Long day.......

Just got back from a fun dinner date with Lisa and Biran!

Can't wait to share my review of my newest subscription box soon :)

Until then I better keep my feet up...

Adding a Blog Button

I'm sure you've noticed some layout changes in the blog lately.  Been trying to spruce up the place before Emma gets here :)

So I tried to make a blog button about 1,985,483 ways and none worked...until...........

http://www.mycoolrealm.com/sandbox/gbgen/

After I finally went there, it worked like a CHARM! So feel free to grab my button :)  I'm not 100% sure the point of it, but I think it's just networking, finding more followers, whatever.

Today is a very uncomfortable day.  You wanna know the worst parts of these days, when people ask how you are feeling or try and give you advice to make you feel better.  I don't feel like explaining how I feel uncomfortable or why.  Look at my midsection and hopefully you'll get the drift!

Nothing helps, nothing works, just let me be miserable for a little while.

Can't wait to meet this little trouble maker! :)

36 Weeks and 4 days

How far along? 36 Weeks, 4 days going back to the doctor date.
Total weight gain: 46 lbs.
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? I'll just answer that with a YES
Sleep: Last night was awful.  Having lots of dreams, bathroom breaks every 2 hours.
Best moment this week: My friend LIndsay's bridal shower/bachelorette party was pretty fun

That is me and Felicia, Lindsay's friend who is also preggo, about 3.5 months I think. I was the first one to bail, but it was still a great time with some fun girls. We also had dinner at our friend's house last night with about 9 of us. We did a potluck (sweatpants dinner) - sweatpants was my idea, haha. Here is a pic I got from that night: (love my hubs)

Miss Anything? Wine, beer, Sleeping on my back/stomach, running
Movement: Lots
Food cravings: Anything bad for me
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not these days (knock on wood)
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Just braxton hicks from time to time
Symptoms: who knows, same as labor signs.
Belly Button in or out? Flat
Wedding rings on or off? Off, it's just more comfortable
Happy or Moody most of the time: Moody, but that does mean I am in a good mood sometimes too. I just think my patience is running thin these days and it's easy to get me upset (truth be told)
Looking forward to: Holding my baby girl and telling her how much I love her in person.

So I had another appointment today. Had another growth scan.  She actually went down to the 86th percentile instead of the 97th.  I'm happy.  This means that a c-section is not inevitable, but it also means I could go to/passed 40 weeks!  I really had my mind set on the 15th, but now I have to change those plans...it ain't easy.  I am super super happy about the no c-section part, I just want to meet her already!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dr. gave me another internal and she said I am dilated to about her fingertip.  I would assume that is 1 cm at least, but she didn't specify, so I doubt it.  At least it is something, right?? More walks and more ball bouncing is in my future.  Praying to the labor fairies that she comes sooner rather than later. We'll just have to wait and see. 

March Birchbox

I got my Birchbox finally! :)

It's true, I loved getting something in the mail.  So I opened it up and they include a card that talks about why they included what they did and a little synopsis of each thing.

I received:

 Benefit Cosmetics - Stay Don't Stray: It's an eye primer.
Evologie - Intensive Blemish Serum
Twistband - Headband
Whish - Shave Crave Shaving Cream: Blueberry scent, which I really love the smell
Madewell - Emery Board

 Here is what was in the brown little box:

I will definitely be using the emery board.  We have to bring one to hospital to file baby's nails, so now I'll have a really cute brand new one for her!  As soon as I start shaving my legs with some care again I will definitely use the shaving cream and the twistband is a shimmery silver, that will be coming to the hospital with me as well to hold my hair back.

Knock on wood, I don't really get blemishes anymore.  I had the WORST skin from 7th to 10th grade, so I like to think I used up my lot. I mean it was BAD!  I may see if my sister or mom want that and the eye primer.  I actually received some of that at Christmas and I'm not big on eye primer.  Maybe I should be!

All in all, yeah I'd say it was worth $10.  Full disclosure I already cancelled the membership though.  1 month was enough and I actually signed up for a different one this month.  It's more expensive, but it says you get full size makeup in the box.  You'll just have to wait and see what it is!

This weekend should be fun and busy.  I have my friend's bridal shower and bachelorette party on Saturday.  I'm actually REALLY looking forward to dressing up a little bit.  I don't think I'll know too many people there, but I'm pretty close with the bride and her sister, so it should be fun.

Then Sunday my mom and sister are coming down for Mani/Pedi's!!!! Needs no more explanation than that!

A breakfast you should try....

So during this pregnancy I've pretty much been on a cereal kick.  More specifically a sugary, kid cereal kick like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Captain Crunch, Lucky Charms....things like that.

HOWEVER! I have discovered this DELICIOUS breakfast that hopefully is a little bit better for me.

Chris and I are big coupon people.  Saturday mornings are really enjoyable as I cut coupons while Chris reads the paper, than we normally go shopping.  It's kind of fun in a nerdy kind of way :) which i'm ok with!

Anyway, I found a coupon for:

So I decided to give it a try and it was one of the best decisions I have made, as it tastes amazing.

I normally make the 1/2 cup portion mixed with 1 cup of 2% milk and throw it in the microwave for 2 - 3 minutes.  I then add in cut up strawberries and about a tablespoonful of light brown sugar.  I've never added brown sugar to a meal and just ate it. It's normally always part of a recipe, but let me tell you, it tastes so good I actually look forward to eating breakfast in the mornings.  

So, you should try it if you are looking to spice up your breakfast palette.  It's fast, easy and delicious.

Mood Shifter

So remember I told you about my great friend who recommended the pediatrician?  Well she also opened my eyes to ANIMOTO!  It is this amazing site that you upload photos and videos and it turns them into a masterpiece.  I added my referral link to the site if you click on the name.  I think this is something I'll be using quite often in the future.

Anyway,  no matter how much of a funk I am in or how moody, I can't not smile when I watch this.

Enjoy!

36 week appointment

How far along? 35 - 36 Weeks, depending on if you ask me or the doctor
Total weight gain: 43 lbs.
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? I'll just answer that with a YES
Sleep: We started using a humidifier and have had 2 wonderful nights sleep in a row.  Not sure if it is coincidence or what, but we'll keep using it.
Best moment this week: My appointment
Miss Anything? Wine, beer, Sleeping on my back/stomach, running
Movement: Lots
Food cravings: Anything bad for me
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not these days (knock on wood)
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Just braxton hicks from time to time
Symptoms: who knows, same as labor signs.
Belly Button in or out? Flat
Wedding rings on or off? Engagement ring off, wedding ring on.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Moody, but that does mean I am in a good mood sometimes too. I just think my patience is running thin these days and it's easy to get me upset (truth be told)
Looking forward to: Holding my baby girl and telling her how much I love her in person.

So, I had my strep B group test thing today.  Wasn't bad.  Doctor said baby is measuring over 7 lbs. now.  As we drive home DH asks, "isn't your back hurting?"  I would like to point out how great I must be, because he doesn't KNOW MY BACK HURTS ALL THE TIME! 

Anyway, I'll be getting another growth scan next week to get a more accurate view of her size.  Also got my first internal today.  Doctor said my cervix was still long and closed, but it was thinning.  Who knows what that means.  It means it ain't happening any time soon.

I'm over it and I told the doctor I was miserable.  At least she smiled at me and said it was normal. 

Whatever!  here is a pic of me last week I think.  It is so funny how fast feelings change.  A few days ago I'm fighting a c-section. Today i'm like, I'll take one tomorrow if you're offering!  Unfortunately no one is.

No I don't need words of encouragement either, IT DOESN'T HELP!  

1 more month.  1 more month.  

Treating Myself

Since I always post about the people who say stupid stuff like the older woman who stopped Chris and I in the grocery store and said we were an attractive couple, but that didn't work out so well for Brad and Angelina with their kids so good luck with ours.  HAHAHA!  

I should also post about the nice comments:  Went to 7-11 today and the worker there said, "What's your secret? You can't be 9 months pregnant, you look great"  Mind you he than proceeded to tell me his own wife was pregnant.  I'll take it any way I can get it!

I also wouldn't say that I necessarily "deprive" myself of too much.  I'm a firm believer in if I work hard, I can play hard (sometimes play = shop).  Well, these past 9 months have left me with no clothes or shoe buying for myself as I have no idea what size I am anywhere on my body.  One thing I can splurge on is MAKEUP!  

So today, I decided I should get myself something to make me feel prettier, because it ain't easy being squeezy.  I walked into Sephora and knew exactly where my swollen feet would lead me.....to the promised land.

It was hard to choose between Naked and Naked2, but I think I made the right choice!  Can not wait to try it out!

36 Week appt. tomorrow.  

Is this real life?

Pay no attention to those swollen feet.........Whoa MOMMA!

Literally :)

Birchbox

I sure am blogging a lot these days.  You would think I should be working more and not be so distracted........you would think.

So I did the whole Carabox Exchange thing from Wifessionals and I really liked it.  It was nice getting to know people and getting mail.  It's something I think I may do again, but it's kind of pressure filled.  You want to make sure you get something that the person you don't know likes.

So this month I am doing BIRCHBOX! I love makeup and it's kind of a magazine subscription type thing, but with different makeup samples. Well not just makeup, it can include lotions, perfumes, makeup, etc.

If you want to try it, feel free to click through using my referral....  https://www.birchbox.com?raf=dtf4g

It's only $10 a month, which is cheaper than the $15 I spent on the Carabox and no pressure.  You fill out a little style guide and we'll see.

I'll be sure to show you what I got as soon as it comes in.  Again though, who doesn't love getting actual mail?  I know I do!

*33 Days and Counting until Little M&M makes her appearance into the world.*  

Never Settle

DH and I just got back from our Pediatrician "Meet & Greet".

Before I talk about how great it was I first want to mention that this was not my first choice of pediatricians.  I had sent out a facebook post in my area and asked for recommendations.  I can honestly say I received an overwhelming response for a specific pediatrician.  So naturally that is who I 'picked'.

Most baby websites tell you to meet the pediatrician first and interview them.  While I did not think this was necessary, I decided I might as well.  So I made an appointment...

As I walked in, I honestly didn't get a great feeling.  It smelled kind of weird, was older looking and the "well kid" area and "sick kid" area were separated by nothing but a shelf. The old look of the office didn't actually bother me too much, because places can't always be new.  I remember my pediatrician's office and as far as I can remember, it wasn't spotless and new, but it was welcoming.  I wouldn't call this place welcoming.  Anyway, the nurse finally called me back to the exam room where I met with the doctor.  He was an older gentleman.  He very abruptly asked me if I had any questions and after I said I couldn't think of any at that second, he said he'd give me his "schpeel" (not sure how to spell that).  So he went through everything and it was very rehearsed I guess you could say.  I also didn't like that fact that he really pushed his personal opinions.  Mind you, I WANT the doctor to give me opinions, but these were sentences like "you shouldn't breast feed in front of anyone else".  So to make a long story shorter, I asked a few questions, got my answers and left.

I left and called the DH.  He was out of town that day so couldn't come with me.  My first sentence was "it wasn't what I expected".  I thought to myself, they had gotten so many recommendations, maybe it was me.  He was old school, the place was old school.  What did I expect?  For a few days I decided, it is what it is and I'm going there.

Than a light-bulb went off.  Why am I settling???  This is my baby girl we are talking about here.  Even if this is how all places are, is she not worth looking into it a little bit further?  So instead of taking the advice from strangers, I asked my very good friend who lives in the same neighborhood as me who she uses.  She gave me the name and I made an appointment for the meet and greet.

DH could attend this one and I was very glad, as it's so much easier to have someone to talk about things with and figure if it's just you or something else.  So when we walk in, it's clean, doesn't smell like anything (which is preferable) and the "sick" and "well" areas are separated by a walkway at least. Their meet and greets involve however many people want to come at once, so you aren't alone.  The Doctor was an older female this time.  The whole practice is women and honestly, the fact that I'm having a baby girl makes me feel better that women will be examining her.  (motherly paranoia already).  The doctor didn't have a rehearsed monologue.  She introduced herself and tried to get conversation started with everyone.  This time I was prepared.  The other women probably hated me as I asked ALL THE QUESTIONS, hahaha.  She answered every single one and elaborated with even more information, books that might help in certain situations (like breast feeding and weening) she also mentioned news articles about other topics and just made me feel warm and fuzzy inside.  THAT IS WHAT I WANTED!  That is what I was looking for!

So,  as I will learn more and more, I should never settle.  There are always other options and even though I may consider myself picky sometimes, that is OK!  I'm going to be a new mom soon, if I don't set high standards for baby girl, who will?

:)

I changed my mind

OK,

I changed my mind.  I'm ready.  Get her out!

Did you know my stomach has stretched so much that my nerve endings can't even reach my entire stomach at the top, so it's numb.  Yup, my stomach is NUMB at the top because it's so big.

I felt a divot in my stomach and made Chris look at it to see what it was.........it was a stretch mark.  Just such a deep stretch mark that it felt like someone took a chunk of skin out of my stomach.  TMI?

Braxton Hicks contractions are bitches (excuse my language).  It's completely unfair.  You get excited thinking, Ok, it's getting close, than 4 hours later it's like nothing ever happened.

AND I'M BORED OUT OF MY MIND!  Yes I'm caught up on The Walking Dead, Girls, House of Cards, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Modern Family, EVERY RELEVANT MOVIE, and I've watched more news in the past 2 months than I have in my entire life.

Can't take walks in the pouring rain!  Thanks mother nature!

Being OCD has its downfalls, because her room is 100% completely ready. No clothes to wash, no diapers to put somewhere, no swings/seats/toys to put together (IT'S ALREADY DONE). Maybe I should get started on her baby book?? Oh wait, that's up to date.  Thank you cards are written and sent (personal record for me I think).

"Enjoy it while it lasts" you say?  I did enjoy it.  I've never had this little to do in my life!!!!! I'm normally playing field hockey, kickball, softball, traveling for work, going to different meetings, going out to bars on the weekends and now???  The news, bubble baths (which are relaxing) but I can only relax so much.  I'm not a relaxed person, I'm normally a very go go go person.

I am working on being ok with being late these days.  Trying to prepare myself for the inevitable.  We'll see! I was 4 minutes late to meet my friend Lindsay for dinner last week and 2 minutes late to church on Sunday! Score 2 for me :)

Glad I got that out..............

35 Weeks

Don't think it's going to happen anytime soon, although I wouldn't be upset if labor did start at any moment........just sayin.

Chris and I went on a nice walk yesterday.  The 64 degree weather made it pretty easy.  I'm hoping we can take advantage again today.  I'm not getting much sleep, but I'm not feeling too run down either, so I guess it's ok.  I get up about 3 times a night to pee. I wake up probably 4-5 times a night.  When I look at the clock, I normally see 12:00am, 2:30am, 4:00am most of the times.

How far along? 35 Weeks
Total weight gain: About 40 lbs.
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? I'll just answer that with a YES
Sleep: EH
Best moment this week: Taking 2 naps on Sunday
Miss Anything? Hot Baths, Wine, Sleeping on my back/stomach, running
Movement: Lots
Food cravings: Salted Caramel Pie!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not these days (knock on wood)
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Not unless you count lots of braxton hicks and the fact she has dropped very low.
Symptoms: who knows, same as labor signs.
Belly Button in or out? Flat
Wedding rings on or off? On, but it gets pretty tight.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Moody, but that does mean I am in a good mood sometimes too. I just think my patience is running thin these days and it's easy to get me upset (truth be told)
Looking forward to: Holding my baby girl and telling her how much I love her in person.

I also sat in Emma's room the other night and read her almost every book she received from her baby shower.  My favorite one so far is about a kiss in the palm of your hand.  I forget what it's called, but it is a very cute story.

Everything is ready to go.  I even have a list to tell Chris if I go into labor at work for things for him to bring.  I don't think i'll be needing it for a few weeks, but I can always hope.

Until Next time...

Interesting Thoughts

So I guess I should do my 34 week update really quick....

How far along? 34 Weeks
Total weight gain: If I'm being honest, about 40 lbs. I think I forget where I started, hahaha.
Maternity clothes? Yes Please, they are even getting a little tight....
Stretch marks? I'll just answer that with a YES
Sleep: Pretty good most nights this week, although last night was another toss and turn kind of night.
Best moment this week: BABY SHOWER!
Miss Anything? Hot Baths, Wine, Sleeping on my back/stomach, running
Movement: Lots
Food cravings: I was craving Spaghetti with Meat Sauce last night. We made it and it was DELICIOUS!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not these days (knock on wood)
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Not unless you count lots of braxton hicks and the fact she has dropped very low.
Symptoms: who knows, same as labor signs.
Belly Button in or out? I'll go with flat. Looks like it may be popping out one of these days.
Wedding rings on or off? On, but if I'm in a hot room, or just get hot, it gets pretty tight.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy
Looking forward to: Holding my baby girl and telling her how much I love her in person.

Now that that is done, as I was saying, I was laying in bed the other night and it dawned on me.  I'm laying in bed at 5:30 am and I can just lay there is silence and not move, even though I wish I was sleeping.  Why am I wishing this baby girl out so bad?  I think I need to enjoy my last few weeks of peace and quiet.  I need to enjoy the freedom of leaving the house any second of the day that I want and going anywhere I want.

Officially that is my new mantra, unfortunately I thought of this at week 34, hahaha!  So tonight I have dinner plans with Lindsay K. :)  Excited for that.  This weekend I'm going to try and get Chris to go out and maybe I'll tag along or maybe I'll just go pick him up later.  We need to enjoy these days!!!!  The house is cleaned, her room is ready,  bath stuff is all together ready for her to enjoy (after Grammy Smith shows me how to bathe someone) hahaha!

I have everything set up (Pack n Play, Stroller, Crib, Swing, Bouncy Chair), Books are organized and ready to read (I actually read one yesterday as I sat in the glider daydreaming).  Clothes are washed, blankets are washed and ready for swaddling.  Breast Pump stuff is sterilized! Hospital Bag is packed (over packed).  Second car seat base is in the mail. It's time to relax. Time to enjoy the quiet and snuggle with William and DH, because soon enough, William will be thrown to the wayside, hahaha! Poor William!

Chris and I also just went to Let's Dish, so freezer has about 20 meals in it, ready to make after baby comes.  Some sound DELISH, there are a few though that should be interesting.  Let's just say 1 involves maple syrup and mayo - I'll try and review each one, but no promises.  We did it once before and I'm pretty sure I liked them all!

Anyway,  that's all for now!

Nursery Update

So after the baby shower, lots of new stuff for the baby's room.

Here are some updated pics.....

It was an interesting debate how to put the letters around the mirror.  Do we do it so they are going clock wise? Then some look like they are backwards....  Do we make them all go forwards??  This is what we chose.  I think it looks pretty good!

Her bedding.  I LOVEEEEEE IT! Just waiting on the mobile, which should be arriving in the mail any day now :)

New lamp and changing table.  Attaching those things to a dresser isn't the easiest thing.  Good thing I have a very handy hubby :)

I should have taken some closet pics too.  She has tons of awesome clothes too and 7 pairs of shoes thanks to Grammy Smith!!! :)  She is taking after her mother already.

I also ventured into breast pump territory last night.  Took everything apart, put it together, sterilized what needed to be sterilized (i think).  I need to read those directions!!!!  This in turn led to me having a nightmare about pumping out loads of chunky milk and having my boobs bitten off while breast feeding.  (TMI I know, but whatever)

34 week appointment day!  I'll have updates afterwards......

It's getting closer!

Sooooooo, just had my baby shower on Saturday.  It was PERFECT, WONDERFUL & AWESOME! My mom and my sister threw it.  Mind you, my sister is already 6 months preggo, and has a 1 year old, so how she has the energy, I don't know. Here we are:

Seems to me there is a big of a size discrepancy! She looks awesome and I look huge.  I guess that is what 2 extra months of baby does to you!  I feel like just yesterday we were planning her baby shower for Savy..

OMG, look how different I look! hahaha. I actually have a neck! Don't worry, I'll get back there someday.  So I have pics with my best friends with all of us when each of us are preggo! I finally got my pic on Saturday...

me

Lin

Briana - (baby #2) (she is preggo with #4 at the moment!)

I know I have one of Stef, but can't find it at the moment :)

Anyway,  All my family (Smith Side, Krupansky Side, Moher Side) were there and my friends.  It was so nice to have everyone together.  It took some self control not to start crying every 5 minutes, just because I was so happy!!

We got everything we needed for Emma.  It's actually been kind of nice at work, because I don't have the option of putting stuff together! I've been wearing myself out putting EVERYTHING away and in its place these past 2 days.  I just love it.  She has her swing, bouncer, pack n. play, stroller, etc.  All of her bedding/clothes/blankets.....I think I've washed enough to start. We'll see where it goes.  Chris and I even bought our first box (yes I said BOX) of diapers yesterday.  I have the whole diaper hanging thing filled, but I figured I'd wait on putting things in the pack n play and stuff as to not give William (the cat) any temptations to play with anything.  I've been wondering how he is going to handle all the big changes.  As far as I have seen, he hasn't jumped in anything yet, except the bassinet once.  I think it freaked him out though, because instead of laying down, like he always does, he jumped right out.  Fortunately we've already trained him not to sleep in our room (he has his own sleep spot in the hallway), so it shouldn't be a problem when baby comes. (crossing my fingers).

I can't believe on 6 weeks to go, MAX! I still haven't packed my hospital bag, I'm going to try and do that tonight.  I've definitely been having lots of Braxton Hicks contractions and I don't think she can move any lower in my belly.  I still have a lot to do before she gets here. Part of me is ready for her to come RIGHT NOW, but I could use another week or 2 of getting ready.  We have our Let's Dish session on Thursday and I still have to reclean everything now that I put all this crap together and got little pieces of cardboard/paper/trash/clothing tags everywhere. Chris has been amazing. I know he doesn't WANT to keep putting everything together, but he does it for me :). I've even been getting more frequent back rubs, I must look like I need them pretty bad, hahahaha!

It's definitely harder to walk for a long period of time. I can not wait to feel a little more normal again when baby comes out, but again, I know that will take a while too.

Birthing class is on the 16th. Another appointment I'd like to keep, as Chris and I still have no idea what we are doing. :)

Anyway, this may have been an "all over the place" post, but that's the way my mind is working these days.  I have an appt. tomorrow, so we'll see what updates doctor has.

Until next time........