The Transition has been made!

We are happy to announce the new home of our family blog!

wilkinsonupdate.com

We are in transition!

In honor of the new member of our family, we figured the family blog deserved an upgrade! I am sorry for our blogging absence the past couple (and following) weeks. We have been taking it easy getting to know our new offspring, healing, and all the blogging time goes into working on the new project! We are looking to launch the new blog 

Tuesday, March 10th (By 7:00pm) 
I am extending this time frame to March 10th. My writing is best when Clynn is at work and I have ran into some difficulties with the photos! HONEST PROMISE the story and new blog will be up tomorrow!!!

on Jamie's 2 week (and 1 day) old birthday with photos of him and his birth story. 

I hope you guys are as excited as I am!

37 Weeks

I'd like to apologize for the photo quality throughout this whole post. =P

The trick is not waiting until there is no day light...

or giving up your phone to your husband on days you really want good pictures...

Thanks for trying Clynn! <3

How far along? 37 weeks. FULL TERM! Baby is the size of a watermelon and if born today, would need NO medical assistance! He weighs about SIX POUNDS and is measuring around 19.13 inches long. His lungs are fully developed and his ability to maintain body temperature has been established! If I went into labor TODAY there would be no need for alarm and our midwife would be able to help us deliver him safely. 

Current due date: February 18, 2015 

Total weight gain: 23 lbs! 

Maternity clothes? Yep! (refer to previous update for wardrobe details.) Also, wearing white makes me feel fancy and I know I should enjoy it while I can! ;) THANKS MOM for the new shirt!

Stretch marks? Officially, yes. =( I have one about an inch long just out of my sight under my belly. I can't complain too much, I know I've still had it pretty good! Still rubbing Belly Balm on my belly, hips, and thighs twice a day and trying to stay as hydrated as possible!

Miss anything? I tried to do a push up today...I can't believe I was pumping out 25 in my first trimester. Trust you me, you lose that skill pretty quickly if you can't keep up with it. I had to stop doing push ups pretty early because of my hernia. Also, I had to lay down and get up from the bed in the midwives office a few times last night and I felt like I had had a full abdominal work out by the time we left...oh boy. haha. So, yes. I miss push ups and sit ups. Squats? I'm still a beast at squats. So that's nice.

Movement: Tons as always. He sure is strong! I have literally had dreams where he kicks his foot clear through my belly. The weird thing? In these dreams, I'm not even surprised. 

Food cravings: WATER. I'm pretty sure it's my prenatals that make me so thirsty! (An appreciated side effect sense it gets me to drink more water.) Also, kit kats. Something about the texture. CRUNCH CRUNCH. and APPLE SAUCE! I've been eating like a cup of applesauce every evening. Mmm. 

Labor Signs: Lots and lots of Braxton hicks. We talked about what to look for and preparing for the baby to 'drop' at my appointment last night. We'll be watching!

Belly Button in or out? Half out half in. 

Wedding rings on or off? On. DRINK WATER!!! (and watch the salt.) Being able to get adequate rest and keep from being on my feet too long probably helps a ton too. I have been enjoying my morning naps. 

Best moments of the past three weeks: 

• I got to spend a week in Eastern Wa with my Mom, Dad, and baby sister. It was such a nice relaxing get away to help the time go by while Clynn and I are waiting to move into our new place. They all spoiled me rotten with fancy chocolate trips, lots of baby shopping, endless produce, and a big bed in a guest room all to myself. The puppies came along and I'm pretty sure they thought they were in Disney Land with an acre to run on, other puppies to play with, new dog treats to try, and getting to share the guest bedroom with me. They were so happy! I love getting time to spend with my youngest sister sense I moved out when she was still quiet young. It's nice to get the chance to have some sister bonding with her. :)

Chocolate Shop! Mmmm

You fill up a box yourself and then get rung up by weight.

They used to do flat rate boxes where you can have whatever you can fit in a certain size box for a set price. My mom said people (Like my Dad) were too good at packing those, 

so they had to stop doing that. hahaha

My Benny-Max was absolutely pooped every evening. <3

(That's their basketball toy (thanks baby David!) 

they managed to un-stuff in about 5 minutes.)

• THE BABY SHOWER was so much fun!!! We had it on the 24th (last Saturday). THANK YOU to everyone who came! Thank you for the awesome company and all the help getting things ready for baby boys arrival. I love reading through all of your newborn tips and encouraging advice. :) Thanks to all of you, we are now set on Honest Diapers for the first couple months, have some very cute items to help decorate his space, have enough clothes to significantly help us through his first year of life, AND we were able to use gift cards to gather some basic needs and groceries for our new apartment! I can't thank you all enough!! :)

My Dad & I post shower. :)

He came up to help set up and took off 

to the weapons store during the party. 

• Pregnancy wise, our last couple appointments with our midwife have been very surreal. We now meet with her once a week. Exchanging emergency contact numbers, practicing laboring positions, discussing our birth plan/vision, going over infant care...Mine and Clynn's appointments with her are making this all very real very fast. It's so nice to see Clynn get involved at the appointments. I can tell how excited he is while we are there and I eat up every minute. :)
• I seriously went crazy OCD cleaning our car on Monday. I'm talking a three hour deep clean that ended with spit and Qtips. This nesting thing is for real ya'll!!! And my car looks/smells amazing. :) I thought about calling my NCOIC to come do an inspection on it, I felt that confident. All ready to install the car seat! (Still hoping Clynn will have some time to shampoo the seats before then!)

• All the baby clothes/blankets have been specially washed and packed to go over to the apartment.
• Pregger walks with Clynn & the puppies!!! <3 We have had a few uncharacteristically sunny days the past week and I always try and bribe Clynn to join me for a couple miles around the neighborhood. :)

Looking forward to: 

• MOVING IN ON FRIDAY!!! I can't wait to get everything set up and share some photos of our new home! It's SO CUTEE!!! (New carpet always wins me over.)
• More nesting.
• Getting ahead on my school work so I can relax and focus on the apartment next week. 
• Meeting the Mister. 

Love,

The Wilkinson's

33 Weeks!

How far along? 33 weeks. Baby is the size of a pineapple and if he were born today, would need very little medical assistance! Our little Mr. weighs a tad over FOUR POUNDS and is measuring around 17 inches long.

Current due date: February 18, 2015 (Can I also just quickly state that Valentine's Day has been my FAVORITE holiday sense I was 17?? <3 <3 <3 I secretly hope he's here in time for me to have TWO Valentine's this year.)

Total weight gain: Just under 20 lbs! The holidays sure helped out here. ;) So many treats and now it's time to push the veggies and watch the sugar!

Maternity clothes? Yep! Still mixing and matching. I have one pair of pre pregnancy jeans that still work well with the Belly Belt, one pair of maternity jeans from MAMA Maternity at H&M, aaaand cough *%&*five*&%* cough pairs of black fold over leggings from Victoria's Secret. I was gifted a couple maternity shirts from Old Navy that I LOVE!! (NICE work Emelia & Lisa!) It was so nice to get something cute and new to wear when I was feeling so close to the end I didn't want to buy anything new just to wear for a month or two. Now I know, if you've hit 30 weeks and things are getting tight, THERE IS STILL ENOUGH TIME that you definitely should go buy a few new shirts. hahaha I'm getting 1-2 wears a week out of my maternity clothes and I feel the $10-$15 per shirt will be well spent by the time baby is here!

Stretch marks? Still no! Seriously getting antsy on this topic. =/ Mr. is supposed to gain 1/2 pound per week this month! Still rubbing Belly Balm on my belly, hips, and thighs twice a day and trying to stay as hydrated as possible!

Best moments of the past three weeks: 

• Of course Christmas with Clynn's family was so much fun! I'll hopefully be doing a post on that next. :) I have to collect pictures from everyone's phones because I was not very good about taking any. =/ 
• Even though I didn't get to talk to my brother in Holland, I was very aware of my nephews second birthday that happened a couple weeks ago! I can't believe he's two and I am so excited to see them again hopefully sooner than later. :) His momma is due a day before me with baby #2, a sweet little GIRL!!, and I am just so excited for them. :D
• I do have to say, pregnancy wise, the most fun experience the past three weeks has been being able to feel the Mr's individual parts now. It's not just a kick or a roll anymore. We can see (and sometimes grab! haha) a little foot or pat his bony hiney. I can feel when he stretches out his tiny hands or nuzzles his head into my groin. Yeah, it's pretty CRAZY being able to see that there is actually a fully formed little person in there! Clynn is so amazed, he likes to tell people how insane it is. hahaha Clynn mostly feels feet, knees, and hiney. 

Miss anything? Oh boy....haha. I miss my ribs not burning when I sit up too long. My body is really happiest standing, laying, or reclined. Just sitting up is hard! I'm definitely not a big fan of feeling my belly on my thighs when I sit. hahaha...hard not to feel ginormous with your beach ball belly on your legs...I miss only waking up once in the night and then going back to bed easily. I now wake up three or four times every night and two or three of those times take some tossing and turning to get back to sleep. (Poor hubby.)

Movement: Tons as always. I can feel his bones getting harder! (Pushing those calcium supplements!)

Food cravings: WATER. If I'm thirsty it's pretty serious and I don't wait it out if we're out and about. If I have to pay $4 for a bottle of water...it's probably happening. Not so much a craving, but an aversion, I've been not so happy with meat/eggs/dairy lately. Just super unappealing which is nice to be getting back to my regular self. As always, I've been eating way too much peanut butter (YUUMM) and have actually been downing quiet a bit of honey every day! I like it with my tea in the morning, mixed into my oatmeal, on top of my toast, used as a main ingredient in my attempts at healthier baking...I would happily switch it out for Agave, I'm sure, just haven't gone to pick any up yet. :)

Have you started to show yet? Yep! I think the family is secretly loving that I can't hide him any more ;) 

Gender: Little Dude

Labor Signs: Still a lot of Braxton hicks. Nothing too painful, just varying levels of uncomfortable. 

Belly Button in or out? Half out half in...seriously the weirdest belly button ever. lol

Wedding rings on or off? On. :) And for the millionth time, didn't Clynn do an AWESOME job?! Over four years sense he put it on my finger and I still get caught oggling this beauty. (I'm feeling a little sentimental because today is mine and Clynn's FIVE YEAR dating anniversary!) What I love most is that he designed it just for me. <3 Engagement and wedding sets are my favorite to look at. If we've met, you can guarantee I've scoped yours out and could match wedding sets to people way before I could match names to people. lol (the third band was from my deployment, known as my "distance band" to represent all of the time we have (and will) spent/spend apart, but will always be together.)

Looking forward to: 

• Baby shower January 24th! I'll send out invites late next week and if I forget you and you don't get an invite PLEASE ASK or feel free to show up with someone you know is going. haha There's no one I want to intentionally leave out. :) 
• My last drill weekend before baby comes! (mid Jan.)
• Mine and Clynn's FIVE YEAR dating anniversary tonight! <3
• Winter quarter classes starting on MONDAY! OH MY!!!
• Moving in a few weeks! (apartment hunting has been interesting. haha Can't wait for the search to be over. I seriously put a ton of thought into our final decision every time we move and sometimes it doesn't really seem to make a difference at all...=/)
• New Bed shopping
• More Baby shopping and crafting! 

I want to share a few of my favorite outfits!!!

(Only a few because I want some to be a cute surprise 

when I am posting way too many photos of him on the blog in just SEVEN WEEKS! ;)

(Baby H&M is clearly my favorite and 

of course Carter's is a great go-to. 

I am excited to shop more small businesses in the future.)

So far, THIS will be his coming home outfit!! <3

Some Baby Shower Gift Notes:

We've put a hold on most shopping until after the baby shower so we can just fill in the final things we need. :) Here is a link to our baby registry at Target if you want to check it out. You can also just search "Jaclynn Wilkinson" and I'm the only one! :) I'm pretty picky about what products I'll use on and around my baby, so if you don't recognize an ingredient or the ingredient list is a mile long...I'll probably re-gift it! Also, we are GOOD TO GO on bottles, diaper bags, binkies (if you are looking for the most natural/nontoxic option, check out Natursutten & ecopiggy! I can't wait to use these! <3), and newborn/0-3 month clothes! We are in need of clothes sizes 3months and up, swaddle/regular blankets, burp cloths, scratch mittens, hats, bibs, any size newborn or size 1 (only) Honest Company Diapers, and Earth's Best Organic Sensitivity Infant Formula. Those would all be FANTASTIC gifts! <3 We are only asking for size newborn and size 1 Honest diapers because starting in March or April, we will be receiving a month supply of diapers every month, so chances are, if you buy a larger size, they will go unused or be regifted!

Love,

The Wilkinson's

My Fit Pregnancy

My Top Three Tips for a fit(ter) Pregnancy.

These also apply to non-pregnant people, but I have found them especially helpful the past 31+ weeks.

I will be the first to admit that I have not had the fittest pregnancy on Instagram...or Pinterest...or in the mommy blogosphere. I LOVE baking (and taste testing) cookies/bars/breads! I am horizontal...allot. Especially now that my ribs have become prime baby real estate. I cry for stupid reasons and I definitely have not made it to the gym every day...or every other day.

However, there are some healthy habits I have stuck by religiously, of which, I believe were HUGE contributors in my steady weight gain that has aloud me to feel in control of my body...at least in the weight gain department. ;)

Rule #1: Never skip a healthy breakfast!

The best policy, is to consume a healthy breakfast within 30 minutes of waking up.

Why is this so important?
1. You slept for 7-9 hours (hopefully!). Your body is in dehydration and starvation mode. It is time to wake up that metabolism and digestive system ASAP!
2. Start your day off on the right foot by deciding to make a healthy decision first thing.

Excuses:
"I am just not a breakfast person." 
If you want to be your healthiest (or even just healthier), breakfast is not an option. YOU CAN train your body to expect and enjoy breakfast! (I know! I had to train my husband to be a breakfast eater when we married! For the first few months he'd stick up his nose. I was persistent. kept preparing breakfast and putting it in front of him. Now, three and a half years later, he's a die hard breakfast fan! :D)
"I do not have time in the morning to prepare breakfast!"
Breakfast can be prepared the night before!
See here for overnight oatmeal and here for (delicious and healthy) freezer breakfast burritos.
Also, breakfast does not have to be fancy and it doesn't have to be something different every day! If a slice of whole grain toast with Adam's PB and a small glass of orange juice is what works for you, go ahead and eat that on your way out the door for a week! Where as variety is HIGHLY recommended, skipping breakfast is worse.
And as a last resort, buy some meal bars and a case of water bottles to leave in your car and eat on your way to work! Be careful though. There are quiet the range of bars out there when it comes to picking a healthy one that's right for you.
Some of my favorites are here, here, and for a lighter option (I recommend pairing with a serving of nuts) here.

Rule #2: DRINK WATER!

There is a great chart for calculating how much water you should be drinking here. Pregnant women should be drinking even more. A good first step is to ensure you are at least drinking the recommended amount before pregnancy, and always shoot for what your midwife/ob/doctor is advising. :)

Why is this so important?
Oh, boy. There are SOOO many reasons. However, I will try to keep it short.
1. If you are not properly hydrated, your body will retain water causing puffiness, swelling, and water weight retention. By teaching your body that it does not have to save every ounce of water it gets, because it will indeed get more soon, you will begin to shed water weight which translates to inches and less snug wedding rings ladies!
2. Being well hydrated will cut down on your snacking. When you run for a snack, be sure to drink a glass of water first. Sometimes, you may realize that's all you actually wanted. If not, you just drank a glass of water leaving less room in your belly, allowing a smaller snack to be more satisfying.
3. This article is awesome and easy to understand. Water delivers the goods, takes out the trash, keeps you comfortable, takes care of your skin, and prevents puff. Couldn't have said it better myself. (Read article for a brief elaboration.)
4. Being well hydrated will help you poop! I don't know about you...but pregnancy has definitely made being "regular" a physical feat. Being backed up will easily cause you to feel heavier, more bloated, and less comfortable.

Excuses:
"I don't like the taste of water/water is so tasteless".
For these people, I have very little sympathy. GROW UP. If your child, with extremely new and delicate senses can try a piece of oddly textured and funky smelling broccoli last night, you can down a glass of water. However, I do have a few tips to help if this is you.

• Temperature masks flavor. The colder/warmer the water, the less you'll taste.
• Herbal tea is a great way to consume water. Find a smell/flavor you like and be educated on your herbs to make sure you are not consuming too much of a powerful one. Variety is always a good idea too.
• DO NOT always use sugary/sweet (this includes artificial sweetener) flavored powders in your water. This will seriously mess with your palette and consuming that much artificial sweetener or sugar a day will mess with your complexion and very possibly become the source of gastro intestinal issues. Don't believe me? Do some research. 
• Add lemon! Or lime or mint leaves and cucumber...there are many different ways to flavor your water in a natural fresh way. My only recommendation is to be mindful of your tooth enamel. :) Here is a great article on flavoring water with fruit and herbs. 

"I try, it's just so easy to forget!"

I AGREE! Solution? Become a water bottle carrying person. Hopefully, you know a few of these people or you've seen them around. CARRY A REFILLABLE WATER BOTTLE with you every where you go! If you can do it with your phone, you can do it with water! Are water bottles a little clunky and annoying? Yeah...they are. But you get used to it and I guarantee the pros will end up out weighing the cons.

I find keeping a case of disposable water bottles in my car to be a very helpful reminder as well. 

and finally,

Rule #3: Pause & Give Me 10.

My husband thinks this rule is absolutely crazy and he makes fun of me for it often. Let me explain...

I don't always make it to the gym or set aside a specific 20 or 30 minutes a day for exercise. I do, however, exercise every day. Randomly, throughout the day, I'll just drop and do ten push ups. Stop in the middle of the hallway and do ten squats. Pause on my way up the stairs and pump out 15 incline push ups. Do 10 walking lunges on my way down the hall to move along the laundry. 10 quick squats in the shower while my conditioner is setting. Plie's (you know, the ballet style squat) while brushing my teeth or rinsing. You get the idea. This has been an ongoing habit of mine for about five years now. It becomes so easy to commit to just a few little exercises at a time, if you are willing to look silly of course. ;)

Why is this so important?

Well...I wouldn't say it's so important. More like a means to an end if you are having trouble fitting scheduled exercise time into your routine, or you just want to add a little something extra to your daily work out. Also, I believe quick bursts of energy throughout the day, keeps my metabolism moving quicker, more regularly.

Excuses:

I look ridiculous.

Yeah. I get a ton of strange looks and scoffs...which frankly I find kind of sad, but have learned to shake them off. Again, a pro largely outweighing a con. I feel like this little practice should be a norm in most households/work places. Why would you look at someone funny for doing push ups or pumping out a few crunches by their desk at work? I think they should get a high five and an extra treat if they want it. :) That being said, you can go over board with this one. Try not to get obsessive.

What are some of your fit pregnancy tips?

Hoping to keep up the good work for just 9 more weeks before I have to take a break. Then, it's back to the treadmill! Hoping to train up in time for some military schools, a family trip to Vegas, and possibly a short mission to El Salvador! Also, my sister wants me at an Iron Man Competition in October 2015. Crazy lady...we'll see. haha

OBTAINABLE GOALS ARE SOOO GOOD!!!

Love,

Jaclynn Wilkinson

Maternity Photos

Okay, time for PICTURE OVERLOAD! <3

I know my belly is still a little small in these photos and ya'll are ready to see me be huge. haha, Nicole and I promise to try and snap a few good ones when I'm closer to 40 weeks. These were taken the same day as our gender reveal photos at 28 weeks. We had such a blast, as always, and loved having Nicole's hubby there so mine didn't feel so outnumbered this time! :) Again, we had so much fun and I highly recommend her photography to anyone. She is willing to travel, so let me know if you'd like a quote for family/maternity/baby/wedding/product photography. She's done it all!

The little bits of pretty lettering you'll find in here, and in my previous post, were hand drawn by another friend of mine. She's not quiet ready to come out as a calligraphist, but I assure you, there will be a blog update just for her and her beautiful work when she is! ;)

Lastly, we grow more excited to meet this little guy EVERY DAY!!! The reality of him joining our forever family is sinking in and some days we are scared, some days we are anxious, some days we feel like we'll explode with joyous anticipation, and some days we just feel like I'll be pregnant forever. We love you little Mr. and we can't wait to meet you. <3

Love,

The Wilkinson's

A little patience please. :)

I know some of you have logged on to see the pretty pictures I promised! 

We had a crazy school related emergency pop up out of no where this morning and it threw my schedule (and sanity) off quiet a bit. Luckily, with a little paper work, many annoying phone calls, and errands to a few different offices, most issues have been resolvable. Collecting my education benefits has been a part time, incredibly unpredictable job! I'll tell you what, a deployment and 5+ years in service is not enough for these people... =/ Spending the afternoon counting blessings and trying to calm down after the chaos. I'll have the photos up by 7:00pm this evening. :) In the meantime, here is one of my favorites to hold you over and to get me started on my blessing counting. <3

Love,

Jackie <3