feeling blue for pink

We have been having an ultrasound every couple of weeks to monitor two things: my cervix length and Jade's head size.  Since Geoff had Craneo- Something, (a condition in which an infant's skull prematurely fuses by turning into bone, and thereby changing the growth pattern of the skull), we have to measure Jade's head to make sure it is growing.  Good news, it's growing!

I have a weakened/short cervix and Jade is hanging right at the exit hole, so we have to monitor to make sure she doesn't try and join this party early.  Well over the past couple of weeks my cervix has shortened, but recently it made a big enough jump to cause for slight concern.  From what I've been told 2.5cm is the scary place and today we are at 2.67.  Luckily, it is staying closed right now, but the doctor could see that my uterus is also contracting, so short story short, I have to go back every week.  I LOVE that I get to see my baby so often, but I also don't like feeling panicked and nervous every time I leave the doctor's office.  Up until today, it was just monitoring.  Now, I've been told no exercise until further notice.  Not even light walking!  I pretty much zoned out after that, but I heard something about the next step being progesterone to help seal my cervix shut. 

Jaden is healthy with a strong heart beat, so as long as she just stays put, all will be good.  I have been telling myself I should really slow down and take more time to rest and now with doctor's order, I'll have to. 

xoxo,

ricki & geoff

week 24

We are now somewhere between 5 and 6 months pregnant.  24 weeks is feeling good!  Things are getting exciting.  Holidays are here and we've started looking at baby items to purchase.  We spent some time at Buy Buy Baby to see some baby necessities in person.  Between the stroller that opens and closes on its own and the one we couldn't get the car seat out of, we settled on something simple, safe, and light.  The options are overwhelming.  We made some of the big decisions, so now I need a break.  And by break, I mean to go buy baby tutus and leg warmers.  If anyone has any "must-haves", please share!

details, fun facts, and photos

Weight

My new weight is 128lbs.  This is the most I've ever weighed, so I am slowly embracing this new number.  I feel okay with it since I think I have 15-20 more pounds to go with about 4 months left. Getting dressed is becoming more complicated, both physically and emotionally.  I break a sweat putting on my pants (and socks and shoes and shirt) and I usually have to try on 2-3 shirts to find one that hasn't turned into a crop top.  Emotionally, finding something that I feel like looks good is time consuming.  I could easily throw on sweat pants and Geoff's t-shirt, but I wouldn't feel very good.  I want to flatter the bump, not mask it.  Right mamas?

Eat

My appetite is confused.  Some days I am starving all day and can't be satisfied, but most days my belly just feels full.  Often after I eat I feel like I am going to explode.  I don't think Jade likes it when I fill up my stomach or my bladder.  Oh and heart burn is a bitch.  I really want to have a glass of red wine, but it burns!

Sweat

Since my energy is up, I've been able to exercise a few times a week pretty consistently.  I'm out walking or hiking at least once or twice a week.  Pilates is the perfect way to stretch and get in some weight training.  I'd like to take some yoga classes and maybe even stop in at Pure Barre.  I'm hoping to keep walking and light weight training.  I think it's helping the sciatic nerve pain that shoots down my legs and the round ligament pain that makes me feel like I just rode a horse!  Let's go for a hike!

Sleep

I think it could be better.  I'm disappointed that I don't/can't sleep more because I know once Jade gets here it will be even less.  I am exhausted by 8PM and I wake up between 4AM and 6AM everyday.  Luckily these times work just fine with my lifestyle, so I am getting the sleep I need.  I wouldn't mind a few naps here and there!

Some people (including strangers) tell me I'm huge (really? HUGE?) and others say my belly is so small.  I think I'm just the right size!

xoxo,

howell family

thanksgiving thanks

We hosted Thanksgiving at our new home this year.  I am drafting this post at 8:15 the morning of and we still don't have a kitchen table.  Geoff is hard at work in the garage sanding, painting, nailing our new dining table together.   I am so excited to see the finished product because all the pieces reveal a unique, handmade, and rustic result.

This year mom came over and we (mostly she) prepped our big meal.  It is certainly a carb feast, but a once-a-year comfort meal that we look forward too. Sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stuffing, fresh cranberry sauce, and a 21 pound turkey will feed 15 mouths.  We are so grateful to be with our friends and family in our new home, celebrating everything to be thankful for this past year.

Look, we have a table!! 

 It was an amazing feast!  Geoff even carved his first turkey.  

Then, it was time to get Quinn ready for bed.  She LOVES being changed...so Uncle Geoff offered to help out.

xoxo,

r&g

1 Year Married

A few weeks ago Geoff and I celebrated our one year wedding anniversary.  Can you believe it has been an entire year since we celebrated our marriage?  We can't either!  For me, I felt that feeling "wow, we have been married for a year and it has been the most amazing experience."  When we got married everything stayed the same, as it should have because there was nothing to change.  But our first year of marriage felt more special and that surprised me. I feel so grateful to be making life with my best friend.   On to year 2!

We spent a few days at the Treebones Resort in Big Sur relaxing and spending quiet time together.  We slept in a yurt and spent our days hiking, driving the gorgeous California Coast, and taking naps.  There was no cell service or internet.  We played board games and read our books.  It was the perfect way to wrap up our first year married.  It was just the two of us and the beautiful view!

Here are some photos from our trip.  Oh and in other news, we decided on a name for our baby girl. 

JADEN MARYJANE HOWELL

You can call her Jade for short. 

 this is the view from our bed in yurt #14.

22 Weeks

 elephant seals in big sur

 my wonderful husband making me waffles, yum.

happy thanksgiving. 

xoxo,

r&g