30 for 30

30 has been a number mentioned multiple times in this household.  

We begin with Brian turning the big 3-0! Brian has always been one for simple birthdays, which I'm usually against.  This year, being the pregnant wife, I liked the idea of keeping it simple. We had game night with our friends as we celebrated Brian's birthday and rang in the new year. We didn't realize how big the number 30 was until Brian had to blow out his candles, holy cow! That was a lot of smoke.

January has and will continue to be a very busy month.  While we are out and about Maui is on duty to make sure her family is safe! Don't worry about us, we have Hurricane Maui to destroy those who try to hurt us. 

Just because Brian is now 30 and I'm pregnant did not stop us from going out to watch the Aggie game! Brian liked his $2 Shiner Bock on tap and I enjoyed my Sprite. 

At first, my favorite part about this night was the fact that I could fit into my Aggie shirt! After the Aggies won, that was my favorite part. I'm glad we decided to go to a bar filled with Aggies to cheer on Johnny Football. Our baby girl already has a good collection of A&M gear.  We can't wait for football season and the family to be sporting their A&M attire. Whoop!

 We continued our busy week with driving to Breckenridge to visit Brian's brother and his girlfriend. Let's just add on to the list of things that I miss while being pregnant.  No snowboarding this year! Brian had fun.  Even though he was sore from playing football the day before.  Is this what happens when you turn 30? Your body hurts after two days of back to back sports. Notice how my jacket isn't zipped up, hehe.  For some reason I just can't give into buying a maternity jacket.  Shirts, I can probably wear after pregnancy.  By March I don't think I'll need to big heavy jacket.  For now, scarves are my best friend. 

During this trip I tried out my newest purchase, my swimming goggles.  I found that my step class was becoming more difficult so I got myself a maternity swimsuit.  Swimming feels great! Although I look HUGE, I must keep reminding myself that our daughter is in there! 

These past two weeks I have purchased a few items and I'm so excited to really begin working on the nursery.  

 I randomly found this adorable bird lamp, a like the little splash of green color so the room won't be ALL pink.  Then I found this awesome changing pad cover with the bird that will be a perfect match for her bedding.  Five dollars at Home Goods, what a steal!! Then Pottery Barn had a sale and got these adorable bird book ends. My favorite purchase of all, my Pentunia Pickle Bottom diaper bag!! I'm ready to pack her stuff for the hospital!

This week we began our childbirth classes. The best part of the class was finding out that my hospital gives me a free pre or post natal massage!!! The other great part was finding out that I can drink while nursing.  Basically, once the alcohol is out of your system the baby can feed.  I can't wait for a glass of wine and sushi, mmmm! 

I insisted that Brian and I have date night! So we decided to have a date afternoon, with brunch and a movie.  As we walked out we made a stop and he got me a birthday present, a new ring, since I can't wear mine anymore.  My money bags husband spent a whopping $10!

It actually looks pretty legit, right?

We are in the 30's!!!!! 

How far along? 31 weeks, 1 day

Maternity Clothes? Yes, but no winter coats!

Stretch Marks? On the belly, no!

Sleep: great, but I want to sleep a lot.  I have found myself multiple times passed out on the couch.

Best Moment this Week: getting my diaper bag for a great price! I love finding a bargain!!
Miss Anything? snowboarding & my hands not falling asleep!

Movement: Yes, and I love every moment.  My favorite kick was during school.  I work with one of those special friends.  As I said his name firmly the baby gave me one good hard kick! It made me laugh. 

Cravings: Mangos, 10 for $10!! Also, ranch dressing my favorite is to put it on my veggies! 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Have you started to show yet: For sure, the kids have finally started making more comments about it. 

Gender: GIRL!!! 

Labor Signs: No

Belly Button in or out? In and looks like it will stay that way.

Wedding rings on or off? all off, my fancy Claire's rings for now
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy  

Looking forward to: trip to Telluride to see my blonde BFF and celebrate my 30th! 

Thankful

I sometimes wake up and wonder how in world did I get so lucky! It could be my emotions being a bit more heightened or the holiday season...who knows! Either way, I am so thankful for everything in my life.  At times, if something doesn't go right, I think, good, it's not all perfect!

My job is amazing!  At the end of last year when we heard of the budget cuts, I was sad my position had been cut and we didn't have the numbers to give me a full class.  Working half-time was a total blessing in disguise.  Pregnancy has bit a LOT easier without the stress of paper work, a full class, etc. I LOVE my team.  In Texas, I loved MOST of my team.  Here, I love everyone on my team.  They are honestly the best teachers in the school and couldn't be happier to work with them. Yes, some of our kids this year are a bit of challenge.  In teaching, I love a challenge.  Therefore, when the "winter" season (can't use Christmas) came around, I wanted to get something for every students.  So what does a someone get 95 first graders?

 Multi-colored holly shaped crayons!! I melted crayons in a cookie holly leaf mold.  

Step 1: Pealed crayons with an x-tacto knife, didn't want to ruin my nails.

Step 2: Cut crayons into small pieces. 

Step 3: Place crayon chucks in mold.

Step 4: Put filled mold into a 230 degree oven and allowed crayons to melt for 11 minutes.

Step 5: Took out crayons and let them cool for about 5 minutes then put mold into the freezer.

Step 6: After about 5 minutes pulled out from freezer and flipped mold and crayons just pop out.

Step 7: Wrapped crayons and watch the kids faces! 

The kids really loved them! They all wondered how and were surprised I made them. Seeing the genuine thankfulness made it totally worth my time.  

I am also thankful for the parents at the school.  They all got together and got a very generous gift card to the shops of downtown Boulder, WOW!!!! I couldn't believe it.  Plus, some parents got me little separate gifts. I honestly didn't expect anything.  

Christmas was great this year! Yes, we didn't have our family here this year, but thanks to technology we were able to FaceTime and be there live as we watched the family open presents!

 Brian's favorite present, Light-o-Rama Controller! We are excited for next year.  Have you met my husband, meet Clark Griswold, aka Brian. Since this set-up obviously takes several weeks even months to prepare, he did a mini show with our tree and lamps. I was very impressed.

Look at everything Baby Girl Mueller got!  Someone is going to be spoiled!! As for me, one of my favorite presents was my artificial mistletoe.  I told Brian it was what I wanted for Christmas. Again, how did I get so lucky!

How far along? 29 weeks, 1 day

Maternity Clothes? Yes, finding outfits that look good are becoming a challenge.  My belly isn't the only thing getting bigger!! 

Stretch Marks? Yes, little tiny ones on my hips, that's something that growing besides the belly.

Sleep: pretty good, although recently I find myself wanting to take naps. 

Best Moment this Week: buying items for the baby's room, for example, a chair!

Miss Anything? Bringing in the new year without my favorite champagne

Movement: Yes and I giggle every time, it tickles 

Cravings: fruit, guess what Brian got me for breakfast...MANGOS!! 

Anything making you queasy or sick: No

Have you started to show yet: Yes, but I feel like my belly is more round and wide than round and out. 

Gender: GIRL!!! 

Labor Signs: No

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? wedding band only & my hands fall asleep a lot
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy  

Looking forward to: beginning to get the baby's room together & my upcoming doctor's appointment