pregnancy diaries: week 17

well, now that baby seiler is finally starting to show- I think its time to show some pictures! I'm thankful that I have been able to wear my regular clothes for so long- but am thrilled to be sporting a mini-bump. i have seen on other blogs these q&a's each week/month, and wanted to have something to remember our little one with. follow along if you would like! 

How far along: 17 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Just bought my first pair of maternity jeans with a "comfort" waist band. Looking forward to not having to hair tie my regular jeans (ugh).

Sleep: So far so good. A few leg cramps and bathroom breaks- but I typically sleep through the night.

Miss anything: Shrimp- for some reason this baby (or my changing body) is not liking it so much.

Movement: Eagerly awaiting the "gas bubbles" that my doctor mentioned, but still nothing yet. I'm such a rookie.

Food cravings: Sweets 

Anything making you queasy or sick: nope, completely out of the morning sickness phase ! Well, besides shrimp. 

Have you started to show yet: just barely! To most, I probably just look like a  cookie hoarder or an All You Can Eat buffet fan though..

Gender: excited to find out in July!

Looking forward to: Warmer weather, and seeing our little babe at our 20 Week Ultrasound in a few weeks!
Baby is the Size of: A Sweet Potato

happy 30th birthday, Lori!

for Lori Lynn's 30th birthday, we decided to surprise her with a craft & slumber party! it has been so great living in the same town with all four of my sisters. we all grew up together in Thailand, but then attended colleges in California, Missouri, Indiana, and South Carolina. now living within 15 minutes of each other, we feel fortunate to all be together. 

some highlights of the night were Lori getting opening her new sewing machine from my parents, each creating a fabric garland, watching Pitch Perfect, and all being together!

happy 30 years of being alive Lori,  I'm glad you were born!

babymoon in the bahamas!

Watching the sunrise

The Queen's Staircase 

Touring Fort Fincastle

Bahama Mama for Ben!

Senor Frogs

16 weeks down, 23 to go!

Jaws Beach

Local Fish Fry

Versailles Gardens

Breakfast for Two on our Balcony every morning

We had such a great time in the Bahamas for our "Babymoon"! Compared to Thailand (where I grew up), it was such an easy vacation- everyone spoke English, you can use US Dollars everywhere, and it was a tourist hot spot. We mostly enjoyed taking long walks while exploring, trying Conch Fritters, and relaxing on the beach. We are so thankful for our vacation away, and treasured the time that we are still just two.

Most people thought we were either travelling with our parents, or were on our honeymoon. Not even close!

Luckily, I am feeling GREAT in the pregnancy category. I have my energy back, I am no longer nauseous, and I enjoy food again. Our vacation was perfect timing- I am early into my second trimester and not yet at the "whale-ish" stage of size. 

Overall, our trip was a success!

hayley ann turns four!

we celebrated my niece, hayley ann's, fourth birthday tonight with a pool party. before the big event, hayley told us how excited she was for her party and her pinata. here are a few pictures from this four year old's big night.

 jon and marisa rented a section of the HPER pool (the University of Arkansas pool), which turned out to be perfect. next to us were swimming, diving, and water aerobics classes. 

uncle ben is so silly!

poor nathan was a little too cold from the pool, so aunt bethany was kind to keep him warmed up.

the birthday girl has mastered her "under water" trick and was so excited to show us her new talent.

 see those adorable blue lips?

aunt jen and uncle ben love you hayley girl!

some of the party attenders. you can never go wrong with pizza at a pool party!

this one is looking a little too old with his new hair cut. and he is becoming quite talkative these days. 

hayley ann, hayley bailey, hay-bay, you are loved. 

your uncle ben and i remember meeting you for the first time when you were just a little pudgy infant. you are growing so old, but we are so thankful for the times we have been able to spend with you. thank you for letting us be your aunt and uncle- we love you so much!

our christmas news

ben & i have exciting news.

we are expecting a little bundle of joy this july!

we of course told our family and close friends first, but decided to announce our big news to everyone via our chistmas card. it was short, sweet, & festive. we have loved everyone's reactions to our big surprise!

the week before we sent out our christmas cards, ben & i had the extreme joy of seeing our baby for the first time. it was such a relief to see a moving baby inside my belly. 

i am currently 14 weeks, and there is a little baby bump visible. this all seems so surreal, but we are enjoying  (almost) every bit. more on that later.