It's Not That I HATE Prego Pants But...

Before I was pregnant I secretly envied women in their cute maternity pants. Sure, I thought they were extremely weird looking with the huge stretchy blue band that eats up their belly, but I kept hearing about how comfortable they were. Plus, how cool are pants that are especially made for your state of being?

That theory has changed since I myself have become pregnant. At the beginning of my pregnancy, when my belly was still unnoticeable, I looked forward to the day that I wouldn't feel embarrassed shopping in a maternity store. But I hadn't started showing, until about 22 weeks or so. Obviously then I'm already more than half way through my pregnancy. I don't have a personal vendetta against maternity pants or anything, but since I hadn't bought then then I started challenging myself to see how long I can go without buying maternity pants. I'm about two-thirds of the way there now, and now I'm sorta I'm determined to make it through without getting a pair.

Call it a sick bet with myself. I'm not sure what it is. Part of me thinks it's my ultra-bargain-shopping self who doesn't want to spend money on clothes I'll only wear a few months. I mean honestly... I still have skirts from middle school. And shopping for Ladybug is much more exciting than shopping for myself.

I wear a size 4-long jeans (I'm about 5' 11"). I've always had a somewhat slim figure and my tummy seems to be one of the only parts of my body that's swelling up so far. Oh yea, and my feet. Since most of my jeans and pants are fairly low rise and my Ladybug seems to be sitting high, there's no problem squeezing them on.

I do have a secret weapon that helps... I have a few BellaBands that I wear over my pre-pregnancy jeans and pants. I started wearing them around 10 weeks or so when I was ultra-bloated and my bloat was low and squishing my gut. I would just unzip my pants, and slip it on. That's been a lifesaver when it comes to sticking to my "no maternity pants" plan. I also have several skirts with elastic waists that I wear a lot. There have been a couple of times where I've grabbed a random skirt or pair of pants that's not low rise and I'll tell you what... Those don't fit!

Sometimes I'm tempted to give in and join the scrunchy pants club, but other times I can see myself in the home stretch. Every pair of pants I save on is like another little outfit for my little girl. That's one way to think of it.

I hear their comfortable and great, and that I wouldn't regret getting them. Part of me thinks if I'm going to get some I might as well now because if I need them when I'm even bigger later that'll be even less time to wear them. Hmmm, perhaps I'll give in and try them out. But then again maybe I should have done that MONTHS ago. What do you think?

Where's the best place to shop for them?

For the record... I know there's more important things in life than maternity pants. This is a version of a story I originally wrote for my Project Pregnancy blog for Parenting.com, and one of the (anonymous) commenter's made it sound like I don't care about my baby cause I'm writing about maternity pants *sigh*... Idiots. You can read my "Avoiding Maternity Pants" post here.

Also, I got a bunch of cute things in a Pregnancy Essentials kit courtesy of BellaBand. An everyday cami I literally wear almost every day, rushed tank, belly leggings, and an organic black BellaBand and a white BellaBand which I LOVE. There's a ton of online retailers that sell them here.

My Little Ladybug, We're in For Some Good Times

Dear Ladybug,

Time is flying by now. I feel like just a few weeks ago I was writing my first letter to you, now I'm already more than two thirds of the way through meeting you.

Sometimes it doesn't even feel like you're real. I feel you kicking and moving but it doesn't always sink in that a person--You--are really in there.

But you are. And you weigh almost 2 pounds and are about 14 1/2 inches long with your legs extended. You're sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing your eyes, and maybe even sucking your fingers.

You aren't even close to full term but if you were born now your lungs would be develped, and with help you'd be ok! Don't try anything crazy though, keep cooking!

I've noticed this week some tiny rhythmic movements of yours, not as strong as your kicking, so I think they're your hiccups. It's really cute. I'm still trying to get you moving around on camera! It's a treasure I hope to preserve.

(photo by Baby Center)

When I see little newborn babies I get all teary-eyed thinking about what you'll be like. Thinking that I'm ACTUALLY going to have a child, a daughter. It's hard to wrap my brain around.

I hope I'm a good mom. I hope I can teach you the important things in life and that we'll have a good relationship. It's hard for me to think about you and how I want to raise you without imagining you being in my shoes 24 years from now.

Time flies little one. It seems like I was a little girl not too long ago and now I'm having my own! I don't even want to think about the next 25 years going by as fast! It's scary thinking about being the mother of a teenager, or eventually another adult. But I can't dwell on it that way. I should really just slow down and take things day by day.

I do want to tell you though that I know we'll run into some hard times. Everyone does. But we'll get through them. There may be times I wonder why I chose to become a mom when I did, but know that I feel so sure about you coming at the right time. This is right!

I'm afraid there will be times I have no idea what I'm doing... Like today when I was making the curtains for your room. But that's ok, we'll learn and grow together.

I love you baby girl. And I'm so excited to meet you!

Love,

Mommy

*****

A word from a sponsor: For more on being 27 weeks pregnant visit Pregnancy Corner.

I Think They Call This Nesting

It’s 3:47 in the morning right now and I’m writing this why? I’m not sure. All I know is my brain is running a million miles a minute and I can’t slow down. It’s like I’m on crack… But I’m not. And I swear I don’t know what that’s like from experience—Really, it’s just an example.

I’ve made myself a “to-do list” for my days off. Actually, list isn’t the right word. I should call it a schedule. Yes… A “to-do schedule.” I’ve found I can write 20 things on a list and only do five because I loose track of time and don’t get to everything. Then, next thing I know my workweek has started again and I’m kicking myself for STILL not setting the dang crib up!

I think they call this nesting.

I’m organizing my craft area, hanging up baby clothes, and sewing tutus, dresses, baby legs… And anything else I can find a simple tutorial for that belongs on a child between the age of 0-12 months.

I want to rearrange all of my kitchen cabinets... Not the doors but the stuff in them. I don't like where anything is and we need space for bottles and bottle cleaners. I found random things like flashlights and other electronics in one cabniet. WHY?! My husband put them there... That's not a good place, I must rearrange it NOW!

I’m planning my work schedule. How many days off do I have left before my daughter is born? How many stories can I produce and save to air while I’m gone? How much overtime is this going to cost me now? Can I handle it?—OF COURSE I CAN! Next!

Blogging. Three blogs and a guest blog… Not counting the family blog I neglected months ago. How many posts can I write in a day to make my editors happy? How many posts can I write in a day so I don’t have to write any for another two weeks? Then there’s more time for tutu making. Ooh.. Maybe a post ABOUT tutu making. I think I remember reading something on the NY Times about getting 28,549 hits on posts about tutu making.

I responded to several emails I’ve been neglecting for days... Ok maybe weeks. A sweet girl from church—my visiting teacher—wants to visit with me. I wrote her back too.

My baby girl is kicking me because she’s a night owl too… But I’m supposed to be asleep. She’s wondering why the lights are on… She can tell they’re on now you know.“Hang out with my husband.” That’s on my list. Not because I’d forget or anything, but just a reminder. I penciled him in on my schedule from 1:15-3:30pm. After that he’s going to help me clean the upstairs… Again. Usually I’m the one helping him, but I WANT to clean. I do. I wrote it on my list!

I wrote “eat” on my schedule too. It’s sad but sometimes I forget.

It’s 4:01am now. Writing this post wasn’t on my schedule because I was suppose to be in bed three hours ago. I forgot to put “sleep” on my list. That’s important too. People keep telling me I should enjoy it now. But it’s hard because I’m also enjoying this thing called “nesting.”

On the Cusp of a Nervous Breakdown

This morning I woke up, looked at my iPhone countdown and realized there's approximately 90 days until Ladybug arrives. 90 freaking days. Then I turned at looked at her room and my body filled with anxiety.

13 weeks, three months, 90 days. However you want to look at it, it's not that far away. Remember how quickly that 90 day warranty ran out on your expensive washing machine? That's how long I have. And while I've crossed off much on my baby shopping list I feel like there's still so much more to do.

I STILL haven't put up her crib. Why am I putting the crib up? Read that explanation here. I still need a dresser. I have nothing on the walls, I need to find a border to decorate the room with, buy a car seat, so we can actually take her home, and finally start buying diapers.

I hardly get any time to do these things since I work so much. And then when people at work get mad at me for messing up the spelling of something I want to scream at them and say: "YEA? WELL I STILL HAVEN'T PRE-WASHED MY CLOTHES!" I mean really... What's more important?

I KNOW I still have time. I know it's not the end of the world and that lots of people set things up long after the baby is born, but I am just one of those people who likes to get big projects done early. ESPECIALLY when I have no idea when she actually will come. I sometimes worry she'll come a month early and nothing will be ready.

Don't even get me started on the fact that we haven't started looking for a pediatrician yet. I'm not sure where to start. I am already signed up for my Lamaze class, and set to get prepped for labor but that's ONE DAY of this entire HUGE process!

I would love to have a mattress for her bed, crib and dresser set up, and room decorated by the end of April. That would give me another two months to deep clean my house, stock up on more diapers, and just relax the rest of my pregnancy.

Part of me is so overly excited to meet her and I want the last few months to fly by, but another part of me enjoys being pregnant, and planning and preparing.

I'm used to working on deadlines, but I've gotta say, this is my scariest one to date.

How to Make Baby Leg Warmers

In my quest to make myself more crafty, and to make myself feel like a domestic diva I want to document my different projects progress on my blog. I'm hoping for one crafty-related post a week, and I've been making Spawnie a lot so it shouldn't be so hard!

I can't take all of the credit for my ideas though, so I'll show you where I get them!

I had never heard of baby leg warmers or BabyLegs until a few months ago. I hear they're amazingly convenient for diaper changes cause you don't have to take down/ unbutton any pants. They're also nice to keep your baby's legs from getting rug burn while they're crawling around.I thought they were totally adorable but worried of Spawnie was a boy they may look a little silly on him. I took a chance though and bought some leg warmers from Dittany Baby. But they're called skidpants there. I'm still not sure of the difference, I think it's a brand thing, but either way they're adorable! I bought these BYU ones on sale for $4.50 at Dittany baby!Once I found out Spawnie was a girl I wanted more! I started shopping around but realized the price for one pair easily is $12-$15 for a PAIR! Don't get me wrong, I'm all for spending the money on cute stuff, but I'm also a bargain hunter.

I was tweeting with people about baby leg warmers and a few women told me they were really easy to make. I was worried shopping for fabric, cutting and measuring would take me forever so I was a little hesitant at first but a few sent me links to a tutorial on how to make baby leg warmers from knee socks!

So, to see how easy it was I tried it myself! I bought a 6 pack of women's knee socks off Ebay for $13.1. Cut the feet off the bottoms.2. Turn them inside out and fold up the bottom.
3. Stitch around them flip right side out. (I hand stitched these during my lunch break at work one night).Viola!! It took seriously about half an hour to make a pair and that's because I was HAND STITCHING. My sewing machine is having some problems but it would literally take me about a minute to make a pair using my machine. But that should give women who don't have/ know how to use sewing machines some courage.

So there you go! I'll make 6 pairs of baby leg warmers for $13. Not bad eh? Hopefully I can keep this craftiness up! I'm becoming more domestic than I ever imagined!

A Post for Charity

My Friend Jen at After the Alter sucked me in (basically guilted)! She passed this Easter basket on to me so that we can continue to try to raise $5000 for the Children's Miracle Network. Spring is here! I usually don't do these tag things but if this post donates $10 to children in need than what the heck?!

I pass this on to:
Jess from My Silly Monkeys
Kate from BabyBumble B
Desirre from Preparing for a Better Birth
Sarah from Tech for Mommies
Keep em Cookin
Jessie from Paretning the Tiniest of Miricles
Becca from Mama B


Be sure to visit all of those great bloggers too cause they rock! Also, feel free to grab the basket if you want to write a quick post and earn $10 for kids in need!

HERSHEY’S BETTER BASKET BLOG HOP RULES
Copy and paste these rules to your blog post.
Create a blog post giving a virtual Easter Basket to another blogger – you can give as many Virtual Baskets as you want.
Link back to person who gave you an Easter Basket.
Let each person you are giving a Virtual Easter Basket know you have given them a Basket.
Leave your link at BetterBasket.info/BlogHop comment section. You can also find the official rules of this #betterbasket blog hop, and more information about Better Basket with Hershey’s there.
Hershey’s is donating $10 per each blog participating to the Better Basket Blog Hop to Children’s Miracle Network (up to total of $5,000 by blog posts written by April 4th, 2010).
Please note that only one blog post by each blog url will count towards the donation.

Choosing a Maternity Photographer

There's a few things I've been looking forward to since I found out I was pregnant... Or even before then. Call me vain but I've been looking forward to getting maternity photographs for a long long time.

I'm going to another consignment sale tomorrow night and they're giving out a free belly shot for first time moms-to-be then free follow up sessions with your new baby. I HOPE it's as good as it sounds because I'd love to get a deal on these, especially since they're not cheap.

If it doesn't work out, I have a picture in mind of how I'd like them to look but I'm not sure exactly how to go about finding the photographer. I started by asking for a few referrals from friends on Facebook and Twitter. Then I checked out Craigslist to see who had some deals, and finally just Googled some.

I know I like the studio look better, or at least black and white backgrounds. I don't like the outside ones as much just because I feel like they look more like modeling shoots and I'm not going for the "model" look as much as the "casual mom" look, haha.

If I do decide to do some outside I'd like them done maybe something like this:

(Photos by Bloom Austin Photography)

Or like this in a field:

(Photo by Sara Lopez Photography)


(Photo by 3 Little Monkeys Photography)

I like blue jeans... Not a dress. And a plain white or black shirt that buttons. I'd like to unbutton the bottom so you can see my tummy, but I don't like the holding my bare boobies action that much. Don't get me wrong, those pictures look beautiful when done right, but I don't think that's my style. This is basically EXACTLY what I'd like to wear:

(Photos by Carrie Biggar Photography)


(Photo by Pinkle Toes Photography)


(Photo by Christie Stockstill Photography)

I like this one but with jeans on.

I also would like my husband to be in a few, but not all of them... Not even most of them. Maybe like three, haha.

(Photo by EP's Photography)

(Photo by Sara Lopez Photography)


(Photo by Luz Del Alma Photography)

I'm sprinkling some samples I like from local photographers I've found in my area so far. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this look... I like how the woman is sorta blended in with the background but the belly sticks out. I wouldn't necessarily want them ALL like this, but I'd like a few! Being vain again... I like my hair down long and I'd like to show it off in photos so maybe white backgrounds would look nice too.

(Photo by Christi Long Photography)


(Photo by Christie Stockstill Photography)


(Photo by Damon Leo Photography)

I LOVE these on-location photos!

(Photos by Bloom Austin Photography)


(Photo by Barbara Legere Photography)

I am not sure about costs or what my budget is exactly. I'm hoping I can find a good deal and pay no more than $300 for the sitting fee and for a CD of the digital files giving me the rights. Think that's very realistic? I would LOVE to find a photographer that's working on their portfolio and would give me a ROCKIN' deal. My husband isn't too excited about forking out the dough for this, he says he'll use my camera and take the photos but I know how that will go...

He gets all fussy and whiny after taking a few shots for me around the house. He took my 26 week photo and it's blurry!! So yea, that option is out of the picture. But I also can't fork over $1000 for the digital prints... YIKES!

The frustrating thing when I search around for styles I like is I can't find a lot of African-American examples. It would be nice to see examples of how my skin tone and my husbands would look on black and white backdrops. I wrote to the photographer behind EP Photography because I really liked her site, and funny enough... The music she had playing on it.

I'm also debating when to have them done. I'm 26 weeks now, and I am worried if I plan them around 35 weeks she'll come then (crossing my fingers she doesn't). I've heard 7-8 months is a good idea. What do you think? Maybe around 32 weeks? I'll be exactly 8 months. I don't want to be too big to where I don't feel pretty either... Ok, I'm stopping with the vainness now ;)

What Flavor is My Baby?

I've had a few dreams where my baby comes out completely white. She looks nothing like me... Blond hair, loose curls, big blue eyes. While I loved her in my dream I still felt a little disconnected because she didn't look anything like me. It felt like I was handed a friend's baby to permanently take care of.

One of the biggest mysteries after finding out the sex of your baby (I don’t know how people can wait an extra 20 weeks) is wondering what she’ll look like when she’s born. Many new parents -- especially moms-to-be -- bask in their daydreams of straight—No, curly hair. 3D and 4D ultrasounds can help answer some of the questions before they’re born. If you’re wondering what shape their ears are, or if she has your lips. I’m still thinking about getting one.

Spawnie has 23 of my chromosomes, and 23 of her daddy’s. It’s split! Fifty-fifty. But while most people would be betting on her eye or hair color I’m thinking about something totally different all together -- Her skin color.

My uncle married a light-skinned woman from Nicaragua, and he jokingly categorizes the way his kids came out. “The chocolate” and “the vanilla” ones, he’ll say, pointing to my two darker skinned cousins, beside their lighter-skinned siblings. It’s really quite fascinating.

My husband is white. He has blond hair and blue eyes. He tans well but he’s pretty much as white as they come. Ever since we started talking about having children we’ve been debating what color they’ll come out.

We are friends with another interracial couple who complexion wise looks a lot like us. We all spent a lot of time together in college and just before graduation they had their first baby. He’s one of the most beautiful babies I’ve ever seen, but it’s incredible to see what shade he came out!

I know people say kids darken as they get older but if you saw this toddler now you’d still be surprised. He has beautiful, fine goldilocks and big bright blue eyes. My friend says she may not have believed he was her own had she not birthed him herself.

They’re pregnant now with their second child and maybe it’s just me, but I’m really anxious to see what flavor the next one is!

My husband jokes with me, teases me, saying our daughter is going to come out completely white. I just worry that if that’s the case, between our tanning sessions, people will ask me silly questions. You know how people like to talk. My friend mentioned earlier said people have mistaken her as the nanny before and see -- I’m not sure I’d be able to handle that in a nice way. Or what if our daughter takes more of my complexion, and when my husband’s out he’s asked where he got our daughter from, implying she’s adopted. I’m not sure he’d be able to respond to that in a nice way (that's just one of my worries for my birracial child).

I suppose it comes as a part of the full package: Beautiful child -- ignorant comments.

I was debating getting a 3D ultrasound to see what our little girl looks like. Part of me wants to know if she has my cheeks, forehead, eye shape, or nose. My husband says we should wait and see what she looks like when she comes out. Maybe we should. Besides, technology hasn’t advanced enough to where 3D ultrasounds can tell me the flavor of our baby.

Oh, and check out these twins!

*****

This is part of today's post I originally wrote on my blog for Parenting.com. Yep, I have a blog there too on Project Pregnancy. Check it out for more pregnancy updates and rants.

Bellybars Are Yummy--But Don't Take My Word for It

If you caught my MomTV show then you know how much I love Bellybar. And if you've read my blog for awhile you REALLY know how much I love them. I started eating them before I was trying to get pregnant because of all of the great nutrition in them. If you're trying to conceive it's a good idea to start stocking up on these vitamins before getting pregnant. For one, it takes a few months for your body to get stocked up on the nutrients like folic acid that it needs, and two, having them can HELP you conceive!

My favorite flavor is the Berry Nutty Cravings. It has a great blend of yogurt, nuts and berries. You may remember when I entered the Holly Jolly Belly Contest. I won! And I won a trimester worth of Bellybars, that's two cases of each flavor. I ate up all of the Berry Nutty ones first, now I'm alternating between the rest of them.

One thing I love about them is that they're also quick and easy to grab and go. With my job being so crazy, sometimes it's hard to get a break to eat. I'll put a few of these in my purse and snack on them throughout the day. Don't believe me? Look... I'm eating one as I write this post!

If you're pregnant, thinking of getting pregnant, or breastfeeding you definitely need to check these out!

Hate prenatal vitamins? Yea, sometimes they can by icky. Well eating a Bellybar is a lot like taking a prenatal vitamin because it has lots of folic acid, DHA, protein and iron! All things your baby really needs! Speaking of vitamins, Bellybar is coming out with a NEW prenatal vitamin next month, chewable and allegedly yummy!! I can't wait to try it! I'll for sure let you know about it when I find out more, and we'll have a giveaway here! They're ALSO coming out with a new s'more flavor!! *dies*

We gave away 3 Bellybar prize packs during the show! Bummed you missed it? You can find Bellybar's at Target, Wallgreens, Babies R Us, Whole Foods, Pea in a Pod, Motherhood Maternity, HEB and more! You can also buy them online! For more information or more on how you can try some follow @bellybar on twitter or become their facebook fan.

Want to try them all?! Well you can enter to win a prize pack right here!

THREE winners will each receive a prize pack full of:
-1 bars of each flavor (Baby Needs Chocolate, Berry Nutty Cravings, Mellow Oat and Burstin’ Chocolate)
-1 shakes of Due for Chocolate Bellybar Shakes
-1 pouch of the Citrus on Board bellybar chews

Here's what you do to enter: Visit Bellybar and tell me what product you want to try!

That's all! If you'd like extra entries, comment again if:

- You follow my blog

-Vote for me to win the Tickled Pink bedding on TheRealMomTV
-Comment on one of my posts on The Real Mom TV or Parenting Magazine's blog during the duration of this giveaway(3 entries each!)
-Follow @Bellybar on Twitter
-Follow me on twitter and tweet "Win a yummy @bellybar prize pack on @futuremama's blog #giveaway 3 winners! http://bit.ly/au1hFp" (2Xs per day- tweets must be 6hrs apart)
-Give me a pregnancy tip!
-Comment on non-giveaway related post of mine during the duration of this giveaway (1 entry per comment)
-Become my Facebook Fan

-Become Bellybar's facebook fan
-Add my button to your blog!
-Add my Full Terms of Giveaway button to your blog.
-Post about this giveaway on your blog.
-Email Subscribe to my blog (don't forget to confirm your email!) OR Subscribe to my blog through one of these feeds (let me know which one in comments).
-Vote for me on Top Baby Blogs (per day/computer) (just click the link)
-Vote for Baby Makin(g) Machine as top 50 Mommyblog on Babble (once per day)
-Tell me how you heard about this giveaway (you read my blog regularly, saw it on Twitter, etc.)

This giveaway ends April 4th at 11:59pm.

I'll use random.org to choose a winner. Good luck!

A big thanks to Bellybar for providing the prize to the winners. I was not compensated in any way for this post. Opinions are my own.

Dear Spawnie: You're Always on My Mind

Dear Daughter,

You're on my mind constantly. If I'm not wondering how you're doing I'm wondering what you'll be like if you're born. If you'll look more like me or your daddy. If you'll sleep well at night. If people exaggerate about how hard it all is, or if I'll think it's much more difficult.

Sometimes I'm so scared that you're going to be here in less than 14 weeks, there's still so much to do in what feels like so little time! But sometimes I'm just so eager and excited to meet you that I wish you were here now.

Not long ago I debated if I was ready to have you. It felt like it was the right time, I felt confidant about my decision to move forward with trying to get pregnant with you, but I still was so afraid of going down a road that I couldn't turn back from.

I'm on the road now that I was terrified to travel on. Sometimes it is scary knowing that this is a lifetime commitment, but deep down I think you're a part of me that's been missing all along. I thought I knew myself, knew who I was, knew who I wanted to be. But every day that passes by now, every day you grow bigger and stronger in my belly I dream about my future with you, our future as a family, all of us, and it just feels right.

I was reading some stories today online about women who lost their children when they were just babies. It made me so sad. It's so hard for me to imagine not thanking God for you every day knowing how blessed we are to have you. How blessed we are to be healthy, and to have so many things to give to you.

I pray every day that I can remember to give gratitude and enjoy every moment, good and bad, because they're moments not everyone gets to experience.

There are things I do when I'm excited about something. One thing I like to do is complete a task every day that's preparing me for what I'm excited for. Every day I've been making, or buying or writing something for you. I have a journal I'm trying to fill out and I hope to give it to you one day. I think I'm done buying you clothes. You have lots of socks, and dresses, and I think I'll keep making things like tutus and dresses, but I'm done buying them. I've got to worry about the bigger things like your car seat, and a dresser FOR all of your clothing!

Speaking of clothing, I'm starting to bust out of mine now. I'm getting quite big... At least my belly is. My pants are getting harder to button and although I love my Bellaband I'm beginning to wonder if I should invest in at least one pair of maternity pants. I've gained about 11 pounds total so far, so I'm about back up to the weight I'm suppose to be at I think, which is good.

You started to kick me in strange places this week. At one point I was beginning to think you were getting ready to come out but luckily I heard kicks in that region are normal.

(photo from BabyCenter)

Your nerves in your ears are better developed and more sensitive than before. Now, you can probably me and daddy talking. You're also inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of your lungs. These breathing movements are also good practice for when you're born and take that first gulp of air. You're also continuing to put on baby fat. You now weigh about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches. I'm still debating seeing you in 3D. Your daddy says we should just wait until you get here to see you but I'm kinda curious what you'd look like in 3D before you're born! We didn't get to have an ultrasound last week like I thought, but we'll get one at the next appointment for sure! Finally we'll get to double check and make sure you're still a girl! If not... Sorry about all of the pink.

Keep growing my little princess! Meet you in a few months!

Love,

Mommy

****

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Blogher With a Baby? Bad Idea?

This time last year I was having a blast blogging. Intrigued by all of the opportunities and women I was meeting, it was a hobby I couldn't get enough of.

I had heard so much hype over Blogher and heard about a contest The Blogrollers were having to win a seat in their car sponsored by Chevy going up there. With my husband's reluctant participation I made a video and won the contest! And a free trip to Blogher (that was the only way I was going causes there was no way hubs was gonna let me spend money on a blogging trip).

I had fun, I met a lot of people. Did I make any life-changing connections... No, if that's ever been the case I think I've done most of that online... Which is sort of the point of blogging/social media. Did I learn how to make my blog totally awesome?... No. Did I learn how to make lots of money off my blog... No (and by the way I think that's because most people just DON'T make money from their blog). Sure, maybe I learned a little about branding, and networking, but sometimes all of the work can take the fun out of it.

Blogging is a hobby to me, and I enjoy the writing and interaction portion the most out of it all, but I've been blessed with fun opportunities along the way. If I feel myself starting to get stressed over my blog I try to back up and re-evaluate things. A blogger who's trying too hard is a turn-off to me. You've just gotta do your thing and have fun! SEO (search engine optimization)... Who cares? Write a catchy title that brings me in!

That said... I had a lot of fun at Blogher. I didn't know many people when I arrived but I met a lot of ladies, and just had a blast at this girlfriends-gettaway type event. The jam-packed workshops about marketing and improving stats weren't as interesting to me as the ones about writing and staying true to yourself. I think this next year I'll know more women and it would be fun to put a voice and real face with people I've connected with online, plus I know more where I fit in and what I'm interested in learning about now that I'm more established with my blog.

First things first... Once again I'm not going unless I'm sponsored. I haven't given up hope but things aren't looking pretty at the moment.

Part of it is perfect... I'll be on maternity leave, and I've never been to NYC. I've always wanted to go, and what better time? The down side... Spawnie will only be about 6 weeks old if she comes on or around her due date. It's pretty young for a new baby. It'll be my first time traveling alone with her, and I'll still sorta be riding on training wheels when it comes to being a mom. Breastfeeding, 24/7 babysitting, all of that will still be new.

Last year there were LOTS of women at the conference with babies, many of them had them carried around in slings and wraps, or popped on the boob. I know it CAN be done but I'm back and forth with if I can do it... If I'd even want to or if I'd just drive myself insane.

My mom's offered to watch her if I want to go but I'm not going to do that. I don't want to be away from her while I have time off to spend with her. Plus what's she gonna eat? She says she'll be too young to take with me, and maybe that's true, but I'm still thinking about it.

I'll need friends nearby, that's for sure. Women who know me and are willing to help me out and be there if I have a breakdown or if I'm totally confused about something. I've already talked with some people who say they'd love to meet Spawnie there, but I also don't want to be a burden.

I also don't know if I'm going to be one of those germophobe moms who doesn't want anyone near my baby. I'm not like that now, so I don't think I'll do a 180 but you never know.

Is it crazy to travel with a baby that young... To New York City? Are you going to Blogher? If you saw me in New York partying it up with an infant would you help me out or shake your head and call DPS?

Seeing Through a Child's Eyes

When people find out I’m a TV new anchor and reporter one of the first things I’m asked is “do people recognize you?”

Honestly, it’s not like people think. I use to be the host of BYU Weekly in Utah and for a while I’d get recognized for that role more than any other media position I’ve held.

Lately it’s a little different. I’m not sure if my pregnancy magnifies things or what but I’ve been getting stopped nearly every day with someone who says something like “I didn’t know you were pregnant, you can’t tell on TV!” or “Congratulations on your baby” it’s really quite interesting.

The funny fact is, I don’t really LIKE to be recognized. I never know what to say. I hate wearing makeup and you’ll hardly ever catch me wearing it outside of work… Nor will I have my hair done or be in dressy clothes. The fact that people can still spot me is sometimes a little frightening. I sometimes find myself looking for my reflection to see how horrible I look and feel bad for scaring them.

My reluctance for recognition toned down one day afternoon in the small town of Coupland Texas.

The entire school district fit in two small buildings side by side. I heard about a guitar class for half a dozen sixth graders—About a third of the entire grade of students. For many of them, practicing guitar was a motivation to go to school every day—Something to look forward to during a difficult time for school.When I arrived to film and interview them I could hear their whispers of recognition. Then one by one each came up to ask me the same question over and over… If I was the “news lady.” It didn’t matter if they heard the same answer I gave to the kid who asked seconds before; they wanted to hear for themselves.

For once I didn’t mind the attention. I felt like talking to these kids made their day. After I was done filming and getting the interviews the entire class… And the class of students in the same room after—In fact, the entire sixth grade class came up and one by one asked for my autograph.
It was one of the strangest, funniest and cutest, things I had experienced. I tried to think of something nice to say next to my worthless autograph. “Stay in school,” was mostly all I could come up with. So much for being a writer! I’ll have to work on that in case I’m ever asked for an autograph again.

A few of them also gave me some of their own tokens to appreciate. I’m sure I’m someone they’ll quickly forget about, if they haven’t already, but those cute kiddos are faces I’ll remember forever.

It’s amazing how little things can make all the difference in a child’s life. I miss that sometimes, but I look forward to experiencing it again through my daughter’s eyes. If you want to see the story I did click here.

Aliens on Board!

NO! I'm not having two. I'm just telling you about one of my favorite pregnancy T-shirt lines. I've seen A LOT of T-shirts for pregnant bellies and I have a few myself, but I'm not a big t-shirt kind of person so I don't like a lot... Call me picky. But when I saw Spegg Wear's "Alien on Board" shirt I knew I had to get one! ...Especially since I was already calling my baby Spawnie.

Simone, owner of the shop sent me a couple of T-shirts to show off and I was so excited to wear them once my belly started to get bigger. I wore it to my 20-week ultrasound and I got so many compliments. She also sent me the Equation t-shirt which is quite cleaver and I plan to wear to my next prenatal yoga class.

Here's a little more about Spegg Wear:

There's also spunky shirts for daddy and baby. I was going to get this one for my husband but quite honestly, he'd be WAY to embarrassed to wear it in public (he's a bit shy). But hey... If you're husband's loud and proud he'd probably love it!

Want a cute Spegg Wear shirt for yourself or a friend? You can buy one for 20% off using the coupon code "funky". The shirts range in price from about $18 up! My alien on board tee is on sale for $28 right now!

OR You can win one here!!

Just leave a comment letting me know your favorite shirt from Spegg Wear!

That's all! Want extra entries? Comment again if you:

-Vote for me to win the Tickled Pink bedding on TheRealMomTV
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-Follow me on twitter and tweet "I saw cute funky maternity t-shirts by @Speggwear on @FutureMama's blog! Enter to win one: http://bit.ly/cyguoB" (2Xs per day- tweets must be 6hrs apart)
-Give me a pregnancy tip!
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Giveaway Ends April 1st at 11:59 pm.

Winner will be chosen via Random.org Good Luck!

Operation Nursery Makeover Part 2

So you saw before pictures of my nursery which was pretty manly (my husband's wanna be man cave) and very non-kiddish.

Not much as changed except I took down the photos of Tiger Woods (that jerk), and we have LOTS of kids stuff in the room that people have given us. It's actually so messy that I decline to take a picture at the moment.

I AM ready to put the crib up though. I've downloaded some new tunes. I'm gonna pop on my Lullabelly and get to assembling.

Oh... Why am I doing it alone? Well see... I've sorta always been the handy woman, and to be honest my husband is far from a handy man. After being married a few years and we started to acquire nicer furniture I took it upon myself to assemble our etra-tall table and six chairs, as well as our dresser, bed, and book shelves. I learned quick enough that it was better I do it.

Don't tell him I told you, but after we bought our new HDTV a couple of weeks ago he panicked because "the sound didn't work." Two seconds after arriving on the scene I switched the cords from "audio out" to "audio in." Problem solved. So for the bed our dear daughter will be sleeping in I figure it's better we don't take any chances and just allow me to do the job right.

There's still no mattress to go in it and no bedding yet, but I think putting it up will make me take a small sigh of relief.

I know I still have 15 weeks left but that doesn't feel like much time. I would love to have everything ready at least a month before in case she decides to come early. I have a feeling she will... I know everyone must say that, but I really do!

There's a few things I need your help with in deciding though. First off... Remember the bedding I was debating on before? Well Artistic Sensations is partnering with me and The Real Mom TV to get me some bedding. They have BEAUTIFUL designs but remember how frilly I wanted mine before? Something like this...

Yea, well that's a little extra. But it's OKAY with me because like I said before... When it comes to a girl I can't settle on bedding. I've gotta get what I like. Kim, owner of Artistic Sensations said they'd take one of three color patterns and make it in the style I like

Tickled Pink

Strawberry Cordial

and Miss Priss

So, I don't really need your help DECIDING per-say, but I need your help voting... These are the different color schemes they've picked out for me, but going with the mobile I've already made and the colors and paisley scheme I like, I love TICKLED PINK best. Like I mentioned, I'll have it made with the satin ruffles and more pink. What do you think? Like it too? If so... PRETTY PLEASE vote for the Tickled Pink Bedding design here.

Now, something else I'd love your advice on... I won a $100 gift card to Pottery Barn Kids and I can't decide what to spend it on. Everything there seems so expensive to me... Even their books, and it's hard for me to bring myself to spend $20 on a book I can get for $2.50 at Half Priced Books.

So I've narrowed it down to a few things I like there and I'd love your help choosing.

Anywhere chair $60

Good side: It's cute, and I think she'd like sitting in it once she's big enough.

Bad side: As my husband pointed out... What baby will stay seated in a chair? I'm also worried about the size of it and a good spot for it in the room. We already have a queen bed, crib and dresser to start off with. I don't want it to be too crammed. They are also out of the hot pink polkadot color I love, so I'd have to settle for light pink.

Rose lamp and shade: $150

Good side: We don't have a lamp in the room and I think they can really make a room. It would be nice to have one next to the glider chair so I can read while feeding her.

Bad side: It's so expensive for a freaking lamp!

Hooded towels with name inscription: $20

Good side: I LOVE hooded towels. Love them even more when they're personalized. Can you have enough towels?

Bad side: I may want to wait and see what I get at my shower?

Window Panel $80 for 2

Good side: These are blackout panels, and since a lot of light comes into the nursery it could be great to have. I don't have any window treatment and I think they can really jazz up a room... Especially when we're not painting the walls.

Bad side: At $40 a panel I could quickly use up my card and then some. I think I'd need about 3 to cover all of the windows. I'm not sure how much they are at other places.

Crib Mattress $150

Good side: We don't have one, and from what I've seen at Babies R Us they can get expensive. I'm not sure what you really need in a mattress, I just know we need one.

Bad side: We'll be paying $50 over our gift card for the normal mattress, not their "deluxe" one. From what i hear you don't have to spend a fortune on a mattress, and I've seen them for less at Walmart/ Target. I'm not sure if we should save this gift card and maybe use others we may get down the road to cover the entire cost of a mattress.

Diaper Bag $80

Good side: Cute, classy, fun.

Bad side: I have one already, but the one I have is designer... I'm not sure I should have two expensive diaper bags. Maybe I should buy a REALLY cheap backup someplace else.

And there you have it! See how picky I am? Which do you think is the best deal or should invest in? Other things you love at Pottery Barn Kids? I'm obviously not big on toys. A friend gave me a box of toys and I think that'll keep up entertained for awhile... Or so I hope.

HELP!