Week 15

So, here I am in my fifteenth week of pregnancy. Crazy this much time has already passed... Also crazy that we find out the gender in less than a month! AHHHH! Not sure I'm ready for that quite yet!

Weight Gain/Loss: Hmmm, I don't weigh myself in between appointments. We'll go with 0-2 lbs for now.
Maternity clothes? While my regular pants continue to fit comfortably and button, I have worn a pair of bright red maternity jeggings I purchased because they are cute. They have a stretchy demi-panel. I am not quite ready for full panel yet; I can't hold them up. Still wearing all of my regular tops, sweaters, jackets, and workout gear.

Sleep: Still sleeping good and not quite as worn out at night.

Best moment this week: I seem to have gotten a little energy back. Not much, but I'll take it!

Hearbeat: 170 at 8 weeks, 154 at 12 weeks.

Food cravings: Cereal, oranges, bananas, salads, tuna melts from Phil's Deli.

Food aversions: Depends on the day.

Gender: Still no idea. Less than a month until we find out!

Pregnancy symptoms: Round ligament pain, occasional sciatic nerve pain.

Exercise: Continuing with my regular classes at the gym. This week, I did Zumba, two Cycle Strengths, and the elliptical. Still keeping up.

What I miss: Raw sushi.

So, not a whole lot has changed since I last posted. I have another appointment on the 17th. I'm sure I'll have more to report after that!

The Dream

The gender of this baby is really throwing me for a loop. This pregnancy has been a little different. But all pregnancies are different, so I'm not reading anything about gender into that. 

With Branner,  I was convinced that I was having a girl. Probably because I thought I would know what to do more with a girl. I am super girly. Plus, their clothes are cuter, so wishful (shopping) thinking. Now, I'm scared I won't know what to do with a girl because I'm just so used to having a boy!  I mean, I have shopping for clothes for either gender down pat, but the rest of it? I'm in boy mode. Ever since having B, I've had the thought I'll be a "boy mom." Now, I'm completely unsure if this will be the case.

The day of B's anatomy ultrasound, I had a very vivid dream. In this dream, during my ultrasound we found out the baby was a boy. Lo and behold, that's exactly what played out. I keep waiting for my epiphany about this baby. Hasn't happened yet. It almost did last night, when I had a vivid dream about the birth (via c-section, so even though my doctor thinks that is the best option for my situation, and I have been 99% sure I agreed, now I'm conviced!). However, I woke up and realized that after the entire birth played out, no one ever mentioned the sex of the baby!

Almost everyone except one of my clients and my childhood BFF think I'm having a girl. I'm not convinced either way. Our anatomy scan is January 2nd, and we're going to do a very small reveal. But, until then, what's your guess?! I'm seriously going to be shocked...boy or girl!

Name Game

Obviously, Barry and I have been talking for weeks about names. That's the Type A in us coming out way we roll. In case you're wondering, we have made very little progress. We cannot agree on anything. With Branner, we had one boy's name nailed down, and zero girl's names. This time, we aren't on the same page for either gender. The only thing we can agree on is that we will use family names. This limits us greatly, but it is our personal preference that our children be named after people who are or were important parts of our life. This leads me to the great Leighton debate.

Leighton is Barry's brother, Jason's, middle name. Jason just so happens to be the family member with whom Barry is closest and has always, always looked up to. He is Barry's role model. So, naturally, Barry is pushing big time for Leighton as a name. My problem with it is how popular this name has become for girls in the past few years. Now that it is used primarily as a female name, I would feel bad if my boy Leighton (may have to change the spelling if I could bring myself to agree to using it) was in the same class as a girl Leighton. So, while I like the name, I am very torn about it. UGH.

Current Names on My List

Girl:  Cranford (maternal grandmother's maiden name), Catherine (Barry's grandmother's name, my great aunt's name), Alice (Barry's mother's middle name, middle name of my paternal great-grandmother), Louise (my mom's middle name—would use this as a middle name), Leighton (see above, would use as a middle name), Elizabeth (my middle name, my aunt's middle name, would use as a middle name).

Boy: Cranford (see above, obviously this is my favorite name in the running), Leighton (see above, middle name), James (maternal grandfather's name, middle name), Thomas (my mom's maiden name), Robert (Barry's grandfather's name, his oldest brother's middle name).

There is a good chance (if I get my way) that this child will be named or called by Cranford regardless of gender. Fingers crossed!

Thoughts? Opinions???

Days 27-28

Day 27: I am very thankful for Bravo TV :)

Day 28: Thankful that I am able to do the small amount of work that I do (and for "clients" who have turned into friends). 

Days 22-26

I did it again! I really need to get my blogging act together, I've just been busy and tired lately. Le sigh.

Day 22: Thankful for yummy food and a lovely family to share it with! 

Day 23: I am thankful for grace and forgiveness.

Day 24: Grateful to have the most wonderful friends a girl could ask for. I love y'all!

Day 25: Thankful for every minute spent with Barry and Branner (Bailey and Chloe, too)!

Day 26: So petty, but I'm thankful for Cyber Monday (specifically at ASOS, Land of Nod, and Snapfish)!

Day 21

Know what I'm super thankful for today? The fact that I don't have to cook tomorrow!!!!

Baby Kirby #2 is on the Way!!!!!!

Taken the day I found out!

Sweet Baby Kirby #2. November 20, 2012.

By now, y'all all know my little secret. 

We found out on September 22, at four weeks, that I am pregnant! We are over-the-moon excited! Things have been a little crazy around here, and it seems the first 12 weeks passed at the blink of an eye. Everything is going great so far. I had my second appointment today, and the baby is measuring right on track and looks healthy.

How far along? 12 weeks, 4 days

Weight gain/loss: 0 lbs 

Maternity clothes? Not yet. My regular pants still fit comfortably and button (for now).

Sleep: I'm sleeping great at night. I'm worn out by 9. Surprisingly not as tired as I was with Branner. Nowhere near it.

Best moment this week: Today's ultrasound. Baby was very cooperative, so we were in and out in no time!

Hearbeat: 170 at 8 weeks, 154 at 12 weeks.

Food cravings: Salads, lemonade, bagels, cereal.

Food aversions: Depends on the day.

Gender: No clue. At this point, I will be surprised either way. We find out on January 2nd!

Pregnancy symptoms: Occasional headaches, evening nausea, hunger.

Exercise: Still taking my regular classes at the gym. I've been doing Total Strength, Cycle Strength and Zumba classes. I've been busy lately, so I haven't been as often in the past two weeks, but I'm keeping up just fine at the moment.

What I miss: RED WINE.

I'm not really showing yet. I do have a tiny bump, but you can't tell I'm pregnant in regular clothes. I'm sure that won't last much longer. I've been trying to keep up my exercise routine this time. I always feel so much better after I exercise! This time around, I've had a lot more nausea. In the beginning, I had bouts all day, but now, it's mainly in the evening. It's not too bad, and I haven't actually been sick.

I'm due May 31, but I am planning on having another C-section. My doctor has mentioned the date May 24. That's the day after my 32nd birthday! I feel like this pregnancy is going to fly by! 

Days 15-20

Okay, I'm behind. Time to play catch up!

Day 15:  I am so, so thankful for our new little miracle, baby #2, coming in May! We're so excited!

Day 16:  I couldn't be more thankful for Branner. He is truly a gift from God, and I can only hope to teach him a tiny fraction of what I have already learned from him.

Day 17:  I am thankful for my home. It may be driving me crazy that it's not "done" yet, and won't be for a long while, but having a roof over my family's head is not something I take for granted.

Day 18:  Date nights. It's so nice to escape for a few hours and take the parent hats off.

Day 19:  DVR. I can barely keep my eyes open past 9 pm these days!

Day 20:  Our insurance and modern medicine. 

Days 13 & 14

Day 13: I am thankful that Branner still naps!

Day 14: ChickfilA milkshakes. Delicious. Enough said!

Day 12

Branner is sick today, but he is rarely under the weather. I am so very thankful for the good  health of my family!

Days 9, 10, 11

We've had a bit of a busy weekend as we had wedding festivities to attend Friday and Saturday nights! So, here's a mash-up of the past three days of 30 Days of Thanksgiving:

Day 9:  Monkee See, Monkee Do. Amazing. I have connected with a mom who needs a little help right here in NC, and I am so thankful we found each other!  

Day 10: Fall in North Carolina. It's gorgeous!

Day 11:  I am so very thankful for each and every United States veteran and their families. All that they have sacrificed so that we may be free is amazing and awe-inspiring.

Day 8

I am so thankful for grace and the ability to wake up and start each day with a clean slate!

Day 7

I am thankful for the ability to help others today. One of the greatest feelings in life is to positively impact the life of someone else, and I am so glad that I am capable of giving time and resources for the benefit of people in need.

Artiste

My little artist, hard at work.

Handprint turkeys!

Abstract.

He definitely doesn't get it from Barry or I, but Branner loves to create art. He must get this trait from his Gigi, who is a super talented artist! After going to vote, I ran in Michael's to pick up a few supplies to do an art project or two on this cold, yucky day. Handprint turkeys for Thanksgiving and a painting have already been created! We'll see what else we can make after nap!

Day 6

Today, I am thankful to live in the USA, for the right to vote, and the right of free speech. God Bless America! 

Day 5

I am so very thankful for Barry! His unconditional love and fathering constantly amaze me. It doesn't hurt that he's been known to help out around the house a lot. Love you, Bar!

Day 4

I am thankful Bailey and Chloe and their unconditional love, companionship, and cuddles today. Love my sweet boo boos!

Day 3

I am thankful for my senses today. Being able to see, hear, touch, taste, and smell the things that surround us in this beautiful world is not something to take for granted!

Day 2

Today, I am thankful for family. 

Young and old, near and far, in good times and in bad, no matter what happens, I feel so blessed to have the family I do! I love each and every one of you dearly!

30 Days of Thanksgiving

I wanted to do this last year, but for some reason, I did not. So, I'm going to give it a shot!

November 1, 2012

Today, I am thankful for hot showers, hot tea, and a warm home.

Halloween 2012

Another fun year of ghouls and goblins is behind us, and Branner had a blast! There was a Halloween parade at school yesterday morning that was just precious. We kicked off the evening festivities with pizza, goodies, spiked spiced cider/mulled wine, friends, and fun! We moved right on to trick-or-treating, and capped the night off with a visit to Aunt Jen and Uncle Trey's! Branner had a wonderful time, and so did we! Can't wait to do it again next year!

A while back, Branner had asked to be a shark for Halloween, so that is the first costume we ended up with. However, when we got to school yesterday for the big parade, he wasn't having any part of being a shark. So, he decided to be a fireman last minute instead. His teachers sent the costume home *just in case*, because they are the best, and that's what B ended up being. He held onto the hat all night long while walking from door-to-door (no wagon this year, we have a big boy on our hands), and was just too cute for words in general! Hope everyone had a safe, happy Halloween and got tons of good candy!
 

Dressed and ready to get some candy! 

Group shot!

...and another!

  

Trick or Treat!

Yay, candy!

Walking with Daddy!

Cindy's Chili

Here it is, my famous chili recipe!!!

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3 lbs ground beef (or turkey or chicken)
2 lg onions, chopped
2 lg green bell peppers, chopped
2 sm cans tomato sauce
2 cans kidney beans
1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
1 qt tomato juice
3 T chili powder
1- 1 1/2 T salt
1/4 c brown sugar
3 T white sugar
1 t black pepper

Brown meat, onions, and peppers together. Add other ingredients and simmer for 1-1 1/2 hours on low heat. Serve with sour cream, shredded cheddar, and jalapenos!

Currently

Homemade Pumpkin French Toast—YUM!

Here's what we're up to right now:

Singing all kinds of silly Halloween songs with Branner and taking him on almost nightly walks to see the "graveyard" one of our neighbors has set-up for the occasion. He loves it and the huge spiders our next door neighbors have on their house!

Packing and getting our ducks in a row for Blake and Lindsay's wedding weekend! 

Looking forward to said wedding SO MUCH! Can't wait to celebrate Blake and Linds and to see so many of our most favorite people in the world in one place!

Constantly burning my last Leaves (they're sold out in my store—boo!) and Cider Lane candles from Bath & Body Works. I have a slight obsession with candles.

Still coming down off the high of a very relaxing, wonderful getaway to Asheville Barry and I enjoyed last week for a CMCU board retreat. While he had work to do during the day,  I made myself more than comfortable at the Grove Park's Spa for two days. A. MA. ZING.

Being a little disappointed in what I've seen so far of the final season of Gossip Girl. I know, I know, it's a silly show to watch! But, I've been watching from the beginning, and I can't seem to stop myself.

Looking forward to the return of Top Chef, Million Dollar Decorators, and RHOA on Bravo!

Trying to rest some; this month has left all of us a little tired.

Getting excited about Halloween! Branner loved trick-or-treating last year, so I'm sure he'll have a blast this year! We're going with a big group of friends, so it should be a lot of fun!

Trying not to eat tons of the three huge bags of Halloween candy that we bought to give out. 

Enjoying all things pumpkin flavored when we get the chance: french toast, muffins, bread, lattes, oatmeal, etc., etc.

Preparing for our Christmas Card photo shoot next week. 

Waiting not so patiently for this election to be over!!!

What's currently going on at your house?

CrockPot Chicken Noodle Soup

Due to the craziness that has been our October, I haven't had much time to post here. Once things die down next week, I'll be back! If you read my blog last Fall, you know I like to do "Souper Sundays," and once we're back in town after the big wedding this weekend, I plan to get back to that! I'm making this tomorrow night, and I can't wait!

Source: creativelydomestic.com via Ashley on Pinterest

CrockPot Chicken Noodle Soup

5 c chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 c onion, finely chopped
1/2 c celery, finely chopped
1/2 c carrots, finely chopped
1/2 c green onions, finely chopped
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 c egg noodles
2 c cooked chicken, chopped

Add everything but chicken and noodles to your CrockPot. Cook on low for 5-6 hours. The last hour, turn on high, and add chicken and noodles. Enjoy!

Hall Family Farm

I've already told y'all how busy this month is for us. Since the weekends between now and Halloween are filled, we went to pick out pumpkins at Hall Family Farm on Saturday evening. It was close to home, just the right size for B, and had plenty to keep him entertained. He loved picking out his pumpkin, "driving" tractors, playing in the sandbox, and checking out their huge spider! We will definitely be going back during strawberry season as well! 

Baked Spaghetti

When I got married, my mom's friends, the Keeno Girls, started an amazing tradition. They started making all of the Keeno brides monogrammed recipe binders filled with personalized recipe cards of their favorite and most special recipes. It is one of my most cherished possessions, and also a go-to for yummy, staple recipes at our house. So, when I signed up to take a sweet friend dinner since she just had a precious little boy, I knew I'd be using a Keeno recipe. This is one of my favorites!!!

Baked Spaghetti

12 oz cooked spaghetti

1/2 c butter

2 c sour cream

1 c grated parmesan cheese

3 eggs—well beaten

1 1/2 lbs ground beef (I use turkey)

1 c chopped onion

1 c chopped green pepper

8 oz mozzarella cheese

2 15 oz cans of tomato sauce

2 6 oz cans of tomato paste

2 T sugar

1/3 c water

Minced garlic, basil, parsley, and oregano to taste.

To make sauce: Cook beef, onion, and pepper. Drain well. Stir in tomato paste and sauce, sugar, and water along with seasonings. Heat well.

Stir butter, parmesan cheese, and eggs into chopped cooked spaghetti. Knive to chop. Form into a crust and cover the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan. Spread sour cream on top of spaghetti crust. Top with sauce. Cover with mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Can be frozen!

The Calm Before the Storm

This week, there's not much going on around our house. B's got school (complete with a puppet performance today, which he loved), I've got some cleaning/organizing/working/exercising to do along with a little volunteering. Other than a haircut/color and a trip to the park, that's all that's on the schedule this week. The weekend's not crazy busy, either. It's nice to have a week/weekend without much going on, because starting next week, things are about to get cray around here!

Next week starts the madness that will be our October: taking dinner to friends who just had a precious baby boy, meetings, Liquor Library, a baby shower for my college BFF, a trip to Asheville for Barry and I, Christmas card/family pictures, a birthday celebration for a sweet girlfriend, the Halloween Hullaballoo at our church, then the big wedding weekend will be upon us, and after that is Halloween! WHEW! This month is really going to fly by.

I think we'd all three better rest up and dot some i's and cross some t's this weekend! I'm so glad I already got B's costume! Now, I just need to finish decorating for Fall...

Spoiled Rotten Dog

Apparently, Bailey thinks he's human. Maybe we should get him his own pillow.

Spicy Beef (or Turkey) and Vegetable Soup

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This is a Fall/Winter staple at our house! It's reposted from my old recipe blog. I highly recommend trying it!

1 lb ground beef (I am using ground turkey this time)

4 stalks celery, sliced

2 cloves crushed garlic

1 medium onion, chopped

1 26 oz jar spaghetti sauce

1 can beef broth, undiluted

2 c water

1 t sugar

1 t salt

1/2 t ground black pepper

16 oz frozen mixed vegetables

1 10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel)

Cook ground beef, celery, garlic and onion in a Dutch oven over medium heat until meat is crumbled and no longer pink. Drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce, beef broth, water, sugar, salt and pepper into the beef mixture; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add mixed vegetables and diced tomatoes and chilies; return to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for another 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally. Great served with sharp cheddar and garlic bread!

Saturday with The Kirbys

First time wearing these this Fall!

My view at breakfast. Sandwich, sippy cup, trash, IPad, toddler bottom.

Saturday tradition.

We woke up this morning and decided that Bruegger's was a must for breakfast! I also decided that since it was dreary and damp out, today would be a great day to break out my rain boots! After a quick, yummy breakfast, we headed over to Lowe's to shop for mums to decorate our front stoop. And, of course, a little tractor ridin' for B. We made a quick trip to BJ's (which I am loving, BTW), stopped in a furniture, consignment store, and Blacklion, then headed back home. Now, it's naptime, and all three of my boys are snoozing. I plan to relax on the couch and maybe watch a movie! Hope y'all have a fabulous Saturday!

Fashion Friday: Leather Leggings

There are a lot of things I'm drooling over fashion-wise for Fall. However, one trend really takes the cake. I think it's safe to say I have a full-on obsession with leather/liquid leggings. I have a pair that is a couple of years old, so I went ahead and ordered myself a fresh new pair :) In the past, my favorite ways to style them were with a black sweater and statement necklace and heels for a dressier look, and with a white tee, black blazer and mixed metal necklaces with tan suede booties for a more casual appearance.

Here's some Pinspiration I plan to draw from for this Fall/Winter:

Source: extrapetite.com via Ashley on Pinterest

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Source: thelook4less.net via Ashley on Pinterest

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Source: images.coolspotters.com via Ashley on Pinterest

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Source: google.com via Ashley on Pinterest

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Source: zimbio.com via Ashley on Pinterest

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Source: hillsfreak.blogspot.com via Ashley on Pinterest

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Source: toryburch.com via Ashley on Pinterest

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OK, after looking at all of these pics, I have convinced myself to wear a leather/liquid legging look tonight, for our anniversary dinner!! I can't get enough!!

Happy Friday!

XOXO