Jenna Archives - January and June

Sharing the News

December 19, 2016

When Logan and I found out we were having a baby, we could hardly contain ourselves! We couldn’t wait to share the news with our families and friends, and immediately started brainstorming some fun ways to share the big news!

The first to find out were the dogs (of course). We showed them the ultrasound picture as soon as we got home from the first appointment and one was definitely more excited than the other.

And then we made them pose with the picture … poor dogs.

The first humans to find out were the grandmas and grandpas! For my parents, we purchased some children’s books about grandmas and grandpas (my mom is an elementary teacher, too) and wrote a note to them from the baby. We were celebrating birthdays that weekend and it was right around Father’s Day when we told them, so a present didn’t seem out of the ordinary. My mom immediately “got it” and started crying, but my dad took a little bit longer. Finally, after what seemed like minutes later he said, “Wait, are you pregnant?” Haha, gotta love dads!

Logan’s parents were already grandparents times three, so we wanted to think of a different way to tell them. We were meeting them for dinner right around the same time, so they had birthday presents for us and we had gifts for them, too! I found these cute mugs on Etsy, perfect for repeat grandparents!

Next up, were our siblings. My little sister, Elena, has been bugging us for a couple years to have a baby, so we knew she’d be excited! I ordered a onesie off of Etsy that said, “I (heart) my Aunt Elena” for her to unwrap. Her reaction was pretty priceless, but you’ll have to head over to our Facebook page to check out the video.

A couple of weeks later, we headed down to Dallas to celebrate the engagement of Logan’s brother, Paul. We wanted to share the news with him in person, but didn’t want to take away from his excitement, so we waited until the last night to tell him before flying out the next day. I printed off a fake wedding R.S.V.P. card and we told him and his new fiance we’d filled out our card a little early. They were both very surprised and excited to know we’d have a baby in tow for the wedding! We weren’t quite as creative in telling his other two siblings, but they were very excited as well!

We head to Lake Okoboji every year over the 4th of July with all of my extended family who we are very close with, too, so we knew that would be the perfect time to tell them! I put together some little gift bags with candy and fireworks that said, “Our hearts are going to explode with love – Our little firecracker due January 2017.” (Find the printable here) Everyone was very excited – again, the girls caught on much more quickly than the guys, but some seemed to have an idea already 🙂 We had gone out for lunch a few weeks before and instead of ordering my typical sandwich or salad, Baby was wanting a giant chicken friend steak with mashed potatoes and green beans, haha! My aunts and cousin said they had a hunch after that!

After we’d told all of the family and our close friends, it was time to share the big news on social media! We hired Kristin Polking to take some announcement pictures with us and the dogs so that we could document this exciting time in our lives!

Thanks for stopping by today! How did you share the big news with your family and friends?

XOXO, Jenna

Kate Spade Baby Girl Shower

December 6, 2016

Baby and I had the most wonderful “Kate Spade” inspired shower on Sunday! My aunts and cousin were the hostesses and did an amazing job with the decor, so I thought I better share a few pics!

My aunts and cousin were amazing hostesses! I think I may have to hire them to help with the next party I host. 🙂

My sister and mom are very excited for Baby Girl to be here! She is so loved already!

Baby will be so blessed and spoiled by these two grandmas! She will be grandbaby #4 for Logan’s mom (left) and the first for my mom (right).

We had such a fun afternoon celebrating with friends and relatives! I will always cherish these pictures and share them with my daughter so she knows how loved she was/is, even before she was born!

XOXO, Jenna

33 Week Bumpdate

December 2, 2016

Baby and I had our 33 week appointment today, so I wanted to give you a little “Bumpdate.” Baby’s heartbeat was around 135 bpm and she was facing head down. It’s always so fun to see her move around and hear from the doctor what position she’s in, so I know which body part the little jabs and kicks are coming from! The doctor said she wouldn’t be surprised if Baby arrives a little late (which is common for many first-time moms), but I guess we’ll find out more as her due date (1/17/17) gets closer! She also estimated that Baby currently weighs around 4 pounds.

Little Miss has been moving around a lot lately, and I can feel tiny body parts when she shifts throughout the day. As I’m writing this, she is jabbing me in the ribs which is a little uncomfortable, but I’m always just happy to know she’s active and doing well! She has also been resting or bouncing on my bladder a lot because I feel the urge to go even when I know I don’t need to! Silly little girl!

I’ve been very lucky this whole pregnancy as far as pains and symptoms go. The only pain I’ve really been feeling this whole time is hip pain, primarily at night. I think they’re just stretching out as Baby is growing, but sleeping on my sides (which is what’s recommended in pregnancy) causes them to hurt quite a bit! I also seem to be catching every sickness possible from my students! I usually have a great immune system, but I know that most of my antibodies are going to the baby now which is most important! I’m also feeling a little more forgetful than usual, “baby brain,” which I’ve heard is actually a real thing! I mostly find myself searching for common words when I’m teaching or conversing and can’t find the words for what I want to say!

Our next appointment is in 2 weeks, and I’ll try to give another “Bumpdate” then! After that, we start our weekly doctor visits until Baby is here. Can’t believe how close we are to meeting our little girl! We love her so much already!

XOXO, Jenna

Bump Photos

November 29, 2016

When I first found out I was pregnant, I couldn’t wait to start taking some cute bump photos to document Baby’s growth. I enjoy being a little artsy fartsy from time to time, so I opted to decorate a chalkboard each week (which actually ended up being more like once a month), rather than using an app or something else. I will say, the downside to using a chalkboard is it can be time consuming to keep it updated, especially if you’re like me and have to make each week’s board design a little better than the week before. 🙂 I tried to take a cute photo of the bump on the weeks I didn’t get the board decorated, like at the pumpkin patch, holding the fruit or veggie that baby was the size of, on the porch for the first day of school, etc. Just wanted to share a few of these photos with you all today so that you can see Baby’s progress, too! Isn’t it amazing how much bigger she’s grown from Week 14 to 32?!

A few more notes: I used chalkboard markers from Hobby Lobby for each design and a Magic Eraser to remove the marker. I use my app from “The Bump” to stay updated on Baby’s growth and pregnancy symptoms each week. It also tells me which fruit or veggie she’s the size of in order to update my board. I’m not sure how I plan to use the chalkboard after Baby is here, but have thought about continuing to use it to document her growth from month to month, or updating it with quotes or Bible verses to hang in our entryway from the garage.

Stay tuned for more “bumpdates!” Now that the blog is up and running, I’m hoping to post photos and pregnancy updates on a regular basis. Thanks for stopping by today! It was so nice “bumping” into you 🙂 Hehe

XOXO, Jenna

Maternity Style Essentials

November 29, 2016

After being pregnant for almost 7 months, I’ve learned a few things about maternity clothes. I originally had no idea what I would need, if any of my non-maternity clothes would still fit me once I had a “bump,” or what brands would become my favorites. I’m here today to pass on some of my “maternity essentials,” to all of you mamas-to-be in hopes of saving you some time and money as you begin to “dress the bump.”

JCrew Jeans – I bought these side-paneled jeans in rinse wash and black and they have been amazing! (I have the toothpick style, but I’m linking the matchstick since it looks like mine are out of season) They are super flattering on, and even come in tall sizes (which is hard to find in maternity). The only thing I would caution you on is that they don’t have the full panel for belly coverage, which was actually great early on in my pregnancy but is not as useful the last few months. I would recommend Loft maternity jeans if you’re looking for a full panel.
A little bling – I’ve always loved to accessorize, but have fully realized the importance of a great statement necklace or blanket scarf when dressing for two. Since you won’t want to buy a whole new wardrobe to wear for just a few months, some great accessories can help you to mix, match and change up those key pieces you’ll be wearing again and again.
Gap leggings – These are AMAZING. They have a full panel, are super comfy and great quality. I wear mine to lounge around the house or with a tunic or dress for work. I would recommend investing in both a gray and black pair, especially if you live in a cold-weather climate or are pregnant during the fall/winter.
GapFit Tee – Great basic for working out or running errands. I also have a short sleeved tee from this same line, which is also a great basic to have!
PinkBlush cardigan – I can’t say enough about this cardigan. It’s amazingly soft and versatile, perfect for lounging around the house or dressing up for a night out. I plan to wear mine into next year as well – I’m not really sure why it’s considered maternity!
Blanket scarf – Remember what I said about accessories? Definitely invest in a great scarf if you’re pregnant in the fall or winter! Bonus: you can wear it for years to come, even after that sweet baby is out of your belly and in your arms!
PinkBlush tunic – This is a great tunic that I recently purchased, but really any looser fitting tunic is going to be your best friend! They are so cute dressed up with leggings, but you’ll still feel like you’re in your PJ’s! Non-maternity tunics are actually best, so that you can wear them later on as well. P.S. Anything from PinkBlush is pretty great for cute maternity pieces!
Gap Tee – My love affair with Gap maternity continues. I tried other stores, but honestly had the most luck with Gap’s stuff. I have this tee in gray, black and white and wear it all the time to layer under a sweater or vest or with a blanket scarf.
Lou & Grey Dresses/Tunics – These are a great non-maternity option because of how loose they fit. Perfect with a pair of maternity leggings and flats or boots for fall/winter. Again, great for now, and you can wear again later!
Comfy shoes – I’ve always been about looks over comfort when it comes to shoes, but that has pretty much gone out the window since being pregnant. I look for every opportunity possible to wear my New Balance Fresh Foams, and the black color pairs well with everything! Visit 605 Running Co. if you live in the Sioux Falls area for a personal shoe fitting!

I’d love to hear from you! How far along are you? What are some of your maternity essentials?

XOXO, Jenna

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