Baby Gap Baby!

So it's been four years and counting since Eric and I tied the knot. Many people wondered why we waited so long to start our little family. At each Thanksgiving, Christmas, Birthday, Anniversary, and all the others in-between we'd always get "So, when are you two going to have a baby?!" "You can't wait forever" and "If you wait until you're ready you'll never have kids!"

Truth be told, I wanted a Baby Gap Baby! I knew we couldn't afford the adorable little clothes...and I wasn't ready to settle. So, we didn't start trying. We finished our degrees. We began our careers. We bought a "mom car". Now that everything is in place...we can afford our little Baby Gap Baby :)



Dear Baby Gap:

Keep making adorable little boy clothes. While most stores stuff the boy clothes on the bottom of the racks (which I can't even bend over to dig through), you continue to have an expansive collection of perfect little man clothes. I want our little baby Krieger to look just like his daddy, and daddy wears Gap clothes. So, it only makes sense that your baby clothes look like miniature versions of the adults.

Please don't ever turn weird or put crazy big animal prints or wording across the front of all of your baby shirts. Also, keep on keeping on with the sales! :)

Your dearest and most loyal customer,
Baby Krieger's Momma

Falling for Fall...

It's official. The fall decorations are out. The smell of Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin is in the air...

This year, fall means more than just a familiar and cozy crispness in the air. Fall isn't just a caramel apple and late-night stroll through the crunchy, colorful leaves that have fallen upon the quiet streets of town. Fall is another checkpoint in this journey to starting our family.

As I found the perfect place for each pumpkin and every cinnamon scented candle, I thought...life as we know it is changing. This will be the last fall that I decorate without a little one digging through the bins of decorations. This will be the last fall spent with just my husband. And, this will be the last Halloween without costumes, pictures, and candy-filled jack-o-lanterns.



We are one season closer to our little man's long-awaited arrival in this wonderful world. Just one more weather change and Eric and I will transition from husband and wife to mom and dad. My mindset has changed from what clothes can I wear and how can I make it out of the bath tub...to cherishing those last little kicks I soon will not feel. Our little man is due to arrive around Thanksgiving, and it couldn't be a more perfect holiday to be excited for.

We are thankful to be in love. Almost ten years and I still get butterflies...
I am thankful to be happy.
We are thankful for all of our opportunities and good fortunes.
I am thankful for the sweet smell of cinnamon and muted autumn colors.
We are thankful for great friends and family.
I am thankful to say I'm your Mommy.

Love you, little man.

30 Weeks!

How far along: 30 Weeks! That's right...only 10 more to go!

Food cravings/aversions this week: Right now it feels like I might as well erase the 'food aversions' part to this question. Everything sounds good. Everything. I guess my appetite is back in full force! This baby is a-growing, and my appetite is showing it. That said, my most recent craving would have to be wonderfully amazing apple juice. Weird, I know. The funny thing about my cravings is I don't even realize that I'm having a craving?! Eric and I were on our bi-weekly grocery trip yesterday. I, without hesitation, loaded it up with a case of Capri Sun 100% apple juice pouches...and not just one, but two Mott's apple juice. I kept walking as if it were no issue...and Eric was like, well someone is craving apple juice! Too funny that I don't even realize what I'm doing. I just go about my pregnant way without paying any attention to the crazy items I now add to my shopping cart. The best part - I don't remember the last time I've wanted apple juice? Maybe elementary school when they came in cute little round containers at lunch?



In fact, talking about apple juice made me want some. So, I'm drinking it as I write this blog post :)

Changes/feelings: Some changes I've noticed lately, is now that this belly is way out there for anyone and everyone to see...I get more comments and nice gestures from complete strangers. I was in Hy-Vee patiently waiting to grab a tomato for the tacos we make several times a week, and an old man said "You go on ahead, looks like you need that for two". In the same trip, a complete stranger moved her cart out of the way - as if I don't feel like a walking house already - and then proceeded to rub my tummy and exclaim "You're so cute pregnant!" I'd never seen her in my life. Positives: people open doors, slowly people slide out of their chairs or seats for me to sit down, and I never have to lift anything. Even my students get out their own books and put them neatly away each day! I'm ready to be back to normal Jenni who is very independent and would never have any trouble bending over, getting through a crowded room, or lifting things.

Memorable moment this week: I can feel baby Krieger hiccup! It's so adorable. It almost tickles when it happens. It's really easy to tell because normally his movements are sporadic, and when he's hiccuping its a constant and repeated little wiggle. The last time I felt them I was brainstorming ways that I could 'scare' the little man so his hiccups will go away. I can't wait to teach him all about how to make them stop someday.

Least favorite moment this week: Finding bathrooms in places I normally would never waste my time in. Pre-pregnancy I was a shopping pro - hitting every store, every clearance rack, every place I needed to...all sans bathroom breaks. I truly never had to stop to go to the restroom. Now, however, just ask and I'll let you know where the bathroom is, the best time to go, and what it may look like on the inside. I've now learned about Iowa as we stop at rest stops on our 2 hour trips back to Waterloo. I've never been to Iowa Falls before, and after that 10-min-out-of-the-way stop, I doubt I'll go back. I've never realized how disgusting a store can seem after leaving their restroom facilities. Thank goodness at school I'm a few feet away from a teacher bathroom. It's my home away from home.

What I am looking forward to: The third trimester. It means we're closer to actually meeting this baby and becoming mommy and daddy. I still feel great, have really no complaints, and am excited for a breeze through this last stage! We're now down to doctor's appointments every two weeks, but thankfully everything always looks normal and great...so they're only about 5 minutes long.

Baby Krieger - we're in the home stretch now little man. Keep growing big and strong. Keep kicking and churning, away from my ribs and bladder preferably, and keep up with your little hiccups. In a few short weeks, you'll join us in this crazy world. We're ready with open arms, a comfy room, and lots of love.

We love you already,

Mom and Dad

Just because....must be love :)

Have you ever had 'one of those days'. Well, on Tuesday I had one. A day filled with too much information at once, meeting after meeting, and a to-do list that never ended. I am NOT a person who get's stressed out or overwhelmed easily...and Tuesday just did it for me.

So...instead of calling Eric at work like I usually do, I just drove home from school in silence, ran myself a hot bubble bath, and took a deep breath. After the first few peaceful moments...in walks my husband...a dozen baby pink roses in hand. Perfect timing.

There was no reason. There was no occasion. Just an awesome thought - that happened to come on the most perfect day. I love that he does things like that on days that don't matter. He doesn't waste $50 on a dozen roses on Valentine's day, or even any other holiday. Eric is sweet every day of the year.

I love you, Eric!

Dearest Snoogle...

Oh Dear Snoogle,

What would I do without you? You wrap around all of my extra and expanding body parts just as I need you to. You never complain. You never disappoint. You, my new best friend, are just there to support me through my now interesting nights of sleep. I get up multiple times during the night just to pee...and who's there waiting for me when I return? You.

I'm sorry my husband calls you the "Electric Fence". I don't think you deserve that title. Truth be told, when I crawl out of bed in the morning...he cuddles with you, too!



Thank you for giving me the restful sleep that I need as I **still crossing fingers** breeze through this last stretch of pregnancy. You're the best friend a sleepy pregnant lady could have.

Sincerely yours,
Jenni

Houses for sale...

There's something so exciting about buying a new house. Yes, we've done it before...but this time feels more real. Eric and I are on a search for our family's dream home in Waukee, Iowa.

Last year around this time we were just getting settled into our new lives in West Des Moines. I landed the perfect 1st year teaching job on the South side of Des moines; Eric transferred to a lending position at a bank instead of a credit union, and life was great! We had no idea where the next year would take us. We planned on renting our fabulous apartment - equipped with vaulted ceilings, dual walk-in closets, and two bathrooms - for another year. It was as close to home as it was going to get for awhile. We didn't plan on purchasing a house until we got to know the area better and figured out where we wanted to plant ourselves and raise a family.

Well, a year later, I've landed yet another amazing teaching position - this time in a very close-knit/family friendly school district and town, Eric's been promoted to Branch Manager, and we have our first little one on the way. My how a year can change things! We are now looking to 'settle down' and buy a house in the coming months. Thanks to my perfect teaching job...we know we want to do so in Waukee.

Each day I get email updates on homes available for purchase. Eric does research to find all of our "must haves" in our dream home. And, on the occasional Sunday we'll roam through some homes in nearby Waukee neighborhoods. It's our little get-out-of-the-house adventure together.

This time our search is so different. We can afford so much more than before...in fact more than double our first home! It's amazing what two incomes will do to a household budget! :) We know we need at least three bedrooms, at least two bathrooms, and we'd prefer a two-story home this time around. The best part: all of those options are so attainable, and usually are boasted in brand new or nearly new homes!

One thing that stands out to me in Waukee is the family-friendly atmosphere. Drive through any cookie-cutter newly developed housing complex (my favorites!) and you'll see play sets, families out throwing the football around, and lots of bikes. I also noticed signs that say "Please drive slowly we love our children". I love them. They just make it the perfect place for us to start our new family.

So, here's to our house hunt! Wish us luck...

Waukee, here we come!

Growing up...

As I am sitting on an uncomfortable bar stool with no back, watching friends drink the night away, I wonder...is a night out on the town ever going to be the same?

One of my best friends is getting married in a month and a half. We celebrated her bridal shower and bachelorette party this weekend...which ended as a bar hop on Main St. Cedar Falls. I was a trooper! I wouldn't have missed it for the world. I didn't even let the 7 month pregnant belly I was sporting ruin my fun! And, it was a great time!

However, I realized a lot in my life has changed. As I drove through the streets of Cedar Falls...I pondered. Oh, the days of dorm life and sweat pants to class are over. The days when I thought I was so grown up (I was taking 15 hours of class and working about 15, that's being an adult, right?) WRONG! As we passed a couple of girls walking to the bars on the hill it hit me - mini skirts and tank tops in the cold are a thing of the past. I've got one foot into adulthood, and the other foot is on it's way into motherhood.

If you ever want more looks and stares while you are out at a bar...sport a pregnant belly :) People move out of their seats so you can sit down. Waitresses constantly refill your ice water. People watch out and make room. Fabulous? NOT! It feels strange to be taken care of - by other people! It doesn't feel right dancing. I held my breath as we walked by smokers. I gave little man "ear muffs" as I heard random swear words. Going out just wasn't the same.

As I look forward to bringing home baby, I also look forward to growing up. I look forward to date nights out with Eric, where we enjoy a few glasses of wine together while gossiping about our bundle of joy. I am excited for weekends at home, in comfy clothes, as we move into our new roles in life - Mom and Dad. I look forward to the simple things - a home cooked meal and a play date with light-up toys and books. And, I look forward to trading in my nights out every weekend to once-in-awhile girls nights out with my best friends.

Ready or not, I'm growing up.

28 Weeks!

How far along: 28 Weeks

Food cravings/aversions this week: I am not really craving too much this week. I still feel like I eat just like normal.

Did I fool you? Ha! Here's just a sampling of my weird cravings...
A little round chocolate cake from Hy-Vee - just for me.
Parmesan Goldfish - the one's in the green bag.
Milky Ways...I've finished an entire refrigerated fun-sized bag.
Sun-dried tomato turkey from the deli.
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, the original.
Lucky Charms - the cereal saga continues.
Tacos.

And like I said this was just a small sampling...

Changes/feelings: My belly is growing! I haven't really been gaining weight anywhere else but my belly, however, so I'm very thankful for that. Also, Baby Krieger kicks and moves all the time. He's found his way to my rib cage, I'm thinking I can feel his little hiccups, and I'm guessing he has really, really big feet.

I'm feeling very ready. The nursery is ready, and has been ready. I'm even considering putting our Chicco travel system in the trunk...you never know, just in case?! Little man's clothes are freshly washed in baby Dreft, and are organized and ready to go. And, we have enough diapers and wipes for triplets I swear. I'm feeling very comfortable with my kiddos at school and am positive I can leave them in the hands of another teacher...and that teacher will come out alive! :) Benefits of working in such a great district! And, deposit is paid and spot is reserved in my aunt's fabulous in-home daycare - perfectly placed on my way to school! SO, little man...we're READY!

Memorable moment this week: Goodbye second trimester, hello third! Who knew we'd make it this far. And, without any bumps in the road (crossing fingers). I'm so excited for this last stretch of pregnancy. I'm determined to face it with my bubbly, positive attitude! Bring it on, big ol' belly!

Least favorite moment this week: Yesterday was my first truly "uncomfortable" day. I wasn't comfortable sitting...and that's what I did a lot of. I am thankful that I am on my feet all day, otherwise the little man would be squished in my tummy as I'm sitting!

What I am looking forward to: Making it to the finish line...it's getting much closer now! Can't wait to hold and cuddle our little man =)

Count your blessings...

Today I am thankful. For the past few days I've been really struggling with losing my independence. I promised I wouldn't, but there's no real way around it. I can't bend over, I can't seem to find anything to fit over my belly, and I can't walk very fast! UGH! And the worst part: I have to take a break while cleaning...

Plan A: blog of my troubles. Plan B: be thankful for what is going right in my life!

So, I took a break from life and walked around my house. I actually glanced at what was surrounding me. I found signs that said "Life is Good", "Simplify", and "Count Your Blessings", among many other inspirational quotes. Who knew my walls and tables could be so inspiring. It was then that I realized, yes I could complain of my troubles...however I have so many things to be thankful for.

1. My husband. Eric is my soul mate, my role model, and my best friend. He works hard, sometimes too hard, and is always there for everything. He sits by my side at my doctors appointments, even though they have not much to do with him. He runs a bubble bath for me every night - no questions asked. He's already figured out how to get off work for two whole weeks to spend time with baby and Me! I love him :)



2. My friends. I have a fabulous group of friends that come from all of the many stages in my life. Friends from high school, some even earlier than that, friends from college, friends from moving to different places, and friends I've met through teaching. I am SO thankful to be surrounded by so many amazing people. There's never been a time where I needed to call someone to talk - and didn't get an answer or a listening ear. I always have something to look forward to, someone to do dinner with, someone to go shopping, and someone to come visit. If this is you...and you know who you are...thank you :)



3. My career = my dream fulfilled. I wake up everyday excited for a new adventure. I am lucky enough to spend my whole day working with kids...and I get paid for it! It's a tough job, but I love every minute!



4. Baby Krieger. We are so lucky to be blessed with this soon-to-come precious little life. We have been planning and perfecting every detail from our college degrees to our dream careers in preparation for building a family together. We were given the opportunity to start our little family pretty much as soon as we decided we were actually ready! :) I am so excited to give our little man everything we've always dreamed of, and more!

After pouring my heart into all of these things I am thankful for, I quickly realized that there's not enough time in a day to waste it on complaining! So, be thankful for all that you have and have been given, and don't ever forget to count your blessings...

School...

I made it. I've successfully been back-to-school for an entire work week! Whew I'm exhausted...but it's absolutely amazing.

The beginning of this year of teaching was filled with "new" things. A brand new building, in a new district, and I'm teaching a new grade - 8th graders. Although this will be my 2nd year of teaching, all of the "new' things make it feel more like my first. But, I am utterly impressed with all that I've experienced so far. The staff is fabulous. Everyone I meet is positive, helpful, and enthusiastic about teaching and learning. The students are amazing...they will do anything I ask the first time, and I practically could leave them be and they'd still do the work...and do it well! And, the administration has it all together and are always working towards the best of the students! What a change :)

My classroom is filled with storage...and for those of you teachers out there - you know storage is hard to find. I have three entire walls will so many cabinets and drawers that I've lost count. And, I have my own personal storage closet for extra materials :) I have brand new black desks and matching chairs...and there's no engraving of lovely choice words on them...yet! We'll work on keeping them that way. I will no longer have to dust off or listen to the awful sound of my chalkboard, as I have a wonderful new white board.

I'm trying to decide what's harder: starting a new school year almost 7 months pregnant, or coming back to school after a 6 week maternity leave and being mommy to my little man? I'm hoping that it's harder to be pregnant?!

So, here's to hopefully another wonderful year of doing what I love, and getting paid well to do it! My dream was always to become a teacher and a mommy...

"The future belongs to those who believe in their dreams."
~ Eleanor Roosevelt