37 WEEKS!

AHHHH! Look at the time! It is going so slow and yet so fast. December went...I don't know where, but if went fast. Maybe because I was sick half of it and just kind of existed during that time. Well, we are 37 weeks today so we are having a full term baby. 3 more weeks to our due date, but I think things might happen sooner than that (but I'm not resting all my hopes on that, that's just what I think).

Today was our first appointment to be "checked". I am 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced, which the doctor said could mean absolutely nothing since I could spend weeks like this OR I could have the baby tomorrow. I think it is just exciting that something is happening. She has most definitely dropped - she's actually been like that a while, but I have felt more pressure this last week. At least breathing has gotten a little better. I have contractions frequently, but not regularly. They are not painful, but they are not comfortable either.

Today we had a non-stress test. Basically, they hook you up to to monitors on your belly, one to track the baby's heart rate and the second to track contractions. They said the goal was to see the baby's heart rate accelerate at least 2 times in 20 minutes - I already had "passed" in the first 5 minutes, but they had to keep it on the full time. I don't think the baby liked the monitors because she kept kicking and pushing out right at the spots where the monitors were strapped on - a little tight too. She had a great response and I had one solid contraction during it. I am so excited.

Time is ticking by and I think we are just about ready. We are waiting for just a few more things in the mail and then I'll blog about our Nursery - I LOVE IT! Also, I am having a baby shower thrown for me by the branch at church for any that might be in the area. We registered at Target which was actually kind of stressful and frustrating. Registering for our wedding was fun, but registering for baby was hard. I don't know if it is because you either have NO choice in different things or so many you don't even know where to start! Its crazy.

Well, this is the update for now. I am definitely more uncomfortable these days, but still so excited and happy to feel her everyday. We are looking forward to this year and all it brings us.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I Made It Monday: Crafty Christmas Gifts

I got an early start and got crafty for Christmas Gifts this year. Many hours were spent on some of these seemingly simple gifts, but I loved doing it! I hope everyone who received them enjoyed them as much as I did making them. I was so proud of each creation as I made them.

Purse/Tote with Matching cosmetic pouch
For Tori this year I made a purse/tote with a matching cosmetic pouch. This was by far the hardest thing I attempted. I got my original idea from THIS blog tutorial, but it turned out very different - the only thing they really have in common are the size and shape and the fact that it has lining and a magnetic snap.

I picked out some black and white polka-dot material for the lining and red and pink polka-dot home decor fabric (a little thicker) for the outside. I thought they were fun colors together.

I didn't plan to make the straps from the same strip as the gusset (sides of the bag) but I measured way too much and had a perfect amount to just have the strip circle all the way around. It was fun to discover how to make this bag as I went. I even sewed a little pocket inside (even though it is quite crooked).

The little cosmetic pouch was hard (sewing in a circular way is harder the smaller you go!). I had no plan to what I was doing just a picture in my head. I never did figure out how to make it without having one side of the lining showing the stitching (does that even make sense? I don't know how else to describe it.) Nevertheless, it turned out MUCH better and cuter than I had planned.

Water-bottle CarrierThis was a fun one to make. It fits both the small and large water bottle sizes. You can't see really well in the pictures but I used a clip (like a mini car seat buckle) with an adjustable snap. I followed THIS tutorial. One difference is that instead of using a thicker material I doubled a thinner material in half and cut it to the sizes of the 2 main pieces so the right side of the material was in the inside as well.

Aromatherapy Hot/Cold Rice PacksIn the past I have made a much simpler version of these rice packs (one pocket instead of four). Dan and I have loved the one I made. We love the scents and the comfort of it. We loved it so much we thought it would be fun to make as gifts. THIS tutorial version was harder, but bigger and better. It was fun to pick different fabrics for different people AND the great thing I did this time around was instead of gathering different potpourri items and cinnamon sticks and spices that sometimes poke through the fabric I bought real aromatherapy essential oils of lavender and cinnamon from a hippie health and wellness store. Just a few drops leaves a scent for a VERY, VERY long time and has real aromatherapeutic properties - it doesn't just smell good.



"I Spy" BagsThis was a fun craft that I got to get a little creative filling. I'd seen these before and thought it was such a great activity, so I thought I'd give it a try. This is the tutorial I used. I wasn't daring enough at this time to try any unique shapes like the tutorial since I was nervous sewing with the clear vinyl, but I did have fun getting creative with different colors of threads and designs to sew the ends shut. The clear vinyl wasn't too bad to work with. I just sewed in on with the tissue between the vinyl and my sewing machine then it easily ripped out when I was done. I used felt instead of fleece and I also added a list of the items inside the bag with pictures that I attached by laminating it, attaching ribbon, and sewing the ribbon into the side of the bag as I closed it. I hope it stays!

A horrible cold and EXTRA baby ultrasound!

Well, we are OFFICIALLY in the last month! I know I just did a pregnancy update last week, but a few things have happened since then AND there are new pictures!

In my last update I mentioned a mild cold I had caught, but was already on the mend...yeah, it turned out to be a little more than that. Instead of getting better and just being one of those annoying colds that hangs on forever it got worse daily until the weekend (of course I'm always my sickest on the weekends) I started to have such sinus pains that my teeth were hurting, constant headache that the tylenol and tylenol cold approved for me to take were not even close to helping. Also, my eyes were filling with junk and I could NOT sleep! Sunday night I was up literally all night and at about 4 am Dan was helping me and I lost it and started crying - not good when you are already having a hard time with breathing and headaches. I was a mess and in so much pain. I was scared because I was worried about the baby, I was coughing so hard so often my ribs hurt, I was having frequent braxton-hicks, and in so much pain I couldn't sit still. I couldn't understand how with everything I was doing I wasn't getting any better, but worse. I was at my wits end. The only thing that got me through the night was knowing I had a Doctor appointment in the morning. I was just about in tears again when we got in to see my Dr and she said she would get me the "good stuff" and would get me feeling good again in about 48 hours. I got an antibiotic shot of Rocephin to, in her words, "kickstart your immune system" then she gave me a prescription for Amoxicillin. She said these medications do not hurt the baby and that it was better to have me better anyway - I had lost 3 pounds in just this last week.

Within hours I was already feeling an improvement and was able to sleep a little. Last night was the first night I actually slept in several nights, it felt SOOOO good. Today, I am feeling about how I did when I wrote my update last week and feeling hopeful and optimisitc about feeling 100% by Christmas. What a relief!

While at the Doctor office Dr. Graham said that our baby seemed to be measuring a little small and wanted to see if she was head-down yet. So, we got an extra ultrasound. Two weeks ago she said we were done with ultrasounds. So, we got another glimpse of our little baby! It was fun and exciting. She is healthy and very strong, but is only measuring at about 4 pounds 6 ounces! HOW does this baby pack such a punch at only 4lb 6oz! I don't know. And to look at my belly she seems like she is much bigger than that. The doctor came in and said she is required to tell us we have a small baby, but said she wasn't too worried about it because neither Dan or I are big people. The good news is that she is strong and healthy and we might get another ultrasound because they would like to see her grow a little more. We'll just try and keep her in as long as we can and cook her a little more. Technically she would be considered term anytime after December, but we hope we can fatten her up a little more.

Here are the two best pictures we got from the Ultrasound. She's all formed and still a girl. The pictures aren't great. The technician seemed to be rushing through it and obviously wasn't as excited about the surprise ultrasound as we were, but here she is again!

Her profile with a little hand in front of her face


Face on.
Could be a little scary looking, but you can actually see a little baby in there!
I think she looks a little like one of my nephews (Cannon) in this picture.
But who can really tell until she is here, right?

I Made it Monday: The BEST No-Bake Cookies

Well, next to Sis Chaffin's that is!

SO easy and SO yummy! I always have these ingredients around too! This recipes comes compliments of allrecipes.com. I don't do a lot of cooking or baking, but when I do it is usually these...so I guess I'm still not baking when I make these, huh?

I've even fancied them up with drizzling some melted white chocolate on top!

Chocolate-Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies
ingredients:
2 cups white sugar
1/4 Cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 Cup milk
1/2 Cup butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 pinch of salt
1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
3 cups quick-cooking oats

directions:
~ In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, cocoa, milk, and butter. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, salt, peanut butter, and oats.
~ Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto waxed paper. Allow cookies to cool for at least 1 hour. Store in an airtight container.

34 week/ Almost 35 week Pregnancy Update

34 Weeks!

34 weeks + 2 days

Well, I've been meaning to get this update on here for a while, but so much has been happening. Thursday was a Relief Society Activity I was in charge of putting together...

(It was fun! A craft and cookie night. There were a couple of craft stations to make Christmas Cards, leather broaches, and Christmas stockings. Everyone brought 2 dozen cookies - one dozen to be shared that night - served with milk of course - and everyone got a dozen of mixed cookies to take home. And surprisingly there was not a single duplicate recipe)

...and Saturday was our Church Christmas Social/Dinner for which I played a harp piece. I hadn't been sleeping well the last several nights and unfortunately was around a few more people than I normally am and picked up a (luckily) very mild version of the cold going around here (I attribute that to my wonderful prenatal vitamins and excellent hydration). I had pretty much kicked it by Sunday night and was just finishing up the sniffles on Monday, but I feel like it could come back this morning so I'm taking it easy by blogging and catching up on a preggo update (only 2 days from being 35 weeks).

So, baby is doing GREAT! The doctor says I'm right on track with growth, weight (now up 23 lbs), and baby's heart rate is strong as ever. She got a kick out of feeling my tummy - she says there isn't much between the outside world and this baby and said she could feel everything - I could have told her THAT! I feel almost every move she makes these days and although it is still exciting and wonderful and miraculous - It has also become rather painful in the last 2 weeks! She packs quite a punch these days, and she really likes to squeeze a little foot or hand or something under my ribs (and I'm not just talking a little nudging - drilling or burrowing might be better words). I've heard babies often favor a certain position like on the left or right sides of the belly - Our little one's favorite spot is to lay sideways with her head on my left and bum and feet on my right and kick the daylights out of my right side (sometimes I look just to see if she's given me a bruise yet). Maybe because she just doesn't have enough room upright and she lets me know! I feel and see so many little knobs I can't tell what is what! Head and bum aren't too hard too tell, but I can't tell if the little ones are hands, feet, knees, shoulders, or elbows! All these acrobatics have made sleep a little more difficult lately - not to mention the fast approaching D-Day. Sometimes I get moments of pure excitement and once-in-a-while I get a little twinge of anxiety like I am not quite ready. But I think we are as ready as we can ever be!

I feel I have to report on the Pink Kit Progress for those of you who care. It has been interesting and I think has been good for us...but it may not be for everyone. Some people may not want to do part of the preparation work. Also, Dan and I finally got to the video portion of the kit and all I have to say is I don't know how many men would put up with this - luckily, Dan is so wonderful and is doing this with me because we want the best birth we can have. The video is a little dated (clothing wise) and seems quite...awkward at times. We have laughed quite a bit, but we are doing it! If any of you are ever interested in trying this kit ask me about it first and I will go into a little more detail so you know what you are getting into!

I am continually amazed at how as one becomes visibly more more pregnant she becomes public property...or should I say subject to public touch, scrutiny, criticism, suggestion, and praise. Luckily, I am pretty easy going and not easily offended and actually find these scenarios quite hilarious. I actually have not been touched much by strangers rubbing the pregnant belly, but I get a lot of looks and comments. I get a lot of guesses that I am having a boy or girl by the way I am carrying. I get a lot of suggestions of what I should/shouldn't do in pregnancy and birth. I also get a lot of assumptions that because I am pregnant I must be after the sweets. Just the other day I was in WalMart and an elderly gentleman pointed to the fudge brownies saying, "I assume you are looking for these". I have gotten a few comments about what a cute pregnant woman I am (typically from people who already know me and very few strangers), but mostly I get looks, double-takes, and comments about how young I look. Usually it starts off with someone seeing me and being startled by my belly as I come around my grocery cart, turn a corner, or get out of the car. They typically do a long head-to-toe double-take and have a confused and sometimes concerned look on their face. Often they look away when I make eye contact, but they keep sneaking looks back until they get up the nerve to say, "I just have to know..." or "I just have to ask..." or "Could I ask you..." - "...how old you are". Most are totally blown away when I tell them I am 28 years old. Then they feel free to comment that they thought I was another poor teenage mom that got into trouble or how they thought I couldn't be more than 17 or 18 but had a wedding ring on - THAT is what I think made people feel like they were allowed to ask. I have to admit I was a little disappointed to find out that many of the looks I previously thought were, "Oh, there goes a cute pregnant woman" were actually, "Oh No, there goes a pregnant teenager. I really do not think I look THAT young, but I am not looking at myself from others points of view I guess. I have not yet had the courage to play with anyone in my reply - although I think it could be very fun to I probably never will. But I often think about what I COULD say to them to get an even more shocked look on their face!

Another thing I have noticed is that my dreams have changed in the last week or so. Ever since I was pregnant my dreams have seemed more vivid in color and reality, but still weird and harmless. In the last week my dreams have gotten rather dark and violent. Almost every one involves an out of control and dangerous animal (bears, alligators, wild dogs, raptors, flesh-eating lizards, and such), strange people that are after me, and me being forced to do some sort of extreme sport or thing to save my life (like parachuting, hang gliding, base-jumping, zip-lining, cliff jumping...just to name a few). I know it sounds funny, but in my dreams people are actually mauled, shot, chased, or falling and I see it! NOT fun! I've actually had to will myself to change the dream or will myself to wake-up. I miss the less harmful nightmares I had before about forgetting to feed the baby again and again.

Ok. enough of that! We are getting ready for baby. Her nursery is starting to look super cute! I will have to post pictures soon. Also, we started a birthing class at the hospital. So far the best part has been the tour of the hospital (very nice!) and an anesthesiologist who came and spoke to us and answered questions for almost 45 minutes on pain management and epidurals. I thought that was SO valuable and learned a LOT of new things. I still want to see what I can do on my own in labor, but I am not afraid or against epidurals. Dan and I are going into this with the attitude that we will do as much as we can "naturally", but if I am not coping and labor is going to leave me scarred with horror stories and I am miserable and unhappy it isn't worth "going natural". I don't want memories of labor to be horrible. That being said, I am well aware that labor is not in anyway easy or pleasant - I guess it is all perspective. I know what some of you may think - just wait until you are there sweetheart! But Dan and I have done a lot of preparation and I know what kind of labor I want - and if that ends up natural than fine and if I have an epidural that is also fine.

We are SO excited! I can't wait to be holding this little one in our arms very soon! Sometimes I just sit back in amazement of it all and actually laugh out loud when I am all alone because I am just so happy and excited to become a mother. It is amazing how expecting has brought Dan and I closer. I thought we were very close before, but something has definitely changed and I love it! I'm not saying this well, and I'm not sure there are words to say it, but it is wonderful to have him as my partner in this! He has taken such good care of me and he is going to be an amazing Dad! I love him so much.

WOW! Novel here! Well, again, this update has been MUCH longer than I meant it to be, but I hope it wasn't too tortuous. Merry Christmas!

AND POMEGRANATE BLOG CHEF CHALLENGE WINNER IS...

...Jalynn!!!
(see her blog post here)

She really took this challenge to heart and I think she went above and beyond! There were other good suggestions of recipes sent my way, but Jalynn not only attempted a very challenging recipe, but she came up with it herself after researching several different recipes! AND she included pictures! I had not thought about pomegranate in much more than salads and desserts and expected such entries, but Jalynn's recipe was actually a main dish/entree! I am a little intimidated by this recipe, but I am going to try and attempt it one of these days! Congrats Jalynn and enjoy the reward!

For her efforts and participation Jalynn wins a family trip to Krispy Kreme for free doughnuts! I thought that would be fitting since doughnuts are currently my favorite food and
Krispy Kreme has the best!

Honorable mentions goes to my Dad for putting pomegranate seed in his salad with mixed greens (including spinach and chard still from the garden), diced asian pears and Fuji apples, poppyseed dressing and pecans. (I actually did get to taste this one when in WA and loved it!!!)

And another honorable mention to Julienne for a recipe suggestion for Pomegranate Cheesecake that looked pretty scrumptious (here)!

Thanks to all who participated and I hope that if I do another future BLOG CHEF CHALLENGE that more will have fun participating! In the words of Julia Childs (from the movie Julie&Julia, which I HIGHLY reccomend and LOVED!), "Do not be afraid!".

Remember the Pomegranate! And other randomness

You have 2 more days to get your pomegranate recipes in! I've received a small few so I'm still hoping some of you are planning on giving it a shot!

Tonight Dan and I watched "Julie & Julia" and I absolutely loved it! Dan loved it too! I think we saw a little bit of us both in it.

Hope you are all enjoying the season. I sure am! I've helped plan and put on 2 Christmas activities for church and they were both great successes and have really gotten me into the Christmas Spirit!

I will do a 34 week pregnancy update with picture tomorrow for all you who enjoy reading those.

You are being invited to a BLOG CHEF CHALLENGE!

I love to watch the Food Network Channel - ESPECIALLY the shows where chefs are given a challenge which usually involves using some sort or secret or strange assortment of ingredients, a time limit, and competition with other chefs. Typically they are judged on taste, creativity/originality, and plating (how nice it looks). Shows like The Iron Chef, Chopped, The Next Iron Chef, The Next Food Network Star are all these sorts of shows - reality shows, but not like the crazy raunchy type. I love to watch these talented chefs create and use such amazing skill under pressure. I like to make my own comments and judgments along with Dan like we know what we are talking about and that we could be judges of such shows. (I would LOVE to taste some of that food!).

SO, I have been thinking lately. I have decided that I LOVE pomegranate, but I have no idea what to do with it. I only see it in stores this time of year and Dan and I usually just eat it in raw spoonfuls from a bowl or we put them in fried won tons with some chocolate (remember THIS?). I was going to look up different ideas about how to use them but decided it would be SO much more fun to try a BLOG CHEF CHALLENGE!!! So, here it is for anyone who will or wants to participate! For those cooks/chefs/and anyone who likes a good competition/challenge. You could even do it for a family activity!AND THERE IS A PRIZE FOR THE WINNER!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Your challenge (should you choose to accept it), is to use the ingredient chosen by the judges (ME and DAN) in a dish of your choosing such as a dessert, appetizer, or main course item. Be sure to include the recipe and a picture!

The Ingredient is the pomegranate. "A pomegranate is a fruit-bearing deciduousshrub or small tree growing to between five and eight meters tall...The edible fruit is a berry and is between a lemon and a grapefruit in size, 5–12 cm in diameter with a rounded hexagonal shape, and has thick reddish skin and around 600 seeds.^[5] The seeds and surrounding pulp, ranging in color from white to deep red, are called arils. " - Wikipedia

here are tips to getting those seeds out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHyqoeB0Wlk

Time: You will have until December 13th at midnight to either post your effort on your blog (in which case be sure to comment on my blog you are doing so) - OR - email it to me - gidget278@comcast.net for those of you who do not blog. The winner(s) will be announced on December 14th.

The Judgment: You will be JUDGED on...well, lets face it, I can't taste it - so I'll have to take your honest word on how it turns out...creativity/originality, whether or not you include a picture, and basically whatever looks good and yummy to Dan and I.

The Winnings: The winner(s) - in case we can't decide - will receive a special prize yet to be determined - but I'm sure will be worth the effort!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have no idea if anyone will participate, but I really hope you do!!! I know it is a busy time of the year so I am giving almost 2 weeks for people to be able to participate. Please do it! It will be so fun!

Today was a nice day!

I loved today. It was hard to beat last nights wonderful turkey dinner (I downed two large platefuls of food twice before everyone else was done with their first), but today was good. I woke up after 7 solid hours of sleep - no waking to get comfortable again - no waking to go to the bathroom (I must have been beyond exhausted)- and no waking when Dan got up early to go hunting. I woke rested and refreshed up to the morning sun shining through the blinds. I had a great breakfast, checked some email, had my 2nd breakfast and got ready for the day. I then drove to Michaels where the store was busy, but not crowded and the only time there was no line was when I was ready to check-out - absolutely no wait. AND I got amazing deals. Unfortunately, Michaels didn't have everything I needed so I headed to Joanne Fabrics (a much further drive but the sun was out and the ocean was so blue and clear AND I listened to CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!!). They had exactly what I needed and although it was more crowded than Michaels everyone was very pleasant, and when I checked out - the line was super short. And again got some amazing deals! I got home and Dan was home from hunting. He made us Turkey sandwiches (on the delicious dinner rolls, cranberry sauce, turkey and all from yesterday) we watched a little show on the computer then Dan took a nap and I played around with some of my crafts and picked up the house a little. Later, the Sister missionaries came over and helped us put a border up in the baby's room that I LOVE! (Pictures to come later). Then we went to dinner with some friends for one of their birthdays - had amazing food and a great time, came home and snuggled and talked with Dan. Now he is asleep in bed and I am remembering my wonderful day!

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving!

I Made It Monday: Orange Chicken-crockpot

(I forgot to take a picture until we were almost done)

This is a super-duper easy version of orange chicken. Definitely not the best one out there (even though Dan loved it) BUT if you happen to have some orange soda, and not much else it works and it is still tasty. It is SO easy and is just plopped into the crockpot so there is practically no prep work beside measuring and placing into the crockpot. Well, except for the rice you serve it over - but I have a rice cooker so again - easy peasy! Dan really liked it. I thought it was good, but my piece was a little dry in some parts. Dan's was really moist - not sure why. But it is fast and easy. And I loved the sauce on my rice!

Orange Chicken
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 can or 12 oz of orange soda (I bought one of those little 50 cent ones outside the grocery store so I could try this recipe)
1/2 cup soy sauce (I think I used just slightly less, because I always think it is too powerful in most recipes that call for this much)
Hot cooked rice

~ Place all ingredients except rice in slow cooker
~ Cover; cook on LOW 5-6 hours
~ Serve over rice.

I Made It Monday: Famous Pork Chops

Another tasty way to prepare pork chops! It is a simple recipe I found on allrecipes.com I followed the suggestions from people who had made this recipes (one of my favorite features of the website) and we loved it! It's definitely not the healthiest pork chop recipe (mostly due to the butter), but it sure was tasty! Its not like you would eat it every night!

Famous Pork Chops

1 cup crushed butter crackers (I used Ritz crackers by suggestions from other cookers)
garlic salt to taste
ground pepper to taste
2 eggs (3 were suggested, but DEFINITELY not needed)
4 Pork chops (for 4 servings)
1/4 Cup of butter (1/2 a cup was suggested, but I even thought I could cut down the 1/4 cup!)

~ Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
~ Meanwhile, a suggestions was to "flash" brown the chops at high to med/high heat in olive oil to keep them moist.
~ In a shallow bowl combine crushed crackers, garlic salt and pepper; mix well. Beat eggs in a different bowl.
~ Dip pork chops in egg batter and then in the cracker mixture.
~ Place pork chops in a casserole dish and place chunks of the butter around the pork chops.
~ Cover with tin foil and bake for 40 minutes followed by 5 minutes uncovered of broiling to make them a little crispy!

We had this dish with mashed potatoes and green beans. SO YUMMY!

30 Week Update

I can't believe I am 30 weeks! Just 10 weeks to go! 70 Days on the ticker. It has been so fun the last few months to feel good and to enjoy being pregnant and feeling and seeing the baby inside. I am continually amazed when I watch her move - I sit and watch for long periods of times when she is really active. I have been feeling great, but I can feel some of the discomforts of my ever increasing size creeping in. I loose my breath much faster, I use about 7 pillows to sleep, I've had a little bit of heartburn now and then, and sometimes I just feel so tight and full. But for now the excitement of the ever approaching D-Day is an "I am so excited but I can wait till it happens; let it take its course" as opposed to being so uncomfortable that I think, "I CAN'T wait to have this baby". Don't get me wrong, I am SO EXCITED to meet our little girl, but Dan and I are enjoying this pregnancy time too!

It was fun to visit family recently in Seattle and share this period of the pregnancy with them. Living so far away I sometimes feel sad that they can't see and be apart of each phase or aspect, so it meant a lot to me to have that time.

Eating has been wonderful! I still have NOT taken for granted how wonderful it is to eat and enjoy food again - perhaps I never will. Can I just say I LOVE doughnuts! My weight has been steadily increasing with a total weight gain of about 14lbs. I weigh more now than I ever have in my life!
My belly circumference has grown 11'' since we found out I was pregnant. It is all fun and exciting. My belly-button is now non-existent. It is just a flat star shape in the middle of my belly. At my last Dr. appointment Dr.Graham was trying to feel for it to gauge my growth and could not find it over my shirt.

Speaking of that last appointment - I survived the test for gestational diabetes. I had to go a few hours without eating, than drink this concoction that seemed like slightly watered down orange flavored cough syrup, wait one hour, than have my blood drawn. It wasn't so bad at first, but by the end of the drink I was feeling a little sick and just sat very still and quiet for the next hour. I made it and there is no gestational diabetes noted. Whew! I'd hate to have to do the 3 hour test!

I also I have started new Prenatal vitamins in the last few weeks - My Dr. in San Angelo put me on Neevo which is typically prescribed for high-risk pregnancies or people who cannot absorb folic acid, but she gave the option for all her patients since it seemed to cause the least amount of nausea, decrease uncomfortable digestive/elimination symptoms of pregnancy, and the nutrients are more easily absorbed in the body than other vitamins. I loved it. NOW, my Dr prescribed a new version called Neevo DHA which is a gel-capsule (MUCH easier to swallow), and has DHA added (which is an omega-3 fatty acid which is supposed to be great for mom and baby), and it makes me feel great! The cost is more than if I were to just stick with generic, but I love how I feel on it and that makes it worth the cost!

I have done a lot more with The Pink Kit (The birthing skills prep I mentioned in my last prego update). I really like it. I am not finished with it and of course I have nothing to compare it to yet but I really like how it is rather simple and straightforward information that has helped me feel a little more prepared, gives me a positive outlook and skills to use, and put a few fears at ease. I really like how it gives good instruction to your coach or partner. Dan and I will go through it together as soon as I get through it the first time. I've been taking my time lately.

Well, that is the update for now. WOW! That was much more than I had planned on saying. Time is ticking, slower at some moments than others, but I'm sure it will fly by as the holiday season approaches!

Not so lost...but still so lost!

Ok, turns out I DID pack my phone charger - I just forgot I'd used it my first night here. So the charger is not lost and my marbles are not lost in that sense, BUT I did forget I'd used it. I'm just a mess I guess.

Lost...Lost...

I don't know what has happened to my brain, but my already precious brain power seems to be slipping ever further away - visible and yet somehow out of reach. I could give about 20 moments where my brain has not been up to par just this morning, but the current frustration is that I let my cell phone die last night only to discover I hadn't packed my cell phone charger (I'm currently in WA for a last visit). Normally I would pass it off as a forgotten item, BUT I remember so vividly telling myself not to forget it, actually carrying it in my hand and I swear I put it in my suitcase, and I don't know how many times Dan told me to make sure I had it. I just don't know how I could possibly forget it or what I did with it - it is making me so mad at myself! I guess I've lost my marbles!

I Made It Monday: Hawaiian Chili

This recipe is super easy and really VERY tasty! It's been in my recipe book since on of my bridal showers where people brought family favorite recipes - this was from Kate Epperson. I've been wanting to try it forever, but always thought it sounded just a little odd. But now that we've tried it we will definitely have it again.

Hawaiian Chili
1 lb Hamburger (we used ground Turkey)
3 cans chili style beans (I only had 2 so I used kidney beans for the 3rd)
2 cans stewed tomatoes
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (We used honey BBQ sauce)
Cooked Rice

~ Brown Hamburger and drain.
~ Add beans, tomatoes and BBQ sauce.
~ Simmer 10 minutes
~ Serve over rice and sprinkle with brown sugar on top if desired (this did add to the dish)

T-O-D-A-Y in a nutshell...

T- is for the Time I spent planning and starting on some home-made Christmas gifts - I need to start while I have the motivation and energy to do it I think. Besides, I'm really enjoying it.
O- is for an Odd nights sleep last night. I often try to sleep on my left(if comfortable enough) because I have read more nutrients are delivered to baby that way, but every time I'd lay on my left last night the baby would kick and twirl and jump until I moved to my right, upon which she would immediately stop moving. But if I tried to go back to my left we would have a repeat, but she just would not stop until I switched to my right. Do I have an amazingly stubborn one on the way?
D- is for Dan who loves me so much and I love him. He is the best! He makes every today so much better!
A- is for the cooler Air outside today. Finally a little relief from the heat and humidity which really helped with...
Y- is for the Yard work that the awesome sister missionaries helped with this morning. They helped me clear out a a garden area with a tree/bush with crazy strong roots for our hopeful winter garden. Then they stayed for lunch - great fun and got a lot done!

Free Nursing Cover - shipping only

For those of you who are nursing or expecting to you can Go to http://www.uddercovers.com/ and get a free nursing cover. Go to SHOP NOW, pick out a $32.00 nursing cover. Type in the PROMO CODE: "1free" and apply it to your order. All you have to pay is the $8.95 shipping. I was going to make one, but buy the time I buy the material I want and clip or fastener AND figure out how to sew the thing I figured I might as well just pay the $8.95 and get a nicely made one with the rigid upper part thingy...

100 Days on the Ticker!

100 days left of the pregnancy if D-day is truly what it is said to be. Getting excited and prepared...I think.

Dan Made It Monday: Banana Boat

Me: I need something...
Dan: What do you need?
Me: I'm not sure...
Dan: Like what...food?
Me: I think so...something yummy...refreshing, but sweet...I think
Dan: Ok (and off to the kitchen he goes to make a wonderfully delightful treat!)

It was DELICIOSO!!! And don't you love Dan's plate presentation? You really could use a variety of things to make this treat fun or more fitted to your preferences. I thought you could use caramel or fruit syrups, graham crackers broken up, marshmallows, fruit, really anything your creative mind and taste buds can come up with! The only unfortunate thing about the dish is that although I loved every bite of it I payed for it later. I'm still not really able to do much chocolate so I was a little uncomfortable AND felt a little crazy/out of control - why does chocolate only NOW do this to me?

Dan's Banana Boat
1 Banana (our was slightly green because that is how I like my bananas)
chocolate syrup
white chocolate chips
whip cream

~ Leaving the banana in the peel, cut down the center and halfway through the banana and slightly loosen banana from sides of peel.
~ Add toppings as desired - we drizzled just a little chocolate syrup into the cut of the banana then topped with some white chocolate chips we had.
~ Wrap in aluminum foil and place in oven on broil
~ Check periodically, but it really doesn't take long for chocolate to melt and the edge of the banana peel to start burning so be attentive.
~ Unwrap and Enjoy! We put whip cream on top and it kind of melted into the mix - SO YUMMY!!!

Some funny things...

- "If Looks Could Kill". This was the name of the salon I where I recently got my haircut. I thought it was a funny and creative name so I thought I'd give them a try. Its not a terrible cut, but I'm not in love with it. I haven't had my hair layered for some time because it kind of naturally does it on its own since different areas of my hair are curlier than others. But the hairdresser insisted it would be best. So I need to figure it out. Maybe its not so funny...

- Monday night for FHE Dan and I went to a drive through frozen custard stand for dessert (I LOVE frozen custard!!!) Anyway, while waiting there we noticed this huge SUV zip into the parking lot and pull to the corner lot. A man got out and acting so nonchalantly and casual (which is actually what grabbed our attention - because who zips into the corner most lot and acts like nothing is going on) wandered to the other side of his open car door and proceeded to urinate. The only reason we knew that is what he was doing was because although he was concealed from the line of cars from the drive through, he failed to notice the street light near by (in combination with the direction he was standing) that cast the perfect shadow on the cement wall next to him of EVERYTHING going on behind his his car door. The shadow was really pretty perfect and visible to every car in the line. We got quite the kick out of it after I got over the initial grossness of peeing in a public parking lot. I guess when you gotta go you gotta go!

24 Week Update

The pregnancy is going very well! I'm at a great point where I have the perfect amount of energy and though my belly is definitely noticeable and unmistakably pregnant (people will comment about the pregnancy or ask when I am due when I enter a room now instead of waiting for me to bring it up) it doesn't seem to be causing any problems or discomfort yet. Sometimes I even forget it is there and am actually surprised by the size of it some mornings. Sleep is a little complicated, but that is the story of my life so nothing has changed there.

I had a doctors appointment a little over a week ago and baby has a strong heart-beat and everything is looking great! We signed up for a birthing class for end of October to November - some people say it is too early, but it is the only time we KNOW Dan or I won't be out of town or busy. We're not too worried about it since for my birthday Dan got me this childbirth skills computer/video/audio course called The Pink Kit. I had done a lot of research on different courses available and decided this was the one I wanted to try. I've only had it a few days and haven't gotten too far into it, but I really like it so far. I'll let you know how I am liking it later on and if it did any good after D-Day.

The doctor told us not to worry if there are days I can't feel the baby move. She said the baby is still so small and periods of time can go by without feeling movement. However, the opposite is taking place. I feel her ALL the time. Maybe a few hours will go by that I don't notice her, but without fail she is moving again - and a lot! Should my worry be feeling her too much? :O) The funnest thing that has recently been happening is that at times we can identify her head. Dan and I were watching her move the other night and we could tell where her head and feet were. Then all of a sudden her head did a little circle by my belly button - it looked like a mouse moving under a rug - that's the only way I can describe it! We both laughed and kept watching, just amazed by all the movement. Another new development is that I think she likes to hear Dan sing. One night she was moving and moving and Dan got up close and started singing. She totally stopped moving for a little bit, like she was listening or something, then moved a ton when he finished. He started singing again and she stopped again. It was kind of neat. He is going to be a great Dad!

Well, we are as excited as ever and we are getting more settled into the house everyday. I'll have to do another virtual tour one of these days. Our little growing family are all happy and healthy and we hope you are too!

I Made it Monday: Quick 'n' Tangy Beef Stir-fry

This was an OH-SO-YUMMY and OH-SO-EASY dish that no matter what kind of stir fry you decide to do - the sauce is SOOOO good! I cooked this in the WOK which was SUPER fast, but you could do it in a regular skillet as well. The only veggies in the original recipe were 3 Cups of sliced bell peppers but their price had doubled over this last week so I thought I'd wait until they went on sale. HOWEVER, I decided that a stir fry with only one kind of veggie is boring, AND I wanted to try the recipe THAT night since I got off work early, so I used my back up plan.

~~~~~~~

(Every so often I buy a whole bunch of veggies (such as bok choi, spinach, broccoli, bell peppers, cucumbers, mushrooms, green onions and other veggies that may be on sale) then I take them home - spend a good amount of time doing a LOT of chopping - then I divide them all into 1 meal stir-fry sized freezer bags to have and instant stir-fry mix at the ready for nights where chopping and freshness are not an option. (I try and put the veggies that need longer cooking - like broccoli - separate from the others - like spinach - in another bag within the stirfry bag. It may not be as good as the real fresh thing. BUT it is still good and saves a LOT of time on crazy nights where you need something refreshing.)

~~~~~~~

Quick 'n' Tangy Beef Stir-Fry
Sauce:
1/2 Cup Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 Cup water
2 Tbs Sugar
2 tsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Stir-Fry:
1 lb thinly sliced beef (I used these beef stew chunks I bought on sale - but my guess is you could use a variety of meat types)
3 Cups sliced bell peppers (Or like I did - a whole array of stir-fry veggies pre-prepared OR Fresh!)

~ Combine ingredients for sauce. Marinate beef in sauce 5 minutes.
~ Heat 1 Tbs oil in large skillet or wok over high heat. Stir beef in batches (5 minutes or until browned).
~ Add peppers (veggies) and cook 2 minutes (or as long as veggies require which may be more or less). Stir-Fry.
~ Serve over rice or ramen noodles, if desired.

Thank You my fellow little friend!

Finding Maternity pants has been a little challenging for me. I don't know why I thought it wouldn't be since finding regular pants has always been that way. Finding my size and in my price range gets pretty tricky on a normal basis, so add in the need for a waist that can expand with my own and it gets a little ridiculous (like $105 for a pair of jeans).

THANKFULLY, I've got a friend here who is 4'11'' and my size. She recently had a baby and has loaned me her pants and a skirt! And they fit PERFECTLY! She has also given me some places to look for sales on my own. I think this is the first time I've ever shared pants! And it is so fun! Is that silly?

Just Because

I saw this video on Facebook and got a kick out of it so I thought I'd share. Enjoy!

The Bad and the Good Things...

The Bad Thing

Waiting to see a very popular and long anticipated movie until its last week at the one and only theatre left playing it in the entire area (and driving there). Missing the excitement of crowds and talking about the movie and comparing to the book and discussing previous movies with others during that excitement.

The Good Thing

Getting an entire theatre to yourselves - I'm talking not another soul! And it was the nice kind of seating. Soft chairs, arm rests can go up, and no sticky floors. Dan and I thoroughly enjoyed being able to talk, laugh, discuss the movie (we like to do that during movies sometimes), and stretching out our arms and legs as much as we could. At one point Dan was actually lying across three chairs. And is was fun to snuggle.

Oh, and the movie was great too! :O)

I Made it Monday: Beef Stroganoff

In the past Dan and I have made stroganoff by merely mixing cream of mushroom soup, ground beef, milk, and S&P together. It works. It is good. But...
it can be MUCH better! And still SO EASY!!!

Beef Stroganoff
1 lb ground beef or ground turkey (we've been trying it out lately and really like it - Thanks Melissa for the idea)
1 small onion, chopped
1 can - cream of mushroom soup
1/2 Cup Milk
2 Cups cooked noodles (We added a little more for substance -also, we use the whole wheat kind - more filling and nutritious)
2 Tbs butter
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 Cup Sour Cream

~ Brown ground beef and drain fat (I keep several 1lb bags of pre-cooked ground beef in the freezer to save time when needed, so usually I thaw this in the microwave while I cut and saute the onions)
~ Saute Onions until tender
~ Stir in soup, milk, noodles, butter, salt, and pepper; simmer, covered, 10-15 minutes. Uncover and simmer 10 minutes. (Maybe I don't really know what if means to simmer, but the times seemed like an awful lot if the onions and meat AND noodles are already cooked! Even when I barely pre-cook the noodles - it still seems like too much - so I just ad lib the time part.)
~ Remove from heat and stir in sour cream.
~ Serve immediately.

28th Birthday

I turned 28 this week! Happy Birthday to me. Birthday's are not what they used to be as a kid, but I still had a great one. My actual birthday was a busy day for Dan. After a full day of work he had to take the car in for a check up, then get home and pick up our new-to-us bed and bed frame (An awesome Craig's list deal!) Than we finally got to go out to dinner.
We went to a new Sushi and Hibachi restaurant. Unfortunately, I couldn't partake in the sushi - so Dan did for the both of us with the all-you-can-eat menu (the picture was of an eel sushi Dan tried), but I had some amazing Chicken hibachi.
And we made friends with the Manager who was from China and spoke Cantonese. We chatted for a little while and I was surprised how well I could understand him (My Chinese has really gone down hill - I need to work on that), so that was a little birthday gift in itself. Than he found out it was my birthday and he brought out fried Ice cream and he, Dan, and the waitress sang me "Happy Birthday". We left stuffed and happy. Oh and I was wearing my new birthday outfit from my parents. You can't see well in the pictures but it is kind of a little dress/long shirt with black capri pants and flats. I felt way cute.
But the birthday fun didn't stop there. I got to talk to both mine and Dan's parents and Yesterday, Dan came home with some beautiful flowers that have filled our home with a heavenly fragrance
and I went to take a bath and this is what I found waiting for me. There were rose petals scattered everywhere. Isn't he the best?

A Bouncing Baby

I've got quite the trampolinist and tumbler in my tummy! She moves SO much and now at 22 weeks you can see her do it from the outside now. Yesterday it felt like she was literally using my badder as a trampoline. I would feel a bounce/kick just above my bladder than almost immediately after her head must have been hitting the top of my belly. She did it about 3 times in a row, just like she was jumping on a little trampoline and hitting her head on a soft ceiling.

The video quality on this clip is horrible and it isn't very easy to see, but there is some serious movement going on under that red shirt. You may have to watch it more than once to catch. It it isn't a smooth upward breathing movement - than it is the baby. If you watch the right downward "slope" of my belly than you'll see the movement. This is mostly for my family or those who care to enjoy.

I Made It Monday: Panama Pork Stew

Another GREAT crock pot recipe! I just love recipes that really don't take much work and can cook all day while I am busy with other things, but smell the wonderful fragrances in my home all day. Another great thing about this recipes is that just about all of the ingredients you can have on hand in your freezer, canned goods and spices. We really liked this and it will definitely be a repeat here. It is a great hearty stew that would be perfect for a winter day or anytime you just want that heartiness.

Panama Pork Stew

2 small sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces (about 12 oz total)
1 package (10 oz) frozen corn
1 package (9 oz) frozen cut green beans
1 Cup chopped onion
1 1/4 pounds lean pork stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes (I had just bought a huge pork shoulder-butt roast and cut it into 3 sections (each a little over a pound) and froze 2 for future pot roasts or pork dinners.)
1 can (14 1/2 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1/4 Cup water
1-2 Tbs chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground coriander (I didn't have this so I just cut up a little fresh cilantro instead)

-Place potatoes, corn, green beans, and onion in slow cooker. Top with pork.
- Combine tomatoes with juice, water, chili powder, salt and coriander/cilantro in large bowl. Pour over pork in slow cooker.
- Cover; cook on low 7-9 hours
(Hint: you can remove a small amount of fat from dishes cooked in the slow cooker by using a clean paper towel and pulling over the surface letting it absorb some of the grease.)

Getting Right To It and Saying Good-bye

Sunday I received a new calling at church as the 2nd counselor of the Relief Society. The relief society is the womens organization at church and the leadership consists of a President, 2 counselors, and a secretary - along with other committees and callings that assist. I am very excited. I've taught in relief society on Sundays, but never really known what goes on organizationally. Well, this week I've gotten to opportunity to really jump into my calling as a sweet older Sister in our Branch suddenly passed away and the President was out of town for the first few days, the 1st counselor also out of town, and the Secretary's son having surgery. It's been an adventure to say the least, but I'm happy to be able to serve this sweet woman and help maker her Memorial this Sunday a special one.

She was actually the very first person I met at church last year. We hadn't been in Destin 2 days and the missionaries invited me to the Relief Society Activity that night. I hesitantly walked in not knowing anyone. One woman with white hair and the sweetest disposition came over with a covered stroller. She was nicely dressed in a light pink sweater and had a pin/broach that said "Tina". With her sweet southern belle accent she introduced herself as Clementine, but that everyone calls her Tina (pronounced T-eye-nah). She was thrilled to know I spelled my name the same way. She than introduced me to her little dog (which was in the covered stroller - she took that dog EVERYWHERE. It was a regular attendant of all 3 hours of church.). Then began introducing me to the other sisters in the branch. She was the sweetest woman that didn't care about generation gaps or differences, and though she had the most perfect manners, she never judged anyone who might be lacking or a little rough around the edges. She was what I always imagined as a lady and gentile Southern Belle. She was always smiling and serving. She was 81 years old and held a full time job up until about a year ago. I am sad I only knew her for a short time, but I'm glad I had the privilege to meet her.

I Made It Monday: Coconut Shrimp

I Made It Monday's are making a comeback - at least for the moment.

This last week I kept seeing commercials for Red Lobster's all you can eat shrimp and the Coconut shrimp looked absolutely amazing!!! I am not a huge fan, however, of Red Lobster restaurant and have never been impressed with their food and definitely not their prices. Last time Dan and I went I had crab legs that were too soft to crack, the waitress told me to try harder. When I finally convinced her to try it herself and be unsuccessful she brought be another plate of crackable - but not delectable crab. (Dan and his Dad really spoiled me last summer with fresh crab they dove for). Turns out the crab was from Alaska. HELLO! I LIVE on the gulf coast! The restaurant is literally feet from fresh salt water!

ANYWAY, these days when I see something or think of something I really want it is all I can think about until I get it. So all week I had coconut shrimp on the brain. After looking up several recipes that seemed rather complicated or involved ingredients I did not want to purchase for the sake of one meal (like non-alcoholic beer) I thought I would have to fork over the money to satisfy my craving at Red Lobster and most likely be disappointed. Finally I came across this seemingly simple recipe from cooks.com. I say seemingly because I bought shrimp from a fresh seafood market near our home with good sized fresh shrimp caught that day, but unfortunately, they were not de-shelled, de-veined, or de-pooped! It took me about 40 minutes to do a pound of shrimp (It would probably be faster if it wasn't my first time) - I started to wonder if it was worth it - but after tasting the result I would say so...at least for special occasions! The end product was pure deliciousness!

My only problem with this recipe is that I think I got the butter too hot because the coconut that fell off during the cooking would burn making the next batch look burned even though it wasn't. I need to figure that out.Fresh Coconut Shrimp

1 C. Flour (or as much as needed to coat all the shrimp)
2 eggs
Grated coconut (I don't know how much I used - just made sure all the shrimp got a good dipping in it on both sides)
1 1/2 lbs Jumbo Shrimp, peeled and devined (I just had a pound of medium sized shrimp)
Salt and Pepper to taste (I forgot this part)
4-5 Tbs of butter or olive oil
Lime Wedges, optional

- Place blour in a bowl, eggs in another, and coconut in a third. And use this order to dip the shrimp.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper to taste
- Dip each shrimp in flour, shake off excess, then in egg, then in coconut.
- Heat butter in frying pan over medium flame/heat.
- Pan fry shrimp until firm and golden brown about 1 minute per side.
HINT: When the shrimp tail curls up to a C-shape they are "C-ooked". If the tail curls all the way around to an O-shape they are "O-vercooked"
- Drain on paper towels and then serve with lime wedges and/or dipping sauce

Dipping sauce:
-Apricot jam, horseradish, salt and lime juice

We used orange marmalade with some lemon juice and a few drops of franks red hot sauce - because that is what I had and it wasn't bad. The goal is to get a little sweet/spicy mix to dip in. Also, cocktail sauce was fine too.

Break In!

Yesterday morning I decided I needed to take a walk around our beautiful backyard and find where I might do a little garden and see what areas I could play with a little. I made sure as I walked out the back door that it was unlocked. Unfortunately, I didn't notice there were 2 locks on the door. Not realizing I was locked out I took my time around the yard. It wasn't until I was starting to get hungry and really had to go to the bathroom that I turned back. I was so mad at myself as I realized every entry door was locked. All our windows are pretty high up for me but managed to pry off the kitchen window screen and luckily find it was not locked. Hot, hungry, in need of a bathroom, and already grouchy I HAD to get in. As I worked I kept my eye out for neighbors. I didn't want anyone to think I was breaking in - but than who would suspect a little pregnant girl in slippers and pjs. I rigged up a little pile to hoist myself through the window (feet first! I had to reassure Dan that I did not go in on my tummy) and enter my lovely, air conditioned home with a toilet and refrigerator of food!

The marks of a desperate woman! (I guess I should wash my windows)

My pile to the window (not the most sturdy, but it worked!)

20 Week update

I'm SHAPING up!

Ok, I know all my recent posts have been about baby/pregnancy. I guess that is pretty much what consumes my life right now. So sorry if it is boring to you. I promise I will do something different soon. I may even manage an I Made it Monday. I've been cooking just a little bit again, but I haven't ventured to try anything new yet. We'll see.

So, we are at the half-way mark! YEAH! (well, assuming we go the 40 weeks). Part of me is like I can't believe it is already half over and the other part is like I'm only half way there. Depends on how I'm feeling. I took for granted feeling so much better Sunday morning and did too much too fast when I got up and got ready without sitting and eating and letting my food sit for a little bit. Lets just say I regretted not taking my morning slower than I should have. Nevertheless, I feel pretty great most of the time, and it almost brings me to tears every time I smell and can eat good food - THAT will take a long time to take for granted!

We had our ultrasound last week (pictures below). I don't know how we get stuck with terrible ultrasound techs with horrible bedside manner, but as least Dan was there with me and we got to find out we're having a little girl. I have to admit I was a little shocked. I THOUGHT I had no inclinations, but I realized that early on I think I secretly wanted a girl, but didn't want to WANT either one - so I did a great job convincing myself it COULD be a boy. Then when Dan had a dream it was a boy I guess I was convinced. When the tech said is was a girl I didn't know what to think, but now I couldn't be more thrilled! We are so excited.

This is such an exciting time for us, and to add on top of I can feel her move ALL the time! Even Dan can feel her now and he just gasps and laughs so amazed! Hiccups, sumersaults, kicking, and whatever else she does in there. Sometimes I think she stretches out as straight as she can because I can feel one end at the bottom side of my belly, then another end at the upper opposite side of my belly. It is an amazing experience and I'm loving it!