Mommy Diary 1

The first of probably many poop stories

So Caidyn has had a stuffy nose for about two days. Although the doctor and Google have assured me it is normal and she is fine, as a first time mom to a one month old my heart breaks for her. So, since the only place she seems to sleep with this congestion is on my chest, know I am typing this with one hand since she is in my other arm. 

Today I made a decision I never thought I would have to make. Caidyn went asleep in her swing and I realized I had probably 5 minutes until she woke up. I was faced with the question - do I take this time to use the bathroom myself or do I take the dogs to use the bathroom? Well, new mom guilt and puppy eyes got the best of me and I chose the dogs. And we went outside, monitor in tow, went to the bathroom and she was still asleep! I thought I was being rewarded for my selflessness and attempted to use the restroom myself. Remember, she is a month old and I had a natural delivery, so things take a little time. Right as progress begins to happen she starts to fuss. Normally not a big deal. But now I have to clean myself up, check on her, wash my hands so I can pick her up, and as I approach clean handed to pick her up she falls back into perfect slumber. But I am not fooled. I vow this is a trick and stand there waiting for her to cry again. I brush my teeth, I move laundry around, I fill my water bottle. Asleep. So I try again to go to the bathroom. A cheek barely brushed the seat and I hear a blood curling cry. Run out, nothing. 

And so today was the day I chose my dogs pooping instead myself and was punished for it. 

And also probably the last time I attempt to use the bathroom home alone during her nap. 

#newmommystories

Months 7 and 8

So summer was busy...

And the beginning of the school year was busy.

On a Brian and I note - we both received promotions at work! I am now a full time science coach and Brian is now the Service Delivery Manager for the Marriott North America Account!

Because of that we have both been super super busy. And I just suck at this whole blogging thing. But I promise some updates!

1: This is not new but I was recently tagged in this pic from our wedding which I LOVE! I hadn't seen this picture before and it was super exciting!



2: Caidyn's room is done! It has come together exactly as I had hoped and different than I had hoped all at the same time. I'm still not sold on the curtains with all the pink... but I don't hate it enough to buy new ones!



3: I had my 25th birthday!!!! It was on August 30 and I celebrated by dinner with the family on Friday (actual b-day) and then a fro-yo crawl with some friends and family on Saturday night!



For my birthday Brian surprised me with a trip to the Peabody hotel to say goodbye to the ducks! Hyatt bought the hotel and the ducks are a Peabody thing so it was neat to see them! And, I found out he even booked a prenatal massage for me!!! I know. It was amazing. No picture of that though...

I feel like I should include this looking back... but it wasn't happy exciting...

I got heat exhaustion... on August 7 I was driving out to school to do some before I actual start back at work prepping... (teachers - we are so dedicated). On the side of the road was a puppy with a collar on. I guess I should say it wasn't a puppy but a dog. A decent sized like 60-70lb boxer mix. But he was cute. So I stopped and got in touch with the owners and was trying to get him to come in my car home. But he wouldn't get in my car #strangerdanger. I had his address and his house was close (maybe a 3/4 mile walk or so) so we starting walking towards his house. I should say... the road we were on has a speed limit of 55mph. Anyways, so we turn down his side street and are on it for about 50 yards. When like a half a mile further down the road a bear crosses (there had been bear sightings in the area...) which totally spooked the puppy (his name is Pepper!) and he turned around and ran back towards the main road. That one with cars going 55mph. So obv he got hit by a car. He was alive but hurt for sure. So I do what anyone would do - freak out and call my daddy. And then domestic animal services. And about 2 hours after I had initially stopped to help the puppy on the side of the road he is on a stretch in the back of domestic animal services van. In this 2 hours I was in the direct sunlight, in FL, in the summertime, and for about the final hour and 20 minutes of it (after Pepper got it) was under a lot of stress. So as soon as it was clear Pepper would be ok I basically passed out. And ended up in the hospital. I don't remember much of getting into the ambulance... I remember one of the EMTs missing the first time he tried to give me an IV and it hurt quite bad... and then about halfway to the hospital I realized I was all wet and got worried I had peed myself... which turns out didn't happen my daddy and the animal services lady had poured water on me trying to get me to cool off... which was nice to know.



I only hate telling this story because Brian says it is a reason why I should never stop to help puppies on the side of the road anymore... but I'm pretty sure I can't ever stop trying to help puppies. Look at that precious face! That was taken when I was sitting in my car trying to call the puppy up so I could drive him home :)

Hmm... so now for the regular pregnancy updates!

How far along: At this point - 35 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: As of Wednesday's appt (2 days ago) I am up 28lbs total. 
Maternity Clothes: Oh yes. Well actually... the outfit I have on today is not maternity at all. But all special stretchy clothes or bigger sized regular things I have bought since I've been pregnant. Turns out putting the word maternity on something gives them reason to charge a billion dollars - or I can get a larger normal size which works for the most part *length is key!* 
Stretch Marks: I have that dreaded weird darker line down the middle of my stomach... but I haven't noticed anything else besides that! 
Sleep: What is that again? haha. I sleep in 2 hour increments then get up to pee. Over the past few nights it has gotten harder to get comfortable because of my giant belly... but the exhaustion helps eventually for me to find a good enough spot and fall asleep. 
Best moment this week: We had our last ultrasound on Wednesday - My grandma and mother in law were able to be there! It was so neat to see Caidyn and learn what position she is in. Turns out she is like face down with one of her arms up by her face - the other arm around her back (which is how I love to sleep actually!) - her back curves around and up my left side, her butt is up kind of in the middle of my ribs, and her legs stick out towards my right side.   
Have you told family and friends: Yes!
Movement: Lots. I feel little punches in my cervix from her hand by her face and kicks on my right side from her legs. Plus just general like big rolling over and such. 
Food Cravings: Not really... now that pregnancy is getting harder on my body and mind (I'm right at the end!) I have been trying to take advantage of the whole "eat whatever you want your pregnant" mentality... which usually only works for a day then I eat like all veggies the next day...   
Anything making you queasy or sick: I get heartburn pretty regularly?  
Have you started to show yet: Haha... yeah
Gender Prediction: its a girl!   
Bellybutton in or out: flat? Like it literally is flat. Its so weird. 
Wedding rings on or off: My 1st anniversary/second wedding band is on. My engagement ring/ wedding band (they are attached) is off. I was able to wear it on my right hand for a while but... my sandals don't even fit my feet right anymore - so I am not holding out much hope for rings. 
Moody at all: No... I definitely have my overwhelmed by "wow - labor is so soon and I need to plan for every possible scenario" but my biggest concerns are the dogs (taken care of), what if we go into labor not at home and need to go straight to the hospital how will our stuff get there (taken care of), and how will I keep myself energized during labor - they don't let you eat... for some reason I'm afraid to feel hungry... like not like "I want a burger" hungry but you know when you haven't eaten for a long time and feel really weak? That is how I am afraid of feeling.  
Looking forward to: I am going to finish making all the lists/ packing our hospital bags this weekend. Brian and I are trying to enjoy the last couple weeks of spontaneous plans and just the two of us for a long time! So I am enjoying that extra "us" time :)


As of her ultrasound on 9.11.13 she was predicted to be 4lbs 15 oz and 17" long. And she has some pretty big lips!

Being pregnant has been a really interesting journey. It amazes me like I could still be pregnant for another 5 weeks (or even a little longer!) or she could come right when she's full term which is in only 12 days! The planner in me is freaking out about all the up in the airs BUT I can't wait to meet her whenever that will be and I think I've thought of just about everything that could happen and am at peace with whatever may be! I'm trying for a natural labor and delivery but if I go in there and she shakes the hand of the person checking how dilated I am I am ok with a C-section. If labor stalls and I need pitocin to continue and those contractions are crazy I'm prepared for an epidural. Whatever will be will be. Like I said - I am mostly concerned for getting weak... but I'm looking into lots of ways to keep up my energy without eating (they won't let you eat because the stress the contractions put on your stomach... which totally makes sense - so I can have clear liquids or popsicles or something... I'm looking into maybe some GU like I use for long runs?)

Now its just the waiting game for Caidyn's birth day! 

Weeks 23, 24, 25

So I suck at updating... as always. But I promise we have been SUPER busy! So I am just going to do a three weeks at a time update.






Cosmo helped take Week 25 Pictures :)

How far along: 23, 24, and 25 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: At my Dr appt from the end of June I was up a total of 10 lbs
Maternity Clothes: Oh yes. Even a lot of my shirts aren't fitting any more :( 
Stretch Marks: Not sure... I think I'm in the clear but I can't tell... there are a few spots I keep eyeing...
Sleep: A few times I've been kept awake by some crazy kicking and weird dreams, but nothing too too awful or for more than 2 nights in a row
Best moment this week: Over these weeks... we were on vacation visiting lots of members of Brian's family in MN - it was so nice to hear how excited they all were PLUS play with their kids - practice practice practice!  
Have you told family and friends: Yes!
Movement: SO MUCH MOVEMENT!!! Caidyn is like always on the go. Always. If she is still for more than like an hour I'm impressed. 
Food Cravings: Protein in general. Like I love beans and meat.  
Anything making you queasy or sick: Flying on airplanes. Yuck.  
Have you started to show yet: Oh my, yes. I still can't believe I have three more weeks of growing to fit in there. 
Gender Prediction: Ultrasound said girl - and we haven't heard anything else!  
Bellybutton in or out: In... but I predict by the end of July it will be out :(
Wedding rings on or off: On. 
Moody at all: No... at least I don't think so.... 
Looking forward to: I don't know how looking forward I am... but we need to register at the hospital and do the glucose test. Which seemed like things that would like never get here. Now they are here and they make me really nervous because they are on the list of final steps... eek!!!

22 weeks

For Father's Day we had Brian wear the shirt... it was... different

How far along: 22 weeks - today is Father's Day!!!!
Total weight gain/loss: No idea... I really should go to the grocery store and check...
Maternity Clothes: Yup. and I am slowly finding things that I thought would fit me the whole time that are starting to reach their max stretch point :( 
Stretch Marks: No. But I am feeling super stretched out. Especially in the evenings. Loving the cocoa butter! 
Sleep: I can't sleep in at all... I get heartburn and Caidyn wakes me up with kicks. Not the worst thing to wake up and just gives me an excuse for a nap later 
Best moment this week: All the little kids at camp being really excited for me having a baby. It is so adorable. 
Have you told family and friends: Yes!
Movement: Oh yes. Our little mover is starting to not move as often but makes it VERY known when she is moving around!  
Food Cravings: Whatever makes my heartburn feel better...  
Anything making you queasy or sick: Heartburn all the time :(
Have you started to show yet: Oh yes!  
Gender Prediction: Ultrasound said girl! 
Bellybutton in or out: In and still getting shallower and wider by the day.... 
Wedding rings on or off: On. 
Moody at all: I feel like maybe I should just say stressed instead of moody. I'm very busy right now but also very focused. I am accomplishing so much!! 
Looking forward to: Vacation at the end of this month/ beginning of next month. I'm quite excited for a little R and R! 


I was obv REALLY tired for these pictures...

21 Weeks

The awesome birthday pool calendar and 50/50 fundraiser our friends made for us! Getting Caidyn's college fund started early!! 


 We bought Caidyn an Arwen's necklace from Lord of the Rings

How far along: 21 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I was up 5lbs last appt... and I don't own a scale so... not sure. 
Maternity Clothes: Button pants - yes. Although I was able to try the scrunchie trick doubled with a pair of pants and it worked and wasn't too uncomfortable! Shirts, still going strong with most of my regular ones! 
Stretch Marks: None yet, but feeling VERY stretched out 
Sleep: Working really hard during the day means I'm sleeping VERY well at night. 
Best moment this week: Getting to tell my students it was a girl. They are all so excited and have promised to come back next year to see me and they request pictures via Edmodo :)
Have you told family and friends: Yes!
Movement: Probably the best part of my day is right at night when Brian and I are getting into bed and Caidyn puts on a little kicking show for us. SO ADORABLE!!!!  
Food Cravings: Nothing really specific right now... basically foods that are gentle on my stomach because of all the heart burn. 
Anything making you queasy or sick: I have heartburn like woah now. It usually means I am hungry... so I am learning to use it to gauge that I need to eat when I'm not feeling hungry. 
Have you started to show yet: Yes!  
Gender Prediction: Ultrasound said girl! 
Bellybutton in or out: In. But getting wider and wider by the week.... And shallower. I have a feeling it may pop eventually... :/ 
Wedding rings on or off: On. And it has been warm and I haven't had to take the smaller engagement band/wedding band off yet! 
Moody at all: I'm definitely feeling the pressure of the goals I set for myself both personally and professionally. If I am in the middle of a focused session and something interrupts me I have VERY little patience... oops! 
Looking forward to: The weekend of the 15th... I work this weekend ALL WEEKEND LONG getting ready for camp and then camp straight through the week. It was hard last year when I wasn't pregnant... I can't even imagine this year!

20 week update

I realize I just did a 20 week update but I didn't include all the usual pictures and questions. So here is that post.



How far along: 20 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: +5 lbs
Maternity Clothes: Definitely for all bottoms that would usually button... I'm still wearing normal shirts and elastic bottoms (skirts, workout shorts). I can wear some normal dresses and enjoying the comfort of some maternity dresses. 
Stretch Marks: Nope! 
Sleep: Going really well! As long as I get to bed before like 10pm I can wake up on time and not need a nap all day. Its the little victories :)
Best moment this week: Telling everyone the gender via the scavenger hunt!! 
Have you told family and friends: Yes!
Movement: SO MUCH KICKING!!! Caidyn is definitely a big mover - Brian enjoys feeling and is sometimes so surprised how forceful she is! 
Food Cravings: I really love mozzarella sticks and glazed doughnuts. But because of that I feel gross and then crave healthy stuff. Right now I want black beans - they just sound so healthy! 
Anything making you queasy or sick: At first I was really emotional about not guessing Caidyn's gender right. I felt like my mom intuition was already wrong and I didn't even know her at all. But the more I've thought about it the more I realize that I have so much time to get to know her, and if I am really honest with myself,  stopped being sure she was a boy about 3 weeks ago. So maybe my intuition is just a bit slower... which is ok because I have 4ish months until it needs to be super fast! 
Have you started to show yet: Oh yes! And I'm enjoying showing off the pregnant belly with fitted shirts - something I avoided like the plague until about 2 weeks ago! 
Gender Prediction: Ultrasound said girl! 
Bellybutton in or out: In
Wedding rings on or off: On. But I'm not sure for how long. Whenever I get warm like by going outside my fingers swell up. I got a second wedding band for our first anniversary that was sized a little big - and I never got it resized for this occasion. When my engagement ring/first wedding band combo starts to be too tight I think they'll go into the safe deposit box and I'll just wear the bigger, skinnier, second wedding bad. 
Moody at all: Yeah... I feel bad for Brian. Its just dawning on me we'll have a little baby and as prepared as I felt mentally I know feel like I have no clue what to do with a baby! I'm excited that at our next Dr's appt at the end of this month we'll get information about classes! 
Looking forward to: Summer! And camp! And wearing a t-shirt and shorts and sneakers every day of the week! It will help me stay in good shape since I'l already be dressed for a workout and also make it easier to get dressed since its all elastic waistbands :)

20 weeks - half way there!

We had an AMAZING 20th week of pregnancy - I am almost sad to see it go.

We started off Sunday celebrating Grumpy and GC (Grandpa and Grandma Block)'s 28th Wedding Anniversary! We went out for a nice dinner on the water.


Taken on actual Week 20 Day 1

It was Memorial Day weekend so we used our Monday off celebrating Uncle Nathan and Aunt Bridget getting ENGAGED! Nathan proposed on Saturday at Magic Kingdom.

We are SO excited for them!!!

Tuesday I spent the day at the pool with the 8th graders - a nice way to end the year - and finals started Thursday.

Wednesday we had our 20 week ultrasound and checkup. Everything turned out great! We also found out the gender of baby C - but didn't tell anyone yet!


Friday was Auntie Ali's high school graduation! It was great to have all us Block girls together to celebrate!


Saturday we had a Gender Reveal Scavenger Hunt! We wanted to be able to tell our friends and family in a super fun way- so we designed a scavenger hunt for them to follow to figure out what Baby C is! It began in the park with each team getting a clue with a poem that led them to their jar of all the clues. They then followed each in order from place to place with a picture task at each stop. The last stop gave it away!

We had a ton of fun and I hope everyone else did! Here are some great snapshots!



We had so much fun and hope everyone else did to!

We can't wait to meet our little girl, Caidyn Arwen Wyss :)