Week 39

Week 39.
The slowest and fastest week of all time.

The last of the updates, the last of the bump pics. It's crazy.

By the end of the day our family will have grown to four.

It's so surreal. 

Because I couldn't resist, a couple comparisons from my pregnancy with Marcus and M²:

On to the weekly update.

Size of Baby // My Pregnancy says M² is measuring about 20 inches long and weighs a bit over 7 pounds. I fully anticipate M² to weigh more than that - her big brother was 9lb 3oz... 

Cravings // Just the usual. Grapes. Watermelon - which finding good watermelon was hard to come by this week.

Symptoms // All the Braxton Hicks, but no real contractions. Hence the scheduled c-section today.

Movement // Still lots of movement. We are to the point where the kicks and jabs are downright uncomfortable.

Miss Anything // All the things you can't have/do/eat/drink while pregnant. I've already put in a request for champagne and sushi to be delivered to my hospital room this evening.  

Sleep // This week was rough. After today I'm sure it isn't bound to get any better.

Clothing // I pretty much gave up on clothes this week. If it was comfortable I wore it. I didn't even care if half my belly hung out. 

Best Part of the Week/ Looking Forward To… //

By the day's end we will be holding our sweet lady. Doesn't get any better than that!

I also want to thank every single momma who read the Why I Won't Wait 40 Weeks post, and commented, emailed, or personally messaged me and shared her own repeat c-section stories. I cannot express how much comfort each and every message gave. It's made this decision a little easier and the guilt a little less. You are all such amazing moms, and I'm so thankful to know you all! 

Have a great weekend! 

Week 38

Week 38.

And this could very well be the last update before M² arrives. Holy smokes.

Size of Baby // My Pregnancy says M² is about 6.8 pounds and 19 1/2 inches long. If M² is anything like her brother, she's much bigger (or at least heavier) than that estimate by this point (Marcus was born at 39 weeks and was 9 lbs 3 oz, 21 inches long). 

Cravings //  Still stuck on watermelons and grapes. I also haven't turned down ice cream the last few nights.

Symptoms // At my doctor appointment Monday there was slight progression (I'll again spare details), but nothing that's screaming, "Labor is happening soon!" 

Movement // Yep. Still moving around all the time, giving legit kicks and punches. 

Miss Anything // Clothes that fit. As of right now I only have about three shirts and two pair of shorts that fit comfortably. Making those few items look new and different is becoming difficult. 

I'm also mourning running. I miss a good pavement pounding session. It's truly the best therapy, and I can't wait to get back into that groove again. 

Sleep // Ugh. No. There is so much discomfort, sleep is scarce. 

Clothing // Ha. See above.

Best Part of the Week/ Looking Forward To… //
1. Last Friday Scott took a personal day and we spent our afternoon at the OC Fair. While I couldn't ride any of the rides, I had the best time watching Marcus get some quality one-on-one time with his dad. I also couldn't help but devour a turkey leg. Going to the fair allowed us to cross off another item from our Bucket List. It may very well be the last item we complete before M² arrives.

Top, left to right: Celebrating 125 Years of the OC Fair; eager to get on the BIG Ferris Wheel; going down the slides.
Bottom, left to right: Marcus' winnings from a basketball game; riding the tractors; the most spin-ny ride at the fair.

2. Tickets to THIS event have been purchased!!!

And, I'm not even ashamed to say how excited I am to start planning our Halloween costumes. Now, if only I can convince Scott that family themed costumes are the way to go we'll be all set. 

3. But, the best news with the most relief: M² has been sent her eviction notice. If the little lady isn't here by next Friday (!!) she's being kicked out (8/7 will be her birthday if she doesn't come before).
Sorting out all the emotions I have about this has been a challenge for me. It wasn't a choice I made lightly or easily. I intend to write a little more in detail about this decision next week. With that said, I sure do hope the little miss decides to come on her own, but if she doesn't I can't help but be elated to finally hold her.
One. Week. To. Go. 

Have a fabulous weekend!

Week 37

Week 37.

Only 21 days to go (Lord willing, it will be less time than that)!

Size of Baby // According to My Pregnancy, M² weighs approximately 6 1/3 pounds and is a little over 19 inches long. Comparatively speaking, M² is about the size of a bunch of Swiss chard (ummm, what exactly is that?). 

Cravings // Fruit. Watermelon, peaches, grapes. I'll inhale them all. 

Symptoms // Thanks to the unusual humidity we've been experiencing, my toes have swollen to the size of sausages. It's real cute. 

At my doctor appointment Monday, my doctor noted there was some progression happening (I'll spare details). Nothing earth shattering, but it appears that if my body keeps doing what it's doing, I may actually have this baby without needing a c-section. 

I also have to admit I've been driving the Emotional Crazy Train lately. Scott deserves serious credit for dealing with my outbursts, melt downs, and full on wackiness.

Movement // Girlfriend apparently hasn't gotten the memo that the amount of room she has to move is shrinking. The kicks, while isolated, certainly aren't letting up in forcefulness. 

Miss Anything // The ability to keep my emotions in check. I'm all over the place (see above), and I can't help but think it's a dangerous combination of hormones and anxiousness/nervousness/fear that comes with expanding a family. 

Sleep // Most nights I do more tossing, turning, and hunting for a comfortable position than I actually spend sleeping.

Clothing // I've broken down and asked Scott to borrow some of his t-shirts. 

Best Part of the Week/ Looking Forward To… //
Our Bucket List Continues to shrink:
1. We checked out a new-to-us aquarium. While it doesn't really compare to Aquarium of the Pacific (which we are members) it was nice to get out of the house for an afternoon and check out something different. Marcus seemed to really enjoy the experience, and we might have to go back when school is in session and the place isn't as busy.

2. Also added to the "done" section of our Bucket List, was a local botanic garden. We spent a very short amount of time checking out the actual gardens. 

I was able to convince Marcus to stop and smell exactly one rose.

Most of our stay was spent in the children's garden. The the area is small but very cute. Marcus was obsessed with the water pump and watering cans, and that kept him more than happy and entertained for over an hour. 

3. We also crossed off the Ferndell Nature Trail in Griffith Park from The List. There we "hiked" for about a mile.

Marcus proceeded to find the only playground located on the grounds and insisted he was over the trail and wanted to go down the slide 1000 times.

4. We convinced Scott to take today off (who knows how many more days it will be just the three of us), and we're headed to the OC Fair - bring on all the foods on a stick!

Have a great weekend!

Week 36

Week 36.

Four weeks to go. Four. That's 28 days. That's crazy.

Size of Baby // My Pregnancy says M² is packing on the pounds - about an ounce a day - and weighs about six pounds and is more than 18.5 inches long. Compared to veggies, she's about the size of a head of romaine lettuce. 

Cravings // Not much has changed from last week. I can pretty much destroy an entire watermelon, and Popsicles don't stand a chance around me. 

Symptoms // I've noticed the slightest bit of swelling in my feet at the end of the day, and my rings are a wee bit tight. 

Still no real signs of labor. But, both my mom and Scott commented that they thought I was carrying lower these days. I also feel HUGE. Like, tank huge.

I know M² needs to stay put for a couple more weeks, but I wouldn't be mad if I saw some sort of progression indicating the end was near.

Movement // This girl. Let me tell you. If she isn't a soccer player I'll eat my hat. The ribs on my right side sure have been subject to a serious beating thanks to her kicks. 

Miss Anything // I'm to the point where I really miss my body being mine (and I know my boobs won't be mine for a while after M² arrives). I'd love to see my legs when I shave, and not just say a prayer while I'm holding that sharp object. It'd be nice to lace up a pair of sandals without having Scott help. And, I really miss the snuggles with Marcus - my stomach is just too big for him to comfortably nestle into me. 

Sleep // Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha.
Just getting prepped for what's to come. I know. 

Clothing // Even my largest maternity tops aren't doing the trick. It's kind of comical at this point. 

Best Part of the Week/ Looking Forward To… // 
1. We are down to weekly check ups with M²! At the last appointment it was confirmed she is still head down. I cannot express how happy that makes me. We also got a look at her in 4D. Admittedly, 4D is a little creepy, but I can't deny it is also pretty fascinating.

2. As if my huge belly wasn't enough of a reality check; the car seat has been installed and the hospital bag has been packed (for the most part)! 

3. Our Bucket List keeps shrinking. While Grandma was here this past week we hit up LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) and the La Brea Tar Pits. While we didn't actually go into any of the the buildings - I knew Marcus would not appreciate what was inside - we checked out the grounds outside, and stopped at one of my favorite artistic pieces of all time.

The Tar Pits

Scott and I used to live directly across the street from the Tar Pits. However, this was the most time I'd ever spent there.

LACMA

Those light posts! My favorite piece!

The lights are just so cool. At night when they're all lit up they are simply magical. 

How many times did Marcus run up and down the rows of lights? Roughly 83. 

Marcus and Grandma flashing some 'tude.

Have a great weekend!!

Week 35

Week 35!

Five weeks - or thirty-five days (!!!) - left. Craziness.

Size of Baby // My Pregnancy says M² is over 18 inches long and weighs about 5 1/4 pounds. At the grocery store she'd be comparable to a honeydew melon. 

Cravings // Give me all the fruit. In four days Marcus and I inhaled four bags of grapes. I'm also downing cantaloupe and peaches at an alarming rate. Popsicles are a new found love, and are quite possibly food from the gods.

Symptoms // I keep thinking I'm having all of these symptoms that indicate the start of labor. However, I've been assured by Scott (along with the obvious fact that I am indeed NOT in labor) that this is all merely wishful thinking on my part. 

I'm also fully aware that a few more weeks of M² cooking is a good thing. I'm just to the point where I'm done with being pregnant. But, it's reassuring to know IF I did go into preterm labor M² would likely be fine.

Movement // The movements themselves are large and often painful. If my right ribs come out of this pregnancy unscathed it will be a miracle. But, I don't think there's a whole lot of room to really flip around anymore. 

Miss Anything // Just the stuff I've been missing for the last few weeks. Nothing really stands out this week.

Sleep // Meh. I've certainly had better sleep, that's for sure. 

Clothing // Many of my maternity tops are almost too small. I'm thisclose to raiding Scott's t-shirts for the last few weeks. 

Best Part of the Week/ Looking Forward To… // 

1. The 4th proved to be a lot of fun with friends who were generous to host a BBQ/pool party. Marcus experienced fireworks and sparklers, thus checking off more from our Bucket List. I didn't take many pictures, but we had a great time celebrating. 

Thanks to our friend, Julie, for taking these pics.

Did I get in on the sparkler action? Heck yes.

2. This afternoon we'll take a peek at M² to see if she's breech (like I think she is), or if she's head down. Fingers crossed the little lady isn't as stubborn as her brother was (is), and knows which way she's supposed to be positioned. I'm also hoping we'll get a 4D look at the little lady at this appointment. 

3. My mom is in town for a few days!! Last night she and I headed to Hollywood to catch Phantom of the Opera. It was just as amazing as I remember it. And, now we have all sorts of fun planned for the rest of Grandma's stay (think, finishing M²'s room and completing more bucket list items)!

Have a great weekend!

Week 34

Six weeks to go. SIX.

Size of Baby // According to My Pregnancy, M² is about 4 3/4 pounds (apparently that's the average weight of a cantaloupe), and is almost 18 inches long. 

Cravings // Grapes. Oh my 'lanta. Marcus and I polished off two big bags of grapes in less than 48 hours. Whoops... Also newly discovered, a love of big, fat, juicy peaches. Give me all the peaches. 

Symptoms // The nightly leg cramps. The Braxton hicks. The peeing. The normal stuff. This past week has been super humid for California, and I've noticed my rings are more snug than they usually are. And, it's super subtle, but the linea nigra is definitely making an appearance. 

Movement // They're big and they're all the time. I've noticed more frequent hiccups, those have kept me up a few nights, too.  
I've noticed a change in the placement of M²'s movements, and I'm a little concerned she has flipped to the breech position. We have another appointment next week to find out. Fingers crossed and prayers said that she's still head down.

Miss Anything // I am so over being so hot. So, so, so over it. My normal bodily thermostat can return aaaaaaany day now. 

Sleep // This week has been miserable. Between being so freaking hot, leg cramps, peeing, and not being able to fall asleep after remedying said ailments, sleep has been nothing short of terrible. 

Clothing // I found a couple pair of running skirts that I can still comfortably fit in - aka stretch out - see above photo. I'm still rotating the same few tops and bottoms that actually fit. It will be interesting to see what I can actually wear, and keep my stomach covered, in the next few weeks. 

Best Part of the Week/ Looking Forward To… // 

1. This weekend! We have a few fun things planned for the 4th, and I can't wait for some good ol' fireworks.

2. We continue to cross items off our Bucket List. We've also done/seen a few things that weren't on the bucket list, but probably should have been.

• Bucket List item: Ride the Red Trolley Car. 

I'm so glad we've made time for the trolley (twice in one weekend!). We learned on our first trip that the Red Trolley will be going out of service - for good - at the end of September. We'll be riding as much as possible until then!

• Non-bucket list: Street Fairs

We've been to two street fairs this summer, and Marcus has the best of times on those creepy, scary, (are we sure they're totally safe?) carnival rides. 

• Non-bucket list: Seal Day - Marine Mammal Rescue Center Open House

Near us is a marine mammal care center where they rehab seals and sea lions, as well as care for birds who fall victim to oil spills. They had a cute little open house which involved kiddie games, a touch tank, taking a look at the rehabbing animals, and a sno cone truck. 

3. My mom comes next week! There is so much I want to get accomplished with her, like finally finish M²'s room and take her on several of our bucket list adventures. But the one thing just she and I are going to do is see Phantom of the Opera at the Pantages in Hollywood. I don't even know how many times I've seen this Broadway production, but I adore it. Eep!

via

Have a safe and fabulous Independence Day weekend! 

My Kids Rooms// The Mango Mermaid{{+Giveaway}}

Just when I think I'm done decorating my kids rooms I stumble across something(s) that I know would perfectly complete each room.

For instance, Marcus' room now looks like this...

Whereas before it looked like this...

See the newest addition?

While the change is ever so subtle those sail flags have totally completed the room. I've been on the hunt for something to put on the frame of the bed for the longest time, but to no avail. When I spotted these custom sail flags from The Mango Mermaid I knew they just had to be placed in Marcus' nautical room.

The flags actually spell out 'M-A-R-C-U-S-'. Before adding the flags to the room I honestly had no idea each individual flag was a letter, I just loved how they looked.

I'm tempted to add other custom sail flags from The Mango Mermaid to other areas of our home. Because, nautical. And, I'm obsessed.

Here are just a few samples of what can be done with with flags:
Top left: F-A-M-I-L-Y
Top right: H-O-M-E
Bottom left: these would make the cutest gifts for a nautical loving friend of family member
Bottom right: S-E-A
The options are literally endless.

Naturally I couldn't buy something for Marcus and not see if there wasn't something from The Mango Mermaid that would tie M²'s room together. Lo and behold, I found this beauty:

This will transition nicely from a headband holder to a necklace holder as M² gets older.

With a little correspondence with Stephanie, the creator of all The Mango Mermaid goodies, she is going to give the wood a white washed look and the knobs will be brushed with some gold.  The PERFECT place to store all the little headbands I plan to put on M²'s sweet little head.

I can't help myself. Here are just a few more sneak peek's from M²'s room.

Eep! Her room is really coming together. I'm just waiting on curtains and a baby, and then room will be finished.

I won't lie. I kind of love my kids rooms and all the little personal touches that makes each room unique. Now, I just wish I knew what to do with my room (my kids rooms are so much cooler than mine).

Stephanie at The Mango Mermaid has so kindly agreed to giveaway $10 to her store for custom sail flags (but don't be afraid to check out all of her other awesome goodies; along with the flags and headband holder I have a few anchors of hers as well as a tic tac toe board made from drift wood)! Flags can be made in 3x3" squares or 5.5x5.5" squares (I had M-A-R-C-U-S done in 5.5x5.5" squares). Be sure to enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Giveaway rules:
1) Open to U.S. residents, only. 
2) Contestants must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
3) Winner will be directly emailed and informed of his or her winnings.
4) If the winner does not claim his or her prize within 48 hours a second drawing will be held and an alternate winner will then be selected. 

Week 33

Week 33!

The days are quickly slipping away.

Size of Baby // My Pregnancy says M² is about the size of a pineapple - just over 4 pounds and is passed 17 inches long.

Cravings // It's been too hot for me to really crave anything. I can't turn down some juicy watermelon, and I sure as heck won't say no to an ice cream run... 

Symptoms // I think I see the slightest beginnings of the linea nigra. 

Movement //  I can literally see feet and elbows moving across my stomach these days. It's crazy. M²'s movements are so pronounced and strong sometimes they are downright painful.

Miss Anything // I really miss my regular summer clothes. My belly is already dangerously close to being too big for some of my maternity tops, and my pickings for the rest of my summer wear are pretty slim. 
I'm also getting to the point where I'm just plain old uncomfortable. I miss moving about with ease. 

Sleep // Marcus and I have been keeping our days pretty action packed, so we're both getting some much needed sleep. There have even been a few nights where neither of us has had midnight wake ups.

Clothing // As mentioned above... Some of my maternity tops are already getting too small for this ever growing belly. And, I have about three workout tops that adequately cover my stomach. With only 7 weeks to go I'm not about to spend money on any more clothes. If you see me in the same four outfits from here on out you know why.  

Best Part of the Week/ Looking Forward To… // 

1. I had an appointment Monday to check in on M². She's still head down >hallelujah<, and my doctor and I discussed delivery plans. It's crazy to think we're already to this point.

2. Marcus and I have been steadily checking off items from our Summer Bucket List:

Summer Movie Express - $1 Movies!

I bring him to see the show. I go for the popcorn and air conditioning. 

Point Vicente Little Fish Tails by the Sea

Story and music time.
The boys were far more interested in the stories than with the music and dancing. 

Arts and crafts to coordinate with the stories read.

A little play time after the stories and crafts to burn some steam.
I hope this kid understands how lucky he is to have such an amazing 'backyard.' 

Southern California Live Steamers

We waited an absurd amount of time (1 hour) for a 5 minute train ride. Marcus was a champ and waited so patiently. He also thought riding the rails was pretty cool on those tiny little trains. With free admission I can't really complain. We'll call it a win, and check it off the list! 

Ice Cream Dates!

We are only six days into summer and we've already managed two ice cream trips. I highly doubt those will be the only two of the summer. 

I have a few fun things planned for next week, and I can't wait to get out and explore with my little man.

Have a fabulous weekend!