Pregnancy: 38 Week Update

How far along?: 38 Weeks

Size of baby: We're guessing in the 8lb range. Total guess.

Weight gain: Does it really matter? I'm going to say no.

Movement: A lot of times it feels like Aunt Bethany's cat is in my belly. You know, from Christmas Vacation?

When he isn't spazzing the H out, it feels like he's a yogi.

Symptoms: They've become quite unpleasant. As in, I'm wearing padsicles now....because there are "things" going on "down there" that are just plain unpleasant. Thankful I had two bags of padsicles made already. Because I am really darn uncomfortable.

I sleep alright from about 10pm-3am (with potty breaks) and then I toss and turn for a while. I get up and stretch at 4am on my ball. Many mornings I can't fall back asleep. Luckily, I've been able to catch some great, long naps lately while LW takes his naps. Lots of time outside with him is helping me stay busy and active and helps him need long naps :) Win/win.

Cravings: Ice cream. A lot of it.

Looking forward to: We've scheduled induction for the evening of 6/7. So if he doesn't come before then, there is a good possibility his birthday will be 6/8. I am really really looking forward to meeting him.

So many people have said, "Enjoy this time with LW!" and "Enjoy these last days of pregnancy!" and "Life with just one child is so much easier!!! Enjoy it while you can!!" And with all due respect, I'd like to say something:

When I got pregnant, it was on purpose. The purpose was to have another child. So, can I just be excited to meet him? Can I look forward to nursing him? Can I be happy that our family is about to grow? I'm not a dipstick. I know it's going to come with challenges....but, eh....I signed up for that. 

Can I be honest and just say I'm sick of being pregnant? Pregnancy is beautiful and wonderful for a lot of people. For me, it is from about week 13 through week 32. And that's all. I gain wait like a farm animal and feel worse than a canned ham. My body at the end of pregnancy feels like the worst. I've had my fun. Fun is over. Fork lift me out of here and into the delivery room, please.

Generally speaking, I am a very positive person. I try to live in the moment. "Enjoy the journey." Whatever. I'm ready for the next road in this journey. The one that ends in a baby on my breast.

Things I can't stop thinking about: Seeing LW as a big brother <3 My heart swells just thinking about it. I think he's going to love Mo so much. He's going to be the best brother ever.

Oh, and I can't stop thinking about the fact that by a week from today, I will have another baby. Hopefully sooner than a week from today. Hopefully like, tomorrow.

Side note on induction: I was undecided about the induction because LW was born at 38w5d but when he was born we realized he was "older" than we had calculated. I felt guilty thinking we were "forcing" Mo out before he's ready, but the other side of me knows that my physical and mental strength is only getting worse the longer I am pregnant.

My midwife was willing to let me go beyond 40 weeks with Mo to see if he'd come on his own, but we opted to split the difference. He will cook for 39w3d before we induce which gives me mental relief knowing there is an end date. Physical relief from carrying him and still giving him a shot to "cook" for an appropriate amount of time. She says she is confident the induction will lead to a successful vaginal delivery, which is another important thing to me. I feel like this is a great compromise all-around. However, we all would love for Mo to come on his own before we need to take that step on Sunday evening.

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Guest Post: A Natural Birth Story

Two of my friends delivered their babies naturally this week and one was willing to share her birth story. I don't know about you, but birth stories are the most inspiring thing ever to me!!! Especially natural births. These moms are truly warriors. Enjoy! 

I woke up around 6:30 am feeling fairly rested compared to nights past.  No one else was up, so I went to the bathroom and felt the need to pull myself together (I.e. oil pull, brush teeth, hair, wash face, etc.)  

I had been having contractions on/off for a week now with bloody show and overactive bowels so I had added deep squats to my morning routine to try and entice him down.  I put in an extra effort that morning.  This pregnancy hurt and I could tell babe was bigger than I had hoped.  

Everyday I told him I can't wait to meet him.  That morning everything felt different.   LO1 woke up and I brought him out to the family room recliner for his morning milkies.  Cosmo (the dog) came to join us and snuggle between my legs right next to LO1.  I made sure to give extra love and attention to both as I had this feeling that moment may not last.  

Sure enough, as LO1 switched sides, I felt a pop low in my uterus, and whoosh!  There goes my water.  I yelled to Hubs who was sleeping in (lucky guy! It was 8 am) to hurry and bring me towels.  

As he raced to the linen closet, LO1 climbed down and followed.   He brought me his box of Jake bandaids for Mommy's boo-boo and dumped out the box on the floor in front of me.   

I called the Dr's office and waited for a call back, called my aunt to come stay with LO1 since she's closest,  changed the sheets on our bed so Hubs's mom could sleep comfortably as she would be staying with him, and made sure I had enough towels between my legs as this gushing kept flowing!  

Slight contractions started around 9:15 shortly after my aunt arrived.   Everything seemed to work out perfectly (except for our poor recliner!).  20 minutes to the hospital in the pouring rain.  

Checked into labor and delivery at 9:50 am.  They brought me to my requested tub room. I was checked (5cm), baby monitored,  iv set up, then took off for the halls.   

The first lap, I had one easy contraction.  The next was two. The next the two I had lasted a minute two minutes apart.  They needed to start the antibiotics for GBS+, so we headed back to the room and I climbed in bed.  

I refused to labor in bed with LO1 as the contractions were so bad in bed.  What I didn't realize back then is that's a good thing.  This time, I sat up in a position to press hard on my cervix.  I was able to push myself up with the bed rails to make it through each one (these guns are aching today!)  

Once they let me out of bed at 6.5 cm I realized my dream of laboring in the tub would stunt this progress so Hubs and I took to the halls again. 

Another hour, another 2 cm. 

That last half hour was absolutely horrific. I was standing next to the bed choking Hubs with my right arm and pushing on the bed layered with pillows with my left.  Contractions came every two minutes still lasting a minute.   Every time one that came, I started doing calf raises to try to ignore the pain...ha..ha.... in between the nurse suggested to sway my hips to get him to shimmy on down.  

By the time I felt like pushing the doctor had been ready with his boots on, I must have been pretty loud. Hubs had been fanning me as I was getting super hot and remembering my breathing, not just sounds, was getting difficult.  That felt amazing.  

I got in bed and while the idea of stirrups and laboring on my back freaked me out (I refused both ideas with LO1 - then I was an acrobat), I figured I'd give it a go.  

Even though I didn't have an epidural the first time, I didn't figure out how to push then either. LO1 Came out after 45 minutes.  After the past 3 weeks of fully emptying my bowels several times a day, I finally understand what it meant to push a baby out (poop him out!!).  No I did not poop on the table, but those 10 minutes of pushing that baby out felt like an eternity!  Ring of fire lasted that entire 10 minutes.   Dr offered to snip and I said no way, so instead he stretched the skin around the baby. Holy hell!!! 

This kid is built like a linebacker with very broad shoulders. His head was nothing.  Waiting for the next contraction to push was horrific.  Hearing that little cry (1:14 pm) and feeling his goobery body plopped on my chest really did make me forget the previous 10 minutes especially as the doc was tugging for the placenta then shooting me with lidocaine for stitches (2nd degree tearing and nothing compared to the first).  

Baby refused to feed in the beginning,  so I passed him on for vital checks and got my stitches and cleaned up.  Apparently that table was super clean and the nurses joked I should teach a class on natural child birth – which at the time, all I could do was chuckle because I was so sore and exhausted I thought they were just blowing smoke up my you know what.

Baby finally nursed for about 20 minutes on each side, then I got the nurses to move us early to our Mother Baby room as I was starving!  After eating, I was up hobbling around and felt absolutely amazing. Thighs were extremely sore (apparently a good sign in labor that baby's head is engaged with your cervix) still but I just lost 20 lbs and felt like I was walking on water.  

Today is a different story as I'm feeling drained and very sore all over.  Uterus is larger the second time so contractions to shrink it are harder to deal with, and the mommy diapers are oh-so glamorous, you know. 

Last time was the best I could have hoped for (10 hours natural 7 of that in the hospital). This time is the best I could have hoped for (5 hours natural 3 1/2 of that in the hospital). Next time, I hope to not have the baby in the car on the way to the hospital.  

I'm so happy I was able to do it naturally.  My mindset was where it needed to be.  I kept telling myself that my body is made for this and I kept envisioning my mom.  The past few weeks really wore me down and made me question myself and what I wanted. Adrenaline + visualization.  It's not a perfect combination that works every time, but it worked for me this time, and it makes me believe in myself more for next time....but I seriously recommend the stool softener they offer... 

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Pregnancy: 29 Week Update

How far along? 29 Weeks

Size of Baby:  Butternut squash. Is it just me, or is that like....THE SIZE OF A REAL BABY.  

Weight Gain: Haven't checked since 26 weeks. Another week and I'll find out the damage this month. 

Nursery: Well, one of the items on my Someday List was to clean out LW's closet, and I did that this week! All newborn-y items were moved over to Mo's closet. I haven't started the dresser yet so things are a little bit disorganized since I don't have anywhere to put his clothes other than on shelves in the closet. 

Over Christmas we purchased blinds for Mo and LW's rooms but unfortunately they won't work for Mo's room. One has broken from LW's room and one in Mo's room clicks...which will not do. So next weekend Hubs will be tasked with taking the two broken blinds down and installing the one good blind from Mo's room into LW's room. I'll return the two broken blinds and use the store credit to find an alternative for Mo's room. The blinds we bought were on clearance because the store was going to discontinue them. While I am there I may find some curtain rods with a few coupons as well so we can get all of the window treatments up and ready. 

Also, WE SOLD OUR HOUSE! Pending a few final details, we will be able to begin moving our furniture over in the next few weeks. That means LW will get the twin bed that has been staging the old house....and it means we will be setting the crib up for Mo :) 

Movement: Hubs thinks because I am so relaxed now being a SAHM that Mo is finally able to be his "true self" which is a WILD MAN! Here I hoped we would get one docile little nugget baby and it's proving not to be true lately based on his actions inside me! He's just bopping all over in there all the time lately. It's kind of fun...but kind of nauseating. 

Symptoms: HEARTBURN!?!?! First time in my life yesterday I had heartburn for hours. What. The. Heck! Of course, I'm cheap and bought the generic brand TUMS to have in the house and they are AWFUL. I ate them all night long when I got up to use the bathroom and my mouth still tastes like chalk. Note to self: Buy the real thing to have on hand. The really good smoothies kind. Because these Costco ones are the worst. (Sorry Costco. Still love you otherwise.) 

My belly band made me feel sick to my stomach yesterday and as soon as I took it off, I felt better. I concluded that I have outgrown it (already) so I just ordered a replacement using Amazon points today. It's not the same brand, but it's the same style - wide back brace/under belly support/over belly support. And it was less than half of the cost of the original. Should have bought this from day 1! 

I'm also swelling a lot lately. Today I made a conscious effort to spend the late afternoon/evening drinking A LOT of water, using the bathroom every time I got the slightest urge and snacking on fruit. My wedding rings have gone from, "I may need to take these off for the rest of the pregnancy" to, "I can't even tell I'm pregnant based on my hands". That's significant! I must drink more water and put my feet up more frequently. Must, must!!!

Cravings: Nothing really this week! Lemonade give me mild heartburn so I haven't really been drinking that and cinnamon rolls just aren't front-of-mind. Nothing is screaming "EAT THIS NOW!" to me this week, which is nice! If I eat too much, I get heartburn too so I am trying to just snack a lot on healthy stuff instead of have "meals". Meals make me feel gross. 

Looking forward to: Meeting our sweet little Mo. I can't wait to see what he looks like. 

Things I can't stop thinking about: The nursery! I am excited to be making strides. We have budgeted and couponed so well that we haven't spent more than a few dollars total on all of the items we need for him from the registry. Items like window treatments will be more expensive, but thankfully the savings from purchasing the other items with Amazon rewards points and Kohl's coupons/Kohl's cash or Jamberry earnings will allow us to buy those other necessary items with ease. It took some serious planning and patience, but was completely worth it!!!! 

By my calculations we have three more weeks of purchasing items from the registry and we're done (at $25/week). Should have just been two after today's purchase (a stroller lock!), but last night LW's humidifier died so he had to take Mo's. Thankfully we have 10ish more weeks before we NEED any of the remaining items. 

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Someday List

My first few days as a SAHM were pretty surreal. The weather in Chicago went from winter to spring overnight, the air smelled cleaner, the house seemed bigger...everything really felt ideal.

And then reality hit.

Kidding, but really, there were a few days of "honeymoon" period where LW and I did everything and went everywhere and now things are settling into a nice little routine for us.

Every morning, we start by having breakfast together, followed by him watching some Daniel Tiger while I do the breakfast dishes and dinner dishes from the previous evening. Then I head upstairs to sneak a shower while he's still enthralled in Daniel. Around 9:30-10:00am we head to an open gym, library or friend's house many days during the week to blow off a little steam. He falls asleep on the way home, takes a solid nap and that's when I can do as I wish.

This is the "golden" time, as all moms know and understand. Nap time is the one quiet, blissful, beautiful time during the day where we can eat candy bars without hiding behind the pantry door or do our nails without also being a jungle gym.

Every day I have a list of things I plan to accomplish. I love having lists - even if I put things on it just to cross them off. I feel so accomplished watching my list dwindle.

In addition to my "Daily Chores" list, I now keep a "Someday List". This list is full of those tedious, seemingly impossible, challenge-packed tasks that when you realize they need to be done you chuckle to yourself and say "Someday". Someday. As in....never. Me telling myself "Someday" might as well be me telling myself "No chance in Hell I will ever actually do that".

WELL, I've actually started the list. AND I plan on doing the items that are on it! Because....if an item is on my list, I mean business. If I share mine...will you share yours?

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Look Up!

Well our month of giveaways + 1 bonus is over and I now have a 1 year old boy. Where does the time go?

Some days I feel like I've accomplished nothing, then I'm still so exhausted by night that the instant Billy goes to bed I sit on the couch like a lump and read my phone. I don't even think anything interesting is shared, but I lay there and stare.

This video has gone viral, and it's very clear to see why. I promise it's worth the 5 minutes of your time.


I say over and over and over again, "I need to be less dependent on my phone. I need Billy to realize there is more to life than life through screens"

Since the weather here has finally become enjoyable I try every evening after work to go outside and enjoy the yard with Billy and Princess. I walk with neighbors and try to have everyone over as often as possible to escape the world of screens.

I think I will start leaving my phone tucked away at night after Billy goes to bed and take out my Kindle instead. Still a screen, but at least my brain will be put to good use rather than reading mush in my feeds. (I do that enough all day!) The nights I have the energy, I will do something crafty and creative with my hands like make cards or sew. Doesn't that sound like more fun than scrolling through your news feed?

How could you start to "look up" and put your brain to good use?

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Mom Style Inspiration

Well you wouldn't know it by looking at me right now because I am in bedroom slippers, leggings and an oversized turtleneck...but I love fashion.

Since I've had Billy I feel I get too stuck in the same jeans and tee rut or leggings and sweater if I'm staying in. To help when I get dressed now, I've started this Pinterest board full of outfits made of items I own or plan to acquire.

Here are some of my faves!

My dear friend over at Feeling Good Style has inspired me to take another look at printed and colored pants. Maybe this spring I will acquire a pair like this for my wardrobe:

Ripped jeans are back? I love the trend, but you won't catch me dropping $100 at Hollister for them the way I did as a teen. I just picked up a sweet pair of well-loved looking jean crops at Gap this weekend for $29. Maybe I can wear them while recreating a lovely ensemble like this: 

I love using hot, trendy items with timeless classics. For church on Sunday I paired my classic riding-style cognac boots and denim jacket with mint jeans and a flowy blouse from Kohl's (my new favorite store). I felt pretty fresh and fabulous in this outfit!

A chambray oxford is part of my closet, but I struggle to find outfits to pair it with. Something like this is right up my alley. Comfortable with a splash of trend.

It's hard for me to plan for spring style when it just isn't getting any warmer here in Chicagoland but know that I have a whole line of new tops just itching to bust out of my closet when the sun decides to shine! Meanwhile, I may snuggle into my bedroom slippers a little longer.

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Checking In: Lent

Last week I shared my thoughts on Lent and I wanted to check in to tell you how it's going...

(via)

Did you know you're healthier when you're happy? And thinner? And better looking?!? OKAY, I can't actually guarantee that any one of those is true, but since I have decided to embrace happiness and love and abolish anger I have turned a corner.

I feel healthier. I crave healthier foods. I rock cute clothes every day, even when I am just sitting in my office pecking away at the computer for the entire day. I feel like a total hot mama. I have more energy (but not until after 10am, if I'm being honest).

Apparently, I hadn't realized that negativity had crept it's way into my brain and made a cozy little home. My attitude was becoming much more "half empty" than "half full".

I will admit, less gets done at home when I don't stress about what to do next. I have been doing much less laundry, and our bathrooms are starting to weep because I haven't cleaned them. But do you know who cares? NOT ME!  And it feels spectacular.

I am still cooking almost every night and I've pushed Billy's bedtime back to 7:30 because it gives me more time to relax and do some house work while he can spend quality time with Hubs. Win/Win!!

I did have an "episode" (read: meltdown) on Tuesday because Billy NEEDED to pull my new floor lamp on top of himself and nearly break it. It was resolved by him taking a nap, me emailing Hubs to vent, and much deep breathing.

Seeing the silver lining again sure is fun.

What do you do to keep a smile on? 

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Guest Post: What Important Moments Are We Missing Because of Technology?

Today a post very near and dear to my heart is being shared by a guest blogger, Naomi Shaw. Being a work at home mom I am always struggling between getting work done and paying attention to Billy. This post reminds me how important it is to be fully "present" for my son. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! 
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What Important Moments Are We Missing Because of Technology?

With the whole world online and so many virtual distractions beeping and buzzing for your attention, it can be too easy to miss out on the seemingly small, yet important moments of your child’s life. Here are a few pointers for enjoying their life and yours, even in this crazy world of technology.

Image courtesy of shutterstock.com

The following words of advice should encourage you to...

Connect with the people most precious to you.

Show your children that they matter to you.

Create beautiful memories without distraction.

Catch every opportunity for a real connection or learning breakthrough. 

Regret less and cherish more.

Don’t be that parent.

Your kids are outside and they’re playing catch, yelling for you to join them. You’re inside on your iPad playing an app game you just downloaded. Where are your priorities? 

Don’t be that parent that shuns their child away because they’re too busy playing a game, sending an email, or messaging with someone else on their device.

You’re showing your kids that your device is more important to you than spending time with them.

Your children are learning from you with each passing moment. Don’t teach them to ignore their friends and family for an online game.

When you’re engaged with them…

You and your child are playing cards on the kitchen table. Your phone buzzes with a text. You stop the game to see who’s trying to reach you. Your child watches you respond while he waits longingly for your attention.

Make sure your phone is off or stashed away in a place you can’t hear it, especially if you’re engaged in an activity with your children.

You’re teaching your children that they’re not worth your undivided attention when you let your phone distract you.

 Image courtesy of shutterstock.com

When you’re supporting them…

You’re at their soccer game and you hear other parents cheering all around you. You look up from your phone to realize your daughter just scored the first goal. 

Turn your phone off during the game. If your child looks to the sidelines for support and sees that you’re not even watching, their disappointment can have detrimental effects.

Make sure to be fully focused during the entire game. Don’t assume your child can’t tell you’re only looking up periodically from your device.

When you’re out and about…

You’re at the zoo and your children are trying to grab your hands, trying to get you to look at the tiger behind the glass. You’re on your phone, responding to an email from work. 

Your children watch the tiger…and the other moms engaging with their children. They’re envious of those children, hoping that you could be more like their moms.

Put your phone away and be present. What’s more fascinating than your child seeing a tiger for the first time? 

Just in case these topics have yet to hit home, then read this email from one caregiver to another. This Hands Free Mama received the following message in her inbox upon revealing her own confessions of missing out on the lives of her children.

“I can recall a time when you were out with your children you were really with them. You engaged in a back and forth dialog even if they were pre-verbal. You said, ‘Look at the bus, see the doggie, etc.’ Now I see you on the phone, pushing your kids on the swings while distracted by your devices. You think you are spending time with them but you are not present really. When I see you pick up your kids at daycare while you’re on the phone, it breaks my heart. They hear your adult conversations. What do they overhear? What is the message they receive? I am not important; I am not important.”

As a parent, it’s your duty to be mentally and physically present for your kids. Put your devices away for their sake and yours. 

Naomi Shaw is a stay-at-home mom in southern California. After being a stay-at-home mom for seven years she works as a full-time freelance writer. Naomi frequently collaborates with CandyConcepts. She enjoys blogging about mommy tips and DIY crafts providing insight, advice and more! She hopes you enjoy this article.

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New Year: Better Me

My resolution last year was to keep things the way they were. I finally felt like I had come into myself and loved where my life was. I feel like I did an ok job keeping that resolution the first half of the year, but the second half (READ: WHEN I BECAME A MOM), I stopped thinking of myself and only thought of my son.

Not a bad thing! Until I started questioning who I was and what I stood for.

This year, my resolution is to be better to myself. That's all.

I am starting the year off right thanks to a Christmas gift from Hubs: I get a free latte every day the whole month of January with my sweet tumbler.

This way, every day I have to take 10 minutes to myself. I have to get out of the house, breathe a little fresh air, and enjoy a beautifully free caffeinated beverage. All for me.

Other "me" indulgences I plan to enjoy this year are weekly yoga classes with a friend, mani/pedis as often as I can afford them, and maybe (big maybe) I'll get back on a horse this year. A friend suggested I start trying to ride once a month, then bump it up to every other week, then to once a week if it fits in my schedule.

I have learned the best way for me to be a better mom and be a better version of myself is to take a little time away from my boy. I love him with every ounce of myself, but I appreciate him even more when I step away from home for a few minutes or hours every so often and come back to him.

I hope these things will aid me in being a better wife as well. I tend to be pretty old-fashioned in my view of "wife" – I like cooking, cleaning, caring for our child. However, the reality is that I work full time and I just can't do everything myself. Being better to myself and taking breaks will help me with that little bit called "patience" that so often gets lost in marriage.

What will you do this year to be better? 

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Sweetest Day

On Saturday I had no idea that it was Sweetest Day, but the day turned out really darn sweet!!

A friend's parents recently moved into a new home and replaced their white appliances with stainless steel. They asked if we would be interested in buying the used white appliances from them (at a steal) and we gladly agreed.

Saturday afternoon Bill rented a trailer and headed out to their home to pick up our shiny, white appliances. If you don't remember, this was our kitchen before:

and NOW...

*I thought about cleaning up my kitchen a little bit to show you the new appliances, but then I realized that's not the real me. We're messy. And we have more stuff than space. And that's just real life for us :) 

The difference is huge - in more ways than one. Our old stove only had one and a half functioning burners...As in, the back left wouldn't light, the front left was just a little halfsie burner, the back right was too tucked in to actually use next to the pantry and under the convection oven, which left the front right burner to be the only real burner I could cook on.

The fridge has water and ice available in the door, so in a few weeks Hubs will hook that up and we will really be in business!! If you look closely at the before and after fridge photos you'll see that the new fridge is WAY BIGGER!!! There is so much space, we have an entire drawer devoted only to leftovers. It is like a dream come true. Our old fridge worked just fine for us, but this new one is even better!

Having 4 functioning and accessible burners is ground breaking for me. Yes, I am out one convection oven, but I'll happily take this in trade. Our next goal is to find a microwave for over the stove (and paint that little hiccup on the wall) which will free up MORE counter space!

I was so inspired by our new appliances I cooked a super meal Saturday and said it was for my appliance-installing sweeties (Hubs and his pal who the appliances were from).

I made a roasted boneless leg of lamb, rosemary and roasted garlic mashed potatoes, roasted cauliflower (our current family obsession - break cauli into rosettes and spread onto a sheet. Drizzle w/ olive oil and lemon juice, then heavily sprinkle w/ sea salt and bake @350º for 35 min or until tender w/ brown edges. You're welcome. Mind = blown.)

For dessert I made Hubs' all-time favorite: Caramel Apple Cake. It's pretty much insane.

Now...what will I do with all the leftover leg of lamb?! Anyone have an idea??

Meanwhile, enjoy this adorable photo of Billy:

Happy Monday!!! I hope you and your sweetie(s) had a great weekend!!

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Billy 4 Month Update

LOOK AT THIS GUY!

When he sees Princess, he smiles and reaches out to pet her. It is the.cutest.thing.EVERRRR. Ever. (And I hate that the photo of it is out of focus! BOO camera not working with me fast enough!)

Much longer this month - 26.25"! However, when the tech put him on the scale she goes, "He's 13lb even." and I said, "I'm sorry, that is impossible. I weighed him 3 weeks ago and he was 14lb 4oz." so she fiddles with the scale and says, "Oh, yep! 14lb 4oz." ...so I'm a little sketchy on his ACTUAL weight.

Hearing that he dropped into the 25% for weight caused all kinds of bad mom thoughts to fill my brain, which naturally lead to a meltdown. I started thinking my supply was diminishing and our nursing journey would be over entirely too soon.

My goal is to nurse Billy at least one year - longer if he wants to.

Thankfully, the support of my mom friends and Kellymom.com reassured me that my supply is fine. Billy's wet and dirty diapers have not changed, and he's a happy little dude so there's no reason to think he's starving! He's still 80% for length, so he is growing somewhere, just not wider! Which is okay. My ped also agreed he is healthy as can be, no need to worry.

We will continue EBF until his next appointment at 6 months, where we will discuss the next step: solids! I would like to try Baby Led Weaning with him, but may start with oatmeal per my pediatrician's recommendation.

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Planning for Mommy Time

Over the weekend we were blessed with not just one, but TWO incredible showers!!!

One was hosted by my amazing mother in law:

And the other thrown by "the youth" of our church, AKA our amazing Christian Ed Staff.

Seeing all the tiny (and not so tiny!) gadgets and gizmos we can spoil Billy with helped remind Hubs and I that we are very blessed, and our son will be here before we know it!

Since Hubs will only be able to stay home with me for the first week of my leave, I want to plan ahead and get some breakfasts and lunches ready for myself, so I'm not going hungry (like I ever would). Hubs will be home for dinner and with the garden, a deep freezer full of meat and a new grill, we should be set in that department!

So far I have these items planned to prep and freeze in advance or stock up on:

• Oatmeal Banana Muffins - I know I've written about how they kind of taste like air in the past, but the more I eat them, the more I like them. They're beautifully satisfying when I have a baked good craving and I think they'll come in handy while I'm nursing B. 
• Frozen fruit for smoothies - I keep berries, pineapple and juice on hand at all times so I can toss them all in a mason jar and have a smoothie in no time! 
• Whole wheat bread 
• Lunch meat/cheese
• Oatmeal Energy Bites - These are a favorite in our house and I'm sure the first few weeks (months?! forever?!) I will be too drained to do that much stirring and rolling and baking, so I better make a few batches to have on hand for Hubs and I.
• BBQ Turkey Meatballs - I LOVE having these around to snack on. I just mix up ground turkey with bread crumbs, an egg, BBQ sauce, onion powder and garlic salt. Super simple, takes a few minutes to roll them all up and bake them for 15 minutes. They are an awesome protein boost and make a great, snackable lunch when I'm busy/running around. Finger food is my friend. 
• Pancakes - My mom gave us a biiiiig bag of Krusteaz Buttermilk Pancake Mix so I will utilize that and make a bunch of cakes to freeze and have for breakfast! 
• Breakfast sandwiches - Are you noticing a theme? Breakfast is my favorite and not knowing what I will have for breakfast sends me into a panic, so I will be sure to stock up on breakfast sandwiches at Costco because once a week I like to "treat" myself to a sausage, egg and cheese sammy :) Who says Mamas can't have treats?!
• Oatmeal - just bought a BIG box from Costco yesterday! I'm set. 
• Mac & cheese - I'm only human, guys. 

Am I missing anything? I'd love to hear from experienced Mamas – what snacks and meals came in handy when you were home alone, taking care of a newborn?

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Back To Reality

I am back to reality (work!) today and I have to say, the adjustment wasn't as tricky as I thought it would be.

I forced myself to stay awake yesterday without a nap (miracle!) and fell asleep at 10pm on the nose, so the 6:30 wake up wasn't too hard on me.

Part of being back to reality started yesterday when Hubs and I did the final house sweep to take down Christmas and stow it away for another year.

Every year when I clean up from the (live) Christmas tree I think, "This is the last year I am doing this" because the little pine needles are everywhere for MONTHS. They just keep appearing!

In our new home, we have ivory carpeting everywhere, so every time I find a pesky little needle I whip out the Dyson and attack with a vengeance.

It's bittersweet having the holidays come to a close but I have to say this has been the nicest holiday season I can remember because Bill and I spent it exactly the way we wanted to: together, on our own terms.

A few years ago our holidays were together, but somewhat stressed because he was out of work, and last year we were newlyweds trying to accomplish too many things in too little time to prep our condo for the market.

This year was just right. Lots of time together, in our home, with our dog. We made memories this year we will never forget, the biggest being that we learned a little BOY is joining us in May.

With a New Year I usually have new goals and new expectations, but I think I've finally found the balance of happy, healthy and overall great. I feel wonderful (albeit more enormous every day...) physically and mentally, so my goal for the year is to continue on this path. I want to continue to be happy and healthy and bring a happy, healthy little boy into the world!

Of course, being a homeowner my job decorating has only just begun. This year we plan to (seriously) redesign our master bedroom and when that project is finished, I think I'd like to paint our kitchen.

via

I LOVE our kitchen – it's the first part of our house that felt like "home" to me. I love spending time baking and cooking in there and I feel like even though the layout and counter space isn't ideal for the type of cooking we do, it's amazing for now and the last little push it needs for the next few years is a fresh, fun coat of paint. I'm thinking a light, airy french blue like the photo above, what do you think? 

This is our current kitchen:

What projects do you have in mind for the New Year?

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