40 Weeks + 2 Days Preggo

Well, well, well.  Here we are on the 12th of January.  Brooke's party was a success (I'll blog about that separately!) and baby brother is still baking away!  I of course want to meet him, but I'm doing okay, other than being super uncomfortable at night.  My Pelvic Girdle Pain/SPD is horrendous right now on my left side.  I wince in pain turning over at night and am now using not only the snoogle to sleep but also an extra pillow.

Today has been low key; I am legit sitting in my fuzzy red robe at 3pm, no lie.  Brooke's cold seems to be coming to a head, lots of runny nose, coughing a bit more and definitely just has the sickies.  Not good!! I really don't want her sick while I go into labor, because then I'll worry about her…so hopefully she gets better and that is why baby bro is waiting.  We got to play with her new toys all morning and snuggle to some shows.  She is down for a nap, thank goodness, and we will play some more when she gets up.  She refused a nap yesterday, but then fell asleep on Daddy around 6 pm, and I don't think she's done that since she was like 6 months old!! He said he felt like it was his birthday, it was so sweet.

It's been snowing all day, but it's not a ton, just enough to be pretty and keep me from wanting to leave!  I keep checking the weather for a warm up, thinking that will be when baby Bradley makes his arrival, but no such luck.  It appears to be in the highs of 30 at most.  Good thing we have tons of warm blankets and clothes for him!

I've taken a bath in lavender essential oil, while sipping on my pineapple juice and am (sort of) watching The Bachelor from last Monday.  I kind of just don't know what else to do, haha!  I try to read but my mind wanders so I need silly distractions at this rate.  Still not a single labor sign and I was really up and about all day yesterday, so today I took the lazy road, maybe that will do something, maybe not.

I'm super excited to try out Blue Apron meals tonight; my friend Jamie said they sent her extra meals of the same variety, so she had her hubby hand them off to my hubby=score! Once again, I get out of dinner.  I hate getting too excited, but really I am just not feelin the whole menu plan/cook dinner thing.  I keep thinking, well any day baby boy will be here and I don't want to waste food!  But, we do need to eat. So, yay, thanks Jamie!!

I just keep trying to drink in these moments because I know that soon my world is going to be rocked by such an incredible baby boy!! It's funny because people keep asking me when he's going to be here---I have no clue?!  I do know my labor with Brooke started 4 days after her due date, and I didn't have her until a week after.  I really look forward to whatever day he decides!! And if he doesn't decide to come on his own, I am mentally preparing myself for an induction.  On one hand, that will be rather convenient for us to "schedule" it.  My body seemed to do okay with pitocin with Brooke; it wasn't perfect but I still and her vaginally and that was fine by me.

So that's the scoop!! Just trying to keep people updated as I know I have a lot of support and people thinking of us, so I appreciate it!! I will post on FB/Insta/Twitter if and when things get started!! I promise.  I also hope to take more videos this time around.  Ahhh! I can't wait to hold my baby boy.

Happy Due Date!! {40 weeks}

I was half tempted to title this "Updates" again, since clearly that is about as creative as I have been feeling these last few posts.  Oops!  It's all good though, I mean really.   I am literally due with baby #2 today.  I have been waiting for this day since I peed on those positive sticks back in May.  I was just hoping he'd actually be here by now.  Oh well!  He'll be here when he's ready.  So while the week started out kinda funky and me not feeling so hot, and thinking "any minute" I can assure you, I've stepped outta my comfort zone (of my home) and have thrown my hands in the air, and am just going with the flow.  I just couldn't stay inside any more.  I had wanted to be all hermit like the last few weeks, but then Friday came and I was like GET. ME. OUT.  

So out we went, in this chilly and cold Winter. Again, Brooke is super stoked about the weather.

I told her to say cheeeeeese-

We ran some errands with Daddy; the typical pick up rent checks at the P.O. box, bank to deposit, and then Kobe for lunch.  Ya know, that super amazing sushi restaurant I thought I'd be chowing down on fresh sushi salmon by now?!  Ya.  I sipped some Miso soup, edamame and some of Brookie's noodles. That's all I'm really feeling lately. So weird.

I really wanted to do something special with baby girl because her birthday is TOMORROW omg, and she's not going to be the only one soon.  So we went to the Museum of Play!!   I think Daddy had more fun than she did haha.

While he was mesmerized by the comic book/superhero section, I was trying to teach her how to whack a hero, or whatever it was.

We made a crown in the Reading adventure land and she danced around in the lego area.

Not a great shot, but she even got Daddy to ride the choo choo with her!

Last night I somehow managed to get a foot/leg massage. It never gets old. #besthubbythankyou And then, to make my night even better?!  My mother in law called and said they wanted to watch Brooke on Saturday….umm…OK!!

So what's a mama to do with a day to herself, ON her due date with baby #2?   Mani/Pedi of course!  I even had to ask my insta peeps what color…at first I picked on color and the lady started it and it was really ugly--like a green, even though the sample looked grey.  Luckily she didn't like it either and I had a re-do.  Yup. I was that girl.  Oh well, I think the whole "it's my due date" and me being out and about freaks people out.  Everyone is being so nice to me! Not that they're ever mean, but ya know. I definitely feel like I'm getting a little bit of special treatment right now.  #dontmindifido

All said and done I went with an onyx gel of sorts.  I totally burned my finger on my chi the other day too, ow!

Hubs texted me and said we were actually going out to dinner, which means I don't have to cook tonight. SCORE!  Even though I'm living on cereal and fruit, he still has an appetite. His parents wanted to keep Brooke a wee longer so we could have one final meal out.  Thank you!!!  This is my, "I love you.  Kissy face. Mwwwaaa" selfie.

My Stitch Fix came the other day too!!

I am so big I didn't really try on everything, but it is all super cute!! I just wasn't digging the dress or the lace detail cardi this time.  I love the distress sweater, but it was a little too distressed in the one shoulder and I worried that with two little ones, and a dog, it will not just be distressed, it will be destroyed.  SO I am only keeping two things.

I held it up and it appears that it will fit my frame perfectly, but I am not stretching out this pretty thing with my big old basketball belly.  It will give me something kinda loose (forgiving) yet pretty and feminine for when I am starting to get back into my normal shape.

And not the best pic, but this gorgeous cardi!! I love it! It is going to dress up any nursing tank/top and add a bit of fashion to my boring style of "mom" wardrobe.  My girl Maranda hooked me up and I can't wait to see what she styles for me next month!  Thanks so much!!

If you are interested in trying it out, seriously do so! It's so fun.  If you can get a few friends in on it with you, it's totally worth it because you can earn $25 for each person you refer!

Stitch Fix Referral Link

So yeah, here we are, 40 weeks to the day.  It's kinda hard because I really wanted to be at the Albany AdvoCare regional success school, but it's not like I can travel that far on my due date.  I know there will be more, but the timing is just awful!!

Plus? Not a single labor sign.  He's moving and grooving and boooooooy do I feel that or what!?!  I have to clean up a bit, as we are having family over for Brooke's birthday tomorrow.  Not stressing about anything, just taking life moment by moment.   Do you know how weird it is for your belly to sit on your lap?!




Every pic, OK how about everything I do, I'm always like, 'Maybe this will be the last time before baby!" ahahaha.  Oy.  I should just get it in my head he won't be here until  next Saturday.

Happy Weekend you lovely people!! 

Updates {Brooke etc}

Hey all!! I am still here and still prego!  [39 Weeks and 5 days!]  I must say that these last few days/weeks are the hardest!  Not only do you become super uncomfortable and down right in pain, but you just so badly want to meet your little one and have no idea when that will be!!  I am trying to stay busy, enjoy the "quiet time" but in reality, mama wants to meet you little man!



Tuesday we had Brooke's Two Year Appointment.

Brooke Update:



She is 32 pounds and 10 oz

36.3 inches tall

97% for both her height and weight!  Her head is in the 94%

Size 4T

I have a hard time with pants fitting correctly, so I usually keep her in leggings/jeggings.  She is starting to want to pick out her outfits, oh my word.  If girlfriend wants to wear Minnie or Elsa, that's what she is wearing. It's a bit dramatic otherwise!

Dr. had no concerns and said she is doing great.  She received two shots and didn't too bad at all.  She really loved the fact that she got a sticker for being a big girl.   I was so proud of her!

She is seriously turning into more and more of a little girl each day.  Joe and I just laugh at some of the things that she does.  My favorites lately are that she will just go up and down the stairs freely.  Like, if she wants a drink or a snack she will just come down ask/help herself if it's on the table or counter, then say "Bye bye Mommy. See you later."  And then go back upstairs while Joe finishes getting ready for the day and they come back down together.

She also does this adorable, "Um…." while tapping her finger to her chin.  Along with, if she really doesn't want something, she will say, "No no no no no no" and wave her hands in front of her face.  She reminds me of a little old Italian lady!!   That and when she says, "Eat, eat eat!"

She can count to 20 (with my help past 14; I was shocked she knew these numbers!)

Goes to bed between 8-9.  On Joe's late nights I will keep her up so she can see him.  He isn't in the door for two seconds and she is dragging him to the living room for a dance party.

Naps for 1-3 hours daily.  It really depends on how much sleep she got, what we've been doing activity wise, etc.

Favorites:  Minnie--she has a few toys she is loving to play with.  Kitchen set: She is starting to really bang around with the pots and pans; I can't wait until she gets more "food" and I think her imagination will really take off!  Baby in a stroller-she walks her around the house.

Baby Bradley Update:

I had my "40 Week" checkup yesterday---NOT fun to go out and about in this freezing cold weather! I know that most of the country is rather frozen, but to watch the temperature continue to drop on my dashboard (down to 4 degrees!) and then the windchill made it like -18…it was rough!




She was not in a mood to sit around and wait for an hour either…



Baby boy has dropped, which I thought he had!  His heart rate was a 160, which was a little on the high side for him. Dr said it's totally normal for babies, plus she had checked me first, so she said that could have got him going a bit {good sign!}  I am about 2 cm dilated and 70% effaced.   Any. Minute. Now. Hahaha!

Me:



Well, we know I'm ready for baby, but I just wanted to jot down a few more things.  I have reverted back to first trimester eating habits somewhat---like chicken/meat just really turns my stomach.  I have been eating very lightly and really find it strange because I didn't have this with Brooke at all.  After my Mexican meal Sunday night, I tried eating a chicken dish I prepared Tuesday night and just felt sick all night--like a sour stomach.  So, I am trying to eat easily digestible proteins and listen to my body.  Fruits and carbs…is what it is.  Some nights I get great sleep and others I'm tossing/turning and up every other hour using the bathroom it seems.  I have napped a few times when Brooke goes down and that seems to help.

At the present moment I am eerily calm and okay with where things are at.  I am obsessed with trying to keep the house clean, so that when we do leave/come home it won't be a disaster.  #nesting  I am trying not to feel too guilty about not cooking lavish meals, but I must say not messing up the kitchen is a glorious thing!! I just feel bad because Brooke and Joe still need to eat, but I have no desire to cook…I am definitely looking into that Blue Apron cooking service so at the very least, Joe could help whip up a meal when he's home when baby does come!!

SO that is the scoop! Thanks for those of you who keep checking in on me.  I will keep everyone updated on Instagram, FB, and eventually here, I promise!

So yeah this sums it up….although this chick looks way less prego than her last month and I am the size of a house. Haha!

Happy Thursday!

Updates & 39 1/2 weeks Prego

Hello Tuesday, hello friends.

Just checking in to say, I am still here and I am still prego!! We had a low key weekend, and to be honest I still haven't left the house since NYE.  What?! I just have had no place I have felt the need to go and if you're experiencing this polar vortex, well, it is DARN cold, so that's another reason to stay inside.

We do have Brooke's, brace yourself, TWO YEAR checkup.  That still blows my mind, especially since we are *patiently waiting the arrival of our second babe any day!  His due date is Saturday, Brooke officially turns two on Sunday and well, who knows when baby Bradley will make his debut!

Baby Update: (tmi warning)

Maybe he's waiting for daddy to hang his curtains or install his carseat…haha.  Or he is like, 'aww heck no with that 10 degree weather crap!'  Either way, I feel like things are starting to progress.  Sunday night we did have Mexican, so I am not sure if that is the only reason or if it actually kick started something, but without giving too much prego TMI I got up at 5am and let's say, by 3 pm I was cleaned out.  I am so happy I didn't have to go anywhere because the bathroom was where you'd find me.  So with that, my appetite hasn't been the greatest, but I am grateful for Gingerbread bars and light foods.  I felt kind of off and crampy all day, but nothing drastic happened…

Around my belly button has an itchy rash so that's rather annoying. I'm trying to keep it moisturized but it is still SO itchy sometimes.

I soaked up lots of cuddles and snuggles with this one, when she'd let me. She is a bit nutty and runs around the room more than snuggles in my bed, but I'll take what I can get!



I actually slept REALLY well last night, which freaked me out haha.  I had been waking up a lot the last few nights and so to really sleep, was something else! It reminded me of when I had Brooke and she finally slept through the night for the first time, I was in a panic like OH MY GOSH what is wrong!? Nothing. Nothing is wrong haha.

I feel a bit dehydrated today, so my goal is to amp up the fluids and continue eating lightly, but making sure I get my protein.  I really feel more in control this time around and am taking the whole "labor is a marathon" notion to heart.  

We did get a surprise package from my grandma!  Thank you Grandma Owl! I will call you soon!

How cute are these she made?!

And a few cozy sweatshirts for Brooke

On a random note: Someone shoved a fake chicken leg into this.  Daddy is not happy.

I am super excited for all of my teammates who are ready to be #allin I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little sad I can't be challenging along side with everyone, but it is helping me stay focused and keep my mind off of these last few days of being pregnant (which can be very hard!) and I am rooting everyone on, and still trying to eat clean, and very light.



My go to breakfast is two eggs and spinach. I added tomatoes today.  

SO yeah.  I'm alternating between resting and nesting and just trying to fuel my body as best as I can.  I think Joe has some plans to hang with Brooke tonight, not sure what that entails! 

39 weeks with baby #2

Well, I've grown just a tad, I would say?!

38.5 weeks, I basically look the same today at 39.

Symptoms:  I am rather emotional still.  I will watch labor/delivery stories on you tube and just ball my eyes out when the momma gets to hold her babe.  I really am hoping for that immediate skin to skin with my little man, since it did not happen with Brooke.  I know that we cannot control our labors, but that is still a huge wish of mine…along with a safe and healthy delivery (preferably vaginal too).   I had a mini pity party yesterday, as I had dishes and Christmas I wanted to do, but after I put Brooke down, I just rested for a bit.  There was nothing I wanted to read or watch. I was miserable.  After a few pathetic tears, I got up and just started power wrapping all the ornaments and got that done!  Feels so much better.

I still have the pain where his foot is; it's like a burning that just doesn't stop. Constantly sore. I am thinking the only way it will go away is when he is out.

TMI-- my body is a bit whacky in the 'going' department, and so I am doing a fiber drink daily to help that, along with probiotics, lots of fluids, and trying to still up the greens.  I was doing great, but lately it's slowed down, no bueno.  

Running hot.  I have been cold all pregnancy but towards the end I am starting to sweat; like clockwork every night around 11 I am so hot!  I am trying to keep cool.

Cravings: Salads, green smoothies, and health food. All the holiday junk was fun and all, but I am ready to be back in the groove. I am also craving a sweaty workout, which I remember desperately wanting with Brooke!

Rings: Still on!  I don't have much swelling at all.  A little at the end of the day or if I am getting hot.

Labor Signs:  Still lots of cramping/braxton hicks.  Some of which I am like whoaaaa!  Which is exciting, but nothing consistent. I am just hoping they're helping baby down further, making me more dilated and effaced.

I lost my mucus plug with Brooke and so I have it in my head, that until that happens, I am not any where close to labor.  Unless my water breaks, but again, that happened way late in the game. #41weeks  I just worry a bit because I do know I need the antibiotics for GBS about 4 hours before I give birth, so I want to make sure I get to the hospital in time.

I don't feel like leaving the house much either.  Like legit, days go by without me going any where. I may walk across the driveway to get our mail today, but other than that, no plans.  The weather looks to be crummy this week, so I probably won't do much again this week either!  I think that's kinda normal, as I have read/watched other mommas kinda hibernate at home until they are ready to give birth.  I'm sure there are some who are all out and about too, but this is just how I feel.



Meanwhile, as we prepare Brooke for a baby brother...

She is "baking her baby!" I about died when I saw her do that.  It was quite funny.  She has been saying "brother" instead of just baby, and kissing my belly which is really sweet.  I can't wait to have both babes in my arms!

My girlfriend Kristin brought us this adorable diaper cake! How fun is this?  You can never have enough diapers, that's for sure!!

And of course, I am still trying to find the humor in my discomfort.

It's to the point where I can't just bend/reach to do anything, I really have to squat or leave it. Homestretch. Could be any moment or in 2 weeks... We shall see!!!