2013 Pins that Await Me!!

Happy New Year!

I am so happy January is here.

With just two days until Brooke's 'due date'

I seriously never thought this month would come.

I figured to pass some time, I'd peruse Pinterest

and find some Pins that reflect some of the things I look forward to in 

2013.

I know lil miss will come when she's good and ready,

but I never thought it'd be so hard to wait to meet her!!

It reminds me of before I met my husband...

I used to just wonder when would I meet him??
I was always optimistic that my 'prince would come'

but I like schedules and to know when everything is going to happen.
So there were many a lonely teary nights,
I sobbed to myself that I may never find him...

Well, I suppose the best events in life, are the ones we have no control over.

I don't know when lil B will make her entrance, but I do know it will be magical.

So to entertain myself

{and possibly you}

Here we go!
Things I cannot wait to enjoy in the days, weeks, and months to come.

Baby Love!
I cannot wait to put her fun clothes on her!

Source: etsy.com via Jenn on Pinterest

Source: melissawellsphotography.com via Jenn on Pinterest

I have so many legwarmers for her to wear!
#chubbylegs

Source: fridge.us via Jenn on Pinterest

Being mindful of a breastfeeding diet...

Source: healthfulmama.com via Jenn on Pinterest

Definitely looking forward to new Spring clothes that are NON maternity!
And sexy heels.
How I miss thee.

Source: ebaybag.co.uk via Sharpe on Pinterest

Of course I'll need to be sweatin my bootay off to fit into said clothes...
Post-baby workout:

Source: fitnessmagazine.com via Michaela on Pinterest

And you know I love me some Zumba

Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com via Gabby on Pinterest

The foods:
Because I'm still a foodie and I miss certain

savory yummies I could not have whilst prego.

Giada's Carbonara:

Source: food.com via Marta on Pinterest

Some of the cheese I miss... 

Goat

Source: flickr.com via Mike on Pinterest

Brie

Source: pauladeen.com via Jeannette on Pinterest

Feta anything

Source: annies-eats.com via Mona on Pinterest

I am days away, DAYS people, from enjoying some fresh sushi!

Source: seandavisphotographic.com via Heather on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Danijela on Pinterest

And of course, the BEST Pinot Grigio...

Source: totalwine.com via Marilyn on Pinterest

I must admit I am thankful for having a fairly 'easy' pregnancy.

I'm in a lot of pain down below,

but I'll take the pain over any high-risk factors that could have happened.

I've learned a lot about myself and how much I love taking care of my body.

I'm ready to bring this baby into the world, and get it back.

I cannot wait to be a mommy and experience so much more with baby Brooke.

These are just a few experiences I look forward to.

I'm well aware she'll bring more joy and excitement than I even can dream of.

Ready for the New Year

I definitely believe New Year's is a bit over-hyped.

If you go out to eat, it's usually a fixed menu.

If you go out to the bars, you'll be waiting in line forever for a drink.

Everyone is sparkly, shiny and fabulous.

You either get so intoxicated you can barely function/remember the clock striking twelve,

OR

You are sober and annoyed by the rest of the drunks actin' a fool.

That being said,

I look forward to being able to go out again one NYE!!

We stayed in last year,

cooked a fabulous meal,

played it low key...

and now looking back, I wish we had rocked out!

No, not really, as we had gone out years prior and were ready to stay in...

It was fun.

This year, as I patiently await our little baby,

there will be no bubbly,

no fancy meal,

no curling of the hair,

no getting all dolled up.

That's ok.

The only plans we have are to have no plans!
{Unless someone decides to come a few days early and give us some!!}

I'm slow cooking ribs, cleaning the house, paying bills, and taking down Christmas.

I supposed baby girl will eventually be here and it'd be nice to have that

all taken care prior to her arrival.

 Looking back, I'd have to say these moments stick with me most...

It was April.

In the midst of planning/hosting my sister's bachelorette/bridal shower

and her upcoming wedding...

I was working out hardcore and eating really healthy!

I was already down 10 pounds and feeling fabulous.

I fit back into my Seven Jeans.

And then the very next photo on my iPhone is this:

I had to take two because my husband didn't quite believe the first one.

:)

I still don't know what possessed me to buy those pregnancy tests.

Intuition?

I guess I just felt compelled to check,

{thank goodness}
Since I had all the intention in the world of going crazy

at my sister's bachelorette party that weekend!

We then went on a cruise for my sister's wedding...

Not something I'd recommend during your first trimester

-nausea-

I never got sick, but man it was a long week.

I cannot believe how long ago it seems,

and yet how fast it flew by.

Before I knew it, 

it was Fall and our maternity photoshoot happened.

 I'm now as big as a house,

seriously.

I am fairly certain my arm muscles are becoming toned

from heaving myself off of the couch/bed.

With 2013 at our fingertips,

what an absolutely amazing adventure it will bring!

As I sit here staring at this contraption called a breast pump,

I am hoping that I can figure it all out,

like many a mother before me,

and that having a baby really will be the best thing to ever happen to Joe and I.

I know there will be trying moments, but I cannot imagine the feeling we'll get

once we hold our little girl in our arms and look down upon something

so sweet and special that we created.

I'm sure my 2013 goals will include dropping these 60+ pounds I've put on,

but more than anything,

my biggest goal is to stay in the moment.

Enjoy each day with our baby girl,

my loving husband,

our crazy fur-babies,

our home,

and do my very best at it all.

I will not try to be 'perfect' but I will promise to do it all

with a happy heart.

With all the negativity in the news and horrific events that have occured,

it really is important to live simply and focus on the good.

It isn't always easy, I know.

I can easily get agitated and frustrated over the dumbest things,

but I will continue to work on focusing on all the blessings in my life.

Sure I hate the muddy paw prints and the constant shedding of dog hair,

but the dogs are healthy and happy.

Most importantly, my focus is on the birth of our baby.

I pray for a safe arrival of our little girl and that she's 100% healthy.

That's all that matters to me right now.

No matter how you'll be ringing in the New Year,

be sure to make 2013 one of your best years yet!

google images

39 Week Bumpdate

I'm still here, and stilllllllllllll prego!

How Far Along:

39 weeks and 1 day

Baby is the size of:

And boy does she feel like it!!

39 weeks--headed out for our weekly checkup!

Even though everyone says I look like I've dropped,

the Dr said I really haven't dropped much at all.....

Labor Signs:

Tons of Braxton Hicks, but no rhyme or rhythm to any of the contractions.

At my appointment the doctor said I was 50% effaced and dilated 1 cm.

TMI---she said my mucus plug was in the way, so she had to push through,

that brought on some major discomfort, cramping, and spotting.

So...any day you're ready lil lady, mama's waiting!!!

Clearly she doesn't want to come out and play yet.

Bags are all packed, we are ready to go.

Symptoms:

Heartburn has subsided a bit; 

I still pop Tums here and there but not nearly as much.

Plus, I've been kickin it up a knotch with spicy foods 

Spicy turkey chili, Chipotle, hot sauce...

{not that it's helping bring on labor!?}

Still a little swelling in my legs/feet/hands

Still feels like someone kicked me hard in my hoo ha and it hurts.

All.The.Time.

I've been nesting like crazy,

but I can only do so much because of said horrid pain.

Then I nap, since I can't bear to look around at my messy house.

I'm pretty emotional.

I get teary eyed at everything.

Mood:

Happy for the most part, but I still get frustrated at my lack of mobility.

I dislike being in pain, who does?

Anxious, excited, impatient...

And I am more than ready to meet my little girl.  

Sleep:

I am very tired, very easily lately.

I nap every day, even days when Joe is home...

I have trouble falling asleep, but I do sleep.

I'm up every 3 hours to use the bathroom. 

Miss Anything:

I will be so thankful when I can strap on a pair of sneakers,

normal non maternity workout clothes, and take my dogs on a run.

Never thought I'd miss it so much.

Cravings:

I had to have Wendy's fries with a side of cheese again.

Christmas cookies were fun while they lasted, 

but then they had to go.

I'm pretty much over food though...

I seriously think about what food group I have to eat,

and go with that. 

I stare in the fridge for awhile at a time.

Rings:

Still off and I still miss them.

Clothes:

I hate them.

I live in lounge clothes and put a pair of jeans on if I need to leave the house,

which I try not to do much any more.

I love pj pants, a maternity tank 

and my new Ralph Lauren robe from my friend Kristin!

Belly Button:

Still really oddly poking out/mostly in.

"not done"

Stretch Marks:

Still none.

I hear they appear after the baby

:/

Weight:

Not really gaining too much any more at this point,

Thank goodness.

I bet all said and done, I will have gained 65 pounds.

Whoa.

Best moment of the week:

Celebrating Christmas with my husband,

my family,

his family,

and it being very, very low key.

It was quiet and nice and perfect.

Looking Forward to:

Meeting my baby Brooke!

Will she be a New Year baby?
Will she come on her due date?
Will she arrive fashionably late?

It's so crazy to not know.

Overall thoughts/concerns:

I will admit it's been a rough few weeks;

Joe got sick with his Crohn's,

then he came down with a really really nasty cold.

So, I've been trying to take care of him and the dogs, the house,

and myself, whereas he had been helping out a bit more...

he could not.

So, my type-A personality does not help,

but I try my best to just do what I can physically do, 

rest when I can, and just breathe.

I know it will all be over soon and I'll be experiencing life with a newborn!

I also wonder, will my water break on its own?
When will I get real contractions?
I really don't want to be induced.

I drive myself nuts.

So for now, I'm trying to find ways to occupy my time...

such as getting into this cheesy drama Pretty Little Liars.

I'm not going to lie, it's pretty darn addicting already!

I know these last few weeks are hardest,

so what are some ways I can pass the time mamas?!?

Lucky Prego!

I already consider myself lucky,

I'm married to the man of my dreams.

I live the life I could have only wished for.

I have a beautiful baby girl on the way...

but lately, I really feel like this baby is bringing me tons of luck!!

Why you ask?

I've won more fun little giveaways on blogs since being prego...

In the last week alone, 3 lucky events have happened:

#1-- I randomly remembered I had a VS Rewards card.

I thought about just tossing it away, since usually it's $10

and I had no intention of making it back to a mall any time soon...

I didn't even purchase anything to get this card 

(Hello, being this big, nothing is attractive to me at this point)

but I received it in the mail.

I decided to put an item I really wanted in my online shopping cart,

just to see what the reward value was.

To my surprise, it was $50!!!

I was so excited.

 I got myself this pretty little thing:

image from VS

I got it a bit bigger and I'm thinking it will be cute, comfy, & cozy

enough to wear after I have my lucky bean.

It's soft and thin, so I don't have to worry about getting super hot in it.

Love it!!

 #2-I received a scratch-off card from my girlfriend Alison & I won $15!

{I never win on those silly things!}

#3- I entered Megan's giveaway on her blog and I won!!

It's a baby blanket with a swatch to put a scent on!

Check it out:

http://www.pediabear.com/

I thought that was pretty awesome..and just in time!
Thanks again Megan!!

Of course I've been enjoying my daily openings of my 25 gifts of Christmas...

Here's what I have received the last few days!

A huge cup with a straw...

She must have known I was down to my last one.

I love these things and the bigger, the better!!

 My lips are always in need of some gloss or chapstick.

Giada's tip for the holidays is to keep an extra in a kitchen drawer,

 if you're busy in there preparing holiday meals!!

 Yup.

:)

Again, how did you know Al??
I used to get this magazine {along with a few others}

but with baby on the way, and me not really reading magazines a ton,

I've cancelled all my subscriptions.

Thank you!!
I love the holiday style issue!

My winnings!

Haven't gotten the hubs to paint the piggies yet,

but I love the sparkles!!!

Yeah...it's already on the diaper bag!!

And I had to switch today's gift with tomorrow's...so I'll share those next week!
One of my dear friends had her baby yesterday;

welcome to the world Baby Blake!
He was 10 pounds 6 ounces and sooo cute.
I'm hoping since Joe has today off, we get to meet him today!

It's so crazy because she's obviously been a few weeks ahead of me

this entire pregnancy, and now she's holding him in her arms.

That means my turn is coming soon--ahhh!!

Thank goodness the holidays are soon here to distract me a bit.

Have a fantastic Thursday!

Baby Girl's Nursery Tour!!

OK, I'm finally ready to share off all of our hard work.

It's still not "100% completed"

but I want to share how much we've done,

 and how prepared we are for lil miss.

I tried to include as many links as possible for things I've purchased...

We are very proud of our nursery.

I truly believe it's a beautiful reflection of both my husband and I

and perfect for our little bambina!!  

We just love going in there and cannot wait to bring her home to it!

My husband didn't want me painting or really lifting a finger

when it came to working on the nursery.

I didn't put up much of a fight, since I knew
I'd be able to spend my time searching for organizing essentials

and decor.

As soon as we found out we were having a girl,

he went right to work!
He primed the walls...

 Removed the dirty old green carpet.

It was like 90+ degrees and this man worked his tail off.

He wonders why I already tell him he's a great daddy.

 Picked out "Fun Yellow"

and painted her room.

We also chose that carpet--a neutral.

Before and after

We took the doors right off, since they were the annoying sliding ones.

I wanted it all open so I could view all her cute items anyway.

 Slowly starting to stock the goodies...

 I searched high and low looking for perfect organization.

I decided on this bookshelf from Target

I thought it'd double as baby stuff storage

and her little library.

I cannot wait til her little hands can grab those books.

And this is her closet today!!

Her clothes are washed and hung according to size.

I bought the fabric storage bins at Target for the organizer.

I purchased the hanging organizer from Wal-Mart.

The basket underneath that holds her cloth diapers,

for when I'm ready to take that plunge!

{Baskets are from Jo-Anns and my mother-in-law lined them with fabric}

Can you stand all of her clothes??
Of course she's already a fashionista in the making.

 We purchased her crib and changer dresser from Buy Buy Baby.

The crib converts to a toddler bed, then a full size bed.

Her mattress is also from Buy Buy and it's organic.

 Her gorgeous bedding was designed by me 

and sewn by Grandma D!! {Mama-in-law}

Letters made by my friend Ann--she used scrapbook paper to match!

 Her name plaque was made by Nana (my step-mom Tricia)

The color pops with the yellow and fits perfectly above her door.

 Another view

And the gorgeous Tu-tu outfit for her newborn photo sesh from my mom!

 Nightlight I custom ordered from Angela at

 The Preppy Polka Dot

 Switch plate I ordered from etsy

 My glider!!

From Buy Buy Baby.

Gifted from my dad and step-mom.

The little white stand I bought years ago when I owned my own house.

I think it was from Wal-Mart.

I just wanted a little "nursing station".

I ended up moving the lamp to the changing dresser.

It's from Target.

I made a little video on my iPhone...

I apologize it's not the greatest quality but it's something.

I am over 37 weeks prego and out of breath easily!! 

Feel free to leave a comment for any of my questions I ask in the video.

Thanks and have a great day!!