3d Ultrasound Pics

A few weeks ago we have a 3d/4d ultrasound done to see baby #2. I made a little comparison picture between Baby 2 and Finn. I had the 3d ultrasound the same week both pregnancies. Let me know what you think...

I think they look very similar!

Dressing in my armor daily!

I have been praying this verse every morning before I get out of bed since the first week of January. I'm really enjoying it. And once I get up I feel totally prepared to handle what my day has in store.

The Armor of God - Ephesians 6:10-18

 ¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  ¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

This verse totally is applicable to life. Look at the descriptions below...
 (The notes below are from my Mom's retreat)

•  Helmet of salvation: the battle begins in your mind, pray to guard your mind
•  Breastplate of righteousness: heart = emotions, pray to guard against our emotions
•  Belt of truth: God's word helps us combat false beliefs, pray to guard against false beliefs
•  Sandals of peace: be a peacemaker, pray against chaos
•  Shield of faith: Knowing God goes before us, he's our protector, pray against worry and anxiety
•  Sword of the spirit: master one verse at a time, pray to guard us against the enemy
•  Pray in the spirit: pray without ceasing!

We CANNOT win the battle without God! And everyday is a battle whether you want to believe it or not.

Wordless Wednesday

Husbands

As you know, I'm in a mom's group that meets every other week. This year we are focusing on "Thriving, Not Surviving." Thriving in all areas - as a mom, as a woman, and as a wife. I really enjoyed the session we had on husbands so I thought I'd share my two big takeaways.

The first thing was these questions to ponder on...

1. Are you respecting your husband?
2. Does your husband come first? (before kids, chores, tasks, sleep, etc)
3. Do you pray for your husband on a regular basis

And the second practical advice was ways to keep your husband first...

1. Ask your husband what he wants for dinner.
2. Keep date nights regular 
3. Ask your husband what's important to him (1 or 2 things) and then make sure you work to do those things.

From talking with the ladies around my table - we found that most of the time we take things too personal. And if we shut our husband down a lot then over time he will stop talking to us. We can't speak to him like he's a child. He's our partner, our teammate, and our best friend.

I hope this is an encouragement to you as well. Biggest thing to remember - our husbands were the most important before kids and they should still be the most important after we have kids. The best gift you can give your children is a Godly marriage.

Picture taken on our wedding day May 20, 2006

Picture taken on Natasha's (sister) wedding day May 7, 2011

Paleo Meal Plan : Week of 2/19-2/25

We have decided to make a change in our meals at the Walkup home. I am doing a modified version of this diet until baby arrives. But Greg is doing it all the way. The diet is called Paleo. And if you haven't heard of it - you can read more here: http://paleodietlifestyle.com/

I thought i'd start posting our weekly menu. Let me know if this is helpful to you. Ok here is next weeks menu with links to recipes... (some of the recipes aren't totally paleo but that's because I'm trying to not waste food I already had in my pantry.)


Sunday:
Leek and sweet potato soup
http://paleodietlifestyle.com/leek-and-sweet-potato-soup/

Monday:
Pork Chops with Apples and Onions served with mashed cauliflower and fruit
http://paleodietlifestyle.com/quick-paleo-meals//

Tuesday:
Paleo Pot Roast in crock pot with carrots and scalloped potatoes
http://paleodietlifestyle.com/slow-cooked-pork-roast/

Wednesday:
Curried Shrimp and Spinach
http://paleodietlifestyle.com/curried-shrimps-and-spinach/

Thursday:
Chili

Friday:
Pizza and salad

Saturday
Leftovers or out

28 weeks!

Baby's the size of: Baby is equal in weight to a Chinese cabbage -- about 2 1/4 pounds. (Length: almost 15 inches, from head to heel.)

Heartburn? I haven't had it too bad. Just every once in a while. And Tums smoothies do the trick :) However, the nausea is still hanging on. I had to take my nausea meds yesterday. But I still have more good days than bad days so for that I'm thankful!

Maternity clothes? I am in full maternity clothes. Forgot how comfy they are.

Weight gain? Based off my appt last week, I'm up 8 lbs. Not too bad for 7 months pregnant!

Swelling? None yet. I think the cooler temp is helping. I remember being 7 months pregnant with Finn and I couldn't wear my wedding ring anymore.

Cravings? Lately, I have been craving some weird things. I've wanted avocado, apples, and pickles. Random I know. I still can put down some Mexican food. A few weeks ago, I threw it up - so I've been a little weird with it. Not sure I will want cheese dip for quite some time.

Feeling movement? TONS! This baby is SO active. Actually, last night sweet baby woke me up around 3 am kicking around. I love those moments. Reminds me to pray for this life inside of me.
 
Tired?  Yes, I am tired. When I wake up tired, I know that's not a good sign. But I am really trying to soak in everything I can with Finn before the baby comes.

How many times are you up at night? Well, a few weeks ago I started waking up at night to pee. Right now, I wake up usually at 12 and 3. I know I am just getting prepared for those nighttime feedings.

Favorite pregnancy moment this month? Seeing my stomach move around because the baby is moving. It's also fun for Finn to see it. His faces just lights up. Second favorite memory is that my mom and mother in law got to feel the baby moving. Very special memories!

What are you looking forward to in the next month? I have a lot this next month! Maternity pictures, 3d/4d ultrasound, and 2 baby showers. Next month I will have LOTS to share :)

Wordless Wednesday

Quick note...

Hey readers,
I'm still here - sorry I haven't written lately. I have a lot to say - I have just been processing through a bunch the last few weeks. I will get back to writing in the next week. So stay tuned!

For now - here's a cute picture of Finn during bath time. Hope you all are having a great start to the week!

Wordless Wednesday