20 weeks down, 20 weeks to go!

This week marked a big one as we are now halfway there!!! I feel like we are over the hump. The first 20 weeks didn't go by as fast as I thought it would, so hopefully the next 20 do. With each day ahead we are further along then there are days left! Woot! So exciting! We have received a couple of adorable baby items from baby Stavy's Nonna (Nick's mom) and I can't stop looking at them. Anyone seen how cute and tiny newborn socks are?! Oh my goodness I can't get over it! He is so loved already!!

I also went on a mini shopping spree with my mom this week. We got a couple cute outfits and a super soft blanket! It was so fun to get things that our little man will be wearing etc. It is so addicting to shop for baby Stavy, but I know I must restrain myself as there will be showers to come.

This week I also started using Belly Buds. They are headphones that stick to your belly and hook up to anything with a headphone jack. I got them from my sister in law who loved using them. They are a great way to bond with your baby by playing music or reading stories to them. Classical music is supposed to be very soothing. Plus, your baby will remember the music after he is born and it might help calm them. The fact that they stick on your belly makes them very convenient to use. You can walk around with them on and forget they are there.

Reveal Time!

We found out Baby Stavy's gender at 17 weeks. It was so exciting to know and not have to wait until the 20 week ultrasound. We're having a baby BOY!!!

I wanted to do something special to reveal the gender to our families, so I decided to do a reveal cake! People have done these different ways. One way, no one knows the gender except the ultrasound tech who puts it in an envelope for you and you take it to a baker to make you a cake with either pink or blue inside. Then when you cut into the cake surrounded by your family, everyone is surprised! I love the idea but would have been hard to coordinate with our families. Plus, I wanted to find out just with Nick first, then share in the celebration with family.

So we found out, and we made the cakes. Yes cakes...plural...because we had to do both families! We kept it simple and did Funfetti....which is so yummy! We could have done either the cake part blue, or blue frosting inside. I went with blue frosting inside because I didn't want to risk trying to put white icing all over a blue cake! It was so much fun to get our families together and let them find out!

Pink or Blue???

They were excited to finally find out!

The second cake with Nick's family, just love their expressions!

Team Blue!!! First grandson/child for my family and another grandson for Nick's family!

So fun!!

Too funny!!!

So I have been stalking Pinterest the last couple months and finally decided to jump on the bandwagon and join! It's way too addicting! It definitely has some great inspirations and ideas to follow. So many cute things to try, words to live by or just things that make you say awww!! I found this picture and it is way too hilarious not to share!

Nick has grown out his beard and his curly hair for the summer and our camping trips. He loves it!! I do too but I also love his smooth face!! This picture just makes me think of our future son and say "Like father like son!" Where can I find this?!? lol

Quick pic

First bump pic...taken at 17 weeks 5 days. I didnt get one of just me, so I had to edit people out. It's starting to take form.

17 weeks

How far along: 17 weeks 4 days
Total Weight Gain: Lost 6 lbs and gained it all back. Still at pre-pregnancy weight! Not for long I'm sure.  
Stretchmarks: None yet! I will continue to slather on the lotion so that I am being pro-active!
Sleep: So much better. First trimester I would be up from 2am-4am on the nights I was home. I work nights so I am messed up on sleep as it is.
Best Moment This Week: Finding out if we are having a son or daughter!
Movement: I feel different sensations that I have never felt before and definitely think it's the baby. They feel like flutters or tickles. Can't wait to feel something stronger!
Gender: We know and will reveal soon! We are telling our families tomorrow!
Labor Signs: Too early for that!
Belly Button: Still in. I can tell it's stretching with my expanding belly. I still have my belly button ring in, much to Nick's dismay. lol. Come on, let me hold onto my youth and the one little rebellious thing I did for a little bit! It will be gone soon.
What I Miss: My flat stomach and wine! I definitely didn't miss any alcohol the first trimester, but I would love a glass of red now!
What I am Looking Forward to: Actually looking pregnant, and being able to feel the baby move. Hopefully within the next couple weeks! Telling our families the gender!
Milestones: Baby is the size of an onion. Approx. 5 inches long and 6 oz. I started exercising this week! I finally feel better and feel up to it!! It's so great to have some energy back.

First purchase

It's so exciting to look at baby things and picture our little one wearing a certain outfit or playing with that toy etc. Just can't wait! My mom had me pick out a boy and girl outfit one day. I have them hanging in our living room because they are so darn cute! Plus we need to get use to having baby stuff around. Here they are...

We should find out very soon if we are team pink or blue!! My big purchase was my diaper bag! I have always loved the Petunia Pickle Bottom bags. So many cute patterns and designs! Plus the shape, size and durability seem great! I know many people have them, but I can see why!! They're adorable. A couple weeks ago I was flipping through Nordstrom's Anniversary Catalog and I found the diaper bag I wanted!! I signed up right away for the pre-sale and got it!! It was such a great deal!! I am in love!!



Camping Trip

Nick and I just got back from camping in the Sierras with my family. We stayed at a campground called Mono Village. I started going there when I was little girl and we would go back every summer! I love that place and it always brings me to a happy place when I am there! Going this summer, would be the first time I had been in 5 years! Plus, this time I was able to show Nick a place that had always been a part of my life. It was a great trip with lots of family and friends! We had so many people there and there was always something to do or someone to hangout with.

Teenage bear looking for food in the fire pit.

Black cub wandering around.

Nick in his element

Down at the lake

Family Picture (w/ my parents 3 dogs)

We had a great time hanging out, telling stories, having a campfire and making smores, going bear hunting, being at the lake, hiking, and being in God's nature. It sure was beautiful and the weather was perfect!!

Technically, we aren't allowed to go "bear hunting" or aka looking for bears. They would come through our camp at all hours of the day. They scare easily and don't mess with people. They are just looking for food. My parents were staying in a trailer, but Nick and I stayed in a tent. This will probably be one of the last times for a while because I'm not sure a baby and tent go together. One night at 11:40pm Nick heard sniffing. Then with the glow of the moonlight, we could see the outline of bears rear-end outside our tent. It got into one of Nick's storage containers. We put all our food and ice chests away at night. Yet the bear thought this container might have something good in it. How do plastic spoons or paper plates sound?! lol. There was a can of Pam in box that she bit through and punctured, leaving a greasy mess in the box. She was the momma bear we had seen around camp that has two little cubs. So we named her Pam after that :) Also, she bit into one of my acrylic wine glasses, so I'm thinking she's a wino too!!

Tipped over the chairs and box

The damaged Pam can