Gettin' it

So, I've been doing this and walking. I'm excited. It's the first time I've attempted getting in shape since giving birth to my wub wub. I'm pumped, I've lost about 5 lbs...it's a start. I've got major motivation...Kate and Andy's wedding in October and our Anniversary.

I made a delicious sb meal for lunch. delicious! I'll post a recipe soon...

Inspiration:



{celebrity wonder}



{rockstar diaries}



{celeb gossipz}




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Today's Lesson

Sunday is a good day for lessons. I always try to learn and grow in my walk with God. I'm constantly trying to be better, a better daughter, a better sister, a better wife, a better mom, a better friend, a better employee. Anyways, this week has been pretty funny. I think lessons can be funny too. One day this week I was happily ringing up two customers. One of the customers had just sung my praises to a manager, I was feeling pretty good about myself. I had gotten several compliments that day on my ensemble. I was a happy girl. Then it happened, the question I was hoping to never hear..."So, when is your baby due?". The record scratches and I'm jolted back in to reality. "Excuse me?" I say and the question is repeated. I can see her face blush as I say, "Oh twelve weeks ago" and then I showed her Matilda's picture. She said she was so embarrassed and I lied and said I wasn't offended. I went home and cried to my Mom and Sam and anyone who would listen. I kept saying, "No one should ask that question unless they are 105% sure. No one should ask period."

Part two: The Lesson

So...the very next day, one of my favorite customers comes in. "Oh hello _____" I say, then I proceeded to pat her tummy and ask, "How are you feeling? When is the baby due?" to which _____ responds, "I had him a week ago." The record scratches again and I realize her friend is strolling her little baby. My face turned 50 shades of red.

A. Why would I touch her?
B. Why would I repeat the mistake I was just complaining about?
C. Why would I wish such mortification on myself? Is mortification a word?

Lessons learned: I won't be so hard on people. We all make mistakes. I will never touch another woman's belly again. I will never ask when a woman is due unless I know they're pregnant.



teamsugar


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Inspiration that I will rely on tomorrow

Here are some things that I'll store in my heart and mind as my body prepares to give Matilda over to this world.



1. Sure it hurts, of course it hurts. Of course I wanted to quit and give-up, but that's when the angels enter in and somehow the pain and suffering is all worth it. In fact as I sit here and type this, I don't remember the pain--funny, since I seriously thought I was going to die during it all.

source: nienie



2. My friend Jodi saying, "YOU GO GIRLLLLL!!!!!!!"



3. Jessie telling me how tough I am and that she knows I can do it!



4. Sam's face when he meets her for the first time. I know that will be incredibly emotional for me.



5. The faces of all of the wonderful mothers that I know, especially my Mom. Matilda is going to have some wonderful grandparents. Bebe and Poppy.



6.I will picture my lovely family. Knowing that Matilda's aunt and uncle are cheering us on!



7. Children are such a gift from God... a gift that wears us out and builds us up all at the same time!

My Pastor Kris and his family inspire me.

I will store all of the sweet words from friends and family, all of the encouragement over this pregnancy has been incredible. Thank you so much. I can't wait for her to meet all of the people that make our world so blessed.

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Matilda Watch 08

I have gotten the sweetest most concerned phone calls for days now so I thought I would fill everyone in...

I had yet another doctors appt this afternoon and was lucky enough to have my Mama and my Sam with me. Good thing because we were there forever, 2 and a half hours to be exact!

When we got there my first exciting moment came when I stepped on the scale. I gained five pounds in four days! Almost impossible really, and I have been walking my butt off. I had noticed that I had been getting more and more swollen but this has been going on for four months now. Then my lovely doctor measured me and I was measuring at 41 weeks. Keep in mind I am a little over 39.

The good news was that I had dialated more after no progress for weeks.

My doctor wanted me to get an ultrasound so that we would have a better idea of what Matilda was measuring. This is where the waiting began. We kept getting repeatedly passed up because we didn't have an appt. An hour and a half later we saw the quirky technician.

Well...my sweet not so much a peanut, but more like a macadamia nut appears to be around nine pounds NINE POUNDS! She is in the 90th percentile for weight and my due date hasn't even arrived...

After talking extensively with my doctor she felt it would be safest and smartest to induce. Her fear is that Tilda would get too big and I would have to get a cesarean. Not so much part of my birth plans, but I want first and foremost to have a healthy delivery with a healthy baby. That's all I've ever cared about.

So, I will begin the induction process at 6am on thurs the 18th.

Please keep us all in your prayers. Sam's Dad is also in critical condition, so please keep him in your prayers as well.

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Thoughts on Life

I'm not always the best at expressing myself, so bare with me! Lately I feel like its been hard for me to put on a happy face. I find this ridiculous because I am incredibly blessed by my loving family and wonderful friends and amazing God. I just feel like hiding lately, I don't feel like answering the phone, and I don't feel like doing much of anything. Sometimes this is how I act when I feel overwhelmed. We've had a hard year, Sam has especially and I just don't understand why so much joy has been robbed because of different circumstances.

Then I think about how special my life is right now and I don't want to miss a second of it. I know that Matilda is coming soon even if it's not as soon as I would have hoped...I know that she's healthy and that makes me happy.

I just need to stop focusing on my double chin, swollen feet, and lack of sleep.

Carpe Diem!

oh and ps tonight is a full mooooon

The theory is that the moon's gravitational pull effects the amniotic fluid in much the same way as it effects the water in the sea, rivers and even the water that's otherwise found in our bodies.
source: ezinearticles



source: virginmedia

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Eggplant and Unfavorable Cervixes

Well, last night my lovely family took me to Scalini's, famous for inducing labor with their eggplant parmagiana. Click on the link for the legend and the recipe if you don't live near by.



the baby wall

I have half of mine left for dinner, so I'm going to try and milk it for all it's worth. If you go in to labor within 48 hours of eating it then you get a $25 gift card and a onesie and her picture will go on the baby wall!!

I had another doctors appointment today. If I haven't returned your phone call it's because I'm tired of saying I'm still pregnant. Forgive me.

I love my doctor so much. She said my cervix was still unfavorable for delivering. It looks like my original due date may in fact be correct. Who knows. I feel so down in the dumps and like she's never coming. I know she will, but I'm so anxious about the labor and delivery. I just want her to be healthy and in my arms.

Mom and I did make the most of our day by stopping by Lenox and getting some retail therapy. I had a gift certificate to Pottery Barn Kids so I got some adorable plates and bowls, but sadly I can't find them online.

Matilda...we are waiting with open arms!

ps I came home today to a cowering dog and his shredded bed. Alteast it wasn't the couch.

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Trying to keep sane

I have officially cleaned my entire house like 5 times. I washed the sheets today, fluffed the duvet, sprayed the bed with linen spray. All of this with hopes of sweet dreams and contractions!

I am finding it very hard not to be antsy. I've been reading the Baby Whisperer, which I've been really enjoying.



The book really makes a lot of sense and I've been learning so much.

I set up a deco file on Domino's website, which is basically an online inspiration board. It's really easy to use.
Some recent inspiration from my deco file...



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Matilda's room: Part 4

Her room is finally done and longing for its tiny occupant...






and here I am at 38 weeks...tick tock tick tock
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Labor Day

Well, today was my "official" last day of work. I think Labor Day is appropriate, don't you? The day went by really fast! We were insanely busy, which is good, but it was surprising! I feel really blessed to have the co-workers that I do and I will miss them!

I am excited about this time to prepare for our wee one. I will be getting a pedicure tomorrow (tried to do it myself...nada) and Mom and I have plans for just about every day this week. I will be walking despite how swollen I get to try to coerce her into the world. Can't wait for the post "Welcome to the world Matilda!".

In other news...you all know how much I have been waiting for this day...that's right Season Premiere of Gossip Girl Season 2!!! Erin and I have plans to chat about outfits, happenings, etc. I really can't wait. Gossip Girl airs on the CW at 8:00pm eastern.

xoxo L









source:cwtv

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Matilda's room: Part 3

Here are the latest pictures of her room and some pictures of her hospital bag:)

Her beautiful vintage dresser on loan from Kim and Alan,
Sweet towel.
Handmade quilts, burp cloths, etc.
Vintage baby items from Jessica and her Mama Lauren.
Diapering necessities!
She's so not spoiled.

Matilda's hospital bag made by Dana, from Aunt Jessie.


Full term 37 weeks!

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Such good times

Yesterday I received a phone call from my nurse saying that I had tested positive for Group B Strep. She told me that I would get an IV of antibiotics during labor and that this would protect my baby. I went online and now I'm totally worried and stressed. I wrote my doctor an email and I'm sure I won't hear back from her until after the holiday. When it rains it pours.

So far this is the info that I have on the disease:

Group B strep (GBS) is a bacteria naturally found in the digestive tract and birth canal of 1 in 4 pregnant women. These women “carry” or are “colonized” with GBS. However, GBS can come and go at any time so each pregnancy can be different. Babies can be infected by GBS before birth and up to 6 months of age because of their underdeveloped immune systems.

GBS most commonly causes infection in the blood (sepsis), the fluid and lining of the brain (meningitis), and lungs (pneumonia). It can cause babies to be miscarried, stillborn, or die after being born. Some GBS survivors have permanent handicaps such as blindness, deafness, mental retardation, and cerebral palsy.

Group B Strep Intl

Encouraging right?

To do Lists make me happy

Things I need to do before my sweet Matilda is here:

1. Paint my nails the best I can

2. Hang crazy poster in her room and repeat what it says

3. Finish packing mine and Sam's hospital bags

4. Read a lot...Bradley Method book, New Moon

5. Write thank you cards check

6. Print out diaper washing instructions and put them in my clean laundry room!

7. Order diaper pail liiners

8. Relax

I'm sure there will be more to add to this list, but these are the main things I need to get done. Thank you all for your kind words. Our friends and family have really been our back bones this year and I'm eternally grateful for all of you.

Feel Free to support Homemade Grits by clicking on the ads on this page during the next few months when I'll be incomeless:) Thank you very much!!!!

I love laundry rooms...they relax me:









source: house to home




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Steps to a Monday Meltdown

I can honestly say that throughout my pregnancy I may have been irritable at times, but rarely crazy. Last night however was a different story...

My day started with a doctors appt, which in truth I dread. I have to get weighed (egads!), wait forever, and this appt was the strep b test. The strep test was no big, but then my lovely doctor asked me if I wanted her to check my cervix. Why am I always so anxious to know everything? I of course said (practically screamed) "YES!". To say it was uncomfortable is quite the understatement, which got me thinking, "How will I get through labor?!". The results were encouraging...she said I was 50% effaced and a finger-tip dialated. All this really tells me is that things are on their way...

Afterwards I spent some time with Mom and Grant and later Lynndaddy and Grammy. It's so comforting for me to be around them and I loooove spending time with Grant. He is so sweet! All I could think about the whole time was how exhausted I am and how I was going to make it through the next 2 weeks at work.

I went to work and everything was fine. Work is actually great, it's just that I am so tired and my feet hurt so bad. They have been getting increasingly more swollen. I gained 5 lbs over the last 2 weeks and my doctor said it was water weight and just sort of grimaced when she saw my feet and hands. Repeat: This too shall pass and I won't care when she is here!

So, after work I headed in the rain to Mom and Dad's to pick up the poster Jake had framed for me. I got there in my overtired state and see that the mat is black and not white like I had wanted. Normally, so not a big deal. I probably didn't clarify! Poor Jake, he was doing me a favor.

I got home and everything was ok, I ate my dinner that sweet Sam prepared for me. I looked at my emails, got exhausted at the thought of returning them, which is normally something I really enjoy. I stared at the wall. Then, Mom called and said that Jake could get the mat fixed and I just started crying uncontrollably! It was ridiculous. Sam finally took the phone away from me, told Mom we would call her later. He then called Megan to tell her I needed a day off to relax, he turned off my phone (sorry Luce!), rubbed my feet, made me tea, and then we watched Weeds Season 3 finally! I then went to bed.

You are wonderful husband! I'm sorry for losing it!

The funniest part of this story is the straw that broke this camel's back was supposed to be my new motto:



bahahahaa. Please have patience with me friends. I'll be back to my old self soon. For now this pretty much sums it up:



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Maternity Closet: Second Trimester

You're just about half way done congratulations! Now what to wear with that blossoming belly...
People are definitely starting to notice, but don't make it awkward for them to ask you about it. Choose flattering styles that showcase your new addition, not clothes that hide your belly. Clothes that cover you up make it a toss up of whether you are in deed with child or just putting on some extra pounds. The second trimester is all about cute tops and dresses, your pants you bought in the first trimester will continue to work! Tops that are getting a little shorter just need a longer layer underneath.

Good options without breaking the bank, you want to look good but save your money for the babe:

All from Old Navy's maternity line:

The empire waist is perfect when you start showing because it clearly defines the bump and emphasizes the bust.



$24.50



$15.00

This dress is so cute and could be mixed up with cute open cardigans and fun accessories:



$24.50

All styles from Forever 21:

Smocking anywhere is a bonus!



$22.80

The longer the tops the better...



$22.80

I love this dress, which you could also wear as a tunic and layer:



$15.00

This dress would work best with rolled capris and fun flats:



$24.90

Throw in some extra comfy men's (they're longer) Hanes Tanks and you can really expand your current wardrobe!

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I need a pool

Good morning everyone! I had another Dr.'s appt this morning. Oh the joys of stepping on the scale, drinking 10 oz of fruit punch syrup, and getting my blood taken. However my lovely doctor has returned from her maternity leave and I was overjoyed to see her. Also, Matilda's little heart is pumping away and I'm measuring right on track. Hooray! I cannot wait to meet her, I think about her all the time. Sometimes I feel like I am dreaming and I will wake up and this large bump will be gone.

I had a lot of questions for my doctor and she had a lot of great answers...

I expressed to her my concern over the rising c-section rates and she said that she understood my concerns but that the fatality rates in mothers and infants was on the decline as a result. Good answer.

She also said that the c-section was a last result in their practice. They follow something called a Friedman's curve which is based on a study done with a thousand pregnant woman so if you fall outside of that norm then they will use medical intervention, but the goal is always a vaginal birth.

I also expressed my concerns about the Pitocin and Epidural usage. She said that if I asked them not to offer me the drugs that they would not. She said that neither of the drugs would affect the baby and that there has never been a case of anyone getting paralyzed by and epidural.

About the Bradley Method, she said it was important to take a class so that you would know the relaxation techniques. She also started cracking up because of the patients she has in the past that had taken the classes. She had one patient that said baby, baby, baby, baby with each contraction. She also said if Sam was naked that she wasn't coming in the room ( the pictures in the book show naked couples, hilarious) and that she had 2 different husbands that were pinching and licking their partners nipples when she walked in the room. I started dying laughing, but she said that it was a natural way to release pitocin, she just didn't want to see it.

She also said I would be hooked up to a monitor, but that it was portable so I could still move around, get in the bath, whatever. I thought that was a real comfort.

So, there you have a few more answers. I have been ordered by Sam to relax. I have been going non stop and my feet are constantly swollen and I have been stressed out about cleaning, planning the perfect yard sale, and my glucose screening. I really need to get myself some pool time in so that I can actually exercise!

So, I shall spend the day with Jessie getting our nails done and eating lunch together. I think we are going to Gabriels so you will have a restaurant review here shortly....



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Maternity Closet: First Trimester

Now, I do not by any means consider myself an expert on maternity fashion. I definetly have days when I'm getting ready that I want to cry because nothing is working. However, I thought it would be fun to give a layout of sorts for neccesary items for each trimester. I think I really wanted people's advice on the matter, so in turn I offer my two cents.

First Trimester:


1.First things first...JEANS. I don't wanna hear the whining about the price. You will wear them for atleast 6 months, the average lifespan of most jeans you wear anyways. They will save you! I started wearing mine almost instantly because they were so comfortable, and the old rubberband trick will only take you so far my friends.

High End: Paige Premium Jeans $185

Nordstrom.com

Middle: Lucky Brand $108 (my choice, i really love that they have a semi normal waist band!)

luckybrandjeans.com

Low: Old Navy $32

oldnavy.com

Don't go for anything trendy, just a good wash with a straight leg!

2.Your first trimester brings about day sickness and major, major breast pain. Those suckers sting like no other! I bought 2 maternity bras, one white and one nude and I am still wearing them today. They have been a total lifesaver and you can even sleep in them!
Mimi Maternity: $34 , so soft and comfurtable!

mimimaternity.com

3. Get some great layering tops that will last! Go for tops that are lightweight and breathable and on the longer side. Do not stick to maternity sections. You will get a much better variety shopping your favorite stores and sizing up. You will feel like yourself and normally save some money. Maternity=$$

I love Anthropologie tops, so here are some great ones that have worked for me. Fashion is definetly on our side with the continued use of flowy fabrics, and wider sillouettes. $39.95-$68.



anthropologie.com


anthropologie.com


anthropologie.com


anthropologie.com