Ally is here!

Allison Kate

Born on December 3 at 3:23 am

7 pounds 7 ounces

20 inches

Fashion Friday: Legging Love

one | two | three | four | five

Lately I really have been loving patterned leggings.  While I am personally currently not wearing them myself, I will be soon after I have my Ally!  I also think that leggings will be a comfortable to wear when transitioning back to my pre pregnancy jean size.  What are y'all's tips on getting back to your pre pregnancy size?

Week 38

This week, the baby is the size of: pumpkin
Due date: December 12, 2013
How far along: 38 weeks
Next appointment: December 2nd
Total weight gain: I have been petrified of the scale lately but finally decided to step on and I have gained a total of 32 pounds!  I'm getting close to the recommended 35.
Gender: Girl, I get my little princess. :)
Exercise: What is this thing you called exercise?
Stretch marks: No new ones.
Swelling: The swelling in my feet has gone down like crazy.  Rest is key.
Maternity clothes: All day everyday!
Belly button: Out, and funny looking.
Sleep: It's been manageable.
Food cravings and aversions: I still want chocolate all the time.
Symptoms: Well nothing too terrible.  Random back pain and nausea.
Labor signs: None at all.  I feel like I'm going to be pregnant forever.  Well actually she is head down but that doesn't completely classify as a labor sign.
Movement: She likes to rub her butt up against my stomach.  Strange feeling but it's still my sweet little baby. :)
What I miss: Being skinny and wearing cute clothes!
What I am loving: feeling ally move.  She is up during the day and sleeping through the night now!
What I am looking forward to: Ally being here.
Best moment of the week: Watched Catching Fire!
News: My induction date is set for December 19th!  Next appointment my doctor will be checking to see if I'm dilated at all.  Here's to hoping that I am!  I want to see my Ally soon.  Other than that I have been relaxing and stressing about school.  I'm really just ready for it to be over.  It's driving me nuts.

Christmas Wish List for Her

one. mittens from old navy

two. cable knit scarf from old navy

three. knit hat from old navy

four. quilted vest from old navy

five. cardigan from forever 21

six. black loafers from steve madden

seven. combat boots from dsw

eight. cross body bag by marc jacobs from nordstroms

nine. hello kitty brush set from sephora

ten. moonshadow palette from sephora

eleven. keds by kate spade from nordstroms

Not Pictured:

twelve. chalk board from hobby lobby

thirteen. picture frame from hobby lobby

fourteen. bib necklace from forever 21

fifteen. the little mermaid from target

Pregnancy Essentials

1. Palmer's for Stretch Marks - I did not start using this particular brand until later on in my pregnancy.  At first I started using Mama Mio's tummy butter about at week 25.  I honestly suggest starting to use some kind of tummy butter as soon as you find out you are pregnant.  I like Palmer's more than Mama Mio because it is much cheaper and goes on better.  I feel like my skin is better with Palmer's than Mama Mio.

2. shoes - I highly recommend that you get a good comfortable pair of shoes when and if your feet start to swell.  It is miserable wearing a pair of shoes that is currently too small for your feet.  Honestly, once you get to your last month, the last thing you will be concerned about is how cute your shoes are.  I personally have been living in my Sanuk yoga mat sandals.  They are comfortable, cute, and simple.  With the cold weather coming in though, I have been wearing my black sequin Uggs.  They had always been a bit big on me so they fit better now with my swollen feet, go figure. :p 

3. body pillow I would definitely get a maternity or a regular body pillow as soon as possible.  I got the Snoogle Total Body Pillow and I absolutely love it!  It makes sleeping so much more pleasant and helps to keep me from rolling on my back.

4. tums I always keep tums on me.  You never know when heart burn or a tummy ache will kick in!

5. jacket This is only essential if you are going to pregnant when your jackets no longer fit in the winter.  I thought that I would be fine with my jackets but of course they would not zip up.  With temperatures dropping like crazy, I really regretted not buying a jacket sooner.  I thought it wasn't worth the expense.  But if it means I won't be sick will pregnant, the expense it completely worth it.  If you still don't want to buy a jacket, you can always borrow one from someone.

6. tank top it is comfortable and great for layering!  It is a must have for a maternity wardrobe.

7. leggings I love my maternity leggings!  They are so comfortable and very fashionable right now!

8.solid v-neck A cute basic top that you can wear in many different ways!

9. Pregnancy and Your Childbirth This book is very informative and is able to inform you with what is happening weekly to your body and baby.  It was given to me by my OB/GYN.  I would recommend you purchase some kind of book.  While the internet is helpful in answering questions, it is not always reliable so I like having a book to cross-reference! 

Week 37

This week, the baby is the size of: winter melon
Due date: December 12, 2013
How far along: 37 weeks
Next appointment: November 26th
Total weight gain: At this point I have no idea and don't really want to know.
Gender: Girl, I get my little princess. :)
Exercise: Nonexistent.
Stretch marks: Same as last week
Swelling: swelling has gone down a bit.  Hopefully it does not get any worse.
Maternity clothes: Of course
Belly button: Out, and funny looking.
Sleep: When I wake up my side is sore.  I'm guessing its the pressure of all the weight.
Food cravings and aversions: I want chocolate all the time.
Symptoms: I'm extremely tired all the time, my hands and feet are swollen, and I have horrible back pain.  My sciatic nerve is being pinched and it is making it extremely difficult to walk.  I just started going to the chiropractor which helps relieve the pain some.
Labor signs: I haven't had any braxton hicks all week.
Movement: She still loves to move, now especially into my ribs.
What I miss: my clothes and small feet!!
What I am loving: feeling ally move more often.
What I am looking forward to: Being able to walk and fit into normal people clothes.
Best moment of the week: Ally's room is almost done!!
News: I am a bit stressed about getting everything done before my ally decides to come.  I was supposed to get my cervix checked at my last appointment but the power went out at my doctors appointment so I got weighed, got my blood pressure checked, heard ally's heart beat, and got my belly measured.  Ally did have a growth spurt this week.  I had been measuring right on track but now she is measuring a week ahead.  I feel like everything is currently getting harder to do.  It is a bit frustrating but I don't have much more time left.  All the pain and difficult is all worth it.  My ally cat will be here soon! :)

Maternity Photos

I recently had maternity photos taken and I am so pleased with the results!  This will be the same photographer who will be taking my sweet Ally's newborn, 6th month, and 1 year pictures!

Week 36

Sorry I didn't post for week 34 and 35.  I have been very busy with getting things ready for Allsion!

This week, the baby is the size of: honey dew
Due date: December 12, 2013
How far along: 36 weeks
Next appointment: November 19th, this starts my weekly visits!!
Total weight gain: At this point I have no idea and don't really want to know.
Gender: Girl, I get my little princess. :)
Exercise: Nonexistent.
Stretch marks: They are terrible... I just noticed today that they are getting worse.
Swelling: Lots of swelling in my feet and minor swelling in my hands.
Maternity clothes: Of course
Belly button: Out, and funny looking.
Sleep: Sleeping has been okay.  It has become more difficult to roll over and switch sides though.
Food cravings and aversions: I haven't really had any major cravings.
Symptoms: Swelling of my feet, minor back pain, and exhaustion.
Labor signs: I think I might be getting braxton hicks. {very infrequently though, every few days}
Movement: She still has a little bit of room to move in there!
What I miss: my clothes and small feet!!
What I am loving: feeling ally move more often.
What I am looking forward to: Seeing my maternity pictures.
Best moment of the week: Ally's room is painted! I love it. :)
News: So much has happened in the past few weeks.

Week 33

This week, the baby is the size of: durian fruit... what kind of fruit is that?!
Due date: December 12, 2013
How far along: 33 weeks
Next appointment: October 29, it will be a regular check up.
Total weight gain: I have no idea.  I have weighed myself in a while.
Gender: Girl, I get my little princess. :)
Exercise: I hate exercising.  It is exhausting.
Stretch marks: Unfortunately.... but I'm still using my tummy butter to prevent any others...
Swelling: Trying to help with the swelling of my feet by keeping them elevated and drinking a lot of water.
Maternity clothes: Yes.  My new tops came in!
Belly button: Well, sometimes its in and sometimes its partially out.  Ha ha ha
Sleep: Sleeping has been okay.  It has become more difficult to roll over and switch sides though.
Food cravings and aversions: I haven't really had any major cravings.
Symptoms: Swelling of my feet, minor back pain, and exhaustion.
Labor signs: I think I might be getting braxton hicks.
Movement: Same as last week.  I can feel her moving quite a bit now.  I can tell that she is getting cramped in there!  I love feeling her move except when she stretches.  That hurts.... a lot.
What I miss: my clothes and small feet!!
What I am loving: feeling ally move more often.
What I am looking forward to: The baby shower, its on the 26th!!
Best moment of the week: I ordered my dress for my maternity pictures.
News: This week has been very uneventful.  I worked on a lot of school work...  I went shopping but didn't get anything.  Shopping has been the most pleasant of experiences lately.  Especially since i can't wear what I want to wear.  Saturday is my shoer though and I am looking forward to that.  Also my birthday is on the 28th.  I will be 21.  Woohoo.  Unfortunately I am not too excited which is kind of disappointing.  I am the kind of person that counts down several days to my birthday and all of the sudden its 4 days to my birthday and I am just like well whatever.  Sorry for the downer of a post.  I am sure that next week's post will be more eventful.

32 Weeks

This week, the baby is the size of: Squash
Due date: December 12, 2013
How far along: 32 weeks
Next appointment: October 29, it will be a regular check up.
Total weight gain: Previously it was 19 pounds.  Not really sure what it is now, I don't have a scale at the moment.
Gender: Girl, I get my little princess. :)
Exercise: I hate exercising.  It is exhausting.
Stretch marks: Unfortunately.... but I'm still using my tummy butter to prevent any others...
Swelling: My feet swelled up last night.  They looked horrible.  Any suggestions to stop the swelling?
Maternity clothes: Yes.  I ordered a few new tops so I have some choices to wear for my baby shower.
Belly button: Well, sometimes its in and sometimes its partially out.  Ha ha ha
Sleep: Sleeping has been okay.  It has become more difficult to roll over and switch sides though.
Food cravings and aversions: I finally got my ihop. :)  Other than that I just want chocolate 24/7.
Symptoms: Swelling of my feet, minor back pain, and exhaustion.
Labor signs: none yet!
Movement: Same as last week.  I can feel her moving quite a bit now.  I can tell that she is getting cramped in there!  I love feeling her move except when she stretches.  That hurts.... a lot.
What I miss: my clothes and small feet!!
What I am loving: feeling ally move more often.
What I am looking forward to: The baby shower, its on the 26th!!
Best moment of the week: the in laws got Allison her stroller and car seat! :)
News: Cam went back to work.  I miss him like crazy.  It will be hard for me until he comes back.  He makes everything so much easier for me.  With the increasing size of my stomach simple tasks are becoming not so simple any more.

Week 31

This week, the baby is the size of: pineapple
Due date: December 12, 2013
How far along: 31 weeks
Next appointment: October 15, it will be a regular check up and I will have my blood drawn again to check to see how my iron levels are doing.
Total weight gain: Previously it was 19 pounds.  Not really sure what it is now, I don't have a scale at the moment.
Gender: Girl, I get my little princess. :)
Exercise: walking doing my daily tasks is plenty
Stretch marks: Unfortunately.... :(
Swelling: I'm not sure if my feet started swelling a few days back.  I think it might just be me getting paranoid.
Maternity clothes: Yes.  I'm getting really tired of wearing the same things repeatedly.
Belly button: It's barely in and funny looking.
Sleep: Sleeping has it's hits and misses.
Food cravings and aversions: I still want ihop!
Symptoms: Some minor back pain but other than that, I'm feeling pretty good!
Labor signs: too early
Movement: She is moving more frequently now.  Sometimes it is quite painful.
What I miss: My java chip frap from Starbucks and coke.  I decided as soon as I have given birth that is what I want.
What I am loving: feeling my ally kick!
What I am looking forward to: Getting Ally's room painted and all the accessories for him room.
Best moment of the week: Well this hard but I think the best moment was getting my new car, woo too!!
News: Cam and I have gotten to spend this whole week together which is very much needed.  We made a lot of big purchases this week.  First we got brand new stainless steel appliances!  The ones that the previous owner had left were ugly white ones and we were having trouble with the refrigerator because of the placing of it in the kitchen.  I must say that the kitchen looks fabulous now!  Later on I got a new car! Happy early birthday to me from Cam!! He really is the best. :)  And then yesterday we got Allison's furniture.  I think they are gorgeous!  I can't wait until the nursery is done so I can post pictures. :)

30 weeks

This week, the baby is the size of: Acorn Squash
Due date: December 12, 2013
How far along: 30 weeks
Next appointment: October 15, it will be a regular check up and I will have my blood drawn again to check to see how my iron levels are doing. 
Total weight gain: I started at 112 and now I am at 131, so that puts me at 19 pounds! This is the same as last week. I haven't gained any weight between appointments which is strange. 
Gender: Girl, I get my little princess. :)
Exercise: walking doing my daily tasks is plenty
Stretch marks: Unfortunately.... :(
Swelling: No swelling!
Maternity clothes: Yes.  I'm getting really tired of wearing the same things repeatedly. 
Belly button: It's barely in and funny looking.
Sleep: Sleeping has it's hits and misses.
Food cravings and aversions: I really want iHop right now.
Symptoms: Lots of back pain, the doctor recommended going to the chiropractor. 
Labor signs: too early
Movement: She likes to move for her mommy. :)
What I miss: My java chip frap from Starbucks and coke.
What I am loving: feeling my ally kick!
What I am looking forward to: getting Ally's nursery painted and her furniture picked out!
Best moment of the week: sent out most of the baby shower invitations!!
News: Cam finally has some days off, woot woot! We have a lot of preparation to do with ally's nursery while he has off. Hopefully by this time next week her room will be painted, furniture will be bought, and put together!

Old Navy Maternity

Recently I was in desperate need of some pants for the fall!  I had borrowed some from some people but they didn't fit right.  One was too long and the other was too short, go figure.  I recently purchased some other maternity clothes from old navy.  They had a promotion going on for every $25 you spend (up to $75), you will receive $10 towards your purchase of $50 or more.  Since I spent $50, I had $20 dollars to spend.  At the time of purchase they also had a promotion if you spend $50, you got free shipping.  Since I already had to spend that much it was an added bonus.  I ended up getting $110 worth of merchandise for only $40!  I highly recommend old navy's maternity wear.  These 4 pieces will be a great staple for my fall and winter wardrobe!  It is comfortable and affordable, especially with all of their frequent promotions!  I might have to check it out and see if I need anything else... ha ha ha. ;)

My Purchase 

1. rockstar dark wash jeggings

2. rockstar light wash jeggings

3. black leggings

4. dark grey leggings

Week 29

This week, the baby is the size of: Acorn Squash
Due date: December 12, 2013
How far along: 29 weeks
Next appointment: October 1, it will be a regular check up!
Total weight gain: I started at 112 and now I am at 131, so that puts me at 19 pounds!
Gender: Girl, I get my little princess. :)
Exercise: walking doing my daily tasks is plenty
Stretch marks: Nope, using my mama bio tummy butter twice a day!
Swelling: No swelling!
Maternity clothes: Yes.  I got my stuff in from old navy and I love them!!
Belly button: It's barely in and funny looking.
Sleep: Sleeping has it's hits and misses.
Food cravings and aversions: I really want iHop right now.
Symptoms: Sporadic back pain, so sharp pains in my leg from walking every once in a while, and tired all the time.
Labor signs: too early
Movement: She moves whenever Cam talks to her.  It is so sweet!
What I miss: not being tired all the time.
What I am loving: feeling my ally kick!
What I am looking forward to: getting Ally's nursery painted!
Best moment of the week: I got Ally's bedding picked out!
News: I registered for my baby shower this weekend!  I registered for over 100 items and I'm kinda having registers remorse... ha ha ha.  But I genuinely think I need all the items I registered for.  Maybe. I registered at target and buy buy baby.  I put more of the expensive items at target because generally their prices are cheaper.  I really did love the experience of registering.  I highly recommend registering in person because they give you free goodies bags with stuff for you and the baby. :)  After I registered I went to buy Ally's bedding.  I adore the one I picked out.  It is so very girly!! Pictures will follow soon. :)

Disney 2012

Last year Cam and I took a trip with his family to Disney in Florida!  We had a wonderful time, and to think next time we go we will have our little Ally with us!  I would go back to Disney in a heart beat.

Day 1

Hollywood Studio's sign

Mickey's hat

Day 2

The beach

writings in the sand :)

Day 3

The ride "soarin'" at Epcot

Paris, France in Epcot

Day 4

Proposal at the Magic Kingdom

Outfit change with my Minnie ears

Day 5

second day at the magic kingdom

space mountain... I was terrified to get on

Day 6

Animal Kingdom on the last day

One of my favorite pictures of all time! :)

Week 28

This week, the baby is the size of: egg plant
Due date: December 12, 2013
How far along: 28 weeks
Next appointment: October 1, it will be a regular check up!
Total weight gain: I started at 112 and now I am at 131, so that puts me at 19 pounds!
Gender: Girl, I get my little princess. :)
Exercise: Nope but I probably should.
Stretch marks: Nope, using my mama bio tummy butter twice a day!
Swelling: No swelling!
Maternity clothes: Most definitely, just ordered some jeans from old navy.  I decided to size them up so they are a bit more comfortable.  Hopefully they still fit good!
Belly button: It's barely in and funny looking.
Sleep: Sleeping has kinda sucked.
Food cravings and aversions: I can eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches all the time.
Symptoms: Some slight back pain but nothing major except on saturday night.  It was horrible, I could barely walk.
Labor signs: too early
Movement: She loves to move at night.  She was very awake on my fiancé's 21st birthday.  It was really cute. :)
What I miss: not being the size of a watermelon.
What I am loving: feeling my ally kick!
What I am looking forward to: not being sick and registering for my baby shower this weekend.
Best moment of the week: Fiancé's 21st birthday was on sunday!!  I got him the craftsmen bolt on drill!
News: My appointment on tuesday went well.  Everything is good with Ally and I.  Since I am now in my third trimester, I have appointments every two weeks, yay!  The doctor gave me a flu shot and I have now been sick ever since.  Ironic.  If I don't get better by tomorrow, I am going to have to give the doctor a call unfortunately.  I have been doing a good job of not taking any medicine when I am not feeling bad but I broke down and got some Sudafed (this is on the list of medications approved by my doctor.)

Week 27

This week, the baby is the size of: rutabaga
Due date: December 12, 2013
How far along: 27 weeks
Next appointment: September 17th! Next tuesday, can't wait to check on my little love bug!
Total weight gain: I think I have gained about 15 pounds but I'm not 100% sure.  I will for sure find out on tuesday!
Gender: Girl, I get my little princess. :)
Exercise: Nope but I probably should.
Stretch marks: Nope, using my mama bio tummy butter twice a day!
Swelling: No swelling!
Maternity clothes: Most definitely!
Belly button: It is still in but it looks strange.
Sleep: Sleeping pretty good for the most part.
Food cravings and aversions: I haven't really had any major food cravings lately. Still not feeling any type of seafood.
Symptoms: I got randomly nauseous today but it passed.  Other than that I have been feeling pretty good.
Labor signs: too early
Movement: She was moving a lot right before I started writing this post! :)
What I miss: Not having to be so careful with my body.
What I am loving: feeling my ally kick!
What I am looking forward to: Fiancé's birthday.  He turns 21 on saturday!!
Best moment of the week: spending some much needed time with my fiancé!
News: I have been having trouble breathing lately.  I won't be doing anything and all of a sudden my breathing becomes very labored.  I really hope that it is just a phase and nothing is wrong with me.  Other than that, nothing really eventful has happened lately.

Week 26

This week, the baby is the size of: lettuce
Due date: December 12, 2013
How far along: 26 weeks
Next appointment: September 17th! It's coming fast. Gestational diabetes will be tested at this appointment!
Total weight gain: I think I have gained about 15 pounds but I'm not 100% sure.
Gender: Girl, I get my little princess. :)
Exercise: None lately.  Exercising makes me so tired.
Stretch marks: None yet but there are spots of concern.  I finally got some stretch mark cream.  I got the Mama Mio tummy butter.  So far I absolutely love it!
Swelling: I haven't really noticed any swelling lately.
Maternity clothes: All the time.  I really need to buy some jeans soon!
Belly button: My belly button just looks plain weird but it is still an innie.
Sleep: Finally got my body pillow.  I was so excited to finally just go out and buy it.  So far sleep has been amazing with my pillow.
Food cravings and aversions: I have been wanting peanut butter and jelly sandwiches all the time.  It's really ridiculous actually.  I have also been really wanting grapes!  Still not feeling any type of seafood.
Symptoms: Some back pain but not too bad.  It has definitely been worse.
Labor signs: too early
Movement: She likes to move in the morning and especially at night when I'm trying to go to bed.
What I miss: Not getting winded by the simplest tasks.
What I am loving: feeling my ally kick!
What I am looking forward to: the end of the semester.
Best moment of the week: I really don't remember.
News: None really.

Week 25

This week, the baby is the size of a: cauliflower
Due date: December 12, 2013
How far along: 25 weeks
Next appointment: September 17th! I have school schedule and I have no classes on tuesday so I don't have to reschedule.  Gestational diabetes will be tested at this appointment!
Total weight gain: 10 pounds as of my doctors appointment on August 20. I'm hoping to not gain more than 30 pounds the entire pregnancy.  The doctor said I should gain about 30 to 35 pounds.
Gender: Girl, I get my little princess. :)
Exercise: I have been doing so much walking I'm getting tired just thinking about it.
Stretch marks: None so far,  I really need to invest in some stuff to prevent stretch marks.  I really don't want any!
Swelling: My fingers have been swelling up from the heat.  Walking hasn't made my feet swell, thank goodness!
Maternity clothes: Yes.  It's been kinda depressing lately though.  I see everyone wearing their cute, tiny clothes and then my outfit just doesn't measure up.
Belly button: Innie but it does keep stretching.
Sleep: Sleep has been very good.
Food cravings and aversions: I finally got my cookies and milk.  They were delicious.  Other than that though, I really haven't had many cravings this past week.  Still not feeling any type of seafood.
Symptoms: Just some slight back pain.  Nothing major.  I have been very lucky this week.  Hoping this isn't "the calm before the storm."
Labor signs: too early
Movement: My Allison has been moving quite a bit!  I love that she moves when I talk to her.
What I miss: my pre-pregnancy clothes! I have been having trouble dressing my new and changing body.
What I am loving: feeling my ally kick!
What I am looking forward to: the end of the semester.
Best moment of the week: I got to spend some time with my fiancé.
News: I had my registration for school on friday.  Spent all day at campus, did a lot of walking, and registered for classes.  This semester I am taking 12 hours worth of classes.  Thank goodness that 3 out of my 4 classes online!  I was very stressed about going having to go to class and walk around campus very pregnant.  Unfortunately though it is just my luck that my exam for my only class at campus falls on December 13th, the day after my due date.  This makes me nervous with the uncertainty of when ally actually will come.  Pregnancy essentially have a 5 week window of when it is safe for the baby to come, week 37 to week 42.  I'm really just hoping that everything works out for the best.  I really need to finish school for my Allison and do not want to take an incomplete for this class and just have to retake it come spring or whenever I go to school next.  Something else big that happened this week was that I had my first day of class on wednesday.  My business calculus class seems hard but I'm determined that it is nothing that I can't handle!  My other classes seem easy but only time will tell actually how easy they are.  I just really hope I can make it through this semester before my ally cat comes!

Gender Reveal Party

Tuesday means time for a throwback post!  On July 27th my fiancé and I had a gender reveal and house warming party all in one!  With his job it is hard to plan things ahead of time so he asked for a few days off.  I really wanted to make the most of the time we had so I decided to do the combo party.  We really had a wonderful time and are extremely blessed with all the guest that showed up!

The poster board I made.  Guests would choose whether or not they thought the baby was a girl or a boy.  When they decided, they would write their name on either the pink megaphone for a girl or blue helmet for a boy. 

Then they would wear a pink bead for a girl and a blue bead for a boy.

Gender reveal cake!  The inside will be either pink or blue. :)

Fiancé getting ready to cut the cake!

Cut the first piece.  It's hard to tell but...

it is a baby girl!

My best friend and I. :)