21 & 22 Weeks

These past two weeks have been non-stop fun and chaos at times. I feel horrible for not posting my pregnancy week updates as well as our Easter festivities. We also just got back from California where we visited my hubby's family for the weekend. All of it was so much fun but tiring in the end. So here are my pregnancy weeks 21 & 22.

How Far: Currently 22 weeks 2 days
Weight gained: 10+ lbs.
Girl/Boy: Boy!
Best Moment: I had so many amazing moments these past couple weeks. Starting from my Dad traveling all the way out from Kansas to be with us Easter weekend to spending the weekend in California with the hubby's family. I love being surrounded by family and I know Shannon does too! Although, a couple nights ago, Lee finally felt the baby boy kick/punch!!! He's been desperately waiting to feel for about a month now and it finally happened.
What I miss: Honestly, just a normal schedule. Things have been so crazy around here and I'm ready to get back to fun lessons for the baby girl and working on the kids rooms. I'm also adding SLEEP. I miss sleep, but that just goes without saying. Obviously by the "wonderful" hair styles I have going on in both of these pictures, you can definitely tell how crazy life has been.
Cravings: Yesterday, as I was driving, I started really craving crawfish. Thanks to our New Orleans' friends. They took us to a crawfish boil when I was pregnant with Shannon and we've been addicted ever since.

1 Fish 2 Fish~ Toddler Activities

 

 

Round 2! I was so excited to see how much she enjoyed these little activities. I've basically been dreaming about it since I was pregnant with her.

 

Materials you will need:

• 1 Fish 2 Fish book
• Blank Flash Cards (I picked up some sturdy ones at Hobby Lobby. However, you can find blank flash cards almost anywhere)
• Print off the picture of the Fish and Fishbowl
• Markers, Crayons, or Hey, you can even fill in the color of the pics using Paint on your computer.
• You could also print a larger size picture of the fish but for whatever the reason was, I decided to free hand it. 



 



 

Matching Fish Game

 





This activity was so simple! All I did was print off the fish picture (I found on google), color and tape it to the flash cards.

I didn't think this would be such a big hit with Shannon but I'm glad it was! She loved matching the pictures together while my dog caught up on some sleep. Poor boy, Shannon doesn't let him rest more than 15 minutes.

 

Decorating Your own Fish

 

With this activity I had left over food coloring-dyed coffee filters from a previous activity.

I haven't used glue yet with the babe, so I decided to use tape. It worked perfectly and again she loved grabbing handfuls of "tissue paper" and sticking it on.

 

1 Fish 2 Fish Snack

 

Shannon loves goldfish... and who doesn't?! She also loves counting everything she can.

This was the perfect end to our 1 Fish 2 Fish activity day. She loved counting each goldfish in the bowl, eating them and then recounting... (On, Two, Chicka!) I don't know where she got the "chicka" from but it makes me smile every time.

 

Watching my baby girl have a blast with these fun activities just makes my heart happy. I have lots more in store for the next couple months.

First official Friday Find

It hasn't been Spring for too long and I'm already looking forward to Summer. I mean how can you not with this adorable popsicle mold.

I picked up this fun set at Target for $6.99! Each mold is a different animal (chicken, cat, dog, pig). I just love all of the cute details of the face and the adorable little tails. I have no doubt that these will get lots of use by the baby girl and myself! 

Check your Target (in the kitchen accessories section). You may want to hurry, they may be on the way out!

Here's another version that can be perfect for both yummy desserts and even toddlers.

Cat in the Hat ~ Toddler Activities

I've been feeling so anxious to try and get Shannon on some what of a learning schedule.

She loves reading and fun little activities, so I thought this would be a perfect introduction.
I've been in planning mode ever since I found out I was pregnant with Baby #2 and the teacher in me wanted to plan as much as I could before the baby arrives.

 

 

I chose to take it easy with the first story themed activity and ease her into it. What better book to choose than the ever famous Dr. Seuss' Cat in the Hat?

I was so proud and excited to see my baby girl love every moment of it.

I hope your little one(s) enjoy it as much as she did.

Materials you will need:

• The book/ Ebook of Cat in the Hat
• Construction paper: 1-2 White 11x14, 3-4 red strips and 1 long strip of either color paper to wrap around their head
• Glue or tape (I used tape)
• Staples (opt.)
• Strawberries, Banana and skewers



 

 
 

This toddler story lesson is pretty basic. I wanted to make sure she was ready for it and that her attention span lasted longer than 5 minutes. We started with the actually reading of the book. As we read through the story I pointed out some of the more easier words for her to say, such as cat or hat. We've really been focusing on encouraging her to listen to words we say and then make an attempt at pronouncing it herself. She's a babbler but is working hard about saying words.

 



 

We then moved from the comfy couch to her high chair where we worked on her art project. The Hat! We first counted all of the stripes on the cat's hat and then counted our own strips of paper.

I placed the white construction paper on her tray and gave her the red strips (with tape on the back) to place on the white paper. Once all 3 strips were stuck on the paper, I trimmed the edges and measured  1 long strip to wrap around her head. Once that is measured, you can either tape it in place or use a stapler. And... Ta Da!!! You have an easy Hat. If your child is like mine and hates hats, then he/she wouldn't even let you take a quick picture of them wearing it. Just be prepared!



 

For snack, I made sure the wooden skewers' sharp edges were dull. You can do this by simply cutting the sharp end. Then I washed the strawberries and sliced them... Same thing with the banana. You then put them on the skewer and rotating the fruit. 

Side note... You can also use marshmallows instead of bananas.

 

All in all, I'm really happy with how everything turned out... even though she was not going to wear that hat even for a second. No biggie! One thing I've learned about having kid(s) and through teaching as well, is that you have to go with the flow. Stay tuned for 1 Fish 2 Fish next week!



 

20 Weeks



How far: 20 weeks! I can't believe I'm halfway there already. This time around is going by so much faster than the first one. I love being pregnant and I really hope it slows down so that I'm able to enjoy every moment.
Weight gained: I'm not sure yet. I have an appointment at the end of the week.
Girl/Boy: BOY!
Best Moment of the Week: Purchasing Shannon's big girl bed and finally seeing the plans come together. I can't wait to share those plans in the near future. Plus the baby boy's movements are getting stronger and stronger. My favorite part!
What I Miss: Coffee. Lots of coffee. I have been so exhausted lately and have been dreaming about it.
Cravings: Other than the smoked salmon that I've been talking about forever, it's red meat. My hubby makes the most amazing bar-b-que. It's hard not to constantly think about it.

19 Weeks

How Far: 19 Weeks!!
Weight Gained: 7+ lbs. I have an appointment next week and I feel like I've gained so much, thanks to the hubby's bbq.
Girl/Boy: BOY!
Maternity Clothes: Now that the weather is finally warming up, I'm excited to throw on some cute jean shorts I picked up from Motherhood Maternity. Besides, my legs are needing some sun desperately. I don't buy many maternity tops. I don't feel that they fit me correctly. Gotta show off that baby bump!
Best Moment of the Week: Last week was pretty busy as usual. However, I love when there's a weekend where the house is "decent" and there isn't much to do. I mentioned my Hubby's amazing BBQ. We invited some friends over for a relaxing dinner. It was just. Nice.
Worst Moment of the Week: The realization that I'm almost half-way through my pregnancy has sort of given me a "freak out" moment. I just feel like I have a million things to do before his arrival and on top of that Shannon's showing signs of Potty Training Readiness!! This is a whole other topic where I'm feeling mixed emotions of being excited and frightened all at the same time.
Cravings: I have been craving my husband's smoked salmon. He smokes them and I make all of the fun toppings to go on it. Now that it's perfect grilling weather... I'm craving it more than ever! I also can't wait for our family vacation to the beach. Where we have the same fish tacos every lunch. A.MAZ.ING!!!

18 weeks

How Far: 18 weeks!
Weight Gained:  7+ lbs. I have an appointment in 2 weeks.
Girl/Boy: BOY! I've been getting the nursery plans together and I'm so excited to start Shannon's big girl room and the little boy's room. (Hopefully, I can post those ideas soon)
Maternity Clothes: These days it's lots of yoga pants and maxi skirts. I do try and "get ready" when I have to go run errands. Luckily I'm still wearing some of my favorite T's and just putting a cute belt around it.
Cravings: Still hung up on the cottage cheese deal. While picking up a huge carton of the stuff at Trader Joe's, I also found these amazing little chocolate chip cookies. Seriously, they are soooo good! Plus, they're small so you don't feel as guilty eating a handful.
Sleep: Still sleeping fairly well but I have noticed that I can't lay on my back at all now. It just hurts. I'm really not a back sleeper anyways but it was nice to give my shoulders a little break.
Best Moment of the Week: My Hubby's home!!! He was gone for a week but everything just returns to its normal state when he's here. For example, MY DOG! UGH! He becomes super high maintenance when my husband is gone. He won't eat breakfast, even though his schedule is kept the same. It makes for one frustrating week.
Worst Moment of the Week: Other than dealing with my diva of a dog, Shan and I were both dealing with allergies/cold. The wind was crazy here and kicked up all of the dust and pollen.