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Sunday, May 30, 2010

Getting Older...Again.

Happy Birthday to me! I am 31 years old today. There's nothing fun about saying that. It's kind of a blah age. Honestly, it doesn't even feel like my birthday. I'm not sure if it is due to my current focus being entirely on getting ready for 'The Baby' or that now I'm at that age where I'd rather ignore my increasing number. Either way, I had a great weekend. (My birthday has always lasted a weekend long because I have so many people to celebrate with and it often falls on or around Memorial Day.) All that I wanted to do was relax and enjoy some time with my friends and family. And that is just what I did.

The day before my actual birthday, Mariel and Monica came down from the OC to visit. They took me to lunch at the Yardhouse and to see Sex and the City 2. I don't care what people say about this movie. I loved it! Nothing is funnier than Liza Minelli singing and dancing in hot pants to "All the Single Ladies".

This morning, I got to sleep in (Amen) and I just relaxed around the house before my family came over for dinner. My Mom and 'The Hubs' made a yummy Mexican dinner and I just enjoyed every one's company. Thanks everyone for hanging out with me and my out of sorts child (he had a bit of a rough day).


Doing what I do best...resting!

'The Boy' before the start of his evening full of meltdowns.


My cutie pie nephew, Cade.


My brother and 'The Hubs' with their serious faces.
I swear that there was about 5 minutes of discussion on how they were going to pose for this photo.


Me and 'The Baby' relaxing again.


Yummy cake. 'The Hubs' said that he was going to get 31 candles for the cake to which I kindly reminded him that, in my current state, I didn't have the lung capacity to extinguish that sort of fire.

Calli and Trever waiting for cake. I think this is Trever's 'Rock Star' face.


So happy with my honey.

Me and 'The Boy' between, I think, meltdowns #3 and #4.


Me and my Mom.

Thanks for all my wonderful gifts. I got this new Flip video and a Nikon 3000 DSLR camera. Now I won't miss a minute of my kiddos, meltdowns and all.

36 Weeks

Moving right along! I cannot believe that our due date is in four weeks. I have been so busy this past month that time has just flown by. I can remember when I was back in the first trimester begging for things to move faster and now all of a sudden, I am almost full term.

At my last appointment, Dr D. did one last ultrasound to determine 'The Baby's' size and position. She's all ready to go with her head down and my cervix has started to thin but not dilate. 'The Baby' currently weighs 6 lbs. 1 oz. with four possible weeks of growth left. Dr D. estimates she'll be in the upper 7's or lower 8's. I can totally do that.

Things are progressing, albeit slowly, at home too. We are waiting on one last piece of furniture for the nursery to be complete and, I have to say, that if she came today I wouldn't be as prepared as I was with 'The Boy' but we'd get by. Thankfully, Super Target is just around the corner.

I have even started nesting a little. I'm not a typical "nester". When I was pregnant with 'The Boy' I was completely obsessed with our finances and read three financial planning books in the couple of weeks before he arrived. This time, I am feeling super crafty. I have been doing crafts just about daily and the employees at Joann's are starting to recognize me. But then again, how could they not.

Can't even imagine what will happen to my body size in the next four weeks. I am fast approaching beached whale status.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Maternity Pics

Here are some of the pics from our maternity/family session a few weeks ago. Marcella, a friend of 'The Hubs' from high school, took these amazing photos! I am so glad that we did this, even though I felt huge! Thanks Marcella. I am in love with these and can't wait to decorate my house with them.


















Please visit www.cellabrationphotography.com to see more of Marcella's work.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Little Helper

A few weeks ago, we started to get 'The Baby's' (tentative blog name...not creative at all...I know) room ready. We had moved 'The Boy' into the former guest room (post coming) and basically started from scratch. First step: Turn those blue walls pink! 'The boy' was very happy to help.

So serious!

Gettin' ready to roll. Note: there is no actual paint on that roller.
D'ya think I'm crazy?


Stretch! Again, with no paint :).

We are still working on 'The Baby's' room with only 4 weeks and 2 days until D-day. I'm a last minute kinda of gal and with all this nesting that's going on, I'm sure we'll get it done.

Friday, May 21, 2010

New Do

I asked 'The Boy' if he wanted a new big brother hair cut with spikes. He said, "yes, spikes please." And so, I obliged.


Mother's Day

My Mother's Day celebration started on Thursday because my Mom was heading for Hawaii on the actual day. Too bad my present didn't involve a week in a tropical paradise. My mom took me to the Murrieta Day Spa for a prenatal massage and a morning of relaxation.

Heading in for my very first pregnancy massage!


My boy's made my day super special. Including my brother. He sent me lilies which arrived the day before. 'The Boy' woke up at 5:30 that morning but, 'The Hubs' rescued me and I slept in...ahhh! Then, my little man woke me up for breakfast. I walked into the kitchen to see this.

Roses from my honey and a gift from 'The Boy'.

'The Hubs' made breakfast (and did the dishes). He apparently thought that I was eating for 5. Note the special friend that 'The Boy' let me eat breakfast with.

Chocolate covered strawberries. My favorite!


'The Hubs' and 'The Boy' got me a new book (Mommywood, by Tori Spelling...guilty).
This is the special Mother's Day gift 'The Boy' made for me in church.

After breakfast, 'The Hubs' said,"you take the day off and do whatever you want." I relaxed on the couch all morning and part of the afternoon watching Lifetime movies. I had contractions the day before and just wanted to relax. The Boys made me lunch and 'The Hubs' worked on the baby's room during nap time. Mimi and Papa came for dinner (again, 'The Hubs' cooked) which was nice because we have never spent Mother's day with her since I have known 'The Hubs'.

All in all, it was a great day. The only thing that would have made it better is if 'The Hubs' had emptied and put all of the dishes away the next morning. Thanks, babe, for giving me the day off and making me feel like such a special mommy :).

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Fiesta Playdate

'The Boy' and I were invited to a fiesta play date for Cinco de Mayo. We both had a great afternoon. There was so much food and yummy virgin strawberry margaritas. 'The Boy' was a little overwhelmed by all of the kiddos but seemed to have a blast. Thanks, Debran for hosting such a fun get together!

'The Boy's' first whack at a pinata. He got the hang of it pretty quickly!

"Smack!"


Seriously considering an introductory lesson in actual vacuuming.



Where he spent most of the afternoon. This is where the trains were, after all.

Monday, May 3, 2010

32 Weeks

Pregnancy sure is getting the best of me this time around. I had some similar issues with my first pregnancy but, this one blows that one out of the water. I know that many of my complaints have to do with the fact that this time around, I am chasing a very active 2 1/2 year old around all day long. All I can say is that, with 8 weeks left, I am done!

I am so tired and very breathless at times. To be expected. I can't move or bend over too quickly anymore. Expected. I'm swelling. Expected. I'm huge. Totally expected. I pulled a muscle in my groin from picking up 'The Boy'. Surprise. I cracked a rib, somehow. Big surprise!

Last week I had 4 serious contractions (Braxton Hicks) that took my breath away. They went away after I lay down. I am supposed to go directly to the hospital if I have 6 in one hour. I haven't had one since, thank goodness. I had my 32 week appointment with Dr. D. whom scolded me for continuing to pick up my 40 pound child. Otherwise, everything is fine.

I am definitely at my breaking point but, am trying to enjoy every last little bit of this time in my life. Every kick. Every hiccup. Every head butt to the bladder. I hate being pregnant but am in love with the fact that our daughter is growing inside of me. This is the last time I will ever feel so badly and so joyful all at the same time. It has been a rough road and I am hoping in the weeks to come, I will feel a little better.

32 weeks at my baby shower (post coming soon).

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Chelsea's Baby Shower

Last Saturday, my mom, step-mom and a couple of my girlfriends threw me a fabulous baby shower. I had such a blast seeing everyone, eating yummy food, and playing games. Thank you to everyone who came!
I took a bunch of pictures of the decor, food, and the party happenings. Of course, I helped with the preparations. You didn't think I could just sit back and watch, did you?
Our theme was pink and green based on the bedding I was ordering at the time. Of course, I changed my mind and ordered something totally different. We threw in a bunch of Gerber daisies because I just love them!

My mom's fireplace covered in goodies for Chelsea (blog nickname still pending). I made the banner. It says 'It's a girl' 'Chelsea Renee'.

We hung tissue paper flowers from the ceilings above some of the tables. I made these from scratch and they were a serious pain. They came out so pretty, though.
We had a diaper raffle and I think that they are the best idea for a baby shower. I ended up with 12 packs of newborn and size 1 diapers. A pretty good start! My step-grandmother, Joan, won the big prize.

The game table filled with diapers and candy necklaces. We played a game where you loose your necklace when you say cute. I was doing so well until present time came around.


Pink Lemonade and Iced Tea


Our yummy spread. My Mom made such good food!

The dessert buffet.

The prizes for all of the games.

My friend Mariel made the gorgeous cupcakes, red velvet and lemon. Yum!
They are displayed on my friend, Monica's cupcake stand. I had to mention it! Haha!

I made chocolate covered strawberries and drizzled pink chocolate over them.


My mom made delicious chocolate covered pretzels.


This was such a surprise. I had helped my Mom with a lot of the details but I had no idea about the amazing diaper cake that she made. It is filled with diapers, of course, receiving blankets, toiletries, baby toys and even a tutu!

Another shot of the diaper cake with Chelsea's 4D photo framed in front.

The top of the diaper cake.

My Mom made all of the flower arrangements.


My sister-in-laws Janelle and Jennifer, my niece Calli, and Mariel.
We played a couple of games before I opened presents. Monica had us play a game where we had to guess celebrity babies. It was really hard! Then, Mariel had us play guess the baby item in the bag which we had to do by feeling our way through a paper bag. I did pretty well at this one. I think Rachelle or Janelle won. Sorry, pregnancy brain won't let me remember.

Opening presents.


I got a froggy humidifier.


Gorgeous baby blanket made by Gayle, from church.

The gift basket from my Mom. It was filled with every baby thing imaginable. Even Chelsea's baby book. Thanks, Mom.


My friend, Kristina, and her 1 month old, Brityn. She is modeling the diaper covers my sister-in-law, Rachelle, made for Chelsea.

Towards the end of the party, Daddy and 'The Boy' made an appearance. This is his Big Brother shirt. I wish I had gotten a picture of it before he ate a cupcake.

Me and the Big Brother. Yes, I am aware that this is not a good picture.

I made the party favors. Flower sugar cookies and cookie pops.





Thank you so much to every one for such a special day!