15 Weeks Bumpdate - The First One

I thought I would end the 2014 year with a bang and do my first bumpdate. I honestly have always loved reading other’s weekly updates and it’s a little surreal doing my own. I think this will be a great way to keep family and friends in the loop, as well as a way to document these special memories for later. Thank you to everyone for the well wishes, Andy and I could not be happier about our newest addition.

How Far Along? 15 weeks

Size of Baby: A navel orange (4.0 inches)

Gender: I have no idea, but we find out next week!!!!! I’m a little nervous to find out so early mostly because I’m scared they will tell me one thing and it’ll be wrong. Does anyone else think like this, or am I crazy?

Maternity Clothes: I just firmed up a shopping date with my mom to go pick up some maternity clothes. My pants situation is getting a little dire; I’m down to two pairs of pants that still fit.

Nursery: Still a guest room, but I’m starting to get antsy to at least get a new paint color on the wall.

Movement: Nothing yet. I read that I could feel something anywhere between 14 to 22 weeks. I’m really hoping it won’t take that long.

Symptoms: I had a couple headaches this week. Not sure what is causing them, could be the dramatic weather changes, fatigue, or just pregnancy in general.

Sleep: I can officially no longer sleep on my stomach, which is a hard adjustment. I think a body pillow purchase will be in order by the end of the week. Snoogle here I come.

Cravings:  My salty tooth is still around however not as strong as last week. While I like the taste of melted cheese the thought of it grosses me out. The Velveeta commercials send me into fits.  

What I Miss: We had some friends over to watch South Carolina play in the Bowl game on Saturday and then watched a movie after. I had to head to bed halfway through because I was exhausted. I’m waiting patiently for the second trimester energy boost.

Best Moment This Week: Christmas at home with the family and receiving our first couple  of baby gifts of books and onesies.

Looking Forward To: I’m so excited about our 16 week appointment next week. I’m always thrilled to see how Baby S is developing and hopefully the baby’s gender will be very obvious.

Merry Christmas 2014

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas time. We had a great season this year.

We flew to Maryland the weekend before Christmas to visit Andy’s whole family and to share our good news. If you missed it check it out here. After telling Andy’s parents and grandparents in person we could relax and we actually had some time to play tourist on this trip. We walked down 34^th Street in downtown Baltimore. The whole block decks their houses out in lights and people are selling hot chocolate and the street is packed with families. It was a great way to get into the Christmas spirit.

On our last day in Maryland we had lunch at Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, which I recently saw on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, and had an amazing meal of crab cakes and a Maryland specialty of Smith Island cake.

P.S. They have the coolest wall with a design created out of oyster shells.

Then, finally we knocked something off my Maryland bucket list and visited the National Aquarium in Baltimore. It was a great experience and I highly recommend it.

We then flew back to South Carolina and spent Christmas at home and with my family.

Andy shocked me with wonderful gifts. I got a pair of duck boots, a monogrammed bathrobe, and the big surprise a Nikon DLSR camera!!!!!! Especially with a little one on the way a new camera was at the top of my list. I’ve had a blast playing with it and will hopefully be able to step my blog photos up a little bit.

I wish you all of fabulous end to 2014 and all the best for the upcoming year.

A Christmas Eve Surprise

While everyone sits by the Christmas tree and wonders what Santa will bring them during the night, I'm excited to say that I've already received the best gift of all....

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My husband and I are thrilled to announce that we are excepting our first child in June 2015!!!!

Photo and announcement by Celia G Photographie

It's been nearly impossible not to talk about the pregnancy on the blog and I'm so excited that our secret is finally out. I'm officially open for tips, tricks, and advice about pregnancy, labor, and motherhood. Let this new adventure being!

Photo and announcement by Celia G Photographie

Tacky Holiday Sweater

I'm so excited because I'm going to a tacky holiday sweater party! I've never been to one and don't have a sweater just sitting around for the occasion. So the question is, do I buy a sweater from Goodwill or Ebay or do I make an outfit?

Funnily enough I've dressed up as a Christmas tree for Halloween before and it was a huge hit. I could always recreate this costume.

Or I could go with the bow tree skirt and a tricked out headband.

Or maybe go with the little kid art project route.

Have you ever been to a Tacky Sweater Party? Any suggestions?

Five on Friday

I'm linking up with the lovely Five on Friday ladies again this week. Make sure you check them out at Darci, April, Natasha, and Christina.

 

1) I went on another work trip this week, this time to Atlanta, and it was really fun. I've never had to travel for my job so I'm still getting used to the idea of driving somewhere just for a short time and being back in town by the end of the day. This trip reminded me that it's been ages since I've been in Atlanta and a weekend trip is in order. Any recommendations?

 

2) I grabbed a random snack in the gas station before I hit the road and I'm now obsessed with Nut Harvest Cashews. Good grief these are good. Perfect for my salty tooth. 

 

3) We are finally getting our Christmas tree this weekend and I can't wait to start decorating. After two years of debating I finally pulled the trigger and bought Andy, Camden, and I stockings from Pottery Barn. I love them so much and can't wait to post pictures once they are hung. 

 

4) I got a very special box in the mail yesterday. It contained lefse. Not sure if I've ever talked about lefse on the ole blog, but it's a Scandinavian tortilla-like-bread that is made out of potatoes. We have it every Christmas Eve with meatballs and it's so good. Anyone else ever heard of it?

 

5) To finish up on a holiday note, we had some family pictures taken on Sunday by my dear friend Celia from Celia G Photographie. We have known her for years and she does an amazing job. We are having a hard time picking our favorites for the Christmas card this year. If you are in Columbia and need and photographer give her a call.    

 

Have a fabulous weekend everyone!

Family Gifts Under $100

 

I don't know about you, but I struggle sometimes when it comes to buying gifts for family members. I don't live close to most of my family so I can't make notes about things they mention throughout the year. So I rely on the rule "buy people what you would want". Do you have a go to gift for family?

 

1) Cards Against Humanity - We have the free printable version of this game and it's hilarious. Definitely only play with people you know and don't take it too seriously. I think this is perfect gift for a guy, like my brother, however I would never play this with my mom or certain family members. You just have to play it to understand.

 

2) Sand-Free Beach Mat - I bought this for my mother-in-law who lives at the beach and it was a huge hit. The blanket/mat has tiny holes in it so sand sinks through, but doesn't come up. Perfect for anyone who spends lots of time at the beach. 

 

3) Apple TV - I'm not a technology person, but we have really loved our Apple TV. It connects to you TV and the internet so you can stream in stuff like Netflix, HBO GO, Youtube, and anything from your IPad or IPhone. It's super portable too, so you can take it with you on trips.  

 

4) Amazon Echo - Speaking of not being techy, this is way out of my comfort zone, but it's really cool. If you are an Amazon Prime member you can pre-order this for $99. It's kind of hard to explain so check out this video instead.

 

5) Personalized Platter - I love these platters! You can find them in about a million styles and patterns and the best part, no one can steal them since they have your name on it. That makes it super convenient to take to tailgates, family gatherings, or potlucks.

6) Monogrammed Tailgate Chair - It's no secret that I love anything monogrammed and I've found that the more entertaining we do the more use we have for collapsible chairs. They are easy to use, easy to store, and you can never have too many.

Make sure to link up with the fabulous hosts at [Cheers Y'all | A. Liz Adventures | Miss Dixie | Southern Style