35 Weeks

Pregnancy: 35 Weeks.  When did that happen?

Weight Gain: I am up 28lbs since my last visit two weeks ago.  I've hit 150lbs.  There is something about seeing that number on the scale that really messes with my head.  150 is like my breaking point.  I don't pay attention to the scale from here on out.  Better to ignore than dwell on it.

Sleep:  Not so great.  I'm at the end of the road...which means I get up at least twice a night to pee and then toss and turn a lot.  Thank God for my Boppy Body Pillow.  That thing really helps support my belly.

Gender: BOY!

Names: Jackson Chad

Feeling: Tired and Big.  My back hurts a lot of the time.

Health: Healthy.  No issues.

Movement:  He moves a lot.  His movements are ovbiously more prominent now because he is so big.

Belly: So BIG!  I'm really hoping I come out of this one without any stretch marks.  Fingers crossed.

Next Appointment: Thursday, May 10, 2012 and then I think I start going weekly from this point on.  

Ten on Tuesday

Long time no talk...

1. Would you rather give up pedicures or flat/curling irons?
I love a good pedicure...especially now 8 months pregnant BUT I use my flat iron almost every single day.  I'd give up pedicures....I can handle painting my own toe nails over my hair being all crazy.

2. Does your middle name have a family meaning?
Nope.  My children have meaningful middle names though.  I like it that way.

3. Do you like to sneeze?
This is a weird question.  Never really thought about it.  I does feel pretty good to sneeze.

4. Do you think kids should need to learn cursive?
Yes. If only for signatures.  

5. When you go to the beach for the day, what do you take?
I think we need to invest in one of those carts this year since we will have another little with us.  I typically take Julianna's wagon, a bag with beach towels, sunblock, camera, phone & speakers for my iPhone.  Beach chairs and beach toys as well.  This summer we will need the baby tent again.  :  )

6. Which decade had the best music?
Hands down 90s.  Love it.

7. Are you a good hand-shaker?
I think so.

8. Do you have a go-to meal for when you are at a restaurant and you can’t decide?
I'm very predictable.  I typically order the Crab Cakes or some sort of Shrimp dish.

9. Do you have slippers?
Yes. I never wear them though.

10. Are you easily grossed out?
Yes.

Party Pictures

We had Julianna's birthday party up the road this year at Bounce U.  She LOVED it!  Actually I think everyone had a blast...adults and kids alike.  Here are a few of the pictures highlights.

 Jules first time down the slide.  Priceless.

 Kamryn

 Going down sideways.

 Basketball

 Jake preferred the race cars.

 Lukey had no fear!

 Hurricane Simulator.

 Hands UP!

 Peyton, Luke, Jake & Jules having fun!

 Even the older kids had fun!  LOL

 PIZZA!

 Princess Birthday Cake made by ACME.

 Checking out the Birthday Cake.

My absolute favorite picture.  These two are too cute!

March Photo A Day

I think I'm going to participate in this.  I use Instagram just about every day so it shouldn't be too difficult to follow.  I'll post the picks weekly on here.  I still have to get Jules birthday party pictures up.  That is on my 'To Do' list today!

Here's how to play:

♥ Starting on March 1st take a photo each day with inspiration from the prompt. For example prompt 1 is 'up', so take a photo looking up. Or of the word 'up'. Or something that lifts your mood 'up'. It it totally up to you how you want to interpret it.

♥ Once you've taken your photo you can share it on Instagram, Facebook {on your own profile or business page}, Twitter, Flickr, your blog, Pinterest, Tumblr or even just keep them in a folder on your desktop. If you're sharing on Twitter or Instagram add the hashtag #Marchphotoaday so others can find your photos too.

Ten on Tuesday

1. What did you do this weekend?
Saturday was Jules 3rd birthday.  She had dance at 10am and then we ran around to pick up her cake and ice cream.  Her party was at 3:30pm and we didn't get home until around 7pm..  A long, fun-filled day!  Sunday we just laid low.

2. Do you prefer short fingernails or long fingernails?
I prefer my nails to be on the shorter side.  They are just easier to maintain.

3. What is your favorite use for Pinterest?
I love Pinterest.  My favorite use would have to be for recipes.  Every time I log in I'm instantly hungry.  I also like to use it for arts & crafts ideas for Jules and I.  Such a great website for forgetful Moms like me.  

4. Do you sleep with your mouth open?
Nope.  It gives you chapped lips.  Yuck.

5. Where did you have the best pizza you’ve ever eaten?
Orangeburg, NY.  Hands down best brick oven pizza I've ever eaten.  Just happened to be a little restaurant on our way to the hotel.  (on the road for work)

6. What do you eat for breakfast on weekdays?
Typically cereal.  I like Life, Blueberry Kellogg's and Cheerios.  Sometimes I'll have a fried egg white on a bagel or toast.

7. Do you watch awards shows? Why or why not?
Not as much as I used to.  I don't watch a lot of 'live' tv anymore.  I love my DVR.

8. Can you whistle? Snap? Curl your tongue? Bend down and touch your palms to the ground?
Whistle: Not really.
Snap: Yes but not very loud.
Curl my tongue: Yes.
Bend down and touch my palms to the ground: Right now?  I can barely put my own Uggs on.  Belly is in the way.

9. What email service do you use?
I've used Yahoo forever.  I know its not the best these days but then I'd have to go and change it and remember to change it for everything I do.  Annoying.

10. What is your favorite outdoor activity?
Relaxing on the beach and or pool.  This doesn't happen so much anymore because I have a toddler to chase around but it's nice to dream.  I enjoy being outside with Jules doing whatever she wants really.  It's nice to be out in the fresh air.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl

Dear Julianna Mae,

Wow.  My baby is 3 years old.  Where did the time go?  I remember your birth day like it was yesterday.  It was a long day but well worth every ache & pain I had...not to mention the lack of food on that day.  You finally made your appearance into this world on February 25, 2009 at 8:55PM via C-Section.  Two days past your due date.  The doctor told me I had a little "Buddha Baby" as he pulled you out of my belly.  The sweetest sound I've ever heard in my life was the sound of your first cry.  You were perfect.  9lbs 11oz of perfect baby.

You have grown so much over the past 3 years...in size as well as in personality.  You truly are your Momma's child with splashes of Daddy mixed in.  You are such a jokester.  You love to make people laugh.  You love talking on the phone to Granny & Poppy...even calling them sometimes when Mommy isn't paying attention.  Thank God you haven't dialed 9-1-1 yet.  Although it wouldn't surprise me.  You love to play Call of Duty with Daddy on his X-Box 360.  You also love playing Viva Piñata.  You are so smart.  You know what you want and you know exactly how to get it from just about anyone.  You can be shy sometimes too.  You love your dogs.  You call Roxy your sister.  You are so very excited about having a baby brother.  I know that you will make a fantastic big sister.  You kiss Mommy's belly every night before you go to bed.  You still take 2+ hour naps and sleep 12+ a night.  You are stubborn.  You do not give up.  You are eager to learn new things.  You love playing outside and throwing the ball for Roxy and the stick for Midnight.  You love riding your 'Dora' battery operated quad.  You love watching Disney Junior...Little Einsteins, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Jake and the Neverland Pirates.  You love Snow White & Lady and the Tramp. You still love Mac & Cheese.  Corn Dogs.  Steak.  Green Beans & Carrots.  Corn on the Cob in the summer months.  You love to swim.  You have no fear.  You love the beach.  You love Puzzles and Bedtime Stories.  Especially the Dora book.  You love painting.  Sidewalk Chalk.  Bubbles.  Most recently you love Dance class and your tutus.  It is normal for you to come down in a different tutu and leotard every day & night.  You love stockings.  Shoes, especially your high heels.  You love when Mommy puts make-up on you.  You love Christmas & Santa.  I actually had to explain to you today that your birthday is different from Christmas.  You receive gifts for both but Santa only brings you gifts at Christmas.  Mommy & Daddy and your friends bring you gifts on your birthday.  You are so incredibly cute.  Such a firecracker.  So kind and giving sometimes...and greedy other times.  Spunky.  The perfect mix of Mommy and Daddy.

Thank you for being you.  Thank you for making us parents.  Thank you for making us proud.  Thank you for making us smile & laugh each and every day.  Thank you for loving your baby brother in Mommy's belly.  Thank You for sleeping so well.

We love you so very much baby girl.  You mean the world to us.  Thank you for being ours.

Love,
Mommy & Daddy

Pregnancy Update

Since I hit the 6 month mark tomorrow I figured its time for a little pregnancy #2 update & picture.

Pregnancy: Currently 23 weeks 6 days

Weight Gain: I don't own a scale.  3 weeks ago I was up 11lbs. at the drs office.

Sleep: Ok.  Some nights my hips really ache and other nights they are fine.  This baby is a night-time mover though.  He had the hiccups last night at 3:30am.

Gender: BOY!

Names: We are 90% sure of his name.  When we decide the middle name for sure I'll announce it.

Feeling: Great!  Sinus Infection is gone and I'm feeling good.

Health: Very healthy.  Very hungry.

Movement: This boy likes to move in the morning and in the evenings for the most part.  Like I said above I think I felt hiccups for the first time last night at 3am.

Belly: If you ask me its big.  I'll have to dig out pictures of when I was pregnant with Jules to compare.

Next Appointment: Thursday, March, 1st.  Not excited to see how much I have gained this past month.  

Happy Monday!

Friday Brain Dump

• Today we took advantage of this beautiful weather we've been having and did a little Birthday photo shoot.  Hoping to have one or two good ones out of the 100+ I took.  Photo shoots with *almost* 3yr olds are tough.  
• My baby will be 3 next week.  My dad is 72 TODAY.  Crazy.  Time flies.
• Not sure if I've mentioned this before but Chad joined the gym.  He goes with his 17 yr old nephew 6 days a week.  I started taking pictures of him last week to document his weight loss and muscle tone.  I love me some nice arm muscles!
• I'm hoping to remember to ask Chad to take a picture of me tonight.  I have really been slacking on the belly shots.  I figure I should take some now while I'm still in the "awe you look so cute" stage of this pregnancy.  : )
• Of course Jules has been asking non-stop to go to dance class this week.  Dance class is closed this week due to President's Day weekend.  Poor thing.  
• Chad and I are going on an actual date tomorrow night.  I am so excited to get out and have a nice dinner with my husband.  We are going to one of our favorite Italian restaurants in Wildwood, NJ followed by drinks (for Chad) at the Pilot House where Dan Barry will be playing.  Should be a fun night.  Jules is also excited Mommy & Daddy are going out because that means she gets to go spend quality time with her favorite cousin turned baby-sitter Sydney.  It's a win-win!

Friday Brain Dump

• I woke up Monday with a sore throat.  That has since gone away and left me with what I can only imagine a bad Sinus Infection feels like.  It is sucking all the energy out of me.  I caved and called the obgyn yesterday to find out what I could take to ease the pain.  The worse side-effect I have during pregnancy is swollen sinuses....this is made ten times worse with a cold. 
• Tax time isn't all that fun when you own your own business.  It's almost a guarantee that we will not get a refund.  All we can hope for is that we paid enough to the IRS and won't owe anymore.  So while everyone else is using their tax money for nice tropical vacations we will be hoping our accountant works his magic and we end up owing nothing.  
• I ordered the cutest outfit for Jules 3rd Birthday Party from etsy.  I am currently hiding it from her because if I put it in her closet she will have it on in 2.2 seconds.  
• Jules is really into dressing up right now.  She comes down stairs at least once a day with a pair of stockings and a new tutu on.  I think I need to buy her a few princess dress up outfits for her birthday.
• I'm 21 weeks pregnant.  Saw the Dr. this Tuesday.  I've gained 11lbs so far.  That is actually less than I gained with Jules at 21 weeks which is great but the weight gain is harder for me to swallow this time around for some reason.  
• I'm taking another online course at the local community college this month.  It starts February 15th and will hopefully teach me a thing or two about Photoshop.  Photoshop is complicated but I'm determined to learn how to use it.
• I want to go on vacation.  
• I have only bought ONE thing for this baby.  Crazy.  Boy clothes are just not as appealing to me.  

Photo Collage of January

Since I've been a major slacker when it comes to this blog and posting pictures I figured a photo collage of the month of January would do.

Yesterday was so nice.  We went out and played for awhile.  I took a bunch of pictures.  Julianna actually asked me to take her picture which was a nice change.  Here are a few of my favorites blown up.

Okay so maybe that was more than just a few.

Ten on Tuesday

1. What’s your variety of apple?
I wish I knew the name of the Apples I have been buying recently.  I can't get enough of apples.  I crave apples.  I do like Granny Smith Apples also.  

2. Do you prefer Long-English or Field cucumbers?
I really don't know which is which???  I do like cucumbers.

3. Tomatoes – Delicious or disgusting?
Delicious!  Jersey Tomatoes are the absolute best.  Hands down.

4. What’s one fruit or vegetable that you can’t stand and why is that?
Squash.  It's just gross.

5. What’s your favourite way to prepare veggies? (Grilled, boiled, roasted, sautéed, etc.)
Sauteed in butter.

6. Sweet potato pie: Love it or hate it?
Hate Sweet Potatoes 

7. What’s your favourite “style” of French fry? Wedges, shoelace, curly, crinkle-cut or other?
I love curly fries or any thin cut french fry.

8. What’s your favourite fruit-pie filling?
Cherry.

9. When you were a kid did your parents make you sit at the table until all your veggies were eaten off your plate?
Oh yes.  I specifically remember having to sit at the table until I finished my Beef Stew.  The horrors.

10. Do you drink veggie & fruit juice blends (such as V8, etc.) or make them yourself?
I buy them for Julianna.  I'm not much of a juice drinker.

To see more Ten on Tuesday's Answers visit Chelsea

Friday Brain Dump

I decided I'd take part in Heir to Blair's first Friday Brain Dump.  I'm good at dropping random fact/incidents that have happened...not so good at posting every single day and writing in length.  At least I know my strengths right?!  Anyway here goes...and if you've never read anything from Beth Anne's blog you are truly missing out.

1.  I'll be 20 weeks on Tuesday!  Half baked!!!  My appetite is never ending...and it scares me.  I remember it being pretty huge with Jules but for some reason the threat of a significant weight gain didn't bother me the first time.  This time it scares the crap out of me.

2.  Jules and I have been going through some major power struggles recently.  Especially when it comes to nap time.  She is one stubborn little girl.  Stop laughing mom.  I actually downloaded a Toddler Help book this afternoon in hopes of gaining some insight.

3.  We are taking Jules to Chuck E. Cheese for the first time tomorrow.  I hear the place is CRAZY on the weekends.  Wish us luck.

4.  The weather here is finally beginning to feel like winter...I'm ready for a tropical vacation ASAP!  Too bad you couldn't pay me enough to sport a bathing suit right now.  Which is funny because I always thought I would be the one who would be totally fine in a bikini while pregnant.  Nope.  No Way, No How!

5.  Remember the pictures I posted of my first photo shoot that didn't involve my daughter?  Shannon posted some of her favorites to her FB page and has gotten such a great response from others.  People are actually asking her for my business card!!  Crazy.  Exciting!  Scary.  I love taking pictures and after finishing that photo shoot I knew in my gut it was what I wanted to do in the future.  I think its about time I start believing in myself and DO THIS.

What we've been up to

                                                               Visiting Daddy at work.

                    Listening to our favorite singer, Dan Barry at a cute little coffee shop in Cape May.

                                                                          Play-Doh!

                                                          Roxy being a freak as usual.

                                                                    Painting Daddy's toes!

Ten on Tuesday

1. What did you get for Christmas?
A new iMac Computer, Coach Purse, Perfume, a Watch, Makeup, new bed sheets, VS sweats and GC's to the nail salon.  I was spoiled as usual.

2. Have you taken down your Christmas decorations?
I just took them all down yesterday.  I took down the outside lights on Sunday since it was so warm here and I knew that weather wasn't going to last.  Smart thinking since its frigid here today.

3. What did you do for New Years Eve?
We went over to a friend's house.  Let the kids play till almost 11pm.  Chad and I actually stayed up and watched Lady Gaga perform and the ball drop.  We haven't done that in years.  I won't be letting my child stay up till 11pm anymore though.  She was a total nightmare the next day.  My girl needs her beauty rest.

4. Do you like accents?
I think Southern accents are cute.  Some I just can't understand though (Virginia accents make me scrunch my forehead in confusion 90% of the time.)

5. What kind of television do you have?
We have a 42" Plasma and I can't imagine having anything other than a flat screen in our house at this day & age.  Jules has a 22" LCD in her room and it's perfect for her.

6. Did you make any changes at the beginning of 2012?
Not really.  I do plan to be more organized this year.  I'm not working anymore which allows for absolutely no excuse for unorganization in my house & life.  I also want and NEED to be more thrifty.  Any extreme couponers out there?  I'd appreciate some pointers.  : )

7. What’s the last book you read and do you recommend it?
I have been on a Barbara Freethy kick lately.  I just finished Silent Run and before that Silent Fall.  I typically don't like back to back stories with the same characters but I really loved these two books.  A little romance and a lot of suspense.  Great books.  Read Silent Fall first and if you enjoy it read Silent Run.  I am currently reading the new Nicholas Sparks book, The Best of Me.  It's really good so far.

8. Do you stay current on celebrity gossip?
Not as much as I used to.  What's to keep up on?  Divorces and jail time?!  I do look at my TMZ app about once a week for interesting gossip.

9. Do you know the words to Bohemian Rhapsody? Gangstas Paradise? Fresh Prince of Bel-Air?

Bohemian Rhapsody:  No

Gangstas Paradise:  Most

Fresh Prince of Bel-Air:  Yes

10. What is your favorite educational television show?
Does the Food Network count?  Besides Food Network all I watch is 'Trash TV' aka Reality TV.