a few quick things

I love, love, love the blog Clover Lane.  She has five kids, ranging in age from college to 1 and I just love the realistic and uplifting tone of her blog.  She wrote today about Pinterest and she captured some of my feelings about that darn website so eloquently. I have been feeling bad that I don't have an amazing Halloween themed mantle and that Isaac isn't bringing bento lunches to school that I pack while sporting an effortlessly pattern mixed fall outfit.  I may not have those things but I do make it to almost every soccer game and practice, my house is (acceptable level of) clean on most days,  and our home has a lot of laughter. That's what's really important.

This weekend Isaac's best friend invited him to a birthday party at a bowling alley.  We went to the outlets to get him a birthday present (the made for TV store is the best place to get presents for 8-10 year old boys, I have discovered).  Isaac has been faithfully completing his chores and saving his allowance and Ryan suggested while we were there, that Isaac should invest in a real wallet, instead of a plastic sandwich bag.  We went to Wilson's leather and Ryan went halves with Isaac on a small, leather wallet.  Isaac was so proud of his new wallet and declared "I feel like a real man now.  I have so many responsibilities." It was so precious.

Happy Monday!

wahoo! it's the weekend!

Hi five for Friday!

Typical September, the weeks have been crazy.  Between Isaac's after school activities, the onslaught of beginning of the year paperwork, meetings, parent concerns, and the exhaustion of hauling around a body that is roughly the size of a Buick, it has been a looooong week.  I am excited to spend some time with my parents tonight (high five for all you can eat Amish Smorgasboards!) and relax tomorrow.

1. I had an IEP meeting this week and so I decided to make a little more of an effort with my outfit.  It's the same old black maternity skirt but a super stretchy mint top my mom had gotten me a while ago.  Scarves and boots feel so fall!

2. Speaking of fall, we have been soccer, soccer and more soccer here.  Isaac had two games of his own last weekend (one nearly an hour away almost in Maryland!) and then he was the ball boy for the JV and Varsity High School soccer teams on Monday.  There were some cute little girls in the stands watching their older brothers play soccer and I suddenly realized that will be baby H and Isaac.  She will be about 7 or 8 when he is playing in high school. 

3. The weather has been perfect for soccer too.  Upper 60's and blue skies. This was our view for one of Isaac's games last weekend. 

Yesterday he said to me "Mom, imagine Adam and Eve playing soccer in the Garden of Eden.  Like, being all naked and kicking around a coconut."  Sometimes the things he says just make me laugh.

4.  Ryan and I ended up with a Friday night to ourselves last week and decided to try Joe's Crab Shack.  I hate all things Seafood but Ryan almost always lets me choose the restaurant without complaint, so I decided this time I could go somewhere "out of my comfort zone".   Plus, it is located right next to a Babies R Us, so that helped sway me.  Ryan ordered this huge pot of random animals and body parts and ate every bite! 

5.  Isaac has finally got his hands on the coveted toy the Rainbow Loom.  My mom went three places looking for one for him.  We did make one bracelet (emphasis on "we") and we are watching youtube videos to do more complicated patterns. 

Have a happy day!


Linking up with Lauren and Jeanette.

Bumpdate: 25 weeks

How far along: 25 weeks
 

How big is baby: Fruit and veggie scale says baby is about the size of a rutabaga.

Weight gain: Not too sure but I have been eating so much junk this week I am sure I gained something. 

 Sleeping: Hit or miss.  Still up all the time to pee.  Crazy bizarre dreams. Horrible leg cramps.

Food cravings: Still French Fries.  Still lemonade.

Food aversions: Still anything Ryan makes in the deep fryer. The smell of the oil is just horrible to me.
 

Other symptoms: Still experiencing wild mood swings. Still have a super bionic nose. Some more ridiculous heartburn this week.  No new symptoms though.

Miss Anything? I'm good this week.  

Doctor’s appointment: I haven't heard anything back about the glucola test, so I am hoping no news is good news.  I need to go by to drop off paperwork for work too.

Wedding Rings: Still on! 
 

Clothes: Nothing new.  Massively cleaned and organized my closet to make more room for poor Ryan's stuff and boxed up summer things and things that I envisioned being too small to wear for a while postpartum.  Still mostly skirts as I continue the hunt for nonblack work pants that are under 60 bucks.

Movement: Baby has been having a dance party in there lately.  
 

Best moment of the week: Date night with Ryan.  He always lets me choose the restaraunt so this time I let him choose and we did Joe's Crab Shack.  Not my favorite but he enjoyed it. It is also right next to a Babies R Us which is always fun.

 What I’m looking forward to: Good family time in the next few weeks.

What I did / Got for baby:  Nothing this week.  Sorry baby.

Happy Monday!

Life Lately

1. My mom had Isaac for a whole week when I was starting on school.  Of course, they did all kinds of fun things and there were tears when it was time to come home.  One of his new favorite things to do is paint pottery with her.  This week she brought over this candy jar that was finally back from being fired.  How adorable is it?  I can't wait until October when we can get all Halloweeny up in here...

2. We had back to school night this week for Isaac.  His teacher described Isaac as a "riot" which made me feel relieved.  Of course *I* think he is a riot, but, let's just say, not everyone always finds him to be amusing.  His teacher's enthusiasm for science must be contagious, because he came home asking me if I had cornstarch so he could make his own oobleck.  It made a bit of a mess but he seemed to love it.

3. Ryan and I have been married for over six months now.  The other day I came home to find he had been hard core cleaning the house.  He had come up with this solution to our covers war.  I had to laugh when I discovered it but it has actually been working out well.

4.  As the lone female in this household for a few more months I am pretty much on my own while Isaac and Ryan are zoned out watching football.  I am trying, but I just can't get into it.  It's soooooooooo long.

5. It's the most wonderful time of the year!  Soccer season.  His first official league game was a terrible blow-out. They beat the other team 12-0.  Hopefully the next game is a little more fun to watch.  Go number 7!

Ootd

I haven't done an outfit of the day post in forever, mostly because I rarely feel cute these days.  My maternity wardrobe doesn't have many options and most of my pieces are either gray or black-- so boring. Yesterday I was browsing around Target. The Cartwheel app had a coupon for a maternity shirts and I was determined to find something cheap in a color.  I loved this periwinkle option and for about six dollars.  The pink skirt was another clearance rack purchase.  It is not maternity but it has an elastic waist.  Since it has been pushing 100 lately, it is a perfect choice to wear to school.

I know these pictures are at an awkward angle, but I had to resort to using my iphone's self timer app.  These were the furthest from accidental upskirt shots I could manage.  I had a spring in my step from actually feeling cute, so I figured I would document.  

In other news, The Mindy Project is back!  Comcast has a sneak peak of the season premiere and it is SO funny.  Probably my favorite show of the moment.

Happy Thursday!

101 in 1001

I finally remembered the other day that I can add another checkmark to my little list of goals.  You can click here to see how I am doing.

65.   Finish elementary ed certification  - DONE!

It has been a crazy road, but due to a kind hearted professor who wouldn't stop hounding me and a series of fortunate events I was able to finish this and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania recognizes me as a certified elementary teacher.  (Previously, I was a highly qualified as an elementary teacher with only a special education certificate.)

Goals in progress
19.   Get an allowance/chore chart system together and actually stick with it for at least a year.

Ryan, Isaac and I finally came up with a system that seems to be working.  We implemented it a few weeks before school started which kept it from feeling overwhelming when we all got back into school mode.  Isaac likes having a chance to earn an allowance and I love that he is initiating helping out around here without me having to nag, negotiate, bribe, remind and beg.  He has also surprised me by saving his allowance up so far. I expected it to burn a hole in his pocket.  

How are you doing with your goals?

24 weeks

How far along: 24 weeks
 

How big is baby: Fruit and veggie scale says baby is about the size of an ear of corn. 

Weight gain: I was shocked at my doctor's appointment to learn I have only gained five pounds so far this pregnancy and four of them were within the past month.  I guess that is what finding all foods aversive will do to you.  I am supposed to be really careful with weight gain since I was a little, ahem, chubby to begin with, so the doctor is pleased with me.

 Sleeping: Hit or miss.  Still up all the time to pee.  Still drowning out Ryan's snoring with earbuds and a white noise app.  These school days have been taking their toll on me.  I may have spent the last hour of church this past week passed out in my car. Sorry I'm not sorry...

Food cravings: Still French Fries.  

Food aversions: Still anything Ryan makes in the deep fryer. The smell of the oil is just horrible to me.
 

Other symptoms: Still experiencing wild mood swings. Still have a super bionic nose. Some more ridiculous heartburn this week.  Like, salad has been giving me heartburn.  Also, terrible Charlie horse leg cramps in the middle of the night. It terrifies Ryan cause I wake up screaming and thrashing around with no forewarning. The doctor says there isn't much I can do for them sadly. "They will go away once I have the baby".  Great. Also a few Braxton Hicks contractions which are mostly just annoying.

Miss Anything? I'm good this week.  

Doctor’s appointment: I had an appointment that on Monday that was nothing special.  But also had the miserable glucola test.  (Which, as i had to explain to Ryan, is NOT the test the eye doctor gives you). The first swig of the dreaded juice I was like "okay, not so bad, I can do this" but by halfway through I was seriously gagging.  Then the doctor says that I am actually a few days too early to take it and that if there is any question about the results I will have to redo it.  I hope there is not because I honestly don't think I can do it again.

Wedding Rings: Still on! 
 

Clothes: My mom got me a cute maternity sweater dress that I think will be making many appearances in the next few months.  I wore it as a dress this week to church, but I can see myself wearing it with leggings as a slouchy sweater later on.

Movement: Lots and lots and lots!  I like it.  It's still in the "aww" fun and novel stage of kicking, not the wake you up in the middle of the night by internally jabbing your vagina stage.
 

Best moment of the week: Taking Ryan to one of my favorite eateries in Philly, El Rey.  He always wants to go to chain restaurants for dinner, so it has been fun introducing him to some of my favorite spots in the city that don't have waitresses wearing suspenders with pieces of flair.

 What I’m looking forward to: Good family time in the next few weeks.

What I did / Got for baby:  The front bedroom nursery is still half painted and the furniture from that room is still scattered all over the top floor of the house: so we haven't done much.  My mom has been sewing receiving blankets like her life depends on it though, my sister in law set over some cool little straps for snack cups and bottles, and I couldn't resist these shearling boots as my last purchase with my mall job discount.

Happy Monday everyone!

23 Weeks Pregnant

Sorry, I know this updates probably aren't of interest to anyone but me.  But I like to document my pregnancy, since it will most likely be my last....

How far along: 23 weeks.  This pregnancy is really flying by.  Everytime I get an update from my pregnancy app that I am another week along it catches me by surprise.

How big is baby: Fruit and veggie scale says "large mango".  I am definitely looking bigger these days.  I worked Friday and then went back in on Saturday wearing the outfit above and my manager said, "Yesterday you didn't really look pregnant, but today you do!"
 

Weight gain: Still doing okay I guess.  I rarely step on a scale outside the doctor's office.
 

Sleeping: Horrible.  Between the straight up exhaustion of being back to school and then Ryan's terrible snoring it has been a rough few nights around here.  I have been sleeping with earbuds in and a white noise app playing but it is still hard to get a good night's rest since I am up over and over to use the bathroom.

Food cravings: Buttered toast.  Lemonade.  All day, erry day. 

Food aversions: Fried chicken.  Which Ryan likes to make at home at least once a week.  Or really anything he makes in the deep fryer.  The smell permeates the whole kitchen. 

Other symptoms: The usuals (super bionic nose and crazy mood swings) but also some fun new TMI ones like veiny breasts and over the top constipation.  I think now that I am back to work I haven't been drinking enough water. I also am suddenly congested and runny nose which could be a back to school cold or could just be another fun pregnancy symptom.  It's kind of horrifying/fascinating how when you start to research how pregnancy really changes everything about your body. 

Miss Anything? Doing the dishes/opening the spice cabinet/going to a buffet without gagging on smells.

Doctor’s appointment: Tuesday is the big glucola one.  I hope I am doing okay with my sugars.

Wedding Rings: Still sliding off and on comfortably.

Clothes: I finally put in my notice at my mall job and so I did a big shopping trip to buy some maternity stuff before I lost my discount.  I am still on the lookout for some more work pants (khakis, cords or non-black trousers), and maybe a collared button down but I got a few more shirts, a good pair of jeans, another skirt and a dress.  I have been able to stretch my non-maternity summer capris and dresses, but I don't think I can make any of my old work pants work anymore once cooler weather rolls in for good.  I'm bored to death of all of my clothes, so it really is time to step my wardrobe game up. 

Movement: Lots! Especially at night. And finally when Ryan happens to be touching my stomach.  He has felt a few good kicks, which is fun.
 

Best moment of the week: We had a lovely Sunday.  Nothing particularly noteworthy but I did some baking, we did some cleaning, Ryan watched football, and my parents came over for dinner.  Nice day.   

What I’m looking forward to: Thanksgiving break...

What I did / Got for baby:   We finally did our registry.  It still needs a few tweaks (there are some double items on there and I still don't know what the heck to do about nursing supplies and equipment).  I am still of the opinion that I would rather get baby things second hand from consignment sales, hand me downs or yard sale sites.  You could honestly spend a small fortune on baby gear that is really only used for a short period of time which is not what we are trying to do.  And then there is the breastfeeding stuff.  So much equipment.  Should I rent or buy?  What if I buy all the stuff and then I can't do it?  Or what if I am okay at the beginning but then I can't make it work when I return to school?  What if we decide to rent and then I am a breastfeeding pro and wish I had bought my own stuff?  I started to sort of have a panic attack in the store and Ryan had to talk me down more than once.  I still have to figure out cloth diapers too.  Ryan and I would both like to use them at home (better for the environment and the wallet) even though we know when this baby goes to daycare it will need disposibles.  But they are a big investment upfront.

Anyways, things are good in the Stephenson-Horne house.  We are feeling very blessed.

First Day of School

Isaac has been asking for weeks when it will be time to go back to school.   He laid this outfit out several weeks in advance (purposely chosen to represent that he cared but not too much).  His schoolbag has been packed for at least 3 weeks with all of his new school supplies. Yesterday, he begged me to take him to the barber to freshen up his 'do which was an experience.  His dad handles the haircuts and the last time I took him for one he was an infant.

This morning as I was desperately hitting snooze, he came into my room fully dressed, book bag on and asked me to drive him over to school!

I think his day was a success.  To his great disappointment, his best friend Ethan is not in his class, but he likes several other kids that are.  He is excited that they are starting to do more flex grouping, which means he will get to spend time with some of other third grade teachers.  He is also already psyched up for the PSSA's (state tests which aren't even until spring).  I have talked a lot about opting him out of them but he came home begging me to allow him to take them.   I look at the pictures above and think about when he was a tiny kindergartner, and I really don't know where my baby has gone!  

My first day of school with kids was pretty good.  I am tired from being on my feet all day, but not as wiped out as I thought I would be.  

Pregnancy Update: 22 Weeks

How far along: 22 weeks.
 

How big is baby: The size of a spaghetti squash.
 

Weight gain: I know in this particular picture I look freakish huge, but I don't think I look that big every day.  I am still doing well with my weight gain.
 

Sleeping: Lately I have been sleeping well.  I hope it continues!
 

Food cravings: Still French Fries.  And sweets.
 

Food aversions: Everything.  I made enchiladas for dinner last night and couldn't bring myself to eat them.
 

Other symptoms: Super bionic nose is still in full effect.  We went to an all you can buffet today and the combination of smells was so overwhelming. Mood swings abound too.  One minute I am laughing the next I am bawling.  Also if I sit or stand for too long, my back is starting to sort of lock up.  

Miss Anything? Nothing comes to mind.
 

Doctor’s appointment: Not till next week.
 

 Wedding Rings: Still on!
 

 Clothes: Same old, same old.  Nothing new to report on.
 

 Movement: Lots! Especially at night.
 

 Best moment of the week: We had a lovely holiday today.  We slept in, went to a buffet, finally worked on the baby registry, and then started painting the baby's room.  Also we finally agreed on a name.  It will be announced later.  

 What I’m looking forward to: Finishing up that front bedroom.  My parents are bringing out the rocking chair and the crib next weekend.  We also want to repaint the little white dresser that will go in there.  It is a little bit old and worn.
 

What I did / Got for baby:   Lots and lots of clothes!  My mom had bought some clothes from a discount website, then we got some stuff at a yard sale over the weekend, and then I got a ton of stuff on super clearance from Target and Gap for next summer.  We also bought some pink paint and got a coat up on the wall of the front bedroom. 

 It will need another coat, but I feel good about what we accomplished today.  

Tomorrow is the first day of school with kids for me and Isaac's first day of third grade.  It is sad to say good-bye to summer so soon, but fall is always so fun.