To Scan or Not to Scan... That is the Question

The new Advanced Imaging Technology has some people's feathers in a ruffle with the invasion on privacy. Me? In regards to "personal space" and invasion of privacy it really doesn't bother me.

But I do get a little skeptical with ANY type of technology and being pregnant... OK, you caught me I still use my cell phone regularly, BUT I try not to put my laptop directly on my lap or belly, and I definitely run and hide when the microwave is on.

You could argue both ways- TSA said it was safe and there are so many other "worse" things out there that my in-utero baby is exposed to OR you could said do you really want to risk that "one time"

So I think as I jump on the plane tomorrow I  think I might ask for the heavy duty pat down, who knows could be fun, haha! And if any woman or man thinks they are getting their hands between my bra and back; between my boobs, between my boobs and belly; and under my belly, I say go ahead... try.. GOOD LUCK cause I can't haha!!!!

Morning Fav

Trader Joe's Cheese Selection!

Trader Joe's has a really great cheese selection (at least at our local Ardmore Market). And they are really pretty reasonably priced as far as "nice" cheeses go.

They have the basics- cheddar, mozzarella, goat, havarti, gouda, etc. but then they also have these fun Stilton Blue Cheese's, and my personal fav, which I cannot remember the name!!

BUT MY FAV T.J. cheese is this softer cheese with cranberry in it! It is SO amazing on any type of cracker. I hate that I cannot remember the name, BUT you will recognize it right away, it's cut like the blue cheese (in a bigger triangular wedge), but it has pieces of cranberry in it to add a little flavor!

Quote of the Day

I stole this from a facebook friend, but I just thought it was too great not to share:

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. - Herm Albright

I really like this quote as I am firm believer that attitude is everything! It is really hard to be positive sometimes! And on the flip side I think a "not-so positive moment" is definitely  healthy every once in awhile. But let's be honest no one likes a full time complainer; it's exhausting and personally not very uplifting to be around! In certain situations I think it's better to really try and take a step back and see the positive side of things, which is really hard to do, but great practice! 

Now I fully recognize that I am not a "Positive Patty" or a "Happy Hannah" 24-7, but I really do try (even if it's in the privacy of my own home or giving myself a pep-talk.. yes that does happen often) to keep a positive attitude as much as I can! 

My sister in-law is a very positive person, so when she calls and says "OK I just need to vent for a minute" or something to that affect I tend to listen more clearly and take it more seriously because I know that she really needs to get it out!!! I love that!

 

Prejudice Parent?

I should probably keep this to myself, but it's just too "typical" to not share it with you!

So as I am in countdown mode with my final weeks (I just started my 3rd trimester)... I'm trying to go through my checklists, etc. to make sure I am not "forgetting" anything! Sign up for birthing class, check; Find a pediatrician, looking; Setting up nursery (slowly but surely), check!

After Baby comes I have a few short weeks (depending on the arrival date) with my little lover before I go back to coaching... yes it's a little crazy, BUT I truly love and want to do this and I think getting out for 2-3 hrs a day will be good for me, make me a better Mommy, and appreciate what I have to come home to!

This means finding a babysitter!! I'm going to wait until the New Year to go into full mode to find someone (or some people) as it's a little too soon now, but I don't wait too long as I don't want to find myself in a jam. So I found myself looking through "Sitter City"... plugged in all my important criteria:

Has a background check
Has experience with newborns/infants
Within a close radius
Has own transportation
Will come to my  house
Etc.

And then once I have narrowed my search to 1,300 "qualified" babysitters (haha) I noticed after a little while I was going  by their picture!!!! I mean I literally noticed my clicking pattern was on the "cute" profiles! Am I choosing a babysitter or a new bff? haha Oh Lordy!

Morning Fav

Morning  Fav: MORNING GLORY!

So I went to see Morning Glory, starring Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford, and Diane Keaton, last night. It was really cute! Not sure if it's my "motherly" instincts but Harrison Ford keeps getting more and more attractive! Very stunning for an "older" look... I think they call that distinguished!

It was a romantic comedy- that definitely had kept me laughing (and my face hidden behind my scarf at times). There was a little romance but nothing too sappy or over the top. But Rachel's love interest (Patrick Wilson?) is definitely sort a cute too.

The only "annoying" thing was Rachel's characters bangs getting in the way from time to time :)

Otherwise a cute movie to get out and see... if you feel like spending $11/pp!

2007 CT Triple Murder

WOW... watching the Today Show this morning and they did a segment on the Petit family (mom and 2 daughters; dad Dr. Petit survived) that was killed in Connecticut by Steven Hayes when he invaded their home.

First off, what a heinous crime. But what I think is interesting is how the jury decided to sentence him to death... i.e. giving him the death penalty vs. life in prison.

I don't feel strongly one way or another about the death penalty- I'm not strongly for nor against. But what's interesting is I bet the majority of the time these criminals probably feel "relieved" when they receive the death penalty vs. life in prison. In this particular case, Steven's attorney even said [Steven] is relieved that he received the death penalty and this is what he wanted.

I'm not saying this is the case, but you hear of this a lot- that the criminals feel relief... is this so that they don't have to live a life filled with regret and remorse (even they even are capable of those emotions). If so, do we give them "an easy way out"?

DIY- Kitchen Renovations

And let the games begin.............

OK so it is time, the kitchen renovations have begun... back to my other blog.. patience is a virtue, right??

I am so glad we are doing this before Baby comes! So far Kyle has done a great job on the demolition!

And the majority of our supplies are already in house:
1. New appliance.. CHECK
2. New Cabinets... CHECK

And all the other stuff is ordered and SUPPOSE to come in the timely fashion of when it should be installed and/or implemented!

As long as the kitchen is done BEFORE (and not one or two days hehe) Christmas I am good to go!!!

Here are a few pictures of the demolition:
(I'll upload the "Before's" so you can see the step-by-step process!)

Friday and Saturday afternoon Kyle tore down the cabinets, knocked down 1 wall, opened up another wall, tore up the floor, and still  managed to keep the house looking clean AND keeping our fridge and stove in tact for cooking and cleaning... IMPRESSIVE! 

Patience is a Virtue

OK so it's official I am now "cool" enough to go to the doctor every 2 weeks! Or maybe it's not about being "cool" as it is being in  my 3rd trimester! Gooooo ME and Bam Bam! haha!

Sorry I am in total baby-mode again! I just celebrated one of my bf's baby showers this past weekend and it was a blast! She got the greatest gifts, looked gorgeous- glowing from head to belly, to cute TB boots :), and was surrounded by friends and family who just wanted to dote on her every move!! Pregnancy looks great on her! She is in the two months stretch- yay! I love having someone right in front of me telling me "what I can expect" and not "what to do". It's so great  to have someone to go through this with! And each time I reach the spot she was telling me about- 12 week ultra sound, 20 week ultra sound, glucose test, upgrading to 2x/month check ups, I just feel so proud... like "part of the club"!

Baby furniture is due to arrive for both of us this week- how exciting!!!

I am just so in love with my baby I cannot wait to meet him/her!!! Like they always say.. "patience is a virtue"... "good things come to those who wait"..I know I know.. but in the words of Veruca Salt (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory).. "I WANT IT NOWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!"


I  just can't wait to...
1. See what child birth is all about (yes I am scared to bits)
2. See if it's a boy or girl
3. Try and breast feed
4. See Kyle's face when he finds out what it is
5. See Kyle hold him/her for the first time
6. Hold him/her for the first time
7. NAME him/her (OK baby COULD BE name-less for a few hours or days.. that is OK)
8. Hold Baby... did I already mention that???
9. Bring Baby home and just love him/her
10. Panic about am I doing things right from the day he/she is born until I die.. and then probably from above (fingers crossed) after that, haha!!!!

Another Fav

I'll  be honest..... the easiest and most reliable for me to answer your question: "What time is it?" is by clicking on my phone, BUT I'll 9 times out of 10 I'll have my watch (GORGEOUS gold Michael Kors) on!

A watch to me, and many others, is a solid accessory. Some like to rely on one and some like to  have a ton! I say.. to each their own!

If you are in the market for a fashionable, classic looking watch.... I say this is a great find:
Tortoise Style Watch:
1. http://www.michaelkors.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod7670003&parentId=cat7502&masterId=cat27111&index=36&cmCat=cat000000cat145cat27111cat7502

2. http://www.michaelkors.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod1620003&parentId=cat7502&masterId=cat27111&index=122&cmCat=cat000000cat145cat27111cat7502

3. Different but classy... http://www.michaelkors.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod9810005&parentId=cat7502&masterId=cat27111&index=35&cmCat=cat000000cat145cat27111cat7502

And of course MY FAV.. My Watch:
http://www.michaelkors.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod9810008&parentId=cat7502&masterId=cat27111&index=53&cmCat=cat000000cat145cat27111cat7502

Fashion Police

NOT NEEDED here!

I tend to think that my friends, for the most part, have a great sense of fashion! I love seeing, whether it is "dress up" or "down" attire, what they are going to show up in.. and MOST IMPORTANTLY  their accessories! I LOVE accessories, especially because it is truly something I "struggle" with!

My high school friends got together for a friend's baby shower (yay) this weekend and I couldn't help but notice the cute little accessory on her wrist..... I'm not sure what designer it exactly was, but I have had my eye on a similar style/replica for awhile now... they are just so classy!!

The thick LEATHER cuff

Some examples:
Hermes Cuff:
http://usa.hermes.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10202&catalogId=10052&langId=-1&categoryId=143572&leftCategoryId=128521&topCategoryId=127526&parentCategoryId=127565&productId=44967&nbItem=0

A few different options from my friends' fab blog "fthisorfthat":

http://fthisorfthat.blogspot.com/2010/09/wrap-me-now.html

Tory's Cuffs:

http://www.toryburch.com/designer-jewelry/designer-bracelets?viewall=Y

Morning Fav

Haven't done this in awhile....


This year I was on my "A" game when it came to my fall wardrobe.. I started early! But heck I was ready for fall clothes in July!!


I ordered these in July and they didn't come until the end of September, but it was just in time!


They are the UGG "Jillian" Riding boot (click on "Title" above to go to link) in Dark Chocolate! These boots are SO comfortable (all lined with the "Ugg wool"), stylish, supportive, and go with almost anything- dressing up or down!


Other Favs


Leather Boots: http://www.uggaustralia.com/ProductDetails.aspx?gID=w&productID=1921&model=Amberlee


Leather Short boots/ or "clog like" (in black) : http://www.uggaustralia.com/ProductDetails.aspx?gID=w&productID=1955&model=Lynnea

Pick Me Up

OK so we could all probably agree that it has gotten quite frigid this past week/weekend. It's so common to hear people complain or comment on the weather... all winter people tend to remark on how chilly and cold it is and they cannot wait for summer, but when summer roles around it ends up being, ironically, "too hot"!!!

I tend to like fall more and more each season that passes! I mean put me on a beach with a cold one in my hand (well not this past summer) and I'll take that ANY DAY!!!! But, there is just something so fun about dressing up in boots and matching (or not) scarves! I love popping in and out of the cold- it truly is a good pick me up! My morning walks have become less and less now that we have our new fence, but I truly enjoy my 10-minute walks around the block with Harley in the AM or mid-afternoon when I need a good "slap in the face"- that cold air and wind really is refreshing!

Nursery Now or Nursery Later?

THAT is the question!

So... as you probably may know we ordered our nursery furniture, yay! And I THOUGHT I was going to do the room a tan/khaki with some whites and possibly browns/chocolates/espresso here and there. I found cute bedding too!  But as the time gets closer I think that I would want something a little more geared toward a boy or girl when it comes to bedding, wall ensembles, etc. I mean I wouldn't go out of control, so now it's like well.... what colors do we do the walls so that it matches the possible bedding.

I THINK I'll pick out my bedding if it's a boy or a girl, grab a swatch, and then take it and see how well it matches our ideas for room colors. I mean NOT a bad "dilemma" to have!

De-Clutter

OK so how does one go about de-cluttering? Last night I watched a CSI episode where this woman hoarder had her house filled to the brim and dead people had been laying there for years and "no one knew" because there was so much crap!

OK yes that is a LITTLE :) extreme, but I have that feeling that I need to re-organize my belongings! I have been doing a really great job, thank you thank you, in the past year or so (thanks to my husband) about getting rid of clothes after each season that I don't wear or didn't really wear the year before! The TWO places that always suffer- our bedroom and my home office! But no matter what I do I just can't seem to get a system going. I've had "organizers" come in and help me set up systems that we THOUGHT would work and do temporarily, but never end up permanently working! It's so frustrating because those are two places it would be nice to have fresh and organized! Especially now that I am looking to add some nicer pieces into each room I really am examining what to put in there and now all I see is clothes or paper everywhere!

I just wish I could find a way... a system... and stick with it!

Morning Fav

I love it when I not only find something I love... but my friends too!

Today's find.... Trader Joe's Pumpkin Bread Mix. I made a box last night and ended up having it for dinner AND breakfast this AM. This AM I put a little whipped cream cheese on it AND also tried it with a little peanut butter (for some extra protein) and that was yummy too! Also very good with spray butter to moisten it up!

So I went back today and bought 5 more boxes-the woman behind me definitely gave me a "crazy face".

The thing I like about this bread (because I am usually a banana bread gal) is that you can make it so many different ways.

1. The normal way on the box- eggs, water, veggie oil
2. The "healthy way"- substituting apple sauce for veggie oil
3. The "moist" (yes I hate that word too) way- I added a tbsp of  butter (oh no what a sin haha) and for my 1 cup water I put 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup milk. I also baked at 325 vs. 350 to keep the outside a little less crispy.
4. The "Pumpkin Pumpkin" way- you cut down the oil and add in the pumpkin butter they sell there:
http://www.traderjoesfan.com/Trader_Joes/pumpkin_bread_mix_modification/details/

Advice Needed!

OK so today I am seeking out advice FROM Y-O-U! I'm not sure if this is a "relationship" kind of thing or a woman-man kind of thing.... BUT.... from my years of experience PEOPLE in general tend to take to ideas better when they are their own. This sounds quite obvious! I know I fall guilty under this category from time to time.

We have a saying in our family: "NHI" which stands for "Not His Idea", which speaks about a certain someone who tends to not "hear" what you have to say unless it is their idea. It doesn't happen on purpose it just is the way it happens.

I think as humans when we are really excited or upset about something it's hard to see the "other side" or take advice or changes to what we think in our minds, mostly because we feel so passionately about it!

BUT.. something that I have heard over and over again.... that most "men" tend take better to ideas when they feel it is their own and as women all we have to do is MAKE them THINK it is their idea.. Umm OK so how do I do this??? Reverse psychology?? haha!!

Has anyone out there experienced this or is really good at it? Any helpful insight is welcome :)

Where is this coming from?? Trying to be honest without too much detail... if you remember last week's "wonderful" post about coming up with baby names, etc. and how much fun it is... well the balloon popped yesterday afternoon, haha! Don't worry it's not completely deflated, just about 1/2 full. We were talking our baby names yesterday and our main list we both really like, BUT there is one boy's name apparently "loves" that makes me want to cry; and then he is not so fond of one of my favorite girl's names!

So he "suggests" (states) that HE gets to chose the boy's name and I can be in charge of the boy's  middle name and then vice versa if it is a girl. I have NO idea why but I tend to feel I am having a girl, BUT I don't associate either way because as most of us seems when you don't know.. you don't know! But I'll be darned if I am willing to risk  my child's name on a "hunch" or a feeling. Control freak much- umm YES! I think I admitted that years ago! But what I'm saying if there are a bunch of names we BOTH like.. let's stick with those vs. talking about names the other one doesn't care for!

However boys being boys and taunting... I almost proclaimed that I would be sowing up "open areas" and the baby will stay inside, possibly FOREVER, until a different name was chosen.. Yes clearly mature!

All ended well last night and with 4 months (yes you are preggo for 10 NOT 9 months) to go + when Bam Bam pops out, I know we will "just know" and everything will work out the way it is suppose to.

Oh Kids!!!

Big Decisions.... Fun Decisions

It's not often you get to say... in the same sentence... that making your bigger decisions can also be fun!

Well as my 3rd trimester approaches in Nov (scary!!!) we are making our list of final to do's: baby names, nursery- painting, ordering furniture, etc. Thank goodness for my husband making us start his summer and do everything little by little or else I would be a mess!!!

One of the things I have been working on is our baby's name... and no Baby's final name won't be "Bam Bam", that's just an in-utero nickname as the Grandma's were getting offended we kept calling him/her "IT"!

I really like writing out our favorite names- first, middle, and last to really see how it all sounds and looks! One of my friend's facebook'd me that her friend did something very similar, which it's really helpful! And.... FUN! We have about 5 names we like for EACH gender + different combination's with middle names. And I LOVE all of them... some more than others, so it will be fun to sit with Kyle and narrow them down over the next few months and then once Bam Bam pops out (healthy- fingers crossed) to take a look and see if he/she fits the name we want to give! You just never know!!!!!!!!!

Now in saying that.... I have learned what everyone said from the beginning... don't share your names because EVERYONE has an opinion AND you cannot PLEASE everyone (i.e. not everyone will like your name).... which I totally get now! Everyone has an opinion or a good or bad story of a name associated with someone they know (I do it all the time). BUT apparently now that I am with child, my skin has seemed to have gotten a little thicker vs. the emotional route, which I like (hopefully it's a permanent thing)!

My view is as long as we aren't setting our child up for a bullying or a beating because of his/her name or like the folks who named their Baby Hitler (true story I think he's like 3 or 4 now) then it is OUR choice! Those of you who have had children- you had your chance to name your baby and those of you who haven't... hopefully you will be blessed with that opportunity and then.... I will hopefully be supportive and keep my mouth shut (even if I think your name stinks hehe).

I'm not a "Jr." person and neither is Kyle.... so that eliminates that. And we tend to like "different" or maybe a little more uncommon names, so there will definitely be some "ugh's and ah's'" along the way. But for now I am OK as long as those around us shower our baby with love!!!

Morning Fav

"There's No Place Like Home"

It's funny how we all go through different phases of our lives... some we like to replay over and over again in our minds and others we wish we COULD forget!

I LOVE to travel... always have and always will! I was lucky enough that I was able to visit different places growing up- whether it was travel soccer or a family vacation I just LOVE it! Although I get all impatient and aggravated at other 'non experienced" travelers and rude encounters I LOVE traveling on a plane... the whole process about packing, going to the airport, checking in and within hours being at your final destination!

This past week I was in Panama for work and it truly was a great work week! I used to LOVE LOVE LOVE traveling to Panama and my trips (week long) always seemed to short- meeting to meeting; one amazing dinner after the next, entertaining clients and being entertained, dressing up for work, etc.! I was definitely impressed with my energy level this trip (higher than I thought for being preggo), BUT it just wasn't the same as it used to be. I kept wanting to be home and with my family. I couldn't get home to our house, my husband, my puppa, our friends, and fall weather quick enough! That's not to say I don't enjoy going down there.. it's just different this time round.... I really like being home here with my family and friends!

AND it was an additional bonus that Baby "Bam Bam" started kicking last week!!! And so I got to show Kyle this new milestone!

Belly Bump

OK so I didn't want to do this on facebook and I'm not sure there is a huge difference between doing it on my blog but I wanted to do a little time line of the baby growing! I am so lucky that I have had a wonderful experience so far. And I can only hope that going forward continues to be as "enjoyable" and amazing through the rest of my pregnancy, labor, and the baby's life! All we can wish for is a healthy, safe baby!!!

Here are a few pictures along the way! 

4 weeks...

 5 weeks...

10 weeks...

  

12 weeks... 

 13 weeks...

 

16 weeks...

18 weeks...

 20 weeks...

 

Morning Fav

Being Pregnant

I know are you so annoyed with me yet? Pregnancy DEFINITELY has its UPS and DOWNS trust me. I may not have experienced everything first hand but a lot of my closest friends have and I can tell you there are joys and triumphs and scares and horrors! The most that we can wish for is that "God" or whomever/whatever you believe in can help keep you and your baby healthy and safe!

Yesterday we had our big "halfway" ultrasound and it was so amazing! Now my sonograms didn't come out that great but the whole experience watching the screen as they try and get the measurements and little Babe to move around. He/She was sucking it's thumb with legs crossed. Watching the heart beat flutter rapidly, throwing a punch or a kick here and there. They now give you a 4D view of the baby where you can see features and that is FREAKY but neat at the same time. When you look at the positive and beautiful side, you just feel so blessed to be giving life! I keep looking at my pictures and realizing there is a HUMAN (hopefully haha) growing inside of me... literally! It is the craziest concept! I keep falling in love each time I look at the picture... getting more attached. Which makes me happier and more excited, but then freaks me out because I want more than anything for it to be healthy and safe!

With 5 more months to go (yes you are preggo for 10 months... not 9) so much can happen and you just hope and pray that everything goes as though "God" plans and everyone stays happy and healthy and safe!