20 Week Bump Shot

I'm getting caught up on the baby bump shots! Below is the 20 week shot:

I have to tell on myself that I'm not wearing the same clothes as normal but I was just too lazy to change. And it's all black, so samesies. 

Hope you all have a great long weekend!

19 Weeks and Nursery Inspiration

Shocker, but I'm a little behind on my posting...below is my 19 week shot, even though I'll be 21 weeks this Thursday. Oops! 

Now that I'm at my 'half way mark,' I'm feeling some urgency to get started on the nursery, create a registry (which we did a couple of weekends ago), prepare for the arrival of our child, etc. So, some urgency but not too terribly much. 


So, without further ado, below is our inspiration board for Baby Wilson's gender neutral nursery!

click to make larger

It is very colorful but the walls will be white wainscoting on bottom with light gray paint on the top so I think it will balance well. And, if it's a girl, we'll bring in a little more pink, and, if it's a boy, we'll bring in some more yellow and greens. And, to clarify, the baby picture will be a framed picture of Baby Wilson - not some other random baby. 

So, you like?

Mother's Day and 18 Week Bump!

Hope that all the moms out there had a great Mother's Day yesterday! We had a pretty relaxing weekend, which included making a 'pallet' in the living room floor and having movie night on Friday and then DVR day on Saturday. So relaxing!

We also met up with my mom for an early dinner on Saturday to celebrate Mother's Day but baby brother, Patrick, had to work:

Someone needs a tan. Um, that would be me. 

My mom actually got me gifts this year which was really sweet. I got said gifts and read a card and then cried. That's another addition to the side effect list - I'm EXTREMELY emotional. Below is the short list of things that will make me cry at the drop of a hat:

• Anything that talks about the bond of family, being a mother, the love for babies, etc. This one is pretty normal, I get it. 
• Anyone who I think looks lonely or sad. This spirals into questions of 'Do they have a family?' 'Does someone love them?' 'Why does God bring people into this world to make them sad?'
• Baby clothes.
• Hearing about stories of disease, death, etc. This is normal too, I suppose. 

What gets me is the intensity of the crying. I can't just tear up anymore...I pretty much all-out cry - chest shaking, puckered lip, the whole shabang. Just another joy of pregnancy, I guess!

Also, another weekend accomplishment, we finally created our baby registry! It was pretty intense going through each aisle and seeing ALL of the stuff we need to be fully functional...and we even questioned some things - do we really need a bassinet and a Pack 'n Play? Probably not. And we obviously had to register for everything gender neutral, which wasn't really that hard! There were actually a lot of things that were cream with both pink and blue - which I'm a fan of. I know everyone says to just do yellow, but I have to confess that I am not a fan of that practice. A boy can deal with a little bit of pink, if that's the case, and a girl can deal with some blue. Easy enough. 

And, finally, here is the 18 week bump shot:

Until next time!

Weeks 16 and 17

Got sidetracked on the 'ole blog posting - oops! Anyway, that just means there is more progress to share!


Week 16 Pic:

Week 17 Pic:

Quite a difference from week 16 to 17!


I'm feeling pretty good for the most part! I'm very thankful to not feel exhausted anymore but holy back pain. It has come out of no where and even hurts when I lay down! 


Also, we could have found out the sex last week, but we are going to let that be a surprise! However, we did get a shot that makes me think this baby could be a girl! Check it out:

No idea why this is showing up upside down...

But as you can see, those are two legs and a random arm...and there doesn't appear to be any appendages between the legs. But, I'm no doctor so I guess we'll see in October!

Weeks 5-8

February 4: My first experience out, in front of friends, in a drinking environment. We went to a friend’s birthday dinner at a restaurant that I use to frequent A LOT in college. On our way there, we were told they were sitting in the smoking section. Our friend Jason was in the car with us so we couldn’t verbally freak out but we were freaked out. Luckily, we got there and it wasn’t bad…I didn’t even smell smoke. I order water and immediately get the stink eye from a few people. Their first response is ‘Why aren’t you drinking?’ My response ‘Well, I have a lot of work to do tomorrow. And I can never just have one beer…I don’t know that speed.’ Our friend, Branden, straight up called me out by saying ‘You are so pregnant. That’s why you aren’t smoking or drinking.’ Nice. 

After dinner, everyone went out (including Shane) to a bar but this girl went home and watched The Davinci Code on TV and was asleep by 10:30. Shane didn’t have a key to get in so I was up and down all night, until he arrived home at 4 a.m., because I was nervous about him not getting in, someone trying to break in, etc. Conversations about said partying happened the next morning. Naturally.

February 10: Doctor appointment. Same jig as the other times, same room…start the ultrasound and we can actually see something! It is just the gestational sac but at least it’s something! AND we can see the tiny little heart fluttering! He estimates that I’m about 6 weeks and 1 day along. 

Then more blood work – but, it’s cool, I’m a pro. Errrrrr – not so fast. This time, when she goes to take blood from my perfect vein, it starts to clot (she said because it wasn’t completely healed from the last time). So, she has to stop and start with the other arm…but it is good too so it’s quick and painless!

We make another appointment for two weeks later.

February 24: And, again, same jig…we start the ultrasound and what we see is SO much bigger! It still looks like a little tadpole but it is SO much bigger than the last time! And the best part was getting to HEAR the heartbeat – it was so fast but Doc said that it was right on point. As he was digging around (sounds inappropriate) he quickly says ‘Oh, looks like we’ve got a little septum there.’ But then he gets done and says everything looks good, I’m about 8 weeks, great job (not really, that’s what I told myself).

After he leaves the room, I ask Shane what he thinks and he is immediately concerned about the septum comment. We both have no idea what it is or what it looks like or what it means…and I think that Shane is more freaked than I am. We go to talk to the doctor and I immediately ask about the septum. He explains it by drawing it (which I find so helpful – I’m much more visual) and says that it is a part of the uterus that bulges out and isn’t quite as soft as the rest. Sometimes if the baby latches on to that part, it can cause a miscarriage because they can’t get the nutrients they need. And he said that it can sometimes cause early labor around the 30-ish week mark. But he doesn’t seem concerned by my situation. He says that based on what we’ve seen, the chance for miscarriage is now significantly decreased. He also mentions that I can’t travel after 28 weeks…okay, thanks Doc, I’ll take the next 20 weeks to think about that.

We thank him and head out the door. The second we hit the sidewalk I say ‘So, who’s going to spend all day on Google looking at what septums are? Besides me…’ I head to work and immediately do this. It’s scary…did you know that sometimes septums can create double vaginas? I definitely don’t have that (swears) but it was pretty scary. You can check out more information here. 

It Just Appeared...

The baby bump is starting to arrive! This pregnancy is for real!

I noticed something a little different last Friday and then I swear it just popped out and the middle of my stomach is really hard. This whole thing is so weird. And I think it freaked Shane out a little bit...

I also bought my first pieces of maternity clothes this weekend. Super cute dresses that are also comfortable - and I'm 99% sure i'll wear these even when I'm not pregnant:

And as far as the Braves game and tailgating with drunk people, it wasn't really that fun - as I suspected. Add to that that I also sneezed at least 75 times whilst at the game, then had a runny nose like nobody's business and the stadium was 'out of napkins' (per Shane). So, that was fun. 


And, if I'm not a glutton for punishment, we are going to a beer festival this Saturday. I think this will be a little better since some girlfriends are going but we'll see!

14 Weeks

I don't want to speak too soon, but I think that I'm getting some energy back! I thought this a few weeks ago but it was a total fake out...Overall, I'm feeling good but my pants are definitely ti-iii-ght so I think I'm at a crossroads - maternity pants or dresses everyday. 

In terms of a bump, nothing yet - still looks like last week: 

According to BabyCenter.com, the baby is about the size of a lemon and can pee and make facial expressions - possibly even at the same time. 


We are heading to the Braves home opener on Friday where there will be tailgating for many hours...I'm interested to see how I do. I have found a favorite non-alcoholic beer, Clausthaler, but I'm nervous that that won't be able to carry me through a day with drunk people. We shall see!

13 Weeks and a Belly Pic

We are trucking right along on this whole pregnancy thing. I feel like I should be way farther along than I am right now...but I guess that is the deal when you find out so early. 

Still feeling kind of tired, as big as a house and, a new one, pretty irrationally emotional. Shane has experienced that one first hand and I'm not sure that he's a fan. As far as foods, pancakes and macaroni and cheese (the powder kind) are my favorite. We've also made some progress on the nursery - well, really just cleaning it out but that was a job. Pictures to come soon!

Here is what I'm looking like at 13 weeks, which is no different than last week:

I really wish that something would just happen with this baby bump so that I can just buy maternity clothes already. The pants I have are pretty tight in the waist and I'm running out of flowy dresses to sport. 

How We Found Out

January 30: I woke up early – around 6 a.m. (and, yes, that is considered early…at least for now) – with horrible stomach pains. I was certain that ole’ Flo was about to make her way into town. I put a heating pad on my stomach, emailed work that I wasn’t coming in and tried to get some sleep. But then I started thinking…maybe this isn’t period issues? My stomach had been really upset (such an awesome detail) the past Saturday, I felt SO bloated, my boobs were SO sore…could I be pregnant? Enter Google. I believe my exact search term was ‘upset stomach + pregnancy symptoms.’ 

According to the almighty Internet, upset stomach for some women is a symptom due to the surge in hormones. I am immediately wide awake. I need to take a test. I need to take it without Shane seeing so that in case it is positive I can surprise him. And then I should go buy more tests, the digital ones, so that I can take a picture of it and it will be more impactful – I prefer to see the word ‘Pregnant’ rather than just two lame lines.

Fast forward a couple of hours, I take a test. It is immediately positive. I will admit that every other time I’ve taken a test, I've always been on the fence about the results…as in, I’ll be OK if it is negative and I’ll be OK if it is positive. This time I was a little more invested – I really wanted it to be positive. Then the two pink lines appear. I then high tail it to CVS to get the digital version. I take the test and it’s positive too. I cannot stop smiling and I’m really nervous. What do I do? When’s the last time I drank? How far along am I? I think I sat and stared at the test for at least 15 minutes.

So, then I had to figure out how to surprise Shane. Best thing I can think of is to wrap up these tests in tissue paper and throw it in a bag with hearts on it…an early Valentine’s Day gift? Shane has guitar lessons on Monday night so he didn’t get home until after 8 p.m. When he walked in the door, I told him I had an early V-day gift for him…he said he didn’t know we were doing gifts that early. Such a stickler for details. 

The infamous bag

When he opened it, and unwrapped it, the look on his face was truly that of surprise and happiness. And, for those that know him, he doesn’t show emotion or get excited easily. He looked at it, looked at me, and yelled ‘What?!?’ And I said ‘Yep!’ and that was about the extent of the conversation. A few minutes later, we came back to reality and discussed going to the doctor, when to tell our families, where we would put it, etc. I think we were both in utter shock.

January 31: I made a doctor appointment for that Friday. And I officially stopped drinking and smoking, duh.

February 3: First gynecologist appointment. It starts out as normal – pee in the cup, when was your last period, take blood pressure, etc. But after that, I get to go in a different room…one with the ultrasound machine. Shane was with me and he got to go in too, which made me feel way more comfortable. 

The Dr. came in and shook hands (he is kind of a weirdo) and then said we were going to do a transvaginal ultrasound to see about how far along I am (due to the fact that my periods are VERY irregular and I couldn’t even guesstimate when my last period was). We go through the awkward ‘Put your feet in the stirrups…now scoot down…scoot down a little more.’ We get going on the ultrasound and can’t see anything – other than ‘echos’ which I don’t what that is and it reminds me of whale watching (because I do that often…). Based on this, he guesses that I’m about 4-5 weeks along, and they add two weeks to that, so I literally got pregnant two weeks prior. So in tune with my body.

As we leave the room, he mentions that we need to do some blood work. I am absolutely petrified of needles, as in I hyperventilate when I even see them…I’ve had several cavities filled without Novocain simply because I can’t have needles anywhere around me. When I hear him say this, I immediately break a sweat, black out for a second and start crying. Maybe that is an exaggeration but I definitely started sweating and crying. Again, so glad Shane was there. 

They tell me that I can lay down to have my blood taken so that I don’t see the needle, so I do. The girl gets everything ready and then it’s go time…I’m expecting for this to be the worst pain of my life. I am imagining the needle going through my arm, blood squirting everywhere, etc. Well, she puts the needle in and I barely even feel it. I immediately dry it up and ask ‘That’s it?’ I am officially a drama queen. She then compliments my veins – it’s the Carlisle genes – they’re perfect.

Meltdown complete. We schedule another appointment to come back in a week.

The Sitch with Belly Pics

I want to take belly pics to document my progress over this pregnancy but after my first ‘photo shoot’ I’m feeling a little hesitant. I must explain and say that my tummy has always been my problem area so taking pictures that are solely dedicated to this area seems insane to me. Couple that with the fact that I feel as big as a house already…my psyche is dying.

But, in the interest of good documentation, here is the first headless belly pic:

Definitely not showing yet but definitely have a food baby going on!

Like Baby, Baby, Baby Oooooo….

That title has two purposes…it’s a Justin Bieber reference (yeah, I’m a fan) and it’s to announce our big news – WE ARE HAVING A BABY!

I’m 13 weeks tomorrow and everything is going good! Here is a pic of the little guy/lady that was taken at the doctor this morning:

When we went in this morning, this was the first time I had the sonogram done on my belly. Others were a little less ‘comfortable.’ He/she was moving all around, kicking, moving its arms, tossing and turning…it was crazy to see it actually acting like a baby! And, of course, this would be the picture that is snapped of our child…naturally! I imagine it is singing 'Throw yer hands in the ayer!'

I’ve been keeping a pregnancy journal to detail all of the fun details, thus far, and I’ll share some of that, along with pictures, over the coming months! So, for those looking for renovation updates, I doubt there will be many of those. As if there were any over the past two months, anyway. J

We are so excited! It still feels surreal…

My Next Project

Next project...ha! That includes at least 236 things...but, for reals, I hope to tackle this bad boy next:

Please note: this is the picture from Craigslist.

I plan to change the 'function' of this table and make it something more useful and a little softer. 

Stay tuned!

Workspace Makeover

Hello all and Happy New Year! I should be sharing my 2012 resolutions but I haven't quite finished them yet...what, we still have like 362 more days to accomplish them!


Today was my first day back at work and I decided to spruce it up a little...I had some pictures frames and stuff but it just seemed messy and disconnected. Partly because it was.


Before:

And the after - I cleaned up my crap, threw away a stack of papers I didn't need and added a new lamp and some bright picture frames: 

 

Oh, and I must add that the lamp isn't on because I forgot to bring a light bulb. Der.


Not a bad little makeover for a cube space, right?!

2011: A Year in Review

This year has been a whirlwind. At the beginning of the year, I remember saying ‘I’m going to slow down this year.’ Pashah – didn’t happen. So, here’s a stroll down memory lane…

In January I started using Latisse and it changed my life - and my face. We got snowed in for four days during Atlanta’s Snowpocalypse. I officially became Stacy Wilson. I spent 13 hours painting stripes in my guest bedroom. We went to our friend, Lindsay’s, cabin in North Georgia and I made my first video.

In February we thought about selling our house. But then quickly found out that the rumors are true – house prices really are in the crapper.

In March we threw a wedding shower for our friends Mike and Mandy. We celebrated St. Patty’s Day and some birthdays – including my dad’s. I trusted my GPS and it led me astray.

In April we celebrated a birthday and our wedding band, Flux Capacitor, was there – Awe.Some. I traveled to Orlando for Mandy’s bachelorette party and attended a bridal shower. Saw the dermatologist for the first time in my life and finally diagnosed the eczema on my hands. Latisse continued to change my life.

In May we had another bachelorette party in Atlanta for Mandy. After that, I was a bridesmaid in her wedding. We finally got our deck stained. Beau and Brother turned three years old. We celebrated my brother, Patrick’s, birthday.

In June I went to Dallas, TX for work. We saw Zach Brown at a local bar - he sang a few cover songs and poured some free shots.  We celebrated our friend, Branden’s, birthday with a pool party. Shane and I started playing kickball. We celebrated our friend, Mike’s, 30^th birthday with a movie-themed costume party.

In July we went back to Lindsay’s cabin for summer 4^th of July fun – including tubing, trapping snakes and hanging out. We had some trees cut down…hoping the grass would grow. It didn’t. We celebrated our friend, Kelly’s, birthday. We found a bong in the closet. We bought a new car. I went to Chateau Elan for work. We spent a week in Panama City Beach, Fl. Half of my work team quit and things got stressful.

In August we celebrated one year of marital bliss. Shane gave me diamond stud earrings that I’ve wanted FOREVER. I went to Aruba with my besties. We celebrated Danielle’s 30^th birthday with a party bus and Smyrna bar crawl. We finally sent out our wedding thank you notes. Work was still hectic.

In September we kicked off Georgia football season. We celebrated our friend, Jennifer’s, birthday. We saw Journey. I started laser hair removal – and it changed my life. Work got really rough and I had several breakdowns. I found out that I run a 7.1 second 40-yard dash and put it on a shirt. I started boot camp with Jennie and learned to run outside. 

In October I turned 28. Work was still crazy. I got a massage. Attended Kirnfest. Ran my first 5K. Started taking a photography class (that wound up sucking, big time). Celebrated my mom’s birthday. 

In November I tried on wedding dresses (don’t ask :)). Celebrated our friend, Justin’s, 30^th birthday. Played our final kickball game of the fall. Hosted our first Thanksgiving. I worked a lot. Celebrated our friend, Mandy’s, 30^th birthday with an 80’s theme.

In December I went to Raleigh for work. Saw The Sitter (it’s just like Adventures in Babysitting). Had a low country boil. Worked a lot some more. Celebrated my brother, Chris’, birthday. Had an awesome Christmas with the family.

I am thankful for all that we were able to do and celebrate in 2011 but I must admit it was a busy and stressful year. I'm looking forward to a fresh start...now, bring on 2012!!!

An Awesome Christmas and Prezzies!

We had an awesome Christmas this year and are truly blessed to have such great family and friends. 


We began our Christmas on Friday by heading to my dad's for some dinner and relaxation...I actually got to read a book before bed...I haven't read (anything for pleasure) in like three months. The next morning, we got up, ate breakfast, opened gifts, played some games, ate lunch, laughed a lot and just chilled. 


On Saturday afternoon, we headed to my mom's where we had our traditional Chinese food Christmas Eve dinner and Jager bombs. Yeah, we have Jager bombs on Christmas Eve - don't judge. We played a MARATHON game of spades that my brother and I dominated! We then just hung out and took it easy. Sunday morning we opened gifts and ate, ate, ate and then ate some more. There is nothing like my mom's holiday cooking!


Sunday afternoon we headed home where Shane and I exchanged gifts with each other and then relaxed and watched movies. 


Good times!


And a few prezzie highlights - I RACKED.UP. this year....again, so blessed and so thankful!

Hope you all had a great Christmas too! 

2012 is only three days away and I am SO ready!

Christmas at the Wilson's!

Although we were a little behind this year, the Christmas decorations at casa Wilson are up!

Look at all those prezzies!

Getting crafty with the snowman. 

Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and that Santa is super generous to you all!

Love - Stacy and Shane

Terrible Christmas Presents

I posted a similar video at Halloween and this Christmas version is equally as funny! You will never believe the kid at the very end...'your language is offensive!'

Sweet Potato Cupcakes - A Recipe You NEED!

Admittedly, I'm not a very good cook. Sometimes I cook from a recipe and it still tastes like crap. I'm also not a baker. 

HOWEVER, I completely redeemed myself with these cupcakes!

I had at least three people, who weren't even my husband or blood-related family members, tell me that these were the most awesome cupcakes they have ever tasted. Okay, maybe it wasn't that dramatic, but I'm pretty sure they said "Seriously, Stacy, these are awesome...please send me the recipe!" So, here is is:

Ingredients

• 2 cups  all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 17.2-oz. can  sweet potatoes (yams), drained, mashed
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• 1 recipe Cream Cheese Frosting, below

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line twenty four 2-1/2-inch muffin cups with paper bake cups; set cups aside. 
2. In medium bowl stir together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda and salt; set aside. 
3. In large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar and beat on high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition until combined. Add sweet potatoes and vanilla, beating until combined. Add flour mixture; beat until combined (batter will be thick). 
4. Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups. Bake about 20 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched. (It's very important you don't overcook these...you want them to be moist.) Cool in pan on wire rack for 1 minute. Remove from pan and cool completely (I let mine sit overnight, just covered with a towel). 
5. Place Cream Cheese Frosting in large resealable plastic bag. Cut a 1/4-inch opening in one corner of bag. Pipe frosting on top of cupcakes.

Cream Cheese Icing 

In large mixing bowl beat one 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened and 2/3 cup butter, softened, with electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add 2 tablespoons milk and beat until combined. Beat in 5-5 1/2 cups (or a cup more, judge it by taste) powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, until smooth and of a good piping consistency. Makes 4-1/3 cups.

You're Welcome. :)

Thanksgiving Recap

Better late than never for this Thanksgiving recap! I'll let the photos do the work...

 

The Thanksgiving Table 

 Table Setting

 Sweet Potato Cupcakes...OMG - so good. Promise to share the recipe!

 

My new owl candles...prezzy from Shane.  

 

Shane sampling our deep friend turkey...ordered from Copeland's. No frying-related house fires for us. 

 HoneyBaked Ham...delish, as always.

Topher, Mom and Shane

 

Brother and Katie...don't think Brother was exactly down for this shot. 

  

Hugs. 

 

And...late night. :) Patrick, Shane and Jason.

 

 Tired puppies.

This was the first year Shane and I hosted and it was a success! We were tired as hell (and a little hungover) the next day but enjoyed being with family, reflecting on what we were thankful for and kicking off the holiday season! Hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving as well...geez, that sounds so weird now since it was dang near two weeks ago! 

Now I need to get in gear on the Christmas shopping!