Bumpdate -- 29 Weeks!

Woohoo! Is it just me or is this pregnancy absolutely flying by?? It's really crazy thinking about how soon she could be here! (ok not toooo soon), but we're down to 70-odd days until her due date! Nuts, I tell you.

My new Pea in a Pod shirt that I am in love with :)

How far along: 29 weeks and SO close to the countdown weeks to be in single digits!

Gender: Girl

Weight gain: umm .... this is the two week period where I gained 11 pounds. whoa. I didn't get much of a growth spurt either so I'm not quite sure where that weight went? By the time I went back on Friday for my checkup, I had lost 4 of those 11. MUCH better. My midwife thinks it was water weight.

Maternity clothes: I never thought I'd say this, but I'm tired of leggings. Maybe because they are the only pants I own that fit me. (maybe that's where that 11 pounds went haha) So I finally broke down and went out and bought a few more pants to wear to work, since they still haven't given me the okay to wear sweatpants. boo. But it feels SO nice to have pants that fit :)

Stretch marks: Nope!

Belly button in or out: Out and very weird looking

Sleep: It's hit or miss at this point ... some nights it is great, other nights I wake up every hour, on the hour.

Best moment this week: I had two checkups this week so we got to hear baby girl's heartbeat and everything twice. She is still head down and doing beautifully <3

Miss anything: I can no longer get comfortable in bed, it takes me seven minutes of semi-rolling around to get into a semi-comfortable state. Oh, and it's getting harder to breathe. Just talking sometimes gets me winded!!

Movement: This little-me is such a ninja. Except of course for Wednesday. When she didn't move the entire freaking day. I tried poking her, eating cupcakes .. pretty much everything short of standing on my head and she would not budge. I was also having really bad contractions all day, so by 3pm, I was starting to get nervous. After calling my midwife, they had me come in to get checked out and they found her heartbeat instantly. I literally started sobbing, it was the most beautiful and perfect sound in the world to me. She was clearly very comfortable and in a deep sleep all day :) And then wouldn't stop moving all night. Typical :)

Cravings: My cravings are starting to slow down, and I'm still trying to eat lots of fruits and healthy snacks, because then I don't feel so guilty indulging in some treats when the mood strikes!

Queasy or sick: Still the same old rotten aches and pains, with a little bit of heartburn thrown in for good measure.

Looking forward to: spring! warmer weather! this is the winter that just WILL.NOT.FREAKING.END. Plus spring means getting to meet our little girl!

I am also very happy to say that her nursery is 90% finished! We worked on it all weekend, and it's really come together so beautifully. We are waiting on a couple of things to make it completely done, and then I will be doing a separate nursery post! 

In the meantime, here's a sneak peek of her gallery wall :)

Prints are all from Etsy, I will link in separate post!

Also, this last story is too cute not to share .... Gunner is having severe anxiety over all these changes going on in our house. He thinks that everything new is for him, or is a new toy for him. Sunday I was taking all the tags off her dolls and teething toys and he sat there watching me so intently and patiently. I knew he was waiting for one, since he obviously thought they were toys for him. 

He was quite distraught when I put them all in this basket and out of his reach. He sat and whined at the basket for at least 20 minutes. Finally Keith took a new toy of his, hid it in there and then gave it to him, and he played happily with it for over an hour.

I'm telling you now ... we are in for it once this baby gets here!!

Oh Gunner

28 Week Bumpdate!

 

I clearly need to double check that you can read the chalk before I finish the sign haha! Red Shirt // Old Navy PJ pants (with HEARTS for valentine's day! // Gap, non maternity

How far along: 28 weeks

Gender: Girl

Weight gain: uhhh...I gained way more than I should have in this last week, I'm close to 20 pounds now

Maternity clothes: Yes, although it's officially just leggings or dresses for me! which isn't the best outfits to wear when there is 12 feet of snow on the ground and its nine degrees

Stretch marks: Still none, although I'm getting some dark, almost bruising like patches around my belly button, so they might be coming

Belly button in or out: Still out, waaaay out haha

Sleep: finally sleeping good again this week, even without taking an Unisom, I've started practicing my hypnobirthng breathing and visualization techniques and it really helps me relax and fall right to sleep

Best moment this week: getting dolled up and taking maternity photos. It was nice to feel cute, even if I'm not feeling very cute haha

Miss anything: being able to wear normal clothes

Movement: Still moving like a little ninja all the time!

Cravings: the only thing I want is sweets ... of any kind, at any time of day .. oh and ice. I crave and eat ice constantly throughout the day

Queasy or sick: other than the typical aches and pains and some heartburn, not too bad

Looking forward to: getting my maternity photos back this week! We moved our session up three weeks and spent Saturday morning with our amazing photographer at her studio. She promised we'd have the images back by the end of the week!

Here's some photos from our week!

We finally, FINALLY got the paint color right for her dresser and I am obsessed with it! Color is Duchess Rose by Behr 

*sneak peek* completely unedited, Keith took this with his iPhone during our shoot on Saturday! Dress // Asos

Took Gunner to the park, and we did a little hand holding in the car :)

Decided to go to the new Yardhouse for lunch, and I tried my first ever non-alcoholic beer. It was good! I've missed beer :)

I just realized I completely skipped over Valentine's Day! Ours was very low-key this year ... we got take out from P.F. Chang's and rented a movie. It was a really nice, quiet night in which I am all about right now. Keith sent me cake pops at work (he clearly knows I care more about sweets than flowers!) and got me a gift certificate to get a prenatal massage. Ahhhh I cannot wait to book it! 

This weekend we also officially made the decision to take our house off the market. It's been four weeks, we've had very little interest and since I'm due in roughly ten weeks, we decided that this was not the best time to continue trying to sell our house. We are okay with this decision, since we realized that this was a sign for us to stay and we are loving how functional the new layout is. We are instead going to focus on having a baby (ha!) and maybe reevaluate again toward the end of the summer.

Coming up this week is the dreaded glucose screening test, and getting my work life more organized since I start training the person covering for my maternity leave next week! eeek! #shitjustgotrealfolks

Have a great week!!

DIY Canvas Print

I love the idea of making things for baby M's nursery, and while I am not particularly crafty, there are some things that I've convinced myself can't be too hard to make :) 

Here is the DIY canvas I made to hang on the nursery wall. It took me 45 minutes from start to finish and cost me $9! 

Materials:

• Your choice size blank canvas (I used an 11x14)
• stencils of some sort (I improvised and used a sticker set that I had)
• pencil - to trace your letters
• Sharpie paint pens

These were the letters I used

I went over the pencil tracing in a darker metallic gold Sharpie

And then filled it in with a brighter gold for some contrast!

And there you have it! I love it and I can't wait to find the perfect spot in her room to hang this :)

Current Baby Girl Obsessions

Ever since I found out we were having a girl, my mind has been in overdrive. I seriously want everything.

Seeing as how I don't have endless amounts of money to spend on adorable but totally impractical things for little baby m ..... I've narrowed down my current favorites as well as my totally rational reasoning for why we must own these.

1. Land of Nod chair 

2. Freshly Picked Moccasins

3. Gold and Coral Headband 

4. Tutus!!

1. I will probably buy her the chair, because it's something she can grow with and it will be adorable to take monthly photos in. The back of it is personalized with her name and a little pocket to put books in!

2. I have heard fabulous things about Freshly Picked (did you happen to catch them on Shark Tank last week??) and while $60 for baby shoes is a little on the outrageous side, I think I will buy these for her to wear in the fall/winter when she is a little bit older.

3. This headband is a no-brainer and will likely be part of her "coming home" outfit. My dear friend Stephanie is working on the actual outfit part :) I cannot wait to share that with everyone!!

4. Oh the tutus. I will admit that the very first thing I bought for this baby (as soon as we knew she was a girl) was a hot pink fluffy tutu with matching headband. It was a ridiculous purchase, but at the time I could not be reasoned with! I bought it for her to wear for her newborn session, and then found out my photographer has tons of tutus for props. ooops.

Anyone else have any totally impractical but adorable baby obsessions?

Third Trimester: 27 Weeks

This is quite possibly the hardest week yet. I hate to sound negative, but the start of the third trimester has really thrown me for a loop -- both physically and emotionally. I'm so much more sore, and achy and uncomfortable. I have a hard time sleeping, or sitting at work for 10+ hours. The only semi-comfortable position is laying in bed with 14 pillows and my snoogle.

Emotionally, I've been cranky, stressed, snippy and I cry a lot. I almost had a full on meltdown at Home Depot yesterday, so that should tell you something. Who cries at a home improvement store??

Starting on Wednesday my braxton hicks contractions returned. And continued without end for days. I called my midwife and they said that as long as I wasn't having more than 6 in an hour, was staying hydrated and wasn't leaking fluid (what am I, a car now? haha) that it was highly unlikely I was in actual labor, and there was nothing that they could do for me. womp womp. It's gonna be a long 12 weeks since they tell me this means I have an irritable uterus and this is just how my body handles pregnancy.

Enough about the whining. The good stuff about this week?

Can't you just see the exhaustion? :)

Baby girl is doing amazing. She's measuring a full week ahead, and is already head down. I think she's going to be impatient like her mama, and grace us with her presence before her due date. My bet is between April 26-28. I don't know why, it just sounds right :)

I had a great checkup with the midwives at the birth center and am still completely pumped to give birth there. Everyone is so nice and accomodating, and each midwife I meet (there are 7) I think "she's my favorite" haha. Truthfully, I will be happy to have any of them on call when I go into labor.

How far along: 27 weeks

Gender: Girl

Weight gain: 15 pounds

Maternity clothes: Yes, but I'm really trying to figure out how I can wear sweatpants or yogapants for the remainder of my pregnancy. Wondering if my work will bend the rules a bit for me :)

Stretch marks: Still none

Belly button in or out: Waaaay out and man, it really looks weird!!!

Sleep: what is that? Sleep is awful, even if I take a unisom. I just can't get comfortable and I can't breathe and then I'm hot, and then I have to get up to go to the bathroom, and then the cycle starts all over again! Funny story though ... I got up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, and pretty much slept-walked there, where I fell asleep sitting on the toilet. Really not sure how long I was out for! haha

Best moment this week:  I think we've made some big decisions about our housing situation, and it was a relief to finally feel like we might not be in limbo anymore. Details soon :)

Miss anything:  Everything? still would give anything for a margarita, and I'm really missing my sleep!

Movement: Still moving like a little ninja all the time!

Cravings: Ice cream or frozen yogurt, so basically still sweets ... I'm surprised I haven't gained 30 pounds!

Queasy or sick:  Heartburn here and there, acide reflux (there must be less and less room for the food to go!) and incredible pain in my hips and thighs. I can't describe it, she must be sitting on a nerve, but sometimes the pain is so bad I can't walk.

Looking forward to: Is it too early to say ... not being pregnant anymore? I want my body back functioning normally and I am REALLY ready to meet this little girl.

 

Before you think that all I do is whine and that I sound like the most miserable person on the planet ..... know that, despite everything, I keep thinking .... I am totally doing this again. Because every little kick is such a miracle, (heck growing another life is a miracle!!) and I can't even describe how much I love this little girl already and I can't wait to be her mama. And then how much I want her to have a sibling :)

Stylish Mama (And a Giveaway!)

If you follow me on Instagram, I hinted about this a couple of days ago, and today I'm sharing the details with you! I am so excited to be partnering up with my good friend Allison to bring you this giveaway!

Allison is a Stella & Dot stylist and through her I was introduced to the brand and have come to love their products. We were talking a couple of weeks ago, she asked me if I had already purchased a diaper bag. She said that the company had come out with a new tote that she thought would be perfect for a new mom. It's stylish, affordable and effortlessly does double duty as a tote and baby-catch-all :) I went back and forth on purchasing it, but finally pulled the trigger this week. It arrived TWO days later and I am so in love with it. 

Isn't she pretty??

I can fit so much inside this bag, it's awesome. There are pockets galore on the inside for all my stuff, as well as bottles/wipes/pacifiers ect. Plus the material is very durable and easy to clean, just wipe it down if you spill anything on it (which I'm sure with a new baby I will!).

The "How Does She Do It" tote// Pouf in Navy Stripe // Design-Your-Own Charm Necklace 

Keith bought me the charm necklace for my 30th birthday and I love it. It's the perfect piece of jewelry for a new mom. Once baby girl is here, I want to add a charm in her birthstone .... fingers crossed for that April baby because I love diamonds!

Allison and I came up with a great giveaway for all my blog / Instagram /Facebook peeps and I am so excited to share it with you! 

From now until the end of February:

This navy pouf is one of my favorite S&D products. I use it right now as a makeup bag, but it holds so much more. Lotion, hair ties, medicine, ect. Everything stays neat and in one place, and I can toss it into whatever bag I'm carrying that day. It's a $24 value, but it can be yours FREE with any retail purchase of $50. 

Link to my online trunk show 

All qualifying purchases will automatically get a navy stripe pouf sent to them upon placing your order. 

This is a limited time offer, so act fast! And be sure to link back here and let me know what you purchased and how much you love it :) Happy shopping!!

Valentine's Day Wish List

Valentine's Day is just around the corner! While this has never been a "big" holiday for us, I do love all things having to do with love, hearts and gifts :)

I've already taken advantage of some Gap sales and bought baby girl some Valentine's Day stuff to wear next year! I just hope she isn't too much of a porker that they don't fit her :)

Here are a few things that I personally would LOVE to get this year! hint, hint sweetie!

1. Heart Mittens 2. Fruit Infused Water Bottle 3. Heart pillow 4. Roses  

This mama has also requested another prenatal massage ... honestly the perfect gift for an expectant mother. I'm telling you, things ache that you didn't even know existed. fun times.

What are you wishing for this Valentine's Day?

26 Weeks

Goodbye second trimester!!

My new favorite sweater vest from Francesca's

And holy crap .... three months to go! I honestly feel like this pregnancy has flown by, but I also now all of a sudden feel like I'm in a panic! I feel so unprepared, especially about giving birth. I've been reading two amazing birthing books, and have scheduled our birthing class, but I just feel like I need more time to mentally prepare. The bigger I know she gets, the more anxious I become haha. I think that's probably normal! My goal over the next couple of weeks is to finish my books, and start getting some sort of a mental plan together ..... wish me luck :)

Moving on ...... 

How far along: 26 Weeks

Gender: Still a girl, haha 

Weight gain: 15 lbs.+ (next weight check-in is first thing this week)

Maternity clothes: yep yep yep ... totally loving dresses right now because they are SO much comfier. I forsee myself wearing lots of them these last few months.

Stretch marks: *fingers crossed* still none!

Belly button in or out: Out -- totally fun story, Keith always rubs my belly when I'm on my way up to bed for the night, and last night he reached out and rubbed my outie and it totally freaked him out! It is pretty weird having it popped out now :)

Sleep: Sleeping well, thankful for my snoogle and unisom!

Best moment this week: We finished painting her dresser! Still deciding on if we are going to paint the existing hardware or buy new ones, so for now there are no handles.

Miss anything: Margaritas ... we went for Mexican the other night and they made me a virgin margarita and it was heaven.

Movement: She never stops. Lots of kicking and pressure under my belly button, which is quite a weird feel. I think she is still transverse, gotta ask about that at my next appt! isn't she supposed to be turned by now?!

Cravings: Other than the random craving for a chicken el paso chimichanga from the only place that makes it 45 minutes away .... nothing out of the ordinary :)

Queasy or sick: Feeling good! The heartburn is starting and the restless legs continues though.

Looking forward to: February being a short month :)