13 weeks

I want to start by telling ya'll I will post my weekly pregnancy highlights every week but I only plan to do belly shots every other week. I just think it's funner to see the changes every 2 weeks rather than 1 week. Maybe once I start to show a little more, I will start doing weekly pics. I am...

13 WEEKS

PREGNANCY HIGHLIGHTS:

How Far Along: 13 weeks and 1 day

Size of baby: The website I googled said baby is currently the size of a

a peach. But since "strawberry" kind of stuck with us last week, we will continue to call him/her "little strawberry" until we find out for sure what the gender is.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: The last time I weighed I was still (-4)

Maternity Clothes: None yet. But I have ordered some online and plan to get some more this weekend. 

Gender: As of our sneak peak last Saturday, he/she is looking like a girl. (no sign of anything between the legs) But I don't want to confirm that until after our next sneak peak. Which will be next Friday night. Can't WAIT!!!

 Movement: Still not feeling any movement

What I miss: I miss NOT feeling sick, I miss NOT gagging, I miss energy, I miss my clear face(it's so broke out) and most of all, I miss sleep!

Cravings: Not really having any cravings yet. I have been preferring salty food over sweets. When I was pregnant with Tuff, I couldn't get enough sweets!

Symptoms: Exhaustion, nausea, gagging (is this even considered a "symtom") and acne. Yes acne. Its EVERYWHERE. I told Jordan last weekend my face hasn't looked like this since I was 15/16 years old. I did read online though, if you're pregnant with a girl, she takes all your beauty away. Haha. I sound so gullable looking for all signs of it being a girlie in there :)

Best Moment this week: Seeing his/her sweet face/profile on the big screen Saturday. He/She was SO active in there. Kicking those legs like crazy and even waving at us. It was so sweet! :)

Hope you all have a Wonderful Wednesday!!!! Half way to Friday!

The Alford's

Weekend Re-Cap, Birthday & Gagging

Nice title huh? I bet you all like how it ended. It has alot to do with what I've been up to these days. G-A-G-G-I-N-G. Ugh. I did it alot with my pregnancy with Tuff and I'm starting to do it more and more as this pregnancy progresses. Please SOMEONE tell me I'm not crazy? My mom said she'd never heard of anyone doing this before but obviously it's pretty common for me. :( Has anyone else out there experienced this with their pregnancies? It mostly only does it when my stomach is empty. Baby is telling me "FEED ME, and FAST!" The wierdest part is I never actually get sick. Just continuously gag until I eat. Oh me. I won't miss this part of pregnancy. I guess I have a long way to go to be complaining though.

Anyways, today is my wonderful Aunt Melissa's birthday!!!!

She has always been so good to me and my sisters. I'm very blessed to have such a special Aunt. We usually always get together for lunch when it's any of our birthdays. Today me, mom, April and A. Melissa met up at TGI Friday's (her choice of course) to celebrate! We had a nice lunch together catching up on life since we all don't get to see her that often. I hope you have a wonderful birthday Aunt Melissa. We love you SO much!!!!

Our weekend was nice. Friday night we stayed in. I know I've told you all in a previous post that I don't usually like to get back out once I get home from work on Friday nights. Especially when I'm pregnant. SO tired. :) Our date on Saturday turned into a "Day Date" because we didn't want to miss the oppurtunity to see little strawberry on the big screen Saturday night. Since Jordan works nights, we considered this date our V-Day date. We had a nice lunch at Longhorn and then headed to the movies to see...

It was a pretty good movie. It definitely wasn't the BEST I'd ever seen but it was good. Definitely wouldve rather paid a $1 through the redbox rather than $20 at the movies to see it. But it was still nice to be able to actually go to a movie with the hubster and have a nice quiet day. We were long over due for one. After the movie we stopped in for groceries (also nice to do without a toddler) and then headed to pick up baby boy so he could be with us when we had our first sneak peak of his brother/sister. Tuff wasn't too sure what to think about it. He cried/whined the whole time we were looking at his brother/sister. We think he thinks she was hurting me. Poor buddy. Anyways, I definitely think this was the best part of the whole weekend. :) Little "strawberry" was just a kicking his/her legs in there. At one point it even looked like he/she was waving at us. He/She was looking straight at us with his/her hand up. I'm a little TOO excited about not seeing anything between his/her legs. Haha. I'm trying not to be and I'm trying not to call him/her a "she" which happens a lot. I just don't want to get my hopes up and then go back next Friday and see something has sprouted inbetween those sweet little legs. NOT that I wouldn't still be excited. Just saying... :)

Anyways, Sunday we took Tuff over to his BaBa's so he could spend a little bit of time with her. She hasn't gotten to see him much the past few weeks with all the stuff she's had going on. After, we headed home for lunch and a nice long nap! It was the perfect weekend!!!

We had a pretty low key V-Day since we both agreed not to get each other anything this year. We bought Tuff a few things this weekend and dressed it up in a red goodie bag for him to open. He got 2 trucks, a new movie and some snacks. We also bought him a balloon Friday night that he LOVED so much but ended up popping it Sunday. I knew it was going to happen. He was soooo rough with it. Poor thing, he looked devastated when it popped. (Although me and daddy were pretty relieved. He was driving us nuts with that thing.) I had to take the car to get the tires rotated and balanced yesterday on my lunch break and when I got there, found out we needed all 4 new tires. So I guess our V-Day gift to each other is new tires for $500. Wooo Hooo! :) Hope you all had a wonderful V-Day with your significant other and sweet babies.

The Alford's

As of Saturday night....

Around 6:00 pm... Little "strawberry" has nothing between his/her legs. I am still saying "his/her" just incase something decides to appear within the next 2 weeks. We are going back on Friday the 25th to sneak another peak just to be sure! :)

HAPPY MONDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Alford's

Sneak Peak

Sometime tomorrow we will be sneaking a peak at our little "strawberry" to see if we can tell what the gender is. I will be 12w and 4d so we will just have to keep our fingers crossed. My sister in law says we can go back in 2 weeks and do it again if we can't see anything tomorrow. Although... she has 3 children and found out at exactly 12 weeks with her last 2. Of course they were boys, which made it pretty clear. What I'm most afraid of is it looking like a girl. If it looks this way, we will definitely be going back in a few weeks just to confirm. Only because if it's a boy, he might not be developed enough yet. Anyways, I'm excited... a little bit nervous... and very anxious. LOL. I will keep you all posted for sure! :)

I am so glad it's Friday. I actually missed work yesterday due to the snow and the icy roads so I'm trying to get back in the groove this morning but really glad knowing it's only one day until 2 more days off. :) I think that's what will get me through the day. We have several things planned for the weekend. Obviously I've already told you all about one of our plans. The most exciting one anyways. We also have these things on the agenda... Chopper (pup) to the Vet, DATE NIGHT :), grocery shopping of course and some maternity clothes shopping somewhere in the mix. Did I mention DATE NIGHT? Woo hoo! I told Jordan last night I wanted to drop Tuff off at one of the grandparents for the night and go out together. Neither of us can remember the last time we just went to a simple dinner and a movie. Actually I take that back. The last movie we saw together was last March. I know, sad right? I told him we definitely deserve a night out. He seemed to be just a tad bit excited. He asked me "So you're taking me on a date?" Haha. Whatever you wanna call it Boogies!!! I forgot about V-Day being on Monday so I'm dreading the crowds but really looking foward to a night out and ALONE. I think I can deal with the crowds for one night. Speaking of V-Day, I told hubs I didn't want to exchange any gifts for V-Day this year. I mean really? Whats the point? When we want something, we usually get it whether it's a holiday or not. I'd just rather save the money. Our V-Day can be our date out. We are supposed to be having some NICE weather this weekend that I'm pretty thrilled about!!!! They are talking 60's all through the next week. WOOO HOOO. I'm guessing we'll be fitting a park trip into our busy weekend for baby boy too! :) He deserves some fun too.

Well, I hope everyone has a wonder-mous weekend. That's our plan! :)

The Alford's

12 weeks (yesterday)

Bear with me here.... Since Jordan had already left for work last night when I remembered I was supposed to take my 12 weeks belly pictures, I took them by myself. I'm not big on getting my face in these so I'm not sure if this will change whether Jordan takes them or not (in the future shots). I guess it will all depend on how I'm looking/dressed when we take them. Anyways, these are the best I could get since I was taking them myself and YES, I had to use the mirror. How else was I supposed too? Haha. Other than that, it is clearly obvious that baby #2 is already poking out there at 12 weeks...

obviously im pokin a little more in this one since my arms are down...

and not so much in this one because I'm holding my arms up.

I am 12 WEEKS

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 12 weeks and 1 day

Size of baby: The website I googled said baby is currently the size of a strawberry :)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: At my doctor's appointment on Friday I was (-4). I was very surprised to hear this since I haven't been too sick. More nauseated than actually sick. My doctor assured me this was normal. Of course, I wasn't complaining because I know before too long, I'll be packing on the baby weight.

Maternity Clothes: None yet. But really needing the pants already. I get so aggravated trying to find some pants to wear to work every day. I'm down to 2-3 pairs that barely button. I'll be shopping for some sooner than later.

Gender: We don't know yet...

Movement: So far I haven't felt any movement

What I miss: I miss not being nauseated (I think its worse than actually throwing up) and being able to SLEEP through the night.

Cravings: I'm actually in that stage where I'm not really hungry but of course I have to eat. Believe me, baby lets me know ASAP when it's time to eat. I will continuously gag until I make myself eat. I did the same thing with my pregnancy with Tuff. It's actually very odd. If I do crave anything, it's for anything SALTY. I actually just had a snack about 30 minutes ago, salt & vinegar chips. :)

Symptoms: Exhaustion and nausea. I've actually only gotten sick 3 times.

Best Moment this week: Our doctor's appointment last Friday. We got to hear little "strawberry's" heartbeat. I know I've told ya'll this before but that sound makes it all seem so surreal!!!! :)

They are calling for MORE snow here this afternoon and I'm dreading it. Where oh where are you SPRING?

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday. We're half way to Friday. WOO HOO!

The Alford's

Weekend Update

We had a pretty good weekend. Friday night we stayed in and just got some take out for dinner. We use to go to Mboro almost every Friday night but since I've became pregnant, I'm too wore out after getting home from work (which is in Mboro) to turn around and go back. Saturday we hung out around the house until about 3 when we started getting ready to head to Gabe's birthday party. Gabe is Jordan's nephew. He turned 10. It's amazing how fast they grow, really! When Jordan and I first started dating, I remember going with him to Gabe's 1st birthday party. I can't believe it's been that long. Anyways, Tuff had a blast!!! They had his party at the local sportscom at the indoor pool. Tuff wasn't too into the pool but him and his cuz Jace had a ball running and playing together. Here are a few pictures of the sweet boys playing...

Watching the big kids from the side

Trying to escape

running, what they mostly did

Kissing cousins

Jace is 7 months older but Tuff is just as big ;)

playing

Jace LOVES kissing Tuff

Sweet boys getting ready to go home

Tuff had a blast. It's funny how they can have so much fun just running with each other. All they did the whole time was RUN. :) They ended up finding a ball and started to fight over it so that was our que to head out. After the party we stopped by the grocery store and then headed home. Sunday was Mrs. Annie's funeral. Carolyn asked Jordan to be a paul bearer so we had to be there around 12:30 though the funeral didn't start until 2. It was a very small funeral. Actually, the smallest I'd ever been too. They went straight from visitation to the cemetery. It was a sad day for Jordan's mom and all of us really. We've all been so close to Mrs. Annies for so many years. I'm glad she's no longer in pain though. She's also with her only sister who she loved dearly. The Lord is taking good care of her now. I do know that. Please continue to pray for Jordan's mother. She's got so much adjusting to do/get used to.

It was back to work yesterday.... We got more snow last night. I've just decided to get used to it because obviously, it isn't going anywhere. We're expected to get MORE tomorrow. Just Amazing! I am offically 12 weeks today! YAY for 2nd trimester!!! I will try to get my 12 week shot tonight and post tomorrow for all of you to see. :)

Hope everyone is having a wonderful beginning to a wonderful week....

The Alford's

Sure is "tuff" trying to feed Tuff

HAPPY FRIDAY! :) Today I have decided to link up with Kelly from Kelly's Korner about feeding our toddlers. I am SO relieved to see by all the links that I'm not the only mom out there who's having trouble getting baby boy to eat. It's really amazing to me because right when Tuff came off the bottle, he ate ANYTHING we gave him. Veggies, fruit and even meat. But lately his appetite for anything healthy has completely decreased. Oh me. It's aggravating at times because I'm constantly worrying about what I can find to feed him that he'll eat AFTER I've cooked a big meal for me and my husband. I guess we just have to roll with the punches around our house and do whatever we have to do to get him to eat. I'm also feeling guilty alot because it seems like the only things he will eat, are nothing compared to healthy. Like I said, at least I'm not the only mom struggling with this. Anyways, here is what Tuff's eating routine is looking like these days...

Breakfast:
(This is his best meal of the day. He's one of those "has to eat as soon as his head comes off the pillow kind. So he usually eats good for this meal.)

• Cereal: Mainly fruit loops at our house since I'm not a big cereal eater and his daddy always eats fruit loops, that's usually all we have in the house. But at his MeMe's house, he eats all different kinds.
• Grits (instant, we buy them by the box)
• waffles
• bacon, the kid LOVES bacon
• pancakes
• bananas
• french toast

Lunch/Dinner:

This is where it starts to get scarce and VERY limited.... First of all I'm going to list the things he'll ALWAYS eat. Meaning things that he'll NEVER turn down. It goes a little something like this....

• Pizza

And... that's it. Haha. I know ya'll must be thinking I'm crazy but it's true. The child LOVES pizza and it's the only thing I've NEVER seen him turn down. Now here are the things that he'll eat most of the time but every now and then will turn down...

• mostly anything Chef Boyardee but his favorites are abc/123 & meatballs and spaghetti & meatballs. (minus the meatballs. we take them out)
• Campbells chicken noodle soup (this has turned into a hit lately meaning.. he's not turning it down much)
• spaghetti (my spaghetti, not from the can)
• lasagna
• mashed potatos (sometimes with gravy)
• green peas & green beans
• bread... this use to be something he'd NEVER turn down but the past month or so he's turned it down a few times.
• french fries
• chicken nuggets (but very,very rarely and he's not into any kinds of dips yet. too bad because I'm sure he'd like them better if he liked dips)
• soups (he'll eat just about any kind of homeade soup)

And that's about it in the lunch/dinner department. We're really struggling, I know. But I hear it's a phase so I'm hoping we come out of it soon.

Snacks:

One of our biggest issues is snacking. He likes to snack constantly. I don't want him to do this because I feel like this could be one of the main reasons for him not eating his meals. The only good thing about him snacking is he doesn't like sweets. Can you believe it? What kids don't eat sweets. He gets this from his daddy because his daddy barely eats any sweets. Don't get me wrong, there are very few sweets he does like but like I said, very FEW. He really prefers salty over sweet. Here are a list of his favorite snacks...

• Tortilla chips (he goes through phases with his favorite snack but currently, this is the FAV. He wants to eat these all the time.)
• cheez its
• cheetos
• gold fish
• crackers (Ritz & Saltine)
• butter cookies (occassionally but this used to be a favorite. I think he got tired of them)
• snack pack pudding cups (this has been freshly added to the list this week)
• apple sauce

As for drinks, I've never been big on giving him juice. I know he gets alot more juice at his MeMe's which is ok but at home we mostly stick to milk. In my head, I think this is good for him his eating habbits are so limited but in the doctor's eyes, he thinks it could be another reason for him not eating much. Who knows. I still think it's a phase so I try not to dwell on it too much. As long as he's not losing weight I think we're ok.

I've really enjoyed browsing everyone's links to see all of your tricks. Maybe we'll try some out.

Anyways, if you follow my blog regularly and you're wondering about our appointment this morning.... It went great!!! She did find the heartbeat with the doppler and it was VERY fast. Those were her words exactly. It was funny because you can hear both my heartbeat and the babies over the doppler and it was amazing how much faster the babies was. Anyways, we all know what VERY fast means... GIRL. Haha. I said that to my doctor and she said "Yeeesss... they do say that but I also wouldn't call that accurate information." :) Jordan's face was priceless when we heard that strong, VERY fast heartbeat. Even though I know he would be SO very happy with a little girlie too. We were there for 2 hours. After seeing the doctor, I had to have blood drawn (5 TUBES!!!!) and then we had a meeting with the financial advisor there. Oh me... Our favorite part of the pregnancy. The costs. Anyways, it was a good visit and we will be headed in for another check up on March 4th. Stay tuned because I should have 12 week belly shots up next week.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful FRIDAY. Not too much longer for my weekend to start. Enjoy yours!!!!!

The Alford's