Umbrella Shame

When we were living in Columbus, GA, I would shop at the local Publix (we lived off post), but even closer and more convenient for late night wine runs was a Piggly Wiggly. Now it wasn't in the best part of town, so D would always go and actually banned me from going myself after a few incidents he witnessed either in the store or it's parking lot. Let's be real. I wouldn't have gone anyways. I'm kind of a grocery store snob, and I'm not afraid to flaunt it. Give me a Wegman's, Trader Joe's, or Fresh Market? I'm in heaven.

Piggly Wiggly?

Not so much.

Anyways, all of that to say that one day D came home from the Piggly Wiggly with an umbrella he acquired. I can't remember if he actually spent money on it (I hope not) or if it was a giveaway or something, but basically we were the proud new owners of a large red and white umbrella with the Piggly Wiggly logo on the side. It stood out. It was loud and proud and extremely redneck looking.

Super redneck logo

 

It got a home in our hallway closet, hidden away, and was never used. Until this week, when it POURED for days and I discovered I had a toddler who freaks out and asks to change her clothes if she so happens to have one single drop of rain fall upon her dainty leggings...or shirt...or hand (in which case it turns into a boo boo). If her blanket or toys get wet in route to or from the car? I have to dry them off for her. She refuses to deal with them.

Awesome right?

In a panic on the way to school one morning I couldn't find any of our basic black umbrellas, so I rolled my eyes, reached for the redneck umbrella, and got us on our way. When G saw that pig logo on the side of our new umbrella, well she was smitten. I should have known. She now requests the umbrella come with us places and looks forward to the rain so that we have an excuse to use it. In fact, she prefers to hold it herself...which works for me, because generally I'm holding her. (Don't even ask about shoes getting wet.)

We look ridiculous. But if it keeps us dry and the mini me happy, who am I to fight it? Truthfully, I'm too tired and pregnant to fight much of anything these days. You should see the bribes being tossed around this house.

3 more weeks....3 more weeks. ;)

xo,
H

36 Weeks

February 20 - 26

The week of the plague. Ugh. I had a miz upper respiratory infection that basically led me to the ER on Friday to get seen before the weekend. Got a breathing treatment and zpack, along with mucinex and an inhaler. The weekend was a little stressful because I was still feeling pretty nasty and all the girls (my go to's for labor time!) were out of town. We made it through, relaxing and really not doing much and I woke up on Monday feeling much better than I have in a week or so...probably a combination of the meds finally kicking in and relief of knowing if anything were to go down, the A-Team is back in place. ;)

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Survey says...

How far along?: 36 weeks

Total weight gain/loss:  +.5. Right at 167 and a total gain of 29 lbs. With Grace I was at +38.5...almost 10 pounds heavier. No wonder I was so much more uncomfortable.

Maternity clothes?: Still a mix. I love that I am closer to being back in regular clothes and out of maternity things.

Sleep: Not bad now that I can breathe again. It was touch and go for a few days there. Hips are feeling a little more achy than usual in the morning.

Best moment of the week: Nothing too exciting this week...just making it through the weekend was a big goal.

Movement: Yes sir. I sort of love it.

Food Cravings: McD's Shamrock Shake, which I mentioned in my random post last week. Guess what? It was awesome. I haven't craved another one since, but that's about it as far as weird food things go this week.

Gender: Girl

Belly Button: About as flat/out as it can go. Not sure its going to be able to come back from this one.

Stretchmarks?: YES. I found one above my belly button ring hole. It was really light, almost like an old one that was coming back. I've basically been lubing my stomach non-stop and I don't see it anymore. Close call. ;)

What I miss: My baby daddy. Almost to the halfway point of this deployment...the first half has flown. Here's to hoping part 2 goes just as quickly.

What I am looking forward to: Wrapping up my to-do list, 37 week appt tomorrow, relaxing with weekly pedicures from now until D-day. Not kidding about that last one. D's treating too...he doesn't know yet, but he is...

Weekly Wisdom: Don't compare pregnancies (too much). It's sort of making me crazy that I have this timeline in my mind when it comes to how early Grace came and how her labor was, etc. My only "birth plan" is to relax, go with the flow...and get an epidural as soon as I feel like I need one. Other than that? No expectations.

Milestones: This is the last update I have to compare with G before she was born. G was born at 37 weeks, 2 days...which would be this Friday. I'm bargaining with Charlie to stay put until next week sometime. Watch her wait until like 40 weeks.

Grace's space: We had another successful nap in the big girl bed Saturday, but it only lasted 45 minutes. Sunday I had her just sleep in her crib because I needed more time than that for myself. Not too worried about the transition at this point. I also ordered a present from Charlie to Grace to have at the hospital for her visit. It's her own Bitty Baby by American Girl. I think she is going to love how "real" this one looks compared to some of her other dolls and there are tons of fun accessories we can build on in the future. Also bribing her to like her sister. No big deal.

Bitty Baby

Belly Pic:

36 Weeks with C:

Starting to feel ridiculous about all these selfies...

and 

 

36 Weeks with G:

xo,
H

Weekly Randoms

Randoms are basically all I can handle lately, other than my weekly posts. I don't have the patience, concentration, or time to do much more...plus my head feels basically as scattered as these posts. Enjoy.

• I got a bikini wax on Monday and I have to say, it was the best I've ever had done. Ladies-- do not let anyone use cloth or paper or whatever to wax you everrr again. Hard wax is the way to go. It was seriously so much better, less painful, and I'm totally going to go again before D gets back. TMI?

• My 36 week OB appt was yesterday. I am 1 cm dialated and the bambina's head is low. She is also still measuring a week ahead. Grow big girl, grow! I get to go weekly from here on out.

• Turns out Grace's favorite holiday is Valentine's Day. I should have expected this...I mean, candy, pink, and hearts? Basically a trifecta of holiday cheer for her. I have heard "Happy Baltine Day!" at least once a day since the actual holiday itself. She likes to say it before bed especially. Here is a video I sent to D. And yes, basically all we do after school is play on the couch because my pregnant ass is tired.

• My hospital bag is officially packed and ready to go! Hopefully all this preparedness will have Char Char staying put for a little longer, because you know how it goes...if I wasn't ready, she'd surely make her appearance immediately.

• I got my hair did today. Here is my inspiration pic...while I unfortunately do not look like Minka Kelly's twin sister, my hair does look way less trailor fabulous than it did this morning.

 

 

• I've never had one before, but randomly saw a picture of a McD's Shamrock Shake in a magazine today and now I'm craving it. Is it possible to crave something you've never tasted?

• Charlie's monogram for above her crib came in the mail earlier this week. I have one more coat of semi gloss to go, but it's looking great and I can't wait to hang it up!

• I'm so ready for tomorrow to be Friday, but I really wish I could fast forward through the weekend. (I know.) The next few don't have anything fun planned other than keeping things semi ready to go around here and running last minute errands. I feel like they just stand between me and another week moving forward. 

That's it. I'm seriously running out to get my shamrock shake on. I'll report back. ;)

xo,
H

35 Weeks

February 13 - 19

Under 30 days left to go until we hit our due date! I seriously doubt I make it until then-- and I'm probably jinxing myself by saying this, but I think she will be here in the next 2 weeks. (I'll be 36 weeks tomorrow.) I'm just feeling all of the same things I felt with Grace towards the end...LOTS of Braxton Hicks, discomfort, exhaustion, and I really do hope she hangs out for a little while longer, because as much as I can't wait to meet her, I do have some loose ends I'd like to wrap up first. Also, lets be real, I wouldn't mind her chunking up a bit more too...love me some chunky babies!

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Survey says...

How far along?: 35 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: +1.5, so 28.5 total. Actually pretty pleased with that after a 0 increase last week and my pizza binge (see more below) this weekend.

Maternity clothes?: Still a mix between regular workout stuff and definitely maternity jeans.

Sleep: Starting to get insomnia...I can't fall asleep until almost 11 most nights (which is late for me...lame, I know) and then wake up without fail at least once to pee and once around 4am just to lay and struggle to fall back asleep. I feel like my body is being prepped for the new normal.

Best moment of the week: I had a Sprinkle yesterday, given by my sweet group of girlfriends here in GA. We went downtown to The Tea Room in Savannah, had a great meal, followed by gourmet cupcakes-- so GOOD, and gifts. I decided sprinkles are awesome...I didn't register for anything because we have so much from Grace, so everything I got was fun and new for baby girl. My mom and some hometown friends sent gifts as well. It was incredibly sweet and the perfect way to get excited for our Charlie girl.

Gigi's Cupcakes...SO good.

Movement: Yes, slowing down...lots of lopsided belly time for me as she snuggles in and pushes her little booty out. **She is head down and facing my back, so I basically feel her back/butt against my stomach and her little feet tucked underneath. This is ideal positioning for labor, so I'll take booty bumps any day!

Food Cravings: PAPA JOHN's pizza. Like my life depended on it. I finally caved and ordered on Saturday. Between Grace and I we finished half a pizza. It was glorious and worth every.single.carb. I have never been so happy to eat something, ever. About an hour later I swore I was going into labor, but it turns out I just pissed off my stomach. Whoopsie. Clearly I have a problem, because we finished that pizza the following night. It was just as glorious.

Gender: Girl

Belly Button: Same flattie...belly button ring hole is looking pretty uncomfortable.

Stretchmarks?: No belly ones yet.

What I miss: Family being close by. I LOVE my friends here...but there is something to be said for having your fam within driving distance.

What I am looking forward to: Feeling "ready". I'm not there yet, but am getting close. I know that I can't time things, but I'm trying my best to have a set schedule of things to finish in the next week.

Weekly Wisdom: Make plans, have back-ups. All of my gf's are out of town this weekend-- which shouldn't be a problem as I'll still be under 37 weeks and I know it's early-- but making "just in case" plans is definitely the way to go...cause you know if I don't she'll decide it's GO time.

Milestones: Lots of contractions, Sprinkle, feeling signs of things progressing.

Grace's space: Grace is doing great and slept in her big girl bed for nap time this weekend! The key was to wait until she was reallyyyyy tired and carry her up to bed when she was like half asleep. I stayed with her and rubbed her back until she was out and then let her wake up in the bed and realize it that she did it! Every night since she has said she wants to lay in it...we read books...and then she chickens out when I go to turn the lights off and put her night light on. I think after a couple more naps this weekend, she will naturally decide she's ready. I can tell she wants to be.

Belly Pic:

35 Weeks with C

My skunk hair will be getting taken care of on Thursday.
I know you were worried.

and

 

35 Weeks with G

Big momma.

 

xo,
H

34 Week Picture & Things

Added a pic to yesterday's 34 week post...'thar she blows:

Actually 35 weeks, but who's counting?
(Me.)

 



Apologies for the low quality picture. I know you love the streaks on my mirror too. Just keepin' it real (and knowing if I didn't take one immediately that it wouldn't get done).

This morning got off to a fun start. An 8:00 am doctor appointment for Grace was on tap after the cough she's had for weeks just wouldn't let up. She's been junky, but feeling normal for the most part and with the crazy early Spring weather we've been having, even the advice nurse said it was probably allergies. Turns out we have our first case of Bronchitis, but homegirl is acting like a champ and hanging home with me today. She was actually really excited to go to the doctor's (thank YOU Doc McStuffins!) and getting a cheetah sticker was the icing on the cake.

Right now she's napping, I'm working, and happy she should be back in the swing of things here soon.

Some randoms:

Got G's letters finished while the girls were visiting this past weekend and hung them in her Big Girl Room...which is slowly coming along. I wanted them to extend over 2 walls, but I think the waviness might be too much with all of the different colors/textures. Thoughts? Should I re-hang them straight across like a border?

Her little bed looks sort of sad right now, like it needs a DIY headboard or something, right? I'll just add that to my list of things to do with all of my free time. ;)

In V-Day/Awesome Husband news, D surprised me with a new chain and pendant that has both of our girls initials on it. I love it so much and appreciate how thoughtful he's been throughout this whole deployment. Makes my hormonal heart swoon.

He called to check in on our girl earlier today since we haven't skyped in a couple of weeks and Grace was so excited to hear him on the phone. Almost as happy as he was to hear her little voice chirp, "Hi Dada. Miss you! Love you! See you soon!" When he left, she was seriously talking half as much as she is now. The strides she's made in the last just about 4 months are crazy. Now we just need to re-tackle potty training and the big girl bed...woof. Someone wanna come do it for me?

So that's what's up in our casa this week. Have two more busy days of work to get through this week and then onto next week's appointment frenzy, to include: taxes, bikini wax (wahhh.), sprinkle lunch with my lady friends, dentist, 36 week OB, hair...and whatever else decides to pop up. Basically Charlie is not allowed to make her debut for at least another week or so -- longer please. :)

Hope everyone is having a good week...lots to come!

xo,
H

34 Weeks

February 6 - 12

Tomorrow marks 35 weeks- and 35 days to go until my due date! There's a fun fact. We had our last pre-baby weekend of guests and now it's just onto wrapping up things around here to prep for Charlie's arrival. I have my hospital bag started, carseat installed, and am trying to stay on top of laundry and cleaning. Both G and I have had colds this past week and I'm trying to get everyone healthy and prepared for the next several weeks. I can't believe how quickly it still feels like things are moving. Not too much longer!

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Survey says...

How far along?: 34  weeks

Total weight gain/loss: +0. I was def a little bloated at last week's weigh in and was about a pound less for most of the week, but if we are going off of that number, I'm still right were I was last Tuesday at +27, sitting right at 165. I'm pretty thrilled that I have 5 weeks to go and should be able to top out right over +30. Not terrible. At this point with G I was up +34. Crazy to think I shouldn't gain that much in total this time.

Maternity clothes?: Still a mix between regular workout stuff and definately maternity jeans.

Sleep: Better now. Horrible earlier this week. But as of the last couple of nights I've only woken up once and actually had a deep, restful sleep.

Best moment of the week: Girls Weekend! Grace LOVED having the girls around and so did I. She's been talking about them ever since they left on Sunday and has added them to her prayers for the last couple of nights this week. Super cute.

Movement: Yes, slowing down, but getting increasingly uncomfortable.

Food Cravings: Nothing really right now. Blue chips and salsa were big last week.

Gender: Girl

Belly Button: Same flattie.

Stretchmarks?: No belly ones yet.

What I miss: Vino. One of my gf's had her own pregnancy news to share this weekend (YAY!) and we did a honey tasting at Savannah Bee Co. and joked that it was the pregnant lady version of wine tasting. ;)

What I am looking forward to: Finishing the girls' rooms.

Weekly Wisdom: Start talking about the baby and things that are happening or changing at home. G seems to be much more happy when she feels involved or like she is helping.

Milestones: We officially have two carseats in the car!

Grace's space: Grace is pretty talkative about baby stuff these days. She LOVES that the baby's carseat is next to her's and will tell you it's for the baby. She also adds "baby" to her prayers each night. What a good big sis.

Belly Pic:

34 Weeks with C:

 

and

34 Weeks with G

xo,
H

Weekly Randoms

• Yesterday I went into the office for the second time this year and was pleasantly surprised when some of the work pants I bought months after having Grace still semi fit! Obviously they couldn't be buttoned all the way up, but it felt good sliding on a pair of size 8's and realizing that my ending point in this pregnancy is at a much better place than last time.

• I also wore heels. That was a mistake I won't be making again anytime soon.

• Grace's new favorite phrases are "What's dat mama?" and "Hoo hoo dat mama?" Last night she saw my little H tattoo (on my lower right back...also known as "will be removed one day") and exclaimed, "What's that mama?!" I died...and then lied and told her I accidently drew on myself. #momfail

• I need groceries and it is pouring. Having an internal battle about running out in the rain.

• Put together Grace's old bouncy seat last night...and after this weekend I'll be installing a second carseat. If seeing two carseats isn't a reality check, I don't know what is.

• Are white blackout curtains an oxymoron? Just checking to see if anyone has a good recommendation before I pull the trigger on some and regret it.

• Girlfriend's Weekend starts tomorrow at 10:30am and I am super pumped to see these ladies:

I'm officially off for the weekend...check ya on Monday!

xo,
H

Prego Brain

I have it. I've mentioned it in previous posts with Grace...but here are two examples from yesterday alone that are just ridiculous:

1. I go upstairs to bring down sheets and towels from the guest room and Grace's crib sheet to wash. I also bring down a pee diaper to throw away.

An hour later when I go to move the wash to the dryer, aforementioned pee diap is IN the washer and has blown up like a balloon. Oopsie. (Don't worry guests...I deep cleaned that load a second time!)

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2. An email comes in confirming that I have a hair appointment this week. I freak out because I had booked one for later next week to ensure I don't get stuck with horrible roots in Charlie's newborn pictures. (What? Think about it.)

I call and politely accuse the hair place of messing up my appointment. Turns out they did book me for this week...AND next, because I had pre-booked at my last appointment and then called in and made another one without remembering.

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The moral of this story is, please forgive me for any sudden lapse in judgement or forgetfulness that occurs in the next year 6 weeks. I have an excuse. And she's a big one.

If you've never used your bump as a shelf, you're missing out.

xo,
H

33 Weeks

January 30 - February 5
 
Things are coming together and while I still need at least another 3-4 weeks to get everything wrapped up and myself mentally prepared, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I re-read my old posts and it seems like right around 34 weeks I hit the wall in terms of being ready for that pregnancy to be over. Since I don't really have the option to tap out and relax as much this time around, I'm hoping I can hang on another couple of weeks before things start getting really uncomfortable. Guess I don't have a choice, huh? Luckily, I'm feeling pretty good and am still pretty motivated to keep on keepin' on...especially with a fun weekend ahead!

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Survey says...

How far along?: 33 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Well, all week it was right around +1-1.5, but today I weighed in up 2.5 from last week. I'm blaming it on Super Bowl snacking and we'll see how things level out later this week. Any kind of salt (i.e. chips, etc) make me retain fluid like crazy. With G I was right around 30 lbs. Even with the 2.5 pound gain, I'm still below that at 27. Woof.

Maternity clothes?:  Yup, pretty much all except exercise clothes and pjs.

Sleep: Lots of wake ups, not terrible when I actually do sleep though.

Best moment of the week: My dad came into town last Thursday and stayed through Monday afternoon. It was great to get some things done around the house and catch up with him. Won't be too long until he's back again.

Movement: Yup. Still definitely head down and getting hiccups every night.

Food Cravings: PB and J sandwiches, Cereal, Green Tea.

Gender: Girl

Belly Button: Same flattie.

Stretchmarks?: None yet.

What I miss: Not too much. Still trucking along and feeling pretty good.

What I am looking forward to: Girl's Weekend! Can't wait to see 3 of my favorite people and have a relaxing and fun few days.

Weekly Wisdom: Etsy has some amazing shops for baby items like headbands, bows, or nursery decor. I have a few things I've ordered, like a "You are my Sunshine" sign and the adorable hat pictured below. I may or may not have a changing pad cover, some bows, and an awesome monogram for above the crib in the works as well...

Source

Milestones: Hmm...well, if I run this afternoon, I will have officially made it to my goal of running until 34 weeks (which starts tomorrow). I'm thinking I can push myself for a couple more. How's 36 sound? That being said. I haven't ran since last Wednesday...sooo, today might be interesting.

Grace's space: Grace has had a pretty good week, despite hanging on to a nasty cough that won't seem to let up. She loved helping my dad with some house projects, like building a bookshelf for her room and the baby's bassinet. She seems to understand that we were putting together the baby's "crib" and will go into my room and look at it every so often.

and I got a mirror...

Belly Pic:

33 Weeks with C:

and

33 Weeks with G:

xo,
H