24 Weeks

Another week down.... and about 14 more to go. Right now my c-section is scheduled for October 16th, so Baby Girl Hogan #2 will either arrive on the 16th or sooner :-) I have been feeling pretty good for the most part. Can't complain too much. But looking forward to meeting our new baby girl in a few months!

Here is this week's baby update! (Baby Zone) I have even including a few belly pictures! :-)

All About Baby

Your baby is filling out this week. Part of your weight gain goes straight to helping him gain weight, too. Since he's still on the scrawny side, his skin wrinkles on his body, but he looks like a miniature version of what you'll see on delivery day. His face has formed, ears are in place, and eyes are complete (although his lids are still closed). He has eyelashes, fingernails, and may be growing hair, too. Rapid eye movements (REM) are beginning, too.

How Big Is Baby?

This week your baby weighs around one and one-half pounds and measures almost eight and one-half inches (crown to rump).

Family Weekend!

We had another great weekend! It was a HOT one but we tried to stay as cool as possible. If we weren't in the air conditioning we we were in the pool or ocean cooling off.

Friday night we headed down to visit Mema & Poppy Bachur. We arrived way past Payten's bedtime but that didn't stop her from enjoying some ice cream (Carvel, yummy!) before bed.. :-)

Saturday, the girls (Mema, Payten, & I) went to Kara's baby shower. Payten had a blast especially when Kara handed her all the ribbon. That kept her entertained for quite some time.
Sunday, we tempted to head over to the beach. WOW was it HOT! We were there for a short time but it that short time I am sure we sweat off several pounds. The ocean was a little rough so it was hard to stay in there too long, so after 2 hours we headed back to Mema & Poppy's for a swim! It was a great weekend. Payten got to spend lots of time with Mema & Poppy (something she doesn't get to do often) so it was nice treat! We have a busy week ahead of us getting ready for our 4th of July BBQ but we are looking forward to a great time with friends. Have a great 4th everyone and stay safe!!

Patrick Michael Hogan ~ 05.01.74-06.28-06

You were taken away from us three years ago today, but there still isn't a day that goes by that we don't think of you. We miss you very much and know you are in a better place. Until we meet again..... "Keep watching out for us like you always do"... We love you so very much!

Payten hearts America!!!

Payten hearts the USA!!! Or is it the flag she loves the most? :-) This was our first time at Picture People and we had a great experience. Of course there was lots of choices to choose from so it was hard but here are a few of my favorites. Happy 4th of July!!I absolutely love this close up! I can not believe how big she is getting. Time is flying by way too fast!!

Payten Elisabeth ~ 16 Months

Still can't believe my little peanut is 16 months already. Where has the time gone? I never believed people when they said they grow up fast, but now that I am living it, it is soo true!

Payten is lots of fun these days. She absolutely loves the water, whether its swimming in the pool, splashing around at Blizzard Beach, or bath time, she always has a blast! Full of giggles and has a new expression everyday! We are still working with the talking, so hopefully soon she'll say more then "Hi Dada"... :-) She is eating lots of new foods and is up to trying just about anything. Which is great! Her favorite is any kind of fruit. Although I think her real favorite is watermelon, just like her mommy. :-)

Here are a few pictures from this morning. "Daddy's Little Monkey"

23 Weeks.... and counting!

23 weeks and 16 or less to go.... :-) Here is babyzone.com weekly update. I love these things! Hope everyone is having a great week!!!

You're feeling like a human jungle gym! It's a rockin' and rollin' in there! Since there's still room to move, that little guy or gal is using it all!

All About Baby

Twenty-three weeks marks an important point for your unborn baby. Your baby-to-be is far enough along in his development that he could have a chance at survival outside the womb.

According to the March of Dimes, of all babies born at 23 weeks, 25 to 35 percent survive. This number goes up considerably when you add just a couple weeks: babies born between 50 to 70 percent of all babies born at 24 to 25 weeks survive. And 90 percent of all babies born at 26 to 27 weeks survive.

Although all of your baby-to-be's internal systems are in place, he needs more time for those intricate systems to mature.

How Big Is Baby?

Your little one now about eight inches long (crown to rump) and weighs in at around one pound.

Fun & Productive Weekend!

Who knew you could have a fun and productive weekend all in one? Now if there were only a few more hours in the day!

The new office is coming along. Sean spray painted the curtain rod (was a gold color and now is black), and it actually turned out great. Not bad for only $3.99 for the paint :-) Our next step is to hang the curtains, maybe tonight?? We hope to make it out to the furniture stores in the next week or so and start our hunt AGAIN for a sleeper/sofa. My goal is to have this project finished by mid July, let's see if that happens....

We also finally picked out paint colors for the "Girls" bathroom, and picked them up at Sherwin Williams yesterday. So that is another project in the works..... Too many projects and just not enough time!

I even ordered two dresses for Dan & Gaby's wedding. Talk about being really productive! One is for the actual wedding and the other is for the wedding rehearsal. Now let's hope they fit and look cute (not sure that is possible with this round ole basketball in front of me). :-)

Sean had a great Father's Day weekend! We made it out to Blizzard Beach, breakfast at Cracker Barrel (his favorite), pool time, and even had some family visitors. :-) Too bad it all went by too fast :-(

Last night was a rough night, Payten had a restless night (not sure its her new teeth coming in or was a bad dream) so that means so did Sean and I... so the day dragging begins...

We have a busy week ahead of us... So hope everyone has a great week!!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to the best Dad's anyone could ever ask for! Even though we can not spend the day with you, we love you very much and appreciate you more then you'll ever know!

Payten would especially like to thank her Daddy for being the best Dada ever! She is truly is and always will be Daddy's Little Girl. :-)

Daddy, I Love You
Daddy, I love you For all that you do.
I'll kiss you and hug you
'Cause you love me, too.
You feed me and need me
To teach you to play,
So smile 'cause I love you
On this Father's Day.Grandfathers Are Fathers Who Are Grand
Grandfathers are fathers who are grand,
Restoring the sense that our most precious things
Are those that do not change much over time.
No love of childhood is more sublime,
Demanding little, giving on demand,
Far more inclined than most to grant the wings
Allowing us to reach enchanted lands.
Though grandfathers must serve as second fathers,
Helping out with young and restless hearts,
Each has all the patience wisdom brings,
Remembering our passions more than others,
Soothing us with old and well-honed arts.

Show Us Where You Live Friday

This week on Kelly's Korner Show Us Where You Live Friday, we are showing off Playrooms, Laundry areas, or any other area you would like to show. :-)

This is our Loft aka Payten's Toy Room. :-) We are still adding to the decor but its coming along. :-) Hope you enjoy!
Since I missed last weeks Show Us Where You Live, I figured I would just include them with this week's. It was the Bathroom Edition! We have 2 1/2 baths.

This is our Master Bath. It includes a Garden Tub, and also has its own shower/toilet area (which my husband absolutely hates). This is on our House To Do List of things to re-do in our house!These tours are great, makes you realize that you have two light bulbs out. :-)
Still need to add some flowers in the holders, and add another accessory to the tub area. It shouldn't even be called a tub, more like a towel holder, we use it to hang our towels and clothes more then we use the tub part.. :-)This is our half bath that is located downstairs. As you can tell I love warm colors. :-) I try to steer away but its soo hard. They are always soo welcoming.
The rod iron mirror is from Lowes along with the bronze faucet and light fixture. The floral print is from Bed, Bath, & Beyond. I am trying to convince the hubby to paint the bathroom a burnt orange color. :-)
Our other full bath is the "girls" bathroom upstairs. Right now it is decorated in a Safari theme, but since we have two girls (or soon will have two) we are going to make it all girly. :-) Our insipration is Garden Critter Bath by Pottery Barn Kids. We have purchased the shower curtain this week and we are working on painting this weekend. I will be sure to post pictures when its complete.
We have choosen the pink and white striper curtain. I can't wait to see the end result! :-)Hope you enjoyed our tour! Sorry for the long post! Have a great weekend!

22 Weeks... 5 1/2 months!

Well since thebump.com weekly updates aren't too informative I have decided to start following another website. This week's is from babyzone.com.

What's Happening with Your Body

You're probably feeling fetal movement throughout the day now that your baby's getting bigger. And as she grows, your body has to make room. Your stomach will have less space to expand, meaning you may suffer heartburn and indigestion, especially at night. Add to that the fact that pregnancy hormones can slow digestion making your tummy troubles even worse. Slight swelling may make your shoes uncomfortable. Your back may also ache with the added weight of your baby bump. Your bladder is also suffering from the space crunch, so expect plenty of potty breaks.

Fluctuations in hormone levels: Pregnancy hormones may have you craving everything from pickles and ice cream to more intimacy. Keep in mind that the effects of these hormones vary for every woman, and your moods may change daily (sometimes hourly!).

Fatigue and nausea: If you've suffered strong bouts of nausea, intimacy may be the last thing on your mind. Fatigue may further zap any other desires.

Weight gain: As you've watched the scale tip upwards, you may feel frumpy.

All About Baby

Your baby's brain is gro

wing daily. Her senses are also starting develop. She can hear the sound of your heart along with your breathing. As she wiggles her fingers, she may touch her face or even suck her thumb. Her lungs are becoming more mature, and she even goes through the motions of breathing. She can also swallow, although she won't have her first real meal until delivery day.

How Big Is Baby?

Your baby-to-be reaches about 7.6 inches in height (crown to rump) and weighs in at just over 12 ounces.

I love these weekly updates from babyzone.com. So much more informative. Next week I will include that cute pregnancy survey.

Hope everyone is having a great week! Any plans for Father's Day? I am hoping the rain stays away so we can enjoy something outdoors. Happy Thursday! :-)

Fun in the froggie pool!!

Payten loves her new Froggie pool!!! :-)

Weekend Update

We had another great weekend! We were lucky enough that the rain held out until later in the afternoon on both Saturday and Sunday so we were able to go through with all our plans. :-)

Saturday we had a community yard sale. We did awesome! Sold the guest bedroom set (YAY!), comforter set, bathroom set, and lots of other items. We just about sold everything and the rest is going to Goodwill. It sure was a hot one though! It felt like the hottest day ever. So we wrapped up the sale around noonish. Jumped in the pool for a bit, and then Payten and I napped. I was craving a salad, so we headed over to Ruby Tuesday's (I love their salad bar), soo yummy! Sean and I borrowed Mall Cop from Adam. Boy was that movie stupid. Of course Sean liked it but he loves the stupid funny movies. Sunday we headed over to Typhoon Lagoon since we have not been there yet. We had fun, however I think Blizzard Beach is more fun for Payten. She did enjoy the wave pool but the kiddie area was a little advanced for her. So I think we'll stick to Blizzard Beach for a while. :-)
Other then the weekend flying by like normal, same old stuff going on here. We are trying to get all the rooms switched around. We are still working on the "office" project. It's painted and the desks are moved in, now we are on the hunt for a sleeper/sofa. I will post pictures of the final result. :-)

Hope everyone has a great week and stay cool!

The best Poppy EVER!

John Cifrodella (03.11.1927-06.14.2004).... the best Poppy (Grandfather) in the world!! Although you were taken away from us 5 years ago, it still feels like yesterday when you were here with us making us laugh and always making the best out of everything. We miss you more and more everyday! Keep looking over us like you always did. We love you!

21 Weeks

I can't believe I am 21 weeks already! At times I think time is going by slow it really isn't. Baby Girl Hogan #2 will be here in 18 weeks or less... :-) She is still nameless; and until her Daddy & I agree she will remain that way.... :-( I am hoping we come to a decision soon because I have lots of stuff to be embroidered. :-)

This week she is the size of a banana. Which is about right because at my ultrasound on Monday they said she weighed 12 oz. So it's pretty close....According to thebump.com.... Baby gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for hydration and nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And, these days, those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth, babies are most interested in tastes they've already experienced through amniotic fluid. Meaning, think about what you want your future child to eat as you prepare your own lunch.

Here is a pregnancy survey I found from a fellow blogger. It's pretty neat so I figured I would give it a try!

• How far along?: 21 weeks.
• Total weight gain: 6 lbs
  
• How big is baby?: 12 oz, so tiny!
  
• Maternity clothes?: Yep.
  
• Stretch marks?: None yet, and I am hoping I am lucky enough for it to stay this way!
• Sleep?: Every night is a different night, some nights I can get great sleep and others I am waking up every hour. :-(
  
• Best moment this week?: Seeing how much our little peanut has grown!
  
• Movement?: Yes, and lots. Especially at night! Lots and lots of kicks!
  
• Food cravings?: Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
• Labor signs?: None yet, thank goodness!
  
• Belly button in or out?: In!
• What I miss: Sleeping on my belly!
  
• What I'm looking forward to: Getting started on the nursery!
  

Stroller is Ordered!!!

We finally ordered the double stroller!! I have been contemplating on which one to get for months and finally said I need to make a decision, time is ticking! We decided on the Zooper Tango Double Stroller, Wheat (Color). I just hope it isn't too heavy to lift into the truck. :-( One of the many things crossed off my list. Now I really need to get serious and order the nursery furniture this week. Happy Tuesday Everyone!

Baby Hogan #2 is....

still a GIRL! YAY! :-) We had our Level 2 ultrasound this afternoon and the ultrasound tech confirmed we are indeed having a little girl! We are beyond excited that Payten will have a little sister. Here are a few pictures from today's appointment.The first one of is the picture of her "girly" parts, :-) And the second one is a 3D one. Isn't that amazing? We had a pretty good weekend even despite all the rain we got. It kind of messed up our plans for Saturday but we still made a great day of it. We were supposed to go to Typhoon Lagoon, but instead we did some shopping. No luck with finding a sleeper/sofa for the office but we did find some good deals at some other stores so it was worth the day of shopping.

Sean painted the "New" office this weekend. I thought that he would paint a wall or two but he finished the whole thing. It looks awesome! I love it! We moved most of the furniture into the new room however it still needs lots of work so pictures to come when its finished.

Hope everyone had a great weekend and didn't get too wet from all the rain! Have a great week!

Show Us Where You Live Friday - Office

It's that time again..... It's FRIDAY! Kelly's Korner, Today's Edition of Show Us Where You Live is Office's. Please excuse ours, we are in the process of changing our office around to a different bedroom. Right now the room is painted Guacamole by Olympic paints (Lowes). I absolutely love the color. I love the color so much that we are keeping some of this green for our nursery for the new baby. :-) Hope you enjoy! Have a great weekend!!
Ignore all those wires, that's what happens when your 15 month old knows how to untie all the ties that kept them neat... :-)

And another week down.....

20 weeks and counting... well actually like 21 weeks. It's been a crazy week with work so I haven't had much time to blog. This week thebump.com says Baby Girl Hogan is the size of a Cantaloupe! Yikes shes getting pretty big!
Baby's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. And, speaking of the diaper situation... baby's genitals are now fully formed!

So let's see what has been going on this week..... We finally decided on a paint color for the new office. After trying out several we decided to go with "Palisades Blue" by Valsper. It's like a blueish/gray. I am excited to see how it looks. Sean is hoping to get started painting either tonight or tomorrow. Payten and I enjoyed some time outside on her new swing set yesterday afternoon. Of course it didn't last too long because it has been sooo hot. Hopefully we'll get some time this weekend to enjoy it with a little cooler weather. Payten has had an exciting week trying all different types of table food. I think we can officially say she is done with baby food. It's nice to feed her what we are have for meals. Makes things a little less complicated. Her newest likings are Baked Spaghetti, Chili (that one totally shocked me), mandarin oranges, peas, blueberry waffles, and muffins. :-)
We have another jammed packed weekend of fitting in some time for fun and trying to get things done around the house. We are planning to visit Typhoon Lagoon, work on the new office, and start organizing the closets so that Baby Girl Hogan has a closet for her clothes... :-) I hope everyone has a great weekend! Stay tuned to pictures of the NEW office! :-)

Gymboree Heaven!!

One of our Gymboree order's came in the mail today! YAY! We love new clothes! We got lots of cute new outfits and few pieces to go with existing pieces we have. :-) In the big pile, new baby girl Hogan only received one thing. Looks like I need to start shopping for her.. :-) We can't wait for our next order to come in. Yes I am Gymboreeaholic! :-) But how can you beat their cute clothes and their great sales!

It's June already?!?

I still can't believe today marks the first day of June! Where did the first six months of the year go to? Time is sure flying by.

We had another fun filled weekend. We are loving the hot, sunny weather. So we are taking full advantage of it. Friday night we went over to the Ellison's house to have some chicken wings. They sure were yummy! The kiddies got to play together which is always great to see them all together. Case & Payten together are too cute. They were giving each other kisses, sooo adorable! Braelyn is still so tiny.... I forgot how itty bitty newborns are. It's so fun to just watch them sleep. It's amazing how much noise they can sleep through. I am looking forward to Baby Hogan #2 to join the clan of kiddies. :-) Saturday we headed over to Blizzard Beach. It is so nice having these annual passes. We can go for a few hours and leave and not feel guilty we spent all this money for one day. After a few hours of fun in the sun, we did some shopping. Gymboree was having a HUGE sale this weekend and still is (Stuff a Bag Sale - 30% off everything) so we headed over there. We let Payten nap for a little while, had some dinner, then we headed back out again.... Off to Lowes we went. Since Baby Hogan #2 is going to be arriving before we know it we decided we better start converting the bedrooms. We finally picked out a color for the new office. Now we just need to get all the furniture moved so we can paint and have the carpets cleaned. Our To Do List is NEVER ENDING! :-( Sunday was our normal housework day. Payten and I ran over to Target while Sean finished up the landscaping in the backyard. It's finally complete! Hallelujah! I promise I will have pictures soon!

I finally have gotten around to calling furniture places about nursery furniture. We found a store that has an awesome promo going, but there is one downfall..... It will be at least 8 to 12 weeks before arriving in their warehouse... :-( So with that said I guess we better get ordering. After our BIG ultrasound next Monday I will be placing the order. We are so excited to see Baby Hogan next week at our ultrasound. We can't wait to see how much she has grown and to confirm that she's still a girl... :-)

Hope everyone has a great week! I will be sure to post pictures of the new backyard this week. :-)