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: