Baby Lyons | Week 17

How Far Along? 17 weeks

Size of Baby: An onion or a turnip (5 inches long, 5 oz)

Gender: It's going to be a surprise!

Weight Gain: Up 6 pounds at my 15 week check-up. Sticking to the monthly weigh-in's for now. I've never really been much of a "step on the scale daily" kinda person, so it's easier for me. Don't get me wrong - come week 19, I'm going to be dying to know, but it's just easier not to worry myself silly over gaining too much. Overall, I feel pretty good and am staying active - which is most important. 

Maternity Clothes: Loving my new maternity jeans from motherhood maternity and lots of leggings. Still able to wear my basic old navy and banana republic ones for now - think I may need to graduate to a preggo pair soon. 

Nursery: We have our first piece of furniture in the nursery - my dresser {and my moms and nana's}  from when I was a little girl - came back with us from the coast. It looks so cute in the soon-to-be nursery. On the long road trip I spent lots of time getting creative and trying to imagine what it's going to look like. For now our next steps are to just get everything cleared out... it's sorta a catch-all at the moment. 

Movement: Still waiting on those flutters. 

Symptoms:  Well, week 17 started off with a terrible 24 hr stomach bug that was just down-right awful. I couldn't even keep water down. Not sure if I ate something bad or caught a small bug - but either way, I wouldn't wish it upon anyone. I was pitiful. I've really been watching what I eat ever since and trying to keep it simple. A lil round belly is really starting to show - and remind me often that it's growing. Everything just seems to be a little harder to do these days. Other random things, like lower back pain and under the rib cage pain showed up this week too! 

Sleep: Sleeping on my side has been hard - my arms and shoulders have been falling asleep from laying on them and I am still trying to find a cozy spot that works. A few restless nights, but am thankful for a long weekend at home to catch up on sleep! Otherwise feeling pretty good during the day, as long as I have something to snack on. 

Workouts: Ever since my lil stomach bug, I've haven't had enough energy to do much - but I did make it to yoga on Monday.

Cravings: White cheddar popcorn, Cheetos, peanut butter and bananas, Cheerios. 

What I Miss: Maybe just a good nights' sleep. 

Best Moment This Week: Unpacking some Christmas gifts for you in the nursery. You already have enough toys and stuffed animals to keep you busy for a little while. Also, seeing my old dresser in your room is pretty awesome. 

Looking Forward To: Feeling you kick! 

It's my last week at my job - J helped pack up my office and get most everything moved across town into my new one this past weekend. Still have a lot to do, but enjoying wrapping up lots of projects and looking forward to my new adventure ahead. 

Tasty Tuesday | Garden Baked Chicken

I'm back with Tasty Tuesday today to share a new dish we tried out on Saturday night. This Garden Baked Chicken, adapted from here was quite tasty! Just a few simple steps and you have a super flavorful and pretty healthy meal. 

GARDEN BAKED CHICKEN

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, chopped
One package Zesty Italian Dressing mix (Good Seasons brand)
4 Roma tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup chicken stock
8 oz. cream cheese, cubed
5 oz. fresh spinach
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
8 oz. shredded mozzarella

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Sauté onions and mushrooms in the butter and a drizzle of olive oil until tender.  Remove from heat.  Spoon the mushrooms and onions out and discard any juice.

Place chicken stock and cream cheese in a large bowl and microwave a minute or two to melt the cream cheese. Whisk the dressing mix, garlic powder, and black pepper into the cream cheese mixture until smooth. Stir in the tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, and spinach.  

Place the chicken breasts into a casserole pan.  Pour the cream cheese and veggie mixture over the chicken.  

**next time I would use a large 9 x 13 baking dish. 

Bake for 45 minutes or until the chicken is done. Since I used a smaller baking pan, I dished out a couple servings into a separate dish, then sprinkled cheese over the top and stick it under the broiler a few minutes to melt the cheese.

The sauce is so darn tasty, and it makes enough to serve over pasta if you'd like. Enjoy!

2014 | A year in Review

After a long holiday road trip down south, we made it home late on Friday night and spent the weekend unpacking, organizing, cleaning-out and relaxing. I finally had time to sit down and reflect a little on our adventures in 2014. We had an amazing year filled with lots of hard work, happy times, and memories that I know we'll remember forever. The blog sometimes took a back step to well, life, but it was still fun to keep up when I could.

In January we decided that a move was in our future. So we started prepping {and saving} for a big move in June. Work kept me super busy with our Centennial, but it was all worth it come June. We were even able to squeeze in a few small vacations or weekend trips to 30a in March, Charleston in May, Captiva and Charlotte in July, Nebraska and Mango in August, DC in September, the Gulf Coast in October and some great holiday fun in December.

In early October we received the best news yet - that in 2015, we get to welcome to the world a new little baby boy or girl. Since early October we have been beaming and everything we do seems to bring on a whole new meaning. Four of my bridesmaids welcomed babies in 2014 and it has been such a blessing to watch them grow and learn. I can't wait to experience all 2015 has to hold!

I thought it would also be fun to re-cap my Top 10 Posts of 2014

one. Christmas Cards and Baby News 

two. Baby Lyons | Weeks 5-12

three. The Centennial Ball

four. Wedding Wednesday: Pew Hangers

five. Five on Friday | Fall Favs 

six. Lyons' Holiday Fun 2014

seven. Sword & Plough 

eight. oh Hey Friday | FREE Auburn Printable 

nine. House Remodeling | Open Coffee Cabinet  

ten. Summer Suppers | Tequila Lime Chicken 

Many thanks to all of you that following along, comment, like and share. I love hearing from readers and sharing a little slice of our sweet lil life in Virginia. Wishing you all the best in 2015! 

Baby Lyons | Weeks 13 - 16

I didn't have a photographer, but had to capture this cute lil belly shot. I think it's the snug dress and angle, but how presh? 

How Far Along? 13 weeks
Size of Baby: A peach (2.9 inches long)
Gender: It's going to be a surprise!
Weight Gain: Up 1.5 pounds.
Maternity Clothes: Not yet, but the pants skirts, tops and dresses are getting snug. 
Nursery: Was able to do some pinning for the lil cubs' room this week. Decorating will have to wait a few more weeks, but it doesn't hurt to start planning, right?
Movement: None yet, but I can tell the lil peach is twisting and turning around in there. 
Symptoms: This was a hard week... I jumped straight from a week of thanksgiving and fun, to three really long work days that left me exhausted, literally. I canceled a work trip to stay home and sleep. Literally. After a few days on the sofa, I finally got a little energy back. I realized just how much work it is making a baby! 
Sleep: Sleeping pretty good.... a few late nights made for sleepy mornings, but my long day of rest on Thursday made up for the lack of rest. 
Workouts: Had my last yoga class and made it to the gym once. Also made it out for one long run. I miss my daily workouts and am really looking forward to {hopefully} getting some energy back soon.
Cravings: Just food in general. ha! My appetite has been amazing. I'm eating every two hours, literally. 
What I Miss: Maybe eggnog? Eggnog without Bourbon just isn't the same... but then again, this is so much better. :)
Best Moment This Week: Getting to share with a few co-workers this week was really fun! 

Looking Forward To: A big week ahead.... lots of Christmas parties, sharing our baby news and ending the week with a getaway to the Greenbrier with some good friends to celebrate birthday's, babies and an engagement! 

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Our "family portrait" at the Greenbrier.

...and the only picture I took solo. Sorry no bump pic this week. 

How Far Along? 14 weeks

Size of Baby: A lemon (3.4 inches long)

Gender: Keeping it a surprise!

Weight Gain: Still going off my 12 week check-up at 1.5 pounds up, but I am certainly feeling the weight of the holidays.

Maternity Clothes: Broke down and did my first shopping this week for some essentials, including new workout tights. I figured a lil inspiration couldn't help get me motivated again.
Nursery: Piled with Christmas presents and boxes at the moment.
Movement: Haven't felt anything yet. 
Symptoms: Stil have a pretty stuffy nose. Really tired. Otherwise, feeling pretty good. 
Sleep: Sleeping ok. Getting up a few times to potty of course. Also not getting to bed as early as I wish, so really exhausted in the mornings. 
Workouts: Almost non-exisitant. :(  We had parties almost every night this week (which was so much fun), but I also couldn't muster up any energy to get out for a single run. I think we may have made to the gym for a walk on the treadmill one night. To be honest - a lil disappointed in myself, but trying to focus on that energy that is supposed to return any day now. :)
Cravings: Lots of fruit! One late night I suddenly got an urge for cheese {melted, or course} and crackers and had to have them right away. That was sorta funny. 
What I Miss: More energy for workouts maybe? What I certainly don't miss... a full week of hangovers after holiday parties. 
Best Moment This Week: Sharing our news with friends and family via our Christmas cards! It's been so much fun getting phone calls, shrieks, texts and emails. Makes me so happy that everyone finally knows. I also got to share some exciting news about a new job I just accepted, and since good things come in 3's. We also celebrated my 31st birthday! Such a happy and wonderful week. I just feel so blessed right now. 

Looking Forward To: Christmas!! Finally getting to wrap some presents and also... getting back to blogging!

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How Far Along? 15 weeks
Size of Baby: An orange (4.2 inches long)
Gender: Keeping it a surprise!
Weight Gain: Up 4 pounds at my 15 week check-up. Up 6 pounds total.
Maternity Clothes: Still trying to stretch my clothes as long as possible, but the selection is getting limited. Loving leggings and tunics, but the supply is limited. 
Nursery: Still our craft/office/christmas wrapping room. Once the holidays are over we thought we would get started on cleaning out and decorating. 
Movement: Doc says I should be feeling something soon... looking forward to it!
Symptoms: Missing my energy and peppiness, but overall feeling ok.  Still a lil queasy here and there, but overall just tired.
Sleep: Sleeping ok. Stuffy head in the mornings. Getting up a few times to potty of course. 
Workouts: It's been nice to get back into the swing of working out. Made it to the gym a couple times and got in two nice long runs. Shooting for every other day for now. Hoping to have some more free time over the holidays to get out for walking and long runs!
Cravings: Still loving fruit, cheese and crackers, salads, french fries, pizza. More salty than sweets. 
What I Miss: Nothing as of lately!
Best Moment This Week: Starting to pick out stuff for the lil babe! Traveling gave me lots of time in the car to get started on the registry. We decided to go with Baby List to keep it all in one place - so far, I really like it!

Looking Forward To: Celebrating Christmas with both our families and lots of friends! 

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Check out that baby bump... I think that was after a big Christmas dinner, but I love it!

How Far Along? 16 weeks
Size of Baby: An avocado ( 4.6 inches long)
Gender: Keeping it a surprise. 
Weight Gain: Going off my 15 week doc check-up: Up 6 pounds since my starting weight.
Maternity Clothes: Well, my jeans are officially on the shelf for now. They finally got to the point where they are just so un-comfy by themselves. Mom bought me a BellaBand and my first pair of maternity jeans. {They are pretty funny, but so cozy!}
Nursery: Starting to pin away and add nursery items to the registry! We pulled down my crib while at home and are going to do some research on using it. We also have my dresser from when I was a baby, and my mom was a baby, and my Nana was a baby that is coming back to VA with us. :) 
Movement: Nothing yet, but getting excited to start feeling something soon.
Symptoms: Been really tired this week and very hungry. Headaches when I don't eat and weird pains in the tummy.  Besides my growing belly, feeling pretty good. 
Sleep: Sleeping great - up a few times to potty, but soaking up a solid 9 hours each night.
Workouts: Got in several great runs and walks each day this week. Feels great to be back up and moving! I can defiantly tell it wears me out more, but I can also tell that I am feeling better overall with being able to get workouts in. Being at the beach doesn't hurt... since it's flat and beautiful for long runs!
Cravings: Just real foods... enjoying all the snacks and holidays goodies. Cheese and crackers, pigs in a blanket, chez mix, sausage balls, you name it. 
What I Miss: Eating extra healthy! Looking forward to getting back to a regular routine and lots of fruits and veggies. 
Best Moment This Week: Visiting with all our families and friends. We have had the chance to visit and soak up lots of family time, which I have loved! Everyone is so excited about your arrival and can't wait until June to meet baby Lyons. 

Looking Forward To: Getting to work on the Nursery when we get back to Virginia!

Happy to have reached the 17 week mark. Will try to keep the bump-dates coming weekly from now on, just wanted to get caught up for the lil cub. Cheers to enjoying the rest of our long break and safe travels home!

Lyons' Holiday Fun 2014

We have had a wonderful holiday break this year with extra amounts of excitement for the arrival of Baby Lyons and catching up with family and friends we haven't see in awhile.  Just thought it would be fun to do a quick re-cap of our holiday celebrations.

We started our trip south with a stop at the Grove Park Inn to see the holiday decor and gingerbread house competition. The decorations were just beautiful and the atmosphere was a perfect kick-start to the holidays.

The gingerbread houses were incredible, they had competitions for each age group that were so impressive. The first place prize went to a chess board with an incredible amount of details! I even took a video to soak it all in.

We arrived in NC to visit with J's parents for Christmas week and enjoyed a lot of down time. We cooked a ton, ate a ton more, visited with their friends, opened lots of presents and got out for a few runs on the greenway in town. We didn't take a ton of pictures {mostly because we stayed in PJ's and workout cloths for the majority of the trip}, but we did get a cute picture by the Christmas tree after Christmas Eve mass. 

Also had to share this adorable throw-back of Baby J and 35 year old J! 

Christmas 1980 and 2014

The day after Christmas we packed up and headed south to see more family and friends. After a pit-stop in Auburn for Momma G's, we met Lyns and Neal on the road for a fun visit and some ice-cream. Miss Allie is getting so big and is such a wonderful baby!

We forgot to take a pic, so I stole one of Allie and her Auntie! 

Christmas with my family was so much fun and has lasted over a span of 4 days... and still going. Get ready for picture overload. First we celebrated with my parents.

We celebrated with one brother and his fam.

The Virginia alphabet my sister-in-law penciled for the baby's room. So excited to have this framed!

We celebrated with my other brother and his fam.

Then with the cousins via a throwback Polaroid.

....and we have been soaking up 70 degree temps since we arrived, eating lots of seafood and are looking forward to a trip over to the beach today to dip our toes in the sand. It's been a wonderful break filled with lots of excitement and cheer! Couldn't ask for a better way to enjoy the holidays. Looking forward to NYE on the coast and the arrival of Baby Charles any day now... we can't wait to meet you lil bit!

Twas the Night Before Christmas

Merry Christmas Eve y'all! We are nestled in for a few days of cooking and eating, stories and laughter, movies and hot cocoa ...and even hoping for a visit from ole' St. Nick tonight.

I wanted to share some of our favorite Christmas Eve traditions...

Making homemade cinnamon rolls and sausage pinwheels for Christmas morning. These are close.

Children's Christmas Eve Mass with lots of singing and holiday cheer!

New jammies (usually matching) that Santa's elves drop off after mass on Christmas Eve.

For dinner... On the coast it's GranDe's homemade gumbo and fried shrimp for dinner. Here in the mountains it's my mother-in-law's homemade lasagna and salad.

After dinner it's egg nog and a good ole reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas! Sometimes we even break out the cajun version or Florida version when on the coast.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!!

Baby Lyons | Weeks 5-12

Since we found out about our lil cub, I have been keeping weekly notes to share on the blog! It's been fun reading back each week to see what's happening and how things are progressing. Fun to see the pictures as well.  So, today I am sharing our first trimester, weeks 5-12. Enjoy!

How Far Along? 5 weeks
Size of Baby: Orange seed (0.13 inches)
Gender: I can't even begin to wonder ... everything is so fresh and new!
Weight Gain: Haven't stepped on scale, but I can't really tell.  I have felt a bit bloated in my lower belly and of course in the bosoms. :)
Maternity Clothes: Let's hope not for a while. 
Nursery: Well, I guess it is what we currently call my new craft room. Guess that long-awaited venture will have to be postponed. Of course, with much-anticipated happiness. 
Movement: Nada.  Can't wait for this, though!
Symptoms: The "girls" are mighty large and sore.  A couple waves of nausea, but nothing that didn't pass. 
Sleep: Sleeping great. Exhausted when I hit the bed at night.
Workouts: Normal workouts this week, a walk or run each day and weights at the gym once. 
Cravings: I was starving all weekend. Maybe it was the long days and late nights... but man, I was polishing off some meals. After seeing that positive test, I've started paying more attention to my hunger pains and trying to decide if I'm really hungry or just need some good ole h2o.
What I Miss: I think it hasn't really hit me yet... but from a gal that loves her wine and coffee, I actually haven't missed it at all. Still weaning myself from my daily dose of Joe. They say 12 oz a day is allowed, right? 
Best Moment This Week: Taking a pregnancy test and seeing that positive sign. I was feeling pretty lucky this time around, but had a trip out of town for the weekend and wanted to wait to take a test, so J and I could find out together. It immediately turned positive... We just looked at each other is surprise and J said, "Well, I guess that's it, huh?" Such a surreal feeling and blessing all in one.
Looking Forward To: Doctor's appointment on Thursday to confirm the pregnancy!
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How Far Along? 6 weeks
Size of Baby: A pea (.25 inches)
Gender: No idea! 
Weight Gain: Last week at the doc I was the exact same as my annual check-up in August, so we'll say none just yet. 
Maternity Clothes: Many of my tops are getting a little snug in the chest. Wearing tight skirts or pants after eating is getting a little uncomfortable too. Started being more strategic with purchases and giving away clothes that were a little snug up top to begin with. 
Nursery: J and I did a quick assessment of the "craft room" this weekend and It's going to be the perfect space. We were also making a mental list of what needs to be done before baby arrives... aka, new carpet and window treatments. A new outside screen on the window too. Luckily, we just painted and I think the navy striped wall is going to be so fun for a nursery. 
Movement: Noting yet! I think this will be pretty cool when it does arrive. 
Symptoms: The past few mornings I have had a few waves of nausea. Also late in the evenings after dinner. My sniffer is out of control... I can smell everything. I girls are holding strong and very sensitive. Need to double-up on sports bras for a run these days. 
Sleep: Falling asleep around 10-10:30 each night and sleeping until around 4 or 5am - for a potty visit, then back to sleep until 7/7:30. I am defiantly logging some hours in the bed. That's what the baby needs, right? The rainy weather doesn't help!
Workouts: Was able to squeeze in a couple trips to the gym and a few runs outside as well. Trying to do some sort of activity each day. 
Cravings: Sunday, I had my mind set on lasagna for dinner, so that's what we had. Nothing else sounded good. Maybe that's a start... or just because I wanted lasagna? ha.  No aversions to anything yet. Trying to eat as many veggies as possible now before any sickness sets in. 
What I Miss: I do miss my turkey sandwiches and club sammies. They were an easy, fresh staple for lunch. 
Best Moment This Week: Visiting the doc and confirming the pregnancy! So fun to actually make it official and get some good guidance and reading materials. Also got to visit with my nurse practitioner before she left for maternity leave, so that was a nice bonus. 
Looking Forward To: A trip home this weekend! We are going to try keep things a secret since it's so early, we'll see how I do!  I think we will end up telling my parents - otherwise its going to be 5 very long days at home. 
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Traveling this week, so a pic with my Auburn gals will have to do for a "bump pic."

How Far Along? 7 weeks
Size of Baby: A blueberry (.51 inches)
Gender: Praying for a healthy baby. 
Weight Gain: Will be trying to stick to the doc's weight checks on this one, so that means 3 weeks  until an update. Trying to just stay healthy and not worry too much with stepping on the scale every day. 
Maternity Clothes: My dresses and tops are defiantly very snug. Jeans and pants are fitting fine at the moment, but get slightly uncomfy after eating. 
Nursery: At the moment - full of craft supplies, our office stuff, books and extra wedding gifts that have yet to be unpacked.  
Movement: Noting yet! 
Symptoms: I am starting to feel very nauseous when I don't eat... trying to snack on small things every couple hours and take down water while I can. Ginger-ale and saltines have helped keep the nausea at bay. Feeling very lethargic and not my usual chipper self during the day, especially late afternoons. My lower tummy is feeling very full and heavy. Constipation is the use' these days... lucky when I can go to the bathroom :)
Sleep: So happy to be traveling this week. We spent 4 days at home with my parents and slept a solid 10 hours each night, with a couple potty breaks of course. Taking full advantage of all the rest I can get while away. 
Workouts: Was so happy to be home and get in a long run or run/walk each day. Running at the beach is my favorite and I always enjoying logging some good hours on the road when at home. Felt a title nauseous a couple mornings, but after about a mile walk I was able to break into a jog. 
Cravings: My food choices are starting to get very strong. When I get a craving for something, that's all I want. Peanut butter, apples, fruit, veggies, crackers and cheese, and pizza have all been on the list this week. 
What I Miss: Having a beer on the beach, or in the boat, or while tailgating sounded nice... but I didn't really miss it. I do miss my soft cheeses and sandwiches. 
Best Moment This Week: Telling my parents! We decided a couple days before heading to the coast that we would tell them on Friday - it would be too hard to keep it a secret. So we ordered a baby lion and tied a cute note around his neck, "Baby Lyons coming June 2015" and had them open it. They were so happy and very surprised! It was perfect.  Hardest moment... keeping it from my brother and his wife and two of my very best friends. Ugh... I hate lying! 
Looking Forward To: A nice week traveling for work with my hubs. Also looking forward to seeing my AOII's in Auburn this weekend and your very first trip to my alma mater... even though you're still just a little blueberry. :) 
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How Far Along? 8 weeks
Size of Baby: A raspberry (0.63 inches long)
Gender: Still amazed that we have a sweet lil raspberry growing so fast and quick!
Weight Gain: Two weeks until an official update from the doc. After traveling for 10 days, I'm trying to get back to healthy eating and living.
Maternity Clothes: Jeans are getting tight, especially sitting for a long period of time or after meals. Purshased some new leggings and a few flowy tops during our stop at the outlets. I did try on a pair of maternity jeans and they just made me laugh. Not quite ready for that step just yet.
Nursery: The craft room is starting to get cleaned out a lil more. Baby steps.
Movement: Nada.  But they say the baby will start moving around some this week...hoping this doesn't lead to more queasiness...but if so, I'm ready. 
Symptoms: If I don't eat every 2-3 hours, I'm instantly nauseous. Feeling tired most of the day and slight headaches here and there. Have I mentioned that my sniffer is on fire? hah, I can smell everything. 
Sleep: Up every morning around 5am for a pee break. Sleeping a solid 8-9 hours every night. Even snuck in a nap or two this week during lunch. 
Workouts: Was able to get in a walk or run every day. Trying to take more steps by walking to work and parking in the furthest spot in the parking lot, taking the stairs, etc. It seems to be helping. I am feeling pretty good and not bloated.
Cravings: Loving peanut butter.. on toast, crackers, TCBY, ...by the spoonful, you know. Fruit is still the top of the list and feeling very thirsty. Lots of water and LaCroix! Ginger ale has helped when I'm feeling less than peppy and crackers, cheese, hummus. Had pizza three times for dinner this past week - I guess you could day that was a craving? 
What I Miss: This is the first week that I have really missed my sandwiches. Just craving a big cold fresh sub with turkey, ham and lots of veggies. Cooked meat just isn't the same... 
Best Moment This Week: Getting to spend time with some old friends while traveling and spending a weekend on the plains with my hubby. We took in the full Auburn experience... visiting the Hall of Honor, the new Arena, the new Wellness Center, grabbing some Toomer's lemonade, laying on Samford lawn and taking in the sights. Walking around downtown and doing some shopping, then posting up in Moe's for the evening before heading to the hotel to crash and get ready for game day. Game day was a blast with my AOII's and their families. We decided to go to the game this year, and J found us awesome tickets on the 9th row in the end zone. It was such an exciting game! I can't wait to bring baby back for their first visit to my alma mater!
Looking Forward To: Seeing Jesse's parents on Thursday and getting to tell them the big news! It's their first grand baby... I know they are going to be thrilled! 
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I think we forgot a pic this week, so pumpkin pic will have to do! 

How Far Along? 9 weeks
Size of Baby: A green olive (1 inch long)
Gender: Just praying for a healthy development. Lots going on in there this week, so saying extra prayers for a healthy baby boy or girl! 
Weight Gain: Well, I finally caved and stepped on the scale this weekend. I was shocked to see that I was down one pound, because I certainly don't feel like it. Waiting for next week to officially have my first weigh-in since our initial pregnancy test.
Maternity Clothes: Not quite yet, however, days when I can wear tights and a tunic - I am in heaven. I feel like this is going to be my live-in line of clothes for the winter. 
Nursery: Started pinning away at my newest addition to the secret boards, The Cub House. Lots of fun ideas. Best of all, my mom has my dresser from when I was a baby... and from when she was a baby...and from when her mom was a baby. We will be picking up that bad boy at Christmas! Such a fun addition to the nursery. That and the small white rocking chair that has also been passed down from my grandmother... and was made by my great-grandfather.  Mom is also planning to retire from teaching next year and is already starting to pack up all her puzzles and books that were ours. Can't way to have them in the nursery. 
Movement: Unless my growing belly counts. Nada. 
Symptoms: I have had a few rough nights this week. Just feeling really uneasy and nauseous. trying to slow-down and take it easy. 
Sleep: I do miss getting off when it's still daylight, but I love the sun being up early in the mornings. Mornings are the hardest to get outta bed... especially now days, so seeing the sun makes me feel just a tad better about jumping out of bed. I had two very early mornings this week for election day and an event for the hubs... but I still got my 7-8 hours of sleep by going to bed early. 
Workouts: Started a 5 week beginner yoga class this week. I guess you wouldn't call me a beginner, but since I really haven't been going steadily, I don't want to jump right back in and hurt anything. Also got in a couple gym workouts and two long runs outside. 
Cravings: Loving fruit! Always thirsty. Multi-grain Cheerios have been my staple for that 6 a.m. stomach pain and also for dinner and snacks a few times this week. 
What I Miss: Soft cheeses. Really nothing though... it's too exciting and so worth it!
Best Moment This Week: Telling Jesse's parents was really fun. I was so relieved that we could tell them bc I had a pretty rough week. Just little sleep and not feeling all that great. They were over the moon when we told them, and totally shocked! It was great. 
Looking Forward To: Telling M&M next week!! They are going to be so excited. I can't wait!
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How Far Along? 10 weeks
Size of Baby: A prune (1.2 inches long)
Gender: I think we've decided we won't be finding out... not many surprises left in the world, so we thought this would be a good one to keep.
Weight Gain: Had my second official weigh-in at the doc this week and I was very happy to see that my weight at stayed exactly the same. No worries, defiantly eating my fair share, just trying to keep it in check while I can. 
Maternity Clothes: Tights and tunics/dresses and tights are becoming my wardrobe. 
Nursery: Did some serious cleaning out and putting away in the nursery/craft room this week. The nieces and nephews are visiting next week for Thanksgiving, so it gave us a boost to start cleaning out. It's amazing how those lil hands always seem to find anything and everything. Also started some research on cribs and started picking out what we like/dislike. Mom is doing some research on my Jenny Lind crib from childhood and safety standards. 
Movement: We got to have a quick ultrasound this week... and it was SO. COOL. Seeing those little arms and legs moving around in there was just so neat. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. 
Symptoms: The sniffling. Man. My head is constantly stuffy and J has affectionately dubbed my consistent stream of tissues "Pete blossoms" that I leave all over the house.  
Sleep: Getting lots of rest, but making a nightly, sometimes two, visits to the ladies room. Also waking up starving - sometimes at 4:30, sometimes at 6. But a bowl of cherrios usually does the trick and gets me back to sleep for a couple hours. 
Workouts: Yoga on Monday, Gym on Tuesday. Thursday I got in a quick 2 miles on the treadmill, but otherwise, workouts were walking through the airport and carrying boxes up three flights of stairs on Saturday. Still feeling good, just didn't have too much spare time on my trip to Indy for workouts. 
Cravings: Loving wheat thins, crackers, my nightly bowl of chocolate fro-yo when at home, sweet-tarts, big salads, and fries. Also starting to enjoy my coffee once again - usually just a half cup, but it actually smells good once again. 
What I Miss: Not too much. My energy is still really drained and I'm a lil slower in the mornings, so that's probably the hardest part. We still have lots going on, so trying to keep up and not show that I'm pregnant is really hard. 
Best Moment This Week: Our doctors appointment was by far the best moment! We got to meet one of the four docs that could possibly deliver our lil peanut, and he was super cool. Very young and laid back - let us ask lots of questions and just chatted. He tried to get the heartbeat with a hand-held, but couldn't hear it. So he snuck us into the ultrasound room for a quick peak at the babe. It was just so neat to see. I never really thought about how cool the first glimpse at our babe would be - but it was far greater than I ever imagined. Those tiny little arms and legs were just amazing to watch. He measured from head to tail and moved back my due date a couple days... now we are looking at June 10th. We also got to tell a couple special friends this week in person and that was so super cool! 
Looking Forward To: Prepping for the family to visit for turkey day! Also super excited for Deck the Halls next Saturday and telling our local friends. I can't wait to see their reactions. 

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How Far Along? 11 weeks
Size of Baby: A lime (1.5 inches long)
Gender: No inclination. 
Weight Gain: Last week was my second official weigh-in at the doc and I was very happy that I hadn't gained any weight. Still holding strong at my pre-baby weight and trying to make it one more week without any weight gain. Come on week 12. 
Maternity Clothes: Loving tights and big sweaters, scarves and vests. I can still fit into my work pants, so trying to squeeze a couple more weeks outta those. 
Nursery: All ready for the nieces and nephews to visit! Guess we will be testing it out. 
Movement: Just my belly growing. It's really starting to show - no hiding it in tight shirts or workout clothes. 
Symptoms: Still have a stuffy head this week. Starting to see some veins in my legs - hoping for the best there. Sometimes my right foot goes numb and for a day or so, I guess that's normal? Also felt a sharp twinge in my lower back all the way up to my neck for a day or so. 
Sleep: Getting up a couple times a night for water and to potty. Had a couple hard nights this week where I wasn't feeling so hot. Not sure if it was just being tired or what, I just didn't feel well at all. 
Workouts: Yoga on Monday, Gym on Tuesday.  A couple jogs outside. Workouts seem to be dwindling with the colder weather and my loss of energy.
Cravings: Peanut butter, cheese, fruit, candy... love me some sweet tarts and Laffy Taffy. 
What I Miss: Nothing much really, maybe just the idea of happy hour. 
Best Moment This Week: Telling our local friends. They were totally shocked! I wish I could have filmed their reactions. It was priceless... It was so much talking with them about the baby and getting to share fun stories and memories. Now four of the five of our local girls group is expecting, which is going to be so much fun! 

Looking Forward To: My family arriving for Thanksgiving - telling my brothers and their family. 
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How Far Along? 12 weeks
Size of Baby: A plum ( 2.1 inches long)
Gender: A tiger bebe (great story below)
Weight Gain: Great check-up at the doc this week and only a 1.5 lb weight gain!
Maternity Clothes: I gifted lots of clothes to my sister-in-law this week that I know I will never wear again. Yes, even after the babe arrives... maybe its' one of those "motherly things" now, but the looser the better. haha
Nursery: Was filled with lots of love and laughter this week as two of my nieces and one nephew piled in. We read books and played puzzles... colored and just laid in bed and chatted. It was so fun seeing the room full of kids stuff. Brought me lots of smiles and joy. :)
Movement: None that I can feel yet. But that lil babe was moving all around during my ultrasound this week. It was amazing to see all those lil fingers and toes, we even got a lil fist pump in the ultrasound pic. So precious. 
Symptoms: Picked up a nice lil cold from the kiddos that has knocked me on off my feet. 
Sleep: Getting up a couple times a night for water and to potty. Otherwise, sleeping great. Took a day off work and slept almost all day - it was lovely. 
Workouts: Yoga on Monday, Run on Tuesday, lots of running around the playground with the kiddos all week, sledding, snow ball fights, and a couple short walks and jogs around town. We stayed pretty active and on the go this week, which felt great! 
Cravings: Well, with it being thanksgiving and all I ate my fair share of turkey and all the trimmings. Stuffing, sweet tators, casseroles, cranberry sauce, veggies, pie - lots of pie! 
What I Miss: Nothing really. This week kept me plenty entertained. 
Best Moment This Week: Seeing our lil babe, and also.... telling my brothers. We decided it would be fun to tell the kids first and have them tell mom and dad. So we told them and explained to them that baby Lyons was coming in June. So they practiced and knew exactly what they were going to say.... until they got to the living room. They froze... for a few minutes, before Lucas blurted out, "they have a Tiger Bebe". Then Emilia chimed in, "no, an elephant baby." ...and finally, "No, a Lion baby!" Rob and Karen were so confused... they thought we were trying to play some sort of Auburn/Alabama trick on them. It was great!  The rest of the week Lucas called my baby a "Tiger bebe" and would ask how he was doing and give him kisses. It was so precious! We also sent the ultrasound to my other brother and his fam... they were so exited. This will be grand baby number 9 for my parents, so both brothers were ready for some Lyons babies to join their crew. 

Looking Forward To: Sharing our exciting news with the rest of our family and friends very soon! 

Bump-dates for weeks 13-16 coming next week.