48 More Hours....

I seriously don't know why I am so excited for this ultrasound! I'm sure I was excited for Cam's, but I swear I'm like bouncing off the walls waiting for this one! Maybe it's because the gender of this baby will affect our family dynamics so much? I really don't know! I'm glad tomorrow is Labor Day because Nate will be off work and school. He'll have some homework to keep caught up on, but other than that, it will be a fun family day. No big plans, we had a BBQ yesterday with his family already. We'll just hang out and relax.

Tuesday morning Nate is in class, so Nate's mom is going to watch Cam while I go to the temple, and then when Nate's done, we'll head down to Salem....yay! My ultrasound is at 5 pm, so I'll post the results as soon as I can!!
So I've blogged about this before, but Nate and Cam are busy wrestling, so I'm going to sit here and write!

Why I Want A Girl:

Well, like I've said, I am guessing that this baby is a girl, simply based on the fact that the two pregnancies have been pretty different. I was quite a bit sicker at the beginning with this one, and the nausea lasted longer too. I've been more tired (probably Cam's fault) and I just overall feel and look yuckier. But really, who knows! So my main reason for wanting this baby to be a girl is so that we will have one of each and won't even have to think about what our next babies are. It would be fun to have a boy and a girl. Baby girls are just sweet too. Some of their clothes can get a little froofy (?) for my taste, but for the most part, you can't beat the sweet little girl outfits. It would be really fun going baby clothes shopping!!

I do have one question though. When did PSYCHO FLOWER HEADBANDS become the trend? Nate and I found this website that sells these bows, and we are like doubled over laughing at how retarded these poor babies look. I think it's child abuse to make your baby look like this:

I'm sorry, I don't care what anybody says, that's NOT CUTE!!! (Okay, I should apologize if I just offended anybody there....if you do like these bows for your baby girls, I'm sorry!) I do, however, LOVE the little bows , like my friend Jordan put on her sweet girl, Lauren Beth:

Ooh I think that is the sweetest look ever, a tiny little bow on a tiny little baby girl! I don't mind these either: (once again we have our gorgeous model baby, Lauren!! Thanks for being normal, Jordan!!)

Other than that though, I can't stand bows and flowers on infants. Drives me nuts.

Moving on: Why I Want A Boy:

Well, didn't I just make that clear with the whole bow fiasco? Haha, jk. I really really just want another boy. Not just because we already have a lot of boy clothes, bedding, etc. but mostly because for some reason, I REALLY want Cam to have a brother. I think part of it is because Nate doesn't have any brothers, and even though he had a great childhood, I think he always missed that family dynamic. Also, NONE of my siblings have 2 boys. They all have 2 or 3 girls, and only 1 boy. None of my nephews have brothers, it's weird! And finally, Cam is such a "boy" boy...if you know what I mean. He is just such a typical little boy. He's SO into sports, running, puddle jumping, toy cars and trucks, Legoes, wrestling, etc. I know he would adore his little sister, but I just picture two little boys just being best best friends growing up. We don't want our 3rd baby for several years, so if this baby isn't a boy, then the next chance for Cam to have a brother would be farther away. Cam will probably be around 6 or so when we have our 3rd, so he'd be quite a bit older than his brother if that's what happens.

Well, all fun stuff and logistics aside, we really just want a HEALTHY, FULL-TERM baby. We are watching some coverage of Hurricane Gustav, and they are talking about the children's hospital in New Orleans and how they are preparing for the hurricane. It just made me stop and think how hard and scary that must be for those parents right now! I want NOTHING MORE than to bring home my healthy, thriving baby from the hospital and never have a reason to bring that baby back!!!

Well, how's that for some Baby Babble!

20 Weeks....Halfway There!!!

Eew, I look beyond nasty in this picture and I'm in my jammies, but I'm wishing I had a 20-week pic of when I was pregnant with Cam, so I had Nate take one last night. Told ya there was a belly!!
I've been feeling really good the past week or two, so I have been able to get a TON done around here. I am so grateful for that! I have cleared out all of the junk in Cam's room that doesn't need to be there (clothes that don't fit, toys he doesn't use, expired baby lotions & soaps, etc). There is plenty of room for Baby's stuff now....I just have to wait 4 more days until I can start filling up the closet and drawers with either pink or blue!! (Actually, I am not a huge fan of pink, so Baby Girl will get lots of other colors besides just pink). Although now that we might be moving around when the baby comes, I'm not going to obsess over making the room perfect. I'll wait until we're settled into our new apt to get too comfy.

Last night Baby was having a party. I swear Baby knows when Nate's around because it gets super hyper (so does Cam....these kids love their daddy!!). So we layed on our bed and watched and felt my belly move for awhile. It's so cool! And Nate loves those moments to bond with the baby. I think some dads feel like they aren't included during pregnancy, so I love that Nate takes the time to sit still with me and enjoy feeling the baby kick. With Cam, I was so anxious to have him, that I sort of rushed myself through the pregnancy. With this baby, I am enjoying every day....in fact, I'm sort of hoping it will go by super slow....I already dread sleepless nights!!!

Baby Genie

I found this hilarious website today and have been having way too much fun with it. Enjoy!

Papasan

I just bought this for the baby. It's a Papasan infant seat, and I'm excited! Guess how much....anyone? $15 bucks...Yep! I rock. I'm trying to chip away at my "List of things I need for Baby" slowly and steadily instead of cramming it all in at the end....the holidays will be crazy enough as it is!!
So I know you all voted on what you think we're having, but I don't know who voted boy or girl! Let me know what you think!

Baby Names

Wow, this pregnancy is almost half over! I can't believe it!
Anyway, I don't have time to write much, but I read this funny baby naming tip online:

"One of the best tests for a baby name is to yell it out loud, preferably at a playground. If you feel uncomfortable saying the name in that setting, it might not be the best choice."

So for those of you who live around here, don't be surprised to hear me yelling random names on the playground!! haha!! Actually I've already tested out several boy names on Cameron!

So instead of doing a poll, I'll just post a few fun questions on here that you can answer in comments if you want:
1. Have you ever regretted giving your child the name you did? I have a friend who actually told me that she hates both of her son's names. She said she just didn't know what else to choose, so she let her hubby choose. Sad, huh!
2. Did you ever agree to a name simply because your man wouldn't back down? Or vice versa....were you ever SO set on a name that you forced it even though your husband wasn't on board?

More Nesting....

This morning, Nate took Cameron to play tennis at the park (Cam's newest obsession is tennis, he can actually hit the ball really well!). So I had a quiet few hours to get some things done....SO nice! I packed away all of the clothes that I can no longer stuff myself into, and I washed and hung up all of my maternity clothes. So fun! I also washed 2 huge sinks full of dishes (have I mentioned that I HATE not having a dishwasher???) and did 4 loads of laundry (including folding and putting away!!!). I forgot how productive you can be when you don't have a toddler on your heels every second!!
I've decided to stock up on paper plates/cups/bowls & plastic utinsels for when the baby comes. That will cut down a TON on dish-washing during the first few weeks, I think. Nate will be busy with school, and the last thing I will want to do in any spare moment I might get is to wash dishes!
I also have a goal to make and freeze a bunch of meals ahead of time. So I have a request for all of you fabulous Super Moms out there: PLEASE send me some ideas of some good meals that FREEZE WELL. Thanks!

Pop!

Yesterday I was in a lot of pain all day. My whole abdomen and around to my back just hurt. There were moments when I couldn't even stand up straight. I called my doctor to make sure it was normal, and he didn't seem too worried.
Well, I woke up this morning and all that pain was all just me growing! I have an official baby bump now, and I am so excited!

18 Week Update

I've been slacking on this blog lately. I haven't been feeling very well though. No specific symptom, just exhausted. I'm tired of the heat.....it's making me even more annoyed at Utah than I usually am!! I can't wait to live somewhere where the weather is much more mild....less hot in the summer and MUCH less snow in the winter!
My appetite is insane with this pregnancy. I am starving ALL THE TIME! I try to fill up on healthy snacks....my latest obsession is oranges. And bagels. And Taco Bell still! I will eat a large meal, and literally 20 minutes later, my stomach will growl.
According to babycenter.com (a GREAT site, I think!), my baby is now about the size of a bell pepper! Go Baby! I am officially in maternity pants....NONE of my regular pants/skirts/capris fit. Shirts are also becoming a slight dilemma. Most of my shirts don't fit anymore, but maternity shirts look ridiculous on me still.
I'm over my "freaking out" phase I had last week about having 2 kids. I am pretty calm about it now....although today I hauled Cam and Abby to Wheeler Farm, and I vow NEVER to take them out without Nate again! Luckily DeAnn and Andrea were there to help chase Cam, but it was still way more work than it was worth!! The insane heat wasn't helping either! I know Cam will get easier as he gets older, but until he gets easier....I'm done with "2-Kid Outings"!!!!
I feel like I have been a bad mom to Cam lately. I can tell this pregnancy and the hormonal effects of it are making me more emotional and uptight, and I feel awful about it. It's not his fault! He is starting to throw tantrums more often, and his newest hobby is screaming at the top of his lungs,which Nate and I do NOT tolerate. I hate getting mad at him all the time, and Nate does too, but we feel strongly that he needs discipline and routine and boundaries during these early toddler years in order to become a well-behaved kid later on. I just wish I had the energy to take him places and play with him like I used to. I cry a lot because I feel like he is getting the shaft...even though I know he's not! This summer has been FILLED with fun days for Cam. Crazy Hormones, leave me alone!!

Simple

I decided to take off that crazy background. It was bothering me. I don't like really busy blog backgrounds that make my eyes hurt!
When we find out what we're having, I will probably change the background to an appropriate color. Only 2 more weeks!! But for now, it is white.
I think Nate wants a girl.

Freaking a little.....

I'm not sure why, but today for the first time since I got pregnant, I am completely FREAKED out about having 2 kids. I know it will be okay, and I'm actually not looking for a bunch of comments telling me "it's not as hard as you think" or "you will adjust"....because I already know that. I'm just putting my feelings out there. I'm just glad I still have over half my pregnancy left!!

So I also had another slight panic attack last night (I miss my Zoloft!) about how Cameron is still in a crib. I feel like he's the only 2 year old on the planet who still sleeps in a crib. But Nate calmed me down and said, "Who cares if he's in a crib. We know our kid, we know he does great in a crib, so let's not even worry about moving him until after the baby comes. We'll buy another crib or a bassinet if we have to." That helped a lot. Thanks Nate!


On a happier note, I bought these dresses yesterday.....Very Cute!!

(with this grey dress, I switched the tie around to the back of the dress. No bows in front for me, please! MUCH cuter in the back! I also like to wear a cami under it.....yep, I finally have some cleavage and I'm NOT gonna show it off!! haha!)

This dress is SO comfortable (and was on sale!).

Once I actually have a belly to put into these dresses, I'll take some pics! I decided to go with more dresses & skirts with this pregnancy. I'm not sure why, but pants are already uncomfortable. I can't have ANY pressure on my abdomen at all....it just hurts! Poor Nate always drapes an arm over me when he's sleeping and I have to move it off cuz it just kills! I don't remember having this problem with Cam's pregnancy. I have 2 other dresses too, so I will probably just hang out in all of these dresses until it gets too cold.

Skirt

Today Nate is taking Cam to the zoo so I can go shopping with my sister! I'm so excited! We're going to Motherhood Maternity, so I'm hoping they have that cute brown skirt in my size! If not, I might have to buy it online, which I hate doing cuz I'm cheap and hate paying for shipping! If I get it today, I will try to post a picture of it. Trying on maternity clothes will be tough today though cuz I really don't have a belly yet. I swear I'm smaller than I was with Cam at this point, which is weird. But I feel the baby moving every day, so I know there's one in there!! :) I will probably be one of those people who doesn't show....doesn't show....and then BAM, I'm huge. But right now I still just look like I have this little fat bulge instead of a baby. Nobody thinks I look pregnant, except for Nate and my family....just cuz they know me so well.
I feel really nauseous again this morning. This is my ONLY reason I'm guessing girl....I felt like a million bucks during my whole pregnancy with Cam, and so when I got prego again, I was like "yay, here we go again!" But I have felt MUCH worse with this pregnancy. But you just never know. I have talked to people who have 2 boys, and their pregnancies were as different as night and day. And I've talked to people who have one of each and said their pregnancies were identical. I think the heat is making me feel worse. I LOVE to spent the day outside, but it's just been too darn hot. I love fresh air, and one advantage of living up on the U of U mountains now is that the air seems fresher. I can't wait for Fall to come!

Daddy Day Care

So how involved is Daddy in the daily routine of taking care of Baby/Kids??
Nate is an AWESOME daddy. He and Cameron are best best friends, and Nate will spend hours each week just playing basketball, soccer, Legoes, coloring, cars, & other games/toys with Cam. Like I've said, Nate doesn't have any brothers, so he's loving having a little dude to play with. As far as diaper changing, feeding, etc. Nate is really great. When he's around and not swamped with homework, he is usually really quick to change Cam's diaper or get him a snack. I do honestly feel like we are a 50/50 team when it comes to things like that. However, if Nate is stressed with school or work, he likes to be left alone! I have learned this, and I don't mind taking over during those moments because I think he deserves to have the time to focus on those things. Parenting is about give & take of BOTH parents. Nothing bugs me more than a dead-beat dad who thinks Mom should do everything.
However, when Cam was a baby, I felt very alone in the childcare aspect of it all. I realize now that Nate was just really nervous around newborns and didn't really know what to do! Things got better when Cam was about 3 months old, and I went back to work 2 days a week. Every other week, Nate would watch Cam while I was at work....ALL DAY. Needless to say, I got about 20 phone calls a day, but he did it! I think that he appreciated how tough it is because to this day, Nate has NEVER made me feel like I just "sit home all day and do nothing." I think that Nate being with Cam those few days a month was the best thing ever for him!! I can already tell that things will be MUCH different with this baby. Even with Abby, Nate is quicker to pick her up or entertain her if she's crying. He is a lot more comfortable with babies now.
My ONLY beef with Nate is at night. Nate rarely got up with Cam during the night. I hated that! So I made him promise to help more at night with this baby.....even if I'm nursing, he can still help with diapers, soothing & give bottles. We'll see if it actually happens......

Growing

I only packed a few outfits for this little trip, and this morning I went to get dressed and literally could NOT button my capri pants!! I wore them just a few days ago! Grow Baby, Grow!! We might go get another "just for fun" ultrasound next week so my sister can see Baby kicking around. I wish we could find out what we're having while she's still here, but unfortunately it's still too early.
My nausea seems to be completely gone, but I am exhausted ALL THE TIME! No matter how much sleep I get, no matter what I eat, etc....this Baby is just sucking the energy right out of me! I don't remember being this tired with Cam, but I probably was. Pregnancy takes a lot out of you!!
Yesterday my sister and I looked through all of our Boy 0-3 month clothes that she brought back that Cameron and Isaac wore. Oh they were SO cute and totally made me want another boy even more than I already do! I had forgotten about all of the cute little outfits that Cam used to wear, and DeAnn had a bunch of new stuff she'd gotten for Isaac. Makes me sad that they grow so quickly!
We've been sitting around talking baby names all week. We're having fun coming up with funny names that go with "wood"....like Holly, Glen (only funny if you know my family very well), Petrified, Forest! My sister's last name is Green, so we have fun with her last name too!

Maternity Clothes

Well ladies, this is my last baby babble post for a week or two, I will miss you!! :)

Anyway, so let's talk maternity clothes!! I think it's annoying that you have to buy a whole new wardrobe when you are prego, and then it's pointless once you shrink back down after baby comes! Atleast maternity clothes are CUTER THAN EVER lately! I have always shared maternity clothes with my sister, DeAnn. We are the same size and have the same taste. So when I got prego with Cam, she mailed me all of her clothes. I used what I wanted, tossed what I didn't, and bought some new stuff. She got pregnant with Isaac when Cam was about 5 months old, so I sent her everything. Same thing, she wore what she wanted, tossed what was too trashed, and bought some new cute stuff. Needless to say, I got 2 HUGE boxes of maternity clothes in the mail when I told her I was prego! Yay! It works out perfectly and saves us both a lot of money! DeAnn says she's done though, so I'll just keep everything for Baby 3 now.


I might have to buy a few Winter things since both Cam and Isaac were summer babies, so most everything that is still cute and wearable is for summer.


So anyway, I think panel pants are the most UNCOMFORTABLE thing ever:
They always dug into my belly when I tried to wear them. Do any of you like them? So now every single pair of my maternity jeans and pants are like these: they sit just under the belly. MUCH better!! (these pants are too cute, by the way, I want them! But I already have like 8 pair of maternity pants thanks to me and DeAnn, so I can't go buy more!)

I WANT THIS SKIRT!!!!!! Despite the panel-ness of it. I might have to splurge. I wish I could find this skirt in "non-maternity" so I could just have it forever! SO CUTE!

At the very end of my pregnancy with Cameron, I wore the same 3 outfits every day! It all came down to comfort at the end! I have these fabulous black pants that feel like pj pants, but they look really nice too, so I just lived in those. I was working full-time, so I just told the staff to not make fun of me, and I promised I did laundry often!! :) Atleast with this baby it won't be smack dab in the middle of summer, so hopefully I won't be quite as uncomfortable at the very end. Although honestly, I think it probably doesn't remotely matter what time of year it is....not much keeps you comfortable at the end!!!!