Saturday Randomness.

I can't believe that Labor Day Weekend is already here, and honestly?!  I couldn't be happier.  I'm done with summer, and ready for fall.  Maybe next year when I am 30, hot, and not knocked up I won't want to see summer go... but for now, I am fine saying goodbye to it.

We are staying home this LDW, which is pretty unheard of for us, but Hubs has to work, the weather is supposed to be crappy, I haven't been feeling the greatest, and we need a break.  Sounds perfect to me.

So, let's be random...

I passed out on Monday while getting Hubs lunch.  Awesome, right?  I think that my blood sugar was low, as I hadn't eaten my own lunch yet, but who knows.  I was scared only for the fact that Gwen was with me, and I didn't want to NOT know about her safety.  So, I locked us both in the bathroom when I felt it start to come on, and called Hubs.  No answer.  At this point I was profusely sweating and starting to lose control so I texted, "Help." He quickly called back, and I told him what was up. 

Thank God he works so close to home.  Seriously, he was there in FOUR minutes.  I started to feel a little better, and ordered myself something and ate while he sat with me.  

I HATE feeling that out of control.  And to be honest, I haven't felt exactly the same since.  I got to the Dr. Tuesday, and am hoping that I am not Hypoglycemic or something.  Cause that would suck.

*****

I am super jealous and kind hatin' on you that already have pumpkin coffee in your life.  I asked my Dunkin if they had it the other day, and you would have thought I asked them for the winning lottery numbers.  Just give me my pumpkin and no one gets hurt, m'kay?

*****

I took my nephew's birth announcement pictures the other day, and I can't wait to share some of them. {I can't share before my sis in law sends them out, that's just rude, lol}  They came out so great, and even though she got pooped on...TWICE, I think she and her husband love them too.  Here's just a little peak:

*****

Not that I want to give her any more attention then she has gotten this week, but can we talk about Miley Cyrus for a second?  Wtf is wrong with that girl?!?  I am sorry, but that "display" she put on at the VMA's was not talent, and frankly, I would have felt more comfortable watching soft core porn on Cinemax at that moment.  And what the hell is with the tongue shit?  Put it back in your mouth child, we all think you look stupid.

Moving on...

*****

Hubs and I are going to do another {small} registry for baby Addison.  I hope that doesn't seem like too much, but people have been asking us what we need/want, and what easier way than to just register.  And that way we can get a discount on whatever isn't bought.  I think it's kinda genius, actually.

*****

In 10 days, I am going to NYC to see Bethenny Frankel's new talk show!  Pretty pumped, not gonna lie.

*****

Next week, I will be in Potty Training Lockdown.  We are not going ANYWHERE until we have mastered the potty.  We are half way there, but we need to buckle down and FOCUS.  My goal was before her 3rd birthday, and that, my friends, is quickly approaching.

*****

Speaking of the birthday... in 16 days, my baby will be THREE years old. {pause for tears}.  I am in shock and denial that she is 3 already.  It's so bittersweet, because she is at an AH-mazing age... yes, there are tantrums and days where I wish I could drink wine with my cereal, but she is so smart and interactive and responsive to the world around her.  She really is just a joy, and honestly my tiny best friend.  Can't wait to celebrate her big day!

Where did the time go?

Adventures With Gwen and...

Jason and I are terrible at keeping secrets, he's worse than me, but together, we really suck.  We usually give each other gifts before the "holiday" we are supposed to give them, or in his case he shops the day before, because he can't keep it hidden.  Therefore, when it comes to the sex of our unborn child and prospective names, it hasn't been any different.

We've had a boy name for a while now... like before we were even trying.  We are in love with Lincoln.  And if I can ever convince him to try for a third baby{never thought I would say that}, and if it ever is a boy... his name will probably be Lincoln.

So, that part of the "Name Game" was easy.  The girl part???  Not so easy.

I downloaded apps, researched online, looked in name books... and almost every one I suggested... he shot down.  See, he doesn't need to think about it.  It's an instantaneous yes  or no, with the occasional "I don't hate it" thrown in there.

Early in the "game" we both weren't hating "Gisele" but I wasn't completely sold... apparently he was.  At some event {I forget where we were} he was telling people, "Yeah, our picked names are Lincoln and Gisele."

WHAT?!?!

"Umm, no they are not."

I had to explain to him that Gisele was not a definite, that we were still on the fence about it. Which later led to a conversation where I said, "No, Gisele is off the table."  

Back to the drawing board...

He has always loved Madison.  I do too, but I am not a fan of how popular it is. {I have a cousin that just had a Madison as well}. So, although beautiful, Madison was out.  

The "game" continued... and it wasn't pretty... sometimes, I even threatened violence. {I'll just blame that on the hormones!}

I would find names and text them to him, usually while he was at work, and expect responses back, lol... here are some of our convos.

And that, my friends, is how Addison got her name.  I really do love it, and Gwen already refers to my bump as Baby Addison.  It's freakin' adorable.

The middle name is yet to be determined, but at least the major battle has been won!

Happy Friday!

Carter.

Thank God I am already knocked up, because if I wasn't I would be suffering from a MAJOR case of baby fever.  Why you ask.  Because another gorgeous baby boy has entered our lives...

Meet my brand new nephew

Carter Robert

Isn't he just super cute?!

Congrats to my sister and brother-in-law, Meghann and Phil!  So happy for you guys! We love you!

Bumpdate :: 22 Weeks

How far along?

22 Weeks.

Total weight gain/loss?

If you read my last "bumpdate" I wasn't sure if the scale was going to be nice to me at my last Dr. appt.  Seeing as how I was away on vacation for a week and stuffing my face with delish foods.  But, I am happy to report that I only gained 4 lbs!  A total of 5 lbs!  As my husband {and daughter} would say, "Yeaaaah Buddy!"  I am back to eating pretty healthy, with the exception of the ice cream ;)

Maternity clothes?

I've been wearing the maternity shorts that I own, but other than that, mostly dresses.  I like to be comfy.

Sleep?

Knock on wood, still good!  I catch a nap maybe once or twice during the week, which I am COMPLETELY grateful for.

Best Moment of The Week?

Even though it was last week, we got a crib for the new baby!  Yay!  Gwen is still in her crib {a whole other post} which converts into a toddler bed, so I knew that I wanted to get a new one for this baby.  {And that I wanted white furniture this time around}.  It is REALLY nice to have that checked off the list!

Movement?

Yuppers.  Lots of it.  She's a morning gal.  Jason has been in the habit of rolling over in the morning and spending a few minutes with baby girl {rubbing my belly}, so I am not sure if she is reacting to him or up on her own, but girl get's a movin'!

Food Cravings?

Not many lately.  Sweets are definitely still something that I am liking, but I wouldn't say craving.

Gender?

Girl.

Labor Signs?

Nope.

Belly Button?

Pretty much the same, but I am sure that'll be changing soon enough.

What I Miss?

Sleeping/laying on my belly.  It is officially uncomfortable again.

What I Am Looking Forward To?

Fall.  Yeah, I said it.  Bring on fall.  Pumpkin things and Gwen's birthday seem much more fun to me right now.  Don't hate on me, I'm just over summer.

Milestones?

None really, I mean the Hubs did turn 35 this past week... that's a milestone, no?!

Only 18 weeks to go!

Tammy & Ray

Tammy is technically  my mom's cousin, but we are only a few years apart in age, so we grew up as cousins and not 2nd cousins.  We spent many summer weeks together hiding from our brothers, going on walks to the local gas station for some Slush Puppies, and sharing stories about boys.  I completely looked up to her.

Ray, her husband, is so seamlessly a part of the family, that you would think they have been married for years.  He's a genuine guy who is just super easy to get along with.  Together, they are a perfect match.  

They are about to welcome their first baby into the world, and you can only imagine my delight when they asked ME to take some maternity pictures of them.  I was beyond flattered, and still am.  {I just blushed}

Last week, I met them in the gorgeous town of Ocean Grove, and we walked from their place to the beautiful beach {literally blocks from their house}, it was a perfect Jersey Shore summer night.

Here are some of the many pictures I took of this beautiful couple.

Thank you so much, Tammy & Ray, for letting me be a part of this special time in your lives.  I cannot wait to meet your little one!  He/she is one lucky little baby!

Because.

Today is my husband's 35th birthday! 

He's spending the day working, boo, but we are gonna spoil him with love when he gets home.  Today is a day that I think needs to be celebrated by us as a family, because without today, we wouldn't have this amazing man/husband/father in our lives.

Jason, I hope you know just how special you are to us, and how we wouldn't be the family we are without you.  There are so many reasons why I love you.

I love you because...

...you love Gwen more than you love yourself.  And I know so without you even saying the words... I just know.

...you allow me to be me.  In every form.  Which isn't always the prettiest.  And all the while, not loving me any less.

...you have the biggest heart out of any one I have ever known.

...you wear said heart on your sleeve.  Your emotions are not something that one has to "guess" you put it all out there, and I think that is such a strong characteristic.

...you're pretty fearless.  Ok, maybe not always my favorite quality lol, but I love and admire that about you.

...of the man you've become.  Let's face it, we were both somewhat different people when we met, and I can't say that I knew you would evolve into this completely devoted family man, but you are.  You've exceeded my expectations of you... by far.  I am a proud and lucky wife.

...of the way that you love me.  Nothing's perfect, neither are we, but our relationship and love for each other is not one to be messed with.  I AM sure of that.  My hope is that you feel as loved as you make me feel, which is A LOT ;)

So, happy birthday, old man. Your girls are waiting for you to come home and celebrate.

Love you.  

Wordless{ish} Wednesday :: Blonde{ish} Edition

I have always been a big baby when it comes to changing my hairstyle/color.  I've said it before, I really don't like change.  I mean, I always admire other hairstyles and store them into the "Maybe One Day" memory file... but nothing really ever comes of it.  For example, I have always wanted to try bangs, well, side swept bangs... will it ever happen?  Maybe not.  But, who knows. 

This past year, I have admire a few brunettes that I know that have went super light with their hair color.  Like blonde  light.  So much so, that I decided I needed to just suck it up and go for it.  And thankfully, my bestie is also my hairstylist {like she is the ONLY person I trust to do anything major to my hair}, who now lives upstairs from me!  So...  I am now {sort of} blonde.

It's not forever, but for now?  I'm lovin' it!

Thanks to my bestie Jennifer!  If anyone in the NJ/NY area needs an amazing stylist, lmk because she is kick ass!

Perfection.

Even though she's toddler, and can tear things apart in seconds, or throw tantrums like someone is paying her to do so, there are so many moments that I look at Gwen and just think...

"She is so perfect."

I do.  Sometimes it is when she is in the middle of a deep belly laugh.  Other times it's while she sleeps in the middle of our big {yet not big enough} bed.  Or especially when she says, "I love you so much."

She's just perfect.

And I always then think, "We made her."  That beautiful little being is here because we created her.

I am the most proud when I talk about her.

She is my biggest accomplishment and my greatest reward all wrapped into one.

It was amazing for me to see my best friend experience this same feeling this past week too.  The funny thing is that she didn't even have to say the words, I saw it on her face.  In her smile as she looked at her perfect little baby boy.  In the way she held him and kissed him so sweetly, like he had been here for years.  And I felt elated that she finally got to feel that feeling, because no one can tell you how wonderful it is with just words.

Being a mom is the craziest, most trying, hardest thing I have ever done.  But, it's also the best.  I wouldn't give up being a mom, especially Gwen's, for all the money in the world.

Half Baked.

That's right, baby girl is half baked.  I am 20 weeks today!  It definitely DOES feel like I have been pregnant for 5 months, this pregnancy seems to be moving along very slowly.  Don't hate me, but I am welcoming the end of summer and my favorite season, fall.  I am just ready for the laidback-ness {yes, I know that's not a word} that September brings, along with football, everything pumpkin and Gwen's bday!

How far along?
Half way there! 20 weeks.

Total weight gain/loss?
Ugh, I go to the doctors this afternoon, and I am sort of dreading it.  I mean, I was on vacation last week, do you really think I stood a chance?  Should be interesting.

Maternity clothes?
While on vacation, I did rock 3 maternity items {although they are still a bit too big} - A pairs of shorts, a pair of jeans, and one tee.  Other than that, all my regular clothes.

Sleep?
We shared a bed with Gwen while away, so it wasn't the BEST sleep, but since we have gotten home, I am back on track! {Thank God!}

Best moment of the week?
Finding out the sex!  And seeing/hearing the baby again.  Now on to planning and organizing.

Movement?
Tons.  And this week, Jason was able to feel a few kicks from the outside. :)

Food Cravings?
Oh, Lord... while away, I could not get enough dill pickles, lemonade, and cookie dough ice cream with rainbow sprinkles!  {See why I am dreading the scale??!?!}

Gender?
Girl!  My husband will be a ladies man until the day he dies, lol!

Labor Signs?
Nope.

Belly Button?
Still normal.

What I Miss?
Being on vacation.

What I Am Looking Forward To?
Seeing my best friend's baby boy {she's in labor RIGHT NOW!}.  And getting started on the baby's room... I am pretty sure I know what I want to do, just have to get the Hubs on board.

Milestones?
Being half way there {maybe less}, finding out the sex, and feeling her from the outside... it's been a busy week!

Princesses.

We are adding another beautiful little princess to our family!  That's right, IT'S A GIRL!  Gwen wanted a sister all along, and Gwen usually gets what Gwen wants. Lol.  Everything looked good at the appointment, and we seem to be right on track! Girls will rule our house :)