tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69374901281241967402024-02-18T21:44:32.702-05:00Blonde Granola MamaColleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02679098946151070546noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937490128124196740.post-16116304070704871942016-10-26T07:09:00.001-04:002016-10-26T07:09:21.148-04:00Motherhood right nowOh hello again ol' blog! It's been a while. Who knew having two kids would take up so much time?! Hah. Especially having one who never sleeps. [cough, cough, <i>Greer</i>] <br />
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I have really liked looking back through old posts and reading about what we were doing, where we were going, and what motherhood was like at that point in time. So, I'm going to continue it! If only to have a journal for myself to look back on and smile. <br />
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We have had a busy October! It's Brooks' birthday month, the weather has finally cooled down, and there are so many fun fall activities to do! We've been apple picking, to the pumpkin patch, to the farm, and have been able to get out to the park without sweating our butts off. <br />
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Brooks is really loving school, which I am so glad about- not one single day of crying or being upset at drop off! He loves his teacher and his friends, and still says his favorite part of going is the playground. He had the best time at his birthday parties but then asked "Is my birthday over now?" on the way home from our family party. I think he was done being the center of attention, haha!<br />
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Greer is almost 10 months old and never sleeping for longer than an hour at a time. She's a super fast crawler, pulls up on everything, and is just starting to cruise along furniture and let go while she's standing! She loves her brother (and wants all his toys), people whispering in her ear, and must never be contained.<br />
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In non - kid related news, I got bangs (daddy hates them), I love them, and am currently obsessed with trying to keep everyone healthy over here. Vitamins, Emergen-C, apple cider vinegar, probiotics, On Guard oil (I keep it in the car now!) . I am crossing my fingers we'll stay healthy this winter! <br />
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I am so looking forward to the holidays with two kiddos this year! I can't believe it's almost time to start listening to Christmas music. I'm so excited! <br />
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<br />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02679098946151070546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937490128124196740.post-53364112570406398512016-02-14T18:49:00.000-05:002016-02-15T14:44:52.994-05:00Preparing for a Natural BirthI've now had two very different birth experiences. One was not easier than the other...just different. I thought I'd take a minute to write down what I did to prepare myself for my unmedicated delivery so I remember it!<br>
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One of the main things I think helped my body prepare for birth was going to the chiropractor. I started going around 8 weeks pregnant with Greer, and went once a month up until 36 weeks, then once a week. My last adjustment was Monday January 4th, and I was in labor 48 hours after that!<br>
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Another thing I did in preparation was read. Pat and I took a childbirth education class at the hospital in Reston when I was pregnant with Brooks, and I had [obviously] had a baby before so I didn't feel like it was necessary for us to take another child birth class. I did want to make sure I familiarized myself with what happens when you're in labor, as well as fill my mind with positive birth stories. Some books I read were...<br>
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Ina May's Guide To Childbirth </div>
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The Bradley Method </div>
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Hypnobirthing </div>
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I also downloaded some of the hypnobirthing relaxation tracks. I played those at night before I went to bed. Relaxing was key for me this time. I knew that I dilated quickly with Brooks once I got the epidural because my body relaxed, so a lot of my preparation was focused on the things I'd need to feel relaxed while in labor. </div>
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Additionally, I wrote down some quotes from Ina May's book and put them up in my house where I could see them during the last few weeks. They were - </div>
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"Most women need support and encouragement during labor more than they need drugs. "<br>
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" Remember this, for it is as true as it gets: your body is not a lemon. You are not a machine. The Creator is not a careless mechanic. Human female bodies have the same potential to give birth as well as aardvarks, lions, and elephants. Even if it has not been your habit throughout your life so far, I recommend that you begin to think positively about your body." <br>
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As well as a mantra from a friend of mine...<br>
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"I am strong. I am safe. I am calm." <br>
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My sister had my friends and family that came to my sprinkle write down encouraging words for me during my last few weeks of pregnancy. In addition to reading those, I also put up some cards from the "push pack"...<br>
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On the Wednesday morning that I was in labor, I opened the last card that I had gotten from my sprinkle. It [of course] made me cry, but it was just the encouragement I needed to focus and push through the pain to meet my baby girl. <br>
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Lastly, one of the things I did that I think really helped me physically was going to prenatal yoga class and doing a prenatal barre workout DVD. I only did it for about 20-30 minutes every day, but it helped strengthen my body as well as improve my self esteem! I felt much better about myself when I was working out. I have the <a href="http://www.suzannebowenfitness.com/" target="_blank">Suzanne Bowen</a> Slim & Toned prenatal and the Barre Amped prenatal workouts. I'm looking forward to getting back into them soon!<br>
<br>Of course, deciding to have Greer at the birth center played a huge part in my successful unmedicated delivery. Drugs were not an option at all so I didn't have anyone asking me if I wanted them, and it never even crossed my mind. I did have other tools available to me such as: essential oils, the birth ball, shower, tub, DVD player for relaxing music or movie, chiropractor, and the list goes on. Not to mention the incomparable support from my family, doula, and midwives. </div><div><br></div><div>Preparing yourself adequately for giving birth is an important part of having the experience you want, whatever that may be. Every birth is unique and every birth is special. I hope, if you're pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, you'll take some time to think about and prepare for your birth ! <br>
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Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02679098946151070546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937490128124196740.post-55396743022081531922016-02-02T19:49:00.001-05:002016-02-02T19:49:37.268-05:00Greer's Birth StoryI want to preface Greer's birth story with the fact that I did a lot of research on where I wanted to have our second baby. After having Brooks at the hospital near us three years ago, I knew I didn't want to go back there for many reasons. I also knew I wanted to have an unmedicated, natural birth. I have a bit of [what my midwife likes to call] "white coat" syndrome...I don't like hospitals, needles, medical equipment, blood, etc. <i>Who does?</i> I suppose some tolerate it better than others.<br />
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Anyways, I first looked into the home birth midwives in our area. A home birth made me a bit nervous [and my husband too]. I wasn't sure if this was the right option for us so I continued to look for something in between- a birth center was what I really wanted. In my search for the closest one I found the new "birth center" that was attached to the hospital in Leesburg, VA. I went to my first appointment [at 8 weeks] there and knew it wasn't for me. I kept thinking I didn't want to go too far away, so when my search on a birth center website turned up <a href="http://novabirthcenter.com/" target="_blank">NOVA Natural Birth Center</a> in Chantilly, I was hesitant. However, I hadn't found the right fit for me yet...so my sister and I decided to go to an information session there one evening in June. I knew immediately this was where I wanted to have my baby. [Coincidentally, the midwife who did the info session that night is the same one who caught Greer!] It takes right around 1 hour to get from our house to the BC and the drive never bothered me once! I could not be happier with my experience at Nova...I know I felt great the whole pregnancy due to my low stress levels and I had the birth experience I wanted largely in part to this setting. <br />
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So, on to the story!<br />
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On Tuesday evening, January 5th I had a few more light contractions than usual. I told Pat and added that maybe we should go to bed a little early- so we did. <br />
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Around 5am on January 6th I woke up with some pain in my back- it felt good to stay lying down in bed and rock my pelvis back and forth as I slept. At 6am I got up because I was hungry and wanted to make sure I kept these contractions going- I was sure that was what they were at this point! Pat got up with me and then Brooks woke around 6:30am. It was a school day for him. I got in touch with my dad to pick him up and let him know that they'd need to keep him after that. <br />
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After Pat dropped Brooks at school my sister came over to help. At this point I had been texting my doula and midwife to let them know what was going on- between 9 and 10am I was having strong contractions that I could no longer talk through about every 2-5 minutes. I had taken a shower (and shaved my legs!) so around 10am my midwife said to make the drive to the birth center. <br />
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The hour long ride to the birth center was surprisingly pleasant- with the heated seat on high it felt awesome on my back, and we played my ocean relaxation CD the whole way. I know I peeked at the clock every time I contracted to makes sure I was still keeping up with every 5 minutes and I was!<br />
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We got there and I came in the back door (it was 11am and I wasn't sure how many other patients would be there!) my room (the Aspen room) was all prepped and ready for me, tub filling up.<br />
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My doula asked how I was feeling and I told her I was excited! Everything was happening quickly- just like I had described in my "dream birth" situation on my birth plan...except faster! My midwife timed contractions right after I got there [they were 2-3 minutes apart] and I answered a couple questions...she asked if I wanted her to check to see how dilated I was and I told her I'd think about it for a little bit. I tried every position I could to get comfortable- all the contractions I had were in my back. I was most comfortable standing and supporting myself on a wall with my hands over my head and swaying back and forth. I knew my feet were going to get tired if I did that for too long so I also tried lying on the bed and sitting on the birth ball. <br />
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Since I was eating and drinking, I soon had to go to the bathroom. I noticed some blood in my underwear at this point ["that's good, right?!" I said to everyone] and when I was done I felt like I wanted to get in the tub. Pat got in with me [in his bathing suit] and the hot water felt so good.<br />
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We turned the jets on too which was awesome! I'm not sure exactly how long I was in there [maybe 30 minutes or so?] - taking sips of coconut water and smelling the DoTerra Breathe oil to keep me calm. Suddenly my body started to push. I remember opening my eyes and seeing my midwife with her gloves on and I knew it was happening...I was going to meet my baby so soon! This was the hardest part...holding the baby down in the birth canal and not going too fast. I pushed about 4 times and out she came! I could not believe I had done it. <br />
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Greer Mae was born at 1:30pm on January 6, 2016...about 8 hours after labor began [with absolutely no internal checks to see how dilated or effaced I was, I might add]! 8 pounds, 6 ounces and 20 inches long. I am so unbelievably happy with how my labor and delivery went. It was the hardest thing I've ever done physically and I could not be more proud. <br />
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Greer is the most perfect baby girl, and Brooks is the best big brother! We've all adjusted to our new life as a family of four and are loving every minute of it. <br />
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<i>If you're pregnant and want to know more about the birth center please message me or send me an email! I'd love to chat about it. </i><br />
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<br />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02679098946151070546noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937490128124196740.post-11081193757192016322016-01-03T21:16:00.000-05:002016-01-03T21:16:39.797-05:00(almost) 40 weeks<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></b>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBlQ5n_N0pb-DhBItGv4aKjw1lmd8GpS0aOPRZCmpKy7JC_Xxylipf04zhcvugS6I3ClUymYedXtGKNUfOexYLvXFMFOdtw6eYVOEUWXyzYZZghvkw2ldhtVKSyqZK3V9e9RE7ImgIp5a/s1600/IMG_5705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBlQ5n_N0pb-DhBItGv4aKjw1lmd8GpS0aOPRZCmpKy7JC_Xxylipf04zhcvugS6I3ClUymYedXtGKNUfOexYLvXFMFOdtw6eYVOEUWXyzYZZghvkw2ldhtVKSyqZK3V9e9RE7ImgIp5a/s400/IMG_5705.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">How far along? </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Currently 39 weeks, 3 days</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Total weight gain/loss:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> 37 lbs</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Maternity clothes?</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> yeps</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Stretch marks?</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> nope!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sleep:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> still sleeping great! Hope that can continue until she gets here :)</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Best moment this week:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Got to go out for one last dinner with my hubby for his birthday on Saturday. Might be the last for a little while!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Miss Anything? </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Getting sooo close to being able to have a nice glass of wine.</span><br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Movement:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> Always! She's still head down on the left side, been there for months- just waiting to come out!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Food cravings: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">All sugar, naturally. Trying to limit myself. I haven't wanted to eat very large meals lately- or make anything in general because I'm tired and can't decide what I want to eat!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Anything making you queasy or sick: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Nope, just can't eat a whole lot in one sitting without it feeling like it wants to come back up.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Have you started to show yet: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Massive belly</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Gender prediction: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Still a girl. </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Labor Signs: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">A few contractions per day but nothing noteworthy yet!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Belly Button in or out? </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Flat/out. My belly is itchy again this week like it was about a month ago. She's getting even bigger!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Wedding rings on or off? </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">I'm still wearing my wedding and anniversary band but have taken off my engagement ring.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Happy or Moody most of the time: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mostly moody, but getting very happy and excited to meet this girl!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Looking forward to: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Can't wait to see what she looks like! I'm thinking white blonde like my nephew :) Brooks says brown hair and brown eyes like daddy !</span>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02679098946151070546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937490128124196740.post-81895852749396464802016-01-03T21:15:00.000-05:002016-01-03T21:15:43.007-05:0037 weeks<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7rmB9JwrLidITgctzkWgzEYAiF4WN92dgjW9zGKChZSjWbU3uh2WN0rfMI1252JityzfaKSjqoj2XLOdMLxAi6AnYZXBffMi6LZfBDrGXE6QP2QEYgaFIEGl6Zim2Opw0AvQbYPJJBG4/s1600/IMG_5647.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7rmB9JwrLidITgctzkWgzEYAiF4WN92dgjW9zGKChZSjWbU3uh2WN0rfMI1252JityzfaKSjqoj2XLOdMLxAi6AnYZXBffMi6LZfBDrGXE6QP2QEYgaFIEGl6Zim2Opw0AvQbYPJJBG4/s400/IMG_5647.JPG" width="300" /></a></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">How far along? </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">37 weeks (actually almost 38 as I write this)</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Total weight gain/loss:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> 33 pounds</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Maternity clothes?</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> Yep. I just want to be comfortable these days!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Stretch marks?</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> nope</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sleep: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Doing good, getting up once a night to pee.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Best moment this week:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> It's Christmas week! We're baking up a storm, listening to Christmas music and watching lots of holiday specials.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Miss Anything?</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> Can not WAIT to have a glass of cold white wine. </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Movement:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> Oh yes. She likes to do these big stretches around 11pm. I don't remember Brooks ever doing this...it's like she is trying to push her little feet/elbows/knees out of my belly. Ouch!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Food cravings: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">I want ALL THE SWEETS. Trying really hard to restrain myself! Still loving quiche and kale chips, as well as chicken caesar salads [power kale chicken caesar from Panera is my current fave]</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Anything making you queasy or sick: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">No</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Have you started to show yet: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">I can no longer bend over. Brooks has heard me say this so much that now his excuse to not put his own shoes on is that he "can't bend over to do it" HA.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Gender prediction: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Girl :)</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Labor Signs: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">I've had a few pains here and there but no contractions, I don't think!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Belly Button in or out?</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> It's pretty much flat.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Wedding rings on or off? </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Still on! I can't believe it. Making sure to drink lots of water to stay hydrated and keep swelling down. </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Happy or Moody most of the time: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Pretty moody, per usual.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Looking forward to: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Christmas this week and then baby time! I can't wait to see what she looks like. I'm thinking she'll be a blonde :)</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></b>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02679098946151070546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937490128124196740.post-67070549590986621172015-11-14T09:08:00.000-05:002015-11-14T09:08:05.776-05:0032 weeks<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYAmusaMJWcld1bxpiB-XDR9ZFdS4mJHQueSD0U3FvAdAbnNtfBEL7i3I_hiIB8O2QeBJFTuzVblIHaNsr3_B52pG9yf621Qm6vjzR4S9iPY4pFu5zVnWsFzGiKKVTJ8qF0tijJMrrgiO/s1600/IMG_5427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYAmusaMJWcld1bxpiB-XDR9ZFdS4mJHQueSD0U3FvAdAbnNtfBEL7i3I_hiIB8O2QeBJFTuzVblIHaNsr3_B52pG9yf621Qm6vjzR4S9iPY4pFu5zVnWsFzGiKKVTJ8qF0tijJMrrgiO/s640/IMG_5427.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This little cheeser decided to jump in my picture this month!</td></tr>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">How far along? </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: "nobile"; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> 32 weeks</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Total weight gain/loss:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: "nobile"; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> I'm up 27 lbs. </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Maternity clothes?</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: "nobile"; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> Always.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Stretch marks?</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: "nobile"; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> Nope!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sleep:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: "nobile"; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> I got a cold this week so sleep has not been the best. But now that I am starting to be able to breathe through my nose, It's been getting better! Of course, baby girl still likes to have a dance party around 11pm. </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Best moment this week: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: "nobile"; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Last week we went to a "birthday planning meeting" at the birth center where Daddy learned how to catch the baby if he needs to :) Ha! </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Miss Anything?</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: "nobile"; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> I really, really, wish I could go do a wine tasting at a winery. Wine and cheese sound so perfect after a long day of toddler meltdowns!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Movement:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: "nobile"; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> All. day. long.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Food cravings: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: "nobile"; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Currently loving Pioneer Woman's <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/pumpkin-smoothie/" target="_blank">pumpkin smoothie</a> - [do yourself a favor and freeze the pumpkin pie mix in a muffin tray so you can make single servings!] quiche (any kind!) and kale chips!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Anything making you queasy or sick: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: "nobile"; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Not anymore!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Have you started to show yet: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: "nobile"; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">[cue sassy face]</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Gender prediction: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: "nobile"; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">It's a little lady in there! I've put away all the clothes we currently have and set up the coral rag banner and gold polka dots in her room. It's looking like a girl's room now! </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Labor Signs: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: "nobile"; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Nope, not yet.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Belly Button in or out?</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: "nobile"; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Flat but visible in some shirts!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Wedding rings on or off? </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: "nobile"; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">On!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Happy or Moody most of the time: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: "nobile"; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Still suuuuper moody. </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Looking forward to: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: "nobile"; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Can't believe Thanksgiving is this month and then Christmas and then baby! Need to start ordering Christmas presents and thinking about decorating! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: "nobile"; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: "nobile"; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02679098946151070546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937490128124196740.post-28253618142453996272015-10-16T20:00:00.000-04:002015-10-16T20:00:36.493-04:0028 weeks<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HfU4ENnARFT4SW4aWvH7jde5bT6PR0KfOBRx9FK7DcZ82-LVNOWhh1R5jg7xgDBjommJH5W6Z3wiIkcJRfMvG_0kP6LwYGIIraWDV6xNf0hdvTNuYL0yQ-ZgvXW0tIa0CyaAdWVvyuKK/s1600/IMG_5257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HfU4ENnARFT4SW4aWvH7jde5bT6PR0KfOBRx9FK7DcZ82-LVNOWhh1R5jg7xgDBjommJH5W6Z3wiIkcJRfMvG_0kP6LwYGIIraWDV6xNf0hdvTNuYL0yQ-ZgvXW0tIa0CyaAdWVvyuKK/s640/IMG_5257.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For some reason my black shirt makes it difficult to see my bump in this pic. It's very deceptive because....<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVJwaGbay1tDwssqUxOwc5Qn7-3sH2ciys4WcTUISpl3-iezolP7aNm5S7l2WHFYqIhO-yZ5tTNCmQ3dVfjV-OrGuF0WPnqCYcURzGr0XTk1AxDNIcwYriarfHBK3UKtF0Qfo_QZ17FH7/s1600/IMG_5172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVJwaGbay1tDwssqUxOwc5Qn7-3sH2ciys4WcTUISpl3-iezolP7aNm5S7l2WHFYqIhO-yZ5tTNCmQ3dVfjV-OrGuF0WPnqCYcURzGr0XTk1AxDNIcwYriarfHBK3UKtF0Qfo_QZ17FH7/s640/IMG_5172.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">it's hard to miss these days!</td></tr>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">How far along? </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">28 weeks</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Total weight gain/loss:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> You know, I keep thinking I should take this question out for my own good, but then I remember talking to some other mamas who were </span><span style="color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;">feeling so down/embarrassed about their weight gain so I'm just going to keep it in here. Gaining weight is normal and an important part of pregnancy (though it is quite difficult to keep seeing those numbers on the scale go up!) I'm up at least 23 pounds. Its all in my face and butt. </span></span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Maternity clothes?</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> YUP</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Stretch marks?</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> not on my belly! I have to make sure I use a really thick lotion or salve though so my skin doesn't get itchy. </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sleep: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Still doing great- only getting up to pee once or twice a night! </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Best moment this week:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Brooks turned 3 on Tuesday! My sweetheart is getting so big. And so, so sassy. </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Miss Anything?</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> Still missing a cold glass of wine. Also it's starting to get harder to put on my shoes. Wah.</span></span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Movement:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> All. the. time. 11pm </span><span style="color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;">dance parties in my belly. </span></span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Food cravings: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Currently obsessed with homemade pie crust and quiche. So far I've made broccoli cheddar and spinach mushroom & parmesan. Next up I think is bacon and cheddar. YUM.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Anything making you queasy or sick: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Nope</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Have you started to show yet: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">....see pictures above :)</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Gender prediction: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">It's a GIRL</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Labor Signs: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Not yet</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Belly Button in or out?</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> It's flat but popping a little bit!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Wedding rings on or off? </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Still on!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Happy or Moody most of the time: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Still moody!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Looking forward to:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Seeing friends at the end of the month, Halloween, maybe a little less whining in November? Maybe? Also I ordered a couple things for baby girl's room. Can't wait to get that put together!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Also, I'm now obsessed with highlighting and contouring make up. Do you do this? What products do you use? I bought the <a href="http://www.maskcaracosmetics.com/" target="_blank">Maskcara</a> IIID foundation and I LOVE it. Seriously feels like I'm wearing nothing on my face but looks so nice. I'm still learning the best techniques by watching videos and practicing but I'm pretty sure I'll have it down to a nice 5 minute routine in no time! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02679098946151070546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937490128124196740.post-73608584242243614752015-09-20T20:34:00.003-04:002015-09-20T20:34:19.629-04:0024 weeks<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdRXA0DLGAa3uXEnaRVUh4y5qO7VGg36QhHGHXQNo5TkXO_1-1vkeI__k-McCOCSV5W4oAdYGWBDrOBmb4QwIV-35k_A4vlMM0Eb93tSHlqanSfmg_L1D7nQJHSfV4OV-2WBWaqA4WckH/s1600/IMG_5120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdRXA0DLGAa3uXEnaRVUh4y5qO7VGg36QhHGHXQNo5TkXO_1-1vkeI__k-McCOCSV5W4oAdYGWBDrOBmb4QwIV-35k_A4vlMM0Eb93tSHlqanSfmg_L1D7nQJHSfV4OV-2WBWaqA4WckH/s400/IMG_5120.jpg" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">someone didn't want to pose for a picture with me. see him running away in the back?!</td></tr>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">How far along? </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> 24 weeks aka 6 months- aka holy crap I'm going to have a newborn in 3(ish) months</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Total weight gain/loss:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> I think I'm up 15 or so. Will find out this week.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Maternity clothes?</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> I can still fit into most of my longer non maternity tops and stretchier pants, but the rest is all maternity! Full panel for the win!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Stretch marks?</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> Not yet</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sleep: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Good, minus the almost 3 year old that continues to get up between 530-630am to pee and not go back to sleep...</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Best moment this week: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">No crying at our Wednesday drop off at preschool! And its getting a little cooler, so I can wear my new maternity jeans :)</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Miss Anything?</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> Wine, wine, wine.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Movement:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> Yes, all the time! She loves to kick me while I'm trying to sleep.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Food cravings:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Currently loving parmesan cheese [like, slices of parmesan. yum.] sharp cheddar cheese, popcorn, coconut flakes, and still dying for a chocolate cupcake with peanut butter frosting! </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Anything making you queasy or sick: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Not anymore!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Have you started to show yet: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Yep. Soon I won't be able to tie my sneakers. </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Gender prediction: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Girl !</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Labor Signs: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">No</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Belly Button in or out?</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Getting a little flat.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Wedding rings on or off? </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">On</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Happy or Moody most of the time: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Quite moody, sorry everyone. I feel like when Rachel was pregnant in "Friends." "<i>Ross, when Carol was pregnant with Ben, were you this irritating?!"</i></span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Looking forward to: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">More cooler weather to wear my sweaters, as well as some adventures to the pumpkin patch and apple picking with Brooks! I've been pinning apple recipes galore on Pinterest. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Also, in case you were wondering...I painted my kitchen chairs "sedona red"... Silk & Burlap had a sale on Cece Caldwell chalk paint so I made myself choose one of their colors. I love them!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGrgrT8c9JgmLEDKjh-Hwc2Z0esTi3VZldMfnZ9d2nAAhWUoTv6a21XcmD_makGHKN9Gx1z0aHCfTb_dFKmbh7bQSLXj-NaOHpL-vw8c8ue3s3cnozaCXpViR3YTic1k-oFEs4gyCdn09/s1600/IMG_5102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGrgrT8c9JgmLEDKjh-Hwc2Z0esTi3VZldMfnZ9d2nAAhWUoTv6a21XcmD_makGHKN9Gx1z0aHCfTb_dFKmbh7bQSLXj-NaOHpL-vw8c8ue3s3cnozaCXpViR3YTic1k-oFEs4gyCdn09/s320/IMG_5102.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02679098946151070546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937490128124196740.post-45718915022173111642015-08-25T15:08:00.000-04:002015-08-25T15:08:20.318-04:00Maternity Stitch FixHey. Hi! Have you heard about <a href="http://www.stitchfix.com/" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a> ? Have you seen the 1000 referral links everyone has been posting? Well, I've done it a few times- with success a couple and not the others [though i did still get my favorite warm infinity scarf ever that time, so i guess it still counts as a success]. Anyways, I decided to give the maternity stitch fix a go, to see if they could help in my search to find the best maternity leggings of all time. Here's how it turned out--<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7IyEQh0bUqTgqpo_HwTj_SGPSV44AiyIypsMDeu-kLq3MOOeCew4GyLcxeSc_q2lulWCDHOxYzc6qyYXfaKocCRpgpS4byen3Hb1lxbb566cSynKnZbfrd4e1SGizU6lRYOpgwpVaprH/s1600/IMG_5040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7IyEQh0bUqTgqpo_HwTj_SGPSV44AiyIypsMDeu-kLq3MOOeCew4GyLcxeSc_q2lulWCDHOxYzc6qyYXfaKocCRpgpS4byen3Hb1lxbb566cSynKnZbfrd4e1SGizU6lRYOpgwpVaprH/s400/IMG_5040.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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my favorite outfit- Kut from the Kloth Black Ponte Leggings and Loveappella Kelly Raglan Top</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6lKKDp33At4-Q8-hV5HQmJ_FeldyM4xRGT-XR_tjw55sb4zrbldUEk7V_d4nu2Yp5rswzf26ZUvQSPs8ZD_3sf6mIoNNm3Ivu18c8istTAJNf9hS1AOlYUquC8CgxuPqMaMWKaLwrott/s1600/IMG_5049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6lKKDp33At4-Q8-hV5HQmJ_FeldyM4xRGT-XR_tjw55sb4zrbldUEk7V_d4nu2Yp5rswzf26ZUvQSPs8ZD_3sf6mIoNNm3Ivu18c8istTAJNf9hS1AOlYUquC8CgxuPqMaMWKaLwrott/s400/IMG_5049.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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hard to show the stitching details on the leggings... they have a seam down the thigh and across the knees. LOVE them. Exactly what I asked for/was looking for.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPbIiaFHrzkUgzqBN1ujEqVEHR_rx3aF4NzIRzJlhKKcwgjPOVvshMNwjXuh0E5w8Rhx9FdIbbMAB72MLnUA1wxFgBGI3WnF9TtwAPyd8pAFK1M1I1ShoxuIqUKvA2bYr5jn0id85mND_/s1600/IMG_5043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPbIiaFHrzkUgzqBN1ujEqVEHR_rx3aF4NzIRzJlhKKcwgjPOVvshMNwjXuh0E5w8Rhx9FdIbbMAB72MLnUA1wxFgBGI3WnF9TtwAPyd8pAFK1M1I1ShoxuIqUKvA2bYr5jn0id85mND_/s400/IMG_5043.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Loveappella Keils Lace Detail Top-</div>
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meh. it's nice and long and I'd probably wear it but it's not my favorite.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNc5zsyw4OCDviZq_aVlTI-TeFbBrUip0a7qBrFMDWercvCjNkMHm-K18CTSSTjpAHOJRj7MV3xIew8E23crG6Hq6DvVeIC0VD-XUvbx8G2t2BTg04cbnWgzH_mnTmMSSk2FcnO7_UxN6J/s1600/IMG_5048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNc5zsyw4OCDviZq_aVlTI-TeFbBrUip0a7qBrFMDWercvCjNkMHm-K18CTSSTjpAHOJRj7MV3xIew8E23crG6Hq6DvVeIC0VD-XUvbx8G2t2BTg04cbnWgzH_mnTmMSSk2FcnO7_UxN6J/s400/IMG_5048.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Street Level Anchorage Nylon Tote-</div>
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LOVE this. So many pockets and should be easy to clean.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxMZVrxWPZd7R0R7uPOlOAR6Ym01hDbf91c2eL2v9tK6zQfXEUjdCorY76onKs1tim2s8g9NIL5MZk8ZQfRjHEoPb52kYE0pKqbX7fQUnt2_NaTasE8HTNxf_ASTNScuwXfl8xjwBeJUG/s1600/IMG_5051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxMZVrxWPZd7R0R7uPOlOAR6Ym01hDbf91c2eL2v9tK6zQfXEUjdCorY76onKs1tim2s8g9NIL5MZk8ZQfRjHEoPb52kYE0pKqbX7fQUnt2_NaTasE8HTNxf_ASTNScuwXfl8xjwBeJUG/s400/IMG_5051.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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organization! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-NpcmqhLORrKoSiDb0cn6uM1SgsEZNzshg4QYGJwKaBiCSQYpR498T17O7i0Nf7CPbdRmWczqfPNmoLWzB1EBMsMG_4vDjWJjCYfC6fNksPvDAT96WbBhBMO31Y2fh90RQhaX8QWOI1g/s1600/IMG_5052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-NpcmqhLORrKoSiDb0cn6uM1SgsEZNzshg4QYGJwKaBiCSQYpR498T17O7i0Nf7CPbdRmWczqfPNmoLWzB1EBMsMG_4vDjWJjCYfC6fNksPvDAT96WbBhBMO31Y2fh90RQhaX8QWOI1g/s400/IMG_5052.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Loveappella Firenze Top-</div>
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This is nice and long and very comfy, but just kind of blah. Its a solid navy long sleeve shirt.</div>
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In this fix I specifically asked for a pair of thick black leggings, and a bag. I absolutely love both of those things I got this time! Now comes the hard decision making part...I really like the burgundy tunic [the first pic] and not really the other two, though I'd probably wear them if I kept them. So, with the 25% discount and styling fee applied, it comes out to be about $36 more to just buy all five. This is where they get you! I usually like to think about it for a day and then make my decision, but if you've got any opinions or suggestions, send them my way before Friday! :) </div>
<br />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02679098946151070546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937490128124196740.post-27658294232389023422015-08-20T18:38:00.001-04:002015-08-20T18:38:16.137-04:00It's a...<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>GIRL!</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTf5K-iz-R93cGXxpCtMli0RTHalBawHygeWMlLlpAO4Wer3wp0QSsEqYTn5bJlxwyPG6woFbdQyBlWb9KReYva6ILNYd4Au-SOHsW-KdgkkifiSUNw_18p3B14QU1ut5j2-nChTpmNOHR/s1600/IMG_5016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTf5K-iz-R93cGXxpCtMli0RTHalBawHygeWMlLlpAO4Wer3wp0QSsEqYTn5bJlxwyPG6woFbdQyBlWb9KReYva6ILNYd4Au-SOHsW-KdgkkifiSUNw_18p3B14QU1ut5j2-nChTpmNOHR/s640/IMG_5016.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Just as I suspected! Holy cow I'm going to be a girl mom!<br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">How far along? </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">20 weeks</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Total weight gain/loss:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> Definitely up 10. Can I take this question out now? Bleh. Will find out tomorrow. </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Maternity clothes?</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> Mostly pants/shorts [except for one magical pair of jean shorts from Loft that I bought before going on vacation in March thinking it was a terrible idea and I wouldn't be able to wear them again until NEXT summer, but, lo and behold, they still fit me at 20 weeks pregnant]</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Stretch marks?</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> not yet</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sleep: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">better, now that we're not all sick. </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Best moment this week: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Finding out my intuition was right and we're having a baby girl!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Miss Anything?</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> I very much want a cold glass of white wine. So what if I have my husband pour himself a glass so that I can sneak a sip?! </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Movement:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> Yes! I can feel and see this kid go all the way over to the right side of my uterus so that I have a big lump there. Also that's a little uncomfortable.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Food cravings: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Still salty stuff [Target popcorn, chips & salsa are my current favorites] and also GIVE ME EVERYTHING PUMPKIN. I did a little dance when I saw the pumpkin Noosa yogurt out! </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Anything making you queasy or sick: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Not really anymore, thank goodness. </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Have you started to show yet: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">YES, though in some shirts I just look a bit plump. The tighter the better these days. </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Gender prediction: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">I was right! Sweet baby girl in there. </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Labor Signs: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Nope</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Belly Button in or out? </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">In</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Wedding rings on or off? </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">On</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Happy or Moody most of the time: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mooooooody. Sorry ya'll.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Looking forward to: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Teeny tiny baby GIRL clothes and getting the nursery cleaned up and organized! Target baby section, sorry. Bye. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02679098946151070546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937490128124196740.post-23610104580118675782015-07-28T08:11:00.003-04:002015-07-28T08:11:38.302-04:00Baby Shermie Number TwoSo I don't think I'll be able to recreate any chalkboards, and I don't intend to stay super positive about ALL the lovely aspects of pregnancy, but I'm finding that I now can't remember everything about my pregnancy with Brooks (it was almost 3 years ago!) so I thought this would be a good way to keep track of things!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcsnv850ZpULzsqPI7YEVMsxRW31iQ84aFdQv74-vW31ETUSg62himJ6cUshf1l3zhcdMEjHO8YUrOEDNMUTsyJTvmA7OzSCl7NthdXtqTGEjrShoPtXvleoVwUh2aQI_uxu6tKkAjhy1/s1600/IMG_4962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcsnv850ZpULzsqPI7YEVMsxRW31iQ84aFdQv74-vW31ETUSg62himJ6cUshf1l3zhcdMEjHO8YUrOEDNMUTsyJTvmA7OzSCl7NthdXtqTGEjrShoPtXvleoVwUh2aQI_uxu6tKkAjhy1/s400/IMG_4962.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">How far along? </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">I'll be 17 weeks on Thursday!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Total weight gain/loss:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> I am up almost 10 pounds now. UGHH</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Maternity clothes?</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> Yes and no. I can still fit into a lot of regular stuff, but maternity is more comfortable.</span></span></span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Stretch marks?</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> No</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sleep: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">I'm finally getting up LESS to pee at night, so it's better!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Best moment this week:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Making my appointment to find out the sex of the baby next month. SO excited!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Miss Anything?</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> A nice cold summertime glass of wine or beer.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Movement:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px;"> Yes! I've been able to feel something going on for a few weeks now. Usually when I'm lying very still.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Food cravings:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Lots of salty stuff- popcorn like you wouldn't believe. Pretzels and hummus.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Anything making you queasy or sick: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Not anymore- I'm back to coffee drinking and chicken still doesn't sound awesome but I'll eat it!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Have you started to show yet: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">If I wear a tight shirt- yes, you can tell!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Gender prediction: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Still thinking GIRL but we'll find out next month.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Labor Signs: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">No</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Belly Button in or out? </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">In</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Wedding rings on or off? </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">On</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Happy or Moody most of the time: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">I've been a bit moody this past week- I think my husband would agree with that :)</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Looking forward to: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">I can't wait to know if this babe is a boy or a girl in a few weeks!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.9449999928474426px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02679098946151070546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937490128124196740.post-38808610827370477322015-04-22T08:00:00.000-04:002015-04-22T17:22:42.273-04:00Ode to Nursing in PublicWritten in the style of <u>Green Eggs and Ham</u> by Dr. Seuss<br />
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<br />
Oh! You're hungry! Well, let's see.<br />
Should I nurse you in a car? Or huddled under a tree?<br />
Should I cover your tiny head, so that you can not see?<br />
<br />
No, I do not think you'd like that. I do not think you'd like that at all.<br />
I think I will nurse you right here, in the middle of it all.<br />
<br />
I will nurse you in the park, on a bench in the spring air.<br />
I will nurse you eating lunch, even if people stare!<br />
I will nurse you at the beach, at the pool or the at the lake.<br />
I will nurse you at the mall, while I sit down to take a break. <br />
<br />
I will nurse you standing up, I will nurse you lying down.<br />
I will nurse you even when you kick your legs round and round!<br />
<br />
No, I do not care if people catch a glimpse of me nursing you.<br />
Newsflash everyone, this is what breasts were made to do!<br />
<br />
So I will nurse you here, I will nurse you there.<br />
I will nurse you everywhere!<br />
<br />
No need for me to stay at home and hide.<br />
Ladies, latch your babies and show your nursing pride! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rlv.zcache.com/eat_local_breastfeeding_nursing_icon_poster-r30fce73350da4887b462d7dd8f78291b_wvg_8byvr_512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://rlv.zcache.com/eat_local_breastfeeding_nursing_icon_poster-r30fce73350da4887b462d7dd8f78291b_wvg_8byvr_512.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rlv.zcache.com/eat_local_breastfeeding_nursing_icon_poster-r30fce73350da4887b462d7dd8f78291b_wvg_8byvr_512.jpg" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02679098946151070546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937490128124196740.post-12729882122427120242015-04-19T20:31:00.001-04:002015-04-19T20:31:30.183-04:00Hair EvolutionBefore Brooks, I didn't spend too much time doing my hair. I'm not sure why- I just didn't know how to curl or style it, and I never <i>ever</i> used any products in it. <br />
<br />
When I got pregnant 3 years ago, I was not feeling so good about myself. It's really hard to be okay with gaining weight and knowing you're going to get much (MUCH) bigger than you've ever been before. So, while searching for ways to style my hair for a friend's wedding, I came across <a href="http://www.thesmallthingsblog.com/" target="_blank">Kate's</a> blog, The Small Things Blog. Kate is a former hairdresser turned stay at home mom whose hair I seriously envy. She has a TON of hair tutorial videos that I started watching and thinking, "hey, I can do this!"<br />
<br />
Kate has made me realize the power of the products and tools you use when styling your hair. As well as the idea that your hair is "your best accessory." I always feel better about myself when I take a little bit of extra time to fix my hair. Plus, because of dry shampoo I don't have to wash and style it every day!<br />
<br />
Anyways- I FINALLY mastered curling my hair with a flat iron [<a href="http://www.target.com/p/chi-air-classic-1-tourmaline-ceramic-flat-iron/-/A-16248504#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=chi+1+inch+flat+iron" target="_blank">this</a> is the one i have -got it on clearance for $30!]. I found this picture [which i'm sure you've seen if you are on Pinterest!] and decided I needed to stop dragging my feet and really figure out how to do it!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f8/74/2c/f8742c50ef273fc33db013ab21587e86.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f8/74/2c/f8742c50ef273fc33db013ab21587e86.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.misteranhcotran.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I'm going to link to one of Kate's video tutorials that I watched <strike>numerous</strike> <strike>hundreds</strike> of times and then try and provide a little extra info that I've found to make it easier, as well as the products that I use.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thesmallthingsblog.com/2011/11/curling-with-flat-iron/" target="_blank">This</a> is Kate's tutorial.<br />
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<a href="http://www.target.com/p/toni-guy-shampoo-for-normal-hair-8-45-oz/-/A-14632200#prodSlot=medium_1_4&term=toni+and+guy" target="_blank">Toni & Guy</a> shampoo/conditioners are my favorite, I wash my hair every other day or so. Then, I use a tiny bit of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eufora-Sculpture-Styling-Glaze-travel/dp/B0054Y2TV0/ref=sr_1_2?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1428947136&sr=1-2&keywords=eufora+sculpture+styling+glaze" target="_blank">Eufora</a> "sculpture styling glaze" in my wet hair [p.s. if you don't have a <a href="http://www.target.com/p/the-wet-brush/-/A-14884893#prodSlot=medium_1_2&term=wet+brush" target="_blank">wet brush</a> get one immediately. especially if you have little girls.] And blow it dry. Unlike Kate, I only split my hair into two sections to save time. And I start the flat iron mid-way down my hair so it's not quite as curly as hers. I do comb out each piece before I curl it. <br />
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So, I think the thing that is most confusing when you watch anyone flat iron curl their hair is that it looks like they are just putting the flat iron in, turning their wrist one time and then pulling the hair through. For me, I found that I have to continue turning my wrist [about 2 full turns] in order to get my hair to curl. <br />
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Also, it makes a difference how fast or slow you go. If you pull the flat iron through your hair too quickly, you won't get a decent curl. You don't have to go super slow, but enough so that your hair actually receives the heat and bends to curl. <br />
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After I do the bottom and top sections, I then comb through my hair with my fingers to separate the curls. Then spray some flexible hold hairspray on it and we're good to go for the next few days! I think the whole process probably takes me about 10-15 minutes. <br />
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I will admit, some days I do a better job than others. And some days I just do not feel like doing <i>anything</i> with my hair at all. And, of course, I only have one child which makes it quite a bit easier to distract him while I am getting ready in the morning. However I think, [with dry shampoo] you could do this at night, sleep on it and be ready to go in the morning!<br />
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So what are your favorite hair products? What can't you live without? I always want to try new stuff... [specifically dry shampoo. i am still on the hunt for the BEST dry shampoo.]<br />
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<br />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02679098946151070546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937490128124196740.post-19156169815687260892015-02-27T07:54:00.001-05:002015-02-27T07:54:21.680-05:00He SleepsYou guys. My kid sleeps. All night. In his own bed!! Ok, so he's been doing this for a little while now, but sometimes I still can't believe it. I am so proud of him, and us! We did it! <br />
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A little update on Brooks' sleeping situations, in case you were wondering...<br />
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Birth to 2 weeks or so = slept in rock n play next to our bed<br />
2 weeks- 3 months = spent half the night in the rock n play, other half in our bed<br />
3 months- ~18 months = slept all night in our bed<br />
18 months- 2 years = slept for 2 hours in his bed (we put him down in there first thing), rest of the night in our bed<br />
2 years- 26 months = slept in his bed until early morning, then our bed<br />
27 months- now = sleeps all night in his bed! <br />
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Having Daddy take over Brooks' bedtime routine around 18 months or so was a huge help. Of course, the transition when he was 2 years old from being in our bed most of the night to being in his own bed was sometimes a challenge. For the most part though, when he woke Pat would go comfort him and then he'd go back to sleep. <br />
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My purpose in writing this post is just to say to those of you that are co-sleeping and thinking that your kid will be sleeping with you FOREVER ....or to those of you with small babies who are hesitant to co-sleep....your kid will be <i>just fine</i>. And they will sleep! On their own! It just takes time. We made small changes as Brooks got older and never let him "cry it out" and he has done wonderfully. Again, I am so proud!<br />
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And now some super cute pics, just because it's Friday..<br />
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Happy weekend to you!<br />
<br />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02679098946151070546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937490128124196740.post-73800984271403159132015-01-22T07:13:00.001-05:002015-01-22T07:13:47.490-05:00Style Challenge - 02Ok, week 2! I had high hopes of taking decent pictures of a full outfit over the weekend...until I got the stomach bug. And then Brooks got the stomach bug. And suddenly having pictures taken of myself did not seem like such a fun idea. <br />
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Sooo anyways... wear a bright color. Yikes. My closet consists of mostly neutrals, so again this was definitely a challenge for me. But! Accessories count. So I remembered this pink infinity scarf I got a few years back and figured this was the best way to incorporate some color. <br />
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scarf | old</div>
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sweater | Stitch Fix</div>
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tee | Loft</div>
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jeans | AG</div>
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boots | Lucky Brand</div>
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I'm looking forward to re-creating a outfit I've pinned on Pinterest next week!<br />
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<br />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02679098946151070546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937490128124196740.post-8937358769936256472015-01-21T07:25:00.000-05:002015-01-21T07:25:05.598-05:00Wednesday ConfessionsOk, time to make some confessions again. Ready?<br />
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1. Brooks and I had the stomach bug last week. It sucked, but was over pretty quickly, thank goodness. I went a little crazy disinfecting <b>everything</b> [who knew we had so many light switches?!] after we were both feeling better, in hopes of keeping my husband healthy. It's been a few days and he's still feeling good, but I now have developed anxiety heartburn because I am paranoid about him catching it. Sigh. </div>
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2. Although it's been tough to hear Brooks ask to "nee-nee" [nurse] on occasion at nap time or in the middle of the night, I've been kind of enjoying my freedom. For example, my heartburn. <i>Why yes, I will take some medicine for that! </i> And try a new moisturizer without worrying about the ingredients? Definitely ! [ps Philosophy's <a href="http://www.philosophy.com/moisturizer/renewed-hope-in-a-jar,en_US,pd.html?cgid=C146" target="_blank">"Renewed Hope in A Jar"</a> is the shit. ] </div>
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Also, wine. More wine. Amen. </div>
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3. You guys, the 50 Shades of Grey movie is coming out soon and I am not ashamed to admit that I'm dying to see it. I might even make it our Valentine's Day date activity! Sorry, honey. True love is seeing a movie you have no interest in. </div>
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4. I've succumbed to the winter sales. Somehow Loft still had all the Lou & Grey pieces that I tried on but didn't buy after Christmas, now for $15.88! I can't pass that up, since L&G very rarely goes on sale and is way pricier than Loft itself. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://richmedia.channeladvisor.com/ImageDelivery/imageService?profileId=52000653&itemID=353139&swatchID=9375&recipeName=pdlg485x503" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://richmedia.channeladvisor.com/ImageDelivery/imageService?profileId=52000653&itemID=353139&swatchID=9375&recipeName=pdlg485x503" height="200" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.loft.com/lou-26-grey-striped-spacedye-leggings/353139?colorExplode=false&skuId=17752435&catid=cat1880002&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=9375" target="_blank">leggings</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://richmedia.channeladvisor.com/ImageDelivery/imageService?profileId=52000653&itemID=344998&swatchID=6600&recipeName=pdlg485x503" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://richmedia.channeladvisor.com/ImageDelivery/imageService?profileId=52000653&itemID=344998&swatchID=6600&recipeName=pdlg485x503" height="200" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.loft.com/lou-26-grey-pattern-play-jacket/344998?colorExplode=false&skuId=17633857&catid=cat1880002&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6600" target="_blank">sweatshirt-blazer</a></td></tr>
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5. I'm officially over snow. It makes getting out of the house extremely difficult and everyone knows staying inside with a 2 year old all day will drive you crazy. I would love for it to be summer, but I'd even take 45 degrees- at least then we can get outside! <br />
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6. One night when I couldn't sleep last week, I decided to start re-reading Mindy Kaling's <u>Is Everyone Hanging out Without Me?</u> If you haven't read this, do so immediately. It is hilarious. Like, seriously laugh out loud funny. It's also full of decent advice for young people that I'd like to post all over social media, but I'll spare you. I will, however, leave you with one of my favorite opinions of hers [probably because it's one that I share]:<br />
<i>I don't think it should be socially acceptable for people to say they are "bad with names." No one is bad with names. That is not a real thing. Not knowing people's names isn't a neurological condition; it's a choice. You choose not to make learning people's names a priority. It's like saying, "Hey, a disclaimer about me: I'm rude." </i><br />
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And with that, I'm done! Anyone else have some confessions to make this Wednesday? :)</div>
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Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02679098946151070546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937490128124196740.post-16821154103108070092015-01-13T07:00:00.000-05:002015-01-13T07:00:10.925-05:00Our Breastfeeding Story - The EndI never thought I'd be writing this post. It often felt like Brooks was going to nurse forever. <i>Yes, hello, it's me Colleen, nursing my teenager. </i> And yet, here we are...I'm sticking to it. Some days are harder than others, and he still occasionally breaks my heart with the "I want nee-nee back!" But, we're done. My baby is growing up! <br />
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I didn't really have a plan when it came to weaning. However, a few months ago I came across <a href="http://www.mamanatural.com/5-tips-on-weaning-toddler/" target="_blank">this</a> article from Mama Natural that pretty much outlines all of the things that I did to encourage Brooks to wean himself. They are:<br />
1. Create a replacement [we used chocolate milk-aka instant breakfast]<br />
2. Limit nursing sessions<br />
3. Go slowly<br />
4. Get daddy or others involved<br />
5. Make the decision [the hardest part!]<br />
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Initially, my goal for nursing Brooks was one year. Then it was two years, then it was January 2015. I'm not sure if I'm proud of myself for meeting my goal, or sad because it's finally over. I'll never nurse my first baby again...what a bittersweet feeling. <br />
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And so, I leave you with a few of the breastfeeding selfies I took [and two professional photos, thanks to <a href="http://www.lindseywelchphotography.com/" target="_blank">Lindsey Welch Photography</a>] in the 26 and a half months I nursed this sweet baby.<br />
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<i>Cleaning and scrubbing can wait 'til tomorrow, </i><br />
<i>for babies grow up...we've learned to our sorrow.</i><br />
<i>So quiet down cobwebs, dust go to sleep...</i><br />
<i>I'm [nursing] my baby, and babies don't keep. </i><br />
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<br />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02679098946151070546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937490128124196740.post-54615642108390667772015-01-12T14:17:00.000-05:002015-01-12T14:17:11.050-05:00Style Challenge - 01Another one of my favorite style bloggers [ Audrey from <a href="http://www.puttingmetogether.com/" target="_blank">Putting Me Together</a> ] posted on Instagram yesterday that she was starting a <a href="http://www.puttingmetogether.com/p/style-challenge.html" target="_blank">style challenge</a> to help her get out of her "rut". I saw it and thought it sounded like fun, and also much easier than doing a capsule wardrobe [which i considered, but then determined i don't have the <strike>time </strike> <strike>energy</strike> desire to cut down my wardrobe to only a certain number of pieces!]<br />
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Anyways, the idea is that she posts the challenge once a week, and during that week you try to complete it! This week, the challenge was to wear a dress. <br />
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Of course, I immediately thought- <i>I don't wear dresses, I have a two year old.</i> And also, it's winter! But then, it wouldn't be a challenge if it were easy! So I scrounged around and decided a short(er) dress with some jeans was the way to go. <br />
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+ a cute/soft/warm scarf...</div>
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Success!</div>
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Did I mention it's icing here today? Hence the Hunter boots [and messy indoor photos.] Stay tuned...up next week- wear a bright color!<br />
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<br />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02679098946151070546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937490128124196740.post-65294332139787500102014-11-23T20:50:00.000-05:002014-11-30T12:43:47.102-05:00Holiday Traditions for ToddlersIt's here! It's here! The holiday season is here- my favorite time of year! If you know me, you know I start listening to Christmas music around November 1st [i actually did wait till a little bit later this year!] and I've got a ton of Christmas socks to get out of storage. Now that we have Brooks, I want to make sure the holiday season is as much fun for him as it always has been for me! <br>
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So, I'm curious. What are some <strike>easy</strike> <strike>inexpensive</strike> FUN holiday traditions that you've done with your young children? I've seen LOTS of suggestions on Pinterest, so I'll just list out all the ones I'm thinking about doing...<br>
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This one seems pretty doable [although we haven't acquired 24 Christmas books quite yet, so I might be ordering some from Amazon... Or wrapping library books. Is that weird?]<br><div>
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2. Bake cookies/ treats. Brooks is very interested in helping in the kitchen lately. He loves sitting on the counter and dumping ingredients in for me when I bake. I hope we'll be able to make a few different kinds of Christmas treats this year...and perhaps give some away! Here's my helper making brownies...</div>
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3. Drive around and look at Christmas lights. I'm not sure if he'll be into the lights this year [at least not for very long] but I think a quick trip around the neighborhood would be fun!</div>
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4. Pick out a special ornament for the tree. [hopefully one that's not breakable :) ]</div>
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5. Write a letter to Santa/ get picture taken with <strike>free </strike> Santa [at the fire hall breakfast!]</div>
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I know there are a bunch more things we'll do as a family this Christmas season- watch a holiday movie together, decorate the tree and house, read stories...but I wanted to make sure I had a list of special things to do with Brooks so that I don't forget them. He is already admiring all the Christmas decorations in the stores. What a great holiday season it's going to be! </div>
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Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02679098946151070546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937490128124196740.post-67944817801223052202014-10-06T08:00:00.000-04:002014-10-06T08:00:06.803-04:002 Years Later- Brooks' Birth StoryThis time every year- late September/early October - always makes me think of being <i>super</i> pregnant. [if you're looking for a definition of <i>super</i> pregnant, i'll start with this: so pregnant you can't tie your own shoes] The fabulous weather was perfect for my multiple walks per day and having the windows open for afternoon naps. So, since it's that time of year again and almost my baby's second birthday, I thought I'd share his birth story. Ready, go!<br />
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Brooks was due October 6th, 2012. I had high hopes that he [like me, I'm told!] would be born on time, but as that Saturday came and went with no signs of labor, I knew he was going to be very late. At that point I was walking at least 2 times a day, rubbing primrose oil on my belly, and eating spicy foods like it was my job. On Wednesday, the 10th, my mom and I went to the organic market where one of the women working in the essential oils/vitamins section told me to eat an entire pineapple [an ENTIRE PINEAPPLE. yes.] I was having some contractions then, so I sat on a stool in my parents kitchen and ate the entire dang pineapple. I thought my tongue might burn off from the acidity.<br />
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That night I woke up in labor. I was excited then- encouraging the contractions as they came- every 10 minutes at night, while I was trying to sleep. They continued throughout the day, though more spaced out... and then again through Thursday night. </div>
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By Friday I was beyond exhausted. I had my 41 week appointment at the OB/GYN that morning, where the doctor looked at me and shrugged. She told me I could take Benadryl or she could prescribe a sleeping pill so I could get some rest [which i refused] and told me I was dilated to 2.5 cm. I cried on the way home. </div>
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That evening we tried to walk some more, but I was too exhausted to even make it to the end of the driveway with my contractions coming every 5-7 minutes. I <strike>called</strike> cried on the phone to the doctor around 7pm and we drove to the hospital [also known as- the most uncomfortable 15 minutes of my life].</div>
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After a nice triage nurse called my doctor and encouraged him to let me stay, I was checked in and got an epidural. My body finally relaxed then and I dilated pretty quickly- we watched Friends on the TV in the delivery room and checked the baseball scores [the Nats were in the playoffs, I think] If said doctor had showed up at the hospital when he said he would, I think Brooks probably would have been born around 6am. Instead, he didn't show up until around 10am. I was dilated to 9cm and my water hadn't broken yet, and only a doctor was allowed to break my water. So, since the doc didn't show up until 10am, and my water still didn't break on its own, I wasn't fully dilated until around 10:45 or so. I pushed for about an hour until Brooks was born at 11:39am on Saturday, October 13th, 2012. <br />
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I remember seeing Brooks for the first time and crying...trying to get him to nurse, then being hustled out of the delivery room [for what reason, you ask? i have no idea.] And then I ordered lunch. A personal cheese pizza, nacho cheese doritos, and a ginger ale. Most delicious meal I've ever eaten. After only having ice chips [and sneaking saltine crackers and apple sauce] all night long, I was ravenous. [side note- do you remember the first meal you ate right after giving birth? one of my girlfriends had her dad bring her Chic-fil-a french fries, which i thought was a fantastic choice.]<br />
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And then, reality set in. I was so unbelievably exhausted, but so excited to finally see Brooks and tell everyone his name! I didn't feel connected to him right away- which I felt terrible about - but I had read a lot about giving birth and knew that some women felt this way for a short period of time. Of course, I loved him, but I felt like I barely knew him! Looking back now I can't believe I ever felt like that.<br />
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So here it is, 2 years later, so I don't forget it! It feels like just yesterday and also like forever ago. Happy birthday, my sweet Brooksy boy. I love you more than words. <br />
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<i>I'm leaving out a lot of the details that I wasn't too thrilled about at the hospital. I think I'll have different plans whenever we decide to have another child- I'd like to look into a doula, a midwife and a birth center. If you have recommendations on any of these people or centers in our area, please let me know :) [also, i am not currently pregnant. ] </i></div>
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Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02679098946151070546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937490128124196740.post-24417651699261506032014-09-03T06:44:00.000-04:002014-09-03T06:44:46.910-04:00The S Word<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oTRO3oo_8MZu0PdbZbrOHRvJcT1cBTo5wTW6HmDHEva6vB9gMuR2Etlr8lsue8f3CbRAmRx5QYUk_hZdaFPLpBYKHWipwYer1aRG6nrk-cyp4tiCuVNIrxMIxvhxqlyCrSQDZh0LBTKq/s1600/IMG_3223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oTRO3oo_8MZu0PdbZbrOHRvJcT1cBTo5wTW6HmDHEva6vB9gMuR2Etlr8lsue8f3CbRAmRx5QYUk_hZdaFPLpBYKHWipwYer1aRG6nrk-cyp4tiCuVNIrxMIxvhxqlyCrSQDZh0LBTKq/s1600/IMG_3223.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sleep. Do you sleep? Do your kids sleep? Yesterday the Directv maintenance man [who woke my child up approximately 30 seconds after he had fallen asleep- grrrrr] asked me if Brooks slept well. What? Why is sleep the only thing people/strangers want to talk about with parents of small children? Guess what, Directv man, my child doesn't sleep well. He wakes up a lot. Yes, he is almost 2 years old. No, I don't care what you think about it.<br />
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On a related note, Brooks has been going through a bit of a sleep "regression" per se lately, and so once again I find myself looking at sleep articles online [late at night...when i should be sleeping]. Every time this happens I try to remind myself that it's just a phase, and to stay calm about it...but you know something...sleep deprivation makes people do stupid things, ya'll. I've been grinding my teeth now for weeks because it frustrates me so much.<br />
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I came across an article on Pinterest during one of my late nights last week that was titled "10 ways to make your baby sleep". I don't know, for some reason the word 'make' just really rubbed me the wrong way. I mean come on, people...you aren't going to 'make' your baby do anything. Encourage them, maybe, but make? No. Just no.<br />
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I think, currently, Brooks is having a growth spurt, which is the reason for his more frequent waking at night. I'm hoping this phase will pass quickly- in the mean time, I am rewarding myself for being sleep deprived with more Starbucks and cookies- the only logical solution. <br />
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Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02679098946151070546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937490128124196740.post-34953338338816320992014-09-01T07:00:00.000-04:002014-09-01T07:00:08.356-04:00Seasons // Fall Shopping I think it's about this time every year that I begin to be very grateful that we live in a place that has true seasons. I love summer [even more so now that I have Brooks!] but I'm longing for some cool fall breezes, pumpkins, and BOOTS. Boooooots!!!!<br />
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I think my anticipation for the switch in seasons also has <i>something</i> to do with the fact that I'd like to stop wearing my summer clothes and switch into my fall/winter wardrobe. Is anyone else tired of their shorts and tank tops? I am just done. Every day I check the weather in hopes that it will be below 80 degrees so I can wear some sort of pants and not sweat my buns off.<br />
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So with that, here are some fall clothes and boots I am currently lusting after! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/A9700_BK0001?$ary_tn250$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/A9700_BK0001?$ary_tn250$" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://factory.jcrew.com/womens-clothing/pants/denim/PRDOVR~A9700/A9700.jsp?color_name=black" target="_blank">j.crew factory</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.freepeople.com/is/image/FreePeople/30635080_020_0?$detail-item$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images4.freepeople.com/is/image/FreePeople/30635080_020_0?$detail-item$" height="200" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.freepeople.com/brooks-ankle-boot/_/searchString/brooks%20boot/QUERYID/540276bb326d9ec7f1000005/CMCATEGORYID/683d4023-53f5-4900-b5ce-ecf465df31a9/SEARCHPOSITION/0/STYLEID/30635080/" target="_blank">free people</a> - these are called the "Brooks Ankle Boot". is that the universe telling me i need these?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hunter-Original-Short-Womens-Wellington/dp/B005LVM6ZK/ref=sr_1_15?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1409142054&sr=1-15&keywords=boots" target="_blank">short hunter boots</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.asos-media.com/inv/media/8/4/7/8/4028748/image3xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images.asos-media.com/inv/media/8/4/7/8/4028748/image3xl.jpg" height="200" width="156" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://us.asos.com/Shop-mens-clothes-jeans-shoes-t-shirts-shirts-and-more-at-ASOS/13rggi/?iid=4028748&cid=2637&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=White&mporgp=L0FTT1MvQVNPUy1UcmFwZXplLUp1bXBlci1Jbi1GaW5lLUtuaXQvUHJvZC8." target="_blank">asos trapeze sweater</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://richmedia.channeladvisor.com/ImageDelivery/imageService?profileId=52000653&id=385691&recipeId=160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://richmedia.channeladvisor.com/ImageDelivery/imageService?profileId=52000653&id=385691&recipeId=160" height="200" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.loft.com/notched-chambray-softened-shirt/350670?colorExplode=false&skuId=16947887&catid=cat1610018&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=9987" target="_blank">Loft</a></td></tr>
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I haven't taken the plunge on any of these quite yet, since I just scheduled a <a href="http://www.stitchfix.com/" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a> that will get here in the beginning of October. I've gotten 2 Stitch Fix boxes so far [one in January and one in April], and liked most of the items! I haven't <i>really</i> loved anything...but I have high hopes for this next box. Even though I love to shop, something about someone else picking out styles for me is too exciting to pass up! <br />
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What's on your fall shopping list this year? <br />
<br />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02679098946151070546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937490128124196740.post-82906030508902711172014-08-25T08:04:00.000-04:002014-08-25T08:04:16.152-04:00Should I be writing all of this down?<span style="font-family: inherit;">I frequently wonder if I should be writing everything down. Lately, every stinking thing Brooks does is cute. He's the first person to tell me that he spilled something [oh no! i spilled!], or the floor is wet...and then he actually cleans it up [who care if he just used my freshly washed shirt, right? he's cleaning!] Lately we've been reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/We-Are-Book-Elephant-Piggie/dp/1423133080/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408888459&sr=8-1&keywords=mo+willems+we+are+in+a+book" target="_blank">"We Are In A Book!"</a> before </span>nap time, and now whenever I say "banana" he cracks up laughing. My teacher heart could not be more content!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To add to the cuteness, last weekend he sang a song that was just the words, "I love you" over and over. (Except when he says it, it sounds like "I ruh you"). We were sitting there listening to him and I thought, if it were possible for my eyes to turn into tiny hearts right now, that is what they would look like. If this is what two years old is like, sign me up! [i'd like to unsubscribe from the tantrums, though, thankyouverymuch] </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But about "writing it down" ...do you write everything down? I kept track of most of Brooks' "firsts" [still waiting on that 'first time sleeping through the night' one...sigh] but after his first year I lost track of everything. Now when I think about all of the things I want to keep track of I feel overwhelmed. I want to record videos of everything and take pictures of him all the time....but then I feel like I'm not enjoying the moment. I want to keep him this little and sweet forever and at the same time watch him grow up into a wonderful independent human being. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I suppose thats why people have lots of babies, right? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And now, onto some ridiculously cute summer pictures...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlVemqojiQjJWi3kuTE-jcMKLWC-Kq7IY6isBoR1KhqhTjeLjw2V69mzW3WghMNLfOATQDjcDk88jSQ7wGyVEf147QKYeERhHQtcFISNMPiOUdkPLi17KVzYVGxo5ttDcYGtnkvSB65E8/s1600/IMG_3239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlVemqojiQjJWi3kuTE-jcMKLWC-Kq7IY6isBoR1KhqhTjeLjw2V69mzW3WghMNLfOATQDjcDk88jSQ7wGyVEf147QKYeERhHQtcFISNMPiOUdkPLi17KVzYVGxo5ttDcYGtnkvSB65E8/s1600/IMG_3239.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Virginia Beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRR_k3rdsPJhuQoPpjWqeWmXdCbx4lHv-jrNJy5BG9kVJi79cZEc7BSF7PHoW6L_ZBY-l0qVKJSuwWQ5PRibKl-SJgjjmJNl2fpSSi61CUmawalw0NNwVSIvkGOGX-vWQoDq3Awoz-WEgC/s1600/IMG_3275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRR_k3rdsPJhuQoPpjWqeWmXdCbx4lHv-jrNJy5BG9kVJi79cZEc7BSF7PHoW6L_ZBY-l0qVKJSuwWQ5PRibKl-SJgjjmJNl2fpSSi61CUmawalw0NNwVSIvkGOGX-vWQoDq3Awoz-WEgC/s1600/IMG_3275.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Baltimore Aquarium</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0v2vuyF7nARrJnkQrW8Y-toOCtMmaZNecxJPhjMJP8Y1Ob-tg7RqVrmHcfMhOEQQrmWtUu41hii62cqd2wkkE4RJruNdMVzBfZ7KY9rB1xW9_7GYFClDyqFbgm8PlOJww2z4QMn2uj0-v/s1600/IMG_3296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0v2vuyF7nARrJnkQrW8Y-toOCtMmaZNecxJPhjMJP8Y1Ob-tg7RqVrmHcfMhOEQQrmWtUu41hii62cqd2wkkE4RJruNdMVzBfZ7KY9rB1xW9_7GYFClDyqFbgm8PlOJww2z4QMn2uj0-v/s1600/IMG_3296.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">posing with the wolf at the Catoctin Zoo</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy first day of school to everyone going back! Hope you have a fabulous day!</span></div>
Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02679098946151070546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937490128124196740.post-9174125974415534402014-06-25T08:04:00.000-04:002014-06-25T08:04:34.994-04:00Thoughts on Nursing Clothes I am the type of person who needs to like what I'm wearing in order to fully enjoy myself. I love shopping and looking for new pieces to add to my wardrobe, and after having Brooks, I needed more clothes that were conducive to breastfeeding. <br />
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I think, perhaps, one of the <b><i>many</i></b> reasons I've been able to be successful in nursing Brooks for 20 months now is because of my clothing choices. For me, "easy access" has been key. V-neck tops, button downs, and stretchy necklines are all super easy to get down and make up most of my tops these days! There are few things more frustrating that needing to feed your cranky baby and having to maneuver your clothing around just to put a boob in his mouth. <br />
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Honestly though, it's easy to make your clothing nursing-friendly. I usually wear a tank/camisole under most of my tops, so if I'm wearing a shirt that can't be pulled down from the neckline [or if I'm feeling like I want to be more covered while we're out somewhere] I'll pull the top shirt up and the camisole down. I've always felt more comfortable doing this than having my stomach showing when lifting my shirt up. <br />
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That being said, here are some of my favorite summery "nursing" tops that are out in stores right now! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/A5068_WD8388?$pdp_fs418$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/A5068_WD8388?$pdp_fs418$" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://factory.jcrew.com/womens-clothing/knits_tees/tanks_camis/PRDOVR~A5068/A5068.jsp" target="_blank">J. Crew Factory</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/A5788_WT0002?$pdp_fs418$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/A5788_WT0002?$pdp_fs418$" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://factory.jcrew.com/womens-clothing/shirts_tops/blouses/PRDOVR~A5788/A5788.jsp?color_name=white" target="_blank">J. Crew Factory</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img1.targetimg1.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/15/10/15104102_201405091729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://img1.targetimg1.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/15/10/15104102_201405091729.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/merona-women-s-slub-tank/-/A-15104127#prodSlot=large_1_20" target="_blank">Target </a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">And my all-time <a href="http://www.target.com/p/liz-lange-for-target-maternity-sleeveless-tank-top-assorted-colors/-/A-14953124#prodSlot=large_1_9" target="_blank">favorite</a> camisole [I started wearing these even before I got pregnant simply because they are so long!]</span><br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img1.targetimg1.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS///img/p/14/95/14950777_201311181415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://img1.targetimg1.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS///img/p/14/95/14950777_201311181415.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02679098946151070546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937490128124196740.post-55963365197875950062014-06-17T07:59:00.000-04:002014-06-17T07:59:00.365-04:00Toddler FavoritesSo, I thought I'd share some of my favorite things Brooks is doing/saying these days. He is seriously repeating almost everything we say so it's hard to pin down just a few phrases, but these are the best ones!<br />
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"opie!" = open; i.e. the box of tools, the fridge, the door, etc. <br />
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"hep" = help usually accompanied by "peese" = please; now this is almost always the answer for "what do you need?" "hep peese, hep peese, hep peese!"<br />
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"go! go!" [takes person's finger to drag them to something]<br />
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"wah-ee" = water<br />
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"ohhh, no." Wish I could play you a recording of this. It is so, so cute. Ants on the floor? Ohhh, no. Drop your keys? Ohhh, no. <br />
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He's also saying actual words- apple, dog, rice, milk, mama, daddy, baby, all done, all gone, oops! etc, etc. I think I read somewhere that 2 year olds acquire like 20 new words per day? He's definitely on his way there...and we're trying to watch our language over here so he doesn't repeat anything inappropriate! <br />
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<span id="goog_665079253"></span>Minus the occasional temper tantrum, I am really loving this stage! Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02679098946151070546noreply@blogger.com0