30 Week Baby Bump

Number of weeks: 30 weeksMeasurement: I do have an appointment tomorrow, but was right on track for week 29.
Baby Size: According to the Bump, Aubrey is the size of a cucumber and already measures about 15.2 to 16.7 inches long. Right now, she weighs between 2.5 to 3.8 pounds.
Interesting Fact: Per the Bump, her skin is getting smoother, her brain is getting wrinklier, and she would be able to grasp a finger.
Heart Beat: 149 bpm with a side of hiccups at my last appointment. I will update tomorrow.
Total Weight Gain: I didn't check this morning, I'll have to update later. I will say that an increase should be expected as you will see my main craving this week were for my left over Haute Mama red velvet and cream cheese cupcakes and cherry/vanilla ice cream;)
Pregnancy Clothes: I wear maternity clothes most of the time and somehow convince myself I can squeeze into a few others. I still love long dresses and skirts or anything that is stretchy. I go for comfortable these days.
Tiger Stripes: While I had a few on my hips pre-baby, I think I'm definitely seeing more on my hips lately. Sadly I didn't take a head count before all of this started. I'm not too worried.
Symptoms: let the swelling begin:) I will have to say this isn't too bad as yet. I can still wear my rings (most times), lots of lower pressure. I think I've caught myself waddling on numerous occasions as it takes me a few minutes to get myself moving. This week I've also had some not so fun headaches and stiffness as usual. But of course my focus is on her movement and rolls, the ever growing belly, and knowing that soon she'll be joining us very soon:)
Sleep: I'm pretty much accustomed to waking up between 3-5AM or 5-7AM these days. It's not even little misses fault. My body is starting to do it on it's own. I still get up about 2-3 times a night and then my mind wonders. While I'm still able to rest on my back, this has officially become limited as my back does seem to get stiff very easily these days. So it seems I'm spending most of the night tossing and turning. I am so thankful I have a good sleeper for a husband. I don't seem to wake him up too much or at least he would never complain.
Movement: Our little lady sure likes to party. She moves and grooves a lot during the day but does seem stubborn when I want someone else to feel her. Moments after the hand has been moved, she goes right back to kicking and rolling. I love feeling the full body stretches. It just amazes me how much she continues to grow! I've even caught a few cute little kicking videos:)
Cravings: Left over red velvet cupcakes from my shower and cherry/vanilla ice cream. I'm still loving Sonic Ice water but am very much craving my sweet tea and a margarita
Gender Predictions: We are welcoming our sweet daughter, Aubrey Rose Zellner in early October.
Most Memorable Moment: I loved being surprised by my old teammates at my sweet happy hour baby shower. I feel so blessed.
What I Miss: I miss sleep and being comfortable:)
What I look forward to: I am looking forward to returning home next week(end) for a family shower. I cannot wait to spend time with family and friends and celebrate Miss Aubrey. This will be the last time we will return home before she is born.

Bows & a Baby Shower

Yesterday morning, two very talented hostesses put on an adorable owl themed baby shower in celebration of a sweet friend in our ABF and her little girl, Audrey Grace. From adorable it's a girl and precious in pink décor, delicious breakfast eats including fruit skewers with donut holes (YUM!), breakfast casserole, cinnamon rolls, strawberry/lemon cake, a chocolate filled breakfast dessert, and a super adorable craft, this shower was super sweet and oh so fun!

 

Upon arrival we sampled the delicious breakfast eats and then quickly began our craft. What an adorable idea! Baby headbands, material, and directions were set up for us to make baby Audrey some adorable bows! They were so simple and turned out so cute! Thanks Kristin for the great ideas as we will have lots of little ladies join us these next few months.

 

What a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Julie and her little lady that is due in mid September. Thank you again to the two hostesses for putting together such a great baby shower. The girls are pictured below {Kristin, Julie, and Carissa) with the adorable bows:)

 



 

Julie:) Happy Shower Day! We wish you so many wonderful adventures in "mommy-hood" and can't wait to meet little miss!

Surprise Happy Hour Baby Shower

On Tuesday, I met up with my dear friend and previous team leader at Jalapenos for a fun happy hour. What I didn't know is that she had planned a sweet surprise baby shower for me. Several ladies from my school came to help celebrate sweet Aubrey. I feel so truly blessed by all the friends and family we have that love our little lady. Thank you to my amazing friend and team leader, Kathi, for putting this sweet shower together. From delicious queso and Mexican eats, to delicious cupcakes from Haute Mama (my favorite red velvet), sweet décor, and precious gifts. This was a great surprise! Enjoy a few pictures from the shower.

sweet treats and my beautiful chevron and mint bag

adorable basket with sweet diaper babies

29 Week Baby Bump

Number of weeks: 29 weeks
Measurement: While I have been told that I seem small by friends and family, I am measuring right on track. Our due date is still October 6th.
Baby Size: According to the Bump, Aubrey already measures about 15.2 to 16.7 inches long. Right now, she weighs between 2.5 to 3.8 pounds
Interesting Fact: Per the Bump, even though she is growing at an increasing weight, she will triple in weight before she is born.
Heart Beat: 149 bpm with a side of hiccups. It was so fun to hear them on the monitor.
Total Weight Gain: +13.0. I just don't feel hungry during the day. While I haven't gotten sick, I can definitely felt the nausea coming back this week. I did have my fair share cravings of sweets.
Pregnancy Clothes: I wear maternity clothes 95% of the time (minus a few pieces here and there). I love stretchy material and nothing too tight on the belly. Funny story. Today at church I wore a cute little non maternity dress with a belt above my belly. I was perfectly fine standing up but when I sat down for too long I started feeling like I was going to pass out. I was hot and couldn't breath. I realized that with baby girl positioned that way and the belt, I was cutting off my air. I was much better once I removed it. Ha.
Tiger Stripes: While I had a few on my hips pre-baby, I am sure that I've gained a few more since then and will of course gain more before the end.
Symptoms: beautiful and harder baby kicks and rolls, ligament pain, lower body pressure, back pain, numbness, swelling of the fingers and feet, lots of potty trips, acid reflux, and heartburn. This was the first week that I couldn't get my rings off:(
Sleep: This week sleep has been hit or miss. The dogs have kept us up several nights this week, barking at who knows what. But once I'm up and Aubrey's up... then it takes quite sometime to return to sleep. This of course has made me extra grumpy and restless at times. I have tried to take a few naps, but am not napping like I used to. While I can still sleep on my back, my time there has become limited as I definitely must move around quite a bit to get comfortable these days.
Movement: Little miss has now added rolling and hiccupping to her abilities. I love feeling her harder kicks but am now feeling a lot of rolling and/or full body movement.
Cravings: Ice cream and sweet tea
Gender Predictions: We are welcoming our sweet daughter, Aubrey Rose Zellner in early October.
Most Memorable Moment: This past week, Ray's aunt Sally came to stay with us. We had an opportunity to spend some time with her as well as cheer on her son, Stephen and the Cavalier's (a traveling marching band corp) in their competition in Denton, TX.
What I Miss: I miss sleep and fitting into my clothes:)
What I look forward to: While I can't say it is something that I am excited about... I am looking forward to finishing my ESL test. Next week I'll be studying as my test is scheduled July 30th. Later that week we will be traveling home for my Sugar Land Shower. In regards to baby girl, I just found out that my mama has finished the bumper and I can't wait to see it:)

Pregnancy Questionnaire

So I thought it would be fun to do a little pregnancy questionnaire.

1. How far along are you?
29 weeks and 5 days

2. How do you feel?
I feel like this is a trick question. I'm definitely feeling pretty well with all things considered. I'm definitely getting more tired and uncomfortable these days, but little miss is totally worth it.

3. What is your favorite part of this pregnancy?
I love feeling Aubrey move.

4. What is your least favorite part of this pregnancy?
The lack of sleep and being uncomfortable.

5. Is your baby a girl or boy?
She's a beautiful baby girl. Her name is Aubrey Rose.

6. Do you have any cravings?
While I don't have any true pregnancy cravings (or ones that I would call "pregnancy" cravings) I sure do love my sweets.

7. Do you work out?
Wow, I wish I could lie about this question. Sadly I really haven't much. I definitely did some walking in the beginning of the pregnancy, but have just found myself sore and exhausted. Little Miss is currently sitting on a nerve which has made me feel kind of numb lately. No worries... the doctor says this is normal. Uncomfortable but normal. I definitely look forward to working out after her arrival. But being a teacher I would say that I have definitely done my share of moving around:)

8. What is your nursery theme and colors?
Our nursery theme incorporates birds and our colors are mint green (sweet pea), gray, yellow, and white. Yes we went gender neutral for sure.

9. What is your due date?
Currently she is scheduled to arrive on October 6, 2013. We have 70 days left!

10. Have you done a hospital tour and/or taken classes?
Yes! We love our hospital and will be taking a baby basics and breast feeding class in mid August.

11. What is your birth plan?
I'm all for a woman's choice on this; however, this woman chooses drugs! My first question will be, "How quickly can I get that epidural?" lol

12. What body changes have you undergone?
The normal pregnancy ones. Weight gain... a pregnant belly :) I'm not thinking that my belly button will pop but I am beginning to see that fabulous pregnancy line start to appear. And while this isn't exactly a body change, I am thinking of growing out my hair again. Just ready for a fun change:)

13. What is your favorite activity to do during the pregnancy?
I love marking things off of my to do lists and preparing for her arrival. Other than that I've enjoyed my lazy summer, visiting with friends, and relaxing as much as I can before she arrives.

I think that is enough for now. More fun questions to come!

7 Days On My Iphone!

 

We have had a lot of excitement over the past 7 days. From family visitors, friendly visits, adorable kiddos, beautiful bulbs, car trouble, delicious treats, hair dos, and nursery material previews. Of course it has not all happened in that exact order. This is a fun iphone picture post over the past 7 days.

 



Mattie received her first hair cut. I loved the cute purple bows. 

 Ray and I stopped for dinner and dessert at Corner Bakery this past Monday.
We ate this delicious strawberry and cream cheese bundt cake. 

 

Curtain and nursery material preview

 Madelynn is rocking tummy time.

 

 I enjoyed my first attempt at bottle feeding.
Miss Emily is a champ!

 

Sweet baby Aggie gear from Aunt Sally

 

Trying to jump start a car is really difficult when
you can't find the battery in the Prius.

 

How was your past 7 days?

Our Baby Checklist

 

Now that we are less than 3 months away until Aubrey is born, I am having fun checking things off our baby to do list. But before I move forward with this post... I need to restate... less than 3 months. I cannot believe how quickly time is flying by. I know I'll blink and she'll be here. So it is so nice to know that I still have another month before I return to school to finish many more of our to do's and mark them off our checklist. Please know that inside my mind is honestly going crazy and I've definitely had my fair share of freak out moments... questioning will I be done with everything, oh no we're running out of time... but in the end I have a very calm and reassuring husband who is unlike me and super laid back. Thank goodness for him:) ha! So here are a few things we have already checked off of our list and then those things we are still working on.

Check

1. Hospital tour and registration

2. Registration for baby classes. We will be taking a baby basics and breastfeeding class in early August.

3. Went on our daycare tours and registered little Miss for school.

5. Purchased nursery furniture- We purchased the crib and will be buying the dresser/changing table August 1.

6. Updated our baby registries. We are registered at Target, Babies R Us, and Buy Buy Baby.

7. Finished painting the nursery. Our colors are sweet pea (mint green) and charcoal heather (light gray)
8. I took my glucose test yesterday. I had worked myself up thinking that I might get sick and the funny thing was... it was actually pretty good. It honestly tasted like orange Sunkist.  

 9. We started buying diapers and wipes. We are currently a Pampers family. I think we are really going to enjoy the wet/dry line that Pampers Swaddlers will offer.
10. We purchased our car carrier and stroller.
11. We signed up for Amazon Prime. We heard about it's great pricing, free shipping, and other freebies.
12. My mom purchased material for bedding, curtains, and pillows. I cannot wait to see how it turns out.
13. I have scheduled all OB appointments until 36 weeks. I am officially going every 2 weeks now to check on little miss.


Unchecked:
1. Finish the nursery
2. Find a pediatrician
3. Take my ESL test on July 30.
4. Do unfinished house projects (as best we can)
5. Finish unpacking/sorting/selling items from upstairs
6. Travel and enjoy several sweet showers. We are truly blessed with very sweet family and friends.
RELAX!

While it is only a month until school begins, I am so very happy that my school room is almost complete. Each year in October I have switched rooms, duties, and/or schools. This will be my first year in my classroom at the start of school and I am beyond excited! So bring it on. It will be so fun to check a few things on our list!

 

 

 



28 Week Baby Bump

Hello 3rd trimester and month 7!
Number of weeks: 28weeks
Measurement: They had previously moved our due date up to October 6th. I am measuring right on track last week for a 27 week baby. We will find out more at our appointment this Wednesday.
Baby Size: According to the Bump, our baby is the size of an eggplant. Per the Bump, it specifies that the baby is putting on layers of fat, your baby now weighs in around 1.5 to 2.5 pounds and measures about 13.6 to 14.8 inches.
Interesting Fact: Per the Bump, she is starting to develop more fat and her skin is getting smoother. It is such a blessing to know that her lungs are developed enough that she would survive if she were born early.
Total Weight Gain: +13.6.
Pregnancy Clothes: Love them and probably will be needing more soon. This ever growing belly is sure taking up space these days:)
Tiger Stripes: Not any new ones at this time.
Symptoms: an ever growing belly:) beautiful and harder baby kicks, acid reflux, lots of lower pressure and ligament pain, numbness... again all worth it.
Sleep: I do take the occasional nap but am definitely on a regular every 3 hour bathroom schedule at night. My body is so preparing for those sleepless nights ahead;) So sleep is kind of a hit or miss sort of thing. I've also been having some crazy pregnancy dreams lately. I will say that during my sleep time is when I feel her move the most. I love just laying my hands on my tummy and feeling her every little or big move.
Movement: I love feeling Miss Aubrey move. She is kicking harder these days. I love actually seeing my tummy move with her sweet kicks. I cannot wait until I can catch her on video to send to family.
Most Memorable Moment: It was so special to have my mother join us this past weekend. We bought material for the bedding, curtains, pillows, and décor. It was a special time spent with my mama. We also finished all painting in the nursery! I love the colors and all that will be finished over the next few weeks.
Cravings: Sonic water!!! I simply love it!!
Gender Predictions: We are welcoming our sweet daughter, Aubrey Rose Zellner in early October. Our date was moved to October 6th.
What I Miss: sweet tea and sleep
What I look forward to: I cannot wait to finish Auby's nursery. It is coming along so well. I can't wait to purchase the dresser/changing table and put the final touches in the room. These owls are very special. I know they are also super popular as we bought them last year. We bought the "mama and baby" owls together when we were first having fertility issues. It was just a gentle reminder that we would be forever faithful in this journey. Even though it took some time to get pregnant, I will say that we couldn't be more blessed!!!

Welcome to The Crib... A Preview!

Welcome to our crib! While this is a very small preview of our nursery, I wanted to document this sweet moment. I love that Ray and Uncle Chris were able to put together our sweet little lady's bed.

Our bird themed room

 

Our nursery is definitely starting to take shape. My mom made this soft blanket and we were gifted this soft little lamb. They are too adorable so I had to include them in the picture.

 

Day by day, we have completed a little more on her room. We are officially done with the painting. Our colors include Olympics' sweet pea and charcoal heather.

 

 

I love the way they look together separated by a small white line. Over the next few weeks, we will be ordering the dressers, one that will act as a changing table and both match the crib. After much search and debate, we went ahead and moved forward with our original plan options. Plus we just fell in love with them. This past weekend, my mother came to make bedding, curtains, pillows, and wall art. I love that Aubrey will have homemade pieces from her dear Oma. What a special touch it will give.

 

In regards to our decor, I am excited that it will have an antique and soothing baby feel. It is definitely becoming one of my favorite places in the house. I am so excited and once completed, I will definitely post updates.

 

27 Week Baby Bump

Number of weeks: 27 weeks
Measurement: They have moved our due date up to October 6th. I am measuring right on track for a 27 week baby.
Baby Size: According to the Bump, our baby is the size of a rutabaga. During month six, the average fetus measures about 13.6 inches to 14.8 inches and weighs about 1.5 to 2.5 pounds.
Interesting Fact: Per the Bump, she's practicing inhaling and exhaling with her rapidly developing lungs. Her brain is also growing daily and showing lots of activity.
Total Weight Gain: +12.2. (I am unsure if there was something wrong with my scale even though I checked a few times... this week or last, but I supposedly lost about a pound. I'm sure I'll gain at least five this next week. I have been so hungry these past few weeks.)
Pregnancy Clothes: Love them! I would definitely like to buy a few more summer items as it is getting hot to say the least.
Tiger Stripes: Not any new ones at this time.
Symptoms: an ever growing belly:) beautiful baby kicks, leg cramps (Yes I am now taking the advice and eating a banana a day.), lots of lower pressure and ligament pain, tail bone pain, stiffness, pregnancy brain (words are coming so much more difficult to me these days. ha), trouble sleeping at night, lots of bathroom breaks, and a weak bladder. All worth it.
Sleep: I am still enjoying many afternoon naps but am getting little sleep at night. I definitely am getting ready for many sleepless nights with little miss.
Movement: I love feeling Miss Aubrey move. She is kicking harder these days. I love actually seeing my tummy move with her sweet kicks. I cannot wait until I can catch her on video to send to family.
Most Memorable Moment: I loved watching Ray and my brother put together Aubrey's crib. It is super special to know that little Miss Aubrey is so loved!
Cravings: Sonic water and dessert.
Gender Predictions: We are welcoming our sweet daughter, Aubrey Rose Zellner in early October. Our date was moved to October 6th.
What I Miss: sweet tea and sleep
What I look forward to: We had a wonderful time celebrating the 4th with my brother. This week, my parents will be visiting. My mom has offered to make the bedding, curtains, pillows, etc. I am so thankful for her talents and her sweet heart. I know Miss Aubrey will love having something hand-made by her Oma. While I am not looking forward to this, I am excited to rid our house of all the packing and boxes that have somehow lingered here for the past two years. I am hoping to empty/unpack/and sell all those items that we no longer need. I'll take my chances with the online garage sales. Plus a little extra money and extra space is always a good thing:)

Fun on the Fourth and Sky Glitter!

For this July 4th weekend celebration, my brother made the trip from Houston to our home in North Dallas. We are so glad to share a fun weekend of freedom festivities and family fun with him.

 

Upon his arrival on Thursday afternoon, we quickly made our way out to lunch. We chose an Aggie owned and operated establishment called Sauced. They have really good food with great sauce options. I chose the parmesan garlic chicken tenders and sweet potato fries. Seriously love sweet potato fries.

I love these two boys together. It is always a good time when we can enjoy some time together. A few days earlier, our stroller travel system had arrived. We found an AMAZING deal on Amazon.com for a Britax travel system and carrier for a really low price. We were sold. When we came back to the house, it was fun watching the boys put it together. And of course Ray had to test it out around the house.

 I think it's a great look on him;)

That night we invited our Fant friends over for a fun Fourth cook out.

 

 

We enjoyed hot dogs and hamburgers with all the fixings and some delicious watermelon. The boys even had a very special little helper with them. I just love this picture of Bryson and his hot dog. Minutes later it would be a delicious little snack for Toby as he lovingly took it from him.

 

 

 

After dinner, we had a sweet family photo opt. Bryson was so cute and even wanted a special picture with us;) Seriously love that little boy.

Of course Miss Madelynn and Emily were adorable as ever. I loved their cute red, white, and blue outfits.

 

 

After dinner, we said our good-byes to our Fant friends and headed out to McKinney's Red, White, and Boom. Talk about a hopping place. Last year was our first year at Red, White, and Boom and had a blast. I was super excited to have Chris join us for fun fourth festivities! 

 

Once we found our spot, I laid out the blankets and watched the boys toss the football. Quickly kids asked if they could join and within what seemed like moments, they had a full on football game going. I loved watching all the families with kiddos and was just so excited to think about when Miss Aubrey arrives.

 

At 10PM, the lights went dark and the fireworks began. It was a pretty great show and we had a perfect spot. Talk about gorgeous sky glitter! With drinks and dip and dots in hand, we enjoyed our fun fourth activities. I am so glad that my two favorite boys were here to enjoy it:)

Red, White, and Baby!

We definitely had a fun fabulous fourth. It was filled with family and friends as well as fun freedom festivities and fireworks. I love these sweet pictures. It is such a fun little reminder to think of where we will be this time next year. It will be so amazing to think of our Red, White, and Baby!