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Monday, May 27, 2013

Mani Monday



Mani Monday
 
I took the last two weeks off and gave my nails a break, but I am back! This week, I wanted to coordinate with my kiddo for our family photos so I chose a hot pink, and a baby pink for my toes! 
 
Here's how it turned out!


 
 
Linking up with Vicki, Tara, and Heather and Anna! Thanks girls for inspiring me!



See you later lovebugs!

Rachael

Sunday, May 26, 2013

My Husband Rocks Vol. 15






No husband is perfect and it doesn’t really matter. What matters is how I set myself up to think about him. If I focus on his failures, his annoyances, or ways in which I’ve felt hurt by him, then I will interact with him as a hurt and frustrated and disappointed wife. That makes for miserable living for me and my husband and those around us. But if I focus on his strengths, his potential, and the ways in which I feel blessed by him, then I will interact with him as a forgiving, blessed, and contented wife. And there’s no greater need a man has than to feel respected by his wife. If he feels like all he does is hurt, disappoint, and frustrate, then the same atmosphere and the same actions will be perpetuated. But if he feels that his wife can be happy and responsive regardless of his shortcomings, he feels respected and empowered. Then a positive atmosphere is perpetuated and actions, once destructive, can improve in an environment that is rich for cultivation and growth into deepened respect and intimacy."


 
 
 
This week I am joined by the fantastic Jill from 99 WPM! Check out her post here:



This week we are talking about 10 Little Things that Made you Fall in Love your Husband

Mike and I started dating (again) when we were 20. We had originally had a middle school "romance" but we split up before high school started. When we reconnected, there were a few little things that attracted me again right away.

Here's mine:

1. His smile
2. His adventure
3. His goatee/facial hair (what can I say? I'm a sucker)
4. His loyalty
5. His arms (again - sucker hehe)
6. The way he acted with his little cousins
7. He listened and didn't complain about it
8. His insistence on being my boyfriend (even though at the time I was annoyed because I was just getting out of a 5 year relationship which included marriage and divorce)
9. The love he has for his family members, especially his grandmother
10. The fact that he has had a steady job since day 1.

In the end all of those things are just icing on the cake of the fact that he loves me and supports me, but I thought this would be fun and lighthearted!

So, tell me...what were your top ten things that originally attracted you to your husband/boyfriend/significant other? (hey, just trying to be politically correct here) hehe


 
 
 
 

We want to hear all about the loves of your lives!

The Growing Tree



*Next Sunday*

Lena from Lena B, Actually will be hosting with me! Topic of conversation will be:

Fatherhood: The Day He Became a Daddy (or if you don't have kids yet, you could talk about your plans to have a family someday)

* If you would like to participate *

Follow the prompt, or just wing it and blog about whatever you want, as long as it is about the love of your life! Don't feel like you can't contribute if you are not married, this is for anyone who wants to celebrate their significant other!  Then come back here and link up in the collection at the bottom of this post. Please grab the button and use it in your post, or post it somewhere on your blog!

The only thing I ask is to follow my blog and my co-host Jill's  blog via GFC, Bloglovin, Facebook or Twitter (icons at the top of my page - be sure to comment below and let me know how you follow and I will follow you back!) Then, take a look around at the other blogs linked up and leave them some love too!

* If you want to add the blog hop to your post *

If you want to participate in the hop and add the link-up to your post, click here and highlight the first code!

* If you would like me to add you to the advance email OR if you would like to co-host in the future*

If you would like to receive the code for the post before it goes live, or would like to co-host your very own My Husband Rocks Sunday Link-up, send me a message with the subject My Husband Rocks to:

 
See you later lovebugs!



Rachael

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Baby Cameron: Bump Update

I am totally embarrassed. I have been horrible these past few weeks about taking bump photos! Here is one from a few weeks ago, and one I snapped yesterday via my phone, since I have nothing better to show...




Last you heard, they were thinking I had Gestational Diabetes. Well, they were right. The first week, the medication worked pretty well and the days that I had high sugars I knew exactly why. These past two weeks, it's been harder, and my doctor is threatening me with the word Insulin, so I think shots may be in my not-so-distant future.

Other than that, I have been feeling pretty good most days. Other than low energy, I really do feel relatively normal, and I'm not really worried about going into pre-term labor like I did with Natalie anymore. She was born at 33 weeks 6 days, so that day is coming up. Once we get past that, I think I will feel better.

How far along? 32 weeks, 3 days

Total weight gain/loss: Around 15 pounds still. I haven't gained too much at all, it just seems to be re-distributing (kinda like last time)

Maternity clothes? Yes. Pants and tops, and a maxi dress! =)

Stretch marks? Yes.

Symptoms: heartburn, acne, tiredness, aches, charley horses in my toes and legs

Sleep: Getting more uncomfortable. I toss and turn and throw my leg pillow away, and I always wake up hot and sweaty no matter how cold it is in the room!

Best moment this week: Seeing the baby at my ultrasound again, he is now around 4 lbs!

Have you told family and friends? Yes, everyone knows! It would be a little hard to keep it a secret at this point!

Miss anything? Sleeping on my tummy, not feeling tired all the time. Stretching, and being able to walk around without feeling pain/pressure. I also miss being able to indulge in pregnancy cravings.

Movement: Tons. Mostly after I eat! More sharp movements now that he's getting squished when he switches from head up to head down.

Food Cravings: Ice cream (chocolate marshmallow), Chocolate milk, chocolate candy, Starbursts, Wheat thins, Fruit, pickles, (Yes I'm a stereotypical preggo!) Thin Mints, and also an adversion to red meat. I'd much rather have salad, seafood (no sushi or salmon though - I'm talkin crabmeat YUM) or chicken lately. Also spicy food: buffalo chicken, salsa, hot sauce on tacos, etc.

Not so new: White cheddar popcorn, regular popcorn, pb&j sandwiches, Mt. Dew. and Starbucks hot chocolate.

NEW: sugar free chocolate pudding

Anything making you queasy or sick? Not really, I just stay away from anything that looks like it might make me icky.

Have you started to show yet? Oh yes. It has been obvious for weeks now!

Baby is a: Bouncing baby boy!! Cameron Glenn =)

Belly Button in or out: Not much left! I think it may pop out soon!

Wedding rings on or off? Still on but getting tighter. I don't know how much longer I'm going to be able to keep them on comfortably. I kept them on all the way through delivery with Natalie so hopefully I will be able to do that with this one as well. I don't know how I would feel if I couldn't wear them!!

Happy or Moody most of the time: Ask my hubby and he would probably say moody, but other than having no sleep and being cranky I think I'm still a pretty happy camper. My Natalie keeps me smiling!

Looking forward to: My maternity photos this Sunday! My PA trip the next weekend to meet some of my Knottie girls, and my baby shower the following weekend!! =)

NOT looking forward to: Doctors changing my medication to Insulin, which is sounds like is more likely than not at this point. I've never had to stick myself with a needle, and I don't know if I can handle it. Also not looking forward to the weekly doctors visits which means MORE time I have to take off work, and starting at 34 weeks I have to go in TWICE a week, so that they can monitor his heart rate I think. Ugh. Why can't I just be pregnant? Why do they have to take all the fun out of it!? (Sorry, rant over lol)



 


That's all for now! Look for another update soon!


See you later lovebugs,



Rachael

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Little Miss Natalie

 
 
There has been a lot going on around here lately! Here is what you have been up to lately...
 
 
New words include cracker, cookie, applesauce, shoes, socks, and the doozy....bumblebee!
 
You curl your tongue (just like mommy can!) and you now make "indian noises" covering your mouth and going "ahhhh ahhhh ahhh" So cute!
 
You know where your eyes, ears, nose, mouth, teeth, tongue and fingers are. You will only say "eyes" and you also do spirit fingers when we ask you where they are!
 
You have started climbing around more. Momma caught you upside down in the recliner, and also on top of your toychest. You are going to give Momma a heart attack!! 
 

 


 
You love your "Bubble Guppies"! You grab the remote and give it to us saying "bubble guppies" and when we turn it on you love to climb up or chill out and then you just zone out and nothing we say registers with you anymore! You are starting to get Momma's "selective hearing" haha
 
 
You love to lay down on a pillow or a blanket and pretend to go "nigh-night" even when you are wide awake! You certainly know how to go to bed too, you tell us when you're ready by grabbing Monkey and your sippy cup and heading to the gate. After pjs and a diaper change you usually plop down on your tummy and settle right in with your arm wrapped around monkey. You are SO GOOD with bedtime, I don't know how we got so lucky.
 
Your answer for everything right now is "no" or "oh no" even when you mean "yes". Anytime and every time we ask you a question! It's a good thing that Daddy and Momma are so good at reading you to determine what you really mean!
 
You love bubble baths, but lately you have really loved getting in the shower and playing with the falling water! You are definitely going to love the pool and water park this summer!
 
 
You love sports! Daddy has definitely been influencing this, but now you say "hockey" whenever it is on! "Hooooockey hoooooockey!" You also yell and cheer and say "YAY!" whenever ANYONE scores, no matter if it's your team or not! You just love the goal horns!
 
You have been imitating all of us a lot lately! You talk on the phone like Nana, laugh like Momma, sit on the couch and lean like Daddy, and you LOVE your Poppy! You also like to sit and read just like Nana does, and we caught you!
 
 
We finally figured out what the gibberish that you were saying was, and it's "gotcha gotcha gotcha!" Nana chases you around and when she catches you that's what she says! You have been saying it a lot lately!
 
You love to go "buh-bye" and you say "see ya guys!" and run to the door, as long as you are leaving with us. If we are going without you??? TEARS and SCREAMS and TANTRUMS! You hate being left behind! You are also stellar when it comes to your carseat, you love to put your arms in yourself, and take them back out once we are where we are going! And on the way you love to point your finger at me and yell "GO GO GO!"
 
You love to pet the puppies and that's usually the first thing you do when they come inside is run over to the gate so that you can say "Puuuppies" and pet them. You also love to scold them when they bark, and it is so funny! You yell "heyyyyyy!" and point your finger and them and stamp your foot!
 
You are also in your "must dump everything on the floor" stage. You have a shopping cart full of toy food and your favorite game is turning it upside down, spilling out all the food, yelling "YAY!" and then spreading them ALL over the floor with your hands! You do the same thing with your blocks, AND your puzzle pieces!
 

 
Momma has been having so much fun with you lately, and I can't wait to take pictures with you and Daddy this weekend!
 
Momma and Daddy love you more and more every day!
 
 
Row Merrily my beauty,
 
 
 
Momma
 
 
 


Sunday, May 19, 2013

My Husband Rocks Vol. 14






No husband is perfect and it doesn’t really matter. What matters is how I set myself up to think about him. If I focus on his failures, his annoyances, or ways in which I’ve felt hurt by him, then I will interact with him as a hurt and frustrated and disappointed wife. That makes for miserable living for me and my husband and those around us. But if I focus on his strengths, his potential, and the ways in which I feel blessed by him, then I will interact with him as a forgiving, blessed, and contented wife. And there’s no greater need a man has than to feel respected by his wife. If he feels like all he does is hurt, disappoint, and frustrate, then the same atmosphere and the same actions will be perpetuated. But if he feels that his wife can be happy and responsive regardless of his shortcomings, he feels respected and empowered. Then a positive atmosphere is perpetuated and actions, once destructive, can improve in an environment that is rich for cultivation and growth into deepened respect and intimacy."


 
 
 
This week I am joined by the sassy and talented Ida from Eternity Kind of Love! Check out her post here:



This week we are talking about anything and everything! It's a free-for-all!

This week, I want to take some time and talk about Mother's Day last weekend. =) If you follow my Instagram you probably saw a bunch of photos of our little family at the Cubs/Nationals game! Hubby took me there with Natalie, for our daughter's first baseball game! Technically, this was her oh.....fourth?.....game, because Mike and I went to a few Cubs/Nationals games right before she was born! I thought it was appropriate and a little traditional that we decided to go while Cameron is still inside growing as well! It was a blast and I know Natalie had a fantastic time, even if she did conk out on me during the middle of the game! Here are some photos from the day:





 



Mike is still insisting on buying me a Mother's Day gift, but I have to wait. And he won't tell me what it is, but I'm sure I will tell you all as soon as I find out!

How was your Mother's Day? Did you do anything special for your mom? Did anyone do anything special for you! Link up and tell me about it! =)

 
 
 
 

We want to hear all about the loves of your lives!

The Growing Tree



*Next Sunday*

Jill from 99 WPM will be hosting with me! Topic of conversation will be:

Ten little things that made you fall in love with your hubby/significant other.

* If you would like to participate *

Follow the prompt, or just wing it and blog about whatever you want, as long as it is about the love of your life! Don't feel like you can't contribute if you are not married, this is for anyone who wants to celebrate their significant other!  Then come back here and link up in the collection at the bottom of this post. Please grab the button and use it in your post, or post it somewhere on your blog!

The only thing I ask is to follow my blog and my co-host Ida's  blog via GFC, Bloglovin, Facebook or Twitter (icons at the top of my page - be sure to comment below and let me know how you follow and I will follow you back!) Then, take a look around at the other blogs linked up and leave them some love too!

* If you want to add the blog hop to your post *

If you want to participate in the hop and add the link-up to your post, click here and highlight the first code!

* If you would like me to add you to the advance email OR if you would like to co-host in the future*

If you would like to receive the code for the post before it goes live, or would like to co-host your very own My Husband Rocks Sunday Link-up, send me a message with the subject My Husband Rocks to:

 
See you later lovebugs!



Rachael

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

On My Heart: Doubts and Guilty Feelings


I will be linking up with Amanda @ A Royal Daughter for today's On My Heart post. Amanda's blog and the way she lives her life inspires me, which is what this post is all about.
 

I'm going to share something today that I haven't told anyone, not even my husband. I don't know how to talk to him about it, and I'm not sure that I won't be ok once everything is said and done, but right now, I have a very strong feeling in my heart.




I don't feel connected to my baby boy who is growing inside me.




When we found out we were pregnant, we were shocked. After the initial blow, we started to get excited. Then we found out it was a boy. While I always thought I wanted one of each, now I'm not so sure.

To be honest, I kind of feel like he's going to steal time from Natalie and I. I have always always wanted a girl. And now that I have her, and she's getting to such a fun point in her childhood, I don't want to share her with anyone. I don't want my time divided.

This makes me sad, because I feel like I don't love this little boy at all. I know that will probably change, but I had such a traumatic experience with Natalie, that she became all that more precious to me. I WANTED her. I feel like a terrible mother for not wanting Cameron too. And it's not even that I don't WANT him, I am excited and happy that we are pregnant. I just wish I had more time before Natalie isn't my only child anymore.

I keep thinking of all the things that I want to do with Natalie by herself before her brother gets here, and I know that I don't have time to do them. A lot of those things will have to wait until her brother is older, and it makes me sad.

I don't know how I would feel if he was a girl. I probably wouldn't feel the same, but maybe I would. I honestly don't know. I hope, then when he is here and all is said and done, that I feel differently.

I guess maybe a lot of it stems from the fact that I've never dealt with a boy baby. I've never changed a boy diaper, or bought little boy clothes.(except for my nephew - but that's different) I was excited for my sister to have a boy, but now that my turn is here, I find myself almost wishing he was a girl. Why am I doing this to him?

Please, someone out there tell me I'm not crazy. Tell me I'm going to fall in love with this little boy. Please tell me I have enough room in my heart and my life for both of them. Please tell me that Natalie isn't going to miss her "only child" status and is going to be a good big sister.

I'm not ready to be a Momma of two. I hope I can get ready - and fast.

 


 
Until later lovebugs,
 

Rachael

A Royal Daughter

Sunday, May 12, 2013

My Husband Rocks Vol. 13

Before we begin, I just want to say Happy Mother's Day to all my momma readers! I hope you had a great day and you are spoiled rotten with sleep, food and love!

I also want to personally apologize to Vicki and all of the MHR readers for not getting this posted on time today! I thought I had it set up to automatically post, but apparently that was not the case! I'm so sorry!








No husband is perfect and it doesn’t really matter. What matters is how I set myself up to think about him. If I focus on his failures, his annoyances, or ways in which I’ve felt hurt by him, then I will interact with him as a hurt and frustrated and disappointed wife. That makes for miserable living for me and my husband and those around us. But if I focus on his strengths, his potential, and the ways in which I feel blessed by him, then I will interact with him as a forgiving, blessed, and contented wife. And there’s no greater need a man has than to feel respected by his wife. If he feels like all he does is hurt, disappoint, and frustrate, then the same atmosphere and the same actions will be perpetuated. But if he feels that his wife can be happy and responsive regardless of his shortcomings, he feels respected and empowered. Then a positive atmosphere is perpetuated and actions, once destructive, can improve in an environment that is rich for cultivation and growth into deepened respect and intimacy."


 
 
 
This week I am joined by my fellow nail polish enthusiast Vicki from My Vickilicious Life! Check out her post here:



This week we are talking about your favorite place to go on a date!



Ok, so I know we have pictures somewhere,  but I can't seem to find them, so this photo is going to have to be sufficient. And even though we looooove going to sporting events together (in fact that's where we are going today! Mike is taking me to a Cubs baseball game for Mother's Day! Super excited) our favorite place to go on a date has NOTHING to do with sports.

Usually, any time we have a baby-free night we find ourselves at the movie theater to see a movie! The latest time that we went was last weekend when we went and saw Iron Man 3. (AWESOME by the way) He also took me to see my very first 3D movie and it was a girly movie too! Usually it's the big blockbusters that we go see: Thor, The Avengers, Iron Man, Batman. We've seen them all. And there is nothing better than watching an awesome movie on a huge screen.


 
 
 
 

We want to hear all about the loves of your lives!

The Growing Tree



*Next Sunday*

Ida from Eternity Kind of Love will be hosting with me! Topic of conversation will be:

FREE FOR ALL - write about anything you want!

* If you would like to participate *

Follow the prompt, or just wing it and blog about whatever you want, as long as it is about the love of your life! Don't feel like you can't contribute if you are not married, this is for anyone who wants to celebrate their significant other!  Then come back here and link up in the collection at the bottom of this post. Please grab the button and use it in your post, or post it somewhere on your blog!

The only thing I ask is to follow my blog and my co-host Vicki's  blog via GFC, Bloglovin, Facebook or Twitter (icons at the top of my page - be sure to comment below and let me know how you follow and I will follow you back!) Then, take a look around at the other blogs linked up and leave them some love too!

* If you want to add the blog hop to your post *

If you want to participate in the hop and add the link-up to your post, click here and highlight the first code!

* If you would like me to add you to the advance email OR if you would like to co-host in the future*

If you would like to receive the code for the post before it goes live, or would like to co-host your very own My Husband Rocks Sunday Link-up, send me a message with the subject My Husband Rocks to:

 
See you later lovebugs!



Rachael

Saturday, May 11, 2013

52 in 52 Update: May



I last updated on April 12, 2013. You can view the full list here.

1. Blog at least twice a week. I think I accomplished this again.
2. My Hubby Rocks posts each Sunday. Go here to view them.
3. 52 in 52 updates once a month (3/12 )
4. Post Desire to Inspire posts once a month. Here and here (3/12)
5. "Little Miss Natalie" posts twice a month. Here and here (3/12)

24. Get a meal planning system going. Haven't gotten this finished yet. We did one week of it, but then kind of fell off the wagon. We will get started soon.

30. Update baby book monthly. Ha. I'll get to it eventually.
32. Finish 0-6 month scrapbook. Haven't touched it. Hopefully will have some time soon.
37. Bump shots weekly starting at 18 weeks.
I've been pretty good at this. Missed a few weeks. I'm trying to remember! lol


45. Have a set bedtime and wakeup time and stick to it, even on weekends. I've got weekdays down pretty good, just need to stop sleeping in on weekends.

49. Read 25 books. (1/25) Read: Fifty Shades of Gray
Currently: Fifty Shades Darker

That's it for now! Looks like a good start to me. My next update will be June 13!

Until later, lovebugs!



Rachael

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Desire to Inspire - I Am Beautiful

Speak Now
 
When I saw this link up opportunity on Lena's blog a few weeks ago, I knew I had to join in. Body image is something that I think every girl struggles with at some point in their lives, and I have also dealt with personally for a good chunk of my life. There have been times when I have done something about it like pick my lazy butt up and get to the gym, and there are other times where I did nothing more than cry into my pillow when yet-another-stupid-boy called me fat or ugly.
 
Now that I have a daughter, I feel like it's even MORE important to feel comfortable with myself, just the way I am, so that I can lead by example for Natalie. Now, while I'm not currently "doing anything about it" I already have plans in place to get back into the gym, start my Waist Watcher Wednesday posts, remain accountable, and shed that baby weight. Then following that, get down to a place that FEELS healthy on the weight scale. I'm not SO worried about weight, more how I feel in my clothes and in my skin.
 
Also, at the same time I want to be ok with whatever point I am at in my weight loss. I want to feel confident and I am working on that. I am hoping that I will be successful in helping Natalie to have a positive self image as well. I don't know yet how exactly that will happen, other than to love her and tell her how beautiful she is, which isn't hard because she really is the most beautiful little girl to me!
 
On another note, more recently I have seen this great video that I am going to link here call the Dove Real Beauty Sketches, where girls describe themselves, and then a woman (or man) who has just had a brief conversation with them individually sit down with a sketch artist. The drawings are then placed side by side, and....well....just watch. It's amazing, sad, and revealing all at the same time.
 
 
Moral of the story:
 
 
You are more beautiful than you know. Embrace it. Live it. Flaunt it.
 
BE YOU, because you can't be anyone else.
 
And above all else:
 

See you later lovebugs,
 
 
 
Rachael

 
A Royal Daughter

Sunday, May 5, 2013

My Husband Rocks Vol. 12






No husband is perfect and it doesn’t really matter. What matters is how I set myself up to think about him. If I focus on his failures, his annoyances, or ways in which I’ve felt hurt by him, then I will interact with him as a hurt and frustrated and disappointed wife. That makes for miserable living for me and my husband and those around us. But if I focus on his strengths, his potential, and the ways in which I feel blessed by him, then I will interact with him as a forgiving, blessed, and contented wife. And there’s no greater need a man has than to feel respected by his wife. If he feels like all he does is hurt, disappoint, and frustrate, then the same atmosphere and the same actions will be perpetuated. But if he feels that his wife can be happy and responsive regardless of his shortcomings, he feels respected and empowered. Then a positive atmosphere is perpetuated and actions, once destructive, can improve in an environment that is rich for cultivation and growth into deepened respect and intimacy."


 
 
 
This week I am joined by the beautiful Jen from On a Rock in the Pacific! Check out her post here:



This week we are talking about what ways your husband supports you in your dreams.

Photo from my cousin's wedding this past weekend =)
 

This is a tough one for me, because Mike supports me no matter what. I tend to go through phases with my projects, and he never complains. First it was making bracelets, and he never complained when I was working on one. Then once I got pregnant I got back into this blog full time, and he never complains when I need to take some time and write up a post or two. (like right now, he's sitting beside me playing xbox, just waiting patiently for me to be done) I don't have any real big dreams, except one - becoming a professional photographer along side one of my best friends. I haven't really been able to even get a plan together yet, but I know that when I do, he will be right beside me, cheering me on. Other than that, it's just little things throughout each day that lets me know he listens, he cares, and he will be there for me no matter what!

My husband ROCKS =)
 
 
 
 

We want to hear all about the loves of your lives!

The Growing Tree



*Next Sunday*

Vicki from My Vickilicious Life will be hosting with me! Topic of conversation will be:

Favorite Place to Go on a Date

* If you would like to participate *

Follow the prompt, or just wing it and blog about whatever you want, as long as it is about the love of your life! Don't feel like you can't contribute if you are not married, this is for anyone who wants to celebrate their significant other!  Then come back here and link up in the collection at the bottom of this post. Please grab the button and use it in your post, or post it somewhere on your blog!

The only thing I ask is to follow my blog and my co-host Jen's  blog via GFC, Bloglovin, Facebook or Twitter (icons at the top of my page - be sure to comment below and let me know how you follow and I will follow you back!) Then, take a look around at the other blogs linked up and leave them some love too!

* If you want to add the blog hop to your post *

If you want to participate in the hop and add the link-up to your post, click here and highlight the first code!

* If you would like me to add you to the advance email OR if you would like to co-host in the future*

If you would like to receive the code for the post before it goes live, or would like to co-host your very own My Husband Rocks Sunday Link-up, send me a message with the subject My Husband Rocks to:

 
See you later lovebugs!



Rachael
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