Another Project - Door Mat To Wall Hanging

This project I did a long time ago, but just hung it a few weeks ago!

It started out as a $4 floor mat from a lumber store. 

A little silver spray paint and it turned into a beautiful wall hanging!

Buying wall decor is quite expensive, so I am pumped when I can find cheap and easy projects to do that make a big impact!

35 Weeks

Size of baby: Honeydew Melon ( 5 1/4 lbs and 18 inches)
Total Weight Gain: 28 lbs
Continuing symptoms: Sore feet, frequent bathroom visits, sore hips, braxton hicks.
New symptoms this week:  Feet and hands are getting noticeably more swollen.
Sleep: My back is quite sore after sleeping,  but stretching helps.
Maternity Clothes: I just snagged and ripped a hole in my favourite, brand new sweater. I am so crushed.
What I'm Eating: Very randoms things, I have little desire to actually make meals lately.
Cravings: Cream cheese and sweet chilli triscuits, chocolate cake (thanks to the beauty shown below)
Movement: There is a lot of whole belly shifting going on and often there is constant pressure on a specific spot under my ribs. I think that is the baby's feet!
Other Pregnancy News:
I am officially on maternity leave! My last day of work was Friday, and my coworkers sure spoiled me! Here are some of the things I received:

Two beautiful bouquets of flowers!

This amazing chocolate cake. Seriously the best cake I have ever eaten. I want to order another one just for myself.  We also had lunch from Kaffe Haus that day. The rest of the week my friend Peggy and I had lunch at a different place in Gimli. She called it "food week" and we ate at the chip truck, Beach Boy and Subway. It was deliciously fun.

I had to leave a bit early to go sign papers for the farm in the city, so I left my car in Gimli. When I got back at night one of my coworkers wrote this on my car! 

I am so excited to finally be on mat leave. I have dreamed of this day for years and I can hardly believe it is finally real. I will miss my co-workers for sure, but I am so thrilled to be working for a new "boss" sometime very soon!

Last night I had a dream that the baby is a boy, for the second time. Up until then I had only dreamt about a girl. So now I am honestly confused at what the baby might be. I don't even want to try to guess anymore!

34 Weeks

Size of baby: Cantaloupe ( 4 3/4 lbs and 18 inches)
Total Weight Gain: 26 lbs
Continuing symptoms: Sore feet, frequent bathroom visits, sore hips, braxton hicks.
New symptoms this week:  Nothing new really. I am feeling pretty good!
Sleep: My back is quite sore after sleeping,  but stretching helps.
Maternity Clothes: I am not allowing myself to go to Motherhood Maternity any more. I bought two gorgeous sweaters and two pairs of jeans last week with my birthday money. It doesn't make a lot of sense because I only have 6 weeks left, but they are so comfy.
What I'm Eating: Lots of toasted tomato sandwiches with fresh tomatoes from our garden!
Cravings: Peanut butter, milk
Movement: I can tell there is very little room for baby to move around now. There is a lot of belly shifting, outward pressure and some kicks. 
Other Pregnancy News:

I got my results back from my second glucose tolerance test and I DO NOT have gestational diabetes! YAY! That is such a relief. I am so thankful! 

Eric and I have been doing lots of reading about labor and delivery lately. Because I want to have a natural birth if possible, I want to be as prepared as possible. We both read Ina May's Guide To Childbirth and right now we are reading Natural Birth The Bradley Way and The Birth Book. So far the gist of what I have learnt is to stay as relaxed as possible and to trust my body because it knows what to do. I am halfway through Natural Birth, and have yet to read The Birth Book. I am looking forward to learning even more. I have to say I am honestly looking forward to the birth experience. It was something I prayed to experience!

We get asked a lot if we are ready. That is hard to answer because how can you ever be ready for something you have NO idea about. So I always just say we are as ready as we will ever be. 6 weeks seems so crazy close. It is hard to believe, we are in awe everyday about how our family will be changing. God is so good to us. 

33 Weeks

Size of baby: Pineapple ( 4 lbs and 17 inches)
Total Weight Gain: 26 lbs
Continuing symptoms: Sore feet, frequent bathroom visits, heartburn, sore hips, braxton hicks.
New symptoms this week: Leg cramps, swollen feet
Sleep: It is becoming more restless. My last 3 fingers on my right hand fall asleep often, even when I am not sleeping on that side.
Maternity Clothes: Love Them
What I'm Eating: It is very hard to eliminate sugar and carbs. This week was bad not good.
Cravings: Angry Whoppers
Movement: The baby shifts my whole belly around now, it is so fun to watch! I can often feel a body part pressing outwards. 
Other Pregnancy News: I ran from what I thought was a skunk Monday night, which was a terrible idea. I could hardly walk that night, I could barely get into bed. Walking backwards worked best because my hips were in so much pain! So I have been walking very pregnant ever since. I am wondering if I will have this hip pain for the rest of this pregnancy. 

This week has been week of realizing how close we are to meeting our little one. I have been reflecting a lot about how this stage of our life is over, and how a new one is about to begin. Life is about to change A LOT. Gone are the day of being selfish and doing whatever we please. We are SO ready for this change. 

Funky Fluff Stash & Cash Giveaway ($500+ cloth diaper stash + $300 cash)

 Welcome to the Funky Fluff Stash & Cash Giveaway! DiaperDeals.ca and ClothDiaperTrader.com have teamed up with Funky Fluff to give away a full stash of cloth diapers for one lucky family - PLUS some extra cash to pay off some of those bills that start to pile up when a new baby blesses our lives!

 

The prize: A complete Funky Fluff cloth diaper stash, worth over $500, plus some cool cash!

12 Funky Fluff Bamboo Diapers 12 Funky Fluff Stay Dry Diapers 1 Pail Liner 1 Wet Bag 2 Packs of Boosters

PLUS an awesome cash prize of $300!

  This stash has 24 diapers! That is all you need to cloth diaper full-time! Plus, an awesome wet bag with two zippered compartments – DiaperDeals.ca’s favourite wet bag, a very generous easy fit pail liner, and 2 of the softest bamboo booster packs.

This Funky Fluff diaper stash is an awesome prize for different cloth diapering preferences: Funky Fluff Fusion 3 in 1 cloth diapers are as flexible and versatile as it gets in the world of cloth diapering. This interchangeable design proves that modern cloth diapers are easy to use, convinient and can work for anyone, no matter which system they prefer to use. With Funky Fluff, the same diaper can be used whether you are a dad who likes an AIO system, a mom who prefers the convenience of an AI2 or a daycare provider who feels comfortable with the Pocket System concept. Funky Fluff also offers both natural bamboo blend and stay-dry diapers, and the winner of this super package will get to try both!

 

 To learn more about Funky Fluff's awesome 3-in-one diapers, visit www.funkyfluff.ca and check out reviews on DiaperDeals.ca and NorthernBaby.com.

  About Funky Fluff: Funky Fluff was started by 2 moms who were on the quest for the perfect diaper – and when they didn’t find it, they decided to design it. Learn more on the Funky Fluff web site. About co-host Diaper Deals: Anyone can post a deal on DiaperDeals.ca to share giveaways, sales, and promotions with parents (it's free). Post or find deals at DiaperDeals.ca.
  About co-host Cloth Diaper Trader: ClothDiaperTrader.com is a classifieds site JUST for cloth diapers - organized the way fluff addicts think! Buy and sell your fluff at ClothDiaperTrader.com
  All of the bloggers involved in this giveaway have contributed to the cash portion of the prize, and a special thank-you goes out to these Funky Fluff retailers who have sponsored an even bigger portion of the cash prize:
The Ninety Ninth Monkey
  From the Stash
Change Matt
  Kradles Baby Boutique
  Babyrama Total Baby Store

 This giveaway starts at 12:01AM August 24th EST and is open through 11:59PM August 31 EST, and is open to residents of Canada and the U.S. Must be 18 or older. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Entering means you agree to the terms and conditions stated in the form. To enter this massive giveaway, use the Rafflecopter form below!
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Disclaimer: We have not been compensated in any way for this promotion. All blogger fees collected go directly to the cash prize. Funky Fluff is responsible for fulfillment of the cloth diaper stash portion of the prize and DiaperDeals.ca is responsible for the cash portion of the prize. Cash will be awarded in the currency of the winner's country of residency and no conversion will be made (i.e. if the prize is $160 the winner will receive $160 regardless of country of residence).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

32 Weeks

Size of baby: Weighs as much as a Jicama, whatever that may be ( 3.75 lbs and 16.7 inches)
Total Weight Gain: 24 lbs
Continuing symptoms: Sore feet, frequent bathroom visits, heartburn, sore hips.
New symptoms this week: I have started to notice braxton hicks again.
Sleep: Is still decent.
Maternity Clothes: Love Them
What I'm Eating: It is very hard to eliminate sugar and carbs
Cravings: Sugary things of course. I so badly want 2 dollars worth of 5 cent candy!
Movement: My little bro felt the baby move the other day! He was so pumped! Baby sure loves to squirm around a lot. I have started to feel feet or something pressing on my ribs sometimes. Eric still doesn't get to feel baby a lot, seems to just like to move for mommy still. 
Other Pregnancy News: 

Tomorrow I go for my 2hr glucose test. I am hoping I will pass. I have been taking my blood sugar myself and it has been normal if I eat decently. So even if I do fail, I know I will be able to control it with diet alone, which is awesome!

I have been thinking a lot about labor and delivery lately. I really want a natural, unmedicated birth. I am worried about being pressured into something at the hospital. I want to be able to move around, eat and drink and give birth in whatever position I feel is right. I can totally understand why people have home births now. I would LOVE to have a midwife, but they are few and far between in MB. 

Here is my 28 week and 32 week pictures. I think I look exactly the same. I was expecting to look way different!

Goodbye, Sweet Friend

Today I had to say goodbye to my sweet Golden Retriever, Dixie. She was almost 13, so she has been around for Korey's whole life. I got her for Christmas when I was 15, and when I moved out my mom wanted to keep her. She was seriously the best dog ever. I can't think of anything she ever did wrong. She loved to play fetch, swim in the lake and go for walks. When she couldn't find a toy to throw, she would carry around rocks instead (like the one in her mouth in the picture), just waiting for someone to play fetch with her. I will miss her so much. 

31 Week Photo

Did I mention I was taking a photography class this month? This is fun!

31 Weeks

Size of baby: Four Navel Oranges ( 3.3lbs and 16 inches)
Total Weight Gain: 23 lbs - YIKES!
Continuing symptoms: Sore feet, frequent bathroom visits, heartburn, sore hips.
New symptoms this week: I am starting to notice my belly get in the way a lot
Sleep: It has been pretty good this week, actually. I need to go to bed earlier though!
Maternity Clothes: Love Them
What I'm Eating: Trying to eliminate sugar and carbs, so eating a lot of fruit, veggies, meat and cheese!
Cravings: Coffee with cream 
Movement: Tonnes and tonnes of movement! I love it. The baby moves a lot when I am going to bed and often wakes me up in the morning. The only frustrating thing is that Eric doesn't get to feel the baby a lot. Every time I get him to feel the baby stops moving. Then he takes his hand off and the baby starts moving again. I get frustrated because I want to share this experience with him, and with other people too. But baby Dueck only likes to move for Mommy!
Special pregnancy moments:  I think I am going to change this section to "Other Pregnancy News"

I found out the result of my glucose tolerance test, it was high. So I have to go back for the 75mg 2 hour test. Today I took my blood sugar after eating a sugary breakfast (my own glucose tolerance test) and my blood sugar was 8.8 after 1 hour, which is high. Then an hour later it was back down to 4.1 which is normal. Later in the afternoon 1 hour after I had a snack of a banana and some cheese my level was 5.5, which was still normal. This is why I am wanting to eliminate white carbs/starchy foods and sugar. I think this can be controlled well with diet. Maybe a proper diet will stop me from gaining too much weight too! 

I am really disappointed in myself. I should have eaten better and exercised more, and lost more weight before being pregnant. Maybe I could have stopped this. But I also felt like this was inevitable. My mom had gestational diabetes with me, diabetes runs in my family, I have PCOS and I am overweight. That is like every single risk factor. I felt guaranteed to get it. 

30 Weeks

Size of baby: Head Of Cabbage ( Almost 3 lbs and 15.7 inches)
Total Weight Gain: 17 lbs
Continuing symptoms: Sore feet, frequent bathroom visits, heartburn, sore hips.
New symptoms this week: It is starting to be uncomfortable to walk normally
Sleep: Sleep is getting more restless and uncomfortable. I usually wake up twice to go to the bathroom. I am trying so hard to sleep on my left side, but I always slept on my right side before being pregnant so I find myself wanting to sleep on the right when I come back to bed in the middle of the night. Dreams are frequent and bizzare, and I don't feel like I am sleeping as well because of them. But in the big picture I think I am still sleeping pretty well.
Maternity Clothes: Love them. Haven't grown out of anything yet.
What I'm Eating: Less than normal. My stomach does not hold as much as it used to, and I feel VERY uncomfortable if I eat too much. I also cannot eat leaning over (like at the coffee table, we do this alot). It squishes my belly too much and it makes me feel insta-full.
Cravings: Coffee with TONNES of cream and some sugar. So weird because I don't normally drink alot of coffee cause it  bugs my stomach.  I am really trying to drink as little as possible.
Movement: Baby is feeling more and more alien-like in there. Along with the regular kicks, I am starting to feel limps press outward and move around. I think the baby is too big to do the flips like it used to, but sometimes I can feel the whole body move around at once, it is a very unique feeling!
Special pregnancy moments: 30 weeks! I am 3/4 of the way to my due date. In some ways it seems so fast, but in other ways it feels like I have been pregnant for a long time. I am SO looking forward to meeting our little baby in 10 weeks or so. I try not to think about it too much though, because then I become very impatient and 10 weeks seems like 10 years away.

I also finished prepping all my cloth diapers this week. I think I am finally all ready to go in that area. I actually have been dreaming about them because I can't wait to use them for real!

I mentioned to Eric this week that I am starting to feel really pregnant. I can feel my belly stretching, and eating, sleeping and walking are all different than normal. It is wonderful. I am SO glad to be able to have my own set of pregnancy "complaints". I WANT to feel pregnant. I have prayed for this for years, and so far it has been much easier that I thought it would be.

29 Weeks

Size of baby: Butternut Squash ( 2.5 lbs and 15 inches)
Total Weight Gain: 16 lbs
Continuing symptoms:  Sore feet, frequent bathroom visits, heartburn
New symptoms this week: Sore hips, This is not really a 'symptom' but I have really notices hear intolerance this week. It makes me miserable, and makes my hands and feet swell and ache. I need A/C! 
Sleep: Sleep is ok. But my hips are always sore when I wake up.
Maternity Clothes: Got a few more tops that were one sale, some one which were my FAVORITE tank tops! YAY!
What I'm Eating: Normal diet
Cravings: Nothing specific this week.  
Movement: Both my sister in laws felt the baby last week. Last evening we were out for supper with friends and they watched the baby move too. A lot more of my belly is moving now, instead of individual kicks. I often feel the baby kick simultaneously on either side of my belly! 
Special pregnancy moments: This past week were were at a camp/cabins in the Whiteshell with Eric's family, and we got to spend time with his cousins who just had a baby a few months ago! It was a joy to hang out with them and talk about baby stuff. But even more so it was great to watch them parent. They are fantastic. They are relaxed, yet totally in control and it really reflects in their baby. He is a very content, happy, interactive 4.5 month old! 


Speaking of the lake, it was HOT. The first couple days were very warm and there was no A/C to be found. It actually made for quite the unpleasant experience. I didn't realize how much the heat affects me being pregnant until this week. I was pretty miserable and didn't want to do a whole lot but swim or sit in front of a fan and knit! In fact I really just wanted to go home so I could do all the same things in the comfort of my air conditioned house. The last few days it rained and cooled off quite a bit and I was able to enjoy it a lot more! 


Now I understand why so many people comment on how tough it is to be pregnant in the summer time. I have found that if I keep cool for most of the day and stay well hydrated, I feel great. But if I am in the heat for too long I really don't feel very good at all. I am so thankful to have A/C in our house and at work!

New Fence!

Eric has worked hard this summer so far! A new house with a HUGE yard brings lots of yard work, and a couple projects. Eric pretty much built this fence on his own. His dad helped dig the holes for the posts, and a couple friends helped one evening to put up panels. But Eric worked for hours and  hours in the hot sun to build this fence for my Chihuahuas. It turned out perfect. He did such a fantastic job. I still need to get a picture of it all finished. 

28 Weeks

Size of baby: Chinese Cabbage ( 2.25 lbs and 14.8 inches)
Total Weight Gain: 16 lbs
Continuing symptoms:  Sore feet, frequent bathroom visits.
New symptoms this week: Heartburn. I have had it a few times in the last couple days. 
Sleep: Sleep is ok. But my hips are always sore when I wake up.
Maternity Clothes: A friend has borrowed me some, so now I have several new pairs of Capris, Shorts and Jeans to use! I also got a couple shirts on sale this weekend. 5 shirts doesn't seem to be enough.
What I'm Eating: Normal diet
Cravings: Nothing specific, but I have very little desire for sweets, which is NOT at all like me. 
Movement: Love all the movement. I have been feeling spots of pressure this week, like a hand or foot is pressing out. Eric hasn't felt the baby a whole lot, nor has anyone else. It seems like every time someone else tries to feel baby, the movement stops. Baby only likes to move for Mom I guess! I am sure soon enough baby will move for longer periods of time and other people will be able to feel it. 
Special pregnancy moments: I was up at BCBC this past week, where I counselled last summer. I was reminded of how last year, I cried and prayed for a baby with the female staff at our prayer meetings. Now this year I am in the same place, with a baby kicking around in my belly. It is so overwhelming to me how God works. He is SO faithful. He loves us so much and He DOES hear our prayers. I am incredible thankful for what God has blessed me with. 


Here is another picture! The first is 20 weeks, and the second is 28 weeks. It makes me giggle how round this belly has become! I love it. No wonder people are touching it!

Cloth Diaper Giveaway

I just entered this cloth diaper giveaway for bloggers! Click the button for more info and directions to sign up!

My Cloth Diapers!

Here is my first cloth diaper stash! It is a mix and match of all different brand and styles to see what I like best. They are all newborn sized or one size. Some of the diapers seem to big for a newborn, but most of them should work. A friend is going to borrow me 7 Bum Genius all-in-one newborn size diapers as well, so I should be good to start off with. 

My plan is to try these out, and then order a larger amount of the kind that I like the best in a one-size.

I can't wait to use these for real. I cried a little bit when I was putting these away after washing them. I can't believe I am going to have my own baby that will have to use these!! I am so thankful. God is so good. 

27 Weeks

Size of baby: Head Of Cauliflower ( 2 lbs and 14.5 inches)
Total Weight Gain: 14 lbs
Continuing symptoms: Braxton Hicks, round ligament pain, sore feet, frequent bathroom visits.
New symptoms this week: Swollen feet - the day after the wedding I woke up and they felt like water balloons. It was painful to walk all day. Thankfully today it is better.
Sleep: Still ok, hand are seeming to fall asleep a lot lately.
Maternity Clothes: Love them!
What I'm Eating: regular diet
Cravings: Chips, salty things, ice cream
Movement: Lots and lots of movement sometimes. Baby loves to wake me up kicking in the morning. Yesterday morning baby must have kick steady for an hour while I was trying to sleep in! lol
Special pregnancy moments:  Talking with many friends and family at the wedding about the baby. Also, it was pretty special to have people tell me I looked good in the bridesmaid dress, cause I kinda felt like a tank! 


I finally just had to take pictures of my computer screen with my camera to get these pictures. I cannot believe that is MY baby's face. That's in my belly right now. It is such an overwhelming joy, I am so in love already!

Big yawn!

Our sweet baby's face!

I think baby looks like Eric. 

Cutest side profile ever!

A Beautiful Wedding

Yesterday Eric's brother, Sean, married one of my best friends, Alyssa. We were both very honoured to be in the wedding party.  It was a beautiful day, and the wedding was perfect down to the very last detail. It was a lot of fun. I didn't get a whole lot of pictures because I was busy with wedding party duties, so most of mine are "behind the scenes". Their photographer is amazing so I will post a link when those are online. I can't wait to see them all!

The AMAZING dress

I locked my keys in the car so the wonderful groomsmen got them out for me!

Last minute touch ups

Our beautiful flowers

I forgot to get a picture of the two of us all dressed up. Well I guess I still look the same but Eric has lost a few pieces. lol

The lovely couple, my brother and sister in law!

Olivia (a flower girl/cousin) and I. She is so sweet. She kept looking up at me, confused, during the ceremony (because I was crying a bit) and she later asked why I was crying. Hehe, I guess she couldn't figure out why I was so sad!

Cute lil' cake!

Last minute cake cutting!

26 Weeks

Size of baby: English hothouse cucumber ( 1.7 lbs and 14 inches)
Total Weight Gain: 13 lbs
Continuing symptoms: Braxton Hicks, round ligament pain, sore feet
New symptoms this week: Frequent bathroom visits, which are quite unrewarding. I am tiring of visiting the washroom so often, so I try to hold off as long as I can! 
Sleep: Waking up at LEAST twice per night for the washroom. If I try to skip the second one, the last 1/2 hour - hour of sleep is uncomfortable.
Maternity Clothes: Love them!
What I'm Eating: Not healthy this week. So disappointed in myself. I feel hungrier than normal, sometimes I feel crazy hungry and I want to eat everything. I have a bad habit of eating right after I get home from work instead of waiting to make supper.
Cravings: Chips, salty things, ice cream
Movement: Lots of rolling movements, lots of kicks. The movements are higher every day, and I can often feel them above my belly button now!
Special pregnancy moments: At our prenatal appt. last wednesday we found out the results of our ultrasound, and everything looks normal, which is awesome!


We also went for a 3D ultrasound. I was really unsure of paying for an ultrasound, but I figured I would just go for it because what if I never get the chance again! It turned out to be a really great experience. 


We only wanted the 10 minute package because we figured 20 or 30 minutes seemed too long, so that is what we paid for. We actually got nearly 40 minutes worth of ultrasound for that! The woman was super nice. She was trying to get a good facial shot but baby turned in so she couldn't. So she let me come back after my prenatal appt. (they were in the same building) for another 20 minutes. We got both sessions in real time on DVD, and a picture. The picture isn't the greatest, kinda blurry and the nose looks super wide 


My favourite part was watching the baby move on the screen and feeling it at the same time! We also saw baby shake it's head and yawn. SO CUTE. 


I would love to post some pictures of it, but my screen shots don't seem to be working! They keep turning out like grey checkers. I will try to take pics of the screen with my camera. 

25 Weeks

Size of baby: Rutabaga ( 1.5 lbs and 13.5 inches)
Total Weight Gain: 12 lbs
Continuing symptoms: Braxton Hicks, round ligament pain, sore feet
New symptoms this week: Leg cramps
Maternity Clothes: I found a few regular t shirts that still fit! But other than that I am loving my maternity clothes, especially my tank tops and jean shorts!
What I'm Eating: Normal diet. Lots of cheese
Cravings: Cheese, magnum ice cream or something similar
Movement: Lots of movement! Not a whole lot at work while I am walking around, but lots at home in the evenings, especially after I eat. Eric and I saw the baby moving through my clothes in church on Sunday. So cool! I feel not just kicks but the babe flipping around. 
Special pregnancy moments: Seeing the baby move a bunch of times. I love trying to watch for it. 


This week we are going for a 3D ultrasound! I am kinda nervous to see the baby like that, cause it kinda freaks me out! But I want the magical ultrasound experience that I didn't get at my medical one. I want to be humoured! 

A Giveaway!

Head over to my Steeped Tea With Lindsey page on Facebook for a chance to win this adorable Frog Animal Infuser for loose tea!

Once my page hits 100 likes I will randomly select a winner! I will also do giveaways for 250 and 500 likes as well, if I can get that many!