34 Weeks

Pregnancy: 34 Weeks!!! 6 Weeks left!!!!

Weight gain/loss:HA!!! Who knows? Mom's scale seems to tell me something different every time I step on it. I think it is in denial for me.

Maternity clothes: I found a cute maternity raincoat that could easily be non-maternity!!! I also gladly gave Target some of my $$$!!!! I found an orange tank for $2, yes you read that correctly.......... see why I miss Target!

Stretchies: not yet, stocking up on more Palmer's while I am back!!!!

Sleep:Ahhhhhh.........pillow top mattresses how I have missed you!!!!

Feeling: good but not like myself. I don't understand how I had absolutely no puffiness or swelling in Seoul. I come to Iowa and blow up : )

Best moment(s) this week: Jordan seeing/feeling Lincoln kicking and moving! Hanging out with Mom. Family Grill out at Renita's!

Movement: He is getting so strong! It hurts sometimes!!! The best is when he rolls over my bladder ; )

Food cravings: None really.......You would think being back in Iowa would be bad news! I ate at some of my favorite places but they were healthy meals.

Labor signs:Nope.

Belly button in or out: OUT!!!!!!

Things I miss: My husband!

What I am looking forward to:seeing baby Aiden, Gavin, Brevin, Wyatt and Kenna today oh ya and their mothers!!!!!

Next Appointment:April 1st when I am back in Seoul

Milestones: Everyday is another milestone but this week.........moving up another bra size haha....... ; ) in my teen years I would have been ecstatic!

Interesting Facts: Lincoln could weight approximately 4-4 1/2 lbs at this time and be about 17 inches long.

Weekly wisdom: Well, I can't discuss it on the blog due to graphic content. This weeks weekly wisdom was taught to me by my 18 year old cousin. She informed me of what really happens in labor because she watched 16 and Pregnant on MTV. America just puts it on cable when my Korean doctor won't even inform or educate me about it. : ) Thanks Kylee!

33 Weeks

Pregnancy: 33 Weeks!!! 7 Weeks left!!!!

Weight gain/loss:: ) I think this is the point where I stop revealing the numbers : ) haha.....No I am not really sure until next week when I head to the Doc in IA.

Maternity clothes: I took a little trip to my favorite place to shop VON MAUR!!! Ah it was a great birthday present to myself. They do not carrying any maternity but with the trends now I did find a couple cute tops.

Stretchies: They have to be coming soon! My skin is stretched to the limit!

Sleep:Well, with the jet lag this week it has been hit or miss. Now if this was for my husband he is probably getting some much needed rest! All those extra pillows and "extra" wife gone! : )

Feeling:Really good! This week I did have some unusual swelling in my hands, feet and face, but it has seemed to go away a bit. Also, a little nausea and light headed on my birthday......boo! I think it was due to flying, maybe a little dehydration and just needing to keep my feet up.

Best moment(s) this week: The Coex Baby Fair!!!! We ordered Lincoln's crib, dresser/changer, high chair, bedding, bathtub, bottle sanitizer and a few little things. That was a GREAT feeling to have it done! Here are some pictures.....


My birthday and the best gift my husband could have ever given me!(well, besides Lincoln) Surprising my family was awesome! Seeing the look on their faces when I walked in the door was priceless! Lily was very excited to see me! : ) For anyone that doesn't know Lily is my dog, who is now living with my Grandma & Grandpa Van Wyk.

Movement:I had read that the movement was supposed to decrease soon, but not for me! He is moving all around! He was excited to kick a few new people this week......Kinze(Roo), Kylee(Cakers), Tick and Jordan(Brother). It was fun to have family feel him or see him moving around,

Food cravings: Desserts of course!!!! : ) Believe it or not Goldie's is literally a minute from Mom's house and I have not stopped yet! I am proud of myself! Since i have been back I have been eating a lot of Fish! Ah, love it! Bonefish was one of the first restaurant stops I had Haddock with feta, artichokes & basil! Yum!!! The waitress suggested their brownie with macadamia nuts sprinkled on top, raspberry sauce and ice cream for dessert and of course I had to have a birthday dessert! It is not hard to up sell to a pregnant woman! I am telling you pregnant or not that dessert was phenomenal!!!!!

Labor signs: still Braxton hicks! When I first got on the long flight from Tokyo to Chicago(11hrs) I had a few "contractions" minutes apart, but I drank water and calmed myself and I was fine!

Belly button in or out: OUT!!!

Things I miss: This week my husband! It is hard being away from him so long! I love being back with family, but it is funny how much I miss Seoul and my friends there. It truly is our home now! Pregnancy related I would say being around some of my favorite places and not being able to splurge on coffee, pastries, wine etc. Oh my daily consuming of Korean "clementines"! I eat at least 8 a day! Hey they are healthy!

What I am looking forward to: Seeing more friends, family, hanging out with my Mom, watching NEW MOON ; ), a pedicure, seeing Baby Aiden, Kelly's Baby Shower next Sunday, oh there are sooo many!!!!

Next Appointment: I am going to head to my old OB this week just to get checked out, but in Seoul it's Thursday, April 1st @ 1:55pm at that point I will be 35 weeks and start going every week! Wow!!!

Milestones: Packing my suitcase(1 that's right!) for my international trip for 2 weeks at under 20 lbs!!!!!! I was proud of myself! I would also have to say making it to Tokyo(2hrs), Chicago(11hrs), Iowa(1hr) without going into labor ; ) lol.......

Interesting Facts: Lincoln is the size of a honeydew melon! Seriously can not believe that he is that big and in my tummy!!!!

Weekly wisdom: turning sideways actually equals more width than facing forward! ! : ) I discovered this while visiting my Grandpa & Grandma Van Wyk. So many years of sliding between Grandpa(in his chair at the kitchen table) and the oven; so you can get to the bathroom is just not possible anymore! Picture a skinny cow commercial!

32 Weeks

Pregnancy: 32 Weeks!!! 8 Weeks left!!!!

Weight gain/loss: Yep, I gained more! :) Dr told me I was a little on the high side for weight gain and needed to exercise more! :) lol I am feeling pretty good with my approx. 11-12 kg weight gain. He said he would give me 3 kg. more.***Koreans tend to me obsessed with weight, so the weight comment came to no surprise!!!!***

Here is a little pregnancy progression to celebrate the weight gain!!(12wks, 22wks, 32wks)
Maternity clothes: Still a mix of regular and maternity clothes. Just found out that H&M has opened in Meyeong-dong(a trendy shopping area in Seoul) and they have maternity, nursing & baby/kids clothes!!! YAY!!!!

Stretchies: I'm lathering up 2 times a day with oil and lotion!! I still don't think I have got them, yet. Jon tells me I do not have any.

Sleep: I slept better this week!!! I am not sure what I did differently but I woke up 4 of 7 nights with NO back pain!!! YAY!!!

Feeling: I love being pregnant! I have been feeling really good! I can tell that the extra weight with my frame isn't the best, but I still enjoy it!!

Best moment(s) this week: We finally ordered custom dining chairs for our table that we have had since October. :)Then Monday we received our baker's cart for the kitchen and finally a box from my Mother-in-law that was stuck in customs(story below list)!!! It was massive & filled with GREAT surprises!!!!

1.Boppy Pillow
2.6 PJs(really cute!!)
3.little 3 mo. jean shorts & polo(so cute!!)
3.Packets of Ranch dressing mix & taco seasoning 16 total
4.6 pasta sides......Delicious! :)
5.2 bags of lindt truffles!!!!(don't tell the Doc!)
6.Medela BPump & accessories

(Men you may skip this section :))

Now ladies you obviously know what I am talking about when I say BPump right?!? Well, try explaining it to Korean customs! I called in because we had not received the package on time and the Korean lady explained she had some questions regarding the contents of the package. She needed to know what a "Bu-Rest-A Poomp"(best Konglish ever!) was before it could be released!

Konglish (Korean: 콩글리시) is the use of English words (or words derived from English words) in a Korean context. The words, having initially been taken from English language, are either actual English words in Korean context[1], or are made from a combination of Korean and English words. It is considered a sub language.[2] Common sentence structure or vocabulary mistakes made by Koreans has also been referred to as Konglish.[3][4][5] Words and phrases borrowed from English or other languages may be shortened if Koreans using them feel they are too long.[6]

Well, duh! I was like BABY, FEED BABY,you know MILK!! She still did not get it! It's not like it was a bomb! Was I just supposed to come out and say "Lady, it's to milk your girls!!" I went through thirty minutes of torture explaining bpump, bmilk storage bags, bmilk storage bottles, lanisoh bpads....... ah! Anyway, you get the point!

We also received a very special outfit from our Aunt Becky, Uncle Dave & Cody! It was a black & red Adidas soccer outfit with little soccer shoes!!! Jon's favorite soccer team is AC Milan so he was thrilled!

Movement: Still really active! I can feel exact body parts now! Elbows, feet, his little butt!

Food cravings: Right now I am craving a Goldie's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twister(only made by my cuz Kylee, she's the best at them!!)For those of you that don't know what Goldie's is. It's a local ice cream shop where I grew up! Yummy!
So on a quest to find a replacement I found a recipe for egg less cookie dough. I made it today.......it is not the same! It will do for now and it is better for the baby. I thought Jon would be thrilled with cookie dough in the fridge. Well, I was wrong, it didn't fool him either. Now I just need to test it with my previous Hot Fudge Sundae concoction.
(also, a S&S Special from Sugar Shack.....Chocolate ice cream with Reese's peanut butter cups! DeLISH!)
**Maybe that Korean doc was right! :) NAH!!!!

Labor signs: Nope, just Braxton Hicks. Is that better Jon? :) He didn't understand what I meant by BHicks in a previous post.

Belly button in or out: Sometimes flat & sometimes REALLY popping out!

Things I miss: Family & Friends! WINE! I have been watching the caffeine....so I really miss my regular amounts of coffee!

What I am looking forward to: Heading to the Baby Expo this weekend! My 27th Birthday on St. Patty's Day(THE best day to have your birthday, Thanks Mom!)!!!!! And a VERY special present my husband gave me early! I will explain that next week!

Next Appointment: Thursday, April 1st @ 1:55pm for ANOTHER ultrasound and doc visit. They are crazy with the ultrasounds!!! I have had a completely healthy/normal pregnancy(thank goodness!) and I have already had ultrasounds at 9,13,23,29 weeks and now this one at 35 weeks. Crazy!

Milestones: 8 weeks left!!!

Interesting Facts: Not really an interesting fact, but here is what Lincoln most likely looks all crammed in my belly : )
Weekly wisdom: Hmmm.... Well, this has nothing & yet everything to do with pregnancy.....

I have always known that I have been extremely blessed with an amazing God, amazing family, amazing friends, but this week I once again was reminded of what a great person my husband truly is. He is a hard worker and committed to everything he does... God, school, work, family, friends, me and now adding in our son. He is always striving to not only keep a great balance between them all but to improve every relationship to the absolute fullest. I respect and love him so much for everything he does for our family! He is going to be an exceptional father. He will not always be perfect, but he will always be working to be better! To me that is more admirable than perfection!

31 Weeks

Pregnancy: 31 Weeks!!!

Weight gain/loss: I will find out at the Dr on Friday. I am guessing I have gained at least 2-3 more lbs.

Maternity clothes: I have become partial to wearing leggings & long tops. I am till wearing a mix of regular clothes(pic above is regular shirt YAY!) & maternity. You know, I really LOVE maternity clothes! I may wear them forever!

Stretchies: not that I can see(fingers crossed.......toes too!)

Sleep: Rough!!! Poor Jon! He has no room & it isn't getting any better! I think I add a new pillow every 2 weeks. We also had friends in town this past weekend. We had a great time, but I was/am exhausted!!!!

Feeling: Still feeling great! My back & top left abdominal muscles are starting to bother me, but overall I so feel lucky to have such a wonderful pregnancy!

pic above was taken around 2:30am at a night out with friends

Best moment this week: Jian, Jon's Best Friend/Best Man, got to meet the belly! and his girlfriend Carmen! I bought 3 really cute onesies at Lotte(Korean Macy's) & one of them possibly for Lincoln's coming home outfit!
Movement: He is one active little boy! Feet in the ribs is his new thing! I have noticed he responds differently to Jon's touch(excitement, lots of movement), than he does to mine(calming, soothing), it is so incredible!

Food cravings: Oh my! I have done really well on the cravings UNTIL NOW! I don't know if it is because I have actually found some snacks I recognize or what! I mean who craves sea weed, anchoives, and wild roots when you can have chocolate cake, ice cream, pickles(REAL ones!), etc.

Speaking of the ice cream, my Dad would be proud! I have been having a small bowl of vanilla ice cream, with nestles chocolate milk mix sprinkled on top & chocolate syrup for an evening snack/dessert! :) yum! Bring back memories Dad!


I also have a new love for Rotiboy buns! Yum! They are a sweet bread filled with milky sugar butter! The smell alone is worth the 2,500w each(approx $2). They are absolutely incredible!

Labor signs: Still the good ole' Bhicks. They are getting stronger, but nothing in a definitive pattern.

Belly button in or out: Depends on how I sit or how much I eat. :) I would say flat/out.

Things I miss: Bathtubs!!!(we only have showers), Ber's backrubs, family & friends, WINE!, and being able to dance!

What I am looking forward to: Baby Expo at Coex next week

Next Appointment: Friday, March 5th @ 3:45pm(12:45am CST)with Dr. Choi

Weekly wisdom: I have been stressing about Lincoln's nursery for a while now. It is so hard to find things in Seoul that are resonably priced & fit our needs. It has left me feeling like we are bringing this innocent little child home to nothing. He will have nothing!

Then I read this excerpt, from a book that my Mother & Father-in-law gave me. It couldn't have come at a better time.

"More crucial than the physical enviroment that surrounds your children is the emotional enviroment of your home. A stable, secure home life flows from a stable, secure marriage. The best way to prepare your nest, far more important than preparing a room, is to strengthen that love relationship."

Milestones: Single digits for weeks! 9 left!!!

Interesting Facts:
The boy's name Lincoln \l(i)-nco-ln, lin-coln\ is pronounced LINK-en. It is of Old English origin, and its meaning is "lake colony". The name of an early Roman settlement in England. Surname made famous by American President Abraham Lincoln. Football player Lincoln Kennedy.

Lincoln has 2 variant forms: Linc and Link.
Baby names that sound like Lincoln are Langly, Langley, Langlee and Langlea.
Interesting, but NO nicknames here, or my husband will have a fit! :)

Fun & Unique Baby Toys

I have been on the search for fun & unique toys for Lincoln. There are sooooo many out there!!! Here are some fun finds!


Baby Nonos the Dog
I love the unique shape & textures this toy has. It is simple and can last throughout multiple stages.



Peek-Squeak Monkey

My favorite animals are monkeys! I often call Lincoln my little monkey because I feel like he is swinging from rib to rib : ) So what a perfect toy this would be! Again, the textures and colors of this toy are amazing! Really look forward to testing it out.



Sophie the Giraffe
I am sure some of you have heard of Sophie. This giraffe has become one of the most popular teething toys! I have read many reviews of Moms who have purchased multiple because their little ones loved and used it so much! I have heard it cuts back on the drooling; which is always a plus! :)

I found these toys at Giggle.
So excited to check these off the WishList soon! We will give reviews in May! :)