31 Weeks and Christmas Time with The Galbavy's

 

31 Weeks Preggers....9 to go!

 

Mom's Beautiful Christmas Tree

Curt and I with my BIG belly :)

Family Pic

Well where to begin on this week's post.  So many things to talk about.  We started the Christmas vacation on Saturday and headed to SF around 1.  Curt and I haven't been having very good luck lately with our purchases so we had to make quite a few stops in SF to exchange/return baby items and one of our new chairs so that we can get the lever put on the left hand side.  After all the hustle and bustle in the crazy town we made it home to the Galbavy's house just in time for supper!  Dad made his famous pizza and boy was it tasty!  Curt and I were both exhausted from the day's activities so we went to bed early while the rest of the gang played cards late into the night.  Sunday, we hung out and I worked on a few last minute projects I had to get done and had a delicious Ham and baked potato meal.  Monday, we went to Christmas Eve service and had an amazing Turkey dinner!  I can't tell you how well I ate....apparently it is showing though as I've been tempted by way too many sweets and great food! 

We opened gifts on Christmas Eve and it was a great Christmas!  I think Curt made out like a bandit :)  We are expecting a new glider which we will put in the baby's room.  Thanks Mom and Dad as that is a wonderful present! 

Curt and I both have the entire week off and I can't believe how fast it is going by!  It feels as though we have hardly been on vacation.  Wednesday we set up the crib and started doing some things in the baby's room.  I think the majority of the day was spent in town trying to get some things done and picking out new blinds for the baby's room which will arrive in 2 weeks!  Today was a busy day of getting things in order in the Engels' household.  I was busy cleaning all day and Curt mounted our new tv in our bedroom which I was originally indifferent about but now I'm totally pumped to have one in our room, especially now that I am starting to get more uncomfortable.  It seems as though I can't really sit or stand very long.  My tailbone has been giving me some problems and it is definitely harder to get up and down and in and out of vehicles.  I'm sure it is only going to be downhill from here....We started working on the baby's room today and I'm so pumped to show some beginning pictures! 


Baby Update: The baby has been moving in a different way.  It is kind of hard to explain but it's more like a rolling sensation in a certain area or a harder jab versus a kick.  My right side has been a little more painful in the last week not sure if it is just the baby's position or what the deal is.  As soon as I sit down, it is like clockwork and he will start moving around.  Junior has now officially developed all 5 of the senses!  He is the size of a pineapple this week!  Night time issues...oh yes.  My hip seems to go numb and I toss and turn and of course have to make frequent visits to my favorite friend...the bathroom! 

This weekend we will be heading to the Engels' farm to celebrate Christmas!  We will be taking off in the morning and very excited to see everyone.  Round two of delicious food here we come!

30 Weeks

Happy Monday Everyone!  Yes, that little boy is starting to really pop out of my belly these days.  It seems to just be getting bigger and bigger!  I'm now to 30 weeks and the countdown begins for the last 10.  I feel I have so much to get done yet before our little man arrives in February!  This past weekend was a busy one and very tiring!

I went home on Thursday night to go look at a house with Doug.  We put in an offer and are eagerly awaiting the response.  It is a great location and he would be close to work and our family's house.  Time will only tell what will become....

Friday, I started off baking while Mom worked some in the morning.  Darcy helped me out and we made spicy chex mix, oreo balls and peanut butter balls.  I cannot believe how much we baked on Saturday!  We started out around 8am and didn't quit until 9pm!  It was a very long, tiring day of baking.  To add to the list we made: peanut clusters, turtle pretzels, caramels, french christmas cookies, regular christmas cookies (sugar cookies), russian tea cakes, and cream wafers.  Unfortunately, our cream wafers caused us a bit of a problem as our whipping cream was sour so mom had to run and get some new stuff!  And although they are delicious, ours didn't turn out as pretty as Aunt Pat's! It was quite the bake off weekend I must say.  I feel I got a lot accomplished on that end of things and should be all set for bringing treats home to the Engels Christmas!

With the long day of baking on Saturday, my plan was to sleep in.  I think the baby had different plans in mind.  I was up constantly and wide awake at 5:30 so I got up, showered, got ready and then we realized the mall opened at 7am so we headed out early to get some shopping done.  We were home a little after 12:30 and I had gotten some gifts taken care of. 

Got home in the early afternoon and walked into the house to see our new furniture!  We got a new couch and 2 recliners.  They look awesome!  I'm so excited to have some comfortable chairs to sit in.  I unpacked my car load of stuff - well actually Curt did all the unloading and I put the stuff away and then finally sat down to relax for a bit. 

This week is going to fly by as I will be busy getting gifts wrapped.  Tonight Angie is coming to town and we are meeting at Tiff's house to hang out and catch up for a bit.  Tuesday night is our final night of volleyball and we won last week so if we keep winning we stay in the tournament.  Wed we are having our work Christmas Gift exchange and I hope I can have my presents ready to go by then!  Saturday we will be heading home to celebrate Christmas with my family!  I'm so excited but just hoping all my ideas for presents will work out and be done on time!  We will also be exchanging our crib and dresser and getting the correct ones on Saturday from Toys R Us.  Can't wait :) 

Oh and updates on the baby.....he can currently still do somersaults in my belly but only for a little longer.  He will then probably pick a spot and stay there until the time will come for his arrival.  My tail bone has been bothering me some and I get antsy sitting or standing too long as then it seems to be agitated.  Definitely getting up lots to go to the bathroom which is kinda annoying as every time I get up then he starts moving around so I lay there wide awake until I get too tired and eventually fall back to sleep.  So far, I'm not too uncomfortable yet.  I can tell there is more pressure on my pelvic as if I bend over for too long and stand back up, I instantly have to go to the bathroom again!  Oh my, this bathroom stuff is for the birds!  Thankfully, no heartburn...yet anyways.  Still able to shave my legs but it is getting a little harder.  It's the little things that tend to leave me out of breath.  I'm not used to that.  I carried a few bags to the car from Hy-Vee and felt as if I have ran 3 miles!  haha.  My back has been a little sore and it just depends on what I do that day as some days are worse than others.  I think that about sums it up.  I go back to visit the doctor on the 3rd so this stretch will be 3 weeks instead of 2 with the holidays in the middle.  Time is just going to fly by from here on out.....

29 Weeks

 

Yes, 29 weeks.  Almost to the big 30!  I've been feeling great still but can tell it is getting a little harder to move around.  I spoiled myself this week and went and got a pre-natal massage which felt wonderful.  Definitely been getting up multiple times in the night to go to the bathroom!  The little guy is getting stronger and stronger as he'll wake me up in the middle of the night kicking so hard.  It is such a crazy feeling.  I have an appointment this Thursday and from here on out, it will be every two weeks!  Scary to think that I only have about 10 weeks to go.  I still haven't really craved anything.  I am an unusual eater as it is so maybe my eating habits are just a little odd to counter the so called "cravings." Belly button is still an "Innie" but I'm sure that will soon change as well.  I am feeling quite challenged some days when I try to put socks and shoes on or bend over.  I wanted to paint my toenails but I'm thinking that is totally not going to happen!  It is hard enough just to cut my toenails not sure how I could sit still trying to paint them.  I have been trying to keep reading some books but seems so hard to find the time lately.  I'm exhausted by 9 at night but then can't seem to sleep past 5!  What the heck!  My body is just on overload and for some reason, my brain doesn't want to shut off at night.     

 

We had our last birthing class on Wednesday and I will be taking a breastfeeding class in January.  Curt worked super hard to get the trim up on the nursery and finally finished our bedroom trim as well.  Yes, there is nothing on our walls yet and this picture just shows the color and trim.  Slowly but surely we will get this room done!  Curt was going to haul in the dresser and set up the crib and when he un-packaged it, it was the wrong color!  I was so distraught over the color that I couldn't even focus that one of the legs was broken on the dresser.  Now, I will have to return that this week in SF and pick up the correct color. 

 

 

Friday night, Heidi (my co-worker) and I had to "Ring The Bell" at Walmart as we volunteered for an hour.  I was very surprised at how giving everyone was. 

 

Saturday we had a relaxing day at home and I worked on getting some gifts wrapped and things organized.  We left for the farm to celebrate Wally's 70th birthday and all the kids came home and we went out for supper in Marshall.  He got a fun John Deere cake, which we devoured after the meal :) 

 

Sunday, was the BIG blizzard!  We were snowed in and all of us had to stay overnight at the farm until Monday morning.  I couldn't believe the amount of snow we had (somewhere around 18") and toward the middle of the day it was blowing so bad that you couldn't even see to the machine shed! 

We came home Monday morning.  I got to spend some time snuggling with baby Hayes and Mandy was super sweet and gave me a whole sack full of maternity clothes!  Yay for her being the savior.  Plus, I got some stuff from both of Curt's sisters this past weekend and my cousin Tiffers which will be a huge help too!  So excited to have friends and family who have had kids and can borrow stuff to me!  Feeling very blessed! 

Tonight is the start of our tournament for volleyball.  If we win, we play next week, if we lose, we are done.  I hope we can keep up our winning streak! 

We are getting our new furniture this Friday which I'm so excited about. The old couch and loveseat are in the garage awaiting pick up from a couple that wants to take it.  For the time being, we have no couch so it feels very empty all the sudden. 

I'm looking forward to having Friday off and doing some Christmas baking with Mom!  We have quite the list to tackle so it will be an interesting 2 days and hopefully we can get everything accomplished.  This whole month has just flown by way too quickly!  I don't even have my shopping done and here I thought I was ahead of the game this year getting my Xmas cards out so early and starting to plan what I was buying people.  Yikes!  Only 2 weeks left!  I am going to be a busy bee trying to get all the shopping and baking done this weekend.  Hopefully I'll have time to do some shopping otherwise, I will be one of those last minute people running to the store 2 days before Christmas. 

Fall Photos 2012

 

Here is a clip of our photos we took in November.  It was a very easy, 10 minute session so Curt felt no pain!  Well I couldn't figure out how to download the video as it wouldn't let me so here are the pics from our shoot!

 

 

 

 

28 Weeks....

Welcome to Third Trimester!  It is so unreal how fast this preganacy is flying by!  I know not all you moms out there feel that way or can even imagine to agree with me, but I've been very fortunate and have had an incredible, easy pregnacy thus far.  I read my weekly update and apparently when you hit this week there are a whole bunch of common complaints!  I just hope I don't have all of them to complain about :) 

Our little man is the size of an eggplant this week.  He is definitely even feeling bigger than that to me being he is moving so much more now.  I think I am starting to be able to tell where his butt is and his feet are.  My belly will all the sudden just get really hard and it even looked lopsided one day at work as to how he was sitting in there. 

This past week/weekend were so busy!  Curt had to leave to go to Rhode Island for work and got home Saturday night.  He has been sick so needless to say on Sunday, he was on the couch all day and hardly moved.  He missed out on some things last week. 

Darcy was my fill-in partner for birthing classes on Wednesday night and I must say, she is an expert at hand massages!  It was quite funny as she had just learned about this recently in school so she was one step ahead of the instructor and already knew what she was doing!  She will have to teach Curt the secret tricks! 

Thursday was my doctor's appointment and I'm happy to say that my blood sugar was normal at 101~  whoop whoop!  No gestational diabetes for this girl!  I feel so relieved.  My hemoglobin was normal as well at 12.3.  I also had to get a lovely shot in my hip area as I'm RH negative.  It wasn't the most pleasant moment of my life....for those of you that know me, I tend to freak out about needles.  Guess I will be put through all kinds of first experiences having this baby!  I am now officially on 2 week appointments which is making this whole process come to an end all too quickly. 

I also managed to get in 2 Norwex shows last week and had a vendor show on Saturday.  Saturday was our Re/Max Christmas party which was such an amazing night!  We went out to eat at the Ward steakhouse and I was so uncomfortable after eating all that food.  The prime rib was excellent!  Then we went to SF and watch Tonic Sol Fa at the Washington Pavilion.  What a blast that show was.  They are a group of four guys that sing acapella and they were truly amazing to watch.  I want to go back again next year if they are in town. 

Sunday, I got to visit my old roommate Megan as she was in town.  It was so fun to catch up with her and get a chance to visit about our lives.  Oh, how I miss my talks with that girl! 

Now that December is here, it is time to start working on the baby's room.  I'm hoping Curt will feel up to getting the trim done and setting up the crib so I feel we are making some progress.  We are supposed to be getting some new furniture next week so that will be yet another project of getting the old stuff out of the house.  This month will be over before I know it and I'm starting to feel a bit panicked that we won't have everything done in time.  Curt assures me it will be fine so for now I will just have to trust him that it will all get done.....

This Wednesday will be our last birthing class.  Seems like that too has flown by and I've learned quite a bit of info.  I'm sure Curt learned a thing or two as well even though he'll never admit it ;) 

This weekend we are celebrating Wally's 70th birthday!  Everyone will be coming home to the farm on Saturday night as we are going out to supper in Marshall.  It will be a fun celebration. 

LAST WEEK OF THE SECOND TRIMESTER!

Tis' the season to be thankful!  Since we just celebrated Thanksgiving, I have so many things to be thankful for including my family, friends, health, wonderful career, plenty of food for my belly, a house and of course, this amazing blessing on the way!  I cannot be more grateful in life and having God watch over me and the start of my new family.  I'm a little behind in posting so here is an update on our lives.....

2 weekends ago, we went to the Marone Farm for our annual deer hunting trip.  Unfortunately, I did not get a deer or even got the chance to shoot my new rifle.  Such a bummer!  Curt got a doe and the some of the other members in our group came away with some nice bucks.  I think I over-worked myself on Saturday as my legs were so tired and sore from walking!  I took it easy on Sunday and mostly just posted and did very little walking.  We had such a wonderful weekend hanging out with people and eating way too much food and of course sharing some great laughs! 

My friend Mandy, had her beautiful baby boy, Hayes Dean!  I couldn't be more ecstatic for her and the Marone family!  He is so precious and I'm looking forward to meeting him!

We left Thursday morning for the farm to celebrate Thanksgiving with Curt's family.  It was a fun weekend.  Spent a lot of time in the kitchen doing the dishes but got to spend time with the fam :)  We went to a movie on Thursday night.  The girls went to Breaking Dawn Part II and the boys (and Jenny) hit up the new James Bond movie.  Friday, Curt and I went to Marshall for a bit but didn't get too much.  I was looking for a new washer but the one I wanted of course, wasn't the one on sale that day!  Go figure.  Friday night we celebrated Eric's confirmation and had some amazing DQ cake for dessert.  Yum!  Sunday, we went to church and then left after dinner.  The weekend just seemed to fly by way too quickly.

Onto the baby.....
Junior has been busy moving around like crazy.  I was starting to wonder if it would change as Wed through Friday I felt really no movement all day.  Then Friday night things started to change.  He was on the go all night it seemed or at least every time I got up to go to the bathroom.  I can totally tell the change as my belly has obviously gotten bigger so now I can feel him so much more when he moves around.  Lately, he has just been a little acrobat!  But I have to admit, that I love feeling him move around.  I guess it just gives me some reassurance and let's me know he is ok.

Sleeping has been ok but I have to switch sides it seems constantly throughout the night.  I always tend to be wide awake at 5am and then can't get back to sleep.  Guess that is God's way of still preparing me for the baby's arrival. 

I've been chugging water like crazy and especially during the night as I feel so dang thirsty when I get up to go to the bathroom.

My back has been starting to get really sore so I've been going to a chiropractor to put everything into place.  Since my belly is getting larger it is pulling the lower back muscles.  Some days seem to be ok and tolerable and other days I just want to come home and sit on the couch and ice! 

No real cravings yet but I have noticed changes in my eating.  I no longer can eat large meals as I seem to get so full and tight and just feel awful for the next 5 hours.  I have to eat smaller portions and really stop going back for seconds as that is where it is killer!  I think I'm hungry but the belly just can't fit any more food in.     

Next we will be working on the nursery which I'm getting very anxious for!

I have a doctor's appointment this Thursday and have to do the diabetes test.  Not looking forward to it and hoping everything comes back OK. 

Our little guy is growing so much every day as my belly does too!  Baby Engels is the size of an eggplant this week!  He is also learning right side up from upside down.  He's been a busy guy.  During the day, I really don't feel very many kicks.  Sometimes in the morning but lately, he has been waking me up 1-2 times in the night kicking away.  Last night was a 5am wake up call.  I laid awake until 6 feeling him kick my belly.  I guess he is preparing me for what is to come and all the sleepless nights I'll have when he arrives.  

I haven't had many complaints since this pregnancy started.  Lately, my lower back has been bothering me.  I went to the chiropractor last week and felt ten times better.  Going again today to hopefully help get everything in alignment. 

This past weekend was very productive!  I must say, I was looking forward to a quiet weekend by myself.  Friday night, I traveled to Beresford with Mandy and her little girl, Addison to check out a shop.  We didn't have any luck finding anything so headed into SF and got to eat an amazing meal at Chevy's!  It was a great night and we had lots of time to catch up since a lot of it was spent on the road.  After the meal though, I was so full....I literally felt like my tummy was expanding.  Needless to say, I slept like a baby that night.  Saturday was a lounge in my pj's kinda day.  I made a homemade chicken wild rice soup in the morning and started to get all my Xmas decorations out.  Yes, I know....it's early.  It's not even Thanksgiving yet but I was starting to panic as when I'd have time to get it all done as the next three weekends are booked for us!  So I put on some cheery Christmas music and got to work.  It was a great day but by the end, I was totally exhausted.  It is a lot of work to do that all by yourself but it was a nice surprise for Curt!  I'm sure he is feeling lucky he doesn't have to help me this year.  Here is the tree!!!!

Sunday, I cleaned the house and did some baking for this upcoming weekend in which we will be heading to Wolsey for deer hunting.  I got the desserts made and in the freezer ready to go!

Curt went hunting West River with my Dad this weekend.  Turns out even though the deer count is down, they all got there deer right away.  Curt got a nice solid buck....but didn't realize it was a unicorn!  Oh well, works out for me as now I have an antler to make another basket! 

 

Well there you have it.....Our little boy is the size of a cantaloupe this week!  He is busy moving and growing inside my tummy!  I haven't had a crazy amount of movement going on, but when he moves, it is just so refreshing and a wonderful feeling to have.  I'm looking forward to him becoming more active and feeling more movement.  I guess it is just taking a little longer to feel since my placenta is on the anterior. 

I don't want to sound like a whiner but.....Leg cramps are supposed to be happening and man did I have a major one last week!  It woke me up from my sleep and the worse leg cramp I've had since HS.  My leg was so sore and finally today the pain is starting to go away although I can still feel the tenderness in my calf muscle.  Back aches are another issue that is common at this point and by the time I get home at night my back is killing me.  Just my lower back but oh it has been a challenge the past week.  I sure hope this doesn't last long but then again, my pregnancy has been so easy so I guess something has to happen to me :) 

This past weekend wasn't too exciting.  Saturday I had an open house and had a great time visiting with my friend Rachel on the phone.  It was a long over-due phone call and glad she got to keep me company since no one showed up to my open house!  Sunday, I had a Norwex vendor event and it turned out to be a good one.  I sold quite a bit of Norwex stuff which of course is always good and even had some first timers that haven't heard about it before!  It is always fun to try and tell people about the "miracle" cloths even if they don't believe me, they will eventually talk to someone and turn into a believer! 

I decided I am leaving the colors the same in the baby's room as the new bedding I found will match ok.  I'm getting antsy to start putting things together especially since I now have the crib and dresser hanging out in the garage ready to move into the room!  Curt has to put some trim up in the room that we stained awhile back and then he will get the big job of assembling the crib! 

My girlfriend had her twins last week, 2 healthy baby girls.  Darcy and I are going to go visit them this week and I will be meeting the girls for the first time!  Darcy was lucky to be Jo's nurse and got to hold the babies last Friday! 

Last week we had a break from birthing classes since it was Halloween so we are back in full force again for the month of November.  It seems this month will fly by and then the holidays will be here and before I know it, the baby will be here!  Yikes!  Just feel like I have so many things to get ready and organize yet. 

Volleyball is tomorrow night and so far we are undefeated.....I hope we can keep up with this winning streak!  We are anxiously waiting for Kelsi to come back as she had to take a couple weeks off to rest her knee. 

Curt did a little hunting back home this past weekend and his brother got a doe.  This week he goes out West River with my Dad and then next weekend we are off for East River (Huron area) with some friends of ours.  Should be a great couple of weeks coming up!

I think that about sums up the life in our household these days.....

Baby is moving and dancing...

17 weeks to go...that is if I'm on schedule.  Mom had me early so chances are that I might have our little guy early!  The baby this week is the size of a grapefruit!  Here are the measurements for our baby however, I think our baby is ahead of the average weight. 

It says that the baby is listening to my voice and heartbeat and even loud sounds like horns and barking dogs!  Guess he also heard our guns then too :)  Curt and I sighted in our rifles on Sunday to get ready for the upcoming deer season. 

Best moment of the week: I got to feel the baby kick!  Last Sunday was the first and then he went all week keeping me in suspense!  Thursday night he sparked up and must have been listening to Curt and was kicking all night.  He woke me up from my dreams even and was kicking.  Friday, he was busy dancing and doing somersaults in my tummy!  It is the best feeling ever to finally be able to feel him move inside me.  An undescribable feeling. 

 

Baby Talk: Thank goodness I don't have any swollen feet/ankles etc...yet. However, my gums are definitely swollen and feeling a little sore. My back gets sore depending on what I'm doing and how long I've been standing for but other than that nothing really to complain about.

 

Sleeping: Well sleeping so far has been ok.  It seems that I always have to turn from side to side at least 4 times a night and of course still getting up to go to the bathroom :) 

The weekend went by fast like usual.  Saturday I was busy in town shopping yet again.  I got to pick up the baby's bedding which I'm so excited about!  I also made a big decision and ordered a new couch and 2 recliners.  Curt actually found the recliners and I'm really excited.  I can't wait to hold the baby and rock him in the new chair!  We have some time to get things ready as the furniture won't be here for 5-8 weeks.  By that time, I'm sure the crib will be in and Curt will be busy getting it put together.  In the meantime, I have to decide about painting.  I now think the baby's room can stay the color I originally painted and might just re-paint the living room.  Decisions, decisions.  Just add it to my list of things to decide on. 

 

Saturday night was my 10 year class reunion.  Totally crazy to think I've been out of HS for 10 years!  Man, does that make me feel old.  It was so much fun to see all my old friends and catch up with people that I haven't seen in such a long time.

While I was out shopping, Curt was busy getting our yard ready for winter.  He got all the bushes/plants cut down and mowed the yard for the last time and picked up the leaves.  The yard looked great!  He got the boat winterized and we took that home to the farm on Sunday.  Now I'm lucky to have a garage space back for the winter!  We did a little shooting on Sunday and now our guns should be good to go for deer opener. 

I was fortunate enough to sell another house on Friday too!  I just love my new job and with each sale get more and more excited for the future.  I took an intense course on Friday and am so excited to try and implement some new techniques into my business.

Tonight we are taking pictures at McCrory Gardens and looking forward to the nice weather!  Thankfully there is no snow and we should be able to get some good pics!  This week we are hoping to meet with another daycare provider.  We met with the first one last week and now I'm trying to line up some others so we can get a decision made. 

Tomorrow night is volleyball and so far we are undefeated.  I hope we can keep up with this record :)  I think the baby enjoys the activity.....well I still enjoy it so I'm hoping he feels the same way. 

Crazy that 22 weeks is already here.  I feel this entire pregnancy has just flown by so far.  Last week we started the birthing classes at the hospital.  We go each Wednesday for 6 weeks 2 hours a night.  This week we are going to be practicing breathing techniques and I think some ways to get through the pain.  I will need all the help I can get as I'm planning on having this baby naturally with no drugs!  We'll see how that goes.  They say you follow your mom's labor and mom said she had me in 4 1/2 hours so I figure I can do this!  She made it seem not all that painful but I think your brain tends to block out the bad moments of labor as you see this beautiful baby in your hands and all the pain goes away.  As you can see my belly is growing!  Hopefully this baby won't be too big and make it hard on me for labor :)

Had a great weekend!  I took a realtor course down in SF all day Thursday then had Mom's open house party for Norwex until 8:30 that night.  She was thinking her show was going to be a flop and now it is probably my highest dollar show yet!  Way to go Mom!  Friday we went to the Women's Expo and walked around but didn't buy anything.  Saturday, I was on the hunt for baby stuff!  I finally made a decision and bought a crib.  I ended up purchasing a crib and double dresser from Babies R Us.  I think it will look good and am very excited to start putting the baby's room together.  I also decided on a theme and ordered a bedding set in.  I returned the other one I had bought so that was two decisions in one day!  Once I get the bedding in, then I can figure out a paint color as Mom is going to paint the baby's room while the boys are gone deer hunting.  I can't wait to start having the room transform :)  We did a lot of shopping on Saturday and had a nice lunch date with Auntie Suzie and Uncle Willy and my cousin Karmin and her husband Jim.  They later came out for supper and we played some cards.  Sunday, Mom and I were back at it again looking at stores and trying to figure out things to buy.  I was a little disappointed as I was going to order our new reclining chairs but the lady was out on Saturday so that will have to be this next weekend's project.  Mom is a saint for hanging in there and looking at all these places with me!  I know she was getting worn out and just wanted me to decide!  It's so hard when you are given so many dang options!  Plus I had to get the hubby's ok on it too.  I sure hope Curt will like what I picked out. 

Curt had a great weekend hunting back at Gene and Marybelle's farm.  They made out like bandits and got a lot of pheasants!  It sounded like a good time and he even got a little practice in on the way home.  He brought Addison back to Brookings with him :) 

This week is yet another busy week.  Norwex party tonight, volleyball Tuesday and birthing class on Wed night.  I have another realtor class all day Friday in SF and then my 10 year class reunion on Saturday.  Hard to believe that I have been out of HS for 10 years already!  It will be so fun to see everyone and I'm looking forward to the night! 

 

 



Hard to believe I am 21 weeks!  I feel like time is running out and before we know it, our little guy will be here!  I feel as if I'm growing every day....more like every time I eat. haha  I thought I could feel the baby move this weekend but since I don't know what it feels like, I'm not positive if it was for real or not! 
Saturday we went to SF to look at furniture.  Well, it was an hour of looking at what I wanted to see and the rest of the time we were on the hunt for a new rifle for Curt!  It took us all day and we finally got a gun and then had to take it back to Scheel's as the ammo wasn't loaded very smoothly.  Hopefully, it will be fixed soon!  On a positive note, I think we found some furniture that will work.  Just waiting to get the chair in this week and then I can confirm and make sure it's what I want. 
Sunday, we got the office set up in the basement and things are looking a little more organized!  Whew, one thing off the checklist to do!  Had a surprise visit from Kelsie, Dwight and baby Chase!  What a cutie he is!  He was baptized on Sunday and they made a pit stop so Chase could get some milk! 
This week is a busy one.  I am hoping we will get to meet with some daycare providers this week. Hard to see when all this is going to fit in as I have started volleyball again and we play every Tuesday night.  Then I have a real estate class all day on Thursday and will be staying in SF for the weekend, while Curt heads to go pheasant hunting on Saturday!  Hopefully he'll get some birds and hopefully I can make a decision on a crib!  Crazy to think there is only really 19 weeks left and we will get to meet our bundle of joy!  We better start thinking of names :) 

Half Way There!!!! 20 Weeks to Go....

 

20 Weeks

Our lil' Monkey is the size of a banana!  He weighs 11 oz (that was when we did the ultrasound so I'm guessing maybe even more now)

 

Well I've made it to the halfway point!  Yippee!  So far, things have been pretty easy and I've been enjoying pregnant life.  This past weekend was a busy one!  I went to the Brookings Blizzard game on Friday night and got a free VIP ticket which I I got to share with the ReMax ladies and enjoyed lots of laughs :)  Saturday, Mandy and I did some shopping and visited a cute little store in Ivanhoe which reminded me a lot of the Brookings Gift Gallery store.  I managed to find another scarf at the Arlington Craft show and a cute wall sign for Thanksgiving.  Sunday, we went to church and did a little furniture shopping.  Yes, I managed to finally drag my husband along to look at couches and chairs.  I think we have it narrowed down and now we just need to make the purchase!  I am so excited to have a comfortable chair to relax in at night :) 

We met with Dr Hopper last week and everything was fine from the ultrasound results.  Baby Engels is quite the mover but I can't feel anything yet.  I'm hoping soon I will get to feel some action. 

 

Best Moment: Seeing the baby in 3D on the screen!  It is so crazy and surreal that I have this little person growing inside of me.  It still just amazes me how this process works!  Baby Engels looks like he has been busy sucking his thumb already.  When we did the ultrasound he was hiding his face and kept putting both hands up to his face!  Maybe he is just camera shy...

 

Sickness: It is such a great feeling to not be sick or feel crappy.  The thing I'm battling with now is allergies/stuffed up nose.  I guess it's common with pregnancy but man do I feel stuffy! 

 

Sleeping:  I must say, this past week has been amazing for sleep!  I've been sleeping so hard (yes, still getting up to go to the bathroom every night) but feeling a lot more rested and don't want to get out of bed! 

 

Body: I can definitely tell my body is changing.  The other day I had to put socks on and it was so awkward.  I had to sit on the couch and bend in a weird position.  I'm not excited for the belly to grow and this task becoming that much harder!  All day marathon shopping has disappeared.  I can tell that I am much more easily tired after doing things like shopping!  Still having some pains in my rib but they seem to come and go.  The doctor said to just monitor them and if they get worse I'll have to get an ultrasound done. 

 

Future Happenings: We start birthing classes on the 17tth this month!  I'm so excited.  My husband on the other hand is not thrilled.  The doctor had to tell him he needs to go so hopefully he will be the oh so wise one and take one for the team and go along.  He needs to know and get prepared just as much as I do.  I also start Volleyball tomorrow and looking forward to playing this fall. 

 

Cravings: I do have weird cravings all the time but seem to really want Chocolate like crazy lately!  And crab ragoons again!

 

Successes: Crop is out of the field!  Yay!  Underneath the deck is pretty much finished up.  Now Curt just needs to put the doors on and that should be good to go!  I also got the flower pots cleaned up which is nice to get out of the way.  Back garage is cleaned up and now Curt can focus on the front garage.  With all the projects he was busy doing, things just seemed to be everywhere!  I have two closings this month which is awesome!  Now more time to work on the baby's room....lots of decisions to make yet. 

 

Books: Been reading up on the baby books and now I plan to find a breastfeeding book to check out.  I went to a speaker last night and this lady had written her own book on breastfeeding and she has a lot of good information.  Then I suppose I will need to tackle the hypnobirthing book too!  Lots to read yet. 

 

Struggles: I think it will be quite the challenge to find a name for our little man.  We have started discussing, well mainly me throwing out names and Curt saying no but haven't found anything yet.  This will be a secret until he arrives!  We have to keep at least one thing a surprise!  And of course, I can't make a decision on a crib to save my life.  I finally have some ideas narrowed down and now I just need to get one of them. 

 



19 Weeks! Woot Woot

Susan G Komen Race...The bump is out!

This weekend was SO wonderful!  Curt and I got to celebrate with our family on Friday night to have the big CAKE reveal to find out what Baby Engels is....Boy or Girl!  Good news....It's a Boy!  Here is a snapshot of the video....Curt's reaction was priceless!

Everyone loved the cake idea and it was a great way to celebrate now that we will be welcoming in a baby boy come February!  I somehow pulled it off as I was a little stressed about cooking a big meal.  We had some delicious pork loin on the grill with some potatoes, corn, bread and a garden salad.  Couldn't have asked for a better night and it was so special with everyone who came to help us share in this exciting moment!  Thanks for being a part of our lives and supporting us :) 


Me & Curty before we cut the cake!

 

Cake turned out cute, even though they spelled our name wrong!

 

It's BLUE!!!!

Saturday, I had an open house and then headed to SF to do some shopping with mom.  Didn't make it very long as I was really tired and worn out.  Let the shopping begin now that I know my little peanut is a boy!  I for once fell asleep on the couch before mom did!  That was a shocker!  Must have been all that spaghetti I ate.  Mom sure knows the way to my heart and my belly....That sure didn't help out with the tiredness. 

Sunday, we woke up early to head downtown for the big SUSAN G KOMEN race.  We had a great group that got together to support the wonderful cause and of course, I was there to support Tiffany and the memory of her mom, Kathy.  What a beautiful day and I'm sure she was smiling down on us all as we walked for her!  I then got to enjoy lunch with Angie at my most favorite restaurant....Olive Garden!  It was so fun to see her and catch up.  Darcy and I then headed back to Brookings and I enjoyed a peaceful night on the couch.  Curt was gone all weekend helping on the farm. 

Group photo before the race

 Angie, Tiff and I

Mandy, Addie and I

 Me, Kelly, Darcy and Mom

 

 

Almost Half Way There!  The bump has come out and revealed itself!  We are so excited to find out what Baby Engels will be!  The big appointment is on Friday :)  The family will be coming up and we will be finding out whether or not baby is a BOY or Girl!  The suspense is killing me..... 

Mom's Famous Monster Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies

 

Yum, for delicious Cookies!  It was a productive weekend at the Galbavy house.  Saturday, Mom and I went shopping and scoped out a lot of stores for baby gear!  It is quite an overwhelming experience as there are so many decisions to make and things to buy.  Good thing I have lots of friends that have had babies so everyone has been giving me some good pointers on things to pass on and things that are a MUST!  We shopped all day and boy was I exhausted!  It makes me think back to the times and when Kelsie and I would shop from 8am until 8pm and then still have the energy to go out to the bars afterwards!  What the heck happened?  Now, I can barely do an all day shopping spree.  I have determined that I want to get a Chicco Stroller.  Mom and I were in the aisles test driving them and comparing them to the other brands.  It is top notch.  Plus, I got some real life experience as Kelsie has this stroller and I got to push baby Chase in it when we went for a walk.  Sunday, we got up and ate some breakfast and got to work on chopping wood!  Kelly and Doug came over to help too and we got lots done so it was a good feeling.  Plus, Mom and I baked 3 batches of cookies.  Her new convection oven is great as you can bake 3 sheets of cookies at one time and they all bake evenly!  Can't wait for Christmas baking to come as it will be so slick at her house!  Monday, I got to take the day off and spend time with Kelsie and baby Chase!  He is such a sweet, sweet baby.  It was so nice to catch up with Kelsie and talk about all the fun and challenging pregnancy stuff :) 

This week has been crazy at work so far and I'm looking forward to the weekend!  The Susan G Komen walk/run is happening in SF on Sunday morning and I can't wait to walk with all my friends and help support Tiffany in memory of her mom. 

17 Weeks

 

Baby will start to move anytime now!  I can't wait to feel the flutter inside and make sure baby Engels is ok!  I'm starting to show more as you can see from the picture above.  This last weekend, my belly really started to bump out a little more.  Baby Engels is the size of an ONION this week and would fit in the palm of my hand....how crazy is that?  5.1 inches long and 5.9oz. 

 

My husband is non-existent now that harvest is here.  He was gone all weekend to help on the farm and I'm sure I will see very little of him coming up in the future weekends.  That's ok because I know he loves it and is so passionate about farming.  Plus, it gives me time to get things done around the house.  This last weekend rocked!  I got almost everything out of the office except for the desk and the file cabinet which I need the hubby to help with since I can't lift them.  It is feeling so good to get the room cleared out to make room for all the baby stuff....although, I'm not sure where all the baby stuff will go either. haha. 

 

We are so excited to find out what we are having.  Then the real planning can begin and I can start thinking about paint colors and what I want to do with the room.  This weekend, I'm looking forward to doing some baby shopping and checking out some places in SF to try and find a crib for baby Engels.  Now that the deck is finally finished, we can focus on getting the room in order.  So much to do but we still have lots of time! 

 

Now that I'm no longer aloud to sleep on my back, it is all I want to do lately!  At this point, you are supposed to no longer lay on your back as that pushes on a major artery that cuts off blood flow to the baby.  And now that I know I can't do this, I just seem to not be able to get comfortable.  My hips and legs are tired from laying on the side.  Maybe I was just really restless last night as I was going from side to side. 

 

The thing I miss the most pre-pregnancy is having a cup of coffee every morning.  Decaf is just the not the same.  It is going to be so hard once it gets colder outside, as that seemed to be my perfect morning mojo each day!  I've done pretty good so far just have a cup here and there but by no means do I have a cup every day!  It's killer!  It will all be worth it in the long run though......

 

Looking forward to: picking out names for the baby and planning the baby's room!  I'm so excited to see the room come together!  I can hardly wait :) 

 

Crazy baby fever!  Well, almost everyone I know is preggo or so it seems.  But I learned my cousin is now expecting so there are three of us in the family due very closely.  My Aunt Shari is due the day before me and my cousin Britta is due beginning of March.  So excited that we all get to bring a baby into the family so close together!  I can't wait to see where each of the babies will land on the calendar and how far apart they will be.  Maybe we will flop due dates....that happened to my cousin and I. 

 

Real Estate News: Put another deal together over the weekend so now I'm on a roll with three sales in a row...one per week!  I love my job and REMAX!  I will be taking a class this Wed GRI - Finance which is not that exciting to me.  Oh where or where is my brother when you need a fill in?  He is the finance guru...not this girl.  Hope I can pass!  It is down in Yankton and three of us are going to take it.  It will be a long day.......

 

New Family Member: Well, you heard me right!  We have a new family member.  Not in the Engels family but my side of the family.  The Galbavy's have purchase a new horse!  He looks beautiful and now we are trying to come up with a name.  Decisions Decisions.  Maybe a name will hit me once I meet him this weekend.  My dad has been on the hunt for some time now trying to find pony #4 and now it seems he has found his wish.   

 

This pregnancy has been such a blessing and I've enjoyed every minute of it so far (I'm sure there are some out there cursing me right now since I wasn't sick a single day) and I am just so antsy to feel the baby move and for us to take on this new journey and become parents! 

 

Well, that all for now.....until 18 weeks! 

 

 

16 Weeks.....

Baby is the size of an AVOCADO and weighs 3.5 ounces

 

Here is what baby Engels is up to:

She's listening to my voice, thanks to tiny bones forming in her ears.

She's growing hair, lashes and eyebrows

and forming taste buds

 

 

 Best Moment: We got to listen to the baby's heartbeat at our appointment last Thursday.  The doctor found it much faster this time and heartbeat is strong and healthy.  It was bouncing around from 150-160 then down to 140.  Also, I had a closing on Friday and sold a house last week!  Yay!  I love working for Re/Max!

 

On Saturday I went up to Clark to be a personal attendant for a friend's wedding.  She was a former student employee of mine when I worked at Daktronics.  It was a great day!  Long and I felt probably just as tired as the bride.  The other PA was preggers also so it was fun to share stories and talk with her!  Betty was a beautiful bride and I was happy to be a part of her special day!

 

Sleeping: Been a little restless lately but I think I just have too many things on my mind.

 

Future Happenings: I'm excited to say that we have set the date for the ultrasound!  September 28th will be the lucky day that we find out if we are having a baby boy or girl :)  Curt is dying in anticipation!  Hopefully, our family can make it to cut the cake and reveal the gender!

 

Food Cravings: I made enchiladas and got that craving out of the way now I'm onto Tator Tot Hotdish! Yum.  It is a day by day basis for me with food.  Different things sound good at different times which is how I've always been with food.  No real die hard cravings yet though....

 

Tiredness: Been very tired during the day!  I have to sometimes steal a 20 minute cat nap :)  Night hasn't been too bad and comes and goes in spurts.  Some nights I'm beat, others I'm wide awake. 

 

Allergy season has officially hit and even though I haven't really had allergies I think I have them now.  Such a pain and hoping this will go away soon. 

 

Until next time......  



 

15 Weeks!

15 Weeks...lil' baby bump

Best Moment: Huge relief that the deck is done!  We also finished the front porch too.  I shouldn't say we, as Curt and Dustin worked on the front porch and it looks great! 

Morning Sickness: Zilch!  I consider myself a lucky one since I didn't have any sickness!  Feeling so blessed that it has been an easy pregnancy so far...

Sleeping: I get up every night to go to the bathroom, sometimes, twice a night.  I need to invest in a body pillow as sometimes I can't quite get comfortable.

Cravings: If you ask me now, I'm totally craving enchiladas, which I plan on making tonight.  Mexican just sounds good all the time.  That and Tator Tot Hotdish!  I'm really hungry for that. 

Body Aches: Lately, I've had a pain on my right side of my ribs.  I think it may be my ribs are adjusting but it is not a nice feeling. 

Projects: Oh, the projects continue.  I'm still working on cleaning out the closets and got a hefty pile to drop off at Good Will.  Mom took a pile of clothes to the nearly new store so that was a big help and got a load out of my house.  Soon enough, we will be starting to work on the baby's room, once I get everything cleaned out :)  Curt is trying to finish up under the deck and get the rock put all in place and I'm hoping he can get all the outside work done before Harvest starts as once that is here, it will be bye bye Curty.  He gets extremely busy helping on the family farm so I don't see him much during harvest. 

Future Happenings: We have a doctor's appointment tomorrow to listen to the heartbeat again.  Next appointment, we will get to find out what baby Engels is!  Boy or Girl????  Thursday night, I have a realtor outing where all the realtors in town get together for a big shin dig.  I have a wedding this weekend that I'm a personal attendant in.  So excited for Betty to get married!  She was a former student of mine when I worked at Daktronics. 

Weekend update: Last weekend I was able to whip out another batch of salsa.  We went to visit Curt's parents at the farm and Curt worked all day outside, and I helped his mom get ready for a big meal on Sunday as her sister's were all in town so they came over along with some cousins to visit for the afternoon.  It was nice to see some of them again and meet some for the very first time!  We were also able to slip in a movie date to see Bourne Legacy. 

 

Back deck all finished with spindles on!

 



14 Weeks! Hip Hip Hooray!

Anniversary Cake...Yum!

You can see the baby bump.....

This weekend was long and exhausting!  We were busy and on the go all weekend.  Curt went to Prairie Days in Madison to watch his dad pull on Friday night.  I played my first ever Bunco game and won top prize for most Buncos!  It was beginner's luck....but I still had fun playing and winning. 

Saturday, I headed to SF to do some shopping for maternity clothes with Mom.  It was a struggle to find some decent clothes but I did find a few things.  I bought the bella band which I'm loving already!  Hopefully, the stores are transitioning clothes and I can find a few more tops once the fall stuff comes in. I got to go meet Kelsie and Dwight's baby on Saturday.  Baby Chase....he is the perfect baby and hardly cries!  He is so adorable and it was fun to get to hold him and hear about all the stories Kelsie had to tell.  Our niece Allyson moved into the dorms this weekend and she'll be a freshman! 
 
Sunday, my parents came up again to help finish the deck.  What a huge help they have been!  Dad and Curt worked on the deck while Mom and I made a batch of salsa and started bringing office stuff to the basement.  Slowly, but surely the room is getting cleaned out.  As you can tell from the pictures above, it was a long day and we were so exhausted by supper time.  For dessert, we got to have our cake which still tasted as amazing as one year ago today!  Happy 1st Anniversary to my Curty!  Mom got her wish and got to have a piece of the cake too.  They must have planned that, as she has been talking non-stop how she wanted to try the cake again.  Well, since they worked so hard, I figured we could share :)  It was a great weekend and we got quite a bit accomplished which always feels nice.  The guys started sanding the front porch so we'll try and get that stained this week hopefully.

And myself?  Well, I'm still feeling great!  Fell in love with Crab Rangoons last week on my lunch adventure with Heidi!  Not sure how I've been missing out on these amazing things for all these years.  I'm still baffled by it.  I could just eat them for the whole meal and dessert they were that good! 

Curt and I will be going out for supper somewhere tonight to celebrate our special day.  Hard to believe it was one year ago today that we said "I Do" and I walked down the aisle to marry my best friend.