currently

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Currently, I am ...

thinking about how fast this year is going. Dylan is already in his third full week of kindergarten. I just entered the 3rd trimester with this pregnancy. Only 3 more months (plus a tiny bit if she's stubborn like her brother?) before we meet Baby Girl. And, no, we definitely do not have a name. Given we didn't pick Dylan's until he was 8 days late (he arrived 2 days later), I wouldn't expect us to have her name picked until at least mid-October.

preparing for our family changes. Nesting has started to kick in a bit in the form of house projects in general, but also on the nursery. I found a changing table on Craigslist last week for $15. Structurally in great condition, but definitely had seen better times which was fine. I knew I wanted to paint whatever I bought. Lucky for me, her big brother has been happy to help. Soon we'll have a beautiful new-to-us yellow changing table to match the dresser in her room.

reading The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty. I had read her book, What Alice Forgot, earlier in the year and enjoyed it so thought I would try this one. So far, I don't want to put it down. And excited it's my 20th "real" book (i.e., not a picture book!) this year. My goal is to read 30 books and it looks like I'll accomplish that.

grateful that Dylan still enjoys books and snuggles at bedtime. He's growing up so fast, but still little too. I know these days are numbered and I'll soon have to split time between two kids so I'm enjoying them to the fullest.

enjoying regular after dinner game night with Trent & Dylan. It's a fun, relaxing way to spend time just the 3 of us after busy days of work and school. One of our current favs was a birthday present he received - Cars 2 Monopoly.

looking forward to an outdoor movie at our neighborhood pool on Friday night. It was an idea another neighbor started a few weeks ago that looks like will continue monthly into the fall and is a great way to kick off the weekend.

What are you up to currently?

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Baby Girl

So grateful on Monday to hear that our newest little family member is growing and looking totally healthy! Also fun to learn that Dylan was right all along - he's getting a little sister.

Supplies: DHD January blueprint template; Blossom and Claire kits by Karen Funk; Gidget paper pack by Gennifer Bursett; Spring Menagerie collaboration from Design House Digital.

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Grateful

Can I stress that word enough?? It's easy to get lost in the craziness of life and forget to be grateful. I assure you, I had a bit of forgetfulness yesterday. But as I write this, I'm glad it was just a moment and that I'm finding a lot to be grateful for lately ...

Morning Sickness - say what?? Yes, I am very grateful for morning sickness. This pregnancy has been far rougher on me. I've been much sicker and I am grateful for this. After 2 miscarriages, I'll happily be sick (and accept that Zofran prescription from my OB - thank you, doctor) as I know it's all a sign everything is going well.

Weekend Trip - we pulled off a weekend trip to Virginia with my sister, brother-in-law and brother to surprise my mom for her birthday yesterday. So grateful we could all manage to be there, surprise her and have quality time together. Such a fun time. Counting down to our next get together.

The Breakdown - so, no, of course I'm not grateful our car broke down yesterday. This would be that point of "forgetfulness" I mentioned in the beginning. We weren't quite halfway home on a 4 and a half hour trip. I was grateful though that we were all okay, we had nearby family that came to our assistance and we had AAA who towed our car to a local mechanic. The car can't be seen until this morning so we had to leave it and rent a car to get home, but again, we're all safe. That is by far the most important thing. I was already looking back and laughing last night. It'll just go down as one of those trips that you never forget and keep retelling the tale in years to come.

Now, the reason we had to get home last night and other thing I am very grateful for right now - our Ultrasound Appointment today! This morning we get our 3rd peek at our baby and, assuming this little one participates, we'll learn whether we're having a boy or girl. Dylan has been firm in his belief from the beginning that he's getting a sister. As for Trent and me? We haven't a clue. All we want is healthy. Either is a blessing.

What are you grateful for right now?

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Superhero Photos

FTC Disclosure Statement: This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Preparing for our pregnancy announcement on Facebook, I had Dylan pose for "big brother" photos. I had a superhero theme in mind. My original photo plan didn't turn out. Instead, I ended up with a couple shots that I liked even better. Love it when it works out like that.

The first awesome shot made a perfect banner for my Facebook page. I added the text "Every Superhero needs a sidekick. Mine is arriving October 2014" and posted along with a new profile picture of one of our first ultrasound images.

I then used a second photo from the day to create a Mother's Day card design for both my mom and my mother-in-law. I cropped the picture in Photoshop and added the bottom blue box and text. Then uploaded to Treat for printing and shipping.

For the Mother's Day cards, I used a full photo front option and deleted the text offered by Treat. Then wrote personalized notes inside of each card. To further simplify things, I had Treat do the shipping for me. All I did was request a delivery by last Friday to ensure they arrived on time. Both moms loved their cards. It really is an easy way to create a beautiful card even if you think you are creatively challenge and/or lack time.

I hope all of the moms (and moms at heart) had a wonderful Mother's Day yesterday!

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Our Next Big Project

It seems we always have a project going on around the house. Our latest one is pretty big (well, getting there!) and I'm not referring to our kitchen project.

We've been sitting on a little secret ...

Yes, that would be our newest, tiniest family member. And we have a very excited little boy who is counting down to his new role as Big Brother!

It's going to be a fun 5 more months. We have a LOT to do between now and then. Trying to get a few more things checked off the list including just enjoying our family of 3 and this special time.

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Day at the Zoo

I took a little break from Dylan's album yesterday to scrap photos from a day trip Trent & I took to the NC Zoo in April:


Supplies: miscellaneous dark brown & white cardstock; StazOn stamp ink; Autumn Leaves stamp; Martha Stewart Crafts sepia pen; Me and My Big Ideas sticker. Inspired by Sam's 9/25 challenge at Scrappin' Mojo and the Two Peas September Super Sketches class.

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Snips & Snails

Photos & invitation from my baby shower in May:


I started with SBE's Quick Collage 114 to arrange the photos and altered it to better fit the shots I wanted:


Supplies: Bazzill cardstock; Prima flowers; SEI epoxy stickers; Signo Uniball white pen; SBE template (altered); Autumn Leaves patterned paper. Inspired by the Two Peas weekly challenge: More than 10 pictures!

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Belly Shot

For last week's digital challenge at Two Peas - Inspired by a Pea - I created this layout of my final "belly shot" by scraplifting Sheri R's Live, Love, Laugh page.


Supplies: Erica Hernandez's Isabella Mini kit; Rhonna Farrer's Celebration kit; Miss Mint's April Morning kit

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41 Weeks

How far along? 41 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Down almost 2lb from last week

Maternity clothes? Of course! :) And very few of those cover the belly these days.

Stretch marks? Same ones on my belly from last week. I don't think there are any new ones. The marks themselves don't bother me - it's the itching that has come up in the past week that I could do without.

Sleep: Not too well. I wake up a lot from hip pain and need to switch sides. I have started taking daily naps for an hour or two each afternoon.

Best moment this week: This week was the first time Trent had been with me to an OB appointment since the ultrasound at 19wks. It was nice having him along and both getting a chance to listen to the Baby's heartbeat. Trent later commented to me how cool that was to hear it again.

Movement: Lots of stretching and hiccuping still. Of course, the Baby initially played possum when we started the nonstress test on Tuesday and needed him to move!

Food cravings: None in particular.

Labor Signs: Plenty of Braxton Hicks.

Belly Button in or out? Flat.

What I am looking forward to: Meeting our little guy soon! One way or another, he'll be here in the next 7 days. :)

Milestones: Watching our due date come and go. LOL

Energy Level: Lower than past weeks. Maybe it's a prelabor sign? Maybe it's just me settling into a relaxed routine now that I'm on maternity leave?

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The Waiting Game

I would never list patience as a characteristic of mine. The last few weeks I've been quite surprised at how calm and patient I was waiting on the little guy to make his appearance. The more "normal" me began showing up last week around his due date wondering when the big event would finally come. I did stop and laugh at myself on Friday - why did I suddenly think our son would show up on or before his due date? I had joked with Trent since we first learned I was pregnant that he would most likely inherit my stubbornness and be late. Clearly, I knew what I was talking about better 8 months ago than I did now.

Yesterday Trent & I went to the OB's office so the baby could have a nonstress test (NST). Basically, the doctor was checking to see that the baby is still happy where he is. He passed with flying colors. In the meantime, the doctor checked the induction schedule at our hospital and learned it was fully booked for the next week! Honestly, I was happy about both things. It was good to have that reassurance our little boy is fine and I really don't want to be induced so knowing there are no slots was a plus. This buys us more time to let our son make the decision. And, if he continues to stay put, he'll have another NST on Friday to check again that all is well.

So, we continue to wait...

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Boppy

I bought a Boppy a couple of weeks ago to be sure we had it on hand before the baby arrived. Several friends have given me positive feedback on the helpfulness of using it while feeding the baby and to help them prop up. What I didn't expect was how much I would enjoy it before the baby arrived.

As my belly has gotten larger and the baby dropped, I started wedging a pillow under my belly when relaxing on the sofa in the evenings. This took off some of the weight & pressure making me much more comfortable. Watching me fumble with one of the sofa pillows one night, Trent suggested I instead try the Boppy. Honestly, I thought it would be too thick but decided to give it a shot anyhow.


True, it doesn't completely fit under the belly - but it does support it enough and gives my arms a spot to rest as well which means a much more comfy and happy me.

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40 Weeks

How far along? 40 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Up almost 2lb from last week bringing me to 12.5lbs over my pre-pregnancy weight

Maternity clothes? Yes. And so ready to switch to my old, boring pre-pregnancy clothes. LOL

Stretch marks? Amazing how many of these darn things have popped up in just the last couple of weeks - all around my belly button too. I really think the kid believes that's the way out as much as he pushes and pushes on it.

Sleep: I wake up every couple of hours now, but can usually fall back to sleep fairly easily once I switch to the opposite side. My hips can each only take the pressure for so long now. So looking forward to back sleeping again soon!

Best moment this week: Laughing while Trent stuck his ear against my belly to see if he could hear the baby and the baby repeatedly kicked his ear! LOL

Movement: Lots of stretching and a bit of hiccuping.

Food cravings: None in particular. I still have moments where certain foods sound better than other options, but no strong "must have" cravings.

Labor Signs: A few false alarms over the weekend while out at the baseball game and the movies. Both times I had a few contractions - stronger than anything else I'd felt previously and they did not ease up with walking. Both times I joked with Trent that even if it was the start of labor, we should continue on with our plans. After all, it could be a while so why not enjoy the game and movie? And, both times they were false alarms which made me even happier we continued with our plans.

Belly Button in or out? Flat.

What I am looking forward to: Meeting our little guy any day now. :)

Milestones: Hitting the 40 week mark.

Energy Level: Pretty good. I have my tired moments such as last Saturday night when all I wanted to do at 6:30pm was go to bed! But otherwise, I've had a reasonable amount of energy throughout the day.

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39 weeks

How far along? 39 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Up a little over 1lb from last week

Maternity clothes? Yes. And some of the maternity tops are now too short to cover my belly.

Stretch marks? Yes. And I should be careful what I wish for. I now have matching stretch marks on the other side of my belly button. LOL

Sleep: Waking up a little more frequently.

Best moment this week: Trent's "conversation" with the baby on Tuesday night. I was standing next to the couch where Trent was sitting, he leaned forward and said to my belly, "Hello? Anyone in there?" I told him to let me know if he got a response - not realizing that Cali was standing on the coffee table immediately behind me. She meowed loudly. Trent, with his ear by my belly, said, "I hear something." LOL Cracked me up. I'm still laughing at the memory.

Movement: Still plenty of stretching and pushing out. Hiccups at least once a day.

Food cravings: None in particular. I continue to have a huge appetite and eat 5-6 times per day.

Labor Signs: None.

Belly Button in or out? Flat.

What I am looking forward to: My prenatal massage this afternoon and one more weekend of relaxing.

Milestones: Definitely having a July baby now. Just a matter of when.

Energy Level: Pretty good. I'm not full of energy, but not completely worn out either.

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Mixed Emotions

7 days...
until the big due date. Of course, there still could be a few more - depending upon our little guy and his plans.

After all these months of waiting and anticipating, I am in a bit of shock that we are that close to the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next.

Not too surprising, I've been thinking about our son's arrival throughout the entire pregnancy, but so much more in the last month as we've gotten closer and closer to meeting him. I think about labor some, but in only a positive light. I see it as this journey that will bring our little boy to our arms and it fills me with happiness.

But I also keep wishing it all out there just slightly. As much as I want to hold him in my arms, I want to enjoy the last little bit of having him all to myself. That fun squirming in my belly. Watching it roll. Knowing that no matter the time of day or where I am - he's right there with me.

I've had a very blessed nine months and am so very grateful for that.

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hello feet

A couple of years ago, I saw a fun pregnancy layout on Two Peas called Yoo Hoo Feet. I bookmarked the page for future reference and so glad I did. Since loosing sight of my own feet around 28 weeks, I thought it would be fun to create my own page. Yesterday I had Trent take a photo of me tipping over to catch a glimpse of my feet. I lifted the page design from my friend Nylene's 8 layout.


Supplies: Stampin' Up cardstock; Bazzill cardstock; Making Memories rub-on letters; Die Cuts with a View adhesive backed cardstock; QuicKutz Studio font; Cloud 9 patterned paper; EK Success corner rounder punch.

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38 Weeks

How far along? 38 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Down just over 2lbs from last week which I find odd. I've read that it is possible to loose during the last few weeks, but my appetite has been so big the last 3 (and I've definitely indulged a bit) that I fully expected to see another gain.

Maternity clothes? Yes, and I am so bored of the same few outfits, but also not willing to spend the money on any new clothes at this point.

Stretch marks? Yes, and I did gain some new ones right on the front of my belly. I joked with Trent about how I need a few more to "balance things out" since they are only on one side of my belly button.

Sleep: Not as well as in the previous weeks, but not terrible either. I wake about 3-4 times a night now.

Best moment this week: Hearing his heartbeat at our checkup <- I don't think I can ever get enough of that. So sweet and reassuring.

Movement: Still quite the active little guy.

Food cravings: None. But still enjoying that hearty appetite.

Labor Signs: None.

Belly Button in or out? Pretty close to flat.

What I am looking forward to: Meeting him very soon. :)

Milestones: We're under 30 days to when he will possibly arrive. Just waiting on the little guy to decide when he's ready to make his appearance.

Energy Level: Fairly well. Definitely more tired than I was a month ago, but no noticeable changes from last week. And I did manage to attend the prenatal water aerobics class on Tuesday night - something I've really enjoyed during my pregnancy.

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37 Weeks

How far along? 37 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Up 3lbs - effect of my sudden increase in appetite last week?

Maternity clothes? Yes.

Stretch marks? Yes. But I don't think I've gained any new ones from last week. Although, I'm not exactly counting so who knows.

Sleep: Really well. I only wake up once or twice and often can just switch sides and fall back asleep. My only complaint is that no matter how well I sleep, I'm almost always tired during the day now. Too bad I can't squeeze in a daily nap.

Best moment this week: Hearing the little guy's heartbeat at our weekly checkup.

Movement: Lots of stretching and pushing on me still. My belly takes on the funniest lop-sided shapes. And, the baby gets the hiccups about once a day - bouncing my belly the entire time. Trent & I jokingly called him "Tigger" at these times since it looks as though my belly is going "boing...boing...boing..."

Food cravings: None. But still enjoying that hearty appetite I acquired last week. Wonder if that means I'll see another 3lbs added to the scale next week. Hmm...

Labor Signs: None.

Belly Button in or out? Pretty close to flat. Trent has teased me that when it pops, the baby is done cooking. ;)

What I am looking forward to: Our last childbirth class tomorrow and just enjoying a little R&R this weekend.

Milestones: We picked out a pediatrician. One more item scratched off the to-do list.

Energy Level: Slowing down ...

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36 Weeks

How far along? 36 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Up half a pound from last week

Maternity clothes? Yes.

Stretch marks? Oh yeah. I guess when the baby dropped, taking my stomach with him, there was no chance of avoiding them any longer so I'll wear my badges of honor proudly.

Sleep: Fairly well.

Best moment this week: Our first childbirth class. Trent & I both enjoyed it and learned a lot.

Movement: Plenty. I think the little guy is tired of the tightening quarters - he pushes and kicks on me quite frequently during the day.

Food cravings: None, but my appetite has significantly increased all of a sudden this week as the baby is lower.

Labor Signs: None.

Belly Button in or out? Almost flat.

What I am looking forward to: Massage this afternoon & our childbirth class tomorrow.

Milestones: The little guy has officially dropped and is head down.

Energy Level: Slowing down a bit more.

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35 Weeks

How far along? 35 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Up half a pound from last week - bringing me to 8lbs above my pre-pregnancy weight

Maternity clothes? Yes.

Stretch marks? None.

Sleep: Better. I've only been waking a couple times a night and getting up about once a night.

Best moment this week: Relaxing at the pool with Trent on Sunday evening - it cooled me off, took away some of the pressure from Baby's weight and gave Trent & I a chance to talk.

Movement: Lots of stretching and kicking.

Food cravings: None. And my appetite has definitely decreased. I'll get very hungry, but feel full after only a few bites.

Labor Signs: None.

Belly Button in or out? Almost flat.

What I am looking forward to: Our first childbirth class on Saturday.

Milestones: My last week without a doctor's appointment. Starting on Wednesday I'll be going weekly for progress checks.

Energy Level: Slowing down a bit.

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34 Weeks

How far along? 34 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Baby had a growth spurt - my weight jumped one and a half pounds in the last week

Maternity clothes? Yes, and I've already outgrown 2 pairs of maternity pants. Monday I bought myself one new pair to help me make it all the way to the end.

Stretch marks? Still not seeing any. *knock on wood*

Sleep: Ok. I'm struggling again with side sleeping. My shoulder or hip or both will hurt - I'll flip and a short time later the same scenario will repeat.

Best moment this week: A toss up between 2 special moments. The first was getting to hear the little guy's heartbeat during our check-up on Tuesday - this never gets old. I always love it. The second occurred yesterday morning when I gave Trent a hug & kiss before heading to work. The little guy kicked hard enough as our bellies were touching that Trent felt it on his belly. I told him it must have been the baby's way of saying "I love you." :)

Movement: Baby continues to move a lot. It feels more like stretching and "Mom, I'm out of room in here" than kicking. He also reacts to belly rubs.

Food cravings: Saturday night around 8pm I was hungry and the only food I wanted was a cheese pizza from Papa John's. My dear, sweet husband went out and got exactly that for me while I stayed home and relaxed.

Labor Signs: None.

Belly Button in or out? Barely in.

Milestones: Walking for 30 minutes on Tuesday night. It was a slow pace, but I did ok. Last week we were at 20 when the round ligament pain hit and I had to call it quits.

Energy Level: Pretty high.

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