Bumpdate: Week 28

Week 28

  

Gender: It's a Boy! 

Weight Gain/Loss: +18

Baby's Growth: Baby boy should be measuring in at around 2 1/2 lbs. 

Movement: This baby has officially reached wiggly worm status.

Food Cravings: Fruit but mostly pineapple, grapes and oranges. Sparkling water & fruit gummies. 

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

Anything Making You Queasy/Sick: Not that I can think of. 

Sleeping: Best sleep of my life.. 

Other than waking up every 2 hours to potty! 

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... 

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: Just relaxing & spending time with my family! 

Looking Forward To: Christmas with my family 
but most importantly the dessert table at my grandpa's house. 

{Sidenote: I've never been a big sweet eater
until I got pregnant & now I can't get enough!}

Arkansas Baby Shower

On Sunday, December 15th, I had my first baby shower. 

It was absolutely gorgeous. 

Mr. Army Man and I are so blessed to bring our sweet baby boy 

into this world surrounded by the sweetest friends & family.  

My shower was a ladies only brunch that featured:

Hash Brown Casserole

Crudités Platter  

Mini Quiche

Fruit Platter

Cheese & Jam Ring

Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents

Snow Flake Cupcakes

Blue Punch 

Hot Chocolate Bar 

The hostess' completely outdid themselves & 

we are so thankful for everyone who attended and "showered" our bundle of boy!

It was so great to see y'all while we were in town & can't wait for baby to meet each one of you! 

Bumpdate: Week 27

Bumpdate: Week 27

Gender: It's a Boy! 

Weight Gain/Loss: +14

Baby's Growth: Baby boy should be measuring in at around 2 1/2 lbs. 

Movement: All the time. This little one doesn't stop moving.

Food Cravings: Sparkling water and sugar cookies.

Symptoms: Having difficultly breathing... Other than that I'm feeling much better than last week. Still on procardia for contractions, as well as bed rest. 

Anything Making You Queasy/Sick: Acidic foods, the smell of a wood fire, men's cologne. 

Sleeping: Like I haven't slept in years. It's do easy to go to bed & so hard to get up! 

Stretchmarks: Starting to get some on my "love handles". 

Not too thrilled about this but my sweet little boy will be so worth it.

Belly Button In/Out: In... 

& it looks smaller than usual.

Nursery:  We really need to clean up the nursery.

We also 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. 

Favorite Moment This Week: Shopping in Atlanta & coming home to Memphis for Cooper's baby shower & seeing all my family & friends. 

Looking Forward To: So many things... Finishing up Christmas shopping, a Christmas party & just soaking up this time with family! 

Happy Family

Getting optimal nutrition while being pregnant was the first thing on my mind when I found out I was expecting. 

Sometimes it's hard to get all those key nutrients in when your sick to your stomach or constantly on the go.

When a representative from Happy Squeeze reached out to me about trying this product I accepted with open arms.

First off let's start with the pros:

Easy to enjoy.

Full of vitamins & nutrients.

Most range from 60-90 calories.

& serveral delicious flavors to choose from. 

Cons:

They are hard to find.

I ended up going to four grocery stores before finding them.

Although the product is hard to find, I recommend trying to find it. 

I personally think that it is a great snack to have especially if you are always on the go, much like myself. 

Make sure you head on over to get the "squeeze" on this amazing product. 

They also have products specifically for babies, toddlers, & for your growing family! 

& if you really want to try sign up for the giveaway below.. Because let's face it. Everyone likes free food! :)

This giveaway includes:
Happy Squeeze - $25 value

2 Take Ones

1 HF Red Tote Bag

Product:

Mixed Case Happy Squeeze (12 pouches)

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

*Today's post was sponsored by Happy Family but all opinions are my own. 

Bumpdate: Week 26

  Week 26

Gender: It's a Boy! 

Weight Gain/Loss: +16

Baby's Growth: Baby boy should be measuring in at around 2 pounds. 

Supposedly the size of a head of lettuce???

Movement: All the time. This little one doesn't stop moving.

Food Cravings:  Tuna salad sandwich (still haven't had one, but definitely on my list), 

coffee, pears & sparkling water.

Symptoms:  See below. 

Anything Making You Queasy/Sick: Acidic foods, the smell of a wood fire, men's cologne. 

Sleeping: It just depends on the day.. 

I did pick up some Unisom to help. 

Stretchmarks: Starting to get some on my "love handles". 

Not too thrilled about this but my sweet little boy will be so worth it.

Belly Button In/Out: In

Nursery:  We really need to clean up the nursery.

It still has quite a bit of Army gear in tough boxes.

We also 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

Favorite Moment This Week: Finishing up my classes for this quarter. 

Looking Forward To: Heading home to Memphis for my first baby shower on Sunday! 

I cannot wait to see all my family & friends especially before the holidays kick off.

***

This past Friday, I woke up not feeling well.

I didn't want to get up & go to work.

I went anyway..

I started feeling dizzy, nauseous, short of breath, 

sweating profusely, and I had a bad headache. 

I called the doctor & they told me that their office closed early on Friday 

& that I needed to go to the ER immediately.

I left work early & my friend's mom came & sat with me in the ER.

I was immediately admitted & hooked up to monitor the baby & contractions.

I was having unbearably strong contractions every 2-4 minutes apart.

And was told I was going to be kept overnight for further evaluations.

I was hooked up to an IV and they ended up giving me two shots to stop contractions, 

two steroid shots to help baby boy's lungs and heart progress (just in case).

And started me on some medicine to relax my cervix as I was 1 cm dilated.

I finally left the hospital on Saturday night, 

and have been put on strict bed rest indefinitely. 

I had another doctor's appointment today & as long as I stay on bed rest and keep taking my medicine accordingly I should be fine.

I also had my glucose test today, and passed with flying colors.

Although my hemoglobin and iron levels were extremely low.

Hopefully with this much needed rest and relaxation and some good family time I will be back to normal soon.

Thanks for everyone's thoughts and prayers via Instagram & Twitter.

If you don't follow me make sure you do!

Instagram- @meneal

Twitter- @morganeneal

Thanks for reading!

Come back tomorrow for an awesome giveaway!

Bumpdate: Week 25

Week 25

Gender: It's a Boy! 

Weight Gain/Loss: +14

Baby's Growth: About a pound and a quarter. 

Movement: Tons. Little Bear loves moving around especially when I'm eating! 

He loves food like his momma!

Food Cravings:  Tuna salad sandwich, coffee, grapefruit, pears & sparkling water.

Symptoms:  Braxton Hicks Contractions & Backpain.. 

Anything Making You Queasy/Sick: Men's Cologne, Grilled Foods & Fire Smoke.

Sleeping: Thinking about picking up some Unisom to conquer my sleep problems. 

My mind will just not turn off.

Stretchmarks: Starting to get some on my "love handles". 

Not too thrilled about this but my sweet little boy will be so worth it.

Belly Button In/Out: In

Nursery:  We really need to clean up the nursery.

It still has quite a bit of Army gear in tough boxes.

We also 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

Favorite Moment This Week:  Making my moms thanksgiving recipes. 

Looking Forward To: Getting all my major tests & presentations over with this week 

to conclude this quarter of classes. 

Military Moving

via

Moving is something everyone experiences at least once in their lifetime. 

Sometimes more so if you are in the military. 

Today, I'd like to talk to you about a company that makes moving day just a little easier.
A company that I would personally use the day the Army gives us those dreaded PCS orders.

UShip is a company that works with the Armed Forces to make your moving experience as streamline as possible assisting with logistics and any realities associated with such a stressful time as moving. 

UShip has also provided a great moving guide
to help ease your family into one of the biggest changes you may face including:
What to expect with your military move.
How to prepare your family.
The benefits of moving often.
How to adjust to your new life in a new place.

Check that out and find more information here. 

Make sure you check out the UShip website for all your moving needs. 

Bumpdate: Week 24

25 & 2 days Pregnant

*Please keep in mind that I am always a week a head of my "Bumpdate's" 

so that I can give a full recap of the week before. 

Week 24

Gender: It's a Boy! 

Weight Gain/Loss: +13

Baby's Growth: About a pound & a half. 

The size of a cantaloupe? 

Movement: This kid is SO strong! 

Love feeling his little kicks and squirms. 

It is always the highlight of my day!

Food Cravings: Anything peppermint, soy eggnog, pears, & water.

Symptoms: It's getting harder to get in/out of the car & up off the couch. 

Anything Making You Queasy/Sick: Men's Cologne, Grilled Foods & Fire Smoke.

Sleeping: Other than waking up a couple times to potty, 

sleeping like a baby.

Stretchmarks: Starting to get some on my "love handles". 

Not too thrilled about this but my sweet little boy will be so worth it.

Belly Button In/Out: In

Nursery: Just got our curtains in. 

I am absolutely loving how everything is turning out. 

Favorite Moment This Week: Having three days off from work & school.
 I needed it so bad. 

Sleeping in, keeping my feet up, & getting in exercise everyday it was just what this momma needed. 

Looking Forward To: Having Thursday off to cook & spend time with Mr. Army Man.

Hope y'all have a good week!
Come back tomorrow for a special post geared toward help with moving in the military. 

Bumpdate: Week 23

Week 23

Gender: It's a Boy! 

Weight Gain/Loss: +12

Baby's Growth: Should be weighing in at a pound & a quarter.

Doctor's Appointment: Measuring a week ahead of schedule. 

Been put on a low carb, low sugar diet.

Suggested to walk everyday.

Movement: YES!
I was taking a bath the other night & little bear was kicking 
so hard you could see it through my stomach.
He was literally causing waves in the water. 

Food Cravings: Donuts, Pears & Water.

How I'm Feeling: Fat, moody & hormonal. 
But seriously that's how I'm feeling.
Oh & on top of that the ridiculous nausea & heartburn 
that I had during my first trimester is back with a vengeance.  

Anything Making You Queasy/Sick: Grilled food.

Sleeping: I don't know if it's all this work, but sleeping better than a baby.

Stretchmarks: None.

Belly Button In/Out: In...

Nursery: Haven't worked on it much.

Favorite Moment This Week: I went shopping by myself Tuesday afternoon.
Walking around the mall, having a quite lunch, & buying a few goodies for myself was the perfect treat.

Bumpdate: Week 22

Okay, so I have been a bad blogger & absolutely terrible at updating my Bumpdates.
From now on I am dedicating Monday's to reflect on the previous weeks pregnancy happenings.


Week 22

Gender: It's a Boy! 

Weight Gain/Loss: +10

Baby's Growth: Should be weighing in at a little over a pound.

Movement: TONS. 
This child is in constant motion.
I can now see his little jabs, instead of just feeling them.
The hubs & I will sit on the couch just watching like its the TV or something.

Food Cravings: Doughnuts (even though I haven't indulged), French Onion Dip with Ruffles, 
Peppermint Mocha, Hot Wings, Pears & Water.

How I'm Feeling: Pretty great other than 
having some crazy nerve pains in my legs & back.

Speaking of which, my legs have been giving out on me.
In the middle of Target last Sunday I was walking through the store and my leg gave out.
My purse and groceries went flying. Mr. Army Man was behind me
& didn't have a chance to help me before I fell.
My head ended up hitting the concrete floor & I had about 20 other shopper surrounding me
asking if they needed to call 911.
So embarrassing...

Needless to say I am okay..
But I felt like I was in a car accident for the next couple of days afterward.

Anything Making You Queasy/Sick: The smell of men's cologne. 

Sleeping: It just depends on the night. 
Some nights my mind just won't turn off,
 going to ask the doctor if I there is something I can take to make sleep easier.

Stretchmarks: Not yet & hopefully not ever! 

Belly Button In/Out: In...

Nursery: The hubs refinished an antique dresser for the babe's room on Friday.
I could not be more in love with how the nursery is coming along.

Favorite Moment This Week: Getting all dressed up for our annual Army Ball. 

Looking Forward To: My doctor's appointment this afternoon.

The pears that are on the way to me from my mom via Harry & David! Yum..
And the fact that I just booked my flight home for my baby shower in December.
Things are getting exciting!

Fab Favorites

Happy Friday!
Linking up today with Lauren from Style Elixer for  Friday's Fab Favorites.
While my favorites may not be so fab, these duds are making me absolutely giddy right now. 

I just bought my baby shower dress & I am already picking out ways to style it
with some cute booties & Kendra Scott earrings. I cannot wait!

Butter London has been my favorite nail polish for quite some time,
when I saw it today in Navy, I knew it was coming home with momma.

And of course, no post these days would go without some kind of pregnancy craving including the scrumptious doughnut & a little something for my sweet baby boy!

Hope you have a fab Friday & enjoy your weekend!

Sunday Fun

Hi dolls,

Happy Monday!

This weekend was definitely one to write home about!

We started the weekend off with the hubs getting off work early, & that never happens.

 Saturday, we had our annual Army Ball. 

(Pictures coming soon..)

& Sunday

I had a segway tour booked of Downtown Raleigh for the hubs birthday present. 

We loved seeing parts of Raleigh we weren't familiar with, learning some history 

& finding some new restaurants. 

After the segway tour, I headed to Coquette Basserie to join some fabulous ladies from 

The Southern Blog Society for brunch.

My yummy Eggs Benedict!

Ryann- Unspeakable Joy

Kathryn- Hand Me Down Style
Kristyn- Carolina Fireflies

Bre- Baubles & Bubbly

Nikki- Bedazzles After Dark

Emily- Life With Emily

If you see an opportunity to reach out and meet some other bloggers, do it!

You will love getting out of your comfort zone & meeting people 

that know what it's like putting yourself out on the internet! 

The Southern Blog Society is always open for new members & just added an Arkansas chapter.

Can't wait for the next one, you ladies were amazing!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween!

From my little family to yours! 

Fall Bucket List

I always love seeing bucket lists on Pinterest every season & decided to make my own.Check out a few of the things I've already checked off my list!

The hubs & I at the North Carolina State Farmer's Market.

Picking out our pumpkins...

Decorations & pumpkins on our front porch...

We have a long walk schedule for tonight 

after Mr. Army Man gets off work. 

Our Halloween candy has been purchased and 

a bonfire with some co-workers is set for next weekend.

Happy Fall Y'all!

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Potato

Just made this & posted on Instagram. Had a few interested in this so decided to post! Make sure you follow me on IG, if you don't already, my username is @meneal. 

Serves: One

Ingredients Needed:

1 large potato

2 T. olive oil

1 t. salt

Aluminum foil

1 boneless skinless chicken breast 

1/4 cup cheddar cheese

2 T. butter 

1 T. sour cream 

1/4 cup buffalo sauce

1 scallion

2-4 T. ranch (I made mine from a packet.)

Salt & pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Take potato & wrap in aluminum foil with olive oil and salt. Bake for 45 mins to an hour.

Meanwhile, boil chicken until it reaches 165 degrees internally & is fully cooked. 

Shred & coat with buffalo sauce. 

Take insides of potato & mix with cheddar cheese, butter, sour cream and season to taste with salt and pepper. 

Stuff potato mix back inside baked potato skin. Top with buffalo chicken, extra cheese, ranch, & chopped green onion. Enjoy! 

Bumpdate: Week 19

Week 19

Gender: It's a Boy! 

Weight Gain/Loss: +8

Baby's Growth: Our sweet little bear is about 11 oz. & 

for the last two appointments he has been breach. 

Hopefully he will move but it isn't looking like it.

Movement: I starting feeling the baby kick around September 18...

Food Cravings: Lemonade, Grapefruit, Guacamole & Fresh Veggies with Ranch!

How I'm Feeling: I feel great! A little sluggish in the mornings & 

sometimes in the afternoon but over I feel amazing! 

Anything Making You Queasy/Sick: Not really..  

Sleeping: Just depends on the night. Here lately it hasn't been the best sleep.

Have You Started To Show Yet: Definitely showing! 

Maternity Clothes: Definitely in maternity clothes.. 

Wearing some non-maternity leggings, shirts 

& dresses but blue jeans are maternity! 

Stretchmarks: No way! 

Belly Button In/Out: In...

Workouts: I haven't gotten in a workout routine yet 

but planning on getting back to my yoga class on Thursday! 

Favorite Moment This Week: Having my mom here to visit 

& seeing my sweet baby at my doctors appointment. 

We are also about half way through decorating the nursery. 
My mom & hubs painted the nursery, set up the crib & re-did the closet this past weekend. 
I am loving it! Trying to get our nursery finished as soon as possible with school,
Army training, holiday travel & my hubs being on a "business trip" the whole month of January,
getting things done as possible is going to be key for this pregnancy! 

Looking Forward To: Starting our birthing classes on Thursday evening,

my husbands birthday next week & going to the fair. 

Omg!! So excited about fair food. 

Every pregnant woman's dream, right?!