WIWW: Baby Update + Link Up

I feel like it has been forever that I've gotten dressed decent enough and been able to take pictures. I am loving this bump of mine, and will be sad when I not longer have him in my belly all day, but we are definitely gearing up to meet Mr. Graham-man.

I figured I'd do one of the traditional updates today just to change things up!

How far along: 29 weeks + five days

Baby size: Almost the size of a cabbage and a little over 3 pounds!

Sleep: This whole pregnancy I've been sleeping like a champ. I've had a few days here and there where my hip pain caused me to toss and turn, but I'd say 90% of the time I am out like a light. I haven't even been waking up to pee because I'm so exhausted! My friend let me borrow one of those Snoogle pillows and it has been the best thing ever. I have no idea why I didn't get one from the beginning.

Belly button: Okay, I don't think I've ever admitted this on my blog, but I have a serious belly button phobia. I hate, HATE belly buttons. Not the look of belly buttons, just when mine gets touched. I cannot touch it and I hate if other people Chris touches it. It makes me want to vomit! So, with that said, my button is currently flat and I am TERRIFIED for when/and if it pops out! Ya'll, that is the only thing that has truly stressed me out. I cannot fathom the thought of my button popping out and possibly being touched, grazed, or bumped in to. It makes me queasy just thinking about it!

Maternity clothes: Leggings all day, every day. I'm not even going to try any other pants. I've managed to wear quite a few of my non-maternity tops, but picked up a few more last weekend that I found super cheap at Ross. Basically everything that still fits is on repeat week after week.

Movement: He is moving around like he is trying to escape! He definitely loves when I eat apples and usually starts wiggling around 7:00am. I have yet to have him wake me up at night. Like I said, I'm not sure much can wake me up these days!

Cravings: Pancakes and waffles!! I was also craving a McDonalds double cheeseburger after church on Sunday, but we were closer to a Taco Bell, so a half pound combo burrito it was :)

Symptoms: I hate to write anything here because I know that could be jinxing it, but I really feel great about how this pregnancy has gone. Other than our hiccup a couple weeks ago, things have been going pretty smooth. I was having pretty bad back pain, but after going to the hospital and getting a shot to stop labor, I realized those were contractions and not actual back pain. I haven't had any back pain since receiving that shot! Praise God!

Things I've anticipated like heartburn, swelling, etc. haven't shown up yet, but I know things can change overnight, so I am taking it one day at a time.

Wedding rings: On! Some days I might eat too many chips and have to take them off, but as of right this moment, they are on.

Looking forward to: We have both our showers in February, so we are looking forward to putting the final touches on his nursery and stocking up on the essentials.

We also have some classes at the hospital scheduled that I really feel will get us in baby-mode.

As of this coming Friday, I will officially be 30 weeks! My doctor won't let me go over 41 weeks, so we have a maximum 11 weeks lefts before G gets here!

Now for the link up!

- All I ask is you link back to my blog and link to a specific post.

- Write about something fashion related!

- Instagram @SarahTuckerUp for more outfits and randoms!

Thanks for linking up and to see other WIWW posts, click here.

An InLinkz Link-up

Easy Overnight Oats || Pinterest Success

Sometimes we try recipes off Pinterest and they turn out terrible. Actually, the majority of times I try a recipe off Pinterest it turns out mediocre. 

Finally I can say that I've found a recipe I love!

This overnight oats recipe has been on repeat for a week now. So far I've only added strawberries to mine, but there are so many versions that I can't wait to try out! I skipped the chia seeds (for allergy purposes) and I have found that I like slightly less than 1/2 a cup of coconut milk. I add the strawberries in when I am making a batch, but also add more on top each morning.

I can't say I've eaten healthy this pregnancy, but at least my breakfast choice is taking a turn in the right direction :)

Weekend

Monday, you're here again. That means we are one more Monday closer to meeting Graham man! 

Friday night we had date night at one of our favorite burger places. I hate waiting at restaurants, so we usually have casual Friday and Saturday nights and then go to the more popular restaurants during the week. As I look at that picture all I can think is, "how lucky am I?" #blessed

You've read that my only craving thus far has been pancakes. The craving has NOT let up. I could eat them for every meal. Chris even mentioned how in seven years, he has never seen me make pancakes, yet this week I've made them twice already!

Sunday I had to run a quick errand and decided to stop by Ross. Many of you suggested their maternity section, but I have not had much luck...until yesterday. They had several really comfortable and cute tops for super cheap!

Now it is Monday and I am already looking forward to the weekend. But, let's make today great, shall we?

Friday Favorites

29 weeks today!

One || This pregnancy I've been obsessed with stripes. I want all of these striped pieces so badly, but I am trying to refrain from buying them all since I am nearing towards the end of my pregnancy. I love stripes when I am not pregnant, but I feel like that sense it heightened now that I have a baby in this belly of mine.

Two || Valentine's Day is coming and all of these pink beauties are on sale. Tell your man!

Three || I've hinted all I can hint to Chris that I want a little "G" necklace for our Graham man. Tiny letter necklaces are just the cutest! My birthday, Valentine's, and birth of our baby boy are all right around the corner, so I'm giving him three great opportunities :)

Four || Pancakes and waffles. This has been my only pregnancy craving. Normally I am not a 'sweet' breakfast person, but I could eat waffles or pancakes with fruit everyday!

Five || We have both of our showers next month which leaves me pondering hostess gifts. I've been eyeing these coasters and this stationary for some of the ladies!

Six || Our new bed!! We ordered a bed for Christmas and Chris set it up Wednesday night. Hopefully this weekend I can get around to taking a picture of it. We got a new mattress last June, so we've been living without a headboard for months now. It is so nice to feel grown up again, ha!

Happy Friday!

Back to School I Go!

This picture is in honor of my last peaceful breakfast yesterday morning because....today I get to go back to school!!

Guys, I don't think I've ever been more pumped to go back to work.

There was no WIWW yesterday because I was running around trying to get paperwork to the right people in order to be cleared so I could go back to work.

Luckily, at 6:45pm last night I got a call that my district has released me and I can go back to school.

Now, I can only stand 4 hours daily, and have a slew of other restrictions, but I know my babies will be so happy to see me and they will be so helpful. My team has been nothing short of amazing and I am so blessed to work with so many people who care for me and my family so much.

I'm assuming a new level of exhaustion will be brought on, but I am ready to get out of the house. Chris has warned me that I "better take it slow," accompanied with glaring eyes.

So, please say a little prayer that I can make it these next 11 (gulp), or less, weeks without any issues. Here's to taking it slow and getting back into my routine!

Happy Thursday!

Weekend + Bed Rest Update

Here we are, another Monday. I hope most of you have off and are relaxing!

Over the weekend Chris was in West Texas hunting, so I was home alone. I had many visitors and people come bring me food, so I wasn't lonely at all! 

My aunt sent me these gorgeous flowers that make the house so cheery!

I was up really late Friday night, so I spent most of the day in bed on Saturday. I had a killer headache from who knows what so I drank a Coke and that seemed to help. Ever since I went to the hospital they want me to not drink caffeine, so I've cut out my morning cup of coffee. I figured one Coke wouldn't hurt and it really helped my headache.

Saturday night one of my best friends came over and we ate pizza and watched tv. It was a totally relaxing evening!

Sunday I allowed myself to go to the grocery store for 30 minutes. I got home, but didn't put the groceries away because my time was up :) So I napped! I've been allowing myself 10 minutes ever hour to be up. Even if it is just standing there, it feels good to be UP!

Chris's parents dropped dinner off Sunday night right about the time Chris got home. We were both exhausted (I have no excuse, but he drove all day...) and were in bed by eight. 

I know I said on Friday I would get to go back to school on Tuesday, but my district's HR department didn't accept my doctor's note, so I have to have my doctor fill out a more detailed form. I'm hoping to get it all squared away tomorrow, so I can go back Wednesday, but I know it is not in my control, so I am trying not to stress!

I will keep y'all updated as the week goes :)

Friday Favorites + Pregnancy Update

Happy Friday! Today makes the start of my THIRD trimester. Third, as in three out of three. Whew! That's a lot to soak in, but we are so, so excited to meet our little Graham man. I get giddy anytime I see a baby out in public. All I can think is, "That will be me soon!!" April 8th will be here before we know it!

A quick update on my bed rest situation:

After yesterday's appointment, Graham and I both checked out great. I had to beg a little to be able to go back to work, but I promised my doctor that I would sit all day. She reluctantly agreed, but wouldn't let me go back until Tuesday, so a few more days of laying around for me. And, when I am home, I promised her I would take it easy. She told me that if there are anymore "exciting events" between now and my next appointment, it is "game over..." as in bed rest until April. So, with that being said, I am going back to school on Tuesday, but will be doing everything I need to in order to keep the rest of this pregnancy less exciting.

Also, I passed my glucose test, so bring on the ice cream. Kidding :) Sort of...

With all this time on my hands I've been able to find new favorite items.

One || Is this weekender bag not a perfect gift for your guy for Valentine's Day? I try to be practical with my gifts (that's why I truly dislike expensive flowers...) and this is something I can really see Chris using.

Two || I've been wanting leggings like this for so long. Definitely will be getting these next winter when I don't have a baby in this belly!

Three || I've only heard wonderful things about this stuff...does anyone agree?

Four || My iphone has really been acting up lately, so I'm hoping to get a new one soon. I've been eyeing these cases for months now.

Five || Can a water bottle really be that good? Everyone is swearing by these. Do you have one?

Six || Graham needs most all ofthe blankets from this Etsy shop. All the heart eyes.

Seven || These flats. I just don't see the hype. Maybe I'll be biting my tongue later, but the thought of wrapping my ankle with that little string does not sound appealing.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

WIWW: Bed Rest Update + Link Up

Well, this wasn't the WIWW post I expected for this week, but it is hard to get dressed and take pictures when you are confined to a bed. Anything for Graham man though!

Let's see, this week has been full of tv, magazines, tv, tv, movies, dozing off a dozen times an hour, staying in pajamas all day, and a whole lot more laying around. My doctor wants to on my side, so it is even hard to work on the computer.

I go to the doctor in a couple hours for my glucose test and a checkup to make sure my body is cooperating, so prayers are welcome.

This experience has really put into perspective that we are not in control, God is. One minute Chris and I were thinking we had weeks before G got here and now we realize that can all change in an instant. All the things I had to get done before he gets here are no longer relevant. If I get them done, great. If not, who cares? Keeping him in my belly is my priority!

Hopefully I'll be able to report good news tomorrow!

Thanks for all the messages and well wishes. And, to my best friends who have called, text me, and come over to bring me food, pillows, and magazines, y'all are the best. This experience truly shows me how blessed Chris and I are to have so many wonderful people in our lives.

Happy Wednesday!

An InLinkz Link-up

December Book Review || Elin Hilderbrand

I say this is a December book review, but really I read both of these books in three days, so it should be a December 25-27th book review. 

When my parents asked me what I wanted for Christmas I told them any book by Elin Hilderbrand. On Christmas morning I opened up two Elin Hilderbrand books and couldn't wait to get started reading them.

Winter Street and Winter Stroll are her only books (to my knowledge) that are in a series. I've read Barefoot as well and it was just as addicting as these two books were. 

Y'all, I could not put them down! I read Winter Street in about a day and was so happy my parents got me Winter Stroll because there are so many loose ends that I wanted answers to! Winter Street came out in October 2014 and Winter Stroll in October 2015, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed a third one comes out this year. I need answers!

Now that I'm on bed rest for a couple days (hopefully not longer!) I'm hoping to read some other books I've been meaning to get to. 

What are you reading these days?

Pregnancy Scare || 27 Weeks

First off, thank you to everyone who reached out to us yesterday! Chris and I, and baby Graham, have never felt more loved and cared for. Baby boy and I are doing okay after an eventful Sunday morning and afternoon.

Saturday night at church I was feeling slightly uncomfortable, but nothing out of the ordinary. I have chalked everything up to "I'm growing a human, so of course I'm going to feel new things," so I haven't really questioned any pains or symptoms I've had. I've been having Braxton Hicks contractions, but I wasn't sure how they were supposed to feel and I know they are completely normal, so I always brush everything off no big deal.

Sunday morning I woke up and just felt weird. It sounds so silly, but I told Chris I felt skinny, to which we both died laughing after taking one glance at this belly of mine. Usually my belly is big and out there, but yesterday morning I felt like it was tight and sucked into my stomach. I then started to think how Graham hadn't been moving as much as he normally does, so I decided to get up and eat some cereal.

Before getting breakfast I went to the restroom and that's when I noticed blood. You can only imagine the horror running through my head. Blood is the last thing you want to see when you're pregnant, so I told Chris, who calmly told me to get some cereal and wait to if i could feel him.

After eating cereal and drinking juice, I still wasn't feeling him and I couldn't shake the thought of why there would be blood, so we called my doctor. Chris prayed for us and consoled me through my tears. He was the absolute best in that moment.

My doctor happened to be the on-call doctor at the hospital, which was such a blessing.

We got to the hospital and they hooked me up to the heart monitor and the nurse found his heartbeat right away. I burst out crying and Chris shed some tears as well. Nothing sounds better than your baby's beating heart!

I then felt silly for coming in. I mean, he seemed to be fine (he is "stellar" as the nurse said) and I didn't want to be one of those pregnant women who run to the hospital for everything.

Luckily God put something in my gut that told us to go in.

Long story short, after being monitored for several hours they saw that I was actually having real contractions. At one point they were three minutes apart, yikes! I was given a shot to stop the preterm labor and, thankfully, it worked. My cervix was checked and we had an ultrasound to look at my placenta. Everything looked fine!

After five hours we were sent home. I was put on bed rest until my next appointment on Wednesday. I was instructed to LAY down and not just sit down. I'm writing this Sunday night and I can already tell that it is going to be a struggle for me to just lay here, but I am willing to do anything to keep this little guy in there longer!

Chris was such a blessing through everything. He stayed so calm and has now doted on me all afternoon. I can already tell he is going to be smitten with this little guy!

Once again, thank you all so, so much for the prayers and messages. It is truly amazing knowing so many people are praying for you. I wish I could give you all a big ol' Texas sized hug :)

WIWW: Uniform + Link Up

vest

purse

non-maternity top

maternity leggings

shoes

First off, thanks for all the love for our little man's name! It is so fun to be able to call him by his name and not baby. Although I don't think baby boy will ever get old.

Now onto the clothes: 

Just call this my uniform. Chris asked if I was planning on wearing any other pants while pregnant and I promptly responded with, "No, why? Is it obvious I wear these everyday?" The look on his face said it all. #dontcare

I finally found some maternity jeans from Old Navy that are doable for a couple hours, but I definitely can't wear them all day. I also found these leggings at Target and they are thicker than normal leggings and they have a cute zipper detail on the leg. 

My top is non-maternity from Old Navy. It is one of their 'boyfriend' shirts, which I love! I'm still managing to squeeze into some my regular tops, but I can tell the end is near.

We snapped these picture before breakfast on Sunday. I have been craving waffles lately and, after a week of begging, Chris took me to breakfast to satisfy my need. This marks my official first craving, although I was picking up pizza last week and people were drinking sangria when I walked in and I think I started drooling right there on the floor. It looked so delicious!

Happy Wednesday!

Now for the link up!

- All I ask is you link back to my blog and link to a specific post.

- Write about something fashion related!

- Instagram @SarahTuckerUp for more outfits and randoms!

Thanks for linking up and to see other WIWW posts, click here.

An InLinkz Link-up

Name Reveal || Baby Boy Tucker

We are so excited to add a little guy to our circus! Little did we know how hard picking a name would be.

Our girl-list was a mile long, chalked full of names we both loved and agreed on.

Our boy-list was a whopping three names long, one of which I LOVED and Chris hated. Another name on our list was very traditional, but very popular, so we opted not to go with that one.

After going back and forth between a couple different names, and realizing that my dream name was not going to happen, we agreed upon one of my initial favorites.

So, without dragging this on any longer, our little man's name will be:

Graham 

We have loved calling him by his name and coming up with nicknames! We don't have a middle name yet (one step at a time, people!), but it has to start with an 'R'....Chris's family tradition. 

Believe me, we've tried out every 'R' name and we have a couple in mind that we don't hate, so I'm sure we will end up going with one of those. 

Now with a name and all the essentials to bring him home, we just need a baby! Come on April! 

Baby + Life Update

Hello, and Happy New Year!

Today is the first day back at school and I'm sure I'll be dragging all week. Having two weeks off is pure heaven, but I am ready to get back into the groove because I know that means our little guy is coming soon!

We are officially on the three month count down! Wow. Yikes!

Yesterday I was out shopping with my mother-in-law and we got some great things for little man's room that I can't wait to show you!

I'm working backwards, so let me think...

We did nothing for New Year's Eve. Surprise, surprise. I seriously think I've only made it to midnight five times in my life. I am not a night person, and have had two separate surgeries on NYE before, so it always seems like the new year is just another day.

My days off have been filled with cleaning out closets, drawers, junk, etc. I've gone window shopping and met up with friends for lunch. I've watched a lot of tv and been pretty lazy. I did grace the gym with my presence twice last week, but had to leave early one day because my belly was cramping.

Speaking of pregnancy symptoms, here is an update on what I've been feeling:

- I thinkkk I've felt some Braxton Hicks...maybe? I was on the treadmill walking and the tightness was just too much to handle. I figured God was telling me I shouldn't be at the gym :)

- My feet are killing me. My right foot always seems to hurt so bad by the end of the day. I don't have any swelling, but man does it hurt!

- I have hit the point where you get full fast, but you're hungry ten minutes later.

- The hip pain can take a hike. When I wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, my right hip always has a shooting pain. I literally use the bed as a crutch because I can't even walk on my right leg, but after I start to hobble it goes away.

- The belly is definitely in the way more. Shoes that does tie are my friend and don't even bother with anything but leggings.

- The little guy is squirming all the time! According to my app he is over 2lbs and almost 9.5 inches, so no wonder I can feel his every move. It is definitely comforting knowing he is partying it up in there!

A few other things to note:

- My parents bought us our car seat and stroller. We went with Peg Perego for both the car seat and stroller. 

- My in-laws got us our crib and glider. We went with this crib and a Little Treasure recliner.

Hopefully I'll get some sneak peek pictures of his nursery soon!

Lastly, come back tomorrow to find out what our little man's name will be!!! We have finally decided on his first name and couldn't be happier!

PS: a middle name is still in the works...one step at a time for Chris, hah!

As always, follow on instagram @sarahtuckerup for more baby updates!