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Monday, January 27, 2014

Bumpdate: Week 33

Week 33

Gender: It's a Boy! 

Weight Gain/Loss: +26 

Baby's Growth: 
4 lbs & 17 1/2 inches.

Movement: Tons!
Trying to enjoy each and every minute of it. 

Food Cravings:  Chocolate, Water & lots of Orange Juice.

How I'm Feeling: Some days I have a ton of energy 
& then some I have no desire to get off the couch.

Anything Making You Queasy/Sick: Not really.

Sleeping: Just depends on the night. 
Feeling really uncomfortable.

Stretchmarks: Yes! So embarrassed by them but at least I can blame genetics?
Lathering up with both Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lotion & their spray oil, as well. 

Belly Button In/Out: In... But very flat!

Nursery:  
We need to:
Hang curtains
Put new knobs on dresser
Steam clean carpets 
Decorate built in book shelf
Wash all clothes
Wash all bedding & blankets
Hang artwork 
Find mirror to hang above dresser
Order rocking chair
Spray paint monogram for above crib 
Organize all his presents from his baby shower
Put down rug 

Other To Do's: 
Put car seat in car
Pack hospital bag
Buy aromatherapy birthing oils
Finish birth plan
Make birthing CD

Favorite Moment This Week: 
Just relaxing and spending some time on the couch. 

Looking Forward To:  
Spending the weekend in DC for our babymoon. 
It got postponed last weekend due to the hubs being in the field 
for Army field training.
Thanks for reading!
Hope y'all have a great week!

*Just a reminder I am posting this one week behind so I can recap my week in full.
I am currently 34 weeks. 

Sunday, January 26, 2014

A Few More...

Here are a few more of my favorite maternity pictures.. 
To check out some others & more details click here.





Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Hey Momma Rock Me

Monday, Mr. Army Man & I went to Raleigh 
to finish picking up necessities before our little one is born & attend a birth plan class. 

We ran to Home Goods to pick up a mirror for his room, 
Target to get toiletries for the hospital, 
Sephora to grab some fun goodies for momma.
Had dinner, ran in World Market 
& then on to Babies R Us for our birth plan class, 
& to grab a head support for our car-seat.

We get into Babies R Us and were about an hour early to our class. 
So we return a few things we got duplicates from our showers, and start looking at rockers.
We've been looking for the perfect rocker since the day after we found out I was pregnant.
Knowing that it would be a necessity, 
we have been desperately looking the past couple of days as the big day is approaching fast!


We see that the chair we've been eyeing for months is on sale, like $200 off. 
We immediately sat down and ordered the color that we wanted to match the nursery.
The hubs ran to the front to pay right before our class began.

We sat through the class. I got a ton of information on what I want on my birth plan.
And am almost finished with it.

Anyway.. I sat through the entire class thinking that we had our dream rocker.
But  evidently the sale price was only for the color sold in store,
 not for special order colors. I was so bummed.

We started looking at the tag on the chair. 
The thing was the ticket didn't have any disclaimers about the other special colors,
which we discussed to the store manager. 
She said she understood but couldn't give us the full discounted price.
They told us they could give us 20% off for the confusion.
I was so upset & said no I wasn't paying that,
when we should have gotten it for the fully discounted price.

We walked out without the chair and as I was getting into the car, 
I had an all out emotional fit.
I started bawling.
Shaking, crying, sobbing uncontrollably.
Mr. Army Man was so confused. 
I was crying over a freaking chair.

It was like bringing a puppy home.. Thinking your going to keep it.
Then your parents telling you that it has to go back to it's owners.

We made it about 5 miles down the road and Babies R Us called.
They told us that they had talked it over and were going to give us the chair for the $200 off sale price.
We turned around, paid for the chair and I felt like the biggest loser for crying over a chair.

Needless to say, pregnancy hormones suck.
Everything works out & God has a plan. 

Overall I just thought this was absolutely hilarious & wanted to share!
Now I just can't wait to hold my sweet baby boy in his new chair.
& rock him back and forth back and say,
"I love you forever, I like your for always,
as long as I'm living my baby you'll be..."

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

Hey girls!
I hope y'all enjoyed your weekend as much as I did!

This weekend I had my second baby shower in North Carolina, where we live. 
It was actually hosted at my house and was absolutely beautiful. 

The theme was Beatrix Potter's The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
Everything was so detailed and sweet.

Thanks mom & Hannah for the most perfect shower &
 everyone for blessing our baby with love and precious gifts. 
We are so blessed!



My mom made some of the cutest decor that can be used again at Easter.




I made sure everything was super detailed with pictures from our last 4D ultrasound, 
baby booties he will go home from the hospital in, and of course some social media. 
#showeringbabyneal


Peter Rabbit was a little hungry & got into the produce box. 
Such a cute centerpiece. 


**********
Menu:
Hawaiian Ham & Cheese Sliders
7 Layer Salad
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Homemade Chocolate Cupcakes with Butter Cream 






Thanks again to everyone who came out & making our day so special!
Cooper is blessed to be welcomed with such amazing friends!


Monday, January 20, 2014

Bumpdate: Week 32


Week 32

Gender: It's a Boy! 

Weight Gain/Loss: +26 

Baby's Growth: About 4 pounds and 18 inches long.

Movement: Tons!
Trying to enjoy each and every minute of it. 

Food Cravings: Pasta salad, orange juice, and french fries. 

How I'm Feeling: I've felt pretty good this week.
Aside from the round ligament pains & occasional back aches.

Anything Making You Queasy/Sick: Just having some major heartburn.

Sleeping: It's hard falling asleep but once I'm down I'm out like a light. 

Stretchmarks: Yes! So embarrassed by them but at least I can blame genetics?
Lathering up with both Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lotion & their spray oil, as well. 

Belly Button In/Out: In... But very flat!

Nursery:  
We need to:
Hang curtains
Put new knobs on dresser
Steam clean carpets 
Decorate built in book shelf
Wash all clothes
Wash all bedding & blankets
Hang artwork 
Find mirror to hang above dresser
Order rocking chair
Spray paint monogram for above crib 
Organize all his presents from his baby shower
Put down rug 

Other To Do's: 
Put car seat in car
Pack hospital bag
Buy aromatherapy birthing oils
Finish birth plan
Make birthing CD

Favorite Moment This Week: My second baby shower in NC.
I enjoyed catching up with some friends and had the sweetest day!
(Check back tomorrow for more details.)

Looking Forward To: Our baby moon this weekend! 
So excited to head to DC for a few days, relax and enjoy some QT with the cutie. 

Thanks for reading!
Hope y'all have a great week!

*Just a reminder I am posting this one week behind so I can recap my week in full.
I am currently 33 weeks. 

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

My Beauty Wish List

My Beauty Wish List



Hey ladies!

I have a confession to make its been about a year since I really have stocked up on beauty products. 

I used to be an Independent Beauty Consultant for Mary Kay but after I broke away last December, the only beauty products I have bought is the occasional mascara and a few MAC lipsticks. 

Needless to say, I need help!
I have been lusting after these products but what to know if y'all have used any of these before taking the plunge. 
I have a couple of gift cards to Sephora and a some coupons/rewards points to use at ULTA. 

So be honest with me ladies, are any of these products worth buying? Give me the all the dirty details!
Thanks in advance & hope you have a great week! 

Monday, January 13, 2014

Bumpdate: Week 31

Week 31

Gender: It's a Boy! 

Weight Gain/Loss: +23 pounds.. Really hating this.
I feel so uncomfortable, absolutely huge and not attractive at all! 

Baby's Growth: About 4 pounds and 18 inches long.

Movement: Constant movement. 
Now it is getting a little more uncomfortable when he moves.
Apparently this is due to the fact that he is getting bigger and less amniotic fluid.

He loves getting up underneath my right "girl" and doesn't want to move.
If he's not there, he has his little limbs stuck to where it is pushing up against my left hip bone.
He already is a pain in my side. LOL!  

Food Cravings: Anything chocolate, orange juice, 

How I'm Feeling: It really just depends on the day..
Having a hard time waking up & getting going.
Contractions now are getting stronger but still taking medicine daily for them.

Anything Making You Queasy/Sick: Peppermint + acidic foods = crazy heartburn!

Sleeping: I've been taking Unisom lately to help get me to sleep. 
Having a hard time turning my mind off 
with all the things that need to be completed. (See below)

Stretchmarks: Yes! So embarrassed by them but at least I can blame genetics?

Belly Button In/Out: In... But very flat!

Nursery:  
We need to:
Hang curtains
Put new knobs on dresser
Steam clean carpets 
Decorate built in book shelf
Wash all clothes
Wash all bedding & blankets
Hang artwork 
Find mirror to hang above dresser
Order rocking chair
Spray paint monogram for above crib 
Organize all his presents from his baby shower
Put down rug 

Other To Do's: 
Put car seat in car
Pack hospital bag
Buy aromatherapy birthing oils
Finish birth plan
Make birthing CD

Favorite Moment This Week: We had a nasty storm this weekend but 
I so enjoyed picking up takeout & having a candlelit dinner 
with my precious husband on Saturday night.

Looking Forward To:  My second baby shower on Sunday.
So excited and blessed by such amazing family & friends!

Thanks for reading!
Hope y'all have a great week!

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Maternity Pictures

We had our maternity pictures taken a few weeks ago 
while we were in Arkansas over the Christmas holiday. 

I am so glad that we got them taken a little bit earlier than usual.
With one preterm labor scare under our belts, we thought it would be a good idea to schedule them for 30 weeks rather than put it off any longer just in case we welcome our sweet boy early. 

I am obsessed with how they turned out!
Hope you enjoy!



\




Make sure you check out Kasey McAlpin Photography if you are in the Memphis area.
She is absolutely fabulous & extremely affordable. 
I went to high school with her & she is the most thorough & sweetest girl you will every meet!
Now if only I can talk her into coming to North Carolina when the babes is born! Hah.

Thanks for reading!

Monday, January 6, 2014

Bumpdate: Week 30

Week 30
  
Gender: It's a Boy! 

Weight Gain/Loss: Not sure at this point. 

Baby's Growth:  Should be about 3 or so pounds & about 18 inches long. 

Movement: This baby has officially reached wiggly worm status.

Food Cravings: I haven't really had any cravings lately but I can't get enough Diet Coke. 
I have been limiting myself to one a day.. & it's caffeine free. 
Not too bad. I guess..  

Symptoms: It's getting harder to get up off the couch & out of the bed. 
Lots of heartburn.

Anything Making You Queasy/Sick: Nothing that I can think of.

Sleeping: Just depends on the night. 
I've been enjoying Sleepy Time Tea before bed to help the Sand Man visit sooner.
Just so many thoughts & to do's that my mind is constantly running.

Stretchmarks: Getting a few on my love handles.. 
I've been lathering up a couple times a day with cocoa butter 
& belly oil to prevent more. 

Belly Button In/Out: In... 
And super flat.

Nursery:  
We need to:
Hang curtains
Put new knobs on dresser
Steam clean carpets 
Decorate built in book shelf
Wash all clothes
Wash all bedding & blankets
Hang artwork 
Find mirror to hang above dresser
Order rocking chair
Spray paint monogram for above crib 
Organize all his presents from his baby shower
Put down rug 

Favorite Moment This Week: Getting a 4D of our sweet bundle of boy!
{Side Note: The hubs & I always have a small Christmas together before we head home for the real deal.
We always get each other something small plus stockings & then a couples gift.
This year it was to get a 4D of our angel.}


He is the most precious thing ever. 
Baby boy was sucking his wrist, yawning, sticking his tongue out & being a wiggle worm.
He definitely has his Uncle Boo's nose & the chubbiest cheeks perfect for big fat smooches from his momma.
We are so blessed & excited for his arrival!

Looking Forward To: A pedicure. 
I am in desperate need of one!

Thanks for reading! 

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

101 in 1001

via
This year instead of a New Year's Resolution or a list of goals,
I've decided to make a list of 101 in 1001.
I've seen them on quite a few blogs &
 thought it was a great way to achieve goals in a more timely manner.
Some should be pretty easy to cross off, while others may take a little time.
It will be challenging, fun and most of all help me grow as a person
 & I can't wait to get started!

Starts: January 1, 2014
Ends: September 28, 2016

Key:
If it is crossed off, I have completed it.
If it is in Bold, it is a work in progress.
If it is in italics, I did not complete it.
*These are in no particular order.

Goals:
  X1. Lose baby weight. 
X2. Graduate with my Bachelor's degree.
3. Find a red wine I love.
4. Become members of our church.
5. Buy a new Bible.
6. Put together a book together of 100 Bible verses & favorite quotes. (1/100)
7. Read 25 books. (1/25) 
--Sippy Cups are not for Chardonnay 
8. Do yoga everyday for 30 days. (0/30)
9. Get a passport. 
 10. Buy a bike & ride it 2/3 times per week. 
11. Find the perfect little black dress.
X12. Make healthy lunches for myself everyday for a month. (25/30)
13. Find a 9-5 job with benefits.
14. Get a blow out. 
15. "Unplug" for 48 hours.
X16. Save enough to buy myself a Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM.
17. Commit to a skincare routine.
X18. Go an entire month without buying anything at Starbucks. 
19. 
20. Find the perfect mascara. 

Wife:
21. Recreate our first date.
22. Watch Mr. Army Man jump out of an airplane.
X23. Bring him lunch to work.
24. Make it to a promotion/graduation ceremony.
25. Start a daily devotional.
26. Get couples massage.
27. Take concealed handgun class together.
28. Pack his lunch everyday for a month,
complete with a handwritten note. (0/30)
29. Go to a couples yoga class .
30. Take a Salsa class together.
31. Start our own Family Christmas Traditions.
32. Go fishing with Mr. Army Man in his new boat.

Cooper:
33. Have a natural birth- no epidural.
 34. Breast feed for at least 6 months. (3/6)
35. Take him to visit the Memphis Zoo.
 36. Try making homemade baby food.
37. Teach him to walk before 1st birthday.
38.  Potty train by 2nd birthday.
 39. Get him a life insurance policy.
40. Take him to the Marbles Children's Museum in Raleigh.
41. Take him to the Pink Palace.
42. Buy a Piggy Bank.
43. Start a savings account for him.
44. Make his first birthday cake.
45. Have Cooper Baptized. 

For Others:
46. Volunteer for The Salvation Army,
ringing the bell to collect Christmas donations.
47. Be someones maid of honor. (10.4.14)
48. Donate old clothes to local shelter or those in need.
49. Send out 101 letters snail mail style. (13/101)
50. Send a random care package to a friend.
51. Bake Christmas goodies for neighbors.
X52. Buy someone coffee at Starbucks.
 53. Donate blood.
54. Donate old books to local library.

Blog:
55. Go to some kind of blog conference. (11/7/14)
56. Make blog business cards.
 57. Guest post for a blogger.
58. Organize my pictures on my computer.
X59. Work with a friend on a blog project.
X 60. Launch a food blog. (Coming Soon!)
61. Host a giveaway on a friend's blog.
62. Get a better camera.
63. Leave 10 comments on other blogs everyday for a month. (0/30)
64. Buy a photo editor.
65. Host a blogger event. 

Homemaker:
66. Buy a new mattress for our bed.
67. Buy new platters & service ware.
68. Remodel master bath.
69. Meal plan for an entire month.
70. Bake/cook for 10 people I love. (2/10)
71. Pay off credit card.
 72. Save $150 per month.
 73. Landscape side flowerbeds.
74. Paint our living room.
75. Get built ins installed around fireplace.
76. Fix up backyard.
77. Keep my room and closet clean for at least three months. (0/3)
78. Make a fancy drink. 

Adventure: 
 79. Stay in Tunica.
80. Go on a girls trip.
81. Fly first class.
82. See a drive in movie.
83. Attend the Fayetteville Blues & Brews Fest.
84. Go to a horse race.
85. Stay at a B&B.
86. Visit five new cities. (0/5)
STL
Asheville, NC
Roanoke, VA
87. Go to a Cardinals baseball game. (7/10/14)
88. Go to a wine tasting at a vineyard.
89. Spend a weekend at the beach.
 90. Attend the Smithville Ham & Yam Fest.
91. Get a psychic reading.
92. Go skinny dipping.
93. Go on a baby moon.
94. Go to tequila bar.
95. Go on a picnic.
96. Party on Beale Street in Memphis, TN.
97. Go to a Dinner at the Goat Lady Dairy Farm.
98. Spend the weekend in Asheville. (8/17/14)
99. Go white water rafting.
100. Go ice skating.

101. Finish this list & make another one. 
Wish me luck!