Birthday #28

We celebrated with some friends and family last night at Scotty's...I have to say, this is probably the first alcohol-free birthday celebration I've had in ten years!! Thank goodness my friends are great at making up for my soberness ; ) I experienced THREE, yes THREE interesting renditions of "Happy Birthday!" I love you guys!

Group shot

Sisters

The girls

Not sure about the look on my face but this was the only belly-shot I have!!

18 week ultrasound!

So we had our 18 (and a half) week ultrasound on Friday...the one where they check all of the anatomy, genetic markers, and gender (NO, we did not give in to temptation!) Seeing our baby swim around was so amazing...I wish there was a more original word for it, but it truly was "amazing." Now I have to make a small confession...up until now, I've absolutely loved being pregnant but have to say I've been sort of preoccupied with fears of gaining weight, my body changing in ways I had no idea were possible, my skin looking crappy, my emotional outbursts and my lack of will power when it comes to kettle chips and Reese's Cups. I had some major guilt on Friday after getting the opportunity to watch our baby wiggle for almost 15 minutes (we had an amazing ultrasound tech!!) for being so worried about these things. People have said to me from the beginning: "Abby, don't worry about that stuff...you're growing a BABY," and until now, I never fully listened to them. I'M GROWING A REAL, LIVE, BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY BABY! It feels great to really grasp this reality and to embrace these changes, knowing that I'm doing the best I can. Our little one is now 1/2 a pound and about 6 inches long and is measuring exactly on our due date, August 24th. The heartrate was 167, and all of the anatomy looked great (yes, nurse friends, a four-chambered heart and no signs of cleft palate, or masses.) I'm also feeling the baby kick- A LOT...Spencer hasn't been able to feel it from the outside world yet, but I think within a few weeks, he will be able to share in my amazement : ) Now onto the pictures....thanks for listening!!

Profile pic...if you look closely, with my tongue sticking out!

Nice and comfy...Indian style!

"Hi guys....I'm having a great time in here!"

New favorite recipe...

So for those of you who don't know, I love to cook and bake and am hoping to use my blog as a means to share recipes, as well as update you on the Kruse happenings!!
Here's my new favorite (I'm actually eating it right now)...it's actually a recipe from my friend Katie Rozelle. It's healthy and easy...BONUS!

Amish-baked Oatmeal

1 1/2 quick cooking oatmeal
1 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup sugar (I prefer brown sugar, but white is fine too)
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter (or you can use applesauce for a low cal option)
1 egg

Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients and spread in greased 9 X 13 baking dish. Top with 1/2- 1 cup fresh or frozen fruit (blueberries, bananas, and apples are all great) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until edges are brown. Immediately spoon into bowl and top with milk and brown sugar if desired.  ENJOY!

17 weeks and counting

17 week belly shot and my new toy!! So excited about getting started on the nursery bedding...wish me luck : )

4 months pregnant!

Just wanted to post an updated belly shot and some pics of the progress of Spencer's laundry room project...he just has to install the doors and trim and then he's finished! Next on the DIY project list...NURSERY! I've been feeling really great the past few weeks...thankful the weather has been warmer so I can be outside a little more and hoping spring (and my daffodils) are here to stay!!