Penguins, Penguins, Penguins!

Thank goodness for etsy.com, where I can find tons of great penguin stuff that I love.  It was hard choosing wall decals, but for the time being, I am done with wall decals...unless I find something I must have. 

Anyway, over Memorial Day weekend, I painted the bottom half of the wall.

And then applied the first part of the wall decal

I consulted AJ about the layout of two remaining penguins, and he suggested to put them on the left side.  So I ordered another wall decal for the right side.

I want to put a penguin clock up and possibly hang a quilt on the lefthand side to take up some of the arctic sky, but for now, I'm done....until I search etsy.com again and find something else that I want to add!

I also have a crib bed skirt on order that I want to use iron on embellishments (from etsy.com) to have a custom penguin bed skirt! 

Week 25



25 w 6 d

While working on the nursery this week, I received an email from the NCEES that the Professional Engineering exam results from April were ready, and I could view my results online!  Since I was touching up paint in the nursery, I had to complete the task before checking...well, I was actually just nervous, so I was delaying until AJ was home so I could have support if the results turned out unfavorable.  Most people who knew I took the exam had full confidence in me that I passed, but I refused to let myself get my hopes up, so I kept doubting whether I would have passed.  When I finally did check the results, I learned that I passed!!!  The NCEES board does not provide scores, only whether you pass or not.  I was beyond excited and happy - my dogs must have thought I was crazy jumping around and hollering.   The board only sent an electronic letter with the results, and now I have to wait for SC to send me the official license - but as of Wednesday, I am a licensed professional engineer.

In other news, I have less than 100 days until the estimated due date - double digit countdown!  It also means 98 days until Clemson plays its first game of the 2011 College Football Season.  Finally, in less than a week, I will be in the third trimester - where has time gone?!

How far along?: 25 weeks 6 days
How big is baby?: According to What to Expect When You’re Expecting: Started the week as the size of a Eggplant and about to be a Eggplant. The fruit doesn't change as often as it did early on.

Weight gain?: About 1 lb. Total weight gain is 19 lbs. 
Stretch marks?: Not yet.
Maternity clothes?: Almost exclusively...though now I wear my shirts untucked, so I don't need as many maternity tops yet.  I still wear a belt. :)
Sleep?: Sleep is still great and occasionally Baby A lets me sleep on my stomach.
Best moment this week?: Of course, finding out that I passed the PE is the best moment of the week!  I think the smile is still on my face.
In addition, I finished the paint in the nursery and installed one of the wall decals along with the placing the mattress and a sheet in the crib.  I love the progress!
We also had a work BBQ, which I always look forward to since the burgers are awesome.  In addition, we get to leave early.  It was a very relaxing day.
Worst moment this week?: Too good of a week for me to remember anything...
Food cravings?: Nothing this week, but I really want Krispy Kreme donuts, but they are half an hour away.
Symptoms?: Nothing really.
Exercise?: I walked 3 miles and worked out 4 times along with lots of house and yard work!
Movement?: His kicks are definitely stronger! 
Belly button?: Partial outie and with a little flush and innie remaining.
What I miss?: Nothing this week.
Labor signs?: Nope! Too early.
Purchases: I bought another wall decal for the nursery and some penguin month stickers (newborn to 12 months).
What I'm looking forward to?: I am loving this three day weekend and all the work I can get done around the house.  In addition, my parents are having a cook out at their house, and I'll see my siblings and grandparents.  Excited to see all of them, especially since my brother just flew back in from Houston.

Nursery Progress

This is the nursery as the guest room:

It had to be rearranged to fit the nursery furniture and became a little crowded and messy on its way to become a nursery:

Then a neutral paint was applied (Olympic Pony Tail) and the paintings and pictures were rehung, the bed was cleaned up, the dresser and hutch wad assembled/anchored, and I could get to the closest to clean out all of the junk we had stored in it.

The penguins were brought out of the attic and from my nightstand in the master bedroom to adorn the top of the hutch:

Then I assembled the crib (very easy I might add), and I laid out the penguin decals...though more are in the mail because AJ had some other suggestions:

Then the Arctic sky (Olympic Grey Goose) was painted:

I just painted the grey on Monday, so it needs to dry a while before I paint the water - I don't want the painters tape to take off the grey paint.  I also need to touch up corners where the painter's tape failed me and spots that are thin or AJ banged up when moving furniture.  I am excited with how things are progressing, especially since the room was a complete mess for at least 3 weeks, and now I have baby clothes put away, some decor put in place, and the room organized near it's finished arrangement.

Week 24

 It's been over 6 months since I have been to the beach, and as a promise to mom on mother's day, I said I would go for a walk on the beach.  Our favorite beach to go to is the Isle of Palms in Charleston, SC - great facilities and a local outdoor restaurant has wonderful pretzels.  My sister met us down at the beach since she lives in Goosecreek, and we walked the entire beach from the IOP park to the Sullivan's Island bridge and back.  It was a great walk - the weather was awesome!  Then we soaked up with sun rays before heading to the Tanger outlets to do some light shopping.  It was a great way to end the week.

I was able to wear one of my pre pregnancy bathing suits (it's the only one I tried on...), but I'm not sure if that will last all summer long or not. I had to dig a hole in the sand though so I could lay on my stomach without Baby A kicking me the whole time.  We didn't go in the ocean since the water is still chilly, but I imagine that will change when summer arrives.  I can't wait for another beach trip!

How far along?: 24 weeks 6 days
How big is baby?: According to What to Expect When You’re Expecting: Started the week as the size of a Papaya and about to be a Eggplant.  The fruit doesn't change as often as it did early on.

Weight gain?: 1 lb.  Total weight gain is 18 lbs.  The baby is approximately 1.7 lbs this coming week.
Stretch marks?: Not yet. 
Maternity clothes?: Almost exclusively...and giving in more to untucked shirts.  But I am still wearing a belt!
Sleep?: I can tell it's almost the end to sleeping on my stomach!  Not because it's uncomfortable to me, but due to it being uncomfortable to Baby A.  Several times this week when I tried to sleep on my stomach, Baby A began kicking and didn't stop until I turned over to my side.  Sleep is still great though.
Best moment this week?: It was a wonderful week!  I am really enjoying having my time back and not worrying about studying!  I began painting the neutral walls in the nursery, which makes me feel like I have accomplished a lot.  By the way, Olympic makes a VOC free paint - not sure if Behr and Valspar do the same, but for the rest of the pregnant women out there, it's good information to keep in mind.  I still painted with a paper mask.  I have began working a lot on my "To-Do" list, but when I work on something, I always find something to add.  Oh well, I really enjoyed going to Lowe's and picking things out for the house.  I also had a good friend from highschool come into town - it's always great catching up with her.  She bought Baby A some Clemson gear - can't ever have enough, and it's the perfect size (hopefully) for football season.
Worst moment this week?: I would saying doing the glucose tolerance test, which really isn't that bad.  The drink tastes like a watered down Orange Fanta, and it's probably only 8 ounces to drink.  The worst part about the test is the lab required I fast at least 9 hours beforehand, and I was so hungry by the time I finished the test, that I felt nauseous.  I won't know the results until Tuesday, and my doctor's office will supposedly only call if I failed the test.  Hopefully I won't have to take the 3 hour test - it's just an inconvenient thing. 
Food cravings?: Pancakes.  I had them for a snack several times this week, and I think I will make some more this morning.
Symptoms?: Nothing really.
Exercise?: The week started off with a 12 mile bike ride with mom followed by an arm work out at the gym.  I walked 3 miles and lifted weights through out the week, and then finished the week with a long walk on the beach.  My foot still hurts some from the steel toed boot, but it's definitely better than last week.  No tennis this week - my tennis partner is MIA. 
Movement?: AJ felt a lot of kicking by the baby early this week - it seems the best time for AJ to feel the movement is at bed time, that's when Baby A kicks the hardest.  In addition, during the week, I noticed several times that my shirt moved when Baby A kicked.  Pretty awesome feeling.
Belly button?: Still in limbo between innie and outie
What I miss?: Nothing this week.
Labor signs?: Nope!  Too early.
Purchases: Mom, my sister, and I went shopping at the Tanger outlets in Charleston after a day at the beach.  I bought some Baby A some clothes from Osh Kosh and Carter's - it was my first clothing purchase for him.  There were tons of cute clothes, so it was hard to pick just a few outfits out.  I bought some cute overalls that he can wear about this time next year, a newborn crab onesie, and a jacket for the winter.  Mom bought several outfits as well, and from Gymboree she found a cute hat and socks that would match the crab onesie.  My sister bought an onesie that says "my aunt rocks!" -she better if she wants Baby A to wear it. :)
What I'm looking forward to?: Due to Memorial Day, I will have a three day weekend!  So I am excited to knock more off of my to do list and be able to relax one extra day.  Unfortunately, AJ will have to work the lake all weekend.

Week 23



23 w 6 d

 Tomorrow, I will be 24 weeks and 0 days, which means that if something were to happen, the baby could most likely survive outside of the womb.  Most cruise lines won't allow pregnant women to go on a ship now because they don't have the medical facilities to accommodate a baby if it had to be born at this time. 

How far along?: 23 weeks 6 days
How big is baby?: According to What to Expect When You’re Expecting: Started the week as the size of a Papaya and about to be a Papaya.  The fruit doesn't change as often as it did early on.

Weight gain?: About a 1lb.  Total weight gain is 17 lbs.  One of my coworkers that I have known since college (and AJ has known since highschool) thinks I'll get up to 170lbs!  No way...though we did make a bet about my final weight all in good fun.  If I exceed 160lbs, then I have to take a picture with Baby A in all pink...and if I win, he has to dress his baby up in a NY Yankees' onesie (why he didn't say a Red Soxs onesie instead of pink, I'll never know).  He can't stand the Yankees, and he knows I am not a fan of pink (and esp. on a boy!!!).
Stretch marks?: Not yet.
Maternity clothes?: Almost exclusively...and having to start leaving shirts untucked, which makes me :( but I am getting over it.  Besides, do I have a choice? :)
Sleep?: No change...sleeping is great, and I still find no issues with sleeping on my stomach.  I honestly didn't think I would be able to sleep on my stomach for this long, and I am thankful every night that I still can! 
Best moment this week?: Finding inspiration for the nursery!  We have finally made some progress, even if it's on paper.  In addition, I love that AJ finally felt the baby move.
Worst moment this week?: I have been breaking in a new pair of steel toed boots this week since my old pair had long passed their expiration.  Well, I thought everything was good smooth, but it appears my right foot is hurting from the new boot and made it more difficult to walk.  Let's hope they loosen up soon!
Food cravings?: Chocolate covered raisins!
Symptoms?: Nothing really.
Exercise?: The week started off with a 11 mile bike ride with the family to celebrate Mother's day.  Mom and I also worked out at the gym and walked the dogs fora mile.  I also played tennis twice this week, but due to my foot hurting, I had to lay low this week.
Movement?: The kicks are getting harder, but still wonderful.  AJ felt the baby kick once on Thursday evening.  I am so happy he finally was able to feel the kicking.  It was a stronger kick he felt, and Baby A kicked several other times where AJ's hands were, but the kick was too light for AJ to feel it.
Belly button?: Still in limbo between innie and outie
What I miss?: Being able to stand up without effort.  I sit down in the shower at times, and it's definitely a struggle to get back up!
Labor signs?: Nope!  Too early.
Purchases: I bought a penguin light switch plate and a vinyl wall decal for the nursery.  In addition, I bought paint samples
What I'm looking forward to?: I have a doctor's appointment on Monday, and I will have another ultrasound...so I look forward to seeing Baby A again!

The Penguin Nursery...Finding Inspiration to Begin

Here's the current state of the nursery...really in need of decision making and work. :)

I'm not a big fan of the real cartoony looking penguins for the nursery.  I love all penguins, and even the cartoon ones, but I wanted more real life penguins for the nursery.  So finding decorations that fit the design intent has proved to be time consuming.  Lots of internet searches...but etsy.com has proved to be extremely helpful for finding ideas.

So today, I bit the bullet and finally made a decision.  I know, a double toggle light switch plate doesn't seem like a huge step, but it is!  It's my inspiration to begin the nursery and start laying out what I want to do.  I am excited about my purchase and can't wait to see what the plate looks like in person and hope it works out.  If not, I'm only out ten bucks, so no big deal.  I also found someone on Etsy that has single plate designs that is willing to make double toggle designs, but I found out this information after I bought the plate switch on eBay.

I found several real life wall murals, but I'm not sure how well they would fit in the nursery, so I searched more for black and white penguin penguins or outlines of penguins.  Some of the ones I am considering are below:

This first one could be centered over the crib with a wall painted grey (bottom) and blue (top) separated by ice/iceberg. 

 The second one could be on the left side of the crib as if the penguins are peaking over into Baby's A crib.  Not sure of the color scheme.  Maybe a light arctic blue over the entire wall.

The third choice could have the two penguins on either side of the crib with their heads peaking/looking in at the crib.  I think the walls would be painted a light sky blue.

Just some thoughts, but I want to draw it out on paper before I make any decisions.  There's dimensions and layouts to consider since the crib will sit on the wall with the door, which means the wall is shorter. 

Here's the wall, with the crib in it's approximate location.

Week 22



22 W 6 D

 I swear just a week and a half ago, my bump wasn't that obvious...I could still wear longer, looser shirts and those that didn't know I was pregnant didn't have a clue I was.  But now, I have definitely been ask by several people if I was and how far along I was.  It's like all of a sudden Baby A said he was here and wanted the world to know!
It feels like time is flying by now and before we know it, Baby A will be here.  There feels like there is so much to do and not enough time!  I want to attend a breastfeeding class and a birthing class, and it seems like time is running out!  But I know it's not, and I am enjoying every minute of this pregnancy.


How far along?: 22 weeks 6 days
How big is baby?: According to What to Expect When You’re Expecting: Started the week as the size of a Papaya and about to be a Papaya.

Weight gain?: Status quo this week.  Total weight gain is 16 lbs.
Stretch marks?: Not yet.
Maternity clothes?: Using a lot more of the maternity tops and longer shirts that I currently own.
Sleep?: As usual, no issues sleeping, and I can still sleep on my stomach. 
Best moment this week?: Feeling Baby A move more this week!  I also had my windshield replaced after the large crack that formed from the rock hitting it last week.  Also, we took in a beagle puppy who was in need of a home.  How can you say no to this face?  He's 6 weeks old and apparently still trying to wean - he kept checking our other dogs for milk.  But he's learning - already walking up the porch stairs and can use the doggie door with no issues.  He's also good about going inside his kennel to sleep, and he goes to the bathroom outside immediately when we release him from the kennel.
Worst moment this week?: Work was crazy this week, but really, nothing was bad this week.  I did start peeling where I got too much sun the past weekend.  My shoulders are very itchy from all the skin peeling.
Food cravings?: Loving seafood.  Grilled salmon - yum.
Symptoms?: Nothing really.
Exercise?: Walked 8 miles, played tennis twice this week, and worked out two days this week.  Loving this spring weather.
Movement?: Baby A must be on AJ's sleep schedule.  I feel him at 10 PM when I go to bed, and then I don't feel him again until 7AM.  I definitely feel his kicking more, and I have been surprised by being kicked on the outside by Baby A.
Belly button?: Still in limbo between innie and outie
What I miss?: Nothing really.  I am truly loving being pregnant.
Labor signs?: Nope!  Too early.
Purchases: I looked online for penguin wall murals and decals, but I can't make a decision.  I also went to Lowe's to find inspiration, but all I came back with was a few paint cards that I really wasn't thrilled about.  Right now, you can't even get into the nursery because the furniture is everywhere - disorganized.
What I'm looking forward to?: Mother's day is tomorrow, and I'm looking forward to the bike ride with mom, dad and my sister.

Week 21

So sore this morning, and not due to doing anything physical related...I went to the Beaufort Air Show with my parents and AJ for a belated birthday celebration.  Well, the weather was gorgeous - blue skies with no clouds in sight with temperatures hovering around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.  However, I forgot to bring sunscreen.  So my shoulders and back are RED.  I rarely, if ever, sunburn, but when my shoulders haven't seen sun since last August, they're rather white and need protection if I'm going to be in the sun for 5+ hours!  My arms and legs picked up a nice tan, but that's due to me playing tennis and walking at the park after work...they picked up a tan slowly. :)  So I'm slathering on the aloe and using vinegar to take out the heat. 

The air show was great, though, and it's the only one I have ever been to that I enjoyed it from start to finish.  If you get the chance to go, I'd definitely recommend it.  Of course, the Blue Angels' performance is remarkable, and the main draw of the air show...besides the funnel cakes. :)  Or maybe that's just me...

How far along?: 21 weeks 6 days
How big is baby?: According to What to Expect When You’re Expecting: Started the week as the size of a Banana and about to be a Papaya.

Weight gain?: Biggest gain ever in a week...2lbs this week, though the baby's weight gain is definitely quickening...at least according to What to Expect When You're Expecting.  Total weight gain is 16 lbs.
Stretch marks?: I thought I had one, but then I noticed it was just that my stomach hair is darkening in a line straight down through my belly button.
Maternity clothes?: Definitely adding in more of the maternity tops - it just seems like my stomach popped out more this week.
Sleep?: I just hope that my sleep continues to be this great for as long as possible.  Still sleeping on my stomach.
Best moment this week?: The air show was awesome!  Picking up the nursery furniture on Monday was unexpected...I didn't think AJ would be ready to go pick it up so quickly.  Luckily, we have wonderful neighbors who were up at 10PM to help AJ unload the furniture.  Now to pick out a paint color for the nursery and to assemble the furniture.
Worst moment this week?: Having a rock fly up and put a nice crack in my windshield!  I need to file a report with the insurance company so I can get it replaced, but I keep forgetting.  The crack keeps growing, too. :(
Food cravings?: I wanted a chocolate cake...so I bought one from Kroger's and the cake was dried out and there was not enough icing.  I swear the icing was 1/16" thick (or less).  Come on!  I love the sugary icing and a moist cake.  The cake was thrown out and my craving for it disappeared. 
Symptoms?: Not sure if it's allergies or a symptom of pregnancy, but I have extra snot and boogers.  Disgusting  I know.  I had it in the first trimester, and from what I read, it's a symptom.  I've talked to some other ladies that are around my due date, and they say the same thing.
Exercise?: Walked 8 miles, played tennis, and worked out two days this week.  Loving this spring weather.
Movement?: Baby A must wake up around 7AM because I usually feel his kicks every day around this time.  There are a few occasions where I can put my hand on my stomach and feel it, but it's only if I hold my hand there when I first start noticing the kicking.  Sometimes I press on my stomach to encourage Baby A to kick back, but he's stubborn and does what he wants. :)  That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.  Looking forward to being able to feel his kicks more and hoping AJ will be able to feel the movement shortly.
Belly button?: Working on being an outie...wondering when it will pop out or fully be flush.
What I miss?: Nothing really
Labor signs?: Nope!  Too early.
Purchases: My mom bought some outfits from a local shop in Beaufort, and I'm waiting to see what they look like!  Other than that, I'm waiting to paint the nursery before I start buying stuff to decorate.  I have started working on the registry, which is quite overwhelming...
What I'm looking forward to?: In two weeks, I have another ultrasound, so I am excited for that.  Mother's day is in a week, so I'm hoping we can get in a bike ride or something outdoorsy.