22 Weeks

OK, so I realize I have missed a week. 
Let me brief you on the drama real quick. 
We have not moved.  We have not closed on the houses.  We are living amongst boxes.  Literally.

(This is only a small example, the pile is much larger now!)

We have no idea when we're moving either because the girl buying our house had her loan declined...at the 11th friggin hour!!!  Needless to say, I'm not a very happy camper. 
So while doing these baby updates are not high on my priority list at the moment, I still want to do them so I can keep my own little journal.  Once we figure out all the moving drama, I hope to make these more exciting and detailed.  Think good thoughts for us to be able to close soon!!!

Stats of the Week 

Size of baby:   11 inches or the length of a spaghetti squash (yum), almost 1 pound!! 

What I miss:  Living in a house that doesn't smell like cardboard!

Best Moment this week:  Bryan got to feel the baby move again.  I have been feeling it lots more lately, but every time he went to feel the baby would stop moving.  So I put some headphones to my belly while he had his hand on it and played our wedding song (Stand by me) and wouldn't you know...the baby started moving around!  I also saw my stomach move on its own...that was just weird! 

What baby likes AKA cravings:  Everything sweet!!!  The damn holidays and all the delicious treats that are available.  I even just snapped at my boss when he came into my office with a huge platter of cookies and offered me one.  I yelled "NO, get them away from me!"  Poor guy, probably thought he was doing the pregnant girl a favor by offering her one first before anybody else got their hands on them.  I need to regain some self control.  I have always had amazing will power and I feel like it's just out the window!!  Plus I think I'm stress eating due to the house.    I'm very scared to get on the scale next week at the doctor!

Movement:  Lots more!

Sleep:  Not so good lately, but I think it has more to do with all the crap going on.  That and all the dust in our house is making Bryan snore really bad.  He was exiled to the couch the other night!

Size of mommy: growing.  (I don't really like this question, I may delete it)

Looking Forward to: Closing on the house, but more importantly getting the hell out of town for a few days and going to NJ for Christmas where I can actually feel like it's Christmas and forget about the house drama for a little bit!

Picture: This is going to have to come later.  I'm afraid if I wait to take a picture I'll never get this posted.  I'll get one soon!

20 Weeks...halfway there!!!

Ya know what's worse than being sick...

Being pregnant and sick!!  ugh!

I had my last business trip of the year this week and unfortunately I was not able to make it home without picking up a nasty cold of some sort!  My head pretty much feels like it might explode, I can't sleep due to the lack of being able to breathe, but thankfully my sand paper sore throat seems to have subsided. 

Now I need to take my "pregnancy approved" medicine list and get my rear end to the store. 

Oh and "drinking lot of fluids" is so much fun when you already have to drink lots due to said pregnancy...and then you have to use the bathroom 4 times every hour instead of 3.  That's neat too.

As for what else is happening these days, we're just living amongst boxes as we start the packing process for moving.  I wouldn't care so much, except it makes me a little sad it's during the holidays and I can't decorate my house.  Here's my sad attempt at bringing a little Christmas spirit into our home

That's our Christmas tree for now! 

Better than nothing I suppose!

2 weeks and counting till the move, woo hoo!!!

Stats of the WeekSize of baby:    About 6 inches or the size of a banana!!

What I miss: we're back to wine this week, more specifically red wine

Best Moment this week: Bryan felt the baby move and it was probably the best reaction and look on his face that I have ever seen!!  It was pure shock and joy all at the same time.  A moment I'll never forget.

What baby likes AKA cravings:  red meat.  Ever since I found out I'm deficient in Iron all I want to eat are Cheeseburgers! 

Movement:  It's becoming a little more frequent, but not enough for anybody else to feel.  Bryan only felt it that once.

Sleep:  Not good at all with this cold

Size of mommy:  I discovered at 4am this week as I was getting dressed for my 6am flight to Nashville that indeed NONE of my pants fit anymore.  I truely thought my dress pants would fit for awhile but it turns out I was wrong.  I need pants.

Looking Forward to:  Moving and getting settled in the new house

Picture: 

(Just a side note here.  I was on my way to a Christmas party, I don't typically wear sparkly tops as part of my every day, hang at home routine :)

19 weeks and Happy Thankgiving!!!

I have so VERY much to be grateful for today! 

We went to the doctor yesterday and have a healthy growing baby who's measurements are "just right" and it also has some adorable hands and feet if I do say so myself...and because that's really the only thing he/she would cooperate showing us yesterday on the ultra sound! 

Our house went under contract in just 2 weeks and if everything goes smoothly we should be in our new house before Christmas!!  We have amazing friends and family who offer us constant love and support and I have the most wondeful husband in the world who I know I don't thank enough for all he does for me!!  And while I'm missing my family back in New Jersey today, I'm grateful for the loving family I have here in NC to share the day with! 

I hope everybody has a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

(I'm also very thankful that I just heard Newsies is coming to Broadway!!!  Oh happy day)

Stats of the Week

Size of baby:    Well at the Dr. yesterday is was measuring about 9oz or a 1/2 lb!  A visual would be an heirloom tomato! 

What I miss: Sleeping through the night without having to get up to use the bathroom 

Best Moment this week: Obviously going to the Dr. and getting to see our little nugget on the ultra sound and learn that everything is looking just fine!

What baby likes AKA cravings:   I've been craving a big ol cheeseburger this week, like one from Five Guys.  I'm going to assume this because I found out I was iron deficient at the dr. yesterday.  boo. 

Movement:  I am definitely feeling some movement!  It's just every once in awhile and I have to be sitting quietly, but it feels like little bubbles in my stomach.  It's very strange and wonderful all at the same time!

Sleep:  I'm losing the ability to sleep on my stomach which was always my standard position, so sleep is different.

Size of mommy:  growing.  I've put on weight, which is good...but uncomfortable.  I better get  used to it though b/c I've got a lot more growing to do!!

Looking Forward to:  Spending the morning drinking bloody mary's (virgin for me) with the hubs watching the Macy's parade and then eating some Turkey tonight with family.

Picture:  Finally starting to look like a real baby bump!



18 Weeks

It has been quite a hectic week, so I don't have much else to say today except for the stats!

Happy Thursday!

Stats of the Week
Size of baby:    About the size of a bell pepper!  I wonder what color...I like red.

What I miss: Doing whatever I want, like lifting heavy objects, without worrying about if I should or should not be doing that. 

Best Moment this week: It's more of a best and worst moment, we got an offer on our house!  It's not the offer we wanted, but we're still negotiating!  Fingers Crossed!!

What baby likes AKA cravings:   Carbs, carbs and more carbs!

Movement:  Actually...I am wondering if perhaps I felt some movement!  I was sitting on the bed in my hotel room in Tennessee with my laptop plopped on top of my stomach when I think I may have felt somethng nudge me from the inside.  It happened very quick but enough to make me notice.  It actually somewhat scared me!  Not completely positive if that's what it was, but we'll see if I notice anything else!

Sleep:  Not quite as good as it has been, but I think that has more to do with the stress of tring to sell our house and the traveling Bryan and I have been doing lately for work.

Size of mommy:  Growing...fast! 

Looking Forward to:  Reaching an agreement on the house and having a contract signed!!!  Then I can begin picturing Baby Coble's room again, but in the new house :)

Picture:  I'm not a big fan of taking pictures of myself, but like I said we have been traveling a lot lately and have not been in the same state this week except for a few hours.  I guess taking a new picture must have slipped our minds.  Thank goodness Hampton Inns have nice big mirrors! 
Still not very exciting, but here you go!

17 Weeks

I would love to write about more than just my pregnancy stats, but in all honesty I don't have much else to write about right now!  I'm just sitting around, holding my breath  patiently waiting, for somebody to buy our house.  We have been getting great feedback on the showings, and have had a few showings in the week it's been on the market, but no offers yet 
 I'm keepin the faith though!!

But, once we do get moved there will be PLENTY of projects in the new house!  It makes me very happy, it gives Bryan anxiety.  I have to hide all of my lists from him of little projects we'll be doing.  I have the "now" list, the 1 year plan, the 5 year plan and the 5+ year plan.  The 5+ year plan is what really gets his blood pressure up considering I blow out the back of the house!  It makes me smile just thinking about it...but I'm getting ahead of myself again. 

OK, enough house rambling, back to the baby stats

Stats of the Week

Size of baby:  I'm told it's the size of a turnip.  Now I think small when I think turnip, but it says about 5 inches, or the lenth of your hand.  I think they could have picked a different vegetable for this week. 

What I miss: Not getting itchy when I exercise.  Long story short I get itchy when I exercise b/c I'm allergic to the histamines your body releases.  Usually I take an allergy pill and I'm fine, but apparently claritin and developing babies don't mix (kind of like wine).  So I finally accepted that my workout would be restricted to ellipticals and such during my pregnancy because typically I don't get itchy on them.  Well, guess what.  I'm getting itchy no matter what type of exercise I do now!  I got itchy simply walking through NYC last week and had to desperately hail a cab to drive me the remaining 5 measly blocks I had to walk.  I'm frustrated to say the least, and the Dr. says there's nothing I can do about it.  Super.  Good news is I am able to squeeze in about 15-20 min before the itchies start so that's better than nothing I guess.

Best Moment this week: Getting to see so many friends and family back in NJ and share our excitement over baby Coble

What baby likes AKA cravings:  An everything bagel and/or a cinnamon raisin bagel with whipped cream cheese.  Haven't gotten my hands on one yet but I have it on the agenda for this weekend.  I also added a cookout shake to that agenda last night. 

Movement:  Nope

Sleep:  time change has made me get more sleep than usual which I'm enjoying

Size of mommy:  Pants are definitely getting tight...I broke down after work yesterday and headed to the mall and purchased my first pair of maternity jeans.  I feel slightly rediculous in them, but my GOD are they more comfortable!

Looking Forward to:  Having said maternity jeans hemmed so I can actually wear them.

Picture:  Here you go.  Personally I don't find this picture very exciting, I just look chubby.  We need to work on the photographers skills as well.  I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and say it's an iphone picture which is why the clarity sucks.  And don't worry mom, I have a haircut and coloring scheduled for next week.  I know it looks awful right now. 



16 Weeks (or 4 months, whatever you prefer)

I saw another blogger who did a weekly update about their pregnancy, and while at first I thought it was a bit much, I'm now starting to change my tune.  I have so many friends and family that live far away and I know it's important that they feel involved and updated also. 

So, I will do my best to keep everyone updated and not make these posts too long and boring, or borderline TMI (which I have definitely seen as well) 

So here we are at 16 weeks.  It's taken me awhile to get to the point where I was ready to share our news with others.  I've been a bit plagued by fear that something will go wrong, but am finally reaching a more comfortable place on this long journey.

Now when I say comfortable I'm referring to my state of mind, not my waist line or the way my clothes are fitting lately!  Daily physical comfort is gradually becoming a thing of the past.

Stats of the Week

Size of baby:  About the size of an Avocado

What I miss: Wine (this will probably be true each week) and sushi

Best Moment this week: Hearing the baby's heart beat at the doctor

What baby likes AKA cravings:  sweets!  Mainly chocolate chip cookies

Movement:  none yet!

Sleep:  Just fine, except for having get up for the bathroom...or dealing with Bryan's snoring. 

Size of mommy:  According the the evil scale at the Dr. office I gained 3lbs...BUT I was wearing my very heavy cowboy boots and they don't let you take your shoes off!!  SO, I went home and weighed my boots on my scale at home and they weigh a little more than a pound each!!!  So we'll just say I've gained about a pound so far. 

Looking Forward to:  Getting out of the fat stage.  I don't really look pregnant, I just look chubby.  I don't enjoy it. 

Picture:  I'm traveling so I'll post one as soon as I have somebody to take one!

Ch - Ch - Ch - Changes!!!

Lots of changes happening...let me fill you in a little.

Unfortunately, I have been really tired and a lot more moody. 
I've been feeling deprived of things I love also. 
Here's a list of things I'm missing the most:

1. WINE!

2. Sushi

3. Deli sandwiches

4. soft cheeses

5. sausage

6. my clothes fitting comfortably

7. Having energy...

Any of this sounding suspicious to you?

That's right, I'm pregnant!!

Bryan and I are going to be parents.  That sounds so scary when I say it outloud! 

The baby is due in April and we are NOT finding out if it's a boy or girl so don't ask!

 

I of course immediately started planning the nursery and then something else happend...

we decided to sell our house and buy a new one!!!

So if you know anybody in the market for an ADORABLE ranch house in Raleigh send them our way!!!

 

Here's a picture and the listing, pass it on!

House Listing

Bring on the 30's!!!

My 30th Birthday was good to me this past weekend. 
It was filled with great friends and family and lots and lots of fun and laughs!
We did some shopping, lots of eating and even  played in NYC for a day. 
I haven't had time to upload the few pictures I took, but some of the highlights involved:

Mom's homemade baked ziti

Lots of birthday cake

A new pair of fall boots!

A new fall coat!!!

A trip to the museum

A stroll through central park!

And some much needed relaxing time! 

It was a great way to spend my birthday, and I'm so glad we were able to make the trip. 
But, now it's Monday and back to reality!  Booo.

9/11

This Sunday my heart will be back home in New Jersey. 

There are no words, just prayers. 

I pray for all of those who were lost and for everyone who is still remembering. 

May we never forget.

Goodbye, farewell...go away

Dearest Summer,
 There is no easy way to say this so I'm just going to be blunt...I'm over you.  While a few months ago I so yearned for your long days and warm buggy nights, I now hanker for a cooler breeze and less creepy crawlies.  Yes, we did have lots of fun.  I enjoyed the pool days and beach days and bar-b-ques with friends.  I love the carefree feeling you bring back that is reminiscent of childhood.  You inspire me to read more and watch less TV, but I'm going to be honest...I miss my DVR being filled with hours of mindless sitcoms and reality shows that only my new love can bring.  Fall. 
Cute sundresses and flip flops no longer ring my bell.  I want jeans and flats and scarves and boots!!!  I want football and the leaves changing color.  I want chili on cool nights and fires in the fireplace!!  I wish I could say I want a pumpkin spice latte but in reality they disgust me, I do however take pleasure in my friends excitement over the ever coveted Starbucks treat!  I'll satisfy my fall taste buds with cider and peppermint lattes! 
It seems inevitable that I will come crawling back to you, but I need a break.  Just give me a few months and I'm sure by April I'll be ready to see you again.  Thank you for a wonderful 2011, but you need to leave now.  I'll see you in 2012. 
All my love,
Kelly

Camera Lens Update

Just in case anybody was wondering, I am LOVING my new 50mm lens for my Nikon camera.

I was able to test it out while on vacation last week and I'm really excited with the results. 

Of course a little more practice always helps, but I think it was well worth the purchase!

Here are some  pictures

Precious "Turtle"

Party!

Jenn looking demure...and naked...sorry :)

Handsome Grey Dog

Handsome Hubby

Papa Murph

I realize I'm no professional, however it's amazing the difference in clarity one lens can make!  I'm excited to use it more!

By the way I have been back from vacation for almost a week now and I'm still struggling to come out of my Ocracoma.  For those of you unfamiliar with the term, it's the state of mind you slip into when you visit Ocracoke Island...my favorite place in the world. 

Ahhhhh, thank god for Friday.  Enjoy your weekend!



Hair today, gone tomorrow...

My hair is was long.

Like really long.

Longer then it's been in a really long time, and that's long!

(Past Boob Length)

I have been toying with the idea of cutting it for awhile but could never bring myself to do so. 
However, lately I've been hearing about a lot of bad things happening to good people.  People that I love and care about.  I guess the old saying "when it rains, it pours" has some truth to it.
I've struggled to try and figure out what I could do to offer comfort or give back, and while I know it's not much, hopefully it will bring a little happiness to somebody who needs it.

SO, I decided to bite the bullet and chop all my hair off for Locks of Love.  In case you have been living under a rock and are unfamiliar with this organization, they create hair pieces from donated hair for children suffering from long term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. 
If I was going to chop my hair, this was a great reason to do it!

Here's what I'm left with today

A little shorter than I had planned, but it will grow back and well worth the cause!



Help

I need gift ideas for a boy man turning 30

Here's an idea of his likes/hobbies

- golfing

- hunting

- fly fishing

- golfing

- guns

- making money

- Grey dog

- golfing

- yard work (sort of)

- running
- me ;-)

He's a very complex creature can't you tell. 

Any suggestions are warmly welcome!!!!



New Toy

The house projects haven't exactly been abundant lately,

so I bought myself a new toy!

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm 1.8G

So while my tools are resting (hopefully not for long)

 I'll be trying to learn how to use this fun thing!

I still have my long list of things I want to get done in the house:

- redecorate guest room

- clean out "office" room

- clean out closets (UGH)

- move my closet to different closet

- rearrange some stuff in the living room (shhhhh, don't tell Bryan)

 But, let's be honest, my motivation in the summer is close to zero!  Who wants to be in doors when it's SO HOT BEAUTIFUL outside!

Hopefully I'll be back soon with something checked off my list!  And if not I hope I'll at least have some pretty pictures to share!!



Day dreaming

It's been hot here recently.  That tends to happen in North Carolina in the summer. 

The temperature goes up, the humidity rises and the heat index equals hell.

We joined a neighborhood pool this summer which is turning out to be a godsend, however it doesn't stop my wishful thinking.  I would L.O.V.E to have something similiar to one of these pretty scenes  appear in my own backyard one day...

Like I said, wishful thinking...

Happy Friday.



It's been too long...

I have been giving Bryan a break from my projects recently which hopefully explains my random posts and decorating hiatus.  (He gets a little overwhelmed sometimes by my...enthusiasm let's call it.)
It's been long enough though and I think break time is over. 
Plus he's taking a little trip with his brother this weekend which leaves me and Gray Dog together for a few hours with a shed full of power tools just waiting to be used!

I'm thinking of addressing our guest room. 
It needs help.

It really needs a new coat of paint, but I'm honestly sick of painting. 
I'm hoping if I just clear out some of the clutter and add a few visually pleasing elements it will help.
Here's some ideas I have:

This is bad but I can't remember where I saved this image from

From one of my favorites The Lettered Cottage

Hopefully this works out...

Because sometime we need a good quote

"if one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces,

never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again.

A bend in the road is not the end of the road."

Look forward to a much needed relaxing weekend.

I hope you have a great one as well.

I'm just sayin...

This showed up in my email this morning

20% off Clarisonic plus Save Storewide

It might just be a sign to all my blogger friends

A worthy investment!

I am sure many of my friends have heard me talk about my love affair with my clarisonic, but I'm going to mention it one more time just in case you weren't listening. 

This little contraption is like magic in the palm of my hand!  I have been using the Mia for a little over a year now and can't live without it!  In fact, I'm considering an upgrade to the Classic so I can make use of the body brush as well!

My face feels and looks cleaner, the little fine lines around my eyes have almost disappeared and my skin just looks healthier all around.  Sure there are other cheaper versions on the market, but they are imposters and do not work as well.  Make the investment, I promise you will not regret it. 

I'll even give you a little inside tip on how to get it the cheaper because they NEVER go on sale.  If you sign up for emails on http://www.spalook.com/ they regularly send out 20% off coupon codes and it works towards the clarisonic. 

Side Note

Did anybody happen to catch the Real Housewives of NJ last night??

Was anybody else slightly disturbed? 

All these reality shows are starting to make me somewhat embarrassed of my beloved Garden State. 

Come on NJ, you're classier than this! 

Forget all of the Snookie's and Situations and Jerseylicious crap you see on tv these days. 

Here are some fellow New Jersians to be proud of! 

"You don't move to Napa...you TAKE a Napa..."

(My SATC loving friends will get the title, I couldn't resist!)

Well it's official, I am beyond obsessed with Napa and as if it wasn't bad enough before...even more so with wine.  Sigh...I just can't get enough of that sweet sweet nectar, and Napa was this heavenly place where everybody was so happy and just drank wine all day!  Not to mention it was beyond gorgeous there.

Here's a little peak at our trip...

Each vineyard was unique in it's own way.  I loved seeing the different decorating styles and how it corresponded to the atmosphere of the vineyard.  I can't tell you how much joy it gave me when the hubs leaned over and wispered in my ear at one of my favorite places "kinda reminds me of our house hun"!!! 

It was like an angel just whistled a little tune in my ear.

I'm going to assume what he meant by that was he loves all my projects at the house and wishes I would do more!  Say no more hun...I already thought of something new on the plane ride home!