My Third Pregnancy~ How Things are Different This Time

With my first pregnancy, I was young. I was 25, obviously early in my career, and trying hard to prove myself. I worked at private company with a lot of people my age, competing to prove ourselves to the partners. I wasn't at all focused on 'fashion', but rather slept as late as I possibly could and rolled into work with my hair up almost every day.

At this point in my life (five and a half years later), I feel that I have proven myself to be a hard-working individual. I do what I need to do in order to get the work done. I have also made my appearance more of a priority, because I feel better about myself when I do. Not that I am by any means 'high maintenance'- I still get ready from waking up to leaving (including a shower) in 30 minutes. But I dry my hair every morning, and make an effort to look somewhat put together. My sister has helped me out, with makeup tips and accessory purchases.

Anyway, this weekend I was going through my maternity clothes. Most of them were purchased in 2007/08. Yes, I've had a second baby since then- but most of my work clothes are from my first pregnancy. I realized that things have changed since then! I was an XS, for one thing. I'm now wearing what I like to call sh-medium. Small or medium, depending on the fit. Also, my pants size was 2 sizes smaller when I started out with the first pregnancy. And, even the styles have changed. My pants are all very wide in the leg, whereas now everything is 'skinny.' Long story short, I was thinking I wouldn't need any maternity clothes- but now I'm thinking I at least need to get to the tailors!

Have any of you experienced this problem? Any words of wisdom would be very helpful!   

The Reason I've Been M.I.A...

If it feels like I've been gone for a while, it's true. I've been distracted. I didn't want to discuss this publicly until I was ready. But we've been trying to conceive for a year, for our third child. I'm happy to announce that we've (finally) succeeded!! I am officially 12 weeks pregnant, and the due date is August 2, 2014.

I had an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy in December. The image is below. It doesn't exactly look like a baby, but they tell me it is. I'm already convinced that it's a third boy, because I read this article about determining the gender at the first ultrasound. But we'll find out!

The boys are really excited. And I'm happy that I can stop worrying, and look forward to this summer. My best friend is getting married in New Jersey (across the country) on August 23, and I'm determined to be there. I can hope that the baby comes A LITTLE early, can't I?! Also, my oldest son's birthday is August 3rd- and he already shares his birthday with my sister! Apparently, that's a 'sweet spot' for our family. 

Welcome to my journey towards motherhood, for the third time! I'm sure it will be very different for me this time. I already forget that I'm pregnant sometimes! The nursery is in desperate need of some attention. I think I'll get a post up with before/after photos. And I'll check in much more regularly!  

Easy Co-Worker Gift ~ DIY Marble Magnets

As I was trying to figure out what I could make for my co-workers for a Christmas gift, I remembered that when I made the chore charts- I made cute little glass magnets. I figured I could make Christmas-themed magnets for the ladies that I work with. First, I gathered my supplies.

You will need:

• Mod Podge (and a brush to apply it)
• 1 inch glass marbles (got mine at JoAnn's)
• 3/4 inch button magnets (Michael's)
• Hot glue gun
• Scissors
• Magazine to cut images out of (I used Real Simple's December edition)

The first step is to use the glass marbles as a guide to measure images that you want to use. Then, trace around the image and cut it out. Put a thin layer of Mod Podge on the back of the marble (flat side), and adhere the image to the magnet.

Set it aside to dry, and finish cutting out images. Then, once the Mod Podge is dry- you can put a dot of hot glue on the back of the image that you just glued to the marble and stick the magnet on. 

How easy is that?! I love how they came out.

Then, I packaged each set of 4 in tiny take-out containers that I found at JoAnn's. It took me about an hour to complete all 11 sets! Not bad, and it only cost me about $15. 

What did you get for your coworkers or neighbors this year?

Monday Morning Gossip: Soccer and Football

This is my first Monday Morning Gossip post, and I'm excited to learn from all of the participants! Thanks to Kimberlee at I Have a Degree in This for the invite!

This weekend was Little J's last soccer game of the season. At the beginning of the season, they voted on a team name- and J's suggestion won out, Blue Hammerheads! After the last game, the coaches hosted a nice little get together for the boys to spend some time off the field, and he got his first trophy! He was so excited to see his name on the trophy. We all truly enjoyed the coaches and the kids on this team.

 

Then, we went home and watched the USC Trojans beat No. 4 ranked Stanford!! It was Homecoming weekend, and I would have liked to have gone to the game. But it just didn't work out this year. Hopefully we can go next year! This was a major upset, so it was really exciting to win.

"Coach O" or Ed Orgeron

On Sunday mornings, we take both boys to swim class. And I have taken up guitar lessons, so I have that every Sunday now. Our OTHER football team, the San Diego Chargers, played Sunday afternoon. I'll just leave that one alone for this week! 

How was your weekend?

His First Broken Bone

We are no strangers to the Emergency Room, unfortunately. But the latest adventure was a first for us- a broken bone. It was a Monday, and I had just returned home from a doctor's visit. My mother-in-law watches the boys on Mondays, so she pulled up to the front of the house shortly after I arrived home. I heard him. From inside the house. Screaming like I've never heard him scream. I could immediately tell that something was wrong with my little man. I grabbed my sandals, my purse, and ran outside. I left my mother-in-law standing in the driveway with Mayhem, and took off to get an x-ray. 

Call it motherly instinct, call it a feeling in the pit of your stomach, call it whatever you want. I knew his bone was broken. He couldn't stop sobbing. What I got from my mother-in-law, from our brief conversation, was that Mayhem had jumped on Little J. Once we got to the Urgent Care (much closer than the ER), I was able to get Little J to calm down a bit. He told me that Mayhem jumped on top of him, and they both fell on the ground. The Urgent Care took x-rays, and I tried to make it 'exciting' for Little J. "Look how cool these are? You can see your bones!" We left two hours later, with x-rays to bring to another doctor and a prescription for Tylenol with codeine.

It was a miserable night. Any movement in his arm set him off. He fell asleep, and leaned on his 'bad arm' a few times- and woke up screaming at the top of his lungs. I stayed home from work the next day, to take him to an orthopedic doctor. Thankfully, this doctor gave him a sling- which has helped quite a bit! He stayed home from school for a few days, and got some rest. Of course, it's his right arm, so he is learning how to use his left arm for things!

Yup, it's broken!

He's doing much better now, but getting a shirt on/off is still a major ordeal. He can't play soccer for at least a month, and he has to stay off the playground at school. So he's having a rough month, feeling like he's missing out on things. We go back for more x-rays on November 1- to see how it's healing, and find out when he can participate in 'the fun stuff' as he calls it. Fingers crossed! 

Have you, or your little one broken a bone? 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month #Pinktober

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same. We have made a lot of progress but still have a long way to go and need your help! There are many companies that put out limited edition items to raise awareness for Breast Cancer.

 

The NFL supports the fight against breast cancer through "A Crucial Catch", which is a partnership with the American Cancer Society focused on the importance of annual screenings, especially for women who are 40 and older. Throughout October, NFL games will feature players, coaches and referees wearing pink game apparel, on-field pink ribbon stencils, special game balls and pink coins - all to help raise awareness for this important campaign. All apparel worn at games by players and coaches, along with special game balls and pink coins will be auctioned off at NFL Auction, with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society's Community Health Advocates National Grants for Empowerment (CHANGE) program. The CHANGE program provides outreach and breast cancer screenings to women in under served communities. You can support by purchasing your favorite NFL team's gear here.

OPI launched its seventh annual limited edition Pink of Hearts promotion, featuring the classic sheer pink shade Pink-ing of You and the new sparkle-packed hue More than a Glimmer. Pink of Hearts 2013 also includes pink ribbon and crystal decals (10 each). Available at www.amazon.com. 

And visit Kimberlee's site I Have A Degree in This! for 5 more items to purchase in support of #Pinktober!

2013 Fall Fashionista Giveaway

I'm very excited to announce my Fall Giveaway! The Fall Fashionista Giveaway Event is hosted by The Chief Blonde at Still Blonde After All These Years and Katy from ModlyChic. K Squared Glamour is our co-host! The Fall Fashionista giveaway is the largest fashion giveaway event on the internet with $26,000+ in prizes, 100+ participating blogs and 3/4 million entries. Each individual blog has a minimum of $125 prize so be sure to enter as many as you can! I'm giving away prizes from 3 different companies that would be a great addition to any mominista's collection!

Now and after t 

I am honored to announce that Thyme Maternity has agreed to sponsor my giveaway event. Thyme Maternity is an international maternity and nursing fashion brand, and their fall look book demonstrates the fact that they provide current trends for pregnant women! They are graciously providing a now-and-after t-shirt and a skincare item. This t-shirt is available in a variety of colors and sizes. It's great because you can wear it throughout your pregnancy, and after.

In addition, Blume has provided several items. One thing that I personally love about Blume is their support for children's charities. I also love that their items span things from personalized underwear, to personalized dog t's! Truly something for everyone. Blume has been very generous, and is providing a personalized onesie, a set of 3 bibs (can pick pink or blue), and burp cloths. I love this company so much, my boys each have shirts from them- and I always get compliments!!

Amy O Jewelry DECO Channai Necklace

And last but not least, Amy O Jewelry has provided a bold statement necklace for the piece de resistance! You can select either mint or coral. AMY O. Jewelry is curated into four collections by style: Preshe, Boho, Rocker, and Glitz. I love their variety of pieces that you can mix with your signature style for a look that's perfectly you! AMY O. is designed in New York City and available online and at select boutiques in the U.S.

Enter below, and good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Still Blonde after all these YEARS , Modly Chic, K Squared Glamour , Fall Fashionista Events Giveaway or the Fall Fashionista Events Giveaway bloggers are not responsible for sponsors/bloggers that do not fulfill their prizes or for any product failure or harm caused thereby.