16 weeks

Well, hello, 16 weeks! Although I'm still early-ish, I feel like I've already been pregnant forever, and I still have a long way to go! :) (I swear, in person, this belly I'm toting around looks WAY bigger!)

I feel very fortunate that the past 4 months haven't been terrible. I had no morning sickness, although I kept my face crammed with food as I heard that would be the best way to keep that at bay. Maybe it worked? The only lingering first trimester symptom is fatigue. That is one that is terribly underestimated. Tired.all.the.time. I know, I know; get used to it, having a child will do that to you. Fatigue did not get the memo- 2nd trimester is supposed to be fatigue-free! :)

We had our second ultrasound 2 1/2 weeks ago, we were 13 weeks, 5 days. This was such an amazing experience! When the Dr. first started the ultrasound, the baby was calm and relaxed. After about 5 minutes, the baby started rolling and moving around like crazy! It was so crazy neat to see! I couldn't feel it, but we could sure see it! 

sweet baby hands :)

the brighter white spots are dense bone (skull, legs)

Heart rate 156

I feel like my belly is rapidly growing right now. I've never been one to be super concerned about weight. I could lose weight when I needed and that was encouraging. However, being pregnant is a whole different weight experience in itself. I know it's natural to gain, but I wasn't prepared for how I'd feel about the weight gain. I think it's mainly the hormones that make me feel bigger than I look/actually am. I've sorta come to terms with it for now. Hopefully, I can keep the sad thoughts at bay. Matt is very encouraging though. He tells me, "You're not fat, you're pregnant; it's different." Blunt, but true. He keeps it real. :)

So, if all goes well, we *might* know the gender at our next appt at the end of this month!! We tried to take a peak last time, but the baby was moving so much and the doctor said it was really too close to call. Fingers crossed, this next time we'll know! The suspense is killing us! ;) What do you think it'll be?

My currents-
Craving? ANYTHING bacon! My most recent bacon craze was candied bacon chocolate chip cookies. They were so yum! Recipe to be posted soon; I'll be going back to that one again! Pineapple, lemon, and apples are the healthy aspects of my cravings, along with ice cream. (not so healthy) ;)

Showing? Yep
Gender? Not yet, hopefully next appt.
Names? Yep. We'll announce when we find out the gender! :)
Have you felt baby move? Couple soft movements
Still see your feet? Yep.
Feelings? Feelings very large. :(

Wearing maternity clothes? Some. My trusty jeans still fit, although I have to rig a hair tie to keep them buttoned! A belly band over top is just the key!

Well, that about sums it all up for now! Cast your vote for Baby Heisel's gender and prepare to join us for the BIG reveal in a couple weeks!! We can't wait to find out if the baby is a bow or a beau! ;)

Heisel Rules! {the bump}

12 weeks, and counting

Well, we officially made it to 12 weeks!! Typically people would be making their announcement now, but as I stated in the last post, we were too excited to wait!

As I was taking this picture I was thinking, "Gosh, I feel so much BIGGER than this picture is showing!"

Confession-
I have to say that there was one thing that really surprised me about pregnancy- the bloating!!! Sounds totally insane because, well, I'm pregnant, and aren't pregnant ladies supposed to be get...errr... bigger?! I have had the bloats from week 4. Up til now I'd see prego ladies and think, "You're glowing", and then I look in the mirror and think, "Would you please, for the love of all things good- lasso those girls gone wild down on your chest and do try to suck in that beer-looking gut while you're at it. Can we not button our jeans any longer? gross. ugh." And then I console myself with a pint of lemon ice cream. Mmm..

I feel like this week has been a turning point, though. I look a little more prego and a little less like I just downed a 12 pack. ;) I choose to embrace the gut, though! Or at least I'm trying to. What other choice do I have? :) Only time in my life I don't have to suck it in! haha

We have our checkup in another week, but so far everything seems to be going really well. Not much nausea or sickness, knock on wood. My brain is shrinking though. As i sit here and type, I have to constantly think about how to spell the simplest words...such as tongue. Weird. And frustrating.Ya, I'm such a grammar girl and that's been a challenge. I do hope i get my brains back!


My currents-
Current cravings?- Jimmy Johns BLT, pickles (any kind), ice cream (didn't like it pre prego), apples
Foods to stay away from- Alfredo. The smell is nauseating. (Did I spell that right?)
Showing?- a little. More like a uni-gut
Gender?- not yet, hoping to find out sooooon!!
Names?- yes, to be announced with gender. This was the easiest part for us!
Have you felt the baby move? I think so...
Still see your feet? Yes.
Feelings? Nervous and excited, all at once!

Thanks for keeping up! Stalk us again soon! ;)

Heisel Rules! {the bump}

Two Hearts Are Better Than One

Today, Valentine's Day, is such a special day for so many, and for so many reasons. Today we take a time out from our busy days to show them just how much we love them. Yes, we should do this each and every day, but we all know that life, well, gets in the way. Take a moment, if you haven't already, and text/call/email/Facebook message them to tell them you're thinking about them. They'll love hearing from you.

To our family and friends-we love and care very deeply for you all. You mean the world to us, and we are blessed to call you our friends and family.

Now, on this very special day of love, Matt and I want to share something very special with you-

Our hearts are growing by two feet! 

You guessed it right. We are going to have a baby! We are very excited for this very special time!

We had our very first OB visit this week and what an exciting visit it was! We got to not only hear, but SEE our babies tiny heart beating inside my body. What an amazing, exhilarating feeling. So, currently I have the distinct pleasure of carrying two heartbeats for the several months, and what a privilege it is. No pressure, right?! Baby Heisel had a strong heartbeat at a racing 169! I get to possibly share my birthday with our sweet baby-due date September 25.  This means I'm starting my 9th week. Yes, we are still early, but we couldn't contain our excitement any longer! And just to clarify, they only found ONE baking!! ;)

Oh, and in case you were wondering, the baby mama is doing terrific!! ;)

We hope you stay tuned on this very special journey as not only my belly swells, but our hearts as well. We are overjoyed! Two hearts, are truly better than one.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Heisel Rules {the bump}!

Chocolate {Kahlua} Cream Stout Cupcake

Hi friends!
As promised, I wrote up the recipe for the Award Winning Cupcakes. These are soo worth making!!

In an effort to start keeping track of my recipes online, and be able to share them in the www., I've added them to another blog that I created a couple years ago, but never did anything with. It's been my test blog so it's very plain right now. Heisel Rules is a private blog that I started when Matt was in Afghanistan and needed to get info to family all at once, and since it's grown, I wanted to use a less private, more public, place to call home to things that I don't mind sharing about. This may change in the future, but for now, I'll simply link you to the other blog for recipes, tutorials, DIY things, and what not. A facelift is coming soon for both blogs! Need them to get gussy'ed up! Hope this isn't too confusing! I'm gonna try this out and see if it becomes too much! Thanks for hanging in there with me!

Click here to be taken to the recipe. Thanks for stopping by!

Heisel Rules!

-Tia

Cook it, cook it real good!

So, since I've been without el job-o, I've had time to become obsessed with cooking. Like, over the top obsessed. And NOT with the healthy chicken kind, nosiree. I'm obsessed with the fat loaded bacongrease-doublecheese-broccoli-potato soup. But is has BROCCOLI!! ;) Ya, that's what I tell myself to make me feel better about the tasty soup I'm serving up! Or how bout that spicy chili recipe that I came up with all by my lonesome!! Or the divine pizza recipe that now makes it impossible to order pizza from chain restaurants! Fresh mozzarella is your friend, people!!

Needless to say, my waist line is now expanding! I am being a bad body owner! I can't stop though! I feel like it's possibly an addiction! Is that a bad addiction...hmmm....{taps finger on chin} But wait, isn't that my job as a newly wed, to provide good food for my strapping, hardworking husband...Isn't it?!

Along with the totally fat loaded dinners, I've also been working my hand at baking. Yummy goodies like Loft House Cookies (you know the ones-at the grocery store with the soft, whipped, colorful frosting with sprinkles), substituting the vanilla for almond! Oh my goodness, they're heaven! Or, perhaps the berry cobbler I made for Matt and Pop-in-law last weekend served up with a couple generous scoops of vanilla ice cream!

I've got to get the bottom of this, and get this addiction under control! ;) But first, I'll sip my eggnog hot chocolate and share the recipe with you! See? Here I go again....

So, I made this hot choco mix as a gift for a special someone that I'll tuck inside of an ultra cool deep mug, can't share who cause they don't yet have their gift. So we'll sit here and talk about them right in front of them, like it's an inside joke they've been left out of! I mean it with love! :) Are you wondering if it's you?! ;)

So, this hot chocolate is AHHHMAZING! For realz, if I'm gonna take the time to make something that is already pretty good dern prepackaged in the grocery store, it's gotta be good/worth it! This, folks, is GREAT!

*This makes a lot so you can always half the recipe. Or do as I did and store it in a container for later...you never know when you might need a choco pickmeup!

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups  powdered sugar
• 2 1/4 cups cocoa ( I bought Nestle cocoa, but any will do)
• 1 tablespoon table salt
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice (optional)
• 2 teaspoons all spice (optional)
• Whole milk for serving (or any kind of milk or even eggnog...mmmm....)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine sugar, cocoa, pumpkin spice (optional), all spice (optional) and salt, and whisk to combine well. Store the mixture in an airtight container.
2. For individual servings, pour 1 cup milk into a microwave-safe mug, and microwave on high just until hot. Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa mix, and stir to dissolve. For a larger batch of cocoa, warm the milk in a saucepan set over medium-low heat, taking care not to let the milk boil; as it warms, stir in 2 tablespoons of mix for each cup of milk. Top with whip cream if desired. I desire it therefore I did! ;)

Just think of how great this would be during the Thanksgiving holiday or you can give it in cute little mason jars for Christmas gifts! Simple!

Alright, I guess this confessional ends now. Time to go bake something...errr.. I mean watch tv which is calorie free! YES, yes that's what I'll do! ;)

Heisel Rules {the kitchen}!

Admit One- 'The Gapartment Overhaul'd-a tour'

Finally, it's here- Tour de Gapartment! Ya. It's French. So foreign, I'm sure you all have been wondering, "what the heck is a ga-partment, and why would you want to stay at one anyway?!" Well, lemme tell ya! 

First I'll give the specks of this dream palace-at 1100 sq. ft this palatial beauty consists of 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom with washer and dryer, 1 kitchen/living room combo. Cupboards and cabinets for days, people!! How is it that we lived in a 3 bedroom/2 bath house and didn't nearly the amount of storage options?! Ikea 'ain't got' nothing on this place!

The walls are textured with a fresh coat of this beige-y color and there's new carpet in bedroom and living room areas with ceramic tile in the kitchen, bathroom, and entryway. (Note- thanks to Mrs. Heidi O'Boyle for pointing out how dirty tile and grout can deceivingly be, we spent 2 days cleaning the grout which I like to refer to as cucka, nasty poo! {watch for a post on this soon}) All kidding aside, this place is actually pretty nice! The owners (who live about 50ft away in a very nice, large home) lived in this place for 2 years, until their {now} home was built. I, now, think that's a brilliant idea!

But the best part, my hubs would say, is the 60ft x 100ft garage that is right outside our side door! Yes, I let my hubs move into a garage! ha! Every guy's dream right?! Please, men, no marriage proposals; I'm already taken, and I'd hate to have to break your heart in public! ;)

If you care to watch this spoiler, it's the before vid tour. Lotsa space for activities!!!

So, without further adieu: here's the video....BEWARE-there's music; so CRANK UP, YO! ha!

What a whirlwind, but the best news is this place will allow us the potential to be debt free in a year! We love that! Simple sacrifices now mean more opportunities later! Now that's what I call using the 'ol noodle! ;)


Hope you all enjoy! Check back for the video on cleaning tile/grout, it's a good'n!

{hugs}

Heisel Rules!

The Gapartment: A garage called home?

We have arrived! Well, actually we've been here since late Thursday night/early Friday morning. We arrived only knowing that we'd be staying at the hotel on post for a couple days and no other plan beyond that. However, we soon found a new home that will allow us to be able to save money, which is always a good idea! :)

It was a hard decision not to rent the typical 3 bed/2bath home, but with the prices for rent coupled with the sketchy area, particularly right outside post, we opted for this apartment that is in this HUGE garage. The owners built this garage and apartment and they lived in it for 2 years while they were building their {very nice} home on the property. Now, they rent this space out, primarily to military tenants.

this is the entire garage; notice I had to get this entire pic using a panoramic app. the Gapartment entry is on the left. Told ya it is HUGE! Promise its so much nicer inside than it looks on the outside!

country road leading back to main hwy

massive flagpole on the property

I must admit I wasn't sold on this idea at first, and since this is so a-typical {to live in a garage}, I feel like I need to defend our decision. Well, it's very private and not connected to their house, 1100 sq ft, 1 bed/1 bath, large kitchen and living room combo, plus the use of half of the huge garage. I've playfully nicknamed the place the 'Gapartment'. This was the best decision financially since rent is low, all utilities are included, so we will be saving a good bit on that alone. Plus, it's sorta out in the country so we can use his 10 acres if we so desire and we will feel safer.

In reality, we don't need the standard 3/2 combo; this will suit us just fine for now. The owners repainted the entire inside and they are installing new carpet this week! It'll feel brand new! :) We should be good to start moving our stuff in later this week! I'm hoping we can get our household goods around the same time! Fingers crossed!Let the decorating begin, I guess! I'll include some more pictures when we get our stuff in! Wish us luck!

In between frantically looking for homes, we have been exploring the city and surrounding areas. They have a QT for a gas station which has this amazing slushy drink called Rooster Booster Energy drink (we first discovered these in Atlanta and they are so worth it!) We ate the BEST mac n'cheese for dinner last night. I had this the last time we visited and it's soooo amazing. Just look at the pic. 

Warning: your mouth will water!

They have a grocery store called Price Chopper, which is comparable to a Publix. They have motion activated coolers!!! Motion.Activated, PEOPLE!!! Check the vid below:

Before you ask, yes, that is my husband, and yes I do claim him. :) Serisously, never a dull moment, never! ha!

Today we toured Atchison which is an old, historic town. Most of the house rentals claimed that these houses are haunted. This town is the birthplace of Amelia Earhart (sp?).

We stopped by the local WalMart where I discovered these red beauties. It was only suitable to try them on given that we are now in KS and there's truly no place like home. ;)

And just cause she's too cute, we had to document what a rough life Bella is living..

So far, so good! Just looking forward to some normalcy, whatever that may be. For now, we'll enjoy the hotel room with a REAL bed and the complimentary breakfast every morning! It's like having a mother to cook breakfast every day! It totally ROCKS! :)

Ta-ta for now!

Heisel Rules!