Growing up

Rolin will turn six months old in a couple weeks. I've recently wondered when it was he got to be so big. I mean, I see him every day, but all the sudden BAM! he's almost six months old, rolling over, fussing when we take something away, laughing with us and at us and doing things older children do. 

For example...

He thought he could get away with throwing a party when his parents were gone. We caught on to his plans, though, and haven't yet left him alone. 

He's been demanding an allowance.

He's been burning the midnight oil typing his memoirs. 

And he's been watching too much Old School.

If he's this defiant at six months, I'm terrified of his teenage years.

Miss my dad!

My dad has been gone this week and I MISS HIM!

I especially miss him from about 5-7 p.m. daily. Mom calls it my witching hour.

Good news though: he comes back tonight and has next week off...we'll
be together ALL WEEK!

Week 38

How far along? 38 Weeks, 1 day

Sleep: Not very comfortable at all these days. 

Best moment(s) this week: (1). Driving home from the store, music blaring in the car. I believe BT started dancing to the beat..or was trying to tell me, "Oy! MOM! That's too loud and that is NOT what the cool kids listen to these days!" (2). My mom came up Monday. It's so nice that family is close now and anyone can easily come up for the day. (3). Heather and Eva stopped by to say hi while they were in town! (4). I sewed a little somethin' somethin' for Mr. James' first birthday AND got it in the mail. (5). Discovering New Girl on Hulu. Hilarious!

Miss anything? Walking at a good pace. Laying down and not getting heartburn. Not being bitten by what seems like every bug out there (apparently bugs like preggos). A cold beer on a hot day. Aunt Looie's pool. 

Movement: As I type, BT is stretching. It's cute (and slightly uncomfortable).

Food cravings: As has been a constant the whole time: water. Also, when I arrived at the park today for a walk, I thought I could smell peach cobbler. Now I want some. We've also been eating a lot of orange-flesh honeydew melon. Do yourself a favor and get one at the store. Look for a more yellow than green coloring, make sure the bottom gives slightly and is fragrant...then you'll know you've got a good melon. Remember, cosmetic imperfections on the skin are expected...especially if it's at a regular grocery store. Thank you for excusing my produce-geek moment.

Labor signs: Nothing new. 

Happy or moody most of the time: I'm fine. It's hot. I get bored VERY easily. 

Looking forward to: Seeing BT on the ultrasound tomorrow. Understanding why my belly measured small. Knowing whether or not the dr. would like to induce early (AH!). Attempting to remember what I've read about feeding a newborn and keeping it alive. No pressure!

In other news: BT had/has the opportunity to be birthday buddies this month with quite a few of my buddies and family members. Linsley (18th), Grace (19th), James (22nd), Carrie (22nd). Joe & Brianna's anniversary is the 23rd and our fourth anniversary is the 26th. I realize BT isn't due until August, but you never know!

Week 37

How far along? 37 Weeks, 2 days

Sleep: Thank goodness for the AC window unit, that's all I have to say about this week!

Best moment(s) this week: Dr. says I'm now about 2.5cm dilated. Secondly, though a little bittersweet, today is my last day working before maternity leave. Aside from populating the store's new website with produce tips, I've not done much in the last two weeks as it was time for the new guy to handle a newsletter on his own. It's a strange feeling knowing I won't have ANYTHING tying me to the computer after 5 p.m. today. It's wonderful and daunting (that's the word I'm going with for now) at the same time. Don't get me wrong, I'm ecstatic about the opportunity to be a stay-at-home-mommy, but when you boil it down, a lot has changed for me in the last few months...with moving, working less than part-time, leaving a great group of friends, staying in the house almost all day every day, not to mention being pregnant...and there are many more changes to come! 

Miss anything? Seeing the bones in my feet. Poor things are pretty swollen these days. 

Movement: BT's little feet are usually up near my ribs or off to the side. It likes to do a little dance for dad at night, kind of like the boot scootin' boogie...it sweeps one heel or knee back and forth from one side to the other after dinner. I'm glad Justin gets to feel the little one's acrobatics once in a while too.

Food cravings: I've been digging red meat, salsa and berries this week. When I was first pregnant I wanted Mexican food a lot, now I seem to be back on the same track. Tacos, burritos, salsa...I even made some salsa the other day, yum! Overall food intake this week in general has been less because of the heat. 

Labor signs: The same backache that hits every once and again. They seem to be doing some good!

Symptoms: I decided that all the blinds in our house were gross so I've been cleaning them. I also plan on moping all the wood floors with a vinegar mix at some point...it'd probably be best to wait until we have some cooler weather to try that. 

Wedding rings on or off? Just have the wedding band on lately. The others fit, but I've just been sporting the band just because. 

Happy or moody most of the time: Hot. Grumpy. Swollen. Anxious. Nervous. Excited. 

Looking forward to: Seeing BT on the ultrasound next week. The dr. said my belly is measuring a little small for 37 weeks (should be about 37 cm, +/- 2cm) so we'll take a look to see how the baby is positioned and measuring up. Neither JT nor I are tall people or come from families of beastly-sized folk (well, except for those Norwegians, but I inherited my stature from my mom's side), so the dr. said she wouldn't be surprised if baby is just small, but wants to check things out anyway. Since she's ok waiting a week, I'm trying my hardest to tell my brain not to over think things and work itself into a nervous tizzy. It could also be because BT may have dropped. Maybe. It's hard to tell. Fingers crossed! Prayers for a healthy baby and hospitable living in-utero living environment are appreciated! 

Speaking of an in-utero living environment...and if you'd like a good laugh...read this blog post from Honest Toddler -- a collection of comical posts written from a toddler's perspective. The entire blog is hysterical. I think it's funny and BT hasn't even been born yet! (Thanks, HB, for the recommendation!)

This is all you're gonna get this week...it's too hot to turn on the hair dryer and I don't feel that anyone should be subjected to what my hair looks like when I don't use a hair dryer. Well, anyone except my husband, other park goers and all the staff at my doctor's office. But...they understand. It's hot and I'm pregnant. The end. 

In other news, BT is still the size of a "watermelon." The app had the same stats as last week. Boring!

Week 36

What comes after a watermelon? A pumpkin??

How far along? 36 Weeks, 2 days

Total weight gain: Somewhere between 27-30 lbs now

Maternity clothes? Indeed

Stretch marks? Haven't seen one yet.

Sleep: Slumber is interrupted several times a night and heartburn always precedes any shut eye. Luckily, I don't have much of a problem falling asleep when I first go to bed!

Best moment(s) this week: This has been an exciting week! Tuesday my friend Sarah was in town, Wednesday we went to Garfield to celebrate the 4th with the Olsens, Thursday I sent up to Waitts Lake to spend time with Tara and the Stroyan family and tonight JT and I are going to a Spokane Indians baseball game. Tomorrow mom, dad, Joe and Brianna are coming for the weekend too!! Something else exciting?? The doctor says I'm 1.5 cm dilated and about 80% effaced. I'm just happy the semi-painful, back-centered contractions I've experienced have been doing something and that the discomfort wasn't just in my head!

Miss anything? Energy.

Movement: Little one has been telling me lately that my ribs are irritating and a total inconvenience :) The other night it did a kick and a punch at the same time and it startled me enough to let out a yelp!

Food cravings: Nothing like last week, though Wednesday was one of those days where I just couldn't get enough food to make me feel full. Two breakfasts, lunch, 4th of July snacks, a full dinner...it was a good day to be hungry since there were so many yummy dishes to choose from at the Olsen's party!

Anything making you queasy or sick: No.

Gender: Two more people have joined the girl camp, but it seems most people think BT is a boy. 

Labor signs: No true labor signs, but progress is being made!

Symptoms: Anxiousness.

Belly button in or out? Still an in/out.

Wedding rings on or off? On, but getting tighter. It'll be interesting to see what the expected 100F weather does to my little fingers this weekend.

Happy or moody most of the time: It's been a good week! 

Looking forward to: My parents and Joe & Brianna's visit, another week out of the way, Heather B's visit, seeing little BT.

BT's Room

Whew! I am glad to report we have BT's room just about finished. I think JT may be even more celebratory than I, considering he put together all the furniture...

Nearly everything has been washed and stashed in the dresser or wardrobe too. We just need to hang a few more frames; the frames are waiting on pictures of baby.

Here are a few pics of the space, furniture construction and finished projects, followed by a video:

 Lee, Curtis and Justin: the crib construction team.

Putting together the dresser. Word to the wise: While the Delta Springtime crib was easy to put together, pretty and didn't stink, the dresser is another story. If you're considering the the Delta Springtime dresser (from Babies R Us), reconsider a different brand. The dresser had a funky smell to it for weeks. WEEKS! I put bowls of ammonia in there, got a special room deodorizer, placed dryer sheets in the drawers, aired it out, put a fan in the room...most of the stink is gone now. The manufacturer's site, as well as review sites (which I apparently didn't read very well pre-purchase), say the smell comes from the varnish not being completely dry before it's put in the box. Also, not many of the holes were drilled in the right spot...luckily JT is handy with a drill. If it had been me putting it together, I probably would have thrown it away, cried and purchased some plastic tubs to hold all BT's clothes instead. 

 Applying a few wall decals. This is Justin's "fly away" bird.

Attaching arm cushions on the glider.

Putting together the wardrobe (there is no closet in this room since it's considered an office).

 Changing table/dresser.

Crib corner.

Glider corner.

Wardrobe and door to the room.

Wall art. The puff balls were made by BT's Aunt Brianna for the baby shower in Grandview. I thought they were a perfect match for the room so I brought some home. 

To give you a better idea of the flow of the space, here's a video!

Week 35

How far along? 35 Weeks, 1 day

Total weight gain: Somewhere between 26-30 lbs. would be my guess

Maternity clothes? Yep. And I've moved on to Justin's stash of old t-shirts. It is not appropriate for me to wear my t-shirts out in public, even if I'm just out for a walk.

Stretch marks? Haven't seen one yet.

Sleep: We got an AC unit which has helped us both sleep a little more soundly. Dream-wise? Last night I dreamt I delivered the baby at home by myself (no big deal) but couldn't keep the baby awake to eat for more than 30 seconds. The book I'm reading suggests keeping tired babies awake so they get a full meal vs. a "snack," and dream baby was not cooperating! 

Best moment(s) this week: Getting our hospital bag semi-ready, hearing that Heather B. made and mailed some cookies to me and also finding out that the case of they missing birthday cookies I mailed to Tara more than a month ago has been solved. They were there the whole time, but the morons in her apt. office didn't have their act together. 

Miss anything? My Cali friends and California produce.

Movement: It appears BT likes to stretch, just like me. This morning I think it was doing a near-perfect headstand, with it's little feet trying to push my sternum out of the way. Justin also got to feel one of BT's more rambunctious moving moments...the ones that usually happen when JT is at work. He was so excited! 

Food cravings: Berries. Burritos (satisfied). Heather B's cookies (soon to be satisfied). Mom's mac 'n cheese (satisfied). I've definitely had stronger feelings about food this week than at any pregnancy point so far.   

Anything making you queasy or sick: No.

Gender: ??

Labor signs: No, but some of the BH contractions are combined with lower back pain and I catch myself holding my breath.

Symptoms: I cried during the Olympic swimming tryouts when they showed the parents of the winning racer. There was just so much joy on their faces that I cried tears of joy right along with them. JT doesn't understand how that works out exactly, but I told him it's good that he's gone during the day when I watch TV...

Belly button in or out? Still an in/out.

Wedding rings on or off? On. 

Happy or moody most of the time: Anxious and tired.

Looking forward to: Baby's due date, 4th of July celebrations with friends, week 37 when BT is considered "full term," friends coming to visit next week and the sun being around for at least 10 days, according to the forecast.

Freezer: stocked!

 

I've been planning for a few weeks to stock the freezer with meals for when BT arrives. I can only imagine the last thing I'll have time for in the first few weeks is actually making a meal...that is unless BT is a perfect little angel and likes nothing more than sitting in its bouncy seat on the kitchen floor, watching me make a seven-course gourmet meal.

Not that I've ever actually made, nor do I have plans to make a seven-course gourmet meal.

One can still hope for a perfect little angel BT, right?

I've slowly gathered recipes for freezable crock pot meals (thank you, Pinterest), gladly accepted a few bags of mom's marinara to freeze, stocked up on ground turkey to freeze and have also portioned out and ziplocked serving-size scoops of the cranberry-nut trail mix from Costco. They used to sell single-servings in a large box, but now it only comes in a huge bulk bag...think you can fool me, Costco?! That's why I asked for a food scale last Christmas. Muuaahahahaa.

It was a rainy and unseasonably cold yesterday so I decided a crock pot meal was in order. I also decided yesterday was the day I'd purchase all necessary ingredients to make the rest of the crock pot recipes, so off to Super 1 I went.

It must have been my lucky day because Super 1 also had a sale on mac n' cheese...only 98 cents a box! Fun fact: the spiral mac n' cheese is considerably (that's a relative term) more healthy (again, a relative term) than the regular mac n' cheese.

Here are a few of the meals from Pinterest chillin' in my freezer right now. Two of which we've already taste-tested, so I threw in a few of my own tweaks and serving suggestions:

The pictures and recipes are from the blog Ring Around the Rosies.

Note: I'm using pre-frozen chicken breasts that are a tad on the small side compared to the large, fresh chicken breasts I see at the store. That said, I eyeball the amount of other ingredients and then determine if I should add an extra chicken breast to the bag. Example: I put three in each bag for the Chicken Teriyaki and I'm glad I did.

Note II: Each recipe calls for the listed measurements and ingredients to be split equally amongst two bags/containers so you get two meals from each recipe. Each serves two adults dinner for at least two nights. The Cilantro Lime Chicken w/ Black Beans and Corn also made enough for a few lunches on top of two dinners.

Note III: Make sure to thaw each bag in the fridge a day beforehand before use. Don't put 100% frozen ingredients in the crock pot.

Cilantro Lime Chicken with Black Beans and Corn

Sounds like a dish I know the California peeps will love!

• 6 chicken breasts
• 3 Tbs olive oil
• 2 limes, juiced
• 2 cups cilantro
• 1 large bag of frozen corn (or two smaller bags)
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 1 finely chopped red onion
• 2 cans of black beans (I did not drain them)
• 2 tsp cumin or chipotle powder
• salt/pepper to taste

Instructions: Split everything into two containers. shake it up, seal, label and put in the freezer. Instructions for container: Place in fridge a day ahead to thaw. Cook on low 7-8 (check at 7 hours) hours or high 4 hours, serve with hot tortillas or tostitos. Dress with sour cream, guacamole, and/or cheese.

Make sure to check this around hour 7. Ours started charring a bit close to hour 8. 

I shredded the chicken once it was done cooking and then put it back in with the corn and bean mixture. Made for easier serving. 

For serving, I used Mission's Corn & Whole Wheat Artisan Style Tortillas and much preferred that flavor over regular corn tortillas. I also sliced up avocado (instead of guac) and diced tomatoes for a fresh factor.  

Teriyaki Chicken

• Medium bag of baby carrots
• 1 red onion into large chunks
• 2 large cans pineapple (undrained)
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 4 chicken breasts (I suggest 6 if the pieces are smaller)
• 1 cup Teriyaki sauce

Instructions: Follow directions above, and split everything into two gallon freezer bags. shake it up, seal, label and put in the freezer. Instructions for bag: Place in fridge a day ahead to thaw. Add 1/2 cup Teriyaki sauce to crock pot, Cook on low 8 hours or high 4 hours. Serve over hot rice.

I served it over brown rice and it was delish! The original recipe called for a medium-large bag of carrots, but that's A LOT of carrots compared to the rest of the ingredients, so I recommend just a medium bag or 2-3 cups per container.

Lazy Day Stew

Haven't tried it yet, but I have two bags sitting in my freezer! Yes, I did add in lima beans. We'll see if Justin picks them out or not :)

• 4lb cubed stewing beef
• 4 cups baby carrots
• 4 cups baby red potatoes (cut in half)
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 10 oz package dried lima beans (optional)
• 2 cups celery, chopped (4-5 stalks)
• 4 tsp quck-cooking tapioca
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 15 oz can tomato sauce (1/2 in each bag)
• 2 cup water
• 2 Tbs brown sugar

Instructions: Follow directions above, and put everything into two one gallon freezer bags, shake it up, seal, label and put in the freezer. Instructions for bag: Place in fridge a day ahead to thaw. Cook on low 8 hours. Eat as a soup, or serve over hot noodles or rice. Add a bit of shredded cheddar or mozzarella.

Chicken Divine

Have yet to try this one too...two bags are in the freezer. I think the cream of chicken and milk in this dish will make it deliciously comforting and filling. 

•  
• 6 chicken breasts
• 4 cups baby carrots
• 4 cups fresh broccoli (chopped)
• 2 onions
• salt/pepper to taste
• 2 cartons of cream of chicken soup (add 1 each at cook time)
• 2 cup milk (add 1 each at cook time)

Instructions: Split everything into two containers. shake it up, seal, label and put in the freezer. Instructions for container: Place in fridge a day ahead to thaw. Add 1 cream of chicken soup and 1 cup of milk, cook on low 7-8 hours or high 4 hours.

I'm also thinking 1 cup of rice + 1 cup water (so 1/2 c. ea. per container) would work well in here. Or just serve it with prepared rice. 


Savory Chicken

I have yet to make this one...I'm out of room in the freezer!

• 4-6 chicken breasts
• 2 cans stewed tomatoes
• 4 Tbs white wine
• 2 bay leafs
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large onion (put one small in each bag)
• 1 cup chicken broth 
• 2 tsp salt
• 4 cups broccoli (*add when cooking)

Instructions: Follow directions above, and put everything (except broccoli) into two gallon freezer bags. Shake it up, seal, label and put in the freezer. Instructions for bag: Place in fridge a day ahead to thaw. Cook on low 8 hours, *add broccoli during the last 30 minutes.

Week 34

How far along? 34 Weeks, 2 days.
Total weight gain: ~1-2 lbs. since the last dr. appt. 
Maternity clothes? Yep.
Stretch marks? Haven't seen one yet!
Sleep: Well...it's hotter lately, I have bizarre dreams (even more bizarre than usual...the latest featured the Kardashians...?!), I get some wicked Braxton Hicks when I lay back down from getting up to use the bathroom...I believe I'm being trained for long nights?
Best moment this week: I believe BT flipped from being heads up to heads down! Also, Justin got home late Thursday night from his SoCal trip and has no more long, plane-required trips planned until the end of August. Lastly, the coffee stand I swing through from time to time gives out free donuts on Fridays. Ehem. 
Miss Anything? I think I covered most of them already.
Movement: The other morning I felt what I believe to have been a foot figuring out it could hook itself under my ribs. Also, BT shifts from side to side occasionally, causing my tummy to be lopsided. When this happens, Justin calls BT a spawning salmon :)
Food cravings: Heather Brackett's amazing chocolate chip cookies. Rumor has it she's making some Friday and mailing them to Spokane! They're made with browned butter, peeps.
Anything making you queasy or sick: No.
Gender: Your guess is as good as mine! 
Labor Signs: None (at least I don't think so).
Symptoms: Losing my memory and occasional heartburn. Oh, and that hill I walk up to get to the park? I'm not going to walk up it anymore. I did earlier this week...at the slowest pace yet...and by the time I got to the park I was feeling lots of pressure and a pins-and-needles sensation in the baby area. I sat on a bench for a while until most of that passed, then experienced some Braxton Hicks while doing laps around the park. Since then, I've been driving to the park. Genius! I still get contractions with any exercise, but the prickly pressure pain isn't as intense. No more hills. 
Belly Button in or out? Still an in/out.
Wedding rings on or off? On. Though it's hotter this week so we'll see what happens. 
Happy or Moody most of the time: Doing just fine, thank you very much.
Looking forward to: Finishing the cradle bumper project, Justin being home more often, the pork tenderloin with a blackberry compote I'm making for dinner tonight, the caramel macadamia nut crunch frozen yogurt I bought at the store and, call me crazy, but some good ol' summer weather! Enough of these thunder storms...bring on the sun!

Boom!

Baby Shower in Seattle

JT and I went to the Westside the weekend of June 9th for a baby shower hosted by my friend Sarah. We headed over Friday so Saturday before the shower we could go to my favorite restaurant in my old neighborhood, check out a friend's consignment shop for more baby goods, make plans for date night out on the town and simply spend time together while it's just the two of us.

We hadn't been back together since the day we left in late Dec. 2008, with our car packed to the brim as we started our California adventure!

Seattle skyline from Kerry Park

Sailing class at Shilshoe Bay Marina. It looked terrifying. I won't be trying it soon...I have a big enough issue about large ocean animals, like whales that eat seals, as it is. 

The absolute best dish at El Camino in Fremont: quesadillas de camarones. El Camino...try it, love it. 

Coming in at a close second: plantain chips, guac & salsa

BT and me at Kerry Park

The theme for the shower was "Ready to Pop!" It was held in the EMP suite at the Alexis Hotel downtown. Sarah's bro works there and kindly gave her the hookup! JT and I even got to stay in the room that night -- it was pretty suite!

Sarah made all sorts of pop-themed treats:

 Fruit POPs

Cake POPs

Blow POPs and Ring POPs

And the ladies and I had a fun time snacking, chatting and finally seeing each other after a long, long time apart!

Noshin' time

The grandmas and me: Mom, me and Karen

College roommate and buddy Tara

The girls...Back: Sarah, Tara, Karen, Danielle, Season, Linsley. Front: me, mom. Popout: Marianne, Sarah's mom (she was playing photog)

Gtown, represent! Season, me and Linsley

Thanks, ladies, for a great day celebrating BT! I've been busy washing, hanging and putting away all of BT's new goods and can't wait to use my pedicure gift certificate!

Awww, look at my handsome husband! (And no, I'm not just saying that to distract you from my "storing up for winter" cheeks.) I'm feeling all lovey-dovey lately (hormone rush much?), and as such this pic made me feel like I'd like to take a moment to say how much I appreciate Justin. He's a hard worker, a provider, a believer, a builder, a lover, a comforter, a comedian, a protector, an encourager, one of the 100s in our strived-for 100-100 marriage (see the 3rd letter in this Pioneer Woman post for details), a mental sanity checker, a friend, a partner, a supporter, a listener, an adviser and much more. The guy even cleans the shower now that I can't bend over to reach the bottom of the tub! 

These are shots from the suite window...a beautiful night in Seattle!

Before we headed back Sunday to Spokane, we went to breakfast with our friends the Goulds and Justin's parents.

Then we spent 3 hours at Ikea. Yea. While there we got in a fight (who doesn't at Ikea -- they even made a 30 Rock episode about it), made up, found the perfect wardrobe for BT, found things we didn't really need but wanted anyway, identified our dream living room, discovered the warehouse didn't have the wardrobe doors we wanted, settled on different doors and then spent about 30 minutes rearranging the contents of our car to fit the wardrobe pieces. Thank goodness for blue Ikea rope and a back window on the car that opens so we could stick the box out the rear.

Whew! It was a jam-packed weekend, but we made it out of Ikea alive and back home in one piece, fueling up on Pita Pit in Ellensburg on the way.

Week 33

How far along? 33 Weeks, 3 days.
Total weight gain: Last week I was up 25 lbs. I do not wish to nor will I weigh myself at home just to find out for this. I'll leave that blow for the Dr.'s office. 
Maternity clothes? Yep.
Stretch marks? Haven't seen one yet!
Sleep: I thought I was getting up a lot last week to use the bathroom...this week I'm up even more now. We're rolling (no pun intended) through the TP like crazy!
Best moment this week: Celebrating BT in Seattle at a shower with family and friends. (More on that later.) Justin and I also enjoyed a date day/night in Seattle before and after the shower. We went to El Camino in Fremont for the quesadilla de camarones (freaking amazing) and the plantains & guac, went to Shilshoe Bay to take pictures, drove by my old apartment in Fremont, pointed out old haunts and said "remember when...,"drove around Queen Anne, stopped at Kerry Park, walked along the pier, went to dinner at The Fisherman (The Crab Pot was our intention, but it was already 9 p.m., we weren't hungry enough for The Alaskan seafeast for two and the and the wait was suuuppper long), ate ice cream and just enjoyed spending time as just the two of us in the city where we spend our first few years in love.  
Miss Anything? My hips not aching in the morning. A full cup of coffee. A caffinated latte later in the day if I feel like it. Being able to walk through Ikea for hours without my feet running out of room in my shoes.
Movement: BT gets the hiccups more regularly now. Poor little thing. I hate getting the hiccups myself and can just imagine the little babe practically convulsing with each hiccup, not understanding what's going on. I can feel BT's hiccups on the inside and the outside when BT really gets going (which is cute, but I still feel bad for it). 
Food cravings: No, although I wrote about local (Bay Area)  halibut and white seabass for the newsletter that went out Wednesday. That night we had homemade fish tacos (so good!). One can only write about a topic for so long before one needs to eat said topic!
Anything making you queasy or sick: no, but suddenly our water has a weird taste...? I'm also really enjoying the chocolate frozen yogurt I picked up at the store.
Gender: Still going to be a surprise. Even the Old Wives' Tale test ended in a tie. 
Labor Signs: None (at least I don't think so).
Symptoms: People sure like to smile at pregnant people! I know I do it too; it's just strange being on the receiving end :) Does it continue once the kid is born or is it then that people become annoyed that there is a wee babe nearby? Also, BT keeps me quite toasty at night. I might be slightly chilly or at least comfortable, temperature-wise, most of the day, but once I lay down in bed I get super hot. Sometimes a sheet is even too much. This makes for an interesting night as Justin is usually the one that's overheated, not me...it doesn't help that I pile all the extra blankets on him during the night. 
Belly Button in or out? Still an in/out.
Wedding rings on or off? On. Though I don't put it on every day right now...I don't usually leave the house. Not that I have to leave the house to put on my rings, but I rarely even get out of my sweatpants...so...
Happy or Moody most of the time: Both, I suppose, though I don't have much to complain about and would like to think I'm happy most of the time.
Looking forward to: Justin being home this weekend! We're also going to pick up things on my "must have before BT comes" list.