tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43084079180780923462024-03-13T14:35:36.890-06:00Random SaladBlogging about life, love, family, pregnancy, food, and anything else that pops into my head...while nursing my babe! :)JillannaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761876726892113142noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308407918078092346.post-27206851603941901122013-10-18T03:39:00.000-06:002013-10-18T03:41:46.127-06:00trouble!K is way too good at escaping! She now pushes her crib away from the wall, and since the mattress is not attached (to prevent her climbing out) it stays put, making a gap she can slither under and be free to waddle (in her sleep sack) into my room! Oi vey! <div><br></div><div>With her baby sister due any day, now is NOT the time to transition her to a toddler bed. I have no idea how to keep an escape artist in bed, when I am pretty sure she is actually smarter than me! ;)</div>JillannaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761876726892113142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308407918078092346.post-62419322100409922532013-09-10T22:24:00.000-06:002013-09-10T22:41:23.319-06:00impetigo...Oh man, impetigo is the suck!! K is FINALLY over it now. Two different antibiotics, two different topical creams, and now we are in the post scab, healing her poor scarred skin phase. I HATE seeing my sweet girl like that. I would have traded her places in a heartbeat! It was also so hard watching how other people looked at her :( Thankfully, she is young, happy and carefree, and didn't notice the stares or whispers. <div>Here is a little collage of how it looked at the beginning and up until the 2nd round of drugs started working.</div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HjOU7auJRIE/Ui_0CDo_K7I/AAAAAAAAAc0/30YM8LBPXG0/I/photo_487557.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div>And how much better it is looking now: </div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GD0mKjQU84U/Ui_0cGB4qGI/AAAAAAAAAc8/HrIhs1HaCHk/I/photo_131302.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br>Thankfully it is just a dark pink area, scab free and healing nicely :) Now the goal is to heal up DW who has a sinus cold before this wee babe in muh belly arrives! (Aka time to break out the Thieves!)<br> <div><br></div>JillannaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761876726892113142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308407918078092346.post-24334400019073486392013-08-19T08:56:00.000-06:002013-08-19T23:57:38.750-06:00the sweetest girl I know<span style="font-family: MarkerFelt-Thin; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">A few weeks ago as I lay on my bed resting while DW was getting K ready for bed, k took off downstairs to get me a blankie. She came back with one of the new muslin swaddlers I got for baby girl, and spread it on my belly. Then proceeded to snuggle baby via my belly! Gah! I am so in love with my sweet girl, and I can't wait to see how my girls interact with each other as they grow</span><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pv-P1GvcwGY/UhMFUB0NvoI/AAAAAAAAAcc/q_-2Xmtka84/I/photo_908082.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><br> <span style="font-family: MarkerFelt-Thin; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">!</span>JillannaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761876726892113142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308407918078092346.post-26754164237681447192013-08-16T00:36:00.000-06:002013-08-16T00:37:28.383-06:00bedtime!<div style="font-family: MarkerFelt-Thin; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); ">K is back in her phase of crying, screaming, bartering and just generally avoiding sleep at bedtime. Tonight was no exception! After 45 minutes of intermittent flipping out and multiple visits from a very tired mumma, I decided to just snuggle her. She is swiftly growing up, and my belly is making our snuggle times more difficult but it's such a precious time. So we rocked in her room for a little while before she asked "mumma's nigh nigh for bit? Yes please" (side note, she currently says 'yes please' to any yes/no question that requires an affirmative) After making the guidelines clear that it was for cuddles only, not bum drops and play time, we laid down on my bed. We chatted about going to the 'punk' with daddy, the swings and slides, her desire to see papa and nana, and then IT happened!</div><div style="font-family: MarkerFelt-Thin; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); "><br></div><div style="font-family: MarkerFelt-Thin; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); ">Baby #2 started wiggling like crazy! So I put K's hand on my tummy and asked if she felt baby sister wiggling. She did! At first she seemed uninterested, then she got excited and exclaimed 'baby sister wiggling!' and did the cutest little bum wiggle while laying down still. We laid like that for 15 minutes, just chatting and enjoying the wiggles. Baby even got the hiccups which K could feel too! It was a beautiful moment I nearly missed out on because it was bedtime!</div><div style="font-family: MarkerFelt-Thin; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); "><br></div><div style="font-family: MarkerFelt-Thin; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); ">We sang hymns and rocked in her room until she started to doze, then she went to bed with only a moments fuss. It was a beautiful time with my sweet girl, one I will cherish all the more since I know our 'only child' days are swiftly coming to an end. </div><div style="font-family: MarkerFelt-Thin; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); "><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zcrIKe1btD4/Ug3IprpY3kI/AAAAAAAAAb0/cTG3gp0yTAs/I/photo_465556.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><br> <br></div>JillannaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761876726892113142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308407918078092346.post-35579369969698639702013-08-16T00:16:00.000-06:002013-08-16T00:22:25.105-06:00Back in the proverbial saddle<div style="font-family: MarkerFelt-Thin; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); ">What what? I am blogging again? Sure! Why not right? I may not be overly talented when it comes to writing but, it will be a good way to include people in the crazy life that is mine :)</div><div style="font-family: MarkerFelt-Thin; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); "><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Q7hRWPTnt9s/Ug3FHuI-LTI/AAAAAAAAAbg/CpxyPwms9Xw/I/photo_330263.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><br> <br></div><div style="font-family: MarkerFelt-Thin; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); ">K is a wild child, full of nearly fearless wonder! I am pretty sure she could spend her entire day at the 'punk' on the slide and swings! She loves to play 'Duck Daddy' with DW, which consists of DW holding her swing up as high as he can until she says 'Duck Daddy' and daddy hits the deck. She has also suddenly grown up since she turned two, and can frequently be found playing all by herself, chit chatting with her Little People princesses and putting them to 'nigh nigh'. She is growing up SO fast! I keep trying to imagine her as a big sister, but so much changes every week that I have no idea what is to come (except drastic change!)</div><div style="font-family: MarkerFelt-Thin; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); "><br></div><div style="font-family: MarkerFelt-Thin; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); ">Baby #2 is 11 weeks away from her 'due' date! I am exhausted, sleeping terribly, getting insane amounts of heartburn and loving it! I can't wait to meet the little person growing inside me. I love being pregnant, especially once baby starts to really move around :) I lay awake often at night (11:30 is party time apparently) just grinning like an idiot while my girl wiggles like crazy. It is such an amazing journey! </div><div style="font-family: MarkerFelt-Thin; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); "><br></div><div style="font-family: MarkerFelt-Thin; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); ">Our house on the other hand... It feels like we will be stuck here forever! We have so many little projects to do that require stools, or are too chemically/heavy/etc for my preggo self to do. And my husband is not a renovation kind of guy... At all! He thinks we should build our next house, I loath the idea! I like older homes with some character, that need some tlc. This house is beyond that though, it needs someone with REALLY deep pockets or a backhoe! Neither of which describe us! </div><div style="font-family: MarkerFelt-Thin; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); "><br></div><div style="font-family: MarkerFelt-Thin; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); ">My wish list for a new place is pretty simple: a bathroom on the same floor as my bedroom! Being pregnant for the second time in this house is just torture! By the time I get down the stairs, pee, and back up to bed, I am wide awake and hungry! Plus we have the creakiest floor/stairs. I can not count how many times I have woken poor K up at night just trying to go pee before I explode!</div><div style="font-family: MarkerFelt-Thin; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); "><br></div><div style="font-family: MarkerFelt-Thin; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); ">Anyone love painting/caulking/gutter cleaning/gardening (stupid cats!) etc? Feel free to come on over! I will feed anyone who wants to help :)</div>JillannaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761876726892113142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308407918078092346.post-19282749994658386842012-07-26T14:41:00.001-06:002012-07-26T14:41:07.870-06:00C25KMy lil sister and I are going to start on Monday! I'm actually pretty excited, although I am sure I will HATE it once I start ;-) I am so sick of being this size, of being uncomfortable in my own skin. I am tired, I am rundown, I am unhealthy, and I don't want my daughter growing up with a mum like that! I was to be a good example to her, to show her how to balance exercising and eating, to show her how to be happy with who she is. But in order to do that, I need to figure it out myself! So, I am making changes! I am going to go see a naturopath fella an see what foods my body doesn't agree with and LISTEN to what he says. I want to get healthy before I get pregnant again, and I want to be pregnant by the end of this year :-d (I am SO excited to be pregnant again! I loved every second of pregnancy!)<br />
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So, I am going to become a runner! What what? Haha for anyone who knows me, this is laughable! But I am giving it 8 weeks. I WILL be able to run 5 km at the end, and I will be able to do it while pushing my lil turkey in her stroller! FTW! <div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTycTb7WGOPeRn4ggWDZeiritIYoIJJzCNkwyeeCrJ2Ec_SttZn4sRlKYFUJuj93GKuBG2_Ng1xn31OLCCVqww1Kk8JyVjsakpUHaFJxI9A85E4GoTi8H-d_x5E2kwDZxgTshfNzB4FSXH/s640/blogger-image-383637165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTycTb7WGOPeRn4ggWDZeiritIYoIJJzCNkwyeeCrJ2Ec_SttZn4sRlKYFUJuj93GKuBG2_Ng1xn31OLCCVqww1Kk8JyVjsakpUHaFJxI9A85E4GoTi8H-d_x5E2kwDZxgTshfNzB4FSXH/s640/blogger-image-383637165.jpg" /></a></div>JillannaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761876726892113142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308407918078092346.post-7710575498803915412012-07-17T16:25:00.001-06:002012-07-17T16:25:43.068-06:00My GirlMy precious lil girl is growing up so fast! Everyday she learns something new, amazes me with her funny lil babbling, and wins over every one she meets with her shy smile (and nose picking! Ha) <br />
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Her current favorite words are: mumma, dada, nana, tata, thank you, hi, bear<br />
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She loves to sing, she signs, she loves the backyardigans, she gives the most amazing hugs & kisses, she loves to talk on the phone, and she is SO close to walking but just isn't ready yet! <br />
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I am so blessed by my girl, she is a bundle of awesome!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpG59eCcWT9U-R5gShcRiRwCZaMe5nyZfpMd77U9tpJupwzibg4m6cZXsXlo4_kCJh66kyuONKmYYSMYE_D6uSvougYaWl-KMXuqJdHlGgxjpK95zGdGIUgdn4XOn7C11ZD_LedR3wgdZm/s640/blogger-image--306251290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpG59eCcWT9U-R5gShcRiRwCZaMe5nyZfpMd77U9tpJupwzibg4m6cZXsXlo4_kCJh66kyuONKmYYSMYE_D6uSvougYaWl-KMXuqJdHlGgxjpK95zGdGIUgdn4XOn7C11ZD_LedR3wgdZm/s640/blogger-image--306251290.jpg" /></a></div>JillannaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761876726892113142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308407918078092346.post-78846158526694017192012-05-06T14:01:00.001-06:002012-05-06T14:02:26.514-06:00Shred day 5I had a busy day Friday visiting with a friend and her beautiful lil girl, so I decided to use it as my down day. Plus, I was ridiculously sore! So today was day 5, and I can already feel the difference in my cardio! Yay!<br />
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Next up, menu changes! I desperately need to get a routine going because as things are now, I constantly forget to eat! Not cool. So I am going to attempt a menu plan for myself and see if that helps this week.<br />
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Still needing the husband to help with measurements but my weight is down a whooping 3 lbs so far! :-DJillannaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761876726892113142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308407918078092346.post-45562054466509532942012-05-02T11:03:00.001-06:002012-05-02T11:03:03.793-06:00Day 1 of the shred!I decided it was time to work on my lovely postpartum, c-section pooch. Combined with my usual struggle with weight, I feel incredibly yuck these days :( so.. If I want a different body, I gotta get off the couch and get moving! So Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred it is!<br />
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I am also without a vehicle now, so I am walking all over town with my lil punkin in her fancy Phil & Ted's stroller.I already feel better, just adding 15-30 minutes of walking to my days. Saturday I walked 3km while DH trained with a buddy. <br />
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My goal is not to loose pounds (although I would like to see those drop too) I really just want to loose inches. One day at a time! In 30 days I will post my before & after, mostly for my own accountability. <br />
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Time to drink my tasty shake! (spinach, blackberries, chia seeds, almond meal, oatmeal, banana, yogurt and almond milk!) <br />
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(disclaimer: typed up on my iPhone which likely means incorrect spelling, grammar and punctuation! Sorry!)<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisy_bZCWzqH0jgIKYeNPp8Xz1abauA2N4YzlskRI8EA_UELipmZA1oCaC4vJgm_IFA6cArVX6XWs8M5gjmWIoY1vB3nU2aMf8ElMn4HGAy_LDKAXlBlppPspB608-3L0wMTGU7ZX5uowec/s640/blogger-image-506483248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisy_bZCWzqH0jgIKYeNPp8Xz1abauA2N4YzlskRI8EA_UELipmZA1oCaC4vJgm_IFA6cArVX6XWs8M5gjmWIoY1vB3nU2aMf8ElMn4HGAy_LDKAXlBlppPspB608-3L0wMTGU7ZX5uowec/s640/blogger-image-506483248.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCPct8QVZn0RGSP_DFAvGDAl10cPuA4PvzYWSN1kWpv_gTnum5goYyGMchfTI4wN0kAxWmUPNAIY_HcO3IZnrgHIIgKGVB8w19Jbrd7NcQ-ZJcAXNUwFpIG8JMt0d1Zbj0uLoxpSBuDnK/s640/blogger-image-1023659846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCPct8QVZn0RGSP_DFAvGDAl10cPuA4PvzYWSN1kWpv_gTnum5goYyGMchfTI4wN0kAxWmUPNAIY_HcO3IZnrgHIIgKGVB8w19Jbrd7NcQ-ZJcAXNUwFpIG8JMt0d1Zbj0uLoxpSBuDnK/s640/blogger-image-1023659846.jpg" /></a></div>JillannaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761876726892113142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308407918078092346.post-18364656752146867812011-10-26T17:59:00.004-06:002012-01-26T14:49:54.667-07:00My Beautiful Blessing!I can hardly believe it was one year ago today that I peed on this lil stick and got the best news ever!! BFP! I woke up DW very excitedly and could hardly even get the words out, called my dad who couldn't understand a word I was saying due to my tears of joy (thankfully mum speaks cry-talking)<div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" class="separator"><a style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAbEgHtjcs0j9uenSXFkNWPlF05gE2Fl-Dhk9PHFpc9s9gQBFH5ORdQezO1kevtkVCPDJq26FhHwL1NSeLr82navZFdDTTyG22-qNRy2g7uFBs07QTMRmyXU2yjlOKhsynl_r9UdZf1wH/s640/blogger-image-679415345.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAbEgHtjcs0j9uenSXFkNWPlF05gE2Fl-Dhk9PHFpc9s9gQBFH5ORdQezO1kevtkVCPDJq26FhHwL1NSeLr82navZFdDTTyG22-qNRy2g7uFBs07QTMRmyXU2yjlOKhsynl_r9UdZf1wH/s640/blogger-image-679415345.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" class="separator"> </div><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" class="separator" align="left">Fast forward one year, and TADA! The most beautiful baby girl a mumma could ask for :) </div><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" class="separator"> </div><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" class="separator"><a style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSDKeqADeCkbluDMO9m8MwGcEZHbS-6Ok_wAOuYVaUsjRPVjTlZzrHSgXzZY9noAL1luQO_wjxVqwiRBEHOhQNmzcErwXYMV8EBeyR-6U4m9tPeSmk6H1uIvWu_dtC1wF9RqK4bDcbcIM/s640/blogger-image-218778099.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSDKeqADeCkbluDMO9m8MwGcEZHbS-6Ok_wAOuYVaUsjRPVjTlZzrHSgXzZY9noAL1luQO_wjxVqwiRBEHOhQNmzcErwXYMV8EBeyR-6U4m9tPeSmk6H1uIvWu_dtC1wF9RqK4bDcbcIM/s640/blogger-image-218778099.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" class="separator">I am so bless to be able to spend all day, everyday with my little miracle! She is my ray of sunshine and the light of my life! I am excited to (slowly!!) watch her grow into a toddler, a little girl, a teenager, a woman and one day a mother. I am so in love!</div><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" class="separator"> </div><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" class="separator"> And yet there is a love greater than this!</div><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" class="separator"> </div><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" class="separator"> Imagine how vast the love our Father has for his children truly is! Mind boggling isn't it? Amazing!</div>JillannaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761876726892113142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308407918078092346.post-15902258828331821342011-10-17T17:06:00.000-06:002013-08-19T08:54:37.657-06:00Pumpkin Spice Cookies!These cookies are officially my new favorites :) I love me some tasty pumpkin goodness! Thank you <a href="http://www.heatherboersma.com/pumpkin-spice-cookies-with-cream-cheese-frosting/">Heather</a> for the recipe!!<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Pumpkin Spice Cookies</span><br>3/4 c. shortening<br>1 c. sugar<br>1 c. pumpkin<br>1 egg<br>2 c. flour<br>1 tsp. soda<br>1 tsp. cinnamon<br>1/4 tea nutmeg<br>1 tsp vanilla<br>1/2 tsp. salt<br><br>Cream shortening, sugar, and pumpkin.<br>Add egg and vanilla mix well.<br>Add sifted dry ingredients.<br>Drop from spoon onto cookie sheet.<br>Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Frosting</span><br>1/2 package of cream cheese (4 oz)<br>1/8 cup of butter<br>1 cup icing sugar<br>1/2 tsp vanilla<br><br>Beat frosting ingredients until smooth.<br>Frost cookies after they have cooled.<br><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">ENJOY!</span><br></div><br>Variation: I used butter instead of shortening, because that's what I had :) I also added cinnamon to the frosting, then melted and brushed it onto the cookies while they were warm with a pastry brush! Delish!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTlArNYkYAIWuaX_3QL0Xjmmzj36w1_p92JXDbO0AXp89sdpliEF59BY0spCAODX0arCDWCm3tuvv9qStg9z9yoODn8gYkJFGTzRnrcgmyyi_Q15VBJFHhqqIbEX_-OIgbIrLd_WS_7tK/s640/blogger-image--233624510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTlArNYkYAIWuaX_3QL0Xjmmzj36w1_p92JXDbO0AXp89sdpliEF59BY0spCAODX0arCDWCm3tuvv9qStg9z9yoODn8gYkJFGTzRnrcgmyyi_Q15VBJFHhqqIbEX_-OIgbIrLd_WS_7tK/s640/blogger-image--233624510.jpg" border="0"></a></div>JillannaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761876726892113142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308407918078092346.post-84748512482909453542011-10-17T17:05:00.003-06:002011-10-17T19:22:28.730-06:00Pumpkin Muffins: take 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiakyUCwXGuYQ-fNLMYEOqU2ZX0I5qTP-qQcynxAO9a0ONAvZ3Az1reL-rN4uRKR5o2RB1h856S0WjSfDbQdqtI9cQ6IboP0H3Yjb-_Qr8RAcRF4nASdKntU0v7gbp330f-4bBj9BmoPCM/s1600/IMG_4179.JPG"><br /></a><br />Seeing as Kyra woke ridiculously early today, I decided to bake! At 5:30 am :) I wanted to try a bit healthier version of the <a href="http://jillannajoy.blogspot.com/2011/10/pumpkin-muffins-w-cinnamon-cream-cheese.html">pumpkin muffin recipe</a> I posted a few days ago. I replaced 1 cup of oil with plain applesauce (that I canned myself last fall)<br /><br />I also added candied pumpkin seeds (just like Starbucks & Tim Horton's)<br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Candied Pumpkin Seeds</span><br />3 tablespoons granulated sugar<br />1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />1/8 teaspoon salt<br />1/2 cup raw shelled pumpkin seeds<br /><br />Spray large baking sheet with cooking spray. Heat seeds in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, 5 minutes or until the seeds begin to pop. Add sugar, and stir constantly about 1 minute or until sugar begins to liquefy and caramelize; add cinnamon and salt. Spread seeds on prepared baking sheet, and cool. Break apart the seeds that are stuck together, once they have cooled.<br /><br />I got the recipe for the Pumpkin seeds from <a href="http://meemoskitchen.blogspot.com/2009/11/starbucks-pumpkin-cream-cheese-muffins.html#axzz1b2heOviS">Meemos Kitchen</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiakyUCwXGuYQ-fNLMYEOqU2ZX0I5qTP-qQcynxAO9a0ONAvZ3Az1reL-rN4uRKR5o2RB1h856S0WjSfDbQdqtI9cQ6IboP0H3Yjb-_Qr8RAcRF4nASdKntU0v7gbp330f-4bBj9BmoPCM/s1600/IMG_4179.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiakyUCwXGuYQ-fNLMYEOqU2ZX0I5qTP-qQcynxAO9a0ONAvZ3Az1reL-rN4uRKR5o2RB1h856S0WjSfDbQdqtI9cQ6IboP0H3Yjb-_Qr8RAcRF4nASdKntU0v7gbp330f-4bBj9BmoPCM/s320/IMG_4179.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664636257883272658" border="0" /></a>JillannaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761876726892113142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308407918078092346.post-590049404347266692011-10-15T18:00:00.000-06:002011-11-08T21:37:29.514-07:00A {long} Birth Story: Kyra ElizabethI spent nearly 6.5 years dreaming about getting pregnant, being pregnant, labour & delivery, and being a mum! Getting pregnant was amazing! Scary and amazing :) I loved being preggo - LOVED IT! I had no morning sickness, just a mild case of nausea that went away after the first trimester, some back pain, and swelling at the end.<br />
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I went in for my weekly appointment at 36 weeks and was measuring ahead so my doc booked me an u/s. My 37 week appointment was the day before my u/s and my blood pressure was high, so I got to do a 24 urine collection! Seriously.. 37 weeks preggo and having to collect ALL my urine for 24 hours PLUS have an u/s? Egads! Well, baby was great during the u/s : ) even saw her hair waving in the fluid. She was measuring a lil big but fluid levels were good!<br />
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My doc wanted me to get checked again at the hospital on the weekend, and blood pressure was still high so the on call doctor admitted me : ( I was hooked up to a non stress test (NST) to check on baby - who was perfect! -, did labs to check for pre-eclampsia (never did have protein in my urine, never had headaches, no blurry vision...just blew up like a balloon!)<br />
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-my first hospital stay! watching Strikeforce & Netflix-<br />
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DW was with me all weekend, and got the time off during the week too! (thank you Dave!) Which was good because I was induced at 7pm Sunday (19th) night with cervidil, which gave me some lovely contractions : p They were 45 seconds long, every 2-3 minutes until they took out the cervidil out at 1 am. They slowed down to every 5-6 minutes. We tried more cervidil at 10am on the 20th til 1pm, when we switched to pitocin!<br />
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-last preggo picture 37w6d-<br />
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Pitocin is administered via I.V. and they have a specific amount you can have. All I know is that the highest level is 20, and I made it to 20 without to much pain. Loads of contractions, the NST graph was off the charts! My nurse (whom I have known since childhood!) was constantly asking me if I was sure I was okay haha. Yay for a high pain tolerance : )<br />
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-my first iv!-<br />
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At about 6pm, my Dr. checked me, and there was still no progress. Still high and firm. So we stopped the pitocin, and he called an obgyn in Red Deer to consult. I sent my mum and DW to eat supper (my parents live very close to the hospital) because we were told that induction would be tried again the next day, so they might as well eat! Well, not even 10 minutes later my doctor comes in and tells me that he is prepping me to go to Red Deer for a c-section! I was given magnesium sulfate (which is HORRIBLE! it was like fire in my veins) and told the ambulance would be there in an hour. I am beyond grateful that my nurse was a friend because I was an emotional wreck! Mum and DW returned right as the ambulance arrived -about 45 minutes ahead of schedule!- and I was off to Red Deer. The tears had barely dried on my cheeks and already I was loaded and on the road.<br />
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-my first ambulance ride!-<br />
-Sorry for the blur! Mum barely got her phone out in time-<br />
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Once in Red Deer, I was taken to L&D, catheterized, given another I.V., hooked up to the NST and having my blood pressure taken every 15 minutes. Oh and given more magnesium sulfate : ( I got checked by the obgyn, and ready for this?? Given another round of cervidil!! 12 hours of contractions, stuck in a delivery bed, I.V.'s in both hands, catheter, and NST on my belly! I was a very hungry (no food allowed from Tuesday at 3 pm onward because of possible c-section), very swollen, tired, contracting, 38 week pregnant lady! Oh, fun story: while in a tired stupor, I was trying to sleep but my hand was cold and felt wet. I moved the sheet and tada! A huge pool of blood! My I.V. wasn't done right and every time my blood pressure was taken - gush!<br />
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-doesn't this look like a cozy way to sleep, while also having contractions?-<br />
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Fast forward through an awful night, Dr. checked me at 10 am on Wednesday the 22nd, and still no change! The furthest I dilated was 2cm, but was still high and not progressing : ( That meant a c-section was the only option. I was prepped at about 2:45 pm and rushed down. Thankfully I got an awesome doctor and not Red Deer's worst obgyn! (He was on call for that day!)<br />
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Kyra Elizabeth was born at 3:34 pm, June 22. She had the cord wrapped around her neck not once, but twice! If induction had worked and she had dropped... the cord would have snapped. My heart aches just thinking about it! She was alert from the moment she was born! She let out one squawk, was checked out, then given to her daddy right next to my head. She was perfection personified! Wide eyed and curious, she just stared at her blubbering mumma with big eyes.<br />
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I was then wheeled to recovery, while DW and Kyra were taken upstairs. I hated that I wasn't with her! I, to this day, do NOT understand why she was not with me : ( it was nearly 2 HOURS until I finally got to hold my baby and every moment was agony! My spinal was wearing off fast, by the time I got to recovery I could move my legs. And when they took me upstairs, I could feel every thing (especially when the nurses ran my bed into the elevator door jam!!) I honestly don't understand what took so long. But finally... FINALLY I got to hold her! My beautiful, perfect baby girl!!! She latched on like a pro, and was so alert : ) She was amazing, and I was so incredibly thankful for her safe arrival!<br />
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-first time holding my baby girl!-<br />
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My stay at the hospital lasted until 8:30 pm on Saturday, the 25th. I was given morphine the first night and it made me a paranoid crazy lady! I do not remember visitors & I was sure the nurses were going to steal Kyra. It was crazy! Once off the morphine, my brain returned to normal. My milk was slow at coming in. I had a horrible nurse try to force formula on me, tell me my baby was going to end up with brain damage because of jaundice. I ended up supplementing with donor breastmilk from my friend. Kyra spent 6 hours on bili-bed, had her foot poked 5-6 times. It was such a crazy hard week! I couldn't wait to get out of there!<br />
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Finally I got to take my baby home! We spent 6 weeks at my parents house (all 3 of us!) because I was not in good shape. The swelling took about a week to start going down, blood pressure was starting to go down. Kyra had to go get her Bili levels checked twice. I am so so thankful for my Mumsie! Nana and Kyra had many snuggle sessions while I slept. I have NO idea how I would have been able to handle recovery by myself, at home! (my bathroom and bedroom aren't even on the same level!)<br />
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-ready to go home-<br />
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My journey through infertility and my crazy delivery were definitely not ideal, and I pray next time around things will go better. But Kyra is amazing and I would go through it all 10 times over for the blessing of being her mumma!<br />
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</a></div>JillannaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761876726892113142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308407918078092346.post-76337330274884093072011-10-14T00:23:00.004-06:002011-10-17T19:28:43.534-06:00Pumpkin Muffins w/ Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Pumpkin Muffins</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br />4 eggs<br />2 cups white sugar<br />1.5 cups oil<br />1.75 cups pumpkin<br />3 cups flour<br />1 tsp. Cinnamon<br />1 tsp. B powder<br />1 tsp. B soda<br />1 tsp. Salt<br />2 cups raisins<br /><br />Beat eggs. Add sugar, oil & pumpkin. Combine dry ingredients and add to wet. Mix until smooth. Add raisins.<br />Bake 375 for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95agbJeyul2jXa8OJlVORHK897m7ZsFhownD_C_P7ho-i9XsU2VMFE1nUiH709chfvx7phADH8AKdksE78uitDVkNv7CBW2SoIFHNhlaFEaeHmakLF-aZnonpIg1AskbEnRuZjIWCUmtZ/s640/blogger-image--847549379.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95agbJeyul2jXa8OJlVORHK897m7ZsFhownD_C_P7ho-i9XsU2VMFE1nUiH709chfvx7phADH8AKdksE78uitDVkNv7CBW2SoIFHNhlaFEaeHmakLF-aZnonpIg1AskbEnRuZjIWCUmtZ/s640/blogger-image--847549379.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><c>Mine are without raisins because my husband is weird and hates them :(</c><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhjiRR-gvQwMP8iw3S9OoB_pfl10xX2bUwmuxNpwKSWwf7LiYsSBKhwW4gcRl70NPViJ7PMCu_VQ9A1EdkLpqASc4fR6XdHbp5YPqN9fJ_10heuGr76w3t4v15tWfS8avlIFwEdugPgzL/s640/blogger-image--438580539.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhjiRR-gvQwMP8iw3S9OoB_pfl10xX2bUwmuxNpwKSWwf7LiYsSBKhwW4gcRl70NPViJ7PMCu_VQ9A1EdkLpqASc4fR6XdHbp5YPqN9fJ_10heuGr76w3t4v15tWfS8avlIFwEdugPgzL/s640/blogger-image--438580539.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting</span><br />8 oz. cream cheese, softened<br />4 tbs. butter, softened<br />1 tsp. vanilla extract<br />1 tsp. cinnamon<br />4 cups icing sugar<br /><br />Beat cream cheese, butter & vanilla. Gradually add cinnamon and icing sugar.<br /><br />More icing sugar may be needed! I don't really follow recipes super closely so I'm not sure how much I used :)<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><c><span style="font-style: italic;">Enjoy!</span></c><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5iCPC9FlILRWvMlwL87tSBDULnCuULvQpWKj6h5iJgE6oZrEsKUuvPJQdS5NDPYI7Exkfj8XblHooF8ebiwyj_tcvQjDC0dr7m1Jd1jHJulcPK8sEdM17cqqJBVFXb3WqKiJKJlWyr1H/s640/blogger-image-909619825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5v6_XmXlkhzMefxPlkgh3Dh3QSkbKlJnrnZI8rPAVyQczoCqMnWqLILyxqWKpwmYuuVaH8xrAkR-qyy8CjYVZXjlmhaO80A3f-cpkTWL8Vgk4yrproIu6iBkFbjNYbmpxOMPF8sTIhEjq/s640/blogger-image--328779338.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5v6_XmXlkhzMefxPlkgh3Dh3QSkbKlJnrnZI8rPAVyQczoCqMnWqLILyxqWKpwmYuuVaH8xrAkR-qyy8CjYVZXjlmhaO80A3f-cpkTWL8Vgk4yrproIu6iBkFbjNYbmpxOMPF8sTIhEjq/s640/blogger-image--328779338.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div>JillannaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761876726892113142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308407918078092346.post-26708146106006675432011-10-13T11:53:00.001-06:002011-10-13T17:13:13.732-06:00A year in reviewOne year ago today I was in Calgary, at the Regional Fertility Clinic having an IUI done. DW had gone in early that morning by himself to do his part, and I went down a few hours later to do my part. I was emotionally spent and ready for a break. This was our last try until the new year. My body needed a break from the drugs, I needed a break from the whole process - internal ultrasounds, drugs, cramps, timed intercourse, trips to Calgary every other day for almost 2 weeks each month - I was tired and overwhelmed. My sister and parents were planning a liver cleanse and once I got my BFN I was going to join them. It was something to look forward to, to help take my mind off of what I was sure was NOT happening in my womb.<br />
<br />
It's hard to believe how much can change in 365 days! Things felt different within a few days but I didn't want to hope and have my heart crushed! I tested 13 agonizing days later and BFP!!! I was a mum :) I prayed all the time, giving my babe back into God's hands! I was so excited and so terrified but trusting that the giver of life was watching over us! Every week was a huge milestone, especially once we passed week 30! <br />
<br />
Fast forward to today: I woke up to my beautiful 16 week old baby girl, who was wiggling, grunting and about to wake up for her breakfast! I am so blessed and more in love than I knew was possible! <p><br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZdmLQY2wXNmyZjMAkYcsdoO1KgAizfo9KOHK8J9HUfjN41QrcwqGEujTlauiWsHP_7GpDdT1xtkrdvbdDtnaYbGXhQckuDiHn_IP5Srk45E8OkugP3KcUU-HAS4pK4fdFFMuHZmp_vy4/s640/blogger-image--68529497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZdmLQY2wXNmyZjMAkYcsdoO1KgAizfo9KOHK8J9HUfjN41QrcwqGEujTlauiWsHP_7GpDdT1xtkrdvbdDtnaYbGXhQckuDiHn_IP5Srk45E8OkugP3KcUU-HAS4pK4fdFFMuHZmp_vy4/s640/blogger-image--68529497.jpg" /></a></div>JillannaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761876726892113142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308407918078092346.post-47972897845958435542011-04-13T19:41:00.002-06:002011-10-13T11:57:22.696-06:00Beginning of the end<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jGgP7Vs9vLhn_XbA2FBthtPlHqjPt-zTH-VDaHDP4Nwhl9O75ttLjFOyxE0Bkd41QYkggWI0KvLYlwuYQPo4h7WfLgs_CrWLhYnAtOGgMxnxhfa-gvWQAEtC2NfGxNehD-Uihrdx0yGj/s1600/28+weeks.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 315px; height: 317px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jGgP7Vs9vLhn_XbA2FBthtPlHqjPt-zTH-VDaHDP4Nwhl9O75ttLjFOyxE0Bkd41QYkggWI0KvLYlwuYQPo4h7WfLgs_CrWLhYnAtOGgMxnxhfa-gvWQAEtC2NfGxNehD-Uihrdx0yGj/s320/28+weeks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663037271610237490" border="0" /></a><br />Hard to believe the 3rd trimester officially started today! I am already 28 weeks!! This lil one is getting so close to being done :) I can't wait to meet her, to snuggle her, to learn who she is! YAY The count down is on, and I am so excited!JillannaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761876726892113142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308407918078092346.post-73608972612387629972011-04-07T18:54:00.002-06:002011-04-07T19:11:02.243-06:00BlessedI am a VERY blessed woman! Yesterday marked the 27 week mark for my pregnancy, which means my beautiful baby will be in my arms in a MAX of 15 weeks, and I am considered 'term' in 10 weeks. My baby is growing, healthy, and I am so thankful for that every moment. Even when I am lying awake at 2 am, needing to pee, with a ridiculously sore back, I am SO thankful for this journey! I wouldn't trade a moment of it. Every time my babe moves in the slightest, without meaning to, I smile, rub my tummy and say 'hello lil one'. I giggle while watching tv, out of the blue, because the wiggles are so amusing and amazing to me. I am in awe of the miracle that is growing inside me. And I am SO thankful that with every day that passes by, my baby is growing stronger, getting ready to come out and meet this crazy group of people that he/she will call <span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>family</i></span>! <div><br /></div><div>Today while watch 2 amazing and beautiful little ladies, my 28 month old niece looked up at me and out of nowhere said 'I love you'. When I said 'I love you too Boo bear' she looked at me all serious and said 'Auntie, I love you'. I was complete mush. All through out the day, she confirmed those 3 little words over and over again, with giant bear hugs and about a 100 kisses. She brings so much joy to me, and makes me SO excited to meet my precious babe in 10-15 weeks. I can't wait for the hugs, the kisses, and one day hearing 'Mummy, I love you!'</div>JillannaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761876726892113142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308407918078092346.post-32294942073215208292011-04-04T19:40:00.002-06:002011-04-04T19:47:34.260-06:00I love April!I am a total 'spring' girl! I love the puddles, the warm sunshine while still wearing a hoodie, the smell of bbq's being fired up after months stuck under snow. I just LOVE spring! Maybe it is because I was born in April? Anyway you dice it, I crave spring from the moment the snow falls, til the snow starts melting. And once summer arrives? I want FALL! haha I am not a hot or cold person, I like comfortable. <div><br /></div><div>Which is why having a JULY baby is going to be hard! I am already starting the hot flashes and it is only April 4th. I am only (haha 'only') 26 weeks and 5 days preggo... which means I have a lot more 'warm' on the way, with an ever growing belly. Oh de-de-de-dear! Air conditioning, fans, bare feet and loose flowing dresses shall be my best friends indeed! (except for while I am at the dreaded Walmart) </div><div><br /></div><div>Latest preggo pic</div><div><a href="http://s43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/Jillannajoy/?action=view&current=26Weeks2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/Jillannajoy/26Weeks2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I am really hoping to get my dear friend to take some belly shots before this wee one comes out! Some professional like ones, while enjoying her amazing company :) Bliss!</div>JillannaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761876726892113142noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308407918078092346.post-51002438959475207002011-03-23T19:51:00.001-06:002011-03-23T19:52:44.179-06:00Adorable Blogger TemplatesLOVE the templates from <a href="http://leelou-freelayouts.blogspot.com/search/label/All%20Templates">Leelou Blogs</a>! SO cute!JillannaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761876726892113142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308407918078092346.post-44307896096119562102011-03-23T19:20:00.004-06:002011-03-23T19:32:39.306-06:0025 weeks!<div style="text-align: left;">Holy smokes! Where has the time gone? This lil Turkey is due to arrive in only weeks!! Thought it was time for some random preggo updates :)</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXJpwC9xSl1RCLCM0YSVId4klNNmCkY_l22gaO8QTbqsgH7LlmH3mEt425vzqPPmIBkx4WY4w1CrEEe61MPDB5mQ9TdJRqYW00Q3jNCpBQZKNFBe7jLZc8YwR2vjTOWEv-Ie7Oe7ytYy9/s1600/20+Week+%25281%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXJpwC9xSl1RCLCM0YSVId4klNNmCkY_l22gaO8QTbqsgH7LlmH3mEt425vzqPPmIBkx4WY4w1CrEEe61MPDB5mQ9TdJRqYW00Q3jNCpBQZKNFBe7jLZc8YwR2vjTOWEv-Ie7Oe7ytYy9/s320/20+Week+%25281%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587450828415406178" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbHNFWHbv9Iw8tdwxchGN3lSKk7KYcdFEgiIGMs-V7_U40ox_81mxyeESD5kGznluaefVhnG5PlnyxAe2ncFME2pMtaJrE3KNgrOfVBeJqniOIkEZB0WB3jVcSBM9JKUSM8SmKZVJcC7A/s1600/21+weeks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbHNFWHbv9Iw8tdwxchGN3lSKk7KYcdFEgiIGMs-V7_U40ox_81mxyeESD5kGznluaefVhnG5PlnyxAe2ncFME2pMtaJrE3KNgrOfVBeJqniOIkEZB0WB3jVcSBM9JKUSM8SmKZVJcC7A/s320/21+weeks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587450820855784146" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">21 week photo</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBTNtqAUelkULyiqhOArnL8FBOYqKXYMx2lw_yllifjj7Prr6hBZjoSJ1PXkijdguq8yYJb4PnLTS4gSgKjyhbEbhvXXahNUdd7JpJRnsoqMRDx1qOemavf6PASJ-pZ6EUk1bg52Et4Hr/s1600/23w2d+%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBTNtqAUelkULyiqhOArnL8FBOYqKXYMx2lw_yllifjj7Prr6hBZjoSJ1PXkijdguq8yYJb4PnLTS4gSgKjyhbEbhvXXahNUdd7JpJRnsoqMRDx1qOemavf6PASJ-pZ6EUk1bg52Et4Hr/s320/23w2d+%25282%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587450818923438626" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">23 weeks 6 day u/s pics</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvZFv18sxdE1irqas55DvxAd3zqa_HOy442lANVrmsDVn5dnVMmegpYJdPZM5nTZvr9Ku-r8ouFxAeGBzGuG89EH9TKkIsXdMZosH3iqKGl5vFttHDUPunXgIjHLq_8ARzu5N2m8o7fn9/s1600/23w2d+%25281%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvZFv18sxdE1irqas55DvxAd3zqa_HOy442lANVrmsDVn5dnVMmegpYJdPZM5nTZvr9Ku-r8ouFxAeGBzGuG89EH9TKkIsXdMZosH3iqKGl5vFttHDUPunXgIjHLq_8ARzu5N2m8o7fn9/s320/23w2d+%25281%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587450817298287266" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">We also found out the gender of our lil one :) So very exciting! Of course we are not sharing the info at this point though. I like having it as 'ours' for a little while. So much of this journey has been very public, so having a lil secret of our own is fabulous fun... for now at least :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlXJeG_opXn6xaRawUhVgMhD3JvUHvu9MwQNLtSustY87ct3iJsZeItcUtAVnMkQdeT2SPRk0MLpiBg66CMuwOPfhdI2EK2z1hfQmEL8-6SmKkpKJmxfPs1r-VpFL7tOub4ToaIo3qIeE/s1600/24+Weeks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlXJeG_opXn6xaRawUhVgMhD3JvUHvu9MwQNLtSustY87ct3iJsZeItcUtAVnMkQdeT2SPRk0MLpiBg66CMuwOPfhdI2EK2z1hfQmEL8-6SmKkpKJmxfPs1r-VpFL7tOub4ToaIo3qIeE/s320/24+Weeks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587450816247506466" /></a>I shall take a new photo next week, hopefully I can find someone to take it too! Self portraits and I are not friends these days. I actually got my brother to take the 24 week one. <div><br /></div><div>Week 24 brought on some big changes at the end. For one, I woke up with a sore belly button yesterday morning! What is that all about? Plus all the sudden things that did fit at the beginning of week 24, don't now! For example my tank top is now about 3 inches to short. My maternity pants that used to fall off, are nice and snug. And my bra is no longer 'cutting it' as it was since my last growth spurt. I am spilling out all over. Guess a trip to Edmonton to the custom bra shop is in order! </div><div><br /></div><div>Our lil one is getting way more active lately. Usually right on my bladder or sciatic nerve, but today I actually felt lots of movement up higher by my belly button. Which is a new and exciting development! Oh, I can not WAIT to meet this lil turkey who has stolen our hearts :) Hurry up July!!!<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>JillannaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761876726892113142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308407918078092346.post-43106454066841770452011-02-01T17:36:00.002-07:002011-02-01T17:45:55.274-07:007 More Sleeps!In 7 more sleeps I go in for my 18-20 week ultrasound, and I get to see my tiny turkey! I am still not feeling movement :( So I am very much looking forward to seeing him/her move around, hearing the heartbeat, and having that peace of mind that everything is fine!<div><br />So to keep my mind off the ultrasound and the possibility of learning if we are adding a boy or girl to the family, I am making <a href="http://jillannajoy.blogspot.com/2011/02/grandmas-chocolate-cake-recipe.html">Grandma's Chocolate Cak</a>e mini cupcakes, with pink and purple Cream <a href="http://jillannajoy.blogspot.com/2011/02/cream-cheese-icing-recipe.html">Cheese Icing </a>on them! Why pink and purple? Because my two adorable nieces LOVE pink and purple, so when I pop by today with mini cupcakes with icing in their fav colors, it will make their day :) Plus, it is February now and they are very Valentine's Day appropriate colors :)</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://s43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/Jillannajoy/baking/?action=view&current=gorgeous.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/Jillannajoy/baking/gorgeous.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://s43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/Jillannajoy/baking/?action=view&current=Beauty.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/Jillannajoy/baking/Beauty.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div>JillannaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761876726892113142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308407918078092346.post-88510587088520137142011-02-01T17:34:00.004-07:002011-02-01T17:49:50.943-07:00Cream Cheese Icing -the recipe!-4 oz. Cream Cheese, softened (125 g.)<div>1/4 cup Butter, softened</div><div>1 tsp. Vanilla</div><div>2 cup Icing Sugar</div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>Cream together cream cheese, butter and vanilla</li><li>beat in icing sugar, a little at a time</li><li>Add color, if desired</li></ul><div>Milk or cream can be added if to thick :) Delish on <a href="http://jillannajoy.blogspot.com/2011/02/grandmas-chocolate-cake-recipe.html">Grandma's Chocolate Cake</a>!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://s43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/Jillannajoy/baking/?action=view&current=icing.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/Jillannajoy/baking/icing.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A few tricks I have discovered for icing over the past year of making a boat load of cupcakes:</div><div><ul><li>Neon food coloring! It does awesome bright colors, with far fewer 'drops'<p><a href="http://s43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/Jillannajoy/baking/?action=view&current=trick5.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/Jillannajoy/baking/trick5.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></li><li>Ziplock bag for piping, just tuck the tip you want to use through a tiny hole in one corner, fill using a wine glass to support it, and viola! You have a clean bag, with the tip in, that is cheap!<p><a href="http://s43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/Jillannajoy/baking/?action=view&current=trick.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/Jillannajoy/baking/trick.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><a href="http://s43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/Jillannajoy/baking/?action=view&current=trick1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/Jillannajoy/baking/trick1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><a href="http://s43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/Jillannajoy/baking/?action=view&current=trick3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/Jillannajoy/baking/trick3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></li></ul><div><br /></div></div>JillannaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761876726892113142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308407918078092346.post-26536028198572182872011-02-01T12:04:00.004-07:002011-02-01T17:33:37.939-07:00Grandma's Chocolate Cake - the recipe! -1/2 cup Butter, softened<br />1 1/2 cup Sugar<br />2 Eggs<br /><br />1 cup Sour Cream<br /><br />2 cup Flour<br />2 tsp. Baking powder<br />1 tsp. Baking soda<br /><br />1/2 cup Cocoa<br />1/2 cup Hot water<br />1 tsp. Vanilla<br /><br /><ul><li>Combine Butter and Sugar, cream together. It won't actually 'cream' together, but be more of a fluffy mixture. Add Eggs, mix!</li><li>Alternate sour cream with flour, baking soda and baking powder.</li><li>Mix cocoa, hot water and vanilla into a paste of sorts. Add to above. Scrap sides to ensure even mixture. </li><li>Bake at 350, 30 minutes for a cake, 18 minutes for regular cupcakes, and 12 minutes for mini cupcakes. (all times approximate, just gotta check with a toothpick, adjust time based on your own oven! )</li></ul><br />Recipe can be doubled! :)<br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://s43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/Jillannajoy/baking/?action=view&current=cupcakes.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/Jillannajoy/baking/cupcakes.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div>JillannaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761876726892113142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308407918078092346.post-66100779984435882442011-01-25T19:17:00.002-07:002011-01-25T19:47:29.843-07:0017 weeks!Well, tomorrow I will be! So I thought I would at least post my 16 week belly shot. Finally am starting to feel like my belly is looking like a pregnant belly and less like chub :) SO excited! 2 weeks from today we get to see our lil turkey, and likely find out what gender we shall be expecting in July! I am just so in love with this wee one already! I can't wait to finally meet my little miracle that we have waited so long for! I am just so thankful for a faithful Father. Although His ways are not my ways, I wouldn't have changed anything about my journey to motherhood. I am so in love, so thankful, and so abundantly blessed!<br /><br /><c><a href="http://s43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/Jillannajoy/?action=view&current=16weeks2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/Jillannajoy/16weeks2.jpg" border="0" alt="16 weeks"></a></c>JillannaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761876726892113142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308407918078092346.post-3982644868650144432010-12-30T17:42:00.004-07:002010-12-30T18:02:15.453-07:00Update time!<c>I figured that with the New Year nearly upon me, I would FINALLY update my very neglected blog!<p>First things first:<br /> <div><a href="http://s43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/Jillannajoy/?action=view&current=BFP.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/Jillannajoy/BFP.jpg" border="0" alt="BFP!!" /></a></div><br /><p><br />Holy crow! DW and I are actually preggers! WOWIE WOW WOW! I am still in shock! Our lil Turkey is due July 6, 2011<p> <p><br />We had our first ultrasound at 9 weeks<br /><p> <a href="http://s43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/Jillannajoy/?action=view&current=baby.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/Jillannajoy/baby.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <p><br />Everything is going perfectly! My mum came with me to meet her newest grandchild. My lil Turkey wiggled all 4 limbs and squirmed around. We got to see the heart beating at approx. 172 bpm :) YAY!<br /><p><p> Next up was the lovely prenatal exam.. BLARG! That was far from fun. I was 11 wks and 2 days. My doc semi changed my due date to July 7th haha I couldn't believe he bothered and/or cared about the day difference but schmee! (I am sticking with the 6th.) But because of the dating 'conflict' I was sent for another ultrasound at 12 weeks. DW was actually able to 'meet' our Turkey that day :)<p> <a href="http://s43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/Jillannajoy/?action=view&current=001.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/Jillannajoy/001.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <p> <p><br />As of yesterday, I am 13 weeks along already! The time has flown by, and honestly, the shock hasn't passed! I got a job at Walmart to get maternity leave hours in, and PTL I didn't get morning sickness, so I was able to work with no issues so far :)<br /><p> Me at 13 weeks :)<p> <a href="http://s43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/Jillannajoy/?action=view&current=IMG_2044.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/Jillannajoy/IMG_2044.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></c>JillannaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761876726892113142noreply@blogger.com1