BUMPdate: 39 Weeks

Well, this could be my last BUMPdate. I can't believe that we're at this point already. There are some days when I feel like I've been pregnant forever but for the most part I feel like time is flown by really fast. 

(I'm 39 weeks, 6 days today)

Size of the baby?

The size of a watermelon (19-22 inches, and about 6.5-7lbs.)

Total Weight Gain/Loss?

30 lbs. I'm right at my goal weight.

Maternity Clothes?

Leggings. Maternity Jeans. Long Tank Tops. Maternity Long-Sleeve T-Shirts.

Stretch marks?

None other than the one that I think formed where my belly piercing was. I'm not 100% sure if it's a stretch mark though.

Best Moments?

Finding out (yesterday) that I'm 2 cm. dilated, 75% effaced, her head is way down, and during my exam my doctor discovered "bloody show!" I had a non-stress test which showed that her heart rate is perfect and much to my surprise, the monitor showed that I'm having contractions that are 2 minutes apart ---but I wasn't feeling them! My midwife said it's a bit odd that I wasn't feeling them since it's only my first pregnancy but she said everyone is different when it comes to what they feel and what their tolerance is. 

So basically, it's almost go time! We scheduled an induction for Wednesday, January 30th at my last appointment and now that things are moving along naturally, I couldn't be happier. 

Movement?

She is moving around SO much which really amazes me because I don't know how she has any room in there to move. My stomach is so hard all the time. We've made a few recordings of her movements but last night was probably the best recording- we saw an actual foot pop right out of my stomach!

Food Cravings?

Chocolate.

Anything making you queasy or sick?

No.

What I miss?

Being able to turn over in bed without feeling like I need to be hoisted and being able to get my shoes on without being out of breath.

Nausea/Vomiting?

None.

Symptoms?

Lots of pressure in my pelvic region, some hip pain, a little bit of back pain during contractions. I didn't start feeling my contractions until after my appointment. I think the exam got things moving along a little. 

Labor signs?

I started having some irregular contractions.   

Gender?

Girl

Belly Button In or Out?

Totally flat. 

Wedding rings On or Off?

They're on! No swelling so far.

Sleep?

Waking up twice every night now to go to the bathroom. Rolling over and changing positions is nearly impossible without help now. 

What I'm looking forward to?

Going into labor so we can finally meet her!

Valentine's Day Decor

I'm all about decorating for the holidays, big or small and now with a little one on the way (any day now) I'm sure my decoration collection will only continue to expand. Here are some of the things I have around the house right now to get into the Valentine's vibe:

This is a repeat from last year but I exchanged the vase for a mason jar and shortened the branches. I think it looks much better this year.

~Dining Room~

~Living Room~
The XoXo decoration is from Target and it matches my sparkly heart picks perfectly from the Dollar Tree.

~Dining Room~
I went a bit crazy this year making flag banners. I have one in just about every room of the house. I  got the  pretty scrapbook paper from Target and I loved all of the designs so much that I couldn't help myself- I needed one in every design.

~Kitchen~

~Living Room~

Do you decorate for Valentine's Day? 

Let's talk about Lips... and Eyes too!

I'll be the first to admit it- I have a slight obsession when it comes to lipsticks, lip glosses, lip balm, etc. and I have far too many lip products in my purse at a time. Anyone else guilty of this too?

I'm a huge fan of NYX lip products. I think for the most part they have great staying power, they're not sticky, they don't smell strange, and the price point is more than fair. I picked up a few new shades the other day... Here's what I got:

(from left to right)
NYX B52 -the perfect winter red
NYX Fig -a bright, bold pink
NYX Orange Soda -a great light nude/neutral
NYX Pumpkin Pie -a great medium nude/neutral
Pumpkin Pie was a re-purchase, this is a go-to shade for me.

NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Smokey Look

NYX Retractable Eye Liner
(top) Bronze -a beautiful dark brown with a hint of gold sparkle
(bottom) Gold -a warm, shimmery gold tone

Have you tried NYX lip products?

What is your opinion on them?

What's in My Hospital Bag

Well my bags are packed and I'm more than ready to go but the real question here is when she will be ready. I have an appointment today and I'm hoping that there's some progress because her parents are ready to meet her and her mother is getting pretty uncomfortable these days.

What's in My Bag:

The black bag is for me (complete with a list of last minute items that still need to go inside).
The Coach bag is the baby bag and all of her stuff packed neatly in there. I opted to get a regular handbag instead of a "baby bag" because I didn't want a bag that screamed "baby bag," I wanted something functional but stylish that is going to last and that my husband won't mind carrying around either. This bag is the Hamptons Weekend Signature Stripe Tote and I think it's going to fit the bill perfectly.

My Going Home Outfit
Old Navy Hooded Sweatshirt, Striped Tank Top, and Black Fleece Pants

My Hospital Outfit
Gilligan & O'Malley Robe
Not only is this robe super soft and comfortable but it's black (so no worries about staining) and it will allow for easy access for nursing. 

Socks, Undies, Day Nursing Bra, Night Nursing Bra, Slippers, and Flip Flops

My Husband's Change of Clothes (just in case)

Toiletries: Dry Shampoo, Deodorant, Face Wash, Body Wash, Lotion, Toothpaste, Razor, Hair Clip, Headband, Brush
Last Minute Things to Pack: toothbrush and a few makeup essentials  

Quarters for the vending machines, Chocolate Bar (from my baby shower that I've been saving because I'm weird like that), Gum, Phone Charger, and Birth Plan

What's in Her Bag:

The cutest coat I've ever laid eyes on.

Receiving Blanket, Handmade Car Seat Blanket, Cotton Hat, Socks, Mittens, and White Furry Boots with Bows (of course!)

Now onto the outfit, I'm bringing two because I'm not sure what she's going to fit into.

Newborn Outfit

0-3 Months Outfit
I really love this outfit but if she's too tiny for it, I have the backup.

 Obviously the car seat is not getting packed but it will be coming with us and I wanted to show you the adorable damask car seat cover that I found on etsy. The gray weather-resistant cover is by J.J Cole.

OOTD Stripes

I did it again... I paired black and brown together and I'm pleased with the results!

Sweater- H&M
Leggings- Strawberry's
Scarf- Ebay
Boots- Fergalicious

My new boots that I'm in love with- they're so comfortable and they're the perfect brown boot.
Fergalicious- Ledge Boot- in Brown

.

Life via The Camera Roll

There are a few things that I tend to have a weakness for. I collect wrapping paper and supplies like it's my job and I love looking at fabric patterns. The Waverly line at JoAnn's is filled with beautiful patterns. I have a few projects that I was specifically fabric shopping for, here are some designs that I adore:

A gift from my sister-in-law. She said she was draw to it because it had my name written all over it (not literally, of course) and she couldn't have been more right about that! I love this mirror and the vintage/shabby chic feel that it has. Does she know me or what?!

A painting that I think is so pretty but I have no place to put it.

My husband's apple creation.

This yogurt is the best- it's delicious, it's Greek, it has double the protein of regular yogurt, and half the carbs-only 8 or 9 grams depending on the flavor. Speaking of flavor, they're all delish! I alternate between the strawberry, vanilla, blueberry, and cherry.

What I've Been Reading: December 2012

Question of the month: What make-up do you carry around in your handbag?

In my handbag you will find MAC Pressed Blot Powder, a NYX black pencil eye liner and a ton of lip products! I just cleaned out my bag and purged some products. It wasn't easy, but it needed to be done so this list won't be as long and sickening as it could have been.

This is my go-to lipstick and lip liner at the moment, along with NYX Pumpkin Pie (not pictured). 
NYX Thalia Lipstick - a pretty medium/dark rose hue
NYX Retractable Lip Liner in Natural - a great liner for just about any nude/neutral shade of lipstick

From top to Bottom:
Lorac Couture Shine in Vintage
*fun fact: I wore NYX Pumpkin Pie & Lorac Vintage Gloss on my wedding day*

Nars in Turkish Delight
-I originally purchased this to use with Nars Belle De Jour lipstick which I really liked together but for $25 a pop, there are better options out there and more importantly, there are options that aren't as sticky as Turkish Delight.

Philosophy Vanilla Birthday Cake Lip Gloss
- This gloss is great with any lipstick for added shine and it's also pretty when worn alone too

Danielle & Co. Organic Lip Balm in Pure Lime
-I'm so in love with this stuff and no, it's not because it is my name, although that is what attracted me to it in the first place. It doesn't leave a waxy feeling on your lips like some chapsticks and balms will, it hydrates your lips, and it smells amazing too!

• Alison*Elle - Alison shares a tutorial on how to make a super cute cupcake mani.
• Ella Pretty - Ella's posted her holiday party outfits, red skinnies & bubble necklaces. 
• Lilly's Style - Lilly's rocking a red blazer.
• Lindsay J Everyday - Lindsay tried a retro style dress & a new hemline...
• Love, Lipstick & Pearls - Kristen announced and shared her pregnancy story.
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle is expecting her little girl any day... or week now. Check out her 33 week BUMPdate.
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette says' "December is THE month for red, right?"
• The Currently Obsessed - Mehreen OOTD : 19 weeks pregnant

My Baby Shower

Yes, I know... I'm seriously slacking with my posts. My shower was almost a month ago and I'm just finally posting about it now! I hope you can cut me a break though, I mean afterall with the holidays, the nesting, the lousy sleep I've been getting, and the everyday things that come up in life, I just haven't had time until now.

My mom hosted my baby shower at the most adorable cottage in the small town that I grew up in and it was beautiful beyond words. The photos that you are about to see don't do any justice to how pretty everything looked. Everything was pink, cozy, cute, and shabby chic (which is right up my alley). 

The cake

Seating and Cookie Bar in background

Seating

More Seating
There were over 30 people packed into this tiny little cottage, believe it or not. 

Gift Table

Dessert Table & Cookie Bar

Centerpiece and Cookie Container Favor
Instead of a candy bar we had a cookie bar and that served as the favors.
I'm not sure if you can read it but the favor box reads: "A giggle, a curl, a sweet little girl Baby B is on her way! Thank you for sharing in this special day. December 8, 2012"

Game Prizes- Baby Power Scented Candles & Russell Stover Chocolate Bars
We played Baby Bingo.
How cute are the chocolate bars?!

Gifts & Mini Diaper Cake
In case you haven't noticed, the theme of the shower was baby owls- my newest obsession.

Opening gifts with my two BFFs sisters helping

My Mom & I

BFFs Sisters
No, we didn't coordinate our outfits to match or plan ahead. It just happened that way.

It was such an amazing weekend that was packed full of fun, friends, and family. My friend was in town from Arizona and I was so happy she was able to make to my shower. She is actually 4 weeks behind me in her pregnancy and her shower was the following day so it was a shower weekend for us and our friends! 

I remember thinking to myself around the time of our wedding that all of the events leading up to the big day, the big day included left me feeling so fortunate and so loved, loved on a whole other level and my baby shower left me with a very similar feeling. Our little girl is about to enter into a family filled with tons of excitement and happiness and an endless amount of love.

BUMPdate: 36 Weeks

(I'm 36 weeks, 5 days today)

Size of the baby?

The size of a watermelon (19-22 inches, and about 6.5lbs.)

Since she's measuring a little bit on the smaller side, she probably weighs a little less than that though.

Total Weight Gain/Loss?

I had my 36 week appointment yesterday and I have gained a total of 26 lbs. so far.

Maternity Clothes?

Still a mix of maternity and normal clothes. Lots of leggings. 

Stretch marks?

None except for the tiny one where my belly button piercing once was.

Best Moments?

Hearing that she is happy and healthy in there. She has a good, strong heartbeat, she's very active, she's measuring on schedule, and she is in position to make her debut. I also found out at this last appointment that she is beginning to "drop," so we are just one step closer to her arrival!

Movement?

Lots and lots of movement. I've been waking up and falling asleep her to moving around. I love feeling her move but her movements are getting quite forceful the bigger she gets!

Food Cravings?

I'm totally turned off by salad right now and I'm having an occasional glass of caffeine free diet soda here and there -which is totally unlike me btw- I normally despise soda!

Anything making you queasy or sick?

No.

What I miss?

There are lots of things that I could come up with that I miss but what I will miss pretty soon is feeling her move around inside of me. I just want her here already!

Nausea/Vomiting?

None.

Symptoms?

Tired, some hip pain here and there. Pressure in my pelvic region and it's not just the pressure from having to empty my bladder anymore, it's the pressure of her dropping. 

Labor signs?

I think I had a few Braxton Hicks contractions the other day.  

Gender?

Girl

Belly Button In or Out?

Flattened.

Wedding rings On or Off?

They're on! No swelling so far.

Sleep?

Still waking up to go to the bathroom and now to get a drink of water too. It's such a chore to change positions.

What I'm looking forward to?

My 38 week appointment when I will find out if I'm starting to dilate and meeting our baby girl! 

*The photo above is a tiny sneak peek of the nursery. I'll be doing a nursery tour soon.*