Baby Update - Second Trimester

Baby Girl Smiling 

I am terrible at blogging.  I want to keep track and up with this stuff but well... it hasn't happened - but so much has this trimester.  Overall I am feeling pretty good - not used to being this 'front heavy' as my sweet Bo called me the other day.  We lost our sweet Kahlua dog a few weeks ago and between that and the craziness of work - the past few months have flown by!  That is life I suppose! 

A few photos:

Jenna & me at Jennene's Wedding with our baby bumps- they will be the cutest couple in Raleigh!

24 Week photo 

Me and my first baby (nephew), Carson

The Stats:

How far along: 26 Weeks today!

Total weight gain: ~16-17 lbs depending on when I weigh myself (my preference is first thing in the morning before breakfast). 

Maternity clothes: OH YES! So thankful for having some wonderful friends who have passed along clothes to me. I have barely had to buy anything.  Old Navy and Target have been great though. I just can't justify spending tons of money... 

Stretch marks: nope not yet but I am using Burt's Bees Momma Bee Belly Butter and so far so good.  I will say areas of my skin are very sensitive. 

Sleep: Not too bad yet.  get up a few times a night for the bathroom. 

Miss anything: Not too much - Now that I am in my 2nd trimester I will partake in a 1/2 glass of red wine every now and then - at home - I think people may look at me funny if I order it at restaurant. 

Movement: OH YES - Flips, kicks, dancing on my bladder, you name it this baby MOVES

Food cravings: Nope although I do have a sweet tooth it seems. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: not anymore. 

Have you started to show yet: Oh yes, my tummy popped out about week 22/23

Gender: BABY GIRL - Stella Claire

Labor signs: No

Belly button in or out: starting to pop out!

Wedding rings on or off: On

Looking forward to: CHARLESTON this weekend to celebrate being married to my wonderful husband for 2 years! He is amazing and I can't wait to celebrate with him the next chapter in our lives!

14 more weeks to go! YIKES!

Baby Update - First Trimester

So many of you saw my Valentines Day Announcement:

I will be 14 weeks on Friday and cannot believe how fast the first trimester has flown.  We found out a few days before Christmas and couldn't resist telling our parents!  We acted like we had a special Christmas gift for them.  In the bag was a frame with this photo: 

Their reaction was priceless!  But of course I had to swear them to secrecy since I was only about 5 weeks along at that point. 

So far I have felt pretty good - As long as I eat first thing in the mornings and don't get around any nasty smells, the nausea has been to a minimum.  I was expecting to be a lot more tired but that hasn't been terrible either - granted going to bed at 9 pm should help with that.  

So here are the 'typical questions' - Oh and I am due August 30 (yay for a Big, Hot Summer!) 

How far along: 13 weeks 

Total weight gain: none 

Maternity clothes: my work pants are tight and my friend, Karlla gave me a box of her maternity clothes- so I have been wearing a few pair of pants.   They are so comfy I may never go back to normal pants again after the baby is born. 

Stretch marks: nope not yet but I am using Burt's Bees Momma Bee Belly Butter to *hopefully* prevent some of that. 

Sleep: great.  get up 1 time to use the bathroom. 

Miss anything: Wine! - and deli meat (although I have had it a few times)

Movement: not yet

Food cravings: Nope!

Anything making you queasy or sick: I was having an aversion to Salad but that seems to be better now. Pork was not appetizing but that has been a few weeks ago. 

Have you started to show yet: I have a 'mini' bump but if you didn't know me you wouldn't see it. 

Gender: We find out March 27

Labor signs: No

Belly button in or out: In

Wedding rings on or off: On

Looking forward to: March 27 to find out the gender!

Running Update

Afternoon Folks! 

This past weekend I completed my 10K! 

I have been training over the past few months and as of two weeks ago only had done 4 miles (10K is 6.2 miles) -- YIKES!  So weekend before last I mentally prepared myself for 6 miles and completed it over at Lake Johnson (very hilly) - With that training confidence I set off this past Friday to New Bern for the Neuse River Bridge Run.  Bo and I enjoyed a yummy dinner at Captain Ratty's and at 5:40 am on Saturday morning I was up and ready!  The run was absolutely beautiful.  We ran over the Neuse River Bridge and back through historic downtown New Bern a Sunrise.  The view over the water was absolutely breath taking and made me think a lot about my dad and his love for his the North Carolina Coast.  My official Chip Time was 1 hour 5 min and 35 seconds.  Not to shabby.  My goal was right around 1 hour. 

View from the bridge during my run

After the run! Still Standing!

This weekend I am setting off for the Color Me Rad 5K!    I am super excited and will definitely be posting photos!

Join me for a few miles?

Dear Family & Friends,

I hope everyone is doing well! I wanted to reach out again to let you know about my new hobby – Running.  In January, I decided instead of always asking people for donations for Free to Breathe and not being able to even run a mile I would put my money where my mouth is and train.  In May, I completed my first 5K race in 31:29! Not too bad for my first race!  Thank you to everyone who donated to the Free to Breathe Charlotte and supported me along the way!   I have continued to run and am now working towards a 10K in October!  I won’t be fundraising for that one but I am really excited about it!   

However, I can’t let the fall go by without fundraising/nagging/asking you to join me! This fall I am participating in TWO 5Ks.  I will be running in both and would like to invite you to join me! You can run/walk or even just make a donation. There is a 5K & a 1 mile option.  I also will be doing a few FUNdraisers along the way including a Silpada Jewelry Party on Oct 10 and a Wine and Design night (Stay tuned for the date!).  If you are interested in either of those please let me know!

 WHY?

As many of you know my dad passed away from lung cancer in 2005.  After his death I became educated on lung cancer. To be honest when Beth, a lung cancer survivor came up to me and gave a sheet with statistics I thought she was loony – there was no way these AWFUL statistics could be true.  Unfortunately they are reality.  Lung cancer takes more lives than breast, colon and prostate cancers COMBINED.  (Essentially a jumbo jet crashing EVERY DAY is how many people lose their battle with lung cancer EVERYT DAY!) It is also the least federally funded which is unacceptable.  The stigma attached to this disease has made the fight even harder- NO one deserves lung cancer.  Since joining the NC Lung Cancer Partnership I have been privileged to meet a few other lung cancer survivors. They are my inspiration to continue to be passionate about this cause.  The new treatments and research going on are fascinating.  There cannot be progress without research – and unfortunately research takes money.  I urge you to join me in this fight.  To read more about how your money will be used please click here.   The National Lung Cancer Partnership (NC is a chapter) has a 4 star charity navigator rating, which is the best.  

Where do I sign up?

1.       Free to Breathe Raleigh, November 3 at North Hills – Team Nothin’ Fancy - http://participate.freetobreathe.org/goto/NF2012 (there has been interest in t-shirts?!)

2.       Free to Breathe Greensboro, November 10 at NewBridge Bank Park – I have joined my friend Laura’s team – Born to Run – Here is my personal page: http://participate.freetobreathe.org/site/TR/RunWalk/General/627434391?px=1004326&pg=personal&fr_id=1661

       Please help me by passing this along to anyone who you think may be interested in joining us!

Thank you all for your continued support as I continue my new hobby!

Love,

Heather 

Before & After

This fall we decided to re-do the yard! The crab grass had overtaken our yard and grass from last year so we decided to kill it all, till up the yard and start from scratch!  We also decided to put plastic around the mulch beds to help keep it in there since the dog likes to kick it out! We have a few bare spots but I think it has turned out very nice- a heck of a lot better than when we moved in! 


Before: First you till! Thanks to my in-laws for helping!

our little garden: 

The yard as one big mud pit! no more grass!

Finishing touches...

Spread seed, water daily, spread more seed, water some more and wait 4-6 weeks and TADAAAA:

 So proud of my husband for finding his green thumb! I helped too! 

Charlotte's Eviction Notice

So our good friend Charlotte the spider has taken up residence in the corner of our sliding glass door.  Charlotte, you have until we return from VA Beach on Sunday to find a new spot, otherwise your home will be destroyed. <3 The Hooper's

Although this normally would give me the hebeejebeez - how beautiful is this web?! I know 2 posting on spiders, we need more friends!

Happy Birthday!

Dad and I during his birthday one year at Durham Creek

Today should have been my Dad's 60th birthday! It should have been a time where he would have another 'mid life crisis' and perm his hair like he did when he turned 30, or buy a crazy sports car like he did in his late 40s.  It should have been a celebration where we made fun of him for getting old. Instead - I am raising money in his memory.  I reached my goal last week thanks to all of you and thanks to a very sweet donation from my brother's racing team (Glenwood Clinical Racing).  Together, our team has funded over a week of lung cancer research!   

As I think about reaching goals, it was never a question that my dad thought we could reach any goal we set out to achieve.  He always supported anything we did, now that didn't mean he didn't give his two cents worth but ultimately we always knew he had our back.  I am thankful my parents were always so supportive.  They worked hard to make sure we had the opportunities they never had.  So what do you do when you reach your goal?  Set a new one of course! We are at $1,125.. The new goal - $1,500! 


To donate or join my team please visit my team page: Nothin' Fancy 

Here is what your money goes toward:

$10- allows 5 lung cancer patients to receive our free education materials, giving them the information, inspiration and hope they need to fight this disease.

$50- keeps our website running for a month, enabling 10,000 patients, their families and healthcare providers to access important information.

$150-funds one day of critical lung cancer research to help all lung cancer patients live longer and better

$500 – allows 50 lung cancer patients to receive our free education materials, giving them the information, inspiration and hope they need to fight this disease. 

THANK you for your help! 

Meet Charlotte

Monday evening I was outside seeing if we had a bell pepper I could pick to make in a stir fry - we didn't have one quite big enough. My husband started knocking on the window above our little garden.  I thought he was being annoying so I ignored him a little while - when I looked up he pointed above my head - a HUGE spider.  This my friends is Charlotte the spider and her web. She spins her web at night over our little garden - Also a note - I am loving my new camera - I promise I did not get that up close and personal with Charlotte... and if anyone can tell me what type of species she/It is that would be great! 

and finally - Charlotte's feast last night: (gross, but awesome photo) 

Let's see if she is back tonight! 

"There's an app for that. It's called compassion''

'Tis that time of year again! The time where my nagging skills come out and I ask you all to spend (at least) $10 on lung cancer research in support of my Free to Breathe Raleigh team - Nothin' Fancy  - In memory of my dad, Don Gill.

Why this cause?!
I was a college sophomore at North Carolina State University.  I loved school, I was active on campus and I was embracing college life.  Then the train hit, my dad had not been feeling well and the doctors did a basic chest x-ray and found a 14cm in-operable mass on his lung—lung cancer. The day they told me is one of the worst days of my life.  My daddy, the strongest man I knew, had lung cancer and they only gave him 8 months to a year.  My world was turned upside down.  He fought hard but passed away only 3 short months after diagnosis.  I knew I had to make a difference, not only for lung cancer patients like my father, but for their daughters. So they have their fathers there to see them graduate college, walk them down the aisle at their wedding or be a grandfather to their children.  No one deserves lung cancer and no one deserves to lose a parent from lung cancer. 


That is why you can join me in making a difference for all those affected by lung cancer in coming out or supporting the Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk & Rally on November 5 at North Hills in Raleigh.  My goal is to raise $1,000.  Won't you consider donating $10, $20 or even more? 


My team page: Nothin' Fancy 
___ 
**PS This article came out recently and it is excellent - thought I would share. Really puts an interesting perspective on things. 


The Last Refrigerator by Rob Densen
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rob-densen/the-last-refrigerator_b_941286.html?ref=fb&src=sp

My Best Friend's Wedding!

What a year!  My best friend is also getting married this year! (Hello Ashley!) 
I don't think it hit me until yesterday at a shower in Fayetteville (photos soon) that she is actually getting married.  When did we grow up?  We have been friends since 1st or 2nd grade - we have been through all of life's big events together and I am so excited for her wedding!  We hosted a couple's shower/cookout for her at our place last weekend and it was a lot of fun - although I think their new puppy, Lilly, stole the show! So darn cute!   
The Bride & Groom and Lilly

Most of the girls:
 
Lilly Helping with Cornhole

Ashley and her Sister In Law, Helen

and her Brother too! 



Can't wait for September 17!  :)

NYC 2011

 A little late in updating but I had a GREAT time in NYC with my friends!  The adventure home was a little ... crazy but overall we had a great time!  It was nice to not have a real plan and just explore the city and do what we want!  A few highlights! 
Getting to see Oiane and Ludi!

Birthday Dinner with Katie, Ludi & Oine at Haveli in East Village! YUM!



CUPCAKES at Magnolia Bakery with Brandon and Ludi! 





Top of the Rock! - View of the Empire State Building! I got a good chance to play with my new camera - but here is one of my favorites! 

New York, here I come!

Happy Birthday to me!  I seriously have the best husband ever!  We realized a few weeks ago we couldn't afford our mini vaca to the big apple.  SO he is 'letting' me go by myself Wednesday and Thursday. I wish he could go but we just couldn't afford two plane tickets, hotel for a few nights, baseball games, food etc.  SO my friend Katie is putting me up on her couch! (THANKS KATIE!)   I am going to see my good friend Ludi!  Ludi and I were exchange students when we were in high school and have remained close friends! She is from France but currently lives in Italy via Reunion Island. I can't believe we have known each other for over 10 years! She is in NY for a Beach Tennis Tournament! I need to brush up on my French!


I don't have a photo of the first time I went because I don't have them digitally! 
Let's see, I went in 2001, She came in 03 (don't know where those photos are either right at the moment).  
So here are a few photos of us over the years
Ludi and Baptiste came 05! -- Photo of me, Ludi, Baptiste and my cousin Amber.

Amber, Chad, Ludi, momma, Baptiste @ the beach in 05:

She came to NYC for NYE with a friend in 07: 



In 2008, I went to Reunion  to visit her! 



Two pictures here because that place is paradise!



Can't wait for our next adventure together! New York City 2011! 

I.Hate.Lung.Cancer.

What a week this has been!  Busy to say the least.  On Monday I went to visit a good friend Renee, one of our organizations lung cancer survivors. I remember the first time I met her, barely any hair but her eyes and smile lit up the room. She always looked so good!  She became active with the NC Lung Cancer Partnership and a part of our close knit circle.  She walked in the Free to Breathe Raleigh and was a great inspiration. Unfortunately her cancer returned around Christmas but boy talk about a fighter. I have gone to see her regularly but I learned this morning she lost her battle with lung cancer last night. I am so glad I went on Monday. 
Renee with other Survivors leading the pack, she is the one with the red gloves. 





Unfortunately stories like this are far too common. My heart is heavy this morning but I am so glad to have had Renee in my life. She is a special lady.  Thank you Renee for touching my heart and being an inspiration.  You were a fighter and I appreciate your friendship. Love you! 
Tomma, Renee, Me and Amy with Santa Bob at Christmas! 

Kahlua's Photo Shoot

I have a new toy! I have been wanting a DSLR camera for quite a while.  My point and shoot is okay but it doesn't zoom far and the quality is just ok.  I wanted something to take better photos as we travel, eventually have kids etc and I wanted one with 'real' video capabilities. Not to mention for my work at the Partnership we needed someone with a nicer camera because there is always an occasion to take a photo! So being on a 'budget' we got the Cannon Rebel T2i.  It's a good 'beginner' DSLR camera and does real HD video which will be great for Focused Videography.  We decided to use the money we got from our recent wedding booking deposits to purchase the camera.  


Now learning how to use it.. .
Here are a few photos of Kahlua dog -- my first 'good' photos. 

My favorite:

Sad puppy: 

a little cross-eyed but i think it's cute (i think i had the flash on on this one) 

Thanks to my beautiful model!

Garden to Plate

Bo & I got a late start on our garden due to wedding festivities but we are pretty proud of the progress it is making!  We have a tomato plant, bell pepper plant and about 7 or 8 jalapeno plants...Bo 'raised' the jalapenos from little seeds so the fact that we almost have peppers is pretty cool. 


Our tomato plant - looking a little droopy but doing well - 

We even have a tomatoes!

Our Bell pepper plant! 

Our Pepper and Jalapeno Plants!  No Jalapenos yet but I think we will have a 

ton pretty soon!

Saturday we picked the bell pepper: 

We had gone to the farmers market earlier that day and I decided to make shrimp and veggie

 stir fry for dinner! YUM! We ate our little bell pepper! 

Tada! 

It was very yummy!  Can't wait for more veggies from our little Garden!