I just need to concede....

I'm just going to have to accept that I am a horrible blogger.  I would really love to be more "on top" of this blog thing, but it just gets shoved down to the bottom of my to do list all the time.  I really hate that... something I'm going to work on!

Boy have the weeks passed since my blog has heard from me!  We are now 36 weeks and I couldn't be more excited.  It seems that I haven't been able to sleep (heartburn and generally uncomfortable) or eat (Katherine has been living somewhere between my stomach and lungs) for weeks now.  But PRAISE THE LORD, she has finally settled a little further south and I feel like I can breathe again.  Overall, I'm feeling pretty good!

Here goes the question list again...

How far along? 36 weeks
Total weight gain: I'd really rather not talk about it, but since we are all going to blame it on the baby, 17 pounds.  Ugh.  I guess I can't complain too much, but knowing I have weeks left I'm a little nervous.
Maternity clothes? Oh Lord yes!!  What did women do before maternity clothes??
Stretch marks? I think there are a few new additions and one obvious new one... guess you can't escape battle without a few new scars.
Sleep: It seems that sleep may be on the up-and-up finally!  Now that Katherine has dropped a little and my stomach has some room, the heartburn has toned down.  That was the biggest problem with sleep, so now if I can find a comfortable position (HA!) I will get a full nights sleep.
Best moment this week: Best moment 2 weeks ago was the first time our housekeeper came over and cleaned.  Holy shananigans batman!!  That woman can clean!!  Our house sparkled and it made me so happy.  Best moment coming up... she comes back again on Tuesday :)
Miss anything? What I would give for some wine and sushi...
Movement: The movement for a while was insane.  It seemed like she wiggled all the time.  Now it seems like she has some sleep cycles down.  There's also less room for her to boogie, so that has helped too.  But she still moves regularly and plenty.  It's just not the Tae-Bo that she was doing before!
Food cravings: Even though some of you will cringe, I will go ahead and admit that I stop by Starbucks almost every morning to get their Pumpkin Spice Latte.  I know I know... save the lecture.  But it's divine and it keeps me going.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope :)  Thank goodness.
Gender: It's still a girl as far as we know!  We did have a friend tell us he had a dream that we ended up having a little boy, but I seriously doubt that.
Labor Signs: Nothing real.  She has dropped so that's a good sign.  And I've been having more Braxton-Hicks contractions.  Nothing big though. 
Symptoms: Heartburn has improved but the general discomfort is definitely worse.  But it's totally worth it :)  My lower back just kills me most evenings, but it's nothing a little Flexeril can't help :)
Belly Button in or out? In, I never got an "outie" with K-bug either.
Wedding rings on or off? I had to retire the wedding ring a couple of weeks ago.  I ordered a fake from Overstock.com for $25 and it's hilarious how many compliments I get on it!  It's gaudy and awful and I really love it.  But I'm ready to be able to wear my real, beautiful ring again soon.
Happy or Moody most of the time: TIRED but happy. Chad might still say moody if I wasn't around though! Ha.
Looking forward to: My next OB appointment. It is this coming Friday and I'm stoked.  With Kaelynn, I was already dilating and effaced at this appointment so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

In other news, Kaelynn changes daycare this week.  Friday was her last day at her old daycare and it was bittersweet for me.  Even though putting her in daycare was one of the hardest things to do, I've grown to really appreciate the workers and have become fond of it myself.  She never cries when I leave her and she always seems to be happy there.  I hope we have the same luck with this new daycare.  The new one is a private, Christian daycare and are also a private school through the 3rd grade.  Chad and I have both been very impressed with the facility and everyone we have talked to.  Say an extra prayer for us Tuesday morning as Kaelynn will meet her new classmates and teachers for the first time.  I hope and pray she adjusts well.  The other bonus is it's literally two blocks from my office.  That's the part that I love the most!

Chad is doing great.  He is still doing all sorts of trading/buying/selling of guns, knives and coins.  There's always something going on with that and some deal he's trying to work out.  He seems to really love it and has turned a small amount of cash into quite a few, much more expensive, items by trading up! 

We are looking forward to going to my grandmothers for an early Thanksgiving this coming weekend.  Our whole family meets at her house and we always have a great time.  It's an insane amount of people in a small house, but the amount of love there is life changing.  It's probably one of my most favorite moments of the year.

We probably won't be going anywhere on actual Thanksgiving since I will be 37 weeks then.  I figure it's better to stay reasonably close to my OB in case Katherine decides to make an early appearance.  My mom and stepdad are coming down to have Thanksgiving with us and I'm super super super excited.  This will be the first time I've hosted my mom for Thanksgiving.  Wish me luck!  I'm already cheating and ordered a smoked turkey from Rudy's.  LOL

Well, that's all for now.  Kaelynn is tucked snugly in bed and this tired mom and dad are not far behind.

Goodnight all!!

23 Weeks TODAY!

Ok, so I know I promised I would be better about this whole blogging thing.  I really did not intend on being a liar!!  This summer has been sooooooo busy.  But I have finally finished my masters degree - WOOOHOOO!!!!  Praise the Lord.  I thought this day would never get here. 

In other news, we recently got back from our trip to California to see Chad's family.  It was a wonderful trip.  I had to come back early to attend a review course for my certification exam and to be in town for a job interview (score!).  Leaving my family in California was one of the hardest things I've ever done.  I've never been away from K-bug for that long, especially with her being half a country away!!  Ugh, I get a lump in my throat just thinking about it.  It was so wonderful meeting them at the airport when they came home.  Southwest was kind enough to give me a pass to go back to the gate, so I was able to meet them when they got off the airplane.  What a wonderful feeling to have my daughter and husband back in my arms!! 

We are getting back to our regular grind next week.  Chad starts back to work after a very awesome leave, K-bug will get back into the swing of things at daycare, and I will........ start my new job Monday!!!!  Yep, it's true folks.  I was hired for my first job as a RN/NP.  I'm so happy.  It was my first job choice and I'm super excited.  I think the folks at the clinic are awesome and I've never been so excited to have a job before.  Please feel free to say a prayer that everything goes smoothly and I transition into the office well.  I really think I will. 

In baby news, we are 23 weeks today.  I cannot believe we are over halfway there!  It's exciting and terrifying all in one.  I'm really feeling great and don't have too many complaints yet.  I guess I will save that for the 3rd trimester when I get super uncomfortable.  Here's an update on our last question list!

How far along? 23 weeks today
Total weight gain: 7 pounds, not too bad for over halfway done!
Maternity clothes? We broke out the maternity clothes quite a few weeks ago.  Even with K-bug I seemed to get very queasy with any sort of pressure on my tummy... same this time around.  Surprisingly, I still don't seem to be noticably pregnant in my work/business clothes, but I am obviously pregnant in my other attire.  My new bosses, even though we've spent many hours together, were surprised when I told them I was pregnant.  I couldn't believe they hadn't noticed yet... MEN!  ;) 
Stretch marks? I can't see anything obviously new yet, but I do feel like they're sneaking up on me.  I've been taking my fish oil again and have been more religious about the lotion.  I hope this really helps in the upcoming months.
Sleep: Still not great.  Now I'm starting to get reflux and heartburn!  Pregnancy is a lose-lose battle when it comes to sleep for me.  Tums on my nightstand and a couple of extra pillows make things a little more bearable though.
Best moment this week: Lots of things!  A job intervew, a OB appointment, picking my husband & daughter up from the airport, and getting my first RN/NP job!!  What a week!!!
Miss anything? Good sleep and my old clothes!  Still.  And sushi.
Movement: Ah yes.  My favorite part.  She mostly moves at night when I'm laying in bed trying to go to sleep.  It's absolutely my favorite thing about pregnancy, but it's terribly distracting when I'd also love to fall asleep.
Food cravings: Oddly enough, I'm not really hungry for anything.  There for a few weeks, I couldn't get enough of the supreme crossant from Jack in the Box.  What's really funny is that I kind of hate Jack in the Box!  So I have no idea what got into me.  But I'm pretty much over that now.  Now I don't really care and not much sounds good.  But I still get pretty crabby when I get hungry so Chad just feeds me whatever and I'm happy.  However, while we were in CA, Chad's mom made some killer clam chowder and the fish-n-chips at the harbor were also awesome.  Those were definitely two of my favorite meals lately.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope :)  Thank goodness.
Gender: It's a GIRL!!  We've known for weeks now and I'm sure all our friends and family already know too.  This is super exciting because we've had so much fun with K-bug AND we already have a ridiculous amount of girl stuff that we stored!  Woohoo for planning ahead!  ;) 
Labor Signs: Goodness NO!
Symptoms: I'm feeling the 2nd trimester bliss.  Things really are going great.  I'm growing and occasionally uncomfortable but really great.  Sleeping is kind of an issue, but I know it's not getting any better (until December 10th anyway).  I know the reflux/heartburn is only going to get worse so I'm trying not to dwell on it too much.
Belly Button in or out? In, I never got an "outie" with K-bug either.
Wedding rings on or off? On :) but super tight
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy. Chad might say moody if I wasn't around though! Ha.
Looking forward to: My next OB appointment. I love seeing the baby and hearing that quick little heartbeat.  Chad wasn't able to go to this last one since he was in CA, but I hope he can go with me next time.

Well, I think that's all for now.  I am going to try to be better this time!!  We will see if it happens ;)

Goodnight friends

12 weeks 3 days!

Here we are at 12 weeks and 3 days! 

I would like to give credit where credit is due... so with that I want to say that I'm borrowing this idea from my also-pregnant friends, Erin and Brittany.  Thanks girls for the idea.  What a great way to keep track of these pregnancy memories that become so foggy later!

How far along? 12 weeks, 3 days!
Total weight gain: Nothing yet... boy will that change!
Maternity clothes? Chad rescued my box of maternity clothes from the attic yesterday.  Day one in my maternity capris has been blissful!
Stretch marks? nothing new yet.  I somehow escaped pregnancy #1 with only a few "battle scars"... hopefully my luck will be the same with this one.  I kept myself very well greased up and took a fish oil vitamin every day.  I'd better get back to that regimen.
Sleep: Not great.  I am continually having to change positions.  I am a tummy sleeper but this tiny little belly makes that pretty uncomfortable.  Also, K-bug has decided she likes to wake up in the middle of the night and climb in bed with Mommy.  I love how snuggly she is, but I also love getting a full nights sleep!
Best moment this week: Getting to spend some much needed time with wonderful friends. 
Miss anything? Good sleep and my old clothes!
Movement: Not yet, but I am soooo looking forward to it!  That was my favorite part of pregnancy #1.
Food cravings: Food.  Anything really.  Salty is preferred.  I think I've already gone through about 5 jars of pickles... ha!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing constantly.  Sometimes certain things will make my stomach churn, but I couldn't list a certain item.
Gender: Chad has said from day one that we wouldn't ever have a boy and he's sticking to it. I thought K-bug was a boy (wrong!) and I've had dreams that this one is a boy too.  So, I'm guessing it's a girl.  That's also what the Chinese Gender Predictor Calendar says (yes... I'm a little ashamed to admit I tried it!).  While I would be happy with either, a girl would be easier since we are already stocked with everything girl!
Labor Signs: Goodness NO!
Symptoms: I have to pee all the time!  I'm not sleeping well anymore.  My morning sickness has finally subsided.  Much more frequent headaches (I had them with K-bug too).  Growing in the belly region and growing in the mammary gland region!  Chad told me today that it's very noticeable now... lucky him!  ;)
Belly Button in or out? In, I never got an "outie" with K-bug either.
Wedding rings on or off? On :)
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy but tired.  Chad might say moody if I wasn't around though! Ha.
Looking forward to: My next OB appointment.  I love seeing the baby and hearing that quick little heartbeat.  Also our big ultrasound is in July and I cannot wait to find out if it's a boy or a girl!!

Welcome to our family updates!!

STRAWSER FAMILY NEWS

Welcome to our new family blog!!  I posted years ago on an old blog (associated with an old email address) so I figured it would be easiest just to start over!

Sooo..... here it goes!

We are the Strawser family: Chad, Krista, K-bug, and baby #2 on the way!  We are currently an active duty Army family and we are so proud of Chad serving his country.  We are also happy to know that our Army days are limited and soon (soon is such a relative term!) we will get to begin a new chapter of our lives.

I am about to graduate with my Masters degree in Nursing and will soon be a Family Nurse Practitioner!  I am very excited and this has been a long road.  K-bug will be 2 this summer but she is going on 16!  She is all girl, a handful but generally wonderful and happy.  We wouldn't ask her to be any other way.  Last but not least, baby #2 should join us in December, just in time for Christmas!  We are vowing right now to not ever use the "this present is for your birthday and Christmas" excuse... I've always felt sorry for those kids!  But I am sure will will make a slip up at some point.

We currently live in a town that I'm not too crazy about; however, we have WONDERFUL friends here.  We have been very blessed with the people God has placed in our lives here.

In our spare time, I am not much fun since I am studying for my certification exam.  But Chad has turned into an avid coin collector!  It pretty much consumes his every spare minute.  He has developed a true love and passion for coin collecting.  I never thought I'd say I am married to a "coin collector" - Never say never!!  Ha.

In K-bug's spare time she loves reading books, playing with Mommy or Daddy and getting into anything and everything she can!  Just like any typical two year old.  Most of the time she is laughing and happy - and for that we are very grateful!

For those of you following her medical issues... let me give some background information for those who do not know...  K-bug and I had some delivery complications and she was left with a left arm that hung lifeless at her side.  After many visits with specialists, we were told she would have to have surgery to repair the damage.  We hated this news, but do whatever we needed to do.  There are lots of other details, but through the grace of God, her arm began healing on it's own.  To those who aren't examining her, there is not any noticeable deficiency!!  We can still see small problems but they told us she would never be 100% - with or without surgery.  I would say she is improved to about 90% - without surgery!!  It's really a miracle, and we can only thank God because there is no other explanation.  So, there's the update... She is about 90% improved and has been released from her specialists.  YAY!!  We will continue to follow up with her PCP, but she's doing GREAT.

Well, that's where our family is now... I will be better about updates so I don't have to start all over again!  Ha.

Hope everyone is doing well!

Masters Graduation Ceremony, May 2012

WELCOME TO SUMMER!!