Preggers Post - Week 24

Baby Boy Smith

We're THISCLOSE to a name, I promise. 

This week, Baby Boy Smith is weighing in at just over a pound and is about as long as an ear of corn.  His face is almost fully formed, just really skinny right now. 

Momma Smith

I'm pretty sure I'm starting to have Braxton Hicks contractions.  Like, 75% sure.  These can start anywhere from 20 weeks until D-Day.  Either that, or our first childbirth class has got me paranoid.  Just to be on the safe side, I laid on my left side and drank some water.  They went away, and I hope it will be awhile before they visit again.

Let's see what else is going on... I have a new development, although I don't want to freak anyone out.  But, I'm going to try and remain honest on here and I've already googled this to remain calm myself.  But.... apparently you can start lactating during your pregnancy.  I'm not talking a lot, so don't freak out or anything.  But Sunday morning I woke up, and Mr. Smith & I were both like, "What the crap is that?"  Hello, colostrum.  Please to meet your acquaintance.  A little warning might have been nice.  And as if I didn't have anything else to worry about....

In Other News

Speaking of Childbirth Education classes, Mr. Smith and I had our first one last Thursday.  We learned lots of fun stuff like 3rd Trimester facts, preterm labor signs, important phone numbers, etc.  The most important lesson:  always be prepared.  My sentiments exactly. 

I also need to have a "Just in Case" Plan in case I go into labor at work.  Going into labor at work - ranging from my water breaking to my co-workers seeing me in pain from contractions - is about Numero Uno on my Biggest Preggers Fears list.  To add to "To Do" list:  bring change of clothes in car to work in case of said water breaking and already have a driver ready to take me to the hospital in case of said contractions beginning. 

This Thursday we get to watch "The Video" in class.  Our teacher has already warned us that these women have opted for the natural childbirth route, so not to be alarmed. 



Snow Day!

I'm at home enjoying a Snow Day today, but Mr. Smith is hard at work at the Hospital.  He went in last night for the Night Shift, and is still there.  Such a hard little worker, right? 

Thought I'd share with you my updates on New Year's Resolution - Couponing.  Yesterday was my first time back in the saddle with couponing, and I approached it with the usual Type A attitude.  Armed with my coupons from both Sunday's newspaper and CouponMom.com, I approached Publix like a women on a mission.  A Mission to Save, that is. 

If you haven't before, check out Publix.com's website.  You can easily review their Weekly Ad, Buy One Get One deals, and "add" your desired items from the Weekly to your shopping cart for a printed out list before you hit the store.  Me likey. 

For over 2 Weeks Worth of Groceries (give or take some staple items to be picked up, like milk): $183.83. 

Coupon and Store Savings: $42.79

Total Spent: $141.04

I might add that $17 of this was diapers, because I've been trying to pick up some whenever I have a coupon.  So, with my $3 Huggies coupon plus my $2 Publix Baby Club coupon, that was $5 off of diapers.  Again... me likey.  It never hurts to be prepared, people. 

So, about $124 of actual moola spent on groceries.  That's a little over $60/week. 

Pure.  Bliss. 

I might also give a shout out to Doug my Publix Cashier, who cheered on my New Year's Resolution, and gave me some insider trading tips, such as that Publix doubles any manufacturer coupons starting at 50 cents (like those coupons printed from CouponMom.com or PennyPincherGazette.com) and that Publix honors any competitors' coupons.  So, if you've got a grocery coupon to Target that Publix isn't running, then you can use that Target grocery coupon at Publix. 

I know what you're thinking.... why hello there, lovah. 

Me too. 

It did take a little bit more time, I'm going to be honest. 

But the thrill of the hunt was well worth it.

And my well-stocked pantry on this Snow Day doesn't hurt either. 

Happy Birthday Mr. Smith!

Happy Birthday Mr. Smith!

Today my darling husband turns 27, and we've spent our day snuggled up and watched the Winter Storm Weather News and movies together. 

Last night we enjoyed a fabulous birthday dinner at Satterfield's, a local treasure, with the in-laws, Sister, and Sister's husband.  Um.... Mouthwatering, is all I can say.  I had the filet, and Baby Boy Smith thoroughly enjoyed it as well. 

After a morning jaunt to Krispy Kreme, I delivered Mr. Smith's favorite Kruellers to have with his morning coffee.  (I then made my way to Publix armed with a pre-shopping list with coupons...more on this later). 

Mr. Smith,  you are a wonderful husband, best friend, and father-to-be.  As I watch you help me get ready for your son to make his appearance, I can only imagine the awesome father you'll be.  I can't think of anyone better to go on life's adventures with me. 

Love, Mrs. Smith, Cooper, and Abby

Mr. and Mrs. Smith on our Honeymoon in the Dominican Republic (where we wish we were right now whilst it is sleeting outside...)

Wordless Wednesday: Mr. Smith provides for his family.

Preggers Post - Week 23

Baby Boy Smith

Is still nameless, although we're getting close, I swear. 

He also is about eight inches long and a little over a pound this week.  WhattoExpect.com says that "this week marks the beginning of some serious weight gain."  I'm hoping they mean the Baby, since Week 5 of this adventure has meant for this Momma "the beginning of some serious weight gain." Baby's weight in the next 4 weeks should DOUBLE.  You read that right - DOUBLE.  I think I'm reading between the lines here of when the Momma finally "pops."

And apparently Baby is pumped about it, because right now as I'm typing there's a Dance Party USA going on in my belly.  Dance Parties are becoming the custom over the past week; usually they make me smile.  The one at 2am on Saturday night; however.... not so much.  Strong enough to wake me up... I mean, who is in there, Richard Simmons? 

Momma Smith

I heart my Tummy Butter.  You should get some, even if you're not pregnant.  While I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it keeps the stretch marks away, it feels so nice to my dry and itchy skin.  

In Other News

Mr. Smith has assembled our nursery furniture... all by himself!  It looks so nice!  We're pumped about it.  I would show you a picture, but the room looks like a tornado hit it, so pics to come once the room has been straightened, I promise.  I also wanted to take a picture of Mr. Smith in his "Tim the Tool Man Taylor" mode, but he wouldn't let me.  I think it was the super sexy Christmas Jingle Bell fleece pajama pants he was wearing.  But I could be wrong.

We start our Childbirth Education classes this week!  The nerd in me is super excited about this new learning task at hand.  I was warned not to take a notebook - insert sad sigh here - by a pal, so I'll resist for Week One.  But I can't make any promises after this week! 

We've also completed our Registry at Target.  Mr. Smith gave it the final approval and thumbs up last night, so yet another thing's been crossed off the To Do List. 

I actually feel ahead of the game.  This could also be the calm before the storm, I know, I know. 

I've broken down all of our 'To Do's" on handy little post-it notes in my 2011 planner, up until Baby's arrival.  It ranges from the mandatory (have car seat properly installed) to the more leisurely (have house professionally cleaned - I scored a Groupon for this, so I'm still being frugal) to the downright pampering (get manicure and pedicure - again, another Groupon for this!). 

So far for January, we're ahead, which I think is a perfect start to the New Year. 

Oh, What a Year.... We're Gearing up for Another Eventful One!

Wow.  I cannot believe 2010 has come and gone, and we're sitting on Day 3 of 2011.  2010 was overall pretty good to our little newlywed home, let's review, shall we?  Forgive me if I speak in financial nerdy terms:

The Good
Cooper the Pooper joined our family in January for Mr. Smith's surprise birthday present.  He's been both a joy and handful ever since. 

We watched oodles of our nearest and dearest tie the knot, and loved celebrating with them.  (Count it:  we were in 5 weddings total in 2010!)

We celebrated our One Year Anniversary with a relaxing weekend trip to Ellijay, Georgia.

We also watched more friends welcome babies and started talking about our own future family plans... for approximately one second.  Then SURPRISE!  The Big Man decided Mr. and Mrs. Smith were ready for a new adventure - Baby Smith.  (All prayers are requested in advance for this adventure.)

We met our Savings Goal and paid off our credit cards, only to be hit by Murphy (or stabbed in the back by Murphy, whatever you prefer...) near the end of the year.  But we're still starting our year with our Savings Goals met. 

We also diligently put moola in our Retirement Accounts every month, even though I thought of about a bazillion things more fun to do with that money.  I know, I know... compounding interest and all of that. 


The Bad
Murphy's Law hit us several times this year with some nice little surprises .  A fallen tree in the backyard, a new roof, leaking dishwasher (still dealing with this Drama), new brakes for both our vehicles...ugh.  Murphy set us back a little in some of our goals, like my highly anticipated goal of paying off my car at year's end, but we're back on track now.

Goals for the New Year

Rather than bore you with the "To Do Lists" on each month's page in my planner (roll your eyes, I've already admitted I'm a nerd), here are some of our Goals for the New Year:

1.  Have baby.  (Duh)

2.  Start a Christmas Club account to be better prepared for next Christmas's spending (check it off the list - already started it!)

3.  Couponing - I use to be pretty good at this, then I became lazy and comfortable with my weekly Wal-Mart runs.  But I get inspired by Budget Buddies like Mrs. Searson and her Couponing Prowess, so I'm dusting off my skills in this department, ready to get it moving again.  I figure this will come in handy when Baby Smith and all his money demands arrive as well.

4.  Pay off Car by May 1st.  There - I've said it.  It's out there, now I must make it happen.  My goal is to get it paid off by the time Baby Smith arrives, so it's one less monthly payment - just in time for daycare right?  :)

5.  Remain diligent in monthly payments to Retirement accounts. 

6.  Mr. Smith has stepped up to the plate and declared he will be cooking dinner at least once a week.  This may or may not have anything to do with what he's currently reading - "The Expectant Father."  I also receive a lot more hugs this weekend, which I KNOW is in that book.  I'm on to you, Mr. Smith...

7.  Research and start College Savings Fund for Baby Smith.  ESA?  529 Plan?  I'm new in this department, so any suggestions are welcome. 

Crowd Pleasers...

Need some easy crowd pleasers?

Here are some easy favorites that are sure to please a pregnant friend who has weird cravings any crowd!

Ham  & Swiss Finger Sandwiches

You'll Need:

Dinner Rolls

Ham

Swiss Cheese

Yellow Mustard

Worcestershire

Poppy Seeds

Butter

Mix up yellow mustard, worcestershire, and poppy seeds in a bowl.

Cut your dinner rolls in half, and smear that delicious spread on both sides. 

Place ham and swiss in roll.

Smear some butter on top, then bake in oven for about 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees.

Hmmm.... looks good, right?  Easy for a crowd or just at home for an easy dinner.

Baked Brie - a fav in our house!

You'll Need:

Crescent Rolls

Wheel of Brie

Topping (if you prefer)

Also optional:  pecans, walnuts, brown sugar

Roll out half of your crescent rolls and mash together seams, so it forms one continuous sheet.

Place brie wheel on top.

If you like, you can add your topping here, on top of the brie.

We usually add apricots to our treat, put I've heard pecans, walnuts, other fruit preserves as yummy as well.  It is just as good without any topping, especially if you're serving it with fruit.

Put your other half sheet of crescent rolls on top, like so.

Then, fold up your edges at the corners. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. 

Yumm......  serve with crackers.

Or if cooked plain, serve with fruit.

We've been perfectly lazy this long New Years weekend... catching up on things like assembling nursery furniture, de-cluttering, cleaning out the fridge, laundry, etc.

Hope you all have a helper like I've had with all your household chores!