20 Weeks

Today Ryan and I got to see our little baby today at our 20 week appointment and it was confirmed--we are having a precious baby BOY! This past week I also found out my best friend, who is due 2 weeks before me, is also having a boy! I'm so excited to go through this journey with her raising our baby boys. I can't believe I am halfway through my pregnancy already!

Earlier this week I called my doctor because of some concerns I had and they told me to come over to checked out. Luckily, they said with modified bed rest for a week I should start doing better. They think I have an infection and that I was just overdoing myself with work and volleyball on top of having a nasty cold the past month. I stayed home from volleyball 2 days and I went ahead and took off work today. It's crazy how much a little rest has helped. So thankful it was nothing more.

Today has been wonderful. It has been perfect fall weather, I got to see our precious Baby Stu, spend the morning with Ryan and have a lunch date, and also get a yummy decaf Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks on this National Coffee Day.

Also, I was recently contacted by a website that wanted to post our gender reveal video and possibly do an article about it. I thought that was pretty neat! 

It is football season, so of course this football fan had to make a football themed chalkboard!

How far along? 20 weeks
Total weight gain/loss:  3 lbs
Maternity Clothes? I can still fit into all my normal pants, but rocking maternity shirts daily.
Stretch marks? Not yet
Sleep: I have gotten better sleep this past week than I had been getting.
Best moment this week: Today! Spent the morning with Ryan looking at our precious child and then we had a lunch date.
Have you told family and friends? Of course
Miss anything? Certain food still
Movement: I think! I described the feelings to my doctor and she thinks so too!
Food cravings: Potatoes and cold water or ice.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not too much, just the smell of BBQ.
Have you started to show yet: I think that is officially a yes now.
Gender prediction: IT'S A BOY!!!!
Labor signs: No, but I have been resting a lot extra this week to stop the pains.
Belly button in or out: In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy
Looking forward to: Not baby related, but Columbus Day is coming up and I love watching our town's balloon glow!

18 Weeks

 Ryan and I are overjoyed! We are so excited to welcome a baby BOY in February. Although I would have been thrilled if we were having a girl, I am also a bit relieved knowing I won't go bankrupt buying bows and dresses. But then again, when our boy gets older the hunting gear will be just as expensive. I CAN'T WAIT! Last weekend we had our gender reveal party and it was so much fun. Ryan and I thought it would be fun to find out at the same time as our family and be surprised by something other than just looking at a monitor. We were right, so much more exciting.

 While we were getting ready for the big reveal, we let Abby vote. I held up a pink and blue piece of paper and she immediately walked over and started sniffing the pink paper. Unfortunately, Abby isn't getting her wish. I hope she will be happy with her new baby brother!

Our reveal was at my Aunt and Uncle's shooting lodge so we had plenty of room to shoot our exploading tannerite. It was so fun and perfect knowing we will be having a boy.

Baby Stu Gender Reveal from Malarie Studebaker on Vimeo.

IT'S A BOY!!!

How far along? 18 weeks
Total weight gain/loss:  I finally gained 1 pound...not that I am complaining!
Maternity Clothes? I can still fit into all my normal pants, but my shirts are a little snug so I wear some maternity clothes for comfort.
Stretch marks? No, but I really need to find a good cream/lotion. I have had a few recommendations but still looking for suggestions!!
Sleep: These past two weeks I have gotten very little. Last week I was sick with a bad cold and this week I have just been up through the night with pains.
Best moment this week: Last weekend we found out we were having a BOY!
Have you told family and friends? Yes!!!
Miss anything? I am still missing a good steak! I love my steak medium rare and if it can't be pink, it is a waste of meat. haha
Movement: My doctors have been telling me for awhile to start paying attention, but I still haven't noticed anything.
Food cravings: Food doesn't always sound great, but potatoes always sound good. Chili cheese tater tots--YUM! Cold water or ice.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not too much, just the smell of BBQ.
Have you started to show yet: You can see for yourself in the picture above, but I definitely think so! Or still maybe just a belly full of donuts??
Gender prediction: IT'S A BOY!!!!
Labor signs: No
Belly button in or out: In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, but these past two weeks I have been more moody. I think because of lack of sleep due to being sick and being up from pains in the night. 
Looking forward to: My appointment in two weeks when they do all the important measurements and a longer ultrasound.

16 Weeks

These past two weeks sure have been busy with the hustle and bustle of back to school and volleyball season starting up. As exhausted as I am, it feels like the weeks have flown by. One weekend my mom and I went shopping for the bump since it was our last free weekend for awhile. I was kind of dreading the whole thing but we had a lot of fun and actually found some cute clothes. I still fit in all of my normal clothes just fine except 2 pairs of dress pants, but my shirts are starting to get tight. That day we also found some adorable Osh Kosh overalls for Baby Stu to decorate with at our Gender Reveal Party. Check out the picture below. Plus they were only $6 each. SCORE!

Then, last week Ryan and I finally had an evening together at home with no plans. I am still in disbelief. They are very rare to come by. We were able to drink our “Baby Bottle” my cousin gave us at our wedding shower. It was the last of our celebratory bottles to drink! We had a wine bottle for several different celebratory events in the first few years of marriage. We have enjoyed drinking each of them, but drinking the sparkling grape juice has probably been my favorite celebration.

This past weekend we went back to Ryan’s hometown for the Thayer Homecoming and Watermelon Festival. It is usually on Labor Day weekend but was changed this year. I always enjoy going back for the festival each year. The weekend is super busy but so much fun is had and many memories are always made. I thought this shirt was fitting…

Last Wednesday Ryan and I went to see Baby Stu in hopes of finding out the gender. Well, it appears Baby Stu is already acting like me and being super stubborn because the nurse wasn't 100% sure of the gender. She mentioned possibly coming the next week and of course I was all for it. Why would I not want the chance to see our little Stu baby again?! Yesterday I went back and Baby Stu was still being shy and not letting us really see their face but she managed to get a glimpse of the gender! EEEK!!! I can NOT wait to find out! This is a magical envelope that holds so much power. Almost as much as your letter to Hogwarts. A few more years little one...

The gender is still a SECRET to Ryan and I and we will find out at our Gender Reveal Party on Sunday with our family and friends! I am sooooo excited! Right now my dad is the only one who knows so he can get the right color of powder for the big surprise. There are moments I think how fun it would be have a girl with the big bows and adorable outfits, then I quickly think how awesome it would be to have a boy and watch them grow up. I honestly do not care the gender! I know God will place the perfect child in Ryan and I's care. However, I am having a way more difficult time deciding on a name for a girl than a boy though.

How far along? 16 weeks 

Total weight gain/loss: I haven't weighed myself at home still so as of last week nothing. 
Maternity clothes? A few things just for comfort but I am still wearing all my pants!
Stretch marks? No, but I really need to find a good cream and lotion....ANY SUGGESTIONS?! 
Sleep: Great
Best moment this week:  
Have you told family and friends: Yes
Miss Anything? A good steak! I love my steak medium rare and if it can't be pink, it's a waste of meat. Haha.
Movement: I keep paying close attention, but nothing yet. I have even wondered a few times if I felt anything, but it is probably just my imagination.
Food cravings: Not really, maybe just potatoes? Food doesn't always sound great.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not to much, just the smell of BBQ.
Have you started to show yet: I definitely think so.
Gender prediction: According to all the Wives Tales almost all predictions look like boy, but I still have no prediction of my own.
Labor Signs: No 
Belly Button in or out? In 
Wedding rings on or off? On 
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!  
Looking forward to: Finding out the gender Sunday!!!