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Thursday, October 22, 2015

Pregnancy #2 Update :: 37 Weeks

 


How far along: 37 Weeks
Size of Coffee Bean:  19-22 inches, 6.5 pounds

Fruit/Vegetable Comparison: Winter melon {Whatever the heck that is}...we'll go with Watermelon since that's how I feel!

Gender:  BOY!
Showing:  Um yes!
Maternity Clothes:  Lots of stretchy pants, tunics and maternity tees...and even all of these are getting tighter.  You know it's about time when your "long" maternity tanks are too short!  
Sleep: Just okay.  I haven't' had any trouble falling asleep, but I'm up often either needing to pee or find a more comfortable position.  Getting out of bed is no joke these days!

Movement:  Slowing down probably because he's running out of room, but I still feel him all day.  Instead of "kicks" it's more like slow shifts across my belly.  I'm sure he's having a hard time getting comfortable too. 

Food Cravings:  Cookies, ice water with lemon or lime, comfort foods
Anything Making You Sick/Queasy: Only when I panic about having TWO kids soon!
Weddings Rings On or Off: Officially OFF as of 35 weeks - I can put them on most mornings, but throughout the day they get tight so I just don't even bother anymore.

Mood:  Up and down with panic and excitement

Best Moment This Week:  Pumpkin patch trip with my family and attending Jack's Parent Lunch/Hayride this week...I've been hoping my body would hold on long enough to make this!

Strange Experiences:  Ups and downs this week thinking he may be coming earlier than expected due to some findings on an ultrasound.  Seems he is still coming early, but not as early as we originally were told this week.  What a roller coaster!

Looking Forward To:  Meeting sweet baby boy Colin!  I'm at the point now where he could come anytime and we can't wait to welcome him into our family.  

Read about my 37 week update from my first pregnancy!

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Maternity Photos with Baby #2

Truth be told, I wasn't really looking forward to taking maternity pictures this go-around.  It just seemed like yet another thing I had to do on my ever-growing maternity to-do list.  But every time I thought about opting out I knew that I wanted to capture this special time in our lives when we were a family of three waiting for our second baby boy to make his arrival.  In all likelihood this will be my last pregnancy so I wanted some pictures to document it.

Boy did Amanda of Momma's Gonna Snap Photography hit these out of the ballpark!  In just a short 30 minute or so session, she grabbed tons of beautiful images between me and Jack, me and Jason, all three of us and just me.

I wanted to take pictures at Discovery Green Park in downtown Houston since it's within walking distance of Jason's office and is close to where we took our engagement photos.   I love how we were in the middle of the city we love yet in some it looks like we are in the middle of a country field. 

I waited to the very last minute to pull everyone's outfits together (Ashley can attest to this) but I'm so happy with how it all came together!

Here are just a few of my faves...











Checkout our maternity session with Jack a few years ago! 

Monday, October 19, 2015

Weekend Recap

We had another great weekend - one of our last being a family of three!  The weather in Houston was gorgeous and the temps finally dropped a bit.  It was nice to be able to spend some time outside!

Friday

Friday was a fun day at work.  Even though my staff spoiled me earlier in the week with a baby shower, they surprised me with gorgeous flowers for Boss's Day!  I only worked half a day, but was still able to wrap up all of the items on my maternity leave checklist!  I still plan to work another full week, however as you know, I'm paranoid that the baby will either come early or I'll be put on bed rest so I was anxious to wrap things up just in case.   It's a great feeling to know things are taken care of!


I left early so I could get a pre-baby hair color and trim!  I know it will be awhile before I'm thinking about getting my hair done so I covered the grays and got a significant cut.  A little shorter than I was actually thinking, but I know it will be appreciated once baby is here.

I came home to a fun package in the mail for Baby Colin from a sweet friend who is expecting just weeks apart from me.  


Jason picked up dinner on his way home and we got some much needed rest!



Saturday

Saturday morning we headed to our favorite local nursery that was hosting "Pumpkin Palooza."  A special event that promised face painting, pumpkin painting, lots of photo ops and live music.  Mix all of that with the gorgeous weather and we had the best morning.  We even ran into Jack's best friend from school and her family.  Jack wasn't so interested in the face painting or pumpkin decorating, but we loved rocking on the swing and watching Jack dance to the music...and taking too many pictures too.  







We grabbed lunch on the way home and Jack grabbed a nap in the car.  We did some resting in the afternoon, Jason planted some flowers in the backyard and I made this for dinner

Sunday

A Texans win {finally}, household chores and 25 breakfast tacos to be frozen...totally exhausting, but productive day.


We ended the day with dinner at Beck's for burgers.  I didn't want to cook, was craving a burger {I was good and just had a kids meal}, but the bonus is that the restaurant is on the water and has so many ducks walking around.  Jack LOVES it and we totally hit the jackpot and got to see a ton of ducklings running around.  Jack was in heaven!



Hope you have a wonderful week!  

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Linking up with Biana & Meghan for Weekending


Thursday, October 15, 2015

2015 Fall Scarf Swap Link-up Party!


Hooray!  It's like scarf swap Christmas morning when we get to see what everyone was gifted.  Hopefully the weather where you are is starting to cool off so you can sport your new accessories.  If not, just jack up that AC and get cozy!

A couple of notes about the link-up:
  • If you blogged about your Scarf Swap experience, please link-up below and link back to this blog post!  
  • You can also share with us on Twitter and Instagram using #2015fallscarfswap
  • Check out the full list of all who participated here.  
 I hope everyone had fun and made a new friend.

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I was partnered with Misty of Morris Moments blog.  She told me that she loves dark colors, floral prints, and no plaid!  I hopefully found the perfect scarf that she just loves.  It came from Loft and I also included a matching Essie nail polish that I thought was just the perfect fall color and some fun Halloween straws!  I sent her this package, but will let her share with you what's inside!


She did good on my package too and I must say that great minds think alike!  First of all, the scarf she bought me is perfect!  It's plaid with all of my favorite colors and double bonus that it is SUPER soft and cozy.  I just need a small dip in temperature so I can rock it!


She also sent me some of her favorite fall essentials : Baby Lips lip balm, cute kleenex packet and an Essie nail polish that is so me, screams fall...and is almost identical to the color I sent her - ha!

Thank you so much Misty!  I just love my scarf and goodies.  It put a smile on my face this weekend when it was delivered!

Now it's your turn!  Linkup below and show off your new scarf or join the fun on Twitter and Instagram using #2015fallscarfswap:



Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Fun Ideas for Big Brother/Big Sister Gifts

I'm over at Houston Moms Blog today talking about some fun ideas for "Big Brother/Big Sister" gifts when you are welcoming a new baby into the family.



Did you do anything special for your kiddo? 

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P.S.  Don't forget to linkup tomorrow if you participated in the scarf swap!  #2015fallscarfswap

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Pregnancy #2 Update :: 36 Weeks


How far along: 36 Weeks
Size of Coffee Bean:  19-22 inches, 6 pounds

Fruit/Vegetable Comparison: Large cantaloupe

Gender:  BOY!
Showing:  Um yes!
Maternity Clothes: Mostly wearing my black skinny pants from Gap with cool, flowy tops to work and jeans and maternity Target tees on the weekends.  Fewer things are fitting but just a few more weeks to go!
Sleep: Not great - the usual tossing and turning with anxiety, a million trips to pee and top that off with a small head cold and stuffy nose!  I'm proud of myself for getting more sleep than usual the past few days and getting my feet up as often as I can.  It really does help with the swelling!

Movement:  Lots and starting to get uncomfortable
Food Cravings:  Salad, fruit, eggs...and chocolate chip cookies! 
Anything Making You Sick/Queasy: Only when I panic about having TWO kids soon!
Weddings Rings On or Off: Officially OFF as of 35 weeks

Mood:  Up and down - excitement one minute and anxiety the next.  Fairly normal for me!

Best Moment This Week:  Lots of great moments, but having a nice dinner and date night with Jason tops the list!

Strange Experiences:  Nothing new - just love receiving the stupid comments from people, but honestly this week the comments were overall very encouraging.  I've found if I tell people he's coming in a couple of weeks or any day now, it gets a better reaction than the saying the end of the month.  People hear that I'm close and give me an encouraging smile....usually!  I have had a few people tell me that I've started to swell up in my face this week - when is this acceptable to say!?!?  My response is gee thanks...you know how to make a girl feel good and then they feel bad about it and I get a little chuckle.  
Looking Forward To: An ultrasound next week to get an estimate on how big baby is.  We have a busy week at Jack's school next week with parent/teacher conferences and the annual Parent picnic so I'm hoping Baby Colin wants to stay put a little longer in order to get these things done!  Plus I have a hair appointment this Friday to get a little pre-baby trim and desperately-needed color so little one, please stay put!

Read about my 35 and 36 week update from my first pregnancy!

I have to say, it's so funny how similar my pregnancies seem to be.  I always type my updates before I go back and read the updates from my first pregnancy.  My 36 weeks both times could not be more similar with the swelling, cravings and feelings.  Let's just hope I'm not on my way to bed rest next week as I was this time with Jack!  I just had my 36 week checkup and everything looked good...fingers crossed it stays that way!

Monday, October 12, 2015

Scenes from our Weekend :: Picture Fail

I've certainly turned into the world's worst blogger in that I've stopped taking pics throughout the weekend.  I guess you could say I'm being more present and trying to enjoy every moment rather than get the perfect picture, but when it comes time to document, it's very boring.  I'll try to do better! 

Friday

I worked from home on Friday.  I was feeling super tired from the week/being 36 weeks pregnant.  This week I started swelling more so it was nice to be able to put my feet up for a bit!  I did manage to sneak away to Target with my mom during lunchtime and scored this super cute sweater!  Can't wait for temps to cool off so I can actually wear it.  Runs TTS. 


I also spied these really cute flats.  Clearly I love black and white!  I tried them on, but didn't go home with a pair since they did not have my size, however for $30 I recommend checking them out since the quality was outstanding!   They also come in a 4 inch pump versionJust note if you are ordering either pair online...the flats seem to run a 1/2 size large.  The pumps fit about 1/2 size small. 

It was a super uneventful rest of the day and evening.  We ordered pizza (bad Chelsea as I'm supposed to be watching my sodium) and watched Shark Tank and How to Get Away with Murder.  Exciting lives people! 

Saturday

Saturday morning we were fairly lazy and made breakfast at home.  After getting ready we took Jack for a haircut (although Jason scared the lady so much by saying "don't cut too much" that it doesn't even look like he got one), Jason and I got flu shots and we drove thru Chickfila for lunch.  Told you...exciting lives we lead!  

After Jack's nap we took him over to my Mom and Step-Dad's house to spend the night.  He was so excited.  My mom setup the cutest nursery for him knowing that she would be keeping him more once Colin arrives.  Between his new room and a few many new toys she bought him, he was thrilled!  They live on a golf course so on one side of the house he can watch the "golf buggies" drive by and the other side, he can feed the ducks and turtles...little boy heaven!

Jason and I rested a bit and then got ready for dinner.  We went to Pappas Bros. Steakhouse near the Galleria and had an awesome meal.  They sat us in a smaller, cozy dining room and took great care of us.  We had steak, salad, crab mac & cheese and gooey pecan pie.  And then came home and pretty much crashed from our food coma! 

No pics = epic fail! 

Sunday

Sunday we slept in until 9am!!!  No kiddo screaming "mama" at 7am!  It was lovely although I missed the little guy.  We had breakfast and coffee at home and then off for normal Sunday stuff - church, grocery store, laundry.  Jack was having a blast at Mimi and Papi's all day too.


After resting even more midday we finally went to get Jack in the afternoon, but ended up staying at my mom's house for dinner.  #spoiled


Before dinner Jack fell asleep on my big 'ole belly while watching Winnie the Pooh.  He hardly ever falls asleep with me anymore so I tried to soak in the extra snuggles.

After dinner we went back home, bathed both boys  - Jack and our chihuahua Tucker - no, not together - then settled in to watch the Season Premiere of The Walking Dead after putting Jack to bed!

Hope you have a happy week!  

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Scarf Swap Shipping Deadline is Today!


This is just a friendly reminder to everyone participating in the Fall Scarf Swap that the shipping deadline is today.  No worries if you missed it - just get moving and get it in the mail this week to your partner as soon as you can!


Remember that I'll be hosting a link-up party on Thursday, October 15 so we can all show off our scarves...this is my favorite part!  And no worries, if you don't have a blog!  You can still show off your new scarf on Instagram or Twitter using #2015fallscarfswap.  I can't wait!!!

Let me know if you are having any issues.

Happy Swapping!

Friday, October 2, 2015

Five on Friday :: Freezer Meals, Baby Prep, Christmas {Gasp} and Drugstore Finds

Happy Friday everyone!  I'm officially 35 weeks as of yesterday and will have this baby by 39 weeks so that means we are at the 4 week countdown!  My family including Jason are all convinced that Colin will make an earlier surprise appearance due to the simple fact that I'm HUGE and I don't think they can fathom me getting much bigger.  You never know, but my doctor doesn't seem convinced that will be the case.  Since I was induced the first time around and then rushed to an emergency c-section, I never had that "water break, labor pains or tons of contractions moment."  I really don't know what to expect if that does happen!

Until then, I'm preparing our home, hearts and minds as much as one can and enjoying our last few weeks with an only child. 

Now let's get to some Friday Five!

ONE - Freezer Meals

One of the things I found to be the hardest when Jack was born was food.  We all still needed to eat, but it was sometimes stressful to find time to eat (Jack was a constant nurser), much less prepare an entire meal for me and Jason - especially around dinner time when Jack was the fussiest.  I was lucky enough to have my mom make tons of dinners for us plus friends brought some too, but I don't want to count on this assistance every single night!


My hope is that in the coming weeks I can find some time to make a handful of freezer meals on those days when I just can't get it together.  How easy is it to pop a freezer meal in the crockpot or oven and voila...home-cooked meal!   I'm linking some of the meals I plan to make, but please let me know if you have any other suggestions...and no, while these meals are not waistline friendly they will do their job in that first month when we are in survival mode...I'll worry about diets another time!  You can always throw a salad or some fresh fruit with any of these meals and feel a little better about what you're serving your family!



Non-Freezer Meals That I Plan to Have on Hand:


TWO - Gift Basket for L&D Nurses

When Jack was born I took lots of time and made cute little gift bags to take to the hospital for the L&D nurses.  This time around I'd like to do something for them as they SO deserve it, but don't want to spend a ton of money {or time} preparing it as I'm starting to slow down!


What did you do if anything?  I've thought about just ordering a tray of cookies from Jason's Deli or somewhere near the hospital or having some cute sugar cookies custom made (if time allows). Any nurses out there want to weight in on things you like vs. hate to receive from patients?




THREE - Infant Carrier

I totally stripped our infant carrier {Chicco Keyfit 30} this week to wash everything.  Considering Jack was in it just about everyday when he was an infant it is still in awesome shape and barely looks used.  I can't say enough good things about the Chicco Keyfit and Chicco Caddy Stroller Frame by the way if you are in the market.  I used this YouTube tutorial to help me strip everything off correctly...and then this video to get it back on!  I'm sure I could have figured it out on my own, but this saved me lots of time.

Once I installed it into my car I realized that soon I am going to need a larger car!  But that's a worry for another day...


FOUR - Christmas Decor

I did something this week that I swore I would never do.  I not only thought about, but ordered Christmas decor before Halloween!  Growing up I was always adamant about not thinking about an upcoming holiday until you are done with the other.  First is Halloween so no Thanksgiving talk; then it's Thanksgiving so no Christmas talk, etc.  But I've also come to learn as an adult {mostly as a parent} that one must plan way ahead in order to be on the ball with sales, sellouts and wait lists.  Yes, I had to line up a company to hang our Christmas lights this year back in July as we missed the window the past two years!


Anyway, this week I bit the bullet and ordered Colin his Christmas stocking to match ours from Ballard Designs when I received a catalog in the mail and realized they were on sale now for ordering so early.  Had to get him a matching stocking hanger too - also on sale now!  


FIVE - Drugstore Finds

I'm no beauty blogger, but wear makeup everyday...even if it's just a little concealer, blush and lipstick on the weekends so I consider myself worthy of letting you in on a fantastic drugstore dupe!

The Maybelline Fit Me Concealer ($6.99) is an excellent dupe for the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer ($29).  Just for comparison, I wear Sand in the Maybelline version and Custard in NARS.  I own both and have actually been grabbing for the Maybelline version as it goes on a little smoother and lasts a bit longer in my opinion.    


I've also have the NYX Butter Gloss ($4.99) in Red Velvet on heavy rotation these days to transition my makeup to a more fall-ish look.  I love the Butter Gloss line because they are so easy to wear everyday - even in the more bold colors.  I found this particular color at Target, but you can find these typically at any CVS, Walgreens or Grocery store. 

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 SCARF SWAPPERS!!!  Just a reminder that you need to have your scarf for your partner purchased and shipped by this Tuesday, 10/6.  So that means if you haven't found that perfect scarf yet, I'm officially putting it on your to-do list this weekend!  I have some of my favorite scarves linked on this post if you need ideas.  Nordstrom has SOOOO many great ones available at and under your $35 price limit and I've also spied great finds at Target and Loft.  I've heard Forever 21 has some great blanket scarves in stores too.  

Basically, you shouldn't have any trouble...Happy swapping! 

Step 1:  Leave a comment below with your name, email, blog link (if applicable) and any other social media handles you would like to share for your partner to get to know you with by Wednesday, 9/16 (one week from today). 
Step 2:  Partners will be posted on this blog on Friday, 9/18
Step 3:  Reach out to your partner via email and follow their blog and social media accounts to get to know each other and get an idea for what type of scarf they might like or opt to totally surprise each other!  You have a little over two weeks to shop for a scarf and send it their way.  If you don't hear from your partner by Tuesday, 9/22, please let me know via email so we can match you with someone else...I promise no one will be left behind!  perfectcatchblog {at} gmail {dot} com
Step 4:  Get the scarf in the mail to your partner by Tuesday, October 6
Step 5:  Come back here to The Perfect Catch Blog on Thursday, 10/15 and link-up to reveal your new scarf and see what everyone else received...this is my favorite part!  Also join us on Instagram using #2015fallscarfswap.  This part is optional, but oh so fun!

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Linking up:


Momfessionals

Thursday, October 1, 2015

October Goals and September Goals Recap


Whoa...baby month is here!  We are scheduled for a c-section on Friday, October 30 so unless something crazy happens, this baby will be here this month!  And because of this reason, most of my goals are all about preparing our home of three for one more. 

October Goals:
  • Figure something out for nurses gifts to take to the hospital - any ideas?
  • Pack snacks for hospital stay
  • Have both kids car seats professionally checked
  • Have hair cut/colored before baby comes {and maybe a mani/pedi and eyebrow wax if I can find the time}!  It will be a long time before I get around to these things again after baby comes. 
  • Stock up on freezer meals
  • Put together double stroller
  • Setup our baby gear downstairs - I'm not supposed to do stairs after my surgery and of course the nursery and Jack's room are all upstairs along with most of the baby gear so I'd love to get some of this stuff settled downstairs. 
  • Family pumpkin patch trip and/or County Fair trip
  • Date night with Jason
  • Extra hugs, kisses and snuggles with Jack

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September Goals Update:
  • Pack hospital bag for me
  • Pack hospital bag for Baby Colin
  • Dentist appointment for me
  • Order "Big Brother" gifts for Jack...let me know if you have any ideas!  
  • Install the baby carseat 
  • Read at least one book for pleasure - FAIL
  • Finish my Colorado trip recap post - FAIL...really, when will I ever do this!  The trip was back in June!  I just can't get motivated on this one!
  • Decorate the house for fall - Half FAIL...started, but plan to finish this weekend!
  • Take maternity/family pictures
  • Do a 3D Ultrasound just for fun
  • Start prepping at work for maternity leave
  • Find a nightstand and lamp for nursery - last of nursery prep!
  • Order some new nursing nightgowns/robe for hospital and after
  • Soak in lots of time as a family of three
  • Rest more!
  • Try to do small, thoughtful things for my husband and friends to know how much I appreciate them
 

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