Owl Smores

Such a fun and simple treat to make for Halloween.  Check out the simple instructions here at Living Locurto.  I love owls.  They're such a trend right now, I see owl crafts and designs everywhere.

15 Weeks Pregnant {Navel Orange}

On Friday, my baby turned 15 weeks old.

Man, time is starting to fly by.  At first, I was counting the days until the next week or milestone.  I've gotten used to the idea that this is a process and that it cannot be rushed, no matter how many times I look for a fast-forward button :)

• I was SICK most of last week with a bad cough, sore throat, headaches, little sleep and was light headed often.  I even had to go home early from work, twice, because I was miserable.
• The burping continues after each meal.
• I haven't been able to exercise again, due to being sick :(
• I still haven't gained any weight (maybe a pound), but I'm seeing more of a little "pooch" below my belly-button.
• I've started to wear a "BeBand" by the makers of the "BellaBand."  It's a lightweight maternity band that kinda just...holds you in.  I bought it from Target and I'm loving it so far.
• As I read my update from my BabyBump app (read below), I thought it was interesting that I may experience nosebleeds.  I used to get them all the time when I was a kid, but haven't for a long time.  Well, after my shower I blew my nose and guess what...a nosebleed!  Huh, imagine that.

 Image from:  www.babycenter.com

 My BabyBump phone app says "The hair on your baby's head is growing in and the follicles will make pigment if your baby has dark hair.  Around the body, there's still fine hair (lanugo) to protect against being constantly exposed to the amniotic fluid.  Your baby's skin is thin and nearly translucent and if you were to take a look inside your womb you'd see small blood vessels forming underneath the skin.  Some babies may even be starting to suck their thumb around this time.  

As your body continues to make more blood this month, it's especially important that you get enough iron in your diet to keep up with red blood cell production and to avoid becoming anemic.  This increased blood production may still be causing your mucous membranes to swell giving you a stuffy nose or more frequent nosebleeds."

Vote for my blog!

Momista Beginnings is a new member of Top Baby Blogs!  They are "A Trendy Hip Directory Of The Most Popular Baby, Mommy And Daddy Blogs On The Web."  They are a really great source for more inspiring, creative and informative blogs made by everyday people like you and me.

I'd really appreciate it if you clicked the top link on the left column of my blog and VOTE...just follow the simple, one-step instruction on the following page!

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http://www.topbabyblogs.com/cgi-bin/topblogs/in.cgi?id=MistyJ

Thanks, everyone :)

-Misty (and the Tater-Tot)

14 Weeks Pregnant {Lemon}

Today, I'm 14 weeks pregnant and I've read that I'm officially in my 2nd Trimester!

• Nausea is definitely bearable and getting better...however it still MILDLY hits me at least once a day.
• I think my appetite is almost back to normal.  I still have ZERO desire for chocolate (candies & bars), which used to be my ultimate weakness.  Peanut M&Ms were my favorite.
• I still continue to burp way too many times after every meal.
• IF I've gained any weight, I've probably only added 1 or 2 pounds.  I do NOT look pregnant, just a little bloated (if I'm wearing anything tight enough for you to notice...but, only loose shirts for me!).  I haven't purchased or worn anything "maternity" yet.
• I tried on some clothes that my co-worker loaned me (mentioned in Week 13) and I'm not ready for them yet.  They're too big but I'm sure I'll grow into them eventually.
• I exercised for the 1st time this week!  I power-walked (mostly) and jogged a few times on my treadmill for 50 minutes, covering 3.15 miles.  This distance used to take me 28 minutes to run.  Yikes.  I'm looking forward to continuing this work out plan.  Both Momma and the Tater-Tot need it :)
• I'm out from work today, SICK!  And I left early yesterday, too.  I'm coughing, I have a sore throat and yesterday my head was killing me!  I'm light-headed today so I'm resting.  
• I called my doctor today and found out that I can now take cough drops and cough medicine, since I'm in my 2nd trimester.  Woohoo!

Image from:  www.babycenter.com

My BabyBump phone app says, "This week your baby's well-defined face can also make expressions like a squint or a frown.  Some babies may even start growing hair on the head or on the face, such as eyebrows.  If your baby is a girl her eggs will have already developed inside her ovaries.  If you're having a boy, his prostate gland is developing.  By now, your waistline has expanded enough to fin into maternity clothes.  Your uterus is just above your pubic bone, which makes your belly pooch out a little, making the presence of your baby all the more real.  You're officially starting your second trimester and you may notice your breasts feeling slightly less sensitive and your morning sickness continuing to diminish."

Unique Changing Tables

I came across these really creative ideas for some unique changing tables.  I love the yellow tool cart (post found here at Ohdeedoh) and I'll hopefully snatch up one of these for the nursery.

You can find these 2 Steel Service Carts from Harbor Freight Tools...here and here..for some reasonable prices (maybe even better than an actual baby changing table).

At Daddy Types, you can find another great idea for a changing table.  Check out this Stainless Steel Kitchen Cart from Ikea.

Now get this...a great DIY idea when your little one no longer needs a changing table, or outgrows it.  Instead of chucking it, turn it into a bar!  Here are the before & after photos from Ohdeedoh.

Gender Reveal Party {Idea 1}

I love the idea of throwing a "gender reveal party" once the sex of the baby has been determined.  I've already been tossing around a few ideas of how I'd like to do this with my family, friends and co-workers.  Check out Maddycakes Muse for a party that I just may borrow a few ideas from myself...like this voting board.

I also really like that neutral colors were used for the theme of the party and the photo garland of ultrasound pics is adorable.

Tiny TOMS

I had no idea that TOMS made shoes for toddlers!  I have a pair of grey TOMS wedges and I love them, and I think they are adorable for kids, too.  And in case you didn't know, with every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a new pair of shoes to a child in need.

Shop at Toms Shoes for more great, adorable looks.

Baby Hats

Melondipity is an adorable baby hat boutique for newborns, babies and toddlers.  The prices are pretty decent, there are some selections on the high and medium end.  I love these 2 photos...precious!

Decorative Lights

These great build-your-own lights could work in a nursery or in any room in the house.  I love that you can custom make your own set of string lights...choose the length, number of lights and the mix of colors.

 

 

Visit Cable & Cotton to begin creating.

13 Weeks Pregnant {Peach}

Yesterday marked 13 weeks!  

• Nausea is continuing to slowly decrease...still hits me at some point each day, though.
• Food is slowly starting to become more appetizing
• Still easily out of breath
• Being on my feet/walking around for too long ends up exhausting me at the end of the day
• Still burping throughout the day, especially after meals
• I'm starting to win the battle of constipation, a wonderful side effect of pregnancy.
• I'm still not "showing" (I think only I can tell there's a LITTLE bump)...but still feeling bloated and chubby and BLAH!
• A friend of mine who had a baby about 4 months ago, has loaned me a handful of mommy books AND a Yoga DVD during pregnancy (looking forward to giving that a try)  Thanks Annie!
• A co-worker of mine was handed down some maternity clothes from one of our student's mom (who has great fashion sense and always looks cute)...and now that co-worker has offered to pass them along to ME!  Thanks Adriana!
• One of my good friends texted me this morning that if I can find a location, she'll offer to plan my baby shower...she's been brainstorming and has a ton of cute ideas!  Thanks Steph!
• I received a really cute basket of flowers in the mail from my future sister-in-law (Dom's sister) as a congratulations.  Very thoughtful, thanks Lisa!

Image from:  www.babycenter.com

Ok, my BabyBump phone app says that the baby is almost 3 inches and could be about the size of a peach.  "Up until now, your baby's head has been proportionally larger than the rest of the body.  But around this time your baby's body will start to catch up and grow more proportional to the head.  If you could peek inside your womb, you could see your baby's motor skills starting to work.  Your baby is able to move and flex the arms and legs."

The BabyCenter app says, "Fingerprints have formed on your baby's tiny fingertips.  Veins and organs are clearly visible through his or her still-thin skin.  If you're having a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries."

1st Trimester Testing

Monday, we had an appointment with a different doctor to screen for Down Syndrome and other birth defects.  The risk for Down syndrome increases as the age of the mother increases.  I am 28 and am not at high risk for this birth defect, but as a new parent, I'd like to do everything I can to better prepare for my baby.  A new test that examines features of the early fetus using diagnostic ultrasound, combined with the analysis of a blood sample, determines my individual risks.  *Fingers crossed* that the blood work comes back normal...the doctor did say that he didn't "see" anything off or wrong with the baby.

Now for the super cool part that I was SO anxiously awaiting...the most recent baby pics!  I know, it's a little creepy to see your baby look like it's been molded out of clay, but watching my child up on the flatscreen in the doctor's office (super fancy, btw) was just AMAZING.  It looks like the Tater-Tot is sitting "Indian style," or like my fellow teachers and I like to say "criss-cross-applesauce."  It's nuts to think that this little baby is only about 7cm long (almost 3 inches).  

I was told that I have "bilateral notching" which I guess translates to possible high blood pressure in ME.  To avoid any complications down the road, I am to take children's aspirin, or a low dose adult aspirin everyday until week 20, when I'm supposed to see this doctor again for another full fetal examination.

Dominic and I also got a DVD to take home, with the entire exam burned on it...everything we saw on the screen at the appointment, we can share with friends/family.  Oh, and we won't know the sex of the baby for another 4 weeks.  Eek!

12 Weeks Pregnant {Plum, Lime}

The Tater-Tot and I have finally reached a milestone...12 weeks!  That's 3 months and with the end of this week will be the end of the 1st trimester.  I'm that much closer to feeling almost normal again.  I'm still not an obvious pregnant woman, I just have a little bloated look to me, like after you had a big meal and can't suck it in all the way.  Not much has changed with me since my last update.  I'm still nauseous from time to time and a friend of mine recommended "Preggie Pop Drops" to help relieve the feeling.  I was planning on stopping by Bellies, Babies & Bosoms in Montrose, CA to buy some, but to my surprise, my doctor gave me a handful of samples that were sent to them in the mail.  Score!  I've tried a few and I love the taste and for me, they do relieve nausea for a short period of time.  I recommend giving them a try.

I am also wearing Sea Bands, which are another form of non-drug nausea relief.  While wearing one on each wrist, they have a bead that applies accupressure to certain pressure points.  I'm not sure if they're working or not, could be all in my head, but give them a try if you're desperate.  You can find them in a drug store or at Target by the Dramamine. 

Speaking of the doctor, I had my 2nd appointment 

with her a few days ago on Tuesday.  I was disappointed that we didn't get an ultrasound done to see the baby, but apparently she doesn't do one with every appointment.  Instead, she just used a device that listens for the heartbeat and plays it through a speaker.  Dominic and I heard our little Tater-Tot's heart for a few minutes, along with some occasional static...which was the baby moving!  I had a giant smile on my face.  I was so relieved that everything was alright and the doctor said that I should have nothing to worry about at this point.  Great, I can breathe now.

Image from www.babycenter.com

Now let's see what my phone app BabyCenter has to say about week 12.  "The most dramatic development this week: reflexes.  Your baby's fingers will soon begin to open and close.  His or her mouth will make sucking movements.  Toes will curl, and eye muscles will clench.  Meanwhile, nerve cells are multiplying rapidly, and in your baby's brain, synapses are forming furiously.  In fact, if you prod your abdomen, your baby will squirm in response, although you won't be able to feel it.  Your baby's intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into the abdominal cavity, and the kidneys will begin excreting urine into your baby's bladder.  Your baby's face looks unquestionably human:  His or her eyes have moved from the sides to the front of the head, and the ears are right where they should be.  From crown to rump, your baby-to-be is just over 2 inches long and weighs half an ounce."

Zulily, a bookmark MUST

If you haven't discovered the website Zulily yet, then let me welcome you to daily deals for moms, babies and kids! It's as easy as creating an account by entering your email address and a password. Immediately, you'll be sent an email everyday with new sales, BIG sales, that either last 24 hours or a few days. Since I don't know whether or not I'm having a boy or girl, I haven't ordered anything yet. Once the mystery is solved, I know I'll be in some trouble because this site features the cutest resources for adorable clothing and accessories and much more.

Definitely sign yourself up for their daily emails!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Party

This children's party idea is way too cute! I can't wait until my little Tater-Tot is big enough for this. This theme comes from the book called The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. I love this book and so do the little ones. I also love to cook and bake and creating fun food dishes, so a theme like this would give me plenty of food ideas to work with. I found this HERE at Ohdeedoh.

Urban Inspired

I found this nursery HERE at Ohdeedoh, and I love the chevron printed rug. The creator of this room found this rug at Urban Outfitters, of all places. This store is one of my favorite resources for clothing. Since I don't have a place to call my own just yet, I've never paid much attention to their "apartment" section and I would have never thought to check them out for pieces for a nursery. After seeing this baby's room, I browsed Urban's online site and found a few things that could very well be used in a nursery.

Chevron print, "ziggy" chair - $279

Breezy Branch curtain - $39

Flounce Ruffle Stripe curtain - $49

DIY Decor Jars

Simple, unique and decorative. These apothecary jars would look great in a nursery, filled with whatever candy or items you choose. One could even make-do as baby's little "piggy bank." You could place a few of these in the kitchen, or even use them as functional decoration at a birthday party or picnic.

You can imagine all the different results that can be achieved, finding differently shaped and sized jars, candle stick holders, and using different color paints. Get creative. Can't wait to make some of my own.

I found this idea at a great, cute little blog called This Old Chair, HERE.

Nursery of sun and silver

"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy, when skies are grey."

If this nursery could sing, I imagine it being that song. What a beautiful layout, design and color scheme. I can definitely picture a room like this in my future home, where my little Tater-Tot rests its little head everyday :)

Check out the breakdown of this nursery HERE at House 36. You can see the room's before, during and after pictures, along with the inspiration board used to create the theme and a list of resources and prices so you can find the same items.

Go to Spearmint Baby and see a ton MORE pictures of this nursery that the creator sent in, showing about every detail in the room...HERE.

Did I mention that I LOVE this nursery??? I do...I really do.

Bright New World

Well isn't this a creative way of adding a globe to a room. I really like this, but I haven't yet decided on whether I'd like to recreate my own version of this DIY project, or if I'd like one of those illuminated globes to serve as the nursery's night-light. They're pretty cool and have a nice glow to them, but they can be pricey, ranging anywhere from $50-$100 depending on size and on how detailed the globe is.

This globe, turned lamp, makes you think, "Hmm...what else can I cut up and turn into a lamp, or some other functional item." This project can be found HERE at Ohdeedoh.

Mod Podge It

What a cute idea! I use Mod Podge with my art students all the time when making mosaics. The "glossy" version looks best on mosaic-like projects, because it coats the outside and leaves a shiny, finished look. For this type of project, "matte" Mod Podge would be more appropriate. I found this HERE at Ohdeedoh. I like their suggestion of using extra fabric you may have lying around from a previous project...which I have PLENTY of. Just another craft added to my list of pretty things to do :)