Friday, April 29, 2011

what i'm eyeing.

I've mentioned a couple of times how I'm more than ready to be able to wear non-maternity clothes. I'm ready to have more than 10 things that regularly fit me. And, I'm ready to do some shopping!

In honor of baby M making his/her debut very soon (not today, though) and signaling the end of maternity me, I'm showing you guys a few things I have my eye on.

Bridget Romper by Fossil, found here.

Sideways cross necklace by Dogeared found here.

I've wanted a cross necklace like this ever since Taylor wore it on The Rachel Zoe Project. Hers is RoseArk.

Fabulous wedges by Butter, found here.

"Good Morning America' dress found here.

Swag Shoulder romper, found here.

Sequin placket blouse, found here

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

ready or not ...

First of all, no I have not had the baby yet.

So, I'm obviously getting very close (11 days til the due date) to meeting our baby (and finally finding out if there's been a boy or girl cooking away), which means that all the excitement has really started to build. But, along with the excitement comes major anxiety.

I'm pretty sure everyone feels this with the impending birth of their first child, but I'm getting really nervous. The nursery is pretty much finished and we have "everything" ready (adults really love to call you on this one...), but are we really ready to take on a new little life? Are we ready to be fully responsible for someone else's well-being?

I guess, ready or not, baby M is coming.

Blue Eyed Bride beat me to this exact same post this morning and I couldn't help but nod my head at everything she was saying (except for the second child stuff...I'm not there yet.).

It's so funny, a couple of months ago a facebook friend was close to the end of her pregnancy. She went in to see her doctor and he said since her blood pressure was up she could have the baby the next day. Her post said that instead, she chickened out and set the date for the next week.

I think about her post all.the.time. I think if my doctor were to tell me tomorrow that I could have the baby by the end of the week, I might chicken out, too.

But, the thing is, whether I have the baby this weekend or on the 8th or a couple days after my due date, this baby is coming no matter what. And, no matter what, J and I are going to do the very best that we can do.

So, when I'm asked I usually say we're pretty ready. That J and I are both really excited and anxious and nervous, but most of all, we're ready for the baby to get here so we can start to figure everything out!

Monday, April 25, 2011

belly business -- 38 weeks


How far along: 38 weeks 
Size of the baby: baby M is now as big as a watermelon (about 7 lbs. and 19-22 in.) 
Total weight gain/loss:  21 pounds
Maternity clothes: Lately, I find myself back to online shopping, looking for dresses that I can (hopefully) wear in the summer that will work for breastfeeding. Have I mentioned I'm sick of maternity clothes??
Cravings: margaritas!
Symptoms: swelling, discomfort while sleeping, back aches, acid reflux and nesting -- I've obviously hit the really fun part of pregnancy...  
Movement: Movement has slowed a little due to lack of space, but the baby finds ways to move and flip around.
Gender predictions: I feel a little sad that I don't have an inkling what we're having. Some days I think it's a girl for sure because so many of our friends are having girls and then others I think it's a boy. No clue!

So, I'm officially 13 days away from my due date, which is so surreal. I'm excited and anxious for the baby to get here. But, I'm also so nervous about everything that comes after: figuring out what the baby needs/wants, making sure we have everything we need and, generally, life after baby. 

I'd say if the baby decided today was the day, we'd be ready. I'm sure there are some things we still need, but the big things are in place and ready. 

As far as I'm concerned, I'd rather the baby come earlier rather than later. I'm getting to the point that sleep isn't as plentiful as it used to be and getting around isn't as easy. But, if I was taking my work situation into consideration, it would be better if the baby were a couple days late. What does this all mean, then? NOTHING! I don't know when the baby is coming and I have pretty much no control over it! Ha...

The nursery is pretty much ready. Once I have the curtains hung and a couple of shelves on the wall, I'll post pics of it!

Until then, here's my weekly picture!


Sunday, April 17, 2011

belly business -- 37 weeks


How far along: 37 weeks 
Size of the baby: baby M is now as long a stalk of swiss chard and weighs in at about 6.5 lbs. 
Total weight gain/loss:  21 pounds
Maternity clothes: I'm getting so sick of trying to find something that fits! It's getting warmer, so I don't want to wear jeans, but I don't have that many dresses that fit over my belly. I'll be glad when I can wear my old clothes again!
Cravings: margaritas!
Symptoms: swelling, discomfort while sleeping, back aches, acid reflux and nesting -- I've obviously hit the really fun part of pregnancy...  
Movement: Movement has slowed a little due to lack of space, but the baby finds ways to move and flip around.
Gender predictions: I feel a little sad that I don't have an inkling what we're having. Some days I think it's a girl for sure because so many of our friends are having girls and then others I think it's a boy. No clue!

This past week was way busier than I expected! 

On Monday we finally met with a potential pediatrician. We know several people who go to this doctor and she gets rave reviews. After spending some time with her and getting good answers to our questions, we're decided. So, now that we've decided on a pediatrician, thats a big thing to cross off our pre-baby to-do list! Speaking of the to-do list, we also got the baby bassinet put together and we plan to get the car seat put in J's truck this week!

Wednesday night I went to dinner with a friend of mine that I hadn't seen since probably January. It was so nice to chat and see her before life with baby takes over!

Thursday night J and I had dinner with a couple that we've known since college. Every time we go out with them we sit and talk for 3 hours! This obviously means we need to do dinner/hang out way more often!

Friday night J and I had a date! I've been wanting to go on one last date before the baby since I know we'll be a bit pre-occupied for a while once he/she gets here. We went to The Mantel in Bricktown (thanks to a couple generous gift cards!) and the food was great, especially the molten chocolate cake! Of course I got dessert and was not disappointed! Mmmm...makes me hungry just thinking of it!

Yesterday I got a much-needed pedicure. Considering the fact that I can barely reach my own feet, I'd say prettying up my toes on my own would be nearly impossible! Then, late yesterday afternoon, we went to the Bedlam baseball game in Bricktown. After eating dinner at Abuelo's, we made our way over to the ballpark, but I started feeling kind of weird...and started kind of freaking out that I was going to go into labor. Ha...I'm not at all a spaz...

Anyway, I'm putting some finishing touches on the nursery and just impatiently waiting the arrival of baby M.

Here's this week's picture:

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

two unrelated notes.

I only have a couple things today, but they're super important.

First of all, I have to say a huge CONGRATULATIONS to a friend of mine who was just granted parental rights to two adorable Ethiopian boys. After months of waiting and crossing their fingers and prayers from all those around them, they are parents!

She has posted most of the story of their adoption on her blog and when I read today's post I couldn't help but tear up. As I get closer to having a child of my own, I'm getting a better idea of what it must feel like to finally be able to hold your child and call them your own. And, after many trials, they finally have what they wanted: two adorable little boys who need them just as much as they needed the boys.

I really feel like adopting children is such an amazing thing to do. It's so stressful, but so rewarding. I know that if (at any point) John and I can't have children, I would definitely want to adopt.

And, second of all (and much more frivolously), I saw this kitchen in Lonny's newest magazine TRADhome and love it! I hope to one day build a house, and I really love how the kitchen has color but is still neutral. And, don't you love the stonework?? Fabulous!


Ok, that's it for now. Have a fabulous Wednesday -- I'm having dinner with a friend tonight and it should  be a great time!

Sunday, April 10, 2011

belly business -- 36 weeks


How far along: 36 weeks 
Size of the baby: large canteloupe (up to 22 inches and 6 lbs.) 
Total weight gain/loss:  I go to the doctor on Thursday, but let's just say I'm at 21 by this point
Maternity clothes: I think with the weather warming up so much I'm going to have to invest in some lighter weight maternity pants.  
Cravings: margaritas!
Symptoms: swelling, discomfort while sleeping, back aches, acid reflux and nesting  
Movement: The baby seems to squirm and flip around a lot. When I was at the doctor the heartbeat was 160, which means we have an active one on our hands!
Gender predictions: I feel a little sad that I don't have an inkling what we're having. Some days I think it's a girl for sure because so many of our friends are having girls and then others I think it's a boy. No clue!

Last week wasn't too interesting. I didn't have anything going on in the evenings, which was a welcome change. I ordered a rug for the baby's room and finally ordered this adorable owl hat that I want to use for the newborn pics.

how cute is this???

This week, however, I have a lot going on, but I have a few dinners with friends mixed in, which should be fun!

Yesterday, J hung up a little shelf/cabinet in the baby's room and we are so much closer to having it ready! And, honestly, if the baby came today, we'd be totally fine. The baby can't see farther than a foot or two, so if the shelves and curtains are hung up, I'm sure baby M won't say a word. 

On Monday we are finally going to meet with our potential pediatrician. I'm trying to gather questions for her. If anyone has one, send it my way! And, we're going to the fire department this week to get the car seat put in J's truck. It's going to be so crazy to have a car seat in our car and I'm thinking it's going to make me anxious to have a baby in it! Ahhh!!

I cannot believe we are under a month until baby. I'm thinking these next 4 weeks will creep by, but I'm so excited to finally meet and see our sweet little baby!

And, finally, here's my 36 week pic!


Thursday, April 7, 2011

thursday randoms.

This week has been nice and low key. For once I didn't have a single meeting or extracurricular activity to take up my time in the evenings, and it's been really relaxing! Now ... on to a few things I've had on my mind:

• It's no secret that I love Bravo reality tv. Tonight is the premier of the fourth season of Real Housewives of New York City. I have to say that this and the OC have always been my favorite. Even last season when the mean girls (Jill, LuAnn and Kelly) finally showed their true colors, I was hooked. I'm sad that Bethenny won't be on there, but she has her own show for me to get my fix. 

Anyway, tonight I plan on getting Ramotional, having a little Turtle Time and will probably end up making faces and comments to the tv because of some ridiculously stupid thing Kelly says. Bring on NYC!!

Watch a preview here.

• A couple summers ago I was all about drinking margaritas. If I was out by the pool or in need of a refreshing adult beverage, a margarita on the rocks with salt was my choice. Unfortunately, I really overdid it on the margaritas and for the last 2 summers I haven't really been able to drink them. 

Cue the nice weather we're having and my not being able to drink, due to this whole growing-a-baby situation ... and all I can think of is a margarita! I posted something about margaritas being a pregnancy craving and it was pretty funny to see how many people agree! One girl I knew in high school said when she was pregnant with her first little girl she bought the bucket of margarita mix and mixed it with Sprite. Then she froze it and would scoop some out when she needed a fix! I love it!


I'm really looking forward to being able to have an adult beverage (preferably a margarita) very soon! Just a little over 4 weeks to go!

• I finally decided on some curtains for the baby's room! I am probably the.most indecisive person, especially when it comes to window coverings, and having just decided on something makes me feel really great!

I found these bright window panels on the Z Gallerie website and I thought they would be perfect! The bedding is yellow, white and gray and I thought blue accents would be perfect! I love the bright color and the pattern.

Since I don't have a Z Gallerie close, I got my mom on the case. She picked up one and we have a second panel on order. I can't wait to get them in and hang them!!


My plan is to show you guys the nursery when I'm closer to having everything and it's a little more put together. Until then...enjoy!

Have a fabulous Thursday!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

bad idea.

Last night was the Real Housewives of Miami "reunion". For some reason, Bravo thought it would be a great idea to do the reunion live on Watch What Happens with Andy Cohen.

Unfortunately, it didn't turn out that great. Instead of talking about things and hitting on the more controversial parts of their very short season, the "reunion" was just a scream-fest!

Here's a link to a small snippet of the screaming. Really, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

And, here's a video of the reunion on YouTube.



If anything, Adriana showed her true colors (lady's crazy!!). Everytime the show came back from commercial, she was shouting at someone and the editors were having to bleep out whatever she said.

I didn't watch the whole season, and if it comes back on, I don't think I'd be a loyal watcher. These ladies are sorta terrible.

Monday, April 4, 2011

our first baby.

In June (June 6th, to be exact) of this year we will have had Gus for 6 years! I can't believe he's been a part of our family for that long. Gus was our first baby. We picked him out of 5 male pug puppies and he's been one-of-a-kind ever since that first super hot day he came home with us.

Our first picture of Gus as a puppy.

In August, it will have been 3 years since we adopted Lily from another family. We had high hopes that Gus and Lily would be best friends, but really, Gus just tolerates Lily. Not exactly what we had in mind, but we've been so happy to have 2 precious pugs to come home to, cheer us up and make us laugh!

Since both dogs have been a part of our family for so long, and because we consider them to be our babies, I'm so unsure of how they'll react to the baby when we bring him/her home. In my opinion, Lily won't be as affected by the new addition as Gus will be. 

Lily is a go-with-the-flow kind of dog. She's pretty much always happy and kind of clueless to most everything going on around her. 

Gus is the complete opposite. He's always been the alpha dog but he's definitely noticed that things are changing around here. Starting back in October when his eye was poked, he started having really bad skin issues -- to the point that he would chew on his paw or arm until it bled! And, I started to realize about a month ago that those skin issues were probably triggered by the stress of his eye, but they have continued because he's stressed that things are changing around the house.

 Gus hated this life jacket, but he loves the water and sinks like a rock in the pool.

Not only do I smell different than I used to (thank you hormones), but we moved their crates to another room and the room that they used to live in was completely cleaned out and looks totally different than it ever has. What I think really set him over the edge, though, is that we had to board both dogs for 4 days when we went to Houston. When we picked them up from the vet, Gus was obviously stressed. He had diarrhea and what we thought were hives all over. He was super needy and clingy.

Both J and I have been looking into the best way to prepare our dogs for the baby, and we've found some good advice. But, overall, I'm very nervous how Gus is going to react and how his health will be when the baby actually comes home. 

In the mean time, we continue to tell him that we'll continue to love him and that he's going to be a great big brother (please, feel free to snicker that we're telling our dog these things, but seriously, we have to try something!), but I guess in a little over a month, we'll find out how he does! 

I love this picture of Gus -- our first fur baby!

Sunday, April 3, 2011

belly business -- 35 weeks


How far along: 35 weeks 
Size of the baby: large canteloupe (up to 22 inches and 6 lbs.) 
Total weight gain/loss:  official weight gain from the doctor -- 19 pounds.
Maternity clothes: I think with the weather warming up so much I'm going to have to invest in some lighter weight maternity pants.  
Cravings: nothing super specific -- I don't have much room anymore and get full super fast.
Symptoms: swelling, discomfort while sleeping, back aches, acid reflux and nesting  
Movement: The baby seems to squirm and flip around a lot. When I was at the doctor the heartbeat was 160, which means we have an active one on our hands!
Gender predictions: I feel a little sad that I don't have an inkling what we're having. Some days I think it's a girl for sure because so many of our friends are having girls and then others I think it's a boy. No clue!

I went to the doctor on Monday and everything looked great! Like I said above, the baby's heartbeat was around 160, which seemed really high considering lately it's been in the high 130s but he said it's normal, that the nurse probably caught the baby moving around.

It's been nice not really having much going on this week. I got almost all of my thank yous done, successfully cleaned the rest of our stuff out of the baby closet, washed and folded 3 loads of baby laundry, bought the baby monitor, picked out curtains and started organizing the baby closet. I'd say I'm definitely getting the nesting bug!

Now that I've done some laundry and started to organize everything, I have a better idea of the stuff we still need for the baby and, don't worry, it's all been added to my ever growing list!

There's not much else to report ... so here's my 35 week picture!