Week 28 Day 6 - Eight Things I Have Gone Without This Pregnancy

10:00am



I got to thinking, not only has my wife had to give up several things during her pregnancy, but so have I. There are certain things that pregnant women cannot have anymore. Or, at least, SHOULDN'T have. I suppose there are pregnant women out there that don't abide by the "rules". And that is fine, but it's not us. My wife is very strict about it, if the doctor said it's not recommended, then she is not doing it.

There's a good chance that because she isn't doing it anymore, I am probably not doing it either. Or a lot less. So as I was thinking about the things that we no longer are a part of, I came up with this list.

SUSHI

We both LOVE sushi. There are several places around our area that are just incredible. The main reason we no longer eat it is because the chance of foodborne illness is much higher in raw foods. While pregnant, your immune system isn't as strong, therefore creating a higher risk of not being able to fight off any illnesses that could be caused from eating sushi. Plus sushi is expensive...

 

OYSTERS

 Another raw delight that we can no longer participate in. I actually ordered a few at Red Lobster while she was pregnant. She just looked at them sadly, while I enjoyed them. She possibly had a tear in her eye. I haven't had them since.

ALCOHOL

She hasn't had any since she found out she was pregnant. I on the other hand, have. I like a nice, cold beer on a hot day. So what? I sometimes miss drunk wife. She is pretty funny when she drinks. At the same time, I always have a Designated Driver. I don't drink much if I do. One or two max.

 TANNING

We both had tanning packages. She ended hers immediately, even though they consider tanning while pregnant safe now. Or you might have to do something differently, like stay in less time or something. I'm not really sure, look it up if you'd like. I kept tanning just up until about two months ago. I gave it up more for the money savings. Plus there is a Banana Boat self-tanner that works great. Need that money for the baby!

EXERCISE

I still do occasionally, and we do go for walks sometimes. But I used to be really dedicated. Not anymore. I would like to be, but we have so many other priorities now that it's hard to find time. I have no space here. My workout room turned into a baby's room. I could go to the gym, but my crazy work hours wouldn't allow a regular schedule. So I will just get fat. 

SPENDING

What's that? You want to buy something for yourself? Forget it. All of our extra money goes towards baby stuff. Having a baby is EXPENSIVE. No money for gadgets or toys. This baby already owes me more than she can imagine. If you read this 20 years from now. I missed out on Apple TV because of you. 

ENERGY DRINKS

Every day I wold buy a Monster, or Rockstar energy drink at work. It helped me get through the day. Plus, I really like how they taste, and they are refreshing. But at 1.50 a piece, they had to go. Occasionally I will get one, but it's a rarity now. That's a lot of money saved in the long run.

MOTORCYCLE

Still have it, barely ride it. It's next on the list to go. At a couple hundred dollars a month for payments and insurance, we just don't need it anymore. Plus it's a crotchrocket. It's made to go fast. What does going fast do? Speed kills. I am having a baby now, she needs her father to stay alive. Hopefully in the future we can get a nice cruiser bike. Something not made to break the law.

We were driving the other day and I noticed this sign. Somehow. 

Effective Advertising at it's finest.

Week 27 Day 2 - Out Of The Box Sampler

10:18am


I must say, blogging has it's perks. I have been receiving all kinds of packages lately. I am thinking that I might have to add another page, just for product reviews. Hopefully everyone enjoys these products, I won't write about anything that I don't approve of.

Yesterday's mail:

Next week we will be able to take some new belly photos with our pregnancy stickers that we have. It jumps from 24 weeks to 28 weeks. There isn't much new to talk about with the pregnancy, other than we are actually getting some decisions made. Baby shower invitation samples are on their way here, so we can decide. Bedding set is decided on, I think we are even close to deciding on the name!

If you haven't seen my first Father's Day card, look at what my wife got me!

Even from my baby girl! :)

Out of the Box Sampler Club

www.outoftheboxsampler.com

June - Men's "Spoiled Rotten" Sampler

$25.00 per month/box

I have to say, I have seen a few monthly boxes now, and this one is yet another great idea. The box is LOADED with "manly"samples from several different shops around the web.(Although, this is a special men's version, the boxes are usually not just for men) Mostly from Etsy.com. Etsy is like an Ebay storefront for crafts and hobbies. People handcraft soaps, clothes, decorations, and just about anything else, and then sell it in their "shop". This sampler club combines several of the shop's products and allows you to try them out. The shops then give you a promo code so that you save some money when you are ready to order a full size product. I couldn't believe how many great things they fit into that tiny box. It would take you a few months just to try everything! This box is far worth the money, just scroll down and look at everything included.

Let's open this box!

Marinade spice kits

Some homemade lollipops between the marinades

Look at all those promo codes! Use them! Great companies

Look at all the sponsors. This box is the real deal.

I think men deserve being spoiled ALL of the time!

So many different quality products. How did they all fit?

This one smells like candy!

This handmade lotion is nice as well!

 Pretty impressive I'd say. 25 bucks for everything included in this box. I would love to see what the other boxes look like, not necessarily just for men. But, being a guy, I will get plenty of use out of these products. I know my wife is a little jealous!

www.outoftheboxsampler.com 

Week 27 Day 1 - Hot Spot Shirt Monthly Subscription

10:45am



27 weeks people. Twenty-Seven.

She measures about 14.5 inches long, and weighs about 2 lbs. The brain is quickly developing. Her eyelids, which have been closed up until around now, start to open and her retinas begin to form. Her skin is wrinkly, but by this point, she basically looks like what she will when my wife gives birth to her. Can't wait to see the next ultrasound!


Next week begins the third trimester! The last trimester for those of you who don't already know that. (I wouldn't).


She has been having a lot of leg cramps, and muscle pains. This is very normal at this stage, but I know she gets uncomfortable a lot, and it bothers her. She is crabby a lot of the time, but she blames it on being hot, and achy, which makes sense. She still makes dinner every night though!


I got another package in the mail from a company called "Monthly Hot Spot Shirt". It is a monthly subscription club(like the Mama Lana Box), geared towards men, that sends you a t-shirt from a local "hot-spot" bar/pub/micro-brewery/etc. I have been to Key West, Las Vegas, Panama City Beach, and I have always thought the bar's t-shirts were great souvenirs. What I really like about this subscription is that you don't actually have to take the trip to these cities, to get the popular t-shirts from these bars. You don't know what you are going to get each month. It is a surprise, and can be from anywhere in the country. But not only do you get the shirt, you get a card with some background information about the bar. For 20 bucks a month, your guy will love it!

Nice Big Padded Envelope

Folded in Paper with Custom Hot Spot Stickers!

Card explaining the month's t-shirt choice.

This month = Twenty Tap Bar, Indianapolis, IN

Pictures, and details about the bar. Why it was chosen.

Nicely folded. Brand new shirt. Quality material.

Me with my new shirt! Love it!

Cool shirt! Not some basic, boring shirt. Nice material, will wear it more than once!

This month, Hot Spot Shirt hand picked their shirt from Twenty Tap Bar in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is more of a craft-beer type of crowd, with a relaxed atmosphere. Sounds like my type of place!

This would be a great gift for your husbands/boyfriends/dads/etc. We love these kinds of things, and to get a new one every month, it's the gift that keeps on giving!

Be sure to check out Hot Spot Shirt monthly subscription box! Also on Twitter @hotspotshirt

Week 25 Day 3 - Pregnant and She Knows It

10:02am


Today is my Saturday. I am off today and tomorrow. Just going to do some errands while she is at work. I found these videos because it defines my life almost too perfectly. Watch the first one to see what my wife's life is like. Then the second one puts it more into my perspective. They are funny!


#1. Pregnant and I Know It



#2. She's Pregnant and I Know It



And this one is good too! "She Gotta Bump" - Warning: Some explicit language!

Week 25 Day 2 - 10 Things Every Guy Should Know About Pregnancy

9:57am


I forgot to mention that my wife put on the "Prenatal Yoga" DVD last night. The one that came with the Mama Lana Box. There is a section titled "Birthing Videos" and she told me that I needed to see it. Well, let me just tell you, it was a little more than I had expected. These women were giving birth, but naturally. A few are in water, and one was even in a little kiddie pool that they set up in their living room. The husbands are in the water with them and everything. I am pretty sure that we don't plan on doing any of that, at least I know I don't. But it is really weird to watch. I'm sure there are videos like that on YouTube or somewhere on the internet if you are interested. It might be a good idea to prepare yourself for what you will be seeing in real life. But, like I said, these women were pretty extreme. I don't think it's really like that at a normal hospital setting.

This leads me to think about the 10 things that I have learned so far about pregnancy. I mean, I have learned more than 10, but the most important ones for guys like me to realize are these:

1. Full-Term pregnancy is 40 weeks long. First trimester is Weeks 1-14. Second is 14-27. Third is 27-40.
2. She gets sick in the First Trimester. Like the kind where she throws up every day, a few times a day. But this doesn't happen to everyone.
3. Your outlook on life changes. You no longer care about getting new things, or going out partying. Your life now revolves around baby.
4. Her hormones are through the roof. The smallest things can make her really upset. I have actually seen her cry for no reason whatsoever. She didn't even know why she was crying.
5. You, as a guy, are expected to be at every doctor's appointment. If you aren't, you better have a really good excuse.
6. Don't comment on how big she looks. It hurts her feelings. But..
7. She likes being pregnant. She loves that there is a human being growing inside of her. I do too.
8. She is nervous to give birth. I think I am even more nervous. Watch the videos. You'll see.
9. Help pick names, baby registries, room decor, etc. Even if she doesn't like any of your suggestions, it's the thought that counts.
10. She instantly changes into "Mom-Mode". Similiar to #3, ever since we found out she was pregnant, she turned into a complete mom. She eats healthier. Acts sweeter. Drives more cautious. Is a lot more careful. And more family-oriented.

There is a million different things that come with pregnancy. But as a guy, those 10 should give you a little head's up of what to expect. Maybe you won't experience all of those, as every pregnancy, and person, is a little different. But that's what I have seen. Good luck!

A little early-morning blogging!

8:01pm

Rough night at work. Just lots to do and not enough time. Anyways, it's time for the Blackhawks! (And a cold beer sounds good right about now, as well!)

Week 24 Day 4 - Spoiled Little Girl

12:21pm


Alright what is going on here? Tell me why on earth does this little unborn girl have more clothes already than I do? I need to catch back up with her!

Little girls are the most fun to shop for, at least for the mothers, aunts, grandmothers, etc. They have the most variety of outfits and cute little accessories. Both of our moms are excited to be able to shop for little girl clothes, and I know my wife is too. Me, being a guy, could really care less but honestly I am excited to shop for her too. Boys are fun too, but limited to clothes, and they just get them dirty and ruin them anyways.

Check out her collection that she already has! And she doesn't even know it yet!

I am finishing up my leftovers from last night. Not quite as good reheated but still delicious! That while doing a little blog work :)

 

Watch this video of a baby laughing hysterically at paper being ripped. Too funny!

 

4:56pm

Wife just got home. Said she doesn't feel too good. Great... We have all kinds of storm warnings showing up on the news. Tornado watches too. That's one downside of our place, it's a second level unit, so we don't have a basement. Eh. I'm sure we will be fine. We can get in the bathtub if we really have to. It's actually pretty nice out at the moment. 

Remember to SHARE!

Week 24 Day 2 - Just Another Day

12:21pm

Still tired from work yesterday, but back at it again. At least today is pretty easy. Have been cutting most of the morning. 

We had a good dinner last night at my wife's parents house. I can't wait for lunch because I have leftovers. 

24 weeks pregnant now. Sure is flying by fast. Still need to get the crib set up but will probably wait until after the room is painted. We have some cool "baby bump" stickers to show everyone later on. 

24 week photo

2:19pm

Taken from EverydayFamily.com - 

Your baby continues to grow and develop inside of you. She is now about the size of an ear of corn: measuring around 12 inches long and weighing a little over 1 pound. In the coming weeks, your baby will continue to grow and mature at a fast rate, gaining about 6 ounces of weight a week. Her brain is growing rapidly, and her taste buds are developing. 

She is pretty lean at 24 weeks, but she'll soon be putting on some "baby fat" to fill out her frame. 

My wife is going for a gestational diabetes test after work. I believe it is a normal test to make sure she isn't diabetic(my wife) because it can cause problems for the developing baby. Or at least that's how I understood it. I could be totally wrong...

8:11pm


My wife is making dinner. I think she is just making some microwave Salisbury Steaks, and a side salad. I have noticed we eat a lot of side salads, but that's OK because they sure are good. If you ever shop at ALDI, try their italian dressing. It's my favorite. Wishbone, step up your game.


We got a package in the mail today from my dad and step mom. THANKS for all the goodies, and Tupperware! We really needed it and it's all great stuff! We will definitely get plenty of use out of it. Just hope we don't lose it anywhere.

Gotta LOVE the crab chips! Only on the East Coast! Can't get 'em in Chicago!

Also in the mail, we received these cool belly bump stickers! We have seen other prego's online take pictures of their bellys with stickers similar to these. It's a great way to show off your bump and keep a reminder of how far along you are. Here's a little preview, I am going to take some pictures of my wife using them later. Will post more tomorrow!

Check out the Etsy shop here : Simple and Stunning2
Simple and Stunning2 is also on Facebook
 

**DISCOUNT CODE for 15% off anything in their shop, use code : PREGOFORMEN

 

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Week 22 Day 2

7:27am



We spent some time looking online at cakes last night. We have an idea of what we like, 
probably some sort of animal print. She really likes giraffe or zebra. To me, it doesn't really matter. 
Whatever makes her happy. I am very laid back about most of the baby shower stuff. 
It's more of a girl's thing anyways. 

Like the style, obviously not the color.

Some ideas that we like. Obviously, our cake will be a little different. We just like these styles.

Some advice from another daddy blogger - http://blog.totsy.com/?p=3593

12:19pm

Beautiful day in Chicago. Unfortunately I have to get to work :(

3:38pm

Why am I so spoiled by my wife? I mentioned that she made me something for lunch today that you had to see. It's almost funny. Like, who takes the time to fancy-up some plain Greek yogurt for a bagged lunch?

Too funny. I better enjoy it now because the fancy yogurt time will soon switch to filling bottles time. 

7:39pm

Ok I wasn't going to write. Just enjoy my last break. But I park in the back of the lot facing towards the rest of the lot. In the 10 minutes I have been sitting in my car, two different sets of cars have parked, each with a man and a woman driving each. They parked and one woman got into the man's car. Hugging, kissing, talking, then leaving in seperate cars. The same with the other pair of cars. Very strange and awkward. Am I witnessing cheaters? Maybe I should be a detective.