Friday, July 27, 2012

awe shoot

DJ and I are doing a maternity photo shoot this weekend and I am having the worst time ever trying to find things to wear.  Now I know why certain women takes nude photos when they're pregnant.  It's because they can't find anything appropriate or flattering to go over the bump.  Have a good weekend and wish me luck, otherwise you'll all be suffering through some terribly awkward Demi Moore/Jessica Simpson style maternity photos.


Don't worry mama I'm not really planning on going nude, I'll probably find something to wear.


 Oh and the Olympics start tonight!  GO USA!

Thursday, July 26, 2012

what's in a name?

List of questions I am asked daily...
  • Are you expecting? (that's a dangerous one people)
  • How far along are you?
  • Is it a boy or a girl?
  • What are you naming him?
Let me just tell you all that we have not yet settled on a name for our little Baby Bloom.  It is a BIG debate in our house.  Talk about an enormous responsibility.  We have to name someone.  DJ and I both have some pretty strong opinions when it comes to his name and though we have pretty much been stuck deciding between two names, we just CANNOT decide.  To add to the debate a name that was previously vetoed by my darling hubby has been resurrected!!  I nearly crashed while driving when he told me that he like the idea of said name after all!  I'm treading lightly at the moment so that I don't scare him away from the name again.

see that extra little bump - it's a baby butt ;)
 No matter what we decide we are keeping the name a secret until our son is born.  This fact seems to get a lot of peoples panties in a bunch, but we thought it would be nice to keep one part of this experience a secret, so unbunch your panties and deal.  j/k ;)

Don't worry Baby Bloom will not forever be Baby Bloom.  Maybe we'll just have to wait and meet him to see what name suits him the best.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

a cuddle and a feeling

The night before DJ and I found out that we were having a boy I layed in bed so anxious to finally know whether this baby inside of me was a he or she.  I layed on my side with my little woogie bear, Bowie, curled up next to me and I just had this feeling wash over me that I was going to have a boy.  Up until that moment I truly believed that Baby Bloom was a girl.  Despite all of the internet signs that indicated that I would be having a boy (the line on my belly goes from the top to the bottom not just from my belly button down, chinese gender chart, etc)  I still thought it would be a girl.  But at that moment I could just picture this little furry boy that I was cuddling next to at that moment would be replaced with a much less furry baby boy in a few months.  It was a feeling of deja vu even though this is my first baby.  Get here soon Baby Bloom so that I can start cuddling you!

Monday, July 23, 2012

weekend inventory

Ok so there was a time when I first began telling people that I was pregnant that people would give me this pitiful look and tell me how sorry they were that I was going to be so pregnant during the warmest months of the year.  I scoffed and explained to them that I am a heat lover.  A sun worshipper, that would have absolutely no problems with the fever of summer. 

Ha!  Today I sit in my air conditioned home, that I arrived at in my air conditioned car, that I drove in away from my air conditioned office.  Pregnancy + heat and humidity = uncomfortable me.

Anyway, Friday was totally lame.  Take out dinner and a little catch up on the DVR.  Saturday hubs and I met my best and her man for the art fair in downtown Ann Arbor.  DJ and I bought a bunch of stuff we didn't need and then we all sat down to escape the heat at Ashley's.  They drank and I ate, per usual.




Sunday we went to a friends baby's baptism.  Miss Lucy Carlton is extra precious and she was "talking" through the whole thing which made Baby Bloom jump all around in my belly.  He must have a crush already just based on her singing voice.  (Or maybe it was the heat, but either way it was extra sweet)


Friday, July 20, 2012

the anatomy of a birth plan

I keep reading and hearing that I need to come up with some kind of a birth plan.  I have some opinions and I know everyone has theirs as well.  Trust me, I know.  However I just can't decide on a few things.



The main question I get asked is if I plan to use any type of pain intervention.  I know that people that believe in natural births are super serious about it.  It reminds me of how passionate people get about religion and politics.  However I personally don't have a strong opinion either way.  I have read a lot of material so it's not for lack of knowledge.  I just don't want to set myself up for a feeling of failure if I feel that I can't handle the pain.  I would love to say that I am 100% sure that I don't want an epidural or pain medication but if it comes down to it and I decide I need the relief I know that if my "plan" was to go au-natural I will be left feeling shameful that I compromised the plan and I don't want to put that kind of pressure on myself.  On the other hand it would be so awesome and I would feel like a superwoman if I didn't use any kind of pain relief.  At this point I am in the middle.  I know myself though and I know that if my choice is excruciating pain or less pain, the odds will be in favor of less. 

There are a few parts of the "birth plan" that I myself we have decided on.

  1. We have a waist-up agreement.  As in his eyes are going to remain on my top portions.  No eyes (besides the doctor and nurse) mirrors or cameras are to ever find their way below the waist thank you very much.
  2. I will not be leaving the house while in labor before I have taken a shower, blow dried my hair and done my make-up.  He knows this is not a joke.  If I'm going to be in pain I am not going to also look like I should be on the cover of Star magazine under the title "Stars With No Make-up!  What Were They Thinking?"
  3. If I do anything unsightly (like that thing that can happen when women are pushing and straining that should only happen in the confines of a restroom) or scream say anything awful, it shall not be mentioned after the fact.  Ever.
  4. We will be making a playlist of songs with "baby" in the title of chorus.  example: Hit Me Baby One More Time by Britney Spears

Those are the things we have worked out for delivery day.  Truthfully this is one of those lists/plans that I think is specific to each individual woman/couple.  It's a miracle and an incredible thing that happens to a woman giving birth so I think it should be entirely up to her and her partner to know what's right and what's best for their family.  I genuinely appreciate all the advice I get though and I like hearing others experiences.  I think it helps me to make my own decisions.  This is my first time being pregnant and everything is new to me.  Asking other mommys questions eases my worried mind about what's to come.  I don't have a past to base my decisions on just what I learn from my friends and what my gut tells me.  I just don't want to be judged for my own choices because I have no judgements when it comes to everyone else.  As long as Baby Bloom is born healthy I have no concerns with how he arrived.

TFIG by the way!  What are your weekend plans?  We are going to the art fair tomorrow afternoon followed by the new Batman movie at night!  We're super dorks about the Batman movies and we have been watching the old ones all week!  Have a good weekend!

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

reduce reuse recycle

My test is complete and since I didn't receive a call saying otherwise, I passed the glucose test!  Yay!  Baby Bloom and I chugged our orange sugar drink and bounced off the walls.  Baby Bloom took to the uterine walls literally and as the doctor attempted to listen to the heart beat he would kick the fetal dopplar away after a few seconds.  He was less than cooperative during his sugar rush.  Overall everything is still perfect though.  It's such a relief to hear that every month.

excuse DJ's horrible camera phone
After that we went to one of my favorite places to go for inspiration around our house, the recycle center in Ann Arbor.  I already have an affinity for shopping at thrift stores, garage sales and estate sales but the recycle center is different.  There are specific areas focused on books, wood, tiles, windows, doors, etc.  It's awesome.





A vintage treasure can absolutely make my day.  That saying that one man's trash is another man's treasure is extra true in our house.  We just take the time to restore or renew them to our style.  Yesterday I was hunting for empty picture frames for the nursery, but we spent quite a while looking through records, wood for a headboard and table project and stones to go around our pond.  Time flys when you're having fun I suppose.  Before I knew it we had been there a very long time and the heat was getting to me.  I almost agreed to a 30ft long church pew! 

school projection screen



we bought this and listen to it today...it's almost the whole movie...I'm in love
 We finished our treasure hunt with tacos at Moe's and spent the rest of the day watching old movies.  Heartburn and Parenthood if you were curious.

Monday, July 16, 2012

weekend inventory

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FRIENDS, MARIANNE AND ALEX ON THEIR GROWING FAMILY!  WE ARE SO HAPPY FOR YOU TWO OVER HERE!

We did it!  Well he did it.  The nursery is painted and it looks so cute!  I am so thankful that my husband brought my idea to life.  I'm going to post lots of photos when the whole thing is actually done, but in the mean time all you get is a sneak peak.


I did a little shopping this weekend, ate a lot of chocolate and popsicles, read my pregnancy books, went to a graduation party and watched lots of movies. 



Today I'm back to work unfortunately, but tomorrow I am off again.  Tomorrow is my dreaded glucose test and I am not looking forward to it.  I just want to "pass".  After this appointment I also begin going to see my doc every two weeks.  This pregnancy is sure flying by.  I am so ready to meet my little man.

Lucky for me hubby has the day off tomorrow also.  It's supposed to be really hot and we have to visit the ReUse Center after the doctors to get supplies for a little DIY project I have going on for the nursery.  It's going to be way easier with my strong man was there to carry everything.  To top it all off hubby is buying a new vehicle!  If he finds what he wants (something that can also accommodate Baby Bloom) we could be coming home tomorrow with a new car/truck/SUV.  No mini vans though.  We're firm on that ;) 

Friday, July 13, 2012

babies of the fur variety

Sir Bowie Stardust Bloomingburg * 2 years old / Bella Rue Bloomingburg * 3.5 years old

Have you ever seen such adorable faces?  These are the faces of my fur babies.  My extra sweet and understanding fur babies to be exact.  These two super stars certainly have a sense that there is a big change headed our way.  I can't remember, but I believe I already discussed how Bella has already taken to sleeping on the floor despite sleeping between her daddy and I since we got her almost 4 years ago.  It was so instant that she knew that I needed my space in the bed when we found out about Baby Bloom.  It's taken Bowie a little longer to realize something's up.  He still falls asleep in his bed next to ours and nudges me a few hours later until I lift up the blankets to let him crawl under and sleep between DJ and I.  He gets so frustrated with me already because I sleep with a pillow on my side (to rest the belly on) and he has to crawl closer to DJ or further towards our feet so that he can make sure he's cuddling both of us. 

It's making me feel increasingly bad.  I know they are pets but they are our first babies and I don't want them to feel any less love.  It sounds dumb and probably not on most people's list of worries when it comes to having a baby, but it's weighing on me a bit.  I've been reading online some ways to make the transition easier for the babies but I haven't found anything that seems extra special.  Has anyone else felt this way?  What did you do to make for a smooth transition?

What's everyone doing this weekend?  Art in the Park is going on in Downtown Plymouth so I'm sure we'll be walking around there on Sunday, but I am in need of some sun!  This Loreal Sublime self tanner only takes me so far.  Oh AND we are absolutely, 100%, getting the nursery painted!!  Happy Friday the 13th lovers!

Thursday, July 12, 2012

36 inches

LOOK at the adorable onesies from my brother-in-law and his fiance (they were visiting last week)!  I can't even.  I just can't handle the cuteness.



It's the home stretch!  Hello third trimester!  The baby shower invitations have been sent, the baby's closet is starting to fill up with adorable little outfits and my tummy has reached an extra large status.  36 inches to be exact!  GULP.



I finished What to Expect When You're Expecting and started to read What to Expect the First Year.  I took the advice of my ever wise manager whom just had a baby last year and started to read it now, before the baby is born, because according to her, there is a very little time to actually read it once the baby is born.  I am fas-ci-na-ted by everything there is to know/learn about a newborn.  Do you know how many colors their poop can be??  In all honesty I am loving reading about it though.  I've read What to Expect When You're Expecting multiple times already.  I kept reading a few months ahead and now I re-read my current month/week when it comes around.  I just really love knowing what's going on but more so what's to come. 

Lately there has been a lot of the following:

  • sore ribs - little Baby Bloom keeps his tootsies pressed firmly against my rib cage.  In the same spot every.single.day.
  • general aches and pains - I still refuse to give up my high heels which I'm sure is part of the back pain culprit but honestly it's just uncomfortable to carry so much weight up front. 
  • nesting - I spent the entire day yesterday (my day off) cleaning and organizing.  I scoured grout til it was pearly white, washed and scrubbed every single wall and bought a mother load of cleaning supplies.
  • movement - I can tell my little man is getting so big.  His every movement can be felt all over, plus for the most part I can tell his exact position.  My favorite is when he's facing the back and his little butt is right in the middle of my tummy, pushing it way way out.
  • swelling - DJ came home yesterday after I had gone nonstop since I woke up and asked me what was wrong with my feet.  Ha.  They were so swollen they looked deformed.  Super sexy.
  • leakage - yes colostrum has made an appearance.
I'm still feeling really good for the most part.  I way over did it yesterday with all the cleaning which left me feeling a little crummy, but other than that I am still feeling well enough to keep up on prenatal workouts, walking the dogs and light cleaning.  One thing I have really started slacking on is cooking.  I have always been the one to prepare our dinner and make DJ's lunches, but I just can't pick up the slack right now.  Sorry husband, but thank you very much for bringing me all my meals and beverages nowadays.

Friday, July 6, 2012

passion

I'm always so fascinated to here about couples that have been together or been married for years and years, even decades.  It's inspiring when two people can manage to stay devoted and in love despite life's natural ups and downs.  Seven years is not necessarily a mile stone but it's a heck of a lot longer than a lot of relationships manage to last.  We're now only three months away from our second wedding anniversary along with the birth of our son and it is so special to me that we are still passionate for one another. 

I always ask (something my mom does) couples that have been married for a very long time, what the secret is or what advice they can share about staying married for so long.  I have heard all kinds of reasons and I take it all in.  It's not always easy to follow (sometimes you just have to go to bed mad) but I imagine it wasn't always easy for them either.  The difference is that they remained devoted and in love despite the bumps in the road. 

To this day my husband can make me weak in the knees and laugh everyday.  Even when I'm at my lowest he still knows the way to make me smile.  I know he feels the same.  We still miss each other after a long day apart.

photo credit:  marianne worlow photography and I still love these pictures so much Mrs. Worlow!
He is simply the greatest and I hope we never lose our passion for one another.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

7 years

Seven years and seven months ago I met my husband.  It was very brief and and we were both dating other people at the time, but during the next seven months he repeatidly assured those around him that he was going to end up with me.  We only saw each other once in the next seven months, until  the week of the 4th of July.  I went on vacation with my now husband, his family and some friends to Torch Lake, Michigan and that was the beginning of the rest of my life.  I was only 19 and he was 24.  He pursued me with his ever charming personality and I fell in.  We fell in.

Time for a look back...







Happy anniversary my love.  You are the world to me.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

cool your jets

We're getting a pond in our backyard! The landscaping is slowly but surely happening, but it's happening in a big way. DJ has moved all the rocks from the gross rock garden that the former owner thought was so great ew and this week he started leveling, digging and making me jump for joy!

minus the rocks and before the pond
 To make things even better our tree is cut down! Oh, happy day for that sucker getting out of here! Our backyard grew another backyard this past week, I swear.  The dogs are happier than ever.  I think they will be disapointed when the whole thing is moved out of the yard and all cleaned up.




crazy excited!

On another note, it's HOT!

I'm such a heat lover.  Even in these 90 and 100 degree days I am in love with the weather.  Air conditioning helps obviously, but I am a big believer in a nice ice cold drink to cool off.  I found a fun drink on Pinterest called Magic Potion the other day and decided to try it out since the temperatures are out of control.

Magic Potion Ingredients:

Kool Aid mix (at least 2 of your favorite flavors)
Sugar
Sprite
Vodka (optional: not for me but the husband says it's the way to go for anyone of age and not knocked up)

You will also need ice cube trays :)

Mix your Kool Aid and pour into your ice cube trays.  If you have any extra just drink it straight while you wait for your cubes to freeze, because let's face it, Kool Aid is delicious.

Once your Kool Aid cubes are Kool Aid ice cubes drop a few into a glass and fill the rest of the glass with your Sprite (and vodka if you would like) and voila!  So simple and it tastes so yummy.



Enjoy your holiday, we're going to see some fireworks tonight! Hopefully it doesn't rain :(

Monday, July 2, 2012

weekend inventory

This weekend was such a good one.  Friday we got our grocery shopping done and out of the way, which meant that the rest of the weekend was focused on getting my pale skin some sun. 






We have spent more time in my mother-in-laws pool in the past two weeks than we probably have in the last few years.  It just feels so good to swim and soak up the sun.  Saturday we layed out all day and sat around afterwards eating lots of ripe watermelon that my MIL (mother-in-law) just bought.  We let the dogs run around, play and swim with my MIL's dogs, Ginger and Poochie.  By the time we got home everyone needed a nap.  After a much deserved nap we grabbed some cool drinks and lit a fire in the backyard.  Both of our neighbors were out of town so it felt very intimate for our little family just sitting around the fire.  Bella always wants to sit right next to DJ and I, but little Bowie loves to roam free in the backyard, making his own adventures.  (Plus I think he might have been a little frightened by the fire)  My older brother-in-law stopped by later on and it was nice to finally spend a little time with him while he's here visiting for a few weeks.  I even stayed awake until about 1am, which is a miracle for this preggita.






Sunday was more of the same.  Breakfast in bed, a very slow start and then back to my MIL.  We left the dogs at home this time because they were still so tired.  It was another really good day.  After sunning, the men grilled steaks for dinner.  DJ and I left afterwards to get some ice cream and go home to continue our House marathon in bed with each of our still exhausted fur babies.