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!

So What! Wednesday

 

Another hump day is here, friends....that means one thing... it's time to link up with Shannon for So What! Wednesday.  This week I'm saying So What! if....

• I did a victory dance in my bathroom yesterday morning because it was the first time in weeks I didn't dry heave violently while brushing my teeth.  I may or may not have been naked.
• I cursed my husband this morning when again, AGAIN, I sat my bare ass in the friggen toilet water.  
• My daughter is a teenager, apparently.  It's 9:05 here and girlfriend is still asleep.
• I could survive on chocolate milk.  I guzzle that creamy goodness like a 6 year old and cannot get enough.  
• I was super proud of Elena's first Valentines.
• I'm probably equally as excited to get a mani/pedi this weekend when we're back home in NJ as I am to see the people I love and miss.  My fingers and toes are not pretty, people.  
• I can't wait to start liking food again.  I'm hoping that happens this weekend, while home, where I have my in-laws to cook for me and diners, real pizza, bagels, and pork roll around every corner. 
• I find it rude when you constantly comment on someone's blog and they never ONCE, not ONCE have responded to your comments.  And I'm not even talking a 500+ follower blog.  Maybe I need to lighten up.  
• I have yet to pack for our trip tomorrow or have Elena make Valentines for Daddy and Gma & Gpa.  I'd like about 5 or so extra hours today, k?
• My photo shoot did not go exactly as planned yesterday.  My goal was to take pics of Elena in her I'm gonna be a big sister shirt to finally do a FB announcement.  I got some hysterical shots though.  

I just told her she was gonna be a big sister.  Not sure how she feels about that.  

 

 

•  It's Ash Wednesday and I haven't decided on anything to give up for Lent.  Hmm.  Does it count that I've given up booze and caffeine b/c I'm a preg?  

That's all I have for today, peeps.  Looking forward to hopping around and seeing what you guys are So What!ing this week!

Getting My Valentine On

I may be the biggest slacker mom on the block these days but I still managed to find a Valentine to craft up on good old Pinterest.

I like to think I'm crafty.  Not in a professional DIYer sort of way.  More like a I was a first grade teacher for 10 years sort of way.  So yeah, I'm basically a craft ninja when it comes to Elmer's and construction paper. 

Elena's little play group meets tomorrow and we're having a Valentine's Day party for the kiddos.  I knew that I wanted to do something that wasn't candy/food related since some of the little ones in our group have food allergies.  And really?  What almost 2 year old needs candy?  It's just more shit for us moms to eat.  At least this mom, anyway.

So, I went with the quick and easy route.  And relatively cheap, considering I only needed to whip up  6 Valentines.

I bought 6 boxes of crayons, printed up some labels, slapped them on the box, tied a piece of bakery twine {is that even what it's called?} around the box, and added a little cut-out heart embellishment with each kids' name on it.  Done and done in less than half an hour.  And I think they are cute and practical.  Boom.

And if you don't already follow me on Instagram {kcamp07}, here's a pic of the text exchange between Paul and I after I sent him a pic of Elena's first Valentine's.   She's a Daddy's girl, for sure.

Gender reveal + weeks 11 & 12

I'm a little behind and have some catching up to do.  Here are weeks 11 & 12.  Can't believe I'm kissing the first trimester goodbye.  I'm excited for the feel good high of trimester 2! Goodbye nausea, food aversions, and sloth tendencies. 

Aaaahhhh!  Yes, it is indeed a girl.  We are over the moon with excitement and couldn't be happier to be giving Elena a little sister.  I would've sworn up and down that this was a little boy.  I thought the same thing with Elena.  I have just felt so different this pregnancy.  I suppose it's just proof that every pregnancy is different, regardless of the sex.

The doctor called me last Monday (only a week after having the blood test) and gave us the wonderful news that all the chromosomal tests came back normal.  Feeling so blessed.  Paul was at the gym- I so wished he was home when I got the call, but he was home shortly after.  He guessed girl immediately....I'm sure it was written all over my face.  He was so, so excited.

Everybody asks, "Was Paul upset it wasn't a boy?"  Honestly?  He wasn't.  He "gets" girls now.  Being a girl Daddy.  He loves it and cherishes the special bond between a father and daughter.  He did have a look of "Oh Shit" in his eyes though, imagining 2 sweet sixteens, 2 weddings, 2 dance classes.  Good thing he is such a saver!

Giving Elena a sister is such a gift.  A built in bestie.   A confidant.  Someone to share clothes and secrets with.   I pray that they are close and that they will love each other fiercely.  That they will always be able to rely on one another and hold each other up in hard times.  That they will praise and celebrate one another in good times.  That they are always there for one another.  I cannot wait to watch them love and grow together.  This feels so right for our family.  My heart is full. 

10 weeks

I've been so happy to have had Paul home since last Wednesday.  Yes, you heard that right.  7 nights of him home.   We've been loving it up.  He leaves tomorrow but will be back Friday.  I'll take it. 

I haven't been loving the fact that I get hardly any face time with the computer when Paul's around.  He's a workaholic and uses our computer and his work laptop simultaneously when he's home.  Which means no computer for me.  Which means no blogging for me, either.  He has an iPad, but honestly?  Typing on that is not my idea of a good time.  Neither is blogging from my phone.  Oh, hell no.  There are talks of maybe getting me another Mac book so he can just have the old one all to himself.  Yay.  I like that idea. 

So, I'm behind.  But have lots to talk about in the coming days.  Starting with my10 week bump update.  Despite the fact that I'm 11.5 weeks.   I said I was behind.  I'll get the 11 week update on here before I hit the 12 week mark on Saturday.  Promise. 

Also....Also....I'll be doing the GENDER REVEAL this week, so stay tuned!  We got the results from our MaterniT21 test last night.  Weeeee!  So exciting!