20 Weeks!

Can you believe I'm halfway through?  I cannot wait to hold my wee little baby K.

Food cravings/aversions:  I am picky -- yet again.  I want salads (preferably from Texas Roadhouse).  I order like ten things and eat only one of them.  Tonight, I made Eric run to Panera.  He got me two kinds of soups....just in case one tasted bad.  I buy the weirdest food at the grocery store --  White Castle Cheeseburgers in the frozen section?!  They were SO gross.  But, for some reason I was drawn to them like a magnet!  Each day brings new cravings.  Oh, and I can't forget about the juice boxes...I feel like a five year old at our staff meetings with my Capri Sun.  No judging! :)

These are pictures of homemade chocolates Eric and I bought this last weekend on our little getaway trip to Galena.  I ordered a toffee bear?!  I've never liked english toffee but man was it goooooood...

Changes/feelings:  I feel visibly pregnant.  For the first time, the checker at Hy-Vee commented on Jack being a "big brother".  I love my belly!  I'd much rather have an obviously pregnant belly...than feel large-and-in-charge or like-I-ate-too-much-for-lunch.  OH, and one of my students this week said "Mrs. Krieger...are you pregnant!?"  Um, yes, Ian.  I announced it two months ago. :)

Memorable moments this week:  Gymnastics time!  This wee little one is moving and grooving like crazy.  It's such an unexplainable feeling -- even the second time around.  Baby K usually moves around after 9 pm when I've finally sat down for the evening.  I watch and hope for Eric to be able to feel it again.

What I am looking forward to:  March.  Enough said :).  Let's be honest, people...the nursery is complete and I have a closet filled with clothes!  I am an on-top-of-it pregnant lady who's ready for this baby already!  I can't wait for those snuggle moments...peaceful times...2 o'clock tv shows...yes I said it!  I'm ready for a little change in pace.  Oh, and I'll be COMPLETELY DONE with grad classes by then.  I think I'll have a double-triple margarita to celebrate (after the baby, of course!)

I feel great.  When people say "how are you feeling"...I kind of wonder what they mean by that.  I feel great!  I feel normal...just a little rounder.  But I'm so proud of the roundness. :)  Here's to 19 more weeks of feeling great!

16 Weeks!

The time is just flying now!  Before school started, I would check my pregnancy apps daily, I could tell you exactly how many days pregnant I was, and I had a count down to the second trimester.  Now, I guess how far along I am -- and secretly check sometime (usually days) later.  I haven't checked any pregnancy apps in awhile. :)  School (both teaching and classes at night) have made this pregnancy fly by...so far!

Food cravings/aversions:  For me, pregnancy = cravings.  Crazy cravings.  Hostess crumb doughnuts make their way into my breakfast routine at least once a week.  Chocolate milk.  Recently, the little blue kool-aid juices have tasted like liquid gold.  Oh, and I've eaten Carlos chips and salsa every day for lunch this week.  Just chips and salsa.  I am happy to say that I can still eat chicken (which I couldn't with Jack), and tomato sauce and chocolate.  I don't know if those are good or bad things.

My aversions are:  I feel sick and queasy when I drink pop, especially caffeinated pop.  Weird for me!  French fries are either my best friend or my worst enemy.  When they are fresh, I love them.  When they are stale, I swear I can taste EVERYTHING that has been fried with them.  Weird, again, I know. I cringe at the sight of buffalo sauce.  I ate a little too much of it at the very beginning.

Changes/feelings:  I'm starting to feel like I look pregnant!  I'm getting past that awkward stage of I-can-get-away-with-regular-clothes, however I probably shouldn't.  My maternity pants are too big, but they are much more comfortable than regular pants.  Many of the shirts I am wearing were from pre-pregnancy...only because I know soon they won't fit!  I haven't gained any weight...I've lost 5 pounds since before.  I don't know why I'm good at that during pregnancy?!

Memorable moment this week:  Ultrasound!  It was the sweetest, best idea ever.  It was an elective one.  I was DYING to know what baby K was...so we did it.  We counted fingers (10, check!), toes, organs, watched baby snuggle, and it was such a great experience.  I was sent home with a goodie bag, a cd of pictures, and a dvd of the ultrasound.  Kudos to Prenatal Vision!

Oh, and for the first time in 17 weeks, I woke up this morning without gagging.  Maybe, just maybe, the sickness has gone forever?!  I wouldn't be sad. at. all.

What I'm looking forward to:  Our next ultrasound...which will be our FIFTH one this pregnancy!  I just love seeing our little peanut bouncing around and waving at us.  It makes our appointments much more exciting.

I am so blessed.  I am so excited.  I am so ready for newborn baby snuggles.

March will be here...

...before I know it.

Just as soon as I think I'm ready to head back-to-school for the year, I get the holy-guacamole-I'm-so-swamped-how-can-I-possibly-do-it-all feeling back in my brain.  From teacher meetings, to tucking Jack into bed, to baby appointments and ultrasounds, to grad. class and observations....my to-do list is miles long.  What's keeping me going to start this school year?  My year, and all of my crazy to-dos, will END at the beginning of March!  Thank goodness.

Now, that doesn't mean I won't be busy then...it will just be a welcomed, different busy.  A diaper changing, bottle cleaning, toddler-chasing busy that I'm so excited for.  Not to mention a 5 1/2 month maternity leave until the next school year begins.

So, when I feel overwhelmed, I look down at my growing tummy.  Timing is everything....and the timing for this little peanut is perfect.

I'm looking forward to:

• a short, four day work week
• finishing my big grad. project of a formal evaluation on a teacher (that will be done on Friday)!
• friends!  My besties and their beaus are coming to visit this weekend!  We'll have appetizers and snacks while we root on Iowa for the big game, and then my fav. little babysitter is coming over so we can all go out for a night on the town in West Glen.  So excited!
• ultrasound :)  and the big gender reveal!  Will we have a family of four with two little boys or a boy and a girl?!  Jack still insists on it being a "brogger", however, he will say "sseeser" every once-and-a-while.
• Christmas present shopping.  Although, Jack has every toy I think that has ever been made for toddlers, I can't wait to buy him even more!  Oh, and books, too!

Happy Monday, everyone! :)

Gook!

On any given night, around 4 pm, Jack will say "gook gook gook, Mama!"  He wants to help me cook dinner!  He has a few sets of pretend pans...and that's how it all started.  To keep him out of my way when he was a little wee one, I'd plop him on the kitchen floor with his pretend pans and food.  Now, however, he wants in on the real "gook"ing action.  I plop him on the corner of our counter and there he sits for as long as I cook.  He watches intently as I chop onions, grabbing one to look at and smell.  He moves over when I need to use the can opener, and always helps to stir.  The usual "hot" comes while he's stirring, followed by "heeeeellllper helper!"  He loves to be a helper, especially when I'm cooking.

Here's his usual spot.  Cans sometimes get stacked and moved....and sometimes they end up on the floor.  Either way, I love my little "gook" assistant.  

Oh, and did you notice his "choo choos" in his hand?  He always carries something with him, usually in threes.  Usual suspects are:  his trains, his cars, or his "gofff baaa" or golf balls.  He's all boy that's for sure!  Oh, and as SOON as he sees a camera, he gets this cheesy grin on his face.  No matter when or where!  Makes my job easy :)

Life's getting busier!  With grad classes winding down, my fourth "first day of school" as a teacher now in the books, and baby appointments added to the list...we're busy.  A good busy.  It's easy to know that I'm busy at work and school now, but will soon be relaxing on an almost 6 month maternity leave with my not one, but TWO kids. :)  March will be here soon!

We heard peanut's little heartbeat last Friday, and followed up with an ultrasound Thursday.  At first I was nervous and was hoping for a heartbeat (since that's what we've been focusing on so long..) and I had to pinch myself and realize that of course there's a heartbeat, the baby was moving and grooving away!  This pregnancy is MUCH different than Jack's.  We were so naive and didn't worry about anything.  Now I'm a total worry wart and I annoy myself.  I hope that the second trimester changes into a time of enjoying this stage and relishing in our new little miracle soon to join our little family.

Here's an ultrasound picture of our wee little one...it was hard to capture because the little baby was just moving around like crazy!  We even saw it try and put it's finger in it's mouth...but it missed and put in near it's nose.  So cute!  We were secretly hoping for a big gender reveal (early I know!) but baby Krieger #2 had it's legs closed for like 5 minutes.  I guess October it is. :)

12 Weeks!

Random pregnancy thoughts:

1.  I love having four ice cubes in anything I drink.   No drink is worth while without ice!

2.  Maybe when I'm at school for 8 hours a day I'll end up buying less toilet paper?  I sure do pee a lot.

3.  I already miss some of my clothes.  Something about maternity clothes makes me want to puke.   Oh, wait, that could be babesky Krieger already taking over.

4.  Never eat an entire pan of brownies.   Pregnancy is no excuse!  Whoops...

How far along: 12 weeks.  Almost through this first trimester.  Wahoo!

Food cravings/aversions:  It changes everyday.  Pregnancy cravings are running rampant around the Krieger household.  I am embarrassed just typing this...I ate an entire pan of brownies in a few days last week.  Yes.  The entire pan, with help from Eric and Jack of course.  Gross.  I eat small meals because I feel really full after eating.  Oh, and guess what I'm drinking right now?  Apple juice.  The phenomenon has begun...

Changes/feelings:  Tired, pukey, happy, excited, tired, and pukey.  Does that sum up my changes and feelings?  I am feeling very calm knowing that we've made it this far!  That second trimester is soooooo close and I can't wait.  No more secrets. :)

Memorable moment this week:  "Jack, where's the baby?  {incessant points at my tummy}  Jack, can you say brother?  Brogger.  Sister?  Seeesser.  Jack, do you think the baby is a brother or a sister?  Brogger.  Are you sure?  Brogger, brogger, brogger.  Hiiiiiiii!"  He's going to be the best big brother, whether this little bean is a boy or a girl.

Least favorite moment this week: Sick sick sick.  Did I say sick?  I so understand sick pregnancies now.  I'm hoping back-to-school routine will get me out of this sick rut.  It's all worth it :)

What I am looking forward to:  Next week's ultrasound!  We'll be nearly 14 weeks and we'll get to see our little peanut swimming and playing in my belly.  Can't wait!  Oh, and after that I'll shout it from the mountain tops!

8 Weeks!

It's my first blog about baby #2!

First thoughts:
1.  My body knows JUST what to do this time around.  Hello, stretchy maternity capris already!
2.  My boobs are growing out of control.  Enough said.
3.  Seeing that plus sign on our pregnancy test has to top as one of the best moments. So unforgettable!
4.  Most prenatal vitamins contain propelene glycol.  Google it.  BAD DEAL for this girl.   Lesson learned after four months of being sick.
5.  Timing is SO everything.  Due date:  March 2nd, 2013.  Hello, nearly 6 month maternity leave this time!  Hello, final grad. class in February.  Gender reveal around Halloween, perfect giant pregnant belly for Christmas goodies, and my school year ends in March.  Oh, and Jack will have recently turned two.  We'll throw him a sweet little party as a family of three before his real present arrives...

How far along: 8 weeks and a few days

Food cravings/aversions:  I love sugar.  Sweets.  Candy.  Pop.  It's funny how pregnancies can turn out to be SO very different.  However, I'm definitely not hungry very often.  I can promise you when I am, I'm eating something containing sugar!!

Changes/feelings:  I am SO relieved.   We had our 8 week appointment with ultrasound.  Instantly we saw our little bean with a strong heartbeat at 174 beats per minute.  For the last five weeks I've been waiting, wondering, and worrying.  After our appointment I felt pregnant for real this time.

Memorable moment this week:  Hearing little baby Krieger #2's heartbeat.  He/she looks like a little amphibian in there.. :)  Melts my heart to know that little froggie is in there growing away.

Least favorite moment this week: Pukey McPukester.  I am so, so, so very sick this time around.  About 5 weeks in I started getting nauseated.  Every once and a while I lose my lunch, and it's not fun.  This morning (why in the world don't they call it all day?!) sickness is for the birds.

What I am looking forward to:  Getting through the first trimester and being able to shout it from my rooftop that we're having a baby!  I am not good at secrets and it's hard for me not to tell everyone and everything about our exciting news.  Soon enough, right? :)

We're so excited for our journey as a family of four.  We're blessed.  Here's to another happy, healthy pregnancy with one of the greatest gifts at the end.

oh, baby!

And, not just a Justin Bieber hit, either.

We're having a baby!

Peanut Krieger is due to arrive on or near March 2nd, 2012...and we couldn't be more excited.

Here's to a big, healthy, new baby, less morning {psssshhh all day} sickness, and another wonderful pregnancy experience.  After two appointments, making it almost through the first trimester, and hearing a strong little heartbeat (at 170 bpm), I feel comfortable telling the world.

In just a few short months we'll become a family of FOUR.  Holy moly.

Wish us luck! =)

Bittersweet.

Tomorrow is the first day of school.

Why I love school:

1.  I love to have a routine.  I like to have a time schedule, a plan, an outfit picked out, a to-do list.  It's totally my personality to talk to adults (instead of toddlers) all day.

2.  I absolutely adore getting to know my 13 and 14 year olds.  I love their drama and awkwardness.  I love their love for adults other than their parents -- me. :)  I love being an ear to listen and I love seeing the smiles as they have a great year.

3.  Jack loves daycare.  He likes people and friends.  He loves my aunt's cooking!  He's so stinkin' cute when he runs and says "maaamaaa" when he sees me.  He pairs that with a little penguin waddle run to me and then heads right for the "sues" (shoe) tote.  Totally worth it.

4. I feel so accomplished when I'm working.  I know what I need to do and what I've done.  There's a good feeling in knowing I've accomplished something in my day.

Why I don't love school:

1.  Jack.  This summer has been filled with so many fun things with my big man.  We've learned every.single.animal.sound.  We spend probably four of five days out of the week at the Clive pool.  I'll never forget the laughs we'd get from the lifeguards when he'd run up to the little fish and said "bblubb bblubb" so intently.

2.  Pajamas and sweat pants.  I've been back to work for a week now, and by the end of the day I want to rip my regular people clothes off.  Literally.  Sweat pants and stretchy clothes have filled my summer wardrobe...and now I'm back to fancy black pants (which suck, by the way) and layers.  However, I'd probably be a 500 pound stay-at-home-mom if I wasn't required to wear actual clothes.

3.  No to-do lists, cleaner house, and lots of free time.  This summer has been awfully relaxing (in between a couple of grad. classes).  I will miss the extra time.

4.  Naps.  I don't know why we don't build in naps into our school day?  This momma could sure use one everyday, right after lunch time.  20 min power nap in my storage closet?  I wish.

As you can see, the first day of school is bittersweet.  I leave the house with a crying Jack saying "momma" as loud as he can (as if he already knows he's back to daycare for good).  I come to school and hang out with some amazing tweenie boppers.  The day flies by.  My to-do list never ends...and get to put new outfits together.  Real outfits.  I hope my straightener is ready.  I hope my classroom at school cools down (or I'll be opening my windows in the winter)!  And, I hope this year goes as smoothly as possible.

Here's to year four!  Man...I really am getting old.

Happy back-to-school to all the kids and teachers out there!

Girls...

You know those times where you stay up until the wee hours of the morning...without even glancing at the clock to realize it?  When you laugh so hard because you bring out some of the most embarrassing stories that only your very best friends even remember?  And, when you lay down away from home thinking about how good you really do have it?  That was my weekend.

After about an hour of driving, I picked up Lexie (after we found the perfect place to "store" her car for the weekend -- sorry gas station for the temporary resident =).  Then, it was four hours in the car with my dweebs.  We talk, literally, every second that we're together.  We got stuck in a Minnesota traffic jam...at a stand still.  Lexie says "Come on, let's roll down the windows and jam!"  So, we did just that.  A little "bottoms up" and "taffy taffy" {thanks Rap and Hip Hop of 2000 from Pandora!} karaoke was quite the show for the cars around us.  We laughed until we cried, as usual.

Autumn just moved to the Miniapple (actually Bloomington, MN -- literally up the street from the Mall of America and IKEA).  Double score.

We stayed up late.  Past midnight both nights...which is way out of the ordinary for this momma.  We chatted about boys, high school, shopping, weddings, babies, careers and everything in between.  There isn't a stone unturned when the three of us are together.

The next day, we scored the 99 cent breakfast at IKEA.  Then, we filled not one, but two giant carts with goodies for our houses and apartments.  Later, we walked to the MOA, and finished off our night with some fancy italian and Ciao Bella.  Oh, I can't forget the Nikon timer-set pretend photo shoot before dinner.  It took like ten tries to get one good picture. Oh, and then we ended up with giant scoops of ice cream at a local ice cream shop.  We got totally different ice cream cones...but man were they good. It was literally the perfect girls weekend.

 

 

When I'm out of town with my girls...it helps me to realize the happy things in my life.  I am taken away from poopy diapers and nap schedules.  I am left to laugh and reminisce, and remember that there was a Jenni who wasn't a mom.  I totally miss Eric and Jack, but I enjoy having the nights away to make me appreciate everything about my little family.

I am so very thankful for my friends....who really are my family.  Jack has lots of aunts. :)  I know just who to send my cute new video of Jack dancing to the Iowa fight song to.  I know just who adores getting a picture of him swinging at the park next door.  And, I just love that from middle school to middle age I will have these girls in my life.

Now if only I could get them to Waukee...we do have a really great mall nearby...

 This is my "Autumn is hungry" face.  Watch out when she's hungry.  Or, be sure to carry a Snickers in your purse...

Love you, girls! =)  

"Together forever, never apart.  

Maybe in distance, but never in heart."

Big Dude Room

{Gasp}.

My big man is in his big boy room.  

Sleeping soundly in his twin-sized bunk.  

Climbing down and out in the morning and opening his own door when he wakes up.  

Playing, drawing, stacking blocks, and reading...well more like toddler mumbles.  To him he's reading.

I found Jack's new PB quilt and we went a little crazy at IKEA awhile back.  We found the perfect bunk bed and rolled with it.  With a vintage car theme in mind, I was off to decorate his new space.

We decided to move his actual room to our spare.  It's a little bigger, further away from our room, and has a smaller closet than the other room.  As a boy, he really doesn't need a ton of space for clothes.  Surprisingly, Jack actually loves his new little space more than his nursery.

My goal:  to have the best little playroom/bedroom for a toddler!  I want to be the house that his friends love to be at.  Having a bunk bed will hopefully cement that (along with all of my snacks and baking that will come, too!)  It's filled with jack-friendly stuff:  a toy box, a reading nook filled with his fav books, a chalkboard/easel, a tiny, toddler-sized table complete with crayons, markers, and Elmo coloring books, and more.

I can honestly say I had never walked into an antique store until just recently.  I was skeptical of going...but it was a blast!  Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are antiques, don't you know?  It sure made me feel old to find MY toys from when I was little in the nooks of the antique store.  We searched and searched for vintage car collectibles.  I wandered around looking for the perfect statement piece when I stumbled across this USA tin wall hanging.  It. was. perfect.  Then, I found the vintage truck, some old apple crates, and some old license plates.  I paired all of the old things with new, fun, rustic-y pine kid toys and shelves (giving our house a nice, different look...as compared to all of our chocolate brown/black furniture everywhere else!)  I couldn't be more happy with the turn out.  

 

And, turns out, Jack slept from 7 pm - 6:30 am the first night.  No falls, no waking up being scared, or anything!  He is such a big boy.

 

And, here's a few of our "getting the room ready" pictures.   You can tell he loved it before it was even finished!  He poses like a little Baby Gap model now, cheese and all.

Hmmmm....open it so I can see the sun!