Status Change!

What a pretty amazing Thanksgiving holiday.  I'm still basking in all of its glory.  I was given so much more to be thankful for and I cannot wait to face all of life's surprises and challenges that are in store.

Not only did Dominic and I find out a few days before Thanksgiving that we are having a baby GIRL (Mia Rose), but I was able to reveal the news to co-workers (see previous post) and our families at Thanksgiving dinner.  As if that weren't enough, we also had the pleasure of announcing this...

It was great getting to share TWO wonderful surprises.  Of course, everyone was overjoyed and the "congratulations" kept coming all evening long :)

Dominic proposed to me the night before Thanksgiving where we had met, about 5 1/2 years ago.  He wrote his speech down and read it to me because he was nervous and didn't want to forget anything.  After he asked me to be his wife, he handed the ring to me.  I kindly reminded him that he's supposed to put it on my finger..."oh yeah. Sorry, I'm nervous."  His hand was shaking while he slid it on...that was my favorite part.  I can still make him nervous ;)

I am now Dominic's fiance.  That has a nice ring to it...and I have a very nice stunning ring to show for it, too.

Baby Mia, your mommy and daddy are engaged...the seams of our family are coming together!

xoxo

The SWEET Gender Reveal!

About a month ago, we had an appointment with my physician and she told us she was about 70% sure that Dominic and I are having a baby GIRL!  She said it was still early to be certain, but she couldn't find a little "rocket ship."  Well, 2 weeks later at our next appointment with a different doctor (who has better 3D sonogram equipment), he confirmed to us that we are having a girl.  I'm thrilled!  Funny thing, for the past year or so, I've been dead set on wanting a boy first.  As soon as I found out I was pregnant, that feeling changed within an instant.  I didn't even have to think about it, I just knew that it had to be a girl, and that I wanted a girl first.  When browsing online for cute nursery themes and clothes, I didn't even check out the boy stuff!  Crazy, right?

Now, a "gender reveal" was in order.  I have over 50 co-workers and had to come up with a cute idea to reveal to them what I'm having.  I searched online for ideas and decided to go with this....

First, I tracked down as many co-workers as I could and had them vote by adding a tally mark under boy or girl, whatever they thought I was having.  Then, I gave them a cupcake that I had made.  After taking a big bite, pink frosting was revealed inside...GIRL!  If they didn't want a cupcake, they could choose option #2, take a peek in the box to see her precious little shoes and her name :)

Two days later at Thanksgiving dinner, I would reveal to Dominic's and my family the gender of our little baby.  I didn't want to repeat the same cupcake idea, because bringing cupcakes to the greatest food holiday there is, is an insult to such a delicious menu!  It was my responsibility to make the sweet potatoes this year, so I used that in my reveal.  I dyed the marshmallows that topped the potatoes...pink :)  At first, no one caught on to the subtle hint, but after I kept mentioning the strangely colored pink marshmallows and pointing them out to everyone, a few "light bulbs" went on and everyone figured it out.  Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture of the potatoes!!!  So bummed :(

So there you have it...I'm creating a precious baby girl, Mia Rose, right here in my belly.  We all love her.

19 Weeks Pregnant {Heirloom Tomato}

 Our little Heirloom Tomato has reached 19 weeks!  Almost to the half way mark.

• The pain that I mentioned I had in the 18 Weeks post is still present.  I'm feeling it more throughout the week and have to readjust how I sit often, especially in the car.  Boo! :(
• I still have NOT been getting any exercise which, I know, is HORRIBLE!  This holiday week has been pretty hectic, but no more excuses.  The baby and I need it!  I'm actually going on a walk today :)
• I have purchased 2 more pairs of maternity pants from Sears.  If you live in So-Cal, the Sears in the Pasadena area has an okay maternity section.  It's hard to find stores that do...and that are cheap.
• I bought my diaper/baby bag from Sears also.  It was on sale for only $30!  It's cute, it matches the new play yard that my mom ordered for us yesterday, and it's not too girly so that Dominic can carry it.
• My belly is growing!!!  Still, it's not very big, but more noticeable than last week :)

 I know, the baby looks like it's made out of clay...or like it's melting!  But it's still not done baking yet.  Once you get past that, notice the arms?  You can see the elbows sticking out because this little "heirloom tomato" is sitting back, relaxing with its hands behind its head.  Stinking CUTE!!!

Photo via: www.babycenter.com

My phone's baby app, BabyBump, says "Many of your baby's senses are developing as specialized areas in the brain are being designated for smell, taste, hearing, vision and touch.  Millions of motor neurons are continuing to develop in your baby's brain allowing more controlled and conscious movement.

Your growing belly is probably obvious to others around you and you may feel the physical effects of it too.  Most pregnant women experience backache at some point during their pregnancy.  You may notice discomfort in your posture as your center of gravity shifts forward putting more strain on your back.  Hormonal increases also contribute to abdominal pain by relaxing the muscles around your waist allowing the uterus to grow."

My BabyCenter app says "Some research suggests that your baby may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to him or her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.

Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 oz and measures 6 inches, head to bottom.  The arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of the body now."

Teething Jewelry

I was checking out today's Zulily deals and found this idea to be pretty brilliant.  I wish I would have thought of this...and marketed it...and made some pretty $ :)

Sonny & Reed has created some beads for moms to wear while giving the baby a chance to teeth instead of gnawing on the GOOD jewlery!  The cool thing is...I think these pieces can pass as real jewelry instead of teething necklaces or bracelets.

Bracelets: $11.99, Necklaces: $17.99

THIS Zulily sale ends on 11/20/11

18 Weeks Pregnant {Sweet Potato}

The little "sweet potato" has made it to 18 weeks!  It's about 5.6 inches and weighs about 6.7 oz.

• I went for a walk down a steep hill...and then of course to get back, up a STEEP hill.  This was really hard for me, I could feel a sharp discomfort in my chest and my body struggled most of the way.  The next day, I had lower back pain for a few hours when I woke up, that shot down my leg also.  I iced it when I got to work.  I'm betting I bothered a pinched nerve that I got when painting a fence a few months ago.  Just great...I'm sure this nerve will only get worse as I grow bigger.  Oh what fun to come.
• I've started applying Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula to my breasts, stomach, lower back, thighs, and any other area that I think might stretch...hopefully minimize the stretch mark side effect of pregnancy.
• I'm feeling increasingly HEAVIER.  Although I have much of my energy back, I still feel sluggish and clumsy-like.  I need to start moving around more, going on walks or checking out the pre-natal Yoga DVD that I have.
• I'm beginning to feel the need for maternity pants.  Using a hair band or rubber band to fasten the button to the hole isn't cutting it anymore on a few of my pants.  I don't like any added pressure or tightness around my stomach.
• I'm anticipating our next doctor's appt. in a few days on Monday.  We'll be having a 3-D ultrasound done and we SHOULD be able to find out the sex of the baby!  FINALLY :)

Photo via www.babycenter.com

My phone's BabyBump app says, "Many of the bones in your baby's body are starting to harden.  Among these first bones to develop is the inner ear which is part of the reason why your baby might e able to hear sounds such as your heart beating or your tummy growling.
As you settle into your second trimester you'll likely gain your appetite back.  Eating healthy and getting enough protein is important at this stage as your body needs approximately 300 extra calories to help your baby develop.  Equally important is continuing with exercising; keep moderation in mind and do not begin any new, strenuous workouts."

17 Weeks Pregnant {Onion}

My baby and I have completed 17 weeks together (last Friday...super late post, oops).

• Our last doctor's visit did NOT reveal to us the baby's gender.  The doctor had a hunch, but said it was too early and that she didn't want to give us a false prediction.  BOO!  Patience just isn't my thing.
• I've had a few more "episodes" with my "fiery nipples."  I don't know what it is, but it's so painful!  It makes me worry that I'll be extremely sensitive to nursing the baby.  Ouch :(
• According to the doctor, everything is moving along accordingly which is always great news.
• I've gained 4 lbs.  I still don't look obviously pregnant.  There is a pudge that I can tell is slowly growing.
• It's been suggested to me that I start trying to lay on my left side when sleeping, as this helps to better circulate more oxygen to the baby.  
• Food and I are great friends again!  Such a relief.

Photo via www.babycenter.com

My phone's BabyBump app says, "This week your baby has mastered some simple reflexes such as swallowing, sucking and blinking.  Your baby may even have a bout of hiccups.  Fat is also forming underneath your baby's skin and will continue to do so in the later months of your pregnancy.  This will help prepare your baby for the temperature change from inside your womb to the outside world.

In the 2nd trimester many women notice more significant growth in belly size.  And if you haven't noticed round ligament pain before, you're likely to feel it now as your uterus continues to increase in size and push your intestines upward.  You may have also noticed that you've started to shift your weight to help balance your belly."

16 Weeks Pregnant {Apple, Avocado}

The little Tater-Tot has been growing now for 16 weeks!

• My pre-preggo pants still fit me, but to loosen them a bit I've started using a rubber-band or a hair band to fasten the button to the button hole.
• Just like my baby phone app said, my nose has been stuffy all week.
• I'm feeling pretty great....no more nausea (or slight and quick sensation) and I'm more energetic.
• My appetite is about 80% back to normal!  Food and I are starting to become friends, again.
• Our next doctor's appointment is on Tuesday and our fingers are crossed in hopes that we'll find out the baby's gender!  *Oh please oh please oh please oh please!!!!!!!!!

 Image from: www.Babycenter.com

My phone's BabyBump app says, "This week your baby's limbs are much more developed, legs and arms are longer and are becoming more controlled in movement.  Your baby's skeletal system is developing more as calcium is deposited onto the bones.  Over the next couple of weeks your baby's weight will double.  Well into your 2nd trimester, you're probably feeling a lot better as most of the 1st trimester symptoms continue to go away.  You 'll probably begin to notice stretching or discomfort around your navel and surrounding abdominal area.  This is caused by the round ligaments when they stretch and thicken to support your growing uterus.  If you're lucky, you may have felt your baby kick for the first time.  This is one of the most special moments in your pregnancy.  This experience is also called quickening, and you may begin to feel this fluttery sensation now or in the coming weeks.  Most women report noticing their baby move around weeks 16 to 22."

Halloween Inspiration

Usually, a post like this should be up before the holiday.  I came across some pretty creative ideas that I think are better shared late than never.  Enjoy :)

  No Halloween holiday is complete without some spooky and delicious treats! Click here at Tidy Mom for more pictures and steps on what/how she made these festive cupcakes.  I love baking, and these decorations seem pretty simple and effective :)

Another thing I love (and I must say, am pretty good at)...crafts!  I found this great and fairly simple (yet time consuming I'm sure) Halloween DIY felt wreath HERE at Living Locurto.  Check out her post for instructions.

And what's a Halloween without some fabulous costumes!  Get a load of these super cute and creative dress-up ideas.

Zoo keeper and her Pet Gorilla, from Katherine Maries

 Snuggle Bear, from Katherine Maries

I LOVE this one!  I had my own Bob Ross painting video as a kid.  Bob Ross, from Katherine Maries

 Sun Maid Raisins, from Katherine Maries

 DIY Giraffe, from Family Fun

 DIY Jellyfish, from Family Fun

 DIY Mermaid, from Family Fun

 DIY Paper Doll, from Family Fun

DIY Hot Air Balloon, from Family Fun

Princess Leia, from Buy Costumes

Lil' Lion, from Buy Costumes

Lil' Piggy, from Buy Costumes

Peacock, from Buy Costumes

I hope everyone had a great and memorable Halloween this year!

 Love, Momma & Poppa "Tater-Tot"

(btw...we both hand made our Pollinated Flower & Bee costumes)