Packing for Delivery- A Cry for Help

Ermahgudnes. I can't believe it's time to start packing for the hospital. I'm having a baby next week. Let me repeat that again, I'M HAVING A BABY NEXT WEEK! WHAT THE HECK DO I NEED?

So thanks to my trusty book Secrets of the Mommyhood (available here), blogs, and Pinterest, here's what I think I need. Now I know everyone woman is different and I'm bound to pack stuff that's just silly and won't get used, but I'd rather overpack and have it available than to underpack. Well, I only live 5 minutes from the hospital so I guess a family member could run and pick it up for me and it wouldn't be the end of the world.

Here's what I'm thinking so far:

THE BASICS:
Photo ID and insurance cards
Large envelope for paperwork
Pen and paper
Contact list for baby updates
Light reading materials
Phone/camera/IPad + Chargers
Pillow and blanket from home
Snacks and treats
Thank you cards
Journal
Cash/Change

FOR MOMMY:
Going home outfit
Comfortable PJs (is a bathrobe necessary?)
Nursing gown, bras, tanks, and pads
Cotton granny panties
Flip flops and non-skid cozy socks (I don't think I'll need slippers, I never ever wear them)
Glasses and extra contacts
Lip balm, hair ties, lotion
Toiletries (including dry shampoo) and make-up
Blow dryer and curling iron (yes, I realize I may never use it)
Nursing pillow

FOR BABY:
Infant car seat
Newborn and 0-3 Months outfit
PJs
Swaddlers
Blanket
Socks and mittens
Grooming Kit (mostly for the nail clippers)

We have a Maternity Tour and Tea on Wednesday so I can see what the hospital room looks like, what they provide, and see if I'd like to bring anything of my own instead of what's provided like towels and what not. 

What else should I pack? What can I skip over? What do you wish you had?

Bumpdate Week 37

36 Weeks 2 Days 

Target Basic Tank/Maternity Shorts from Ross/Groopdealz Bubble Necklace

It's insane that we'll be parents so quickly, I've made a ridiculously long list of everything I need to still do to be "ready" for her arrival. Things such as pack the diaper bags, organize our changing table/dresser, launder her sheets/boppy cover/blankets/changing table cover/a few outfits, etc. Then buy the remaining items I still need to get like a nursing cover, diaper pail refills, more butt cream for baby, etc. 

My MIL and SIL are going to come over tonight while our men are on a fishing trip to help settle everything in place. I'm so happy to have such supportive family members on each side of our family that we can rely on and reach out to for help.

We also had our 36 week appointment on Wednesday and we are definitely having a c-section, we scheduled it for the last week of May. I'm kind of relieved to be honest. I knew she wouldn't flip, there's just not enough room for her in there! I'm happy to know we have a plan and we're not still waiting to see if she'll flip. I knew in my gut we'd end up w the c/s because she's been Frank Breech for so long and hasn't flipped whatsoever since we found out her position. I didn't have much hope she'd turn since she wasn't changing position week to week like other mother's experiences I've heard.

Over the last few weeks, after doing my research and talking to so many of you, I just came to terms with having a c/s, not experiencing labor, and having a May baby. If you've been following my bumpdates, you'll know I was equally afraid of both labor/delivery and c/s for different reasons. I've focused on all the positives of having a c/s such as knowing when she'll be here instead of pacing the floor playing the waiting game, she'll have a perfectly shaped head, and my hair/makeup will be looking great for the photos! LOL. I know, but it's still part of the silver lining right?  This pregnancy was planned and we really wanted a June baby, and although I'm happy to have a child at any time during the year, I really wanted a June baby. Our families have so much going on in May that's all back to back, I wanted our little bunny to have some time all to herself. Oh well, can't plan it all right?

I really want to thank you all again for all the love and support, the comments, emails, and words of inspiration and comfort have meant so much to me. They really have turned my worries and fears around- I'm so grateful!

How far along?  36 Weeks! (Each bumpdate reviews the week previous)

Total weight gain: 23 lbs! I've gained another 2lbs since my last appointment. My doctor said I'll be the woman who gains it all at the end and he was right!


Stretch marks?: Besides Stretch Mark Gate (read about it here  in Week 28) I haven't had any more pop up and the few I have on the underside of my chest are almost gone thanks to using Body Spa Cell.U.Lift Firming Body Lotion every morning after my shower. Now that I'm so close to the end, I really hope I don't get any on my belly- knock on wood! I'm still using the  Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter each night before bed (when I remember). Did you ladies still use belly butter after delivery? I figure I'll still use it as my body goes back to shape, but wondered if that's what was common.

Maternity clothes: This past week I've been able to re-work my 6 rotated outfits to look new with accessories, but I still hate getting dressed. Nothing fits rights, I'm hot all the time, and just want to wear "yoga" (it's in "" because they've never been to yoga) pants and a tank everyday, but that doesn't quite cut it for "business casual" at my work. I'm still wearing my Old Navy Maternity Smooth-Panel Rockstar Jeggings  (I bought two pairs) and two pairs of shorts on the weekends. Plus all my maxi dresses of course.

Belly Button in or out?: Out! It's finally popped all the way out and shows in everything I wear, but I wouldn't count it really as an "outie" because it's still pretty flat. It feels so funny when it's rubbed too. I've also noticed that it's often tender, which makes sense since it's stretched so thin.

Sleep:Oh my word. Worst week of sleep yet! Last Thursday, I woke up 7 times! I had to use the restroom, I had heartburn, I woke up in a sweat from being so hot (while the hubs was shivering), and my hips hurt. It's been a pattern this past week that varies how many times I've had to get up from 1-6 times, but it has been no fun!

Best moment this week: Monday-Wednesday, the hubs and I took a little vacation to celebrate our 2 year anniversary and have some time alone before the baby comes. It was so relaxing! We tried to find some activities to do while pregnant, but it's pretty slim. Some of the ideas I had that were out was paddle boarding and whale watching, but seeing how I don't want to fall in the water and my agility is off the first option was out and I get crazy nauseous on a boat so the second option was also out. Instead, we ate, napped, got a pedicure, went to the beach, and walked around the downtown area. It was wonderful!

Worst moment this week: Sleeping sucks. 

Have you told family and friends: Yes!

Miss Anything? Wearing my regular clothes, sleeping without needing an ice bath, and not having Fred Flintstone ankles/feet.

Movement: She still moves a ton! On Saturday she was sticking her foot/hand out so far I felt like I could pinch it! It was crazy. 

Food cravings: Water, juice, grapes. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing.

Have you started to show yet: Absolutely!

Gender: Team pink!

Symptoms:As you read above; no sleep, hip pain, heartburn, swelling, and panic mode now that we have a date when she will be here.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, but hot.

What I'm reading: On our trip I started to read Breastfeeding Made Simple- a suggestion from Meg of Meg. O on the Go, so far I really like it. Lots of good information!

Looking forward to: Seeing our little girl, getting the home and maternity leave organized, and getting my hair done next week!

Hot Man Parade

Pinterest Recipe: Sopapilla Cheesecake

Ok, so this post is kind of a cheat because I wasn't the first to make it, but I had to share it! The hubs and I had my carpool buddy and his wife over (they are amazing and we can't wait to hang out again!) for dinner and asked them to bring a dessert. They brought the most amazing, mouth watering dish EVER. I could have eaten the entire pan as a meal. I couldn't let them go without getting the recipe and it was actually the first time she had tried tried it herself and said it was super easy. Ummm, I'm totally going to make this all the dang time.

Here's the recipe from this Pinterest Pin:

2 cans pillsbury butter crescent rolls
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese (softened)
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup melted butter
Cinnamon & sugar

Unroll and spread 1 can crescent rolls on bottom of un-greased 9x13 pan. If you half this recipe, it fits in an 8x8 pan. Combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Spread mixture over crescent rolls.

Unroll and spread remaining crescent rolls over mixture. Spread melted butter over the top and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes.

They served it with vanilla ice cream and strawberries and I nearly had a heart attack. Delicious! It's also great as a breakfast item as well (but skip the ice cream). They were sweet enough to leave us the extra so the hubs and I had it for dessert another night and it was perfect reheated, tasted just as good as it was fresh. Gotta love food that works that tastes just as good when reheated.

This weekend we celebrated Mother's Day with my husband's side of the family on Saturday with a brunch at our home. Matt and I made this dish and it was gone in seconds. The cream cheese/sugar/vanilla mix is tasty and so melty and creamy right out of the oven. I ended up giving the recipe to all three of my sister in laws! Here's how ours looked on Saturday:

Thank you again guys for the delicious treat and recipe! It's my new go-to.

A Quick 10 Qs and As

After seeing Katie of Katie Did What's fun post, I had to copy it. I love "getting to know you" posts, it's so fun to see extra tidbits about some of my favorite bloggers. Please join in with your own post or in a comment!

1. If you could do one thing differently in your life, what would it be? 
I would do college over again in a heartbeat. It was so much fun, but I feel like I was too focused on working (I paid for school myself and worked 2-3 jobs year-round) and dumb boyfriends, that I would go back and  be smarter about my money and go bigger in everything- school, love, and my sorority. Don't get me wrong, I have absolutely no regrets, but there are definitely things I wish I could re-do and mistakes I could just kind of erase...Plus just things I want to experience again because I'll never be young without responsibility again like I was during that time.

2. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 
Owning a home, working on baby #3, and have taken an awesome vacation (note: that does not mean our usual Palm Springs jaunt or a weekend camping) with just the hubs and I.  Oh, and being deliriously happy off love, life, and family.

3. Do you honestly want kids? 
Have you not read my blog? Is this your first visit? Our little bunny will be here in less than a month! I'd love to have 3-4 children, but I'll take them one at a time and see where life takes us.

4. What has been the best moment of your life so far?
It has to be the day Matt and I got engaged and the day we found out we were expecting. Both of those days were the start of new chapters in our lives together which have led to the most amazing time of my life and our journey together. Eeeek!

5. What is your life theme song? 
The Beatles "Here Comes the Sun". That was our song for our first dance and kind of embodies my positive attitude and outlook on life. This question is so hard though!

6. What is one thing you have yet to accomplish that you want to do before you die? 
Own a home! We've been looking for over a year and have nothing to show for it. I'd like to find a home and own it outright before I die. 

7. If you could choose one thing to be known for, what would it be? 
Loving. That's what I think of about my grandmother who passed away and I want people to remember that about me. 

8. If you could do anything you wanted right in this very moment (no consequences, no fear, etc.) what would it be?
Move to the south/beach/mountains (I'll take any of the three), cut my hair short, and buy whatever my heart desired. 

9. What has been the most challenging moment in your life? 
I have no clue. There have been very challenging times in my life that all revolved around the same issue (just on repeat) so any of those days could be the one. It's hard to be the collateral damage to other people's choices. 

10. Summarize yourself in one word. 
Loving.

Hot Man Parade

Blogging Etiquette + Must-Reads

Question of the month from Skylette: "What is blogging etiquette to you?  For example, do you comment on everyone's blog that comments on yours?  Do you follow everyone with a blog that reaches out to you?"

First, I want to premise this by sharing how much I love blogging! Yes, it can be totally time consuming, it’s hard to keep up on reading blogs, commenting, responding to comments/emails, and coming up with material for each post, but I still love it! It’s such an awesome community where I’ve learned so much about cooking, new products, hair, beauty, fashion, etc. It’s not just those things either that make me love it, but the people too. I’ve made so many friends that I email/text all the time about our lives. Just the support and love that people share with you is incredible. Some of the sweetest comments and emails I’ve received are from people who don’t even have blogs, but have commented on a post with honest and sincere words.

This question is awesome, because although I feel that although there’s some “universal rules” that most bloggers abide by, there are definitely rules that vary from blogger to blogger. I want to be clear though that these are just my opinions, and not everyone feels the same as I do.

-Commenter’s who say they’re following you and ask that you follow them.
This does not mean people who say they’re a new follower or how they found your blog, but people who are begging or bargaining for followers. I try and check out the blogs of every commenter and if yours is one I want to follow, I will! There’s no need to ask me to.

-Bloggers who do not respond to questions in either comments or by emails. Ex: Love your dress, where did you find it?
I hate when girls in general do this. I understand that some people may think it’s rude to ask where items are from, but I take it and mean it when I ask as a huge compliment. It drives me nuts on social media when girls don’t get back to you about something. If they’re a huge fashion blogger and it’s a pic from their post, I know to just check out the post for all the info and links to the products. I try and email every commenter back (I prefer to email than comment on the post so I know it goes directly to them) and if you asked a question and don't have your email attached, I'll respond in the comment section of the post. I've found this to start huge chain emails and have "met" so many people just from emailing and responses from comments.

-Give credit where it’s due
Don’t use someone’s pictures/content without asking them first or at least linking back to their original post. Nothing irritates me more than finding a post that uses some of my content, but never even mentions me. Now, I have used pictures I’ve found from Pinterest without asking the blogger first about using them, but I always link back to them. Always. If I post something that was inspired by something I’ve seen on another blogger, a blouse they bought that I had to have myself, a beauty product they raved about, etc. I will always link back to them. It’s also a great way to find other blogs that are similar to your own. I can’t tell you how many new blogs I’ve found from my must-read blogs or how I’ve become friends with bloggers who’s content inspired me and I emailed them about it. Just share the love! This goes right into…

-Be sure to link back!
Whether you’re just mentioning someone, their post, or referring to them, be sure to link back to their site! If you can’t link back to the specific post, maybe it was an old post and you can’t find it, at least link back to their blog page. I try and always link back to everything I can because it’s easier for readers to go to the source, find other bloggers that are similar to yourself, and it gives love to the original source. I mean, why mention them if you don’t link back?

-Comment genuinely
 I read every single comment I get and they mean so much to me. It’s a way to connect to the blogger and their post, get to know each other, and appreciate their content. I try and always leave sincere comments like “That color is fabulous is on you! Love how you styled that top” or I’ll share a personal tidbit or advice depending on the content of their post. For example, my Bumpdate 33 where I asked for feedback about c-sections and breech babies, those comments and emails were amazing! Women answered so many of my questions, shared their stories, and gave me so much support I could just cry with love and appreciation for them! That’s why comments that are generic and are obvious that someone didn’t read the post aren’t as fun. And no, you don’t have to leave a comment for every post you read. I read a ton of posts but don’t always leave a comment if there’s not something I can add or share, I mean, sometimes the posts just don’t relate to me so I might not have anything to say- that’s why I try and leave a comment on any post that does speak to me.

What are some of your social cues about blogging? What irritates you and what do you love about what bloggers do? Please share below!

• Beautygirl24 - Noelle has a serious sweet tooth this Spring. See what jewelry she likes to call her rock candy!
• Ella Pretty - Check out Ella's Mall Haul: Forever 21, Coach & Camo Pants
• Lindsay J Everyday - Lindsay has some exciting news.
• Love, Lipstick & Pearls - Kristen shared her Favorite Home Items that she can't live without.
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle joined the ombre party.
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette plays with the black & white trend here.

Bumpdate Week 36

 

Only 5 weeks until I'm done! Even though if I have the C-section it will really only be 3 weeks!

How far along?  35 weeks! (Each bumpdate reviews the week previous) Matt and I keep repeating over and over again how at the end of the month we'll be parents! It's so exciting, scary, thrilling, and a million other words.

Total weight gain: 21lbs and I have an appointment next Wednesday so I'll know if I've gained anymore. Right now I would estimate another 3 lbs.

Stretch marks?: Besides Stretch Mark Gate (read about it here  in Week 28) I haven't had any more pop up and the few I have on the underside of my chest have not grown or gotten worse.  I've started using Body Spa Cell.U.Lift Firming Body Lotion every morning after my shower and starting using the  Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter each night before bed (when I remember). The Body Spa Cell.U.Lift is a miracle worker!! I swear by it 100% and will definitely be doing a review in the next few weeks. 

Maternity clothes:Each week I have less clothing to wear. There's some tops that still fit, but I don't want to wear them in fear of stretching them too much and not be able to wear them afterwards. My clothes are on repeat, all four outfits. LOL.

I'm still wearing my Old Navy Maternity Smooth-Panel Rockstar Jeggings  I love these pants, they're all I wear and I'm so happy I bought multiple pairs! 

Belly Button in or out?: Half and half right now, the top has been out for a while but I had a huge growth spurt Thursday night and my belly button is halfway out now. It looks so weird! I don’t think it will be out that far, but you never know.

My new best friend at night

Sleep: Blech. Some nights are good and others are the worst. I had acid reflux for the first time last week and woke up after a few hours of sleeping nearly throwing up. Gross right? If I only shared what I was dreaming about when it happened, it was hilarious timing. I've had it one other night from the first night, but it just kept coming back. I think she's just so high up I feel like she's forcing everything back up instead of down.

Best moment this week:My in-laws threw me the cutest shower! It was so much fun and I loved all the details and seeing everyone who came and celebrated. I'll be doing a post next week with all the details! I can't wait to share it with you guys! I'm so blessed to have such an amazing family and friends and to be able to celebrate our little bunny twice!

Worst moment this week: The acid reflux. Sucks! I know there's an old wive's tale about heartburn and hair, but I'm planning on our baby being bald. I didn't have any hair for years, but if she's born with some curls I'll love it!

Have you told family and friends: Yes!

The headbands I ordered from Groopdealz came in! So cute! 

Miss Anything? Sleeping through the night, especially knowing that I'll never have a full night's sleep again. 

Movement: Still tons of movement! She loves to dance and groove at night, my belly looks like an ocean.

Food cravings: Flavored water, I've been putting sliced strawberries in my water almost everyday and it's delicious! Plus, water + strawberries + lemon = strawberry lemonade without all the calories. Yummy!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing.

Have you started to show yet: Absolutely!

Gender: Team pink!

This is from a Daddy blog Message with a Bottle and this post-it totally cracked me up, so true!

Symptoms: Swollen feet/hands, acid reflux, hip pain, and leg cramps. No big deal right?

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy! Although I do feel like an arthritic grandma most days.

What I'm reading: I'm still reading The Happiest Baby on the Block and I also picked up Breastfeeding Made Simple- a suggestion from Meg of Meg. O on the Go. 

Looking forward to: Our appointment to see our little girl and a babymoon/anniversary vacation next week!

Maternity Pics Part 2

Here are more shots from our maternity shoot (see part 1 here). I'm so in love with all of the pictures, I'm having a hard time deciding what to print and display at home. I'll definitely be making an album of all the pictures as a coffee table book. Seriously, I couldn't be happier with all of the pictures and how they turned out. Lover of Love photography really did an amazing job. Dana and Nate are super awesome and we hope to work with them again in the future when our little girl can join in.

And how stinking cute is the packaging our CD came in? I love all the little details and their note to us was the sweetest ever!

I seriously loved our entire experience with this shoot. I can't rave enough about Lovers of Love Photography: their mad photog skills, ideas, professionalism, and manner when taking pics with them was just incredible. I'm so happy we found such a great duo for pictures.Thank you again Dana and Nate!