Thats Just Embarrassing ...

I do own Windex - but apparently I dont use it often enough.

What can I say - I live in a contruction zone, its pointless to try to keep up.

... Or thats my excuse anyway.

Pregnancy: 26 weeks

Weight Gain: 22 pounds total - im on track for an easy 40lbs. Better be a biiiig baby.

Sleep: I have no problem sleeping.

Gender: Boy

Name: DJ Paco

Feeling: large & in charge.

Health: healthy as ever.

Movement: He's a mover & a shaker

Belly: like I said - Large. like "8 mos when Im only 6" Large.

Next Appointment: hmmmm good question - I think its in 2 weeks.

Fun Shower Dresses

Asos.com has quite a few cute options if youre looking for the perfect dress to wear to your baby shower or just a fun springy dress. (Navy is obviously my favorite lately)

Bubbles!

huh - how'd they know?

Got this in an email today from www.whattoexpect.com.

Weight Worries During Pregnancy

After a lifetime of watching your weight, it can be unnerving (and sometimes depressing) to watch it go up, up, up.

Repeat after me: I am not fat, I am growing a baby.

After a lifetime of watching your weight, it can be unnerving (and sometimes depressing) to watch it go up, up, up. Whenever you feel bummed about your expanding girth (and your expanding bum), remind yourself that there's a beautiful reason your body is changing.

To fuel that baby growth at 25 weeks pregnant, you need to keep your growth going, too, so dieting's never an option when you're expecting. Instead, eat as healthy as you can (remember, you share every bite with your baby), and eat as much as you need to in order to gain at the right rate.

(One more time, with feeling: I am not fat, I am growing a baby!)

Sometimes email 'forwards' are compelling enough to share ...

I like this one ...

Great Advice:  

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good. 

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step. 

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. 

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. 

Your friends and parents will. 

Stay in touch. 

5. Pay off your credit cards every month. 

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree. 

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone. 

8. It's OK to get angry with God.. He can take it. 

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck. 

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile. 

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry. 

13. Don't compare your life to others. 

You have no idea what their journey is all about. 

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it. 

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. 

But don't worry; God never blinks.  

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind. 

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful 

or joyful. 

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does 

make you stronger. 

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else. 

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, 

don't take no for an answer.  

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie, use the fancy Crown Royal glasses 

(it's been 6 years). Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special. 

22. Over-prepare, then go with the flow. 

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to 

wear purple. 

24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you. 

25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In 

five years, will this matter?". 

26. Always choose life. 

27. Forgive everyone everything. 

28. What other people think of you is none of your 

business. 

29. Time heals almost everything...Give time, time. 

30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change. 

31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does. 

32. Believe in miracles. 

33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of 

anything you did or didn't do.  

34. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now. 

35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young. 

36. Your children get only one childhood. 

37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved. 

38.Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere. 

39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw 

everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.  

40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. 

41. The best is yet to come. 

42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up. 

43. Yield.  

44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. 

45. Friends are the family that we choose for ourselves

My Handy Man & His Apprentice

Came across this wonderful post:

http://www.babybunching.com/baby_bunching/2009/04/baby-bunching-basics.html

10 baby bunching basics

Over and over again we see some of the same questions out there for moms who have recently discovered they will become Baby Bunchers. So we thought we'd give you the 411 on Baby Bunching basics in one post. We'll provide links to more lengthy discussions, but this should provide everyone your basic tips for two under two. Please, please chime in with more.

1. Learn to let it go. That means everything, although do try to keep some sanity around. No matter how Type A you were before children or even after your first with naptime, mealtime, etc., you will eventually have to give up some of that need to control. Don't get us wrong, Type A qualities are excellent for organizing your crew and getting everyone out and about successfully, but you will eventually have to learn when to cut your losses, what battles to choose and when to just throw up your hands and give in to power of children.

2. It's OK for someone to cry. This could mean your toddler, your baby or even you. It's really OK for someone to cry. You will learn this about two weeks after your second baby is born. (FYI in case you forget....that's when they actually wake up!) Someone will be crying and if you're super lucky, someone might be crying/fussing all the time. Just learn to like the sound or get some earplugs.

3. Learn to be flexible. Things will change and you'll constantly need to reassess situations. As soon as you figure out how to get everyone to the grocery store, some major baby milestone will change your perfect routine. You must learn to reassess and readjust quickly.

4. Enlist help now. That means whatever you need it to mean for your family. If you can call in grandma for 6 weeks to help, DO IT! If you have a million friends volunteering to take your toddler, DO IT! (We promise your toddler won't care. He'll love the attention.) If you have friends wanting to bring you dinner, TAKE IT! Baby Bunching is not about being a martyr. You will have plenty of time to return the favors, take the help now.

5. Gear (double stroller, high chair, monitor, baby wrap/carrier). If your friends/family have offered to throw a baby shower after you just had your other baby (why wouldn't they, they love you), here are a few things you might suggest: double stroller, a high chair (see our recs), a second monitor, and some kind of way to wear your baby, whether it's a wrap, sling, or carrier. You won't need a ton of gear, but these are either must haves or nice to haves. See if you can borrow a second crib so you don't have to buy another.

6. One-on-one time with either child. This will change quite a bit. In the beginning, obviously your baby will eat up most of your time. But remember besides eating and sleeping, they are good for a good while. So use the early days, weeks to spend with your toddler. As the kids get older, you will have to remember it's quality time and not quantity. There is no way you can spend tons of time with each kid during the first few years. If it means a lunch out with mom with your two-year old alone, that is a good effort.

7. Stations everywhere. You will have baby/toddler crap all over your house. Embrace it and organize it. Think like a preschool teacher and have like items together and labeled if that helps. Why label? Because it makes dad, babysitter, grandma, you put it back where it belongs so you can find it quickly. Have a diaper station on every floor of your home. Put tooth brushes at every sink. Keep socks near the door, in the car and in the drawers.

8. Don't forget your hubby. You need him for this. Even if he travels all the time, you need the moral support. Get him involved and make him an active player in some way. And even if you can't find a babysitter, make a collective effort forsome kind of date night once every few weeks so you don't lose each other.

9. When life gets rough, go outside. It's amazing what fresh air and a change of scenery will do for you and your Bunch. Even if it means a stroll around the block, a trip to the playground or just taking lunch out into the back yard, bad times can turn better with fresh air.

10. Don't go it alone. There are more Baby Bunching moms out there than you think. Hit the playgrounds, indoor gyms, local mom's groups and build up your momtourage of Baby Bunchers. Misery wants company and it's great to have these gals on your team!

This weekend Im going to work on #9. Theres no reason why this wouldnt be helpful already with just Brooklyn. :)

How do I convince my husband ...

... that strollers are to me, as cars are to him???

They are necessary, they are wonderful, they make me happy.

... and it will be the best money spent to make me & my little ones comfy and ensure they are riding pretty.

How have I never seen this blog???

A friend just sent me this link:

younghouselove

Though previously interiorally-challenged - I am convinced I can make my house look good now.

My Random Confession:

I was always a big believer on no TV in the bedroom but the past year with our tight quarters we had a TV in our room and now that we are in our new home its back to normal: TV only in the family & living rooms.

I miss it. I loved curling up in bed and watching all my DVR'd shows.

Lina's New Springtime 'do

She requested the new Selena Gomez look (the girl on the left.)

before:

after:

Kalinas 1st Diorama ~ Elephants

We had so much fun making K's first diorama. Target donated a shoebox, Luckys donated some paper bags to cover the shoe box and we found the rest of it here & there.

Heres some pics of her project ...

Week 23 - Baby#3: bigger & lower

Brooklyn on left; Baby#3 on right.

Pregnancy: 23 weeks

Weight Gain: who really cares anyways??? I DONT. NOPE NOT AT ALL - HAVENT EVEN NOTICED THE SCALES up 16lbs@!T$*W%&$(*(#

Sleep: I still sleep great.

Gender: Boy - BOY?!?! (It still sounds pretty foreign to this mommy of 2 girls)

Name: Dayton James

Feeling: Physically feeling really good. ::lame alert:: My main struggle is letting my body do its thing and not get frustrated by clothes that no longer fit and being able to actually FEEL my double chins. Everyday I tell myself to just embrace it - ENJOY it even - but for some reason I can't. I feel like an ever-expanding whale most days and its not a good feeling.

Health: Health is great, been ordered to walk daily and am trying to get back into that routine. BP has been fine and I have my test for Gestational Diabetes in a couple weeks.

Movement: The movements are getting stronger but hes still pretty mellow in there. Kinda quiet even. Wonder if that will last out of utero ... ?

Belly: Getting bigger by the second, no stretchies thus far.

Next Appointment: Monday, Mar 22 :D

The Family: They are all getting excited as they see my belly expanding. Davids been working like a madman trying to get the walls up for the nursery.

Now on to the Hospital Bag (just for you Lauren!)

Wondering what to pack as you prepare to meet your little one?? Since every labor and every woman (hmmm - and every hospital) is different - It is hard to say what you'll need. I tend to error on the side of packing light - I hate lugging around (and putting back away) unnecessary stuff.

Let me first explain that this is based on my plan to labor at home as long as possible and the head to the hospital (no birthing center, no birthing tub, no doula - if

you're planning on these this may not pertain to you.)

- CAMERA - and video camera if you plan on recording it.

- Phone Numbers - of important people to contact with the news.

-Make sure you pre-register at your hospital if possible. It will make things easier when you check in.

-Your Birth Plan (if you have one) - I suggest knowing the basics of what you want while being flexible and trusting of your health professionals. Make sure your significant other knows the important stuff (epi immediately? going med-free? no vaccin

ations for baby? stay with baby after birth? etc etc etc)

- Glasses & Contacts - If you wear them.

- Makeup Bag - Yes, I am serious. I dont even go camping without it.

- Chapstick - One of the most important items in my book. Chapped lips are miserable.

- Hair ties - and maybe even a headband. Labor will quite possibly be the most intense workout of your life.

- Handheld Fan - I didnt use one but have friends that swear by it!

- 2 Toothbrushes, Toothpaste & Toiletries - You'll want your toothbrush & your partner will appreciate it too. Often the hospital lets you shower afterwards and its nice to be able to wash your hair.

- Gum, Mints - You never know when you'll want it or want to pass i

t to your partner. ;)

- Non-perishable Snacks - Granola bars, trail-mix, dehydrated fruit, almonds, gummy bears. Just in case youre in for the long haul - you dont want your partner leaving you or worse: fainting.

- Robe - It made me feel more comfy & was great for when people come to visit. If you get one, find a lightweight, black or navy cotton one. Also - don

't spend too much in case it gets stained.

- Slippers, Flip-flops, socks - Slippers are nice, flip-flops are

for the shower & socks are always a good idea.

- Heavy/Overnight Pads - They will supply you with some but they are the size of a queen size mattress and not sticky. Bring a few of your preferred brand.

- Breast Pads - You will quite possibly be leaking even if the milk isnt in yet.

- T-shirt for Dad - This is a 'just-in-case' item. He might not want to go home, might get dirty or might have been wearing the same shirt fo

r the entire long labor and want to change without going home.

- Going home outfit (you) - Yoga pants are great, black preferably. You will likely lose about 10-15 lbs initially and will resemble what you did somewhere between 6-8mos pregnant. Nursing tank and/or Bras included.

- Going home outfit (baby) - I brought a newborn one-piece outfit. This will be fine for the average 7lb or so baby. (0-3 mos outfits are often too big. Check the weight on the tag)

- Blanket for Baby - This is one of the things the hospital doesn't provide in my experience.

- Infant Car Seat - In CA the hospital wont allow you to leave with your little one without checking it out.

Things I opted not to bring: pillows (hospitals are gross imo), boppy/nursing pillow (again - hospitals are gross, leave pillows at home), Music (I was hoping there wouldnt be time for this), Books/Reading Material (plenty of things to keep me busy), candles, pictures, etc (focused all energy into breathing), book on newborn care (why read when youre surrounded by professionals).

Care to weigh in ladies? What am I leaving out?

Us in the hospital on Brooklyn's Birthday:

baby (boy) cuteness

Saw these on another blog & fell in love. Too bad my boy will be born in July and will have no need for these.

... and heres another boy pic that melted my heart today:

awwwww - love this!

Diaper Bag Talk: Newborn Stage

Wondering what to pack in that super cute new diaper bag you got?? Heres my go to list for mommy's with a newborn filling their bag for the first time. The contents of your diaper bag will change but this is a good place to start:

• diapers and wipes - take one per hour you will be gone - this is overkill but better safe than sorry
  
• burp cloth - I pack one because the bib & extra blanket are backups when this is soiled.
  
• changing pad - if your Diaper Bag is as awesome as you think it is, it probably came with one of these.
  
• pacifier - even if youre against them: pack one. One (fussy) day it may look like a good idea to you.
  
• A&D - this is my balm of choice after trying every cream, ointment, balm under the sun
  
• little toy - rattle, teether, etc. 
  
• hand sanitizer - feel free to squirt this on every stranger that attempts to put their ever grubbing hands on your child.
  
• bib - 'nough said.
  
• extra change of clothes or 2 for baby - sleep n' plays are my fave for space effectiveness. 
  
• pair of socks - because you never know when one will mysteriously go missing.
  
• extra blanket - for warmth, breastfeeding privacy, spit ups, leaky breasts, blow out diapers. 
  
• tylenol, mylicon drops, teething tablets 
  
• sunblock & hat for baby during summer 
  
• a shirt for myself - again: spit ups, leaky breasts, blow out diapers make this necessary
  
• lipgloss for me :) ... just in case i realize that I left the house looking a COMPLETE mess.
  

and on top of all this - in my trunk, I would keep a bag wtih 2 diapers, an extra outfit for baby, wipes, extra blanket & a shirt for me. Somedays, this was a lifesaver when I was out & about and would have hated to either wear puke or go home. **You just have to remember to swap them out as they grow.

As they get older you'll drop the burp rag, the mylicon, and add on lots of random other things - right now with a 1 year old our load is much lighter. Every once in a while, the girls & I like to test fate and head to target sans the diaper bag. What can I say - we're rebels. 

From one of my Favorite Blogs:

babyrabies.com

So you’re going to be a Boy Mom…

December 31, 2009 | Jill 

I know that feeling, that excited but scared shitless feeling when the ultrasound tech tells you they see that extra bit of anatomy. “It’s a boy!” Your heart stops for a moment.

“But what will I do with a BOY?” you think to yourself, never daring to utter the thought out loud because, well, you *are* ultimately happy that it’s healthy… but… but… you don’t know how to raise a BOY.

You’re going to be a Boy Mom, and you’re going to be okay. In fact, you’re going to be great. You’ll love it so much that you’ll never be able to imagine NOT being a Boy Mom. It doesn’t matter that you LOVE being a girl, that you embrace every opportunity you get to dress up, do your makeup, get your nails done. It doesn’t matter that you much prefer shopping for shoes to browsing the sports store. Your love for all things zebra print, pink and soft does not mean you can’t and wont develop a love for “little man” clothes, toy trucks and OshKosh overalls paired with a toothy grin and muddy knees.

Being a Boy Mom means slobbery kisses and hugs that start with a running leap.

Being a Boy Mom means saving hundreds on clothes, even if only to spend that amount or more later in life on ER visits.

Being a Boy Mom means developing a keen eye for bugs and coming to terms with the fact that sometimes they can just be considered an extra helping of protein.

Being a Boy Mom doesn’t mean you won’t continue to be squeemish about things like spiders, it just means your squeels will be entertaining to the boy who taunts you by trying to eat one.

Being a Boy Mom means being the builder of block towers so big they lean and topple, leaving you both in stitches.

Being a Boy Mom means developing a very watchful eye while changing diapers, always on the lookout for that surprise pee stream attack.

Being a Boy Mom means having the pleasure of watching your son learn from his father, and then reminding his father that at a certain age they will start to repeat the F word, even if that F word is shouted at a TV during a sporting event.

Being a Boy Mom means you’ve been given the tremendous opportunity and challenge to raise someone who will grow up to be a respectful, loving and kind man. He may break hearts, but hopefully, with your guidance, he will do so gently, and ultimately he will make some lucky partner very, very happy.

Being a Boy Mom may mean giving up the fantasy of getting your nails done together after a frilly tea party, but it’s replaced by so many fun future memories that you can’t even begin to think up because right now you just don’t know what to do with a boy.

Don’t worry… it will come to you.

This was inspired by my reaction to learning that one of my best friends is having a baby boy. Immediately after she told me the news I teared up and replied, “You are going to LOVE IT! Boys love their mommas SO much!!” I was truly so happy for her, and I had to smile when her response was, “Really??” I so remember that feeling.  For some of us girls it’s a little scary venturing into the world of boys, but we just haven’t experienced just how wonderful it can be yet. I know she’s going to be an excellent Boy Mom, and I can’t wait to meet the little guy.

I’ve been a Boy Mom to Kendall for nearly 20 months

And I’d love to hear what being a Boy Mom or a Girl Mom means for you…

Dayton is spoiled already!

Thanks Nina Norma & Gramma Barbara! LOVE YOU!!!!

This Year ... (caution: sappy hormonally-induced post ahead)

This year we were living with my parents, after renting out our home, to buy a new home that would better fit our growing family. A home that would put us closer to family and help as we expect baby#3. We invaded their home almost exactly a year ago. My parents graciously let us take over 2 rooms, and much of their peace and quiet. They cooked for us, entertained the girls for us and put up with our loud ways.

This year we lost our dog, Daisy. Daisy was in Davids life when I met him and when we got married she became my "step-dogger". She accepted us unconditionally, as we did her. She was a total love. Dont hate me, but I never thought I even liked dogs until I met her. We were crushed to lose her and felt a huge void without her.

This year we embarked on completing our family. We got blood test results back with an elevated risk of downs and ended up doing an amniocentesis. After 2 long weeks we got the news that our baby was healthy without any abnormalities. The icing on the cake was when we learned we would have a son.

This year we got a new puppy. Shes silly and sweet, and although she isnt daisy (who pooped & pee'd OUTSIDE might I add) she is already a part of our family. We are in love!

This year I started a Physiology class. This class is taught by one of the most unorganized teachers Ive ever come acorss in my entire life! ha!

This year I quit my physiology class. I realized that while I probably could have stuck it out - I didnt have it in me - Id rather be home with my husband and my girls and there will be a time for it. And maybe that time isnt now like I had originally thought.

This year we bought a new home. We moved in a little over a week ago and are still making it our own. Its an older home with lots and lots of to-do's but the best part is that we feel at 'home'.

This year I realized that while life goes swirling on around you and plans go awry - the important things are already right there. They are those sweet bedtime kisses, the calls and emails from family & friends, the morning smiles and proud 5th graders that cant wait to tell you what theyve accomplished. Its been the ups & downs that make it life but its the people in it that make it worthwhile. What better blessing than family could there be?

... Did I mention its only March??

Baby #3 - 22 weeks

How your baby's growing:

At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound, your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. His lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and he's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. His eyes have formed, but his irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. If you could see inside your womb, you'd be able to spot the fine hair (lanugo) that covers his body and the deep wrinkles on his skin, which he'll sport until he adds a padding of fat to fill them in. Inside his belly, his pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily.

How far along? 22 weeks

Total weight gain/loss?  15lbs last I checked.

Maternity clothes? Pictured: Liz Lange Maternity Tee & Liz Lange Maternity leggings.

Sleep: Doing really well still - don't even wake up to use the bathroom! 

Best moment this week: David felt movement!

Food cravings: Chocolate - but who doesnt crave those mini cadbury eggs & PB eggs this time of year!?

Gender: BOY!

Movement: Hes a quiet guy so far, just little movements throughout the day.

What I am looking forward to: Spring

What I miss: ...?

::insert fun blog post here::

Im fresh out of anything to blog about ... any ideas? any questions? any controversial topics? anything?