Pregnancy Diary:35 Weeks!

This is actually me at 34 weeks but the weather has
been so gross this week I haven't taken a 35 week photo yet!

How Far Along: 35 weeks 2 days!

Weight Gain: 35 lbs.

Size of Baby: Honeydew Melon

Food Cravings: Fruit and lots of it! Smoothies and sweets.

Food Aversions: Nothing. Hurray!

Dan and I at the Holy Crap factory on our trip to BC last week!

Baby Movement: This little girl just doesn't stop squirming and wiggling in my belly. It's finally gotten to the point where it feels really weird and often uncomfortable as I know she is cramped for space in there. I'm always getting random body parts sticking out of my belly, elbows, knees, feet, who really knows! I'm not very good at distinguishing what exactly it is that's poking out of me but it's definitely happening often these days. She continues to be most active at night time, of course when I want to get some rest and get to sleep. But I know it won't be too much longer before she's giving trouble on the outside!

Overall Mood/Feeling: Done and done. I never really felt this way with either of my first two pregnancies but I am just past the point of wanting to be pregnant anymore. I'm seriously praying that she comes early, I honestly don't know what I'll do if I go over due this time. My body has really taken a beating with this pregnancy. I don't know if it's because it's my third or because they have all been so close together (probably a combination of the two,) but whatever it is, I feel like I am falling apart. I am constantly exhausted and so tired of being pregnant. I honestly don't know how women go on to have more than three kids, at this point I can safely say I never want to be pregnant again!

Symptoms: Fueling my desire to be done with this pregnancy are a bunch of physical discomforts that have really reached a high point in these past few weeks. In particular I have been experiencing horrible pain in my left hip and under the belly region. I think it must have something to do with the varicose veins I have on this side of my body, as my hip region is where they are at their worst. At this point it also feels like it might be somewhat muscular, though I really don't know. All I do know is that walking has become a chore. I hate to feel so lazy but it really hurts to walk most of the time, so I'm basically avoiding it like the plague. Often I can barely lift my left leg without getting sharp pains stabbing through my hip and up into my belly, needless to say going up stairs has become an extra challenge.

I am definitely waddling these days as it seems to be less impact and a little easier on the hips. I can't lift much of anything as it's too much pressure on the hips, and standing for longer than 5 minutes is pretty much out of the question. I have also been getting a lot of headaches in the past couple weeks, lower back pain, tons of heartburn and I have been needing to use the bathroom a ridiculous number of times per day. I'm certain that this child must be doing push ups on my bladder or something because I pretty much feel the need to pee all day long!

I know I officially sound like the most annoying whiner in the world right now, but maybe some other woman out there can understand how I feel, because Dan just doesn't get it. He tries to be sympathetic but I think he's seriously confused about why I am no longer capable of doing anything. He has been really awesome, making dinner most days when he gets home from work because I'm just too tired from dealing with the boys during the day to make it, plus I don't even have the energy or strength to stand up and cook! I know this sounds so pathetic but it's true of me right now. The thing is I hate being this way, and feeling this way, but it is what it is.

Normally think I can handle quite a bit, but this really has me at the end of my rope. I know that once this baby is out of my body I will feel a million times better! So many people warn that it will be much worse having a newborn but I know I won't feel any worse than how I do now. Don't get me wrong I know having three kids is going to be TOUGH! (and I'm slightly terrified.) But I also know my body is going to feel a heck of alot better and that will make a HUGE difference for me.

Ok I should stop sounding like a sob case right now. This report isn't for sympathy, it's just for me to remember how I really felt at this moment, hopefully discouraging me from ever getting pregnant again!

My Thoughts: Well I just shared a whole lot of them above, but I'll focus on some of the more positive ones to finish this off. I am really excited to meet my little girl. I had an ultrasound to check on her size (as I'm measuring small- though I feel gigantic) and I got to see her little face which was so adorable! I'm certain it will be even cuter in real life! I can't believe I'm about to have 3 kids. Just over three years ago I became a mom for the first time and now I'm going to have 3 little munchkins. It's so crazy! On these lines I know everyone who knows me and all random strangers who meet me think I am insane for having 3 kids so close together, but I am happy that I have been able to have 3 healthy (so far)

babies regardless of how close they are in age. It may be rough for a few years, but it will all be worth it and I love my little kiddies!

I'm excited for the new dynamic that a little girl will bring to our family and I'm excited to see my boys with their new little sister. Marshal is particularly excited about meeting her and is always trying to have me buy things for her in the store, giving her hugs, and telling me about his baby sister. I know he's going to be a great big brother and for some reason I'm quite confident he is going to treat her a whole lot better than poor little Cohen.

Here's to her coming in a few weeks! I'll be full term in two, and I'd be more than happy to welcome her into the world just then. Fingers crossed, but I have to remember not to get my hopes up :) :(

Jordan

Some Baby Thoughts and the Diaper Bag Debate

Well I'm now 33 weeks and looking forward to my D day more than ever. I'm hoping and praying this little lady wants to come to Earth sooner than later because I don't know if I can make it 7 or even 8 more weeks! 5 would be ideal! But I guess I'll just have to wait patiently and be ready when she decides to make her big debut.

I do have some spectacular news, and that is that Dan and I have finally decided on a name for this little lady! I am so relieved and glad that we no longer have to spend hours every evening agonizing over names. It was truly miserable and getting absolutely ridiculous. I actually thought of the name on our long weekend drive to Creston when Dan was trapped in the car and had nowhere to run, thereby forced to talk names with me! With all of my pregnancies we have played the sign game where we try to get name inspiration from signs that we see on our drive. This time it actually worked and now we at least have a first name for our little girl. Now to work on a middle name! But that's ok I feel the most important part is covered.

As I have been getting closer to D day I have been thinking more about a few items I would like to get before this baby arrives. One such item is a new diaper bag. I know there are many ladies out there who don't use diaper bags, but I personally couldn't live without mine. It helps to keep me organized and also helps to keep everything in one place. I used to switch my "diaper bag" with the season and used large purses, but I found this to be a bit annoying and I also ruined some purses in the process (they weren't the greatest quality but still sad.) In any case before I had Cohen I splurged and bought me an expensive JuJuBe bag that I have really loved. It has been good to me but lately it just isn't cutting it for space and I know once baby 3 arrives I definitely won't have enough room in there to take care of everybody's needs.

So I have been searching high and low for the biggest bags out there that won't entirely break the bank. JuJuBe does make a bag larger than the one I have, but I can't bring myself to spend $200 on it and I don't actually like any of the prints they have right now. I've been leaning toward a Skip Hop who have a few options for large bags and have also found a few others.

Here are my top picks:

Skip Hop Jonathan Adler Light and Luxe Diaper Tote

• Size: (inches) 18w x 14h x 6d
• Signature Jonathan Adler prints
• Zip sides closed for a handbag look
• Two large insulated front bottle pocket holds 2 bottles
• Hangs neatly on shoulder and can be worn over shoulder
• Adjustable Stroller straps
• Lightweight laminated fabric wipes clean
• Eight pockets and zip-top closure (fits most laptops)
• Cotton tote straps; faux leather trim
• Interior phone and essential pockets
• Cushioned changing pad
• BPA-free, Phthalate-free

Skip Hop Duo Double

• Dimensions (inches): 18w x 13.5h x 4.25d
• Attaches to any double (side-by-side) stroller with patented Shuttle Clips-either leave the shoulder strap attached or remove it for a cleaner look
• Wear with messenger strap or as a tote
• Magnetic closures throughout-main compartment zips shut
• Cushioned changing pad
• Extraordinarily durable poly-canvas construction - this bag will last for years
• 16 pockets include a zippered personal pocket and 2 side mesh pockets for bottles or sippy cups
• Convenient cell phone pocket & easy-access pen holders
• Contrasting lining makes it easy to find everything inside

Skip Hop Versa 

• Dimensions (inches): 13w (expands to 16.5) x 14h x 4d
• Expandable center makes bag 20% larger!
• Hangs neatly on a stroller & can be worn over the shoulder
• Non-skid stroller straps fit on any stroller
• Cushioned changing pad
• BPA-Free, Phthalate-Free
• Two roomy, insulated bottle pockets & handy front zip phone pocket
• Eleven pockets, secure zip-top closure
• Soft, lightweight material; water-resistant lining
• Contrasting lining makes it easy to find what you need

These 3 bags are the best I have found in terms of price, size, functionality and personal preference as far as aesthetic goes. I like that all 3 come with stroller clips so the bag hooks right onto your stroller and 2 (the versa and duo) also have shoulder straps in addition to the hand straps pictured. All 3 are pretty close in price with the Duo Double being the most expensive and the Versa and Light and Luxe the same price about $10 cheaper than the Duo. So now you can help me out. If you had to pick one of these bags which one would you choose? 

Jordan

May Blogging Challenge Day 30-31

Even though I am a few days late I wanted to finish off the May blogging challenge that I started.

Day 30- React To This Term: Letting Go
What comes to mind when I hear these words:

Loss
Moving forward
A change of perspective
Putting the past behind you
Changing your outlook
Recognizing a need for change
Bravery
Stepping away from your comfort zone
Turning a new leaf
Seeking a new path
Choice

Day 31- A Vivid Memory
I wish that my memory was better. It's kind of sad actually, how difficult I am finding this final blogging challenge to be. I have lots of wonderful memories but many seem somewhat blurred in my mind. I guess that's why I try to keep a journal so that more of the facts remain than I would remember on my own.

As I sit here trying to recall the brightest memory in my mind I am drawn toward the momentous occasions in my life such as when I met Dan, my University graduation, my wedding day, my honeymoon, moving out west, finding out I was pregnant, having Marshal, completing my RAD Teachers Certification, having Cohen. But sadly these big events all seem the most blurry. Perhaps it is jut simply because they were such big events- so much happened and there were so many details that they can't help but become a little blurred together as the years pass by.

I guess where I'm going with this is that I can't think of one memory at this time that seems more vivid than the others, at least not one that I'd like to share on my blog. And so for that reason I'm finishing off this blogging challenge a little bit shamefully and not giving you that vivid memory. Maybe a week form now I'l think of something brilliant but for today it is what it is.

I will share that I am very grateful for the life that I have lived so far and for all the wonderful memories that I have made. I am thankful that I have kept journals and wish that I had done better with journaling in the past 7 years. It's sad to think that 10 or 20 years from now I could look back on my life and not remember the little things that made my life special, so that's one reason I am thankful I at least have this blog. Journaling and blogging is definitely something I would like to improve upon over the course of this year because I want to remember how I felt and how I grew and I want my children to be able to know that about me too.

So here's to a better year of record keeping!

Jordan

Marshal's 3rd Birthday Party!

Say what?! My baby is 3 now?! I can't even begin to explain how fast the years have gone by and how crazy it is that I now have a 3 year old. Marshal turned 3 last Saturday we celebrated his birthday on Friday with a little party for him and his friends. I went a little more low key with my party planning and decor this year, hence all the tacky and amazing dollar store decorations! However going with the Disney Cars theme that Marshal requested everything seemed just right! Here are a bunch of pictures from the party!

The birthday boy having breakfast!

Showing off his sweet party hat.

The spread.

Complete with little food signs, cause I'm nerdy like that!

More food.

Nom nom nom.

Nopt a great photo, but some of the decorations. 

The birthday boys cake.

Lightning and Miss Sally!

 Another angle.

 Squishing all the kids in the kitchen for cake time!



Party hats on and we're ready to go!

Here it comes!



All the kids were pretty excited about the cars!

Marshal enjoying his cake.

He thought it was really yummy.

Cohen thought it was pretty sweet too.

Presents at pre schooler partties are always fun!

Enjoying his loot.

Look at those shorts! Thanks grandma.

Cohen looking cute in his party hat!

Family Photos at Ikea!

On Marshal's actual birthday (Saturday) we had a bit more of a low key day since his party had been the day before. We went garage saleing in the morning with Auntie Aeron, Kendra and Grandma and it worked out amazing. I just put a movie on for the kids, Aeron sat in the car with all of them (cause she was tired) and my mom and I were free to pop out and check out the deals! We didn't have much time as Mom had to get to work but we were able to score 3 great sales. The best one was a man who had 2 young daughters and they had a ton of baby clothes they were selling for $0.25 per item. Yes you heard me right 25 cents! My mom and I had a lot of fun here and bought a ton of stuff for hardly nothing. Here is my haul from the best sale of the day.

I got 30 clothing items including 2 brand new items which still had tags and 2 sleep sacks (one brand new with tags still on it) each for 25 cents, 4 pairs of shoes for $1 each for a grand total of $11.50. I couldn't be happier with my first garage saleing day of the year!

After garage sales we went home and had a quiet afternoon. Then we went to Ikea for dinner at Marshal's request. All day I asked him what he wanted for dinner that night and every time his response was, "I want go to Ikea." Lol what a cutie. When we got to Ikea we asked him what he wanted to eat and he said very matter of factly, "Noodles and chocolate milk." Doesn't take much to please a 3 year old palate. 

Grandpa, Aeron, Kendra, Rael and Spencer (Mom had to work) joined us for dinner and we had some fun with the kids trying to run away from us every 5 seconds. After everyone had eaten we decided to walk through the store as that's Marshal's favourite part. Since we were dressed semi nicely I wanted to take a family picture and Rael thought it would be funny if we did it in one of the Ikea living room, setups. The boys didn't want to cooperate but it was still fun and we got some funny shots. 

Trying to wrestle the boys into the photo. 

Somewhat decent. 

Marshal clearly wants to be free!

Laughing our heads off at the struggle the kids are putting up. 

He was mad.

Cohen escapes.

After our walk through Ikea we finished off with some ice cream and then straight home and to bed for two very tired and grouchy little boys! Oh well it was mostly a good day. Life is tough when you are 3!

Jordan

May Blogging Challenge Day 29- 5 Songs That Speak To You

1. Till Kingdom Come by Coldplay: This was our wedding song. I have always loved Coldplay and so has my husband. The album X&Y came out in June 2005 (while my husband was still on his mission) and I remember listening to the album over and over again. I absolutely loved it and felt so connected to the music that it contained. When Dan and I became a couple we shared a lot of music with each other and spent a lot of time listening to it together. This album was one of those that we both shared a love for. We both loved this hidden bonus track on the album and when the time came to choose a wedding song, we chose this as it seemed absolutely perfect. The lyrics and beautiful and the music is amazing. Couldn't be happier with knowing that this is our special song forever.

2. I Will Remember You by Sarah McLaughlin: This was one of the first songs that I ever choreographed to. When I was in Grade 7 or 8 my older dancer teacher, Dorothy Carter, passed away and I choreographed a dance in her remembrance to this song. I remember borrowing costumes from my dance teacher (Dorothy's daughter) and performing the dance for an assembly in front of the school. It will always be a special song to me for all of the memories it contains.

3. Slipped Away by Avril Lavigne: I felt a little hesitant about including this song because it brings back a flood of my young adult heartbreak, but it really is a song that meant a lot to me for a significant period of time and helped my get over a particularly heart wrenching, "breakup." I was 19 and for the first time in my life I actually loved somebody. Thing is I was taken for a bit of a ride by the boy that I loved and it ended in complete and utter destruction for me. I truly felt that I would marry this boy and had never been in love before, so when he took my heart and tore it to pieces I was left pretty broken. In the months of sadness that lingered around me I listened to this song on repeat everyday. It may sound completely pathetic but this song really helped my healing process. It took me a long time to get over him and I will admit I went through a few rebound type relationships before I finally healed. Thing is I was still secretly counting on him to come through for me (despite what happened) until I met Dan. When I met Dan I knew that I could finally put my first love behind me and completely walk away.

4. Hope by David Usher: David Usher is an amazing artist that I wasn't exposed to until I met Dan. He is one of Dan's favourite artists and I completely connected with his music when Dan gave me his music to listen to for the first time. I have spent a lot of time listening to David Usher and am always amazed and moved when I hear his songs. This particular song is one that I listened to a lot with Dan before we were married. For me this song is the Hope that Dan gave me and continues to give me in my life. As the lyric say, he is "the one who gives me hope." (Sorry for the cheese fest!)

5. Hello I'm In Delaware by City & Colour (aka Dallas Green): My little sister Hannah introduced me to Dallas Green years ago when he created a solo album and split from the band, Alexisonfire. The first time I hear his voice I immediately fell in love with it. He is such an interesting artist to me with a spectacular sound and an amazing ability to play the guitar. Hello I'm in Delaware is from his first album Sometimes which was released in 2005. It was one of the first songs of his that I heard and when I heard it it moved me to dance. When music makes me want to dance I know that it has touched my soul. I used to turn this song on, blare it in my room (while in University) and just dance my heart out.

You can find a playlist with these songs here: 5 Songs That Speak To Me

And there you have it 5 songs that speak to me. I'm interested what you would have on your playlist!

Jordan

May Blogging Challenge Day 27- A Letter To My Readers

Dear Readers (all 12 of you),

I'm sorry that my blog is not full of fun and interesting facts like so many others out there, that I don't have incredible recipes to share, funny stories that will make you laugh so hard you'll pee your pants, fashion tips to make you feel oh so beautiful and trendy or great crafty ideas.

But I thank you just the same, for reading despite the lack of true entertainment, and for putting up with my posts as I blog my way through the weeks and months trying to make some record of the events and happenings in my not so interesting life.

This blog is really not for you, it is selfishly for me. Writing is something I have always enjoyed and  that's why I love blogging so much. So as long as I'm around and I have things to write about you can count on my boring blog posts to continue. I hope that you can enjoy my blog somehow and if not, well then you don't have to read it.

I hope you have a lovely week,

Jordan