Five on Friday

I feel like these "Five on Friday" posts make up most of my blogging material these days, but how can you not love them, right?!?  ;)

{1} Last week (or maybe the week before), Shutterfly was having a fifty percent off sale!  I'm sorry I didn't post about it, but I actually found out via another mommy blog that day and scrambled to put the finishing touches on my two latest projects.

Ahhhh, it feels so good to be caught up!  I've already started the next one, and it's hard to believe it will also be featuring a certain new little guy.

{2} This guy just had his first dental visit.  It was much better than I had anticipated!  It is strictly a pediatric dentist and they ask a bunch of personal questions on the new patient paperwork.  So, he got the green room (his fave color) and Buzz sunglasses (bc he loves Toy Story) to wear during the exam.  He also got to watch "Diego" and pick between vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry "frosting" for his toothpaste.  If only my dentist visits were this plush!

He is holding Chester the cheetah.  Chester cleaned his teeth with chocolate frosting.  :)  They gave him Chester as a parting gift, which he was excited about, and he got to pick a prize from the treasure box.  My prize was our brushing grade - a 2 on a scale of 18 (horrible) to 0 (perfect).  They said a score of 0-3 was considered an "A" grade.  Woo hoo!  Oh, the things we get excited about once we are parents.

{3} Remember when R bought me this desk one year ago??

It had basically been sitting like that up until recently - with laundry, things I wanted to decorate it with, etc. all on top.

I finally had enough and went to Ikea in search of some shelves.  R finally put the shelves up and it has been usable space for me!  I really wanted a desk for my laptop and all of the other things that usually junk up our kitchen island.  I wish our kitchen was big enough to put it there (only because I'm in the kitchen/living area way more often), but that can be a consideration if we ever build our dream house one day.  ;)

Here it is in all of its glory - still a work in progress, but soooo much better!

{4} I made this pasta recipe earlier this week and it was a huge success!  Very easy and delish!  R actually had three helpings, and while it may look like I also had three (or ten) servings, I stuck with one.

Via

{5} My family went camping this weekend, and my parents graciously took this little cowboy off my hands for the weekend!  With a clean (thank you, housekeeper) and quiet house, I'm not sure what I'm going to do with myself.  I anticipate lots of sleep and very little moving off of the couch.  Hey, I need to relish it while I can!

Why can't I get a normal picture anymore?  Also, it was cowboy day at school for the letter "C", just fyi.  Contrary to popular belief, we don't normally dress like this here in Texas.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Bumpdate: 37 weeks

37 weeks!  We are full-term!!

While I kinda feel guilty for neglecting my bumpdates, this little peanut has had way more blog time while in utero than G ever did.

While I am generally feeling in the "good - okay" category, compared to my first go 'round, this pregnancy has kicked my butt.  I don't remember feeling like my lady parts were possibly broken.  Fo reals.  In fact, I know I never felt that way.  My doctor said that it's normal the second time because everything is nice and loose/stretched (*yay*), but I'm not so sure that I believe him since he is a male.

All I know is that I.can't.wait to get this sweet little bugger out of me so that I can have certain parts of my body go back to normal (Oh, please go back to normal!!).  I am ready to roll over in bed without sharp and throbbing pain.  I am ready to be done with the leg cramps and reflux.  I am ready for all things newborn, even if it means I will be a hormonal zombie for at least a month.  I am ready.

Obviously I do realize that many women would kill to be in my shoes, so I don't want this to sound like a "woe is me" type post.  Since this is my blog though, please allow for some hormonal whining and know that I am thankful for this time and, more importantly, for this healthy baby.

I am still three weeks out but have been feeling some irregular contractions and other general discomfort that makes me think (read: hope) that he will come sooner.  My family jokes that he will come this weekend since they will all be camping, R will be out of town, and R's mom (who already lives out of state) will be on a trip.

****

Monday was my 37 week appointment and my very last ultrasound.  Ever.  I know (at least I think I do) that this is my last pregnancy, and that if we are lucky enough to have another child, it will be through adoption.  So, with that being said, today's appointment was a little bittersweet.

Poor baby #2 has already been jilted since we chose not to fork over the cash for the optional 3D ultrasound screening with him.  I didn't feel like it was worth the money with G since he was pretty uncooperative and we didn't get very good shots.  It was fun the first time around but now I'm all about what is worth it and what is not.

The ultrasound tech gave me the best 3D images at the very end.  She was even able to capture Little L's first smile!

I can't wait to smooch those chubby cheeks!

I opted out of the pelvic exam since I don't really think it makes a difference either way and it's more discomfort than it's worth, IMO.  Last pregnancy my water broke and I still had to go on pitocin because I wasn't progressing.  The doctor said that based on my ultrasound, I have an above average level of fluid, which may make me feel big.  Ummmm, yes.  I do feel huge, thankyouverymuch.  :)

****

This past Sunday, L's godparents and my older sis and bro-n-law threw us the cutest diapers and wipes baby shower.  It was "Where the Wild Things Are" themed since that is part of the Little L's nursery inspiration.

I realized afterwards that I didn't get any pictures with actual people (doh!), but I did get plenty of the décor.

I mean, seriously!  Shouldn't they go into a party planning business?!?

We are so grateful to be surrounded by such wonderful friends and family.  Baby L is so loved already!

Five on Friday

Is this really my first blog post of September?  Sorry, friends.  I'm linking back up with Darci and the girls for "Five on Friday."

{1} Estes Park was hit hard with flooding recently.  Fortunately, it looks like all businesses will recover and I'm not worried about having our wedding there next summer.

{2} I've been researching wedding photographers in the event that my best friend/photographer who is moving to Australia can't make it.  I found this gem just now.  Please do yourself a favor and click on the link.  I have no words except you're welcome.

{3} Recent shenanigans with my little dude include (1) a busted chin and (2) a bathroom heist while completely naked.

G vs. the fireplace.  It's his worst boo boo to date (thankfully).

It's all fun and games until a certain somebody locks himself in the bathroom.  He always says he "needs privacy" but I told him that he doesn't need to lock the door next time.  :)

{4} I was excited to snatch up these goodies this week!

Cute chalkboard sign from TJ Maxx that I intend on using when I host parties.  I could have already used this at least fifteen times in the past few years! 

I'm too lazy to rotate this one - sorry.  I found these in the $ section at Target.  Future Halloween goody bags for G's teachers at school.

{5} Our good friends and fam are coming together this weekend to celebrate Baby L with a diapers and wipes shower.  Obviously, a bumpdate and shower recap is in order ASAP.

Thursday thoughts

I have many-a-post that I intended (or still intend) to write, but as usual, I put them on the back burner.  I am definitely in the third trimester phase of being T-I-R-E-D.  Preschool could not have started at a better time, but I know these last several weeks will quickly fly by before we greet our second precious boy.

Please excuse my jumbled and bulleted post.  :)

• One of the reasons I don't blog as frequently?  I finished all current seasons of "Downton Abbey" and am now through season one of "Damages."  OMG, sooo good! I haven't disliked Glenn Close this much since she seriously creeped me out in "Fatal Attraction."

• Cancún was amazing!  It was perfect and just what I needed.  I came home anxious to see my boys and feeling very well rested.  I did not get sick and Baby L decided he did not want dual citizenship.  I love having girl time with my bestie and this trip was even more special since she is moving to Australia in January.

The one and only picture I took while on vacay.

• We are officially counting down the weeks and days until Baby L decides to come out.  I am at the point where I physically have no desire to be prego anymore, but I also have lots on my to-do list that I would like to accomplish first.  I'm also dreading those first few weeks of nursing 'round the clock and little sleep, not going to lie.  

(1) This picture is slightly old - now we are at 46 more days! (2) That belly is out.of.control.

• We had our hospital tour (I switched doctors to deliver at a different hospital this time around) this past weekend, and it made me even more excited/nervous!  G went with us and asked me when it was my turn to get in the hospital bed.  Ha!  

• I don't care if I sound like a dude for saying this, but I am so ready for football season!

• I busted out the crock pot yesterday to make this.  Delish!  I would highly recommend it if you are a casserole lovin' person.  If not, it may not be your cup of tea.

And just like that...

And just like that, G started his new preschool today.  It was a little bittersweet since he is at a brand new school with new teachers and new faces.  This school is only for ages 3-5, so we have been calling it his "big boy school" and really talking it up.

We went to the Open House last Friday where we met his teacher, dropped off his supplies, found his cubby, etc.

He seemed interested but also a little apprehensive this morning once he was back inside the classroom.  No tears though (at least not while we were there those few minutes)!

My little {big} boy is growing up way too fast!

Compared to his first day from last school year...

Five on Friday

Has it been a week already?  I'm back for another "Five on Friday" with the rest of the girls!

{1} R has been gone since last Tuesday and gets back tomorrow.  Major props to all of you single mamas, military mamas, etc.!  It hasn't been terrible by any means - just more exhausting to deal with little man, puppy, and pregnancy all by my lonesome.

{2} Little dude has been in undies for three weeks!  Eeeek!  As long as I make him go regularly every two hours or so, all is fine and we don't have any accidents.  Going #2, however, is a different story.  He will go for a prize, but he usually doesn't get everything out in the potty.  He prefers to ask for a diaper when he knows he has to go.  

I'm only really pushing this potty training biz anyway since his new preschool (ages 3-5 only) requires all children to be potty trained, so I've been letting him put on a diaper if that makes him feel less fearful and anxious for now.  I don't want to be changing a four year old's poop, so I'm hoping that this too shall pass... soon.  ;)  He does fine going in public places, so for that, I am thankful.  

Just when you think you've cleared one hurdle in this parenting adventure, there's always another one, am I right?!?  I remember stressing about breast feeding, getting him to sleep in his crib, dropping the bottle, getting rid of the paci ... the list goes on and on.  I am putting my foot down and refusing to get stressed out about this!

{3} G's three year old birthday party is this weekend.  Three!  I am not going all out like I did for the previous two with the décor and I didn't even have a birthday shirt especially made for him.  Low key is sometimes best.  :)  

He has been obsessed with Toy Story since this time last year, so we are using that theme loosely since we are having a joint party at the Children's Museum with two other three year olds.  He will have a Toy Story cake, Buzz shirt from Old Navy, balloons, table cloths, and goodie bags.  My etsy bill was much cheaper this time around!

{4} I'm participating in the scarf swap that can be found on this blog with Meredith & Co.  I've never done a swap before, so I'm looking forward to both giving and getting!

Via

{5} My 30th birthday is just days away, and to celebrate, I am jetting off to Cancún with my bestie to do nothing but relax.  I don't even plan on leaving the resort!  At 31 weeks prego, I just want to walk to a {shaded} beach chair and open my book.  Maybe take a nap or get a pedicure.  Nothing too crazy and I can't wait!  P.S. Of course my doctor knows and is okay with me going - just said to use extra precautions.  So no zip lining or swimming with the dolphins for me this go 'round.  

Five on Friday

This may just be the easiest (and, therefore, best) link up ever...  I'm jumping on the "Five on Friday" bandwagon.

1. This belly is out of control.  Please ignore the stretch marks, but I'm keeping it real and baring it all!  Well, not all.  You don't need to see that.  Trust me.

Belly décor courtesy of G (obviously).  

2. Ice cream makes everything better.  Especially in 100+ degree weather that is making this prego sweat just walking to the car.  It may not be helping the size of my belly though.

3. Another thing that is not helping?  This goodness, also called CGC (cheesy gordita crunch) for short by a mama friend and Taco Bell addict (her, not me).  You know you are an addict when you start abbreviating!  I get some serious Taco Bell cravings when I'm pregnant.  Gross, I know, but then again, oh so good.

4. I love it when we watch one of his shows together and he sits right next to me and holds my arm.  Melt.my.heart.  Also, if I'm going to be truthful, my need to put my feet up and the sauna temps outside has us watching tv more than I'd care to admit.

5. I want to get some nice looking toy storage for downstairs since the toys are starting to take over.  I saw these today at Target.  Decisions, decisions!

Two posts in two days?!?  Don't get too excited.  ;)