Modern Mommyhood

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.

Pregnancy Week 34 - Part 2 - Midwife Appointment

2012-01-19T14:38:00.002-05:00

Here is the latest vlog update for you all! I forgot to mention that my weekly appointments will begin next week. :) Also, next week I have my Strep B test done and my first internal exam. I don't expect to have any effacement or dilation (are those the correct terms, lol??) since I'll only be 35 weeks! I just have a gut feeling that even though this little girl's due date is February 25th, she won't arrive until March! I'm honestly ready to not be pregnant and want to meet her badly...but if she's determined to stay in a little longer, then so be it! I want to make sure she's completely ready and I believe babies know when they are supposed to be born! No induction for this momma (unless she's a 42 week no-show!)!

What a great thumbnail picture for my video once again!

34 Weeks Pregnant - Belly Picture and Vlog Update

2012-01-17T15:40:00.003-05:00

34 Weeks...I honestly can't believe that we are almost at the finish line! I'm ready to meet this little girl and I'm ready to have my lungs back (no baby legs crushing me and making it hard to breathe!)

Here's the latest belly pic:


Notice the nice shirt paired with comfy yoga pants...I've given up!

And here is the most recent vlog update:

I know...it looks like I'm preparing myself to be the new Dr. Pepper spokesperson. ;)

*Feel like voting for me?*

Baby Buys That I Forgot To Show Last Week!

2012-01-16T16:39:00.003-05:00

Is anyone tired of 'baby buys' yet? Lol, I hope not! I actually enjoy seeing all of the videos you ladies post since it gives me ideas of what I still need to go buy or products that I've never heard about! Three of my favorite finds are mentioned in here too: ROSK (Rain or Shine Kids) Woobie Fleece, Earth Mama Angel Baby Booby Tubes, and you guessed it, BabyLegs!!! I plan on doing reviews on everything once baby Mabel gets here, so stay tuned!

With that being said here is the video of all the stuff I forgot to show you in last week's videos. :)

The Crib Sheet is Complete!

2012-01-15T15:46:00.003-05:00

And it only took me a week to complete! Haha! If I hadn't been sick, it would have been a one day project. Now that I know what I'm doing, the next 3 sheets I need to make should go a lot smoother!
Also, if I can make this...anyone can! I will try to get a tutorial up with the next sheet I make. I pretty much taught myself what I needed to know through YouTube video tutorials and some links on Pinterest. :)

Here you go...what do you think of my crafting skills?

Keep in mind that I'm not done yet...there will be a crib skirt added. I just need to get motivated enough to make it. With only a few weeks until Mabel gets here, you would think that should be motivation enough...but I'm soooo tired all of the time!

Vitafusion Giveaway Winners

2012-01-14T11:42:00.000-05:00

It's time to announce the winners of my first ever giveaway! The 4 lucky winners of the Vitafusion Prental Gummies and Calcium Gummies are: Antoni Q., Jennifer D., Randee, and Ashley S.! If you are one of those 4, please check your email! ;)

I want to thank everyone who entered! It was really fun for me to host a giveaway for all of you and hopefully I get the chance really soon to do another one!

Why Don't Men Read Directions?

2012-01-13T21:32:00.000-05:00

Finally I started feeling better from my head cold and got all excited to start putting together some baby stuff. At the top of my list was the Pack and Play. Feeling all lovey and mushy, I asked my Hubby to put it together. I thought it would be a pretty impressive sight to see my man putting together the Pack and Play for our daughter...maybe I should have thought twice.

So, I'm on the couch watching him dump all the contents of the box onto the carpet, quickly unwrapping things and discarding tags. Well, being a woman...I knew better than this. Yep, there are some things I just jump right into and don't read the instructions....BUT....when it comes to baby items I ALWAYS read directions since I don't want to create a death trap for my child. So, I told him to find the directions and hand them over.

As I was reading, I looked over to see him with two bars that had foam wrapped around them...and not cheap foam, but soft squishy foam. I told him to hold up and let me read before he ripped it off, and went back to reading. I heard a rip, looked up, and once again told him to stop for a sec. "Ah, it's okay...I already ripped it off the other one." UGH! Why does it make it okay if you ripped it off the first one?? And as he said it, I turned the page and saw in bold letters: DO NOT REMOVE FOAM. Yep, another point for me.

Hubby's handiwork

Safe to say, being a man, the last thing you want is your 34 week pregnant (well, I'll be 34 weeks in a matter of hours) and overly emotional wife yelling at you because you didn't listen to her in the first place. Let me say this again...I WAS RIGHT! He quickly wheeled the half assembled Pack and Play into the other room and scanned the instruction booklet to somehow try to get himself out of the doghouse. "Look, you can call and order new parts. It'll be okay"...okay, sure honey. Wait until Graco tells you how much those replacement parts are gonna cost us.

If only he would have listened....or at least read the directions.

33 Weeks Pregnant - Update and Vlog!

2012-01-12T15:52:00.003-05:00

Boy, having a head cold and being pregnant isn't fun at all! But I keep telling myself it's better that I'm getting my yearly cold over with now before little Mabel comes on the scene!

Here is the most recent picture:

Can you believe how big my belly has gotten?!?

This vlog is a little longer than normal, but I guess I had a lot to talk about!

Also...want to see some great birth photography? This isn't my birth photographer (mine doesn't have online examples) but this lady has some great photos of both hospital/home/and water births. What do you think? Pinkletoes Photography The photos are very tastefully done and capture the 'feeling' and 'mood' of each birth.

*Show some love! Click to vote. ;-) *

Gettin' Crafty - Making Mabel's Fitted Crib Sheet

2012-01-10T19:22:00.001-05:00

I have begun the task of making Mabel's crib bedding. And I'm glad I finally started since I've been working on the first darn crib sheet, put in about 2 hours and it's not even done yet, lol! This could be due to the fact that I don't know what I'm doing and/or due to the fact that I'm a perfectionist and am going super slow so I don't screw up.

Here's what I have so far:

I'm using Pat Bravo's fabric collection: Bazaar Style

Keep in mind, it's still 'in progress'. I need to hem the bottom and put the elastic in too. Hopefully by tomorrow, I'll have the finished product. Anyway, just wanted to let you all know that I'm on my way...and so far it doesn't seem completely impossible.

So Many Baby Buys!

2012-01-09T17:52:00.000-05:00

There was so much to talk about over the past 3 weeks that I decided to break up all of the 'baby buys' into three videos! Feel like watching? Here ya go:

Part 1 - 'Big' Baby Buys

Part 2 - Random Baby Things

Part 3 - More Baby Clothes

Maxi Pads and Cheap Undies - Preparing My 'Hospital Bag'

2012-01-08T18:15:00.001-05:00

The title of this post says it all. I'm doing my best trying to round up all the odds and ends needed for my 'hospital bag' and my diaper bag so our little trip to Target tonight revolved around two things: pads and undies. This vlog was not intended to offend those of you who love Fruit of the Loom or pads...it's just a complete change up for me. ;)

*click this link...you know you want to, ;) *

I Bought My Hospital Bag - More Vera Bradley

2012-01-07T13:39:00.001-05:00

Well, not exactly a 'hospital' bag...but more like my birth center bag! :) Maybe I was just looking for an excuse to buy another Vera Bradley bag but this is the one I purchased:


www.verabradley.com

I can't wait to show it off in my next baby buys video...yep, I know I'm late with those too!

It was on sale so that's why I finally caved and bought it. It's the XL Duffel and the perfect size for all the stuff you need to bring with you for your birth. Plus, I just love this pattern! It's in the print called Floral Nightingale.

When I get my bag packed, which should be over the next 2-3 weeks, I'll make a vlog and show you all what I put in it. Keep in mind though that it will be different than a hospital bag since I won't need as many days worth of clothes for the birth center.

And of course when I was unpackaging the duffel a little card fell out that said Vera Bradley was about to release their spring designs/patterns...all of which are very cute if I do say so myself. Soooo, now I'll just need to find something else I need to buy in a new pattern. :)

*We've dropped to #36...take a sec and click to vote*

Vitafusion Giveaway! Enter Now! :)

2012-01-05T15:20:00.001-05:00

I'm really happy to have this opportunity to give my viewers/readers a chance to win some great products that I really believe in! You must click 'read more' at the bottom of this post to see the entry form.

It's super easy to enter...if you have any questions, leave them for me on Facebook (it's really easy for me to get back to you on there). The only thing you have to do is be a subscriber to my channel on YouTube. If you're already a subscriber...that counts too! So just click the buttons saying you did!

All the other options like 'liking' on Facebook will earn you extra chances to win!

And please don't cheat. I'm going to check to make sure that the winners did everything that they said they did to enter!

*One last thing - I'm sorry to be a bum when it comes to this but the contest is only open to US residents. I'm paying to ship these out to the winners and all of my money is wrapped up in baby stuff right now, so please understand if you live in another country!*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out the Vitafusion/Northwest Natural Products Website

*I was not paid for this review. I thank the company for providing me the product samples and the products for the giveaway*

Pregnancy Week 32 Update and Vlog!

2012-01-05T15:05:00.002-05:00

Here is the update vlog for pregnancy week 32. I'm really getting to the point where I'm ready to meet this little girl!

Baby Kicks and Belly Movement at 32 Weeks Pregnant

2012-01-04T12:02:00.001-05:00

I've been trying so hard to try and capture Mabel's movement on video but whenever I pull out the camcorder she stops! Lol, how frustrating?! But last night, I was able to capture some of her movements while I was playing around on my computer and watching the Golden Girls on Lifetime...don't judge me, hahaha!

Now you don't see too many kicks...it's more like my tummy is just rolling. Sorry for the poor lighting.

Pregnancy Week 31 Recap - A Road Trip and A Bladder Infection

2012-01-03T14:40:00.000-05:00

I finally got around to doing an update vlog for pregnancy week 31 and my horrible road trip! Why did I ever think driving was a better idea than flying?!

The video is close to 10 minutes, so I apologize...I try to keep the vlogs short but there was a lot to say! ;)

32 Weeks Pregnant and A Belly Picture

2011-12-31T09:15:00.002-05:00

As the year comes to an end, I'm officially 32 weeks pregnant! Only 8 left to go...possibly more since I feel this little girl is going to be late. She's still kicking up a storm in my ribs and I can definitely tell that she's taking up more and more space. I'm also swollen...it hit me like a ton of bricks over this past week and I'm just hoping that it's because Texas is a lot warmer than Delaware is this time of year. But, I have this sneaking suspicion that I'm going to be stuck this way until Mabel arrives. I'm also dealing with waves of panic when I realize that my wedding ring isn't on...but then I realize it's only because it won't fit! :)

Anyway, we're still on the road and just about home so this week's picture is once again in a hotel bathroom (my favorite hotel of the trip so far; a Hilton Garden Inn...with a Sleep Number bed!). Notice I'm traveling today in a comfy tank and cotton pants. I finally gave up on trying to look cute with jeans and a fancy top and gave into comfort. I'm also sporting Nike flip-flops that my mother in law gave to me since my feet swelled up to the point that my flats were killing me.

*As a side note...vlogs will begin again either on Monday or Tuesday! ;)

Top Reasons Why I Hate Road Trips and Other Drivers

2011-12-31T00:05:00.000-05:00

On the road...

While driving across the country, I started to compile a list of things that really bug me on the road...haha! Wow, seems like all I do is rant on my posts lately. Maybe some of you will agree or maybe you won't...but here I go:

1. Very Old Drivers - Now don't take this the wrong way. There are plenty of older people who drive well...I'm talking about those people who shouldn't be driving but still have their driver's license. You know, the older drivers who have no concept of space, swerving from lane to lane, or go 30 in a 60 mph lane. One lady in her Buick couldn't stay in her lane and was going super slow. That's really dangerous in itself. Enough said.

2. Texting Drivers - I'll admit I used to do this all the time, but after living in a state that banned it, I broke my habit. Most states are now jumping on this bandwagon which I totally agree with. Not worth dying or killing someone else over texting your friend back something like 'lol'.

3. Drivers on Cell Phones - I do this occasionally (even though I know I shouldn't)...and I think some people are better at multitasking than others. If you're going to be on your phone...get in the right/slow lane. No matter who you are...everyone tends to go slower when on your phone. Better yet, get a hands-free device (our state requires this) or wait until you take a pit-stop to return or make a call. :)

4. Drunk Drivers - I don't even need to explain why this one is wrong. We saw some guy the other night swerving all over the road. I just don't feel like I need to die because of someone's stupidity.

5. People Who Stay in the Left Lane - these people are the people that my husband and I like to call 'left lane bandits'. They like to go slow and then speed up and then slow down...sometimes making it impossible to pass them. Grrr! I don't care if you don't want to use cruise control, just don't hog the left lane while you're doing it.

6. Billboards - This is more specifically directed towards those for 'gentleman's clubs'. Haha! They are just soooo tacky and there are a ton of them in Louisiana!

7. Stupid Personal Crap on Cars - This includes naked women mud-flaps and those horrible plastic testicles that people like to hang from the back of their SUVs or trucks...you know what I'm talking about??? This also includes this chick that I saw driving on our way to Texas with "So-and-so's (the quarterback of a major college football team) future wife". Lol, he has no idea who you are and will probably not marry you. Therefore...don't write it on your car.

Got anything I missed? Let me know.

I promise to be in a better mood tomorrow! :)

31 Weeks Pregnant and Belly Picture!

2011-12-29T16:15:00.001-05:00

I'm way behind and will actually be 32 weeks in two days but I figured better late than never! So much has happened that it will just be easier to update all of my 31 week happenings through a vlog....but, I still don't have the ability to upload a video since we are traveling. As soon as we are home, I promise I will get a recap up for the entire week.

Here's just a taste of what has happened:

*Swelling has become my enemy.

*I thought I was going into pre-term labor so we had to stop at a Podunk hospital in Louisiana (turns out bladder infections have the same symptoms as pre-term labor for women who are in their 3rd trimesters).

*I officially can't put on my own pants (jeans to be more specific)...I may resort to sweatpants and leggings for the rest of this pregnancy.

*I'm in constant pain and heartburn is not relieved by Zantac...ugh!!!

*And my in-laws are amazing...we bought out BabiesRUs and Mabel officially has necessities like a car seat!

But, I can show you a picture...and yep, I feel like a total blimp:

I'm going to say it's a combination of horrible hotel room lighting, my 'tent' shirt and glorious swelling. Pregnancy symptoms are in full swing...and I will fully admit that I'm ready to be done with it all, lol!

One of the wonderful things about our trip to Texas has been that my mother in law was super sweet and treated me to a pedicure. I took full advantage of the message chair and allowing someone else to reach my toes (I can no longer reach my feet to paint my nails, ugh!). I figured I'd go all out and get a funky color...blue sparkles! It's the new OPI Muppet Collection but I can't remember the name...something to do with Gonzo I think. :) Made me smile.

And I already know that my toes look like little Vienna Sausages, ha! Everything is soooo swollen!

*Got a sec? Vote for me pretty please! :) *

I'm Still Alive!

2011-12-29T01:38:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to let you all know that I'm still alive! :) We are on our way back home and I will be back to my normal updates/posts/and vlogs in the up coming week and boy, do I have a lot of things to update you all on! I'm also 31 weeks and counting...soon to be 32 this Saturday. It's pretty crazy how time flies. Anyway, I'll have a normal blog post tomorrow (Thursday), so please check back then!