It's a...

Michael and I are so excited to finally get to tell everyone that we are having a BOY! We feel so incredibly blessed and thankful that God has chosen us to be his parents and we can not wait to meet our little guy! I missed posting a picture and updates during weeks 18 & 19 because I have been sick. I have been sick for almost two weeks with a sinus infection, ear infection and bronchitis so I haven't been feeling up to doing anything. Luckily I was able to get some medicine and I'm slowly but surely starting to feel normal again!

How far along: 20 weeks and 2 days

Baby's size: 6.5 inches long and about 10 ounces. The size of mango and the length of a banana. During the ultrasound, the ultrasound tech said that our little guy is measuring in about 12 ounces.

 

Sleep: Not sleeping well at all thanks to the sickness. Hopefully this will change soon!

Weight: 5 lbs. My diet has consisted of a lot of soup but I am sure this number will grow as soon as I'm over everything.
 

Maternity Clothes: Still not wearing my maternity clothes yet. My old clothes are a little tight and my maternity clothes are way too big so I'm in this awkward in between phase.  

Food cravings: I have not been hungry at all which is weird and nothing tastes good these days because I can't smell or taste anything :(

Food aversions: Everything but soup.

Symptoms I have: Heart burn...not a fan!

Doctor’s Appointment: We had our 20 week ultrasound yesterday and it was one of the best days of our lives :) We were able to spend 30 minutes watching our little guy move and show us his little personality. The ultrasound tech said that his profile looks like Michael and I agree! He has grown so much and he is such a feisty little guy! We are so in love with him already!
 

Movement: I feel him move ALL the time! I even felt him kick from the outside yesterday and today and I can't wait for Michael to feel it too.

Belly Button: Innie

Gender: All BOY!!

 

What I’m looking forward to: Having Michael feel the little guy move and looking pregnant instead of pudgy...

 

19 Weeks

 

 

After our appointment, Michael and I went out to dinner to celebrate. We went to Magianos because we both were wanting Italian and it was delicious! They give you so much food and if you order one of their pasta dishes they give you a second pasta dish to take home for dinner for the next night! I was thrilled because that means no cooking and cleaning up for me :)

 

We are so excited about our little guy!

 

 



 3 bags of leftovers...ridiculous

 

After dinner, we carved a pumpkin for our little man as a way to announce to our family and friends that we are having a boy!

 

 

 

 

And finally, the pictures of our little guy :)



He was not modest at all!

 

His left hand up by his face. Maybe he will be a lefty like his mom :)

 

Sweet little chin!

 

I think he is the most precious little guy in the world!

 

I can't wait to kiss these little feet.

 



Leaf Pepping

So it is officially Fall! I've heard several reports from the locals, that in CO we don't really have Fall. The weather kind of just jumps from Summer to Winter and I believe it! It is a chilly 36 degrees here with a high of 54 today! I definitely feel like I am getting accustomed to the dry cooler weather, but taking Beau out to use the restroom barefoot was a little ridiculous. I know I am going to enjoy all this cooler weather when I am further along in this pregnancy and feeling large and in charge. I have been trying to keep up with posting pictures and doing blog posts other than "baby posts", but we have been busy!

BRRR!!

We found a wonderful church that Michael and I LOVE. The church is in it's beginning stages and meets in an old church turned music hall. The congregation is a wonderful mix of young and old with most of its members in their 30s. We have met so many nice people and we really enjoy the sermons each Sunday. This church is a non-denominational church and bases it's values and practices on the gospel. Although this church is very "new age" in ways, I have found that so much of the way that they do things is based in tradition. We take communion every Sunday, which I appreciate because it is a reminder of the sacrifice that Christ did for us and how undeserving we are of his love and yet he is the one that pursues us! This church, in the two weeks that we have attended, has already encouraged my relationship with the Lord. I have found that when I do NOT have community and friends or family to share my heart with, I also stray away from my relationship with God. Being around other believers and by being encouraged by them I find that I am closer to God and in turn closer to my husband! It is fascinating how happiness, community and relationships with family and the Lord are all inter dependant!

The beginning of this move was difficult for not knowing anyone and not really having any kind of social outlet since I do not really have co-workers and I just started my job. But, I have done something that is totally out of character for me and I actually pursued new friendships! I have found making new friends as stressful and awkward as the beginning of a dating relationship. There's this point in the beginning where you don't really know what the other person likes, dislikes and what their values are so it's hard but I am determined! One way I've made friends was by joining a group for mom's that are due with babies in February and March. Five of us met up for dinner last Friday night and I had a wonderful time! 2 of the moms already have kids and the rest of us are new moms. It's so great to be able to share thoughts, questions and advice with one another. I also plan on Michael and I hanging out with one of the other first time moms and her husband sometime soon! The second way we have made friends is with our small group or "city group" with church. In each area in Denver, our church has small groups that meet once a week to dive deeper into what was discussed during the sermon. Our group is awesome and I can't wait to see the relationships develop and to see how God works in each of our lives :)

Now on to some pictures from last weekend. I convinced Michael to take me leaf peeping and although it has been so dry and there is a beetle infestation affecting the trees, we were definitely not disappointed!

 

Snow in the mountains! We should be getting some more this weekend!

 

Beautiful lake right outside of Nederland, CO

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gorgeous colors in the Aspen!

 

 

 

 

We had a great weekend and we are on our way early tomorrow morning to watch the Rebels Play! Hotty Toddy! I will have plenty of pictures from this weekend to share!  I am so excited to be getting to spend the weekend with both of our families!

Baby update! 17 weeks

How far along: 17 weeks and 5 days
 

Baby's size: 5.2 inches long and about 5 ounces. The size of an onion or chicken breast (yuck!)
 

Sleep: I don't know if my torso is running out of room or the baby is just really low but I am up about 5 times in the night so it's hard to get good sleep :(

Weight: +4/ 5 lbs depends on the day and it's slowly creeping up there. I've been gaining about half a lb each week during the second trimester.
 

Maternity Clothes: Still not wearing my maternity clothes yet. My jeans fit better this week because my baby bump is moving up more so maybe I'll be able to wear them at least until 20 weeks.

 

Food cravings: Still marshmallows! But I've run out so I need to restock.

 

Food aversions: None

Symptoms I have: Some growing pains and I get VERY full fast.

 

Doctor’s Appointment: I had an appointment at 16 weeks and I will have one at 20 weeks!
 

Movement: Definitely feeling the little one move! At first it was only at night right before I went to bed and was laying down and still. The first time I felt it move during the day was when we were visiting our new church during one of the songs and it took my breath away I was so surprised :) I feel it thump or kick occasionally during the day and pretty much any time that I lay down. Feeling the baby move is probably the best part of this entire pregnancy and the most amazing feeling!

 

Belly Button: Innie and I hope it stays that way.

 

Gender: ?? We find out in 2 weeks!
 

What I’m looking forward to: Finding out if it's a boy or a girl and picking out a name for this precious little one!
 

What I miss: Sleep and not being so sporadic with my eating. I'm either starving or stuffed never in between...
 

16 Weeks and some updates!

The last three weeks have been exciting and busy with company and new job trainings (more on this later!). My grandparents on my dad's side, Pete and Fanelle were in Denver and we were able to see them several times! Fanelle is incredibly talented at sewing and knitting beautiful clothes and blankets. She gave me two blankets for the new baby but I will only show a picture of one so that I don't give away the baby's gender ;)

 

My first baby gift! I can't wait to wrap our little one in this beautiful blanket!

 

Papaw Pete and Nana Fanelle. We are so blessed to have her in our family!



 

The next weekend, two of my best friends from high school, Megan and Sara came to Denver for a visit. It was so wonderful to have my friends with me an entire weekend. The first night they were in town we stayed up till 2 am talking and I loved every minute of it. The next day Sara and Megan went to Boulder to visit Megan's cousin and I had to go to a training for work. We then headed to dinner at the Ale house in the Highlands area of Denver. Dinner was delicious and the view was phenomenal! After dinner we headed to Blake Street Tavern to watch the Ole Miss vs. Texas game.

 



Awesome view of the Denver skyline from the roof top patio

 

We enjoyed our lobster mac and cheese!

 

Hotty Toddy!

 

The game was a disappointment but we had a great time in downtown Denver. The next day we went to Golden and explored around town after stopping at Starbucks for a Pumpkin Spice latte! We had lunch at The Golden Hotel restaurant and it was delicious.

 

 I love these girls so much!

 

Golden is beautiful!

 

 He is so sweet :)

 

Our last stop was at the red rocks

 

It was such a fun weekend and I can't wait till I get to see Megan and Sara again! A lot has happened with the little one too! Here are some updates.

 

 

The little one is now the size of a turnip

 

This picture was taken at 15 weeks. Not much of a change yet but my tummy is definitely growing!

 

How far along: 16 weeks and 2 days
 

Baby's size: Everything I read says the little bean is no longer the size of a bean but more like a turnip! Baby is measuring about 5 inches crown to rump and 5 ounces.
 

Sleep: I'm up every 2-4 hours, things probably won't be changing for quite some time ;)
 

Maternity Clothes: I bought some maternity clothes so I'm ready but not wearing any although my jean selection is getting very limited :) The rubber band trick has come in handy!

 

Food cravings: Marshmallows...I know weird! I have 3 bags of them in my pantry and I have been enjoying a marshmallow after each meal :) My favorite are the new pumpkin spice marshmallows! Michael says he is not a fan of my choice of dessert ha!

 

Food aversions: None

Symptoms I have: None. I have been incredibly lucky my entire pregnancy. I have a stuffy nose every now and then but I don't think the baby is to blame :)

 

Doctor’s Appointment: I had an appointment today with my new Dr. and I loved her! She is so calm and collected which is a huge difference from my last Dr. She did the doppler and found the baby's heart beat which was the most amazing sound to hear :) I will have another appointment in 4 weeks and the anatomy ultrasound!
 

Movement: Thought I was feeling some movement over the past week but it was not until yesterday that I knew it was the baby for sure. Last night around 1am the little sweat pea was having a party in my belly. This is an amazing and weird feeling all at the same time.

 

Belly Button: Innie and I hope it stays that way.

 

Gender: ?? We find out in 4 weeks!
 

What I’m looking forward to: Finding out who this little one is and of course having this little one in my arms!
 

What I miss: Sleep...I have a feeling this is not going to change for many many years but it is totally worth it! 

PINK or BLUE, either will do!!

Michael and I are so excited that we finally get to share the news with everyone! Here are some pictures of our little one and some memories over the past 13 weeks that I am journaling so that I remember down the road. Baby Repking will make his/her debut sometime in early March!

This is how we announced the big news to Michael's family right before we moved to Denver (by the way that is Bocephus)

 

First ultrasound to confirm that there was a little bean in there!

 

It's growing! (9 weeks)

 

Precious baby feet that I can't wait to kiss! (loves crossing it's ankles)

 

Sweet little one! (12 weeks)

 



How Far Along: 13 weeks and 1 day

Maternity Clothes: Not yet.
 

Gender: We are happy either way :)

 

Movement: Not yet.
 

Sleep: I can't get enough!
 

What I miss: Sleep! Every once in a while I still want a Dr. Pepper and I've been enjoying my extremely diluted coffee and tea in the morning.

 

Cravings: I don't have any specific cravings, although I enjoy cooking more and can't stand the smell of fast food!
 

Best Moment this week: Having a little more energy to exercise and to get some things done around the house.

Other random symptoms from the past couple of months: I want to be able to remember these details.
-I was completely drained and exhausted the first 9 weeks but regained some energy and enjoyed lots of hikes in TX and a 6 mile hike with Mom and Michael at Rocky Mountain National Park.
-We got to hear and see the heartbeat at 6, 7, 9 and 12. How amazing is it that such a tiny little person can have such a strong heartbeat! I thought I would cry, but I just kept smiling. It was such a relief to see the flicker every time.
-I am so lucky to be able to have had Michael at all of my appointments.
-From the moment I found out I was pregnant there hasn't been a night that I've slept straight
through without having to get up to use the bathroom.
-I get full really fast. It's too bad, because I'm starving all the time. :)
-A few days of nausea in the first 8 weeks and random waves of nausea here and there. I haven't actually gotten sick once. I am considering myself a very lucky lady. The nausea is completely gone. (fingers crossed!)
-My sense of smell has been strong since almost the day I found out I was pregnant this can be good or bad depending on the situation ;)

-During our transnuchal ultrasound we (Mom, Michael and I) were able to see our precious little one from it's head to its toes. This was one of the best days of my life! The baby was showing us his/her dance moves and crossing it's ankles. The ultrasound tech even made a guess at the baby's gender! We will share this later as it's not 100% yet.
 

2 + 1 = 3

picture from http://www.sweetsimplicityblog.com/

 



Taos Shrimip Salad

Here is a recipe for a delicious salad that Mom and I had in Taos, NM. The recipe is one that I came up with to try to reproduce the one that we had in Taos.

Taos Shrimp Salad

Ingredients

• 1 large clove garlic
• 1 tablespoon coarse salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 avocado sliced
• 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds

 Directions

1. Preheat grill or stove for medium heat.
2. In a small bowl, crush the garlic with the salt. Mix in cayenne pepper and paprika, and then stir in olive oil and lemon juice to form a paste. In a large bowl, toss shrimp with garlic paste until evenly coated.
3. Lightly oil pan or grill grate. Cook shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until opaque.
4. Rinse salad greens and place in a platter
5. Place spicy shrimp on top of greens and garnish with avocado slices and sunflower seeds.
6. Drizzle Jalapeno  Dressing on top of salad.            

Jalapeno Dressing Recipe

Ingredients

• 5 cloves garlic
• 1 heaping tablespoon chopped pickled jalapenos, plus 1 or 2 whole pickled jalapenos, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 shallot, finely chopped

Directions

In the jar of a blender or the bowl of a food processor, combine garlic, 1 tablespoon jalapenos and mustard; pulse until pureed. Add salt, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and vinegar; pulse until smooth. With the blender running, add olive oil in a slow, steady stream; mix until emulsified. Transfer mixture to a small bowl and stir in shallots and remaining jalapenos.