More Nursery

This week, the nursery was painted!!! Yippee!! It looks soooooo great.

I also almost finished the bumper. It's in the crib right now because I love the way it looks, but I need to sew up one of the ends and consult someone who knows what they're doing to help me. Now that it's mostly done, I feel better about having decided to do it. It looks good and didn't really cost us anything!




Maybe someone wants to show me how to sew curtains??? hint hint

This week I've been scouring the internet for a painting or wall hanging to put in the baby's room. I have been trying to decide what the "theme" for the room is, because there really isn't one except stripes and polka dots. I'm thinking something with dogs would be fun, and then I can sneak a little snoopy in there without it looking weird.

I started off with ebay and Amazon, and completely forgot about Etsy!!! It's a sight with all handmade items. You can find some really great hand made, one of a kind things for just about anything. I found a few paintings that I liked:

These two from SunnyDaysStudio




I'm feeling like I might be able to do something more inspired by the fabric but kind of like the one with the circles myself, but I'm afraid to take on another craft project, lol. I love, love, love, the one with the dog. It's a 12x12 collage, which is small and could probably be incorporated somewhere, too.

I also like this wall decal from designaline:

I'd probably get it in brown and put it over the baby's crib under a shelf of some kind.

And I found this decal at extradesign that I was thinking would be cute over the door or the closet door. I don't know how I feel about the sleep bubbles...


I found 2 Charlie Brown lamps that I like, too, that I think would be cute in the room without it being too Peanuts.

So peel your eyes for some cute dog-themed items and let me know if you find anything you think I'd like!

How far along? 29 weeks

Weight gain: Up 10

Belly measurement: 40 1/2, up an inch and a quarter. WOW!

Stretch marks? Nope

Sleep? Is not going so well. I seem to be having trouble sleeping past 6:30. I don't know what that's about. Hopefully it's just short term

Best moment this week? Painting the room and almost finishing the bumper. I just love that it is all coming together and it makes me even more excited to meet the little guy.

Food cravings: Not really. I'm just back to bottomless pit. I could eat all day long. Yesterday I had breakfast, a snack, lunch, three snacks, dinner, and a snack before bed. I'm not sure where all the food is going (probably it will show up on my thighs or butt in a few days) but I seem to be hungry, even after I eat.

Weirdest symptom: Brace yourself..... my nipples are leaking. This was not expected for maybe 2 more months and I thought maybe something was wrong with me for a day or so. It's quite interesting (read: frightening) that my body is already preparing for an outside baby when I don't feel the least bit prepared for an outside baby. I'm sure I'll never be as prepared as I'd like to be...

Funny Pregnancy Moment: Chili's for lunch - my chicken sandwich had lettuce and tomatoes on it when it came to the table and I cried. Yes, I cried. ::head desk:: Mike just said "Seriously?" and shook his head. Hey, I'm hungry and hormonal. Get my order correct and we can avoid mood swings. The waiter is lucky this one went to tears and not yelling. It could've been much worse.

Belly button in or out? In, back to the center

Movement? Yup, and it's fun to watch him from the outside and wonder what body part we're seeing. I do think I'll miss the feeling of him in there after I have him. Although it will be just as much fun to watch him squirm from the outside, there is something so wonderful about having him so close and all to myself.

What I miss? Nothing

What I'm looking forward to: My shower. I know it is approaching, and I'm not good with surprises. I don't know if you can tell but I'm a planner and it's hard for me to let things go. Hopefully I don't give M and anxiety attack over it, but I'm trying to be mellow. It's not easy.

Weekly wisdom: I got nothin' this week.

Milestones: According to theBump.com I have a squash in there. His eyes and ears are working and he's getting fat stores which mean he's more active. I can definitely agree.

Me and Ezra at 29 weeks:

Ebay and Amazon...

will suck up hours of your time if you let it. I've discovered this.

In my nesting frenzy, I've decided that I want to find something Peanuts comic strip related for the baby's room. If you don't know me, I have a slight obsession with Peanuts. I love reading the comic strips. What I'm looking for, I don't really know.

Well, in my searches I've found a lot of interesting, strange, and almost incomprehensible things, as well as a few things that I feel like I must have - but not for the baby's room.

Who on earth would wear this....


and it comes with a snoopy necktie, lol.

I think I have to have this...



and this...



They even have Charlie Brown panties on ebay, lol.

But nothing baby room appropriate, that isn't practically snoopy sucking on a bottle.

I did come across this:



Which I will be ordering as soon as I get my first pay check in September!!

Now I should get back to something more productive, like working on the crib bumper, cleaning or making dinner.

Just an update

Nothing exciting has really happened this week. M is still recovering from the accident and trying not to take so many pain pills, but he still can't sit still for very long. I think this might be one of those neverending things - less pills, more movement, more pain, up the pills again. Hopefully he doesn't over do it too much or try to go back to work too early. (Riiiiiiiiiggght)

With M being out of work, this means we are together all day - every day. This has been interesting. It was nice to be able to do car shopping during the day, but I think we're starting to get to the "I love you, please go away" stage. No major fights, just a lot of crabbiness (then add my out of whack hormones and you can end up with a mess, will comment more on this later).

We did finally get a new "whip" (Mom, whip=car, ride, etc.). An 03 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. I love it. I've never ever had a car with leather, a sun roof, heated seats, and all kinds of other gadgets that I don't know how to work yet and probably don't need. Although in value, it's kind of a lateral move from my Pontiac, it definitely has a lot more luxuries and is definitely going to work for toting groceries and moving kids.

M had to point out that it has a trailer hitch so I'll be able to tow Ezra's dirtbike to practice during the week. LOL Can you already feel the pressure, Little One??

Here's a picture:


I finally finished the crib skirt - with only two days of tears, swearing, and occasional complete emotional breakdowns. I really almost threw in the towel and found a crib set online - but then I remembered we already bought the paint for the room and I'm sure it would be impossible to find something that we both liked (HA!) AND matched the paint. So I sucked it up.

This is where we talk about my hormones. I feel like I'm on a roller coaster with a blindfold on. I have no clue when or where I'm going to start yelling, crying, or swearing. It's definitely funny... in retrospect. M might not agree with me.

The sewing project definitely strained my hormones, I think they might've pulled a muscle. I made a rookie error and measured wrong (M's a carpenter so this is even more ironic because he helped me measure, lol), and then I had to sew some of the seams like 3 times because the length/width/overall straightness was off.

Also, picture pregnant me and disabled M trying to put the crib back together and get the skirt on straight. Then add some yelling, some tears, and eventually someone else coming over to help M do it. I think M has mastered the "you are nuts" look but he's also able to just shut up and let the storm pass. Smart man.

Here's a picture of the skirt:

So for the weekly poll:

How far along? 28 weeks

Weight gain: Up 10

Belly measurement: 39 1/4 inches around, up 1/4 inch since last week. It feels like 6 inches

Stretch marks? Nope

Sleep? Frequency of peeing has definitely increased and my ability to get in and out of bed has definitely decreased so we have some Olympic activity about every 1.5 hours in our bedroom (and this is not the fun kind).

This usually involves me twisted up in the sheets and comforter trying to get my beloved Boyfriend (that's my Snoogle pillow in case you forgot) out of the way or back in place without dislocating any joints or further injuring my husband. To add insult to injury, it feels like I haven't peed in 4 days, but when I actually pee, I get it like 2.5 drops. Very anticlimactic.

Best moment this week? Finishing the crib skirt without seriously physically injuring myself or others (although a few feelings may have been hurt in the process, we'll recover)

Food cravings: Anything that doesn't make me want to vomit. 2 friends that I haven't seen since the first trimester have returned, Nausea and Indigestion. They weren't invited, they aren't very good house guests. I feel like a Pepto-Bismol commercial. So I don't think I'm craving anything, but I'm definitely staying far far away from spicy foods (in theory, see below).

Weirdest symptom: The other day when I got out of the shower, my belly button was a good inch to 2 inches to the right. M confirmed it, although, Ezra must've moved because it is now back to a more appealing central position.

Funny Pregnancy Moment: At the appointment, the doctor put the doppler on my belly to measure his heart rate and she kind of has to push into my belly to get it. Well, she pushed down and Ezra pushed back. It was hilarious. The entire doppler moved. All the doctor could say was "I guess he didn't like that!"

Belly button in or out? In, a little to the right

Movement? All the time, at least once an hour I feel something. Although, whenever my mother is around he is as still as can be. It's almost funny. She can't wait to see my belly move, but no matter what I've eaten - he's as quiet as a mouse. Hopefully she'll have the same effect on him on the outside.

What I miss? Nothing

What I'm looking forward to: Now finishing the crib bumper. I'm about halfway there, and hopefully it looks magical when it's done.

Weekly wisdom: Follow your gut. Sour Cream and Onion chips seemed like a bad idea... they were. Add to the list - garlic bread (I didn't know it was garlic until we read the bill at the end of the meal), Papa Gino's pizza, ranch dressing, Vegetable crisp crackers, and Cheez-IT party mix.

You think that it will be worth the upset stomach you know you'll have after... but it never is.

Also, take out stock in Tums.

Milestones: I'm now down to every 2 week visits for the next 2 months. I can't believe it's going by so fast!

Me and Ezra at 28 weeks:

Watch out for trees...

I was gently reminded by a cousin that I've neglected to update my blog. Life's been a little wild this past week, hence the title of this post.

Last Saturday, on the way to a wedding, my husband and I slid off the highway, down and embankment, and not-so-gently into a pine tree. Here are some photos of my beloved Grand Prix, may she rest in peace:



Needless to say, M, the driver, escaped death one more time in his life. He ended up with 10 fractured ribs (yes 10) and a fractured vertebrae (but not a serious injury). He also got to stay at Rhode Island Hospital for 2 days. Right now we're just trying to manage his pain with some heavy duty drugs so that he continues to breathe until his ribs heal. Which could be anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

I ended up with mostly bruises. It looked like I got into a serious fist fight and did not come out on top. I have one of those fun technicolor bruises on my leg that looks more disgusting as each day passes, and a black eye. But baby Ezra is fine. I got to stay in the trauma center for about 4 hours and then at Women and Infants for another 4 hours of monitoring. On the bright side, I did get to see the little guy again via ultrasound (yes, he's still a he) and once again the doctor commented on how active he is. He's no longer breech and has his head down, which is progress!

As much as the accident was scary, I just thank God that we are all OK. I can remember being hysterical telling the EMT's that I'm pregnant and I need to go to the hospital right away - I can honestly say that once I saw that M was breathing and conscious, I was more concerned about Ezra's little life than I was about either of ours.

In true pregnant lady form, I did request a large vanilla milkshake to come to the hospital with my parents at 11pm at night. Hey, I was hungry and injured.... and it was delicious.

Now the search begins for a true mom-mobile - a soccer-mom-in-training, grocery toting, kid mover. We were planning to get an SUV sometime next year, but have decided to use the insurance money from my car to get something now - although probably not as new or as nice as a year of saving would have gotten us, but nice enough. I'm sure I will update you all with pictures of the new vehicle when we find it.

In other news, the day after the accident I hosted a bridal shower for a very special cousin of mine at my house. Thanks to the help of my father in law, Erin, Matt, Chris, Jess, Heather, Nichole, Justine, and Heather T, it went off with out a hitch. I really wasn't moving very fast or getting very much done and even though I didn't have M's help to set up, my friends, family, and the other bridesmaids really helped a TON.

We went with a cheesy Vegas theme. Here are some photos of the party on the newly completed patio:





Another cousin sent me a box of baby stuff last weekend too. The baby's room is starting to fill up with stuff! It's so exciting

I can't thank her enough for all the great stuff that I now don't have to purchase on my own! It included a My Breast Friend breast feeding pillow, a baby positioning pillow, some nursing pads, and a whole bunch of adorable baby clothes. Thanks again Danielle!! I'm sure Ezra will be proud to wear Jack's hand-me-downs ;)

Now for the weekly poll:

How far along? 27 weeks

Weight gain: Up 8, according to M's mom's scale, we'll see at the Dr's next week.

Per M's request, Belly measurement: 39 inches around

Stretch marks? Nope

Sleep? Going well, although Ezra does his aerobics at night now so sometimes I'm awake because my son is beating me from the inside or pushing on vital organs

Best moment this week? This is a toughy, but probably seeing him again on ultrasound. Sometimes I need to be reminded that there really is a baby in there

Food cravings: Still ice cream or anything cold like frozen lemonade.

My BFF Shannon also cooked me and M 5 meals, yes 5 meals. She's the best and I almost cried when she offered to cook us one meal, so 5 is just incredible. She's a great cook, too, and this means I don't have to go grocery shopping for a few more days!! So my new craving is anything I don't have to cook myself...

Weirdest symptom: my equilibrium is starting to be off... I almost fell while walking through a hallway. It was embarrassing, but it was like I just almost fell over, luckily there was a wall to catch me.

Funny Pregnancy Moment: Me on a stretcher, laying on my side propped up on pillows, being admitted to Women and Infants with a large vanilla milkshake from Burger King. Classic.

And watching Knocked Up on the TV at the hospital that specializes in delivering babies. It reminded me of when they played Titanic endlessly on our family cruise to Bermuda. Ironic.

Belly button in or out? In

Movement? All the time, at least once an hour I feel something

What I miss? Nothing

What I'm looking forward to: Finishing the baby room. I didn't get anything done this week, I need to get my butt in gear!

I'm also looking forward to my shower. I have no idea when it is and everyone seems to be doing a good job keeping the date under wraps... hopefully I'll look cute that day!!

Weekly wisdom: Don't be afraid to accept help. I always have a hard time letting people do things for me, but I have to say that this week I needed lots of help and I'm so so so happy to have so many great family and friends!!

Milestones: Third trimester!! The 3rd trimester officially starts at 26 weeks 6 days, so we are on our way to an outside baby!

Belly pic @ 27 weeks:

New Weekly Poll

I've decided to change some of the questions in the weekly poll, because they don't entirely apply to me and I feel like I'm always saying the same thing. I'm going to *try* to do it every Friday morning, since I'm home for the summer this shouldn't be a problem... although if you know me I definitely have a hard time getting things done on time!

This week, there isn't a whole lot of baby news. A coworker of my mothers gave me a TON of her old boy clothes this week. It was soooo fun going through it all and imagining a little body in them!! Not to mention, it was a lot of clothes and it will be helpful to avoid having to do both diaper and baby clothes laundry every day.

I also started reading a book about labor, called Easy Labor: Every Woman's Guide to Choosing Less Pain and More Joy During Childbirth. It's not as earthy-crunchy, avoid-the-pain-meds, as the title sounds. It basically gives a run down of what happens in the delivery room, who's there, and what options that you have for pain relief - from epidurals to breathing techniques. It gives perspectives from women and doctors about their experiences with each technique, good and bad.

I'm impressed at how easily it lays out each option and lets you know what the risks are and what information out there is a little exaggerated. It gives lots of scientific study information, without boring the shorts off you. If you're having a baby soon, plan to have a baby, one day, or know someone who is, it's a great book - just to give you your options. It's not judgy at all like some of the natural birth books can tend to be.

Another bonus, I got it used on amazon for less than 5 bucks with shipping... awesome!

How far along? 24 weeks 6 days

Weight gain: Up 5

Stretch marks? Just itchy belly, no stretch marks yet.

Sleep? I'm having a harder time getting comfortable, and I find that naps during the day are more productive than sleeping at night sometimes. I still desperately want to sleep on my back!!

Best moment this week? starting the crib set... (I'm lying a little because I just washed the fabric, but it's the first step...)

Food cravings: Anything cold - popsicles, Del's, ice cream, freeze pops - I have to force myself to drive away from the Del's in town, otherwise the car stops there and I can't control it!

Weirdest symptom: Probably itchy belly right now. I feel like Homer Simpson walking around scratching my belly... but it feels so good!!

Funny Pregnancy Moment: A little girl at church asked me to lift up my shirt so she could see the baby - like I was just carrying it under my shirt. LOL, I love kids...

Belly button in or out? In, but moving outward. I can actually see the end of my belly button now, where I have always had a super deep one

Movement? Constant. It's so fun to see my belly jump sometimes!

What I miss? Nothing

What I'm looking forward to: Finishing the baby room. I can't wait until it's complete! I'm also still waiting for nesting to kick in...

Weekly wisdom: Always pee before leaving for the grocery store. You will have to pee as soon as you hit the meat section... and grocery store bathrooms are always nasty.

Milestones: Viability - at about 24 weeks your baby has a 50 - 70% chance of survival if born early. The percentage goes up with each day that passes from this point. So our chances of an outside baby have gone up significantly in just one week!

Here's a picture of M and I going to a wedding. It's not really a great "bump" shot, but I like the "family" photo!