From The Hawkins' Nest

I have a new blog! It was time for a change since we haven't lived at Home 101 in months.  Head on over to my new blog ~ from the hawkins' nest ~ for an update on 26 - 30 weeks!

24 & 25 Weeks

Time is flying by.... I feel like Harlow will be here in no time and I still have soooo many things to do. I did knock out the crib bedding and furniture last week for the nursery which I am super excited about. I can't wait to see it all come together. Fabric will be here next week and I am having a seamstress I found work her magic. Michael and I went to look at gliders and went with the most comfortable one rather than the one I had been eyeing... I am really trying to make sure the nursery is not only adorable, but also (and more importantly) cozy and functional - since we will be spending many a sleepless night in there with her :)

We are also trying to get things done around the house that we know we absolutely wont have time for once she makes her big debut. For example, a storage shed in the backyard is in the works today. I just went out there to check out the hubs and his ongoing project and let's just say I hope he cleans up after he is finished. Tornado Michael is in full effect in the backyard :) The end result is always good, but the process is a little messy for my taste, but at least we will finally have a place for excess things we don't want to store in the house - Crap, really - Things we should probably be throwing away, but instead are building a custom home for in the backyard :) We were able to agree on the shed because it is going behind the covered patio and is completely hidden and can't be seen from any window in the house or any from any angle in the yard. Storage sheds aren't my favorite. Very useful, but impossible to make chic on a budget....

Now for the good stuff!  I am 27 weeks and 1 day pregnant as of today, but as usual I am playing catch up and blogging about 24 & 25 weeks. Harlow is definitely growing like a weed, which is evident with my growing belly. It has really taken off the past couple of weeks!

24 Weeks

p.s. I actually steamed the dust ruffle this weekend... clearly after these pictures were taken. It looks sooo much better. It MIGHT have just been worth the effort :)

25 Weeks

How far along? 24 & 25 Weeks

Total weight gain: 24 pounds. yep. that's right. moving on... 

Maternity clothes?: see above. at this point it either has to be maternity or a something from the big and tall section to ensure my belly isn't hanging out :) 

Stretch marks? No...  

Best moment this week: Ordering crib fabric. and. if I am being honest. sleeping in on Saturday morning.

Sleep: What sleep?? I am either tossing, turning, rearranging pillows or going to the bathroom. 

Miss Anything?: Getting out of my car without making a grunting noise. Granted my car is very low to the ground, it has become noticeably more difficult to get out of it in heels with my purse and work things without a grunt and rocking motion :) 

Movement: All of the time. I can see my stomach move now through my clothes!!! 

Food cravings: Baked potatoes, fruit, orange juice, pasta

Belly Button In or Out:  Barely in...

Symptoms: headaches, almost daily

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: I am very happy, but I am pregnant and not sleeping so moody comes with the territory.

Looking forward to: getting in bed early tonight!! 

24 & 25 Weeks According to Instagram:

1) New vintage coffee table - Love!!!

2) Ordered this for Harlow :)

3) New vintage piece for the living room

4) Bumpers for Harlow's crib

6) Healthy Lunch

7) Already enjoying being out of heels - yay for leopard TOMS

8) Glider Fabric

9) Parker and Cass keeping me company in our room (usually off limits) while Michael was out of town

10) Fabric for the crib skirt, shade and changing pad :)

Girls Getaway

It has been hard to get back in the swing of things since getting back from the beach. I went with two other gals to soak up the sun, eat way too much seafood, think about all the fruity drinks I would have if I weren't pregnant and relax. Which is exactly what we did.

Waking up on the beach and laying there all day was just what the doctor ordered. It was a little piece of heaven.

And like any good girls trip - it involved power shopping. Not just shopping, but power shopping. The kind that brings on a sweat, swollen feet and ankles (me), blisters and the fierce need to give someone your money in return for something I likely didn't need - and in this case - something Harlow likely didn't need either. Stephanie. Kristin. Marianne. Three girls who should not be allowed to shop together, much less power shop out of town, away from our husbands, with vacation money burning a hole in our oversized purses. It was awesome. And of course now it is going to be an annual occasion.

And let's not forget the laughter. I haven't laughed that hard in a VERY long time.  Needless to say it was the perfect getaway with the perfect trio.

Sadly this is the only time we all three got behind the camera. Don't mind my swollen ankles, legs, face, fingers, toes... well you get the point... 

Our view....

23 Weeks Bump... Don't worry I decided to spare you my bikini-clad swollen pregnant bod :)

I can't wait until next year! 

22 Weeks Bump & Wedding Album

This week I am 22 weeks and feeling pregnant - in a good way :) People in public definitely notice and ask when she is due, which is fun! I can see how this will not be fun after little Harlow is here and I still just look pregnant - which I hear happens all of the time - but for now I am soaking it all in :)

My 22 week check up went great and she is measuring right where she should be and all looked good, including all of my tests from the last appointment. It is very calming to hear the Doc tell you everything looks great.

p.s. please ignore the bed that isn't made and the wrinkled dust ruffle. It's new and I haven't felt like steaming it and was hoping the wrinkles would fall out on their own. looks like maybe I misjudged that... As for the bed I have no excuses there, except that as time goes by I see fewer and fewer reasons for making it. I get right back in it every night.... Regardless, it will all have to wait because I am off to the beach!!!




But before I go - I wanted to share our wedding album! It came in a couple of weeks ago, but I have been so busy that I hadn't been able to swing by and pick it up. Michael was sweet enough to go by and grab it show up with it one night after work last week. I realize we have already celebrated our 2nd anniversary this past March and to some of you it may be odd that I am just now getting my album... We kept saying for months after the wedding we needed to choose our photos and order it from our photographer, Bludoor Studios, but we kept putting it off, or forgetting... Finally, two years after our wedding we chose our photos and submitted them. It was a pleasant surprise when we got the call that it had arrived and was well worth the wait! It is absolutely beautiful and a nice reminder of a perfect day - March 20th, 2010!

21 Weeks

I can't believe how fast time is flying by... Harlow will be here before we know it! Today I am 22 weeks pregnant - and a week behind on blog updates. I am definitely feeling and looking pregnant this week. I felt Harlow move for the first time last week! Within a couple of days I could see my belly moving as she moves around inside of me. It is the coolest, craziest, wildest -- really there are no words to describe it. Whatever it is, it is completely awesome and I am a huge fan!

21 Weeks

How far along? 21 Weeks

Total weight gain: Not too sure... I have a check up tomorrow so I will know better then. All I know is I am definitely ahead. But trying very hard to eat healthier than I was in the beginning. 

Maternity clothes?: I have reached the point where only clothes that are stretchy or were too big for me are fitting. I feel like I am down to one of everything that fits and is comfortable. I feel like I wear the same thing over and over, but I really hate to spend a bunch of money on clothes I can only wear for a few months. It's slim pickins' in the morning when I get ready for work, that's for sure. 

Stretch marks? No...  

Best moment this week: Feeling Harlow move and kick :) 

Sleep: I actually can't complain lately. I think I have been so exhausted from unpacking every night after work that I can't help but sleep good. 

Miss Anything?: Fitting into my clothes :( As wonderful as being pregnant is and feels and looks - I mean I am totally in awe of this belly I am growing --  I do miss skinny jeans. At this point it is hard to imagine a day when I will ever want to wear skinny jeans again.

Movement: YES!!!! 

Food cravings: Salad and Potbelly oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are still high on the list. Lucky for me Michael is a fan of Potbelly and likes their salads and cookies too.  I am still loving watermelon too! 

Belly Button In or Out:  In, but it wont be long...

Symptoms: I had a few HANGRY outbursts this week, but nothing out of the ordinary. 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy :) (Except for those minor hangry outbursts)

Looking forward to: Destin!!! Thursday morning I am meeting two gals in Destin for a few days of relaxation on the beach. I can't wait!!  I am also looking forward to a few swatch 

samples coming in the mail. I am ready to finalize the fabric for Harlow's crib skirt!

21 Weeks According to Instagram:

  

1) Michael turned 32! Happy Birthday babe!

2) View from our kitchen table - LOVE our new home! 

3) 21 Weeks Belly Shot

4) One toe down! I am very clumsy these days!

5) Yummy Marinara

6) Pretty Schetti!

7) Send off dinner for Martha before she moves across the pond

8) Pretty soon the bump is going to eclipse the laptop

9) Trying to find the right shade for Harlow's bedding! 

Harlow Hawkins

Even though many of you already know I thought it was only fair that she get her own post. Yes, that's right folks I said SHE. Baby H is a girl!!! I always thought she was and they confirmed it at our last appointment. They said everything looked great and they were sure Baby H is a girl!! It is amazing how much more real it became when I could start referring to her as a little girl or my daughter. WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A DAUGHTER!!! And her name is Harlow :)

19 Weeks & 20 Weeks

I have some catching up to do. We are finally moved into our new home, but needless to say spare time has been hard to come by lately. So many exciting things to share!! Let's start with the move... Without focusing on the negative I will just leave it at this. We had a stressful week right before we closed. The closing changed several times and the entire deal almost fell through to the point where we started looking at apartments to get us through until after Baby H makes his/her debut. (Did I mention we know what he or she is?!?! - next blog post, so stay tuned!) I am not sure we will ever be out of boxes, but we are already completely loving our new home and being in Fort Worth! While we may still have lots of boxes that haven't been unpacked, don't you worry because the crib is up and ready to go :) It makes me happy to walk in there and see it and know that in few months Baby H will be sleeping 8 hours a night in it. How do you like that for positive, wishful, almost delusional thinking?

Now for the belly...

Excuse the mess - we were still living in the hotel and I took full advantage of that and lived like a complete slob. It definitely had it's perks with room service and a maid everyday, but we sure are glad to be home :)

How far along? 20 Weeks

Total weight gain: I have no idea. I think about the same... The scale was packed and I am just fine with that :) Ignorance is bliss sometimes.

Maternity clothes?: Only work pants so far... However my button up shirts for work have officially been retired. I really feel that once they start popping open while you are walking it is really better just not to wear them :) 

Stretch marks? No... I have been using vitamin e lotion, bio oil and some other stretch mark oil that I found online. My belly is always oiled up and I pretend that this might really be working. Infomercials were made for me. 

Best moment this week: Dinner with my sister last night. We had some really good laughs and some fairly decent pasta. Doesn't get much better than that. 

Sleep: I started sleeping with three pillows for more support and decided it was time to break down and buy the pregnancy pillow which makes it debut next week. It looks awesome, but it also looks like Michael better like it to since it is going to pretty much take up the whole bed. 

Miss Anything?: We went to Mi Cocina a few days ago and everyone had a margarita or mambo taxi. I was jealous - very, very jealous.  

Movement: Not Yet

Food cravings: Salad and Potbelly oatmeal chocolate chip cookies

Belly Button In or Out:  In, but it wont be long. 

Symptoms: It's what I affectionately refer to as ANGRY HUNGRY. HANGRY. And it happens A LOT. 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: This was a tough week so I will go with moody and happy - very happy to be moved in, but it was hot and stressful so I can't say I always handled it with grace.

Looking forward to: Decorating the Nursery!!!!

Please excuse my tired eyes and pitiful hair. Moving really wore me out! Moving is hard when you are in great shape, but when you are pregnant and hot even with the air conditioner set on 68 - moving feels more like a marathon. And I am definitely NOT a marathon athlete even on the best of days. 

Halfway Home

We are officially moved out of our house and everything is in storage until Thursday when we get to do it all over again. Margaret and Brett along with my parents helped us get everything into storage. Needless to say we owe them big time. It was a very long day and we couldn't have done it without them...

At about 11:30 last night we left our first home for the last time and checked into our hotel home for the week. We are staying at the Omni Fort Worth so we really can't complain about our temporary digs. It's been a very relaxing day after a grueling and miserably hot day of moving.... First we refueled with a yummy breakfast and then headed to the pool for the day.

Home 101

Yesterday evening while packing I realized it is a little sad that we are moving, given that we just made Home 101 our own and it took almost a year to get it that way. Below are some before and afters of our first home... This post will likely be a little boring to most of you and is probably more for me... We have lived here such a short time, but it was our first home so I wanted it documented to look back on :)

BEFORE:

AFTER: 

In absolutely no order whatsoever:

- Red & Gold Walls: We had some painting done before we moved in... I prefer a more soothing color on the walls and to bring in color with accent pieces. We went with a neutral grey - SW Versatile Grey
- Dining Room: In the dining room we removed the sconces and existing light fixture and opted for a linen drum shade and lamps. The neutral walls lightened the room right up. We did hang the lemon prints, but this is the only picture I have...
- Living Room - The tan linen sofa and blue ottoman was our first living room set up. I say first because we quickly discovered we needed more (much more) couch space for me and 6'5 Mr. H if I didn't want to be curled up in a ball at the end of the couch every night while we watched tv :) We moved the linen sofa, chair and blue velvet ottoman into the sitting area in the master bedroom which worked out great because I used the same blue velvet fabric for the throw pillows on our bed.
- Staircase Frames: I told Michael I wanted "organized chaos" on this wall with those frames that I had been collecting for months. We cut out pieces of wrapping paper in the size of the frames and taped them up on the wall and then hung the frames. He did such a good job! I did eventually fill all of the frames, but couldn't find a picture of them and they are already all in boxes for the new house.
- Front Yard: Michael and I stained the shutters and spent a lot of time on the landscaping in the front yard! Both involved long Saturdays and sunburns, but it looks much, much better than it did when we moved in.
- Floral Painting & Lamps: This in the only photo I have of the guest bedroom, which was my least favorite room. I sold the flower painting and have a new plan for the guest bedroom at our new house:)
- Living Room Version #2: This was the new sectional in the living room -- which we sold last week. haha! I will use any excuse to redecorate and moving is the best one I can think of... In my defense this really wouldn't work in our new home so we are going in a different direction yet again...
- We found a beautiful entertainment center, for a great deal, that took up this entire wall, but for some reason this is the only photo I have of it... It wont be going with us either because the new owners asked for it in their offer on the house and Michael was quick to except because he wasn't looking forward to having to move it. I was less than thrilled because I love it... but I am sure we can find something else we love...
- Master Bedroom: Our bedroom was one of my favorite rooms. I just picked up some antique botanical prints I had framed and they never even had the chance to make their debut on the wall above the bed. They will have to wait for the new home. I absolutely LOVE them. I picked them up over a year ago at an antique flea market and finally found someone who does absolutely beautiful framing and had very decent prices... They are sooo pretty - I can't wait to hang them!

We will really miss this house because we love it, but we aren't fond of the area and that makes all of the difference sometimes. We are really looking forward to being in Fort Worth and to making our new house a home. Our new home was built in 1952 and has had updates over the years, but will still need some love.

Here is a sneak peek of our new house...

18 Weeks

Sweet Baby H, 

     It has been 18 weeks since you set up shop in my belly. We saw you today and you are growing strong and healthy. You are busy flexing your arms and legs and I can't wait to feel you moving around in there. When we saw you today you were laying back with your arms stretched above you and we even saw you open and close your mouth. We also saw the four chambers of your heart and your kidneys. It is still amazing to me that all of that is going on inside of me - that you are growing inside of me. We can't wait to meet you and keep wondering what you will look like and who you will be... 

How far along? 18 Weeks

Total weight gain: 15 pounds - no change from last week

Maternity clothes?: Only work pants so far... Still wearing lots of maxi dresses and flowy shirts to mask the mini bump that sometimes just looks like I need to put down the cheeseburger.

Stretch marks? No... Still crossing my fingers that I will be one of those lucky girls who doesn't get stretch marks, has perky boobs after breastfeeding and finds a six pack is hiding under this baby belly within weeks of delivery. A girl can dream, right?

Best moment this week: This morning without a doubt. We had our 18 week check up and saw Baby H on the big screen. We could see Baby H's nose, eyes, arms and legs and movement. It was amazing! So much better than the 6 week ultrasound that looked more like the weather radar in black and white. 

Sleep: Saturday was a bad night, but then I discovered putting a pillow between your knees when sleeping on your side and for now it has changed my life. well at least my night life :) 

Miss Anything?: During Heather's wedding festivities this weekend in Santa Fe, I wanted a margarita so bad I could taste it. or maybe that was because I licked the salt off of every glass Michael had... Needless to say I parked myself at the candy bar and did myself in there. Not a totally bad trade off. 

Movement: Not Yet - waiting anxiously!!

Food cravings: It's still anything with cheese and lots of fruit. Tonights dinner is strawberries, sharp cheddar slices, grapes and watermelon. I have a really bad heartburn today so fruit sounded like it would help.

Belly Button In or Out:  In

Symptoms: HEARTBURN ---- I have never had it and didn't know how icky it can be....

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, happy, happy - and hungry :)

Looking forward to: Moving on Saturday! As much as I hate moving, I am ready to just get it over with already. I am hoping for a cool front or I may just need to wear an ice pack like mascots do under their get ups. We move everything to storage on Saturday and will be at a hotel for several days - then later next week we move into our new home in Fort Worth. And the very next day I can start getting  Baby H's nursery ready! I can't wait.

Wedding Weekend Santa Fe Style

This past weekend we pushed the moving boxes aside, packed up our suitcases and headed to Santa Fe for Heather and Tyler's wedding!

Heather and I met when I transferred to Texas Tech. She and I were instant friends who have shared many memories. many laughs. a few too many drinks. and a few tough times where we needed a shoulder to cry on - a real friendship and one that I am really thankful to have.

It was a wonderful weekend and an absolutely beautiful wedding with a stunning bride. I was honored to stand up on the alter with Heather and Tyler while they exchanged their vows.  You could see the love and joy in their eyes and it tugged at my heartstrings to hear their words affirm it.

The Weekend According to Instagram:
1. St. Francis Hotel in Santa Fe - It was in the middle of town and we walked everywhere. They also made me the best virgin drink I have ever had. ever. A virgin mango mojito made with fresh mango.
2 - 3. Michael and I at lunch - It was a lovely lunch on the balcony of a little restaurant. The meal was so fresh and yummy - clearly since my plate is completely empty :)
4 - 5. Walking the streets of Santa Fe enjoying the shops and historical sites
6. The gorgeous bride before we headed to the chapel
7. View from the reception - breathtaking!
8. Heather and I with Baby H :)
9. The sky was full of rainbows during her reception. It was amazing! Double rainbows even graced the sky.

Moving Helpers

We were very busy this weekend packing for our move. I was hard at work when I realized it was suddenly quiet. This usually means that the dogs are up to no good in another room in the house. I walked out of the kitchen to look for them only to find that they too were very hard at work...

Sweet dreams!

17 Weeks!

How far along? 17 Weeks

Total weight gain: 15 pounds - yikes. yes I am ahead.  but what is a girl to do when food all of a sudden tastes better than it ever has before and all self control has completely gone out the window. I did buy an elliptical last week so I could start working out again indoors since it is too hot for running outside - and I haven't touched it. Well that isn't entirely true. I leaned up against it this evening while eating my Chick Fil A nuggets to watch tv. 

Maternity clothes?: For work I have to wear maternity pants. I'm not sure I will go back. Elastic waists are kind of awesome. I wonder if velcro shoes have the same allure?? Anyway... I literally can't get my hips into my regular pants and getting them buttoned - well that is just a depressing task that ends with buttons flying across the room.  I am wearing a lot of maxi dresses lately and plan to live in those throughout this pregnancy.
Stretch marks? Nope! (Please god, have mercy on my skin throughout this process) - Can't hurt to pray about it, right?

Sleep: Getting worse. Crazy dreams that wake me up and my back has been bothering me at night. I think it might be time to invest in that huge pregnancy pillow. 
Best moment this week: Either successfully packing up the entire kitchen or going to Texas Roadhouse on Sunday. I suddenly had a craving for their chicken tender salad and rolls. It was awesome and part of those 15 pounds you read about earlier.
Miss Anything?: I am packing a home and getting ready to move. A little dirty martini would definitely make that more fun. but I'll live.
Movement: Not Yet
Food cravings: Anything with cheese. ranch doesn't hurt either.
Gender: We find out on Monday!!!!

Symptoms: I have had a few headaches recently, along with an achey back at night.
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Both. One second I can be happy and the next I am crying. I suppose it just comes with the territory. 

Looking forward to: Finding out if Baby H is a boy or girl on Monday!!! And a trip to the beach I just found out about today!! Absolutely can't wait to lay my big belly on a beach and relax. 

Nap Time

Parker and Cass have been spending more time inside the house now that it is miserably hot outside. They absolutely LOVE being inside with us. They really love to nap on the couch and did so pretty much all day today.  It was so cute so I had to snap a few pictures. Not that I was laying beside them all day being lazy :) Ok, ok maybe I was... It has been a really long week and I needed the rest or at least that is what I am telling myself.

13 Weeks

Baby H,

It's been 13 weeks since you set up shop in my belly. You are 3-4 inches long and the size of a peach. You are hard at work growing your own little fingerprints and tiny bones.

You might also be sucking your thumb by now. My guess is that you are because I was a big thumb sucker myself. Our next appointment is on the 18th and we are counting the days. I sure wish they could tell us then whether you are a little boy or girl in there, but I am told I will have to wait a few more weeks.  I can't wait to see how much you have grown and hear your heart beating again!

Love,
Mom

In a matter of weeks...

The past few weeks have flown by and LOTS has been happening. We went to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho for 4 days because Michael had a work convention to attend. I was excited about the time off work to relax, but I wasn't quite sure how Idaho would be for a vacation. Boy, did I miss judge Coeur d'Alene. It was absolutely beautiful and the weather was an amazing break from the 100 degree heat Texas had while we were gone. Here are a few shots I took on my phone from our room, the pool and the spa where I spent my time relaxing on our trip while Michael was working. ahem, I mean golfing :)

About a month ago we started seriously talking about selling Home 101 and moving to another area for lots of different reasons. We listed the house with the agreement that we wouldn't sell unless we got a good solid offer. Two days after we returned from Coeur d'Alene we received exactly that. WE SOLD OUR HOUSE. Well technically we don't close and have to be out until August 9th, but basically WE SOLD OUR HOUSE. We have been hunting for the past week and made an offer! We found out this morning that the seller accepted and we are in contract for our new home in Fort Worth, pending our inspection on Tuesday of course. Very exciting stuff!

And during all this I went from being 12 weeks pregnant to almost 14 weeks pregnant. Wow. 13 Weeks post coming soon!

11 Weeks

Sweet Baby H,

It's been 11 weeks since you set up shop inside my belly. You are the size of a fig and about 1 1/2 inches long and you are almost fully formed, which is absolutely amazing to me. You are already kicking and stretching inside me. We could see you kicking on the ultrasound last week! I can't wait until I can feel you dancing around in there.








Your daddy and I are doing lots of reading so that we can be great parents. We have a lot to learn before you make your debut in January.




I also bought you a couple of books, one of which I can remember reading over and over as a child. I can't wait to read them to you.




I have been trying to eat healthier for you and even bought a juice to provide us with daily amount of fruits and veggies we need, but I have to confess I still crave cheeseburgers.








January feels like a very long time to have to wait to meet you, but until then keep growing strong!

Love, Mom