16 Week Baby Bump

 

Number of weeks: 16

Measurement: right around 16 weeks
Baby Size: According to the Bump, our baby is the size of an avacado. The baby is about 4.6 inches long and weighs approximately 3.5 ounces.
Interesting Fact: The baby is listening to our voice, growing hair, lashes, eye brows, and taste buds.
Heartbeat: 155 bpm
Total Weight Gain/Loss: +3.2
Pregnancy Clothes: I am officially too wide for any of my pants minus one pair of skinny jeans (that happen to be stretchy) I have no clue how this works, but thank goodness for those pair as well as long, stretchy skirts. I can easily wear my tops. I did go out and purchase my first pair of maternity shorts.
Tiger Stripes: Not due to pregnancy. No current stretch marks.
Sleep: This week I am starting to go to the bathroom between 2-3 times a night. I sleep pretty well. I sleep mostly on my side as tummy sleeping has gotten pretty uncomfortable.
Most Memorable Moment: This week, Ray and I enjoyed our 16 week appointment. I always love hearing good news about the baby. Next appointment will be our gender reveal and sonogram at 20 weeks. I cannot wait to find out if our sweet baby will be a little Mr. and Miss.
Cravings: The strangest craving this week was during our salad school lunch and all I wanted was cheese, ranch, and croutons.
Gender Predictions: I have no clue what our sweet baby is. This week, I'll guess girl just to mix things up:)
What I Miss: As always, I miss sweet tea and cherry coke. This was my first week to miss a glass of wine.
Emotional Moment: I was a bit moody this week. The next few weeks of school we have a field trip to the Perot Science Museum, 2 weeks of testing, and conferences. I'm hoping to work on my preggo moodiness;)
What I look forward to: I cannot wait to find out the gender, set up the nursery, and get some things checked off of our to do lists. This summer will be a perfect time to get ready for baby!

11 Year Date-iversary at Tanglewood Resort!

This past weekend, Ray and I celebrated eleven amazing years together at Tanglewood Resort at Lake Texoma. It was a perfect weekend to get away and enjoy two days of exploration and relaxation. 

Friday night we made our way into the town of Pottsboro and ate dinner at Napoli's Italian restaurant, a town favorite. They had delicious homemade rolls with marinara and lots of homemade specialties. I enjoyed a plate of fetticini alfredo and Ray dinned on lobster ravioli. The food was delicioius and a great deal for two.

 

 

After dinner, we were told that the tower at the resort was a must see as it over looked Lake Texoma. On our way to the tower, we had to take a few photos of this beautiful old timey car. One of my least favorite things was that you had to pass the Yacht club, or smokers room. Man did that turn this preggo lady's tummy a time or two. But more importantly... The tower had beautiful sunset views of the lake and was surrounded by wall to wall windows. This was definitely one of my favorite experiences of the trip.

 



We ended our night with a delicious dessert at Barnicles.

The next morning, we explored the resort. We definitely came on a hopping weekend as the Fort Worth Lion's club had also chosen the resort for a meeting. It was definitely a full house, but still lots of fun times.

For breakfast we had enjoyed a buffet in the dinning hall. Talk about cravings, I think I grabbed everything I saw. Don't worries, I didn't eat exactly everything, but baby was sure happy after. I love that I am getting my tastebuds and joy for eating back.  



 

After breakfast, we went for a small walk to explore the resort. At the end we made our way to the pool to relax. A good morning lemonade was delicious! The water was a bit too cool to swim in but the weather was perfect. It was mid 60s and absolutely sunny.

 



 

For lunch we dinned at Barnicles. I had a secret Spa Day and a couples massage planned for later that afternoon. We enjoyed a chicken alfredo pizza and house salads. Yes, I enjoyed relaxing and eating on this trip for sure. After our day at the spa.. can I say absolute perfection, we spent our afternoon relaxing by the pool. It was a perfect afternoon until we had decided to change around our chairs and I smashed my toe I guess if that was the worse thing that happened, I could deal. 

 

prior to toe smashing

 

On our final night, we decided to get some snacks and stay in. Sadly I had been fighting a not so fun cold/cough which quickly turned ugly.  All in all, it was a fun trip filled with good food and good fun. I am thankful for my sweet friend at work who gave us this wonderful opportunity as they are members of Tanglewood and let us come as their guests. I am thankful for my husband and best friend. We have been through a lot these past eleven years, but am thankful for our journey and all that God has blessed us with. I am excited for our next journey as parents and for our next eleven years together.

15 Week Baby Bump

Number of weeks: 15

Measurement: right around 15 weeks
Baby Size: According to the Bump, our baby is the size of a navel orange.The baby is about 4 inches long and weighs approximately 2.5 ounces.
Interesting Fact: The baby is making lots of progress as her joints and limbs are moving now. The baby may even be hiccuping.
Heartbeat: ? bpm
Total Weight Gain/Loss: 2.6 lbs
Pregnancy Clothes: I am officially too wide for any of my pants minus one pair of skinny jeans (that happen to be stretchy) I have no clue how this works, but thank goodness for those pair as well as long, stretchy skirts. I can easily wear my tops. I did go out and purchase my first pair of maternity shorts.
Tiger Stripes: Not due to pregnancy. No current stretch marks.
Sleep: This week I am starting to go to the bathroom about twice a night. I am still currently able to
sleep on my tummy; however, sleeping on my back has made me a bit uncomfortable at times.
How are you feeling: This week I have done surprisingly better. Monday I experienced my first round of dizziness and was overall nauseous most of the day, but all and all, it's been a great week.
Most Memorable Moment: While this has little to do with the baby, it was the most memorable moment that I cannot wait for our baby to be apart of. This Thursday, Ray and I met up with our Heights in Spanish representative, ENGAGE coordinator at the church, and the Perspective ABF ENGAGE representative and did a site visit of the apartment complex we will be serving in late April. As the ENGAGE representatives for our ABF, we are so excited to be serving La Mirada apartment in the Park Central Area. What a perfect reflection of serving our neighbors.
Cravings: I am currently craving lots of sugar filled treats from chocolate milk shakes and other non healthy options.
Gender Predictions: I have had several dreams of little boys lately. Again, I am so thankful for this opportunity to carry our little baby and am excited for either. I just can't wait until the end of May to find out if we are decorating with blue or pink:)
What I Miss: As always, I miss sweet tea and cherry coke.
Emotional Moment: Monday I sent a congratulatory text to my friend, Kristin, and her family
about her sister Stephanie's amazing completion of the Boston Marathon. It wasn't until that late afternoon that I heard about the bombings that went off about 10 minutes after her finish. Thinking of her family and all of those effected by such a terrible and ignorant act of violence. This hit way too close to home. I am so incredibly proud of her amazing accomplishment and so thankful for God's amazing hand of protection.
What I look forward to: I am excited about our 16 week appointment on Wednesday to hear our sweet baby's heart beat. This will be our final appointment before we find out the baby's gender at the end of May.
 

Twenty-Nine!

Sending love to my husband in celebration of twenty-nine years of excitement and adventure. In the Zellner household, you don't just get one special day... we celebrate the whole weekend. Our time has been filled with fun surprises and many days of complete relaxation. On Friday, I left school at 3:00, picked up some necessary essentials including Monster, a few boxes of candy, and quickly set up the tv for a night of pjs and a movie marathon. Ray had received an entire DVD collection of Game of Thrones from a friend. I was not exactly sure with the premis but knew Ray was interested and being that it was his birthday weekend was excited to oblige. Sadly, we quickly found out that it was BluRay so our plans changed. We had also wanted to begin watching The Walking Dead and quickly became enamoured with that series. We definitely got sucked in. Saturday morning, we had an early wake up time as the dogs were set to go outside and eat by 7:30. After a quick trip out and a food run, we were back in bed until almost 10. It was so nice to sleep in. Then we spent the morning relaxing in bed, watching more of our new series, and ate breakfast. Saturday afternoon I got a hair cut as Ray finished up the yard. Then it was an afternoon of shopping. As one of Ray's presents, we were in the market for an ipad. I know that will be a fun little gadget to play with and play together. Saturday night, my school hosted its Spring Fling. We made a fun little stop before dinner. That night I had a fun outing planned. After dinner, we made our way to Cheesecake Amore in McKinney. It was an amazing little cafe and wine bar off of Stacy in the middle of a subdivision/shopping center. I was unsure what time we would be done and sadly didn't have reservations. (Next time I'll make sure to do so as it was super hopping.) But we ended up with a great place at the bar. It was fun to see the inner workings. Ray ordered a red wine flight and both a piece of dessert cheesecake. Each year I try to find a new way to work in cake (as cake is not one of Ray's most exciting things.) But boy does he love cheesecake. He orded English Toffee cheesecake and I a Carmel Pecan slice. I wish I could have eaten the whole thing. It was the best cheesecake I have had to date. I can't wait to go back and explore more food options. I would absolutely recommend as a fun little date night out.

 

Sunday morning, we joined our ABF at the Heights. Ray made a delicious Miga breakfast. The recipe included eggs, one mild and one spicy breakfast sassauge, cheese, peppers and onions, nacho cheese soup, and tostada chips. The meal was finished with some sour cream and salsa. I love his love for cooking. To my handsome husband and this adorable bow tie (with bicycle inspired shirt) I wish you a wonderful 29 years and all those to come. You are an amazing husband, best friend, and soon to be daddy. I am so thankful God blessed me with you!

As part of a birthday celebration/11 year dativersary, we will be going out of two for a couple's weekend. I am very excited for a weekend away. More pictures to come!

Week 14 Baby Bump

Number of weeks: 14

Measurement: right around 14 weeks
Baby Size: According to the Bump, our baby is the size of a lemon. The baby is 3.4 inches and approximately 1.5 ounces.
Interesting Fact: The baby is sucking its thumb and wiggling its toes.
Heartbeat: ? bpm. We will go back in another two weeks to confirm updated heartbeat.
Total Weight Gain/Loss: 1.4 lbs. Progress!
Pregnancy Clothes: I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around wearing maternity clothing as of yet. Pants are my most difficult piece of clothing these past few weeks. I went to Kohls and bought a few longer skirts that will be comfortable to wear for awhile. This may help a bit. I just realized as the weather gets warmer, none of my shorts fit... :(
Tiger Stripes: Not due to pregnancy. No current stretch marks.
Sleep: I am doing pretty well. I get up between 1-2 times in the middle of the night. It obviously gets worse if I drink right before bedtime. In my sleep walking slumber, I have hit the bathroom door now on several occasions. This of course in turn wakes me up for awhile. I'm hoping to work this out soon so I can get back to sleep quickly. ha.
How are you feeling: I better knock on wood. Monday was another close call and sadly I was pretty sick for most of the day. I felt horrible after getting sick at school. I will say that since Tuesday I have felt so much better. I think it is a combination of hitting the second trimester and eating smaller meals more frequently is my answer.
Most Memorable Moment: We celebrated my husband's 29th birthday weekend. While this doesn't exactly have to do with baby, I can say that it was a very special weekend, filled with lots of baby discussion.
Moving and Grooving: No movement yet.
Cravings: I can't honestly say I've had full on pregnancy cravings as of yet, I can say I have had some impulsive pregnancy purchases like Coco Puffs breakfast cereal, an icee, fajitas, and some sugar free fudge popcicles.
Gender Predictions: I think I am back to a little boy kick. It is so funny though how adament people are about our baby's gender. I guess we'll find out in about 5 weeks.
What I Miss: SWEET TEA and fitting into my pants!!!
Emotional Moment: My emotional moment this week revolved around yard work and those pesky weeds that continue to run our yard. I think every day I mentioned just how bad it looked and for some reason hoped that the next time I would see it, our yard would miraculously be cleared of weeds forever. Ha! Thankfully Ray mowed the yard and it looks 100% better. Until next week. ha!
What I look forward to: I am excited for our next appointment at week 16. While it will just be a regularly scheduled appointment, I am always excited to hear our sweet baby's heartbeat and hear great things from our doctor. Until next week... :)

13 Week Bumpage!

While these pictures may be a bit disceiving as my pant line does help, I will say that on week 13, I did notice a little baby bump. I would never have guessed that I would begin showing anything until the typical 20 weeks. Now, if you include eating, bloating, and all that goes into pregnancy, I'm sure all those factors do play a role. Regardless I can tell a difference. I love that there is progress with this pregnancy. I want to have a big bump so badly so it is obvious that I am pregnant. I would love to shout it from the roof tops. So here's to more baby bumps and all that is to come in our future.

Zellner Birthday Vacation to Tennessee!

This blog post is in celebration of the Zellner men's trip to Tenneesee. For Owen's upcoming 70th birthday, Ray and Ryan wanted to take Owen on a special vacaion. They would be traveling to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and renting a cabin for 6 days. Karl, Tassie's father and Ryan's father-in-law, was also able to attend the celebration. From cabin days, a day in Gatlinburg, mountain views, pancake breakfasts and steak dinners, go kart racing, movie watching, and so forth, it has been an unforgettable trip. I have loved the picture update I have received as this will truly be a perfect celebration and a time for the boys to be boys. Enjoy some iphone photos from the trip.

 



 

Purple Cow, Milk Shakes, and a Puppy Rattle!

 

I had a fun time with some super sweet moms and their kiddos this past weekend. I love the relationship I have with my kinder moms from last year. They are so supportive and absolutely wonderful plus I am love with their kiddos. I definitely miss seeing their sweet faces at school. This weekend, we made a plan to meet up at Purple Cow at the Shops in Fairview for some great  conversation and catch up as well as some delicious ice cream. What a great night! We dinned on chocolate milk shakes and took a trip to the sand park. My kids are so big! It was such a special night to see them. I also received this sweet little puppy as a gift. It is a puppy with a baby rattle inside. The sweet brother of one of my kiddos told me this puppy was for my baby. He also said, don't worry. Make sure I don't poke my tummy too hard or the baby's head might pop off. I thought this was sound advice:) I loved this night of sweet friendships and sweet treats. Plus I know this baby is already so loved! I cannot wait until our next visit.

13 Week Baby Bump

Number of weeks: 13

Measurement: right around 13 weeks
Baby Size: According to the Bump, our baby is the size of a peach.The baby is about 2.9 inches long and weighs approximately 0.81 ounces.
Interesting Fact: The baby is developing vocal cords and teeth this week. The baby also has its own fingerprints.
Heartbeat: 166 bpm
Total Weight Gain/Loss: 0 lbs
Pregnancy Clothes: My shirts are great but my jeans and work pants have become uncomfortable. I do have a few maternity jeans that were given to me by a friend. I love how stretchy and comfortable they make me feel. I do not like anything tight on my tummy these days.
Tiger Stripes: Not due to pregnancy. No current stretch marks.
Sleep: This past week, Ray went out of town. Sadly I have not been sleeping well on my own. (This of course is not due to pregnancy.) I get up once a night to go to the bathroom, but for some reason my mind starts moving at a million miles a minute thinking of all my daily to do's. This has kept me up on and off for the past week. I am still able to sleep on my tummy. I am currently sleeping on two pillows under my head which I believe helps out the tummy sleeping. I am not really napping anymore. I typically lay down and rest.
How are you feeling: This has been a bit of a difficult topic. Some days are good, others are not. On my off days, I feel nauseous, dizzy, and real low energy. I have gotten sick many times, but am moving forward with prescribed meds. Currently I am on Zantac due to what the doctors believe is stomach acid at night which makes me sick in the mornings. I am almost at my second trimester and with medication and excited that this should quickly come to an end.
Most Memorable Moment: We enjoyed spending our Easter with our Bragg and Fant friends. This week I also took off on Wednesday to drop Ray off at the airport and run errands. I enjoyed a wonderful lunch out with my favorite mama of twins. We ate Mexican food at Christina's Mexican food restaurant. It was a great afternoon of catch up, baby cuddling, and delicious food.
Moving and Grooving: No movement yet.
Cravings: While certain things don't sound too great, I have definitely been able to eat a lot more this week. It'll be interesting to look at weight gain for week 14. I did spend some sweet time with some of my kinder moms and their kiddos at Purple Cow. I enjoyed a delicious chocolate milk shake. YUM!
Gender Predictions: I am  really unsure. It was so interesting how quickly I was set to believe it was a little boy and then quickly changed my tune to girl. Really I am unsure but so excited to know. Sadly it will be quite a wait for us to find out the genger of our little baby. Our gender appointment was rescheduled. So we will find out right before Memorial Day weekend. I can't wait.
What I Miss: sweet tea and cherry coke
Emotional Moment: I was so good dropping Ray off at the airport. As soon as the door was shut and he walked away, the flood gates opened. My emotional moment this week, was getting lost at the airport at 5AM in the dark and pouring down rain. Instead of exiting the north exit, I ended up in the north parking lot about to pay. The sweet man, gave me directions and I quickly, in tears, made my way back home.
What I look forward to: I look forward to Ray's return. I miss my husband and I miss his talks to the baby. I am very excited about the weeks to come. I of course (in the future) look forward to setting up the nursery, registering, and finding out the gender of our sweet babe.

iphone picture post

Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake for our Zellner reveal

 

After reviewing the several hundred RANDOM pictures in my iphone, I decided to post some of my favorites over the past few months. In no particular oder the pictures detail some very exciting 2013 activities. 

 Reminding the kids that they are cool!

 

 Miss Harley Raider and her free Bear Hugs (2+ years old)

 My hubby fixed my ice cream craving

 A couples picture before my family's reveal

  My mama is an Oma! (German for grandmother)

First Grade Open House

 Happy Easter 2013

Easter 2013!

He has Risen!
We wish you and your family a blessed Easter season. This Easter, Ray and I enjoyed a wonderful ABF and  worship service at the Heights Baptist Church. Our pastor gave a beautiful sermon with a perfect reminder. Our God came to earth, lived a sinless life, died, and rose again. Our God he's alive, he's alive. What a perfect message.

After church, Ray and I enjoyed an afternoon with our Bragg and Fant friends. We are honored to call them a second family. It was a perfect afternoon filled with fun friendships, an egg hunt for Mr. B, delicious food, and lots of afternoon snuggles with the babies of the house. This year, the twins, Madelynn and Emily, as well as Kristin's sister, Jennifer's baby, Miss Ellie added 3 more grand kiddos to the bunch. Thank you to our friends (who are just like family) for including us in your special Easter celebration!

Happy Easter! We are so excited to think that our little baby will be here by next Easter:) We also received this sweet picture of our beautiful niece this Easter! What a blessing she and her family is to us:)

Olivia, Easter 2013-5 years old

12 Week Baby Bump

Number of weeks: 12

Measurement: right around 12 weeks
Baby Size: According to the Bump, our baby is the size of a plum. The baby is measuring at 2.1 inches and weighs approximately .49 ounces.
Interesting Fact: The baby's systems are almost fully formed, about to enter into growth and maturation stage, developing reflexes, opening and closing the fingers and toes, and the brain is developing fast.
Heartbeat: ?
Total Weight Gain/Loss:  -1 lbs (probably due to food aversions)
Pregnancy Clothes: I still wear my usual clothes. I did purchase a bella band for those extra pudgy days... but am not loving it. I'm going to take it back for a different size to see if that's the issue. I was hoping this would be a great way to solve the uncomfortable end of day pant situation.
Tiger Stripes: Not due to pregnancy
Sleep: I get up once a night. I am still able to sleep on my stomach and back. I am such a tummy sleeper. I do not know what I'll do when that option runs its course.
How are you feeling: I had a great week last week, but sadly have already become sick a few times during the 12th week. I have an appointment next week and will for sure get set up on Zofran (or the generic to save some monies)
Most Memorable Moment: I enjoyed a Good Friday at home. I was able to relax and spend time with my sweet family.
Moving and Grooving: No movement yet.
Cravings: I am still having problem looking/eating food. Sadly things I used to love are not loving me in return. These foods/smells include eggs, chicken, chocolate, dish soap, dirty dishes, trash, and grass clippings. I promise I'm not trying to get out of doing work... I just can't take the smell.
Gender Predictions: I had my first official baby dream and it was of a beautiful baby girl.
What I Miss: cherry coke... but I did enjoy a caffeine free root beer with cherry from Sonic. YUM!
What I look forward to: I am looking forward to our next appointment (at 13 weeks) I can't wait to hear our sweet baby's heartbeat and to receive a good report from the doctor:)