tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88547510478697330402024-03-13T09:11:33.646-07:00Lu & Co.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489810210421045522noreply@blogger.comBlogger249125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854751047869733040.post-11285018971610899992015-10-05T14:44:00.001-07:002015-10-05T18:26:57.726-07:00Mommyhood Monday: First Month Baby Faves<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
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Hope everyone is having a good, albeit incredibly rainy, start to their week! I have to say that I am very much so looking forward to any sign of my bff, the sun! Being cooped up when you're finally ready to venture out <i>after </i>being cooped up was not exactly how we were hoping to spend our weekend! But, I will say that rainy, grey weekends make for the best family snuggles!<br />
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Speaking of snuggles, I can't believe that we've been snuggling with our sweet baby boy for 6 weeks now--whoa, time, slow down! I feel like this past week we really got to that sweet spot where we've come up for air and have found our groove, and it feels awesome!<br />
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Mommyhood is obviously now a huge part of my life, but I don't want my blog to go completely to one extreme. I'm aiming to try a little something called "Mommyhood Monday" that I devote to my musings on, you guessed it, mommyhood! I know when I was pregnant I scoured the blogosphere for any blog post I could find to help me prepare for being a mommy, and I find myself going back to those posts now that I'm in the thick of it. Now that I'm having my own experience with it, I'm ready to pay it forward and share my two cents in hopes that it might help someone out there! But really, I'm thinking it's going to be just as helpful for me use it as an outlet because, let's face it, motherhood is amazing, but it.is.hard. So, I'm excited to have my little Monday mommy-talk time for my own sanity, too!<br />
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Speaking of sanity, I wanted to kick off my Mommyhood Monday by sharing some of our absolute favorite baby items from Oliver's first month.<br />
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Without further ado...<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/first_month_baby_faves/set?.embedder=2626505&.src=share_desktop&.svc=blogger&id=178566169" target="_blank"><img alt="First Month Baby Faves" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/qVo3O9KcBe2Xb0IaerP3Fg/cid/178566169/id/pPOgUapr5RG-9U3MZFZllw/size/c600x477.jpg" height="477" title="First Month Baby Faves" width="600" /></a></div>
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<b><i>{For Swaddling}</i></b></div>
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Everyone raves about the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/aden-anais-Classic-Swaddle-Blanket/dp/B002SW3B0O">Aden & Anais swaddle blankets</a>, and there's a reason. That reason being that they are fabulous, comfy, cute, and all things good. I especially loved the <a href="https://www.honest.com/collective/organic-swaddles">ones</a> from the collaboration with the Honest Company for the sheer fact that came in extra fun patterns!</div>
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Runner up-- the <a href="http://modernburlap.com/collections/tots-kiddos">Modern Burlap</a> swaddle blankets. LOVE the black and white patterns, love that they're made from organic materials. Didn't find them quite as soft, though. But, they make for excellent backgrounds for baby photos. ;)</div>
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<b><i>{For Burping}</i></b><br />
We are big fans of the <a href="http://www.burtsbeesbaby.com/Bee-Essentials-Set-of-5-Burp-Cloths/LY10216-SKY-OS,en_US,pd.html">Burt's Bees burp cloths</a>, as well as the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/aden-anais-Organic-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B00E9J0UIK">Aden & Anais Organic Burp Cloth Bibs</a> and the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/green-sprouts-Brights-Organic-Muslin/dp/B00FLYT4WU">Green Sprouts Burp Cloth Bibs</a>. I like having the variety of the more traditional cloths, like the Burt's Bees, and the ones that are shaped like the A&A and Green Sprouts. Plus, I feel like you can never have too many burp cloths-- we have them <i>everywhere</i>!</div>
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<b><i>{For Daytime Napping & Lounging}</i></b><br />
When Oliver isn't in our arms or having floor/tummy time, he lives in either the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boppy-4300113K-2PK-Newborn-Lounger/dp/B00AIVNBN4">Boppy Newborn Lounger</a> or our <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NFETJLY?colid=123O3L8ALQBR8&coliid=I3KZ6Y4ZNO8SPD&redirect=true&ref_=br_it_dp_o_nS_ttl">Fisher Price swing</a>! It is so helpful to have options to safely place baby when you need to do things, you know, like pee! We had heard that babies are usually particular about what they like when it comes to swings/bouncers/etc., and Oliver proved to be no different! He did not really care for the Rock-N-Play and would only go in it if he had already fallen asleep in our arms. We've also borrowed some bouncers from friends, and he's still making his mind up about those.<br />
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<b><i>{For Nighttime Sleeping}</i></b><br />
After reading <a href="http://www.northcarolinacharm.com/2014/09/carolines-health-update.html">Christina's post</a>, we knew we 100% wanted to get some kind of movement monitor. We ended up going with the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Snuza-Hero-baby-movement-monitor/dp/B008OJ7C6Y">Snuza Hero</a> and have been super pleased with it! I forgot to include these in my polyvore, but another must-have for us were the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-Swaddleme-Organic-Adjustable/dp/B0033F7ZK2">Summer Infant Swaddle Wraps</a>-- anything to save time during nighttime diaper changes and feedings. Bonus-- you don't have to worry about loose blankets while your little one sleeps!</div>
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<b><i>{For Diapering}</i></b><br />
I've talked before about how we've been transitioning to a greener, cleaner lifestyle, so we knew we wanted to start out with the <a href="https://www.honest.com/baby/honest-diapers">Honest Company diapers</a> (with the hopes that we'd transition to cloth diapers down the road). We have been super pleased with these diapers, and again, it doesn't hurt that they have adorable patterns! Also, we quickly decided that we did not want to haul Oliver up the stairs every time he needed a diaper change, so we have loved having our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-Changing-Station-Chevron/dp/B00B7XUVOE/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1444090876&sr=1-1&keywords=skip+hop+pronto+changing+station">Skip Hop Pronto Changing Station</a> downstairs. Yes, we keep it super classy and throw an old bath towel down under this and change him on the couch! #winning<br />
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<b><i>{For Wearing}</i></b><br />
I am obsessed with <a href="http://www.hm.com/us/products/kids/newborn">H&M's baby clothing</a> because it meets my 2 biggest criteria-- 1.) super reasonably priced (think Old Navy prices or better!) and 2.) the clothing is super hip and fashion-forward. What makes me all caps OBSESSED with H&M's baby clothing is that many of their items are part of their "<a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/33618?article=33618-A">Conscious Collection</a>" and made with organic cotton blend, while still maintaining that amazing price point. Win, win, win!<br />
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For basics, we've also really loved <a href="http://www.burtsbeesbaby.com/">Burt's Bees</a> pieces! They had a major sale this summer, and we were able to stock up on lots of good staples for Oliver!<br />
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And, I don't know about other babies, but Oliver's nails grow so fast and can get sharp, so we've been really thankful for the <a href="http://www.burtsbeesbaby.com/Bee-Essential-Mitts/LY90018-SKY-OS,en_US,pd.html?start=2&q=mittens">baby mittens</a> to help keep him from scratching his face and me (when he's feeding!). I know some mommas warned that they fall off, which did happen a little in the first few days, but after that, they've stayed on just fine!<br />
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<b><i>{For Bath Time}</i></b><br />
<a href="http://www.burtsbeesbaby.com/Cozy-Little-Bath-Time-Bundle/LY23111-SKY-OS,en_US,pd.html?start=2&q=hooded%20towel">Hooded towels</a> (we like the Burt's Bees ones) have been a must! Oliver will immediately stop crying as soon as he gets snuggled up in one of those babies! Also, not pictured above, are my all-time favorite wash cloths for baby-- the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Brooklyn-Bamboo-Washcloth-Sustainable-Washcloths/dp/B00LYCR718/ref=sr_1_4?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1444092134&sr=1-4&keywords=bamboo+baby+washcloths">Brooklyn Bamboo Baby Washcloths</a> are the softest, most amazing feeling things ever! I want to steal them for myself! </div>
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<b><i>{For Feeding & Feeding Accessories}</i></b><br />
I can't believe I forgot to include the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Brest-Friend-Original-Fireworks/dp/B003TSDMH8/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1444092685&sr=1-2-fkmr0&keywords=my+brestfiend">My Brestfriend</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boppy-Nursing-Pillow-Positioner-Naked/dp/B000KW5I6E/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1444092713&sr=1-1&keywords=boppy">Boppy</a> above! My bad! At first, I was having trouble with the Boppy and ended up buying the Brestfriend within the first 48 hours of being home from the hospital. Now, I've gotten the hang of both and use my Brestfriend upstairs and the Boppy downstairs. Overall, I think the Brestfriend is the better buy for just feeding, but I think the Boppy is also worth having because you can use it for feeding, and baby can lounge on it or rest your arms on it while holding baby! Plus, I know the Boppy has other uses down the road, so I don't even feel bad about having both!<br />
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Also, we're glad the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boon-Lawn-Countertop-Drying-Green/dp/B004OR1DTC/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1444092847&sr=1-1&keywords=boon+drying+rack+lawn">Boon Drying Rack Lawn</a> lived up to the hype! Early on I was having to supplement with formula (enter bottles and nipples galore), as well as pump (hello, nipple shields and pump parts), so thank goodness we had that drying rack to keep up with all of those little parts!<br />
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I also, have to give a shoutout to the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lifefactory-Glass-Bottle-Silicone-Sleeve/dp/B00EN0OOQY/ref=sr_1_9?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1444093213&sr=1-9&keywords=life+factory+baby+bottles">Life Factory</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Browns-Glass-Bottle-Ounce/dp/B00JGGCFNE/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1444093366&sr=1-2&keywords=dr.+brown%27s+glass+bottles">Dr. Brown's</a> glass bottles. We wanted to give glass bottles a try but were nervous about the fact that they'd, obviously, be breakable! These have both been amazing, and we love that they have the silicone sleeve options for extra protection! The Life Factory ones are like the "Lululemon" of bottles--fancy and pricier than the others (but if you put them on your registry, someone might just buy them for you and make your day--thanks Kelly and Anna!)<br />
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So, there you have it-- Our First Month Baby Faves!<br />
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And, hey, it's never too early to start thinking about baby #2, so what First Month Faves am I missing!?<br />
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(Ok, I lied...up until 2 weeks ago it was still #toosoon to even consider going through labor again! Having a cute baby to love on definitely helps you forget the not so fun parts!)</div>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489810210421045522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854751047869733040.post-8410290412524163342015-09-26T11:13:00.001-07:002015-09-26T11:13:54.570-07:00Oliver- {One Month}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wM2uBMwbr8w/VgXpplEhxWI/AAAAAAAAF8c/TeJypXg_UcY/s1600/Oliver%2B1%2BMo%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wM2uBMwbr8w/VgXpplEhxWI/AAAAAAAAF8c/TeJypXg_UcY/s640/Oliver%2B1%2BMo%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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9.22.15</div>
Dear Oliver,<br />
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You are one month old today, and we can't believe how quickly time is flying! Mommy might have shed a few tears leading up to today. You will never know how much you have blessed our lives, and even though this has been a tiring month, it has been the best month of our lives! Being your parents is the most fulfilling adventure we've ever embarked on, and we are so in love with you!<br />
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Your daddy and I are just enamored with you, and I can't even count the number of times we've just looked at each and said things like, "I can't believe he's here" or "I just love him so much" or "He's so precious." You are so cute, and we could just eat you up! You make the sweetest little noises and have some of the most precious facial expressions and movements. I love the way you stretch and push your little booty out when you're done feeding. And, you do an incredibly precious duck face. You also do have an "I'm unimpressed" face, and some funny ones, like your "poop face". I seriously wish I could just capture all of this on video or in pictures because I never want to forget anything about you during this most sweet time.<br />
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You were 9 lbs. 4 oz. when you were born, but you lost weight in the hospital (down to 8 lbs., 6 oz). We worked super hard trying to get you back to birth weight, with a combination of breastfeeding, formula supplements, and pumped milk supplements. But don't you worry, you have certainly made up for that lost weight--and then some! You gained 10 oz. during your second week, and we were officially able to stop supplementing with formula-- just breastmilk for you now! At your one month appointment today you weighed 11 lbs. 9 oz (89th percentile!)-- holy smokes! I think we are all getting our arm workouts in lifting and holding you all day! You've also grown 1.5 inches since you were born, now measuring 23 inches (97th percentile!), and boy, your head-- soooo big-- 93rd percentile for head circumference! It's a good thing we didn't buy too many newborn clothes because you could only wear those for a hot second! We were worried you wouldn't even be able to use up the 2 packs of newborn diapers we had for you!<br />
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Baby boy, you are also so strong! You started holding your head up for a few seconds at a time around week 2, and every day we've noticed you holding it up longer and longer! You enjoy floor time (although you usually just stare at the ceiling or anything but the fun play gym we have for you!), and you are trying SO hard to roll over! Just a few days before 4 weeks you did roll over from tummy to back, and we were super excited to cheer you on! We know it's just a matter of time before you're rolling over from back to tummy! It's so cute to watch you try, and your daddy and I have to restrain ourselves from jumping in when you start to get frustrated!<br />
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You've been a great sleeper from the start, and we are so grateful for that! You take little 2-3 hour naps in the day, which is a nice time for us to catch up on things around the house and sometimes on sleep for ourselves! We used to have to wake you every 2-3 hours to feed at night, which usually meant we were up about 1-2 times during prime sleep hours, but now you're sleeping for longer chunks of time at night (and we were told we no longer <i>had</i> to wake you to feed between 12-6am), and we appreciate it so much! You love your <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B006YNM5DC?colid=123O3L8ALQBR8&coliid=I3TUPXTSAU5WJH&redirect=true&ref_=br_it_dp_o_nS_ttl&vs=1">Swaddleme infant wrap</a> for nighttime sleeping, and you look like the most precious burrito baby when you have that on! You've been sleeping in the bassinet part of our pack-n-play right beside us, and make lots of precious baby sighs all night long. During the day your favorite place to nap is in the swing! The funny thing is that at night you are so great at self-soothing to sleep, but during the day, you absolutely (for themost part!) will not tolerate being put down in the swing, the rock-n-play, or the bouncer unless you are already asleep! It's OK though, because we love snuggling with you, especially when you fall asleep on our chests!<br />
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You're still making up your mind about bath time. Sometimes you're not having it, and you scream the whole time. Other times you're pretty chill and don't put up a fight. You absolutely love being snuggled up in your hooded bath towels afterwards, though!<br />
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You mostly only cry for four reasons-- when you're hungry, are having gas pains, need a diaper change, or are fighting sleep (which happens mostly during what we call your "witching hour" from 3-6pm). Somewhere around week two you did at least realize that getting a fresh diaper was a good thing and you stopped the tear fest during the diaper changes! When you're fighting sleep we have a number of tricks up our sleeves, but our last resorts are walking you up and down the stairs (which you love!) or putting you in the car-seat and either taking you for a walk or, as daddy has done a few times, just pushing the stroller around the downstairs! Car rides are also a full-proof way to help you get your snooze on, but we have not yet had to resort to taking you for a ride in the middle of the night--although daddy would secretly love this because he'd try to sneak in a trip to Waffle House with you!<br />
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For the most part you are a super chill baby! You've loved hanging out in your swing and your Boppy lounger. But, you really are happiest being held, which we are all happy to do! We've tried reading some books, but you'd rather just stare at the ceiling-- you are so fascinated by whatever it is up there that you like to look at! You also love looking at the photos on the wall in mommy and daddy's room!<br />
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We've gotten to go on a few outings, although they've mostly been to doctor's appointments. We did take a trip to Old Navy, Best Buy, and Target when you were 3 weeks old, and you were a rock-star and slept the whole time! Don't worry, month 2 is going to be full of many fun outings now that mommy is feeling so much better!<br />
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Finally, you've gotten to meet so many family members and friends this month and have been quite the host to lots of visitors! You are so, so loved!<br />
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And now for pictures galore...<br />
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We love you sweet, baby boy!<br />
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Love,<br />
Mommy & DaddyLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489810210421045522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854751047869733040.post-810241734731352552015-09-24T19:34:00.001-07:002015-09-24T19:41:43.558-07:00Oliver's Birth Story- Part 2!I'm finally back with part 2 of Oliver's birth story-- finding time to blog with a newborn has proven quite the challenge--props to all of you mommas out there who manage to do this in a timely manner ;)<br />
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Let's see, where did we leave off in <a href="http://lifeoflu-lu.blogspot.com/2015/09/olivers-birth-story-part-1.html">part 1</a>!?<br />
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My water had, to our surprise, broken naturally around 1am, and they started me on the Pitocin not too long after! I was able to sleep for a little bit until around 3:30am when the pain got to the point where I asked for pain meds to help with contractions...#noshame. Clearly, I was not going to be one of those supermoms who can labor without anything to help in the pain department! The meds knocked me out, and I was able to sleep until around 7:45am, when my mom arrived (with breakfast for Kyle...at least someone got to eat their promised breakfast!). Shortly after, my contractions really started to pick up, but I wasn't 4cm dilated, so I couldn't get the epidural just yet, which was not welcomed news considering the Pitocin made my contractions really painful, even with the pain meds.<br />
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Luckily, around 9:50am I was finally ready for the epidural. I always thought that I would at least try to wait until the very last second to get the epidural (and maybe even hoped that I would be able to deliver without having to get one!), but let me just tell you-- it was the best decision I ever made! I instantly felt so much better, and I was able to enjoy some labor-approved food--a popsicle, some beef broth, and some applesauce, courtesy of the "Coaches Corner" (which was a place where your peeps, aka the "Coaches" could go to get things needed to help make your labor as pleasant as possible!). And, I'm pretty sure within 10 seconds of eating I was fast asleep. I do think I remember seeing another very flattering snapchat that Kyle sent me right when I first dozed off--mouth open and everything. Remind me that next time I deliver I would like to hide his phone and revoke all camera privileges during the labor portion!<br />
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The rest of that morning and afternoon seemed to go by quickly--at least from Kyle's perspective since I don't remember much at all! We got into a nice little routine of rotating from side to side (since they didn't want me sleeping on my back with the epidural) as I continued to doze while Kyle and mom kept a close eye on the monitor to watch my contractions (since I couldn't feel them...thank you modern medicine!).<br />
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Late afternoon the epidural started to wear off, and I was experiencing excruciating pain in my back as Oliver was pushing down on my sciatic nerve. Honestly, I feel like I've had some experience with pain before and this pain was on a different level. Poor Kyle and my mom were killing their arms trying to fan me with each wave of pain, and I finally begged for an update to my epidural, which they administered around 4:45pm. I have to brag on the anesthesiologists at my hospital-- other than the first shot of the epidural I was sobbing when they entered my room, and all three of them were so incredibly kind and encouraging!<br />
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As soon as the epidural top-off started kicking in I felt so much better and the back-pain was miraculously gone. I was told that I was 7cm dilated, and I remember Kyle, mom, and me excitedly thinking that Oliver would be here by that evening at the rate I was moving! We tossed around guesses-- maybe 9pm, 10pm by the latest!<br />
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Spoiler alert--we were all wrong!<br />
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And guess what came back-- the terrible, terrible back pain-- followed by sobbing and begging the nurse for another top off of the epidural, which I got!<br />
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Which seemed to be the theme of the night-- back pain, epidural, amazing relief for about an hour/hour & a half. repeat. It was miserable until it wasn't. And then it was again!<br />
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The next thing we remember was getting checked and being told that we were 9cm and plus 1 (which has to do with where the baby's head is), which was just shy of the 10 cm and plus 2, which is what they want you to be when you are ready to start pushing.<br />
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Meanwhile, all of our family had started to trickle in and were starting their own little party in the waiting room! Kyle's parents, his brother, and his brother's girlfriend, as well as my dad, grandparents, brother, and sister-in-law were all there!<br />
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Around 11:30pm I had met the 10cm, but was still plus 1, so Dr. Schenkman decided that I could do some practice pushes, which ended up really working! It did take me a little while to get the hang of it, but I was able to get to a plus 2, so I could start the real pushing!<br />
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But first, more back pain! Followed by, you guessed it, another top-off of the epidural. ;)<br />
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The surprising part was that the contractions were hardly an issue for me and were totally doable for me to labor through, but the back pain was a different story. I could tell a huge difference (and so could Dr. Schenkman) when I tried to push while having the back pain versus when I pushed without the back pain. While these tops offs of the epidural were doing wonders for pain relief, it really took a toll on my labor progression, and my contractions slowed back down to 5 minutes apart. But, because it was so clear the difference the epidural top-offs made for me as far as pushing, they kept allowing me to get them (even though I think they normally would discourage getting so many!).<br />
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I had my last epidural top-off and was ready to do the final round of pushing started a little before 2:30am. Because of how long it was taking and because we were afraid the back pain would come back again (and I was so exhausted) they decided to use a vacuum.<br />
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The hospital's procedure for vacuums called for a team from the NICU to be present to examine the babies right after they are delivered. Which meant that I now had about 9 other people in the room. And just imagine, the awkward silence and avoidance of eyes as we waited the 5 minutes between contractions for me to push and Dr. S to use the vacuum. But, at that point, I was too tired to care.<br />
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The rest of my delivery story gets a little too intense to go into a lot of details-- and trust me, I think those 30 or so minutes, it is safe to say, will be engrained in Kyle and my's memories forever (so no need to document!).<br />
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I will say that the vacuum popped off twice and since you can only use the vacuum 3 times, Dr. S decided not to try a 3rd time, and I finally was able to push enough to deliver our precious baby boy at 3:03am after over 3 hours of pushing and 31 hours of labor altogether! I could not have done it without my two amazing "coaches"-- Kyle and my mom. They were truly such rockstars!<br />
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Words will never be able to capture the relief and joy we felt seeing Oliver for the first time and knowing that he was finally here! I just kept saying over and over again, "I did it, I did it" and Kyle and my mom and I were just a tearful mess as Kyle cut the cord.<br />
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Oliver had to be handed over to the NICU team right away, and I wanted Kyle to be with him while they checked him out, and my mom stayed with me. Poor little guy had cuts on his head (and a cone head!) from the vacuum but luckily was fine otherwise and was able to come do a little skin-to-skin time with me. This was a moment I had dreamt about for the longest time, and it makes me so sad that I don't remember more about it as I was just in a daze because I had lost a lot of blood (4 units...in normal deliveries you lose about 1 unit). Kyle says that he remembers me being in a lot of pain but then instantly just smiling when they put him in my arms. I didn't get to hold him for long because of the condition I was in, but I am so grateful to the doctors and nurses who recognized the importance of this moment and let us have it for the brief time that they felt comfortable allowing.<br />
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Kyle was able to go out to tell our families, who amazingly had all stuck it out and were still at the hospital. I know that was such a special moment for him, proud new father and all (and I wish I could have been a fly on the wall to see it!). Luckily, my sister-in-law, Hanna, made the most precious video, which captured a lot of their time in the waiting room and also the moment when Kyle came to share the good news!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kyle showing my grandparents a picture of Oliver!</td></tr>
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Unfortunately, , the nurses advised us not to have family come in the room to meet Oliver. I was so bummed because they had waited SO long, and I was so anxious to see them. But, I knew it was the best decision since I had a team of nurses all around me who were doing all kinds of fun things, like forcing an oxygen mask on me (which seriously terrifies me) and trying to draw blood--not happening after losing so much!<br />
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They did let Kyle's dad come into a little room off to the side of ours to briefly meet Oliver since he had to leave town. <br />
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I don't know what time we were finally all cleared to be left alone to get some sleep. But I do remember feeling shocked and all like "say what-- I just labored for 31 hours and you want us to NOT SLEEP some more" when the nurses said that one of us would need to be awake watching Oliver for the whole rest of the night (slash really it was morning). Obviously we wanted our sweet boy by our sides but thought maybe the nurses would come and check on him-- #naive. Luckily, Kyle's mom offered to stay awake in the room to keep an eye on Oliver and let Kyle, my mom, and me sleep-- for all of like 2 hours before the nurses came in to move us to a different room!<br />
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Everyone else came back to the hospital later day to meet Oliver, and what joy there was in the room as baby boy was passed around from family member to family member! <i>Oliver, everyone was so in love with you!</i><br />
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The rest of our hospital stay wasn't exactly fun-- jaundice for Oliver, blood transfusion for me, too much weight lost for Oliver, and PUPPS rash for me. But, we were blessed with the most amazing staff who took such great care of us and were so incredibly supportive. Not to mention, our families were amazing during those days-- someone was staying at the hospital with us practically at all times to help us be able to get some sleep or bring food. Even though our circumstances weren't exactly ideal and had been scary at times, I think we both knew how incredibly lucky we were that what we were dealing with was temporary and surmountable. Oliver spent one day under the blue light to help with his jaundice and needed continued exposure to sunlight over the next week. I would need time, tons of rest, (and lots of iron!) to regain my strength and energy levels. But, we were going to be just fine!<br />
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<i>Thank you, Lord, for watching over Oliver and me as I brought him into the world! Thank you for this beautiful baby boy you have blessed us with. Thank you for surrounding us with people who love and support us and who do the same for our son. Thank you for helping me to trust in your plan!</i><br />
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<i>Oliver, the day you were born is the most special day of our lives. There is no way for us to describe just how much we love you! We are so blessed to be your parents!</i><br />
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Here is the video Hanna made-- she did an amazing job capturing so many special moments, and Kyle and I cry every time we watch it!<br />
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489810210421045522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854751047869733040.post-40568173650245239052015-09-13T17:26:00.005-07:002015-09-13T17:57:28.283-07:00Oliver's Birth Story- Part 1I don't know whether to chalk it up to irony that our precious Oliver arrived a week late, considering all pregnancy long we were told how likely it was that I'd deliver early, or payback for the fact that my stubborn husband made his own grand entrance into the world TWO weeks late.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Past 40 weeks! Last belly pic!</td></tr>
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Needless to say, when our due date came and went we were shocked, especially considering I was having absolutely NO signs of labor. In fact, other than major swelling in my feet and ankles (praise be for it being summer, since flip flops were the only shoes fitting!) and very, very light cramping for a hot second, I felt great (and by "great" I mean "great for being super pregnant") all the way through us starting the induction process!<br />
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My parents had come up the weekend of Oliver's due date, and we had the best time drinking chocolate milkshakes, playing Mille Borne (a card game they used to play when they were newlyweds!), and speculating if "today" would be the day that I went into labor. #falsehope<br />
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My dad left that Sunday, and we just knew I was going to go into labor the second he arrived back in Wilmington--but, oh no, Oliver had his own little schedule and all of our guesses about when he'd make his debut were wrong!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where are you, Oliver!?</td></tr>
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We at least knew that if Oliver didn't want to come on his own that we would go back to the doctor the Thursday after his due date (Aug. 20th) to check back in and schedule an induction, which could be for that night, or a night that weekend, just depending on the how many other deliveries were taking place.<br />
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One thing that was weighing on my heart all during this time was a devastating loss that my second-cousin had the week before. She was due with her first baby, a baby girl, a week or two before me, and they ended up losing their baby and having to deliver her still-born. My heart broke in a million pieces for them, and even though Kyle and I had the conversation about how for my sake, I almost needed to "numb" myself to their situation to get through Oliver's birth and to try to save my grieving for them until after he came, I just couldn't get it off of my mind. I know the pain of miscarriage--I couldn't (and still can't) fathom the pain of losing a baby at full-term. My anxiety started to take over, and I decided on Monday to call my doctor and just explain everything that was going on and ask if we could go ahead and just schedule the induction for Thursday, instead of waiting until Thursday to schedule. She was so understanding and supportive, and got us scheduled for induction at 6pm Thursday night.<br />
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We would still go see her earlier on Thursday to check my dilation, and if I was 3cm or more, I could just go to the hospital on Friday morning to start Pitocin. If not, I'd check in Thursday night and take a cervix thinner and get a good night's sleep (hah--is that even possible at a hospital!?) before starting the Pitocin.<br />
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Obviously, we were also still incredibly hopeful that I'd go into labor on my own! I was trying every trick in the book-- eating tons of pineapple, dragging my large belly out the door for the slowest walks known to man, doing squats--heck, I even tried a labor inducing dance that my friend, Ally, told me about! No success-- just a lot of looking ridiculous ;)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good gravy, that belly!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you, Kyle, for these very flattering snaps during my labor inducing dance!</td></tr>
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My mom stayed around that week to hang out with me, keep me from losing my mind from impatience, and watch Hart of Dixie (we quickly became obsessed!) while Kyle busily wrapped things up at work in preparation for taking a week off once baby boy arrived.<br />
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Wednesday night Kyle and I went to bed knowing that it very well could be our last night of uninterrupted sleep for a very long time. We shared a teary moment that I will always cherish before going to sleep--well, I can't really remember if I slept or didn't--that night feels like it was forever ago!<br />
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I don't even remember much about that Thursday day other than that I remember feeling like all of a sudden there was so much to do, even though we'd been "ready" for weeks!<br />
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I do remember the <i>amazing</i> lunch my mom, Kyle, and I had lunch at Chipotle before our check-in with my OB. I think because I knew I wasn't going to be eating "real" food for a bit that I savored everything I ate leading up to induction!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor guy needed every bit of energy to coach me through that delivery!</td></tr>
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Of course, I had made absolutely no progress with my dilation since the week before (I was still just 1cm), and the doc re-stripped my membranes (which wasn't nearly as painful the second time). We got directions about how to check in at the hospital, got all of the information about what Thursday night would entail with the cervix thinner, and were told that I'd be able to eat breakfast and get a shower on Friday morning before starting the Pitocin.<br />
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I think Kyle and I just walked around in a daze the whole rest of that afternoon, as we got everything all ready to go! I was told to eat a good dinner before going to the hospital, so my mom, Kyle, and I met his parents for a yummy but quick dinner at Nantucket Grill before Kyle and I headed downtown to Duke Regional (after a quick phone call to my dad, who had just gotten into town arrived at the restaurant in time to grab our parking space as we left!).<br />
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The car ride felt completely surreal, and everything was so calm and peaceful as we checked in.<br />
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The nursing staff on the Labor and Deliver floor were all so welcoming and treated us like royalty, apologizing frequently for making us wait just a few minutes while they got our room ready. They shared that it had been a crazy past few days on the floor and that we were lucky to be admitted because the couple scheduled for the induction right after us had to be rescheduled, as there were no more rooms left. Whew! Not sure that we would have been too pleased to have had to reschedule--we were beyond READY to meet our sweet baby boy!<br />
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After sending a few texts and taking a few selfies, a nurse showed us to our room, and got us all settled in, just in time for shift changes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We may or may not have overpacked! #firsttimers</td></tr>
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Our new nurse, Stacey, was introduced, and the on-call OB came in to check my dilation and explain the process with the cervix thinner. We were told we'd need to wait just a little longer, which was perfect because my parents had arrived just to familiarize themselves with the hospital and the L&D floor. We visited with them a little longer before it was finally time to get the show on the road! We said our good-byes and wished them a good night's sleep, just in time for the OB to arrive to administer the cervix thinner and give me an Ambien to help me get a good night's sleep!<br />
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The Ambien obviously worked because I fell right to sleep (poor Kyle, was not as lucky, as he did not get anything to help him sleep and was also toughing it out on the terribly uncomfortable couch in the room).<br />
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Around 1am, I was awakened by a gush of water and told Kyle that I was either peeing uncontrollably (which for all I know very well could have been the case!) or my water had broken. We called in Stacey and let her know what had happened. She said that if it kept gushing, then my water had broken, just in time for me to feel another gush as I tried to lay back down in the bed. That was all she needed to confirm that my water had, indeed, broken on it's own! She said that was great and that we'd be able to go ahead and start the Pitocin right then!<br />
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We got super excited and hopes of Baby Oliver making his appearance even earlier than anticipated were in full force! I even, at the moment, didn't care that I wasn't going to get my promised shower and breakfast on Friday morning!<br />
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This is where things start to get a little foggy for me (thank you, Ambien!). I don't really remember much else about those wee hours of Friday morning, which is why I think this is a perfect place to end Part 1! I'll be back with Part 2 (thanks to the help of Kyle's memory!) soon!<br />
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<i>Oliver, words cannot even begin to capture the excitement your daddy and I were feeling on this day! Knowing that we were so close to holding you in our arms---ahhh, happy tears remembering that anticipation!</i>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489810210421045522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854751047869733040.post-45223308491202485962015-09-03T10:49:00.003-07:002015-09-03T10:51:04.515-07:00Welcome to the World, Oliver Robert!<div style="text-align: center;">
Our hearts could not have been more full as we welcomed our sweet baby boy, Oliver Robert into the world! </div>
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Born August 22nd at 3:03am</div>
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Weight- 9 lbs. 4 oz.</div>
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21.5 inches long</div>
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Nothing about the delivery went as planned, and the recovery has been super rough for me, but we would do it all over again in a heartbeat because we are so in love with our baby boy. </div>
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I'm looking forward to sharing his birth story and more about our first days home with him once things calm down around here!</div>
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For now, we are loving snuggling with our little man!<br />
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Happy Thursday!</div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489810210421045522noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854751047869733040.post-85322784973212355352015-08-14T08:23:00.002-07:002015-08-14T08:23:25.008-07:00Friday FiveYay for Friday! Kind of a weird Friday for me as I would normally be starting my first teacher-workday today, but, instead, I guess this would be considered my first day of maternity leave? Despite that fact that, yes, I am still pregnant! Instead of having the end of summer blues it's going to hit me like a ton of bricks come the end of October when I go back to work after having the summer off followed by 10 weeks of maternity leave...but we'll save that worry for another day!<br />
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Linking up for another Friday Five!<br />
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{ONE}</div>
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<i>Preggy Progress</i></div>
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Yesterday, we officially hit the 40 week mark (according to what our doc. had in their system), even though all along we've been going by the August 15th due date since that is what we were originally told and kinda latched onto! The good news is that I had made some progress (1cm dilated and membranes were stripped!), which was encouraging, but we very well could still be scheduling an induction next Thursday if little man decides he's not ready to face the August heat just yet! I celebrated the progress by going to Target and picking up a few necessities...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't tell me that baking Oliver cupcakes won't entice him to come so we can finally celebrate his birthday!</td></tr>
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{TWO}</div>
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<i>Strength & Faith</i></div>
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One of my dear friends, who I've known since college but am probably even closer with since, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and had her first mastectomy this past Monday. She has a long road ahead of her with treatments this fall and another surgery in the spring, yet she has just amazed me with her strength and incredibly positive attitude. She's just been on my heart so much recently with such a scary situation she's having to face. And, in situations like these show me how easy it is (at least for me, maybe I'm not alone?) to live in fear and how crucial (but so hard) it is to trust in the Lord's plan. One of the truly most special items I own is a cross-stitch prayer that used to hang in my grandparents' house. They gave it to me after my miscarriage last fall, and I find myself constantly going to this and thought it might bring anyone else out there, who has had a curve-ball thrown at them or is supporting a friend or family member through a tough time a little comfort, as it certainly continues to bring to me!</div>
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{THREE} </div>
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<i>Old Navy Swing Dress- Fall Edition</i></div>
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Ah! My favorite <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=91406&vid=1&pid=434035002">dress</a> that I've worn for basically my entire third trimester that is so comfy and so cute is now available in a long-sleeve version with lots of yummy fall colors! It is seriously taking all of my will-power not to purchase every.single.one.of.them. Especially considering the amazing price point. I'm already dreaming of pairing this with booties and a statement necklace or scarf for the perfect transition-to-fall outfit. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=91406&vid=1&pid=716533032">via</a>}</td></tr>
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{FOUR} </div>
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<i>Anniversary Love</i></div>
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Today is my parents' 39th wedding anniversary! As I was writing my card to them I got a little sappy thinking about the example they have set through their marriage. They've not only shown that love is so important but also compromise, patience, laughter, commitment, grace, and lots and lots of movie dates (popcorn and Diet Coke mandatory!). Cheers to this amazing couple!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ko8a5mPypk/Vc4GpTy6CMI/AAAAAAAAF08/KDPYyesx53g/s1600/Disney%2B35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ko8a5mPypk/Vc4GpTy6CMI/AAAAAAAAF08/KDPYyesx53g/s640/Disney%2B35.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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{FIVE} </div>
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<i>For all of my teacher friends out there getting their classrooms ready...</i></div>
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A little motivation for ya...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/sasb328/teacher-quotes/">via</a>}</td></tr>
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Have the best Friday!</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Linking up with these lovely ladies today:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; text-align: start; widows: 1;"> </span><a href="http://alizadventures.blogspot.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s linear; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #ff8f85; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1;" target="_blank">April</a>,<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; text-align: start; widows: 1;"> </span><a href="http://farmerbell.blogspot.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s linear; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #ff8f85; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1;" target="_blank">Karli</a><span style="color: #666666;">, </span><a href="http://www.tabanderika.blogspot.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s linear; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #ff8f85; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1;" target="_blank">Erika</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; text-align: start; widows: 1;">, </span><a href="https://graceandloveblog.wordpress.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s linear; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #ff8f85; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1;" target="_blank">Narci</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; text-align: start; widows: 1;"> and </span><a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s linear; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #ff8f85; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1;" target="_blank">Andrea</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; text-align: start; widows: 1;"> for 5 on Friday, Oh Hey Friday, and Friday Favorites.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489810210421045522noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854751047869733040.post-33580041562418113352015-08-12T05:00:00.000-07:002015-08-12T05:00:01.578-07:00WHAT'S HAP-"PINNING": DREAM KITCHEN EDITION<div>
I always say to Kyle that I'd totally cook more if I liked our kitchen better. Whether this is true or not is my little secret ;) I love a kitchen that is well lit (preferably with natural lighting), which our kitchen definitely lacks. I'm also over the warm color tones in ours, And, I need LOTS of space to cook and love to spread out and make a mess, which has never been an option in our kitchen and certainly is even less of an option now that we've had to reorganize. I knew babies required lots of stuff-- it's one thing to hear it and another to see it! What once was pretty decent counter space for meal prep and the likes is now space for our bottle steamer, our bottle brushes, and our drying "lawn." </div>
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To say I've been dreaming about what the kitchen in my future home will look like is a complete understatement. And, thanks to my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/lulua/i-d-cook-in-this-kitchen/">Pinterest board</a>, I know exactly what I want!</div>
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So, dear hubby, I promise I'd cook in a kitchen that's...</div>
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<i>Light and airy</i></div>
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{<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/21744010677936200/">via</a>}</div>
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{<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/21744010677929655/">via</a>}</div>
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<i>And Has a Gorgeous Island</i></div>
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{<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/21744010675483287/">via</a>}</div>
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<i>With Hardwood Floors</i></div>
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{<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/21744010675834552/">via</a>}</div>
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<i> Lots of Counter Space</i></div>
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{<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/21744010674941170/">via</a>}</div>
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<i>With Good Storage</i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">like built in shelves on the sides of the island</span></i></div>
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{v<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/21744010671757938/">ia</a>}</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">And drawers, drawers, and more drawers!</span></i></div>
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{<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/475270566903184262/">via</a>}</div>
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<i> And Extra Seating</i></div>
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{<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/197876977354491016/">via</a>}</div>
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But most importantly, I'd cook in a kitchen with...</div>
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<i>My Favorite Chef</i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Who never misses a chance to rock the amazingly classy apron his brother brought him back from Italy...thank you Ryan}</td></tr>
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L<span style="color: #2b2652; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23px;">inking up with </span><a href="http://jessisdesign.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d3ac50; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23px; text-decoration: none;">Jessi</a><span style="color: #2b2652; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23px;"> and </span><a href="http://jamiffer.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d3ac50; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23px; text-decoration: none;">Jenn</a> for WHAT'S HAP-"PINNING" WEDNESDAY!<br />
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489810210421045522noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854751047869733040.post-6272102745941465392015-08-08T13:00:00.000-07:002015-08-08T13:00:27.126-07:00Bumpdate: Weeks 34-38Happy Saturday! I'm officially 39 weeks today, so I better get this preggy update posted stat since I'll hopefully be having a birth story to share very, very soon!<br />
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I haven't posted a pregnancy update since <a href="http://lifeoflu-lu.blogspot.com/2015/07/preggy-update-weeks-26-33.html">Week 33</a>...yowza, but that's OK-- better late than never is the motto of my blogging life ;)<br />
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So, about those Weeks 34-38...<br />
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<b>Movement: </b>Oh, how I love to feel this little guy moving all the time! It's been funny to feel the changes in his movements throughout these last few weeks as he's growing so big now! Because of our ultrasounds we've been able to tell which parts we're feeling where! And, let me tell you, Oliver's booty is constantly sticking out of the top, right side of my belly (sometimes pushing into my ribs), and his feet or knees or some part of his leg is always sticking out of my middle left side! At our 38 week appointment I had mentioned that I hadn't felt him as much that day and the day before, which apparently will get you a ticket straight to the fetal movement monitor. It ended up being so fun because we got to see all of the times he was moving (many of which I was not feeling at all!), as well as some uterine contractions of mine (that I also was not feeling!). And, at our last appointment, he got all excited and was kicking my left side like crazy while they checked his heartbeat, which made it go super high until he finally calmed back down! Kyle could see my belly moving even from the chair! The doc said he was either super long or totally stretching out, too! I know I'm going to miss feeling this precious life inside of me--but holding that precious life in my arms will certainly be a nice alternative!<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Sleep: </b>I have a love-hate relationship with sleep right now. It seems like these past few weeks I'll have 2-3 nights of decent sleep followed by 1 night where I hardly sleep at all between the hours of 1-5am. This has made for some really interesting nighttime moments. Kyle and I watched a Master Chef at 4am on one of my worst nights. I had to eat breakfast around 4:00/4:30ish once because I woke up so hungry! I've been on my computer or phone a few times while Kyle slept beside me (and may or may not have made a purchase from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale...oops!). I think the worst part is just knowing that I need to be sleeping as much as I can now because I know I won't get any sleep once he's here! I'm also so over pee breaks! I literally see every hour of the night on the clock starting at around 12:30/1am for my pee breaks, too! And, I've had to add an extra pillow under my belly just to give it a little more support. Fun stuff, I tell ya!<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Workouts: </b>Say what!? Does walking to the toilet 50 times a day count!?<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Maternity Clothes: </b>Pretty much nothing has changed in this department from the last update, except that now, the two pairs of shorts I was wearing are too tight! But, I've refuse to buy anything clothing-wise for these last few weeks (unless it's stocking up on <a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/13906">nursing tanks</a>...so excited about these!) Still rocking <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=91406&vid=1&pid=434035002">this dress</a> in 3 colors and <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=91406&vid=1&pid=432249072">this dress</a> in 2 colors. They are SO incredibly comfortable and my favesies. Don't worry, I do at least change my accessories. But, I will be so happy to give these dresses a break soon, hopefully! ;)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mwjkjP6ENaA/VcZeHEcxSCI/AAAAAAAAFuM/b_0hwmRBJpk/s1600/Bumpdate%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mwjkjP6ENaA/VcZeHEcxSCI/AAAAAAAAFuM/b_0hwmRBJpk/s320/Bumpdate%2B9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Symptoms: </b>Did I mention I have to pee all of the time? ;) Major feet swelling, light cramping & lower back pain, stiff & sore legs, and heartburn--all of that glamorous fun. And, definitely emotional--cannot even handle sad or scary stuff at all right now. I also felt like last week I was WAY hungrier than normal, causing Kyle to nickname me the hungry, hungry prego!<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Cravings/Aversions: </b>I haven't really had any aversions these last 4 weeks (and probably even before that!). Still craving lots of salty naughtiness, like chips/queso and fries! And, my sweet tooth has remained in tact! I'm loving milkshakes, and Kyle makes the best! He'll not only do chocolate ice cream, but he'll add chocolate syrup and a little cocoa powder to make them extra chocolaty! He knows the way to my heart!<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Missing Most: </b>Sleeping peacefully and sleeping on my back or stomach! Actually missing exercise and being able to move easily. Missing having more than 5 outfits to wear. And, missing being able to be out and about like I normally am in the summer! Luckily, my friends have been super amazing and making the extra effort to come closer to me so I don't have to drive as far (because my belly hits the wheel...short leg problems and it's just not as comfortable to drive at this point!).<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Nursery: </b>Has made such great progress these past 4 weeks! I am super proud of what Kyle and I have done in there, especially on such a limited budget! I hope to share real pics soon, but here's a sneak peek photo that my cousin snapped!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rm12P6uJJWA/VcZb0mCP6WI/AAAAAAAAFtQ/xrq_uErcYok/s1600/Bumpdate%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rm12P6uJJWA/VcZb0mCP6WI/AAAAAAAAFtQ/xrq_uErcYok/s640/Bumpdate%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b>Hubby: </b>Is awesome, per usual! He's super excited and so ready to meet Oliver! He'll still talks to the belly and gives it kisses daily! And, I love it when he leaves notes for Oliver and me in the morning or mentions Oliver in our texts! He's been such a rockstar continuing to get the gear set-up and just taking care of me. I cannot wait to see him with Oliver and have dreams of our little guy being Kyle's mini-me!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3hALYvF6SI0/VcZb0k249OI/AAAAAAAAFtU/XRqKbMMclGU/s1600/Bumpdate%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3hALYvF6SI0/VcZb0k249OI/AAAAAAAAFtU/XRqKbMMclGU/s400/Bumpdate%2B3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<b>Best Parts of these Weeks: </b>We had an ultrasound at 34 weeks and got to see the most amazing image of Oliver's precious face! We also found out that day that he weighed 5 pounds, 10 oz. at that point and was still exactly at the 50th percentile (which we were assured that this was an area where we didn't want to overachieve, haha!).<br />
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That same week my momma came, and we busted out a ton of stuff around the house! She was such a work horse, and the best part was that she cooked (I helped a little!) some amazing freezer meals for us to have on hand! We also got to squeeze in some visits with my brother and sister-in-law (on the way back in from their honeymoon!) and my dad when he came to pick up my mom the next day!<br />
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I had another amazing shower hosted by two of my high school besties, Ally and Becca, and with a lot of help from two others, Kristen and Jan! They did such a wonderful job and had so many beautiful special touches with the decorations and food! They are just the best!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OCLdFN0JA7c/VcZb12jCtyI/AAAAAAAAFtw/TJXJ9vABdlY/s1600/Bumpdate%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OCLdFN0JA7c/VcZb12jCtyI/AAAAAAAAFtw/TJXJ9vABdlY/s400/Bumpdate%2B8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iN27y9GQdnk/VcZei4tQ1dI/AAAAAAAAFuc/kF7Meeys_JE/s1600/Bumpdate%2B11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iN27y9GQdnk/VcZei4tQ1dI/AAAAAAAAFuc/kF7Meeys_JE/s640/Bumpdate%2B11.png" width="640" /></a></div>
We loved that my cousin Kathleen and her hubby, Eric, came to give our house a nice, deep clean last weekend! It was so sweet of them and was so, incredibly helpful! We had lots of fun chatting with them about all things baby (they're the pros, with 2 sweet daughters!). And, Kathleen was especially helpful in helping me get my breast pump set up and giving me the low-down on bottle parts!<br />
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We also loved getting to see Oliver on ultrasound at 38 weeks and squeezing in lots of friend-time (and always commenting that this could be the "last game night" or the "last coffee date" before Oliver arrives!)!<br />
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And, I have to say, Kyle and I are certainly savoring these last weeks and days just the two of us, spending as much time together as we can. It has been so special!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0BglGq-O0Pg/VcZb1jNB6AI/AAAAAAAAFt0/YsY_22SdGvE/s1600/Bumpdate%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0BglGq-O0Pg/VcZb1jNB6AI/AAAAAAAAFt0/YsY_22SdGvE/s400/Bumpdate%2B5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Can't Wait For: </b>Oliver to be in our arms, safe and sound! 1 or 2 weeks (if he's running on Barkley-time (aka running late...we joke about this with my dad and his side of the fam!) Come on, baby boy! We are so ready to meet you!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489810210421045522noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854751047869733040.post-63329961194516801502015-08-07T07:54:00.000-07:002015-08-07T07:54:01.806-07:00Five on FridayHello, Friday! Might you be the last Friday I am pregnant with Mr. Oliver? I think not.<br />
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Which brings me to numero uno of my Friday Five...<br />
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{ONE}</div>
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<i>I'm Still Pregnant</i></div>
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We had our 39 week appointment yesterday, and I was just convinced the doc was going to tell me something along the lines of, "Yes, good thing you did shower and shave your legs today because things are looking good and you'll probably deliver this weekend!" What we got instead was an offer to strip my membranes to try to kickstart something, and then a "Girl, your cervix wants nothing to do with me," aka-- this baby isn't going anywhere anytime soon! I've just been marveling in the irony of it all since our whole pregnancy we were told we had such a high chance of delivering early, and now, Baby Oliver could very well be a week late! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JtaZWhrR66Q/VcS4GREkN1I/AAAAAAAAFq8/bZHghg9pgWE/s1600/FonF%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JtaZWhrR66Q/VcS4GREkN1I/AAAAAAAAFq8/bZHghg9pgWE/s640/FonF%2B1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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{<a href="http://www.someecards.com/pregnancy-cards/nauseous-pregnant-drinking-funny-ecard">via</a>}</div>
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{TWO}</div>
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<i>Green Goodness</i></div>
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I love green smoothies but found that I was wasting a lot of greens because they were going bad before I got around to using them. Kyle was not loving that, and I felt super guilty. Enter Pinterest, which gave the wonderful idea of freezing the greens into individual servings. </div>
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We just wash our greens (kale & spinach), toss in the blender, add water as needed, blend away, pour into the muffin cups, and freeze! Voila!</div>
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Win for Kyle, win for me. And, it's so, so, so easy! No waste! Plus, how can you resist those adorable reusable muffin cups!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yG-HENAd6ig/VcS8Sj18aeI/AAAAAAAAFrM/ecsvux6EGto/s1600/Greens.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yG-HENAd6ig/VcS8Sj18aeI/AAAAAAAAFrM/ecsvux6EGto/s640/Greens.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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{THREE}</div>
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<i>Preciousness</i></div>
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Umm...how adorable are my grandparents!? They are celebrating their 62nd anniversary tomorrow! 62 years...I hope we all can be that lucky! Last weekend they went with my parents back to South Carolina for a family reunion and decided to stop at the church where they had gotten married and have a spontaneous, vow renewal moment! I just love them to pieces and am so incredibly thankful for the amazing example of marriage they have set for us. Excuse the blurry photo...all of the ones my mom sent me were a little bit and for good reason--I know she was crying the whole time while watching this sweet moment!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iG00LoV3ifs/VcS-HUdG_PI/AAAAAAAAFrY/GO29HH3YM6s/s1600/Grandparents%2BAnniv%2B62.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iG00LoV3ifs/VcS-HUdG_PI/AAAAAAAAFrY/GO29HH3YM6s/s640/Grandparents%2BAnniv%2B62.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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{FOUR}</div>
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<i>A Whole New Wardrobe</i></div>
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Confession time. I HATE dealing with hand-washed clothing (or even worse, having to take things to the dry-cleaner). Confession 2. I have a laundry basket in my closet where I put these items, and I may have just pulled it out yesterday after sitting there for over a year (in my defense, it's definitely hidden in a corner, with a lid, with other things piled on top of the lid...not sure that that is really helping my case here, haha!). It was totally an <i>out-of-sight, out-of-mind</i> situation, and I was shocked at what I found in there! It was like Christmas day (except knowing I'd have to work to keep these presents, haha!). Don't worry, I've set a new resolution to do the hand washing as I go so I don't end up in this situation again! And, no more buying hand-wash items for me!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3pNnYWVQ15Q/VcTBp9TUSQI/AAAAAAAAFrk/3KSFpwpIUPQ/s1600/laundry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3pNnYWVQ15Q/VcTBp9TUSQI/AAAAAAAAFrk/3KSFpwpIUPQ/s640/laundry.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_428095704"></span><span id="goog_428095705"></span>{<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/349803096027181811/">via</a>}</div>
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{FIVE}</div>
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<i>In My Dreams</i><br />
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I am missing the beach like whoa and was so bummed that we didn't get our normal beach time this summer! Here's where I'll be this weekend in my dreams...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EtJssH4tk5U/VcTFBMLIlgI/AAAAAAAAFr0/Ykh8NJcV58A/s1600/F%2Bof%2BF%2BBeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EtJssH4tk5U/VcTFBMLIlgI/AAAAAAAAFr0/Ykh8NJcV58A/s640/F%2Bof%2BF%2BBeach.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
{<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/119767671316557001/">via</a>}<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Linking up with these lovely ladies today:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; text-align: start; widows: 1;"> </span><a href="http://alizadventures.blogspot.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s linear; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #ff8f85; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1;" target="_blank">April</a>,<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; text-align: start; widows: 1;"> </span><a href="http://farmerbell.blogspot.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s linear; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #ff8f85; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1;" target="_blank">Karli</a><span style="color: #666666;">, </span><a href="http://www.tabanderika.blogspot.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s linear; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #ff8f85; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1;" target="_blank">Erika</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; text-align: start; widows: 1;">, </span><a href="https://graceandloveblog.wordpress.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s linear; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #ff8f85; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1;" target="_blank">Narci</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; text-align: start; widows: 1;"> and </span><a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s linear; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #ff8f85; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1;" target="_blank">Andrea</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; text-align: start; widows: 1;"> for 5 on Friday, Oh Hey Friday, and Friday Favorites.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jZHKxwpMfRk/VZaVTGNnUZI/AAAAAAAAFjI/6KS5Veb0Elo/s1600/Friday%2BLink%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jZHKxwpMfRk/VZaVTGNnUZI/AAAAAAAAFjI/6KS5Veb0Elo/s200/Friday%2BLink%2B2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cg66splbTlw/VZaVTIV0iBI/AAAAAAAAFjM/28mbImlblwc/s1600/Friday%2BLinkUp%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cg66splbTlw/VZaVTIV0iBI/AAAAAAAAFjM/28mbImlblwc/s200/Friday%2BLinkUp%2B1.png" width="199" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JM6xKZrOWiA/VZaUvW5TVwI/AAAAAAAAFjA/94WotdLyQ-Q/s1600/five%2Bon%2Bfriday.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JM6xKZrOWiA/VZaUvW5TVwI/AAAAAAAAFjA/94WotdLyQ-Q/s200/five%2Bon%2Bfriday.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489810210421045522noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854751047869733040.post-22268891521124487282015-08-05T09:39:00.000-07:002015-08-05T09:42:46.700-07:00WHAT'S HAP-"PINNING"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Pinterest is pretty much my BFF right now as I almost 39 weeks pregnant and spending most days lounging because my feet swell to high heavens if I stand on them for more than a hot second. So, of course I was super pumped for this fun new What's Hap-"Pinning" link up hosted by </span><a href="http://jessisdesign.blogspot.com/" style="text-align: left;">Jessi</a><span style="text-align: left;"> and </span><a href="http://jamiffer.blogspot.com/" style="text-align: left;">Jenn</a><span style="text-align: left;">!</span></div>
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I've noticed a little theme to <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/lulua/">my pins</a> lately, and I think it's safe to say that this mommy-to-be has 3 things on the brain-- nesting, food, and clothes (non-maternity, please, pretty please!)!</div>
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As we've prepared for baby we have done some MAJOR nesting & organizing around the house! Thankfully Pinterest is like a mecca for home organization ideas and boards, so I've gotten lots of amazing tips in this department!<br />
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<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">I don't know what changed in the last week or so, but I have noticed a HUGE increase in my appetite, and I am starving all the time and want to eat anything and everything under the sun! My texts to Kyle about food now end in #hungryhungrypreggo! Pinterest really has me craving...</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4FmnaAHiCUo/VcI2NCrEpaI/AAAAAAAAFpU/vUFWgDcx1Bo/s1600/Pin%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4FmnaAHiCUo/VcI2NCrEpaI/AAAAAAAAFpU/vUFWgDcx1Bo/s640/Pin%2B1.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
{<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/21744010677973717/">via</a>}<br />
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<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">and this...</span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g9EApdsh81E/VcI2tQBjbpI/AAAAAAAAFpc/yg8pNC_4fzQ/s1600/Pin%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g9EApdsh81E/VcI2tQBjbpI/AAAAAAAAFpc/yg8pNC_4fzQ/s640/Pin%2B2.jpg" width="512" /></a><br />
{<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/21744010675338955/">via</a>}<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">And, considering I'm down to like 3-4 outfits that I am SO over wearing, I can't wait to get back into my closet and be able to feel cute and stylish once baby comes. I realize that this is a lofty dream considering I'll be a new mommy and, I'm sure, a #hotmess. A girl can dream, right!? </span></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;"><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Naturally, I know all be all pulled together wearing outfits like these ;)</span></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i298GsxUZmg/VcI4aFc3BVI/AAAAAAAAFpo/Cge1_ayjq28/s1600/Pin%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i298GsxUZmg/VcI4aFc3BVI/AAAAAAAAFpo/Cge1_ayjq28/s640/Pin%2B1.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
{<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/21744010674118818/">via</a>}<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Mo5l5B6I54/VcI6Ds3lTfI/AAAAAAAAFqE/e7FYIAsCizw/s1600/Pin%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Mo5l5B6I54/VcI6Ds3lTfI/AAAAAAAAFqE/e7FYIAsCizw/s640/Pin%2B1.jpg" width="222" /></a><br />
{<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/21744010677272572/">via</a>}<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CfdsqekVjuw/VcI5a0tQeiI/AAAAAAAAFp4/ykHok9OISQ0/s1600/Pin%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CfdsqekVjuw/VcI5a0tQeiI/AAAAAAAAFp4/ykHok9OISQ0/s640/Pin%2B1.jpg" width="244" /></a><br />
{<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/21744010677221577/">via</a>}</td></tr>
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Pinterest, you are a huge time suck, but, oh, how I do love you!<br />
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Now it's your turn to <a href="http://jamiffer.blogspot.com/2015/08/whats-hap-pinning-1.html">link up</a>!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xE97jgZwwfQ/VcI7V1Jcx_I/AAAAAAAAFqY/INFwZnbfIxc/s1600/What%2527s%2BHap-Pinning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xE97jgZwwfQ/VcI7V1Jcx_I/AAAAAAAAFqY/INFwZnbfIxc/s400/What%2527s%2BHap-Pinning.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489810210421045522noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854751047869733040.post-55089734420962878922015-08-03T15:58:00.002-07:002015-08-03T17:25:34.015-07:00He Who Has Just Been Named...Any HP fans out there catching that reference in the title? If not, I promise it's OK-- I totally was not a fan until I promised Kyle I'd read the books and loved them! Shout out to my cousin, Anna, who got our little guy his first piece of HP merchandise-- <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/207631097/baby-he-who-has-just-been-named-onesie">this precious onesie</a>-- and inspired this post title :)<br />
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With my sweet baby boy's due date fast approaching, I realized that I had yet to blog about the name that we've chosen for him. And, to be honest, the post title is a tad bit misleading since technically he hasn't "just" been named--we've been calling him by name for a while now!<br />
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Even though it's a little late, I know I'll be glad I wrote this post-- And, I hope he'll enjoy reading this one day, especially since his sweet daddy is making a guest appearance on it, too!<br />
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We are thrilled to share that the first and middle name we have chosen for our son is...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UTraz2sKnC0/Vb_u5m0lnXI/AAAAAAAAFoc/oPX9z_Ry_Nk/s1600/Oliver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UTraz2sKnC0/Vb_u5m0lnXI/AAAAAAAAFoc/oPX9z_Ry_Nk/s640/Oliver.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There seem to be a lot of different thoughts on the internet about what the name "Oliver" means. Some sites mention something about Elf Army (bizarre!), but I'd like to stick with the thinking that name Oliver is associated with the olive tree (a symbol of peace) or with the Norse word for affectionate.<br />
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Here's the story on how we chose...<br />
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So, names. Kyle and I have been talking about names for our future babies since college, if not before. Sometime after we got married I started a note on my phone with baby names-- ones we both liked, ones I heard and wanted to ask him about, etc., and we'd have fun looking at the list and checking in with each other to see if we were still on the same page. I think we were both in agreement about wanting to use middle names to honor family but didn't feel as strongly about having to have a first name that was necessarily tied to family. Since we both have pretty traditional names, I think we definitely liked the idea of something a little less common.<br />
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Now, here is where Kyle and I disagree!<br />
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My Version:<br />
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<i>I feel like the first time the name Oliver was put on the table was about four years ago. I was in my 3rd year of teaching and remember sharing with Kyle about how one of my students, Milo, came from a family of kids who all had really awesome names-- Delia, Milo, Eloise, and Oliver-- and that I especially really liked the name Oliver. And, I don't remember much more about the conversation other than that at some point (whether it was that day or sometime soon after) we were in agreement that we really liked the name Oliver. Kyle is really into music, and he loved that there was a song by Fleet Foxes called "Oliver James," and I loved that it was a name I hadn't heard a lot at the time and thought it had a nice ring with our last name. Bonus points for the fact that I had never taught an Oliver because you know being a teacher means a lot of names get nixed pretty quickly ;). And, so, Oliver was added to the top of the list. I wish I remembered the exact moment when we said, 100% yes, this is it. I do remember telling my girl cousins at Thanksgiving 2012 that Oliver was our top boy name, and I know we haven't wavered since! Choosing his middle name was a little easier. We did debate a few possibilities, but we knew our daughter would have my middle name (Elizabeth) since that has been passed down from my grandmother to my mother and then to me. So, we felt like it would be special to pass down Kyle's middle name, Robert, to our son. <b>Oliver Robert</b>. Happy sigh. How I love the name that we have chosen. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Now, I'll turn it over to the hubs...<br />
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Kyle's Version (The correct version):<br />
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<i>Oliver has been on the top of this list for years. By the way, there is actually a list on Laura's phone that we would periodically add and subtract names to. Oliver has been the number one boys name since 2011 or 2012. However, the story goes a little differently than Laura claims. First off, it was my suggestion. I had always liked the name Oliver and suggested it a few times before we were married (we married in 2010). Laura had axed my first choice name, Callahan, and I was forced to come up with other options. Oliver never really made it onto the list until after Laura's story. Once the above mentioned story took place Laura fell in love with the name and we really went with it. I am not saying it was my first choice all the while and Laura had nothing to do with it. I just know that I had mentioned it, among many other names, before Laura had this student that had a brother named Oliver. I, too, really like the ring of his name. I have never thought my last name was the easiest last name to match a first name with, but Oliver really sounds good with it, at least I think it does. The middle name part of this story was told with 100% accuracy. However, it should be noted that because of the Fleet Foxes song we toyed with James as a middle name. But, (and this is a BIG but) I didn't want our son to potentially be nicknamed OJ. Not a future I want for our kid. </i><br />
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Clearly, my hubs wanted to take advantage of his brief appearance here on the blog, what with his sass and sarcasm (oh, and his conviction that he is correct!).<br />
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Regardless of when we first heard the name Oliver, the important thing, is that we found a name that we both LOVE, and that we are days away from holding this precious life who will own this name!<br />
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<i>Oliver Robert, you are the most precious gift and have completely taken over our hearts. We cannot wait to meet you, to snuggle you, and to love on you. You are our biggest blessing and our greatest adventure.</i>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489810210421045522noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854751047869733040.post-35049459030212770672015-07-31T10:06:00.003-07:002015-07-31T10:06:26.002-07:00Friday FiveYay for Friday! It's so crazy to me that in 3 Fridays or less I will be holding my precious baby boy in my arms! Looking at the "Guess the Due-Date" calendar that my sweet, SIL, made for my gender reveal party--I totally put today down as my guess! #soready #needmoretime<br />
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Now for my Friday Five...<br />
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{ONE}</div>
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<i>Dreaming of Fall</i></div>
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Definitely not wanting to wish away this last leg of summer, but I can't help being giddy over fall fashion. It has always been my fave-- as in, summer before senior year of high school I actually left Disney World early to go back to the hotel so I could flip through Vogue's first look at fall edition in peace and quiet. To be fair, this was the tail end of a two-week family vacation, so it's totally fine to have had a #diva moment, right?</div>
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But, yes, bring on the boots, booties, scarves, long cardigans, leggings, and gorgeous fall prints & colors!<br />
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And, I'll take one of each of these beauties below to help make the transition to fall that much easier ;) Only a few days left for these babies to be on sale!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iH7lUyT0kQY/VbufmvORYjI/AAAAAAAAFnI/EwfLhXT7zng/s1600/F%2Bon%2BF%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iH7lUyT0kQY/VbufmvORYjI/AAAAAAAAFnI/EwfLhXT7zng/s1600/F%2Bon%2BF%2B1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/topshop-stripe-sweater-dress-nordstrom-exclusive/4083837?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=741">via</a>} </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Te5r9QcKEbg/VbufmpzaLxI/AAAAAAAAFnM/bJ2wBMweXgU/s1600/F%2Bon%2BF%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Te5r9QcKEbg/VbufmpzaLxI/AAAAAAAAFnM/bJ2wBMweXgU/s1600/F%2Bon%2BF%2B3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/leith-crepe-trapeze-dress/3971987?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=BLACK&resultback=381">via</a>}</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PkMGETG-uFw/VbuftbndYiI/AAAAAAAAFnY/zzxkgm8N24Y/s1600/F%2Bon%2BF%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PkMGETG-uFw/VbuftbndYiI/AAAAAAAAFnY/zzxkgm8N24Y/s1600/F%2Bon%2BF%2B2.jpg" /></a></div>
{<a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lush-karly-shift-dress-juniors/3887088?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=RED&resultback=381">via</a>}<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
{TWO}</div>
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<i>theSkimm</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gKRTyMjhLbk/VbuiP2lS13I/AAAAAAAAFnk/O8wTcB2wSVc/s1600/F%2Bon%2BF%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gKRTyMjhLbk/VbuiP2lS13I/AAAAAAAAFnk/O8wTcB2wSVc/s400/F%2Bon%2BF%2B1.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://www.theskimm.com/">via</a>}</td></tr>
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I know this is not necessarily a new thing, but I just have to mention how much I LOVE getting my Skimm emailed to me every morning. For someone like me, who, especially when I'm teaching, don't feel like I have a ton of time and who also absolutely hates the tone of television news, this is my perfect solution for staying up-to-date. Now I don't have to rely on Kyle to stay current!<br />
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I'll take my news with a side of sass, please. ;)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{THREE}</div>
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<i>Preggy Support</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I've noticed over the years that I become better at knowing how to be supportive after being in the position to receive support. Does that make sense!? Like, I became a much better bridesmaid and shower-attendee after being a bride. I feel like I have lots of more ideas for ways to better support my friends who get pregnant now that I've gone through pregnancy! It's not that I wasn't or couldn't be supportive without going through something. I think I just questioned it too much and let my lack of confidence hold me back to an extent. A huge sorry shout-out to my cousin, Kathleen, who, unfortunately, has been the first to go through many of these big milestones and who I am always wishing I could have been better for! This week I've been so blessed by the ways that people close to me have shown support as my pregnancy winds down. From the friend who just came and sat on the couch with me and kept me company while we both worked (online class for her, sub plans for me), to the friend who brought me lunch, to my sweet SIL so excited to hear about my appointments, to the friends who check in on me via text, and to my cousin and her sweet hubby who are coming to clean our house this Saturday-- I am so incredibly blessed. I now know how much just a simple text or act of support can go such a long way! And, it just makes me want to pay it forward!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G2iY6wY3GTs/Vbum4tDwbyI/AAAAAAAAFnw/fiffICugxKY/s1600/F%2Bon%2BF%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G2iY6wY3GTs/Vbum4tDwbyI/AAAAAAAAFnw/fiffICugxKY/s640/F%2Bon%2BF%2B2.jpg" width="516" /></a></div>
{<a href="http://www.sevenly.org/charity-products/great-love-boyfriend-tee?cid=SEVPinterestSevenly">via</a>}</div>
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{FOUR}</div>
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<i>Modern Burlap Swaddle Blankets</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LbrERt-CT_U/VbunRa5AiDI/AAAAAAAAFn4/QZE9v070XRc/s1600/F%2Bon%2BF%2B2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LbrERt-CT_U/VbunRa5AiDI/AAAAAAAAFn4/QZE9v070XRc/s640/F%2Bon%2BF%2B2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://www.wunderseven.com/store/p93/Modern_Burlap_Large_Muslin_Swaddle_Blanket.html">via</a>}</td></tr>
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I'm loving these <a href="http://modernburlap.com/products/large-muslin-swaddle-blanket-black-and-white-xo-print">Modern Burlap</a> swaddle blankets that my weekly email from BabyList raved about! The black and white designs are so on-point. How, how do you mommas out there resist buying every cute thing you see for baby!? #wehaveplentyofswaddleblankets #whatisonemorethough</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
{FIVE}</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Must Bake</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HuZ8pff6UU0/VbuqKhvFYjI/AAAAAAAAFoE/XkqsyQHCo5s/s1600/F%2Bon%2BF%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HuZ8pff6UU0/VbuqKhvFYjI/AAAAAAAAFoE/XkqsyQHCo5s/s640/F%2Bon%2BF%2B2.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
{<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/56787645277337526/">via</a>}<br />
<i><br /></i>
I am having mad cravings for something chocolaty and warm! I'm thinking <a href="http://www.bakeorbreak.com/2014/02/flourless-chocolate-cakes-for-two/#_a5y_p=2642336">this</a> is a must-make for me over the weekend! Is it terrible that I'm really trying to milk these last few weeks of pregnancy as far was what I can get away with eating!? $100 bucks says my mom texts me after reading this post to make sure I'm still eating enough veggies!<br />
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Happy Friday!</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Linking up with these lovely ladies today:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; text-align: start; widows: 1;"> </span><a href="http://alizadventures.blogspot.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s linear; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #ff8f85; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1;" target="_blank">April</a>,<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; text-align: start; widows: 1;"> </span><a href="http://farmerbell.blogspot.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s linear; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #ff8f85; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1;" target="_blank">Karli</a><span style="color: #666666;">, </span><a href="http://www.tabanderika.blogspot.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s linear; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #ff8f85; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1;" target="_blank">Erika</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; text-align: start; widows: 1;">, </span><a href="https://graceandloveblog.wordpress.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s linear; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #ff8f85; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1;" target="_blank">Narci</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; text-align: start; widows: 1;"> and </span><a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s linear; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #ff8f85; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1;" target="_blank">Andrea</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; text-align: start; widows: 1;"> for 5 on Friday, Oh Hey Friday, and Friday Favorites.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jZHKxwpMfRk/VZaVTGNnUZI/AAAAAAAAFjI/6KS5Veb0Elo/s1600/Friday%2BLink%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jZHKxwpMfRk/VZaVTGNnUZI/AAAAAAAAFjI/6KS5Veb0Elo/s200/Friday%2BLink%2B2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489810210421045522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854751047869733040.post-72086417393619803802015-07-24T08:37:00.001-07:002015-07-24T08:37:10.316-07:00Five on this Fab Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Happy Friday! If school wasn't out for summer break my little 3rd graders and I would be blasting a little Rebecca Black "Friday" and having our weekly dance party to kick off our fave day of the week! Welcoming this day after having slept in and still in my pajamas is most def not too shabby of an alternative ;)</span></div>
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On to my Five on this fabulous Friday...</div>
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{ONE}<br />
<i>Grey & White Stripe Obsession</i><br />
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I'm noticing a little bit of a trend here with some of my baby purchases...<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J_tQA_2evr4/VbJMztPDbdI/AAAAAAAAFlE/R2gscjYTvbI/s1600/724%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J_tQA_2evr4/VbJMztPDbdI/AAAAAAAAFlE/R2gscjYTvbI/s640/724%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">{<a href="https://www.honest.com/collective/organic-protective-radiation-blanket">Honest Company Organic Protective Radiation Blanket</a>}</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PCmMQWNkeW8/VbJNwBihUJI/AAAAAAAAFlg/hXOSB-MJbRs/s1600/724%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PCmMQWNkeW8/VbJNwBihUJI/AAAAAAAAFlg/hXOSB-MJbRs/s640/724%2B4.jpg" width="468" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">{<a href="http://shop.sollybaby.com/products/grey-natural-stripe">Solly Baby Wrap</a>- <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/212513676139621903/">Image</a>}</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHmqFfcTRqk/VbJNwA8P-qI/AAAAAAAAFlc/zfaKOoJX3Lk/s1600/724%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="336" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHmqFfcTRqk/VbJNwA8P-qI/AAAAAAAAFlc/zfaKOoJX3Lk/s640/724%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">{<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/222540164/bamboo-nest-nursing-cover-car-seat?ref=shop_home_active_1">Native Wilds Bamboo Nest- Nursing Cover | Carseat Cover | Infinity Scarf</a>}</td></tr>
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I'm so excited about all three of these items! I can only vouch so far for the Honest blanket, which I've had since the fall and love the extra peace of mind it brings while looking like a cute blanket! The others I can't wait to use and know I will love-- the fabrics are so amazingly soft. Let's pray I don't ever tire of the grey and white stripes, but let's be honest-- who could ever get tired of grey and white stripes!?</div>
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{TWO}<br />
<i>Confession</i><br />
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I have a terrible memory. I especially become aware of my terrible memory when it comes to books that I've read. Enter this book...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">{<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14759321-family-pictures">via</a>}</td></tr>
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Someone had recently recommended this book, so I put it on hold at the library after reading the description. I get the book and read the little blurb on the inside cover with a little more description, and I started thinking that the book sounded familiar. Started reading the book and became 100% confident that I had, in fact, already read this book (most likely last summer). WORST PART-- I had to keep reading it because I could.not.for.the.life.of.me remember how it ended! And, I was still surprised! That is terrible, right!? So, if you'd like an easy summer read, I'd recommend this one. I can vouch for it since, ya know, I read it twice and all!<br />
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{THREE}<br />
<i>Alima Pure</i><br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8HVpgB5iBoc/VbJW0EPZTdI/AAAAAAAAFmI/CnJl2MVy_30/s1600/724%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8HVpgB5iBoc/VbJW0EPZTdI/AAAAAAAAFmI/CnJl2MVy_30/s640/724%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">{<a href="http://ahouseinthehills.com/2013/07/29/a-makeover-giveaway-with-alima-pure/">via</a>}</td></tr>
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Over the last two years I've been transitioning to using cleaner products, and Alima Pure has made that transition so much easier for me by producing great products for reasonable prices. I L-O-V-E their <a href="http://www.alimapure.com/collections/face/products/satin-matte-foundation">Satin Matte Foundation</a>, and it's currently on sale for $20 (down from $25) for a few more days in July! #stockup<br />
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{FOUR}<br />
<i>A Treat for Any of You Pregnant Ladies</i><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWKcR1DiXXA/VbJXoJ7o3OI/AAAAAAAAFmQ/GWorlZeNbXE/s1600/724%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWKcR1DiXXA/VbJXoJ7o3OI/AAAAAAAAFmQ/GWorlZeNbXE/s640/724%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This arrived in my email this morning, and I can't say I hated it ;) Check out <a href="http://www.pregnantchicken.com/too-hot-for-google/2012/1/17/porn-for-pregnant-ladies?rq=pregnant&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=BabyList%20&utm_campaign=BabyList%20Loves">this site</a> for more encouragement from some average looking fellas ;)<br />
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{FIVE}<br />
<i>Home Decor Overhaul</i><br />
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All of this nesting that I've been able to do and time spent at home this summer has left me dreaming of everything that I want to change about our house, which is absolutely, 100% not practical at this point in our lives. Read-- expecting baby = no extra money to spend. But, I am SO over everything! Maybe it's just the pregnancy hormones talking?<br />
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Either way, for starters, I'd like for <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/organic-cotton-pin-tuck-duvet-cover-and-shams-b340/#viewLargerHeroOverlay">this lovely</a>, in either feather gray or white, to make it's way onto my bed...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Zh3YpSJtYU/VbJaG10DBOI/AAAAAAAAFmk/hCwYMNLtp_Y/s1600/724%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Zh3YpSJtYU/VbJaG10DBOI/AAAAAAAAFmk/hCwYMNLtp_Y/s640/724%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
{<a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/organic-cotton-pin-tuck-duvet-cover-and-shams-b340/#viewLargerHeroOverlay">via</a>}<br />
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Mom, Kyle, anyone...if you're reading this-- it's on super sale ;)<br />
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Happy Weekend!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #2b2652; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: x-small; letter-spacing: 1px; widows: 1;">Linking up with these lovely ladies today:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #2b2652; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 11.1999998092651px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 19.0400009155273px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.1999998092651px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; text-align: start; widows: 1;"> </span><a href="http://alizadventures.blogspot.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s linear; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #ff8f85; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.1999998092651px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1;" target="_blank">April</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b2652; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 11.1999998092651px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 19.0400009155273px; widows: 1;">,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.1999998092651px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; text-align: start; widows: 1;"> </span><a href="http://farmerbell.blogspot.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s linear; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #ff8f85; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.1999998092651px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1;" target="_blank">Karli</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 11.1999998092651px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 19.0400009155273px; widows: 1;">, </span><a href="http://www.tabanderika.blogspot.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s linear; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #ff8f85; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.1999998092651px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1;" target="_blank">Erika</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.1999998092651px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; text-align: start; widows: 1;">, </span><a href="https://graceandloveblog.wordpress.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s linear; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #ff8f85; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.1999998092651px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1;" target="_blank">Narci</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.1999998092651px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; text-align: start; widows: 1;"> and </span><a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s linear; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #ff8f85; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.1999998092651px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1;" target="_blank">Andrea</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.1999998092651px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; text-align: start; widows: 1;"> for 5 on Friday, Oh Hey Friday, and Friday Favorites.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #2b2652; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 11.1999998092651px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 19.0400009155273px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b2652; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: x-small; letter-spacing: 1px; widows: 1;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b2652; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 11.1999998092651px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 19.0400009155273px; widows: 1;"></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cg66splbTlw/VZaVTIV0iBI/AAAAAAAAFjM/28mbImlblwc/s1600/Friday%2BLinkUp%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #d3ac50; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cg66splbTlw/VZaVTIV0iBI/AAAAAAAAFjM/28mbImlblwc/s200/Friday%2BLinkUp%2B1.png" style="border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 0px 0px 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="199" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JM6xKZrOWiA/VZaUvW5TVwI/AAAAAAAAFjA/94WotdLyQ-Q/s1600/five%2Bon%2Bfriday.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #d3ac50; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JM6xKZrOWiA/VZaUvW5TVwI/AAAAAAAAFjA/94WotdLyQ-Q/s200/five%2Bon%2Bfriday.png" style="border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 0px 0px 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489810210421045522noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854751047869733040.post-31549418981208439752015-07-16T15:20:00.000-07:002015-07-16T15:20:19.597-07:00Expressing Thanks <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r4YNBIwW38A/Vage9x7wI2I/AAAAAAAAFkM/mqkjH2s_keE/s1600/Thanks%2BBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r4YNBIwW38A/Vage9x7wI2I/AAAAAAAAFkM/mqkjH2s_keE/s640/Thanks%2BBlog.jpg" width="502" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://myfabulesslife.com/freeprintablegrateful/">via</a>}<br /></td></tr>
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<i>Expressing thanks</i>-- I was having lunch with my friend, Becca, yesterday when this topic came up. She was telling me about how she'd read a sermon recently that was written about five years ago that really resonated with her and that she'd emailed that pastor just to express gratitude for those words. I mentioned that I bet it really meant a lot to the pastor to get that email and to hear how something she'd written 5 years prior was still relevant and making a difference today. I know from having a father-in-law in ministry that compliments feel few-and-far-between, whereas complaints seem to come quite regularly. <div>
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We then got on the subject of how as teachers, we feel the same way. When a parent really takes the time to express thanks, whether it's an email, note, phone call, or in person, it just means so much to us. </div>
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Which got me thinking. I feel really thankful for a lot of things that people do. But, am I actually taking the time to express this thanks---whether it's to someone who I was required to interact with but who was really kind or exceptionally helpful. Or whether it was to someone, like a family member or friend, whose support is often taken for granted. Or, just a stranger and some random act of kindness. Am I taking that time to really show gratitude?</div>
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So, today, and moving forward, I want to be intentional about taking that extra second to express thanks. I definitely don't want to be one of those people who walks around expecting and not appreciating. </div>
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And, I'll start here with a few that have been on my heart this week...</div>
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<i>Thank you to the cashier at Babies R Us who let us use two coupons that normally would not have been accepted. It was more helpful than you could know as saving every penny during a time when we have so much to purchase is crucial. </i></div>
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<i>To our amazing families: Thank you to my sweet Mom, who gave up 6 days to come stay with us and help us around the house. She spent a day in the kitchen cooking freezer meals for us. She did laundry, helped me organize, ran errands with us, and even came to help out at a reading program I worked with each day last week. It was truly a labor of love and so incredibly helpful as we prepare for baby. Also, a shoutout to my dad who dropped my mom off and drove back to pick her up, arriving with his most-amazing spaghetti sauce, ready to also go in our freezer! I know when my mom comes to stay with me he takes on more of the responsibility around their house helping out with my grandparents, so it means a lot that they were all so supportive of her coming for such a nice chunk of time! </i><i>Thank you to my in-laws, who have also done so much for us as we have been busy getting ready for baby, from helping paint our nursery walls to paying for us to get our sink fixed! We are so lucky to have families who are so generous and selfless beyond measure.</i></div>
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<i>Thank you to the kind nurse, Nina, who I spoke to earlier today, after having 3 other rather frustrating calls to nurses prior. Your manner was so gentle and kind and exactly what I needed in that moment. </i> **knowing that I was writing this post, I did actually at the end of our conversation express my appreciation, and I think (and hope!) she felt the love!</div>
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<i>Thank you to these sweet mamas (and 1 mama-to-be!) who I have pestered with questions throughout my pregnancy-- Kathleen, Beebs, Ally, Jill, Kelly, <a href="http://www.cheersyallblog.com/">Elise</a>, and Kaitlyn. Your advice and willingness to share your experiences has been so valuable and incredibly helpful. I look up to each and every one of you as mommies and am so grateful to share in this journey with you!</i></div>
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<i>Piggy-backing off of that, thank you to this sweet blogger, <a href="http://www.northcarolinacharm.com/">Christina</a>, who doesn't know me from Adam, and literally responded to a question I asked her about movement monitors, like a day or two after she gave birth! I mean, what a rockstar! I emailed her not knowing she was in labor, and when I saw her blog post that she had given birth I just went ahead and prepared myself for not hearing back (which would have been totally understandable!). I was so shocked and pleasantly surprised to see her response, and such a timely one, at that!</i></div>
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<i>Kind of random, but thank you, Caitlyn Jenner, for giving an incredibly amazing speech about acceptance and respect last night at the ESPYs. As a 3rd grade teacher, I see the beginnings of bullying of kids who are different, and it breaks my heart to know that it could only get worse and what they might face in their futures. Thank you for encouraging others to be kind and respectful, even to people who you might not understand.</i></div>
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<i>Thank you to my incredibly thoughtful friends--Becca, Ally, Kristen, and Jan-- who worked so hard to help make my shower last weekend so special, and another huge thanks goes to all of my loves who came and helped shower baby boy and me! I am so grateful for each and every one of you!</i></div>
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<i>And a huge, ginormous thank you to my hubs. It has probably been one of my most emotional weeks throughout this pregnancy (cue the "I don't even know why I'm crying but I am" tears). Kyle, you have handled each meltdown, each moment with such love, nurture, and grace. I am thankful to the moon and back for you always, and especially in moments like those when it would be so easy to be 1. annoyed 2. flustered 3. tempted to laugh. </i></div>
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So there you have it, a little thankfulness on this Thursday. But more importantly, a start to being intentional about expressing gratitude and thanks. And hey, you might just be seeing more of these posts if I can get my act together every Thursday ;)<br /><div>
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I'll leave you with this quote:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vgSGio9dZ4c/VagsuEOr53I/AAAAAAAAFkc/7nCw65s2gGA/s1600/Thanks%2Bblog%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vgSGio9dZ4c/VagsuEOr53I/AAAAAAAAFkc/7nCw65s2gGA/s640/Thanks%2Bblog%2B2.jpg" width="472" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://www.brightboldbeautiful.com/2014/05/12/monday-inspiration-get-happier-nataly-kogan/">via</a>}</td></tr>
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Happy Thursday!</div>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489810210421045522noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854751047869733040.post-48712813528576820192015-07-03T07:10:00.001-07:002015-07-03T07:10:22.322-07:00Five on Friday<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #2b2652; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;">
Cheers to Friday! And, especially cheers to a long, holiday weekend! </div>
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I'm so excited to be linking up for some Friday fun! <i>It's been awhile. ;)</i></div>
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<b>{ONE}</b><br />
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<i style="font-size: medium;">Weddings--Special Touches</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Confession. I was a #prePinterest bride, and I feel like weddings these days just keep getting more and more creative! One of my favorite things about a wedding are the little touches that really represent the couple and make it feel more personal. I mentioned yesterday that my brother got married this past weekend, and their wedding was just perfection! A few things they did that I absolutely loved were:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">*<i>A lot of couples do the picture where they stand on either side of the door and hold hands without actually seeing each other. I'm not sure if it was planned or not, but Bryan and Hanna did this, but they also exchanged their presents. It was so sweet to peak in to see their reactions at the same time as they shared that special moment!</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RNg5fQDLL2s/VZWo2k0dXKI/AAAAAAAAFis/_ngrHFdVsp0/s1600/B%2Band%2BHanna%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RNg5fQDLL2s/VZWo2k0dXKI/AAAAAAAAFis/_ngrHFdVsp0/s400/B%2Band%2BHanna%2B2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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This was right before they exchanged their gifts! </div>
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Thanks to Hanna's cousin, Ligon, for the photo that I stole off Facebook ;)</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>*As they were walking down the aisle after being introduced as newlyweds, they each paused and gave their moms a flower! So precious!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>*Hanna had the great idea to have Bryan surprise my mom and go back into the sanctuary to be the one to get to walk her back down the aisle! I wish I could have seen her surprised face! I know it meant the world to her!</i></span></div>
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<b>{TWO}</b><br />
<i style="font-size: medium;">Summer Reading List</i><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I have big plans to knock out a ton of summer reading! Some for pleasure, some to prepare for baby, and some lifestyle reads. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7vVb0aVTDdM/VZWf9CjdcYI/AAAAAAAAFh8/_xD-6mjg87o/s1600/FonF%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7vVb0aVTDdM/VZWf9CjdcYI/AAAAAAAAFh8/_xD-6mjg87o/s400/FonF%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>{THREE}</b><br />
<i style="font-size: medium;">Denim Jacket </i><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I have been on the fence about denim jackets for a while. Then I saw a <a href="http://www.katieelizabethblog.com/2015/05/cant-live-without-it.html">"can't live without" post </a>by the lovely, Katie Elizabeth, on her favorite denim jacket. A few weeks later, I read <a href="http://www.hellohappinessblog.com/2015/06/q-with-my-favorite-nashville-wardrobe.html">this post</a> on Hello! Happiness and saw more buzz about what a staple item a denim jacket can be. And, just a few days ago my college bestie sent me a bump pic in which she was rocking a cute denim jacket, and I must confess I was sold! Enter a little stop at Loft the other day where they were having an amazing 50% off sale, and I found the perfect <a href="http://www.loft.com/denim-jacket-in-western-moon-wash/361299?skuId=18662702&defaultColor=&colorExplode=false&catid=catl000018&priceSort=DESC">denim jacket</a> for me! The fact that it was on sale, and I had a style reward to use and a little leftover on a gift card meant that I was able to snatch that sucker up without feeling guilty whatsoever! #winning</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UXbL1m103rY/VZWh9Q6w85I/AAAAAAAAFiI/6XT0MLkbVWw/s1600/denim%2Bjacket.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UXbL1m103rY/VZWh9Q6w85I/AAAAAAAAFiI/6XT0MLkbVWw/s640/denim%2Bjacket.jpeg" width="555" /></a></div>
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<b>{FOUR}</b><br />
<i style="font-size: medium;">Odd Mom Out</i><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UUWzIFy9rHQ/VZWjJKePkLI/AAAAAAAAFiU/o1RrF17eLKE/s1600/Odd-Mom-Out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UUWzIFy9rHQ/VZWjJKePkLI/AAAAAAAAFiU/o1RrF17eLKE/s640/Odd-Mom-Out.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">I am newly obsessed with this show! I love everything about it, and it doesn't hurt that I even hear Kyle snickering at some of the jokes if he happens to be in the room while I'm watching. Bonus, it's only a half-hour show (although I could totally get on board with it being an hour!), so it's super perfect for watching when you're trying to make a quick, boring chore (like folding laundry!) more fun! Drop everything and start watching now!</span><br />
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<b>{FIVE}</b><br />
<i style="font-size: medium;">Hospital Bag</i><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HFO8lH-dGVY/VZWnKBYOSgI/AAAAAAAAFig/3LPmP6Y-DSI/s1600/hosp%2Bbag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HFO8lH-dGVY/VZWnKBYOSgI/AAAAAAAAFig/3LPmP6Y-DSI/s640/hosp%2Bbag.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://littlebabygarvin.blogspot.com/2015/06/hospital-bag-baby-countdown.html">{via}</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">So, who knew they recommend you packing your hospital bag by 34 weeks!? I just heard this yesterday! That is this weekend for me, and being the total #newmommy I have every intention of trying to follow the book as best I can, so let the packing-list search commence!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Luckily, a few of my favorite bloggers have some great go-to posts about this!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="http://www.cheersyallblog.com/2015/03/5-on-friday.html">Cheers, Y'all</a> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="http://the-newly.blogspot.com/2015/03/whats-in-my-hospital-bag.html">The Newly</a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="http://littlebabygarvin.blogspot.com/2015/06/hospital-bag-baby-countdown.html">Little Baby Garvin</a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="http://www.northcarolinacharm.com/2014/04/whats-in-my-hospital-bag.html">Carolina Charm</a></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I'm sure I'll overpack because that's pretty much the norm for me, but at least I'll be prepared!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Have a safe and amazing 4th!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Linking up with these lovely ladies today:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; text-align: start; widows: 1;"> </span><a href="http://alizadventures.blogspot.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s linear; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #ff8f85; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1;" target="_blank">April</a>,<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; text-align: start; widows: 1;"> </span><a href="http://farmerbell.blogspot.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s linear; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #ff8f85; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1;" target="_blank">Karli</a><span style="color: #666666;">, </span><a href="http://www.tabanderika.blogspot.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s linear; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #ff8f85; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1;" target="_blank">Erika</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; text-align: start; widows: 1;">, </span><a href="https://graceandloveblog.wordpress.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s linear; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #ff8f85; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1;" target="_blank">Narci</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; text-align: start; widows: 1;"> and </span><a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s linear; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #ff8f85; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 1;" target="_blank">Andrea</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Muli, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23.9980010986328px; text-align: start; widows: 1;"> for 5 on Friday, Oh Hey Friday, and Friday Favorites.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jZHKxwpMfRk/VZaVTGNnUZI/AAAAAAAAFjI/6KS5Veb0Elo/s1600/Friday%2BLink%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jZHKxwpMfRk/VZaVTGNnUZI/AAAAAAAAFjI/6KS5Veb0Elo/s200/Friday%2BLink%2B2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489810210421045522noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854751047869733040.post-64736909788988858712015-07-02T10:31:00.003-07:002015-07-02T10:32:56.179-07:00Preggy Update: Weeks 26-33Happy July! Happy July 2nd to be exact. Where did June go!? Where is this year going!? Please time, slow down!<br />
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June was such a crazy month for me as I wrapped up my 6th year of teaching (holy smokes!). And, let me just tell you that trying to pack up a classroom while also still managing 21 students who are CRAY to the Z excited for Summer all while 30 weeks pregnant was quite <strike>terrifying</strike> stressful. But, whew, I made it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N3ufFpDkGPk/VZVvRt9X5eI/AAAAAAAAFgo/GQYCh4XIi0o/s1600/Bump%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N3ufFpDkGPk/VZVvRt9X5eI/AAAAAAAAFgo/GQYCh4XIi0o/s400/Bump%2B7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last day with these kiddos! Literally on the crazy train! But I heart them with my whole heart!</td></tr>
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And then, the end of June was just full of so much excitement as my brother married the love of his life this past weekend! It was truly one of the most amazing and special weekends, and I can't wait to blog all about it! I'm also secretly so incredibly thankful that my pregnancy did not interfere with their big day! #irrationalfears<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1tRpJvj5a64/VZVzaL0OlZI/AAAAAAAAFhg/YuEusikQkFA/s1600/Bump%2B13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1tRpJvj5a64/VZVzaL0OlZI/AAAAAAAAFhg/YuEusikQkFA/s400/Bump%2B13.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
Now how about some pregnancy updates. You know, like 7 weeks worth!?<br />
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WEEKS 26-33<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QtnhezV2VmA/VZVvKrj7dfI/AAAAAAAAFgI/pNhgIshJqKw/s1600/Bump%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QtnhezV2VmA/VZVvKrj7dfI/AAAAAAAAFgI/pNhgIshJqKw/s400/Bump%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bump from the Side!</td></tr>
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<b>Movement: </b>All day, every day! It has been so crazy to feel the changes in the movements over the last month or so. I can tell he's getting bigger, so the movements are much more pronounced! We like to joke that his party time is around 10pm, usually right when I'm trying to fall asleep! I've definitely been able to see the movements, too, which is always so cool. Of course, anytime I try to catch it on video to send to Kyle he stops! But yes, feeling his presence all day long is just the most special thing.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BP7rN7Cs44I/VZVz0iwq7PI/AAAAAAAAFhs/tnz7nu4LwZc/s1600/Bump%2B14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BP7rN7Cs44I/VZVz0iwq7PI/AAAAAAAAFhs/tnz7nu4LwZc/s400/Bump%2B14.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<b>Sleep: </b>Really so thankful for how well I've been able to sleep overall (knock on wood!). My pee breaks have definitely been upped to at least 4 times a night. Sometimes I feel really uncomfortable when I first start to sleep because my belly just feels so big! I'm sure Kyle is ready for the Snoogle to be out of the bed, too! Poor guy has hardly any sleeping space now!<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Workouts: </b>I really just need to eliminate this category. ;) I have squeezed in a few walks. It's just so, so hot!<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Maternity Clothes: </b>Still mixing and matching. I feel like I'm down to about 6-7 really solid outfits, so I apologize to those of you who've had to see me rocking the same clothes every time I see you! I just need to hold on a little longer! I did grab two pairs of <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1009253&vid=1&pid=173933052">drawstring shorts</a> from Old Navy, which have been so nice and comfy! Also, I was super excited that I made it through all of the wedding functions this past weekend, which included a shrimparoo, bridesmaids luncheon, and rehearsal dinner only having to purchase <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=41725&vid=3&pid=344507012">1 dress</a>, and it was $10!<br />
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<b>Symptoms: </b>I feel like I haven't had a ton of new symptoms. Still peeing all of the time and still having some swelling in my feet. I have definitely had a few more emotional moments and am sometimes finding that my patience is lower than normal (sorry, Kyle!). I definitely don't have the same energy level and will sometimes feel cramping if I walk for longer distances, which I'll let be my excuse for the lack of progress in the Workouts section! ;)<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Cravings/Aversions: </b>Nothing too exciting in the cravings front in that I have yet to make Kyle run out for ice-cream at midnight...yet! Recently I've found myself texting Kyle about Oreos, french fries, and s'mores. Oh, and queso! No aversions, so that's good!<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Missing Most: </b>Still dreaming of the days I'm not limited to just sleeping on my side! It's also been hard to see all of these amazing summer sales going on and not being able to shop for real clothes! And, I'm so ready to be able to move with ease and grace again! No more grunting when I have to get out of bed!<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Nursery: </b>Slowly and steadily coming along. Walls are painted. Crib is set up. Dresser/Changing Table is in place. Wall prints have been ordered! We're hoping to make some big moves here over the next few weeks! I've also started washing some baby clothes, which is probably most my favorite load of laundry I've ever done! The clothes are so teeny tiny!<br />
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Still need to:<br />
*purchase glider, squeeze into room somewhere<br />
*put up new blinds, hang curtains<br />
*hang wall prints<br />
*wash sheets and put on crib<br />
*organize dresser & closet<br />
*figure out mobile (we're considering making one)<br />
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<b>Hubby: </b>Is just the best, as always! He has been so patient and loving towards me, and is so excited to interact with the belly/baby! He also did such an awesome job getting our stroller and pack-n-play all set up, and I know he's got plans to do keep putting things together, little by little! And, I had so much fun making his first Father's Day so special. I definitely want to backwards blog that day for sure! I truly could not have asked for a more perfect partner throughout this whole thing because he just gets me and has been so incredibly selfless. He's going to be the best daddy!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Infant Care Class! Dude is so good at swaddling! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Father's Day Perfection!</td></tr>
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<b>Best Part of the Last Few Weeks: </b>Ah! So many great moments! My hometown shower hosted by my aunts was so special and so much fun. I also was spoiled by my TA who not only hosted a little shower with the 3rd grade team but also hosted a little book shower with my class! We've gotten to take two classes-- 1. Birthing and 2. Infant Care/CPR/Breastfeeding-- and both were super informative! And, classes are so much more entertaining when it's a private class and the instructor keeps calling your hubby "Tyler" instead of his actual name, Kyle! I had to bite the inside of my cheeks that whole time to not laugh! We've also had a lot of fun nesting these past few weeks! At 30 weeks we got to have an ultrasound and see our little baby boy! My how he had grown! They said he was weighing 3 pounds 9 oz. at that point! And, of course, the highlight was Bryan and Hanna's wedding! They are going to be the best uncle and aunt to our little guy, and we're so excited for their new life together!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My heart and soul! Cannot wait to meet him!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3rd Grade Team Shower! Love these ladies!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wilmington Shower!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Class Number 1-- Check!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Class Number 2-- Check!</td></tr>
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<b>Can't Wait For: </b>My mom is coming next week, and I have big plans for us to make some moves around the house and potentially do some cooking to prep some freezer meals! Also excited for my 2nd baby shower next weekend, hosted by two of my high school besties! And, we'll get to see our precious little guy on ultrasound next Tuesday! Fingers crossed he's still in good position!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489810210421045522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854751047869733040.post-67415440488549124572015-05-11T07:00:00.000-07:002015-05-11T07:00:03.876-07:00Preggy Update: Weeks 22-25April and this first week of May have probably been some of my favorite weeks of pregnancy! I look pregnant, and I certainly feel pregnant. I'm loving that dresses have become the norm with the arrival spring and almost summer temps. But my absolute favorite part of this time of pregnancy is the constant reminder of this sweet baby's presence with his precious kicks and flips.<br />
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Since I broke my promise to myself of doing weekly bumpdates, I'll squeeze three weeks together into one, happy post of pregnancy updates goodness.<br />
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Here we go...<br />
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<b>Movement: </b>Yes! As I mentioned, I am loving feeling this precious boy kick and flip till his little heart's content! And, during week 23 (Monday, April 20th, to be exact!), we had a little cramping scare (that ended up being nothing concerning our little guy!) that left us both home from work and together when we first were able to feel his little kicks from the outside. I was laying in bed when I felt it, and called for Kyle, who came running in because he misheard "I feel the baby's kicks" as "I feel sick!" It was such a sweet moment, and I'm so happy Kyle has finally been able to experience the joy of feeling our son move! He's even had the chance a few times since then, and we're excited for the upcoming weeks when we should be able to feel (and see!) him moving more from the outside!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We took this right after Kyle felt the kick for the first time!</td></tr>
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<b>Sleep: </b>So much better once I got my hands on the Snoogle and we switched to a memory foam mattress topper! I'm sleeping like a baby except for the fact that I am up at least 2, if not 3 times a night for pee breaks. I guess it's good practice for being up once the baby comes!<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Workouts: </b>People workout during pregnancy, say what!? Let's just say I plan to do better. I will do better. Must do better. ;)<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Maternity Clothes: </b>Mostly living in non-maternity maxis (thank you Old Navy and Loft!). Also, loving a pair of borrowed Liz Lange maternity skinny jeans from Target (thanks, Kelly!), and a pair of white and a pair of black maternity skinnies from Loft mixed with non-maternity tops. :) I did invest in a couple of camis and tees in larger sizes, and cardigans in non-pregnancy size but in Tall for length, which has helped! And, as I mentioned in my last post, I did buy two pairs of pj shorts from Old Navy in a larger size to accommodate this growing bump!<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Symptoms: </b>pee breaks all.the.time., some mild swelling in my ankles, super thirsty, some hip pain when I wake up from sleeping (not nearly as bad as it was before we switched mattresses, though!), and occasional heartburn. I've also randomly had nosebleeds, which I never experienced before pregnancy. All that fun stuff!<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Cravings/Aversions: </b>Craving different kinds of salty snacks at different times. My love for BBQ chips ended, sadly, after Kyle had just stocked up on some! I want apples all day every day, especially the organic Fuji apples from HT--seriously the best. Also, recently been craving sweet, fruity drinks, like Strawberry Lemonade, which is totally new to me. :)<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Missing Most: </b>Being able to move with ease and grace. Sleeping on my back and stomach. Shopping all the cute summer styles that just came out. Not having to pee in the middle of the night. Easily being able to cuddle with Kyle. :)<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Nursery: </b>We have finally started to make a little progress! Our office is now in the process of being changed into the nursery. Kyle's brother was kind enough to come help move furniture and rearrange some of it into our guest room. We chose a paint color (Benjamin Moore, Smoke Embers) and are excited to paint later in May. Kyle's mom has been kind enough to let us have this adorable dresser that she painted a turquoise to act as the changing table, and we have a crib and glider picked out, just not yet purchased. We also ordered a <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/charcoal-knitted-pouf.do">"pouf" from World Market</a>, which I had never heard of before, but I love it! And, we know what we want to do on the walls and have chosen crib bedding from PBK. We're excited to see it all come together, but we have a long ways to go!<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Hubby: </b>Kyle seriously melts my heart daily. He loves to talk to my belly, and most every night he reads a book to the belly bump and we sing a lullaby called "Candlelight" that my grandmother sang to my mom who sang it to me. Kyle also loves to play music for our little nugget with the belly buds. His "I Love you" texts now extend to "I Love you and the baby." We also had always talked about wanting to start an email address for our each of our children so that we could send them emails throughout their years and give it to them on their 18th birthday. Kyle set one of those up as soon as we chose knew it was a boy and chose his name (more to come on that later!), and we have enjoyed sending him a few emails already! Kyle is just going to be the best daddy ever! And, he is just so kind and caring towards me. I seriously did not think it was possible to love him anymore, but fatherhood has certainly taken it to a whole new level.<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Best Part of these Weeks: </b>Kyle getting to feel the baby kick for the first time! Passing my Glucose Test, praise be! Getting to see my college bestie, Beebs, and celebrate her and her sweet daughter-to-be (we're due a day apart!) at her shower last weekend. And, my first Mother's Day (as a mother-to-be)! Kyle and I had seen an article about doing a Mother's Day journal instead of a card every year, and I had commented how awesome of an idea I thought that was! Sure enough, that sweet boy listened and surprised me with a beautiful journal and first entry on Mother's Day morning! I am so excited to see that thing fill up over the years.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whew! Glucose Test passed! Chugged that down at 2pm in my office at school! My students were so curious about the drink! I love getting to share part of my pregnancy with them...they are just so innocent and sweet and cute!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will forever cherish this Mother's Day journal!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved getting to shower Beebs and her sweet baby girl in Baltimore! Being pregnant with her has been one of the biggest blessings! I love that our babies will grow up so close in age--we're secretly hoping they'll be bday twins!</td></tr>
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<b>Can't Wait For: </b>Two baby showers in May (one at school and one in my hometown!), our 28-week appointment (always love hearing that sweet heartbeat), and making more progress in the nursery!<br />
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489810210421045522noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854751047869733040.post-86744697156826749962015-05-09T12:19:00.001-07:002015-05-09T13:11:22.426-07:00Good-bye, 2nd Trimester!<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
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Oh, hey there, 3rd Trimester! You have certainly snuck up on us, but I am certainly happy to see you! I'm 26 weeks today, and we are officially in the home stretch!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ever-growing baby bump!</td></tr>
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2nd trimester was WAY friendlier to me than the 1st, and I got into my little groove and found myself really enjoying being pregnant...especially with the addition of a few comfort items!<br />
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I certainly had a major life-changing sleep moment with the addition of <a href="http://leachco.com/snoogle.html">#1</a>, thanks to my friend Kelly (who was so kind to let me borrow!). I kinda don't want to give it up, like ever! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Burts-Bees-Belly-Butter-Ounce/dp/B00DM14TYC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1431200573&sr=8-1&keywords=mama+bee">#2</a> has definitely been a must-have, and I try to apply it as religiously as possible (and swap between it and the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Earth-Mama-Angel-Baby-Natural/dp/B000JVA80C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1431200608&sr=8-1&keywords=earth+mama+angel+baby+stretch+mark+oil">Earth Mama Angel Baby Stretch Oil</a>, which I might even like better!). And, whoa, holy thirst buds. I feel like I am thirsty all the live-long-day, so <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lifefactory-22-Ounce-Beverage-Bottle-Midnight/dp/B003BFS8WI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1431200698&sr=8-2&keywords=life+factory+glass+water+bottle">#3</a> became my new BFF. It's completely natural to feel stressed or overwhelmed during pregnancy, what with growing another life and all, and my go to trick has been to dab a little of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Origins-Senses-Lavender-Vanilla-Body/dp/B00E6QTU7S/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1431200909&sr=8-8&keywords=origins+lavender+oil">#4</a> or any lavender oil (we've also love the one we get at Whole Foods) on a tissue and just tuck it like a bib or rest it on my forehead (trick I learned from my guided meditation instructor!), and it totally helps me relax. I also finally broke down and bought <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=36107&vid=1&pid=432414052">#5</a> so I could stop wearing Kyle's boxers and feel at least slightly cute while lounging-- best $5 spent! And, towards the last few weeks of 2nd trimester I did start to notice a little swelling in my feet, so Kyle urged me to go ahead and invest in some <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sockwell-Womens-Circulator-Compression-Concorde/dp/B00EWHK05M/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1431201304&sr=8-6&keywords=sockwells+compression+socks+20-30">#6</a> (a co-worker of his wore them all the time while pregnant!). I've just been putting them on for a bit before bed, and it's helped with the mild swelling. I'm sure I'll really be thankful for these in the 3rd trimester when the swelling picks up! Oh, and I forgot to include one major thing that helped make a huge difference in the excruciating hip pain I experienced while sleeping, which was the addition of a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AR5X92/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">memory-foam mattress topper</a>! This was not exactly an ideal way to spend the money we are so desperately trying to save, but I was miserable and barely sleeping from being in so much pain. It truly made such a huge difference! And, Kyle loves it too and says he's able to sleep much better since he doesn't feel me tossing and turning as much! #winwin</div>
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I've also been so thankful that my love of maxi-dresses the last two summers meant that I had a nice stash to rely on already, and with the addition of a few non-maternity ones from Old Navy (and 1 Loft) from this year, I've been pretty set on maternity teacher clothes. I also purchased a couple of cardigans from Old Navy in tall so that they'd be a little longer, which has helped make a lot of the sleeveless maxis appropriate for school! Add in a few basic tees & tanks from Gap Body (maternity) and Loft (non-maternity, ordered size up), a couple of pairs of maternity jeans, and my loaner maternity clothes from my friends, Ally and Kelly, and I've been pretty pleased with how little I've had to spend while still not feeling like I've had to sacrifice on style! I've also been able to still wear some of my longer, more flowy non-maternity tops, which has been a life-saver, too!</div>
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I'll be back soon to blog about some of my favorite moments from the 2nd trimester!</div>
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Happy Saturday!</div>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489810210421045522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854751047869733040.post-77520653857310665052015-04-17T13:15:00.002-07:002015-04-17T13:15:21.785-07:00Five on Friday-- Wedding Anniversary Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Friday! I'm linking up with the lovely<span style="background-color: white; color: #2b2652; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px;"> </span><a href="http://alizadventures.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #d3ac50; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; text-decoration: none;">April</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b2652; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px;">, </span><a href="http://www.hellohappinessblog.com/p/sponsor.html" style="background-color: white; color: #d3ac50; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; text-decoration: none;">Natasha</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b2652; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px;">, </span><a href="http://www.northcarolinacharm.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #d3ac50; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; text-decoration: none;">Christina</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b2652; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px;">, and </span><a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #d3ac50; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; text-decoration: none;">Darci</a> for Five on Friday!</div>
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Today is a super special day because Kyle and I celebrate our FIFTH wedding anniversary! I don't know where the last 5 years have gone and don't feel nearly old enough to have been married for five years, but I do know they've been five of the happiest years of my life!</div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMKAUFQawrM/VSrEgbIXmBI/AAAAAAAAFWE/dcESkGs-Ckc/s1600/DSC00942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMKAUFQawrM/VSrEgbIXmBI/AAAAAAAAFWE/dcESkGs-Ckc/s1600/DSC00942.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Dessert from our First Anniversary dinner!</td></tr>
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And, in honor of our anniversary, my Five on Friday post will highlight my top 5 reflections from our 5 years of marriage!</div>
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<i>Every year of marriage is special, but there's nothing like that FIRST year!--- </i>Oh my! When I think back to that first year I can't help but grin ear-to-ear. What fun times we had! Everything was a first! We closed on our first home just about a month after our wedding, took an amazing honeymoon (and my first time traveling to Europe!) over the Summer, and Kyle started his first job. Every holiday celebrated was that much more fun because it was our first you-fill-in-the-blank holiday together! I just remember being overwhelmed with joy at the "team" Kyle and I had become and how much more fun it was tackling all of those firsts in our life as a married couple! Even cooler-- yes, I think a ton of firsts happen in that first year, but you can't cover them all, and I think it's fun to still be finding that same joy in the "firsts" even as we start our 6th year of marriage!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first home (although we didn't take this picture until December of that first year!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0WcT7-CPqhs/VSq-ZjxC_kI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/6SyJJ6CffXs/s1600/First%2BHome%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0WcT7-CPqhs/VSq-ZjxC_kI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/6SyJJ6CffXs/s1600/First%2BHome%2B2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had so much fun making our house our home! Teamwork makes the dreamwork ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_t-fnKcVV4M/VSq-Z82F2EI/AAAAAAAAFVU/fck9Vdnogj4/s1600/First%2BHome%2BPics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_t-fnKcVV4M/VSq-Z82F2EI/AAAAAAAAFVU/fck9Vdnogj4/s1600/First%2BHome%2BPics.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We certainly didn't hate getting to unpack all of our wedding presents!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vk_anybVvgs/VSq_wGuYXzI/AAAAAAAAFVo/qiUdBjzy8zM/s1600/DSC00558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vk_anybVvgs/VSq_wGuYXzI/AAAAAAAAFVo/qiUdBjzy8zM/s1600/DSC00558.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First meal hosted in our home! My grandparents and mom were the lucky guests. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First time traveling together...I still get butterflies thinking about how much that trip strengthened our relationship. There is no better way to solidify a new marriage than traveling abroad together. You see a different side of each other when you know, say, you walk a mile to the train station to catch your train from Nice to Venice only to see absolutely no one there at all because the train workers had gone on strike. We truly had the best time and realized that we make just about perfect travel buddies for each other! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LlqgC1G0MDM/VSq_GNmaGjI/AAAAAAAAFVg/BTWL4Or90C8/s1600/DSC00740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LlqgC1G0MDM/VSq_GNmaGjI/AAAAAAAAFVg/BTWL4Or90C8/s1600/DSC00740.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our First Christmas!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Tx7MmTSJOE/VSrFVwqj0uI/AAAAAAAAFWc/c1MIQM6lBqg/s1600/DSC00952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Tx7MmTSJOE/VSrFVwqj0uI/AAAAAAAAFWc/c1MIQM6lBqg/s1600/DSC00952.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
Our first anniversary! Loved that the top layer of our cake still tasted yummy!<br />
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<i>Healthy Communication is Key--- </i>I am a communicator by nature. Possibly even an over-communicator. I want to sit and talk out every feeling I have. I love understanding people and being understood. Kyle is a bottler by nature. He wanted to keep the peace and would just brush things under the rug for the sake of not arguing. It wasn't worth it to bring it up, in his mind, until I brought up something and then he'd unload the last five things I'd done to upset him. As you can imagine, our communication styles did not mesh, and we had to work really, really hard (and are still working) to find the happy medium! It's been a healthy balance of give and take from each of us, and we've really gotten into such a groove. We know how each other tick, and we know how each other appreciates an issue being brought up, so we really are able to respect each other's communication needs, which has been such a great thing for our relationship! This is one area where I can really see the progress over time in our relationship, and it's an area where we both feel really proud of ourselves for our growth!</div>
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<i>Being Proactive Can Save a Lot of Headaches--- </i>This one comes from our counselor. :) One of the best things Kyle and I did for our relationship was start seeing a counselor this past summer. The pastor at our church and his wife, who we respect and adore, have always sung the praises of counseling. They are such an amazing couple and such great parents, and I think for me, personally, they helped kind of reframe the idea that counseling isn't always just something you start when there's a problem but it can also be something you do to prevent a problem. Our amazing counselor, Dawn, has given us so many tools, but I think one of the most helpful ones was encouraging us to be proactive when we know we're going into stressful situations that we know could lead us to fight. We had talked about how we sometimes ended up fighting when we went to visit family because we both felt so pulled by our families being in the same town and feeling this pressure to have equal time. Now, instead of waiting for the fight to happen, we sit down before we go into town and really talk about what each other is wanting from the family time and how we're going to split the time. We're also then able to communicate with our families the plan so it's just all out there and open in advance. What a relief it has been since we've started being proactive! And, we use this tool in all kinds of situations!</div>
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<i>There's a time to be serious and a time to laugh (or dance) --- </i>I know first three were more on the serious sides, but I think one of my most favorite parts of my marriage is the amount of fun that Kyle and I have together. The laughter. The silliness. The dance parties. The teasing. Life can be hard. Marriage can be stressful. Jobs can be taxing. Money can be tight. It's easy to let the monotony of every day life steal some of that carefree part of your marriage. Laughing and being goofy with your love is definitely the best medicine for keeping joy in your relationship even if other parts of life aren't as fun and especially if they are. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Hubby vs. Wife ---"Who Wore it Best" model-off. Judge all you want. We know we're ridiculous!</td></tr>
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FIVE</div>
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<i>Date night once a week, 1 weekend a quarter, 1 week a year--- </i>Advice from my hometown pastor who performed our wedding ceremony for how often you should have couple time--and believe me, this is good advice and advice we will certainly be glad to take in this next phase of life we're about to embark on called parenthood. Date nights, weekend getaways (just the two of you), and a longer vacation (at least once a year if you can...even if it's a staycation!) = time to connect, and I'm sure there's no real explanation needed for why this is great! Kyle and I have so valued our commitment to keeping Dr. Queen's advice, and it has benefitted us tremendously. Date nights give us time away from our house (where there are so many distractions) and time to just talk and catch up. And, if we feel like we've had plenty of talk time already that week, we'll make it interesting and play the Question Game, which is something we've done since our high school dating days. Weekend getaways give us that chance to refresh and restore. And our vacations have been so amazing for giving us shared, new experiences together! </div>
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So, there you have it. My top 5 fave take-aways from these tremendously amazing 5 years of marriage!</div>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489810210421045522noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854751047869733040.post-25666034647546053042015-04-16T03:00:00.000-07:002015-04-16T03:00:05.979-07:00Our Blueberry & Our Rainbow Baby<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Honor of Our Precious Blueberry</td></tr>
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April 16th. A day that comes with so many mixed emotions. I've only typed this much and my eyes are already filling with tears.<br />
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This was our due date from our first pregnancy, and I know that there was a big chance that our baby wouldn't have been actually born on this day, but once we lost that baby, this was the only date we had to cling on to. The day that we will celebrate our Blueberry because I just don't think I'd be OK without giving that baby, our first baby a day to be remembered. Because I never want to forget the joy that came from that very first time we found out we were pregnant and that very first heartbeat we heard of a baby we created. Our Blueberry changed our lives.<br />
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And so on April 16th, and really, these past few weeks leading up to this day, Kyle and I navigate the weirdness that is today. Because on the one hand it is a sad day-- a day of what could have beens and what isn'ts.<br />
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But, we're also here, pregnant and expecting a baby. A different baby. A baby boy. A baby boy who we love so incredibly much. But, a baby who wouldn't exist if we hadn't lost our first baby.<br />
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I remember reading a beautiful blogpost that introduced me to the term Rainbow Baby--the baby you're pregnant with that is the light after a storm, just like a rainbow. Usually when there are rainbows the skies are still gray. And the rainbow symbolizes hope. Kyle and I are still healing--our skies are still gray. But with this new life is so, so much hope.<br />
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I don't really know how to put into words what my heart feels right now on this day. It's complicated, for lack of a better word. And that is OK.<br />
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So, today, we will eat blueberries and sing "Happy Birthday" to a baby we will never meet on this Earth. Our Blueberry.<br />
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And, we will thank God for the precious baby boy growing in my belly and pray for the day that we hopefully get to meet this baby. Our Rainbow Baby.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489810210421045522noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854751047869733040.post-25659019673922504312015-04-10T15:15:00.002-07:002015-04-10T15:42:04.832-07:00Five on Friday!Cheers to the weekend! Except for those of us teachers who have Saturday school tomorrow because of the snow days...nuts!<br />
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I'm linking up with the lovely<span style="background-color: white; color: #2b2652; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px;"> </span><a href="http://alizadventures.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #d3ac50; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; text-decoration: none;">April</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b2652; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px;">, </span><a href="http://www.hellohappinessblog.com/p/sponsor.html" style="background-color: white; color: #d3ac50; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; text-decoration: none;">Natasha</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b2652; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px;">, </span><a href="http://www.northcarolinacharm.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #d3ac50; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; text-decoration: none;">Christina</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b2652; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px;">, and </span><a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #d3ac50; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; text-decoration: none;">Darci</a> for Five on Friday!<br />
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And, because I was too nervous at first (after our miscarriage) and then too frazzled to get my act together, I have not nearly documented my pregnancy in the way I always imagined I would. I was totally set to do the weekly bumpdates and all that good stuff!</div>
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So, today I am packing in the past 21 weeks of pregnancy into this fab Five on Friday post!</div>
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This should be fun!</div>
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PREGGY CATCH-UP # ONE</div>
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<i>Symptoms--- </i>My gracious! I can't complain because I know some people have it really rough, but I've definitely had some symptoms. I think that hardest part of the first trimester was dealing with the crazy food aversions and just overall nausea. I only every got physically sick once (and I'm not even sure it was pregnancy-related), but I definitely had the nausea. And finding food that was appealing was tough! I felt super limited because I'm already gluten-free and then add on the foods you have to eliminate while pregnant-- I felt totally defeated at times because anything that sounded appealing I couldn't eat and nothing that I could eat sounded appealing. I am SO glad that part of pregnancy is behind me! I've definitely also felt tired and sluggish throughout the pregnancy (probs didn't exercise from December-February...oops!) and at times have had the emotional breakdowns (although I think I've mostly been a super happy and pleasant preggo). I definitely had the soreness with the girls and am definitely enjoying not needing any padding up top these days, if you catch my drift ;) I've also had an insanely good sense of smell, which has its pros and cons. And, recently I've had super uncomfortable pain in my hips at night (thank you memory foam mattress that just arrived!) and a little ankle swelling (not ready for this!). Oh and let's not forget the crazy amount of trips to the bathroom-- I was getting up once a night for the first 19 weeks and now I'm up two times...not cool. Thank goodness for 2nd trimester, which is when I finally started feeling like myself again. Now, I'm loving actually looking pregnant and feeling my precious little guy moving up a storm!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://www.popsugar.com/tech/Kate-Middleton-Pregnancy-Memes-35662274">via</a>}</td></tr>
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PREGGY CATCH-UP # TWO</div>
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<i>Cravings/Aversions--- </i>I've definitely had plenty of both throughout the pregnancy! Cravings-wise, I remember one of the first weird cravings I had was for Blow-Pops. I am not really a fruity-candy person at all, but for some reason Blow Pops were just a necessity for a few weeks there in the beginning. I also lived Pirate's Booty for a few weeks early on. And, I just had to have Orange Juice (which I never drink anymore but have the fondest memories of drinking with my Grandaddy!) and was really into GF bagels for breakfast instead of my normal egg casserole. I've also craved different salty snacks at different times--Doritos, sea-salt popcorn, and now I'm currently on BBQ chips! I'd given up soda for the past few years but just had to have a Sprite...from the fountain, of course. And, gummy bears-- I don't ever eat those but, man, they have sounded yummy this pregnancy! My main aversions have been vegetables (unless hidden in a smoothie). Don't even bring them close to me! I also couldn't have meat for the longest time unless it was cut up really small. And, I was really was thrown by the few weeks that sweets did not sound appetizing to me because anyone who knows me knows I have the biggest sweet tooth. But, I think the weirdest one was the month (early on) where I could not drink the water from our house. It tasted TERRIBLE. I had to buy bottled water. And then, all of a sudden, one day it was totally back to normal! Kyle has been so kind to deal with all of my cravings and aversions. I think I say to him at least once a day, "Boo, you know what I really want..." and then rattle off something crazy!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/35pd3g">via</a>}</td></tr>
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PREGGY CATCH-UP # THREE</div>
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<i>Emotions--- </i>I've been pretty honest about how hard this pregnancy has been emotionally, especially during that first trimester. Having this baby is the most important thing to us and knowing how much can be out of your control and out of your hands as far as making that happen is tough. I've constantly battled the doubts that this could actually happen, and I still do. I probably will until I'm holding our sweet baby boy in my arms. About a week before every appointment we have the nerves start kicking in. Each successful appointment we have feels like another hurdle we've jumped over in this super long race. But, I've also tried not to let the joy be stolen from this pregnancy--I think I've just been more private about my elation that this is actually happening! And, I think the fun really starts to kick in once you get to start announcing. And then you have your gender reveal and your belly bump is showing. There's just a steady flow of excitement these days! I will be 22 weeks tomorrow! 22 weeks! And, now that I am feeling him move pretty much daily, I have that extra reassurance that all is well! Like I said, I know the worries will never not be there, but for now, I am soaking in every moment when the worries are cast aside and Kyle and I get to dream about this little life that we made growing inside of me. </div>
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PREGGY CATCH-UP # 4</div>
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<i>Dressing the Bump--- </i>I loved that the beginning of my pregnancy was during winter because I could rock leggings constantly, especially over winter-break and the 2 weeks of snow we had in February. Between leggings, the rubber-band trick, and the belly band I had bought during my 1st pregnancy I was able to hold off on buying maternity clothes for quite some time. For most of March I was pretty much full-time in either maternity pants or using the belly-band with my regular pants, but I'm happy that I've been able to so-far get away with non-maternity tops! Now that Spring is here, I'm LOVING my maxi-dresses and wear them almost daily because they work so well with a bump. I also am so thankful for maternity clothes that my two friends, Ally and Kelly, have leant to me. Between what I've borrowed and a few key purchases (and some non-maternity clothes that still work while pregnant) I think I'm pretty set for a while in the clothing department. Oh, and I did buy <a href="http://www.loft.com/maternity-loft-beach-blouson-one-piece-swimsuit/366138?colorExplode=true&skuId=18079005&catid=cat2250002&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=1321">this maternity bathing suit</a> from Loft because goodness knows with this heat I will definitely need to float in the pool some this summer! And, some days, you just gotta rock your hubby's clothes ;)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c9eOkcqIZx8/VShKgZNe2CI/AAAAAAAAFUE/tZgBRlqg4vg/s1600/Bump%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c9eOkcqIZx8/VShKgZNe2CI/AAAAAAAAFUE/tZgBRlqg4vg/s1600/Bump%2B1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bump Pics-- From March to April!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bump from the front-- Left from mid March, Right from Easter Sunday!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had to text Kyle a pic of me in his t-shirt and boxers!</td></tr>
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PREGGY CATCH-UP # 5</div>
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<i>The Hubs--- </i>I truly could not be more grateful for Kyle and the rock that he has been for me this pregnancy. It's hard because at times I feel so much pressure because I know he wants a baby as much as I do, and I feel like it's all up to me and my body and my health to make it happen. But, he never makes me feel that way and is always just super supportive and so incredibly selfless and helpful. It is so fun to see him get excited about being a daddy, and I know he'll be the best! He was counting down the weeks until the baby's hearing was developed and we could do the Bellybuds so he could play music for the baby. He's also super cute and talks to my belly, and it just makes my heart melt. He's also been so involved in every aspect of the pregnancy-- from coming to all of the appointments, to asking questions, reading the books, planning the nursery, and helping research items for the registry and different childcare options. I never thought I could love him any more but seeing him become a Dad completely changed that. Our baby boy is going to be so lucky to have him as a father!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-JpQXRsNcQ/VShLSgfZLEI/AAAAAAAAFUU/Qoh8IxekbxU/s1600/Gender%2BReveal%2B(Maple%2BView).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-JpQXRsNcQ/VShLSgfZLEI/AAAAAAAAFUU/Qoh8IxekbxU/s1600/Gender%2BReveal%2B(Maple%2BView).jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Welp, there we go! All caught up!</div>
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Here's to hoping for regular weekly updates ;)</div>
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489810210421045522noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854751047869733040.post-59860814148015736152015-04-06T12:50:00.000-07:002015-04-06T12:50:37.704-07:00Gender Reveal...Blue or Pink!?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Eeek! We are so excited to share that Baby A is a....</div>
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...BOY!!!!!!</div>
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Last Sunday, Kyle and I gathered with family and friends for a Gender Reveal party at the beach hosted by amazing almost-sister-in-law, Hanna!</div>
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Rewind to two weeks before that at our anatomy ultrasound--Kyle and I asked the ultra-sound tech. to write down the gender in an envelope because we really wanted to find out just the two of us. We'd always dreamed of going out to Maple View Farms, where it is absolutely gorgeous and the ice-cream is oh-so-yummy to find out for ourselves! We could not have asked for a more perfect day to find out--nice and sunny, no coats needed, and perfect blue skies and open fields surrounding us for miles. And, we were so excited to see the word BOY written on the paper! We kind of had a sneaking suspicion this was the case, and if you're ever curious about what you're having, you can just send your ultrasound pics to my friend, Beebs, who is 2-0 in predicting genders of babies long before the actual anatomy ultrasound! </div>
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It was hard to keep the secret from family and friends for TWO. WHOLE. WEEKS. especially if you know me. I wanted to tell the world the second we found out! But, we were both so, so good despite the numerous attempts to try to get us to spill! Best effort awards go to my Grandmother (who was just convinced that it was a boy and called it baby boy all weekend leading up the the reveal!), my brother (who kept trying to trick me on the phone), and Kyle's mom (who tried to bribe us with baby clothes purchases at the outlets if she knew what gender to shop for!). </div>
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But, we kept that precious little secret and were so glad that we did because getting to see everyone's reactions at the reveal was priceless!</div>
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Now, onto the good stuff. The Gender Reveal. Pretty much the most adorable party I've ever been to period. Totally Pinterest-worthy in my book. Hanna is absolutely amazing, and I'm trying to convince her to go into a party planning business!</div>
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Welcome to our Gender Reveal...</div>
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<i>The Decor</i></div>
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<i>The Activities</i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The party was the weekend before Easter, so if you're familiar with the Egg Cracking game, Hanna just put a Pink & Blue twist on it! The winning egg color (for us it was pink!) meant that an extra point was added to Team Pink!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Dad, Kyle's Dad, Kyle's brother, and Kyle had a bottle drinking race! Most of the boys cheated, but my dad had a great time drinking it like a real Baby! A point for Team Blue!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zXzQtSgNrIg/VRyjTOa8G2I/AAAAAAAAFPE/dQdQRjpIbV4/s1600/Gender%2BReveal%2B12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zXzQtSgNrIg/VRyjTOa8G2I/AAAAAAAAFPE/dQdQRjpIbV4/s1600/Gender%2BReveal%2B12.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jan won the "Guess How Much Baby A Is Loved" game! There were 242 jellybeans (again..love how she tied a little Easter into the reveal!) in the bottle, and Jan guessed 250...I knew that girl was smart! Since Jan was on Team Blue, a point was added to Team Blue!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yobTZjiNUuc/VRyjVqfhHeI/AAAAAAAAFQE/XBdYl830JZ4/s1600/Gender%2BReveal%2B20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yobTZjiNUuc/VRyjVqfhHeI/AAAAAAAAFQE/XBdYl830JZ4/s1600/Gender%2BReveal%2B20.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And lastly, we moved the party out to the beach (or almost beach!) for the big reveal! Hanna had put me on the phone with the girl at Party City to tell that the box would need BLUE balloons!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H4PeBlG6S1s/VSHE656YvPI/AAAAAAAAFSI/wBBIFjY0x8c/s1600/Gender%2BReveal%2B25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H4PeBlG6S1s/VSHE656YvPI/AAAAAAAAFSI/wBBIFjY0x8c/s1600/Gender%2BReveal%2B25.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a><br />
It was so much fun to see the blue balloons go flying! Kyle loves to replay the video in slow-motion where I get nailed in the face with one!</td></tr>
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<i>The Guests</i><br />
<i>(For Our Memory's Sake!)</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pgNg1rWL8ws/VSHE6RvWiGI/AAAAAAAAFR8/hxBcDhb9pTE/s1600/Gender%2BReveal%2B15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pgNg1rWL8ws/VSHE6RvWiGI/AAAAAAAAFR8/hxBcDhb9pTE/s1600/Gender%2BReveal%2B15.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Left to Right: The lovely hostess, Hanna, my brother, Bryan, my mom, me, Kyle, and my Dad!<i> </i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FoYYFHnLuCo/VSHE6PoH9xI/AAAAAAAAFR4/ZR7xC-eYe0I/s1600/Gender%2BReveal%2B17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FoYYFHnLuCo/VSHE6PoH9xI/AAAAAAAAFR4/ZR7xC-eYe0I/s1600/Gender%2BReveal%2B17.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My grandparents were also there!<i> </i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5fIKn5yLzzc/VSHE6em5odI/AAAAAAAAFSA/XZjMbW_d-Ts/s1600/Gender%2BReveal%2B18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5fIKn5yLzzc/VSHE6em5odI/AAAAAAAAFSA/XZjMbW_d-Ts/s1600/Gender%2BReveal%2B18.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kyle's parents were there!<i> </i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bz9k6CHSpzs/VSHEOZK9kVI/AAAAAAAAFRg/xIq7TiN6ty0/s1600/GR%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bz9k6CHSpzs/VSHEOZK9kVI/AAAAAAAAFRg/xIq7TiN6ty0/s1600/GR%2B1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two of my high school bests, Becca and Jan were there!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6gVQ_4xW9DE/VSHEOUTbsBI/AAAAAAAAFRU/RchdX2qA3QM/s1600/GR%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6gVQ_4xW9DE/VSHEOUTbsBI/AAAAAAAAFRU/RchdX2qA3QM/s1600/GR%2B2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kyle's brother, Ryan, and his girlfriend, Lindsay!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TfqhCW7VbCk/VSHEPDNRS8I/AAAAAAAAFRc/ruGaefbJmMI/s1600/GR%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TfqhCW7VbCk/VSHEPDNRS8I/AAAAAAAAFRc/ruGaefbJmMI/s1600/GR%2B4.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My college bestie, Ashley, and her new boy, Dave, also came!<br />
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Skyped in were: college bestie, Beebs, cousin Sarah, Kyle's Aunt Momo, and failed attempts to Skype in cousin, Kathleen, and my two Aunts! And, our good friends, Keith and Kelly (and sweet Teagan) and my cousin, Anna (who was leading a tour), my lifelong bestie, Kristen (who got married the day before...will post about that when pics come in!), and other high school bestie, Ally, were all there in spirit!<br />
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Not pictured were Hanna's parents, Mr. Warren and LaLa (Linda) who helped with everything and took some amazing pictures! My brother is gaining some amazing in-laws, and we've had so much fun getting to know them!<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I could not write this post without saying a huge thank you to Hanna, who just 1 week after getting some scary news about her health and just 3 days post-surgery pulled off this amazing party for us. It was such a generous thing to do in the first place and to still go through with it all things considered meant the world to us. She is just the best. I wrote in her thank-you note that I hope Baby A takes after his Aunt Hanna in her thoughtfulness, generosity, and selflessness.</span><span style="font-size: small;">It was such a special day, full of love and excitement for our baby boy!</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />We are SO ready to embrace the blue!<br /><br />Bring on the registering and nursery prep</span>!</td></tr>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489810210421045522noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854751047869733040.post-85730630416490994262015-04-05T17:49:00.002-07:002015-04-05T17:49:41.968-07:00Happy Easter!Happy Easter, everyone!<br />
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{<a href="http://therefurbishedlife.com/2014/04/16/diy-easter-eggs/">via</a>}</div>
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As easy as it is to get swept up in the pastels and Easter baskets and candy on this day (and trust me, I love those things about Easter!), I also definitely want to be intentional about remembering the what this day truly means-- the sacrifice behind this day and how lucky we are to have a Father in Heaven who loves us so much.</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">We started our day off with an amazing Easter service at our church. I loved our pastor's message on faith, and how we're called for 100% commitment, not 100% certainty. I have to hand it to preachers-- I think Christmas and Easter are two of the hardest services to do because it's difficult to put new twists on these, yet I am always impressed by how they do. :)</span></div>
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Kyle's brother, Ryan, and his girlfriend, Lindsay, joined us for lunch at a local 100% GF restaurant, and it was a win-win-- good company, good food.<br />
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No Easter egg hunts for us this year, but we'll be hopefully having plenty of those in the future! It is kind of hard to believe that this will be our last Easter, just the two of us. And, I would be lying if I said that I wasn't totally excited to do an Easter Basket for our precious little guy next year! I practiced this year by surprising Kyle with his favorite Easter candy-- those Reese's Eggs...they just get you every time!<br />
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And while we missed being with more of our family, I have to say it was quite a perfect little Easter day. A good mix of the religious and secular celebrations and lots of beautiful sunshine. We have so much to be thankful for!<br />
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489810210421045522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854751047869733040.post-11492109412326522522015-03-19T15:58:00.001-07:002015-03-19T15:58:31.288-07:00Baby Abrams- How We Found Out Part IIGracious, the days are flying by and this little preggo lady can't seem to get her life organized enough to make time for proper bloggage (is that even a word!?).<br />
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And, to be honest, I still sometimes get so nervous and scared between OB appointments that I just cannot bring myself to write about the pregnancy. True story--so envious sometimes of the mommies out there who pregnancy seems so easy for, at least mentally/emotionally, and I know that part of that could be that its not as fun to write about the worry/fears/anxiety. But, man oh man, it can be so hard at times. I definitely plan to share more about my personal experiences with pregnancy after a loss.<br />
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But, on to How We Found Out-- Part II! You can catch up on <a href="http://lifeoflu-lu.blogspot.com/2015/02/baby-abrams-how-we-found-out-part-1.html">Part I</a> of how we found out we were pregnant here. :)<br />
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So, it was December 6th (a Saturday) when we got our first positive pregnancy test. We didn't even think about waiting to tell our parents in a cute little way this time. I remember the conversations being very guarded-- like, "Yes this is exciting, but we are obviously not getting our hopes up this time around." Our families were excited and I think a little shocked--other than my mom who had been totally in the loop with all of my tracking, etc and was holding on to the same little shred of hope that I had been! I also couldn't resist from telling my college bestie, Beebs, because she had been a huge part of my pregnancy/miscarriage the first time around and we constantly text, which was perfect for me because I just wasn't yet ready to talk about it "out loud."<br />
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I was heading down to Wilmington that Sunday for a Dr.'s appointment that Monday, and of course the pregnancy announcement being the surprise that it was threw a wrench in the plan because my family had just painted the kitchen of our house. Paint fumes + pregnancy = no bueno. But, luckily I was able to stay at Kyle's parents' house and we had a lot of running around town to do, so avoiding my family's house wasn't too much of an issue. :) It also gave a nice excuse to tell my grandparents, who live with my parents and would obviously wonder why I wasn't staying there! I also told my brother, his fiancee, and my Bible study leader from middle/high school who I adore that Sunday night when our family went Christmas caroling with our church. It was nice to feel like I was collecting my prayer warriors from the get go this time around.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9hp-Isbb4GI/VQtPqROvp5I/AAAAAAAAFNI/O775sGFfpQ4/s1600/Preggy%2B2%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9hp-Isbb4GI/VQtPqROvp5I/AAAAAAAAFNI/O775sGFfpQ4/s1600/Preggy%2B2%2B1.jpg" height="313" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The family out Christmas caroling! Trying to distract myself from the nerves!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-naJ_vJgPEuY/VQtPqOaQ11I/AAAAAAAAFM0/5IZw0VM06XA/s1600/Preggy%2B2%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-naJ_vJgPEuY/VQtPqOaQ11I/AAAAAAAAFM0/5IZw0VM06XA/s1600/Preggy%2B2%2B2.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to visit our blueberry plant that we planted in memory of the baby we lost while home.</td></tr>
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The next steps were to get scheduled with our OBGYN. We went for our first appointment really early in the pregnancy--so early that when I took the urine test they almost didn't even think I was pregnant because it took longer than normal for the line to show up. My cycle was all screwed up, so they were counting from my last missed period, which would have put me ahead 2 weeks of where I actually was in the pregnancy. I finally slightly convinced them that I was pretty positive I knew the two possible conception dates. We had started not trying to prevent for a weekend before seeing my endocrinologist who said to not try for the next six weeks. They said I'd need to take a blood test that day and come back in two days to see if some level had doubled, to indicate that a pregnancy was progressing normally.<br />
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I literally cried while talking to the nurse on that Thursday when I went for my 2nd round of blood work. She said, "Well, do you feel pregnant?," and I could barely choke out the words "I don't even know." That nurse was so incredibly sweet and will forever be my favorite nurse. She gave me tissues and just said to call her tomorrow and ask specifically for her, and she'd tell me the results instead of having to wait for the message in the patient portal to show up.<br />
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And you know I called back as soon as they were open that very next day and was so relieved to hear that the levels looked good and that they wanted to see me for an ultrasound that next week.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iAqxK94rCvc/VQtPqPWIq6I/AAAAAAAAFMw/mpZs-nXD208/s1600/Preggy%2B2%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iAqxK94rCvc/VQtPqPWIq6I/AAAAAAAAFMw/mpZs-nXD208/s1600/Preggy%2B2%2B3.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a difference a week makes! A definite confidence booster!</td></tr>
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Our first ultrasound for this pregnancy was terrifying. The last time I'd been in an ultrasound my heart was shattered into pieces. I was glad that we had switched OBs, so I wouldn't have to be going back into that same room. I was very open with the new ultrasound tech about how nervous we were, and she was so responsive and caring the whole time. We ended up being able to see the gestational sac, but it was too early to see a heartbeat. She said everything looked normal for where we thought we were in the pregnancy-- about 5 weeks along.<br />
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The HARDEST part was having to wait until January for our next appointment, which meant we went through the holidays just hoping and praying that things were O.K. I pushed through a Bachelorette weekend in Charleston for my childhood bestie, Kristen and was so thankful to those girls for being super understanding! And Christmas was just a roller-coaster. I was so "in-my-head" and would literally spend afternoons in bed just in tears because I was having cramping and just feeling so weird. Kyle was the absolute best and continues to be as far as support goes. The girls in my family were also beyond amazing and were such good listeners. I was so touched by the gift of the most adorable stuffed teddy bear from Harrods that my sweet cousin, Anna, brought back from England for future Baby A without even knowing we were pregnant. It meant so much to know that even when we were at times doubting that we would be pregnant again or have a successful pregnancy that she took the leap of faith that we would. And, it was such a special gift because her parents were the ones who brought me my very favorite stuffed animal, a lion I named Esther). I also got a "good-luck" belly pat from baby Edith (my cousin, Kathleen's, precious 7 month old!).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eSiJgiE7Er4/VQtPqiLwq1I/AAAAAAAAFM8/pCVWggu-mBc/s1600/Preggy%2B2%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eSiJgiE7Er4/VQtPqiLwq1I/AAAAAAAAFM8/pCVWggu-mBc/s1600/Preggy%2B2%2B4.jpg" height="400" width="338" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a fun weekend in Charleston celebrating this sweet friend! Luckily my pregnancy symptoms weren't terrible that weekend! And, I did enjoy a nice mocktail!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n6bBAP_ZSFQ/VQtPqhFPauI/AAAAAAAAFNA/-x3KhCL4rqs/s1600/Preggy%2B2%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n6bBAP_ZSFQ/VQtPqhFPauI/AAAAAAAAFNA/-x3KhCL4rqs/s1600/Preggy%2B2%2B5.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kyle and I got a secret kick out of playing Mary and Joseph for my Grandparents' old retirement home knowing that I was actually pregnant! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHL7E_doW9k/VQtRk05F7iI/AAAAAAAAFNg/wZiHhnjs5TQ/s1600/Preggo%2B2%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHL7E_doW9k/VQtRk05F7iI/AAAAAAAAFNg/wZiHhnjs5TQ/s1600/Preggo%2B2%2B1.jpg" height="400" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last Christmas just the two of us!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VLcfYolWdsA/VQtRk8b9EKI/AAAAAAAAFN0/MDnl0xDmbyA/s1600/Preggo%2B2%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VLcfYolWdsA/VQtRk8b9EKI/AAAAAAAAFN0/MDnl0xDmbyA/s1600/Preggo%2B2%2B2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Year's Eve-- pretending I just didn't want to drink. ;)</td></tr>
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And, as slowly as the days passed, it was FINALLY January 6th and time for our 8 week ultrasound appointment.<br />
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I cried happy tears when the tech pointed out the heartbeat to our precious little one! Kyle and I were so relieved, especially because getting to this point meant that we had already made it further into the pregnancy than we did our last one.<br />
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I'd love to say that all of our worries were washed away, but that wasn't the case, and it probably will not be the case until our precious baby is in our arms, healthy and happy (in which case all of the pregnancy fears will be gone and all of the parenting ones will kick in!).<br />
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But, how faithful God had been and continues to be. We hit the 19 week mark on Saturday!<br />
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489810210421045522noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854751047869733040.post-61003184304678911912015-02-27T16:39:00.000-08:002015-02-27T16:39:04.604-08:00Five on Friday Happy Friday! I'm linking up with the lovely<span style="background-color: white; color: #2b2652; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px;"> </span><a href="http://alizadventures.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #d3ac50; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; text-decoration: none;">April</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b2652; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px;">, </span><a href="http://www.hellohappinessblog.com/p/sponsor.html" style="background-color: white; color: #d3ac50; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; text-decoration: none;">Natasha</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b2652; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px;">, </span><a href="http://www.northcarolinacharm.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #d3ac50; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; text-decoration: none;">Christina</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b2652; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px;">, and </span><a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #d3ac50; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; text-decoration: none;">Darci</a> for Five on Friday!<br />
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Here we go!</div>
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ONE</div>
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<i>Snow, snow, snowy, snow, snow--- </i>My gracious! Thanks to multiple winter weather systems hitting NC my past two weeks have turned into a spontaneous vacation! I have literally worked 2.5 out of the last ten workdays, and I have loved every second of it--a perfect mix of relaxation and productivity around the house! I haven't even gone stir crazy, especially since Kyle's been home for most of it, and we want to soak up as much couple time as we can these days. And yes, I did watch a whole season of America's Next Top Model on Hulu. And now I'm on Pretty Little Liars. Except today House of Cards' new season was released! Eeeek!</div>
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TWO</div>
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<i>Cats out of the bag-- </i>What a relief to finally have announced our pregnancy! We've had so much fun getting to talk openly about it and are pumped to share our journey here on the blog! In case you need to catch up, check <a href="http://lifeoflu-lu.blogspot.com/2015/02/somethings-brewing.html">here</a> and <a href="http://lifeoflu-lu.blogspot.com/2015/02/baby-abrams-how-we-found-out-part-1.html">here</a>!</div>
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THREE</div>
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<i>One in every color-- </i>I am obsessed with <a href="http://www.loft.com/pocket-blouse/363731?colorExplode=false&skuId=18178494&catid=catl000011&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=2364">this top</a> from Loft. It can be dressed up or down, is super flattering, and is actually long enough to wear with leggings (you can't tell in the pic, but it's longer in the back and covers the bootay...at least for a shorty like me!). I also love the it can be either 3/4 sleeve or long sleeve and can transition nicely into Spring. I am currently on a shopping hiatus but did have to break the rules to snag this during a 50% off sale recently. And double snaps for the fact that this top also hides a newbie baby bump quite nicely!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DaJfvIUfuE8/VOdi60K_ExI/AAAAAAAAFJk/WWgJvWuQo7M/s1600/favshirt.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DaJfvIUfuE8/VOdi60K_ExI/AAAAAAAAFJk/WWgJvWuQo7M/s1600/favshirt.jpeg" height="400" width="383" /></a></div>
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FOUR</div>
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<i>Bridal Shower Gifts-- </i>My life-long bestie is getting married in just a little over a month, and I had so much fun at her bridal shower this past weekend. Between her wedding, my brother's wedding, and my cousin's wedding later this year, I feel like I'm going to be attending lots of fun showers, and I'm always on the lookout for great gifts--especially for ones that themed in some way. I've been scouring Pinterest for some good ideas and wanted to share a few of my favorites:</div>
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<i>1. </i><i>Milestones Wine Basket</i></div>
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{<a href="http://rurallifestory.blogspot.com/2012/09/milestone-wine-basket.html">via</a>}</div>
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<i>2. Perfect Pairs Basket</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AMErTeKGxxU/VPEHqsdq_DI/AAAAAAAAFLI/4Efl9IAituI/s1600/Blogoo%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AMErTeKGxxU/VPEHqsdq_DI/AAAAAAAAFLI/4Efl9IAituI/s1600/Blogoo%2B2.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">{</span><a href="http://www.dreamgreendiy.com/2013/03/29/perfect-pairs-a-bridal-shower-gift-basket/" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">via</a><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">}<br /><br /><i>3. Chic Cooking Basket</i></span></td></tr>
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{<a href="http://theglitterguide.com/2014/04/21/the-best-bridal-shower-gift-for-a-spring-wedding/?slide=2#content">via</a>}</div>
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FIVE</div>
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<i>Valentine's Day (a <strike>lotta-bit</strike> little late)--- </i>I know I'm way late with this, but I am at least still within the month in which V-Day takes place, so that counts for something, right!? And, if we're being honest, I really did write half of this post last Friday...which was only a week after Heart Day!</div>
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There are lots of differing thoughts about this "Hallmark Holiday", but I fall into the "this is truly one of my favorite holidays" camp. I love everything about it. The pink, red, and white. Making valentines, especially for my students. Watching chick-flick love stories. <i>Happy sigh</i>. I kicked my celebrations off early the weekend before with a girl's night with some teacher friends where ate yummies, made our valentines for our students, and had girl talk. Kyle and I had a low-key early Valentine's dinner on Friday night, which was delicious and made especially better by the fact that we had a gift-card. Our presents for each other this year were "labors of love." I went and stood in line for an hour with Kyle to help him get his hands on a special-release beer. Kyle is going to clean out my car, which is not going to be an easy task for him! On the actual day we got to celebrate my friend Lauren's bday with dinner at a local Mexican restaurant and games back at her place with friends. It was such a fun night!</div>
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Have the best weekend, friends!</div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489810210421045522noreply@blogger.com3