#2 - 30 weeks

How far along: 30 weeks + 1 day 

Total weight gain: +9.2 lbs from my pre pregnancy weight. +1 lb from my last appointment two weeks ago. 

Maternity clothes: Yes, pretty much everything is maternity these days. Pants definitely are, but I have a few looser tops that I can still pull off. 

Stretch marks: Unfortunately. I have found 2 new ones. :insert all the tears:

Sleep:  Pretty well once I fall asleep. I have had trouble going to bed recently, but sleep until my alarm goes off. If I do get up in the middle of the night to use the restroom it better be prior to 1 AM - otherwise, I won't be able to fall back asleep for a couple of hours. 

Best moment of this week:  Feeling her move. It never gets old!

Food cravings: I don't really have cravings, but have eaten WAY more sugar this time around. Jelly beans and peanut M&Ms are my jam. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Sometimes I feel a little queasy in the morning, but I think that's because my sinuses drain. Fun times. 

Have you started to show yet:  Yup. I don't even want to think about how my belly will grow for two more months. Eek!

Gender: Baby Britney. Although we won't be sharing her name until delivery. And no, we don't have a name. 

Labor signs: No.

Belly button in or out: In.

Wedding rings on or off: On.

Happy or moody most of the time: Chill, but feeling a bit more anxiety regarding labor, which is weird since I've been through this before I feel like I have forever to go and yet, it will be here so quickly. I have a sprinkle this weekend and then football season starts. Plus, E is playing soccer so our weeks are about to fly by! I still need to get the nursery together, but am not stressing over that since she will be in our room at first. We just need to organize and sort everything. 

Looking forward to: My sprinkle this weekend! I cannot wait to see the fam and friends. It's been a while. 

#2 - 20 Weeks

How far along: 20 weeks + 6 days

Total weight gain: My most recent appointment was last week and based on that I am +.5 lbs. Boo to gaining weight, but cheers to being able to eat.

Maternity clothes: Mostly yes. I am definitely wearing maternity capris and shorts. Now that the news is public, I've been wearing tighter maternity shirts as well.

Stretch marks: Not anymore than normal.

Sleep: Pretty good. I slightly wake when switching sides (plus I have this crazy maternity pillow that I love), and sleep through any urge to get up and use the restroom. If I get up to go the bathroom, I know I will be awake for at least 2 hours. No thanks!

Best moment of this week: Well, last week we had our big ultrasound to find out the gender and make sure everything else looked okay. I was excited to finally share the news publicly (courtesy of the lovely graphic posted above). If you do not understand the beauty of the announcement, then we can't be friends. Like her sister, E, this baby wouldn't model appropriately and we will have another ultrasound at the next appointment to get a closer look at her spine.

Miss anything: Deli sandwiches. All I want is a Publix sub or meal from Jimmy Johns. Yes, I am aware that most people heat up the lunchmeat to kill listeria, but my doctor advised against it. He shared these thoughts when J was in the room so I was told no twice. If you come visit me in the hospital, please bring a sub.

Movement: Around 16 weeks I started to notice the "flutters" more. It's still the best feeling ever.

Food cravings: Carbs - I am still on a Chipotle kick. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not so much anymore. I still get waves of nausea, but it has mostly disappeared. 

Have you started to show yet: Yup. I will never rock a cute bump, but it's definitely there. E loves to kill my belly. <insert all the feels>

Gender: Baby BRAM2 (Britney or Cam) is............... ANOTHER BRITNEY!!!!!!!! 

Parent reactions: 

Me - "I knew it! Two weddings."
J - "If she's anything like my first, then we are good."

Labor signs: Gosh no. Prayers for a non-eventful pregnancy, labor, and delivery.

Belly button in or out: In.

Wedding rings on or off: On.

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy and tired. I'm excited for another baby, but anxious at the same time.

Looking forward to: Getting E's room done and possibly changing up the nursery for this one. It's perfectly designed for a little girl (since it was E's), but I may swap out the coral color for aqua. Decisions. Decisions.

#2 - 13 Weeks

I write this post at 17w2d, but am pulling the stats from my 12 week and 16 week  appointment since I fail at blogging.

How far along: 17 weeks + 2 days

Total weight gain: I had gained a little bit of weight, but was still down overall (-3.5 lbs. at the 12 week appt and -2.5 lbs. at the 16 week appt) from when we started.

Maternity clothes: Kind of - I wore some this weekend and pulled all of my clothes from E out of storage. I feel like I'm only a few weeks away before I'm in maternity attire 100% of the time.

Stretch marks: No - well, not any new ones. A baby and two abdominal surgeries will leave their marks.

Sleep: I finally bought a pregnancy pillow and it's amazing. I am really trying not to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. If I get out of bed, I'm up for 2+ hours. So annoying. I do wake and switch sleeping sides a lot, but 

Best moment of this week: Not being totally exhausted at work. I'm still a bit nauseous though.  

Miss anything: Working out hardcore. 

Movement:  Yes - I think.  I could have sworn I woke up in the middle of the night around 13 weeks and felt a flutter. However, a few days ago I was sitting on the couch and felt a flutter/popcorn feeling. I felt it again last night while we were putting E to bed. Now I'm just trying not to be crazy and imagine it. 

Food cravings: No cravings. It's more like trying to find things that I don't hate. Food aversions are the worst. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: I'm still queasy, but it has gotten better. I am able to eat more food (selection wise and quantity wise).

Have you started to show yet: I'm pretty sure I'm just looking fat. Ha. There is a girl at work who is due around the same time as me (pregnant with her first) and she is popping  like nobody's business. Super cute. Being my fourth pregnancy and horrible abs, I'm just smushy. 

Gender: We just want a healthy baby! I am 99.9% positive we have another girl on the way.  And yes, baby BRAM (Britney or Cam?) is back. The HR was 169 at the 12 week appt (ultrasound) and 155 at the 16 week appt (by doppler). Time will tell...

Labor signs: Gosh no.

Belly button in or out: In.

Wedding rings on or off: On.

Happy or moody most of the time: Chill, but don't let me start crying. It won't stop. 

Looking forward to: Finding out the gender, telling E (yup, she still doesn't know) and making our news public. I also just want lunchmeat. Pub sub, Jimmy Johns, heck, I'll even eat Subway. 

#2 - Nine Weeks

It's been a while blogger friends1 

As I sit here and type today, I am 9 weeks and 5 days pregnant with bambino number 2! I cannot blog throughout the first pregnancy and not do it for the second. Heck, I'm already nervous about another baby book since I didn't complete the first. #momfail

Prepare yourself - it may only be baby posts from here on out. 

How far along: 9 weeks + 5 days

Total weight gain: Down 5 lbs. - literally the ONLY benefit to being nauseous ALL day. 

Maternity clothes: No! Although I bet I will be out of my old clothes by the end of the first trimester. I have some maternity clothes from my last pregnancy with E, but will probably buy more. There are many cute options now!

Stretch marks: Just some left over ones. :sigh:

Sleep: Give me all the sleep. I try to get 8 hours every night. If I don't get enough rest, I feel so much worse the next day. I've only recently started waking up once to use the bathroom. Sometimes I actually get up and other times I try and go back to sleep until my alarm goes off. I sleep well, but do switch sides quite often. I never had a pregnancy sleep pillow, but think I might splurge this go around. 

Best moment of this week: Hearing the heartbeat at our FOURTH doctor's appointment today! Yes, you read that right. Around 5 weeks I went in for a confirmation appointment (my yearly check up was already scheduled so it worked out perfectly), which consisted of bloodwork. Due to a history of miscarriages, the doctor wanted to see me back at 6 weeks for an ultrasound. We came back at what was thought to be 6 weeks, but they couldn't detect a heartbeat and the baby measured at 5 weeks + 5 days. So, we went back to the doctor two days later for another ultrasound. This time a heartbeat was found! We were also able to hear it, which I didn't know was possible through a vaginal ultrasound. 118 beats per minute! Today we went in for a regular ultrasound and Baby Bram (yes, I'm bringing back the Britney + Cam reference) had a strong heartbeat of 176 and was super squirmy. The baby was curled up like a cat and seemed to be measuring smaller, but started moving and stretched out to confirm that we are measuring right on track. 

Miss anything: Going to the gym and coffee. I've been sick since the end of week 5 and it has continued. 

Movement:  Just what we could see on the monitor today. 

Food cravings: The only thing I can really tolerate this week is Chipotle - a burrito with a little bit of steak, lettuce, sour cream, and cheese, please! Apple juice is pretty good too. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Everything. I feel like I can eat more with this pregnancy, but I am still ill. I force myself to eat and it changes weekly. Bananas, Ritz crackers, Larabars, quesadillas, potatoes, and bagels have all been in the rotation, but I cannot finish an entire meal. La Croix, Ginger Ale, and Peach/Ginger tea are about the only fluids that I can stomach. 

Have you started to show yet: My fat is just fatter. :) 

Gender: I just want a healthy baby!

Labor signs: Gosh no

Belly button in or out: In

Wedding rings on or off: On

Happy or moody most of the time: Quiet. That's my mood. If I talk I want to puke. :) Not moody though. Just calm and silent, which I'm sure J appreciates.

Looking forward to: Telling people. Seriously. It's a hard secret to keep!

Look What You Made Me Do

I know you are probably sick and tired of hearing about Taylor Swift, snakes, reputations, etc.

If you fall into this category, then this post is not for you.

You have been warned.

If you have been reading this blog for any length of time or know me in person then you are aware that I am 100% Team Britney. That hasn't changed.

However, over the years I have become so intrigued with the hidden messages in Taylor's albums (I first mentioned this on my blog here regarding Speak Now) and the cleverness of her marketing team. Plus, I can't get her catchy lyrics out of my head and always enjoy when someone crosses the dark side into pop music. I'm sure there are many fan sites that analyze each release of her albums and if you have time, I encourage you to research the secret codes for every one.

That being said, I was totally jazzed about her recent blackout on social media and the clues her team began to release in anticipation of her upcoming single. I woke up on Friday morning and downloaded Look What You Made Me Do while I was still in bed. You can read my initial thoughts about this jam in my weekending recap post.

Have you seen the video that accompanies this pop melody?

Good news! I have it right here for you:

Upon your initial view (or maybe the first few times), a few things may stick out to you about who the song is about. However, I am willing to bet that you missed the majority of the details displayed in her music video. Don't worry, you can read all about the shade she threw in this production. It's glorious, intriguing, and gave me hope that her album will live up to the hype.

Check out all the hidden elements in Look What You Made Me Do on Buzzfeed.

Here's to hoping she asks me to join her squad.

*Linking up with Lindsay's Sweet World

Weekending: Before Football Season

Eek!

We have less than a week until Game Day! Although the fall turns into a crazy time for us, I welcome everything it has to offer: cooler weather, pumpkin everything, AND Auburn football!

Before things get crazy, we had a low key weekend in town.

Friday began with a long day of work, hitting the gym, and catching up on Homeland before passing out by 11 p.m.

 We are wild, I tell you.

Saturday morning was just E and I since J was called into work. We met our friends at Michaels for a kids club class. We met up with E's BFF from her old school and it was so good to see him and chat with his mama. Also joining us was my work twin (you may know her as Lindsay from Lindsay's Sweet World) and her two munchkins.

I was so excited for the company and following the painting craft, we all headed to the playground to run off some energy.

It was overcast and cloudy, but never rained - do I have any readers from Texas? You all have been in our thoughts and prayers.

E miraculously did not nap after the busy morning so we rolled the dice and headed to Cracker Barrel  to use an old gift card for dinner and stopped for a treat of shave ice on the way home.

E did pass out in the truck so it was an early night for all of us, again.

Sunday started with church, a trip to the grocery store, and a workout. I spent the rest of the day prepping lunches for the week (oh my do kids require a lot of prep just to start each week), getting dinner ready, and folding laundry.

Of course, I'm leaving out the most important thing from the weekend and that is Taylor Swift's new single! I watched the video last night and it made me like the song more. It's totally different than what she normally does and I hope her album is much better, but feel that this single was almost a teaser...I didn't care for it and first and now it's grown on me. Curses.

Anywho, did you love it? Hate it? My inquiring mind wants to know!!!

*Linking up with B Loved Boston, More Pieces of Me, My Glittery Heart, and HoHo Runs

Confessions - 7.6.17 -

It's been a while since I've participated in Confessional Thursday. Don't worry, that doesn't mean I don't have anything to rant about!

I confess

... that I like time off, but HATE when a holiday falls in the middle of the week. It screws up my days (like I told my coworkers to have a good weekend on Monday when I left), messes my child up, AND we can't stay up to watch fireworks because it's a school night. #oldladystatus

... that I have become OBSESSED with Homeland. Maybe it's because I can relate to Carrie? #Igotyourcrazy

... that I cannot get behind the Halo Top ice cream. I've tried a couple of flavors and do not see what the big deal is. In fact, I kind of think it's nasty. #nothanks

... that summer is horrible because I always have to shave. #aintnobodygottimeforthat

... that when I am sore from a workout, I swear that my body is rock hard. If I can barely move how can anything possibly jiggle? #sweatisyourfatcrying

... that it took me FOREVER to decide on a new backpack for E. #potterybarnkidshype

... that we are really, REALLY wanting to list our house for sale, but I dread getting the house ready to sell. #andwehavenowheretogo

... that I am still highly annoyed that our neighborhood vetoed a pool a few years ago. #swimminginsweat

... that I wish I could cut off Homeland and read. #butthenIwouldfallasleep

... that some of us may be planning a reunion weekend and I will be so jazzed if it happens. #tfj

... that I would love to take some type of photography class and buy a nice camera, but am afraid I would never use it. #iPhonephotography

... that I would love to get another round of Whole30 in before football season starts. I'm meal planning for my daughter now so I may as well. Anyone want to do it with me? #powerinnumbers

*Linking up with Sparkles and Lattes, See You In A Porridge, and Home of Malones 

Weekending: Holiday Style

Well, it's Monday and while you are reading this from a float on the lake or laying out in the sand, I am working hard in the office. Although my company is closed tomorrow, I have a large project to oversee this morning so I couldn't take today off for a long weekend. #boohiss

Regardless, we had a carefree, wonderful weekend.

I'm currently debating on joining Orangetheory Fitness or another studio in my area called Solcioty Fitness. Lucky for me (and FYI for you) you can take a free class to see what all the fuss is about. My Friday evening was spent at Orangetheory sweating it out in the combo class. It was great and the staff was very friendly and attentive, but I still wanted to try the class at the other studio.

Following my class, I headed to a sorority sister's home to try on foundation. I've been in need of a new foundation for multiple weeks and wanted something with better coverage than what Bare Minerals was providing.  Leslie was as sweet as always and spent about an hour playing with different brands and explaining what she was doing. She also shared a few samples with me to try and I think I have a winner!!!

Saturday morning was spent with E since J was called into work. We missed my running group for fear of rain - while I don't care about getting wet, I knew the toddler would freak out - but the weather held off and I had major guilt over missing the workout.

E and I met J (not MY J, but her BF from school) and his momma at Michaels for another fun craft. The kiddos made slime and were able to choose the color and sparkles of their choice. This was followed by a brief coloring session to decorate the slime container.

Since the Heavens had not opened yet, the four of us headed to a playground to run off some energy. When the sun began to peak its head and the humidity became unbearable, E and I headed to Carter's to purchase some more clothes for the summer. Her wardrobe was seriously slacking. P.S. Carter's has a great sale going on: 40% off clearance. Go now.

I trapped E in her crib for a nap that didn't happen while I caught up on laundry and Homeland. I am OBSESSED - with Homeland, not laundry obvy. That evening I became the cat whisperer while J and I started to watch Girl on the Train.

As always, J fell asleep and my eyelids weren't far behind. A storm started to roll in so J and I stood on the front porch for a while to take it in. We love storms! Once we were tucked in our comfy bed, E woke up and began to cry. If you follow me on Instagram, you know that we have had a few tornado scares in our area. Since she's been at school during these times, a fear of storms has now emerged. J got her settled and we all had a restful night.

J was called into work again on Sunday so E and I headed out to church and then to pick up a few groceries. When I parked at the store, a great song popped up on the radio so E and I jammed out. During our concert, I realized that this guy was in the parking spot across from me just standing there. I assume he realized I wasn't getting out of my car so he headed back to his ride and hung out in the passenger side (there was no driver). It sparked my curiousity so I watched him for a few minutes. He was yelling at the different customers who were heading into the store and putting groceries in their car. I could not hear what he was saying, but assume he was asking for money. Since it was just E and I, I backed the car out and headed across the lot away from him. When I walked in the store I shared the concern with an employee and ran into one of the ladies he had spoken to. She said he was acting really weird and was also going to report him so I'm glad I parked far, far away. Sketchy things happen to me.

J was home when we returned from the store and he offered to take E to the pool while I headed out to Solcioty for my complimentary class. On my way to the class, I received a text that someone had pooped in the pool and it was now closed. I felt so badly for E and then for the parent of the child who caused the pool to shut down. THANK GOD it was not my kid! And props to my husband who lifted her out of the water and carried her to dry, non-poopy land. Unfortunately, the place would not refund his money for their ten minute swim since they would reopen in two hours. Ridiculous. It reminded me again of how badly I want to move since our neighborhood voted against putting in a pool/playground a few years ago. #bahumbug

Class was excellent and very similar to Orangetheory, but the best part was how fabulous my foundation held after an hour of my fat crying a.k.a. sweating.

Therefore, I think Laura Mercier may have a new customer!

Our weekend was slightly busy and filled with enough random adventures (remember my Crackhead post?) to satisfy me for a few days, haha. Since it was mostly spent working out and fretting over makeup, does anyone want to share their recommended foundation? Anyone HATE Orangetheory? I'm kind of torn and would like to hear from you!

While I don't have a particular post to share with you for Independence Day, don't forget about this tip that can make your life easier for any BBQ or party.

I hope everyone has a relaxing day off, keeps our leaders and military in their prayers, and sends a few prayers my way that I don't go crazy when the neighbors set off fireworks on a school night.

Man, I am SO old and grouchy!

*Linking up with B Loved Boston, More Pieces of Me, My Glittery Heart, and HoHo Runs

   

Mom Summer Exchange

Hellooooooooooooooo long-lost friends!

I realize it's been almost an entire month without a post and believe me when I say that life has been crazy busy. I feel like I have always been as transparent as I can be on the blog and genuinely strive for complete honesty. That being said, I apologize as I will not be sharing the reason for the hiatus - although, I hope to chat about it one day. If things continue to improve, I think a few blog posts could be in the future. :) I appreciate any prayers you send our way!

Enough about me and my sketchiness. Today's post focuses on the fun swap I participated in earlier this month.

I am a relatively new reader of My Glittery Heart and was thrilled when Heather announced the Mom Summer Exchange she was hosting. Being the adventurous person that I am (can you read the sarcasm?) I filled out the form and was soon matched with Jenna from Tractors and Glam, which was excellent since I had never read her blog. 

After a few emails, we learned a bit more about each other and got to work!

When I opened up the package, I had a little note explaining that she picked some of her favorite things. This cute card also reminded me that I need to have some fun stationary on hand at all times. 

The first item I was immediately drawn to because I have wanted it for weeks and weeks and weeks!

I was in dire need of a bright, summer polish and she nailed it! 

Appropriately titled Watermelon by essie, I immediately used it and even painted E's toes for the first time. It also made me chuckle as my last post was How To Cut A Watermelon...Easily.

Keeping with the watermelon theme, a package of Sour Patch candy was included. 

I love these and reminisced about the years I worked at Limited Too (that store now known as Justice). It's where I met one of my BFF (DJ) and we would snack on the sweet and sour "fruit" during our shift. 

She also included another beauty item that I am looking forward to trying. 

The peel-off part slightly frightens me, but the packaging just screams "refreshing!" 

The mask and the polish were tucked away in the next surprise:

How funny and fitting is this water bottle?! Some days I have this attitude when my alarm goes off because...adulting is hard. 

Anyone who knows me well is aware of my obsession with chapstick, which is why this next gift was perfect.

SPF is incredibly important (especially on your smoocher) and this will be used for pool days, outdoor runs, and future football games - if it makes it that long!

Speaking of lazy days by the water, the last surprise is ideal for the season. 

I love the anchor, play on words, and size of the bag. Plus, it's plastic and I envision it holding allllll the things when the heat forces us towards water. 

This may have been my first swap, but I am eagerly anticipating the next one! Who doesn't love surprise packages in the mail?!?

Although I enjoyed getting something delivered that wasn't from Amazon, hehe, it is true that it is better to give than to receive. 

I had so much fun picking out items - hop on over to Tractors and Glam to see what I sent!

*Linking up with Lindsay's Sweet World and My Glittery Heart

Oops...I'm a slacker and couldn't finish the post. 

I'll be back soon! 

How to Cut A Watermelon...Easily

Happy Tuesday everyone!!!

Normally after a long weekend I would be sharing all of our weekending details with you - and believe me, ours was busy, busy, busy! However, today's post discusses a wonderful strategy that is sure to be useful during the upcoming months.

One thing I love about summer is the wide variety of fruits and vegetables available in the grocery stores, farmer's markets, and sometimes in our own backyard. Summer eating can be so easy and simple, yet healthy at the same time.

One of my favorite things to do when the weather is nice is to host or attend a BBQ with friends. I love socializing over a crisp cocktail while trying different dishes that were lovingly prepared (or bought - I've been there too). Sometimes life gets in the way and you find yourself scrambling to bring something yummy that doesn't require a million ingredients or take hours of your time.

When I find myself in a situation described as above, I have the perfect solution - cut up a watermelon!

Watermelon is a healthy snack, perfect for those with specific eating requirements, it's sweet enough for kiddos to devour, and to me it just screams "SUMMER!" Add it to a salad or use it to inspire an adult beverage - the possibilities are practically endless.

In the past I've always stayed away from this fruit because I am HORRIBLE with a knife and felt that I was wasting so much of the melon whenever I attempted to cut one up. That changed when I learned to carve the flesh in a grid like pattern....and for some reason that reminded me of Dexter. Yikes.

Take your watermelon and use a knife to cut horizontal and vertical rows across the flesh. The more "lines" you slice, the smaller the pieces will be. Be sure to cut all the way through until you hit the rind.

Once your melon has been cut, simply pull the pieces out. As you get closer to the rind, you may need to slice them off if you did not cut all the way down.

This method is so easy and eliminates the hassle of eliminating the rind. It's also a relatively clean process - the juice sits in the melon and doesn't leak over your counters, floors, children....

I do not have a melon baller so I have no idea if this is a quicker process, but assume that it is. If you do not have a melon baller or have a fear of knives, use an ice cream scoop to carve that melon up!

Once all the pieces have been plucked, enjoy a piece (or five) for yourself.

If you choose to douse a few with vodka or tequila and store them in the freezer for a rainy day, I won't tell as long as you invite me over! Haha.

Have you tried this a different way? Do tell. E has been wanting to "cook" with me lately and I love that this is something we can do together.

Cheers to a short work week!

*Linking up with Lindsay's Sweet World