Baby Bean Update: 34 (point five) Weeks

My parents and brother spent the weekend here for Memorial Day, so I didn't get to do a baby update! I'm so glad they came, though, and left my brother. Now I have someone here with me other than Little S while Husband's at work all day. It's good to have that security in case of an emergency! I became 34 weeks pregnant on Saturday, May 26, and today's May 29! That means ONE MONTH until d-day at the latest!

top: c/o maurices, jeans: Motherhood, sandals: Fergie

4.5 weeks. 4.5. weeks. 4.5 weeks. 

Apparently in that last photo, that's all I'm thinking. I definitely forgot to smile. Sorry 'bout that. Also, Readers, meet my Summer Hair. Summer Hair, Readers. I don't blow-dry in 100% humidity. Because, really, that's just dumb. I'm sorry if you choose to fight that battle, but I have wavy, frizzy, baby-fine hair and it's a super huge pain to dry it and have it go all lioness on me within 10 minutes.

So, 34 weeks... Let's see what we're working with, here. Back pain, pelvic pain, lots of contractions, my tummy is SO TIGHT that I feel like it's going to rip open, sciatica in both legs, but mostly the left one, numbness in my left elbow/forearm/wrist (pregnancy-induced carpal tunnel), and major feet swellage... on the other hand, though, I'm feeling happy, hopeful, uplifted, and almost (alllmost) ready. Can't ask for more than that!

Exciting news: Check out Mommy Moxie on Etsy!

I have some awesome things to show you at the end of this week and a fun giveaway coming on Monday!

Don't forget that if you place an order with Bitty Bug Designs through June 15, 50% of the proceeds will be donated to the Fund for Officer James Winslow!

Pink Jelly Shoes!

Yesterday, I had to run some errands and decided I'd feel a lot better if I got out of my ginormous gouchos (I promise I only wear them around the house) and ragged tank top. While searching through my closet, I found this gem of a top that my friends bought for me when I was pregnant with S. I'm so glad it peeked through all the random clothes I can't fit into right now because it also gave me the opportunity to wear my new jelly shoes from Happy Scarf! I never thought I'd want to wear jelly shoes, considering I totally missed the wagon in the 90s and never wore them when they were in style then. However, when I checked them out online, they looked so roomy and airy... and flat. Those all seemed like very necessary details in a shoe while I'm 8-9-10 months pregnant this summer.

You'll have to excuse my pictures. I'm just not the girl who can take her own photos and have good quality. It's an art I don't have time to perfect. This is why Husband takes all of my weekend photos.

 top: Liz Lange Maternity for Target, jeans: Motherhood, jellies: c/o Happy Scarf, earrings: c/o Scarlet Samples

My new shoes were as expected- fit perfectly with a little bit of room to swell (ahem) and VERY light and airy. I was afraid they'd be sweaty, but they totally weren't! The only thing I was a bit disappointment in was the color. I thought they would be more nude like on the website, but they really are a pale pinkish purple hue. I'm okay with that since I have plenty of pink, but I was just hoping for something I could wear with everything!

Don't forget to enter the Bitty Bug Designs giveaway on Blonde Undercover Blonde!

And please visit yesterday's post about our friend, Officer James Winslow. See what you can do to help!

Baby Bean Update: 33 Weeks

Let's face it. I'm not that fabulous mom-to-be who is going to get up each morning and get dressed to run my one errand before cleaning the house, snap a photo of the cute dress I wore for 25 minutes, and write a post about it. Nope. I'm the mom-to-be (and current mom of a 3-year-old) that wears yoga pants and my husband's t-shirts most days because my toddler doesn't care as long as I get on the floor and play with her. I'm lucky if I can get up when we're done (I usually sit against the sofa for the back support and to have something as a crutch to help me up). I look forward to the weekends because I honestly feel like I have a reason to put in the effort to look cute. And for church this morning, I promise I looked a lot cuter than I do right now.

Right now, exhibit A: Same dress I wore to church, sans shoes, make-up, contacts, and jewelry. Add a dash of contractions and pelvic floor pain with excruciating back pain and this is what we have.

dress: Motherhood

So, we're 33 weeks and 1 day into this little game and one of the other pregnant ladies at church this morning said, "Looks like you had a growth spurt over the last week just like I did!" For the first time, I wasn't offended with someone commenting on my size. I feel like a flipping house. And my body feels like a house that's slowly being broken down.

At 33 weeks pregnant with Bean, I am exhausted, having new back pains (higher up in the rib area), tense, have balloon feet and cankles, want to drink 8 gallons of water a day, still can't eat enough watermelon (and now, cantaloupe), have gained a whopping 20 lbs (UGH... so upset about that), have wonderful blood pressure, am having contractions almost every day that scare me to death, can barely reach my toes to paint them, have a hard time sleeping, and still haven't painted the nursery. 

Bean and I also had a big scare on Friday (32 weeks, 6 days). It started Thursday night when I was having some contractions that were less uncomfortable and more painful that my usual Braxton Hicks. I took it really easy and even propped my feet up at bible study (those girls take care of me). When I got home, I was having quite a bit of pain and went straight to bed after drinking a huge hospital mug of water (30 oz). I woke up the next morning with really bad pain in my pelvis and my inner thighs. It all felt like bone pain... very strange. I took it easy Friday morning, but each time I got up to do something like fold laundry or do dishes, I started feeling the contractions, again. I finally decided to call my OB after 4 painful contractions in an hour. She ordered me to go to the hospital and check into Labor and Delivery triage. So, I packed a small bag for S and I, called my husband, and we all met at the hospital. I was crying the entire time I was trying to find a parking space because I was afraid I was in preterm labor. After 5 hours of observation, my midwife concluded that my contractions were coming, but they weren't strong and weren't causing me to dilate at all. We had an ultrasound and Bean looks good, her fluid is perfect, and guess what... She's not breech anymore. Maybe a lot of the pains I was having were due to her flipping around. 

Anyway, I'm supposed to take it easy, keep my feet propped up, and of course call if I have any other symptoms. I really have been doing just about nothing and once again, my house is getting into a state that I highly dislike. But for Bean's and my health, I really do have to just suck it up right now. If you read my VBAC vs. Repeat C-Section dilemma, it was made even more confusing after discussing the option with my midwife on Friday. And honestly, the more I read, the more stressed out I get. I watched "The Business of Being Born," as suggested by some moms I talk to in a facebook group. That was of no help, because hardly anyone (if anyone at all) in the documentary was having a VBAC. And the risks of both types of birth weigh equally in my mind. But the one thing I keep reading everywhere is that if the reason for cesarean in your previous pregnancy is still a factor, your chances of a successful VBAC are much lower. Well, I think failure to progress and not being able to deliver a 7 lb. 5 oz. baby are still factors. So, here's the big verdict that husband and I have come to agree on:

If I go into spontaneous labor before my scheduled c-section date, I will try for a VBAC. If I do not go into labor before my scheduled date, we'll continue with our prior plan for a repeat c-section.

Don't forget! The Bitty Bug Designs Giveaway over at My Ramblings ends TOMORROW. Get your entries in!!!

Mother's Day + Giveaway!

We started Mother's Day off with a clean house (thank you, Hubby!) and a morning at church. My in-laws drove down and met us at a restaurant for lunch (where they gave all the mommies a rose!), then we all came back to the house. Husband took S for a bike/trailer ride to the river, FIL took a nap, and MIL and I went to the fabric store. I think that place is my new Heaven and I might like it more than Target. GASP!

I kind of love this picture. I have no idea what face I'm making or why. It looks like I'm about to sneeze or my husband said something totally inappropriate. I'm guessing it's the second one. And no, it's not something S would understand. He's really good about that.

 shirt and pants: Motherhood, cardigan: Filene's Basement, shoes: Guess, bracelet: c/o Poshlocket

I had a very nice Mother's Day weekend and I hope you did, too! I only wish I could have been with my mom! She's my favorite. I'll get to see her in a few weeks for Memorial Day, though, and we'll be hard at work with a deep spring cleaning! 

GIVEAWAY TIME

My friend Crystal is thoughtfully hosting the very first Bitty Bug Designs giveaway, starting today and ending Monday, May 21! I'm giving away an $18 credit to the shop, which includes custom orders, so be sure to check out her post today and enter!!!

Here are some example items you can use a winning credit toward:

Baby Bean Update: 32 Week Update

I'm wondering exactly how much bigger I can get.

That's really all that's on my mind. That, pain, and watermelon.

Apparently, I'm also neighborly and Husband catches me waving.

 hi-lo ruffle top: c/o Anika Burke, tank: Maurices, jeans: Motherhood, sandals: Target, necklace: family heirloom, bracelets: c/o Anika Burke, "wedding ring:" fakeout while mine don't fit from Kohl's ($9, yeah!)

 Bean is moving non-stop, which is awesome because I had some time where she didn't move about a week ago and again on Thursday. It was kind of scary, but I drank a ton of ice water (60 oz!), laid on my left side, and she started up again. Phew! I'm not exactly sure if there's any more growing room in there, but I'm feeling pretty healthy other than the back pain and Braxton Hicks contractions. Those babies used to feel like pressure and now they're pretty painful. Yuck! And it's practice for what? My c-section. Nice.

 

 In other news, I don't hate my hair anymore. I was having such a hair color identity crisis over the past few weeks and I'm really over worrying about it all... It's not so bad. Husband and my friend, Mell, really like it with a little bit of roots showing. I think I do, too. I was quick to think it needed to be touched up, but I think it looks less harsh against my skin with the darker roots. What do you think? You know, since my hair is the topic of conversation as of late.

In other, other news, I am so excited about my new bracelets and Light as a Feather top from Anika Burke! I received these items in the mail last week and couldn't wait to wear them! I also received a beautiful ivory bow belt with a sweet note that suggested I wait until Bean is born for comfort. If you haven't had the chance to pop over to Anika Burke, check them out on Facebook and Twitter, too! If you haven't noticed (ahem), if you check out the little ad on my sidebar, YOU can receive 30% off of your Anika Burke order by using the code LITTLE-BIT. Go 'head. Treat yourself!

* Anika Burke Junior Clothing * Anika Burke * Anika Burke Eclectic Boutique * 

In the otherest of newses (I'm so making up words, here), I have some exciting giveaways starting this Monday, May 14 for those of you interested in my new shop, Bitty Bug Designs! I'm so excited to be spreading the word and sharing products that I'm passionate about! I've worked so hard on starting up my stock and I'm excited to begin custom orders as I build fabric inventory. Please stay tuned to find out where you can enter to win some Bitty Bug swag! Special thank yous go out for all of the support I've had and if you haven't, yet, follow Bitty Bug Designs on Facebook and Twitter!

Black, White, & Denim

 It's bad when the maternity clothes from the last go-round are getting too tight and the Food Lion lady says, "Giiirrrrrrrl, you gonna have twins." Grocery stores, FYI, are not my favorite places to visit right now. I do, however, enjoy the farmer's market, even when there is only one vendor. Little S and I bought two tomatoes, two onions, 1/4 lb of broccolini (which we ate for dinner last night and it was delicious), and 1 lb of fresh green beans for $4.65. Seriously? And people complain that eating healthfully is so expensive. I guess it is. But I felt like I was stealing from that cute little old farmer.

 jacket: American Eagle, tee: Old Navy, tank: Old Navy Maternity, pants: Motherhood, scarf: Old Navy, flats: Target

 I can't wait to go to the farmer's market on Saturday when all of the vendors are there! I'm excited to get watermelon, strawberries, and eggs! 

Oh, ps - I'm on that crazy kick again when I won't feed my family crap. Here's hoping it sticks.

I Never Thought I'd Wear Capris

Yet, this is the second time during my pregnancy I've done it. They're actually regular jeans that I cuffed because it's mediocrely hot outside and I've just got some errands to run. Overall, I hate capris. I think they do nothing for the body or legs. These are a bit longer, anyway. Just not a great choice for my height... But let's face it, at almost 26 weeks pregnant, comfort without looking super lazy is really all I can push for each day.

top: Old Navy, tank: Old Navy Maternity, jeans: Motherhood, sandals: Fergie

We use an old blanket on our patio when we put our daughter's little pool outside so it doesn't get scratched. Over the past day or two, the strong winds had blown it into the yard, right where I was about to take my pictures. I picked it up and shook it off... and a wolf spider jumped on my chest! I felt like it was two tons of bricks. I couldn't breathe and started to hyperventilate! I couldn't get it off, so I just screamed. S came to the sliding glass door and yelled, "What's wrong Mommy?!" I said, "SPIDER!!!" And she ran back inside. Helpful little munchkin! I finally got the strength to flick him off into the grass, but it almost felt closer to a near death experience than the car accident we were in last week.

Oh, hey, Bean!

She Matched Her Hair to Her Sweater

I dyed my hair. From a box. Christina is going to kill me.

And of course, because I used neutral beige instead of ash, it turned reddish. My hair *always* turns red if I don't use ash blonde. Also, my hair *always* turns red when I do illegal things like dye it from a box. I'm a firm believer in hair color, but I also know that blondes should never use box dye because... well, just because. I also should have thought my outfit through a bit more before hopping to church on Sunday. Perhaps my first day in public with my newly strawberry blonded locks should have included clothing that wasn't the same shade as my hair color. Oops!

 top: Motherhood, tank: Kohl's, pants: Motherhood, sweater: Agar, shoes: Ross, necklace: Gift from Husband

Here's hoping that my bright, bright hair will calm with a few washes.

And heck, if it doesn't, here's to not pulling out the mustard hues again for a while!

Don't forget to enter for your chance to win these beautiful pearl earrings from Scarlet Samples!

Baby Bean Update: 24 Weeks

I'm back! I just spent the entire week in Virginia with my best friend, Jackie, her 3 girls (6, 2, and 3 weeks), and Little S! We were busy to say the least. And with Jackie nursing and me pregnant, neither of us could indulge in the hard drinks we craved at the end of a day with four children. Moms who do it all the time, I commend you! Both of us were having back pain, neither of us were sleeping... and kids? Well, they go to bed late and wake up early no matter what ails mommas. Lucky me, though! Jackie is a professional photographer and I was blessed enough to have her snap some belly shots for my 24 week update! These aren't edited and she was standing in her driveway about 7 minutes after crawling out of bed and she still managed to make me look better than in any photo I can take! Can't wait to share the ones she took of Little S at the river with you this week!

 tee: Old Navy, tank: Old Navy, jeans: Motherhood, flats: Target, necklace: The Word Jewelry

Bean and I are doing well. I read in my Babycenter update this morning that she weighs a little over a pound, is as long as a cob of corn, and my uterus is the size of a soccer ball. Seriously? Soccer ball?! I was looking at these photos and thinking, "Why in the world do I look like I'm carrying around a soccer ball at six months pregnant?" Well, Babycenter gave me my answer. I met a very snide lady at WalMart over the course of the week and I've decided I'll no longer be sharing my due date with the general public. She asked when I was due, and when I told her she said, "Oh... wow." Yes, I'm huge. But I'm also 4'10 1/2"-ish. I don't have the space to grow up and down like most women, so I grow straight out. It's physics. Not rocket science. Or maybe it's geometry or something... I'm not good at science. But these are cold, hard facts! When one's torso is only 8 inches long (I'm probably exaggerating), the baby is going to take up a lot more front to back space. ie: Brutal low back pain. Yes, that's still happening. Oh, and I finally have an appetite. I don't know why I say "finally," though, because I'm not super excited about it.

This week's exciting revelation: I think I officially look pregnant and should no longer have any confusing looks from bystanders wondering, "Is she preggers or just fat?"

Craving: Pineapple, watermelon, salad with oil and vinegar, water, diet root beer

 Special thanks to Jackie for taking my photos and letting me crash her pad for the last week! 

Stay tuned for Monday's post (more photos from Jackie) for an awesome giveaway by Scarlet Samples!

P.S.- Super exciting: I won We Love Colors' Curvy Girl of the Month for March!!!