32 Weeks

Gunnar Wolf is here! He came on 32 weeks 1 day. It is now 33 weeks 2 days and he is doing great in the NICU working on growing and eating! 
The most important part of this post is a note from Emily: please read it in detail.

 Dear Loved Ones of Chelsea and Dan,

This is Emily, (Chelsea’s best friend for those of you who haven’t met me) I don’t even have the words to express how excited and blessed I already am by sweet Gunnars appearance. I’m sure ya’ll are feeling the same way and want to do anything to make Dan and Chelsea’s life a little easier.

I’ve started a website (thanks to lovely Cousin Kara) where anyone can sign up to bring them dinner. You can sign up here : http://www.TakeThemAMeal.com ; the name is under: Turner and the code to sign up is: 2911   ( please make sure you read the notes since Chelsea does have some dietary restrictions)

Since Dan and Chelsea will be going back and forth to the hospital, I will be setting up a time once a week for people to drop off food. Please keep in mind that since we are having everyone drop off on one day for the week, freezable food would be the best!  If the set time doesn’t work for you, please let me know and I will ABSOLUTELY work something out/try to figure out a time when one of the Turners will be at the house.

Also, Dan and Chelsea are being so strong and brave and taking on a lot right now, so please be mindful and know that they appreciate all of the care and concern for Gunnar but they simply can’t respond to a million calls/texts/emails every day. I am HAPPY to answer any questions that you have (via text/call/email), or any of the immediate family on either side should be able to help answer your questions.  Please do not take this as, “don’t contact Chelsea or Dan” because they do need/want all of the love and support that they can get they have on their plates right now.

Since Gunnar arrived before the baby shower Chelsea and Dan are lacking a few of the essentials (which is okay since he will be in NICU for a little while).  If you would like to get them something before the “shower”, they are registered at Target and Buy Buy Baby.  We will still be having a party for Chelsea down the road but right now timing, etc. is up in the air. We will let you know as soon as details get solidified.

When in doubt about what you can do for the Turners, please pray. In times of turmoil and hardship Dan and Chelsea truly lean on the Lord for guidance and any prayers lifting them up are appreciated.

Thank you all in advance for helping make their lives a little easier, please contact me with any questions/concerns.

 

Emily Dykgraaf – 817-682-4839  or email me at enewgren@yahoo.com

We are so grateful for your prayers and thoughts. We have already seen God working in our lives and protecting Gunnar.

31 Weeks

31 weeks

How far along: 31 weeks- no one was home to take the pic of me again and I'm trying to not get behind!
Cravings: The usual wings, again nothing fancy or crazy. I had no appetite for a bit- had some cold/sinus stuff and nothing tasted right. We did accidentally run into some adoptable chihuahuas at the vet... I got a puppy craving.
Baby bump: Still there. Still feeling quite full up through my chest.
Mood: Kind of cranky. Mostly sensitive. Being sick for days made me more off balance. 
Looking forward to: The mini vacation, the baby shower, the Lamaze class, the finished nursery.
Missing: Real cardio workouts. I'm glad to be getting to Zumba a few times a week but I am definitely limited in jumping and physical movements. 
Best moment: Visiting puppies! I want to go back!
Baby purchases: Put in shelf lining in the babies dresser, got a new entertainment center so the current shelves we have can go to the baby room! Finished up some projects for decor!
Movement: Continues- when do we start counting kicks? Haha
Rings on/off: On
Belly button in/out: In- might be on its way out by the end though.

30 weeks

30 weeks

How far along: when this picture was taken- 30 weeks haha (2 weeks ago)- no one was home to put me in it ;)
Cravings: Nothing crazy. Just regular food.
Baby bump: I couldn't fit my special maternity jeans one day. Luckily that resolved or I stretched them out. Either way I'm less depressed. I finally gave in and got some bigger scrubs too. 
Mood: Good, energized, and "nesty"
Looking forward to: A babymoon vacation with husband and friends to Galveston!
Missing: Nothing at the moment, just loving being pregnant and taking care of my little baby boy.
Best moment: Got to go out for fancy date night with friends! 
Movement: All the time. Routinely at 8pm when I'm settled down- he gets active.
Baby purchases: We got some shelves for baby room and put them up.
Rings on/off: On
Belly button in/out: In

29 weeks

How far along: today: 29 weeks and 3 days

Cravings: Nothing specific this week. Luckily nothing bad for me either. Choosing fruits and veggies.... For now.

Baby bump: Feeling consistently full these days. About to get some new scrub tops, we're starting to cross a fine line.

Mood: Moody for several days now. I don't like it, but I can't change it. I'm either crying, cranky, or asleep. I'm going to blame fatigue from too much work and running around.

Looking forward to: Finalizing and finishing up all the little nesting projects I've initiated! And the baby shower.

Missing: Nothing right now!

Best moment: We bought a new mommy car! It's my dream car/SUV and we actually got a deal on it! I've been too busy to even take good pictures of it daylight! Ridiculous.

Baby purchases: None this week. Unless you count little man's new ride.

Movement:  I feel a little hard "body" on the left side and lots of kicks on the right side. He has been kicking my husband now when he puts his head on my stomach.

Rings on/off: On! More snug days than loose days I fear.

Belly button in/out: In, but I'm definitely seeing less room in there.

28 weeks

How far along: today: 28 weeks and 2 days

Cravings: Apples- apple everything! At the grocery I got apple butter and two different types of apples, and Apple juice to go along with my usual orange juice. 

Baby bump: Its here! And people ask me about it all the time now. I've been wearing the crap out of my Christmas maternity pants! They are so comfy and stylish!

Mood: Pretty good. I get cranky when my Husband and I don't see each other often. We have been working so much that I'm seeing it my mood.

Looking forward to: A baby shower! And a vacation! And did car shopping! Car shopping is really digging into baby obsession time. I can only google so much stuff. 

Missing: Flexibility. I used to be so flexible. Now that I'm realizing I'll need strength and flexibility just to birth this baby, I want it back.

Best moment: Getting back into the gym! I've been 4 x this week. Now to just keep it up...

Baby purchases: Bought a TON of slightly used goodies from a generous coworker. I also got a little nesting bug and practically packed my hospital bag and anything we would need immediately in case we started this early.

Movement:  Baby kicks a lot. He puts serious pressure on my back giving me serious sciatica some days. I'm now even picking up what I think are Braxton hicks.

Rings on/off: On! I have good days and bad days. Today, so far, a good fitting.

26 Weeks

How far along: today: 26 weeks 

Cravings: Sandwiches! I usually hate my bread touching my other food! And I hate ham, turkey, and cheese. It's the most off craving I've had.

Baby bump: It's official and it's huge. With total weight gain at 14 pounds.

Mood: If my sugar gets low, stay away- I get cranky. And then I cry. I have been super sensitive. And sleepy.

Looking forward to: Finishing the baby room!

Missing: The ease of bending over.

Best moment: Celebrating Christmases with all of our families. Getting to the candlelight service at church was amazing (even in the lobby chairs with a latte).

Baby purchases: No purchases this time- some onesie gifts and maternity clothes at Christmas.

Movement: Baby kicks a lot all the time. Husband and others can feel now too.

Rings on/off: On! But getting tighter :(

Belly button in/out: In

20 weeks, 21 weeks.... 22 weeks, and its technically 23...

 

 

OK so I am sooooo behind. Well its been crazy obviously.

How far along: today: 23 weeks and 2 days
Cravings: doughnuts

Baby bump: Officially a bump! I got asked (in my 22nd week) if I was pregnant by a very brave woman. Weight gain is holding steady at 12 pounds
Mood: Good. Just normal I feel like. Maybe a little moody/sensitve. Like when I nearly cried about a parent of patient that was being a jerk to me.
Looking forward to: EVERYTHING. Now that we know the gender, it does feel very much more real.

Missing: Wine again, haha. None at thanksgiving, none when I got iced in, none at lunch with friends.

Best moment: Thanksgiving and Gender reveal! It's so nice to get together with family and enjoy their company, and share our big announcement! It's a boy!

Baby purchases: Maternity clothes that I am going to try to put under the tree as presents to me :). Got my babyseat cover in- it's a little girly. Oh well.
Movement: Definitely feeling baby. We're trying to catch a good moment where my husband can feel from the outside.
Rings on/off: On! I even got it sized smaller! I did have a little 10 hour period where I swelled up everywhere and it was stuck.

Belly button in/out: in Lol still working on this belly.

 

 

 

 I will try to get a 23 week picture because I do  have a belly now. But I just wanted to catch up on the notes!

 

19 weeks

 

How far along: 19 weeks 2 days
Cravings: Wings (aka buffalo sauce still) and fries- my every day craving

Baby bump: Weight gain = 9 pounds and you can see it! I decided that I have been gaining weight in the abdomen but it all went out together so not a traditional "bump"
Mood: It's been a rough week. Overall tired again and I got a little virus that's taking a toll.
Looking forward to: Gender Party and my first thanksgiving as a married, contributing adult

Missing: My little Chihuahua/min-pin Clea. We had to put her down this weekend at 16 years old. Really tough timing.

Best moment: Getting wings with friends and watching football! 3 of my favorite things. Shopping with another friend with hummus- another 3 of my favorite things.

Baby purchases: None this week I don't think.
Movement: Thinking I felt something again, still not sure.
Rings on/off: on. But I sent my Tiffany ring back to get resized and a diamond replaced.  I miss it.
Belly button in/out: in Lol still working on this belly.

18 weeks

How far along: 18 weeks
Cravings: Buffalo sauce! On everything! And I've been having it!
Baby bump: Weight gain = 6 pounds and you can see it!
Mood: Energized!
Looking forward to: helping plan a gender reveal party! We won't know the gender until the party!
Missing: Still wine. Fancy date night at Capital grill was much cheaper/less romantic without wine. We did get a free dessert for celebrating our 17 week anniversary!
Best moment: Having work friends over, fancy date night, Halloween. Our friend's kids bday party was a blast too!
Baby purchases: We got a donated high chair ;) My compression hose came in. I ordered a new cover for our second hand/non-expired carseat. Parenting books!
Movement: Not sure yet! I try to be still and listen/feel. Trying.
Rings on/off: on.
Belly button in/out: in

17 weeks

How far along: 17 weeks 2 days- late post
Cravings: Fruit and Veggies! How awesome is that?!
Baby bump: Weight gain of 6 pounds now. And a definite bump. Poor bump still ebbs and flows with gas/bloating though.
Mood: Pretty good!
Looking forward to: Making a baby registry!
Missing: Wine. My husband had some the other night and I did not partake, but I sure wanted just a sip!
Best moment: Hearing the heartbeat at the OB's office. I think I'm ready for that gender sono. I'm still debating if I want to know or not.
Baby purchases: Lots of shopping, no purchases this week.
Movement: On my way to the OB, my jeans were too tight and I was driving, and I think I felt a little flutter. I am waiting for more to confirm if that was real or not.
Rings on/off: still on- probably forever.
Belly button in/out: in- still working on the baby bump itself!

16 weeks- Oops missed 15!

 



How far along: 16 weeks and 5 days! Almost missed this one too.
Cravings: Fruit and tomatoes! Too bad this heartburn doesn't feel the same. I can definitely tell you a new AVERSION: beef and sausage... I'm quitting those after a very horrible 48 hours.
Baby bump: Weight gain of 3 pounds last week, 4 pounds total this week. As you can see there's some significant fullness but no "bump"
Mood: Very happy. Lots of laughing at work and home. Lots of second trimester energy led me to pick up several extra shifts... aka no time for blog or husband.
Looking forward to: Baby movements! I'd also really appreciate a baby bump so I feel pregnant, not chubby. Oh and Christmas time. I cannot wait to decorate!
Missing: The urge to workout! it's gone. I hope it comes back.
Best moment: My moms moved 2 miles away from us! They were across a busy metroplex! It will be and has been such a joy to see them more than once a month.
Baby purchases: a breastfeeding cover (free except shipping) and maternity compression hose. I had one friend swear by them and I must check them out. No one wants cankles, and walking around the ER all day- I got them before I was even pregnant. 3 maternity tops- not necessary but husband let me roam through target by myself for about an hour...
Movement: none yet.
Rings on/off: still on, still loose- darn cold weather.
Belly button in/out: in.
 

 

Hosting 60 Guests in Your Home

When Dan and I chose to get married across the ocean, we knew we would have to have an extra party for our locals who couldn't make it. 
Well that day came and over 60 people had RSVP'ed not including many plus ones and surprise visitors! 

How could we ever feed all of these people, fit them in our house on a rainy day, and keep the entertained?!?!?
We didn't want to pay for catering. I couldn't let Dan be in the kitchen or he would forgot his guests. But we had two fire friends offering to "cater" our celebration. I say fire friends because firemen know how to cook for masses- so that's important to note. I couldn't stress enough that the numbers were growing and this was a big offer they were filling. So I decided to help. I don't have their recipes but ill tell you what was made from right to left, bottom to top:

Baked ravioli with marinara

http://www.bakedbyrachel.com/2013/01/crispy-baked-ravioli/

Mac and cheese bites

http://spoonful.com/recipes/mac-and-cheese-bites

Queso with ground beef

Spinach and artichoke dip in the crock pot

http://spoonful.com/recipes/easy-slow-cooker-spinach-and-artichoke-dip

Red pepper hummus-not in the cups

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/red-pepper-hummus-cucumber-cups-10000001892084/

Chips, chips, chips, jalapeños

French onion dip

Pork and chicken for lettuce wraps.

Top row:

Fruit plate- store bought

Veggie tray- store bought

Tuna salad in cucumber cups from hummus recipe above - I made up the tuna recipe or just can't find it.

Cured salmon with crackers and veggies

Not pictured:

Jalapeño sausage rolls- a huge hit, I can ask our friend where this came from

Brisket- my husband went a little renegade with this recipe but it was highly complicated and definitely not repeatable

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Oklahoma-Brisket/Detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Thumb&e11=brisket&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Recipe%20Hub

14 Weeks

How far along: 14 weeks

Cravings: Still candy. I love peach rings!

Aversions: None really. The nausea seems to be subsiding =)

Baby bump: Not yet. No weight gain. Just bigger? How does that work?

Mood: Much improved! Acknowledging my crankiness and now finally able to overcome it! Coworkers like me again- I think.

Looking forward to: My next sono- in several weeks, whatever. I thought they came with every appointment. I've been spoiled.

Missing: The energy to workout! I have all the motivation but no energy!

Best moment: Doppler heartbeat at the doc. Responses to the baby announcement at the housewarming. And a baseball game with my grandpa and grandma in town from Virginia.

Baby purchases: None. How boring.

Movement: Nope.

Rings On/off: On and still big!

Belly button in/out: In

13 Weeks

How far along:13 weeks

Cravings: Cheese! I'm intolerant of course!

Aversions: Nothing specific. Some smells, but mostly random feelings of nausea.

Baby bump: Still waiting.

Mood: Improving- getting to tell coworkers was relieving. No matter how busy we are, they get me a lunch too, which helps my mood more than I thought!

Looking forward to: the big party this week- family reveal.

Missing: Maybe a glass of Sauvignon blanc.

Best moment: Actually getting ready, nice weather, planning a 60 person party in our house.

Baby purchases: My sweet husband knew I was having a bad day at work so he put the crib together and put sheets on the bed (gray chevron <3) and organized the room for the party!

Movement: None. 

Rings On/off: On.

Belly button in/out: In.

12 weeks

How far along: 12 weeks

Cravings: Candy, any/all types. I try to talk my husband into letting me have candy in every store we go to like Target, Home Depot, Hobby Lobby, Dick's sporting, I mean everywhere.

Aversions: Chicken. Vegan roots are calling me back.

Baby bump: Not yet, just fuller all the way around and up top ;)

Mood: Mostly happy, cranky with exhaustion aka often.

Looking forward to: Wanting to do anything but sleep.

Missing: Energy

Best moment: Getting to go tubing, riding lightly. None of the drivers were being any fun for the sake of Baby Turner.

Baby purchases: Supplies to sand/paint crib.

Movement: None yet.

Rings On/off:On

Belly button in/out: In

Telling Family

We told parents and closest friends within the next 4 weeks or so. I mean I called my mom the moment I saw a positive, so the presentation was not that fun, but of course memorable. My thoughtful sister in law sent a cookie basket. We had Sunday brunch with his parents and family, which involved this ADORABLE cupcake cake- also from my thoughtful sister in law!

Because we were married in Punta Cana, not all of our loved ones could come! At our September Texas wedding reception hosted at our house, we gave our friends a family a "tour" of the new house including our special, new room. It was a personal, exciting way to formally let tons of people know.

How far along: 11 weeks

Baby bump:No, just full in the middle.

Cravings: all things yellow or orange.

Aversions: Being hungry makes me nauseated

Mood: Crabby. Work makes me tired.

Looking forward to: 

Missing: Nothing! My body only wants what I can have! Or nothing at all!

Best moment: My homemade chalkboard worked!

Baby purchases: (since I've known) a baby Bjorn carrier, a bassinet, a swing. Also some gifts of stuffed animals, swaddlers, and a very nice crib!

Movement: Gas, serious gas!

Rings On/off: On- its already too big

Belly button in/out: In.

Project of the week:

Homemade chalkboard!

Materials: glass picture frame, roller paint brush, chalkboard paint, masking (painter's) tape

Steps: Line the frame with masking tape the same way you would for trim on a room. Paint glass with an even coat using the foam roller. I started with a sponge brush then roller. Let dry. Use! 

I had some bad chalk that scraped some lines out of my chalkboard background that should hopefully be fixable with another coat.

How I told My Husband

The day I found out, I already scheduled an OB/GYN appointment for a "trying to get pregnant" check up. It was visit #2 with this doctor for our planning. We were checking progesterone levels and uterine wall thickness to be sure I was prepped to conceive. Now, I'd been off birth control for 1.5 months and husband and I practiced every day since then (including our honeymoon and wedding)!

I decided to take a test before the appointment to be sure we were checking all the right things. I texted my husband to let him know my plan, but the test didn't even work! I didn't have a control line or anything. I'm a nurse- you would think I could figure this out. So I figured I would tell the doc and we would do one there. 

I tried again at home right before I left. And it was positive, fast. I told my doc and we calculated the baby to be about 5 or 6 weeks along. I had spotting (hopefully implantation) that I interpreted as a period, so I had dates all wrong!

I had until 7 pm to figure out how to tell my husband the news since he was slaving away at work. 

I prepared a chicken dinner and had it marinating in the fridge. So when he got home, I had him "check out my marinating chicken." He found the baby bottles, pacifiers, positive test (well rinsed), and a card saying "Good men turn into good fathers." I recorded his response on video. Priceless. And we celebrated- wine free.

Welcome ya'll! I wanted to start a blog as a documentary of my pregnancy with weekly pictures and my chalkboard. Since I am addicted to Pinterest, I will also try to include any projects/cooking that I try out. Mostly everything will be pregnancy or baby related!

I'm also a nurse at a local pediatric ER so bear with me if any posts are untimely, short, or nonsensical. My husband is a firefighter and paramedic working for both a nearby town and my hospital. 
We met in May 2012. Engaged in January 2013. Unified with God May 2013. Married on a beach in Punta Cana with our closest friends and family in July 2013. So, you do the math... We move quickly. It's amazing what you can do when you find THE ONE. I'm tearing up just thinking of how happy he makes me and how truly blessed we are. Anyways, sappy pregnant lady here.

I'm already a few weeks behind because I did not want to announce the baby to everyone, including readers, before the second trimester in the case that anything changed :/

So without further delay:
Baby Turner is coming early April 2014!