Big Brother Huck

Huck didn't make it to our gender reveal photo shoot, but I made sure he got in on the action later that day.  At first, he wasn't too thrilled about having 8 large balloons tied to his collar, but those Goldens...they'll let you do anything to them as long as you keep repeating the word treat. 

"Mom, what is this thing? Can you take it off now?"

I've been reading a lot lately about how dogs can hear a baby's heartbeat in the womb and maybe even his cries (did you know babies cry in utero as soon as 28 weeks??). I'm not sure all those studies are accurate but I do know that Huck senses something is up. He is very aware that big changes are coming to our household. 

And if he isn't actually hearing his little brother, studies show that he for sure smells him! Just as a dog can detect cancer in humans or an oncoming seizure, they can detect the hormonal changes that women experience when pregnant through their sense of smell. Dogs, man. They're pretty awesome creatures! 

So what kind of big brother do I think Huckleberry will be? Simply the best, of course. I'm sure he will teach his little brother all the important things in life like how to chase squirrels and torment the cat. I wouldn't be surprised if in a few years my constant shadow disappears as Huck finds a new companion to follow around the house, play fetch with, and cuddle until he falls asleep. I can't think of a better friend for our little boy than Huckleberry and I know, with Huck's sweet, gentle temperament, they will have no trouble bonding.

So here's to Huck, the best big brother a boy could have!

Baby Turner is a...

BOY! 

Steven and I are excited to announce that baby Turner is a boy! Deep down my maternal instincts were right all along as I keep referring to our little man as a "he" before his gender was officially known. We couldn't be more thrilled! I can't stop thinking about whose color hair he will have and if he'll inherit his daddy's big ears ;). And it simply brings tears to my eyes when I look at Steven and wonder how in the world I got so lucky to have such an amazing man by my side. He is going to be such a great father to our little guy and my hope is that our son will be very much like his daddy.

 

All photos by Captured by Kris Photography

I hope you're prepared for all things blue and boyish coming to this blog!

Annual Apple Picking + Pressing

This weekend was a blast! Not only were Steven and I able to get lots done around the house for baby's arrival, but we were also able to partake in what has become one of our favorite Fall festivity traditions -- an apple picking and pressing party! 

Our good friends have family that live on a farm out in Enumclaw, WA with lots and lots of apple trees. We head over, help them pick and press the apples to makes some delicious apple cider, and then all dive into the potluck buffet and enjoy the delicious classic Fall treat. It is always such a good time!

This spoiled pup was lucky enough to join in on this year's fun. He loved eating the apples and getting lots of pets and cuddles from the other guests! 

I don't know if there is a better way to enjoy the Fall season than to simply go out and press your own cider! I'm already looking forward to next year's party! To see some snapshots of lasts year's apple cider making fun, go here.

21 Weeks

Baby: Baby is 21 weeks and the size of a pomegranate! Fun fact: baby now has eyebrows and buds for permanent teeth are forming!  

Weight: I will know in 2 weeks at my next midwife appointment. Last appointment my weight gain was right at 10 lbs. 

Symptoms: I think I had a bit of the flu bug this past weekend (no fun!), but my pregnancy related nausea has really subsided. Sometimes after I shower I feel a little sick, but the moment soon passes. Some other not so fun symptoms have been breakouts and lower back pain from sleeping on my side.   

Sleep: I still can't really complain about sleep. I quit drinking water around 8 o'clock each night to reduce the number of times I have to wake up to use the bathroom and since then I've been getting pretty good sleep with only one or two bathroom trips a night. That isn't much different from when I wasn't pregnant! I've noticed it's getting harder to switch sides in the middle of the night as I get bigger and I wake up with some back pain but nothing too serious. 

Cravings/Aversions: I've really been making an effort to eat healthy despite what's sounding good at the moment (Halloween candy...bags and bags of Halloween candy). Lately my diets consisted of salads, chicken, veggies, and some homemade chili earlier in the week. 

Workouts: Other than a couple short walks with Huck and some stretching at night I haven't really done much. I have the energy, I'm just lacking the motivation.

Random Thoughts: We do know the baby's gender, but are keeping it quiet until a few other things are worked out. So sorry to make you guys wait! I've gotten so many excited comments from so many of you and that makes my heart happy to know that you all are excited to learn about our little bundle of joy! 

Also, this weekend I'm looking forward to getting my baby registry completed and finishing up another project at the house. My little office nook is really starting to come together...we just have a few more finishing touches that need to be done. So excited to cross a few "to-do's" off my list! Hope you have a great weekend!

  

When Hubby's Away

I was left to my own devices this weekend as Steven abandoned me to attend a wedding in New Hampshire. It was terrible, guys. Like really terrible. I rely on that guy way too much for entertainment... and when he's not around I become a hermit. 

Huck didn't mind. He had me as his constant companion all weekend spoiling him with treats and tummy rubs. But after two days of only hanging out with him, I decided it was time to be semi-productive and, if nothing else, at least take a shower! (When you start to smell like your pets you've reached a new low.)

(Huck sticks his tongue out at all the neighborhood pooches,

 taunting them because he's the most loved.)

So shower I did, and then I took pictures of my bump to send to Steven. I know, my life is exhilarating. And then I thought about exercising or baking a cake or going outside and raking the leaves. All of these thoughts lost out to my laziness and I decided to watch the Walking Dead marathon instead...

Then on Monday, after 3 days of bumming in my PJ's and only speaking to my dog, I decided to tackle a project or two. I now have a painted bookshelf in my office nook and books upon books laying around my bedroom floor. Painting was the easy part. Putting everything back on the shelves is more daunting for me (I'm OCD and insist that all my books are color coordinated..), so those books will probably remain on the floor for another week or two.  

And that was my long, excruciating weekend (that I was certain would never end) without my husband. Needless to say, Steven is back and all seems right in my world once again. So maybe this evening I'll rake leaves or bake a cake or do anything that gets my butt off the couch and allows me to think of something other than how many treats I've given Huckleberry today or how I plan on surviving the upcoming zombie apocolypse...

(..I'm still not going to put those books back on the shelf.)