explosion of emotions and thoughts, & a cool diaper cream recipe!

I am starting to get a little nervous. I babysat my cousin's newborn on Saturday, and kept thinking to myself..."HOLY CRAP" is this going to me in a few weeks.
It's scary. I always thought of having a baby...but i don't think it freaked me out...quite like this. I don't think you really know how to react...it's such a beautiful thing, to bring something into the world...but very scary, since it will be my first time. Caring for a demanding newborn/infant...is much different than anything I've ever had to do...so I'm asking...are my feelings normal? I am actually so scared of the new 'change' that is going to take place...in my home...with my family...and with my husband and I.
Mr. Cole and i have such a great relationship. AT least, I'd like to think we do. We talk...we laugh, and we hardly ever argue. I mean, we are normal...we do have disagreements, but the past 9 months have been amazing. This 'thing' (yes, i said it...i called my unborn a thing!) growing inside me has awoken a different kind of love. A love that i never knew i had for him....and a love, I've never knew he had for me. We've been really great...at making decisions and planning. I never knew i could love him...more than the day i married him-but now, i love him a million times as much, maybe even more. Watching him care for me...and watching him care for someone he doesn't even know yet...and planning...and being excited...it's so amazing to have someone so supportive and loving. I don't know how Single Mothers (my mom) do it. Without the love and support of a partner. I love him more than anything...and it scares me that soon...this little person...will be the center of my life...

Am i normal? I know I'm going to be a great mother...but I'm nervous about the changes it's going to create in my marriage, with my family (mother/brother/sister in law/mother in law-etc.)...obviously a positive one...but still just a little scary that something is going to change. It's been about ME this whole time (or US)...and now, it's going to shift...in a good way...but still-is a little scary.
As i drive to work everyday (the past week or so), i look in my rear-view mirror, and think-in only a few weeks...there will be something permanently occupying the back seat. Something crying, sleeping, singing...and I'm nervous all over again. I know i can do it...it's not that i can't...it just kinda gives my heart a flutter...

Oh another note, I've been reading lots of things regarding homemade remedies for children...and ran across this blog. I found this awesome post about homemade Natural diaper cream and lotion. I think I'm going to try it...i just have to track down some of the ingredients. Have any of you ladies ever actually made something similar? Are any of you curious to make homemade/natural lotions soaps for your children?

Craiglisting for babies.

Searching for the perfect bedding has been quite a challenge.  I knew i wanted something that was gender neutral...and at the same time...not too theme-y. I didn't want Winnie the pooh or a cartoon character. SO, i decided to go geometric!
I was really into the Dwell Studio line...but not so into their price. I literally DROOLED over all their stuff! Then, i started craigslist-ing. At first, i was a little hesitant to buying 'gently' used bedding. After all, it's a NEW baby...and you obviously want everything NEW...i was just really in love with all of the shapes and colors from Dwell...and i knew...i had to have it.
Target has had lots Dwell...but none that i could say 'i love'...and still...a little pricey...for just a fitted, bumper, and comforter. A 3 piece set was $79 and technically it was a 2 piece set after hearing all of the Safety Alerts about bumpers. Yea, they look super cute, but do i really want to risk putting my child in a crib that can possibly suffocate on one!? Um...No.
So i was back to craigslist-ing.
I finally found a woman that was selling a complete Dwell set (fitted, skirt, comforter, bumper, added pillows) for $50. I emailed to ask the condition. She told me that she actually had never used the crib set because she had gotten it as a gift for her daughter, and they didn't know the gender so they decided to stay on the safe side and get yellow. When she was born...they went PINK crazy, and the first few months she didn't sleep in her crib...so by the time she did they had already purchased another set. I decided to go take a look, since...it sounded like a bargain. I really wanted to see in what condition the house was-because HEY YOU NEVER KNOW-THIS IS CRAIGSLIST. I do know that she had gotten this as a gift, and that a 340$ gift is a nice one, so i mean-she had to have a decent home. When i got there (i took my cousin with me-i always go on craigslist runs with people) i was pleasantly surprised. The home was immaculate...and everything was in the original packaging. She even threw in a few extra throw pillows and 2 additional fitted sets. I was in heaven! The things were washed, but definitely in perfect condition. Not a tare or stain in sight. I even scored an awesome high chair for $15!! And a rocking/glider for $40! i spent $105 for a glider, a dwell studio crib set (with additional things), and a high chair.

Now, i want to know your input. What are your feelings about Craigslisting for a baby? Are you opposed to it? Is it OK, if the stuff is in great/excellent condition?!!

this is the bedding, still in original packaging!

extra throw pillows for the room!!

Making a difference, already.

Last night was a memorable night for My husband and I. My family threw me a baby shower dinner party (for just family and close knit friends). I can honestly say, the night went off pefectly. First...i'd like to say, My husband and I both come from broken homes. I wouldn't say 'broken'...i guess, it sounds worse than it really is. We were both products of divorce...so we've technically had really difficult time when it comes to rounding up the troops.  There is always so much tention when it comes to seating arrangements and making people happy...so the past year and a half has been kinda difficult. From Bridal shower, to wedding, and now, baby shower.  It's so weird to put all these people in a room...who love us...and want to share in our joy...and for us to feel comfortable enough for them to all want to be in the same room together.  However, last night...was different....it wasn't about them---it was about him.

My mother has always been a very strong person. She's always been very stern...and hard...and serious. Well, at least---to the outside world. I guess maybe she's had to be that way...since she raised my brother and I...and she had to be both "Mom & Dad".
I'm sure it's never been easy...since my father and mother broke up when i was only 10 months old. As hard as it was...i guess, it sort of made her a very 'hard'. She was stone!  It's just been her way...and i never thought of it...until last night.
Last night, my mother was glowing. She was happy. I wasn't the only one who noticed it.  My mom actually laughed, and smiled...and was HAPPY. I think this baby is bringing something out of her...and he's not even here yet.  I think-this is the begining of something good....a place she's never been...a place of letting go...a place of being happy. She was able to be civil, although, she always was kinda 'ok' with being in the same room with my father-just--a little less serious, and a little more-'happy'. It was nice seeing my two 'seperate' families interact...and seeing their faces. They were all happy because of *Him*. He's already added so much happiness to our lives...and we havent' even met him.

I have decided that this is a big step for me. A big step to move in the right direction. A better *me*...to not be so SERIOUS...and be less DEMANDING and more HAPPY. Afterall, life is too short. Everyone who was part of our night---was supposed to be there.

CRIBS. (YES, 2 POST IN 1 DAY, I'M GETTING CARRIED AWAY!)

SO, now that you've seen the dressers, i'm having a issue choosing a crib. I obviously don't want too spend much (free is always better)...and i know Walmart has some pretty cool/reasonable options.  I've started my 'search' on the web...and i'm looking for something-that goes with my theme: mid-century modern....and obviously the ones i realllllllllllllllly like are WAY above my price range.

That's where i need your help...

If you see anything that sorta resembles....or...comes close to my design/theme...please, please, please...send it my way!

Here are what i'm looking at...let me know what you think will go better with what i have so far:

loving this grey tone crib...just way too expensive!

how perfect! i wish.

Dwell studio (you melt my heart!), but at 980.00 it's a little OVER what i expected to pay!



They have this at bbru...and it's 399...still within reasonable price range...





Baby Mod @ Walmart, $199---more like it!



Room & Board...looove this!

not sure where i found this one, but i do looove it.

So---let me know which one you think goes better with my dressers.....i really want to get started on picking one! Thanks guys.

Nursery...part 1 of 34343434----I NEED ADVICE.

Sorry i haven't updated. Let's just say...i'm getting bigger...and more and more uncomfortable...
This weekend though...while at the flea market...i got the dresser/changing table, night stand, & tall dresser...and i'm having some doubts. I know i can make it work, i'm just TIRED...and i wish i could just close my eyes and everything will be done! However, with the 4 day weekend approaching (and my 1 year anniversary)...i have LOTS of projects planned. How exciting. I told my hubby i didn't want anything...just some house work/nursery projects...and i think it's a fair deal!

check out my dressers (i haven't cleaned them yet, so excuse the crappy/dirty pics)...let me know what you think (can i make it work?) Also, if any of you have any advice on how to re-paint (i've already done my research) veneer dressers (YHL has a great tutorial)...let me know any tips...since i will attempt this-all this weekend!

what do you think? I know-totally retro/mid century...but it's the look i was going for. I'm debating on keeping the leg tips gold...and actually, i kinda like the knobs...but i need ideas.
I also found this, VERY SIMILAR dresser that is priced at $1080....

Isn't that scarry? Aren't they SO SIMILAR?!! And I want you to GUESS how much i paid. I can't even. The man at the flea market was selling it as a set...so i had to take everything (Long Dresser (not pictured), tall skinny dresser (not pictured), medium skinny dresser (pictured), desk (not pictured), night stand (pictured), AND MIRROR...all for $200...INCLUDING DELIVERY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes...he even lugged it up to the room!! And i live on the second floor. I really couldn't pass it up!!

I am not going to use the tall dresser and the desk...and i'm using the mirror in my bedroom...so i really didn't loose out. My mom said she could use the other 2.

Also, i scored a great Cream shaggy (REALLY SOFT TO THE TOUCH) 5 x 8 rug at Marshalls for $129! Can you believe that!? It's sooooooooo soft, and i could probably lay on it all day. (I haven't taken any pics, because i have it away until the last day...so that i don't get puppy and kitty hair on it.

Rocking chair: i'm still up in the air. My mom has this (rusting) in her backyard for the past few years. I always thought it was cool...until i realized, it goes perfect in my MID CENTURY MODERN NURSERY...and i think i might use it...

What do you guys think? I'm thinking...spray paint it avocado? I need your help guys....please give me pointers/ideas/advice/thumbs up/whatever you guys want...i just want your input. If you've never commented...now is your time. (COMMENTS MAKE ME UBER HAPPY).

 Tell me, tell me, tell me!! Please......................

Weekend Recap...

We actually got a lot accomplished this weekend(Finally!).  I've already started to compile a list of OUTDOOR things that need to be done in the next few weeks (to the house), before it starts getting chilly. We can work on the inside after. My #1...was to paint the fence (well, not ME, but Hubby). We have a 30 year old metal chain link fence that was in serious need of TLC...so we had to repaint that! And i am so happy...it's so crazy how a little paint changes everything! It looks so much better now! I wasn't able to help (too many fumes, since it's rustoleum paint---and very stinky!)...but Hubby was able to do it in 2 days. I never thought in a million years it would take him that long, but it is a very detailed thing...and boy am i happy it's done and over with.  It gives the house a nice, clean look!! And we're almost ready for WINTER!!

We also went to a friends 60th birthday party on Saturday. This was the first time in months that i had to actually put on a dress (by force), and after i was all dressed up...i kinda felt like 'Me' again. The past few weeks, I've been kinda down on myself...haven't really been taking care of myself the way i used to. Mainly because i was on Furlough from work...which was kinda unexpected...and that lessened my bank account...so I've been cutting back on some unnecessary things (ie: manicures, eyebrows, lunch/dinner dates with friends, coffee stops). It's been a hard couple of weeks, and not to mention, my abdomen hasn't really stopped growing, so it's a lot harder to shower now...not to mention shave my legs...and I've been feeling a little unattractive. It's really crazy, trying to embrace my new (expanding) body...and trying to still feel sexy, after working a 10 hour day...and having to still be a wife. If any of you have gone through this, i would greatly appreciate some advice. I know it's just a faze, and i know I'll be over it...especially since dressing up on Saturday made me feel Human again. Not to mention, i found stretch marks on my thighs and butt a few days ago, so I've been on total ick mode :'( I'm in a  funk...
So yesterday, i was able to do some much needed housework...I'm actually starting to become so overwhelmed with the dogs/cat.  They are shedding so much, and i feel like all i do is sweep up fur...and I'm just starting to think of the baby...and how will i be able to allow him to crawl on the floor when these guys shed so much.  Plus, Sebastian (the little guy), isn't doing so well. I think it's almost time to put him down, and I'm sick over it. I've never had to make this decision...and it's really getting me down.  I always said that when the time was right, I'd know...and part of me...knows. I can't help it, but he's really sick...and there is really nothing left for me to do. We really don't know what he has, but we know it's not curable...and i don't want to be selfish, but when Baby C comes along, i don't know how much time i can put into him. He's already starting to fight me with going outside...and he's starting to pee in the downstairs bathroom. I don't want to make this decision. I don't want to be the one who drops him off, and puts him out. :( This is the hardest thing I've ever had to do (so far).  I know plenty of you have pets, but i definitely need some advice on keeping the pet hair down...it's starting to overwhelm me...I know plenty of you are pet lovers, but what have you done to keep the pet hair to a minimum? I need your help.
Last but not least, i made Sunday dinner...and it came out yummy! Whole wheat baked ziti...yum!!

Getting ready for the party (9/10/11-25 weeks prego)

Dudes (Dudettes), i'm going CRAZY!

Who knew registering for a baby could be THIS hard? Seriously. My eyes are about to start bleeding after reading review after review. Some negative, some positive. WHO DO YOU BELIEVE!?! I've been seriously stalking YouTube for the past 3 hours in search for a stroller. My sister-in-law got me all nervous because she got one of the regular Graco's...and HATES it. It's way too heavy and takes up %99.99999 of room in her trunk. She had to end up buying the snap-and-go separate and my nephew is only 7 months, and already grew out of the car seat...and they recently got him ANOTHER stroller since the Graco was ridiculously HEAVY!  Another expense. It's better to spend the money up front...then have to buy a $300 stroller at first, and then have to buy a separate $70 accessories to make it lighter, then the child grows out of it and then you end up buying a WHOLE entire new lightweight stroller +CAR seat. When you add that all up...you're spending way over $700! So, I've decided to do my homework. Thank god i still have 18 weeks left. HOLY CRAP! Did i just say that!?! 18 weeks left? Doesn't sound that long! I have lots of homework to do.

Any of you ladies having the same issue? Any advice?
Registering for a baby is NOT as fun as registering for a wedding :'(

I've been looking at light weight strollers/travel systems...that will hold the baby from infant to 40 lbs (around 4 years old). I need help! :(

Anyone have any helpful tips? I could really use it. :)

(I live on the second floor, so i really want something light weight. I've been looking at the Peg Perego Pliko Switch.....anyone have any negative/positive feedback! pleaseeeeeeee. :)

What i miss most.

I was thinking about what I'm going to miss the most about being pregnant, when I'm NOT pregnant...as in...feeling the little kicks...and watching my belly expand to fit him inside of me. :'( I think when this is all over, I'll miss all of it. But for now...I miss a lot of things about NOT being pregnant.

1. I miss NOT having to pee every 20 minutes...and uninterrupted sleep...where i wake up in the middle of the night and i have to RUN (not walk) to the bathroom. :( Ahh, it's going to be a while (even after little C is born), that i will have uninterrupted sleep (sigh)

2. I miss having energy. I miss being able to go up a flight of stairs (our bedrooms are UPSTAIRS) and not feel like i just ran a marathon. I hate forgetting things upstairs. I will do absolutely ANYTHING to NOT take the trip. It's THAT bad.

3. Sleeping on my stomach/back....self explanatory. I just miss it.

4. I'm NOT a big drinker, but i do like a cold beer with hubby once in a while...after work, especially in the summer...when it's hot out. Or, for our 6 year (together, not married) anniversary last night, i couldn't order my usual wine..."Water with lemon please!"

5. SUSHI. OK, this should've been #1!!!! I miss eating sushi, SO MUCH. I wont go to a sushi place to even tempt myself...because i get nervous that they use the knives to cut the sushi with the raw sushi...and it makes me cringe. :( Oh sushi, i miss you. If any of my friends are reading this...I WANT TO PLACE AN ORDER FOR MY FAVORITE SUSHI (Kelman Roll)....THE DAY HE IS BORN...NO...SERIOUSLY...WITHIN THE HOUR. I expect you to obey my wishes!! :)

6. Being heartburn/gas free. I never had morning sickness (thank god), but seriously...the gas pains are NO JOKE. I cannot wait until my stomach and intestines go to their respective places and i can eat, like a normal person.



7.  Swollen feet. I miss my toes. They used to be really cute. :(

How about any of you ladies? Anything you miss about being Pregnant/Not pregnant.  I don't mind BEING pregnant...but i do miss some of the things i was able to do (Eat)...and not worry...but...anything for a healthy baby in the end!!



6 Years.

I don't know if we'll ever really celebrate this day anymore, since we now have our wedding date...but, 6 years ago today...my hubby asked me to be his girlfriend...and we've been together ever since. I was 20 and he was 18 (i like them young! Haha!!)... So much has changed, so much has happened...and my love for him has grown into something indescribable. He's my best friend, my everything and I am so happy we're still together, and i can't believe that next year, we will have a new addition to our little family. I don't think i've ever been this happy...and i'm so happy that i have someone to share everything with.

I love him!
Happy 6 years my love...here's to the next! May this one be the best one yet.

6 years ago.

re-cap of the last few weeks:

Again, sorry for not posting like i am suppose to.  It's really hot in NY and I'm in no mood to sit in front of a computer. Not to mention, i was on Furlough for 2 weeks from my job...and sitting in front of a computer was THE LAST THING i wanted to do (since i pretty much do it at work all the time)! Instead, i caught up on all my MTV teeny booper shows (Teen Mom, Awkward, Jersey Shore, etc etc) and some RHNJ & NY...and some much needed, rest and relaxation.  And i did some cleaning...and organizing too.

OH, did i tell you we got our washer and dryer installed? So yea, i did LOTS of laundry! The only bad thing is that we had it installed in the basement...and we have to go up/down 2 flights of stairs...so my preggy body isn't doing so well with lifting the basket up and down....that's what Hubby's are for though!! (LOL) Either way, it's a great start...and we're loving the machine. We purchased the Samsung washer (WF419AAW/XAA) and matching steam dryer...that has AWESOME REVIEWS...and if i do say so myself...they are pretty darn awesome. So quiet, and they also have awesome features such as the steam one, and the sanitary setting (which gets REALLY HOT to kill any bacteria, etc etc.).---Yea, i just said AWESOME like 4 times in a row. I will probably wash all the baby bedding and clothes in the sanitary setting! Oh man, i just LOVE them! It's crazy how I'm super excited about something that washes my clothes. This is a bigggg step for hubs and I...we wont have to waste a whole day at a laundry mat...and break our backs with 6-7 laundry bags...Not to mention all the MONEY we spent to wash...sometimes even $6 or $7 per load!!!  They are also really efficient as far as the laundry detergent goes...i only use 1/2 a cap for a wash...and 1/2 a cap of softner, and everything comes out smelling AMAZING. When we used to wash in the commercial machines...we would use about 3 full caps for soap, and 3 full caps for softner. ($AVING LOTS OF MONEY THIS WAY!!!)

Yes, i drew a creepy pic of me (with my retarded looking baby bump) with my new washer & dryer.

OK, so this may be really stupid...but i was really confused the other day, about where your organs go-when you're pregnant. I watched a c-section birth (while obviously bored out of my mind), and let me tell you...it was NOT pretty. Well, neither was the regular birth...but...i guess it was a little more "natural" looking. No offence to anyone who's had a c-section (who knows if my birth plan doesn't work out the way i want it to, i might have to get one done also), but I've saw serious ORGANS...on the outside of a body...that just freaked me out.  I saw real life intestines! Eeeeeeeew. So, it got me thinking about where my baby is...and if he is in front or behind my stomach, bladder, intestines, etc. It really is mind boggling to me...how it works...so obviously i went to my main man G (google).

Sorry if i should pretty much KNOW this by now...you know, since I'm PREGNANT and all...but it is a little crazy how a baby grows inside of you...and how your body just 'knows' what to do. It's like...WE WERE REALLY MADE FOR THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How crazy. Anywho...i found this website that is a Museum in Chicago (and if i lived there, i would SOOOOO GO CHECK IT OUT)...and it had such awesome (there i go again with the word awesome) exhibits! Wish i could go!!!! :(  Check out this link of how the body changes for your growing baby. I thought it was pretty insightful and amazing.  Let me know what you think! Have any of you ever been to this museum? If so, i want FEEDBACK!

OK, so onto BIGGER...and more important things, like the baby-bump. Last time i posted i was 17 weeks...and now...I'm 20. A WHOLE LOT HAS CHANGED. A WHOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEE LOT. I actually feel him kicking, and just this last week it's becoming more frequent....and yes, it's amazing. It's actually...one of the best feelings in my entire life (it's up there with getting engaged, walking down the aisle and getting my first car---you know---the important things in life).

Every time he kicks, i look down...and stare at my stomach. Up until a few weeks ago i did not FEEL pregnant. I mean, i knew i was...but i didn't feeeeeeeeeeeel  it. I just felt BLOATED. Like, i felt like i was at that awkward stage where people would wonder if i was pregnant, but not say anything. People would stare...and I'd stare back. Yea, i just felt really fat....like BEER BELLY FAT. NOW, I'm like, LEGIT pregnant. Like 100%...here i am...PREGNANT!!!   Which is great....but scary...since...i can't believe I'm 1/2 way there...and i still have NO IDEA what his nursery is going to look like...and its starting to freak me out, how unprepared i am for this. I mean, i know I'm going to be a great Mom...no doubt in my head...but sometimes i feel like I'm losing patience a lot easier/faster....and how am i going to handle a baby, crying in the middle of the night? Or...idk...just things that scare me. Since I've been reading a WHOLE LOT...about post postpartum depression...and how i will take to this new "THING" (yes, i called my child a THING). I'm just, getting a little nervous of the change.

The one thing i can honestly say that has happened the past few weeks is, i think I've fallen head over heels for my husband...and it's weird, because i knew i loved him...and obviously i married the guy...but...my emotions are going BUCKWILD...and I'm just like, GA-GA over him. Like i want to lay with him for as long as possible in the morning...and i want to kiss him when i get home, and i miss him when we're apart. If you know me, I'm NOT that type of girl. I'm Mrs. Independent...and i love being that way, but something CLICKED inside of me. Like, I'm OOZING of love...and i can't get enough of him. OK, so tell me why i just got teary eyed (SWEAR). It's the pregnancy i swear.


So, here i go, with my (tri)WEEKLY (looks like I'm updating every 3 weeks!) preggy update:

20W5D

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 20 weeks 5 days

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 11 lbs (doc told me to LAY OFF THE BREAD/PASTA---is that some way of him saying I'm getting FAT?!!!) 

Maternity Clothes: I'm 100% in maternity clothes. And my boobs are HUGE. I've already grown 2 cup sizes (Originally and A---and now a small C). I really hope i go back to my measly A cup after he is born though---i LOVE being small chested...for some weird reason, it's so much easier to find clothes i think....I'm spilling out of all my shirts, in a BAD way. Not cool. I'm not fitting in most of my regular t-shirts anymore, unless they are LONG...because my belly sticks out the bottom :'(

 

Sleep:  I'm pretty much sleeping pretty good. I do get up to go to the bathroom, but it hasnt' really interrupted my sleep. Hubs and I go to sleep relatively early now...since he's working mostly morning shifts, so I'm getting as much sleep as possible.   

 

Best Moment this week: I can honestly say it was on Monday (8/8) when hubby felt him kick (his 3rd kick ever). I always put his hand on my stomach...and he immediately stops kicking...and i feel bad...because i wish i could control him kicking....and he always looks so disappointed. This time he gave Daddy a nice 2 kicks...and we both laughed. Also, just falling deeper in love with my husband...this bond is really incredible. I don't think I've ever felt this deep connection with him...and I'm not saying it as a bad thing---like...i obviously LOVE him...and all, but this is on another level of connection.  He's going to be such a great father, and it makes me get all choked up when i think about it. :'(

 

Gender: It's a boy! We found out on July 1st. We are SUPER EXCITED...I've always wanted a boy first (i love the idea of 'big brothers' because i had one)---yep, same as 17 weeks. We pretty much narrowed down the name...but I'm keeping that one a secret! ;-)

Movement:

100% movement....at least 2-3 an hour....maybe more, depending on what I'm doing. He usually kicks when i eat food...which is kinda cool...or when I'm relaxing on the couch in the afternoons.

 

Food Cravings: i don't know if this is a craving, but i ate a whole 4 lbs of nectarines in 4 days.  i wouldn't say i would absolutely DIE if i didn't have it...but they are really darn good. LOL

 

Food Aversions: Nothing really...

 

How I'm feeling: My back continues to bother me, and i feel like there is a balloon (check out that link to that museum above) inside of me inflating. Like, just tightness in my abdomen...and I'm getting out of breath a little more, when i do the steps at home.

 

What I am looking forward to:

Starting the nursery. We've decided that we are going to start in September, and i already have so many ideas!

 

Our Baby in Veggie/Fruit Terms: 

A Cantaloupe!!! HOLLLLLLLLLY COW!!

Week 20: Cantaloupe Average size: 6.5 in, 10.6 oz Boy or girl, genitals are fully formed... > More on what baby's up to

***At our last apt (last week, 19w5d), baby weighed in at 14 oz....so he's a BIG BOY!***

Weekly Thoughts: I can't believe we are 1/2 way there! This is really freaking insane. Also, i think about how happy i am pregnant (yea, so what if my doctor called me FAT)...I'm loving the experience...and i know that i can do this over and over again (if all pregnancies are like this)...now i don't know about the delivery!!! I'm getting kinda nervous about that. OH And i wanted to add that my nails are kick@$$. Super long and strong!

 

Here is my 19w5d prego pic (since i look HORRID today!)

i can totally see the little cantaloupe!

and here is the weekly sonogram (taken at last weeks Dr.apt)---he has MY NOSE!!!

 

17W5D POST

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 17 weeks 5 days preggo.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: As of last doctor's visit (July 7) i have gained 8 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: Yes!!! I've pretty much out gown most of my regular pants and some of my shirts are becoming too short. :(

Sleep:  Some days YES, some days NO. I wake up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom...so it kind of interrupts my sleep. I've also been getting achy hips..so my mom got me a body pillow (best invention EVER). Hubby seems to think it's his though.

Best Moment this week: I guess...finally accepting that I'm ACTUALLY looking prego, and not...bloated. It's kind of cute...my stomach is getting bigger...and my body isn't (except my boobs, I've grown a whole cup! My mom said 'this is only the begining')

Gender: It's a boy! We found out on July 1st. We are SUPER EXCITED...i've always wanted a boy first (i love the idea of 'big brothers' because i had one)

Movement:

Don't know if what I'm feeling is the baby, or if it's my imagination. Kinda feels like an eye twitch...or sometimes Gas. My sister-in-law and cousin said that it feels like water moving around, but i haven't felt that. Maybe my baby is just different. LOL

Food Cravings: Still not craving anything...i am really getting lazy though. I'm not cooking as much as i used to :(

Food Aversions: Nothing really...

How i'm feeling: My back continues to bother me...:( But it's more when i sit for long extended periods of time, or i'm not comfortable..

What I am looking forward to:

Dying my hair (with HENNA) this weekend. Hopefully i wont have Pregnant head anymore...

Our Baby in Veggie/Fruit Terms: 

An ONION!

Week 17: Onion Average size: 5.1 in, 5.9 oz Skeleton is hardening, and fat is accumulating...

Weekly Thoughts: I've already started to plan his nursery in my head. I'm so excited to start decorating. What are your thoughts on buying second hand??

 

 

and here is my very first(Shared with blog world), Preggo pic.

17W5D

sorry for the bad quality cell phone pic....and excuse me, i'm at the bathroom at work...but it definitely shows my baby bump.

 

To DYE or NOT TO DYE...that is the question.

SOOO...yea, i suck for not writing for a while now. Sorry!! Again...I've been so consumed in baby-land somewhere...i must have forgotten about my blog. Although, i do read and follow lots of blogs, i don't find anything interesting to write about, because A...all i do is eat, sit on the couch, and eat some more...and B...it's like, super hot out...so all i do is A...yea, pretty much my life.

Anywhos.
So, since this baby was SO NOT PLANNED (But so very welcomed), i do in fact need to do something with my terrible ROOTS! I know that if this were 'PLANNED' i would've gone to my natural hair color and called it a day. Now I'm suffering from pregnant head...and it's not cute.
I went to the beauty supply at lunch...which by the way, in NY it's about 189 degrees out...and when you're pregnant...it seems THAT much HOTTER. I don't think in the 26 years of life, I've EVER been this HOT. I feel like my skin burns! ...oh yea, back to the story: so, i went to the beauty supply and i picked up Colora HENNA creme.  The box says it best: "Hair color & conditioner with natural henna, no ammonia, no peroxide.".

I was wondering if any of you ever dyed your hair while pregnant...and if so...what are your feelings about it. Have any of you ever put Henna in your hair?? I want reviews. Post away!!

On to some other news:

 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's crazy! We found out a few weeks ago, but i decided to keep it a secret until we told everyone in our families. Mr. C is SOOOOOO EXCITED. He has so many plans (baseball, football, etc) for them! It's really weird, because i really do feel that every woman has intuition about what they are having, the SECOND they find out. Like, I remember finding out, and saying "I know it's a boy". Isn't that weird, scary? And when they told us, i just KNEW it.  Anyone else have the MOTHERS Sixth Sense about what they were having???

Weekly Pregnancy Highlight

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 14 weeks preggo (Tomorrow i'll be 15), which means my Due date is Dec 23rd.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: As of last doctor's visit (June 8th) i have gained 5 lbs. Tomorrow is my next visit...so we will see how many more i've gained!!! Yikes.

Maternity Clothes: Yes...i've inherited lots of clothes from my cousin-so i haven't really had to buy any...all of my jeans are maternity so far...and i'm sure i can fit into my 'Fat' jeans...but i'm not going to lie, maternity clothes are really comfy. It's like wearing pj's...except...jeans. And no one really notices the extra elastic. Mine aren't the really hight waisted elastic, just the band it...so it's pretty descrete.

Sleep: I'm not sleeping as much as i used to. I toss and turn a lot...and i wake up all the time to use the bathroom. Thank godness we have a bathroom in the same room...because if i had to go all the way downstairs, i would invest in a bed pan (HAHAHA, just kidding-that's pretty gross)

Best Moment this week: This is not pregnancy related...but i totally loved the fact that my uncle and hubby power washed my deck!!! Looks brand new. This weekend we (meaning, hubby) are going to paint it to prevent mildew and splinters. Yay for 4 day weekends. :)

Gender: We're not sure yet...but i'm thinking we might see something tomorrow. Hubby isn't really sure what he wants...he originally said "girl" and now he's going "boy"....i honestly don't have a preferance. Our nephew was born last year around the same time...so if it's a boy, we get lots of hand me downs---so that's a plus...but GIRLS are just sooooo cute to dress up!!

Movement: i haven't really felt anything...i keep thinking i do...but not sure what it feels like...we will see.

Food Cravings: I haven't really had a crazy craving for anything...i'm just eating a lot more than normal...so i'm trying to stay pretty health. I've gotton pretty lazy and haven't wanted to cook...but i'm forcing myself...since i know it's the healthiest choice.

Food Aversions: Pre-pregnancy-i was a big Dorito fan...and now, i can't even smell them. Isn't that weird?

How i'm feeling: I'm pretty good...no complaints. Well, ok, i lied... my back is actually starting to bother me...like a sharp pain in my lower back. It comes and goes, but mostly when i sit, or lay for long periods of time.

What I am looking forward to: actually LOOKING and FEELING pregnant. I just feel really bloated...and i'm looking forward to feeling kicks for the first time. Since i  haven't had any crazy symptoms...this will make it SUPER REAL.

Our Baby in Veggie/Fruit Terms: 

A lemon! Last week i was a peach...and a few days ago...i went to the fruit store and bought both (peaches and lemons)-and they were pretty much the same size...if not...the peach was bigger. Weird.

Weekly Thoughts:

Thinking of having a gender party. If any of you have done this...i would really like to know what you think about it. I think it would be kind of fun...to include friends and family. And since the weather is nice, we can always have some sort of outdoor party...which means...hubby can bbq and i don't really have to do much work (other than cleaning the dishes and making the cake/cupcakes).

Anyone have any thoughts or have any of you ever had a Gender party before?? It's when you reveal the gender of your baby with your guest in a fun creative way...like...baking the color into a cake/cupcake.

Arugula Pesto

I really suck as a blogger. Seriously. The whole time i was making this...i kept thinking to myself...this would make such a great Blog entry. FAIL. I'm a terrible multi-tasker (taking pics and cooking all at the same time)...and Hubby was off doing Man things (attending to his grass/changing the cat liter ;) ) so i couldn't even ask him to take pics for me.

The reason i chose to make this is because i don't know about you, but if you've ever bought Trader Joes fresh bag salads (any type), you usually have to eat them within the first 2 or 3 days. NO MORE. They spoil rather quickly...but the good thing is that you can always return the bag and get a fresh one...which is always great, but honestly...who wants to waste 1/2 hour out of there day to return a bag of salad? Not me.

Well, i bought a bag of arugula on Sunday. I made a salad for myself 2 days in a row, and i still had lots left. So i decided to make PESTO.

Here is how i made it:

Arugula Pesto Recipe

2 cups of packed arugula leaves, stems removed
1/2 cup of shelled walnuts
1/2 cup fresh Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (i used TJ's spanish olive oil)
6 garlic cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1- In a frying pan, brown 6 garlic cloves over medium high heat until the garlic is lightly browned in places, about 10 minutes. Remove the garlic from the pan, cool

2- Toast the walnuts in the same pan over medium heat until lightly brown.

3- In a food processor (I used my mini chopper): Combine the arugula, salt, walnuts, roasted garlic, and parmasean cheese. Pulse while drizzling the olive oil into the processor/chopper. Remove the mixture from the processor and put it into a bowl.

and Voila! Pesto!

=

I made my pesto with mini whole wheat penne...and i also made chicken sausage, and cut into little pieces. Let me just tell you...hubby and i were licking our plates clean!! I even had enough to bring to work for lunch!