Thursday, November 17, 2011

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.

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."

Saturday, November 5, 2011

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)

    Monday, October 31, 2011

    Owl Smores

    Such a fun and simple treat to make for Halloween.  Check out the simple instructions here at Living LocurtoI 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."

    Friday, October 21, 2011

    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!

    You can also follow this link:
    Thanks, everyone :)
    -Misty (and the Tater-Tot)