Birthday and Check-up!

So I have been a little MIA lately, just been very busy with work and thinking about baby stuff and I celebrated a birthday! We went down to the beach and had a low key weekend with some friends, just hung out on the island, my kind of weekend :) I texted Zach on my way down to the beach and told him I knew what I wanted for my bday, just a massage at the spa (which is just a walk from our place).  He called me like 10 minutes later telling me I had ruined the surprise and he had one booked for me already that next day! So sweet and I had a great time at the spa relaxing!

On another note, I have been losing my mind lately, literally. I mean the simplest things I forget to do or just seem plain dumb with some things that come out of my mouth. I thought the "pregnancy brain" thing was just stupid, but I am kind of starting to think it may be true...Anyone else have this problem??

Last question, what do you all think (honest opinions only) about pregnant ladies wearing a two piece bathing suit? I am not talking like 9 months pregnant, I am talking a small little bump...still having mixed feelings on this.
How Far Along? 22 Weeks! 18 to go!


Total Weight Gained? As of my doctors visit today, I am up to about 13lbs.  Yuck! I am gaining about a half pound a week and I hope that is how it will stay the rest of the pregnancy, 23-24 lbs sounds not too bad to me!

Maternity Clothes- A neighbor lent me a ton of her maternity clothes which I am soo grateful for! Also, I have been wearing a ton of dresses which still fit, just a little different ;)

Sleep-Booger gets active when I get sleepy, still only getting up once but tossing and turning alllll night!

Movement-Started to feel her often and everyday now and a lot of times if I sit still I can watch my stomach jump from her kicks.  It is the weirdest, most amazing feeling to have a human inside you kicking the crap out of you! Love it!

Food Craving-Fruit! Watermelon and honeydew mostly. Pickles. Also, cheesy snacks (try not to keep them around!) like cheddar rice cakes (yum!!)

Food Aversions-None :)

Morning Sickness- None :)


Gender- Little princess. She is going to be spoiled beyond belief!


Labor Signs- none, thank goodness.



Belly Button- It is a weird looking thing nowadays, sort of half in, half out...kind of gross actually


What I Miss- When I get up from a lying position it seems to be very difficult.  Walking up steps without getting out of breath. Good deep sleep (guess I will never get this again ;)



What I Am Looking Forward To-Still decorating nursery, I still have not started! Oh, and we are sooo close to agreeing on a name!


Weekly Wisdom- People will actually come and rub your belly, never thought that random people would actually do this but they do, bring it on, I dont mind it! Also, i am NOT having twins, nor do I even look like I am. Please watch what comes out of your mouth people.


Milestones- BooBoo is a whole pound this week! She is about 8 inches long. I am over halfway there to meeting my precious angel!

Weekly Update and Tornado Relief

How Far Along? 19 Weeks!!

Total Weight Gained? At my last Dr. appt I am up 8lbs. Ugh, I swear I am gaining a least a pound a week. Trying to keep it under 30 for the entire pregnancy...

Maternity Clothes- I can still wear all my "real" clothes (with a belly band of course) and all my dresses are fitting which is nice.  I do have a couple of pairs of shorts with the band and I wear them too often because they are SOOO comfortable!

Sleep- Ugh, this little booger is already keeping me from sleeping, but my body pillow seems to help a little bit.

Movement- I have an active little booger in my belly, still is a soft popcorn like feeling but it is supposed to become more frequent and more intense soon :) Love it!!

Food Craving- Not to be boring but Fruit it still my number one and OJ as well now.  A horrible craving that I have been having is salty, vinegary (not a word) chips. Don't put them in front of me if you want the bag back...

Food Aversions- Again, nothing I can think of.

Morning Sickness- No morning sickness here!

Gender- We are having a little baby girl!! I am thrilled and nervous all at once!

Labor Signs- none, thank goodness.

Belly Button- oh yea, it is definately an outie now :)

What I Miss- Feeling like a 24 year old and getting up without grunting. Running still makes the top of the list.

What I Am Looking Forward To- Decorating the nursery now that I know it is a girl!! Do not expect it to be pink all over though, not my style :)

Weekly Wisdom- Around now people are starting to whisper asking someone close to me if I am pregnant.  I am at the point where they are scared to ask if I am actually pregnant or have just put on a few...

Milestones- Seeing our little angel on the U/S was the most amazing feeling.  She was moving and grooving on the monitor and sucked her thumb. She is the size of a mango (about 6 inches long) and weighed 7 ounces at the last appt, so I am guessing she is about a half pound this week! Scary!!

I will post a picture later, I have not been very good about taking pictures and lately I have been so focused on what is happening in North Alabama and Tuscaloosa I forget to update the blog.  My heart is broken for the people up there and especially for Tuscaloosa (please people, do not think I do not care about those in the smaller towns, but Tuscaloosa was my home for nearly 5 years...). My heart felt led to do something since I am DYING to get up there and get my hands dirty, but family (husband) does not want me up there doing that right now. So, instead of physically going up there, we are collecting supplies at our church to send up there and if you are interested in helping me out, please let me know!
I know God is smiling down on those that are helping organize relief efforts for those that were affected by this tragedy.  Please donate your time and efforts if you are unable to buy supplies or give money!!

Instincts??

Here it is, my 16 week photo (will probably wait until 18 weeks to post another)!

So I have decided not to do the laundry list this week because I feel like that can get a little boring.  I am now 17 weeks and am starting to get really nervous about everything! I know I should not be anxious (Matthew 6:34) but am starting to freak about not knowing what to expect, how to be a mommy, etc.  I am feeling unprepared, like I should read every book in the library to figure out what to do with a baby.  Zach, on the other hand is so laid back and carefree, he keeps reassuring me that "my mothering instincts will kick in when the baby gets here".  Thanks, but WHAT mothering instinct, do I even have them?

Do not get me wrong, I have wanted to be a "mommy" since Kindergarten.  There is even video evidence of the teacher asking everyone what they wanted to be when they grow up, everyone said doctor, pilot, vet, lawyer, etc. My answer...a mommy. And, there is nothing more that I want to be, I am just feeling overwhelmed by all the diaper genie, layettes, formulas... It is never ending!

Please someone (besides my husband) tell me that it will come to me when the baby gets here? Am I the only one that is scared of not knowing what to do??!!


On a less freaked out note, I wanted to reveal the Gender of the baby to my family in a fun way. Since our families are split up a little, I was trying to think of a fun way to do it so that they all dont have to find out at one time. Thought of delivering cupcakes with the color (blue or pink) on the inside so each family can find out together. However, I want some other ideas. Anyone done this and have a great idea for a surprise reveal to the family??

16 Week Check-up and A Test

Today was the day for our 4 week check up! I get so nervous and excited for these days, all I want is for everything to be alright with the baby. When I hear that hearbeat though, all is right in the world!

So now for the random title.  This is sort of a touchy subject.  Today we were asked whether or not we wanted to take a blood test to get an idea of whether or not our baby could have Downs, Trisomy 18, or Spina Bifida.  We made a personal decision to decline the test because we feel, no matter what, we are going to love our baby no matter the outcome.  Also, there are A LOT of false positives.  However, I see the other side of the story. A time to prepare yourself, your husband, your family for the unexpected. Zach and I see this as a "God" thing...we are leaving it in His hands, our worries, fears, and anxieties.  Whatever will be, will be. 

I guess what I want to know is, if you have had kids or not, did you take the blood test? I am not "for" one way or the other, just wanted some opinions, I guess.  Anyway here is my 16 week "check-up":

How Far Along? 16 Weeks!!
Total Weight Gained? Scale at the Dr. office said 5lbs.  Apparently, I am supposed to gain a pound a week for the next 8 or so weeks (every womans nightmare!!!)
Maternity Clothes- Still relying on the Belly Band to wear my pants, which all still fit pretty well besides the buttoning part.  Hoping to not have to buy too much and rely on jersey/knit dresses for summer!
Sleep- Sleep is still difficult.  I found a large body pillow to use and put in between my legs that helps.  Having to get up to pee at least once doesn't help also (sorry TMI).  And do not be surprised if you see Zach with a black eye one day.  Apparently I am violent when I actually do get to sleep.
Movement- Yes!! I have felt the little one.  Feels like popcorn popping.  She gets real fiesty when I am hungry :)
Food Craving- Fruit, still.  I am going to put Publix out of business with their pre-chopped fruit.  Salads.  And if there was a Zoe's anywhere near Dothan, I would put them out of business as well.
Food Aversions- Again, nothing I can think of.
Morning Sickness- No morning sickness here!
Gender- Scheduled our appointment today for April 27th!! I cannot wait! Still betting on a little girl!
Labor Signs- none, thank goodness.

Belly Button- Still starting to poke out...
What I Miss- Ab muscles. I feel like I have never done a sit-up in my life. Wanting to get into a bathing suit.
What I Am Looking Forward To- Finding out the babies sex! I want to start decorating the Nursery and buying gender specific clothes. Still, looking more pregnant then just "plump".

Weekly Wisdom- Do not travel with a pregnant lady if you have somewhere to be and fast or be prepared for numerous pit stops :)
Milestones- Baby is the length of an avocado or about 4.5 inches from head to rump.  The babies heartbeat was STRONG at 157 bpm. The baby has fingernails now and can hear when we talk to her :)

I SWEAR i am going to post a picture sometime this week :)

Woah Baby!!

So I have finally decided to start the blog back so that family and friends could "be in the know" about the baby progress! For those of you that do not know, Zach and I moved back to Dothan from Birmingham around August of 2010. So far, we are LOVING it, being back close to friends/family and the BEACH and lake! Zach manages Westside Auto Service Center (if you need a car fixed call him!) and works his tail off, of course. I am working at Covenant United Methodist Church in the Children's Ministry and feel truly blessed! Anywho, this is a BIG year for our Saliba family. David and Elizabeth Crockett will be married in June and Laura will be marrying Russell Ellis in August (so excited to have new family members)! On the other family side, I have another cousin getting married in May! Zach and I also surprised everyone (and ourselves!) and announced that we will be having a baby in September!! I am 15 weeks today and will update the blog weekly with updates. I stole this from other websites that other pregnant ladies use:
How Far Along? 15 weeks exactly :)

Total Weight Gained? As of today it looks like 5 lbs, we will see what the Dr. says next week. According to my Tailor though, "I got fat!"

Maternity Clothes- I am just now starting to wear my Belly Band (for those of you that do not know, it is a band that allows you to wear pre-pregnancy pants unbuttoned). I have bought a few pants, but am hoping to keep buying clothes to a minimum and making my looser dresses work throughout summer.

Sleep- For some reason, sleep has been difficult lately. I am a stomach or back sleeper and they tell you that needs to stop in Second Trimester. I have a big pillow to sleep with but it does not help. I toss and turn all night, poor Zach!

Movement- Not yet :( Sometimes I think it might be movement, but then I think it is probably gas.

Food Craving- FRUIT!! I love sweet fruit right now! Also, wheatables crackers, I HAVE to have. Of course, I keep a jar of pickles in the fridge too :)

Food Aversions- So far so good. Nothing has grossed me out yet!

Morning Sickness- I was truly blessed to only have a little nausea every now and then, nothing major.

Gender- Three weeks until we find out, but I have had two dreams of a girl and I am CONVINCED it is a girl :)

Labor Signs- none, thank goodness.

Belly Button- Is slowly looking like it wants to pop out a little, not sure how I feel about this.

What I Miss- LONG RUNS!! working out to my maximum and having the energy to do it. Fitting into my old clothes comfortably. Tanning without getting fried after putting on loads of sunscreen.

What I Am Looking Forward To- My belly starting to poke out so that I look pregnant and not just like I have eaten about 2 dozen doughnuts!

Weekly Wisdom- When this is the first grandchild your parents have, they will care more about your belly and how your taking care of it and less about how you actually are...haha I love it :)

Milestones- Baby is moving like crazy and sucking her thumb (how stinking cute!) and is about the size of a large apple! I will post pictures of the bump soon, it is not very big anyways. Not much to look at right now!!

The 5 F's and BFF's

This weekend was a blast! Zach and I went home to Dothan to have a football party at his Dad's farm since his parents were going to be gone for the weekend. We got home late on Friday night and made pizzas together and started getting ready for the next day. Saturday morning we got up early to cook boston butts and ribs all day and it was beautiful outside...perfect weather. People came in spurts all day and we had so much fun watching the tide beat up on Kentucky! We also played a game that is similar to the corn hole (sp?) that i had never played before but it was sooo much fun and i was actually good at it. I made Julia Child's potato salad recipe (YUM) and buffalo chicken dip and of course a red velvet cupcake with cream cheese icing (crimson and white of course!) But the buffalo chicken dip, if you have never tried is amazing here is the recipe I used:

8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup ranch salad dressing

1/2 cup Hot Sauce

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 cans (9.75 oz. each) White Premium Chunk Chicken Breast in Water, drained

SO GOOD!

All in all the day was so fun, we stayed up late and had a bonfire until everyone left. Zach loves this so much, he feels like he is in high school again because everyone would come out to his house for bonfires in high school. It was good to catch up with old friends and see people that i dont get to see often. Food, Fun, Friends, Fellowship, and Football....what else would you ask for?

Now I am going to gush since we got to hang out this weekend...do any of you have that friend that just knows you better than yourself and even if it has been like a month since seeing each other, nothing (i mean nothing) has changed? Morgan has been my best friend since we were in diapers...so many times we have gotten in trouble together, but she has always been there for me and knows me better than anyone (except Zach). She is like the sister that I have never had and I am so happy that nothing has torn us apart...I think there has been one fight between us in the past 22 years of friendship. And i know that 20 years from now, no matter where we are, we will still be best friends. Just makes me smile and happy to know I have her as a best friend. Hope she doesn't get embarrased reading this!! Love you!

Clueless

AH!!! The beautiful fall weather is here! I love it....perfect football weather or perfect for a long run or walk. Finally when you walk outside you dont drip sweat....because if any of you knew me, I sweat. Alot. But with the cooler weather comes the really COLD weather. I am not sure which I like more the swealtering heat or the bitter cold?!

Anyways, my main reasoning for posting this is to ask for a prayer request. My papa had a mild stroke and was put in the hospital. Thankfully he is alright, but it was a scare! So now he is recovering and I am so happy we made the decision to go to Dothan to see him! He is one of most caring, compassionate, loving, honest, and the most wise person I know! So please keep him in your prayers.

And now I leave you with something that has been on my mind as I have just gotten married and out from under parental supervision...I have obviously been going to school for nutrition which mainly involves studying food and science. So, my problem is this...where along the way were we supposed to understand and figure out the process of buying a house, insurance, stocks, taking out loans, and all that other nonsense?! I told my dad about this the other day and was wondering where he had been and why he had not taught me the ins and outs of all this! Suddenly, I was thrown into doing all of this on my own. Now I know some of you are thinking I am stupid or airheaded....but I have a 4.0 GPA and I feel I have some common sense. Basically, my rift is that I wish somewhere in college or high school there was a course for how to live (haha, kidding) but at least teach us the facts and how to's of "being an adult"! Thankfully, my husband understands all this and teaches me along the way because otherwise I would be clueless! So, I leave you with a picture of my wonderful loving husband haha!