tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67460796736773572362024-03-13T00:56:05.376-04:00Canny-Cole.NicPic Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17276854962505474095noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746079673677357236.post-71658012611939000542013-02-05T15:35:00.001-05:002013-02-05T15:35:51.053-05:00i'm back!It's been a while...i know :( I've stayed away for way too long, and it is going to take some time for me to get back in the swing of things. I really wanted this space to document Aj's first year of life...but i didn't realize how much work it required. I envy all these bloggy mommas who have the time to take care of their children, work full time jobs, AND Blog. I'm so tired at the end of the workday...and yet, my day is just beginning when i come home to Aj. It's been a crazy couple of months, but i wouldn't change it. I've been savoring every single minute with him...and for that, i am grateful. Especially after Sandy...we are so grateful to have each other and that is all that matters. Our neighborhood got hit pretty bad, and it was really sad to see it. Anywhos! Let's talk about something HAPPY! <br />
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I do want to share a few things...a few details...and i guess the best way is through photos.<br />
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Aj's Birthday was December 15th. I wanted a small intimate gathering with immediate family and friends...and that is what we did. The planning process was easy, since i knew i wanted something to show off his FIRST YEAR of life....and since i had taken a photo of him every month on his Month-Birthday....i knew i wanted to incorporate all the pictures. I googled and came up with the theme "One year in a flash".<br />
I purchased the cards on ETSY from a seller <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MamaMoonlights?page=1">MamaMoonlights</a>! She was awesome. She even custom designed the card to match my theme exactly. Here is the finished product.<br />
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I was pretty happy with the results! I printed them at Walmart.com and only spent 8.00!!! Between the invite and the printing i only spent $24, which was pretty good---considering it is a custom design.Walmart did an OK job with printing, but the real work was the actual invite...so i was ok with the print job. We didn't get it on photopaper, but on cardstock, which i recommend. Gives it a finished look. I would recommend going this route if you want something done to look pretty close to professional. It was a fast turn around too! I got the invites in the mail within 5 days...so it was pretty painless.</div>
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I wanted to keep things simple and plain, since it was going to be held at my Father's house. I didn't want to go over board with decorating, since it wasn't my home, and it turned out pretty fantastic. </div>
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I did however hire a photographer (i found on craigslist) to photograph the event...and honestly, it was the best money i've ever spent. She captured the party perfectly and I am so happy that i hired her!! </div>
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Here are some shots of the day/night:</div>
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Anywhos! What has everyone else been up to? I've been keeping up with my reading, just not updating. Please post a comment to let me know you are all still there (all 22 of you!).</div>
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Soon i'm going to be posting about my new hobby, photography! I will show you how i took Aj's valentines day photos for under $1! :) </div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/310/B15F9419EAADE15F2383429B9A0CAD5A.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>NicPic Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17276854962505474095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746079673677357236.post-17891771439239139212012-09-12T11:32:00.001-04:002012-09-12T11:32:20.167-04:00things i love, 8 month edition.I was thinking of all the things that make me a happy Momma. Things that i can SO live without...and things, i know all of you new mom's can benefit from...so i'm going to write another list of things i love and things i didn't really care for so much.<br />
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Aj is doing so much. He's standing, eating, cruising (across furniture), crawling, talking, screaming, laughing, clapping...oh man, the past month in a half, he's really doing SO MUCH...and i'm a little sad. Sad that he's changing SO FAST...and i hope i am doing a good job to capture as much of this year as i can...it's just hard, being a working mommy...and trying to balance work, mommy, AND wife! Lots on my plate.<br />
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If any of you ladies are reading this-and your baby is less than 8 months, i would highly recommend you lower your crib, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. If your baby is around 5 months...i would do it, even if they aren't sitting up yet...because before you know it...your baby will be standing...and it's scary!<br />
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I really didn't think having a video monitor was a such a big deal- i mean, i liked having one...but Aj didn't move...so every time i would look at it, he would be in the same position----all night. Now that Aj is standing, moving, etc....this is the best invention-EVER. I received mine as a gift, and i think it's seriously awesome. I heard now that you can get an adapter for your iphone---which is equally as cool, but this one works for me. I sometimes wake up and turn on the monitor (i don't sleep with it on, but i leave his end on all the time, so i can choose when to look in and when not)...and watch him playing with his toys in his crib, talking to himself. This is great...sometimes, they go back to sleep, or sometimes they just sit there for a good 15 minutes until they start calling you to come and get them...either way...this thing is awesome. I am now able to see that he is "OK" without wondering if his arm is stuck in the crib. At first you might think this thing is stupid, but i love the fact that i can move the camera around the room, zoom, and even talk (like intercom). Sometimes, i'm down doing laundry and i can say "Aj, mommy will be right there"...and he will instantly stop after hearing my voice. I read a lot of reviews, and lots of people complained, but mine has worked perfectly from Day 1....and never had any reception issues......ADD THIS TO YOUR REGISTRY.....i promise, you wont be sorry. I like this one because the little monitor is cute and small and you can slip it in your pocket. You can also use batteries in the camera end-which is a PLUS.<br />
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<a href="http://www.diapers.com/p/summer-infant-babytouch-color-video-monitor-95804?site=CA&utm_source=cse&utm_medium=cpc_D&utm_term=PJ-388&utm_campaign=Google&CAWELAID=1338716022&utm_content=pla&cagpspn=pla&ci_kw=%7Bkeyword%7D">Summer Infant Babytouch Color video monitor</a></div>
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Ahh, summer has been great. I've enjoyed having Aj this age 6-9 months in the summer. He's definitely more enjoyable...and able to do fun things at this age. Eat, sit up, crawl, play, laugh...all the cute things! I've mentioned this in previous post, but Aj was a big spitter upper (lol, don't know if that's a word), but we used to have to change him 7-9 times a day...because his t-shirts were always covered in vomit. THis month, he's definitely growing out of that stage (thank goodness!). I always loved Carters brand clothing-so soft and i feel like the size's are true (sometimes). I wasn't a big fan of putting jeans on Aj so he pretty much lived in cute little soft carters shorts and t-shrits. My all time favorite bodysuits for everyday (i call them onesies, but i know this is technically incorrect, because Gerber makes onesies) are the regular white ones. They usually come in a 4-6 pack and are always reasonably priced. I would say these are great---year round and for all ages (well, until 24 months-because they don't make them any bigger than that!). I usually can find them on the Carter's website, and whenever they have a sale, they send me an email and i usually stock up. They do get stained pretty easily- but that's because AJ is a messy eater...and we allow him to explore textures and food with his hands. I don't mind...it's part of being a baby. I purchased the tank top looking ones for the summer and i think they were really great. They wash awesome and the quality is A+. I am thinking of getting them for winter as well, to go underneath sweaters....i like the fact that they don't have arms....and they wont bunch up under clothes. These are a MUST BUY...boys and girls...of all ages and sizes! </div>
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A few months back, Aj started using sippy cups (i started him around 6 months, even though he didn't hold it yet). I tried the Dr.Brown's one first (after reading great reviews), but he didn't understand how to suck from it. He would just take the rubber spout and chew on it. So i went out and got him the Nuby SoftFlex Natural Sipper (i got it free, with a $5.00 coupon i received in the mail earlier). They ALL say No-spill, but honestly...it's a BIG LIE! Every single Nuby product i've ever purchased SUCKED (LITERALLY!). I'm going to be honest though...this cup was 'ok' to just transition AJ from a bottle to a sippy....and it was fairly easy. Loved the fact that they had removable handles, which definitely helped him hold it. At first too much water would come out, but then he would get it...and sip slower. I don't give Aj any juices...just water when he's eating, so i don't mind if he gets a little wet from water....at least it doesn't stain and/or leave him sticky. Now that he understands the sucking part, instead of chewing on the tip, he actually understands how to sip from the Dr.Brown's sippy cup, which-DOES NOT LEAK....and is a major improvement. Again, i don't give Aj any juices so this is just used for water...but i like the fact that i can fill it with water and throw in my DB and it wont get all the other stuff soaked...and offer to him when we are at restaurants, etc. Also love that they both have caps!! I'm huge on having the nipples covered and not touching anything else in the diaper bag (or if it falls!)</div>
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I would advise you to try to introduce something a little more nipple shapped at first...and then introduce this sippy. Aj loves both cups...and we only have 2 (i hate clutter)! </div>
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I also love the fact that Aj can sit with us at restaurants now. He sits in a highchair...and we all know how GROSS those things are. This was a hand me down from my sister in law, but it has come in handy. I don't know where she purchased it, but i think she got it at Marshalls for less than $15...and i use it, all the time. You don't have to get a specific brand...just something that covers your baby from touching, licking, and biting a high chair or shopping cart. A+ in my book...and i might use it until he's 10..LOL, Just kidding (maybe). Mine came with pillow inserts for smaller babies, but we don't use them anymore. It folds up nicely and it's in my trunk of my car. I love it.<br />
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Last, but not least (for now) is my stroller. This thing is LITERALLY my best friend. I love it. I get compliments on it..and i just LOVE it. I loved it when i first got it---even without Aj, and now, i love it even more...with him, because it's just-THAT easy, lightweight...and awesome.</div>
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I live on the second floor in the 2 family house. I did a lot of research for my stroller---so i know the in's and outs of it. I really liked the CitySelect...but i didn't like the options it had. Britax was always a great name, and after reading review and review about how great their products are...i'm a huge believer. I received the b-agile as a gift from my MIL, and the b-safe car seat from a friend. I used the carseat up until this month and we just recently upgraded him to a bigger seat. (August 28th). THe stroller is only 15 lbs...and opens and closes with the click of a button...the only downside is the storage at the bottom...but i guess, that's not that big of a deal, when you can close a stroller with one hand. I would recommend it to anyone! Great stroller, easy to maneuver and just all around great. I got it in black, but they also have a red-but i believe this year they might be coming out with a bunch of other colors. I liked the black because it was gender neutral, and if i have another baby---we can always use it! i give it 4 1/2 stars because of the small basket.</div>
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that's it for now. Any of you have things that you liked for ages 6-9 months? </div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/310/B15F9419EAADE15F2383429B9A0CAD5A.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>NicPic Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17276854962505474095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746079673677357236.post-18327645121536841812012-09-05T07:53:00.002-04:002012-09-05T07:53:31.548-04:008 months, 21 days, 8 hours....Not that i'm keeping track or anything...but that's just it....i think i<em> may</em> be coming to the end of breast feeding Aj.............................<br />
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and i'm "ok" with it. It's been a beautiful (almost) 9 months...and i LOVED every single minute of it. I think i might finish off the full 9 months...and go back to being, Me. Not that breast feeding wasn't me...but it was a very big responsibility...and i'm definitely happy i was able to go this long. I think if my situation was different, and i was a SAHM, i might continue...but pumping at work---gets a little, annoying....and i think it might be time to change that.<br />
I loved everything about it....I loved how easy, and convenient it was...how i didn't have to wake up fully in the middle of the night to "make" a bottle. How i still, wake up, and pop aj on...and i can still get a few minutes of extra sleep. I am a huge BF advocate. I really do believe that Breast is Best...and i would advise ALL of my friends and family members to do it. It's one of the BEST things, and Hardest (at the same time) things i've ever had to do<br />
I'm not going to lie, the beginning was pretty scary/painful/exhausting....I didn't know how people actually did it, for the long run. I felt like i was doing it all wrong...because everyone told me...if it hurts, you're doing it wrong....<br />
WRONG! Breast feeding HURTS. I don't care what you say. Aj was doing it RIGHT and it STILL hurt. It felt like razor blades were cutting off my nipples...and the SORENESS...followed by Clogged ducts...followed by waking up in the middle of the night, covered in your OWN milk....and the TEETH...oh man! I can go for hours....but then again, i think of all the great times. The times i've sat, and starred at my baby. The closeness....there is NOTHING better than that of watching your baby fall asleep in your arms, while breast feeding. And still, to this day...Aj...crawling up to me in bed, and pulling my shirt down to take a sip, like i'm some sort of sippy cup! The fun! The laughs, the tears....<br />
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I loved every minute of this experience, and i wouldn't change it for the world. Aj has still (knock on wood) never had a fever....and he's never had a cold, or been sick in any way. I do think it has to do with the breast feeding. He's an amazing eater...and eats EVERYTHING...and ANYTHING...and i think it also has to do with the breast feeding. I think he might be a little advanced, with things he does-and i all think it ties into this....<br />
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I work 10 hour days, which means i have to pump <em>at least twice </em>a day....and the time, and the situation is just getting a little annoying. We don't have a designated <em>pumping </em>room-so i pump in the handicap stall in the ladies room. It's funny, all the women know it's me in there now...i will be pumping and if they come in to use the bathroom, they always say "Hey Cole! How's it going in there!"...lol. But, i'm just getting a little Ugh...idk...annoyed at the situation. If i had Aj with me...i wouldn't mind. I would breast feed him ALL DAY LONG...but the pump, kinda gets to you, after a while...and i really do think this is one of the BIGGEST reasons I'm going to decide to stop. I am happy that this pump has allowed me to go this long...but i am going to be happy to not use my 20 minute break to sit in a stall, twice a day. <br />
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I was thinking of continuing the morning and night feedings, but i heard it's a little difficult, especially with so much time apart...have any of you ladies successfully done this? Any of you girls pump at work? Do you always feel a little guilty leaving this part of your life behind? :( <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/310/B15F9419EAADE15F2383429B9A0CAD5A.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>NicPic Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17276854962505474095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746079673677357236.post-53912544963169053812012-08-27T10:50:00.000-04:002012-08-27T10:50:36.229-04:00An OFF day.I've come to the conclusion, that I’m not perfect. I never want to be, and that is ok.<o:p></o:p><br />
Aj has taught me to accept this. That sometimes, things don't exactly go as we planned. That sometimes, it has to rain-so that you can appreciate all the beautiful days. <o:p></o:p><br />
I want Aj to understand that we all come in different shades, different personalities, that there are no 2 people alike in the world...and that's what makes it so beautiful. <o:p></o:p><br />
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I am going to make mistakes as a parent...i accept this. And i embrace it. I want Aj to know that I am trying my best, that i am going to give him 100%, although sometimes I’m going to have my off days. <o:p></o:p><br />
Yesterday, was an off Day...and Today (although, i'm at work), is another one of those, "OFF" days.<o:p></o:p><br />
I'm ok with having a few of these days...I need them. I am ENTITLED to them.<o:p></o:p><br />
They are making me stronger...and making me better. A better <em>mother</em> for Aj, and a better <em>wife.</em><o:p></o:p><br />
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Yesterday, while attempting to clean the house, Aj decided he didn't want to take a nap...ALL DAY LONG. The kid was up for 17 hours STRAIGHT- No nap...and pure crankiness. I would move an inch, and he would start crying. And did i mention, he's crawling, <em>everywhere </em>now!?! I'm standing there doing the dishes, and he's grabbing my pants, hysterical crying-for NO REASON. <em>I</em> thought i was about to EXPLODE, i was tired, irritated and cranky and I WANTED A NAP!!!!!!!!! (this reminds me of the scene of Charlotte in Sex and the City Movie where she's crying in the pantry). I just needed a few minutes of NO CRYING baby---to just---regenerate...to just, breathe. I called my husband in tears. I needed a "mommy break". So he came home, and picked him up and went to a friend’s house for a bbq (that i was invited to, i just didn't go because i had <em>a day).</em> I sat there, for about 2 hours...playing with my phone, in my pj's. I didn't want to move. I just wanted to sit there...and just---BE.<o:p></o:p><br />
I think it's ok to be in a <em>funk</em> once in a while. Yesterday (and today) are those FREE PASSES we- as mothers, wives, and daughters-are entitled to. <o:p></o:p><br />
I love my boy so much, but Mommy needed a break. God bless all you single mothers out there...being a Mommy is hard! Not to mention, being a wife and Daughter all at the same time.<o:p></o:p><br />
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End rant.<o:p></o:p><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/310/B15F9419EAADE15F2383429B9A0CAD5A.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>NicPic Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17276854962505474095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746079673677357236.post-86159415692633130472012-06-25T10:23:00.000-04:002012-06-25T10:23:50.079-04:00BS Shopping.That's exactly what i like to call it, BS Shopping!! Because, it's BS! Ugh...It's that time of year again---where we have to shead all those awesome layers of clothes (love my long comfy sweatshirts and sweaters that hide the post pardum pooch)...and actually show people what we look like...underneath it all! Not looking forward to Aj's first swimming lesson next week....where i will expose it all!! I have been to a few places...trying to find a "Mom appropriate" bathing suit...and it's freaken HARD! My mind is playing tricks on me. I actually found myself going into the dressing room at Old Navy with a size SMALL...WHAT IN THE WORLD WAS I THINKING.????????????????..I busted out in tears...the thing barely even came up one leg!!! I have come to the conclusion that my body is just <em>not</em> the same anymore...and i'm fine with that---the problem is...my mind doesn't believe it yet. Like i see a pair of pants, and i'll pick up the size 4...thinking---oh these are so cute, they will totally fit...and then---i'm sadly dissapointed in the dressing room! :(<br />
My husband gave me the side eye the other day when i said "i think i need to get a one piece". But, here me out...1 pieces can be sexy too.........right????!!!<br />
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Ladies, i need your help! I have exactly 5 days till Aj's first swim lesson and i'm at a standstill...<br />
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I need a flattering bathing suit---that doesn't make me look like i had twins...yesterday.<br />
See here is the thing, i also got some major stretch marks...not on my stomach, but on my butt and upper thighs (Backside). The entire pregnancy i was like "HORRAY, NO STRETCH MARKS!"...BUT THEY WERE HIDING UNDER MY GYNORMOUS REAR END!! Once i could actually SEE what i looked like from behind, i was mortified!!!! Omg!! =(<br />
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I want to be a sexy Mom...yet, modest. SO, I started my google search "Modest bathing suits"....and here is what i get:<br />
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No.<br />
just, No.<br />
Say NO to prints. I mean, I already Look large and in charge, but prints? Really? That's just screaming..."HEY EVERYONE, LOOK AT ME!"..<br />
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NEXT:<br />
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WHAT THE? I AM ALSO NOT A WHALE, AND I WILL NOTTTTTTTTTTTT BE CAUGHT IN A SWIM DRESS! Absoultely Not.<br />
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Now i'm also wondering---will my "mom boobs" (6 months of bf-ing) look <em>nice</em> in a halter? Pre pregnancy---and pre Mom boobs, i loved halters because they enhanced my bust---not that i had any (i was barely an A)...but i loved that they did...somehow squish my non existant boobies together-to somehow create an illusion of cleavage! Now that i am a FULL C---pushing D..maybe i don't want to <em>enhance anything. </em>Any breastfeeding (or <em>not</em>) mom's have any issues with halters? I need hellllllllp!<br />
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This girl is flat chested---so does that mean that my C/D cup will look bad in this ?? Is it still a sexy suit? Or does it scream "HERE COMES MOM!??"<br />
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Or, should i just let it all hang out...and go 2 piece? I mean, i'm not HUGE! I'm a size 8 (this is actually very dissapointing, i used to be a 2/4 my entire life!). I still want to be <em>mommy friendly</em>...and modest.<br />
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I'm liking the high waist suit....maybe that will help with the extra pudge i have around that area?<br />
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OR!!---a <em>tankini??</em><br />
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Or ....1 piece?<br />
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Also, ladies---what are some colors that you would get? Again, don't want to attract TOO much attention to me!...the only good thing about this---i can always put the cute baby in front, and no one pretty much looks in my direction! LOL<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EJ2cyNGuOOE/T-hxV2XcLII/AAAAAAAADEU/RDHMeduxqrQ/s1600/Mom-and-3-month-old-baby-at-the-pool-IMG-3837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EJ2cyNGuOOE/T-hxV2XcLII/AAAAAAAADEU/RDHMeduxqrQ/s320/Mom-and-3-month-old-baby-at-the-pool-IMG-3837.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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So that's it.... only 5 days away from Swim class....<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/310/B15F9419EAADE15F2383429B9A0CAD5A.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>NicPic Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17276854962505474095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746079673677357236.post-13852902569139354942012-06-12T15:47:00.001-04:002012-06-12T15:47:55.847-04:00Photo Book<object width="425" height="425" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"><param name="movie" value="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/slideshow-ui.swf"/><param name="flashvars" value="configXMLURL=http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/config/config-share.xml&slideshowModuleURL=http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/slideshow-module.swf&projectGUID=0AcuXLZq0bNWLuwg&swfName=slideshowFlashContent&showReplay=true"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="quality" value="best"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><embed width="425" height="425" align="middle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="wrapper" quality="best" menu="false" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashvars="configXMLURL=http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/config/config-share.xml&slideshowModuleURL=http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/slideshow-module.swf&projectGUID=0AcuXLZq0bNWLuwg&swfName=slideshowFlashContent&showReplay=true" src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/slideshow-ui.swf"></embed></object><p style="width:425px;margin-top:0;text-align:center;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AcuXLZq0bNWL9w&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=115">Click here to view this photo book larger</a><div style="margin-top: 10px; width: 425px; text-align: center;">Create your own<a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books" style="color: #6666cc;"> custom photo books</a> at Shutterfly.com.</div><img width="1" height="1" border="0" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=photobook&c2=blogger" /></p>NicPic Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17276854962505474095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746079673677357236.post-23897359558648894322012-05-31T08:54:00.002-04:002012-05-31T08:54:10.744-04:00Aj's "Preppy" Baptism LunchSo this post is really old, but i thought i'd share it with you anyways...since i have a few minutes to spare.<br />
A little *FUN (if you want to call it that) Fact* about me before we get started: My family (Mom's side) are Jehovah's Witnesses. I was born and raised one, until about 19 years old. When i moved on my own (20 years old), my decision was to not really <em>have</em> a religion. I DO believe in God, and i DO pray every single night...but i <em>do not </em>label myself as <em>anything.</em> Maybe right now isn't really the time to get deep into this discussion...let's just say: I have faith, and i believe that there is a higher power, but i do not affiliate myself with any <em>one</em> religion. With that being said, My husband was born and raised Catholic. He was an alter boy as a child. He doesn't really attend church-but he does have faith...(Very much like me). When we got married, i really wanted to have a <em>civil </em>ceremony, due to the fact that my <em>family</em> would probably NOT attend if if i had any other type of ceremony. I also did it for myself. I wouldn't feel comfortable having someone marry me...that wasn't a judge. It's the way i was raised, and it's ingrained in me. I was very happy with that decision, and i was very happy that my husband supported me. This was very important to me.<br />
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We had made the decision to get married by a judge, but my husband had asked me that when we had children, he would like them to be Baptised Catholic. He respected my wishes and i respected his. It's something we had decided a long time before, so it just so happened to have worked out for us. I didn't include my family (the JW's) in the celebration of Aj's Baptism---simply because they probably wouldn't have attended. It's as simple as that. I didn't even let them know, because i would rather not get into that discussion with them. It's a personal choice.<br />
#END RANT!<br />
OK, so the celebration was very small. Only 23 people were invited...and i am very happy all of Aj's closest friends and some family were there to celebrate this special day with Aj and Us! <br />
I wanted to go with a <em>preppy </em>theme. Green and Navy. I put this party together in less than 9 days, and i think it actually came out pretty cute, considering. We held it at a local pizzeria/restaurant.<br />
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What do you think?<br />
Excuse the photo quality, I'm still learning how to use my DSLR!<br />
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I purchased Burlap at Joanne's Fabric for 1.49 a yard. Ironed it and used some stitch witchery to mend the ends...so they weren't frayed.</div>
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Purchased wine bottle labels off ETSY...and they were a *BIG* hit. The restaurant allowed us to bring our own bottles, which saved us $$!</div>
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My centerpieces doubled as favors. Basil plants, which i purchased at Lowe's 2 days before the event on sale for $1.50!!!</div>
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The labels for the plants were also purchased on ETSY!</div>
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We ordered a cake from our local bakery, and they pretty much nailed it with the color BLUE/GREEN! Wasn't crazy about the design...but the cake was so yummy...it didn't really matter!</div>
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on everyone's plate, they got a HERSHEY bar (Also purchased from ETSY)....and they were SOOO CUTE! They went PERFECT with the decor!</div>
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Those are all the pics i have right now on my comp! Hubby and i matched the party with our preppy outfits! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-olHYgzFZ_O4/T8dn68_ql5I/AAAAAAAACTY/Lmwg6gT4aCg/s1600/ry%253D400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" rba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-olHYgzFZ_O4/T8dn68_ql5I/AAAAAAAACTY/Lmwg6gT4aCg/s320/ry%253D400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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What do you guys think?!</div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/310/B15F9419EAADE15F2383429B9A0CAD5A.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>NicPic Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17276854962505474095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746079673677357236.post-90143626620743698172012-05-22T16:55:00.001-04:002012-05-22T16:55:57.567-04:00Things I love, 4 months.The last month (April and some of May), Aj is more aware of his surroundings. He's Laughing a lot! He has started to baby babble (he talks to himself, and it's by far the CUTEST!). He figured out he has feet, and his hands are in his mouth, 24/7.<br />
He's actually starting to watch television (Ugh, i was one of those Moms that said "my baby is never going to watch Tv"...but NOW look at me!).<br />
He is still not sitting up on his own, but tripods...and he's still not rolling over on his own-but almostttt...(i keep thinking something is wrong with him that he's not doing it yet, but i've come to the conclusion, he will-when he's ready). We've started him on solids...cereal, and more recently some veggies/fruits...and to top it all off, he's started teething. The past month in a half is by far the most he's done his entire life. He used to just *sit/lay* there...and not move...and cry a whole lot...Now, he's actually, a baby. He's smiling, he's responding to me, and when he cries, i usually know what's wrong-either he's hungry, tired, or bored (sometimes, maybe all 3). He has different cries, and he's starting to whine a little-not necessarily <em>crying</em> but more of a whine.<br />
The past month, i have a few things that have helped me...and a few that didn't so much.<br />
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Aj is usually really good in the car. As long as he is fed, and not in any sort of teething pain-he usually enjoys a nice car ride <em>(sometimes he actually ends up falling asleep-which is always A PLUS!)</em><em>.</em> I always put his toys in with him-and i can see him with my rearview baby mirror, looking out the window---or *Pulling* (This is another NEW thing he does this month) his <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bright-Starts-Taken-Shake-Bird/dp/B0049SP08Q">Bright Starts Blue bird</a>. I got mine at walmart for a few bucks, but it has been a great addition to his car seat---and no matter how many times he sees this thing- even when he's upset, all you have to do is pull the string-and he's instantly over it-and starts playing/pulling.<br />
It vibrates when you pull, and the first time he ever grabbed on to it, i almost cried. It was really cute to see him actually do something---that wasn't just cry or spit up!<br />
I give this (or any other car seat toy), 2 thumbs up!<br />
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Another toy that he actually really likes is his <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bright-Starts-Lots-of-Links/dp/B001ABZGU2/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1337706095&sr=1-1">Bright Starts Lots of Links</a>. These are the cheapest toys i've ever seen, and there is nothing really fancy about them---other than bright colors and linking together. You can also dangle them from the car seat, or just give to them to play. I usually do both. Babies love bright colors!! I really like putting him in the high chair, and i put them on the tray and i watch him grab them and play, put them in his mouth. Lots of them have some little points, rough edges- which must feel nice since he's theething. Again, these are super *cheap* toys---and he absolutely loves them. You can find them at Target or Walmart, or even on amazon. I'd rather go to the store though, so you don't have to pay for shipping...but again, these things are 5 stars in my book. You can link them together and make a really long chain, or let him hold on to one...keeps the kid busy for about 15 minutes...which is amazing! </div>
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I've been using this for a few months now---it was a hand me down from my SIL...but i absolutely love it! It's the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Little-Lamb-Deluxe-Infant/dp/B001GQ2RUS/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1337706032&sr=1-1">Fisher-Price My little Lamb Deluxe Infant Seat<span id="btAsinTitle">Fisher-Price My Little Lamb Deluxe Infant Seat</span> </a>. I usually put this on the bathroom floor while i shower...or on the floor when i'm cooking dinner/cleaning the dishes etc. It folds completely flat, so that it travels nice for trips to grandma's or the baby sitter. I know this doesn't really help with learning to sit up, but i prefer this to the bumbo. Not that i don' t like the bumbo, but since Aj has a spit up problem (he spits up <em>all the time</em>)i'd rather not put pressure on his tummy---he is able to just lay back. In the bumbo he always spits up since he's sitting up....and putting pressure on his stomach. Love this chair, even when feeding him cereal---it's not as hard as the high chair-but has a nice slant. I'm going to be a sad mommy when he grows out of this =(</div>
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Aj is on a schedule (he has been since he's 4 weeks old). We (depends on who's day it is) bathe him, give him his nightly massage, put him in his Pj's, and i nurse him while i read to him. Every night for the past twenty something weeks, i've been reading this book to him (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/On-Night-You-Were-Born/dp/0312346069/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337708608&sr=8-1">On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman</a>)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HOzwehgxsk0/T7vRKI9cKsI/AAAAAAAACLs/U0j68M18JqY/s1600/51L2mySThpL__BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HOzwehgxsk0/T7vRKI9cKsI/AAAAAAAACLs/U0j68M18JqY/s1600/51L2mySThpL__BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
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And EVERY.SINGLE.NIGHT. I cry. No joke, I literally shed tears, every single night. </div>
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The first page just <em>gets </em>to me Every time. </div>
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"On the night you were born, the moon smiled with such wonder that the stars peeked in to see you and the night wind whispered, "<em>life will never be the same.</em>" Because there had never been anyone like you...ever in the world."</div>
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SOB<br />SOB</div>
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SOB!</div>
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Omg, i'm about to start crying now!!</div>
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I was given this as a shower gift from a friend---and she wrote something inside with permanent marker---and i read it everyday! I love this book, and whoever is having a baby next---i'm GOING to give this to you!! Love, LOVE, L O V E it.</div>
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And i guess, this should be a post all by itself...since i kinda love this, and i'm a copy cat (bc if any of you are bloggers/blog readers, you've definitely seen this): <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/79751507/monthly-baby-onesie-stickers-boy-color">Monthly Baby Onesie stickers </a>! Ok, i first saw this on <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2010/08/where-do-baby-photos-come-from/">YHL</a> and i loved it. BUT, i didn't have photoshop...nor did i have the time to sit on a computer to actually edit pics...so this made life a little easier. They are great since they don't get messed up with drool/vomit-which Aj seems to do pretty often...and i guess, it's a *knock off* of the YHL version...just easier. All you do is, peel-stick on a white onesie, and you're done...take pics and --TA-DAH!...</div>
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Easy peasy.</div>
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Anywhos, those are some things i've been using the past few weeks/month---how about you guys? Anything that you absolutely LOVE for babies between the ages of 3-5 months? Please share? How about things for 5-8? I need help! </div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/310/B15F9419EAADE15F2383429B9A0CAD5A.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>NicPic Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17276854962505474095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746079673677357236.post-59667048263688935252012-05-22T10:23:00.000-04:002012-05-22T10:23:17.496-04:00The boy is teething, already! :*(I know I'm a few days late on this post (OK, I'm a little backed up! Cut me some slack, it's hard out there for a MOM!)....<br />
Aj is TEETHING.<br />
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YES! He's teething. On Thursday night (May 17th, 5 months 2 days old), Aj got his FIRST TOOTH---bottom right! And, by Saturday---the second tooth already started to peek through! At first, I was like "oh my baby is awesome, doesn't even CRY! He's so pleasant, he's going to be a *teething trooper*"...I was wrong. By Saturday, my ears were ringing, and i was still in Pj's at 8pm...FROM THE NIGHT BEFORE!<br />
Teething is a real PAIN IN THE--YOU KNOW WHAT!! Ugh. My pooooor baby. My poooor ears! <br />
So i ordered him the Baltic Amber Teething necklace and it came in the mail yesterday, so I'm hoping it works (Trying out the *hippie* approach)....<br />
Anyone have any other remedy's? I've given him Ibuprofen (but it just wears off rather quickly), rubbed his gums with a cold wash cloth, he has Sophie the teething toy, but to no avail, the kid is screaming. He doesn't look like he's in much pain, but he's definitely CRANKY!! And the drooling---is ridiculous. His t-shirts are sopping wet within 5 minutes of putting on a new one. <br />
Anyone try the Humphrey's or the Hyland's teething tablets? I've been reading a lot about them---and I'm a little hesitant due to recall from the Belladonna....and i am by no means a psycho hippy mom, but when you start researching-you find that Belladonna is poison...and as much as I'd like to soothe my baby, idk if i want to feed him tiny traces of poison! I mean, idk. Anyone else have concerns? Am i the only crazy Mom.<br />
Well, he has his teething necklace on Today, let's hope hubby is able to deal with him while I'm at work.<br />
I want to add a bunch of pics from my phone, but it's acting really RETARDED for some reason and wont let me email them to myself...so I'll just leave you with a pic of my boy's sleeping on Sunday!<br />
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aren't they the cutest?! Ugh. Love my boys SO MUCH! </div>
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OK once i figure out what's wrong with my phone, i will also post about my first Mother's day! </div>
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Hopefully i can figure this out without having to call the phone company! Ugh!</div>
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Hope everyone is having a great day! </div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/310/B15F9419EAADE15F2383429B9A0CAD5A.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>NicPic Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17276854962505474095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746079673677357236.post-54378821146528046752012-04-26T09:19:00.001-04:002012-04-26T09:19:52.051-04:00Dear Aj.Dear Aj,<br />
I've decided to take a day out of the week to write to you...this way, one day-when you're older we can read back on all of the letters together, and smile. <br />
You are 4 months and 11 days old...yet...i can't even remember as far back-when you were NOT in our lives <em>(</em>only 4 months ago!)<em>.</em> Isn't that crazy? I feel like you've been with us all along!! Every day, you are changing. Two nights ago (when i got home from work), you actually cried for me. You were on the bed with Daddy, and i left the room to get something, and you cried. At first, i thought you were just crying for something else, but when i came back in the room---you stopped crying and smiled. I thought i was crazy, so i did it again---and you cried again!!! My heart melts for you, my sweet baby. The way you look at me...the way you laugh! I don't think anyone thinks it's as adorable as I do. I was the first person to ever make you laugh...and now, you laugh all the time. Now, you're laughing without being tickled....oh how i LOVE that laugh!!<br />
You have taught me so much baby! Isn't that crazy? You're teaching me so much, yet you don't even know how to talk or communicate with me yet!? You're teaching me to <em>slow down</em>...to STOP, and enjoy the minutes, the hours, the days. You're the one making me appreciate all the little things, like the days i spend with you. In a few days...it will be the anniversary of the day i found out i was pregnant. Baby, I was so scared! I don't know how i could be scared of you! You have been the best thing in my life, and i wouldn't change it, ever. As i type this, my eyes are filling up with tears because, I never knew a <strong>love</strong> like this even existed. It's in my soul, it's in my heart...something i can't even begin to describe. <br />
Let me tell you a little about where you are in life right now: you have not yet rolled over on your own...but you are trying! I am happy about it! I want you to stay this tiny forever! It's a little selfish of me...i know.<br />
A few weeks ago, i was hoping you would outgrow of the "crying" faze (you did a lot of crying between 8-14 weeks) , and thankfully you did. You're such a pleasure now. You don't really cry for anything, unless you are tired or need a diaper change (at least those make sense, you used to cry for NO reason and Mommy was a little stressed out! :( ). <br />
Yesterday was the first day you ate solids (rice cereal)...and to my surprise, you were a PRO! YOU KNEW EXACTLY what to do! It's like, you were born to do it! You opened your mouth! and swallowed. You didn't even make weird faces! You actually LIKED IT! I am being a little selfish, hoping you would continue to breastfeed forever (yes, i am enjoying that time)...but i know you are ready for the next step.<br />
Speaking of breastfeeding--you are NOW more aware of your surroundings....so you actually want to eat and look around, all at the same time. You've started clamping down on me...which has been *quite the experience* to say the least. Thankfully, NO TEETH yet...but i can see you're starting to rub your mouth a lot and chew on EVERYTHING! I am not looking forward to watching you in pain. I am starting to look at some all natural remedies and things to help you through this time. The thought of you in pain, makes me seriously ill. :(<br />
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Anyways Aj, i want you to always know how much i love you...and how happy you make me! Thank you for showing me what true love means.<br />
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I love you sweet boy.<br />
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Love,<br />
Your Momma<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/310/B15F9419EAADE15F2383429B9A0CAD5A.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>NicPic Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17276854962505474095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746079673677357236.post-68053228401850584312012-04-24T16:04:00.000-04:002012-04-24T16:05:36.899-04:00Aj is changing....and i'm a sad mommy! (Ok, maybe a little bit).<br />
The first few weeks after Aj was born---he was a pleasure. The kid woke up, got a diaper change, ate, and fell back to sleep (while he was eating). It was great! I was like "WOW, babies are AWESOME! All they do is eat, poop, and sleep! I can SO DO THIS! I can have 9 babies!!"<br />
Then---things started to change. Around week 7 (a few weeks before i returned to work) Aj started to <em>change.</em> He was fussy. He was not happy. He would CRY when he was hungry. He would CRY when he was tired. He would CRY when he was wet. He would CRY when he was not held. He pretty much Cried the ENTIRE time he was awake...and i couldn't wait until he was sleeping again. The kid would only stop crying when he had a boob in his mouth or when he was asleep. I figured him out though. He liked LOUD white noise, so i would put him to sleep in the bathroom with the fan on. That lasted a few days (I was able to actually eat breakfast and maybe if i was lucky make myself a cup of tea). Then, he was over the whole 'bathroom' scene...and he was back to crying...so i got smart, and i got the vacuum out. It's a similar noise to the fan in the bathroom---except LOUDER....and it worked wonders. I swear.<br />
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It's funny, i know. NO one believed me when i said "MY KID LITERALLY FALLS ASLEEP TO THE VACUUM"...so i had to record it!<br />
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I started to notice that Aj only had about 45 minutes window, from the time he woke up, to the time he got a diaper change and then ate. Then---he would start all over again. I thought i was doing something wrong. Not all babies could possibly CRY as much as Aj. How do Moms do it? WHY DO PEOPLE HAVE CHILDREN!!??!! I was exhausted, and frustrated. I thought there was something wrong with him. So, i went to my dear friend "google"...and guess what...Aj is 100% normal. He was just a normal baby, doing Normal baby things---SCREAMING on the top of his lungs when he was tired---WHY DIDN'T SOMEONE TELL ME BABIES CRIED FOR APPARENTLY NO REASON!!!??!! I started to read...and it made me feel better. Aj was not a psycho...he was actually, quite Normal!<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>"Learn the signs that mean he's tired.</strong>For the first six to eight weeks, most babies aren't able to stay up much longer than two hours at a time. If you wait longer than that to put your baby down, he may be overtired and have trouble falling asleep."</span><br />
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I CAN'T STRESS THIS ENOUGH! YOUR BABY WILL BE OVERTIRED AND WILL HAVE TROUBLE FALLING ASLEEP. LET ME SAY IT AGAIN, <strong>YOUR BABY WILL HAVE TROUBLE FALLING ASLEEP </strong>AKA---HE WILL SCREAM AT THE TOP OF HIS LUNGS UNTIL YOU ACTUALLY SIT THERE, AND PUT HIM TO SLEEP.<br />
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See, here is the thing, babies don't know what tired is. They don't understand the feeling. I couldn't possibly understand that..."if you're tired, go to sleep"...but their tiny brains don't work like that. He was over stimulated!! After reading and reading, i decided to try making it work. I would have Aj up for about 1 hour, stimulate him, talk to him, play with him...then the SECOND i saw a 'sleep sign' (Aka: rubbing eyes, yawn, watery eyes, etc), i would put up the 'white noise' (in this case i upgraded to the static on the radio)...nurse him, and put him down. And to my surprise, it worked! He would whine for about 2 minutes (different from crying, just kinda whining) and pass out! I couldn't believe it!! <br />
After that, i started to keep a "sleep log". I would write down every feeding, every time he woke and every time he went down for a nap. I wrote EVERYTHING down. When i returned to work, i had my cousin (his Nanny!;] ) continue. <br />
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Every time he was up...after about 1 hour of him being awake, he had to go into his room, with the radio on static....and be placed down. This worked wonders. I was able to KNOW when (time of day) he was tired....and KNOW when he had enough! It even kept me organized on how many times he was eating a day.<br />
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Now that Aj is 4 months old, he's pretty much on a schedule. He's a complete different baby!!!! He wakes up around 5:30 am (which is good, since i work and it's his last feeding straight from the 'tap'). He goes back down by 7ish...for about 40 minutes...Up for 2 hours, down for 1...then he's pretty much up for a little while and goes down for his afternoon nap around 3ish....and then a quick nap (sometimes he skips this) right before dinner (around 5:30)..and then he gets his nightly bath and he's in bed at 7:30 PM. He is <em>STILL </em>waking around 12:45/1 AM for a feeding (i'm thinking it's more <em>comfort</em> than actual hunger) and then sleeping until 5:30AM. <br />
Returning to work is really hard <em>(maybe one of the <strong>hardest</strong> things i've had to do so far, after becoming a mother),</em> especially if you're bf...but i've managed to make it work. I would much rather be <em>home</em> with my boy...but it's something i<em> have </em>to do. I have to write a post about <em>returning to work full time</em> and having an infant...because it's something that i bet lots of you are dreading (like i was). Any of you returning to work? How many weeks did you have for M/L? <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/310/B15F9419EAADE15F2383429B9A0CAD5A.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>NicPic Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17276854962505474095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746079673677357236.post-65791174762839185802012-04-19T15:59:00.001-04:002012-04-23T12:54:23.047-04:00emergency review---i NEED to share this with anyone who has an infant that doesn't stop crying!!oh baby!<br />
just thought i'd give a quick review on something that keeps Aj quiet for more than 3 minutes....<br />
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and if it keeps Aj quiet/happy for anything LONGER than 1 minute-MOMMY IS a HAPPY camper! I Promise. I am NOW able to use the bathroom---or start the tea kettle, or maybe even eat an apple in the time he is occuipied in this thing!!! And that my friend---is Mommy problems!<br />
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Here it is:<br />
the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Rainforest-Melodies-Lights-Deluxe/dp/B000FFL58Q/ref=zg_bs_baby-products_21">Fisher-Price-Rainforest-Melodies-Lights-Deluxe!!!</a><br />
For some reason, Aj LOVES this thing. Now, i do have a little bit of a secret...i didn't buy it, and another secret---my mother in law got it---at a garage sale---for 5$! Yep. Best $5 ever spent!!! It came with all the pieces, and i absolutely love it! I would've even spent FULL price---if i would've known it would keep him quiet for that amount of time!<br />
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He sits underneath it...and it has a mode where you need to pull the little links to make the song continue...and all i say is "Aj, pull the string!" and he's getting the hang of it!<br />
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Score!<br />
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Ok, that was it, that was my BIG REVIEW! Now, if you have a fussy baby (newborn---around 2-5 months old)...and need to keep him busy, for about 3 minutes, so that you are able to, IDK---maybe USE THE BATHROOM---i would say---this is it!! Keep an eye out at your local garage sales/flea markets---maybe you'll be lucky like Me and get it for $5!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/310/B15F9419EAADE15F2383429B9A0CAD5A.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>NicPic Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17276854962505474095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746079673677357236.post-68280814040100517912012-04-17T09:26:00.000-04:002012-04-17T09:26:28.825-04:00Things I didn't use, even after i registered for them.Morning!! And what a beautiful one it is in NY! Beautiful Sky's and the weather is JUST RIGHT!<br />
I've been thinking of what i want to post for a while now, since i have SO MUCH built up inside my head...with Aj and all...and i know for one, i would like to post my birth story, but like i mentioned before, that is going to be a day I'm ready...to share the most wonderful experience of my life...and i need to really SIT and WRITE...and re-live it. Bringing Aj into the world has been the best thing that has ever happened to me...and i wouldn't change a second of it. I still can't believe it sometimes, as I'm watching him grow---that he was just in my belly 4 months ago! And here he is, growing, laughing, smiling, coo-ing, kicking...and melting my heart!! I read this quote the other day (i put it on my facebook) <br />
<div class="tlTxFe">" I knew love before, but I wasn’t responsible for it, I wasn’t instrumental to its existence. Before I became a Mother, love happened to me, I happened to love – but now, I created love from love." ♥ and it's so perfect!!</div><div class="tlTxFe"> </div><div class="tlTxFe">OK, so i wanted to share with you girls THINGS that i didn't use, and think were kinda stupid---and this is all in MY OPINION! I did a lot of research before Aj was born, and lots of these things had 5 stars...but when Aj was born i found myself NOT using them...so here goes!</div><div class="tlTxFe"> </div><div class="tlTxFe">#1-Moby Wrap!</div><div class="tlTxFe"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BzF-TeUosGE/T41VMJ1ghBI/AAAAAAAACDE/fEdSi83L_VM/s1600/10-4071-01e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BzF-TeUosGE/T41VMJ1ghBI/AAAAAAAACDE/fEdSi83L_VM/s1600/10-4071-01e.jpg" /></a></div><div class="tlTxFe">When i first got pregnant, i did so much research! I wanted this thing---and i wanted it, BAD. I was so excited to get it in the mail...and i couldn't wait to put Aj in it! WRONG. Aj was a great baby, for the first week...then after that, he would CRY...for no apparent reason. To put this wrap on, you need LOTS of patience...it takes a few minutes---and it's NOT that easy! And i know I've done the YouTube videos and I've tried every possible way for this to work---but alas...it's a no go for Aj (and I). It's this GINORMOUS piece of fabric---and I'm small, so it wraps around me a few times---and it's just annoying to put this on---while your baby is screaming on the top of his lungs! I did however get the Baby Bjorn Air---and let me tell you, as heavy as Aj is now (pushing 15 lbs) this thing is still comfortable and EASY to put on!! And not to mention, when he falls asleep in this thing---i can easily slip him out, and put him down in his pack and play, and he doesn't even realize it! SCORE!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--41bbIQedXc/T41WvO6wn3I/AAAAAAAACDM/CEWojThOWUk/s1600/AirGreyWhite1__78873_zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--41bbIQedXc/T41WvO6wn3I/AAAAAAAACDM/CEWojThOWUk/s320/AirGreyWhite1__78873_zoom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">#2- Pee-Pee TeePee</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OE2T1N3_ljc/T41YvAC_-aI/AAAAAAAACDU/rxZ2AAhBOVM/s1600/pTRU1-3413036dt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OE2T1N3_ljc/T41YvAC_-aI/AAAAAAAACDU/rxZ2AAhBOVM/s320/pTRU1-3413036dt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="statusUnit">I don't per say have the same one in the picture above, but i do have one that has a baseball on it...and i received it as a gift at my shower. And although, it is a great idea (i thought so), i realized---it's a complete waste of money($10). First of all, ladies....we are changing a diaper! You are not eating at a fancy restaurant. You want to get IN and GET OUT as SOON AS POSSIBLE -STAT! Don't sit around with his winky all out for 10 minutes (unless of course, you are airing him out due to a rash--then by all means, yes---let him hang out with his wang out). I simply figured this out all by myself. When i remove the diaper, i open it up...see the situation, and make an assessment on how many wipes i will need...then i close him back up (just lay the diaper on top)...then i pull out as many wipes as i feel necessary for the job ahead. Remove the diaper, and wipe---quickly...but thoroughly...then replace with a new fresh diaper, and continue to wipe until you feel it is clean! Then lay the diaper back on. At this time you can squeeze your diaper creme on your finger or open the powder (he's already covered...so if he feels the urge...he will shoot straight into the diaper...and no one gets hurt. Then apply the cream, corn starch(which i think is WAY better than ANY DIAPER CREAM out there!!!), and close him back up! and you're done! No one has ever died by a little newborn urine anyways! It's clear, and sterile...and please, i'm sure the vomit is WAY WORSE! Now if you insist on getting something...to cover his winky....try a breastpad....they are cheap, and disposable, and i'm sure you'll have plenty stashed away if you plan on bfing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c1aUjKNqFLQ/T41a9faqCtI/AAAAAAAACDc/WKfiWf9swxI/s1600/100_8753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c1aUjKNqFLQ/T41a9faqCtI/AAAAAAAACDc/WKfiWf9swxI/s320/100_8753.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>#3, LOTS OF BOTTLES!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4EnLazGxkiY/T41cUq_RwzI/AAAAAAAACDk/e02Rse6YwxA/s1600/baby-bottles-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4EnLazGxkiY/T41cUq_RwzI/AAAAAAAACDk/e02Rse6YwxA/s320/baby-bottles-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I was determined to breast feed Aj from the second he was born---and i <div class="statusUnit">didn't get my wish that second, but a few hours later...which is totally fine. Unfortunutely, I did have a bunch of bottles at home---and they didn't really work for us. I was pumping and feeding for the first few weeks until i healed (i was EXTREMELY SORE) and despite what all the lactation consultants said, Aj was fine switching between bottle and breast. Unfortunutely, he is having more of those issues NOW as he is getting older. He will ONLY take the Medela bottles (the ones you pump into)...and every once in a while i will try to feed him with the tommee tippee. I am one of those people who HATE having clutter near my kitchen sink, so i try to have as LITTLE as possible (it's not possible to NOT have a drying rack---trust me!). I wasted plenty of money purchasing really "cool" bottles---aka Dr Browns, .....and i don't use them! The good thing...they actually latch on to the adapters of the medela breast pump, so i'm still able to re-use them when pumping! Make sure when you buy bottles, you buy only 1...and try it. Chances are, the kid will like only 1 brand...and the rest go unused.</div><div class="statusUnit">#4 Lots of different baby bath/Shampoo/soaps</div><div class="statusUnit"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rYocAsxV-28/T41l9EjSo0I/AAAAAAAACDs/iqcMtSva-Eo/s1600/2010-10-14-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rYocAsxV-28/T41l9EjSo0I/AAAAAAAACDs/iqcMtSva-Eo/s320/2010-10-14-002.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>Yes, i know i registered for them...but if i would've known better, maybe i wouldn't have. My nephew Kevin was born last year around the same time, so i would always smell and LOVE the Johnson and Johnson's baby bedtime bath! SOOOOO Yummy smelling...and i couldn't wait till Aj was born to lather him up! The first few weeks...i started to notice little dry patches and redness on his face and legs. When i took him to the ped they asked me what wash i was using...and i told him...and they told me to change to something a little more mild...such as Dove sensitive or Aveeno...so i did...and i haven't gone back (now i have a bunch of baby soap i'm not using!). There is nothing wrong with Johnson and Johnson, but it just wasn't good for Aj...so my point is...don't go over board with registering and buying lots of baby wash---until they are born---or else you might be left with LOTS of unused baby soap. I did purchase the Dove, but i still get scared to put this near his face and god forbid he got it in his eye....so i've been using the Aveeno Baby Lavender and vanilla and it's JUST as yummy!! Plus, the lotion is really nice and creamy, and i think it leaves him nice and smooth. Now, just because Aveeno worked for me, doesn't mean it will work for you---so i would definitely <em>try</em> some other brands in the sample size first...before you go all out and buy COSTCO size baby soap! lol<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-laqAt2GREYE/T41oY2HmsDI/AAAAAAAACD0/tfzFmRpy_uI/s1600/k425785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-laqAt2GREYE/T41oY2HmsDI/AAAAAAAACD0/tfzFmRpy_uI/s1600/k425785.jpg" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">and Last but NOT least, #5---NEWBORN DIAPERS.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iliUEOeE0AU/T41ufKzHGoI/AAAAAAAACD8/wrA85uon410/s1600/Pampers-Swaddlers-Newborn-Diapers-84-250x173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iliUEOeE0AU/T41ufKzHGoI/AAAAAAAACD8/wrA85uon410/s1600/Pampers-Swaddlers-Newborn-Diapers-84-250x173.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Aj was born 8 lbs 9 oz. The kid literally wore size 1 diapers from the second we got home. I had about 120 diapers that went unused (thankfully, i have a cousin that had a baby in February, so i was able to re-gift them). I would even say, size 1 is a waste of money! Not to mention, pampers runs small. He is currently in a size 3, and i bet he would fit nice in a 4. So, if you plan on buying diapers, or registering for them---always go from size 2+....and purchase smaller boxes of size newborn and 1. They grow WAY TOO FASST...and you'll have PLENTY of leftovers. The only good thing---you can save them for a diaper cake for your next baby shower!! ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Any of you have things that you felt were unnecessary? Or purchase anything that you THOUGHT would be amazing, and turn out to be kinda-blah!?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm a big review person-so i know i did my research-but when baby comes, you realize what you really NEED and what is not so great afterall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/310/B15F9419EAADE15F2383429B9A0CAD5A.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>NicPic Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17276854962505474095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746079673677357236.post-498805243786146372012-04-16T15:17:00.000-04:002012-04-16T15:17:11.259-04:00Weekend Recap.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This weekend in photos:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jvsrSnz-R6Y/T4xvx-db47I/AAAAAAAACCc/S-zC3ZU080E/s1600/IMAG4511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jvsrSnz-R6Y/T4xvx-db47I/AAAAAAAACCc/S-zC3ZU080E/s320/IMAG4511.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cI-Iz7ksygQ/T4xvyjAVFdI/AAAAAAAACCg/LoHNExGo2J0/s1600/IMAG4512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cI-Iz7ksygQ/T4xvyjAVFdI/AAAAAAAACCg/LoHNExGo2J0/s320/IMAG4512.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-twBZeN-SUvY/T4xvzAOey3I/AAAAAAAACCo/p3q05m5hxFQ/s1600/IMAG4516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-twBZeN-SUvY/T4xvzAOey3I/AAAAAAAACCo/p3q05m5hxFQ/s320/IMAG4516.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fY3Cl8LLIwM/T4xvztw-yjI/AAAAAAAACCw/gmETR-PcVTo/s1600/IMAG4528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fY3Cl8LLIwM/T4xvztw-yjI/AAAAAAAACCw/gmETR-PcVTo/s320/IMAG4528.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j_d39LXwMTU/T4xv0Qhf-0I/AAAAAAAACC4/AnQv-JBMaaY/s1600/IMAG4534_snaptastic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j_d39LXwMTU/T4xv0Qhf-0I/AAAAAAAACC4/AnQv-JBMaaY/s320/IMAG4534_snaptastic.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>Hope everyone is having a fantastic Monday! <br />
I am finializing some finishing touches for Aj's Baptism on Sunday.......so i'm doing a bit of running around. Can't wait to show you all the finishing touches next week!! ;)<br />
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How did you spend YOUR weekend?? <br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/310/B15F9419EAADE15F2383429B9A0CAD5A.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>NicPic Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17276854962505474095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746079673677357236.post-37064930440680829062012-04-09T12:28:00.002-04:002012-04-09T12:31:25.300-04:00My top 5 things to get BEORE the baby arrives:<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Wow, who knew i still had a few readers? The comments made me really happy (even though there were only two---i did feel REALLY special when i woke up this morning!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">I will definitely share my birth story---but that is going to be a little while, i will need to gather my thoughts and a box of tissues first. lol. i can't even believe it was 3 1/2 months ago....it feels like just yesterday:(</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Anywhos (let me stop thinking about it, because i get really teary eyed)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">I definitely want to share with all you new Momma's (or soon to be) out there all the things that i absolutely LOVED and MUST HAVE before baby arrives...and some---not so much. I'm going to start slow, since we don't have much time together (aj is down for his first nap, so i must hurry)...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">#1 on my list for babies born in the middle of the winter: </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/JJ-Cole-Urban-Infant-Bundle/dp/B000G7YO5E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333715733&sr=8-1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Bundle me</span></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfmlLw2F5Mo/T37mZ_u5vOI/AAAAAAAACB0/eV-KYwv4HO4/s1600/37197156-260x260-0-0_Budle+Me+Urban+Bundle+Me+Infant+By+Jj+Cole+Collect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfmlLw2F5Mo/T37mZ_u5vOI/AAAAAAAACB0/eV-KYwv4HO4/s1600/37197156-260x260-0-0_Budle+Me+Urban+Bundle+Me+Infant+By+Jj+Cole+Collect.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Aj was born on December 15th (I live in NY so it gets pretty COLD out there, and even though this winter wasn't SO BAD, it was definitely on my TOP 5 list) I had registered for the "Bundle me" after reading great reviews online...and let me tell you---BEST INVENTION EVER. THIS HAS TO BE THE # 1 THING THAT I'VE USED EVERY SINGLE DAY...AND IT IS AWESOME! I really loved it!! And i would give it 6 stars if i could. I originally wanted the white one---but i guess they must've been out of stock when it was purchased, so my friend got me the black/grey urban one instead (the main difference between the Urban and the regular bundle me is the material/ the urban has a <span class="Apple-style-span">quilted outer nylon that protects against wind and rain</span> ---which was better since it's technically *waterproof*---AKA---easy to wipe---after i realized how messy babies are (my baby vomits after EVERY FEEDING---and yes, i thought this was an issue, but he's gaining weight and my ped said that it is normal---).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">#2 </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Medela-Black-Pump-Style--Backpack/dp/B0011E75RK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1333716651&sr=8-2"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Medela Breast pump</span></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xrC1cMxGluc/T37xzqQ0V4I/AAAAAAAACB8/cega45xTdSE/s1600/41FppWmhlXL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xrC1cMxGluc/T37xzqQ0V4I/AAAAAAAACB8/cega45xTdSE/s1600/41FppWmhlXL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">I can't say i know much about other breast pumps, but i can say i used this one, and it's worked for me. I definitely think that if you plan on breast feeding and returning to work (i have so much to say on this topic, but i'll save it for another post) you should invest in a good pump BEFORE your baby arrives. I say this because since the day he was born, i've been pumping and saving. If you don't really have much money, i would definitely try to find a used one on craigslist. Once you understand the concept of the pump, you wont think it's as gross as i originally thought. The pump itself does not come in contact with any bodily fluids...and all the extra pieces can be purchased separately...and you can get them on Amazon for a lot cheaper than BabiesRus. I have my original pump, and a good friend of mine gave me her pump she used when she was pumping so i can use it as backup. I keep one at work, and one at home. Obviously, it would be too expensive if you purchase 2 pumps (they cost $250+), so that is why i say if you must use craigslist (or if someone you know has a used one) to purchase a pump---i highly recommend it. I have the tote, and i have the backpack. I keep the backpack at work (it's smaller) and i keep the tote near my nightstand (for nightly pumping). I was traveling back and forth with the backpack at first, but it was just too much---between carrying my lunch, my purse and my pump, i felt like i was going on vacation every single morning! A pump is a MUST HAVE...and Medela has my vote for the best pump. If i had to choose between the tote and the backpack, i'd say the tote. The backpack is great---compact and small...but you don't have much room for anything other than the pieces and the bottles...so if you want to consolidate to one bag---it's too small to hold anything else. The tote is nice and roomy-and you can keep a nursing cover, extra batteries, and your wallet...so you wont have to carry your own bag...and it's stylish enough to pass as a purse (it's NO Michael Korrs, but hey!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">#3, </span><a href="http://reviews.costco.com/2070/11708781/huggies-natural-care-plus-baby-wipes-reviews/reviews.htm"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">LOTS OF WIPES.</span></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PNlCwQ07PC8/T4MOjxDo90I/AAAAAAAACCU/RPDZN0HLAxg/s1600/567022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PNlCwQ07PC8/T4MOjxDo90I/AAAAAAAACCU/RPDZN0HLAxg/s1600/567022.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Before baby arrived I did a Costco run to get some things for the house. Not sure if all of you have costco's near by---but i signed up to receive coupons in the mail. You get a coupon book once a month for a few dollars off a bunch of things-nothing serious. That week (week before Aj was born) I did realize that they had the box of HUGGIES wipes that has 1120 wipes for only $25....and on top that off---i had a $5.00 coupon valid for that week (it's still really cheap for $25....online it's $35). I decided to buy...and i'm NOT dissapointed. I just recently finished the last box, and Aj is already 3 1/2 months old. ANd let me tell you---bf babies POOP... A LOT....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">As a newborn, he pooped after every feeding. Now, 2 times a day. These wipes are awesome because they are thick enough for really messy diapers! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">#4 </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-Prefold-Birdseye-Organic-Diaper/dp/B005J0MFYK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333988285&sr=8-1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Cloth Diapers</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jtvja6R29kI/T4MNA10vTTI/AAAAAAAACCE/G7JDVha4GNI/s1600/41Ebz5eMpQL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="252" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jtvja6R29kI/T4MNA10vTTI/AAAAAAAACCE/G7JDVha4GNI/s320/41Ebz5eMpQL.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">I am not a cloth diaper mom, although sometimes i do wish i was. I work full time and hubby watches the baby 2 days of the week---so cloth diapers and daddy were not going to work out. I know if i would've been a SAHM i might've gone cloth...but again, i'm not.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">So, here is the thing, my baby vomits. He VOMITS a lot. My mother in law purchased 2 packs of these, and let me tell you---they are awesome!!!! I use them as burp clothes...and i pretty much use the ALL THE TIME...ALL DAY LONG. They wash up nice...and they are so cheap and awesome. Again, 6 stars....if your baby vomits like mine! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">#5 Last (but by far, definitely NOT LEAST!) <strong>*REST*</strong></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-54t6EqpNLg0/T4MNubplAzI/AAAAAAAACCM/Q2IwIRqY_8g/s1600/SleepAllDay2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="231" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-54t6EqpNLg0/T4MNubplAzI/AAAAAAAACCM/Q2IwIRqY_8g/s320/SleepAllDay2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Ok, yea, i know you've heard this before..."get lots of sleep before the baby arrives! Once he is here, you'll never sleep again"...yea---well that my friends...IS A FACT. The first few days he was home---i felt like we were playing house. We didn't mind getting up in the middle of the night. In fact, both of us would get up...and BOTH take care of him-which is awesome. After about 2 weeks...the fun was over! For some reason, it's not so cute anymore! LOL</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">I was put on bedrest my last week of pregnancy(more on that later), so i was home. I DID NOT WANT TO STAY HOME---EVERYTHING WAS DONE...IT WAS SO ANNOYING. However...that week was nice. I was able to sit in his room, look around---and dream of him. The excitement was just too much...i just wanted to hold him! If you are a working Mama, and you want to work until the last day (like i did), one thing i don't regret was having that last week to myself. It was nice, being alone...and relaxing...i would advise anyone who wants to wait till the last day---to take a few days before the due date...and just---chill out and rest and relax....because your life is about to get ROCKED! :) in a good way,of course.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Hope this list helps you girls! What are your TOP 5??? I'm curious.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/310/B15F9419EAADE15F2383429B9A0CAD5A.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></span></a>NicPic Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17276854962505474095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746079673677357236.post-40366984626211508382012-04-05T21:23:00.000-04:002012-04-05T21:23:41.102-04:00It's been a while......5 months or so....and A lot has changed.<br />
For ONE---i am now a Mother of a beautiful baby boy named Aj...and he's already 3 and a half months old! I can't even believe that!! Feels like just yesterday i found out i was pregnant...and now, here i am--a MOM.<br />
SO, i guess this blog is going to do a major turn around---and be all about Aj...but i will try to still keep my theme---since i am STILL learning to be a wife...and juggle that! I think it's much more challenging to be a newlywed---and a newly-'mom'....and still have a full time job---and all the fun stuff in between.<br />
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Any of you guys still read my blog? Any of you pregnant, or have babies since i've been gone??!! Please--leave a comment!<br />
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I'm hoping to be BACK at it soon---just give me some time.<br />
I am definitely looking forward to posting about baby items that *I LOVE*...and some that i didn't love so much!<br />
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I am a big review person, so i can't wait to share with all of you the things that have carried me through the first 3 months of Aj's life!<br />
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so, bare with me.........<br />
and please, leave me some comments!!! :)NicPic Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17276854962505474095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746079673677357236.post-7211997979817303772011-11-07T12:37:00.000-05:002011-11-07T12:37:48.855-05:00explosion 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.<br />
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.<br />
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...<br />
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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.<br />
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...<br />
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Oh another note, I've been reading lots of things regarding homemade remedies for children...and ran across this <a href="http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/">blog</a>. I found this awesome <a href="http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2009/09/homemade-natural-diaper-cream-lotion.html">post</a> 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? <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/310/B15F9419EAADE15F2383429B9A0CAD5A.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>NicPic Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17276854962505474095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746079673677357236.post-75107473439453343232011-11-01T10:22:00.000-04:002011-11-01T10:22:40.175-04:00Craiglisting 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! <br />
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. <br />
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.<br />
So i was back to craigslist-ing.<br />
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.<br />
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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?!!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bqXeEhQAY4w/TrAAX2pbqfI/AAAAAAAACBg/rPAFyzaSlmA/s1600/photo+%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239px" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bqXeEhQAY4w/TrAAX2pbqfI/AAAAAAAACBg/rPAFyzaSlmA/s320/photo+%25286%2529.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is the bedding, still in original packaging!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6BTPp29JmvE/TrAAZ01OhkI/AAAAAAAACBo/wyFDTJoANIQ/s1600/photo+%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6BTPp29JmvE/TrAAZ01OhkI/AAAAAAAACBo/wyFDTJoANIQ/s320/photo+%25287%2529.JPG" width="239px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">extra throw pillows for the room!!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/310/B15F9419EAADE15F2383429B9A0CAD5A.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>NicPic Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17276854962505474095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746079673677357236.post-77492775010558198032011-11-01T07:52:00.000-04:002011-11-01T07:52:44.528-04:00Making 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.<br />
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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".<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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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. <a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/310/B15F9419EAADE15F2383429B9A0CAD5A.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>NicPic Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17276854962505474095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746079673677357236.post-48921477763464002762011-10-04T17:38:00.000-04:002011-10-04T17:38:18.589-04:00CRIBS. (YES, 2 POST IN 1 DAY, I'M GETTING CARRIED AWAY!)<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">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.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">That's where i need your help...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If you see anything that sorta resembles....or...comes close to my design/theme...please, please, please...send it my way!</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Here are what i'm looking at...let me know what you think will go better with what i have so far:</div><br />
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<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y_9Ks9BXACQ/TotYAfS3yAI/AAAAAAAACAk/TrMBi2Ro_MQ/s1600/6-Modern-Cribs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218px" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y_9Ks9BXACQ/TotYAfS3yAI/AAAAAAAACAk/TrMBi2Ro_MQ/s320/6-Modern-Cribs.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">loving this grey tone crib...just way too expensive!<br />
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<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vzQ0XaI6d2A/TotYBeX4r5I/AAAAAAAACAo/3drdwtWohM0/s1600/8-Modern-Cribs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213px" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vzQ0XaI6d2A/TotYBeX4r5I/AAAAAAAACAo/3drdwtWohM0/s320/8-Modern-Cribs.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">how perfect! i wish.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-suK858gGtJo/TotYGavhxVI/AAAAAAAACAs/86Be4VTmmHg/s1600/dscrib.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-suK858gGtJo/TotYGavhxVI/AAAAAAAACAs/86Be4VTmmHg/s320/dscrib.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dwell studio (you melt my heart!), but at 980.00 it's a little OVER what i expected to pay!</td></tr>
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</div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sD9TZiBUDpc/TotYJolYHRI/AAAAAAAACAw/BsYlbLiy49Q/s1600/crib.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sD9TZiBUDpc/TotYJolYHRI/AAAAAAAACAw/BsYlbLiy49Q/s320/crib.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">They have this at bbru...and it's 399...still within reasonable price range...</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lHQ90A63OM8/Tot8SJR2mnI/AAAAAAAACBA/QfcyLtFZqDs/s1600/modena.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274px" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lHQ90A63OM8/Tot8SJR2mnI/AAAAAAAACBA/QfcyLtFZqDs/s320/modena.bmp" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_EEAmCOxCKE/TotYNFVzltI/AAAAAAAACA0/1sXwy0Nt0pM/s1600/IMG_0703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_EEAmCOxCKE/TotYNFVzltI/AAAAAAAACA0/1sXwy0Nt0pM/s320/IMG_0703.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Mod @ Walmart, $199---more like it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mCXoB5qFuow/TotYQCS1j0I/AAAAAAAACA4/c85bcWD5Lb8/s1600/moda_671979_11e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221px" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mCXoB5qFuow/TotYQCS1j0I/AAAAAAAACA4/c85bcWD5Lb8/s320/moda_671979_11e.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Room & Board...looove this!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGFce68qrkw/TotYXOK229I/AAAAAAAACA8/T-4WHSznN04/s1600/shelter_baby-mod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210px" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGFce68qrkw/TotYXOK229I/AAAAAAAACA8/T-4WHSznN04/s320/shelter_baby-mod.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">not sure where i found this one, but i do looove it.<br />
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So---let me know which one you think goes better with my dressers.....i really want to get started on picking one! Thanks guys.<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/310/B15F9419EAADE15F2383429B9A0CAD5A.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a><br />
<img height="82px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lHQ90A63OM8/Tot8SJR2mnI/AAAAAAAACBA/QfcyLtFZqDs/s320/modena.bmp" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 371px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 1720px; visibility: hidden;" width="96px" />NicPic Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17276854962505474095noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746079673677357236.post-35466019345202937392011-10-04T13:04:00.001-04:002011-10-04T13:27:33.383-04:00Nursery...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...<br />
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!<br />
<br />
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 (<a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2010/03/nursery-progress-refinishing-a-veneer-dresser/">YHL has a great tutorial</a>)...let me know any tips...since i will attempt this-all this weekend! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IksimjAxGYg/Tos7dGZ7tUI/AAAAAAAACAM/Kd5u4_PPumo/s1600/night+stand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IksimjAxGYg/Tos7dGZ7tUI/AAAAAAAACAM/Kd5u4_PPumo/s400/night+stand.jpg" width="238px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ySfRj9K7FnI/Tos7fZb6AUI/AAAAAAAACAQ/xhf2FuNxe20/s1600/babydresser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ySfRj9K7FnI/Tos7fZb6AUI/AAAAAAAACAQ/xhf2FuNxe20/s400/babydresser.jpg" width="237px" /></a></div><br />
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.<br />
I also found this, VERY SIMILAR dresser that is priced at $1080....<br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-43oa-aOHLTg/Tos_mKCd-QI/AAAAAAAACAU/8HhQlRI6rjo/s1600/dsdresser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-43oa-aOHLTg/Tos_mKCd-QI/AAAAAAAACAU/8HhQlRI6rjo/s320/dsdresser.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">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!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">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.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">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.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ehblzk9PnK8/TotBQuOp3tI/AAAAAAAACAY/MxOOa3XJBE0/s1600/tulip_ivory_shaggy_rug_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252px" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ehblzk9PnK8/TotBQuOp3tI/AAAAAAAACAY/MxOOa3XJBE0/s320/tulip_ivory_shaggy_rug_1.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">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...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gfuGL8rNvH8/TotBiMTMppI/AAAAAAAACAc/yNu87HMyMOA/s1600/A+white+Mid-Century+wire+lounge+chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gfuGL8rNvH8/TotBiMTMppI/AAAAAAAACAc/yNu87HMyMOA/s1600/A+white+Mid-Century+wire+lounge+chair.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">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).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div> Tell me, tell me, tell me!! Please......................NicPic Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17276854962505474095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746079673677357236.post-40054635422181497602011-09-12T13:57:00.001-04:002011-09-12T16:35:14.606-04:00Weekend 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!!<br />
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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...<br />
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.<br />
Last but not least, i made Sunday dinner...and it came out yummy! Whole wheat baked ziti...yum!!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eMuRkTaGYNE/Tm5s4j69kHI/AAAAAAAACAI/C-CeG1nsBcY/s1600/25+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eMuRkTaGYNE/Tm5s4j69kHI/AAAAAAAACAI/C-CeG1nsBcY/s320/25+weeks.jpg" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready for the party (9/10/11-25 weeks prego)<br />
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</tbody></table>NicPic Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17276854962505474095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746079673677357236.post-52280990919724135242011-08-23T10:44:00.000-04:002011-08-23T10:44:47.208-04:00Dudes (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.<br />
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Any of you ladies having the same issue? Any advice?<br />
Registering for a baby is NOT as fun as registering for a wedding :'( <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CmFlMVcDsYQ/TlO7rxG2RGI/AAAAAAAAB_0/I9L4Tf1y6w8/s1600/med_funny-cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CmFlMVcDsYQ/TlO7rxG2RGI/AAAAAAAAB_0/I9L4Tf1y6w8/s320/med_funny-cat.jpg" width="244px" /></a></div><br />
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! :(<br />
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Anyone have any helpful tips? I could really use it. :)<br />
<br />
(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. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VgxWGSJaI50/TlO8si7GtXI/AAAAAAAAB_4/Xq1O4L-q7SI/s1600/ppps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286px" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VgxWGSJaI50/TlO8si7GtXI/AAAAAAAAB_4/Xq1O4L-q7SI/s320/ppps.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>NicPic Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17276854962505474095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746079673677357236.post-84088929291774823212011-08-17T10:39:00.000-04:002011-08-17T10:39:06.369-04:00What 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.<br />
<br />
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)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://armchairspasm.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/waking-up.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179px" naa="true" src="http://armchairspasm.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/waking-up.gif" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
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.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://primoclipart.com/files/preview/big/822/Fat%20Girl%20Out%20Of%20Breath%20Excersing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" naa="true" src="http://primoclipart.com/files/preview/big/822/Fat%20Girl%20Out%20Of%20Breath%20Excersing.jpg" width="259px" /></a></div>3. Sleeping on my stomach/back....self explanatory. I just miss it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.realbeauty.com/cm/realbeauty/images/JL/rby-33-beauty-myths-sleep-de.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" naa="true" src="http://www.realbeauty.com/cm/realbeauty/images/JL/rby-33-beauty-myths-sleep-de.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
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!"<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/woman-drinking-beer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" naa="true" src="http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/woman-drinking-beer.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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!! :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://food.daemonstv.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/spicy-tuna-sushi-roll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214px" naa="true" src="http://food.daemonstv.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/spicy-tuna-sushi-roll.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>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. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.heartburny.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/heartburn-disease.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" naa="true" src="http://www.heartburny.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/heartburn-disease.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">7. Swollen feet. I miss my toes. They used to be really cute. :( </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mlzrAVRNSyw/TIl6f2p8BTI/AAAAAAAAAj8/jbOShD9bGHY/s1600/d31da7e72f59acbf6edc1f2eed3b2aa7.image.706x550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249px" naa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mlzrAVRNSyw/TIl6f2p8BTI/AAAAAAAAAj8/jbOShD9bGHY/s320/d31da7e72f59acbf6edc1f2eed3b2aa7.image.706x550.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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!! </div><div align="left"></div>NicPic Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17276854962505474095noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746079673677357236.post-74755675401113927352011-08-16T08:27:00.001-04:002011-08-16T12:05:29.481-04:006 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.<br />
<br />
I love him!<br />
Happy 6 years my love...here's to the next! May this one be the best one yet.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sSodunYUp_A/TkpiPRIcovI/AAAAAAAAB_w/oVpWFSnAffc/s1600/old.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" naa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sSodunYUp_A/TkpiPRIcovI/AAAAAAAAB_w/oVpWFSnAffc/s320/old.bmp" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/nT1Oozijsy0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>6 years ago.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>NicPic Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17276854962505474095noreply@blogger.com0