it was a busy one!

This past weekend was go, go , go! We officially moved into our new home - can we finally get a round of applause?!?! The weekend was jam-packed; Saturday we loaded and unloaded the last of our belongings that were here and there. I must say that moving is a lot of hard work but it is totally worth it in the end. Saturday evening arrived and it was time for a little "mommy time". I was totally beat from moving all day but it was time for this momma to get all beautified. I threw on some make-up and a dress because it was indeed time for a much needed girls night out. We gathered to celebrate my dear friend's birthday, it was filled with good food, great friends, and an awesome birthday cake. I would love to share some pictures with all of you, but as soon as I arrived at the restaurant, I realized I had forgotten my camera at home. Don't you hate when that happens?!
Sunday, I forced myself to get out of bed bright and early because I realized that if anyone opened our cupboards, they would find them bare - I needed to hit up the grocery store right away. After a morning of shopping, it was off to meet the ladies for brunch. Our good friend from out of town was down for the weekend, and even though we had seen each other the night before, we all like to take the opportunity to spend as much time with her as we can...what better way to catch up then to fill our bellies while we are at it. After brunch, it was back to the house to unpack. It is such a thrilling time, we once again want to thank everyone who has helped us out...we really could have not done it with out you! I am one tired momma, but I know in a few weeks we will be settled in, and things won't be so hectic.

My hubby hard at work.

Sunday brunch with the ladies. Little Miss L. loves each spending time with my girls - I am lucky she is surrounded by so much love.

Momma S and baby E. Baby E is the spitting image of her momma.

Little Miss L. receiving some love from her aunties and loving every minute of it.

Finally, we are in our home, preparing our very first meal. Little Miss L. couldn't wait to dig into the food.

Our first dinner - I can not wait for more moments like these.

27 weeks

 Weekly e-mail update:He's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing his eyes, and perhaps even sucking his fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if he were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother him, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.
How far along?: 27 weeks
How big is baby?: This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with his legs extended.
Weight gain?: Up 13 pounds-feels like 30 though.
Stretch marks?: Not yet. Lathering up the lotion.
Maternity clothes?: Still using the belly band with my normal clothes. Not sure how much longer I am going to be able to rock out my normal jeans - the bum area is starting to get tight.
Food cravings?: Any kind of fruit - apples seem to be my fav this week.
Sleep?: I must say I can't really complain this week, sleep has been decent.
Gender?: We are going to have a son!
Exercise?: My exercise consists of cleaning, unpacking, more cleaning, and more unpacking.
What's been going on?: This past week has been a very busy one with the move happening. It has been go, go, go and it doesn't seem to be slowing down! Baby has been well, kicking away to let me know that I have a little human being growing inside of me. Started the name search, but are still without anything the hubby and I can agree on. I am scheduled to have my dreadful glucose test on Monday. I am really not looking forward to the test. Slurping down that awful tasting beverage and the feeling I got when I learned I had failed the first time around with Little Miss L... it has me a little on edge. We started working on the nursery and it is coming a long nicely. More photos to come soon.

27 week belly.

27 week belly with pregnancy #1.

birthday wishes

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO A BEAUTIFUL FRIEND. SENDING YOU LOTS OF LOVE TODAY.

spring has finally sprung!

Spring is finally in the air and I am loving every minute of it. The sun has finally decided to come out and the flowers are starting to bloom. Now Little Miss L. wants to spend all day outdoors, and I am not going to complain one bit. I love seeing her explore the world around her as she uses all of her senses - I am amazed at what excites her. Her imagination is in overdrive as she picks up a stick and says it is a pencil to make a picture; as she stops every time she sees a flower and bends over to smell it; as she looks up into the blue sky and tells me the birds are singing a song. These are the moments that allow me to stop and remind myself of the beauty of nature that surrounds us. I love love love sitting quietly, doing nothing, watching my little girl as she has masters climbing the playground on her own, as she giggles and squeals down the slide in delight because she does not need mommy's help anymore...

My little girl growing up so fast.

Mommy is learning to let her little girl be independent.

Watching as she builds mommy a castle.

Learning that my child wants to know I am there for her but wants me to keep my distance, as she is a big girl now and very capable of doing things on her own.

mother's day weekend

I had a fan-tab-u-lous mother's day weekend with my family and friends. It couldn't have been any better if I planned it myself. As you all know, the hubby and I are in the process of moving into our new home. Before we fully transition ourselves into the new abode, there were a few things we wanted to "fix up" if you will. I really don't hate carpets, but let's just say I am not a huge fan of them - we have a love-hate type relationship.. I love love love hardwood in the bedrooms, but when it comes to our basement rec room I am all about the soft cushy feel under my feet. With raging hormones and desperately wanting to get settled in before the new arrival, I wanted the floors in the bedrooms done as soon as possible. My good friend was able to talk her father and hubby into coming and installing our floors. They worked hard for three days and I was left with three beautifully completed rooms. So, a big shout out goes to Brian and Marc for all your hard work - it truly made me one happy momma!

Should I stay or should I go now...

The nursery in the making - yes folks, the pink will be leaving.

Wow, such a nice looking floor, if I do say so myself.

Master bedroom before.

The master bedroom with new shiny floors and new accent wall. More to come about the accent wall in a future post.

Then it was onto Sunday. My day started off with a bang as the hubby and Little Miss L. presented me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. I love love love fresh flowers and I can't wait to fill my home with the smell of newly cut blooms, now that spring has finally decided to show up. We packed up the car, and it was off to join my family for brunch buffet. Let's just say that I stuffed myself silly and walked out of there feeling like I had gained 10 pounds. A big thanks to my uncle and aunt for the treat; it was so nice to be able to be surrounded by such great people on such a special day.

The beautiful flowers I received.

I love this "brunch" thing says Little Miss L.

I love love love this smile.

I was in pie heaven!

My momma and Aunt K.

Every day, this little girl makes me want to become a better momma.

I could hug this baby all day long.

Four generations - this is probably take number 10 and Little Miss L. still wouldn't hold still for a single shot.

My amazing family, I am truly blessed.

After filling our bellies, it was off to the new house. I really do have two incredible men in my life. They knew exactly what would make this momma happy. They started working on our flower beds! To top it off, I have said it before but I will say it again, I have one outstanding momma! Instead of taking the time to enjoy her Mother's Day, she spent the time helping us clean/unpack, and watch Little Miss L. for us. I am sending many thank yous to all for making it such a special weekend - we truly appreciate everyones hard work!

The flower bed at the front of the house. We are taking out all of the existing plants and replacing.

The men hard at work.

mother's day

Yesterday we celebrated Mother's Day, and I must say, it was filled with lots of yummy food and lots of laughter. Sunday I was able to join my momma, nanny, and aunt for a very special brunch buffet. I couldn't have thought of a better way to spend the day - who doesn't want to be surrounded with food galore and amazing women. Thank you to all the women who inspire me everyday, I love and appreciate every one of you. I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend.

My momma - one truly amazing individual.

She has taught me to cherish every moment... no matter how big, small or simple it may be - all are moments we will think back to when loved ones are gone.

She has showed me what it is to provide unconditional love and support.

Even when things are gloomy, or seem to be at there worst, she always seems to smile.

If there is one thing I will continue to do for years to come, is to try to be half the woman and mother she  is.

Nanny P, what can I say? She is one strong woman. She has taught me many things over the years. If anything, she has taught me that life will only hand you what you have put into it, so give it everything you've got.

As she always says, the key to success is hard work...nothing comes easy.

Family means sticking by each other through thick and thin; sometimes in this busy world, that is easy to forget.

These two incredible women have taught me: to be independent, to stand up for what I believe in,  to love, to appreciate every opportunity I am given and to be humble. They also taught me to remember life is too short - we never know when we may be gone, so do not take anything for granted.

My grandma B has always shown me how to have a good time. I know parenting can be one of the toughest jobs there are, but knowing she was able to raise four amazing children, I know there is hope for me.

One thing I always remember as a child is that it didn't matter if you were by yourself or in front of a crowd - it was always okay to let loose, sing, dance, do whatever your heart desired as long as you had fun doing it.

She has taught me to be adventurous, to get out there and explore the world we live in.

THANK YOU FOR PAVING THE WAY!

26 weeks

Weekly e-mail update: The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air.
How far along?: 26 weeks
How big is baby?: He's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.
Weight gain?: Up 11 pounds.
Stretch marks?: Not yet. Lathering up the lotion.
Maternity clothes?: Still using the belly band with my normal clothes. Bring on the comfy clothes - I love you yoga pants!
Food cravings?: With the week I had - absolutely nothing was appetizing.
Sleep?: Sleep - what's that? Between vomiting and heartburn, they pretty much know how to kill a good night's sleep.
Gender?: Say it with me... boy.. boy.. oh boy!
Exercise?: Let's just take that word out of our vocabulary this week.
What's been going on?: It has been a long week and I am just happy it is over! Sunday evening I started to feel ill. I knew something was wrong as I felt like I would not be able to keep anything I ate down. I went to bed around 10pm and by 11pm the toilet was my best friend. I had severe vomiting from Sunday night until Monday evening ( I couldn't even keep a glass of water down). Tuesday morning I woke up feeling a little more like myself, the vomiting had stopped but I still felt nauseated and weak from the previous days. By Wednesday, I was off to the doctor's as I was aware my fluids were extremely low and I needed to bringing them up as fast as possible. The doctor went over a few different ways for me to bring my fluids back up (water, Gatorade, Popsicles etc.) because we all know how dangerous dehydration can be when carrying a little one. While I was there, we went over my recent results from blood test regarding my thyroid. Things are looking good on that end and I only had to up my dose a tad. By Thursday morning I was feeling 95% better and was regaining back some of my energy and appetite. Let's just say I am happy to be on the mend and get back to everyday routine. The little one has been moving up a storm in the belly this week, not sure if it had to do with all the crazy things happening in my belly but he sure made it clear that he was there. Happy to report we are still in the process of moving into our new home. This coming week, the painting will start, so fingers crossed next weekend will be the permanent move in! Promise pictures coming soon everyone...

26 week belly.

26 week belly with pregnancy #1.

I couldn't help but share...Little Miss L. loves giving her baby brother lots of kisses.

Little Miss L. telling her brother she can't wait for him to come out and play.