25 Days of Baby's First Christmas!

None of us can wait until we can teach our little ones the traditions of Christmas, the reason for the season, the story of Jesus and the love of Christ, the importance of giving and spending time with family, and all about Santa and his reindeer, but your 0-1 year old can't quite understand any of this. So, what do you do for baby's first Christmas to make it just as special?

We've struggled with this idea for a few months now since we will be bringing home Anna's baby brother just a few days before Christmas but still want to make it just as special for her as if it was just her and all about her.

We've decided that the best bet is to use this first year to start laying a foundation for all of the magical holiday seasons to come. Here are a few ideas to inspire you and that I plan to do with our little Anna this year:

1. Watch your favorite Christmas movies together, especially the ones with the most colors and sounds: "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "A Charlie Brown Christmas," etc.
2. Give baby a Christmas heirloom this year, such as a stocking, blanket, Christmas stuffed animal or toy they get to play with around this time of year (we already do that with little Mot-Mot's Christmas doggie toys, haha!), etc.
3. Make Christmas art. If baby is old enough, give him/her red and green crayons to "draw" with (with your supervision, of course). Invest in some super-sized crayons to make coloring easier for baby and toddler fingers, or feel free to make your own!
• You can also make a Christmas Color Swirl Bag: You'll need a Ziploc plastic bag, red and green Jell-O (already made) or pudding (already made or from a can) with red and green food coloring, and heavy tape (optional); Fill the plastic bag with the Jell-O or pudding, zip it shut, and for extra security, fold down the top about an inch and tape it down. Feel free to add glitter and/or red and green paper shreds, as well. Together you and baby can press and squeeze the bag and watch the colors mix and swirl. This activity helps your child develop finger dexterity.
4. Start a tradition of letting baby have his/her "own" Christmas decoration, such as getting them a tree for their own room. You will obviously have to decorate it this year, but soon enough, they will be able to do it all on their own. As they get older, think about adding drawings and art from school as decorations, as well. 
5. Decorate the Christmas tree together. Let baby hang a few (non-breakable) ornaments, and start mentally preparing yourself for not having them all perfectly-spaced (my OCD self will have to work on that this year). Let them feel the branches, smell the tree, and see the decorations sparkle. They will be adorably mesmerized!
6. Sing Christmas carols. Of course, they can't sing with you yet, but make sure the radio's on the Christmas station, sing your favorite Christmas songs to him/her, and dance along to the tunes together.
7. Meet Santa! ...Even if baby has stranger anxiety (which will be our case). Yes, be that cliche that stands in line at the mall. Where we live, we actually have a huge Christmas lights display that covers acres of land, and they have a Santa there that Anna will probably end up getting her picture with. I can't wait!
8. Wrap presents with baby. ...Might as well enjoy this one now since they don't know you're wrapping their own presents. Plus, they will have a blast! It might be the biggest mess you've ever made, but it's worth the smile on their face! Let them crumble the paper. Practice shaking the boxes to see what's inside. Let them feel the ribbon (maybe get some tulle ribbon, if you're good at bow-making, because they will love the texture!). 
9. Practice saying, "thank you." This is something that should be done all the time, but especially at Christmas. It reinforces an early sense of thanks and gratitude when they receive a present. 
10. Identify the shapes and colors of ornaments. Hold baby in front of the tree and point to the ornaments as you say their color or shape. Anytime you can integrate learning and fun, do it!
11. Have a Polar Express day: Stay in your pajamas all day, read the book, and watch the movie together. Give him/her a taste of hot chocolate (if they're old enough).
12. Have a "Christmas Smell Party:" Pull out a bunch of different items that have "Christmasy" smells (peppermints, cookies, holly, holiday candles, pine branches, etc.) and let baby smell and explore them, with your supervision.
13. If they are eating solid foods, make sure they get a taste of Christmas along with the rest of the family! Cut up and/or puree all the traditional foods that you usually eat for Christmas. They will love all the new tastes and smells!
14. Take them to look at Christmas lights at night, outside and inside the car, if you have the option. 
• Also, along with the Christmas tree, go all out on the Christmas decorations in the house! They will love being in a house full of holiday lights and sparkle.
15. Read Christmas books together: How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Night Before Christmas, A Christmas Carol, etc.
16. Make a box for Operation Christmas Child with baby. They obviously don't know what you're doing yet, but start the foundation for giving now. Talk to them about what you're doing and why you're doing it while you're doing it together. 
17. Cook your favorite holiday recipes together. Let them help and taste test. Put them in their high chair close to you or let them do their own cooking with a few pots and spoons on the kitchen floor.
18. Make a Christmas ornament together. Here's an example of one I'm thinking of doing with Anna this year; you can do a Santa or just put their hand/footprint, name, and the year. This is such a wonderful tradition to start!
19. Practice fun holiday words, such as "Ho, ho, ho." Don't expect them to get it right away or even this year, but it's good practice for these little talkers-in-progress, and you'll definitely get a smile!
20. Talk about who you're giving presents to when you buy them and when you're wrapping them. For example, if you're buying a present for grandma, tell baby how much you love her and why you want to give that particular present to her.
21. Go for a winter walk, and use it as a learning opportunity: When you put his/her mittens on, talk about them going on your hands. When you put his/her hat on, talk about it going on your head. Socks/boots go on his/her feet, etc. Help baby start to identify the parts of his/her body, and feel free to do this one all winter long!
22. Make sure to capture baby's first Christmas on film and add it to your baby photo book, or feel free to do one especially for their first Christmas (not just the day, but the whole month!). Take pictures of their first tree, their visit with Santa, their Christmas clothes, all the smiles they have, the decorations they love, and the activities they enjoy. I love using Mixbook!
23. Make sure to read the true story of Christmas with baby. Not Santa - the real story. The earlier the better, in my opinion.
24. Start your Christmas Eve tradition with a "Christmas Eve" box, full of new Christmas pajamas, Christmas socks, popcorn, Christmas mugs, hot chocolate, marshmallows, and a Christmas book. Spend the evening together and cuddled up.
25. Bake Christmas cookies together and make sure to leave out some, along with milk, for Santa.

And most importantly, remember that they only get one first Christmas. It will be special, no matter what, so don't forget to just enjoy it with them!

Also, feel free to check out Parents.com's Tips for Baby's First Christmas. Make your first holiday season as a Mommy as memorable, yet as stress free as possible!

Day 27!

DAY 27 - Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season: I really am so very grateful for this time of year, the time of year for family and traditions. It really is magical, and being home with family (whether you're where you live or hours away), seeing those lights and decorations, watching those movies, and hearing those songs can't help but bring you back to a simpler time when we were all so much more comfortable and carefree. It really is such a beautiful and wonderful time of year, and I can't wait to celebrate it with and make it special for my little ones! Happy First Thanksgiving, my little Anna Bear!

Remember the Reason for the Season... focus on why you do it all, work so hard, work so long, sacrifice, etc. Remember who you do it for and focus on family and what's important. Take a deep breath, relax for a day, and never lose sight of what and who truly matters. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

5 Ways to Be Happier As A Stay-At-Home Mom!

In the hectic world we live in, more than ever, it seems like every family needs a dual income to survive, so to be able to leave one potential earner at home, while the other goes away to work can sometimes be quite a feat, but being able to stay home with your children is an incredible blessing. 

But. 

Let's be honest. 

While every Stay-At-Home Mom loves her children (I'm pretty sure), wants all good things for them, feels grateful for them, and enjoys time off from work, and, and, and... well, it can still be tough. Frustrating. Hard. And it can make you feel unappreciated, dumpy, and undervalued. While hard work in an office can result in promotions, raises, and other forms of appreciation, hard work as a SAHM, though it will result in great things, is not often seen or appreciated for years.

So...

While I definitely acknowledge the blessing of staying home with your children, here are a few tips to help you be happier as a SAHM:

1. Go outside every day. I'm sure you've had those days when you go to bed at night and realize that you never once turned the doorknob to go outside. Whatever your reason: whether it's a walk, to run to the post office, or to get an ice cream cone from McDonald's, just make sure that you see the daylight at least once a day. Take a deep breath of fresh air. The sunshine is good for you; it releases dopamine and eases stress. 
2. Get completely ready BEFORE your kids are up. Whatever stage of life your children are in, make sure that you are up, dressed, hair done, and make-up finished by the time they are up and running around. If you don't do it first thing in the morning, it will often get done haphazardly throughout the day, or else it will not get done at all. You will feel worlds different if you can face each day knowing you look your best.
3. Always pursue at LEAST one personal interest. I know you love your little ones, and most of your day revolves around them: changing diapers, giving baths, cleaning your home, making meals, and other incredibly repetitive tasks. However, in the midst of all of this, find one thing for YOU that YOU enjoy. This a NOT a free pass to neglect your children and focus selfishly on yourself; rather, it is a way to find joy and accomplishments outside of your children so that you can always feel that you, as an individual, have worth. Options? Gardening. Reading. Running. Gourmet cooking. Blogging. Photography. Swimming. Just pick something that you love and budget some time at least once a week for you to do something just for YOU. 
4. Get adequate rest. I say adequate because I know that you will not get all the sleep you want until your kids are out of the home (if then). You'll certainly be up late working on projects that can't be done with your children running around (and sometimes it's the only way you and hubby can get some time to yourselves) and then be up again in the morning before they get up. But, make sure to find some kind of balance. However you swing things, do not allow yourself to run off of too little sleep. If you do, you will lose your temper far too easily, which will cause you to say/do things with your children that you will regret. You are staying home with your children to give them the best upbringing they can get. Make sure it IS the best by giving yourself rest so that you will be your BEST self. 
5. Love your spouse/significant other. It is easy to become wrapped up in your children's wants and needs (extremely easy, since they want and need so much!). Do not, however, allow this to take away from your relationship with your significant other. If you do not show love and affection for this person who is such an integral and important part of your life, regardless of how perfect of a mother you are, you will not be truly happy ...and neither will he. So, whatever may work for you, make sure to show your love for your husband each and every day: bake him his favorite desert, kiss him before he goes to work, hug him when he gets home, text him how much you care during the day, and hold his hand in the car and while you watch TV together. Don't make it a chore; instead, try to think of and try new ways to express your adoration. It doesn't matter how you do it, just make sure he feels loved, appreciated, and taken care of as well!

Do you have any tips for what has helped you find the joy in the journey of being a SAHM? Please share, so we all can benefit!

Sometimes it's hard to feel productive when you make your own schedule and don't have the same structure of a regular 9-5 job, so here are 5 Ways to Be A More Productive Stay-At-Home Mom!

And, remember, it's tough! We're all always striving to be the best mom we can be, so here are some Tips on Being a Better Mama!

Day 26!

DAY 26 - Road Trips: I don't exactly know why I love road trips so much, but I feel like they are the definition of freedom and spontaneity: away from the drone of everyday life, away from the world of technology and disconnect, and with the people you care about. Some of the best memories and laughs are made on road trips, and the car is where you have the longest, deepest conversations and really find out who people truly are. Driving, interesting sights, weird gas stations, getting lost, debates, stories, bad dancing, and off-key sing-a-longs... I wouldn't trade those times for anything. It doesn't matter where you're going, it's who you're with. It's like Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Life is a journey, not a destination."

Joseph and I on our first road trip together (to go pick up his childhood friend, Egan from Fort Benning, GA and bring him home to Macclenny, Florida; a trip that turned into a 12 hour round trip with no sleep). It's where we talked about our lives, hopes, and dreams, told stories, expressed opinions, and when I knew HE was the one I wanted to be with. I'll always remember the Listerine and the Mercedes, "Turtles!," and the Possum Police ...so many memories in one little trip!

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Day 25!

DAY 25 - The Lord: I thank God for all of the blessings he has given me and the trials he has put in my path to overcome. I am so very thankful for the strength that he gives me throughout every day and the fact that I will never be alone in my hopes, fears, and dreams. I am grateful that his love has shown through me to help me understand a selfless relationship and the meaning of true unconditional love (something I work at every day). I am grateful for his grace and the fact that he has given me everything in its right time and is leading me down my path each and every day. I put my faith in him that we will succeed and that we will have exactly what we need when the time comes. I pray his love shines through me to help my children grow into selfless, confident individuals who bask in the light of our Lord. God, please keep myself, my family, and my friends safe and healthy this holiday season. Glory in Your name, Lord. Amen.

I know that not all of us are Christians here, but feel free to leave a testament to your religion and the blessings it has brought and the trials it has helped you through:

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Day 24!

DAY 24 - Family Time: I thank God every day for our little family, and I am so grateful that we are officially a little family. We may not get it as much as we would like, but I wouldn't trade a second of the time we get together. Seeing Joseph and Anna play and the smiles and the laughs he brings to her little face are absolutely amazing and unforgettable. She lights up whenever he's around, and he is such an amazing father. We've done a lot of things as a couple over the years, but the best memories are made doing the smallest of things together, be it cooking, cleaning, or just riding in the car talking together. Us all being together is what gets me through every day. It makes life worth living and absolutely incredible!

What kind of family time do YOU have planned for this Thanksgiving and this holiday seasoning?

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Day 23!

DAY 23 - Food: They say that scent is the strongest memory trigger, and you can't say that when you smell a turkey baking in the oven, you're not brought back to your most memorable family holidays. I LOVE food, and I LOVE cooking for others, and I most love cooking WITH others. It's such a fun, usually hilarious, bonding experience ...that tends to leave a mess, haha. Trying new recipes is so much fun, like a science experience! I may sound like a total fatty, but I'm so grateful for good, hearty food (I'm definitely not one of those tofu people), the connection it has with family, friends, and good times, and the way it brings together people that saw each other yesterday, as well as people that haven't seen each other in months, or even years!

What kind of foods/recipes are you preparing/pot-lucking for your Thanksgiving dinner? I LOVE hearing fresh, new, and different dishes!

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Day 22!

DAY 22 - Memories: I guess I'm a pretty nostalgic person, and I'm so grateful for all of the hilarious and wonderful memories I've made over the years. I've always loved to be spontaneous whenever I get the chance, and I've had the opportunity to do so many exciting things and to go so many exciting places. However, the best memories are those made with the least money, doing the least outrageous things, and just being with the people you care about. No matter good or bad, each memory is a blessing to teach you a lesson, make you laugh, and keep you going through the harder times. I look forward to all of the beautiful memories left yet to make with all of my absolutely wonderful family and friends!

Is this a nostalgic time of year for you as well? Any memories you would like to share?

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Week 36!

We're finally in the final month countdown ...ONLY 29 DAYS LEFT! I can't believe that today next month, I will be holding our sweet baby boy!

I had my 36 Week Appointment today (as well as picking up Little Man's car seat), and everything is looking great! His heartbeat is in the 150s, and though I am measuring small, I'm definitely not worried: I measured even smaller with Anna, and she was almost eight pounds (I just "hide pregnancy well" for some reason, haha)! It does give us the opportunity to have one last ultrasound though, so we're excited for that!

I also had my Group B Strep test today, and I tested positive for it last time with Anna. For any of you ladies getting close to 36 Weeks, if you do test positive (they just give you a quick swab), they just give you penicillin during labor so that it doesn't affect the baby. No worries, about 30-40% of women have it and have no idea until they get pregnant.

I'm dilated about one and half centimeters, but I'm not really effaced and still sown up pretty tight, so we should be absolutely fine traveling to Florida for Thanksgiving this coming Thursday. ...Just not looking forward to riding four hours with a pregnant belly, back, and my pregnant RLS, as well as sleeping on the hardest bed in creation at Joseph's grandmother's house. Getting the heck out of Georgia for a day will be nice though! Haha!

For more on Week 36 or your week of pregnancy, check out Mommy's Corner!

Day 21!

DAY 21 - Freedom: I know that our government hasn't been the greatest as of late, and many of our fellow citizens would rather focus on the issues that separate us rather than banning together on the more pressing matters of our society. However, at the end of the day, I have to say that I am so very PROUD to be an American. I am so grateful to be a citizen of this amazing country and that we have the liberty to complain about the things we aren't happy about. I feel so blessed to have the freedom to do anything I want to in life, to make my own decisions, and to succeed and to fail as I choose. I am also grateful for every man and woman who has put his/her life on the line for myself and my family to be able to sleep soundly at night. America is still the best country in the world, and I am blessed to be able to raise my children here!

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Day 20!

DAY 20 - Health: I know I complain about the aches and pains of pregnancy, but at the end of the day, it's just a small thing to bear for our sweet baby boy. I am so blessed to have woken up this morning alive and well. I have my health while so many others suffer from the thousands of different illnesses around the world. Somehow, I don't have any real physical, mental, or genetic deficiencies, and I have the ability to move easily, play and chase after Anna, work using my body, and better my body with exercise. I am blessed to have had two easy, healthy pregnancies (hopefully this birth goes just as easy as last time as well), and two beautiful, active, healthy babies. I pray for many more healthy years for myself, my husband, and my precious little family, as well as all of my loved ones!

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Day 19!

DAY 19 - Education: I am so very grateful to have been given the opportunity for a great education through great teachers and great mentors. I've been able to feed my mind and curiosity through books, lessons, and incredible discussions, and not everyone gets that chance. I'm grateful for the school I attended and all of the academic extracurricular activities I was involved in. They expanded my thought process, made me a better writer, and made me a better speaker. I am especially grateful to Mrs. Lee Robinson who was my teacher for 8 or 9 classes in high school (so we got to know each other pretty well), took me under her wing as a debater, and was an incredible mentor to me in English Literature, high school, and life in general. She has been extremely influential in my life, and I know that my education would not have been as fulfilling without her. ...Furthermore, I'm definitely looking forward to going back to college in the near future, and I'm grateful for the support of the people in my life in finishing my degree.

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Day 18!

DAY 18 - Humor: I have no idea what I would do if I didn't know people who have a sense of humor. I absolutely love to laugh, and I try to surround myself with people who can make me laugh. Life would be so mundane if I couldn't make fun of myself and others, and making my baby girl laugh warms my heart. My husband and my best friend are the funniest people I know, and I adore that about their personalities. The moral of the story: Don't take life too seriously; keep a childlike view of the world, and stay adventurous and curious about the excitement and beauty of life. If you can't do that, you just get hardened and cold to the world, and you become cynical to life and those around you. Even if you've got smoke coming out of your ears or tears rolling down your face, smile, it will make you feel just a little bit better!

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Day 17!

DAY 17 - My Daddy: I HAD to do an individual status just for my Daddy Dearest. I've been a Daddy's Girl my whole life, and I have been told plenty times over that my Daddy has spoiled the crap out of me growing up. I am so grateful for everywhere we've been together and everything we've done together, and those memories will be absolutely precious to me for the rest of my life. He has always been there when I've been in trouble or a sticky situation (made an hour and a half trip into 20 minutes when I flipped my car), and he has always been there to talk to about decisions and worries. He's always supported me, even when he didn't necessarily approve of my choices. He has been there to support and help myself and my new little family through every step of the way, and he is an incredible Papa to Anna. I always know that no matter what, I will always have a home to come home to and a shoulder to cry on. I have the best father anyone could ever dream of! I love you, Daddy!

Let your cup runneth over today! Here's Day 17's Journal Topic:

It's pretty rainy outside today, so we will probably take our "Gratitude Walk" tomorrow - I did sit on the front porch and watch it for awhile. I do want to take a moment to appreciate the rain though, that cleanses and feeds our world and that is the best sleep-aid in the world. On a rainy day, you just want to be home and cuddled up in a blanket with the ones you love with a cup of coffee and a good book. Absolutely wonderful!

I also want to show my appreciation for bubble baths! Ahhh... are there words? So absolutely soothing and relaxing, no matter what's going on in your day. I just want to say that pregnancy aches and pains, rainy days, and bubble baths = PERFECTION!

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Day 16!

DAY 16 - Drive: I've been told that I tend to be a little stubborn sometimes ...or should I say "determined." I push for what I want and what I believe, and I don't compromise well when it comes to my morals and values. I can be pretty impatient when I'm working toward something, and that only makes me work harder to get myself to where I want to be. I'm working on that, being able to compromise easier with other and to gain patience as a person. But, what I love about my determination is that it pushes me and keeps me going, no matter what the obstacle. It keeps me working hard for a better life for myself and my family. It keeps me from backing down when it comes to doing what is best for them and constantly bettering myself.

What about you? What are you thankful for on this gorgeous fall day?

Also, if you feel like doing a little extra gratitude meditating today, definitely feel free to check out Day 16's Journal Prompt (and maybe think about starting a "Gratitude Journal" to keep track of all the people and things you are thankful for this Thanksgiving):

MY LIST:

1. My husband
2. His mom
3. His grandmother
4. His sister
5. His brother-in-law
6. My dad
7. His mom
8. My mom
9. Her boyfriend, Rob
10. My brother
11. My sister
12. My cousin, Christina
13. My cousin, Keith
14. My Aunt Pat
15. My teacher, Mrs. Robinson
16. My daughter
17. My son

So, who's on your list?

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28 Days of Thanksgiving!

Something that myself and my friends do around this time of year is pick something we are thankful for each and every day from the first day of November to Thanksgiving. It really gives you perspective and helps you to appreciate each and every blessing in your life. So, blog about it, post a Facebook status every day, or take a picture. We all have so very much to be thankful for each and every day!

What I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving... (not in any particular order):

DAY 1 - Family

DAY 2 - Nature

DAY 3 - My Husband

DAY 4 - My Best Friend

DAY 5 - My Babies

DAY 6 - Family-In-Law

DAY 7 - Fall Weather

DAY 8 - Adopted Family

DAY 9 - Opportunity

DAY 10 - Motley

DAY 11 - My Corolla

DAY 12 - Optimism

DAY 13 - My Grandparents

DAY 14 - Mistakes

DAY 15 - Horses

DAY 16 - Drive

DAY 17 - My Daddy

DAY 18 - Humor

DAY 19 - Education

DAY 20 - Health

DAY 21 - Freedom

DAY 22 - Memories

DAY 23 - Food

DAY 24 - Family Time

DAY 25 - The Lord

DAY 26 - Road Trips

DAY 27 - Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season

DAY 28 - So thankful to be out of the house and out of Georgia! Off to Macclenny to spend Thanksgiving with the hubby's family! ROAD TRIP!



Haha, I love these things: Bitstrips App - Kyrstie's Bitstrips

5 Ways to Be A More Productive Stay-At-Home Mom!

Let's face it, being a Stay-At-Home Mom is work, but without the regulated hours or regular pay of a 40-hour work week job, YOU are left in charge of setting your own work, hours, goals, etc.

It can be frustrating to do the same droning chores each and every day like clock work, and the work day doesn't end at 6PM; it keeps going all day, all night, and into the next day. Being a SAHM can be extremely rewarding, but if you're anything like me, you've worked your whole life to the hardest of your ability to succeed, conquer, and accomplish. Being home all day can start to feel like you're not doing anything at all, and if you don't feel productive and successful, you might just want to give it up altogether.

So, here are 5 tips on how to be and feel more successful as a SAHM:

1. When possible, wake up before the rest of your family (namely your children) and shower, dress, and get ready for the day. This will automatically set your mind in "go-mode," preventing you from being sluggish and unproductive throughout the first hours of the day.
• It can also make for a very happy hubby: Get his clothes ready for him, his lunch if he's taking it, make him coffee, and gently wake him up. It gives you some great couple time before the kiddos get up, and it makes a great start to both of your days.
2. Any physical exercise, even just 15 minutes a day, will release extra endorphins, giving you some extra energy. Additionally, a little cardio can help you work out any anger/frustration you have built up (which can't help but give you more patience with your children).
• I try to make sure I fit in some pregnancy yoga each and every day since I can't do a lot of heavy exercise, and it definitely helps to eliminate some stress and frustration.
3. Each night, before going to sleep, jot down a TO-DO List for the next day. Even if you aren't able to accomplish everything on your list, you will find that simply having them written down will help you get more accomplished than if it was just on your mind.
4. Have one long-term goal (eat better, work out, finish an art project, sculpture, quilt, garden, etc.) and do a little bit of work on it each day. SAHMs are busier than ever, so giving just a few minutes a day over time will result in a substantial result that will surprise you.
5. Tune out the TV. Have favorite shows? Ones you can't miss? Choosing even one hour of TV that you would normally watch and substituting it with listening to the radio will easily turn into something far more important: an hour playing with the kids, a cleaner home, a better dinner that evening, etc.

However, always make sure to remember that as a SAHM, your number one priority is ALWAYS your children. If you ever have something going on in your life that seems to or even starts to seem to come above your children, re-evaluate yourself a bit. In five years, will you remember your spotless floors? Or will you remember that half hour that you laughed with and chased your children? Just be careful to always keep a balance.

While it's important to be productive, make sure that you are happy as well. Otherwise, you risk resenting your sweet children. Here are 5 Ways to Be A Happier Stay-At-Home Mom!

And, remember, it's tough! We're all always striving to be the best mom we can be, so here are some Tips on Being a Better Mama!

Week 34!

SIX MORE WEEKS!

Total weight gain: I was like 141 pounds at my appointment on Thursday (though I wasn't really paying attention, as Anna was screaming her head off because of her stranger anxiety, haha), so like 16 pounds.

Maternity clothes? Very much so! I found out this week that I can no longer fit into my yoga pants anymore (which I could fit through my entire pregnancy with Anna), but they're XS, so I guess I couldn't expect to stay in them forever. Now, it's maternity jeans and pajama pants for the next six weeks.

Stretch marks? The old ones just keep stretching, blah.

Sleep: I lay there for at least two hours or so before I can finally fall asleep these days, just listening to Joseph snore. I toss and turn all night, can never get comfortable, and am in pain every morning when I wake up. I'm over this, seriously...

Best moment this week: It was nice to get out this past Thursday. I had my 34 Week doctors appointment and ran some errands. Probably my best moment was officially getting my name changed on my license! I'm officially Mrs. Boyd through the DMV!

Miss anything? Feeling normal... I swear my birth announcement is going to be, "I'm a normal human being again!" I'm just ready to have my body back and to be rid of these aches and pains.

Movement: He never stops! And it gets painful sometimes and definitely makes it hard to sleep. You can just sit there and watch my stomach roll and bounce. That barely ever happened with Anna. It's kinda cool, yet kinda creepy, haha!

Food cravings: Reese's cups, definitely Reese's cups...

Anything making you queasy or sick? Spicy foods have not been my friend, as of late. Heartburn, heartburn, heartburn... I have to eat foods with substance too; junk food makes me sick. And I have to eat when I'm hungry because if I wait any longer, I feel sick then too. 

Gender: Still Team Blue!

Labor signs: Definitely Braxton Hicks contractions and LOTS of pressure.  They haven't checked to see if I'm dilated or effaced yet, but some women in my birth club are 4 centimeters dilated or more ...heck, I think six of them have already had their babies! Please wait until full-term, Little Man!

Symptoms: Just adding to the list every day - Feet hurt, joint pain and body aches, back pain, nerve pain, pressure, heartburn, losing energy and flexibility, and feeling HUGE! I feel like a fragile flower that will break if anyone touches me, yet I crave massages! Haha!

Belly Button in or out? Still in ...but slowly pushing out. I can easily MAKE it pop out at this point.

Happy or moody most of the time: Moody and happy (hormonal). Joseph keeps me happy for the most part, Anna makes me happy and drives me bonkers, and my younger brother drives me up the wall enough that I want to throw his crap out into the yard half the time.

Looking forward to: Shopping for little boy baby clothes and supplies, Christmas shopping, our possible trip to Florida to see Joseph's family for Thanksgiving (I'll be 36 Weeks, so we'll be pushing it, haha!), and GETTING THIS BABY OUT!

To learn more about pregnancy at 34 Weeks or your week of pregnancy, check out: Mommy's Corner!

Hospital Bag!

Next week will be 35 Weeks, and it's recommended you have your hospital bag ready around this time (just in case). Since I've been there once before, hopefully I can perfect my list this time around:

NOTES:

• Ask the hospital what they provide during your baby classes and/or during your maternity ward tour
• Pack everything by Week 35 and have a list of everything you can't keep packed beside your bag to be able to grab in a hurry

Must-Haves:

• Insurance info, hospital forms, and birth plan (I would also definitely think about preregistering at the hospital around Week 35, just so they have everything you need, and you can just focus on baby-having)
• 2-3 pairs of warm, nonskid socks that can get ruined
• Slippers that can get dirty
• Snuggie, cuddly blankets for you and hubby (it gets cold in those hospital rooms!)
• A warm robe you don't mind sacrificing to the cause
• A ruin-able nightgown (you can use those lovely hospital gowns, but your own might help you feel more human)
• 2 maternity bras - no under wire - (or nursing tank if you don't want everyone seeing your nipples through your gown) and nursing pads (not tons because you won't really leak until you get home)
• Comfortable going-home clothes in six-month maternity size and flat shoes (or just wear the clothes you came in) - Maternity jogging suit (at least 6 months) for after labor and another change of clothes (pajamas, comfy clothes, etc.) just in case
• Lip balm/chap stick (trust me, your lips get dry!)
• Toiletries and personal items - hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, makeup, shampoo, conditioner, lotion (preferably travel-sized)
• Ponytail holders (avoid clips - they'll probably poke you)
• Sugar-free hard candy or lozenges to keep your mouth moist during labor (candy with sugar will make you thirsty - sugar free gum
• Pen and paper
• Change for the vending machines and non-perishable snacks (you'll probably be hungry after labor, and the hospital cafeteria would be closed) - trail mix/nutrigrain bars, chocolate!, etc.
• Cell phone and charger
• Camera, extra memory card, battery or charger
• Extra pillow - or two (with a case that can get ruined, in a pattern distinguishable from hospital white)
• Breastfeeding pillow (if you have one) - a regular pillow will work just as well
• Lanolin for the nipple after EVERY feeding (for at least three weeks)
• Bath towel (the hospital will likely supply a small, very thin one)
• Your MP3 player or laptop (I didn't have time for it, but some women find music helps during labor)
• A duffle bag packed with two changes of clothes and basic hygiene products for hubby, as well as a pillow (or two) and towel (energy drinks, pajamas)
• Baby memory book (ask the nurse to stamp the footprints in there while they are doing the birth certificate), or ask them to stamp them on a blank piece of paper, and you can add it later
• Empty bag or enough room in your bag to take home everything the hospital gives you (which will be a ton, I promise!)

What to Bring For Baby:

• Approved car seat
• Warm outfit for the first night (onesie, pants, socks, hat) - even if the hospital say they will provide one for you, and another outfit, just in case
• A pacifier
• Baby mittens (so they don't scratch themselves or you)
• A coming-home outfit (with legs for the car seat)
• Warm blankets (for the ride home)
• Outdoor gear like a snowsuit and hat (remember, babies are extra sensitive to cold)