Little Me as Mrs.B

I'm being honest here...

2012-10-09T07:00:00.000-04:00

So I was contemplating writing this post... then I figured this blog is the real me so I wanted to write it. I am positive I can not be the only person who feels this way.

First and foremost let me tell you all how thankful I am able to have children. I feel so blessed to feel this little girl kicking and moving inside of me. Its unreal how much I already love this little bean even though she isn't here yet!

... here comes the but...

BUT - I am the most miserable unhappy pregnant woman. I don't know what it is. Maybe I'm in a funk? I just don't know how some people do it (and I RESPECT all you moms with babies/toddlers who are currently pregnant). Let me start by saying I have had a reasonably troubled pregnancy.

Since the beginning, I found out I was pregnant BEFORE my first missed period. So I was about 4/5 weeks pregnant. After I told my parents and 3 friends I started spotting (week 8ishh). Well I was spotting for a few days then there was a gush of blood - So I went into triage. They checked on Baby B and her heart beat was going strong and she was perfect so they sent me home. That was one of the scariest times of my life. Not to mention my husband wasn't able to leave work (as a security guard) because he wasn't able to leave his post so I went to the hospital alone... then my BFF came to my rescue. (*He has since left that job*)

In addition to that the first 4/5 months of my pregnancy I was sick as a dog. I wasn't able to eat things I loved which I know is a part of being pregnant but I didn't embrace that part of pregnancy. I would eat then throw up right away. I wasnt able to keep anything down that wasnt plain bread. + the heartburn. Not my friend.

I was taken from my job as a firefighter to a desk. It was very very hard going from being active to sitting on a desk. It still is hard as I sit here right now and the guys are out on a call. At times I felt like I was depressed because its such a wonderful feeling knowing I am able to help someone - but during my pregnancy I have to remember I am helping myself, and my unborn child and that helped me cope more with the desk jockey jokes. Another part of work that sucks is that I still have to maintain my 72 hour work week so I work a desk 0700-1700 then 1700-0700 the following morning I sit in my bunk room reading, watching TV, on my laptop... you name it I have done it.

As of lately I am having trouble sitting for any period longer then 30 minutes. Mr.B and I went to a movie last week and I get this agonizing pain in my lower back and left shoulder whenever I sit. Its crazy weird. To add to the pain my commute to work is about an hour and 15 minutes. So its daily pain. I cant even tell you how many times I woke up and wanted to call out just so I wouldn't have to get into my car.

Now nearing the end of my pregnancy I am having some of the same symptoms as the beginning. I get nauseous and have this KILLER heartburn.

People who I love get under my skin a lot easier. I try to be reasonable but when my mother "tickles" my belly with her dagger fingernails I cant help but pull away from her telling her not to touch me again until she clips her nails! I know its mean but It hurts. Family and friends who are pregnant the same time telling me how perfect their pregnancies are but knowing in the back of my head that they aren't perfect gets under my skin. Having my baby shower and then having a family members baby shower with all of my decorations & centerpieces really irks me. I know it shouldn't have but it did. I guess I'm more irritable.

Another part which maybe is what I'm on the fence about most is the weight. I am on the fence about it because I truly feel lucky that I haven't gained the weight like friends of mine have BUT working out and being fit is such a big part of my lifestyle with my husband. It was our 'OUR' time. I have a friend who gained 90lbs her first pregnancy! Another gained 60 - a friend is 29 weeks and already at 30lbs and you can see it everywhere in her body. I feel lucky because I have gained about 39lbs and I really feel that it is only in my belly and face. My arms aren't flabby (or more flabby lol) my legs are the same... I can honestly only see it in my face and belly. Oh my boobs too (this barley B cup is now a FULL C cup) . I know people workout their WHOLE pregnancy and maybe if I had pushed myself more in the beginning I would be singing a different tune right now... I tried though. My husband and I used to spend 1-2 hours a day at the gym together. It was our OUR time and it wasn't always roses and sugar plums but it was what we did. We enjoyed working out and sweating together (hell now that I think about it that's how we got into this situation in the first place hahaa). After being sick and not wanting to get out of bed and truly just lack of discipline I stopped going to the gym. I went more frequently in the first trimester but after that when you cant lay on your back, or belly. I wasn't allowed to lift more then 30lbs it was just not fun for me. I was miserable whenever I went to the gym. In addition to being miserable I was getting stared at by 3/4 of the gym population. I was embarrassed. I am angry and I was sad. Even the guys who worked there gave me the shifty look. It was the beginning of the end of my time at the gym. I am actually cancelling that membership this month and joining the Y after the baby is born.

I cant think of anything more exciting then being a mother. I really can not and I have done a lot. Ran into burning buildings, I've been deployed twice but being able to create another human being is wonderful. I just have had a really difficult time with pregnancy. I know I am not alone...I am not the first I wont be the last I just wanted to let anyone else out there who has had difficulties your aren't alone either!

Comments? Anyone? I know there are people out there that have felt the same way.

MIA + 36 weeks

2012-10-08T07:55:00.001-04:00

HEY friends...

So sorry I have been away for such a long time. I usually only blog from work and my laptop took a crap about 3 weeks ago so I haven't been doing much blogging. Thankfully I have an app on my phone that lets me read my blogs... but that's why I haven't posted or commented too much the past few weeks. I am at work today on my actual work computer (shhh dont tell the bossman) but its a holiday and there isn't much to do here today anyway. So I am going to pick up at 36 weeks!!

· How far along are you? 36 weeks & 2 days

· Total weight gain: 213 I think... If this is accurate I have gained 5 lbs in the last 3 weeks. Which also means I've gained 39 lbs. I want to write a post all on weight gain during pregnancy.

*NOTE: I'm a person who worked my whole adulthood to maintain a weight/look, I've never been 'model thin' I love the curve of my muscles! Gym daily and I ate reasonable but I am here to tell you to LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! I was told to continue to workout, which I tried. It is so difficult to go to the gym and not do the routine that you are used to. Or being looked at because your getting a belly. It is/was very difficult for me to walk into the gym with my (amazingly) in shape husband. So I walked, there are days where I WANT to and actually crave a walk. On days where I didn't want to and forced myself to walk I lazily went out on an adventure and it actually hurt to walk. My feet couldn't fit into sneakers, I got blisters, I couldn't drink enough water (I did carry a bottle with me) and I would be out of breath 5 minutes into it. Listen to your body ladies. Yes, I am going to have to start at square one when I am able to get back into the swing of the gym again, but ya know what? I am going to do it and it will be a challenge that I am completely excited about!*I've decided to keep this in these posts. I am not ashamed of my weight and I stand behind what I said last week. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! Only YOU know how you are feeling.

· Gender : Its a girl! I am super excited.

· Maternity clothes: Maternity. I only have 2 pair of pants but I am trying to make due with sweat pants and big t-shirts.

· Stretch marks?: Nope. Thank you Lord!

· Wedding rings on or off?: Off! Both my real and fake ones do not fit. I am so swollen its not even cool.

· Sleep: Isn't getting any better. I fall asleep and roll from side to side, sometimes I will wake up on my back and my arms will have fallen asleep. Charlie horses wake me up. Its all a nightmare.

· Best moment this week?: I had a "cleaning party" at my house yesterday. I have never seen my house so clean before it is amazing. My family and my best friends came to help. I am so thankful for them.

· Movement: She is active. Not as much as before because she is running out of room! But I feel like her kicks and punches now are deliberate. She is a mean one! lol.

· Food cravings: Pineapple again. I love the sweetness

· Food aversions: None right now

· Labor signs: Braxton hicks. I feel like I lost my mucus plug on the 1st of October but its iffy.

· Belly button in or out?: Its pretty much flat. Kinda still a little inny but ya know.

· What I miss: Being able to walk without losing my breath, wearing my wedding band, not having back pain

· What I'm looking forward to: I am looking forward to tomorrow... I have an OB appointment hopefully she will check out the situation to see if my body is preparing for labor!

· Milestone: We are all PACKED and loaded for the hospital. After having a few scares and thinking I may have lost my plug (or partially) I decided its better safe then sorry.

Maternity Triage

2012-09-19T19:53:00.001-04:00

So last week (Sunday) I spent some time in maternity triage at good ole' Christania Hospital. Let me start by saying I love my husband.

Once upon a time... Just kidding.

Last Sunday around 6 I was at work and I took a tumble down about 5/6 stairs at work. I work on a military base and most all of our stairs are those industrial metal ones that aren't fun to fall down - ever. When I say I took a tumble I mean I slid on my butt, it wasn't my belly and the only thing I hurt was my ass and my ego. Around 630 I try to call Mr.B and no answer I text him a few times, nothing. I knew he was at a BBQ with the guys from his shift so I wasn't going to pester him. I wasn't concerned with the tumble at all. It happens. I cant tell you how many times I walked into walls, or have fallen UP the steps these past 8 months! Anyway... I leave work early (I'm supposed to stay until 7am) and I head home, still unable to get a hold of Mr.B. I shower and head to bed... 9-930 I decide to give one last try and I finally get a hold of him and I tell him what happened. He's concerned and on his way home right away... Once he gets home he gets into bed behind me and leans on my butt. I COULD HAVE KILLED THAT MAN. I don't think he realized how sore I was at the time. He convinces me to give the on call number a ring, I leave a message at 10:02 (not concerned AT ALL, just sore and trying to please my worry wart husband) I am telling you exactly 5 minutes later 10:07 the Dr calls us back. She says because I'm further along then 31 weeks she would like me to come in and be monitored. I didn't even get off the phone Mr.B was up changing and brushing his teeth! I get into comfy clothes and clean undies to head out. Once there it takes about 10 minutes to do my nurse interview and get into a room. I was put on monitors - and left alone. Mr.B was so scared it was cute. I've never seen him act that way and I was so emotional - not because of the fall but seeing my husband act the way he was made my heart swell. Her heart rate was averaging around 150... a few times it was a little higher but nothing to be concerned with. The thing that scared me was the contraction monitor?! I was having contractions like crazy none were above a 6 (whatever that means on the monitor) but they were pretty frequent. The scary part was I couldn't feel them AL ALL. I know when I go into labor they will be the types of contractions I can FEEL. :) but it was scary to me that I was contracting and I didn't know it. We were discharged around 2 with instructions and told to take it easy, no bed rest all was well. The doc asked if I needed pain meds which I turned down (this girl does not do good with medicine unless its in an IV or someone is standing there telling me to take it). I was pretty sore for the next few days and now my butt is pretty much back to normal.

Anyone else ever have to go in for monitoring? Please ladies I want stories! I am SO ready for this little bean to come out. October 13th (I'll be 37 weeks) she is allowed out to play and if shes not out by November 3rd (my due date) She is grounded for life.

Mrs.B

33Wks4d

2012-09-19T19:36:00.002-04:00

I don't even look pregnant here!!! At another friends wedding on the 15th

· How far along are you? THIRTY THREE WEEKS!

· Total weight gain: 208.. Just now - at 7:24pm Wednesday night, right after a HUGE plate of pasta and garlic toast. I know last week I was also 208 and when I went to the DR the following morning I was 205. Like I said fluctuation. Its a vicious cycle.

· Gender : Its a princess - Her name is Skyler Mae

· Maternity clothes: Maternity. I have a few tops that aren't that I still wear but they are getting uncomfortable and its getting chilly so I went and got a few things to try and hold me over till November.

· Stretch marks?: Nope. Thank you Lord!

· Wedding rings on or off?: Off & my fake one is getting tight!!

· Sleep: Is THE WORST EVER! I get maybe 2 hours before I wake up. Takes 30-60 minutes to fall back asleep. I am on the verge of taking Tylenol pm's

· Best moment this week?: Humm.. Yesterday while I was at work my hubby was working in her room - he had a "super secret project" he was working on. He put in her book shelves and did a chalkboard frame thingy that looks so stinkin cute! I love it.

· Movement: She is SO active! It's an amazing feeling - except for when I feel like she is trying to break my ribs. That's not pleasant.

· Food cravings: Nothing really. I haven't felt satisfied after eating in a long while though. I swear she makes it so I cant finish a meal but then I eat every hour or so.

· Food aversions: None right now

· Labor signs: None. Other then a few braxton hicks and some

· Belly button in or out?: Its almost flat & feels SUPER funny.

· What I miss: My old self. lol I'm such a different person (some really good ways and others kinda painful ways)

· What I'm looking forward to: A few consignment sales coming up in my area!

· Milestone: 4 more weeks until Maternity leave starts!!!

Week 32 + 2 days

2012-09-10T21:01:00.001-04:00

I have been slacking like WHOA! Totally crazy busy (that sounded really 'Clueless' of me). Lots to talk about - this whole baby thing and my crazy body and emotions. Just everything holy hell. Let me start with my little survey thinga ma boober.

Totally Tanned us in PicMonkey :) At our BFF's wedding 32 weeks

· How far along are you? THIRTY2 (32 for all you non-funky people)

She is the size of a honeydew yummm..

· Total weight gain: 208.. Just now - at 8:51 PM. I usually fluctuate about 3-4 lbs from night to morning while sleeping. Here's to hoping I didn't actually put that much (weight) on. I go to the Doctors office tomorrow morning. I went for a nice little walk tonight and felt great.

· Gender : Its a princess - Her name is Skyler Mae

· Maternity clothes: My Stomach is swallowing all of my clothes! So BIG! All gym shorts and maternity clothes. Still wearing tanks - but only while Im home. NOT outside lol

· Stretch marks?: Nope. Thank you Lord!

· Wedding rings on or off?: Off & my fake one is getting tight!!

· Sleep: Is STILL awful. I don't get good sleep at all.

· Best moment this week?: Hub was drunk on the way home from the wedding, I was driving he put his hand on my belly and Skyler was going BONKERS - then he starts poking my belly back after every kick. When I asked what he was doing he said "She kicked me I'm just showing her who's boss". lol I couldn't make this up if I wanted!

· Movement: She is SO active! Its an amazing feeling!

· Food cravings: Nothing really. I haven't felt satisfied after eating in a long while though. I swear she makes it so I cant finish a meal but then I eat every hour or so.

· Food aversions: None right now

· Labor signs: Well this can be to be continued... for tomorrow. Lets just say I had to go to maternity triage for a few hours last night.

· Belly button in or out?: In, for now...

· What I miss: My back not hurting EVERY DAY

· What I'm looking forward to: Tomorrows Doctors appointment!

· Milestone: My husband bonding with my belly :)

31 Weeks!

2012-09-01T21:43:00.001-04:00

HAPPY SEPTEMBER!!

Pineapple?! That's kinda weird.. cause I've been craving Pineapple like crazy. Now I don't think I'll be able to eat it!

· How far along are you? THIRTY ONE weeks!!! Holy smokes!

· Total weight gain: 203 (yesterday 11am ishh). Yes. I am not happy about it. I cant even make excuses. I ate like crap the last week... I mean it was my Baby shower - Hubsters Birthday... crazy weight gain. It was a total of 9lbs since I last saw the OB... She wasn't happy with me which makes me sad because shes usually singing my praises. Total of 29 lbs. She recommended I walk about 40 minutes a day on top of staying pretty active. Which I feel like I am as active as I'm gonna get. Heck I mowed the front and back lawn last week and cleaned the entire house for a little bday shindig. I am not going to put myself down about it but I am going to try to walk more (when I can) and watch what I eat a little better.

· Gender : Its a princess - Her name is Skyler Mae

· Maternity clothes: Still the same. Dresses, Gym clothes. My tanks & T-shirts are belly shirts. I have a few maternity shirts I wear.. I went to Kohls tonight to get more maternity shirts... I left empty handed. I refuse to pay 20$ for a shirt I am not going to get much use out of. I need a clearance rack or maybe Craig's list.

· Stretch marks?: Nope. Thank you Lord!

· Wedding rings on or off?: Off & my fake one is getting tight!! Mentioned the swelling to the OB and she says that because of the heat and water Its normal. No need to worry.

· Sleep: Is STILL awful. I don't get good sleep at all.

· Best moment this week?: The Baby Shower. So overwhelmed and grateful to people

· Movement: She is SO active! Its an amazing feeling!

· Food cravings: Pineapple and Birthday cake - thank goodness I have extra cake in the fridge from the hubs bday!

· Food aversions: None right now

· Labor signs: None. A little cramping. Nothing to write home about

· Belly button in or out?: In, for now...

· What I miss: Date nights (with wine) - my Summer clothes.

· What I'm looking forward to: Tomorrow my friend is taking maternity pictures. I have been avoiding them. I figure shes doing it for fun & I am not paying for them so I need to suck it up.

· Milestone: I really don't know... I would say another week closer to meeting her... but I feel that way every week.

Operation Shower

2012-08-25T09:07:00.001-04:00

A few months ago I received an email from the squadron that I work if any first time mom would be interested in attending an event called Operation Shower... So because I am a ~~dork~~ researcher before responding to the email I quickly did a Google search. When I saw the website I knew right away I wanted to be apart of it. If I wasn't going to go to the shower, I was going to try (in the future after Skyler is born) to donate. There was a lot of back and forth with the squadron, finally I was able to get in touch with one of the event organizers via their facebook.

Leading up to the event Mr.B & I made plans to go to Long Beach NY so we made it into a little "babymoon" it was so wonderful. We walked Long Beaches Nautical Mile, we ate (disgusting microwaved food) at Ottos (on the Nautical Mile), we had ice cream then went and played miniature golf. The following day we headed up to the Barclays. The Barclays is supposed to be one of the hardest golf courses around. They were hosting military appreciation day. Mr.B watched the golfers while I spent the day at the shower.

When entering you were able to enter a raffle for crib bedding by carousel design. Of course I did! We ate food provided by whole foods. Then the fun started. There were several speakers including Melissa Joan Heart who is currently expecting her THIRD child! They started raffling off items first was the Wonder Bug activity center - well what do you know EVERY MOM received one! Then there was the bedding raffle. There was a boys/girls/neutral raffle and guess what? I WON THE GIRLS!! It matches Skylers nursery colors perfectly. It couldn't have worked better... now we have two sets which is great since we didn't register for any extra bedding.

Facebook

Made in the USA by Carousel Designs

After the initial raffles we were ALL given HUGE boxes filled with goodies...

I took this in Sklyers nursery :)

The box on the left is the box that was filled with goodies, HUGE right? I am sure I am going to miss things but let me try to name some of the items that were given - for free - to all the moms (each box was gender specific and age specific they asked us in advance what we were having and when we were due)

Moby Wrap
Two winter newborn outfits
Disney onsies SIX total (so soft)
LOTS of books - for mom and baby
Build a Bear white teddy
A Diaper bag by Petunia Picklebottom (which I ADORE)
A book titled Sh*tty Mom (LOVE IT - the Author was there and personally gave out her books)
A book titled Plan a Party (I love parties! This author was also there! )
ANOTHER set of sheets and a crib blanket from Carousel Designs
A pair of shoes
A tether
Wipes
A memory book (to put photos for the baby to remember faces)
A baby Brag photo album
A MUM pacifier and bottle
An Operation Shower sippy cup
The coolest sunglasses
Johnston & Johnston body wash
Hand knitted hat and bib along with a few other onsies, bibs, towel and receiving blanket
(Not Pictured) A Baby's 1st birthday starter kit!

That is pretty much all I can see. I cried when I opened the box. I was so overwhelmed and filled with gratitude. It was amazing.... but that wasnt all. After a few minutes they started raffling off items again. Custom bedding and a crib were given away by Carousel Designs! A Ryder wagon was raffled off, a beautiful watch was raffled. Then they raffled off a bracelet (which I am sad I dont have a photo of and I dont remember the name of the company I will try to remember to update this) EVERYONE got one! There was a Tree of Life on it. I thought it was so symbolic to have all these women who were pregnant (or who had given birth only weeks prior to the event). Then There was a Mclaren Trimuph Stroller raffle - they called number 45, noone had it so OBVIOUSLY that meant EVERYONE got one! CRAZY!? Tears again. The next item was a Britax Marathon 70 Car seat - which you guessed it EVERYONE got one!

Babies R Us

After the shower we participated in a military ceremony. I was told because parking was SO far they would mail our goodies to us. Well wouldn't you know yesterday (Friday) I get home to FOUR boxes on my front stoop! Yes. 2 day turn around. So quick. I can not express how much everything meant to me, how filled with gratitude and thanks I am to the people who donated and put together this event. Operation Shower - an amazing organization and I am so lucky that they have touched my life. I still think about it and get chills all the mothers there had smiles from ear to ear. I can not say enough how amazing it all was. Everyone should go check them out...

Web Page

Twitter

Facebook

** A link on FB from a photographerElizabeth Mascali - An Author who donated the party book! **

Sorry for the long post!

xoxo

Mrs.B

p.s. tomorrow is my baby shower with friends & family I CAN NOT WAIIIIIT!!!

30 WEEKS!!!

2012-08-25T07:47:00.001-04:00

*I totally missed 29 weeks! Sorry for slacking & I'm sorry this blog has been a week by week linkup and bump update!*

· How far along are you? 30 WEEKS!!! 7 more weeks until your FULL TERM Skyler! Momma and Daddy agree that after October 13th you can come whenever you want.

· Total weight gain: I am at 198 as of this morning, which is exactly 25LB gain. Very first thing I did was weigh myself - before I ate or drank anything. Typically I weigh myself first thing in the AM and right before bed. I have seen the scale as high as 204 at night. Its just a lot of fluctuation.

· Gender : Female - Her name is Skyler Mae

· Maternity clothes: Still the same. Dresses, Gym clothes. My tanks & T-shirts are belly shirts. I have a few maternity shirts I wear.. I may need more in the coming weeks.

· Stretch marks?: Nope.

· Wedding rings on or off?: Off & my fake one is getting tight!!

· Sleep: Has been AWFUL. Mr.B and I went out of town for Operation Shower and stayed at a hotel. I woke up at 1AM with awful pains. Mr.B must have felt me wake up and he jumped out of bed so quickly. It was just Skyler all up in my ribs but it was so painfully uncomfortable I could not get back to bed until after 2:30AM. She has been doing that a lot lately... ontop of the sciatic nerve, going to the bathroom a million times a night and my shoulders screaming - sleep is not something that I get a bunch of continuous hours of.

· Best moment this week?: OPERATION shower. hands down. Was amazing.

· Movement: A TON! She's going all over the place. I love it!

· Food cravings: Birthday cake... This is the one that keeps coming back! Thankfully Hubs Birthday is this week :)

· Food aversions: None right now

· Labor signs: None other then a few occasional braxton hicks. During the 4D ultrasound the tech said that Skyler is head down.

· Belly button in or out?: In. Hopefully it stays that way, but its doubtful!

· What I miss: I miss going out. The beach. Amusement Parks. Fitting into clothes.

· What I'm looking forward to: My baby shower is tomorrow! I can not wait!

· Milestone: Hitting the 30 week mark! 7 more weeks until she is full term!

Fridays Letters

2012-08-17T00:00:00.000-04:00

Bachelorette Party with the Bridesmaids that made the trip to Baltimore MD to celebrate!

Morning!!

I'm linking up again with Ashley at Adventures Of Newlyweds for her Fridays Letters Link up!

Dear Husband : I know I don't say it enough but Thank You for all of the hard work you do at the house. I know I bitch about it a ton but you really do surprise me sometimes. You are an amazing person and I am very lucky to be your wife. I can not wait 11 more weeks until our baby girl has you wrapped around her finger. I cant wait to see how you interact with her!! Your going to be great with this 'Dad' stuff. Dear Skyler: we are going to have to have a talk... Momma and Daddy paid a pretty penny for a 4D ultrasound and you did not play nice. We did get a few really weird but very cute pictures. Your Daddy wanted the ultrasound tech to confirm that you were a girl and boy did you show him! I can not wait to meet you. Its so hard to explain to people how much I love you and I haven't even met you yet (only other Moms/pregnant women would know). Dear Puppies: You guys were very good when Baby Jack came over the other day. When he let out a little scream Layla your ears went up and you wanted to come ~~eat~~ kiss him so much but I couldn't let you get too close. Maybe when Skyler is here and we get comfortable you can love on her. Oscar and Jessie you two are too silly, and are going to be good brothers and sisters too... Whenever the door to her room is open I catch you in there laying on the rug or just looking at all the things in there. Dear August: You have been an amazing (-ly stressful) month. So far we had a baby shower, a bachelorette party and our 4D ultrasound... we still have 2 days at Long Beach Island, Operation Shower, Patricks Birthday, My baby shower , Nicole's c- section, Patrick's 'surprise' party & our OB appointment. Lets play nice the next few weeks! I am drained here.

Ready for picture overload?!

The DRESSER!! Yes its finished & I love it to pieces!

Crib (with bumper that's going to be removed!)

Amazing in a very weird way

Big Yawn!

Hi Baby Skyler I love you!

All of us girls in Baltimore

P.S. I love all the comments! Keep em' coming

xoxo

A little late..28 weeks & Sometimes & Always

2012-08-14T18:06:00.003-04:00

Sometimes: Time flies SO darn fast. I lose track of everything

Always: Thankful the November is coming up so I can meet this little kicker in my belly

Sometimes: I feel like I nag my husband to death

Always: Feel better when my nagging turns into do'ing so I know he actually listens to me while I nag (LOVE YOU BABY)

Sometimes: I absolutely HATE to clean and I feel like I do it EVERY dang day!

Always: Would much have a clean house than a crappy dirty house.

Sometimes: I get the urge to job hunt

Always: Remember time is ticking down and I NEED to try to find something ASAP before my maternity leave will be up

· How far along are you? 28 WEEKS!!!

· Total weight gain: I am at 199 as of yesterday morning. I know WAY more then my Dr. recommended. It is SO HARD to try to stay on track with weight gain. I really do not feel like I am over eating (at all). I eat when I am hungry and I don't always reach for sweets. I have actually been crazing Mangos and Pineapple lately.

· Gender : Female - Her name is Skyler Mae

· Maternity clothes: Tons of dresses & stretchy shorts. My tank tops are getting shorter.. pretty soon they will be belly shirts.

· Stretch marks?: Nope none yet.

· Wedding rings on or off?: I have my fakey that I wearing still.

· Sleep: Has been AWFUL. I have sciatic nerve pain (is that what ya call it?). My shoulders are so sore from sleeping on my side. I try to switch from left to right nightly so I can at least give them a rest. Hubsters have been good about massaging my back though.

· Best moment this week?: Hubs felt her move on Sunday (the 12th)!! We were cuddling on the couch and she was moving... really big movements.. I grabbed his hand and put it on my belly she wailed on him! He was a bit creeped out but it was a good feeling to finally have him feel her. + Tomorrow is our 3D/4D ultrasound!! I am so excited!

· Movement: A TON!

· Food cravings: Sweets & Fruit

· Food aversions: None right now

· Labor signs: None other then a few occasional braxton hicks. I have also been having lower abdomen pain. Like right above my pelvic bone.

· Belly button in or out?: In. Hopefully it stays that way.

· What I miss: Being able to enjoy the summer & having a glass of wine.

· What I'm looking forward to: The 3D/4D ultrasound. & in 2 weeks we are having the baby shower :)

· Milestone: Defiantly her Daddy feeling her for the first time. I think it also help us (him and I) connect better as a couple and as parents

Well what do we have here?!

2012-08-08T00:00:00.000-04:00

Fruit Punch flavored YUCKKKKY

This is how my Monday morning started.... Well after the hour drive home from work and eating a very bland plain breakfast. I went to the hospital and sat in the out patient lab for an hour after drinking this bottle of sugar. It wasn't AS bad as I got myself all stressed over. The only think I can kinda compare it to is a VERY strong fruit drink. Have you ever drank a sugary drink that made your throat burn a little? Not like liquor burning feeling but a little tingle/burn feeling? Weird I know. That is the only way I can describe it. I waited an hour in the waiting room and had 5 little tubes of blood taken and was on my merry way... I called this morning for the results and my glucose was good! No gestational diabetes, I don't know why I was so scared of it... maybe just because I have gained 20+ LBS and it terrifies me to have gained so much and I still have over 10 weeks left? Who knows. That was the good news. The bad news was that I had VERY low iron. Super low. I forget what the word was that the NP used on the phone but 13 is the normal low and I was barley a 9. So I just have to add a supplement.

We also worked on Skylers hand me down dresser. It wasnt too hard... I sanded it lightly to get the glossy junk off and Mr.B spray primed it and painted a sloppy top coat. Just to see if it would match the other furniture..

Primed and ready to get painted!

Sloppy coat... NO GOOD!

Mr.B said while I'm at work today he is going to put a full coat on it and possibly a second, it will get darker. We need it to be like a black/brown and that is like a chocolate brown... It will not match! I think tomorrow I will take a trip to home depot while hubsters is on shift.

This weekend I am SO looking forward to hanging out with my BFF for her Bachelorette party!! I know I cant party like I used to but it doesnt matter it will be an amazing time. OH and how could I have forgotten GO USA! This is Hub and the Pug Jessie watching US vs. Canada Woman's Soccer it was an amazing nail bitter match. US came out on top playing Thursday against Japan for the gold!

Talk to you all soon! xo

Sometimes & Always

2012-08-07T19:29:00.001-04:00

Linking up with Megan from Mackey Madness for Sometimes & Always! You should too!!!

Sometimes: I get these spurts of energy to work on Skylers room

Always: Takes longer then expected but we have a few months longer (even though in my perfect world it will be done before her shower at the end of this month!!)

Pass me down dresser primed and ready for paint

a VERY rough first coat to see if the color was right... I don't think it is at all. :(

Sometimes: I have the urge to paint my nails

Always: Lasts about 3 days until it starts to look horrid and then it still takes days before I take the polish off

Sometimes: All I want is a good nights sleep

Always: Would rather toss and turn with the Hubs and Dogs in bed then sleep at work alone.

Sometimes: I wish I could get a massage every day

Always: Realize I am not rich.. and that makes me sad.

LINK UP!!

27 Weeks!

2012-08-05T13:47:00.002-04:00

· How far along are you? 27 WEEKS!!!

· Total weight gain: Last time I weighed myself I was 196- Last time I went to the OB I was 194... My weight fluctuation so much its insane. Water + Swelling + Eating! I asked my OB what was OKAY to gain and she told me I could gain about a pound a week until I was due, OR preferably .5 a pound a week. It would be easier on my body that way.

· Gender : Skyler Mae :) She is going to be so loved!

· Maternity clothes: LOTS of dresses. Gym shorts when I'm home or in the car for a long period of time.

· Stretch marks?: Nada!! I read it has a lot to do with genetics and my Momma said that she only got very light ones and not a lot at all. I'm hoping I'm as lucky as her!

· Wedding rings on or off?: I have my fakey that I wearing still. Next month sometime I want to bring my rings back to the jeweler to be dipped

· Sleep: When I can get comfortable I am golden. But that's my problemo I can not for the life of me get comfortable...

· Best moment this week?: To see Skyler kicking. It was crazy creepy she was kicking around while I was laying on the couch and I was just looking at my belly and it started making waves. Amazed by her.

· Movement: A bunch.

· Food cravings: Sweets. Like Cupcakes and Cake.

· Food aversions: None right now

· Labor signs: I think I felt my first few braxton hicks. They weren't too bad but I hear they progress with you.

· Belly button in or out?: In. Hopefully it stays that way.

· What I miss: Going to amusement parks

· What I'm looking forward to: The 4D ultrasound! Its in 10 days!

· Milestone: Seeing her moving around from the outside... It is a wonderful feeling to be able to see how strong shes getting.

Fridays Letters

2012-08-03T15:41:00.001-04:00

My Dear friend Robyn and I

Today I'm linking up with Ashley from Adventures of Newlyweds for Fridays Letters!

Dear Rock 'n' Roll for the Animals: You were such a good night! I hope the PSPCA got tons of donations and copious amounts of money was raised! Dear Robyn: We've been friends for a super long time.. We've always been the crazy animal lovers. People would look at our friendship like WTF those girls have nothing in common but you are one of my best and longest friendships and you put on an AMAZING event last night. I am very proud of you and even more proud to call you my friend. Dear Husband: After weeks of begging the dresser is down in the bar room! Hopefully while I'm at work today you got your cute little butt to work on it. Our next big project is getting rid of those tree limbs. Delaware spiders are going to take over that mess and I wont be a happy pregnant woman. Dear Skyler: Tomorrow is week 27 & according to my appy that means HAPPY THIRD TRIMESTER! That scares the hell out me and makes me so excited because its one step closer to meeting you. Dear August: YOU are one busy month... Which means I will have a ton to blog about.

xoxo

Mrs. B

p.s. tomorrow I will be posting my 27 week update! & my goals to get rid of a credit card and try to save every penny before Skyler gets here. Check back with me!

My Fun Packed Weekend + Sometimes & Always

2012-07-31T21:09:00.001-04:00

I know blogging about the weekend.. on a Tuesday. So sue me! I had such a great weekend On Saturday I went with 2 of my girlfriends to the Miranda Lambert concert at the Delaware State fair. It was amazing. Miranda Live is simply amazing.

The Girls and I in front of Casa D' 'B'

Mrs.Shelton... AMAZING

I was teaching the girls how to relieve swamp ass - keeping it classy

Pistol Annies

YES it was an amazing night. I was completely exhausted and sore once I got home but it was totally worth it do be able to see one of the most amazing artists.

On Sunday Mr.B and I went to the Philadelphia Union game... this is nothing special we go to most all of their games. My Father and I share season tickets but this is the first time Patrick and I tailgated the game. Like with a few people and I had an OKAY time, Mr.B on the other hand had a blast. We were with a few of his friends from work and their girlfriends. It was like a high school make out party. Its a wonderful feeling to be young and in a new relationship but there is a place and a time for a XXX make out session. In a parking lot full of other people is not one of them.

Mr.B and I... hes a bit on the tipsy side. No worries I drove! :]

On Monday we went to the OB... It was a nice visit. I have gained a total of 20 lbs (at 26 wks 2 days). Dr.P says I am right on track, and that I could comfortably gain another 7 - 12 lbs. After hearing that yesterday I went on a nice long walk... 40 minutes worth of walking + a bruised toe and three blisters later I decided I need new shoes and I just thought about how lucky I am. I have an amazing family, a husband that I adore (on most days lol) and I am pregnant with a very healthy little girl whose heart beat is 156BMP. I am so blessed.

Today I am at work and off tomorrow and Thursday and have dinner plans with the hubbys coworker and his new girlfriend (whom I actually like). Cant wait!

Now for Linking up with Megan with Sometimes & Always with Mackey Madness.

Sometimes: I feel so much guilt being lazy because I have so much to do!

Always: Justify a break. I am housing a baby that us sucking the life out of me.

Sometimes: I get SO MAD at my dogs!

Always: Yell at them when they are bad, ignore them for 3 minutes then give them cuddles I love them

Sometimes: I search for 'normal' jobs and hope someone will come out of the darkness and offer me something good, because no college degree means "would you like fries with that".

Always: Am so hard on myself. I need to try to put myself out there more.

((Anyone wanna hire a girl whose only real job has been a firefighter))

Till next time

xox

Mrs.B

P.S. Anyone out there update Blog pages?! I need some umpf on this thing!

26 Weeks!!

2012-07-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

· How far along are you? 26 Weeks ( we go ^ every Saturday) 13 weeks left!!!

· Total weight gain: Last time I weighed myself I was 195 (lastnight) :-(

· Gender : it’s a GIRL! & her name is Skyler

· How big is baby?: She is between 13.6 & 14.8 inches & 1.5 to 2.5 pounds

· Maternity clothes: LOTS of dresses. Because they are comfy and I am miserable lol

· Stretch marks?: Nada!! I read it has a lot to do with genetics and my Momma said that she only got very light ones and not a lot at all. I'm hoping I'm as lucky as her!

· Wedding rings on or off?: I have my fakey that I wear when we go out or if I go to a work meeting.

· Sleep: Is wonderful when I get it. When Its good I don't want to wake up. I want to sleep ALL THE TIME!

· Best moment this week?: Best moment... Oh my Dad went into surgery he told EVERYONE about his first grandbaby. Right while they were wheeling him out of the waiting area he rubbed my belly. I could have cried my eyes out but I kept my composure until I got into my car. Then it was game over.

· Movement: Lots. Shes an animal I'm tellin ya!

· Food cravings: french fries. mac and cheese!

· Food aversions: Grapes. Things that make me have indigestion.

· Labor signs: None at all.

· Belly button in or out?: In. Hopefully it stays that way.

· What I miss: Going to amusement parks

· What I'm looking forward to: The 4D ultrasound! + I cant believe its already almost August!

· Milestone: Week 26! It's amazing to be so far along in this pregnancy 6 and half months. Its crazy. Completely Crazy. I love this little girl so much already.

Friday's Letters

2012-07-27T21:18:00.000-04:00

Today I'm linking up with Ashley from Adventures of Newlyweds for Friday's Letters!!

google images ryan gosling

Dear Jenny: Your in labor right now. TWO weeks early I am so stinkin excited for you and John. I can not wait to meet baby Jack and give him all the lovin' I can! Dear Husband: I love how cute you are in the morning while you're still 1/2 asleep and I go to give you kisses. You fight it so much but that little smirk on your face melts my heart. Dear DOGS: You three have been incredibly bad the past few weeks and I have had it up to my eye balls. I have tried about everything I can think of except putting diapers on you and taping your mouths shut (I would never but Its bad people). Dear Skyler: We go to the Doctor on Monday. I am DREADING to see the weight on the scale... I just want this to be known that I'm gaining all of this weight because I love you SO MUCH already! Dear Ryan Gosling: I have been watching a ton of your movies lately. I love to look at you. Dear Friends: I have come to the conclusion that I love getting snail mail. If you do too leave me a comment or email (christine.kohler85@gmail.com) with your address + birthday & once I write it down I will erase your comments and I will send you a once in a while card.

My Dad

2012-07-24T19:11:00.003-04:00

I mentioned the other day that my Dad was getting surgery. A little back story... before I was born (I'm 26) my Dad worked for a tree cutting company. One day he fell out of a tree and it resulted in him breaking his hip. At the time they thought that they could pin it with pins and screws and keep it together but that was a no go so they opted for a replacement. At the time they offered plastic replacements and they were recommended for up to 10 years.

Now fast forward to January ishhhh.. he started getting this awful unbearable cramping ( I mean he's had cramping for pretty much the last 10 years but this was a number 17 of the 1-10 scale!). He chalked it up to being on his leg too long or over working himself. So one day my sister found the original Dr who preformed the surgery (Who by the way is the orthopedic surgeon for the Philadelphia 76ers) and secretly called him to set up an appointment for my Dad. Dad was PISSED. He cussed and threatened to call and schedule my sister all sorts of appointments she wouldn't like. It was actually VERY funny to see a 55 year old man act that way over a measly little doctors appointment. Well X-rays were taken, appointments were rescheduled due to the 76ers making it into the playoffs & the Dr needed to travel, exams were had referrals were given and it all boiled down to surgery on Monday. It isn't a replacement of the replacement, it was a refurbish kinda surgery of the 26 year old hip replacement.

I've never seen my Dad so scared in his life. He looked like a lost puppy I wanted to hold him and tell him everything would be OKAY. Fact is, I wasn't scared of the surgery.. I was/am scared of the recovery. I am scared that even though he now has his refurbished hip that he will still be in pain. Today some of that fear went away when the Physical Therapist came in to talk to him while I was hanging out with him. He said that most people are up and about after 2 weeks with a walker and then using a cane for the next few months until all his muscle (where the incision was) is repaired. In about a month he will be allowed to drive again and if all goes well he will be back to "normal" in 3 months. I'm really hoping he heeds the hospital and doctors warnings, advise and takes it easy. He was already in the hospital bed doing work from his laptop! Luckily he can work from home.. so that burden is off his shoulders (and my Moms) I will be on baby sitting duty my days off so look for more Dad updates.

Oh the ISH my Dad says while hopped up on pain meds makes me laugh so hard I was crying! I wish I could video tape him.

Mrs.B

Showers?

2012-07-22T16:47:00.000-04:00

Showers as in .... Thunderstorms, Bridal showers & Baby showers!

This week I have had some kind of hand in each of them! Here on the East coast we have been having some wild weather. It will go from high 90's + humidity then go to mid 70's low humidity... and rain all afternoon. It has made for a very interesting weather report. I'm not going to lie if the weather stayed in the mid/upper 70's the rest of the summer I would be happier then a pig in crap. It was beautiful. Chilly enough to actually head outside for a walk! Speaking of which today I set an alarm on my phone for a daily walk since I have had major working out phobia. I will go for a walk one day then spend 3 days sleeping the day away. Then all of the sudden feel like I need to walk again. So this will be a daily reminder. No excuses, unless my body physically says "NO!", at least I cant say "I forgot".

This week I also went to a Bridal shower for my high school friend Lisa! It was beautiful! I got some practice time in with her little niece, Elizabeth. She is as cute as a button. & she has the meanest low crawl!

Now for Baby Showers... I have a really good friends Baby shower the first weekend in August which is a guy & gal shower. My first ever mixed company shower I can not wait to see how it turns out. Shes also having a little girl, I already called dibs on hand me downs :)

My Mom sent out my shower invites this week! Kinda early but with my Dad going in for surgery she wanted to clear her plate.

We printed them for free at On To Baby I love them!

Well if that isn't enough on the 'shower front' then I'm sure if you check back in a few weeks I will have more updates preparing for my own with my mom & sisters + my friends coming up!!

Dads hip replacement is tomorrow... So I may be MIA this week!

Mrs.B

Week 25!!

2012-07-22T16:29:00.001-04:00

· How far along are you? 25 Weeks ( we go ^ every Saturday) 14 weeks left!!!

· Total weight gain: Weighed myself at home this morning and I was 192

· Gender : it’s a GIRL! & her name is Skyler

· How big is baby?: She is between 13.6 & 14.8 inches & 1.5 to 2.5 pounds!

· Maternity clothes: Still the same. Mostly maternity bottoms (unless they are gym shorts) and 99.8% my pre-pregnancy tops

· Stretch marks?: Nada. I'm praying I don't get any OR many. Here is to hoping!

· Wedding rings on or off?: I have my fakey that I wear when we go out or if I go to a work meeting.

· Sleep: It stinks. I cant get comfortable & when I do fall asleep I wake up like 5 times a night tossing and turning + a go numb in some places (legs, arms & hands) Sometimes I sleep through the night those are good nights!

· Best moment this week?: She is moving like crazy!!! A few days ago I thought I barley felt her but the following day I made notice to every little move and she's in there going to town!

· Movement: Tons at night and sometimes during the day when I'm sitting at my desk.

· Food cravings: french fries. like all the time.

· Food aversions: Oranges. Still.

· Labor signs: None at all.

· Belly button in or out?: In. I can tell its stretching though. I don't want an outtie!

· What I miss: Cool weather.

· What I'm looking forward to: Tons of things.. First is my Dr. appointment on the 30th of this month.

· Milestone: The 25th week! Its so exciting progressing. Shes moving a TON which is also exciting.

My friend Jess and I at Lisa's Bridal Shower 25 weeks!

Mrs.B

Operation Shower

2012-07-20T21:02:00.002-04:00

I'm pretty stoked right now... Well for a few reasons. My Momma and Poppa sent out my Baby shower invitations!!! 26 August. I CAN NOT WAIT!!! We are making major changes over at the B Residence! I am going to take photos and dedicate a whole post to the changes, but for now I am going to tell you about this AMAZING opportunity for Military Mommas!!

I get this email maybe like two weeks ago asking for new military moms, or first time military moms who have experienced a deployment recently Or a spouse of a member who is disabled. Its scheduled for 22 August in Farmingdale NY. I look at my work schedule.. I look at Mr.B's work schedule and it turns out we both have the 21st and 22nd off. I quickly research this Operation Shower to make sure its legit and not a scam. Man oh man what I found was amazing! This charity goes out of their way for military moms to give them something very special before (or very soon after) their babies enter this wonderful America. Once I was done with the research I emailed this woman Amy. She got back to me after spending the week in Chicago at another shower and she tells me all the info. I couldn't accept the invitation ANY SOONER. I have been facebook & twitter stalking them and the theme for the shower I'm attending is a book shower. I can NOT wait.

I have a dilemma I need an outfit. Now being that I don't have tons of cash to spend on a 'fancy' maternity dress (the event is being hosted at the PGAs Barclays - HUGE golf event) PLUS I want to take tons of pictures of Mr.B and I. He doesn't know this yet - He will eventually find out.. duh. ANY other Mil Spouses going? Anyone from the Long Beach NY area wanna meet up for lunch, or can give us any recommendations?! I hear there are TONS of really bad ass light houses on the NY coast. I am so excited. As if you couldn't tell.

Its going to be an amazing Baby Moon for Mr.B and I + its something fun to surround ourselves with other Mil Mommas due around the same time!

We are going to be getting the formal invitation this week sometime I will update with photos. Until then CLICK on the Operation Shower link & follow them on twitter and facebook they host these events ALL OVER the US! Or maybe you or someone you know could help support thier cause!

xo
Mrs.B

Friday's Letters

2012-07-20T20:38:00.003-04:00

Linking up with Ashley for Friday's Letters

Dear Mr.B : It made me so excited this week when you put your hands on my belly and tried to feel Sklyer kicking. She was being stubborn like her Mamma and not kicking for you but soon enough... I know it will happen. Dear Dad: You have surgery on Monday - a hip replacement. Don't worry your girls will take care of you. We love you! Dear Bloggers : I have been talking to more and more of you & I LOVE IT! We should talk more often. Dear Home: I adore the way you've been coming together. You are quite expensive lately though... hopefully we are knocking all of this out before baby comes. Dear Skyler: You are a dancing machine! I'm pretty sure you are in there just reminding me that your still growing. Finally Dear exercise: You and I haven't gotten along AT ALL during the past few months. I can feel it in my muscles. I don't like the feeling but we both know I am stubborn and I will get back into the swing of things. You cant stop me for too long.

xox

Mrs.B

24 Week Update + a bit of ranting

2012-07-15T16:11:00.001-04:00

· How far along are you? 24 Weeks ( we go ^ every Saturday) 15 weeks left!!!

· Total weight gain: Weighed myself at home this morning and I was 191

· Gender : it’s a GIRL! & her name is Skyler

· How big is baby?: According to the Bump she the size of a Cantaloupe. 10.5-11.8 inches & 12.7 - 20.8 ounces!

· Maternity clothes: Still the same. Mostly maternity bottoms (unless they are gym shorts) and 99.8% my pre-pregnancy tops

· Stretch marks?: Nada. I'm praying I don't get any OR many. Here is to hoping!

· Wedding rings on or off?: I have my fakey that I wear when we go out or if I go to a work meeting.

· Sleep: Has been getting better. I swear I am like a 2 year old wanting naps every afternoon. I let myself have them though because I know once this little girl comes shes going to give me a run for my money!

· Best moment this week?: She is moving like crazy!!! A few days ago I thought I barley felt her but the following day I made notice to every little move and she's in there going to town!

· Movement: Tons

· Food cravings: Not anything in particular but I am ALWAYS hungry it feels like/

· Food aversions: Oranges. Still.

· Labor signs: None at all.

· Belly button in or out?: In. I can tell its stretching though. I don't want an outtie!!! My pregnancy belly ring came in and I am not going to change it until I must!

· What I miss: Cool weather.

· What I'm looking forward to: Humm... July 30th is the next Dr. appointment and then there is a August 15th 4D ultrasound! & the 26th is my husbands birthday & the baby shower!

· Milestone: The 24 week mark!! Its so exciting to progress week to week. I love it. I love feeling her moving around.

So Mr.B and I are dragging our feet with this dresser project that we need to do. I want him and his buddies to get it out of the babies room so we can go out side and sand/primer/paint but he says its entirely too heavy and that we should just use a tarp and do it in Skylers room. This may sound fantastic but ALL I can picture is a crap ton of dust and me cleaning everything up. I guess if I let him do it his way though it will get done faster. Anyone ever paint a dresser? Any tips? I've read to sand enough to get the shiny coat off of the wood then it will be good to go for primer. Come on people I need motivation. ((UPDATE:: I just vented to Mr.B & he told me to stay home from work tomorrow and we could work on it - do I feel a cold coming along?))

In my getting bigger stages I defiantly feel more irritated and less mobile. I don't like to bend over and heaven forbid I wear shoes that I need to tie. My goodness. I feel my face getting puffy I know it is baby related so I don't want you guys to think I am complaining about carrying a life inside of me but I'm just so not used to this.

I've also been thinking a lot about my career and school during the past week. I told my husband there is no way I want to go back to work where I currently am unless we absolutely NEED the money. I am am about 9 credits away from an associates in Fire Science and I'm planning on going to talk to someone from administration this week. I need to figure out what I need to do and what they would recommend for me to finish it up. Heck maybe I can take one online course this fall. Once I get back into the swing of going to school I think it will be easier to take more classes. Kinda backwards having a kid THEN going back to school... So much going through my head. I'm scared as heck with all these things looming over me. My career, this baby, the house work, going back to school.... It's a TON to think about but I know it will make me a better person & mom in the long run.

xox

Mrs.B

Blogger Meet Up?!

2012-07-11T21:24:00.002-04:00

Ladies!!! So I'm not sure I am the perfect blogger to plan this but I'm hoping for someone to step up and help. I have about 50 blogs on my feed that I read daily. I notice a lot of them are from the South or from the West Coast. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the South and the thought of visiting the West Coast excites me...but I want to try to get us East Coast ladies together for a fun day & lunch date?! Who thinks this is an amazing idea? I am from the Philadelphia/Delaware area and I know there are a few from NYC, Maryland and DC.. maybe we could all meet up some where New York, Philadelphia DC? If anyone wants to help me try to put this together? Blog about it? Get more people interested in it? PLEASE let me know what you think!!!

Thanks all

Christine

Summer Swap!!!

2012-07-11T19:03:00.002-04:00

So a few weeks ago one of my favorite bloggers Flip Flops & Combat Boots announced she was going to host a blog summer swap! There was a 20$ limit not including shipping. I am always reluctant to do swaps because I'm a scardy cat... but I also LOVE them because its a way to connect with bloggers all over the world and it really helps create friendship rather then just a behind the scenes blog creeper status. Don't get me wrong people I am totally that creeper sometimes so scared to comment or get in touch with some people. I was VERY lucky to be partnered with Mel over at Head in the Game, Heart in the sand.

She was very creative and emailed me this super cute survey, so of course I replied with one. Once we talked and I got her survey I could totally see myself sitting in the hills of Colorado drinking a glass of wine with this lady (well once little Skyler is evicted). She seems like the type of person I could be -real life- friends if only the cool ones didn't live across country? Huh? Well I am not going to keep on talking about her YOU GO READ HER blog and learn to love her, because she is awesome! Mel :]

(sorry for the crap IPhone pic & that's my work Target bedding don't judge)

So what was in my package you may ask?!

Laffy Taffys (which didn't last long)

An Old Navy reusable bag. I don't know how she knew I use these like they are going out of style.

The most amazing lip gloss (MEL where did you get it?!)

RED nail polish... I love red. Its my favorite color, its classy on your nails its fun & professional!

(I totally got her a reddish nail polish too - told ya we can be real friends)

A little card holder. I don't have my own cards - but I'm using it for my cards that don't fit in my wallet but still carry around.

Two cute pens (the guys at work wont steal these ones!)

Emery boards & a perfume sample

+ a cute note.

I love everything in it and THANK YOU SO MUCH MEL! The gifts were amazing and I really hope you liked the things I sent to you!

Tomorrow I am going to work on re-painting Skylers dresser any re-painting tips?!

Mrs.B