Wordless Wednesday - Celebration of Liv

3-hour glucose test

So I had to take the dreaded 3-hour glucose test earlier last week since I failed {let myself down} and did not pass on the first go-round. I do love sweets, which is why I'm not sure I was so surprised when I was told that my blood sugar was 139. 

Nine measly points!!

 All kinds of thoughts ran through my mind..I should have never ate those Oreo's on Sunday or spoonfuls of peanut butter the day before. But what about all the good food I've kinda/sorta eaten too?  Oh well, ultimately I'm not an awesome eater. Uh sorry Liv..I'm trying! 

I was told I needed to come back in a week for the 3-hour screening, which would be July 25th. Which also happened to fall on our 3rd year wedding anniversary.  I figured It might work out best to move the appointment to the 26th and just take (Thurs & Fri) off work along with Brant. Sounded good to me, we both could spend some quality time together and tackle some projects (packing) since we will soon be moving.

My appointment was set, I was scheduled to come to the office on Thursday, July 26th at 8:00 for the BIG test. I had a week to prepare. However, Brant's birthday was the Friday before and well, weekends are always difficult for me to eat 'proper'. I may have had a little Red Lobster and  strawberry pie (sugar-free of course) from a local bakery but I was determined that I was going to pass. I drank nothing but milk and water the entire week. {Before I was drinking chocolate milk..ha!  I can cut back!} By the way, it's amazzzing how much sugar is in our foods.  A trip to the grocery store made me more mindful to look more closely at labels. 

The day arrived for the sugar test.  I had prepared myself that if I didn't pass, it would be OKAY. I went in a little early thinking maybe I could get out a little early since we had to be in Anderson for Brant's doctor appointment by 1:00. I usually make early OB appointments so I can get in and out quickly before going to work. However on this particular Thursday, the office was packed. My theory on getting in and out might have been a bust. 

I was called back at 7:55...there was
 no. turning. back. 

My fasting blood sugar was 69. That's kinda low for a pregnant woman, but I'll take it. Since I chugged the orange sugary concoction the week before, I figured I better stick with familiar territory. I really did not have any trouble drinking the 10 ounces which is twice as much as I had the week before. It probably took me about 2 minutes flat to drink the entire bottle. Kudos! 

We live about 10 minutes away from the office so I decided to go home, rest, and come back for each sugar check. Brant graciously drove me since I didn't know how quickly my sugar would drop, etc.

The breakdown:

Hour 1 - 143 / had to be under 180

Hour 2 - 128 / had to be under 155

Hour 3 - 105 / had to be under 140

I passed!

Just a few tips I gathered

It's okay to like sweets (I personally LOVE them); just be mindful close to your glucose screening to watch your diet. Don't eat Oreo's and peanut butter..BAD!

Stick with the orange flavor.

 If you have trouble drinking the concoction, ask for a straw.

If you live close by and can go home, go home! I would have been miserable staying in the office for a total of 4 hours.

Side note: On one of my trips to/from the office, a lady had passed out in the lobby. It was a 100 degree day outside and the office was packed. I felt soo sorry for her. But, I heard her tell the doctor she did not eat or sleep well the night before. And she was pregnant. Eat well people! 

What's next for the Anderson's? 

Two words:

{birthing class}

Weeks 23 - 26

Playing catch up, again!

Your baby's the size of a grapefruit!

At about 10.5 to 11.8 inches and about 12.7 to 20.8 ounces, baby's not just getting bigger, she's getting even cuter.

Sunday July 1, 2012 - marked 23 weeks for Liv. It was a HOT, HOT day. Our church had a 4th of July celebration after worship and I remember wanting to melt. Since the 4th fell on a Wednesday (awkward), we didn't do too much. Liv went for her first swim in her cousins brand new pool!  

Later that evening we enjoyed BBQ and fireworks at our neighbors. Lot's of fun memories had by all!





We had a surprise visit from My Brother, sister-in-law, & nephew Elijah on Saturday. They stopped by on their way home from Pigeon Forge, TN. It was so fun to see them on such short notice.  Our nephew is growing RIGHT before our eyes!

He LOVES driving Papa's gator

Your baby's the size of a cantaloupe!

Your 10.5-to-11.8-inch fetus weighs about 12.7 to 20.8 ounces and every week she gets closer and closer to being ready to survive (and thrive!) in the outside world.

Liv received her first baby gift this week.  A sweet pink footed sleeper with ruffles on the bottom and feet. It is precious! Even better, it came in a Gamecock bag! Thanks - John & Jerri!

Your baby's the size of an cauliflower!

During month six, the average fetus measures about 13.6 inches to 14.8 inches and weighs about 1.5 to 2.5 pounds.

I failed my 1 hour glucose test by 9 points. Bummer! I guess I didn't prepare myself as well beforehand. I'm dreading the 3-hour test, but this girl, (future MOM) has gotta do what she's gotta do.  Liv has been moving like the Karate Kid. It's amazing to feel and see her move. She had hiccups on Friday and my heart just melted every time I saw my stomach move. She was celebrating her daddy's 29th Birthday..{her own way} stubborn like her Mama!! 

Your baby's the size of a head of lettuce!

She's still growing in the 13.6- to 14.8-inch and 1.5- to 2.5-pound range, and developing her senses, features and talents!

How far along? 26 weeks

Maternity clothes? Yes. I think I don't have a choice at this point. I might need to move to stage 2 of the maternity clothes...next size bigger. I feel like my hips are expanding along with the belly. 

Symptoms?  Low back pain & leg cramps

Stretch marks?  Still none! Praying they will stay away! I'm religious with the use of my creme..lol

Sleep?  I think I have pregnancy insomnia. Some nights I sleep, some I don't. Liv likes to move a lot during the night hours. I also have to take 1 or 2 bathroom breaks.

Best moment this week?  Her hiccup episode...made my heart skip a beat. I'm in love with her soo much.

Movement? She kicked when we were trying to listen to her heartbeat on the fetal doppler. (I think that was the first movement my Mom has seen.) 

Cravings? I don't have any cravings this week...3 hour glucose screening on Thurs..pray for me!! 

Gender? She's still a girl:) Sarah Olivia (Liv) Anderson

Labor Signs? Goodness no!

Belly button In or Out? So in, but flat-lining a little. I pray it does not pop out! 

What I miss? Being productive, turkey sandwiches, not feeling like I can eat what I want. I'm trying to be mindful of my sweets and diet intake from this point forward.

What I'm looking forward to?  Brant and I have our three year Anniversary on Wednesday. Birthing classes in August, finishing up the 2nd trimester & 4-D ultrasound in the near future!

Weekly wisdom? I don't think I have any...but watching Teen Mom on MTV gives me a lot of 'what not to do' advise. ha!

Milestones?  Brant celebrated his birthday on Friday. Papa Butch celebrates his birthday on July 24th; and 3 year's of blissful marriage on July 25th. 

• 
• Your baby is as big as an eggplant, and his pancreas is developing now.
  Baby's Length: 11.38 in.
  Baby's Weight: 1.10 lb.

• Your baby is as big as an eggplant, and his pancreas is developing now.
  Baby's Length: 11.38 in.
  

  

  Baby's Weight: 1.10 lb

• Your baby is as big as an eggplant, and his pancreas is developing now.
  Baby's Length: 11.38 in.
  Baby's Weight: 1.10 lb

Steals & Deals

Check out the deals I scored on Plum District and Southern Savers. I'll make this short and sweet! 

Plum District has a 30x30 Minky Chenille Baby Blanket from Bebe Bella Designs - a $52 Value for $20!! I  also snagged an extra 20% off bringing the price down to $16. Even if you're not having a baby, this is a SUPER deal that can be used for a shower gift. Only 3 days are remaining for this deal - so snag it while you can!

Southern Savers has a great one-day deal featuring Shutterfly. You can get 12 FREE 3x5 personalized thank-you cards. All you have to do is enter PROMO code - AFF12CARDS.  The only cost to you is $4.99 shipping and tax.  

Free & discounted are two {wonderful} words!

Happy shopping!

Crafty{ness}

Maybe not! I tend to try something and then get fed up very quickly. Yep, that's how I roll.   

I could spend hours upon hours on Pinterest. I think by now, every female and their mother should have a Pinterest account. If you don't, you're missing out!! I love to 'pin' recipes, crafts, home remedies/cleaners & well, stuff I can only dream about. 

One craft on my to-do list is to make some fabric flowers. Here is a blog I found on how to make the flowers. I'm sure there are others that I will try soon, but I wanted to try something quick and easy! I went to  the craft store and bought 1/4 yards of fabric (which was more than enough and very cheap.) I then came home and cut various size strips about 22 inches long and followed the tutorial in the blog above. The only other thing you need is a hot glue gun.

Viola! 

The three rosettes above took me about 20 minutes to make and I have 1/2 of the fabric left. Hopefully soon, I will try other tutorials and find out which one I like best. 

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Catching Up (weeks 21 & 22)

Hello Summer! Yesterday was absolutely unbearable for me. I could barely walk outside without the heat and humidity taking my breath away.  Oh well, welcome to the South! I guess the hot weather will cease when baby Liv arrives.  

I've started many projects and have yet to finish one. Shame, shame...Pinterest is getting me in trouble! 

Let's see - I have a half painted mantle, unfinished hair bow holder and a glider/rocker that needs a slip cover. I also need to order fabric for the slip cover, bed skirt for the crib and pillows. As a side note; Brant and I have decided to forgo the typical crib bedding and not have a bumper. As pretty as they are, we just don't want to risk a safety issue of something happening with suffocation. It's better to be proactive than not active at all!  Baby Liv's bedding will be lovingly made which will be much more meaningful!

I really don't know how to describe the decor of the nursery. Something along the lines of modern, vintage, cozy and chic all meshed into one. I told you it was hard to describe, ha!  

In other news, how AWESOME is it to be a Gamecock fan right about now? Our defending National Champions have another opportunity to win the CWS title and make it a three-peat! I'm not too sure about everyone in the state of South Carolina, (we do have some haters) but I feel good, ecstatic about our current situation! We are two games away from another win and can only hope LB Dantzler's fish, "Reptar" helps us out with two more victories against Arizona. Fear the fish!! 

18 more weeks to go for baby Liv! 

How far along? 22 weeks

Maternity clothes? Yes. They feel so much better than trying to constrain my belly into tight pants. I LOVE dresses! 

Symptoms? Back pain and a few headaches.

Stretch marks? None! Hopefully they will stay away! I'm religious with the use of my creme..lol

Sleep?  I'm sleeping pretty well. Once my head hits the pillow, I'm out! 

Best moment this week? Feeling and (seeing) some kicks on the left side of my belly & receiving some girly outfits from Zulilly.com.

Movement? See above - I'm ready for her to really move. She was moving some during church today.  She just loves joyful music and preaching. ;-)

Cravings? Firehouse 'hook and ladder' sub.... that about sums it up! 

Gender? She's still a girl:) Sarah Olivia (Liv) Anderson

 
Labor Signs? Goodness no!

Belly button In or Out? So in.

What I miss? Being productive, turkey sandwiches, not feeling like a walrus in a swimsuit! 

What I'm looking forward to? Next doctors appointment which is Wednesday. Completing some unfinished projects and making some fabric rosettes.

Weekly wisdom? Avoid putting SPF sunscreen on babies until 6 months of age. 

Milestones?  Grandma, 'Gabby' had a Birthday on Friday, Gamecocks are playing for the CWS - 3rd year and first Gamecock outfit is in the process of being made. 

20 weeks

I've officially hit the 20 week mark - only 20 weeks {or less} to go! In those remaining 20 weeks I have TONS to accomplish. I would be forever and a day listing out all I need to do.  

{I'll just save that for another blog..ha!} 

Baby Anderson is now the size of a Mango. She weighs about 10 oz and is 6.5 inches long.  According to my last ultrasound she is measuring right on schedule. PTL! It's always great to hear good news - especially since I'm not the perfect epitome of health. 

How far along?   20 weeks

Maternity clothes?   Yes. I'm still able to mix some maternity with my regular clothes - with the use of the Bella band. I did put on some Bermuda shorts yesterday that I could not zip..depressing!  Oh well, it's ALL worth it! 

Symptoms?   Back pain and a few headaches. 

Stretch marks?   None! Hopefully they will stay away! I'm religious with the use of my creme..lol

Sleep?  Pretty lousy.  I toss and turn a lot - due to not being comfortable. But once I'm out, I'm OUT - except for a bathroom break.

Best moment this week?   (2 weeks ago) finding out the gender. This week - deciding the nursery colors/theme. 

Movement?  I think I feel a little movement, but am not quite sure. May still be to early in the pregnancy to tell. 

Cravings?   Peanut M&M's and Popsicles.

Gender?   She's still a girl:) Sarah Olivia (Liv) Anderson

Labor Signs?   Goodness no! 

Belly button In or Out?   So in. 

What I miss?   Being productive and turkey sandwiches. 

What I'm looking forward to?   Next doctors appointment which is 2 weeks away. Oh and finally getting my maternity swimsuit from Zulilly.com.

Weekly wisdom?   Once in labor if they ask if students can observe - say NO! 

Milestones?   The bump is out and evidently grew overnight! 

Cheers to 20 weeks and the 1st published picture of the bump!