Baby Gray is a ....

BOY!  

Here comes a world of blues for me.  We found out last week at an ultrasound people that you can go outside of your regular doctor to find out the gender early.  So, of course, I had to know!  It's more reliable once you're at 16 weeks so I made my appointment for 16 weeks and 1 day.  

The belly has popped!

 Plus, we had the first appointment of the day so I didn't have to drag it out any longer!  The girl that did the ultrasound was great and spent so much time with us.  We literally saw within seconds that Baby Gray is a boy.  He's very proud.  He kept waving his arm around and was showing off for the camera.  We got some cute pictures.  As soon as we left, we facetimed my parents and then Adam's.  I also called my Grandma and Ashleigh, Adam's sister.  We also called one of his brothers and then sent a group text to the rest of the siblings/spouses.  We had settled on a boy name even before we were trying to get pregnant so the name part was super easy - but only if it was a boy - we never reached agreement on a girl name. 

We got one of the stuffed animals that you can put a recording of the heartbeat in.  The little whale was too cute to pass up.  How about Adam wore blue to the appointment??

My sweet boss had me a gorgeous floral arrangement delivered to my office.  Everyone was so excited to find out what we are having.

 For some added fun, I picked up cupcakes that had the "mystery" icing in the middle

It was a race to see who could bite into the middle first!  Can I just say these cupcakes were SOOOO yummy

 Making fun memories with my work family

This past weekend,  I went to Mobile to visit one of my best friends.  We of course had to go shopping for the new little man!

Also, when I got to work Monday, another co-worker had a huge surprise for me - a giant gift bag full of goodies!  My co-workers spoil me. :)

White Chili Chicken - Quick and easy!

This is the first week in a while I've actually felt well enough to cook (and eat what we cook).  Monday night we had crock pot beef tips,  corn and mashed potatoes.  Last night we turned to a recipe we discovered last year and had forgotten about!  Anyone else ever do that?  At one point, I was trying to make a spreadsheet of all the possible meal options but then gave up on it at some point.  I really should finish it though, it would be a handy reference tool and a good way to have variety in meals.

Alas, I wanted to share a quick, easy dinner with you.

Literally all you have to do is follow the step by step instructions on the back of the seasoning packet and dinner is made!  It is really spicy so be warned.  The only things you need to purchase are chicken, white beans and the seasoning packet (I use McCormicks).  Enjoy!

October Progress Toward Goals

Well now the cat's out of the bag!  It's still hard to believe (minus the growing stomach) that we are going to have a baby this time next year!  I'm trying to soak up all the free, non-crazy time that I can now!  I'm having fun browsing various websites looking at baby goods, just can't wait to find out if it's a boy or girl!  I've been off the "goal" wagon of late with all the travel and not feeling good but alas, here's where I ended up:

1.  Used up Products

There were a few this month.  

1. This large bottle of Laura Mercier foundation primer in radiance.  I liked the other one I had better and this was such a big bottle for traveling.  I do still like the Laura Mercier products tho.  Great coverage ad long wearing.  
2. 2 bath and body works hand soaps.  I tend to get products down to almost empty in my purse and then put new ones in then I use up the left overs around the house. One of these scents was Midnight Pomegranate and I would not repurchase.  The other is Beautiful Day and it's become one of my favorites - so clean smelling.
3. I didn't technically use up these 2 lip products but they don't do anything for me and chap my lips.  The Burt's Bees was given to me and the other is a Tarte stick but the color is just wrong for me.

2.  Books & Magazine

 I read and tossed 9 magazines and continue to be obsessed with my Audible subscription.  I'm always so sad when I finish up an audiobook!  This month I listened to:  Uganda be Kidding Me by Chelsea Handler and Happily Ali After by Ali Wentworth.  I tend to prefer autobiographies, esp. when read by the person. 

3.  Blog Posts

• 1 for the month

4.  Get More Exercise

• January = 40.71 miles
• February = 41.11 miles
• March = 49.59 miles
• April = 52.51 miles
• May =  50.86 miles
• June =  80.38 miles 
• July =  77.46 miles
• August = 72.02 miles
• September =  57.56 miles (not a good month, more on that in another post)
• October = 60.9 miles

5.  Scrapbook Progress

• January = 30 pages
• February = 66 pages
• March = 31 pages
• April = 3 pages (bummer)
• May = 29 pages 
• June = 57 pages  
• July =  30 pages
• August = 88 pages
• September = 6 pages
• October = 0 pages - how sad is that?!  I was on such a roll and then I ordered a big patch of pictures to use up a print plan I had and the shipping took FOREVER.  Then we were out of town and had company for 2 weeks so there just wasn't any scrapbook time!  Now I'm trying to figure out what all the picture page ideas were, a month and a half later!

Baby Gray is on the Way!

Such an exciting time for us!  I found out I was pregnant pretty much right away -- right at 4 weeks.  We started "trying" when we were on our big trip to Spain/Portugal but it ended up taking an extra month for things to work out.  

I had a work event going on and ran by Target to grab a box of 2 pregnancy tests.  Went to dinner and finally got home around 9pm and took the first pregnancy test.  I saw the 2 lines and debated whether or not to take the other test right away.  I ended up sticking the test in the drawer and working out.  I didn't mention it to Adam because we were going to Michigan that weekend and I didn't want us to be tempted to say anything!  The next morning, I took the other pregnancy test and the 2 lines showed up ASAP.  I stuck that one in the drawer and went on my with business as usual!

That afternoon I ran home on my way to downtown Chattanooga for another work event to let Henderson out... the dog had basically exploded all over the basement!  I cleaned up so much vomit and poo!  It was like God was saying "get ready for baby!"  With the dog being so sick, I ended up staying in TN with him while Adam flew to MI to see his family/brother from out of town.  So for 4.5 days I had this HUGE secret all to myself!  

When Adam got home Sunday afternoon, I had a chalkboard sign around Hendy's neck that said "Big Brother."  Since we were trying I don't think it was that big of a surprise but I think I still got him. :)

Weeks 4-6 weren't much different than usual.  The biggest changes right away were my skin breaking out (feel like I'm back in high school!) and my chest was SO sore.

The weekend we were in Chicago was when the "morning" sickness hit.  I didn't throw up but man I wanted too.  I really felt bad all day with nothing providing much relief.  

Right at 7 weeks the throwing up began.  I woke up knowing it was going to happen.  I didn't have anything in my stomach so it was just bile and felt horrible.  I did have about 30 minutes of relief after throwing up but then felt rough pretty much all day at work.  The next day, Adam made me toast to eat before getting up - 1 piece at 5am and another at 6:15am.  I didn't throw up but still had the dry heaving - lots of dry heaving going on during these weeks!!

My sweet husband, bought one of everything!

I also picked up my first "pregnant" baby items - I couldn't resist these adorable plane items at Target.

When I was 8 weeks and 1 day, we had our first doctor's appointment.  Our official due date is April 25, 2016 - exactly what I had expected it to be.  That's 2 weeks after I turn 30 and right in between both our birthdays.  I wanted a spring baby :).  Doctor said everything looked great and we had our first ultrasound!  It was such an emotional thing to hear the heartbeat!!  It was 174 beats per minute and I can make out the head and little nubby arms.  We go back at 12 weeks for another ultrasound and the next appointment.  The morning sickness is still pretty severe and Adam says it's more than morning because I'm sick all day -- it's quite miserable.  I did get a prescription at the doctor so I'm hopeful that it will help.

Our first "family" pic

4 pills a day = feel almost human again

 

Right at 9.5 weeks we finally had a chance go to go WV and tell my family.  I ordered these cute booties from Etsy and surprised my mom (and later Adam's mom) with them.  My family was taken completely off guard and Mom couldn't believe I waited almost 6 weeks to tell her.  Everyone's so excited.   

Between visits to our families, I had several work trips.  While in Morgantown, I had to pick up Baby Gray it's first official WVU gear!  I also got a onesie at a Hallmark up there the day after I got these items.  Baby Gray also went to it's first WVU game - WVU beat Maryland at WVU.    

When I was 10.5 weeks we flew up to Michigan to break the baby news to Adam's family.  Again, totally caught everyone off guard but it was fun to celebrate in person with them.

Silly me thought that when week 12 arrived I would wake up and magically feel "normal" again - I started Day 1 of Week 12 throwing up in the bathroom sink.  Let's hope those days are numbered...

Week 12 Day 2 we had another ultrasound!  I was so ready to see Baby Gray again.  Everything looked great - heart beat was 175!  Baby G looked so peaceful in there :)  Total length is about 3".  I had lab work that was sent off for testing - we are anxious to get the results.  My next ultrasound is at 19 weeks but we are likely going to a place in Chattanooga at 16 weeks to hopefully learn the gender!

Our second family photo :)

Look at that sweet little profile of Baby Gray's face

Legs tucked up

Looking right at the camera! 

Rubbing little baby eyes!

Now we are at Week 15.5 and I'm still having some days that I lose my meals but I'm hoping it's slowing down!  I spilled the beans with the rest of my work and our facebook friends about 2 weeks ago now. 

We had a football party at one of the gals I work with's house and here's what I wore:

.. and here's how we went "public".  Henderson really does look concerned!  He was such a good sport for the photo shoot.

I've also picked up some fun new ornaments - here's one of them, love anything you can personalize!

The countdown is on to find out if it's Baby Gray Girl or Baby Gray Boy!  If Baby cooperates we should know in 5 days!!!  Let the shopping begin :)

September Progress Toward Goals

September was a whirlwind month.   We started off the month/Labor Day weekend with a trip to Chicago.  We were looking forward to cooler weather but it was still sooo hot!  We saw a lot in the short time we were there and I really enjoy the architecture tour in the river - probably my favorite thing we did.  I also traveled a ton for work - college recruiting trips to UT in Knoxville, WVU, and University of Florida.  We've also been to my parents and Adam's parents!  I need a weekend at home so I can get my life together and get back on scrapbooking!!

1.  Used up Products

•  On a whim, last Black Friday, I bought the large bottle of bliss fabulous foaming face wash from the Sephora $10 deals.  Not impressed with it at all.  Was so excited to use this up and switch back to my tried and true face wash by Philosophy.
• Blue Nyxx eye liner - HORRIBLE.  It doesn't work! No color combs off the stick.
• Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation in Hazelnut Beige.  I've been using this for 3 years!  I mix it with a lighter shade because there's no way I'm that dark.  I really like this brand of foundation - good coverage and long wearing.  Plus, it lasts forever.  They did reformulate it so the package looks different now.

2.  Books & Magazine

6 magazines and 4 Audible books -- I need to get back to reading the stash of books in my house but I really only do Audible when I'm traveling (cars/planes) or getting ready in the morning.  The Audible ones I finished up were:  The Selection #1, The Elite #2, The One #3 and The Heir #4 -- they're all part of The Selection Series and as you can tell, I was hooked!   

3.  Blog Posts

• 1 for the month

4.  Get More Exercise

• January = 40.71 miles
• February = 41.11 miles
• March = 49.59 miles
• April = 52.51 miles
• May =  50.86 miles
• June =  80.38 miles 
• July =  77.46 miles
• August = 72.02 miles
• September =  57.56 miles (not a good month, more on that in another post)

5.  Scrapbook Progress

• January = 30 pages
• February = 66 pages
• March = 31 pages
• April = 3 pages (bummer)
• May = 29 pages 
• June = 57 pages  
• July =  30 pages
• August = 88 pages
• September = 6 pages

August Progress Toward Goals

We spent the holiday weekend in Chicago and just got back a few hours ago.  We seem to be bringing the heat everywhere we go lately -- Chicago was having weather that was 15-20 degrees higher than normal for this time of year!  We had a few hot, busy, fun days.  We had some family and friends in Chicago at the same time so we were glad to get some squeeze in some time with them too.  

1 - Used up Products

1. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion - This is the second or third one I've used up of this product and I swear by it!  I can't imagine wearing eyeshadow without this as a base.  It really bring the pigment out on the shadow and makes it stay on all day.
2. Blixtex lip gloss
3. Clinique Bamboo Pink lip stick -- of course one of my all time favorites
4. Glitzy Tarte Lip Surgence -- they decided to bring this product by! YAY!  Excellent lip color and product
5. Biomega Smoothing Elixir - I've got to be honest, I bought this hair product 5 years ago when i was living in Baton Rouge from the salon I went too.  Not sure if it really does anything which is always my struggle with hair products.  

2.  Books & Magazine

23 magazines, 1 book and 2 audible books.  The book I finished up was "Empty Mansions" and I highly recommend it if you like stories about the people with "old money".  Great read and so fascinating to learn about how the other half lives!  The 2 audible books were books 2 and 3 of the Chesapeake Bay saga by Nora Roberts.  I was able to read so many magazines because we had so many flights in August!  Perfect time to do some catching up.  

3.  Blog Posts

• 2 for the month

4.  Get More Exercise

• January = 40.71 miles
• February = 41.11 miles
• March = 49.59 miles
• April = 52.51 miles
• May =  50.86 miles
• June =  80.38 miles 
• July =  77.46 miles
• August = 72.02 miles

5.  Scrapbook Progress

• January = 30 pages
• February = 66 pages
• March = 31 pages
• April = 3 pages (bummer)
• May = 29 pages 
• June = 57 pages  
• July =  30 pages
• August = 88 pages

Under Sink Declutter

Ever have an urge on a Saturday night to clean out a cabinet? No?  Well.. sometimes I do and I had the perfect spot -- under the kitchen sink!  We keep most of our cleaning supplies under this sink and it was starting to pile up!

Here's the guilty cluttered cabinet

Everyone loves a good before picture...

I took everything out and sorted into type of product/type of cleaner

Cabinet with almost everything out -- the extra swiffer cloths and kitchen trash bags are still working for us in this back corner.  I took time to wipe out the cabinet and each of the baskets.

Everything put back away! 

I did add some additional storage containers I just had as extras that weren't being used to break down the categories.  From the left in the white basket we've got Lysol wipes, Windex, all purpose cleaners and air freshener sprays.  The pink basket has stainless steel cook top cleaners.  The clear shoe box behind the middle bar has all the wood product cleaners.  Then there's a row of dish type products.  The little shallow tray has garbage disposal cleaners and Goo-Goo gone products.  I also keep potatoes in this cabinet -- just really don't have a better option!  

I found a few things that didn't belong in here (plant food and plastic ice cubes) and tossed some other items and am really pleased with how it turned out!  Plus, it took only 30 minutes, tops.  Now, I'm inspired to find some other problem areas in the house!