Trendy Tot Tuesday

Linking up again with Kelly, Megan, and Lindsay for another Trendy Tot Tuesday.

Shirt-Old Navy//Hair bow-Gap

 Over the weekend, we attended a birthday party for one of Elena's playgroup buddies.  It was at an indoor play center---The type of party not suited for a party dress.  We're talking a pants and socks, running around like a crazy girl, type of party.  The best kind, right?

She had so much fun with her "fens" and got so many compliments on her outfit...particularly her pants.  We had our hospital tour {Since Elena was born in NJ and this is my first time delivering in CBus} earlier in the morning and I swear, every passerby commented on her pants.

 

I actually had her wear them especially for the party, since they were a hand-me-down from the birthday girl herself.  Her sweet mommy, who has become one of my dearest friends out here in Ohio, has turned me onto Matilda Jane, which is where these adorable ruffle bottom pants are from.  I die just about every time I put Elena in them.  I am definitely going to be ordering some more for Elena in the fall.  I enjoy dressing Elena in unique outfits that you don't see everyone wearing, which makes me super excited to start filling up her fall wardrobe.  

One of her besties.

My entire heart.

Do yourself a favor...Head on over and link-up...

I love you, Friday.

Since becoming a Stay at Home Mom, I don't experience the impending doom of a coming Monday like I once did when I was working.  Similarly, my ache for Friday is surely not as desperate as it once was when I lived for the weekend. 

Don't get me wrong, I love me a Friday.  Paul is not traveling and is either working from home or at a local branch.  Dinner is at a predictable time and is always pizza.  Always.  Paul and I are in tag team mode for clean-up, bath, and bedtime.  So yes, Fridays are glorious and an overall win. 

This week was a little different.  And before I go any further I seriously want to thank the Big Man upstairs for seeing me through.  I'm here.  It's Friday.  I made it.  Dramatic, perhaps.  But I speak the truth, people.

This week I had that familiar dread of Monday that is immediately followed by the pleading for the end of the week to arrive.  Paul was traveling all.  week.  long.  It might not sound like a huge deal, especially when I am used to him traveling and being gone 3-4 nights a week.  But for some reason, this week?  This week was different.  Let's highlight, shall we? 

Paul was away-away.  Not just a short drive to Cinci or Cleveland.  No, I'm talking Bay Harbor, Michigan.  For all you non-Mid-Westerners, that's a good 8 hour drive from Columbus.  Naturally, I'd convinced myself that I would have the baby this week because he was so far from home.  And that's just the way things often happen in our lives. Not to sound too much like Mel.issa Gor.ga, but THANK YOU, JESUS!  I am still with child, and Paul is in transit back to Cbus.  

Before the week officially even started, I threw my lower back out on Sunday getting Elena from her crib.  Like, couldn't move, bend, sit, stand, walk, or lay down without being in excruciating pain.  I've done it before so I knew that I'd be hurting the next few days, at least. 

Did I mention I am 36 weeks pregnant as of tomorrow?  Yeah, that extra 30 lbs I'm carrying doesn't really favor a bad back too well.  I've really felt fairly well this time around.  Even being ginormous and even in this heat.  Being huge has it's limits with mobility to begin with.  And though I pride myself on making a concious effort NOT to waddle, this week I took waddle to a whole new level.  Imagine your 80-something year old Great Aunt Maude being 9 months pregnant.  And now you know what I looked like.  Totting around a toddler. 

Ah, yes!  We cannot forget that on top of the busted back and gigantic pregnant-ness, I have a two year old.  A two year old, who, for the love, is not what I would call easy or laid back.  She is awesome, and fun, and loving, and silly, and kind.  She has manners and is totally predictable on most fronts, BUT, she is whatever the opposite of laid back is.  I can't think of the word.  And she is extra "whatever that word is" when Paul is not around. 

She freaks if there's a speck of anything, anywhere.  Lint on her toes?  Forget it.  A dangling floret on her piece of broccoli?  Ewwww, Mommy.  And, common to toddlerhood, she has to do every. single. thing. under the sun herself.  I love her fierce independence.  I do.  But it can be maddening and frustrating at the same time.

"No, I doob it, Mommy. I ba doob iiiiiiiiiitttttt!"

She freaks her shit if I try to help her with anything from getting into the carseat, to stirring her own oatmeal, to closing the gate at the top of the stairs.  She wants to do it all.  Alllll.  And normally, I'm patient and I can marvel at her independence and determination.  And I can pick my battles and let her put 3 mismatched bows in her hair or screw the cap back on the water bottle herself.  But this week I was dreading the tantrums and the power struggles. 

So now, here I am.  It's Friday.  I made it.  I can look back and say that the anticipation of the dreadful week I was sure to have was actually worse than the week itself. 

Yes, my back still hurts, but I am looking much more like 30-something pregnant and less like your 80-something year old Aunt Maude. 

Yes, I am huge, but thankfully I'm still pregnant and did not go into labor, sans Paul. 

And yes, my toddler is still wildly independent, but she bent and compromised with me this week like she knew Mama needed  a little extra compliance.  Thank you, sweet girl.

And most importantly, I have my husband who will be home tonight to tag team it all with me.  Many mothers don't have someone to share the struggle with like I do...running a household and raising a toddler...so for that alone, I'll shut the eff up right now with my bitchfest and thank you all for listening.

 

I'm off to love on my Friday with my favorite people and hope you all do the same! 

Breaking Ground

Today we broke ground on our new home.

In Ohio.

It still sounds so foreign to me when I say that we live in Ohio. And not only do we live here, but we are building a home here.

Having rented for the year+ that we've been in Columbus, it was clear that, regardless of how much longer we planned to stay, we wanted a place that was ours. A yard. A neighborhood. Something that didn't feel temporary.

So, here it is, in all it's glory. The hole that will eventually be our home.

Elena and I did a drive by today and I could see the backhoe in action from the highway. Not gonna lie, I was overcome with giddy school girl excitement.

I parked the car and got Elena out so she could see the workers in action.  Girlfriend is obsessed with trucks and loved every second, waving and shouting "Hi Backhoe" about 170 times.  She proceeded to cry when we left and kept saying "digging" in between sobs in the car on the way home.

I'm pretty sure Paul ran out to the nearest Toys R' Us in Whereverthefuck, Michigan he's at to get his girl a digger.   Okay, not really, but no doubt he's on that as soon as he gets home. 

I don't know if this is what all home builders do, or if I'll be labeled the weirdo of the development by the construction workers, but I plan to stalk the site on the daily, doing drive bys and checking out what's going on.  That's normal, right???  I just can't wait to see it come together.  They say it takes about 60 days to get to the dry walling phase.  So, ultimately, in two months we should have a standing structure.

Follow me on Instagram to stay up to speed with the building process.  'Cause you know you love seeing large machinery and piles of dirt and stuff. 

Blog Lovin' or Bust

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

So, being away from this space for so long, I sort of missed the whole world-is-ending pandemonium caused by the disintegration of Google Reader.  I'm a novice at this blog stuff, so although I relied on Google reader to catch up on my favorite reads, I don't really see what the big deal is about having to read from my blogger dashboard or another platform, such as Blog Lovin', instead.  Somebody clue me in if I'm missing something.  Which, I likely am.  I'm a novice, remember? 

Anyway, I know I'm fashionably late to the follow-me party, but I truly value all of my readers and hope that you'll continue to follow along in one form or another.





 

So What! Wednesday

Ok, let's see if I remember how to do this.  It's been that long! Linking up with Shannon for her weekly So What! Wednesday. 
    This week I'm saying So What! if...   I'm watching Pretty Wicked Moms.  How am I just finding out about this gem now??? 

I made a pint of Haagen Daaz my bitch tonight and ate almost the whole thing.

I do that every night.  That averages about 3 pints of Haagen Daaz a week.

I almost just threw up realizing that's a lot of freaking ice cream.

We eat oatmeal and cereal for dinner on nights like tonight when Daddy is away.

I wear a bikini to the pool at 34 weeks pregnant.  It is not a pretty sight but I've got no shame in my game.

People who FB complain about the heat annoy the crap out of me.  I get it.  It's hot.  I don't need to see a grainy cell phone pic of the temperature gauge in your car. 

Those same people also annoy me when they complain how cold it is in winter.

Baby Julia is due in 6 weeks and I still have no clue what I'm going to do with Elena when I go into labor.  Being 500+ miles away from family totally sucks.

I've completely slacked at trying to find a babysitter out here.  We are paying $35 a month to have an ad on one of those child care websites and I haven't interviewed a single person.  I have issues.

I'm obsessed with Big Brother but this season's Mean Girls are really turning me off.  Not loving this cast at all.  Except Howard.  Love me some Howard.

I'm scared to death about loving another child.  I have spent pretty much every waking minute of Elena's life with her.  She is my everything.  I am wildly in love with her and just cannot imagine how to do that with two.  Especially another girl.

That's enough for this week...So Whating apparently is just like riding a bicycle :) 

Trendy Tot Tuesday: Jersey Pride

I'm a little late to the game here with my first Trendy Tot Tuesday post.  So excited to finally be linking-up with Kelly, Megan, and Lindsay. 

Let's be honest, fashion blogger I am not.  I don't do OOTD posts.  I think it's terribly awkward to take pictures of myself, and unless there's a demand to see a mid-thirties mom rocking a wife beater and messy ponytail, I'll leave them to the professionals.  You can thank me later.

What I do love, however, is taking pictures of my sassy two year old in whatever it is she's got on for the day.  Sometimes it's one of her few coveted Matilda Jane pieces, but more times than not it's a second hand ensemble she's gotten from one of her cousins.  You can even catch her sporting pajamas as an all day look, depending on her mood. 

Today's outfit features a staple of Elena's summer wardrobe...these Gap denim bow shortie shorts.  Love them! They are so versatile and go with all of the fun summer tops that she wears...from tees to tanks. 

The t-shirt is a gift from one of our dear friends back home in New Jersey.  I am obsessed with it.  It says Jersey Pride, and God knows we've got that.  I tried to get her to fist pump for the picture but it wasn't happening today.  I hope you'll settle for her cheese face, instead.  I mean, seriously?  The hands on the hip?  I die.  And if you could hear her?  She's not saying cheese all sweet and nice.  It's more of a guttural "CHEEEEEEEESSSEEEEEE," like get this effin camera out of my face you crazy woman. 

I decided to dress her outfit up by coordinating it with a cute red hair bow and her red Toms.  There is just something about those Toms on little piggies that make me feel all warm and fuzzy.  If your child does not have a pair, I seriously suggest ponying up and getting them a pair or six.  I promise they will make you a happier person. 

Looking forward to hopping around and seeing what other trendy tots are wearing these days!
Until next week....





                                       

Big Things

Big things have been going on.  

Considering I haven't blogged in exactly 4 months, there really is just too much to cover.  I can be long winded as it is, so if you're even reading this {since I never sent out the mass "follow-me-on-bloglovin'" post} consider yourself lucky.  You get the abridged version.  You're welcome. 

 Despite the relevancy and importance of big and little things that have happened since March, I just haven't had it in me to come here.  To write.  It wasn't that I didn't want to share, just that once the days of not blogging lapsed into weeks, and eventually months of not blogging, it just became commonplace to let it go.  Am I a little disappointed?  Sure.  Losing sleep over it?  No.  But then again, I don't sleep much these days anyway. 

And then something--not quite sure what--urged me to log into this space tonight to find my last entry was March 14th.  Exactly 4 months ago.  The irony of that, coupled with the fondness I have for  even numbers, well, it was just what I needed to lure me back in. 

So back to big things.  Let's start with the obvious...

That big thing right there would be my 32 week bump taken while we were back home visiting in NJ for Independence Day.

That big thing, also known as Julia Claire.  

She has a name.  

It is indeed official.  Just as Elena was named, after my mother, and her middle name, Josephine-after Paul's grandmother, Julia is named after Paul's mother (who goes by Julie), with the middle name Claire, after my maternal grandmother.  I love me a good family name and am so blessed to love both of my girls' names so much.  My girls.  Elena and Julia.  Lainey and Jules.  My Lainey Bug and JuJu Bee.

For the record though, baby sister has affectionately been dubbed "Goobie" or "Goobia," which is how Elena pronounces it.  And it's sticking.  #awesome #notreally

Big thing number 2?  

That would be the girl right there in the picture below.  My 2 year old.  TWO.  Which means she's even more sassy and spirited then she was when I last checked in here.  Talking and wondering about everything around her.  I truly love this age.  Power struggles, hunger strikes, and all.  

She's sleeping like a teenager still- 12/13 hour nights + 2-3 hour nap, eating like a bird most days {but will never turn down fruit, frozen peas, smoothies, or Pirate's Booty}, has somehow discovered Barney {damn you Netflix!}, and is obsessed with baths, showers, and the pool.  She is the coolest.

To round out the big things going on around here...we are building a house.  In Ohio.  Craziness.  So excited and nervous.  And ready.  We finally just got our dig date.  July 22nd.  Stay tuned for documentation of the process. 

Gonna really try to keep up with this space here.  I'm pretty sure that if I don't, getting back to it after Julia arrives would be slim.  I've loved the purpose this blog has served for me thus far.  I love looking back and re-reading entries.  And I love the connections I've made with other bloggers.  It feels good to be back. 

At the Mercy of a 2 year old

At the risk of beating a dead horse, I'm talking about toddler drama.  Again. 

Today was another one for the books.  Elena is two months shy of her second birthday and I think it's safe to say that we are strapped in tight, white knuckle grip and all,  on the roller coaster that is the Terrible Twos.

God help me.  No, seriously.  God, I know you've got greater prayers to answer, but if you could send a little sanity, a lot of patience, and a dose of reassurance that I'm not the worst mom in the world, that'd be great. This conveniently comes at a time when I cannot drink or medicate myself.  Awesome. 

I'll spare you the gory details, because honestly?  I'm exhausted and it would take too damn long to recount the days' events.  In a nutshell, let's just say that every. single. thing. in our daily routine has become a production.  Diaper changes, getting dressed, meals {don't even get me started on meals, that's a post for another day}, going shopping, getting in and out of the car seat, sitting in the stroller, sitting in her highchair, brushing her teeth, which bib she wears.  I'm pretty confident if she were talking in sentences she'd tell me she hates me. 

Perhaps I'm being the slightest bit dramatic.  Not every moment is a struggle.  And of course I know she loves me. She plops herself down nicely on my lap to get her shoes on and she she loves to sit quietly and draw.  She dances and twirls around to the "ewebic" {that would be music}on my phone, and gives me kisses randomly and always when I ask.  She loves to laugh at the dog and walk around with a phone pretending to talk to Daddy.  She says "sahjee" {sorry} with the sweetest little pouty lip when I get her from Time Out and thinks it's hysterical to pretend to tickle herself.  She is all of this, more, and then some. 

It helps to write this after such a long day.  To process it, acknowledge it as normal toddler behavior, and focus on the highlights of our day.  Because in between the blood curdling screams and defiant, sassy "nopes", there are many, many highlights. 

And always, always, I can count on these at the end of even the roughest days.  Snuggles and lovins from my favorite girl. 

Oh hey. You must be the terrible twos.

My child sleeps.  Soundly and like the dead.  And since daylight savings time,  we've had wake-ups at 9:45, and 10:45.  I thought I had a toddler, not a teenager.

Speaking of teenagers, for a hot second today I would have rather been dealing with the "I hate yous" of teenage angst than the tantrums of the terrible twos.   Grass is greener, I know.  I know.

Seriously?  Totally giving me the stink eye. 

It was a day and a half around this house and tonight finds me feeling defeated.  It's not the first time.  And I know, trust me, I know--- it isn't the last.  Whoever tries to make motherhood look all easy and we bake cookies all day and do educational Pinterest rainy day crafts until the cows come home is full of it.  It isn't easy and I have no shame in admitting it.

Do we have days like that?  The cookie baking crafty kind?  Sure.  But no day is perfect and lately all seem to be infused with mass amounts of toddler drama and crazies. 

For the love, I am a child development major.  I haven known about the terrible twos and all the shit that goes with them long before becoming a mother.  No amount of schooling or babysitting could have prepared me for being deep in the trenches with my own child.  Basically as a single mother.  When Paul is home?  What a difference.  She is so much more manageable and pleasant.  Like that doesn't make me feel like a terd.  Like it's all me.  Womp womp.

Don't get me wrong.  Elena is my best friend.  She is funny, loveable, affectionate, engaging, silly, smart...I am obsessed with her and miss her the second she falls asleep.  We have a million wonderful moments in a given day.  Moments where I stand in awe of this amazing creature God has blessed me with.  So many more wonderfully awesome moments than the ones that have me ranting tonight.

Sparkles and unicorns right there, people.  Makes it all worth it. 

But those ugly moments need to be documented, too.  Motherhood isn't all sparkles and unicorns.  It's slaps across the face from your kid in Trader Joe's because she doesn't want you to have your hands on the grocery cart.  It's that sassy "nope" when you ask her to do something routine.  It's that red face of embarrassment you get when your adorable spawn is the only one in gymnastics that wants no part of the parachute and lets everyone within a ten mile radius know it with her screams. All of it and then some.

But you know what?  I'll take it.  Tomorrow is a new day.  I'm hoping for sparkles and unicorns, but will navigate the tantrums and crazies, come as they will.  No doubt. 

Bump update: Weeks 13-16

I promised myself I wouldn't slack when it came to documenting this pregnancy.  Despite feeling disconnected from writing lately {due in large part to ridiculous headaches I've been having} I've still kept up with my weekly bump pics and updates.  Finally getting around to posting them here.

Buh bye first tri, hello birfdays and barf.

The end of February came, went, and somehow turned into March.  Seems impossible.  Wasn't it just the start of the New Year? 

We've been busy around here, which I'm grateful for, since busy means that I'm actually participating in the human race.  Thank you, second trimester. 

I've resumed cooking dinner on the regular.  I actually put away the folded laundry instead of letting it sit in the basket.  I even brush my teeth as soon as I wake up.  And, most importantly, I've fired the trifecta of babysitters that were Sprout, Nick Jr., and Disney Channel.  Or "TeeTee" as we say in this house {TV}. Yes, there were some days it was all I could do to just lay on the couch and watch my girl play.  I'm so glad those days are in my rear view, although she still brings me the remote control when the TV is off.

The end of February also brought Paul's birthday.  He turned 36, which means we've officially spent half of our lives together. Talk about time flying.  18 years.  Wow.  Elena and I baked our first cake together.  She was such a great helper and loved sitting on the counter pouring in all of the ingredients. 

Signing Daddy's card.

Happy Birthday, Daddy 

 I wish I could say we ended the month on a high note.  No.  Elena came down with a stomach bug the day after Paul's birthday and threw up for the first time.  Oh.  My.  God.  It's something I knew was bound to happen, but it doesn't mean I was prepared.  All I can say is thank GOD Paul was home.  It's not the actual puke I mind.  It's seeing her sick and helpless and scared.  Having him home made us both feel better.  I will say that girlfriend made it nice and easy---she only projectile vomited in the kitchen and on me.  Honestly, I think I was more traumatized than her. Poor thing. 

When she woke up that morning I could tell she had a tummy ache.  She had an explosive poop the day before and the morning of she was super clingy and needy.  She wouldn't eat breakfast, wouldn't drink her milk and kept lifting her PJ top and making a sad face as if she was saying, "Mommy, my belly hurts."  I had a feeling in the back of my mind she might puke.  At about noon, she walked into the kitchen, where I was, and projectile puked 3 times.  I was so scared because I could tell she was scared.  I was screaming for Paul, who was locked in the master bath on a work call.  I'll spare you the pictures, because YES, there were pictures.  While I was still drenched in puke Paul decided to bust out the DSLR to start documenting her first puke.  All the while Lola was licking it up off of the floor.  I can't make this shit up.  She never puked again, thank goodness, but it took a good 2 days to get her back to herself.  Boy, I'm glad she's back. 

And I'm glad I'm back.  Back to feeling like me again.  March is gonna be a good one.

A weekend of the Best kind

A weekend home full of everything I needed- family, friends, food, and of course a mani/pedi.  The best kind.

I'll let the pictures do {most of} the talking.

We left well before the sun came up on Thursday.  A few hours into our drive the sun came up and the day greeted us with snow capped hills and trees.

 It was like driving through an Ansel Adams calendar.  Beautiful and peaceful.   We only stopped once, made record time {under 10 hours}, and my little miss only slept 40 minutes.  Good thing she tolerates the car well.  She was excellent the entire trip.  We can only hope this next little lady enjoys our road trips as much as her sister!

We arrived to Valentine goodies from Gma and Gpa...A Minnie Mouse shirt.  Girlfriend is totally obsessed with "Mimmie" and seriously has wanted to wear this shirt every. single. day. since. Thursday.  

After putting on her new shirt, she made some snowballs with Daddy.

 After a long trip and little sleep, we got to fill our tummies with some of Gma's yummy home cooking.  Somebody loved the corn on the cob!

 We had some Grandpa and Grandma snuggles and then we all hit the sack! 

Friday we woke up the way everyone wakes up when staying with the grandparents, I'm sure...Donuts for breakfast!  Someone was clearly happy.

 

Donuts for breakfast make me happy, too.  But if you wanna know what makes me *REALLY* happy, just look at the picture below.  This is my happy place.  Mani/Pedi=Heaven.

Wanna know what else makes me happy?  A night out with my handsome husband.  We were fortunate enough to get out to one of our favorite local places for some drinks {that would be a Shirley Temple for this girl} and some friends.  My very bestest friend, Katie and one of our other best friend couples came out to meet us.  It was such a nice night.  

We've shared half our lives together.  18 years.  Damn, I love this kid.

Saturday we had such a FUN morning.  Our niece Ailish recently had a major surgery and we couldn't wait to get home to spoil her.  Paul was super excited and had told her we were going to take her shopping at her favorite store when we came home.  Boy did he deliver.  Paul's brother and our sister-in-law, along with our niece & nephew and my mother in law, all came along for the shopping spree.  She had so much fun and the smile on her face was absolutely priceless.   We made Justice our bitch.

We had lots of cousin loving this weekend and Elena was blessed to see ALL eight of hers! 

 Saturday night we went to my Aunt's house and had a really nice dinner with my Aunt and Uncle and my sister and the kids.  The kids had so much fun playing together.  We had a cake for my Uncle and Paul to celebrate their upcoming birthdays.  That cake may have been the best thing that's ever happened to me.  Seriously.  It was that good.

Sunday we went to visit our dear friends who just welcomed baby girl #4!  There is nothing like snuggling up with a new babe.  That smell!  I can't believe I get to do it all over again.  So excited.  Elena was surprisingly so good.  When Paul was holding sweet Sophia, Elena brought over a little pretend bottle to give to the baby.  I died.  She didn't get jealous when I was holding her either.  Here's to hoping she reacts the same when August rolls around.

We ended the weekend with Sunday dinner with my in laws and a birthday party for Paul.  My father in law made my favorite...Puttanesca sauce and stuffed artichokes.  That may just be my death row meal.  Add that chocolate cake for dessert and it's a done deal. 

Seriously with her blowing out the candles?   I can't. 

And her are just a few of some of the delicious things that filled my belly. Yes, friends, that is a REAL pizza.  Jersey style.  It was damn good. 

We relaxed the rest of Sunday night and went to bed early.   4 am comes really quick!  A great weekend with great company and great food.  The best kind. 

Spread the Love Valentine's Swap

Hey, hey friends!  Today I'm linking up with Megan and Erin to show off the AMAZE goodies that I received from my swap buddy, Jen.  If you aren't already a follower of Jen's, you should probably remedy that ASAP.  Especially if you love to read about Adventures in Mommyhood, like I do. 

Ok, so, Miss Jen.  Well, first things first...She completely, utterly, and totally spoiled me.  I know the name of this link-up was Spread the Love and all, but DAYYUM.  Girlfriend did more than spread the love.

She claims to be a Stay at Home Mom but I think she's definitely moonlighting with the CIA or as a Private Eye or something.  I mean HOW ELSE COULD THIS INTERNET STRANGER KNOW ME SO WELL??!!   I'm not asking any questions because I couldn't be happier with all of my Spread the Love Loot!  Check it out for youselves...

Did girlfriend deliver, or what???  This girl is a rule breaker, people.  Clearly there is way more than $15 worth of Valentine's goodness up there.  But, like I said, I'm not asking any questions. 

I am the HUGEST fan of snail mail.  If you asked me to list 5 things that give me an instant smile, getting mail would certainly rank.  When I opened the mailbox and saw the festively adorable pink polka dot package, well, it was all over.  Permagrin.  She even wrapped my goodies all pretty and nice. 

What I love, love, love is that she took the time to choose some things for Elena.  What are two of Elena's favorite things, you ask??  Uh, Elmo, of course...and books.  So naturally, the Elmo book was a huge hit.  And the monkey socks.  Could you die?  Now, they are a little big, which sweet Jen warned me about, but all I'm thinking is Hmmmm, I wonder if I could squeeze my feet in these bad boys. I love festive socks and I wore mine today.  If you follow me on IG you can see for yourselves. 

I've eaten my weight in Starburst and Sour Patch Kids this pregnancy, so I'm happy to do my part and keep feeding my habit.  Thankfully Jen is keeping me accountable with the sweets she included.  And, if you know me at all, you would know that I could mainline decaf iced caramel macchiatos from Sbux.  They are my crack.  So again, thank you Jen for supporting my habit.  Mama is a happy girl with this little gift card tucked inside her wallet! 

Disclaimer...I'm not being dramatic when I say all of these things are my favorites.  Honest to God.  This girl is good. 

Did you know I rarely wear lip gloss and I NEVER wear lipstick?  Hmm, it seems Jen knew.  Because what I DO wear is chappy, my friends.  Chappy.  Or what you normal people might call Chapstick/Lip Balm.  And this little ball of yum is one I have never tried.  Until now.  Not only is it fun but it's smooth and fruity and I'm loving it!!!  Next time you're waiting on line at Target  and you're sizing up that little ironic ball of balm {because I SO did this.  More than once} do not hesitate.  Throw it in your shopping cart, girls.  DO IT.  You will not regret it.

Now this is where I'm wondering if I'm living my own version of the Truman Show.  Remember that creepy movie with Jim Carey where everyone watches his life like a TV show?  Anyway, how Jen knew that I have, at all times, a magnetic pad IDENTICAL to this one stuck to my fridge to facilitate my OCD list writing tendencies, well, I have NO idea.  But she knew.  And this awesome chevron print pad is way cuter than the lame green one I've got now.  Yea!

As if all this wasn't enough, she's concerned about my hydration. So sweet, right?  Staying hydrated while being preg is important.  She would know, because she's preg, too!  Yay.  Anyway, now she's given me a fun way to enjoy my water with this flavored water enhancer.  Haven't tried this yet, but am looking forward to it! 

What I wish I got a picture of was Elena walking around with the note from Jen and that pretty polka dot mailer all these fab goodies came in.   She walks around with them and loves to put the letter back in the envelope and put her magnets and blocks inside the mailer.  She actually cried Monday night when I had to pry them out of her hands to get in the tub.  It doesn't take much to make my girl happy.

I would be remiss if I didn't take a minute to thank not only Jen for her thoughtfulness and generosity, but the hosts of this swap---Megan & Erin.  This was my first swap and I was hesitant.  But I am so, so glad that I went for it and decided to sign up.  Not only did I get to cross blog paths with Jen, but also with my Swap partner, the lovely beauty Ashely at It Is What You Make It.  I had a ball shopping for her and am so glad to have had the opportunity to find her amazing little corner of the blog world.

Now, I can't wait to get hopping and see what all of you ladies got spoiled with this Valentine's Day!  Looking forward to making some more new blog buddies. 

Letting the World Know

Most of my immediate family and close friends know I'm pregnant again.  The ones who know our struggles with infertility and loss.  The ones who have been our biggest cheerleaders and greatest supporters. 

I wasn't sure how I felt about doing a big Facebook reveal to let every other Tom, Dick, and Harry know, but ultimately I decided I definitely wanted to share this exciting time with friends and extended family.  Facebook is good for mass sharing.  I'm sure you've heard.

When I was pregnant with Elena I don't think I posted one belly shot.  In fact, I know I didn't.  Maybe a tagged photo from my baby shower made it on my timeline. I never updated my status with how many times I peed the night before or to share the current state of my vulvar varicosity.  I dare you to google that one.  I am not one to complain in general, but I never would even dream of posting my pregnancy woes for others to eye roll.  'Cause that's what I do if you FB complain.  Especially about pregnancy.  I'm aware that I'm hypersensitive because all that I've gone through.  Even still, my threshold for public complaining on FB is very, very low.  We've all got problems.  And I guarantee someone is begging for yours.  I digress.

I actually felt bad posting about my pregnancy with Elena.  Felt bad because several close and dear friends, whom I knew would see my updates, were struggling with loss, infertility, adoption difficulties and the like.  I knew how it crushed my heart just a little bit each time I saw someone post SURPRISE! We're PREGNANT.  I hated being that girl.  But sometimes I was. 

After I had Elena, I realized I had been a little bit foolish in my thinking.  Sparing others feelings, while considerate of me, I suppose, sort of took away from my own glorious hallelujah I'm the freaking one that's finally pregnant moments.  I have always had a tendency to put others' feelings before my own.  This case was no exception.  Not that I would ever be one to gloat or attention whore myself to the point you'd want to block my updates {jeez, I hope that's not me}.

In any case, I decided this time?  This time I'm sharing it.  I'm making it Facebook official.  This exciting and miraculous time.  My first little miracle is becoming a big sister.  My body is carrying another babe.  I am doubly blessed.

If by chance, you are that girl, like I was, with a  hurting heart, I implore you....Don't let it break your spirit if your miracle hasn't happened yet.  Instead, let it serve to remind you to always believe and hope for what your heart desires.  Miracles DO happen.  My heart will be praying for *YOUR* miracle.

I did a photo shoot Monday in hopes of capturing a picture to use as our FB announcement.  My subject was less than cooperative for what I had in mind, but was adorable nonetheless doing her own thing.  Here are some of my favorite photos.  She kills me, this kid.

Winning shot.  Going live on Valentine's Day. 

Hopefully by the time her sister arrives, she'll have warmed up to the idea. 

Such a professional

Shirt

 

When you ask her, "Who's gonna be a big sister?" she points to herself like this and says "ME!"

My sunshine girl

ME!