A List of Ten

A list of ten things I love about fall:

1. Pulling out the fall clothes and feeling like I have a new wardrobe (Although my growing body means a lot of clothes don't fit. So I'm dreaming of a new wardrobe - - leggings, sweater dresses, boots, skinny jeans, cardigans...)
2. Soups, chili, and baked treats
3. Waking up to a chill in the house and snuggling with a blanket on the couch
4. Starting the coffee pot right away and enjoying a steamy mug with pumpkin spice creamer
5. Being able to go on a walk at any time of day and not feel like I'm going to die
6. Having the doors and windows open
7. Colorful fall sunsets
8. Knowing Thanksgiving is right around the corner
9. Enjoying the abundance of pumpkin flavored yummies
10. Knowing our electric bill is getting a little break from having the a/c off!

Fall has always been my favorite season. Growing up in Illinois, my list of fall favorites was a little different. It would include bonfires, seeing the leaves change, and pulling out the jackets. Since we've moved to Florida, I have had to adjust to a new fall season. Even though it took a long time to get here, I'm enjoying the cooler temperatures and no humidity!

Meal Plan

It's been a long time since I've posted what we're eating around the Crouse House, but Brittany inspired me!

Monday: Chicken, broccoli, and cheese tortellini with alfredo sauce
Tuesday: Red beans and rice, cornbread
Wednesday: Pizza or chili
Thursday: Chili/Frito pie
Friday: Out of town
Saturday: Out of town
Sunday: Out of town

19 Weeks

Sleepless Nights

I've always had occasional trouble sleeping. I have trouble shutting my mind off and letting my body relax enough to sleep. There have been nights when I don't fall asleep until 4 or 5 in the morning. It gets rather annoying.

Thankfully, since I've been pregnant I haven't had hardly any trouble sleeping! I can fall asleep anywhere in about 5 minutes. It's been great. I've been able to experience that feeling of being so tired I'm asleep before my head hits the pillow. Lovely, sweet sleep.

Until last night...

I tossed and turned, physically and mentally. My body was exhausted, but my mind wasn't ready to sleep. Around 1 AM, I got up and decided I was hungry. So I had my first "crazy-pregnant-lady-food-moment." I ate an entire can of fruit cocktail followed up by an oatmeal cream pie. I was really wanting some of the jalapeno cheddar Pringles I bought at the grocery store, but I was tired by the time I got done eating the entire can of fruit cocktail. I washed it down with glass of ice water, made a couple trips to the bathroom, and slipped off into peaceful sleep. p

Five Things

A list of the top 5 things I'm looking forward to in the next month:

5. The election being over (and hopefully a new President)
4. Halloween being over
3. Thanksgiving
2. Our sonogram on Nov. 6th
1. Our Reveal Party on Nov. 11th

18 Weeks

Baby Crouse

We were able to see Baby Crouse for the first time yesterday! It was such an amazing experience. I'm still in awe when I look at the pictures. It is truly a miracle to see God forming this little one. From the ultrasound, the baby is measuring right on track for 17 weeks. He/she weighs about 6 oz. S/he's an active little thing! It was so much fun to watch all the movement!

17 Week Midwife Appointment

As I mentioned in my earlier post, I had my first appointment with the midwife today. I won't actually see the same midwife each time. It's a group of 5 midwives who practice together. Because they rotate every 24 hours at the hospital and you can't guarantee which one you'll have at delivery, they have you see a different one each time. I really liked the one I saw today. She answered a lot of my questions about how flexible and supportive the hospital/nursing staff is with natural labor and delivery.

The baby's heart rate is in the 150s. It sounded good and strong! I am measuring a little big, so we go for an ultrasound tomorrow to confirm the due date! I'm super excited since we haven't had an ultrasound done at all yet! The full anatomy scan will be in 3 weeks.

17 Weeks

I'm not sure why this picture is kind of blurry! My self portrait skills are lacking. I've been feeling great and definitely growing! I'm enjoying actually looking pregnant instead of looking like I've eaten a few extra cookies! I have my first appointment with the midwife today and so excited to finally hear our little one's heartbeat again! I'll probably do a post about how the appointment goes later.

15 Weeks