A Backseat Post

Best part about breastfeeding? You don't have to bring baby food with you! Worst part about breastfeeding? The girls are out all of the time and some people are highly offended by it. 

I was recently given the opportunity to review a nursing infinity scarf aka a breastfeeding cover aka a great mini blanket to cover yourself in the car when your husband keeps the AC on 60 and high all of the time. 

This entire post was written from the car, hence the sunnies and the backseat pics. This is what happens when you are on maternity leave and have nothing else to do and you see an epic looking coffee on Instagram that is made with coffee ice cubes and called "the cubsta" and the closest place to get this "Cubsta" is an hour away. BUT this place also has amazing sammwiches and it totally worth the drive. It's called Brooklyn Water Bagel.

We were in the car for a good 3 hours yesterday and my little peanut slept for most of it. She woke up for a quick snack and that's when I fell in love with this nursing cover!

See? People can look in your windows and you have full privacy!

These are made by Carolyn. You have heard me talk about her before on my blog. She made our nursery crib sheets and changing pad cover. She is a stay at home mom and her husband is a two time veteran and I love working with her.  

All of her fabrics are from independent designers and they are super soft! Custom orders are a specialty of hers so sometimes the fabric she has will be exclusively for you! She also makes organic wood teethers that we will be using once we get to that stage. I can't say enough good things about the quality of her stuff! Most nursing covers are just nursing covers and that's exactly what they look like. This one looks like an accessory. It is by far one of my favorite baby/momma items lately and I highly recommend all breast feeding fashionista's have one. 

Carolyn is offering 10% off of any nursing scarf with the code JESS upon checkout. This offer is good until August 6th. If your a new mom head on over and grab one or if you know someone that is having a baby, this is a great shower gift!

My own personal stuff

This is an email that I sent to a friend last night. Mom friends are the best. I have 4 mom friends that I go to for moral support and advice. Two of them are blog friends, one of them is a friend that we met while on vacation in the Dominican and the other one is a true best friend that I've had for years. 

This one that I emailed, recently had her first baby a few months before me. I have emailed her about numerous things from bladder control and anxiety to relationship troubles and oral sex. She has been brutally honest with me and has made me feel "normal" through out my entire pregnancy and postpartum. She is a "to the point" Masshole like myself. She is a blog friend.

I emailed her a few weeks ago asking her how long the postpartum hormones last and how much longer will I not be able to control my urine. Honestly, some days I could cry at a French fry and I pee when I just look at the toilet. Her response wasn't what I wanted to hear but it was honest......she said "it gets easier and just when you think your in a routine and your super mom....a new shit storm will happen all over again"

This was my email.

"Like you said, Just when things get easier.....she forgets how to latch on my boob and my milk supply drops. She has such bad gas that she screams through it, turns purple and I cry. I had a meltdown this morning because I may not be able to breast feed anymore (dramatic). I went out and spent $108 on healthy groceries because I'm sick of eating everything out of a box. I put my own breast milk on my face to help with my postpartum acne (because google said it works) and my husband told me my breath smelled. He also checked my pants last night because he thought I peed the bed when it was just night sweats. Charlee shat herself 3 times today leading to 3 costume changes."

-Jess

And here is an excerpt of her response and why I love her.

"Seriously, motherhood makes you feel like a bag of smashed assholes. Your hair falls out,  you sweat, your body is a mess, you're exhausted, nothing fits or looks right, your hormones are still insane. We definitely get the short end of this stick.

But... you're rocking this. I know it doesn't feel like it, but you are. She's healthy,  she's thriving, and if everything was going perfect I'd have to hit you out of jealousy (and love) So see? You're really just struggling for me and I really appreciate it! ;) haha"

This is a real example of mothers supporting mothers and when your at your wits end, these little emails make everything ok! 

Thank you to the 4 of you that answer my text messages, correspond to my emails and answer my frantic phone calls. You know who you are :) 

Also, I'm sharing just few pics from yesterday!

First #ootd

Second #ootd

Third #ootd And she peed on this one. 

Happy Hump Day!

*side note- I am no longer in the emotional French fry phase. 

40 Week Bumpdate, Spicy food, Sex and Pedicures

FULL TERM

How far along: 40 weeks aka full term aka incubation time is over aka "get out of my belly"

Gender: Girl

Weight gain: 18lbs

Maternity clothes: I'm ready to burn these clothes, it's been real!

Stretch marks: No

Belly button in or out: Out

Sleep: Sleep is pretty decent. Either that or I've just gotten used to being up quite often. Getting out of bed is a whole other story........

Best moment this week: I actually cut down a day at work this week. I took off Wednesday and went and got my hair done and a pedicure. I also crossed spicy food (spicy crabmeat salad) and sex off of my "Makes You Go Into Labor" list. Needless to say, none of those worked. Oh and neither did the full moon that we had last Friday.

Worse moment this week: On Tuesday I baked cupcakes for the girls at work. They have been super helpful these last couple months, especially my manager. I made 12 cupcakes and used the rest of the cake mix to make a mini cake (8x8). I finished baking around 9 and thought that it would be a good idea for me to eat some cake and cookie dough ice cream. WORST. IDEA. EVER. I had indigestion until 2:30 am and had to sit up in bed til then, to keep myself from barfing!

Miss anything: Vacuuming. I know, sounds weird but I love a clean house and with this sciatic nerve issue going on,  it's totally put a cramp in my cleaning routine.

Movement: There is no more room in there, between feet in my ribs and elbows down low, I keep thinking she must be ready to move out!

Cravings: Finally my first craving at 40 weeks, gummy worms! But only the red/clear ones. The rest of the bag hits the trash!

Looking forward to:  My water breaking. At this point, I don't give a shit if it happens in the middle of Target and someone has to call for a clean up in aisle 3!

In other news the baby pool is up to $155 bucks! Even one of my maternity nurses has put in her bid. I'm not quite sure how comfortable I am with her gambling on my delivery though, I can just picture her saying "Don't push yet, in 2 hours it will be my date!" lol. There are also people that I don't even know that have bid on my delivery. People have wagered from June 10th all the way until the end of June with weights ranging from 6lbs to 8lbs 1oz.

Josh finished another small project in the nursery, the growth chart. Even though we won't be using this for about a year, it's something that was really important to him...and as usual, it came out amazeballs. Because our home is post and beam, most rooms have a beam in them and we fully took advantage of this one!

DIY Growth Ruler

Come out Come Out Wherever You Are!!!! 39 Week Bumpdate!

How far along: 39 weeks

Gender: Girl

Weight gain: 18 lbs.

Maternity clothes: I'm totally over maternity clothes at this point! I resorted back to leggings and some cute baggy t-shirts (if there is such a thing). With only 1 week left I refuse to buy any clothes for myself, at this point anyway.

Stretch marks: No and I seriously have no idea how I dodged this ball. I have super temper mental and sensitive skin! I did get some pregnancy melasma on my face, which looks like small freckled patches but I've had that in the past due to birth control so it's no biggie. Plus after this baby comes out I intend to get it "fried" off with a laser peel :)

Belly button in or out: Out most of the time.

Sleep: Back to sleeping pretty good. I wake up 3 times a night to pee and that's about it.

Best moment this week: Knowing that withing 7-10 days we will meet our little girl!!! Yes, I'm scared as hell for labor, considering my pregnancy app let me know that the baby is the size of a "mini" watermelon this morning. 

Miss anything: Walking. I know this sounds nuts, but as of Monday the baby has moved in on my sciatic nerve. So as we speak I have a shooting electrical shock going down through my butt cheek to my foot and it's giving me dead leg. I've been shuffling around like a 80 year old man. I swear every week, pregnancy brings something new.

Movement: Still a ton of movement. Knees, heels, hands etc. And it's all visible!

Cravings: Nothing, not even a margarita! 

Queasy or sick: Still hanging on to the acid reflux.

Looking forward to: My plan was to cut back on work this week but I. Just. Can't. Especially when I see that it's going to be a busy and productive day! I blame this on my unpaid leave. So I'm looking forward to next week, when no matter what I'm cutting back!!!! And of course the arrival of little Casey.

I'm currently obsessed with Old Navy's Black and White baby stuff right now!!! I'm loving this outfit for summer!!!!!

 mocs-Freshly picked headbands-House Of Mia Onesie and Pants-Old Navy

Nursery Reveal Photo Dump

I am well aware that this has taken me forever and a day to put together. My excuses are as follows:

 1) The natural lighting that is good for photos in the nursery is limited to early hours of the morning.

2) Lazy.

 Simple Modern Baby Heart Mobile- Etsy Bluewithoutyoukids 

Crib and Nursery Furniture- Million Dollar Baby 

Coral Curtains- JC Penny 

  Wicker basket- Target

Bekvam Spice Racks as bookshelves- Ikea 

 

Madison Glider in Oxford- Babies R us

Star Blanket- Zulily

timi and leslie Charlie diaper bag in light brown- Amazon

The beam on the wall in this picture is currently being made into a growth chart ruler!

 

Alphabet Printable- Etsy ColourMoon

Popsicle Printable- Design Love Fest Blog 

 Frames- Michaels

  Sliding Barn door- My amazing husband

Fisherman Table Lamp- Pottery Barn

Wicker Containers- ikea

Umbra Casa tissue box- Amazon 

Custom Sherbert and Ash Nursery set- Etsy CarolynNealenCloth 

*this shop owner is great to work with!!!!

 Sherbert and Ash Nursery Set- Etsy CarolynNealenCloth

 Storage Boxes- Ikea

Mini Wagon- The Paper Store

Rug- Target

Spring Lamb- Etsy HeyJudeSewing Shop

This week I am cutting my work schedule back. Baby Casey should be here any day and my work days are making me exhausted! 

Happy Monday!!!  

 

 

 

36 Week Bumpdate aka Full Term

How far along: 36 weeks/ Full Term

Gender: Girl

Weight gain: 18 lbs.

Maternity clothes: Sleeping in the hubs t's due to night sweats and maxi dresses on weekends.

Stretch marks: No

Belly button in or out: It's definitely at it's maximum

Sleep: I'm up at least 4 times a night. I've been waking up with numb and tingly fingers (another pleasure of pregnancy) due to pregnancy carpal tunnel so I've upped my water intake to around 140 ounces a day. Good bye sausage fingers. 

Best moment this week: Well last week I found out that I am starting to dilate and that the baby is where she is supposed to be! I have a doctors appointment tomorrow and hopefully I'll find out some more info. These last few weeks have been crazy with wrapping up house projects but watching them get done and crossing them off of the list has been liberating. We've put together all of our gadgets except for the high chair because we won't need it for a while.

The best moment this week will be when our upstairs bathroom gets sheet rocked. Oh and when the accidental hole in my kitchen ceiling below that bathroom gets repaired. 

 Miss anything: Margaritas, my ankles and my stamina. I've noticed a drop in energy these last few weeks.

Movement: She is a wiggle worm. Every time we go to the doctor, she boots the heart beat microphone. 

Cravings: Still not much. I've been on an avocado kick but I go back and forth with them all of the time.

Looking forward to: Baby day!! I seriously can't believe how soon she will be here. And this may sound totally pathetic but I need her to stay in there for at least another 10 days, due to the fact that June's birthstone is pink and May is green (bleh). 

 

I added these cute little printables to her nursery last night. I'm loving the popsicles, I think that they add just the right amount of color. 

Alphabet and Popsicles

I know that I need to do a full nursery reveal soon, I have literally just been too lazy! I will try to get to it this weekend but my big plan is to get my garden planted before Baby Casey arrives.

TGIT!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Push Present Came Early!

Most girls want some type of jewelry for their "push" present. If you don't know what a push present is, google it. 

A push present to me, isn't just for pushing. It's a prize for the last nine months (other than the baby being born, which is the ultimate prize). It's for giving up booze, sushi and Italian subs.

It's for surviving morning sickness, back aches and sleepless nights.

It's for going from sexy thongs to granny pannies and high heels to flats accessorized with cankles (google cankles if you need to).

My push present request was a gazebo on the deck, fully furnished of course. I thought that this would be a great gift considering it's summer, and I'll have 8 weeks off to enjoy it! It has screens so it will be the perfect place to hang out with the bambino and not getting eaten alive by the mosquitos! (and enjoy margaritas)

Here are some pics of our new outdoor living room.

I would say that it is Puppa and husband approved. We literally spent all weekend enjoying this new area!

We have 5 weeks and only a few days left to finish getting everything ready for the arrival of Baby Casey and believe me the pressure is on! 

The truth behind my bump.

I've decided to write this post to be totally truthful and honest about my pregnancy.

First and foremost, I am extremely excited, blessed and thankful to be pregnant. 

However, it is not all that it's cut out to be.

My body has slowly been turning into something that you would see in a National Geographic magazine. I've got a zebra stripe down my belly and other areas are getting darker as well. I'm aware that these are temporary and that the outcome will out weigh this cosmetic complaint.

With only 7 weeks and 2 days left, I've developed this non-stop nagging back pain. Tylenol, heating pads, massages or chiropractic has not helped.

With a job that requires me to be on my feet all day, around 2 pm I am ready to rip out my spine.

And because of the fact that I am working up to my due date to save money for my unpaid maternity leave, I am sure this will only be getting worse.

I wish that there was a zipper down the front of my belly. I feel like I could bust. There is no room in there for anything. I'm always hungry but can't fit in enough food to satisfy my appetite, so I over eat and then within an hour ............ barf. 

I don't know what's worse, the acid reflux or my stomach being the size of an apple.

I'm confident that I could out-burp any man regardless of how many beers he has had. Whether your a proper southern belle, come from extreme wealth or just plain royalty and indigestion is one of your pregnancy side-effects...you can toss any and all of your "class" out the window.

I've had eyelash extensions for the last 4 years. The thing about eyelash extensions, is that you can wake up with the worst bed head in the world and dried drool on your cheek but your eyes are still gorgeous!

Around my third month of pregnancy, my own eyelashes started to produce this oil, which made my lashes reject the extensions. I'm now left with these nubs. 

I also usually go for laser peels a couple of times a year. They totally rejuvenate your skin and make you glow. They are not safe during pregnancy.

 Pregnancy hasn't been nice to my skin. I have rough patches and uneven skin tones on my face. Hello patchy leather face.

I've also been and avid retinol user which is a no-go when your pregnant.

Three pillows, four pillows, bumpnest pillow...whatever, none of them are working at this point. I can't get comfortable. I've put them between my legs, around my neck, under my feet and I've attempting sleeping sitting up. I have cried in the middle of the night because I can't fall asleep. Pathetic. 
It most likely does not help that I go to bed after Jeopardy. That's 8 o'clock and it's still light out.

As most of you know I love wine and in my non-pregnant life I wouldn't be venting about all of these insecurities and complaints because I would be drowning myself in a nice bottle of Santa Margerita Pinot Grigio (like the rest of you). I would enjoy this bottle of wine in the bathtub, but since my third month of pregnancy my bathtub has become non functioning and floods the basement when in use.

 This bottle of wine would also help me in the sleep deprivation department.

I'm also aware that not every one thinks that the "bump" is cute. As a matter of fact, some people are grossed out by it.

If you are one of these people, please keep in mind that at the end of the day being pregnant isn't all that it's cracked up to be. Our bodies are working hard on making a miracle and that miracle requires taking everything from us. Some of us pregos are struggling enough with our own issues so please keep your issues with our pregnancy to yourself.

In less than 2 months, this will all be worth it. I'm sure of it.  I've heard it a thousand times. 

But that doesn't mean that right now, I can't bitch and moan about it. 

31 Week Bump Date

How far along: 31 weeks

Gender: Girl

Weight gain: 15 lbs. and my doctor thinks that I'm done gaining. Due to the fact that my acid reflux is so bad, I can't consume the massive amounts of food that I want to eat or as frequent. So while our little babe is growing perfectly she will just be taking what she wants from me. And I'm totally ok with that! She can take some from my boobs for sure.She's also getting so big that she's up into my rib cage and squishing my stomach, which makes for a piss poor appetite.

Maternity clothes: Same stuff pretty much. I always take my bumpdate photo's in work clothes. That way some cute dress doesn't take away from the bump. And that's a lie, I hate maternity clothes and can't find anything that I like. Although Miss Steph had on an adorable one yesterday that I might just have to snag!

Stretch marks: No

Belly button in or out: It totally has a mind of it's own. Sometimes out, in or flat.

Sleep: I wake up about 5 times a night. Last night I just laid there for 3 hours creating a "to do" list in my head. Kill me now. My list also consisted of things that I would like as a push present. Currently I am aiming for a fully furnished gazebo for our deck.

Best moment this week: Realizing that in 6 weeks I will be full term. Meaning that she could be here in 6 weeks instead of 9 and when your pregnant, those 3 weeks are BIG deal.

Miss anything: Damn margaritas. I have no idea why, especially because of the acid reflux. You would think that it would totally turn me off. So maybe it's the tequila that I'm craving. Or maybe just the buzz. I have no idea. 

Movement: A lot of movement but much different than before. Instead of all over the place flailing, now it's more precise jabs. 

Cravings: My mom came and stayed with us this weekend and she loves orange soda, so I have a liter of that in the fridge that I've been doing some damage too. I'm dying for some Philadelphia rolls.

These have also been making it into my office lately. I call them "diabetes bites"

 Looking forward to:Getting more things scratched off of this to do list and enjoying this warm weather!!

I am currently contemplating on buying this adorable pig for the nursery! Yay or nay?

Baby Shower Details

After two weeks of going through photos, editing and organizing, I finally have a few shower photos to share! 

My shower was two weeks ago at a very rustic waterfront location in New Bedford. The place was gorgeous with rock walls and wooden beams.

All of the details were perfect. From colors and fabric to food and finishing touches.

My sister, best friend, Mom and Aunt-In Law threw it for us. All of them collaborating made for an amazing and extremely personal shower.

From left to right, My bestfriend Amy, me, my other bff/sister Deb, my Mom and my hub's Aunt!

 

 My hubs made a clothes rack for all of the outfits to be hung on! 

 This is my daughter's best friend, Abigale. She doesn't know it yet. Abi's mom had BFF t's made for her and Baby Casey.

 

 Pink cupcakes with butter cream frosting topped with tiny edible pink pearls for the adults and little rocking horses, feet and baby carriage lollipops for the kids to take home.

Baby Casey will have enough clothes for the first 3 months with out having to do laundry! We had 60 guests attend and all of our family and friends were so generous. 

There were a lot of laughs, belly rubs and just about everybody asking what our baby girl's name is going to be! 

And shame on my mother for buying me wine accompanied by the biggest goblet ever, knowing that I will not be able to enjoy it for another 9 weeks and 4 days! 

(but who's counting)

 
Because my "nesting" mode has been in full effect, all of our gifts were organized and put away by Monday afternoon. 

Now we just sit and wait patiently for her arrival.....or start to refinish your bedroom set, as I did this weekend.

Pictures coming soon along with a finished nursery update.

Currently Loving and a 29 Week Bumpdate (not 30)

How far along: 30 weeks

Gender: Girl

Weight gain: 12 lbs

Maternity clothes: When I leave the house, yes. Mostly, I'm wearing leggings and the hubs t shirts at home. My shower is this Sunday and let me tell you, I have been struggling to find a dress. I ordered 3 dresses and returned 3 dresses. The fashion area needs to do a better job a designing maternity clothes for sassy women. "Blimp" is not a style.

Stretch marks: No. I've been using Nivea through  my entire pregnancy.

Belly button in or out: flat.

Sleep: Not too bad. Baby girl is up from 9-11 doing karate  in there, so after 11pm I can finally get comfortable.

Best moment this week: Central AC is installed!!! My baby shower. AND the nursery is almost done!!!

Miss anything: Being able to fly around at work. My nights are extremely busy in the office and around 5pm ...I'm done.

Movement: Jackie Chan style.

Cravings: Not much. I haven't had a craving pregnancy. Other than for cocktails.

Queasy or sick: Neither, just exhaustion.

Looking forward to: Obviously my baby shower!!!!

I found a welcome home outfit from baby gap this weekend. They were having a 40% off the store sale, so needless to say, I purchased other things too.

We are also struggling with a name. Since our last name is a first name, choosing a name is much more difficult.

It also doesn't help that my  husband likes stripper names aka Nadia and Cheyenne.

This fisherman table lamp came in from Pottery Barn last week and I am in love with it.

 I also went to Sephora this weekend for a new foundation. My skin has been getting so dry because of this lengthy winter and I think that it probably has to do with hormones as well. 

I just started using a new beauty line that I will be reviewing soon. It is seriously the most skin changing regiment that I have ever used.

Upon picking up Nars Glow foundation, I stumbled upon $200 worth of these goodies.

The NARissist is THE BEST! It has laguna bronzer, blush in Orgasm and a highlighter.

DIY Laundy Detergent and Entering the Third Trimester!

About a year ago I found a concoction of ingredients online that showed me how to make my own laundry detergent. I had no idea how easy it would be or cost effective or how long it would last.

I purchased a 2 gallon glass gallon container from Target and all of my ingredients from Kmart. Zote soap was the hardest for me to find and Kmart had it, so I finished up my shopping there. What you will need.

1- 4lb 12 oz Box of Borax $4.39

1- 3lb 7oz box of Arm and Hammer Washing Soda

( I bought a 9 lb box and divided it) $18/3= $6

1- 3lb container of Oxy Clean Free $8.99

2- Bars of Pink Zote Soap $2.78

1- 4lb box of Baking Soda $4.00

$26.46

First start by grating the Zote soap with a cheese grater. This by far is the biggest pain in the ass of all. I grate over a 9x13 glass baking dish. 

 

Grate one bar at a time and then dump grated soap into a trash bag.

Next add all of the above ingredients into the trash bag.

Take the bag outside and shake it all around. This was the best way that I could figure out how to mix all of it together. 

Cut a corner on the bottom on the trash bag off and hold it over your storage container until it all empties out.

We use a small metal ice scoop to scoop our soap out. You only need 2-4 tablespoons per load.

 

This batch lasted us about 11 months!!!! I still use regular fabric softener but I will probably be switching to vinegar once the baby comes. You just add a tablespoon of vinegar to the fabric softener hole instead of your regular Downy.

I've used this on our high efficiency washer with no problems and I've also asked the appliance guy at Lowe's if it was safe for front loaders, and he said "yes".

If you have sensitivie skin you can purchase the fragrance free Zote Soap. It is white instead of pink.

Also I've seen some people who add Purex Crystals fabric softener to the mix as well. 

Also today marks the beginning of my 3rd Trimester and I cannot believe it!!!!

I know our baby shower is right around the corner and I am DROOLING over this dress.

ASOS

With the nursery set up and items being purchased off of the registry this is getting very real very fast. We registered at babies r us and Target and the items are flying off of the list like hot cakes!
 

Confession:

I've never changed a diaper in my life until recently. 

Happy Thursday!!!!