My Last Bumpdate. 38 Weeks and 1 Week Post Partum

December 11, 2013

December 20, 2013

 How far along?

I am no longer pregnant, YAY!!!  I am one week and one day  postpartum. {written Friday.}

Total weight gain?

38 weeks - Gained that pound I lost back, so we are back to 19 lbs.  Although I feel as though I have gained 100++
Post - I checked the scale today, specifically for this post, and I was 6-7lbs away from my starting weight {hellooo breastfeeding!}

Maternity Clothes?

I wish that I could say that I have said, "Sayonara" to those Maternity Clothes, but I'll be rocking them for a little while longer... not much longer, maybe a few weeks.

Sleep?

38 Weeks - I've been napping most days {when I can}.  And I have been doing really good at night.  Although, I had one night where I could not get comfortable, woke Jason up for help {water and pillows}, cried hysterically because nothing would work, then finally fell asleep.  Yeah, that was a fun night.

1 Week Post - Sleep?? What's that?!  Actually we are doing OK. Addison is waking about twice a night and stays up for about an hour each time.  I've forced myself to nap with Gwen and Addison a few times this week... and I see that becoming a trend in our house.

Best Moment of the Week?

38 Weeks - Finding out at my weekly visit that I am 5cm dilated! And headed to the hospital to meet our girl!

1 Week Post - I can't possibly pick a BEST moment.  I'm in love and enjoying every minute with my family.

Movement?

38 Weeks - Oh, yes.  She was "showing off" for her Daddy the other morning, so much so, that it kinda hurt.  It was A LOT of kicking for six in the morning!

1 Week Post - She is just as much of a mover on the outside as she was on the inside.  She's a little wiggler.

Cravings?

38 Weeks - Well, I can tell you what I am NOT craving, anything Thanksgiving related.  I am so over left overs.  And I guess you could say that I am craving that Apple Cider Sangria that I made last year... oh you can bet your ass that it will be making an appearance at Christmas!!

1 Week Post- Red wine.  And an Italian Sub.  Basically I want everything that I couldn't have while pregnant.

Gender?

All girl.  Miss Addison Kay.  aka. Addie Kay

Labor Signs?

38 Weeks - A few.  I'm dilating as I said, and have had light cramps/contractions since my internal {Wednesday}, but nothing major... yet. {little did I know that I was already starting labor when I wrote that!}
1 Week Post - I've definitely had some afterpains, which were much stronger this time than last.  But overall, I recovered much better this time around than last.  I think because I knew what to expect and there was less for me to be scared of.

Belly Button?

38 Weeks - What belly button?  It doesn't really exist at this point.

1 Week Post - It's back to an innie, but definitely doesn't look like it's old self, yet.

What I Miss?

38 Weeks - Being able to go more than 5 minutes without having to pee.  Being able to bend over without grunting.  Walking without waddling... sad but true.

1 Week Post - Nothing!!! I'm not preggo anymore AND Addison is here!!! Life is good.

What I Am Looking Forward To?

38 Weeks  - Giving birth and meeting our little lady!
1 Week Post -  Christmas... Gwen is sooooo excited for everything Christmas.  She is going to be so much fun! And spending as much time with my little family as possible!

Milestones?

38 Weeks-  Making it full term.  And starting to dilate.  Yay!

1 Week Post- Giving Birth!
**********

Overall we are all adjusting pretty well.  It's been so nice having Jason home, not just for his help, but for the quality time that we are getting!  I honestly can't believe that she has already been here over a week.  Crazy.

Addison Kay.

If you haven't heard the amazing news...  Miss Addison Kay made her appearance into the world on 12/12/13 @ 12:14am.  Weighing in at a WHOPPING 6 lbs. 5 oz. and 20 inches long.  {She is the tiniest little peanut}  AND she has a full head of hair! Imagine that.  She is so beautiful and has stolen all of our hearts already.

So, how's about a little birth story for ya?

Now, my original due date, if you remember, was December 16th, which was then changed to December 25th after my first ultrasound showed that the baby was measuring smaller.  So of course we followed the 25th as our guideline.  But, as the last few weeks came around, and I was starting to dilate progressively each week, Dr. P was convinced that my first due date was the correct one.  She also was appeasing me {who was hell bent on not missing Christmas with Gwen} and agreeing to induce me Dec 19th, IF I hadn't gone on my own already... which she thought I was going to do.  

Well, at my weekly visit, on December 11th, she gave me the news... we were going that night.  I was already dilated 5cm and she was worried that I would end up giving birth on the Turnpike if I was in labor and had one good contraction.  Lol.

We left the appt, in shock, and planned out the next few days, alerting family, and then continued on with our day.

My in-laws came from Pennsylvania to stay with Gwen, which made her super excited, and my mom met us at our house to head over to the hospital together. I DREADED saying goodbye to Gwen.  I thought I wouldn't be able to control my emotions, and I didn't want to scare her.  I did waaay better than I had anticipated.  I brought her into her room, shut the door and explained that Mommy was going to the hospital to get baby Addison and bring her home.  I said that I loved her so much {I'm crying as I write this but didn't when it happened} and that I wanted her to come see me in the morning.  She reacted great, gave me a big squeeze and a kiss and headed out to hang with her Grandpa and Grandma.

We got to the hospital right at our 5pm check-in, but really didn't get to Labor and Delivery until about 6-ish.  They hooked me up to all those crazy monitors {I hate those things! I get what they are used for, but too many beeps and alarms and more things for this hypochondriac to worry about.} and it turns out that I was already contracting on my own. Every 2-4 minutes. Say what?!?!  I had no clue.  Therefore, I couldn't have the Cervadil... and had to wait for my doc.

Dr. P arrived around 7:30pm, explained the situation, and decided at 7:50 to break my water... then the walking began.  Up and down the halls, with husband in tow, walking this baby out of me.  I walked for a while, and when the contractions started to get a little stronger, I decided to rest and let the doctor check me.  I progressed to 6cm, but whenever I layed back down {instead of walking} my contractions STOPPED all together.  FML, right?  So I pushed myself to start walking again.

All this time, Dr. P {and everyone else} kept pushing and asking when I wanted my epidural.  My honest answer was that I wasn't really in AWFUL pain, and I wanted to be able to keep walking as long as possible.  So I waited.

After walking some more, my contractions became regular again and definitely more intense.  So I had them check me again.  I was now 8cm, and decided to cave and get the epidural... because Lord knows I wasn't having this baby without one.   Lol.  {I should mention that Dr. P once again gave me a Xanax, because I was such a nervous wreck... I seriously hate hospitals.}  Right before the epidural, they also gave me something to keep the contractions regular... not Pitocin thankfully, just a little pill.

From there on out, it was pretty quick.

Dr. P came in and asked, "So, Sam... which birthday sounds better, 12/11 or 12/12?"  {I can't say enough how much I love her.}  "12/12" I said.  She agreed.  She checked me again a little after midnight and told us that it was time.

They got the room all ready, and literally two pushes later... Addison Kay was born.

We're in love with our Addie Kay.

I obviously have tons to write about in the next few days/weeks... just need to find the time.  I promise to update you on how Gwen's doing, how we are doing, how my mom accidentally took pictures of all the wrong things during my labor, among many other things.  So stay tuned ;)

Santa Visit.

With our days of a family of just three quickly coming to an end, I find myself trying to pack in as much as we can because I don't want Gwen to miss out on anything.  So the first weekend in December we tackled getting a Christmas tree and decorating the house.  And when I went to my doctor's appointment Wednesday and she said that I was 3-4 cm and that she thought I wouldn't make it to next week, I immediately wanted to get our Santa visit done.  Like immediately.

For the first year, Gwen has actually been excited to go and see Santa.  She was still a little hesitant to talk to him and sit on his lap, but if we can refer back to 2011's fantastic meeting of Santa...

...yeah, that was fun...

...this year was a major improvement!!

It was so sweet and made it exciting for us seeing that "magic" in her face and the fun of Christmas back.  

The "official" picture. :)

I'd say a complete success.  And I am very happy that we were able to take her before all the craziness begins in the next week, or so.

Thanksgiving Recap. And Some Baby News.

Hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving weekend.  Our Thanksgiving was perfect.  Mellow, low key, and VERY relaxing.  Gwen ah-dored the parade, it was exciting just watching her get excited... although, I DID have to explain to her that she didn't have to look out the front window, because the floats were not coming down OUR street, but that they were on tv in NYC.  Lol.

We may have had a restful Thanksgiving, BUT the rest of the weekend was JAM packed... like I don't think that we could have fit anything else into it.

Friday we celebrated my cousin's 30th birthday with a surprise party :)  It was a masquerade party {I love a theme!} and I am pretty sure she loved it.  I loved seeing her so happy and relaxed, she's currently pursuing her doctorate, planning a wedding and working full time, so she doesn't get much down time these days.

Saturday morning we headed to the tree farm to Griswold it up and cut down our Christmas Tree.  I love this tradition,and Gwen was especially fun this year.  She said, "That one is PERFECT!"  So, of course we picked that one!!

Saturday night, we had another party {I def needed a nap before round 2}.  This time, it was a 50th birthday for a fabulous family member.  Another good time, although I do wish I could have had a delish mudslide shot with everyone... 2 weeks {ish}.  I couldn't last at the party past 10pm, and although I don't think he wanted to go, Hubs obliged and we left.  I loved getting dressed up and for all the sweet compliments that came my way, but I COULD not wait to put on PJs and veg.

Sunday, since Gwen wasn't home {for the second night in a row ::insert sad face::}, Jason decided to surprise her by putting up the Christmas lights up outside.  Of course we could not find one FULL strand of working lights, and even after spending a few hours trying to make just ONE happen, we had no luck... so we bought new ones.  Lol.

We then headed to The Stone Pony {an iconic music venue... look it up}, to watch my very talented cousin perform on stage for an Oceans of Love benefit.  And to meet up with our little lady... FINALLY!!!  I have to say, my cousin was great!  And I am in awe of her ability to put herself out there.  on stage.  by herself.  in front of a ton of strangers.  I would not be caught dead up there.  Ever.  She played "Round Here" - By the Counting Crows  and she nailed it.

Afterwards, we scooped up our girl and headed home.  Gwen could barely keep her eyes open and fell asleep in our bed... of course I didn't move her... I missed her something fierce.  And even though I slept with a leg across my face, it was worth all the cuddles.

Long weekend, right?!?  It should be one of the last crazy weekends we have for a while, since Addison's arrival is just a few short weeks away!!!

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!!  We got some interesting news at my weekly visit with Dr. P on Thursday... I am 3-4cm dilated and she doesn't think that I will make it much longer!  If, I do make it to next Wednesday, she may take me in Thursday!  Oh boy.  That news sent Jason into a little bit of a panic, and me into "I have so much to get done" mode.  Not much action since then, a few small cramps/contractions, but that's it.  Any day now.

Crazy, right?!  I can't believe she is almost here!!

Bumpdate :: 36 Weeks

How far along?

36 weeks.  9 months preggo.  Considered full term... Hallelujah. 

Total weight gain?

I don't know how this happened, but I lost a pound this week.  So, I'm at 18 lbs.  I am amazed at how that could be, maybe I had heavier shoes last week.  Lol.

Maternity clothes?

I found dresses for both of my upcoming parties, and I actually don't look half bad in them.  I'll post pics of me in them.

Sleep?

I'm napping when I can.  I am forcing myself to go to sleep, even when I don't feel super tired.  And I have actually been waking up feeling rested.  Need to soak up these last few weeks of uninterrupted sleep... may be a while before I get that again.

Best Moment of the Week?

Finding out at my first internal that I am 1 cm dilated and that my cervix is softening!  Now, I know that this really doesn't mean much, BUT Dr. P did say that she doesn't think I will make it all the way to the 19th.  And if I happen to make it that far, the 19th will be Addison's birthday!  I couldn't be more excited about this news.  Being home with Gwen on Christmas is so important to me, as long as it's safe for Addison of course.

Movement?

Tons and tons and tons.  Girlfriend is definitely running out of room in there.  I am feeling every little movement.

Food Cravings?

Ice cream. And I had the strong urge to make choc chip cookies this weekend.  I can't get enough sweets!  Better eat them now, right?

Gender?

Girl, and it better be... her room is just about done, and it is GIRL-Y!

Labor Signs?

Nope.  I mean, a little pressure "down there" but nothing crazy.

Belly Button?

It's just flat.  And I have a faint linea negra now.

What I Miss?

Being able to breathe.  Being able to bend over.  Being able to pick up Gwen.  I guess, moving around like my normal self.

What I Am Looking Forward To?
Thanksgiving and watching that Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with Gwen.  And giving birth... lol.

Milestones?
Nine months preggo.  Full term baby!  And finishing the room!!! We're ready for you miss Addison... can't wait to meet you!

Here's one of the dresses I am wearing to my festivities, I'll be rocking this one out on Saturday night!

What do you think?

My Boy.

Since the start of pre-school, Gwen has developed a friendship with a little boy {we'll call him John} that she looks for and hangs out with.  They both get excited to see each other before they go into class and they shout "goodbyes" down the street to each other as we leave.  She asks for him when he's not there and she seems to have a lot of fun with him.

Last week, when John  arrived, she gave him a big hug and although he didn't seem too into it, he hugged her back.  John's  mom and I both laughed {because we weren't expecting it} and sent them both into class.  When I came back to pick her up, I was the first parent there so I sat down and checked email/FB/IG, the usual.  Gwen's teacher saw me sitting there and popped her head out the door... "I didn't know you were pregnant!!  When are you due?"  

I told her my due date and that I wanted to check with her the schedule for December so I could set up pick ups and drop offs for Gwen if I needed too.  She told me that she would go check the schedule and give me that date of the last class in December.   She left for a few minutes and the returned with the update... she then said to me...

"I don't know if Gwen talks to you about this, but John is like attached to her hip."

"Really?!  I mean she talks about him a lot, but I always thought that she was the pursuer and not the pursued."

"Noooo.  It is the opposite.  Gwen goes left, John goes left.  Gwen goes right, John goes right.  It sort of bugs the other kids {she laughs} that they hang out so much."

Ten minutes later Gwen's teacher dismisses the class, and Gwen and John  come out the door, saying their goodbyes, he then turns to her and says, "Bye Gwen, I love you!"  I just about died laughing.

OMG I thought.  That is hysterical.  And WAIT til her Daddy finds out.

I call Jason and fill him in on the whole thing.  "Oh boy!  That is too much! We'll have to have a talk about this when I get home!"  

When he gets home later on, we talk about it a little more, and he calls Gwen out to the living room... 

"Who's this John  I'm hearing about???"

"My boy."

Say what?! 

She gets all embarrassed, and then says, "Daaaaaddy, stop it."

Omg.  Is she three, or sixteen?

I say to her, "When Daddy asks you who John  is, you say he's my friend."  {It'll make us all feel better, lol.}

"Ok, Mommy.  Daddy, John  is just my friend."

Yes, he is Gwen.  Yes, he is.

Bumpdate : 34 & 35 Weeks

Happy Gwens-day everyone!
How far along?

35 Weeks.  5 to go.  Actually, 4 if Dr. P induces me on the 19th.  Holy crap!  Homestretch here we come!!  

Total weight gain?

19 lbs total so far.  Addison weighs about five of that.  She should be gaining about half a pound each week, so by delivery day, she should be around 7lbs.  Just like her big sister.

Maternity Clothes?
I've been in a search for a few dresses that I need for upcoming events...  a 50th birthday party that requires black attire {still need one} and for Jason's work Christmas party {got one}.  Having to dress up with a watermelon strapped to your belly is not my idea of fun, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do, right?

Sleep?
I. am. exhausted.  And not only am I tired, but getting comfortable at night is becoming an actual task.  I'm fine once I fall asleep {thank God}, but it takes awhile to get there.  I have given up trying to fight napping when Gwen does... it's just not worth it.

Best Moment of the {past 2 } Weeks?
There were a couple.  We had our last {most likely} ultrasound last Saturday.  Addison looked great.  AND her room is almost done... the major things - cleaning out, painting, and putting in her furniture, are all done.  Now just for the little details... :)  And my sprinkle! It was fabulous {I'll write a separate post for that

Movement?
SO much.  And A LOT of hiccups, which is one of the craziest feelings.  She is head down now, so her hiccups are low in my abdomen, feels so funny.

Food Cravings?
Nothing really.  Although I do make sure I eat enough, MEALS aren't that appealing to me because I feel like a stuffed turkey afterwards.

Gender?
As our ultrasound tech said last weekend, "It's 200% a girl."

Labor Signs?
None.

Belly Button?
Who knows what that thing is doing.  And frankly, I don't care anymore.

What I Miss?
My energy.  Sleeping any way other than on my side.  Being comfortable.  Sangria.  Diet Coke.  And not being out of breath.  Only a few more weeks.

What I Am Looking Forward To?
Thanksgiving.  :)

Milestones?
Room completion.  Last ultrasound.  I made it to 8 1/2 months.  My sprinkle!

Sunday Social. Thanksgiving.

Favorite Thanksgiving Memory?

Our first Thanksgiving as a married couple, in our house.  It just all seemed so grown up. And it felt like the beginning of so many new things in life.  We had just gotten married the month before and it was like a continued "high" from all of it.  It was very special.

Favorite Thanksgiving Food?

Does the Apple Cider Sangria I made last year count?!  Even though, I won't be making it this year... because I obviously can't drink it.  Sorry.  If, I'm not having any... neither are you.  Ok, so other than that I'd say stuffing.  AND my mom's candied yams.  They are to die for.

What is a Thanksgiving Tradition that you and your family have?

Coming from a big and very spread out family, we travel.  A LOT.  We divide up holidays, we live out of bags and our car a lot.  Easter, Christmas, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Birthdays, you name it, we're on the road.  And a lot of the time we don't get to relax.  So, after we got married and began a family of our own, we decided that Thanksgiving would be the one holiday that we spend at our house.  With no travelling.  No schedules.  No packing.  No craziness.  And it is, by far, my favorite tradition.  

Show us a favorite Thanksgiving picture(or 5) from years past.

What are you most looking forward to about this Thanksgiving?

Soaking up this last Thanksgiving {actually, last Holiday} as a family of just three.  Gwen is so much fun, that I can't wait to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with her.  I can just picture her face and already hear the excitement... I'll probably cry.  

Taking a Step Back.

As the end of this pregnancy has gotten closer and closer, I will admit that when people ask, "How are you feeling?" my immediate response is, "Good. Done, but good."  And it's just me being honest.  Being pregnant while being a full time mom to a toddler is no easy feat.  And, maybe because I already know what lies ahead, I've felt kind of "over" the whole pregnant thing.

Then I had a thought.

If we stick to our "plan" of having just two kids {who knows, we may change our minds in a few years}, then... this is it.

This is the last time that I will know the feeling of carrying another life inside me.

The last time that I will feel the kicks, stretches, and hiccups of a growing baby in my belly.

The last time I can embrace my baby bump, something that even though not always the most comfortable is still one of my favorite parts of pregnancy.

So, I need to stop.  I need to take a step back and soak this all up... just in case it never happens again.

Between the hormones, the lack of energy, and the craziness of life in general, it's easy to forget that the "end result" is not just the blessing, the whole process is.

There are women in the world that pay THOUSANDS of dollars for this experience... and some STILL don't get to have it.  So, I need to slow down.

I need to remember that I am lucky.  That this is something I will NEVER get back.  Ok, yeah, MAYBE we'll decide one day that we want to try for another baby, but I won't get this pregnancy back.  I won't be pregnant with Addison again.  And I need to cherish that.

I am going to stop saying that I am "Good. Done, but good." and just say that I am feeling "Good." or "Tired." or "Humongous." or whatever I may be feeling that specific day... but I'm not going to say "Done" anymore.  Because there will be a day that I am actually done being pregnant, and it may just be a sad day.

Halloween Recap.

I don't even think that I could put into words just how excited Gwen was for all of her Halloween festivities.  Words just wouldn't do it justice.

Wednesday she dressed up for her class party and the parents were invited back to class for the last 15 minutes for some songs and pictures.  They. were. ah-dorable.  And of course, we cried.  She was so happy to see us there, and was so sweet singing the cute little Halloween songs.  I wanted to freeze time.  I just wanted to bottle up all of that innocence and keep it forever and ever.

She was so proud to show off her Green M&M costume and share her treats with all of her classmates. She definitely did not want the party to end.

The only way that we got Gwen to bed that night was to promise her Trick-or-Treating would happen the next day.  She was pumped.  And to be honest, so was I.

The next day, she rocked her Green M&M shirt, all day, waiting not so patiently for Daddy to get home from work.  Every car that she heard, she squealed thinking it was him and time to go.

When he finally got home, she made sure he put on the pirate "costume" {a hat, eyepatch, and sword from the dollar store} we got him and that I put on my witch "costume" {a headband with a witch hat attached from Michael's}.  We headed out the door and downtown to get down to business.

She had a blast.  Ok, well not at the first few houses.  I don't think that she realized that she had to talk to strangers in order to get the candy... WHICH I can't say that I was mad at.  {That's right baby, don't talk to strangers.}  But, after the first few houses, she got the hang of it and loved every minute of it... ESPECIALLY the houses that were giving out M&M's.  Seriously, they are like crack to my kid.

We trick-or-treated for about an hour or so, until her bag was overflowing, then headed home to give out our own treats.  

Cutest part?  She loved that JUST as much.  She would RUN to the door, grab handfuls of candy and say things like, "I love your Princess costume."  "Wow, that's a cool costume."  "Look, it's Superman!"  She was totally in the spirit of things and it couldn't have made our night any better.

We ended the night with one too many pieces of candy, and "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown."  Seriously, perfection.

It only validated all my feelings about being away from Gwen on Christmas.  I just can't.  She is just going to be TOO much fun this year.  My sister-in-law said it best, her excitement makes it THAT much better and fun.  It really does.

Bumpdate :: 32 Weeks {8 Months}

How far along?

32 weeks.  Technically 8 to go, BUT at my appt. with Dr. P on Monday, we spoke again about the possibility of her taking me in early, and the tentative date is December 19th.  So 7 weeks left.  Hallelujah.

Total weight gain?

In the last month, I gained 1 pound.  So, total is about 15 pounds.  HOW this is possible is BEYOND me.  I stuff my face like it is my job.  And I definitely am not counting calories, but I am sure that running around after Gwen has something to do with it.  This appt.  Dr. P. gave me another "stern" look when she saw what my weight gain was, but I SWORE to her that I was trying my best.  She said that she would be able to tell if Addison was growing well when she checked my stomach, and SHE IS!  So, I am off the hook.  Now, where's that ice cream?!?

Maternity Clothes?

Can I just say, again, that I hate maternity clothes.  Ok, well mostly maternity PANTS, but, all of them in general.  I bought one pair of Maternity jeans that weren't the full panel...big mistake.  I am constantly unrolling them and trying to adjust to get comfortable.  And the full panel ones?!?  They fall down CONSTANTLY.  I can't win.  Leggings it is... or sweats if I am home.

Sleep?

Still doing pretty well here.  I think that I may have restless leg syndrome during this pregnancy, such a weird feeling, but it's not interfering with my sleep so, whatev.

Best Moment of the Week?

I have to say that a really nice moment this week was when Hubs and I got to go to my appt. just the two of us {Gwen was at school}.  It was like our first pregnancy.  We got to talk and "hang out" {even though we both were getting annoyed at how long we were waiting}, it was nice to be just us two... even if it was in a doctor's office.  And of course, hearing Addie's little heartbeat.  So sweet.

Movement?

Holy kicker, Batman.  Girlfriend is so much like her big sister.  She doesn't do much "rolling" she JUTS and JABS, which doesn't hurt, but it sometimes very shocking.  It doesn't bother me though, as long as my girl is doing fine in there.

Food Cravings?

Roast Beef sub.  Reese's Peanut Butter Cups {helllloooo Halloween!}, and Chili.

Gender?

Still girl.  We have one more u/s and I am sure that Hubs is going to want one final check that it's still Addison in there.

Labor Signs?

Nada.

Belly Button?

Let's just say that my belly button CANNOT make up it's mind.  It has no clue what it wants to do.  In one minute, out-ish the next, and most days half and half.  Weird.

What I Miss?

Don't laugh {or judge}, but a Captain and Diet.  It's so weird, I have had actual dreams about going to the bar and ordering a drink.  Yes, I know, soon enough.  But apparently my body {and mind} are really looking forward to my first post labor cocktail.

I also miss being able to bend down comfortably.  Picking things up off the floor, putting on shoe's, putting on Gwen's shoes, painting my toenails {can someone come paint them for me?}, all seem like Olympic sports to me lately.  And to think, it ain't gettin' any easier any time soon.  

What I Am Looking Forward To?

I am looking forward to waking up one day soon and Addison's room magically being completely finished.  Poof!  No?!?!  Bummer.  Better get my ass in gear then.  And my sprinkle in the next few weeks that my bestie and her mom are having for me.  I am in awe that they want to do this for me {can't help but get teary eyed} and am looking forward to a celebration for Addie.

Milestones?

8 months baby!  I can see the finish line... sort of.  It's going to be so amazing to start the new year off as a family of four.

Here's my buddha belly.

I'm Not Ready For This.

When you find out that you're having a little girl, your mind is flooded with thoughts of bows, frilly dresses, dance recitals, and everything pink.  What doesn't immediately pop into your head is what to expect further down the line... because we won't be experiencing them until LATER in their lives.  Or so I thought.

This past Sunday, we were celebrating our beautiful Godson's Christening at my sister-in-law's house out in PA.  The party was filled with tons of kids, of all ages, which Gwen was thrilled about.  She took a particular liking to a little boy, a bit older than her, who offered to play catch with her.  To say she was excited was an understatement.  She was enamored with this boy.  And he, well, he was not.  Sure, he played with her for a little while, but when he tired and she did not, he began to hide from her.  "Don't let Gwen find me."  "Gwen's crazy."

Ok, kid, we get it.

BUT, he wouldn't just hide and leave it alone.  If she wasn't running to find him, he made sure to make his presence known to her, then take off running.  An innocent game of cat and mouse, right??

Well, this went on the majority of the party.  And after most of the other kids had left, Gwen asked very sweetly, "Wanna play catch with me?"  He accepted.  

They played nicely, as Jason and I watched from up above on the deck... then it happened.  He turned her around so her back was towards him, and pushed her gently forward as to say "Go that way and I'll throw it to you."

She was all smiles as she took steps forward, excited for the game.

While, he ran away.

She turned around, looking for her friend, and when she realized he had taken off... she was crushed.  She didn't say a word, she didn't have to.  From 30 feet away, I could see it clearly written all over her face.

And I wanted to cry.

She pouted and sat down on the steps near her, just about ready to cry, and all I could think was, "I am not ready for this.  I'm not ready for heartbreak."

She snapped out of it after a few minutes and after her Grandma, myself, and her Daddy engaged her in something else, but I was in shock.

Jason and I kept looking at each other, me with tears in my eyes {hey, hormones!} repeating, "WTF?!"  "That little kid just broke her heart!"  "Oh, I was not prepared for this!!!"

Ok, I knew DOWN THE ROAD that this would be something we would deal with.... MAYBE middle school, but at three???   Ugh.

No, it wasn't such a huge deal, but it definitely was a lesson.  I couldn't believe how infuriated I was at a little boy, for hurting my baby.  I wanted to scoop her up and kiss her and erase what had just happened.  Because I'm her mom and that's my job.

She's just fine.  And, I'm sure that she doesn't remember much about it, in fact, I'm sure that she'll be just as enamored and excited to play with him the next time they meet.  

I, on the other hand, won't ever forget Gwen's first "playground heartbreak."

Tiny Prints Holiday Card Collection and Giveaway!

It is no secret that I loooove taking pictures... especially of Gwen.  Poor Addison doesn't even know what's in store for her when she gets here!  I also love sending cards... birthday, Easter, Halloween, and most importantly Christmas cards!  I just have so much fun picking them out and taking the perfect picture of Gwen and/or our family... all to send the best holiday wishes to our friends and family.

My favorite place to purchase those cards, is Tiny Prints.  And if you haven't used them yet, well shame on you.  KIDDING.  But, seriously you need to check them and their 2013 Holiday Card and Photo Gift collection out ASAP.

Although, Tiny Prints has always had beautiful products and cards, this year they have really out done themselves.

They now offer new trim options for 2013 including - square, rounded, bracket, ticket & scallop trim options.  Such a simple idea, but each makes the card totally different.  I am in love with this, and you can bet that my Christmas cards will have a fancy trim to them.

They also have new design styles for 2013!  Contemporary, Classic, Vintage, Full bleed photos, All That Glitters, Bold Expressions, Simply Chic, Woodland Wonder, & The New Tradition are all new and are so hard to choose between!!!

Not to mention, when you finally do decide on your Holiday card, Tiny Prints suggests matching address labels and envelope liners!  I love when everything matches and looks so polished, don't you??

I've started my search for our 2013 card, and I'll share with you some of my favorites, so far...

Stamped Burlap

I always have a hard time deciding on just ONE picture for our card, so I love how this one displays a few  different pictures without any of them feeling too overpowering.

Luminous Laughter

The clean cut of this one is what appeals to me.  It's simple and still feels very Christmas-y.

Merry Snow Globe

I love how this is like an ornament in itself.  It's so fun and festive, but not too over the top.

Champagne Sheen

There is so much that I love about this card.  The full bleed, the bracket trim, and of course, the GLITTER!  It's such a unique card, sure to impress!

Paper Pleasures

What a cool card design, right?!  I chose the scallop trim for this one for a little flare, and I am loving the laser cut look.  So different!

See what I mean about choosing just ONE?!

Here's the really exciting part... Tiny Prints is giving away $50 and free shipping to one of YOU!!!  That's right, $50 off your total order PLUS FREE SHIPPING!!  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck and Happy Friday!!

Bumpdate :: 30 Weeks

How far along?

30 Weeks... 10 to go... hopefully a little less.

Total weight gain?

Idk... I go back to the Dr. on the 28th so we shall see... eek!

Maternity Clothes?

Yup.  It was inevitable, but it's all that works these days.  I hate to waste the money on them, but they are essential.  Grr.

Sleep?

I'm tired as I could possibly be.  And it has become increasingly hard for me to get comfortable at the end of the night.  I've been relying on my Boppy for any relief I can get.

Best Moment of the Week?

Hubs and I celebrated our 4th anniversary. We started clearing out our spare room, which is filled to the brim with shit paperwork and clutter.  AND {my fav part} we sanded and painted our glider which used to be cherry, and now is a beautiful white!  yay!!

Movement?

All the time.  And she gets the hiccups, alot.  

Food Cravings?

Still the same... pumpkin anything, choc chip cookie dough ice cream, and most any other sweets.  Which is totally opposite of my pregnancy with Gwen.

Gender?

Girl... Miss Addison Kay

Labor Signs?

None, but she is definitely either head down or positioned very low.  When she does get the hiccups, they are pretty low, and sometimes her movements are a little startling. 

Belly Button?

Still on the move outward.  Not quite flat yet, but changing every day.  Such a weird thing that happens during pregnancy.  I also have yet to have my linea negra appear... wonder if that is coming back??

What I Miss?

Being able to bend down.  Being comfortable.  Sleeping on my stomach.

What I Am Looking Forward To?

My due date.  Lol.  Getting the room done.  Finishing the chair.  The "Sprinkle" my bestie is throwing me.  Seeing baby girl one more time at the next ultrasound.

Milestones?

30 weeks!  We are now in the single digit week countdown... CRAZY!!

I can't believe that October is already half way over.  These next few months are going to fly by, and before we know it, our second little princess will be here.  I. can't. wait.

Check out the cutest little photo bomber there ever was.  :)