August Product Favorites!

 

 

Revlon Colorstay

 

 

 

I am a youtube freak when it comes to watching makeup tutorials! Before I buy a product I watch several youtube reviews to decide if it's worthy of my moola. When it comes to foundation I am sooo picky! I have extremely dry skin so I have done tons of "research" to find a foundation that would give me that luminous glow without a total cake face. Finally I had it narrowed down to Revlon Colorstay or Neutrogena Healthy Skin. I decided to go with the Revlon just because they have such a wide variety of colors! Let me tell you that this is like the best foundation ever. They made 2 different types {oily skin/dry skin} and so it gives my skin the extra moisture it needs all while looking flawless! I LOVE it!!!

 

 

 

 

Downy Unstopables  

It kind of drives me nuts that "unstopables" is spelled wrong but this product is awesome! My parent's are currently adding on to their house so they've been doing their laundry at my house for 3 months. I noticed when I would change over the laundry how awesome my mom's clothes smelled. I asked her what the heck she was using because she was using my detergent and my clothes didn't smell that good! She pulled out the green version of these Downy bottles and showed me the little beads that you just add in the washer with your clothes. They are kind of spendy {$7/bottle} but you don't have to use much and your clothes smell amazing!! I found mine on sale at Target for $5 so I bought 2! TRY THEM!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glade Carpet Powder 

 

Pretty sure this stuff has been around forever but our dog just recently was sprayed by a skunk {hunter's wife problems...ugh!} and so I've been airing out the house and trying everything to get rid of the smell! All you do is sprinkle on your carpet before vaccuuming and it smells so good. Easy peasy and makes your house smell {somewhat} fresh! :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

BH Cosmetics 120 Eyeshadow Palette – 3^rd Edition

 

This palette can be found online only at BH Cosmetics.

 

Again, I came across this while watching youtube makeup videos! I was in awe of how awesome the shadow looked on so I decided to check out the BH Cosmetics website. Their 120 eyeshadow palettes were only $18 + free shipping {which was a July special} so I took  several minutes and studied each palette before deciding on the 3rd edition. It has everything a palette needs - wide variety of colors, a mix of matte/shimmer shadows PLUS {& perhaps most importantly} highly pigmented shadows and secure packaging. I use this palette all.the.time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Affresh Washer Cleaner 

Soooo I had no idea I was supposed to be cleaning my front load washer. I swear I live in a cave sometimes but apparently front loads are more likely to have odor + mold because after a cycle the water sits in the side rubber part. So I bought some Affresh and cleaned my washer for the first time! Ha! I even discovered my washer has a "clean washer with Affresh" button {I live in a cave AND am blind apparently}. I noticed the odor was gone from my washer after I used Affresh and now I have peace of mind that my clothes are being cleaned in a clean washer! :) HOO-RAH!

 

 

 

 

What were some of your monthly favorites?

Discount Codes

Hey Everyone! I just quickly wanted to share with you some promotions I came across in my BABY magazine. All you pay is shipping so if you're about to be a new mommy, see yourself having a baby in the future or need a baby gift here you go! FREEBIES!!  

The first one is a carseat canopy from www.carseatcanopy.com 

 

use promo code:

ABABY912

They also have fancier carseat covers that are like regularly $70 and with the discount makes them $25. We have literally the best carseat/stroller set from Chicco so I just was a cheapo and just got the free carseat cover in KNOTT to keep the snow out of baby L's face this winter. :)

The next is for an "udder cover" - like I don't feel like a cow already, right? This again is another free item and you just have to pay shipping. The site is www.uddercovers.com

use promo code:

carseat

 

I was a little skeptical about the "necessity" of having an udder cover but after reading the reviews and playing in my mind the thought of a trying to keep a blanket to cover my boobies at all times I just decided it would be good investment since I'll be breastfeeding. I got the pattern CARSON but now I'm wondering if I should have gone with PORTER. Oh well!

 

Next, is from www.sevenslings.com - I didn't order one because I already have a little carrier-around thing. Ha! I don't know baby lingo quite yet. ;)

 

use promo code:

carseat

 

Hope this helps some of you! I know I love free stuff {even if we have to pay shipping still not too bad of a price} - I will be coming with my August favorites soon! Stay tuned!

 

 



 



 



Girl's Gone Child: 33 Weeks

these are such bad quality! dang iphone!

How far along? 33 as of tomorrow! I've missed a few weeks being so busy! You know I had bachelorette parties, getting fired from my job, weddings to attend...extremely busy lady here!

Total weight gain: +10

Maternity clothes? maxi dresses and leggings

Stretch marks? Yes! They are already turning white which isn't as good as having non but I can be glad they won't forever be maroon.

Sleep: I love sleep but it's more uncomfortable lately. I love you body pillow.

Best moment this week: FINALLY starting to get my walk-in closet ready for baby L. I decided not to repaint it either...so pink walls with camo bedding 'tis!

Miss Anything? Being comfortable!!

Movement: all the time! They say it should be slowing down but he literally doesn't stop...unless of course someone WANTS to feel him move! {He just moved as I was typing that!}

Food cravings: none!

Anything making you queasy or sick: I puked all over my shirt and Matt's truck because he went goose hunting Saturday morning, cleaned the birds and then proceeded to leave the rest of the bird to sit in the back of his pickup in the SUN. The smell was UNBEARABLE!! Truly a hunter's wife problem....

Gender: BOY!! God, i was thinking the other day how AWFUL it would be if HE came out a SHE. She would be sporting a lot of boy clothes until she was about 18 months!

Labor Signs: Braxton hicks!!!! My next appointment we start to see if I'm dialated at all! Where has time gone?!

Symptoms: heartburn like crazy {I'm drinking like 3 glasses of milk a day to help!}, braxton hicks, lactating{yum, right?!}, peeing every time I sneeze & 6 nosebleeds in 3 days. Pregnancy is super glamorous!

Belly Button in or out? ALMOST an outty!

Wedding rings on or off? On!

Happy or Moody most of the time: moody usually. haha!! The nurse asked if Matt was getting excited to be a dad and I said I thought he was more excited for me to be NOT pregnant. She thought that was pretty funny.

Looking forward to: sleeping tonight :)

Girl's Gone Child: 30 weeks

New change of hair color and a big, big belly!!

How far along? 30 {31 today!}

Total weight gain: +10

Maternity clothes? maxi dresses and leggings

Stretch marks? Yes! :(

Sleep: I love sleep! J

Best moment this week: eating at Olive Garden J haha!

Miss Anything? Being comfortable!!

Movement: Like crazy! A lot of rolling around going on in there!  

Food cravings: any sort of chicken…chicken nuggets, strips, drummies, breasts, etc………

Anything making you queasy or sick: Saturday at a friend’s bachelorette party we were walking back to the hotel and passed some puke which made me dry heave! Ick!

Gender: BOY!!

Labor Signs: Braxton hicks!!!!  

Symptoms: exhaustion, uncomfortable, Braxton hicks, etc.  

Belly Button in or out? IN

Wedding rings on or off? On!

Happy or Moody most of the time: happy! J

Looking forward to: my friend, Michelle’s, wedding this Saturday!! Woohoo!

Life Lately

{Me and my beautiful hostess' for my baby shower! Adrienne, Me, Jennifer}

Life has been so hectic lately! This past Saturday was my bow hunting education course from 7 am to 4:30 pm which is required by the state in order to get a big game archery license. Right after the course my friend Adrienne {one of the girls who so kindly hosted my shower} and I hurried to go set up tables and chairs for the baby shower the next day. We stayed up late Saturday night having some quality “girl talk” and were up early Sunday for the shower. I was beyond exhausted and perhaps a tad crabby. ;)

I then proceeded to get sick Tuesday night with some sort of bug. It has me puking, fever-y and never leaving the toilet! It’s pretty fun stuff! So I’ve been home trying to rest and stay hydrated per doctor’s orders. I have a big bachelorette party this weekend to go to so hopefully I feel better.

Regarding missing work, many people may not know this about me {although my close friends and family certainly do} is that I have such bad anxiety! I sometimes have it over the smallest things but nonetheless I have it. Missing more work and missing out on those extra dollars gives me major anxiety.

As you all know, I am trying my best to save as much as possible before baby arrives and that’s hard to do when you’re home sick not working. I have a goal of paying off my car by the end of August {or at least by the time baby arrives} and I still owe $3,100. After that, I will be headed for maternity leave and who knows if I’ll be going back to my current job. I just have to remind myself it will all work out in the end. Sometimes I forget to give my stresses to God and remember that it’s not worth worrying about.

In less depressing news, I got the job as the postmaster relief in good ol’ Garden City! I will be working every Saturday 10-11:30 and any day the postmaster needs vacation/sick days/etc. I’m very excited that it’s so close to home and that it could potentially turn into a full time position when the postmaster retires. It would be ideal!

I’m also looking forward to school starting in late August and getting into that routine again! It’s so strange that I’m actually looking forward to going to school. I think I just have my mind set that it will lead to a better life for our family and in 5 years the hard work and sacrifice will have paid off!

In the mean time, I am making sacrifices time wise and financially. It’s hard to let people know that you can’t afford to do this or that or that you simply don’t have the time. It’s uncomfortable! I’m trying my best to not live beyond our means and not spread myself thin between obligations. That’s part of sacrifice though and hopefully someday in the future it will all pay off! J

Girl's Gone Child: 29 Weeks

A picture from our lumberjack baby shower on Sunday...more to come on that soon!

How far along? 29 {30 tomorrow}

Total weight gain: 6+ whatever 10 cupcakes would make me gain

Maternity clothes? maxi dresses 

Stretch marks? Yes! :(

Sleep: can't get enough

Best moment this week: sleeping 

Miss Anything? not being so tired!

Movement: yes!

Food cravings: chinese/fried chicken

Anything making you queasy or sick: I have been vomiting the last 12 hours with a low temperature but I feel on fire. My mom is taking me to the dr. this afternoon to see what's going on..

Gender: BOY!!

Labor Signs: nope! Still cookin’

Symptoms: exhaustion.

Belly Button in or out? IN

Wedding rings on or off? depends on the day! some days my hands are more swollen than others.

Happy or Moody most of the time: cranky.

Looking forward to: seeing what's wrong with me this afternoon at the doctor.

Finances: Part 3

Continued…. 

I started researching daily. I went to every budgeting and living frugal blog I could find and stalked the Dave Ramsey website. I was becoming obsessed and would stay up at night crunching numbers in my head. I was brainstorming ideas as to how we were going to cut back and live a more frugal lifestyle with a child {heard they’re spendy} coming into the world soon! 

After reading and researching so much I looked around my house. I was living in a world of WANTS. Do I really need 20 different lotions and 56 eyeshadows? I have 13 cans of tomato soup so why aren’t I making any when I complain “we have nothing to eat…”? It became completely insane to me the amount of money I had been wasting. 

So I sat down and started implementing the tips I had learned while Pinteresting, Googling and reading blogs. I first started with a notebook and wrote down all my bills and financial goals. After I figured out our wages - bills + savings + a budget/allowance I discovered we could live solely {but frugally} on one income. So that means I could have been saving my entire paychecks for years now. Shoot me!!! 

Anyways after I got done kicking myself and got all my bills figured out I put together a financial binder. In the binder I deposit ½ of the bills’ sum every two weeks on payday. 

For example, let’s say my total bills per month are $1,000. I would take $500 every two weeks and deposit the money into the correct slots in my binder. For instance, let’s pretend my mortgage is $300/month so that means every 2 weeks I deposit $150 of that $500 into that slot in my binder that says ‘MORTGAGE’.  When the time comes to mail the bills I deposit the $1,000 into my checking account and send all my bills off at the beginning of the month. It really helps with the whole feeling of, “this whole paycheck has to go to bills so I’m broke these 2 weeks.” Ya know? I hope that explains it thoroughly!

After Googling what the average percentage of what was reasonable to save from each paycheck - {10-20%}. We decided we would save 15% of Lenz-pipes’ paycheck and ALL of mine. I am also saving every $5 bill that comes into my possession (saw online that some lady saved $12,000 in 2 years just by doing this!) and all of our loose change. We are saving ALL of my check to pay off my car by the time baby L gets here and really trying to save our butts off so in the spring we can buy Matt a new pickup {he desperately needs one!} by paying strictly cash.

Anyways, after I got the binder all ready to go I began searching for other ways to save money. I organized all the kitchen and bathroom cupboards to see exactly what I had/didn’t have on hand. I felt it would be easier for me to find when we were actually out of something like cream of mushroom soup or conditioner. It was kind of like shopping in itself rediscovering all your old junk.

All this frugal saving has been a huge mental process for me because I’ve been used “retail therapy.” I used this therapy for years on bad days, when I was bored, mad, happy…basically any time. I’m pretty proud of myself though because when I make a Wal-Mart shopping list I write down EVERYTHING I need and revise it 3-4 times. Sometimes when I go through it I find that I can take items off: “oh I can make sandwiches for another 3 days to finish up that lunch meat we have. I don’t HAVE TO buy hot pockets to pack for lunch.”

Some of my friends think I’m nuts when I tell them I live on $200/2 weeks. {Some may think that’s a lot but it truly does go quickly especially living 40 minutes from work}. but I actually really try to live on $100-$150 just so I can save some extra cash.

Here’s how I usually figure my $200:

Gas = $60 usually {$30/ week & I’m even trying to drive less! Some weeks this # is higher.}

Groceries = $40.This is honestly all I like to spend and since I only am feeding 2 it hasn’t been too bad. {although, I have been craving McDonald’s chicken nuggets so bad this week I’ve splurged!}.

There are other things, of course, I have to plan for within this budget too and that’s why I try to stash extra cash away instead of using up my $200. For example: 

+ Cut/coloring my hair {not a necessity but I also have to treat myself too!}

+ Oil changes

+ Friends’ weddings/Bridal Showers/Bachelorette Parties {hotel, food –I totally pack sandwich/snack stuff when I travel now so I don’t have to eat out much!, gifts, etc.}

+ Propane/Car Tires {I don’t HAVE to use this money to pay for these spendy items but I like to see our savings increase, not decrease!}

I highly encourage you to budget if you have felt/feel like I have in my posts on finances. I believe no matter how much money a person makes they should have a budget. You would be amazed at how much you can save when you’re conscience of your money. Like I said, I was spending $1,000 + a month and I had no idea where/how it went. I finally feel like I’m making headway having financial goals and being in control of my money.

Here are some of our financial goals for the curious cats out there:

+ Save enough to have 6 months worth of wages built up in savings in the case of an emergency.

+ Pay off my car by the time Baby Lenzen arrives.

+ Save all $5 bills and loose change.

+ Pay cash for a pickup next spring/summer.

+ Pay off mortgage within 10 years. {I used a mortgage calculator and about fainted when I discovered if we just paid the payments we’ve been making – the minimum amount – we will pay $23,000 in interest by the time we pay it off. NO THANK YOU!! If we pay it off in 7-10 years we will have paid like $7,000 - $9,000 if I remember correctly. I had always said we’d build new after 10 years but you know, I love my house and it probably won’t be necessary. It might need some upkeep since it is 100 + years old but that’s okay, it’s gotta be cheaper than building a whole new house brand new}.

Here are some of the blogs and websites that really inspired me to save, save, save!

Living on less than $28,000/year: The Peaceful Mom

Living on $14,000/year: Blissful and Domestic

Paying cash for their home: Money Saving Mom

Décor/Cleaning Supplies Dupes: Fake It Frugal

Dave Ramsey: Dave Ramsey

I would love to hear your feedback and how you’ve been saving or plan on saving! J

One Year Anniversary of Add a Little Sparkle!

So here we are celebrating the one year anniversary of Add a Little Sparkle! This blog has probably been one of the only things I’ve ever kept up with in my life. I’m the mediocrity extraordinaire remember? Plus, I’m an Aries and we like to rush into ideas only to let them fade fast. Meaning this is a huge accomplishment for brandi_babe35 even if no one reads it!

I originally started this blog to help with the grieving process after losing my friend Thomas. It was a very trying time in my life with friends, family, faith, life, etc. Besides my grandmother, I had never lost someone that close to me nor that suddenly. I was all over the place with my emotions but writing publically helped me immensely. {hey..at least it wasn’t crack that helped right?!}

Looking back in those whirlwind emotions, I realize I wrote some blog posts I am not proud of. The main one that comes to mind is this one – the one about not being in my best friend, Adrienne’s, wedding. I was hurt by multiple things and I took it out on someone who was closest to me. I could say I regret posting it but it was a life lesson I’ve learned from and found out who my ride-or-die friends are because of this situation.

Anyways, after about 7 months of not speaking, I just called Adrienne and we talked for 2 hours like we had never hurt one another. Now we’re closer than ever. Some people don’t understand and probably think I’m a “back and forth friend” because I talked a lot of shit! Haha! At least I’m honest about the shit talking though which is something not a lot of people will admit! And don’t worry, Adrienne knows and understands all the mean stuff I said was just out of sadness and spite! I thank God for bringing her back into my life because she’s truly one of the greatest friends.

And for all of you who have taken time over the year to send me texts, call me, Facebook message me, etc. after a blog post that touched you or hit the funny bone: I thank you! You truly have kept me going and helped me through the hardest time in my life without even knowing it. Matt and I {and several others who loved Thomas} are still grieving and I know Matt has appreciated the support that I’ve received through Add a Little Sparkle.

To those of you who took the time over the year to send rude anonymous comments, didn’t understand or weren’t there for me during the grieving process or the Adrienne situation: I forgive you but I still no longer want to be your friend. J

Damn, that feels so good to say!! For a long time, I haven’t really posted how I felt because I felt a little bit of hidden judgment from “friends.” Meaning, I felt as though some thought I was sharing too much. Which, might just be a figment of my imagination – but I doubt it. I’ve finally learned to just say SCREW it because I’m not going to live life stepping on egg shells so a few people will be satisfied I kept my mouth shut.

Anyways, I’m SO proud of my blog – I love the design and I am happy to say I feel it’s one of the things that brought me back to being me. I hope I keep it up for another year!

So here's a reflection of my MISADVENTURES from throughout the year:

+ Being a Beachbody Coach and then deciding it wasn’t for me. {ovvvvvvvver it!}

+ Saying I wanted to open a party planning business and then not. {I love helping others but so far I just help people for free! J}

+ Dressing like a carebear/being the drunkest most dysfunctional a-hole for my BFF’s going away party. {lost a diamond in my ring too}

+ Wearing a diaper to the Miranda Lambert concert so I wouldn’t have to move from the front row {shaking head}

+ Admitted I gained 100 lbs and SHOCKINGLY am self-conscience of it. {ha}

+ Attending Career Step online for Medical Transcriptioning {I have until March to finish anddddd I’m like not even ¼ done…..fml}

+ Told all sorts of “details” about our wedding + asked our bridesmaids and now we’re not even getting married for like 2 years! Haha! Starting from scratch including the wedding party.

+ And the greatest misadventure/blessing of the year: making a baby
 with Matt {puking 6 months straight, almost getting fired from my job, having surgery while 23 weeks preggers and becoming disgusted with the red stretch marks growing around my belly button and my giant milk boobs.} 

WHEW! What a year…….who’s ready for another!??!

Girl's Gone Child: 28 Weeks

{Mom has done nothing worthy of posting a picture of but Dad caugh a keeper walleye this week!}

How far along? 28 {29 in 2 days}
 
Total weight gain: I gained 6 pounds this month…whoops.

Maternity clothes? YUP!!!!

Stretch marks? Yes! :( 

Sleep: My hemoglobin was a 7.8 this morning so we’re waiting on the iron levels to see if the doctor wants me to do a blood transfusion. No wonder I’ve been so tired! This may sound awful but I sleep better when Matt sleeps on the couch and I can sprawl out with my body pillow. Needless to say, he will be camping in the living room from here on out!! I need those heartbeat pillows I found on Pinterest that make it so you can listen to your significant others heartbeat. Although I can see myself yelling from the bedroom, “Can you tell your heart to be quiet?! I’m trying to sleep!” haha.

Best moment this week: Watching our doctor chuckle while listening to the baby’s heartbeat! He said, “He doesn’t like me bothering his mom! He keeps kicking me!”

Miss Anything? Sleep,booze, normal body temps, not feeling like a total cow, etc.

Movement: Yes! I get very scared when I haven’t felt him in a couple hours so kick away baby!

Food cravings: Food in general will do. ;)

Anything making you queasy or sick: I had my gestational diabetes test and the fluid they gave me to drink about made me hurl it was so sugary!

Gender: BOY!!

Labor Signs: nope! Still cookin’

Symptoms: exhaustion, charlie horses, etc.

Belly Button in or out? IN

Wedding rings on or off? on

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy! Feeling good.

Looking forward to: seeing everyone at the baby shower this Sunday!

Finances: Part 2

Continued….

It’s not that I was raised with bad financial examples. My parents are excellent with their money and provided a cushy lifestyle for my brother and me growing up. They’ve worked hard for every dollar they’ve ever earned and don’t have a single loan payment. They’ve always been firm believers in saving up and paying cash.

This is where I missed something in all of their wonderful examples, long lectures and supper discussions about money and my future. I didn’t listen when it came to the importance of saving. If I had any amount of $ you bet your sweet ass I was spending it on random, useless junk! I can’t think of one good thing I’ve spent my money on from back in my late high school/early college years. {Unless you count rum}. And, of course, I didn’t save a dime.

All this not saving and mindless spending brought me to my lowest financial point probably about 3-4 years ago. I was so broke I had to pay for tampons and gas with change I had scrounged from every possible nook and cranny. I waited until late at night to run to the gas station because I was so embarrassed. I remember dumping my $10 worth of change on the counter and apologizing to the cashier. She just smiled as she separated the coins and told me she had been where I was a few times in my life and it will get better.

This is where I slap myself for not listening to my parents. As I get older the more I realize how right they are! It’s so frustrating that I chose to figure it out for myself. Although, in life I believe everyone has to figure out hardships for themselves. For some, it’s finances they make terrible decisions about, for others it’s bad relationships - whether it be with false friends or the wrong spouse, etc. If you’re as lucky as me you were bad in the past with finances AND relationships AND a bunch of other random junk. Go us!

***A piece of advice coming from an experienced loud mouth, you should NOT- repeat - NOT say a word about someone else’s life decisions because they will get upset with you. So just nod and be supportive of their financial stupidity/crumbling relationships/whatever they are doing that’s dumb and just let them ride it out. Live and learn, if you will.

Anyways, I’m getting off track like a high school history teacher. Where was I? Ah! Not saving a dime of anything I’ve earned my entire adolescent life. I think when I left for college I was accustomed to a certain lifestyle and I had never had to save money or watch what I spent. Mom and dad made it cushy and I didn’t listen to a word they said about saving remember?

But suddenly 5 years rolls by and there I was 8 positive pregnancy tests later with still, no money saved up. Yup, pass the dunce cap and put me in the corner. So after the initial shock/excitement/etc. wore off I started to get frantic and began panicking about finances.

This is where my Pinterest, Google and Dave Ramsey obsession began…

To be continued…again…

Finances: Part 1

I feel like it’s been a long while since I’ve blogged just to blog! I’ve been filling up my page with weekly baby updates and that’s about it! To be honest, I am not even sure what I have/haven’t shared with you! Sheesh. I promise now that I’m feeling better after surgery I will blog regularly. J

I did let you know that Matt and I decided to wait to get married! We were scheduled for September of 2013 but the thought of being new parents, going to school, working, trying to lose some LOVELY l-b’s AND plan a wedding seemed SO unbelievably overwhelming. Doesn’t that sound like personal torture?!

We just have to do what’s best for our family. Marriage licenses aren’t going anywhere and I'm so relieved with this decision. I promise we’ll have to have a big sha-bang when the time comes. RUM FOR ALL!! J

Also, a huge shout out to my friends who were very supportive, understanding and kind about our decision. I love that they weren’t judgmental and understood where we were coming from.

On a different note, I have been PINNING the crap out of stuff on Pinterest. I would say my 3 favorite things to pin are crockpot recipes, financial organization ideas and homemade anything for holidays, beauty, furniture, etc.

Thanks to Pinterest I have recently given myself a budget makeover. Meaning, I started budgeting at all. I became intrigued with other family’s savings ideas and prior to being pregnant I literally just spent what I wanted, when I wanted without a real plan for the future. It’s embarrassing to admit but I know I’m not the only one that has spent my money mindlessly. In fact, I know of several middle age and older adults who still don’t have their finances in order because they didn’t learn or plan when they were young.

Becoming pregnant with little hammy really gave me a wake up call in several aspects of my life. I was picturing myself as a 36 year old (insert whatever occupation I’m in) with only $5.95 in my checking account, with no savings built up, driving a car I couldn’t afford and living way beyond my means. Doesn’t this sound like a lot of people you know?

This vision literally scared me half to death. I decided that my peers and elders who are living beyond their means with mountains of credit card/student loan debt were my driving force. I was ready to get my butt in gear and finish my Bachelor’s degree {back to school August 27^th!} and to get myself prepared financially for my little family’s future.

To be continued….

Girl's Gone Child: 27 Weeks

 

How far along? 27 weeks {28 today}
 

Total weight gain: 6 lbs but still –7 from my original start weight.

Maternity clothes? Pretty strictly maxi dresses in public and old lady night gowns – pants are uncomfortable!!

Stretch marks? Really starting to form around the belly button area. Red ones! All my stretch marks my entire life have been white so hoping they go white after baby is here.

Sleep: they say it should be harder to sleep in the 3^rd trimester but I’m exactly the opposite. I could sleep 14+ hours a night.

Best moment this week: Watching Matt enjoy feeling and seeing baby kick. I guess I’m so used to it but it’s a real treat for Matt since he doesn’t get to carry the little guy around all day and night.

Miss Anything? Having a normal body temperature!! I am SO HOT all the time.

Movement: All the time! Mostly mornings and nights…although, I’m thinking it’s because that’s when I’m just laying there and can feel him really kick ya know?

 
Food cravings: Not really any cravings just hungry 24/7.

Anything making you queasy or sick: not too bad!

Gender: BOY!!

Labor Signs: nope! Still cookin’

Symptoms: exhaustion, headaches/migraines, cookie monster.

Belly Button in or out? IN

Wedding rings on or off? on

Happy or Moody most of the time: MOODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Amber from Teen Mom moody.

Looking forward to: seeing everyone at the baby shower!

Throwback Thursday. Gotta love the noodle hanging out of my mouth.

Girl's Gone Child: 26 Weeks

 My stepmom bought me a Mother-to-be crown and sash for my baby shower and I about died! So fun! Took a few too many pictures of myself in them because I adore them!

How far along? 26 weeks {27 tomorrow…}

Total weight gain: 8 lbs in like 2 weeks…whoops. 

Maternity clothes? Pretty strictly maxi dresses in public and athletic shorts at home.

Stretch marks? around my belly button.

Sleep: tired alllll the time!! My hemoglobin was at a 7.8 yesterday and the nurse was freaking out. I will have it checked again next week but if it’s the same or lower it’s blood transfusion time.

Best moment this week: My west river baby shower!! J I love my family so much and they spoiled us rotten! My aunts were apparently calling each other trying to top the others gift. Haha! They may or may not have pinned me down so I would tell them the name…rascals.

Miss Anything? Not too bad. When I feel stressed I miss rum and substitute for Clear American Pina Colada flavored water…what a wonderful substitute right?

Movement: He loves to kick and Matt and I love to sit and watch my belly when he does! He’s so precious!!

 
Food cravings: you know that whole seafood diet quote? Yeah, well if I see food I eat it. Seafood diet.

Anything making you queasy or sick: migraines and the thought of my baby not making it into this world! I'm such a worry wart but you hear so many things about the cord wrapping around their neck or lungs not being developed or brain damage! This is exactly why I need rum.

Gender: BOY!!

Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks here and there (i think that's what they are..) but other than that no!

Symptoms: H.E.A.R.T.B.U.R.N.

Belly Button in or out? IN

Wedding rings on or off? on

Happy or Moody most of the time: sooooo happy!!!! J I feel like I’m on cloud 9. I often wonder why God thought I was so worthy of all the beautiful people and gifts in my life. I am truly blessed.

Looking forward to: seeing everyone at the baby shower! J