Pregnancy Update...Week 28 :)

How far along? 28 weeks 5 days 

Size of baby: Head of a cauliflower (16 in, 2.5 lbs)

Total weight gain: About 19 lbs.  

Maternity clothes:  Yes. Just yes. And I'm feeling totally insecure about how I look. In the past two weeks, I've had multiple co-workers comment on my size ("wow you are big!" "oh...you're not due until December?") and my "waddle." This week was just tough. 

  

Sleep:  Extremely inconsistent. Some nights I maybe get two hours of sleep, and other nights I don't wake up until my alarm. The baby isn't waking me up-- I just am having a hard time getting to sleep and then staying asleep. 

Best moment of the week: When my youngest sister Nicole felt the baby move during church :) She was so surprised and it was so cute! 

Movement:  Yes-  ALL THE TIME! There are moments where the baby is moving so much that I get distracted and just wait til he/she stops:) 

Miss anything: Other than Fall beer and drinks-- nope!   

Food cravings:  Still carbohydrates-- I would definitely choose bread/pasta over meat. 

Food aversions: Nope! 

Symptoms I have:  Tingly hands and feet! I am also starting to get really tired at the end of the school day-- it's hard for me to sit down! 

Gender Predictions: Girl :)

Looking forward to:   Our next appointment on Tuesday! I can't wait to see the progression since our last one :)

Weekending.....

Happy Monday everyone :) I am linking up with B Loved Boston and Champagne and Suburbs for Weekending... This weekend was packed with just about everything-- and it obviously went by way too quickly. This week is the first full week of school-- FIVE DAYS! Yikes ;) I hope I am ready for it haha. But before I worry about the week ahead, I'll recap my happenings from the weekend. 

{FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND NIGHT}

- Since the weather was much cooler on Friday, I found myself enjoying a nice walk around the neighborhood when I got home from school. I have been trying to stay active, but the heat has definitely made it difficult. Friday afternoon, there was a nice breeze, and I am so glad I was able to enjoy the cool temps. 

- Friday night, I went to a co-worker's house for an Arbonne party. One of my co-worker's friends is trying to expand her client base, so my friend decided to host a party for her. I didn't really know that much about the company and their products, and I did find the party very informative. Plus, it was nice to get together with friends and acquaintances and just have a "girls night." After reviewing some of the products, I decided to try out their shampoo and hand/body lotion. The only thing about this company is that the products are EXPENSIVE! The prices are reduced if you become a consultant, host a party, or join as a client or preferred client. I hope I like the products I purchased haha but I hope I don't like them too much that I want to continue purchasing them-- otherwise it would be smart to become at least a "client." I am also skeptical at how "green" or "natural" all of their products are. I did some research, and although they do not seem to be the best "all natural" company out there (there are so many companies out there!), their products are without a lot of chemicals that could potentially be harmful. After attending this party, I started to think about whether or not I want to change some of the products I use at home. I have to be honest though, it is hard to figure out/find the best products to use. For example, even The Honest Company has been under scrutiny lately. I have used their soaps and kitchen cleaners and I love them! There is so much to research and think about-- I'm a little overwhelmed. I'll keep you all posted as I continue to investigate! 

{SATURDAY}

- Saturday morning, my husband and I slept in :) Although, I must confess that I did wake up before him due to a lot of baby activity :). I was in the mood for a nice brunch, so we went to a local place known for their breakfast food: Parker's Maple Barn. 

Baby's first trip to Parkers! (Definitely not the last) 

- I had the most amazing pumpkin pancakes (with eggs, homefries, sausage, toast haha) and my husband got the Irish Breakfast. It was so so good! It kept us full until dinner :) Got to love brunch! 

- After we got breakfast, we headed to Lowe's. This seems to be our weekend tradition now :) There are a few projects "we" (mostly my husband) are trying to finish before the baby comes. We are pretty much done the baby room, and once we have the decor and crib all set, I will post updated pictures. The next project on the list is the kitchen. My husband is making my dream kitchen come true :) We are painting the cabinets white, putting down new flooring, and installing a backsplash. The first task is to paint the cabinets, which is what our trip to Lowe's was all about. 

- When we came home from Lowe's, my husband got to work taking down the cabinet drawers and removing the hardware. He then used TSP to clean the cabinets and doors, and sanded them all to prep them for primer. While he was hard at work, I was also hard at work cleaning the rest of the house. 

- Saturday night, after dinner, we went to get some much needed ice cream (baby needed it ;))-- even though it was raining-- I think we both needed to get out of the house for a little bit haha 

- When we got home, we were in the mood for a movie, so we watched "V for Vendetta." I had never seen the movie, and I have to say I actually really liked it. I honestly think I am the last person to watch this movie haha. 

{SUNDAY}

- After church, I came home to my husband hard at work prepping the kitchen area for primer! Once he finished sanding and cleaning the cabinet areas, he got to work priming the surfaces. 

Here are some before and in-progress pictures: 

This is how it will be for a while ;)

These pictures are after one coat of primer. It still needs another coat of primer, but I love how bright the kitchen looks already! Definitely what I was hoping for :)

While my husband was hard at work in the kitchen, I was hard at work grading. So. much. grading..... Thankfully, I was drinking pumpkin spice coffee (yes the only type of coffee I am craving during pregnancy), watching "Sleeping Beauty" (the classic cartoon one), and lounging with comfy pants on.   

This was my view for the afternoon/early evening. 

- When I finally finished grading one assignment, we made dinner: hamburgers, potatoes, and asparagus. I also prepped dinner for tonight-- a crockpot recipe from Mix and Match Mama: recipe here. I will let you know how it turns out! Lastly, I made pumpkin bread for the week-- seriously such a great snack or breakfast alternative. The recipe I use is from Simply Recipes found here. Again, I use the "old" recipe with oil instead of butter. 

- Finally, my husband and I relaxed and watched some football. 

It was a busy, but great weekend! I hope you all had a great weekend as well :) 

Friday Favorites and 5 on Friday

Today, I am linking up with Momfessionals, A Little Bit of Everything, and Grace and Love for Friday Favorites, but also A. Liz Adventures, Carolina Charm, Hello! Happiness, and The Good Life for 5 on Friday!

{FAVORITE ONE and FAVORITE TWO}

I have to say that one of my favorites this week is my husband, Jim and what he gave to me. Not only has he just been amazing throughout this whole pregnancy journey, but he has had to deal with the "pregnant Kaitlin." I can certainly hold it all together at school and outside of the house, but once I get home, I need to let out some steam! After a long day at school, I am tired, hungry, stressed, and feeling like I just can't win. I am easily agitated, frustrated, and whiny. During stressful times in my pregnancy, Jim has been great. Thankfully he doesn't take me "too seriously," and usually just laughs at me or gives me a funny look. He has been extremely patient with me, and is such a great partner. 

I usually don't get too "mushy" on this blog-- but I have to say what my husband did yesterday was truly precious and something I will never forget. After a long day at work (and an errand to get more dog food :/), Jim came home with a Paper Store bag. Curious, I asked what was in it, and he told me to just take a look. Inside I found a Willow Tree Figure called Angel of Mine- it's beautiful, just beautiful. I asked him why he gave it to me, and he said just because. He thought I would like it, and I absolutely love it. The meaning behind not only the figure, but gift itself is indescribable. The picture on the top is from the Paper Store website, and the picture on the bottom was taken in the nursery :) I will always cherish this gift. 

{via}

{FAVORITE THREE}

Another one of my favorite's this week was making my mom's apple crisp :) Well it's not "her recipe" persay, but it's the same recipe I have indulged in since I was little.  I had some apples left over from last week that were just past the point of crisp, and so I decided to make a small batch of apple crisp Wednesday night. I am so glad I did! Even though it was 90 degrees outside, inside my house, it smelled and felt like fall (thanks to AC, apple crisp baking, and my Harvest Welcome Yankee Candle). 

{FAVORITE FOUR}

This is finally the beginning of the third trimester!!! That deserves to be a favorite :) Honestly, it has gone by so quickly! In some ways I feel like we are so ready (in terms of the house), but in other ways, I feel like we are so behind. We still have to finish the nursery, my husband wants to fix up the kitchen a little bit (minor cosmetic changes really), and potentially fix our entry stairs. I also have to start thinking about lesson plans for my maternity leave (I doubt I will want to worry about that in my 8th and 9th month haha). 

{FAVORITE FIVE}

Cooler temperatures are on their way :) I know, I know. Many of you deal with 90 degree weather for much longer than we do in New England, but one of the perks of living in New England is the gorgeous fall weather! This weekend we will be in the 70s, and then next week it looks like we are in the 80s again. So, I will definitely be enjoying this nice cool down while we have it. 

Pregnancy Update....Week 27!!

How far along? 27 weeks 5 days 

Size of baby: A cucumber (15 in, 2.2 lbs)

Total weight gain: Still about 17 lbs.  

Maternity clothes:  Yes. Aside from two dresses I own that still fit me right now (they must have been pretty big on me normally haha). Since the weather in New England has been in the 90s the last few days, I am only wearing light clothing and dresses. I can't wait until the "real" fall weather! 

  

Sleep:  I have been sleeping okay. I find myself tossing and turning a little more at night. I think it's primarily due to the fact that I am trying to get comfortable. I have not used a body/maternity pillow yet, but that might be the next purchase I make! I need my sleep haha. 

Best moment of the week: Getting the results from my Three Hour Glucose Tolerance test on Monday-- which were normal! It all started last Thursday when I wasn't feeling that great. My hands were starting to bloat and I just didn't feel right. For so many weeks, I had felt great! I didn't really have any major symptoms, and I still had tons of energy. I decided to contact my doctor Thursday, who wanted to see me that afternoon to check my blood pressure just to make sure everything was okay. When I got to the doctors, the nurse practitioner told me she scheduled my 28 week lab for that same afternoon just to make sure everything was normal. They would test my thyroid, glucose levels, and my blood cell count. I wasn't really prepared for the lab testing (I hadn't really eaten anything all day), but I figured it would be smart to do the testing. Friday morning, I got a call saying that two of my three labs came back normal-- my glucose test did not (it was too high). I then scheduled the lovely three hour glucose test on Labor Day-- what a way to spend the day off :). To make a long story short, my lab test came back completely normal! I was so glad-- I was really worried that my levels would be high and that I potentially would test positive for gestational diabetes. The funny part is that my cousin had warned me about the glucose test, and told me that I should get it done in the morning! So ladies-- listen to her!! That way you aren't stuck at the doctors office for 3+ hours when you might not need to be!! 

After all of that testing, I guess I just felt crappy because I was starting the third trimester haha (the nurse practitioner warned me that might the case haha). I also think that with school starting, the go-go-go mentality was just catching up to me. Anyone who knows me knows I don't like to sit down-- I am always on the move. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it), I will have to start slowing down and listening to my body.  

Movement:  Yes- and I absolutely love it. I love that I get to feel him/her during the day while I am at school. I love that my husband gets to feel the baby move after dinner and before bed. It is such a comforting feeling :)   

Miss anything:  Oh man.....pumpkin beer...like real bad...it's awful. 

Food cravings: Oh still carbs :) But lately, especially with the weight gain, I have been trying to pair my carb meals and snacks with protein-filled sides. I am trying not to snack on carbs without making sure there is some protein and fat! 

Food aversions: Nope! 

Symptoms I have:  Still bloated (especially my feet and my hands) and I am always hot! Which is really surprising since I always run so cold! I even made my husband turn on our AC the last few nights because I have been so hot!  

Gender Predictions: Girl :)

Looking forward to:   Finishing up the baby room-- we are almost done!!! (well the basic parts of it anyway :))

Two Link-Up Tuesday

Today is a busy day! I have two link-ups :) I am linking up with B Loved Boston and Champagne and Suburbs for Weekending...

AND
I am also linking up with  Andrea from Momfessionals for Teacher Tuesday: Classroom Tours!! 

First up: Weekending.... 

{FRIDAY}

- My long weekend started on Friday! I guess starting school earlier than many other schools has its perks ;) I was able to sleep in a little bit (thank goodness!), and I had a very nice, quiet morning. I did some school work as I watched "Dawson's Creek" (love that show). It was the perfect morning :) I then got ready and headed into school. Yes I know. On my day off. But, I am doing a lab today with my marine biology class, and I wanted to have everything prepped and ready so that I wouldn't have to rush this morning! It definitely pays off to be prepared :) It took me about an hour to get everything set and ready to go, and then I decided to finish some grading. I listened to some Sam Smith pandora, and I was all set! 

- Afterwards, I met up with my sister Elizabeth for lunch at Panera (she had Friday off too). Man, I just love Panera. Side note: Their lemonade is amazing! 

- Friday afternoon was spent on the couch, finishing up some more school work (anyone else feel like the first few weeks are so hectic/busy?!) 

- Friday night, we ate pizza and watched "Mad Max: Fury Road." It was....interesting... I've never seen any of the other movies, but this one was intriguing. I didn't like it, but I can appreciate this type of movie. 

{SATURDAY} 

- Saturday, I worked at a local farm's Pick-Your-Own Apple field. It was so much fun! Not only is it nice to get some extra money during the fall, but I love interacting with the customers. Plus side-- I get to eat fresh apples for a snack :) 

- If you have ever wondered what types of apples are best for eating, cooking, etc, feel free to head over to Brookdale Fruit Farm's link here! They give great descriptions of their 19 varieties of apples. 

{via}

- After work, I was a little hangry. Yes it is now a word haha. I should have packed a few more snacks to tie me over! Next time, next time. 

- Saturday night was spent watching "Tangled"-- what a cute movie! My husband even enjoyed it haha. After a long day, it was an early night for me Saturday. I love being able to get to bed early! 

{SUNDAY}

- After church, I worked on lesson planning, while my husband worked on our landing. It was hot outside! 

- The afternoon was spent at my grandparents house, eating great food and cooling off in their pool. I was in heaven!!! 

- Sunday night was spent shamelessly watching "Bachelor in Paradise." Man oh man. I don't even know what to say anymore haha. 

{MONDAY}

- Welp, I spend a great 3.5 hours at the doctors office for the Glucose Tolerance Test since I failed the 1 hour one on Thursday. The lab technicians felt bad that I had to do the test on my day off, but I told them I chose to do it today! I didn't want to have to use a "sick" day at school in the third week! All teachers out there you know what  I mean! Most of the time it is more work to be out than to be in school! 

- The drink was okay-- it did make me a little nauseous this time (I also had to fast for 12 hours so that could have played a part in my nausea). 

- While I waited the three hours, I worked on lesson planning. If nothing else, I got a lot done! 

- After the test I was STARVING!!  I did pack a snack to eat right after, but I was ready for lunch. So, my husband met me at a local cafe called Black Forest Cafe and it was delicious! I had a maple bourbon grilled chicken sandwich with roasted potatoes. I didn't even get a chance to take a picture! 

 

{via}

- Monday night, we had a cookout at my parents house complete with ribs, corn on the cob, and apple crisp :) Perfect ending to the "last weekend of summer!" 

As for the next link-up, I am linking up with Momfessionals for: 

 

I am extremely lucky that I have a spacious classroom, however, I don't like that I can't move my desks around! I have six tables that seat four students and unfortunately those tables are fixed. While that is great for group work (especially labs), it can be difficult when I am lecturing or when we are having a class discussion. Inevitably, students have to keep turning their chairs around! Sometimes I wish that I had small desks so that I could rearrange them in different orientations to change things up a bit, but oh well. I can't really complain-- like I said my classroom is large and therefore I never feel cramped. 

I do like that I cover most of my white walls with posters and decorations. I try to make my classroom as inviting as possible! While I did have a fellow high school teacher comment about how my classroom looks like an elementary school room, I take pride in the fact that my room can be welcoming and hopefully comfortable for my students. I also tend to print out quite a few quotes to put on my desk, on my doors, and on my walls. Many of my quotes come from Walt Disney-- they are inspiring, honest, and classic. So many of my students love reading all of them-- it means a lot to me. 

As for my walls, I have purchased many of my decorations and posters at a place called Teacher's Pet (you can shop at their online store here). Not only do they have a large selection but their prices are really great. I was going with a "fall" theme for right now, but don't you worry-- I have winter and spring decorations as well :) I change with the seasons. My students typically love the season change, and to me it's worth it.

 I can't wait to see all of your classrooms!! 

Friday Favorites and 5 on Friday!

Today, I am linking up with Momfessionals, A Little Bit of Everything, and Grace and Love for Friday Favorites, but also A. Liz Adventures, Carolina Charm, Hello! Happiness, and The Good Life for 5 on Friday!

{FAVORITE ONE}

One of my favorites has to be the fact that I have a four day weekend! I don't have school tomorrow, and we have Labor Day off as well. I am look for some rest and relaxation-- my feet are tired! The weather is also supposed to be nice this weekend-- although a tad warm-- but I will take it :) 

{via}

{FAVORITE TWO}

Apple picking starts this weekend!! This fall, I will be working at a local farm's Pick-You-Own Apple field. I have worked the Pick-Your-Own station before (throughout my college years), and I absolutely love it! I can't wait to get started this weekend :)

Old picture of my love apple picking in the rain :)

{FAVORITE THREE}

I have fully accepted that it is fall (although someone please tell the weather). I am currently burning apple/pumpkin candles, and I have made my first pumpkin bread of the season. Next time I will post pictures of the bread-- but it is already half gone! My favorite pumpkin bread recipe is from Simply Recipes found here. I use the original recipe from 2006 (without the orange zest, molasses, and instead of butter, I used oil) but feel free to use their updated recipe! 

{FAVORITE FOUR}

My husband and I are completely obsessed with the show Mr. Robot (I mentioned it on Monday!). We binged watched all of the available episodes last weekend, and then watched the latest episode last night. We can't get enough. 

{FAVORITE FIVE}

This week I have felt a little off-- not feeling like my energetic self. I have to say my husband has been amazing :) The support he has given me has meant so much. He has been the best partner during this pregnancy (by primarily making me laugh every single day haha), and I know he will be a great father :) 

Pregnancy Update.....Week 26 :)

How far along? 26 weeks 5 days 

Size of baby: A turnip (9.2 in, 2 lbs)

Total weight gain: About 17 lbs.  

Maternity clothes:  Aside from a few dresses and some shirts, I am in full maternity gear. Since being back at school, however, I have found that I may need more versatile pieces in the coming months. I have a few pairs of pants/jeans to wear, but I am lacking in the shirt department. The problem is-- I don't want to spend a lot of money purchasing these items. I will hopefully use them again in the future, but I don't want to go overboard with my shopping. Any tips/suggestions for this new mom to be? I have tried places like Motherhood and Gap, but they seem to be a bit pricey. I tried on a few items at Target and Kohls, but nothing really fit properly at either of these stores. I do have a quite a few pieces from Old Navy (always seems to be the store that fits me the best haha), but again, I want to try to keep costs down. 

  

Sleep:  I have been really tired lately which could be due to a few things: getting back into the teaching routine, the extremely hot days around here (90 degree weather in a school with no air conditioning (aside from the main office, library and computer room) can be tough, and the fact that I have put on a little too much weight. I have been sleeping okay-- the baby can be very active at night, which is amazing :) but at the same time, I am trying to sleep haha. I know this is foreshadowing.....;) 

Best moment of the week: Getting to hear the baby's heart rate at the doctors office Tuesday :) It honestly never gets old.  

Movement:  Yes! So much so that the baby actually woke my husband up one night! Although I felt bad he was awoken, I love that he gets to feel the baby move. I think my husband also loves that he can feel the baby move. A few nights this week, he would place his hand my stomach and gently press down in certain areas to see if the baby would react to the movement-- and the baby did!  

Miss anything:  I am starting to miss some of my flexibility! I am trying to continue with the yoga and barre DVDs to keep this loss at bay!

Food cravings: Carbohydrates-- I am trying to focus on eating primarily fruits and vegetables and whole grains for my carbohydrates. However, I can't lie, sometimes cheese-its, pretzels or even ice cream is what I crave and eat. 

Food aversions: Still nothing-- I have been really really lucky!

Symptoms I have:  A little bit of bloating and tingling in my hands and feet. I got a few headaches this week, so I am really focusing on keeping hydrated. 

Gender Predictions: Girl :)

Looking forward to:  Starting the third trimester in a week! I can't believe it-- it honestly has gone by so quickly. 


I also have to give a special shout-out to my husband and my family. I have been feeling down a little bit about my weight gain (I am on the higher side of weight gain for my BMI). I am trying to eat right, exercise, but also not deprive myself of nutrients. However, I still seem to be gaining a little bit more than recommended. Having the support of my family, but most importantly my husband has meant so much to me. I have to remember that there is a reason and purpose for the changes going on-- and my husband constantly reminds me of this. Thank you and I love you.