18 Week Bumpdate

Hello ALL! I know I've been MIA. There is no good reason, other than I just haven not had much to blog about. I do finally have some very exciting news, Josh and I are expecting! We could not be more thrilled. As it took us a while, I feel so blessed to be able to enjoy this journey.

Weeks: 18, can’t believe I am almost half way there!

Official Due Date: April 3^rd, 2015

Trimester: Second

Gender: IT’S A GIRL! We were fortunate to have a 16 week ultrasound, and able to find out the sex.

Baby is the Size of a: Sweet Potato

Cravings: No big cravings yet. It makes it much easier to eat food when everything doesn’t make you sick to your stomach, and that is how I felt at the beginning of this pregnancy.

How I’m Feeling: I honestly am feeling pretty good. I was sick at the beginning, but that has come and gone, thank goodness!

Movement: I think I can feel little tiny flutters, usually in the mornings and at night.

What I Miss: The only thing I slightly miss is having a glass of wine here and there, especially on the nights I am snuggled up on the couch watching a movie or TV.

Best Moment: Of course, finding out the sex was amazing. Josh and I both had the feeling we were going to have a girl. After that appointment we went to the grocery store and ordered cupcakes to do a gender reveal with our families. It was so awesome to be able to have everyone over and share our exciting news with them!

Josh continues to make me feel special and beautiful. I am so lucky to have him as my husband, and cannot wait for this precious little girl to join us.

 

 

 

 

Beyond Excited!

4th of July Weekend with the Sissy

The weekends always go by fast, but it goes by even faster when you have one of your favorite visitors in town. My sister came to Iowa for the 4th of July, and today I was SO SAD to see her go back to Florida.

On the 4th, we went up to Clear Lake and had lunch at the Tiki Bar, went golfing and then cruised around town.

It was a beautiful day on the 4th, so we enjoyed spending it outside.

 

The 5th of July we rented a boat on Big Creek in Polk City, the weather was not the best. It was cloudy and a little chilly. Josh and Jason fished while Danielle and I hung out. It was pretty relaxing.

Daisy really enjoyed being on the lake.

One day my sister and I will live closer to each other, I sure miss her already! Thanks for visiting sissy! LOVE YOU!

Hope everyone enjoyed their long weekend for the 4th!

 

 



Take Care of Yourself

Last week, I woke up Sunday in the middle of the night with a terrible fever and vomiting. I knew I hadn't felt the best all week, but did not think it would land me in the hospital. I am a very stubborn person, and I DO NOT like going to the Dr. I knew I had a UTI, but thought I could take care of it myself. I thought it went away. I had a little pain then in my left side, but nothing I couldn't be tough through. On Monday morning, I was so sick my husband had to take me to the doctors office for my appointment. I figured they would just give me some meds and send me home. They ended up taking my blood work and my white blood cell count was at 29,000, and a normal count is 8,000. Right then, the doctor sent me to the hospital. I had a sever kidney infection. I needed to get IV fluids and antibiotics. I ended up spending Monday through Thursday in the hospital trying to get better. The reason for my post is to encourage everyone to NOT ignore symptoms. I will never again ignore anything, and be extra cautious. Please make sure you keep yourself healthy!! It is very important, even if you think it is minor, it can turn into a big deal!

 

Nieces and Nephew's!!

I just have to share how proud I am of my Nieces and Nephew's! It is so fun to watch them grow. Josh's sister and her husband have 6 kids! They are each amazing and so special to Josh and I. They just finished up their school year in Florida, and are now moving to Tacoma, Washington. We are lucky enough that they will be stopping in Hubbard on their journey out West.

Group picture of all 6 kids! I have to say they are a good looking bunch!

 Grace walking the bridge from K-4 to Kindergarten.

 Grace with one of her teachers.

 Maggie graduating Kindergarten!

 Jack won the Most Improved Award.

 Conner received The St. Mary's Religion Award.

 Annabel also received The St. Mary's Religion Award.

 Benjamin and his friend going to a dance. Doesn't he look dapper?

 

Looking forward to spending some time with all of The Brinkmeyer's!

 

 



My Best Friend's Wedding

Over Memorial weekend I stood up next to one of my best friends, Amanda Sue, for her wedding. It was an absolutely beautiful wedding and a perfect weekend! I wish her and her new husband nothing but the best! Here are just a couple candid photos I took of her big day!

 Such a stunning bride!

The sweetest little flower girl, Addison.

 My handsome husband and I.

 Amanda's new family

Chicken Sausage with Quinoa

This recipe is very similar to the one found here.

Ingredients:

• 1 package Chicken Sausage (any type)
• 1 Orange Pepper
• 1 Green Pepper
• 1 Yellow Squash
• 1 cup Quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup spinach

Instructions:

• Slice all the vegetables.
• Heat pan over medium heat, add the vegetables and vegetable broth.
• Saute vegetables.
• Add sliced chicken sausage to pan.
• Add salt and pepper to taste (or any other sesoning).
• Add cup of uncooked quinoa. Cover the pan with lid and let the quinoa simmer for 15 minutes or until tender.
• Enjoy!

You can add any type of vegetable to this recipe and make it your own. It is always nice to use what is inseason!