been kicking up a storm! I'm loving it. When I lay down and put music up to my belly you can REALLY see her moving. It's been so fun to share this with Doug.  

Maternity Clothes: my shirts are starting to get a little short....I might need to invest in some more. My pants are still fitting pretty well especially since my sister let me borrow her maternity ban :) 

Labor Signs: N/A

Best Moment of the week: I was in the kitchen doing something and Doug and I were chit chatting and then randomly he says "I love your pregnant belly, you look so beautiful." He's the sweetest husband! 

What I’m excited about/looking forward to: Bella feeling her sister kick and getting Charlie's nursery put together. Our little house needed so much work and moving into a smaller house has been hard with trying to find a place for everything so Charlie's room is 100% not done and its driving me crazy! We're tearing out the carpet in her room this weekend and putting new floor in because that room needs it! After that it should start coming together. 

I didn't know where my chalkboard was so I improvised :) 

First belly picture in our house. Don't mind our floors...we just put them in our kitchen and just need to finish the trim then they'll look 100% better! 

We moved back to Idaho!

The Simpsons are back in Idaho for good! I can't believe it myself sometimes and I never thought id have to get used to living in Idaho. It's not bad (at all) but I was a little homesick for Texas for a while. Mostly I just missed all the wonderful people we met there. Even Bella has said she wants to go back to Texas. But Texas doesn't have our families. Any who we moved into our little home in Middleton Idaho this week. It took us a little longer than expected because we decided to completely redo our bathroom lol. It was just old, out dated and from having renters in and out just gross too. My dad taught Doug how to put in the floor and stain it and Doug is soooo proud of his floor! He did a good job :) put in a new vanity, a new storage closet thing, and new toilet. The bathroom looks a million times better! I think the hardest part about moving In this house is that its a bit smaller than our old house so finding a place for everything (mostly Bella's stuff) is a little tough but were almost done unpacking! 

Now for the super AWESOME news. 

One of the things that attracted me to Doug is how his family and friends and just everyone that knew him loved and respected him. I could tell that he wasn't just pretending to be a good guy but that he really was a great guy. He is a man of great character and very hard working. And I LOVE that just  being a good person paid off. Literally. He did some side work (he's a mechanic) for a man in his moms ward, always did a great job and when we moved here (pretty much the next day) he told Doug about a really good job and he knew one of the guys in charge of the company or in charge of hiring (I'm really not sure) and pretty much told him that Doug would be amazing for this Job. Obviously Doug jumped on the opportunity and told me its a really good job, but I'm not going to get my hopes up. We went out to Boise and Doug took in his résumé and got an interview that same day! An hour later he got a phone call making him an offer!! We both couldn't believe it! This job really is such a blessing. And yes it's great to know that financially we'll be okay but my favorite favorite part is that Doug had worked very hard at his mechanic skills, he's gone to school, he enjoys it, he's hardworking and he is completely deserving. He is finally working with a company where he can grow and be around people who work as hard as he can. Plus he had only been in Idaho for 6 days! Seriously he's awesome! I love when being a good person pays off:) go Doug! 

His first day of work was yesterday and he came home tired, super dirty and super happy. When we decided to get out of the military people always asked why, or what we were going to do. I hardly went on post and I loved my friends in the ward so I was fine. I was even used to living away from family. But Doug didn't like it. Half the time they sat around so he felt like it was a waist of his day. Man likes to work.  And the people he was constantly around really took a toll on his spirit. Every time we came home to visit he was so relaxed and happy he was almost a different person. He was never mean or a grump to us in Texas but I could tell he just wasn't happy. Yesterday during dinner he was super exhausted but he was in the best mood! He laughed with Bella, he was completely there. All night I couldn't believe just how happy he was! I'm so happy we moved here and I'm so thankful that Doug got this job and mostly I'm sooo thankful that he loves it! Life is good! 

20 weeks!

• How far along: 20 weeks which is HALFWAY!
• Baby is the size of a: a mango 6 1/2 inches and 10 oz 
• Total weight gain/loss: 2lbs
• The Bump: seriously bigger everyday! My mom can't believe how much my belly has grown since I got here. (2 weeks ago)
• Symptoms: lol where to start? Emotional\moody, headaches here and there, round ligament pains, and tired. None of these are terrible (at all) but it's crazy how different this pregnancy is. I was nauseous with Bella but that was about it. 
• Food cravings: Nothing in particular but I do get hungry every couple hours. 
• Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: not really. 
• Sleep: Bella is going threw a bad bedtime phase so she's been falling asleep late so I have too. And since we were sharing a bed at my parents she would lay right next to me and wake me up often and when she didn't wake me baby girl #2 would remind me that my bladder was full lol. 
• What I miss: Doug 
• Weddings Rings On or Off: On :)
• Any Names Picked Out Yet: I think so....but Doug doesn't want to confirm over the phone. I'm not sure if we'll tell everyone or anyone though because I don't want anyone to bash her name :) 
• Gender: A girl! its been so fun saying SHE!
• Movement: everyday these kicks get stronger! I'm loving it! 
• Maternity Clothes: My aster gave me her belly band which has been fun :) my shirts still fit pretty well and so do my pants. 
• Labor Signs: N/A
• Best Moment of the week: feeling baby girls kicks! I love love love how every day they are stronger and more frequent!
• What I’m excited about/looking forward to: Doug and Bella feeling her kicks, deciding on a name, and decorating her nursery :)

19 weeks!

•  How far along: 19 weeks!
• Baby is the size of a: a mango 6 1/2 inches and 10 oz. 
• Total weight gain/loss: 2 lbs. 
• The Bump: getting bigger every day :) 
• Symptoms: still pretty emotional still but this week has been an emotional weekend for everyone in my family! 
• Food cravings: Hong Kong! 
• Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: not really. 
• Sleep: I've been sleeping great but lately I'm exhausted by the end of the day.
• What I miss: Doug 
• Weddings Rings On or Off: On :)
• Any Names Picked Out Yet: nope:( just a few we are kicking around. 
• Gender: A girl! its been so fun saying SHE!
• Movement: she FINALLY started kicking me:) they're small little pops but I'm loving them! Getting stronger everyday. 
• Maternity Clothes: I have a pair of shorts that I bought when I found out I was pregnant. I needed new ones since its so hot here in Texas and I wanted to wear them comfortably all summer long but I still fit into my regular pants. 
• Labor Signs: N/A
• Best Moment of the week: seeing my family. I can't believe it's been a year in a half since I saw my oldest sister! And I'm so glad my dad is slowly but surely getting better. 
• What I’m excited about/looking forward to: More movement! Seriously I want to feel her little (strong) kicks! I want to see my belly move and I want Bella to feel her too:D also I'm getting super excited to decorate her room too and picking a name for baby girl :) 

18 weeks!

 

How far along: 18 weeks and 1 day!

Baby is the size of a: a sweet potatoe (6 inches and .5lbs!) 

Total weight gain/loss: 1/2 lb 

The Bump: I feel huge! I was actually afraid to get on the scale because I feel like I've been eating Soooo much more and my stomach feels sooo much bigger. I was honestly surprised to see I've only gained 1/2 a pound. Not complaining though :) 

Symptoms: poor Doug, I've been pretty sensitive lately. 

Food Cravings: Peaches and cucumbers! (I actually am dying for a peach right now...I ate all of them already  😔) 

Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: not really. 

Sleep: ive been sleeping great! 

What I miss: Not getting up to pee 3+ times a night. 

Weddings Rings On or Off: On :)

Any Names Picked Out Yet: nope:( I'm over last weeks favorites. Picking out Bella's name was soooo much easier. Not this time. 

Gender: A girl! its been so fun saying SHE!

Movement: still just feeling rolls...kick me baby kick! 

Maternity Clothes: I have a pair of shorts that I bought when I found out I was pregnant. I needed new ones since its so hot here in Texas and I wanted to wear them comfortably all summer long but I still fit into my regular pants. 

Labor Signs: N/A

Best Moment of the Week: finalizing Bella's adoption! Not really baby related but I'm so excited to be able to finish this before baby girl is here :) Bella is sooo excited to be a big sister too :) just thinking of all this makes my heart soar!

What I’m excited about/looking forward to: More movement! Seriously I want to feel her little (strong) kicks! I want to see my belly move and I want Bella to feel her too:D also I'm getting super excited to decorate her room too :)

17 week pregnancy update!

We announced we were having a girl on facebook this week and two of my friends actually thought I was kidding about having a girl because they were so sure I was having a boy too! How funny how EVERYONE (besides Jackson and Bella) really thought we were having a baby boy.

 

 

How far along: 17 weeks!

Baby is the size of a: Turnip (5 inches, 5 oz)

Total weight gain/loss: 0 

The Bump: I feel bigger. I still haven't "popped" but my tummy feels rounder. I've been having growing pains/cramps ALL week long so I'm pretty sure the baby is going threw a growth spurt and in the next couple weeks ill probably get quite a bit bigger. baby girl defiantly doesn't like when I sit down since she's still very low and I hope she starts moving up soon so she'll have more room.

Symptoms: cramping all week long and I'm still sleepy. Today I took an hour and a half nap and all afternoon I still wanted to sleep.

Food Cravings: Still peaches.  

Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: Just when my CTR 4 kids toot right in front of me lol.

Sleep: if its not hot I sleep great! Our AC is broken and only works sometimes so its been a hit or miss lately.

What I miss: Not getting up to pee 3+ times a night.

Weddings Rings On or Off: On :)

Any Names Picked Out Yet: a few that we love! We can't decide between 2. Good thing were having a girl because Doug and I didn't really care for any boy names. 

Gender: A girl! its been so fun saying SHE!

Movement: I don't feel kicks more like the baby rolling around. 

Maternity Clothes: I have a pair of shorts that I bought when I found out I was pregnant. I needed new ones since its so hot here in Texas and I wanted to wear them comfortably all summer long but I still fit into my regular pants. 

Labor Signs: N/A

Best Moment of the Week: My sisters made my week. Blanca lives in Idaho and Patty lives in Boston but even though we live far away from each every time I talk to them they seem so happy and excited for us that it makes me feel very loved and grateful to have such awesome sisters!

What I’m excited about/looking forward to: More movement. Having Doug and Bella really feel her move. And seeing her move :). Also not being in that awkward "she kind of looks pregnant but maybe she's Just gaining weight" stage. 

It's a.....

We had our elective ultrasound today and our baby was being a little difficult. Baby kept crossing their legs and not wanting to give us a good bum shot. The ultrasound tech had me stand up and walk around 3 times and finally she had me hold my knees up to my chest for a bit and FINALLY we were able to see that we're having A GIRL!!! I can't believe it! Honestly I was so sure we were having a boy that I was a little surprised but that almost made it better. 

The funny part is everyone and I mean everyone in my family thought we were having a boy except for Bella and my nephew Jackson. I think that just means we need to listen to the little ones more often lol. 

Finding out we're having a girl made me so very excited and really made me feel like we're going to have a baby. I'm excited to pick a name, pick out some adorable outfits and especially matching dresses with Bella! Ahh I can't wait! I also love that Doug is the perfect guy to handle a house full of girls. But really now I can't wait to hold my sweet little girl<3 

Our sweet little baby<3

16 weeks pregnant! 

Also a little pregnancy update. I'm feeling great these days! My nausea hasn't been so bad lately at all. I can usually handle it without any medicine. I have been feeling movement still, not consistent but mostly in the morning. Baby girl likes to move towards my belly button in the mornings and I get a funny looking lump in the mornings lol. I love it. I love my growing baby! All in all I LOVE being pregnant. I love feeling our baby rolling around. I love that my belly is growing. I love how happy and excited Doug and Bella are. And I know that it's just going to get better :) 

• How far along: 16 weeks and 3 days. 
• Baby is the size of a: turnip (5 inches 4-6 ounces)
• Total weight gain/loss: 0 
• The Bump: getting bigger/rounder and harder. Especially in the mornings baby girl loves to move up towards my belly button but I feel like if you didn't know I was pregnant you would start wondering if I was pregnant or just gaining weight lol. 
• Symptoms: nausea is going away. Only a little bit in the evening. I've been pretty tired this week. Yesterday Bella and I took a 2 hour nap and I wanted to keep sleeping and today I didn't wake up until 9:30! 
• Food Cravings: peaches! I want to eat them ALL the time. 
• Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: Not one thing makes me queasy. Only if I wait too long to eat I suppose or if I'm outside in the heat too long. 
• Sleep: I love sleeping this week. Last week wasn't too bad but I could sleep all day if I didn't have a little girl to take care of :)
• What I miss: sleeping all night. On a good night I only get up to pee twice. 
• Weddings Rings On or Off: On :)
• Any Names Picked Out Yet: a few that we love! We can't decide between 2. Good thing were having a girl because Doug and I didn't really care for any boy names. 
• Gender: A sweet girlie!
• Movement: I don't feel kicks more like the baby rolling around. 
• Maternity Clothes: I have a pair of shorts that I bought when I found out I was pregnant. I needed new ones since its so hot here in Texas and I wanted to wear them comfortably all summer long but I still fit into my reg pants. 
• Labor Signs: N/A
• Best Moment of the Week: finding out we're having a girl! Buying her an outfit. Going threw Bella's old clothes made me soo excited to put baby girl #2 in them. And if course SEEING our baby! 
• What I’m excited about/looking forward to: More movement. Having Doug and Bella really feel her move. And seeing her move :). Also not being in that awkward "she kinda looks pregnant but maybe she's Just gaining weight" stage.