A North Cascades Birthday Adventure!

Bright and early Saturday morning, Rich, Chukar and I loaded into the truck and headed EAST...destination North Cascades highway!

Someone was a little anxious to get out of town...and also wanted to make sure he wasn't going to get left home alone!

 

Stop #1: Munchen Haas and a Massage in Leavenworth!

  

Stop #2: A quick bite in Chelan - location unknown (picture not taken) - but a delicious BLT was had!

Stop #3: Pateros for a leg stretch and swim for the pup!  It was a hot day and we wanted to make sure the Chukar was able to keep cool!

He loves the water...

Aren't we cute...hahah!  That's what a day worth of traveling looks like!

Stop 4: A place to camp for the night...

Since we just celebrated Mile #3 of marriage...we thought this campsite about 20 miles outside of Twisp was perfect for the night!

Getting all settled in...yes, it was DUSK when we arrived.  Just enough time to grill up some dinner, enjoy the fire and hit the tent!

Chukar protecting me while at the campfire...he's always loved to sit on top of us, but now with a big belly, he has a little less room to fit. 

Yes, I make a great FIRE!

Rise and Shine...time for a little breakfast for Chukar

and coffee for Rich!  He was so excited to use his percolator for the first time!

So we waited...

and waited for it to boil...but it was worth the wait!  We enjoyed the coffee then packed up to head into town and get some "real" food!  It was my birthday so I knew an Eggs Benedict was in my future.

Proof that at 26 weeks pregnant...I camped!  Such a trooper!  hahah!

 

Hanging out with my favorite pup and enjoying every second of it (since we were still thinking worst case scenario at this point).  Thankfully now, we know he is a healthy pup with just a little bad luck and a shoulder sprain.

My 2 favorite boys in the world...can't include Monster here yet because HE could be a SHE....only time will tell!

 Stop #5: Breakfast in TWISP...BEST, I mean, BEST Eggs Benedict I have even had in my life.  Would consider the 4+ hour drive to enjoy these again on a random weekend...that's how good they were!

Stop #6: A little lake outside of Winthrop to do a little paddle boating!

 I figured if Chukar could swim...so could I (and it was AMAZING)!

The view from the boat....

Our happy little trooper...for all the driving, he sure was a good boy!

Stop 7: Hart's Pass for a late lunch and relaxation!

Always the poser...look at that awesome meadow!

Of course, this is my favorite shot from the weekend...sure looks like a dog on "bed rest"...but come on, he was happy and having fun!

The view from Hart's Pass...the picture does not do the view justice.

We ended up with a few more stops along the way home...but decided it was time to call it a weekend when we all looked like this...

Overall, the weekend was a recharge for all 3 of us and a reminder of how much fun it is to just jump in the car and hit a dirt road!  To many more adventures...and many more happy birthdays!

Week 25 & 26 - Combo Time

About ME:

I'm not sure that the picture above does the belly justice...but it is definitely getting bigger and bigger.  This week is a combo week...we have a "revised" due date, NOVEMBER 7th...so week 25 & 26 become one BIG blog post.

Waist: 39.0 inches (Total growth 5.5 inches)
Weight: 154.2 lbs (Total increase 10.4 lbs)

The past 2 weeks brought on a little more leg cramping and acid reflux, but also a "new" back pain.  I went to the chiropractor last week and found out that our precious Monster has pushed my rib out of alignment and that is what is causing this new pain.  After 1 treatment, I felt some minor relief, but he also gave me stretches to complete and will be seeing the doctor again this week.  Rich also surprised me with a pregnancy massage on Saturday (which was amazing)!!!

Also, my body is continues to no longer be my own...at all!  My belly button is a half-outtie and working on becoming a full-outtie within the week.  Goodness, the changes that happen in a week!

Next doctor's appointment in 2 weeks...but a glucose test this week!

About MONSTER:

In the past 2 weeks, lots of growth has been happening along with continued movement!  Monster's eyes are starting to open this week along with more brain-wave activity.  Monster can hear noises and now respond...looks like we need to start talking to him/her a little more each day!

Planning for MONSTER:

Working on the nursery...and have been blessed with all our bedding for the room arriving last week.  Thanks Aunt Roxy and Grandma!  Now we have a little more motivation to get the crib and dresser put together.  We also picked out the nursery chair we want and are so excited to start to see things piece together. 

Down to about 14 weeks (give or take) and it seems like time is really starting to fly.  We plan to get more work done on the nursery this week (pictures to follow).

The beginning of a NURSERY!

The before shot...for anyone who has never stayed as a GUEST at Casa Meyer! Chukar also enjoyed his final down time on the bed...a place that we often found him when he was just lounging and we were too busy to play with him.

 

 Dad and Rich started early on Saturday and worked on PLANNING the room out...the goal was a nice Wayne's coating and I think it was a success.  A few bumps in the road, but it all is working out!

 

 A shot of the window before it was framed out...

 

The first board going up....

 

Look at that progress!

 

Day 2 we got smart and got a rotary laser level...thanks M&D for the anniversary gift!  It was awesome to be able to have the 360 degree laser to make sure that we were on track!

More work...and more work...and more work, but all the boards were up by end of day Sunday! Of course, Chukar had to get in for some love with DAD!

The FINAL BOARD!

Dan taking his final shot with the nail gun...

and FINALLY Rich putting in the last nail!

 

The room is definitely coming together...but there is more work to be done.  Consider this Post 1 or probably 5 until the nursery is READY for MONSTER!

Week 24!

About ME:

It's a lot less about FRUIT now...and a lot more about how my body is changing.  I decided it was time to disclose the numbers and help me figure out how fast this little Monster is growing up already!

Waist: 38.0 inches (Total growth 4.5 inches)
Weight: 150.8 lbs (Total increase 7 lbs)

Yes, I'm there...officially at the MOST I've ever weighed in my life.  It was a little emotional, and maybe that is why I decided it was finally time to talk about it.  I've come to grips with it and know that it is what Monster needs to grow up and be strong and healthy! 

Another first this week was a little case of acid reflux and a middle of the night leg cramp.  I've heard that both are very normal, but I was lucky enough to not experience either of them until now. 


About MONSTER:

Moving, moving, moving, moving and more moving.  I can't believe how active this little Monster is.  Monster officially weighs more than 1.5 lbs and is about 8.5 inches from crown-to-rump (a standard letter)! 

Mainly just growing, putting weight on and continue to develop organs, bones and muscle!  It's all about time now. 


Planning for MONSTER:

Registering....need I say more.  A friend helped me on Saturday go to Babies R US and tell me about the do's, don'ts, the needs, the wants and the never gonna use.  WOW!  My suggestion for anyone who is having kids in the near future is to have someone do this for you...maybe you can hire someone?!?!  That place is super scary for a soon-to-be mom and should never be entered into alone.

This weekend the nursery project also got started (see other post for details).

Tomorrow we also have our next appointment with our OB!  It's really been 4 weeks...holy smokes!

Week 23 - A Papaya!

About ME:

I knew it would happen at some point, and from what I have been reading it was going to start VERY soon...yes, the weight gain!  Late 2nd Trimester the baby starts growing the most size-wise and it is very typical to put 2-3 pounds on per week.  Well, hello SCALE...this week marked 1.6 lbs for a grand total of 6.6 lbs pregnancy to date.  Yes, Monster is growing and so is my belly! 

It seems like every day Rich and I look at each other and laugh about the size of my belly...and we know it is only a matter of time before it probably DOUBLES!  Wow, thank goodness for maternity pants, the bella band is just not cutting it anymore!

With the 4th of July holiday on my "normal" picture morning, I totally spaced this week to get the fabulous BELLY PICTURE...so, another picture that was taken this week was when Rene and Avea used the Doppler to listen to Monster's heartbeat at Lori's office!

YES...there is definitely something growing in there!

As for the rest of pregnancy, the hormones are back in line and I'm sleeping good.  Only getting up 1-2 times per night, and have learned how to maneuver and not wake up too much! I've found that a pillow between my legs really adds to the comfort, and Chukar also loves the extra place to lay his head.  Most nights when I get up to pee, I find that Chukar has stolen my pillow and doesn't want to share when I return.  After a huff and a puff, he usually lets me back in the bed.  Of course, he is super protective of me and Monster and constantly follows me wherever I go!

About MONSTER: 

Approaching 12 inches long and over 1 lbs, Monster is the size of a Papaya.  This week, Monster's head is becoming more proportional with his/her body and is starting to really look like a newborn....and is actively moving around the clock! This week, we could also hear Monster's heartbeat through a standard stethoscope....WOW!

Planning for MONSTER:

The room is under way...we have "gutted" the old spare bedroom and are preparing to do the wall finishing and painting next weekend.  Also, the crib and dresser are scheduled to arrive tomorrow, so the baby room will start coming together over the month of July! 

This upcoming week, we also have a couples yoga and relaxation class that helps prepare partners for child birth.  It will be nice to learn a few techniques that help during labor and also during the 3rd trimester.

Time is really starting to fly...and we are getting so excited to become new parents!!!

Week 22 - A Spaghetti Squash

About ME:

This was a great week....I'm feeling good and growing and growing and growing and growing.  Still peeing multiple times per night, but have it down to a science where I don't even wake up Chukar or Rich (or practically myself)! Weight is up .8 lbs and waist is up .5 inches.  All is growing on that front.  The funniest thing is...I wear a black tank top and jeans every Wednesday now, so when Rich takes my "belly" pic, we have something to compare it too from the prior week.  I bet my Wednesday clients think I'm weird...but then, they work with me, so they already know that, right?!?1

About MONSTER:

Monster is the size of a spaghetti squash this week and is passing the 1 pound mark....watch out, baby is growing.  Senses are also really starting to take form and nerve endings are developed enough for Monster to experience the sensation of touch.  Pretty cool, since Monster gives us "high 5's" every night when we say good night!

Planning for MONSTER:

What a difference a week makes...I think that I've entered the "nesting" phase of the 2nd trimester.  One of the books that Rich is reading warns Dads that Moms start getting nervous about the nursery and think that it won't get done in time for baby, so don't be surprised when Mom wants you to start painting when you think you have months left.  Well, we have MONTHS left, but this week the nursery planning began.  Including trips to the local lumber store to look into wayne's coating, paint and more. 

We also made our first HUGE purchase!  A CRIB and Changing Table/Dresser!  

We are absolutely in love with it and can't believe we found exactly what we were looking for.  It seemed like we could find a crib we liked, but it didn't have a changing table that was a dresser too! Finally, after weeks of searching....we found it!

Another huge step this week...we met with and found our peditrician!  We are so excited to have a couple BIG things checked off the list.  The nursery is officially getting started the weekend of July 14th!  Most likely, the 2 pieces of furniture will be all that is in there for a bit, but it is a start!

Yippee!  Now, we feel like we can go back to just hanging out for a week or 2 since the baby now has somewhere to sleep....well, I guess we still need a mattress and bedding, but it is getting closer!