20 weeks/3 days Update!

If all goes as planned, yesterday marked our 4 month countdown until Keegan & Noelle are here! I have a scheduled c-section at 7:30 AM on April 16th! So, I am more than halfway done!

Our doctor told us to have everything done by 24 weeks, just in case I am put on bed rest or whatnot. So, the Hubs and I made a checklist and are slowly crossing things off left and right.

• Buy a new car. CHECK! This mama will be sporting a white 2013 Ford Explorer XLT with tan leather seats, screen, three rows, and voice-activated everything. Talk about feeling way cooler than I really am.
• Paint the nursery. CHECK! It is the most perfect shade of green imaginable. (Thanks to the hubs who painted it... twice).
• Register. CHECK! The twins are all set up on amazon.com and Babies R Us. (True story, I wish we could have registered at Buy Buy Baby but there aren't any in Houston which would make it super hard for friends and family).
• Install Carbon Monoxide monitors. CHECK! Actually, I think Justin went out to buy these when I was 5 minutes pregnant, so we've been covered here for awhile.
• Baby-proof the house. No check. Yet. This is on the agenda for January. :)
• Pray daily for the two sweet blessings coming our way. DOUBLE CHECK!

I am grateful that I still feel wonderful. My back is starting to hurt when I stand for long periods of time, so I have done my Christmas shopping in short spurts. And, I only have to pick up 3 more little things before I am completely finished!

While I am so anxious and excited for this Christmas with our families, I can't help but already imagine how amazing next Christmas will be with two sweet babies in the picture.

18 weeks and counting! In twin world, we are halfway there!

Wow, what an amazing couple of weeks this has been. Not only did we find out the genders of our sweet babies, but we celebrated Thanksgiving in Houston with our families, I knocked out one of my last big work trips, Justin's buddy spent the weekend with us in Dallas, and our house is Christmas-ready! (When I say Christmas ready, I have quite a ways to go when it comes to shopping. I snagged the sisters their gifts off Etsy, but that's where it ends).

My sister, over at The Boyds, blogged about our Gender Reveal Party. She took the most amazing pictures of the party and we are so grateful for the wonderful people who celebrated with us. It was truly a night to remember.

So here I sit, 18 weeks along, and as the Dr. told me Monday, 'The kids are growing like weeds!' Really, doc? I couldn't tell. A stranger asked me the other day if I was close to due. Hilarious.

But I have zero complaints. I have been blessed to feel wonderful so far during this pregnancy. Besides a few growing pains and a growing appetite, I don't feel very different at all!

The hubs has been so amazing. Seriously, he is so excited to be a dad, and I can't wait to see him with these babies. He makes me breakfast every morning before leaving for work, checks in on me all day, and gets even more excited for my doctor's appointments than I do. He always has his questions ready for our doctors and is making sure I follow their directions! I have been feeling the babies for a couple weeks now and am most looking forward to when he can feel their little kicks.

We are SO thrilled to meet Miss Noelle Anne and Mister Robert Keegan in just a few more months.  AND, we are just as excited to meet their cousin, Miss Molly Jo Stivers! What a fun time for this family!
 
Here's a little update:

Total weight gain: About 8 pounds. Right on track!

Maternity clothes: Absolutely, maternity bottoms. But I can still wear most of my shirts.

Stretch marks: none. Slathering on that bio-oil every day.

Sleep: Sleeping good at night now. And less tired during the day!

Best moment of this week: I felt the first official 'kicks'! It has been just little flutters, but now they are apparent bumps and taps.

Miss anything: My girlfriends in Houston. Can't wait to see you guys over Christmas.

Food cravings: Cheese sticks, hamburgers, raspberries

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope, feeling great!

Have you started to show yet: Definitely! The bump is growing like crazy.

Gender: One boy and one girl!

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: Christmas, of course!

Hubs and I at the Cowboys game on Sunday!

15 Week Update!

How far along: 15 weeks, 3 days

Total weight gain:  5 pounds! Finally gaining a few pounds. It's hard to eat as much protein as required with multiples.

Maternity clothes: Oh yes. I have been in maternity only pants/leggings for a few weeks now.

Stretch marks: none. Slathering on that bio-oil every day.

Sleep: Weird sleep patterns. I go 2-3 nights with lots of interruptions, and then I get one solid night sleep which catches me right back up.

Best moment of this week: Having my husband give my belly kisses and tell the twins how much he already loves them. He's the best.

Miss anything: I miss having clear skin. It's really yucky to have these pimples on my face.

Food cravings: I could eat English muffins and cream cheese all day. I love it so much!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope, feeling great!

Have you started to show yet: Oh yes. I had a random person ask me if I was expecting this week. Holy cow, that was a real-life moment. I have been doing a horrible job taking weekly belly pictures, and plan to get with the program this week for good.

Gender: Today I think two girls. BUT we find out on Thursday what they are!!!! We have four names picked out, to meet any combo we get :)

Labor signs: No!

Belly button in or out: In

Wedding rings on or off: On
Happy or moody most of the time: Starting to get a bit 'peppier.' Still pretty emotional, though. The second I see someone cry on TV, I am in tears. I am over the shock of twins, and just feeling really blessed and grateful.
 

Looking forward to: THURSDAY! Gender Reveal Day!!!

The pics below are from Voting Day. *Go America* So technically, they are 14 week pics. See, what did I say about being bad at taking pics. :(

 

10 Week Update!

How far along: 10 weeks 3 days

Total weight gain:  Gained a pound, but lost it. Back to original weight of 127.

Maternity clothes: Purchased 2 pairs of colored maternity jeans from H&M. SO comfy!

Stretch marks: none

Sleep: Waking up super early, so I need a nap most days.

Best moment of this week: Seeing my little bump grow a bit. And I swear I have felt flutters (I know its early!)

Miss anything: My pimple-free face

Food cravings: Nope, still just not very hungry.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nauseous when I wake up, especially from day naps. But nothing makes me physically sick.

Have you started to show yet: a little bit!

Gender: Either boy/girl or two boys. Not sure why! I still think this!

Labor signs: No!

Belly button in or out: In

Wedding rings on or off: On

Happy or moody most of the time: Emotional. And I still keep getting my feelings hurt for no real reason. It's a super lame feeling.

Looking forward to: Marci's wedding! Our next Dr. appt - it's so far away! And, telling my work peeps.

 

9 week Update!

How far along: 9 weeks 2 days!

Total weight gain:  1 pound. (started at 127, Friday I was 128)

Maternity clothes: Nope, but my pants stay closed with a ponytail holder!

Stretch marks: none

Sleep: Wake up between 2-3 am every night, and a few extra times to pee!

Best moment of this week: Seeing our sweet twins at Friday’s ultrasound. They both measured perfectly at 8 weeks 6 days, and Baby A had a heartbeat of 165. Baby B’s was great too, but we didn’t catch the exact rate.

Miss anything: Not yet! I'm actually enjoying the naps and husband cooking breakfast everyday.

Food cravings: Nope, still just not very hungry.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nauseous when I wake up, especially from day naps. But nothing makes me physically sick.

Have you started to show yet: I think so, but I may be the only one who does! Definitely have a belly.

Gender: Either boy/girl or two boys. Not sure why!

Labor signs: No!

Belly button in or out: In

Wedding rings on or off: On

Happy or moody most of the time: Moody and tired. Get my feelings hurt easily, but trying to shake that.

Looking forward to: Marci’s wedding, a bigger bump, and sharing the news with work. Well, maybe that makes me a bit nervous…

 

Mimi and Netta

9 week bump (after pizza!)

 

Discovery Day #2

While Discovery Day #1 was by-far one of the best days of my life, Discovery Day #2 may top it just slightly.

In between these 'discovery days,' Justin and I celebrated our one year wedding anniversary. The hubs planned an amazing weekend away on Lake Travis at The Living Waters resort. We stayed in eco-cabins, enjoyed a private yoga class, floating deck, and a date night out. It was a relaxing weekend, and helped keep my mind off our doctor's appointment coming up on Tuesday.

Ahhhh.....Tuesday.

I turn into a giant ball of nerves before any doctor appointment. Always. And for someone who has her fair share of appointments, I should be a pro. But it never fails - I get anxious, quiet, and moody. And emotional. This appointment was nothing out of the ordinary. Luckily my husband knows me well, and knows how I get before appointments. He made sure to let me have a bit of space, but also reminded me that everything was going to be just fine. Walking into the DR, I remember looking at him and saying I hope the appointment went super fast, in and out. Cause to me that meant everything was right on track!

Laying on the bed, Dr. Nokelberg wheeled the screen up to my side, and designated a spot for Justin to stand. I will never forget the first image that popped on the screen. An amazing black sack. And her instant words, I see a heartbeat, let's hear it! As she turned on the speakers and we were able to hear the sweet beating of our baby's heart, a tear of joy escaped and I was finally calm. She estimated that I was a little over 6 weeks along, and that all of my lady parts (ovaries, uterus, etc) looked great! As we stared at the screen and began to chat about what to expect, she kept moving the stick around. The next words she said were so amazing. "Do you see that? I thought I saw something else... there is your other baby!" Holy cow. Two babies. Two sweet, sweet beating heartbeats. Hearing that second whoosh of thumps over the speakers made my heart melt. Justin was amazing -- his initial cry out of 'what does that mean!!!' made me laugh, and the tears were definitely there at this point! We were expecting twins.

I can't explain it, but although I was shocked, I also had this feeling that I was having twins. My blood test showed that I was further a long than I knew I really was, but besides that, I just had a gut feeling. I had even done a bit of research on twins over the past few weeks. It was all just so surreal.

We left the appointment with instructions for extra supplements, tons of information, and plenty of questions stirring up in our minds. But basically we left feeling whole and happy.

We shared the news with our parents and siblings instantly --- in the parking lot of the doctor's office! We told them that the Baby Lees would be arriving in April! It took a few of them a minute to catch on, but they were SO thrilled when they heard the news.

Discovery Day #2 was when we found out of family of two was growing to a family of four in just 8 short months. I will never forget a moment of how grateful, blessed and joyful I felt that day. And how excited I was to read-up on multiples! :)

Discovery Day #1

I think it is fair to say that this pregnancy has two separate discovery days. The first one, positive home pregnancy test day, and the second one, sonogram day.

This post is about the very first discovery day - so I can look back and remember exactly how it went down - (Not like I could EVER forget).
 
Let's back track a bit. After stopping the pill, I took about 10 pregnancy tests. All negative. They were even negative a week AFTER I should have started my period. I chalked it up to my body taking its sweet time to re-adjust, and that I should stop worrying over something I couldn't control.

After spending a weekend in Houston, and two days at the corporate office for work, I flew back to Dallas for an all-day meeting on Wednesday. Which happened to be my 26th birthday! I'd been feeling kind of off for a few days - sore boobs, super tired, and a bad headache. So when I got home from my meeting, and before the Hubs and I left for my birthday dinner, I took a pregnancy test. Thinking, hey why the heck not, I haven't taken one in about a week. That thing was blazingingly positive. I mean, it took so much ink to show the positive line, that the comparison line was barely visible!

With shaking hands, I handed the test to Justin right as he was coming out of the shower. I was completely speechless. He was thrilled, and we basically said 'OMG' and hugged about 50 times. I wanted to totally scratch the birthday dinner and head to CVS for another test, but Justin insisted that I really needed to eat! I managed to get down some Mexican food, (and an iced tea), and then we booked it to the store for a 3-pack of tests! Two tests later - two more positive tests!

How did we sleep that night?

The next morning I went into my Dr. office for a 'confirmation of pregnancy' blood test. I was hoping to get the results back the same day, but had to wait until Friday morning for the call-back. The nurse called with the best news I have ever heard -- hcg level were at 1167, and progesterone was a 47! Everything looked great! Thinking back, this was the first clue that this pregnancy was going to be a bit unusual. Especially when the nurse said she likes to see progesterone in the high teens... and mine was 47...

Crochetiquette

It's FINALLY time to share our news.

My sister, over at The Boyds, and I have started our own Crochet business.

We are Crochetiquette.

We have lots to do, and lots to learn, but in the meantime, email us at:

Crochetiquette@gmail.com.

Crochet {kroh-shey} is a process of creating fabric from yarn, thread, or other material strands using a crochet hook.

Etiquette {et-i-kit} is the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular group.

Where Crocheting and Etiquette overlap, Crochetiquette is created!

Visit us at our up-and-coming blog: Crochetiquette.blogspot.com

***Our Etsy site is also live, and we will be updating it over the next few days with available products and information on custom orders.

Ready to Roll

I have been REALLY interested in cycling for awhile. But, before jumping into it, I did quite a bit of research. Ya'll, road bikes are expensive. I really had no idea.

So the debate was - new? used? beginner? experienced?
And that was enough to contemplate for a few weeks before making up my mind!

Hubs and I decided this would be a great experience to begin together, so we also had to keep in mind we would need to purchase two bikes at the same time. Plus helmets, squishy shorts, water bottle cages, etc. Yikes!

After a ton of research, 3 trips to local bike stores, a trip to Sun & Ski, we finally made up our mind.
We chose to buy brand new entry-level bikes through a very well-respected brand, Trek. (Lexa Series)  So, with the 3-digit price tag instead of 4-digit, we new we would get a great bike at a great price to help launch us into the world of cycling.

We took our first ride last night through the trails in Las Colinas and I am so in love. It brings back nostalgic bike-riding memories, and a sore butt. Isn't she cute? Turqoise handle bars and all.

On our way to the 'big reveal'

Which color palette is your favorite?

Quick Blurb

Following a quick 48-hour trip to Houston for work, I am back in Dallas and on a mad hunt for a dress to wear this weekend to Lacey's wedding in Boerne, TX!


I'll be making the rounds during my lunch break today - Anthro, Off 5th and Apricot Lane. Hope to find something spring-like and fun.


My sister, who you can follow over at The Family of Boyds, and I will have a big announcement next week about a little business venture we've launched. Stay tuned. But here's a hint.

Chicken Florentine Bowtie Pasta

This counter shot is a typical look at a 'cooking night' at the Lee residence.

1. Wine bottle, mostly empty.

2. Laptop so I can follow a recipe off Pinterest.

 

 3. Le Creuset. Any chance to use it, I do.

4. Hungry pup looking for scraps.
(Last night she ate an onion piece and made the funniest face).

I made Chicken Florentine Bowtie Pasta last night and it was really yummy. Next time I will add mushrooms and maybe half a can of cream of mushroom soup to bump up the creaminess.

Happy long weekend. Hubs and I have gardening, shopping and Easter Brunch plans.

lucky him.

a lull in travels.

I wish I kept better record of all of the places I have traveled since I started with Aggreko.

But what I HAVE kept a good record of are my role changes...

They go something like this: Intern. Internal Communications Specialist. Direct Marketing Specialist... and wait for it... I am now the brand new

Events & Communication Specialist!!!

yes, yes, yes!

What does this mean for me?

Well, it means my little lull in traveling is about to come to an end.

It's been a slow year of travels - I've only made 3 trips to Cali, a handful of trips to Houston, and a trip to Costa Rica.

But this girl has big plans on the horizon.

I will be representing North America at OTC. Holy cow. That's big. Then, I will be representing Aggreko at DUG. And THEN, the coolest of all, I am coordinating SportAccord in Quebec City in just a short month. Super excited and a tad stressed out about this thing called SportAccord. Why? Because its crazy. SportAccord is where countries and Sporting Associations get together every other year to decide who will hold the biggest Sporting Events in the world. Like... The Olympics! And the World Cup! And the World Equestrian Games. (All of which Aggreko is proud to sponsor). So not only will I be coordinating logistics for the Media Suite and sponsorship, but I will also be spending a week coordinating events for the top Aggreko folks in the business. (I am lucky to call many of these people my buds, but it still adds an extra element of oomph to the planning!)

Anywho, to put it bluntly, I am so stoked about my new role with Aggreko and even more excited to add Quebec to my list of upcoming destinations. Gotta love those Canadians, eh?

Would it be OK to admit my underlying scheme of scoring an invitation to the London Olympic Games? I represented Vancouver well :)

It's so much easier when SeaFoam Green is in fashion.

Flowers are blooming outside AND inside our house.

  Laila's spot. Green, green curtains and nook.

Vintage suitcases from RoundTop. How perfect is that color?

A work-in-progress baby blanket. Baby recipient TBD :)
And, a french knot heart added to a TOMS bag to hold my yarn.

Target Sock Monkey for Lai Pup. She carries it from room to room and uses it as a pillow.
Again, seafoam green.

Something about that cheery color green just puts a smile on my face.

Anything to combat the exhaustion of early morning conference calls to Dubai. sigh.

Is it nap time?

Monday Blues

After a great weekend in Houston, I had the mega Monday blues.

To combat it, I went through and took a few pictures of things making me happy!!

It worked!

I'm now enjoying a sun-shining day with gym and Mad Man plans on the horizon for tonight.

Vintage blue china and runner replaced a burlap setting just in time for Spring!

Breakfast nook with birdies, blue & green, and DIY stained table.

My BIL & SIS made this handcrafted wine rack for us for Christmas. My favorite piece in our house.

Love looking at these happy owls from the kitchen each morning. And, that wire window in the background. Ah, simple things.

My hubby and father-in-law made the paper - LoneStar Outdoor News. How handsome.

White Wall

Due to my obsession with YoungHouseLove.com, I have been wanting a white wall of frames for quite some time.  Justin actually gave me our first piece for Christmas. Ya'll... be jealous.. my man went to Michael's, Hobby Lobby, and hired a professional custom framer to make this for me.


Framed key to our house. Don't stalk my home address, please! :)

 So once I got piece one, I was on a roll and slowly started compiling other things that make me happy into white frames. I scored mega deals on the white frames from Home Goods and Pier 1 mainly.

I scored this awesome wired wite frame from Pier 1 with little white clips that hold all sorts of fun stuff. And, it can be changed out in a second, which makes me super happy.

I love walking by the wall every day and seeing notes Justin and I have written each other, wedding Save the Date cards, Justin's marriage proposal written on an index card, mushroom crost-stich art, my wedding dress, and a pretty white cross. Can't wait to continue adding on!

Josie Maran Product Review

You know how some women never stop hunting for the perfect LBD? (little black dress)... Well, I never stop hunting for the perfect foundation.

I don't wear much makeup, so that makes it even more important for my foundation to look great! Streaks, orange splotches, dry spots, oily spots, wrong color.... all of this can be avoided with a good skin-care regimen and "base face."

Luckily, I have pretty normal skin that isn't prone to breakouts. But, I also think that is because I use very simple products that don't contribute to problems.

Every day I wash with Cetaphil. I love it, but it does not get all foamy and bubbly which I know some people like. However, because it does not foam up, it does not strip your skin of the good stuff it needs every day. It's simply a great face wash.

At night, I use Josie Maran Argan Oil. Click this link to see all of the benefits of Argan Oil. My friend Kathy introduced me to it a few years back, and I would say this is my one go-to product. Seriously - stranded on a deserted island, this would be my one non-human essential.  Not only is it a great night-serum, you can use it on cuticles, split ends, sun spots... everything! Josie has a complete line of organic skin care and makeup available at Sephora.

I am not a complete organically-obsessed girl by any means, but I figure if you are going to put something directly on your face... why not let it be as natural as possible?

Because of my love for Argan Oil, I decided to try out her newest foundation, Josie Maran Matchmaker Serum Foundation. While skeptical at first on its promise to "transform to your skin color," I am now quite the believer. The same foundation I bought prior to my trip to Costa Rica, still beautifully matches now that I am much darker. It's like magic I swear. There are three shades to choose from, and I am using LightMedium.

So, although I am not a makeup know-it-all, I do know what I like. And Josie Maran Argan Oil and Matchmaker Serum Foundation have put my never-ending search for foundation on hold for awhile.

Bye, Bye OPI

Bye, bye OPI.

Hello, Butter London.

There are three reason why I am making the switch to this "3 Free" nail laquer.
1. No Formaldehyde.
2. No Toluene.
3. No DBP or Parabens.

But, with a $14 price tag, you better know just what you're looking for.
Today I did - British Racing Green.

It went on so smooth and coated perfectly. Could have gotten away with just one coat, but I layered two as usual. (And topped with Marci's top coat pick, Seche Vite, of course).
I'd say this girl is ready for the weekend celebrations to begin!



O'Brien

This weekend is St. Patty's Day. I love St. Patty's Day.

In college, the phrase "I'm an O'Brien, do I get free shots?!?" was used a lot.
A lot, a lot.

But this year... I am a Lee!!! What to do about this?!?

Duh, use my O'Brien drivers license for the day.

Sorry, hubs.

This weekend is also Lacey's bachelorette party in Dallas! And, the party-planner, Jess, is coming with pre-made St. Patty's Day shirts for the whole crew. Can't wait to reunite with a bunch of these beautiful ladies.

Dinner and party bus on Friday followed by early AM St. Patty's Day celebrations on Saturday... ?! I anticipate lots of leprechaun dancing and green-beer drinking.



Half a Year

Our 6-month wedding anniversary came and went so fast we almost missed it.

Yea, right.

That sucker was marked on my calendar months ago!

And because Justin and I come up with any excuse to go out to eat,

this was a better-than-usual excuse.

Our 6-months actually fell on Saturday, but since I had Justin slaving away enjoying working in our house, we celebrated on Sunday. Justin took me to R+D Kitchen in University Park which was dee-lish. And, since we were on a roll for Sunday-Funday, we also went to Sfuzzi for early afternoon cocktails.

It was a nice relaxing day full of fooo-oood. Seriously, we had to hit the trails hard last night to work some of it off. Oh yea, there are the coolest trails behind our neighborhood - for you Katy people, very similar to Cullen Park trails. Laila loved her life - and went leash-less. I'd post a cute pic of her, but she needs a haircut like it is going out of style. Actually, yep, her haircut is out of style.

Back to the 6-month milestone.... I am so blessed to have such an amazing, hard-working, ambitious, best-friend of a husband! He makes me super happy and I am lucky.

Leaving with a sneak peek of my next blog. Look at my little Tessa. I love seeing her smiling postcard face every day.