Modern Mommyhood

My Vlogs Have Returned! Meet Mabel!

2012-02-26T18:22:00.001-05:00

I'm back to vlogging! Finally! It was driving me crazy that it had been so long but here's my newest vlog and you get to meet Mabel!

*Don't forget to vote!*

There's A Baby In My Bedroom - What Doesn't Belong?

2012-02-26T15:30:00.000-05:00

My pristine looking bedroom has now been turned upside down by a baby. Take a look:

Look at this like one of those pictures in Highlights for Kids that asks to find everything that is wrong (or what people who don't have a kid might be horrified to find in their bedroom, lol):

Where's the missing bed skirt? Hmm, there is no time to put it on when you're washing sheets everyday due to baby spit up.
My hoodie and tank top are laying in the bed...only a mom knows how to peel off clothes fast enough to nurse a super hungry, angry, fussy baby.
Baby Legs legwarmers up by the pillow...baby clothes end up all over your house.
White burp cloths...enough said.
Light pink Brest Friend on the bed...I will go to any length to keep Mabel happy and to have a successful nursing session.
On the night stand in the background...a breast pump and nursing pads. Both of which I can't live without currently.
A travel pack and play...used as a bassinet.
A ghetto rigged Snug a Bunny bouncer in the pack and play. Now, I don't suggest any of you rig yours like this (and I'll note, we went to great lengths to make sure it's safe how we set it up but of course the directions wouldn't tell you to put it anywhere off the ground). This set up is the only way that lets me take a shower in our adjoining bathroom and see that she's okay.

Am I missing anything else? Oh and stay tuned, I'm hoping to have a new vlog up tonight!

Feel free to click and vote! Easy peasy!

Today Was Mabel's Due Date

2012-02-25T19:54:00.000-05:00

Today was Mabel's due date! I think only a small percentage of babies are actually born on their estimated due dates, and Mabel obviously decided to come early (which is also slightly unusual for first time moms). It's pretty mind-blowing to think she could still be inside of me...but I have to admit, I'm thankful she's not...not sure my belly or my back could have handled that, lol! If you're overdue, I feel your pain. I have no idea how women do it, being that I felt like I was going to explode at 38 weeks!

As of right now, I've lost about 22 pounds...and I had gained 40 (sounds insane but my midwife said it was fine). So I'm over halfway back to losing what I need to get back to where I started. When I start getting caught up on my vlogs tomorrow, I will do a postpartum video discussing my weight gain and my plan of attack for getting back to normal. As of right now, I'll admit I have a little Buddha belly. If you've been pregnant before, you'll appreciate this: yesterday I thought I had tightened my abs and when I went to go poke them...they were no where to be found! Ha! Surprisingly I'm okay with it...Baby Mabel was the prize...and I can workout in about 4 more weeks to get back to normal (maybe even a little better than before I was pregnant). Yay for optimism!

*Thanks for everyone who has been voting! We might have made it to #25 tomorrow!*

Sleepless Nights with a Baby - I'm a Walking Zombie

2012-02-24T22:32:00.002-05:00

We're all feeling the sleepless nights...and I mean all of us. Take Tater for example:

This is how I feel...

No one could have prepared me for how tired I would be after being up several times a night to feed baby Mabel. But, I must admit that I'm surprised that I still seem to be semi-functional...but only in a walking zombie kind of way. I've learned to change diapers, prepare bottles with breast milk (we use bottles at night since Miss Mabel likes to take forever breastfeeding), and pump all while in a sleepy haze. My husband is even pulling his part, even if I do have to shove him awake and then a minute later re-wake him since he fell asleep before he could get out of bed to do whatever I needed him to do. What am I going to do when he goes back to work? Ahhhh!

Naps are also my best friend. Whenever Mabel passes out from a milk coma...I jump on the chance for a nap! Who would have thought?! Naps are my best friend...

Welcome to Mommyhood!

*We're about to break into the top 25...click the link below to help out! ;)*

Meeting With A Lactation Consultant

2012-02-22T23:06:00.001-05:00

Breastfeeding has not been a walk in the park for me...or for Mabel. Before she was born I had the idea that it would be easy as pie and something that would come very easily. Well, boy was I wrong! Sure, most of us have this romantic idea of breastfeeding our babies but a lot of us learn that it's a tad more challenging than we thought. And these challenges run the gamut of not producing enough milk, baby won't latch, flat or inverted nipples...and the list goes on and on. So you're probably wondering what my story is and why I had to meet with a lactation consultant...here it is:

Two days after Mabel was born, we had our home visit with a nurse from the birth center we delivered her at. Shortly after asking to watch Mabel nurse at my breast, the nurse asked to check her sucking since she wasn't latching correctly. Upon looking in Mabel's mouth, the nurse realized that Mabel was 'tongue tied'. What's that? Well, it's when the little flap under your tongue is too tight and restricts movement of your tongue. This was preventing Mabel from latching and required a visit to the doctor to have tongue frenulum clipped. It's a very easy procedure but as a momma, the last thing you want to hear is that your child needs any procedure that is going to hurt them. Luckily, it was done quickly and Mabel was back to herself a minute after it was done.

During the time while waiting for Mabel to get her tongue clipped we had to find other ways to make sure she was getting the milk she needed. I pumped like crazy to keep up my supply (I've been lucky and am actually over producing). Mabel had been fed by bottles and a feeding tube (not a feeding tube through your tummy but it's a little syringe that pushes breast milk through a tube into your baby's mouth). Basically you put the tube on your pinky finger, stick it in Baby's mouth, and Baby will suck it like she's sucking on a nipple...it's supposed to cause less nipple confusion.

Mabel still wasn't latching...the tongue clipping wasn't a magic fix. So in order to correct this problem I scheduled a meeting with the lactation consultant at our birth center. Our insurance through the military doesn't cover the whole visit but we figured it would be well worth the cost we would have to pay ourselves. Shortly after the meeting started it was determined that Mabel has nipple confusion. It's nothing that can't be corrected but it's something that will take a lot of practice and patience on my part (and Mabel's part too!).

So...what goes on during a lactation consultant meeting? Well, both me and my husband went to the appointment. The lactation consultant started out by having me remove my shirt and put on a Brest Friend (if you haven't seen one of these, you must check into them!). We have a Boppy at home but it's always been awkward and wouldn't hold Mabel correctly. She then had me show her how I would attempt to nurse Mabel at home. We then went over better positioning of Mabel and ways to get her to the nipple, how to not force her to the nipple, and how to use a nipple shield. After a bit of a trial...we had success! The consultant was able to get Mabel to latch correctly on both breasts. Now, I'll admit she made it seem easy...but at least I can see that it can be done.

If you need help with breastfeeding, I highly suggest finding your local lactation consultant and making in appointment. It's very educational and I learned a whole bunch that I would never have figured out on my own!

I've tried breastfeeding once since we got home = epic fail. Mabel was pretty much starving when we got home and pretty much fought the whole process of trying to nurse. The consultant told us this can happen if she's very hungry since it'll make her easily frustrated. We tried, like we were instructed for about 10 minutes and then just moved on to the bottle for that feeding. I'll admit, I was upset afterwards and I think that's only natural. The consultant made everything look so easy but my husband just assured me it's going to take time. I'll push on and try again. Wish me luck...cause I need it! :) I'll keep you all posted on this journey.

*vote!*

Mabel is 1 Week Old - Breast Feeding is Challenging!

2012-02-21T14:38:00.000-05:00

Time flies when you're having fun (or a walking zombie due to the lack of sleep!) Mabel is officially one week old today and I can't believe it! She's been a really well behaved baby so far even though we are having a tad bit difficulty when it comes to breast feeding. I thought it would be a breeze, but surprisingly it can be fairly difficult for a lot of women. I have a lactation consult meeting tomorrow along with our 1 week checkup at our birth center tomorrow. I'm excited to receive some much needed help on getting this little girl to latch! I will post tomorrow more in depth on our journey of beginning breast feeding, issues we've faced and what I learn at my appointment. I figure I can share the wealth with some other mommies or soon to be mommies!

Anyway, here are some pics for you all! :)


Mabel at 1 week old!

Me and Mabel

I Had a Valentine's Day Baby - Mabel Has Landed

2012-02-16T20:19:00.002-05:00

As you may or may not know...I went into labor on Valentine's Day! I had absolutely no idea that Mabel was going to come early...but she apparently had other plans! I plan on posting my birth story soon (and yes I was able to have her naturally, just not a water birth as I had planned) but just wanted you all to know if you've sent me an email or post, I will be replying to them as soon as possible. I couldn't imagine how hectic life could be but I'm loving every crazy minute of being a new momma.

Some of you may have already seen these pics on Facebook, but for those who have not, here they are:

Mabel's First Moments!

Me and Baby Mabel...she almost has as much hair as I do!

More pictures will be added soon!

*Help a new momma out and click to vote*

The Blooming Bath - And the Winner is...

2012-02-16T18:21:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the delay in announcing the winner (my good excuse was that I was in labor on Tuesday). The winner of the Blooming Bath giveaway is Julie W.! Congrats! Check your email inbox!

I want to thank all who entered! Please stay posted since I have more giveaways lined up to start shortly. Just be patient. :) I'm learning how to balance 'mommyhood' with blogging!

Banana Cream Pudding Cake Recipe - Super Easy!

2012-02-13T20:20:00.000-05:00

While surfing some great desserts on Pinterest, I got the idea to try an experiment of my own. And this is what I got:

The Banana Cream Pudding Cake
Pin It

I know the colors are a bit bland...BUT not the flavor!

Want to try making your own? These are the ingredients you'll need for this super easy recipe!

*1 box of yellow cake mix

(and whatever ingredients your cake mix calls for)

*1 box of Nilla Wafers (you won't use the whole box)

*Banana Cream Instant Pudding - 1 small box and 1 large box

*5 Cups of milk for the pudding mix

Step 1 - Make your cake according to the directions on the box.

Step 2 - When done cooking let your cake cool for 15 minutes.

Step 3 - Use the end of a wooden spoon and poke a ton of holes in your cake.

Poking holes in the cake...it doesn't have to look pretty!

Step 4 - Mix all of your pudding in a big bowl. I like to stir it for the 2 minutes the box says to stir and then pour it onto the cake. MAKE SURE to pour into the individual holes before dumping the rest on your cake. This will allow the pudding to soak into the cake. YUM! This is what it will look like when you've poured the pudding on (heads up, you may have a tad extra pudding, you don't have to pour it all on the cake if you don't want to but I enjoy a thicker layer of pudding on the top!)

Pudding!

Step 5 - Pop the cake in to the fridge for an hour to let the pudding 'set'.

Step 6 - Take half the box of Nilla Wafers and crumble them. I did this by putting them into a big Ziploc bag and crushing them by hand (very easy since they are soft wafers).

Step 7 - Take the cake out of the fridge and scatter the Nilla Wafers on top of the cake to your liking. Then put the cake back in the fridge for another hour.

Step 8 - Eat! I found that the longer you leave it in the fridge to cool and soak up the pudding = the better!

Like I said earlier...bland colors...but delicious!

*You can modify this recipe by trying different cake flavors, different puddings, and different toppings for endless possibilities. What other combos would you try???

Like the recipe? Help me out by taking a second to vote and check out some other great mom blogs on Top Mommy Blogs! :)

Last Day to Enter Blooming Bath Giveaway!

2012-02-12T23:18:00.004-05:00

Heads up everyone! If you haven't had the chance to enter to win a Blooming Bath, it ENDS tonight (Monday) at midnight eastern time! You don't have to be a parent to enter, you can always give it away as a great baby shower gift! So don't miss out...enter! :)

*Click here to check out the original post to enter!*

Homemade Crib Bedding and Button Letters - Etsy Eat Your Heart Out!

2012-02-10T15:03:00.001-05:00

I finally got around to hanging Mabel's button letters for her name and then putting all the crib bedding on! I'm posting some pics for you all since my 'nursery tour' video has been delayed due to one last piece of furniture not being here yet. Take a look:

Button Letters, Fitted Sheet, and Ruffled Crib Skirt all made by me!


I will post a better pic later with better lighting.

*Want to make the button letters that I did for Mabel's name? Click here for the nursery artwork tutorial!

There are no plans to make a crib bumper due to recent recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics that no bumpers be placed inside a crib.

And here are the extra fitted sheets I made (plus the boys thought they were helping out by modeling).

Click to see a larger image with more detail.

Changing Pad Cover

Changing Pad Cover - I still have 2 more to make.

Normally if you were to buy all of this stuff, it would be super expensive. Crib bedding sets go for around $400 on Etsy...and I'm glad that I decided to tackle this on my own...plus it makes me feel pretty good that I created unique things for our little girl.

FYI - Bedding was created from Pat Bravo's Bazaar Style fabric collection. Which I LOVE! I plan on making a matching quilt out of the rest of the material. I will post pictures when I get it finished. :)

*Click here to vote and check out other great mom blogs*

I Don't Have the Nesting Instinct

2012-02-09T19:30:00.003-05:00

Yep...I officially don't have the 'nesting instinct' that most pregnant women seem to have. Or maybe I do...I just don't have the energy to follow through with it, lol! It seems within the past week, anything that I've had good intentions to complete or get accomplished...I've fallen flat. I'll start something and then just realize I'm too tired to complete it. I've read about other pregnant mamas vacuuming, scrubbing floors, and just all around cleaning, and I'm left wondering where they are getting the energy from??? Send some my way please!

Anyway, there are some things I do feel like I want done and this is my solution: get Hubby to do it! He's kind enough that I think I'll be able to talk him into it this weekend. I don't think I'm too demanding since these are my only priorities:

Our master bathroom needs to be cleaned
The guest room must have the sheets washed so my in-laws have a place to stay once Mabel gets here
Pictures and Mabel's name need to be hung in her nursery
And these little stinkers need a bath:

Stinky Pugs - Tater and Bruce

Too much to ask for...I think not! :) I mean, I've only been carrying a baby around in me for the last 9 months. ;)

Pregnancy Week 37 - Update and Belly Pictures

2012-02-08T21:30:00.002-05:00

This week I thought I'd include two pictures for you all...apparently I was in a pretty good mood early this morning!

And here is the update vlog:

Super Easy Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan

2012-02-06T23:13:00.000-05:00

Out of all the crock pot recipes I have made...this is by far one of the easiest! When I look for good crock pot/slow cooker recipes, I LOVE ones that don't have a ton of prep. work. So, if you're like me, this one is for you! Plus, it's super yummy!

This is what you're making:
Pin It

I'm not a professional photographer...so trust me, it looks way better in person!

To make, you'll need:

*2-4 boneless chicken breasts (pick a size that will fit your crock pot!)

*1 Bag of shredded Parmesan cheese

*1 Bag of Mozzarella cheese

*1/2 cup of either plain bread crumbs or Italian seasoned bread crumbs (it's your preference)

*Olive oil

*1 egg

*1 jar of marinara sauce (I like Newman's Own)

*Pasta of your choice

Directions:

Step 1 - Prep. your crock pot by using just enough olive oil to lightly cover the bottom of the crock pot. This is so your chicken won't stick! ;)

Step 2 - Get two bowls out. In one bowl, beat one egg. In another bowl, mix together your bread crumbs and 1/4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese.

Step 3 - Take one chicken breast at a time and first dip it into the bowl with the beaten egg. Then lift it out and dip it into the bowl with the bread crumbs and cheese. Make sure to get the chicken completely coated. Lastly, take the bread crumb covered chicken and lay it in the crock pot. Repeat for all chicken breasts.

Step 4 - Now that your chicken is in the crock pot, you are going to take enough shredded Mozzarella cheese and cover the top of the chicken. I like cheese...so it's safe to say, I put a lot in there!

Step 5 - Next, take your jar of marinara sauce and make sure to cover the top of your chicken and Mozzarella cheese. Now, cover your crock pot with the lid!

Cooking Time - 6 1/2 hours on low = super soft chicken that is soooo tender you won't even need a knife to cut!

To Serve - As the time nears to serve your crock pot Chicken Parmesan, cook up your favorite pasta to serve it with. Also, I topped my chicken with extra shredded Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese..make sure to put it on as soon as you pull the chicken out of the crock pot so it melts!

This is what you'll get:

Like I said earlier...my pics aren't great, but it sure does taste wonderful!

My Hubby wanted me to drizzle more of the sauce over the noodles for him. This is a very hearty meal...especially with a side of bread.

Enjoy!

*Click to vote and find out about some great 'mom' blogs!*

Giveaway - Blooming Bath for Baby!

2012-02-06T18:23:00.000-05:00

Okay...so a new giveaway for my readers and viewers! I'm so happy to introduce to you all the most innovative baby bath on the market: Blooming Bath for Baby!


www.bloomingbath.com

The Blooming Bath for Baby is a great new product to make bath time more enjoyable and comfortable for baby...not to mention easy for Mom and Dad too!

Check out my video on the Blooming Bath:

The baby bath itself is flower shaped and it's petals move to fit virtually any sink out there. The petals are made out of very soft and super plush materials that are delicate on baby's skin. The durable mesh underside on the petals add to the solid construction of the bath, and allow the bath to 'breathe' and dry quickly.

As seen in my video...to dry the bath after you are done bathing your baby, simply fold in the petals in toward the center and push to squeeze out the remaining water. You can then either hang the baby bath up to dry by the hook on the back or stick it in your dryer to dry within 10 minutes! Easy peasy! Also, the bath is machine washable!

The Blooming Bath comes in three different colors: blue, pink (as seen in my video) and yellow.

The Blooming Bath also makes a great baby shower gift! ;)

Visit Blooming Bath's Website: www.bloomingbath.com

Interested in winning a Blooming Bath for yourself? Enter Here!

Only rules: You must be a resident of the United States and be at least 18 years old.
AND the one mandatory entry requirement is that you post back on this blog post what you love/learned about the Blooming Bath after visiting their website!
*And please don't try to cheat...each entry will be checked*
(You have to click 'read more' to see the entry form)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*This is not a paid posting. I was provided a complimentary product to review and giveaway.*

I'm Full Term - Well, Mabel is Full Term :)

2012-02-04T20:59:00.000-05:00

I'm 37 weeks today and I'm so ready for this little girl to come out and meet the world! Plus, I don't know how much more my body can take...or grow!

I know I haven't been posting everyday lately, but this pregnancy has been making me so tired the past week...sleeping is pretty much all I've been doing! BUT, stay posted! I'll be adding my 'What's In My Birth Center/Hospital Bag' vlog this week along with a 'What's In My Diaper Bag' vlog.

AND, I almost forgot, I know I promised a giveaway last week but due to my unplanned hospital trip...it was delayed. Be on the lookout next week! ;)

*Feel like showing some love? Click below.*

Another Trip to the Hospital - Thanks to High Blood Pressure

2012-02-02T19:21:00.000-05:00

Yep...I spent my entire day yesterday at the birth center and the hospital! I'm just ready to meet this little girl and hope there are no more hurdles in the way. Instead of typing it out...here's the video explaining everything:

36 Weeks Pregnant - Video Update and Belly Picture!

2012-01-31T14:31:00.001-05:00

Between being kicked and internal bruising from this little girl, I found time to make my update vlog and take this week's belly shot! Last night, she got something hooked on my lower rib and I felt/heard a sound of a rubber-band being plucked (I think it was her foot pulling on a rib!). Goodness! A new experience I could have done without! I'm soooo uncomfortable! Get ready...I say it a lot in my video!

36 Week Belly Picture

Is it normal to feel such a burning sensation under only one side of my lungs? Once again...I have this little girl to thank. ;) And nope, I haven't dropped yet! But from what I'm hearing from you ladies on my Facebook and what I've Googled, not all babies drop. I'm putting my money on being one of those lucky gals with no droppage until Mabel arrives...

36 Week Pregnancy Vlog

*We've dropped to #35...please vote by clicking the link below! ;) Plus there are some great other 'mom' blogs on the site!!!

Getting Ready for Baby - If I Don't Think About It...Labor Won't Start

2012-01-29T20:18:00.003-05:00

Currently this is my motto - 'If I haven't packed my 'hospital bag' or my diaper bag, I won't go into labor!' Okay, so I know that's not logical thinking but I'm not ready yet! Lol! Next Saturday I'll be considered full term and I decided, that no matter how uncomfortable I was this weekend, I was going to get stuff done!

This is what was accomplished:

*All 4 fitted crib sheets were completed!

*The first (out of 3) changing pad covers were made:


(some of you already saw this on Facebook, sorry for the repeat!)

*The crib skirt was started...

*Car seat was installed in Hubby's suv (woo-hoo...we were able to follow directions!)

*Baby clothes were all washed and folded...now I just need to organize them in her dresser.

*Stock pile of wipes and diapers arrived...I looove Amazon.com


240 Newborn Diapers and close to 800 wipes all for around $65!

*And my diaper bag arrived! I'll post more about the fabulous bag later this week with my 'baby buys' video. ;)

I think it's safe to say that I feel relieved after so much was accomplished. There is still a ton left to do, but so you all know, I'm planning on packing my 'hospital bag' and diaper bag in the next 2-3 days. And yep, I'm making a video for each!

Okay...I'm off to lay on the couch and hopes that my ribs will stop burning and my back will stop hurting....fat chance right?

*Care to vote? Takes just a click and a second! Thanks!*

Natural Birth Plan - Water Birth

2012-01-27T11:42:00.003-05:00

Since I turn 36 weeks pregnant on Saturday, I figured it was time to tell you all about our birth plan. Yes, I'm one of those people who like to plan...but don't worry, I didn't go overboard with the birth plan.

I explain a lot in the vlog but read below afterwards for more:

(I look scary in this thumbnail...woo hoo YouTube!)

Like I said in the video, I think when you plan out too much, you're setting yourself up for something to not go your way. Now, don't get me wrong, I totally think you need to educate yourself on all of your options and all of the possibilities of what might happen...but I really think you MUST be flexible!

My husband and I spent a lot of time doing our research and reading books, and for us...a natural water birth is what we think we'd like.

Why a natural birth? - Well, we honestly think it's what's best for both me and Baby Mabel. The less drugs in my system, the better! ;) Long story short, I've read some studies that show that drugs like pitocin and epidurals can slow down labor, put stress on the baby and then increase your chances of getting a c-section. Please understand that these are just our views and I don't judge at all if these things are part of your birth plan. :) They just aren't part of ours.

Because we knew wanting a natural birth was so important to us, we decided to have our baby at a midwife run birth center where they don't give pitocin or epidurals. I figured if those two things weren't an option in the first place, I'd be less likely to be talked into getting them.

Why a water birth? - Simple, water is shown to be a natural pain reliever! Plus, it just looks nice and our birth center has a water birth room...so why not take advantage of at least trying it? From the videos I've watched on other water births, babies seem to be born more calm in the water...it seems to make the transition smoother. And, the water seems to reduce the amount of tears moms have while giving birth since the water helps to soften and warm your perineum. Yep, sign me up!

Better Than Sex Cake - Recipe

2012-01-26T17:52:00.002-05:00

Okay, I know the name of this cake is out there but I didn't come up with it! It's super easy to make and I promise you, you won't regret making it!

Pin It


Better Than Sex Cake - Sooooo Yummy!

Want to make it yourself? Here's what you'll need:

Yep, I took pictures of everything!

*9x13 glass baking dish

*1 pack of Moist Supreme Devil's Food Cake Mix (or plain chocolate cake mix)

*Whatever ingredients your cake mix calls for - this varies, so look at the box! ;)

*One can of Sweetened Condensed Milk

*1 tub of Cool Whip (thawed)

*Caramel Ice Cream Topping

*And a package of mini Heath Bars crushed (you'll use about half the bag)

Step 1 - Mix and bake your cake mix (follow the directions on the box)

Step 2 - Let the cake cool for 10 minutes and then get out a wooden spoon!

Step 3 - Using the end of your wooden spoon, poke holes in your cake. Don't worry, your cake is going to look like hot mess too.

Go ahead and poke a few more holes then I did!

Step 4 - Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk into the holes that you poked in it and all over the top of the cake. Then, take your caramel topping and drizzle that on top of the cake too. It should look something like this:

Step 5 - put your cake in the fridge until it's cool...this is important so that you don't melt the Cool Whip in the next step.

Step 6 - Now that your cake is completely cool...it's time to top it! Take your thawed Cool Whip and spread it on the top of the cake. Then, take your Heath Bars (I crushed about half of the bag of minis with a rolling pin, you can use less or more according to what you like) and spread them all over the top of the cake. Lastly, you'll take your caramel and drizzle a little bit more over the whole top of the cake.

This is what you'll get:

Step 7 - You can eat it right away, but I'd recommend putting it back in the fridge for a bit. The longer it sets, the more the sweetened condensed milk and caramel have to soak into the cake.

Enjoy!

Oh, and remember to put the cake back in the fridge if you have left-overs due to the Cool Whip! :)

*As a side note...you can try making this cake with other types of candy other than Heath Bars. I think this cake would be really good with chopped up Snickers or Reese's Cups! *

Please let me know what you think of this cake if you make it! :)

The Final Countdown...30 Days To Go Until Due Date Day!

2012-01-26T14:57:00.005-05:00

Wow! 30 days to go...can you believe it!? I can but I can't at the same time, lol! I feel like in most ways, this pregnancy has flown by and then on the other hand my body is so tired of being pregnant that I can't wait for Mabel to get here! Within the last two days since my 35 week update, I've had more symptoms pop up. And these symptoms pretty much remind me of rough PMS like symptoms.

Here's the latest vlog:

*Also* - stay tuned since I have new giveaways planned! The next one will be starting next week!

35 Weeks Pregnant Update! Strep B Test and 50% Effaced!

2012-01-24T15:44:00.001-05:00

I got around to filming my vlog for this week! And if you notice...I even put on jeans for the belly shot! Lol, you all know I've been so set in wearing my comfy pants lately, so lucky you, I dressed up just for the vlog! I'll of course update you on when I find out my results of my Strep B test, but I was told that as many as 40% of women test positive! Crazy, huh?!

Enjoy!

(lovely thumbnail once again, right?!)

35 Weeks Pregnant and Belly Picture

2012-01-22T17:59:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, I hit the big 3-5 mark! And boy am I'm feelin' it! My tummy feels huge and I'm very uncomfortable! So here's the picture and I don't think she's dropped yet. Does anyone know when that tends to happen?

*Lesson that I learned today* - I can't be out and about for more than 2 hours! :) We ran some errands to Pier 1 for some last minute touches to Mabel's nursery and Target for some odds and ends...and I could hardly walk by the time we made it to the checkout aisle. I wasn't feeling too bad, other than the fact that my back felt like it was about to give out. And while walking back to the car, I had to tell Hubby to just walk ahead of me to load up the car since I was walking at the pace of a snail.

My Saturday Consists of Pat Bravo and Carter's :)

2012-01-21T13:54:00.001-05:00

There are two things that I'm planning my Saturday around...and yep, I already know it's almost 2pm in the afternoon, but cut me some slack! I had one of the worst nights ever when it comes to sleep and I'm even debating taking a nap before even attempting my two big tasks of the day. I have never had such an issue sleeping but heartburn kept waking me up every 45 minutes to an hour. I finally had to prop myself up with two pillows so that I was basically sitting up...and by the time I was about to fall asleep, guess who decided to wake up and start kicking me full force? I just can't catch a break!

Task 1 = finish two more sheets for Mabel's crib:

The top three fabrics will eventually be turned into sheets (turquoise on the left, teal and off white squares, and the multicolored star patterned fabric). All the other fabrics you see will be either incorporated into the crib skirt, a blanket or changing pad cover. I'm aiming to get those done over the next two weeks. I know I've mentioned it before, but if you're curious, the fabric is designed by Pat Bravo and the textured fabric you see at the lower right site is Minky brand fabric (soooo soft!).

Task 2 = Cut tags off of all the baby clothes and get them washed!

Anyone want to help??? I hate laundry with a passion! And don't worry...most of these clothes are all 0-3 months so I know we won't have to return them.