Operation Nursery is a go!

Hey y'all!!

This weekend is super exciting because we're finally starting to set up Liam's nursery!!!! We were going to finish sanding and painting the crib this weekend but Jeremiah jacked up his shoulder lifting weights, so we're painting the dresser instead. I am so excited! We're going to do a basic navy blue all over, and then once I buy the acrylic paint - in yellow of course, I'm going to add some pinstripes to give it a bit more life and detail. Hopefully we can also change out the knobs, it just depends on what we find out in town. (I'm telling you! Don't take Home Depot for granted people, because one day you will find yourself on a tiny ass island overseas and something as simple as finding knobs for a dresser will turn into the hunt for Atlantis lol.)  

Because the dresser is currently housing his OS diaper stash, extra inserts, liners (so excited about cloth diapering) and various gifts (mostly clothes) we have received along the way, I'm going to take this opportunity to start organizing his clothes and closet. I know it doesn't seem like much but I'm super excited to finally start setting up Monk Monk's space and with my third trimester coming up (although I feel great), I really want to get all the big things, i.e. furniture projects taken care of so I can really focus on adding all the finishing touches for the remainder of my pregnancy.  

The other day I was telling Jeremiah that I feel so incredibly blessed for experiencing such an easy pregnancy. In addition to the fact that we're married, stable, loving and absolutely over the moon about our son, I haven't really experienced any of the "ailments" of pregnancy. I've had very little to no morning sickness (there was that one time a few weeks ago with the mac n cheese though), debilitating fatigue, soreness, pain - nothing really and it has truly helped curb some of my anxieties about being a FTM. (My emotions can be all over the place sometimes though.) And as an added bonus, it has made it all the more easier to enjoy this wonderful phase of life. With that said, I understand that everyone is not keen to this type of experience. In fact, I understand that for some people, pregnancy is a very scary and difficult time in life. For anyone who may be reading this who has experienced or is experiencing a difficult, high-stress or high risk pregnancy, please know that my genuine prayers are with you. And regardless of what you are going through or dealing with, whether it be emotional, physical or environmental, always remember that no matter what you are an angel on earth who has been hand selected to watch over and guide one of the Lord's most precious creatures. You are the second coming of Superwoman and the original 3-D printer! 

GET SOME!!!!

<3 ya!!

P.S. I will try my best to capture our weekend project/adventure on camera...I just need to find my battery charger!!!! 

Bumpdate: 24 Weeks

Hi all!!

I can't believe my last bumpdate was 7 weeks ago! I am so sorry. From now on I promise to get these out weekly. With that said, let's get it started:

Quick Stats

Last week at 23 weeks 3 days <3

I am 24 weeks pregnant!! 6 freaking months. It's astonishing how quickly time is passing us by. My baby shower is in 8 weeks, my due date is in 16 weeks and we still haven't started setting up the nursery...YIKES!! So many projects, so little time!! Eh, we'll get it done and of course the camera will be there every step of the way. Let's see, at my 22 week appt I weighed 122lbs, and although I have put on weight since my last check-up, my doctor is still a little concerned. But like I said in my last bumpdate, I'm not really worried because at all of his ultrasounds Liam has measured at least one week ahead and I've always had trouble putting on weight...some call it a blessing, some call it a curse. Honestly, my biggest focus is that I remain healthy (pre-pregnancy, during and post). Besides, I' m definitely showing now and he is more than living up to his nickname (Monk Monk) with all the moving and kicking he does. (I LOVE IT!!)

I haven't measured my belly in a while but it's very much there now and unfortunately I'm having a little bit of trouble adjusting to it. I know I'm pregnant and with pregnancy, of course comes a belly but as someone who has always been very fit and in shape, it's kind of hard looking down every morning and seeing such a round tummy. However on that same token, I love being pregnant and I know I am extremely blessed to 1) be able to experience this wonderful stage in life and 2) have such an easy pregnancy, I really couldn't have wished for it be any better. And of course, I couldn't have wished for an any more wonderful husband to share this with. Yes, he works my everlasting nerves sometimes, but that never changes how much I love him and appreciate all he has done and all he is doing for our little family. (I am a little salty though because he let a stupid gecko into the house and then left me to deal with getting it out of the house)

Baby Buys

Believe it or not, nothing! I did participate in a clothing swap on base a few weeks ago and while I was a little apprehensive/skeptical, I was able to score some really great finds and I can't wait to see my little man all dressed up. But yea, other than that we probably won't be buying much for awhile because (and I mentioned this in my previous post --> Horrible Blogger) we have released the registries and I want to give everyone a chance to help us bless our baby boy. If you want to take a peak, we are registered at Target and on Amazon - just search by name (Tiffany or Jeremiah Dobson) and city (APO/AP).

Oh! How could I forge, we got a glider/rocking chair last week! Technically it isn't a "buy" because we actually got it for free. It needs a little cosmetic work - nothing a slipcover can't solve but structurally, and most importantly it is sound. If y'all haven't noticed, we purchased a lot of the furniture used and from the beginning this was kind of my plan because I really want to customize his nursery. Living on an island means we have limited resources and naturally everyone tends to have the same stuff because we all shop at the same places. This is my first baby...I just want to be different - and have a really cool nursery.

Don't Forget About Mama

As mentioned earlier, I have had a very easy going pregnancy. No morning sickness, very little fatigue and outside of some pains here and there I'm still feeling pretty good. At 24 weeks I'm still in my regular clothes (woot!) and crossing my fingers that I can avoid maternity clothes throughout the summer (i.e. maxi dresses/skirts, regular dresses/skirts, etc). However, I do have a small, but growing pile of "Yea...can't really fit this anymore".

Operation Nursery

Ooo wee!!! We are definitely slacking in this department! Because we purchased everything used we have quite a bit of refurbishing to do (mostly painting) but obviously those take time. And then outside of the furniture, we have so many projects to do! Thankfully, we're getting started on them this week, so this section will definitely be seeing a lot of action and updates.

Extras

Honestly, nothing much. I'm feeling a ton of movement and I absolutely love it. So far his favorite nursery rhyme is Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and of course, he loves snuggling with Sneak and Spike. Don't ask how I know, I just do :D

<3 ya!

BUMPDATE: 17 weeks

I know, I know I promised y'all a bumpdate last week but I never really got a chance to get around to it until now so...here ya go!


Since this is my first official bumpdate, here's a quick run-down of how they are going to go:

• Quick Stats
• Weeks pregnant, belly measurement, pictures, ultrasounds, etc
• Baby Buys
• Any baby or nursery purchases from the week (pictures included)
• Don't Forget About Mama
• Quick recap of how I'm feeling.
• Operation Nursery
• Updates on all nursery projects...get excited!!!
• Extras
• Anything else I feel like telling y'all lol

Quick Stats

<3 <3 <3

Let's see, I'm 17 weeks+3 days and at my last appointment (16 weeks) I was 118lbs. The doctor expressed some concern considering I hadn't gained any weight since my 12 week appointment but I'm not really worried...it's not like I'm not eating. I've always had trouble gaining weight, even as kid, but I'm sure the weight will come eventually. (Truthfully...it can take as long as it wants lol). 

I'm measuring 30"!! I know that's not a lot but it sure sounds like a lot to me. A lot of people have actually been noticing my growing bump and although I do like the attention, it's a little embarrassing. And I am definitely NOT looking forward to the unsolicited belly rubs  

As you may remember, we had an ultrasound appointment last week but I'm not showing you the pictures. Stay tuned though, because we are doing a big gender reveal on Easter. Eeeek, I'm so excited!!!!!

Baby Buys

We finally found a dresser! I can't wait to start refurbishing it, it's going to look amazing!! We also bought a couple pacifiers, a yoga ball and pregnancy/body pillow to help alleviate my hip discomfort (see below).

Don't Forget About Mama

Holy hips stretching! My hips have been killing me the last few days. I think it has to do with my uterus moving closer towards my belly button but OMG it is a terrible pain. Thankfully the discomfort has been subsiding but ugh...definitely no bueno. Other than that I feel great. 

Operation Nursery

May 10th! May 10th! May 10th! Well actually maybe like the 11th, 12th or 13th, but regardless I can't wait until this semester is over so I can dive into all of the nursery projects I want to do. Here's a link to my Pinterest board if you're interested in my craft ideas: Baby & Nursery Projects.

Extras

I didn't want to include this in 'Baby Buys' because it seemed a little creepy but we hired our doula! It took some convincing but I'm super excited to have her apart of the team. It's only been about a week so I can't really comment on our official doula experience but she'll definitely be apart of my later blogs. Should I do a 'Why We Hired a Doula' blog? Sound off in the comments :D

That's it for now! Do you like the organization or should I try something else? As always thanks for reading! See ya soon!!

<3 Tiffe

P.S. 

I can't deny y'all...here's a pic from our appointment last week!!

So freaking adorable!!!!!!

It's About Time...For Some Updates

Hey y'all!

I know, I know, it's been over a week since my last post - my deepest apologies. Not a whole lot going on on this side of the world. If you follow me on Instagram [TinyTiffe] you saw that I posted my very first bump picture! It's exciting that I'm finally showing but I've still got a long way to go until it stops looking like I just gained some weight. Keeping with the baby talk, I am 13 weeks/4 days today and according to a few people I have officially hit the second trimester (13/3) but I'll just wait until Sunday to really get excited. Oh! We picked names last night! I can't tell you them though because we've decided to keep it a secret until he/she is born. (It's going to be freaking torture!) I absolutely love the names and am super excited about our 3d/elective gender ultrasound in April. I really hope PBC (peanut butter cup) cooperates so we can get a good picture and a good look of his/her junk. Eeeeeeeeek! I can't wait! Here, how about I give y'all the initials and let you play the guessing game. Boy: J.L.E.D. Girl: J.A.M.D. (Yes, they have 2 middle names.) Since, they both start with J's (totally a coincident), we've taken to calling the baby Lil' J or LJ...it's cute.

Yea, but like I said - not a whole lot happening on this side of the world. School is school and pregnancy is amazing. I love my husband and we have two awesome dogs.

See y'all later!!

<3 Tiffe

Missed Appointments

Hey!!

So I was super bummed today because it was our 12 week appointment and we missed it!!! I thought the appointment was at 1330 but it was at 1300 and got to love the military, if you are 1 minute late they will not see you!! (We got there at 1310.) Anywho our new 12 week appointment is Monday at 0800...we're leaving the house at 7:15 lol! 

We had to run a few errands so we went to the bx and while shopping for a friend's baby shower gift, we found it - the perfect stroller!! And it was 20% off! Of course, we bought it. I'll insert some pictures at the end but I am super excited! Yesterday I bought a few things from a friend who is PCSing soon and tomorrow I am buying our at home fetal Doppler, so needless to say this week has been a great baby week. I guess it's finally settling in that we're going to have a baby in 200 days!! 

That's it for now but I'll update very soon! 

<3 Tiffe 

Baby Trend Expedition LX Travel System

All information from Baby Trend website (http://www.babytrend.com/travel_systems_jogger/TJ99773.html)

Features

• Infant car seat accommodates 5 ~ 30 pounds (2.2 and 13.6kg.) and heights of 30 inches or less (76.2cm)
• Lockable front swivel wheel for ease of maneuverability
• Quick release all-terrain bicycle style tires
• Convenient parent tray includes two cup holders and covered compartment storage
• Extra wide, ergonomically shaped foam padded handle
• Adjustable canopy with covered sunroof ratchets to block sun and wind
• Effortless trigger fold easily reduces stroller to a compact unit
• Multi-position, reclining, padded seat
• Fully adjustable 5-point safety harness and tether strap
• Reflectors on footrest provide greater low-light visibility
• Extra large storage basket
• Lightweight steel frame construction
• JPMA Certified

Recommended Use
Stroller: Birth ~ 50 lbs or 42"
Car Seat: 5 ~ 30 lbs and up to 30"

Sour then Sweet

Kind of looks like a Sour Patch Kid lol. Any gender guesses? T-minus 40 days until D-day or should I say G-day. 

<3 Tiffe

Amen

It's About Time for Tiny's Baby Bump

Hey y'all!!!!!

      Sorry I've been gone for so long, the quarter is winding down and school is getting a little nuts. Are you ready for my big news? I'M PREGNANT!!!!!!! My heart still skips a beat when I say it out loud. These past 10 weeks (5.5 weeks since our BFP) have been a whirlwind of craziness, but I love it! We found out on January 17th, 2014 at like 6:30 in the morning, but honestly, I had a feeling about a week prior. I remember telling Jeremiah that I thought I was pregnant and that I should take a test on next Friday (the 17th), he cracked the slightest smile and nodded his head okay. Looking back on it, I think he had a feeling too. Anywho, it's the morning of the 17th and I have to pee, I was so nervous I decided to hold it because I wasn't ready to find out (we'd been trying for about 9 months at this point and I wasn't ready for another BFN). Eventually I get up and do the do but I was still super nervous so I made Jeremiah get out of bed and look at it first. "Babe, I think it's positive", I want to cry just thinking about it and when I actually saw it...words can't explain my level of happiness. I wanted to see it for myself, so I immediately grabbed the second test from the box and within seconds I saw the little plus sign I had been dreaming about for months.

      Fast forward to now, we are 10wks and 3 days. Our first ultrasound was last Thursday and it was beautiful. I didn't cry like I thought I would but once I got home and watched the video of the heartbeat everything hit me and I couldn't help but shed a few tears of joy because of the little life inside of me. The midwife didn't tell me what the heart rate was but I knew it was strong and full of promise. Our next appointment (12 weeks) is next Thursday so I'm sure we'll get some more information and hopefully we'll get to hear to the heartbeat again (I highly doubt we will get another ultrasound, but the OB should use a fetal Doppler).

     I'll leave some stats from my first 10 weeks below, but that's about it for right now. I'll try and remember to update at least once a week but please don't hate me if I forget.

Due Date:

• September 21st, 2014

Symptoms:

• Occasional fatigue and morning sickness but nothing too debilitating. 
• Definite heartburn, and 
• Jeremiah says I've been super moody :\
• I'm not showing yet but I can feel my stomach getting tighter, especially at night so it's pretty much any day now! 

Looking forward to:

• PLANNING!!! I am such a planner and I can't wait to start planning my baby shower, the nursery, ugh just everything. 

Not looking forward to:

• Doing all of this while we PCS, but tis life. 

See ya soon!

<3 Tiffe