Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Mommy wars

**This blog post was written at midnight last Saturday (technically Sunday) morning. It has been something that has been on my heart and honestly, it has taken me a minute to post this, because I am nervous and kind of a chicken lol! I am just going for it!  Enjoy, LOL:


Ooh girl, I am opening up the biggest, fattest can of worms!!! I am sure I am going to get oodles heat and hate mail. Oh well.  I do feel this is necessary, because to me, this topic is sad. Thanks to the encouragement of my mommy friends Michelle (who is a fab momma of 6 gorgeous babies) and  one of my dearest (also an amazing and incredible mommy) friend Chrissie, I am just going to go for it! they both agreed that this something that should be talked about.

Bear in mind, my thoughts are everywhere. As I am writing this, the clock is showing almost midnight. My grammar police friends will most likely have a field day with my potential errors and run on sentences. Just bear with me. This is meaty and long. Those who stay with me will get some cookies, lol!!!

Of course, I have to post one of my famous disclaimers: 

Disclaimer: I am not here to start arguments or debates. I am not here to bash anyone, because if anything, that's the furthest thing I want to do. However, I am just bringing up observations of what I have been seeing and why I feel it is so wrong.

Okay, now that's cleared up, let's go....

Its very funny that when it comes to pregnancy, birth, and children, many people come out of the woodwork, proclaiming their way is the best, I should be doing this, etc. etc. Opinions start flying. I have seen it so much in my pregnancy and my girl isn't even here. I have heard it only gets worse. Awesome.

Thankfully, people have been very gracious with me when I have asked for advice. I am thankful to be surrounded by amazing women who are seriously fabulous mommies. However, I have the very choice few that have made me kinda sorta want to rip my hair out when it comes to the hot button topics.

Already, I have been lectured about how I shouldn't even consider an epidural, breast feeding is the only way and I have gotten a little bit of crap that I am not going to be a stay at home mommy. Already I am starting to feel some heat and judgement. I mean, really?

This all leads to this long, crazy question/rant: Moms, why the f--- do we do this to ourselves? Seriously!!! I am sorry if that sounds crass, but it really pisses me off. Why can't we be on the same team? Should it really be our business if someone is breastfeeding, bottle feeding, working or staying at home? Why all this judgement? Why can't we simply just support each other in one of the most craziest life adventures in the world?

Let me break it down for you on why all this has set me off:

Epidurals- Sorry if this makes me any less of a woman, but I'm strongly considering getting an epidural. I have a low pain tolerance and I am very scared about labor. YES I have read the potential risks, etc. I don't go into things blindly. However, some women are incredulous that I'm not gung-ho for an all natural birth. Some women proudly state, "well I did it WITHOUT an epidural". Some others in the past have come off smug when they have  said "well, I am absolutely only going to birth naturally" (irony is some of those same people ended up with epidurals). When I have heard this, part of me wants to ask if they want a gold star. That may sound rude, but it came off rude to me in the first place. I admire those who have done it med free. You rock! I know some didn't have a choice, some made that choice. I think that is truly and sincerely incredible! However, for us that may want pain meds, why should we be looked down upon? Does this make us any less of a mother? My take is at the very end of the day, no matter how you slice it (no pun intended lol) we all walk away with the same prize, our beautiful babies!

Breastfeeding- First, I don't think its anyone's dang business how I decide to feed my baby. My sis and friends who I have talked to about this really believe this mantra, and I do too. However, since I am writing about this, I should give an idea to what I am doing. I am going to try breastfeeding, absolutely. I am always up to try everything and I will work hard at it. However, I can't SOLEY breastfeed because I will be going back to work. I will need to pump, etc. Also, my doll will eventually need to learn how to take a bottle since I will be at work. Where I got angry was at one of my Kaiser nurses during a prenatal appt. She was checking me in, asking me questions about how everything was going at this point of my pregnancy, etc. All appropriate. Then she got personal and  then asked, "Will you be breastfeeding?". Now, this had  NOTHING to do with my appointment. Nothing at all to do with it. When I didn't give a resounding yes with a fist pump and a flip in the air, she gave me a look and IMMEDIATELY launched into a lecture that I need to breast feed, it's the only way, etc. I felt horrible and then pissed. I cut her off mid lecture and explained my plan even though she (again) had NO BUSINESS knowing what I was going to do. Why do I have to explain myself?  I know of 4 specific people in my life who have tried and tried to breastfeed to no avail, and had to quit, even though that was the last thing they wanted to do. Why should they get judged for that? What if someone doesn't want to breastfeed (women have the choice, remember), and wants to do formula (I have one mommy friend in particular who went this route)? Even if YOU don't like/or wouldn't do that, why should they get judged for it? Who the heck cares? At the end of the day, babies are being fed, which is the most important thing, whether you like the method or not.

I am going back to work-this topic really irks me, and this is a huge reason why I am writing this post. Truly, this hot topic divides women so intensely and  some women are just plain disgusting in their judgment, coming from BOTH sides. I remember awhile back in 2011 a friend on FB wrote the most scathing, disgusting post about working moms. At the time I wasn't even at the point of having a child, but it was so insulting and infuriating that I posted this post (sorry its grainy):



Fast forward 3 years later, I am one of the mommies going back to work after my maternity leave is up. Again, its no one's dang freaking business about what I am going to do, nor should I have to explain myself. Yes, I am going back to work. Am I excited about it? NO. I would love to be home or at the very least work part time, so I can be with my little one. Hubs and I have exhausted our financial options and even with major scaling back on some things (which we will be doing anyway), it is not feasible for me to stay at home. I am not explaining it any further. I am extremely fortunate that my mother will be watching my girl while I am working. It gives me so much peace knowing that.

Let's hit the pause button...I would like to take a brief second to do a shout out. If you are a SAHM and reading this, my big time hats off to you. I admire you, because a SAHM isn't an easy job or a cake walk! I have a lot of respect for y'all!

Okay, now going back to my story....3 particular people (at different times) have given me major crap about this decision, and cannot understand why I am going back. This truly hurt my feelings, and made me feel like I am already a terrible mother. I have felt so guilt ridden, and my baby isn't even here yet. I felt the judgment wasn't fair. Part of me wanted to sit down and show them my bills and our budget so they could see I am not doing this for kicks and giggles. However, I SHOULDN'T have to do that! Its none of their freaking business!
Recently, I came across an article thanks to a friend on FB titled "13 things SAHMs want you to know". I read through it, but I was mainly interested in the comments. I wondered what war would be started. However, SAHM and working mommies alike were so supportive and kind to one another. It was a very kumbaya moment. One stood out though. I read the most beautiful, loving comment coming from a SAHM, which truly renewed my hope in us mommies:


Ashley Sorensen, I don't know you, but God bless you. I wish more people (and yes, I am talking about both sides here) were as loving and gracious like you. Thank you. I read that and had to respond. It was amazing. It made me feel that I am still an okay person if I have to go back to work. Why can't we all respect each other's choices?

I am not here to start a debate or  an argument. I would hope if you stayed with me, you would have gotten that sense. All I am simply saying is we as mothers need to stick together. We need to love one another and support each other. We have to understand and realize that every family is different, and different things work for different families. Being a mother is the hardest job in the world. The last thing we need is having each other rip and tear each other down.

Gah, my head feels like scrambled eggs now, LOL! Good night my loves,


Friday, March 7, 2014

Favorite Fridays: an actual non-preggo post!!!!

Hi everyone!

Yes, can you believe I am actually not posting about my pregnancy? This is madness, I tell you, madness! LOL!!!
I haven't done a "Favorite Fridays" in a good long time and something needed to change. I have two great things that I am dying to share.

My first one is this amazing product, Psssst! dry shampoo:


Let me explain my hair...I have hair that doesn't do well oily. It gets actually nasty and gross looking (at least in my opinion) if I don't wash it daily. Also, if I do my hair the night before, it doesn't hold well at all. My hair is crappy. Due to all that, I have to either style my hair morning of, or just throw it up in a pony.

I was getting tired of doing this, and in talking to some people, they led me to Pssst! Dry shampoo. Dry shampoo is a spray that goes on your hair and absorbs any oil, odor, or frizz. It helps your hair become soft, shiny and useable again.It came highly recommended. It costs about $6.99 at Ulta, for a decent, good sized bottle. I wasn't sure of it. Mostly because I am sucker for pretty packaging and this, well, isn't pretty. I can appreciate the retro look of it!

However, I have been using it for a few weeks and I am a believer! This stuff works so well. I wake up in the morning, spray it in and let it sit for 5. Then I either curl or straight iron it quickly, and I am good to go. I am extremely impressed and urge y'all to go buy it. The price is fabulous too. Dry shampoos, like any good product, can be costly but this is dirt cheap.

Now on to my next favorite...
Please do yourself a MASSIVE favor and go check out http://nowyours.com/
It is a dirt cheap (but not shady) cutesy website that sells jewelry, accessories and some clothes. Now y'all that know me well, I am a total cheapskate and don't like spending money. If you are like me, this is your website. Currently, (unless by now they sold out) they are selling gorgeous, pretty bracelets for a freaking mere $1.99. Yep, I am sold! They also ship quickly, and have EXCELLENT costumer service. Please check them out, you won't be sorry. Here are some of their $1.99 bracelets:


Yeah, you should go to that site now.


Till next time loves,



Thursday, March 6, 2014

7 months: 3rd trimester!!!!!!!!!!!


Holy canoli....

It still blows my mind that today I am officially 28 weeks and into the 3rd trimester. Say wha????
Hubs and I joked last night that really, we just shoved a basketball in my shirt, LOL! Oh that belly!
Some preggos feel they have been with child for too long by now, but honestly, I am really sad that in 2 short months, I will no longer be pregnant. I know that sounds crazy and OF COURSE I am excited to see my beautiful girl. I have just enjoyed pregnancy so insanely much. If all my pregnancies are smooth like this one, I will seriously consider having 5 more. Hmm....okay maybe not.
Here's my monthly preggo survey, with some new questions added!

How Far Along: 28 weeks, 7 months pregnant!!!!!!!!!

How are you feeling? Pretty good, but man, I am SORE. Thanks to massive belly, my lower belly/pelvis area hurts like a mother trucker. Hips hurt so bad too in the morning!
Size of Muggle: Size of a kabocha squash! Never heard of it, but here's a pic, lol!


Total Weight Gain: Just saw the doc 2 days ago, now I am up 11 pounds. Woo. Apparently, this is not exactly common, but I am NOT complaining and no one seems worried. I feel my hips are massively bigger, like they have been majorly stretched.

Crazy mood swings? Still very emotional!


Gender? Still a girl lol

Name? Yes! We have a name people! However, we are waiting on our maternity pics because we are revealing her name in one of them! Sometime next week, stay tuned!

What I miss: Still bloody marys, tummy sleeping and wine


Sleep: knock on wood, I can sleep! I get up at least 2x to pee but I pee quickly and thankfully go back to sleep quickly!

Symptoms: Just plain ol' sore. I get super winded and more easily tired. Fun. 


Cravings: dairy, sweets, and lately raw veggies, which I think is a good thing!

Aversions: None


Movement: My girl used to move a lot during the day, but not as much now. Honestly, it has me a bit concerned. I emailed my doc to see what she thought. However, at night is when she gets all kinds of wild. I literally see my stomach roll and now I feel big "lumps" which from I am told, is her little body sticking out.
This is what I am going to miss so badly once I am not pregnant. I love feeling her! I started kick counts yesterday evening and it took her a long time to get moving, which of course freaked me out. She thankfully exceeded well over 10 kicks in less than 2 hours.

Belly stats: Um this belly is massive. I am told I am literally all in the belly.  I am measuring 3 weeks above my due date. I love it so much though! I rub it what seems like 100x a day!The lower tummy/pelvis soreness isn't fun, TBH.


Worries/concerns: Her movements not be as frequent during the day, and I hate to say it, but I am terrified about labor. Yes, I am signed up for all my classes, have the books, etc. etc. Yes, I am reading up on stuff. I am just plain ol' nervous about the pain. I am NOT an iron woman, and I have a low pain tolerance. I am also wanting my daughter to simply come out safe and sound. Can't wait to kiss that beautiful face!   

Maternity Clothes: yep in the pants department. Still wearing a good amount of non-preggo shirts.

Stretch marks? A small one on my hip and one small on my boob. Hehe!


Ring on or off?: Still on thankfully!

Best Moments this week: I had so much fun at our maternity shoot! It was great! Also, people's responses to my earlier blog post about body issues. I love having conversations with my readers!


What I'm looking forward to: Sunday is our 3D ultrasound and I can't hardly wait!!



Till next time loves!!!

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Body Issues




Hi loves!
::Disclaimer:: ( oh my favorite!!)
This is another honest post. I probably deserve to get yelled at, but PLEASE, read through the whole thing. I just felt like I had to get this out, and maybe start some dialogue!

Okay!

Let's begin....
 Prior to pregnancy, I was not a vision of healthy weight (according to doctors, etc). I could stand to lose a very good amount of weight. I had tried really hard this summer, and was kinda sorta successful. Still, not enough to be considered at good weight according to the docs.

When I found out I was pregs, let's be honest, I was horrified to think the weight I would gain and how huge I would look.   However, it turned out not to totally be the case. So far, I have gained 11 pounds in my 7 months of pregnancy. I am sort of like a freak of nature at my doctor's office, because they are shocked. I have been told by tons of people that I am "all belly".  I feel my face, arms and legs look somewhat the same. Today one lady at work stopped me completely and complimented how good I look for being pregnant, and she asked if I have even gained weight.  The only thing I have noticed is that my hips are expanding, which I have been told is normal to make room for baby.

Throughout my pregnancy, I felt wonderful and pretty. Though there was no illusions I was this tiny, size 0 thing, I just felt so happy and confident in my looks. However, something changed. 

On Sunday, we took maternity pictures with PR Moments photography, who seriously, freaking rock. I recommend them till the cows come home. The deserve their own blog post, that's how much I love them. Anyway, we did a super cute, rustic, modern chic meets country shoot  at Jessie's Grove winery. I had 2 gorgeous dresses with accessories and we were ready to go. The shoot went fantastic, and we LOVED working with Priscilla. We left feeling super excited and happy.

Yesterday, she posted some "sneak peeks" on facebook. The first one was of hubs and I sitting down. That's when it came crashing down for me. The picture itself is stunning. Priscilla's talent is so apparent!! The color, clarity, EVERYTHING was just lovely. Hubs looks amazing. My hair and make up looks great. However, I couldn't help but notice how PAINFULLY WIDE I looked. It upset me so much I started to  cry.  In my mind, I looked fat fat fat X100. I don't feel that way when I look in the mirror. People have even said I don't look big AT ALL except my belly is huge. However, looking at the picture, I looked bigger and wider than the state of Texas. I was consumed at the thought of people seeing it on facebook and thinking, "wow, she's gotten so heavy" or "wow, she's gained so much weight!", when really I haven't. Yes, I was really concerned about what people thought! SMH.  Hubs came over, hugged me, kissed my forehead and wiped my tears.

He said what he "saw" was a beautiful picture of himself and his wife in a sweet tender moment. He thought I was RIDICULOUS for feeling this way, because he thought I looked beautiful. Gah, I love that man. Priscilla, within minutes, posted 2 more pictures. I absolutely loved them, again, not only because the pics were beautiful, but also because I thought I looked more "normal", and more like myself. 

This morning, I had some time to think about my reaction. As I felt my daughter kick, it reminded me that I never, ever want my beautiful girl to feel the way her mommy felt about herself the night before. I want her to always know that she is beautiful, inside and out, and to never feel she is anything less. I felt angry with myself, because gosh dangit, I am growing a human! The way I felt was just unacceptable. First, I shouldn't care what people think. That one is so hard for me, but it is so true! Second, my body is taking part of a miracle, and as long as I am taking care of my body and baby, I shouldn't think so poorly about myself.

I think us women are so hard on ourselves and with our weight and looks. I truly felt terrible that I reacted so badly. I also felt bad, because I didn't want my photographer ever to think I was necessarily unhappy with the pictures, which is furthest from the case. I think she was flippin' amazing! I think as women, especially in pregnancy, need to accept and embrace what our bodies are doing. This is what I have been repeating to myself all day and will continue to remind myself daily. Pregnancy is truly a beautiful thing, and by me feeling ashamed of how I look is truly a disgrace to the miracle that is going on within my body.

One thing that has been so important (as I mentioned earlier) is for my daughter to not feel this way. I want her to be confident and love the body God has given her. I am learning that in order for her to feel this way, I need to set the example and love the body God has given me.

Here's to me not freaking out so much and loving myself for who I am!


Sunday, February 23, 2014

Maternity fashion part 1

::My last post was emotional and heavy. I am so thankful for kind and sweet friends who emailed/shared comments with me regarding that post. You guys are amazing! Now, I think we should have something nice and light!::

Ever since becoming pregnant, I was super freaking excited to dress and show off my bump! As many of you know, I love love love fashion. I could spend hours putting together outfits and accessories together. If I wasn't teaching, I sure would love to be a stylist, or do something in the fashion industry. I don't think that I am some amazing fashionista, but I sure do love me some clothes and accessories!

Being pregnant in the fall and winter is interesting. Certain pieces can make you look frumpy or they aren't flattering. I wanted to dress fashionably, yet I wanted to be comfortable. I also didn't want to dress like this person (sorry if you like this):


AND  I certainly didn't want to dress like this moron, I mean, dress like Kim K:
     No, this is not cute Kim. Bye. 

So, I headed over to my local maternity store, and quickly saw that some of the clothes weren't that cute  and it was so flippin' costly!

One gem that I learned quickly. HIT UP internet sales and Target sales racks! I was really fortunate that my friend Sadie gave me a heads up on a huge Kohl's online sale. Thanks to that, I was able to buy a ton of needed staples without breaking the bank. You only wear maternity clothes for a small span of time, it's not worth it to me to spend oodles of money. I spent (besides shoes since I already had them or they were a gift), (no joke) only $120 on everything: jeans (x2), leggings (x2), some tops (x4), tights (x1) and dresses (x2). I did good!!

So, part 1 of this blog is just simply going over my favorite staples that have carried me thus far in my pregnancy. One thing that I got lucky was I still fit in almost all of my tops, thank goodness. Some are getting harder to wear than others, thanks to my belly getting so big. I will say if you are pregnant in spring/summer, this board won't apply, however, I think it's good to know. Here is my lovely board from polyvore:


Going in order from left to right...
1. Kohl's and Old Navy full panel maternity bootcut jeans. OMG. I can't sing enough of its praises. Best jeans hands down! I can't stress enough the full panel jeans. The mid panels cut into my skin, which makes for a very grumpy preggo. Get full panel yo.
2. Kohl's long sleeve tees- I have about 2, in white and black. The perfect shirt to wear solo or layer.
3.Old Navy striped tanks. Love these! The ruched sides helped my ever growing belly and they are just so dang comfy. They are also the perfect tank to layer.
4. Leggings and tights...I can go on for dayyyysssss about these two vital pieces. I got 2 pairs of leggings, and a set of maternity tights. Make sure your tights and leggings are maternity. Seriously. Regular girl tights/leggings hurt like a mother trucker in the tummy area.
5. Basic black dress- I had this dress in gray and a black wrap dress. Perfect essentials for the working preggo. They are extremely versatile which can be paired with the perfect statement necklace or cardigan.
5. Boots- As you will see in part 2, I have had a penchant for knee high boots. I wore them all the time. I already had two tan pairs plus a black pair so I was set.
6. Flats- When I got pregnant, I wore heels up until I was 5 weeks pregnant. I then decided to retire my heels. This made me so sad, as I am obsessed with high heels. However, I am such a klutz and I was deathly afraid of falling. So, my mom took me to the shoe store Naturalizer, to get a pair of "sensible shoes", I wasn't thrilled, but ended up finding a pair of brown and black flats that were perfectly cute but had good support and were comfy. Ladies, I can't stress this enough, especially if you are on your feet all day like me. Get something that will keep you safe and provide stability!

I think you can still be pregnant and be fashionable. Its all about making wise choices in what you invest in!
Till next time loves,

Monday, February 17, 2014

Grandparents


 2 weeks ago, we went to a Superbowl party at a friend's house. The guys were hanging out and one asked Shannon about our baby and her "grandparents".

Shannon then had to explain that both of his parents and my father are deceased, so our little girl will have just one grandparent, my mother. Our friend was so taken aback that Shannon has lost both parents and I had already lost my dad. Normally, people our age don't lose our parents that young.

Shannon's story breaks my heart into million little pieces. When Shannon was 18, his beautiful mother passed away from colon cancer. Then on Memorial day 2005, his dad also passed away from  cancer. About 4 months later, my father passed away from cancer. While talking about my dad is very therapeutic for me, talking about Shannon's parents is extremely painful for him. The thing that amazes me about my wonderful hubby is that he is doing so incredibly well considering he has lost so much family already (he has also lost all of his grandparents). 

Shannon shared with me his conversation from the Superbowl. Thanks to my awesome hormones, I broke down and cried. It kills me that our precious little girl will never know of her amazing Potter grandparents, nor my incredible father. I am OF COURSE not discounting my mama. She is the most amazing woman in the world, and is fantastic grandmother to her grandbabies. It just hurts my heart that my girl won't get to experience all of her grandparents.

This has been a tender subject for me. When I got married, my heart ached because I longed to have my dad walk me down the aisle and felt very jealous of girls who had that opportunity. When my girlfriends or girls in general would complain about their in-laws, it hurt, because I have never had the opportunity to get to know mine. I wish so badly I could have known them. From the stories I have heard, they were the most incredible people. I wish Shannon knew my father. Daddy was a gentleman, charming, hilarious and precious.

I remember the first time we laid eyes on Muggle, at our ultrasound. She was this cute, tiny little bean pole then. I remember leaving and breaking down (thanks hormones). It just seemed to hit me all at once that my daddy wouldn't be here to be a part of this, and neither would Shan's parents. It just didn't seem fair.

::Going back to the Superbowl conversation::

I jokingly said to Shan that we should put out a Craigslist ad for "Wanted, 3 grandparents". While he did laugh, Shannon reminded me that even though our little Muggle wouldn't have all of her grandparents, she had oodles of other family members and good friends that already love the crap out of her. This is so true! At times, Shannon and I have been overwhelmed (in a good way) by people's good wishes, love and support. It brought more tears to my eyes because Shannon is right, she is so loved, and ultimately, loved immensely by our heavenly father.

It is a good thing to know that while our girl may not have all of her grandparents in the traditional sense, she will definitely be loved by so many. Our girl is already so incredibly blessed. 





Thursday, February 6, 2014

6 months!!!!!!!!!


Six months today!!!
Holy flip, I can't even get over it. Loving this journey, and before I can blink, my girl will be here, AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How Far Along: 24 weeks baby!! 

How are you feeling? Overall, still pretty good!

Size of Muggle: My muggle girl is the size of a subway footlong. That makes me giggle!

Total Weight Gain: still about 7 pounds. Doc doesn't seem worried.

Crazy mood swings? Its improving! Feeling extremely emotional though!


Gender? GIIIIRRRRLLLLLLL.....holy crap, the thought of having a  daughter is still so crazy to me. Everyone was dead set it was a boy. I didn't honestly feel 100% either way, so I just went with the majority. Finding out it was a girl blew my mind! I am so not trying to be crazy and buy everything pink and ruffly in sight!

What I miss: Besides bloody mary's and wine, nothing too terribly much! Wait that's a lie. Holy crap I miss sleeping on my stomach! I long for it!

Sleep: Um its okay. I am definitely sleeping, but the getting up to pee 3-4 times a night is making me angry. Omg, I wake up and my hips and back are so sore. I know, I know it only gets worse.

Symptoms: nothing out of control, really, however I had
a crazy thing happen to me earlier today, but I'm debating whether to blog that or not. Might be TMI. And yes, I am 100% okay and fine!

Cravings: Still dairy, especially chocolate milk. I am super craving sandwiches, though the internet has made lunch meat to be satan's spawn. So annoying. I still eat them from time to time (GASP) lol.

Aversions: None. Though I am NOT a fan of leftovers. 

Movement: My girl is very active! She is kicking me a lot more, and I can see my tummy starting to move, which is so insane. Some days she quiet, others she's wild! Juice makes her go crazy!


Belly stats: This belly is getting bigger and bigger by the minute. I crack up at how big I am, tummy wise. I know some girls who were my size at 9 months! Honestly, I'm soaking it up. I love it love it love it! 


Worries/concerns: I have learned this week of a tragic story of my old college pal, where her nephew was born 5 weeks early and died. My heart breaks for them. Honestly, that stuff scares the crap out of me. For whatever reason, people keep telling me how when their baby was born, the cord was wrapped around the neck, etc. All of that makes me scared. I keep telling myself that all of that is NOT in my control. The only thing I can do is take the best care of myself. 

Maternity Clothes: Yes, still mainly in pants. Thankful I can still wear most of my tops.

Stretch marks? Okay, so I thought I found one last month, but turns out it wasn't one. After examining my body in the mirror, I haven't found any. When I say that to people, they almost gleefully tell me to just wait, it will happen as I get bigger. Um, okay. I guess I will wait then?

Best Moments this week: simply feeling my daughter move. Can't even get over it. Also, people have been awesome wanting to give us stuff, which is fabulous!


What I'm looking forward to: my baby shower! It's not for awhile, but I can't wait! 


Till next time loves,