About time...GENDER REVEAL

So...I'm a few weeks behind in current personal events.

And almost a few weeks behind in bump posts.

Just trying to wrap things up at school because I have TEN school days left before summer.

Can't come soon enough.

And yes. I am beyond excited and desperately need a summer break. But I also have a to-do list about 76 miles long. And just about every single weekend is already booked with something!

But I want to take a stroll back a few weeks ago when our sweet friends threw us a Gender Reveal. We had family and close friends there for the big reveal. It was one of the most exciting moments.

We clearly thought it was a boy. We showed up completely confident, decked out in all blue.

I'm carrying low.
Heartbeat was a 140.
My doc had a "feeling" it was a boy.
And of course my pee test said boy (baking soda fizzed when I tinkled on it).

So, the moment we opened that pretty silver box to find PINK balloons, my mindset changed instantly. And I got emotional. A sweet baby girl.

I immediately saw visions of bows, polka dots, lace, and lots of frillies!

We are absolutely thrilled.

And I love our little princess SO much already.

Thanks to Ali and Lora for hosting and AMAZING party!!! ;)

Not sure much could top this one.

I have been blessed with an abundance of ah-ma-zing friends.

From every phase of life.

I love them all.

But I am especially blessed to have a pseudo-sis. We've been besties since kindergarten.

And I was HONORED to be in her wedding a few weeks ago.

***If you decide to stop reading at any point, you MUST at least visit my bestie's photographer's blog featuring her wedding. Oh.my.gosh.

Unfortunately, I was incredibly sick with a sinus infection. And I was pretty darn bummed about it. But it truly didn't take away from the breathtaking event.

There is absolutely no way for me to put into words the fabulousness of this shin-dig. Wouldn't even know where to begin. But I will highlight a few things from the unforgettable weekend:

*Events took place from the moment my plane touched down: Boots N' BBQ on Broadway to welcome out of town guests, a swanky bridesmaid luncheon, manis and pedis with the girls, rehearsal dinner, wedding.

*Took place on a plantation in Nashville, TN. I'm sure pics of her wedding will be in Southern Bride magazine. Everything was absolutely picture perfect.

*Bestie and her (now) hubby wrote their own vows. They've done long distance their entire relationship, are moving to Uganda, and their marriage is completely and totally dedicated to the Lord. Beautiful!

*They had food station "favorites". He started a Mexican restaurant in Africa, so they had a Mexi station with mini margaritas. She LOVES pizza, so they had mini pizzas paired with beer flights. And since the wedding was in Nashville, they had gourmet southern food: bbq and mac n' cheese.

*Gabe was pretty obsessed with the Whisky-Tasting station.

*The bridal party entered the reception with a choreographed African dance routine. Then, the groomsmen surprised the bride and groom with their own choreographed routine. I'm not kidding when I say it was INCREDIBLE and one of the most hilarious/entertaining things you've ever seen in your life.

*One of the most gorgeous brides I've ever seen in my life. And probably the happiest too!

And because I didn't get ANY snapshots of the unbelievable details, you HAVE to check out her photog's blog. Or just check out any bridal magazine in the upcoming months. I'm sure it will be featured. ;)

BIG WEEK - 21 Weeks

Ruh-Roh.

I'm actually 22 weeks today.

But I have to document 21 weeks because it was a BIG ONE.

Then I promise to give full details on my best friend's wedding and our big gender reveal party.

How Far Along: 21 weeks and counting. 

Maternity Clothes: I wore my FIRST maternity shirt on Saturday. After looking at pictures, I'm thinking frump-a-lump. Maybe I need a bigger belly? 

But today, I wore my very first maternity outfit: work pants and shirt. I felt great! Apparently 21 weeks is the end of wearing regular clothes...at least jeans and pants. I'm still wearing regular leggings, dresses, and shirts. 

Gender: Sweet baby GIRL! 

So incredibly in love with our little princess already. 

Surprised is an understatement. We were SURE it was a boy. But absolutely thrilled it's a little gal. Love. Love. Love. And SO excited. 

Movement: This little sassy thing is moving all over the place. Mommy's little dancer. :) AND I felt her on the right side for the first time...I've only felt her on the left until yesterday. 

Sleep: My poor husband. He has officially been replaced by my body pillow. Don't feel too bad for him though...he tries to steal it from me in the middle of the night. Sometimes, we even share. HA! But the thing is a miracle-worker. 

What I miss: Booze. 

So. I am not a big drinker. In fact, the thought of alcohol has repulsed me for the past few months. But since it's been getting hot, I would give anything for a Pinot Grigio or a Corona Light. Mmmm....

Cravings: Cereal. Oh man. Can't get enough. And still going bonkers over fruit. 

Other crazy symptoms: Irritability. :( I've been great this whole pregnancy, but everything has been annoying me this week. Everything. ESPECIALLY my students. I think I just really need summer break...

Size of Babe: Spaghetti Squash. 

Best Moment this week:

1). Our gender reveal party. It was UNBELIEVABLE. I have such talented friends. And we have the best families ever. Can't wait to share pics. ;)

2). Gabe felt our little gal for the FIRST time. I love when she moves...so sweet. 

Bump Pics:

Mama knows best...Gender Reveal

Mama always knows best, right?

We had our gender reveal last night.

Many (amazing) details to come. 

From the moment of our first sonogram, we've known it was a boy.

We did the pee-on-baking-soda-and-if-it-fizzes-itsaboy test. And of course it fizzed.

Heartbeat got lower this time around = boy.

I feel like I'm carrying low = boy.

And then, we had our sonogram Monday. The sonographer told us to look away when she got to Little Green's private parts. She said, "Couples always ask me if I'm sure about the sex. And with this baby, I'm 100% sure." So, clearly she saw a little pee-pee.

So yesterday, we gave the envelope with our precious little secret inside to 2 friends. They took care of putting together the gender reveal box that sealed our fate.

We showed up to the party confident in our "We-know-100%-for-sure-that-we're-having-a-boy" attire.

Decked out in all blue.

And this is how it went down.





Complete with "It's a girl" cigars at the very bottom.

A fabulous evening with AMAZING family and friends. Details to come...

An apology bumpdate

Ok, seriously, how have TWO weeks gone by?

I will be 21 weeks tomorrow.

And I didn't even take a 20 week pic.

You know, the monumental moment when you reach the halfway marker?

So.Sad.

But I have been SO busy.

So much so that I've run my preggo body down.

And I have a terrible sinus infection.

Thank God my doctor believes in the ZPac.

Yes. Even when pregnant.

Let's hope it kicks the you-know-what out of this debilitating infection.

Unfortunately, life continues to race at a rapid speed,

and I'm not sure when it's going to slow down.

Wait yes I do - never.
So. Here's to a 20ish week bumpdate post!

How Far Along: 20 weeks...for 3 1/2 more hours. (Although doc says I'm measuring big...which would put me at 21 and almost 22 weeks. He's not changing the due date though!)

Maternity Clothes: Can't believe it, but I'm STILL in my regular clothes. Are they snug? Absolutely. But this belly band is a lifesaver. I will probably switch to maternity pants tomorrow. Just because I like the way my belly looks in maternity pants. :)

Also lifesavers? Leggings and dresses - no need for maternity gear!

Gender: Had our sonogram yesterday. However, we turned our heads when she got to the nether regions. We are having a gender-reveal party this weekend and won't find out until the same time as our close friends and family do!

*Lots of "experienced" moms swear I'm having a girl because I've been feeling so sick still - pesky nausea.

*Saw lots of old friends this weekend at a wedding - they all have a "feeling" it's a girl.

*And my students all think girl. Why? They say I've been EXTRA cranky. HA!

We're still banking on boy...

Movement: Since last week, I've been feeling SO much movement. Feels like we've got a little dancer on our hands. Oh, and baby kicked the ENTIRE flight to Nashville this past weekend. Couldn't tell if the babe loved or hated first flight. ;)

Sleep: Sleeping like a baby. Although, I got absolutely no sleep this past weekend. Wedding duty called! And now that I'm super sick, I'm trying to catch up. Lights out at 9:00 this week!

What I miss: My immune system.

No. Seriously. I've gone over a YEAR without being sick. But ever since I got pregnant, I've gotten the stomach flu and a sinus infection. Both have been TERRIBLE experiences. Not to mention the fact that I just feel nauseated or have a tummy ache all.the.time.

At least babe is getting all my immunity. After the sonogram yesterday, I'm convinced it's having the time of its little life! :)

Cravings: None. But I ate like a pig this weekend. I felt so guilty about it too. But I'm back to my healthy ways this week.

Other crazy symptoms: Major heartburn. I go through Tums like it's nobody's business.

Oh. And I FREAKED out because after traveling this weekend, I had NO ANKLES. I'm pretty sure it's too early for that nonsense. But, I think it was from flying, being dehydrated, and being sick. Ankles back in full form today.

Size of Babe: Banana. Doc said the babe is almost 1 pound. CRAZY!

Best Moment this week:
1). Celebrated my very best friend since kindergarten's wedding. I've been to a TON of weddings. And this one absolutely goes down in the history books. Even with me being so incredibly sick all weekend. Time.of.my.life. Details to come later.
2). Seeing our baby during the sono yesterday. We got to see babe sucking, dancing (seriously, the little feet were going NUTS), and grab his/her foot to play with. Absolutely adorable. I am so in love.
Bump Pics:

So this is totally cheating. But I'm pretending this is my 20 week pic (Was only shy of 20 weeks by 2 days). This is the b-maid dress I wore this weekend. I was TERRIFIED I wouldn't be able to fit into the dress b/c I got fitted a couple weeks before I found out I was preg. Remember, the bridal boutique was my second phone call after finding out I was pregnant? Luckily, it fit like a glove.

Bumpdate: 18 Weeks

How Far Along: 18 weeks...until tomorrow.

Maternity Clothes: Well, I accidentally spent $350 on maternity clothes this weekend. I went into a Destination Maternity with my besties for about 2 hours and was completely overwhelmed. And believe me, I was their targeted prey- the girl only brought me the high end designer stuff. Sheesh!

I spent the entire drive home from Kansas City with buyer's remorse. I will be returning a couple of SUPER cute but SUPER expensive things...I just can't justify buying expensive trendy things that I will only wear for a few months.

Needless to say, I still haven't put on any maternity clothes yet. Using that belly band until the last possible moment!

Gender: We find out SO soon!

Movement: Felt the little flutters at week 17, but haven't felt any since. I'm pretty sad about it. I keep telling babe to move around for mama. No luck.

Sleep: Sleeping more soundly than ever. Although, my allergies are absolutely TERRIBLE. So, I generally wake up a few times to sneeze or blow my nose. And I'm still obsessed with my body pillow. Obsessed.

What I miss: So, even though I'm sleeping well, I am exhausted ALL of the time. I miss having energy. It could be the fact that I only sit for 15 minutes all day and spend every ounce of energy teaching. Add that to pregnancy, and I feel like a walking zombie.

Cravings: Well, I really love me some fruit these days. Like, a lot. Oh, and I hadn't indulged in any of the few fast food cravings I've had...until Gabe wanted to drive through Freddy's Steakburgers on our trip home Sunday. So, I had my very first burger and fries this entire pregnancy. Felt so ashamed...but it was so worth it!

Other crazy symptoms: My dreams have been borderline psychotic. I don't even feel comfortable sharing some with my own husband. Let's say the past couple of nights have involved watching people drive off a cliff, getting bit by a rattlesnake, and watching a random girl from my prenatal swim class' baby fall right out while she was talking to me.

Oh. And it felt like deja vu this week. I was having many of the same morning sickness symptoms all week. I was pretty miserable. Boo. :(

Size of Babe: Mango. Could be imagining things, but I REALLY feel like I've felt my stomach expanding this week.

Best Moment this week: Celebrating a good friend's upcoming wedding at a bridal shower in KC. It was SO great seeing my besties. And then having them there to save me from spending even more money than I actually did on my maternity spending spree.

Bump Pics:
Still in that awkward phase where many people don't know I'm pregnant. The only way to sport the bump is wear shirts that are too small. :)