38 weeks {Bumpdate}

I stopped taking pictures of my bump at 36 weeks with Leila. I was close to 50 lbs of weight gain by 38 weeks and was way too unhappy with any photos of myself. 

How far along: 38 weeks.

Weight gain/loss:  No weight gain this week after a HUGE gain last week. Total weight gain of 26 lbs so far. I am officially swollen. My sister even thinks my lips are swollen.  All I know is that when I look in the mirror, I do not see MY face.  It has been replaced by a big ole' "pregnancy face". 

Feeling: Terrible.  Yeah, let's be honest here, I am overly emotional and am tired of not being able to do things normally (like put on pants, shoes, wash dishes, get off the couch, etc.)

Stretch marks:  No, no, no!

Sleep: I am sleeping just fine and am loving my early bedtime.

Best moment(s) this week: Checking a lot of things off my to-do list.  Only a few more big things to accomplish before I can pack my hospital bag!

Food cravings: Still feeling really hungry.  No specific cravings though.

Gender: BOY!

Movement: Yes, and I wonder how he even finds room in there to squirm at all.

What I miss:  My regular, non-pregnant face.  Yuck.

What I'm looking forward to:  I am getting together with some work friends on Thursday to celebrate Carson.  Looking forward to catching up with them over some good food. 

Weekly wisdom: Everyone keeps saying this is the "home stretch", but I don't feel like it's close enough to say that.  It could still be three more weeks until Carson arrives. 

Milestones:  Is it March yet...no?  Then I've got nothing.

Due date: 3-13-13

The Great List {2.25.13}

I may be in the minority here, but I really love Mondays.  I love a fresh start and I love routines (something our weekends have been lacking).  Like all weeks, this one had its ups and downs, but focusing on the positive helps me move on and let go.

Toddler artwork on my fridge makes me happy.

1.  The best part of my week was meeting my BFF's new baby boy, Kai.  Talking to Amy about how GOOD she was feeling now that she was no longer pregnant really helped my over-hormonal mood.  Kai is so tiny and squishy.  I loved holding him and watching his big sister show her affection to him too.  Being pregnant sucks, but we all know the end result it worth it!

2.  I'm in full nesting mode over here.  My mom, aunt, and I spent Saturday washing baby toys, books, the car seat, and checking to-do items off my list. There is still more to do, but as the list gets shorter I know that the last thing on my list is getting closer...packing my hospital bag.  Can't wait!

3.  My sister was gone for over a week visiting our new nephew and rest of our family back in Chicago.  I was so jealous she was able to spend some uninterrupted time with out sister and Jaxon but hearing how great they are both doing made me feel better.  We spent yesterday on the balcony catching up while catching some rays.  Sunshine and sister talk was another "I-am-so-over-this-pregnancy" mood buster.

Enjoy your week!

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Potty-training vs. Diapers: A mom's perspective

It's been three weeks since our big potty-training day.  It seems like it's been much longer than that. Keeping that in mind, things don't seem so bad. Yes... she's had accidents, sometimes refuses to use the toilet, says she has to go just to see how I will react, and is still learning.

Learning takes time and experiences.  She'll get there and one day it will be easier on us all.  It better!  Because right now there are times I wish she was still in diapers.

Diapers are easier.  Leila could go quite some time without needing a diaper change.  No need to interrupt her play or activity.  No bribes needed.  She rarely pooped on the go, which made diapers not-so-messy.  I carried three diapers and some wipes with ease.  Life was simpler with diapers, but that doesn't mean we made the wrong decision to teach her how to use the toilet. 

Learning to use the toilet involves going in the wet beach and park public bathrooms. Messy. Gross. Stinky. It means lugging around a folding toilet seat so she doesn't fall in or touch the germs, carrying extra clothes and septic-safe wipes (in addition to the multi-purpose baby wipes).  Teaching Leila to use the bathroom requires patience, time, encouragement, and consistency...none of which are bad things.  

Life before potty training was less complicated.  Really though, life before Leila was less complicated in general.  And I'm perfectly okay with that! 

37 weeks {Bumpdate}

How far along: 37 weeks...FULL TERM!

Weight gain/loss:  Up 3.5 pound this week...how embarrassing!  Total weight gain= 26 lbs. It felt great to exercise this week!  I'm one of those people that need exercise to help balance my mood.  Apparently I ate way to much though.

Feeling: Just as I expected with 3 weeks left.  Huge.  

Maternity clothes: This question is just silly.

Stretch marks:  Nope.

Sleep: Not nearly as bad as with Leila.  After hearing another pregnant mom (who is half as pregnant as me) complain about sleep this time around, I have decided to blame GIRL pregnancies on terrible sleep.  I struggled to get comfortable at 18 weeks with Leila. With Carson, I sleep like a baby (that gets up to pee a lot).

Best moment(s) this week: I got a much needed haircut and pedicure.

Food cravings: Anything and everything.  I am still so hungry.  Hope this guy is packing on some of the lbs I'm gaining!

Gender: Oh BOY!

Movement: Lots at night when I finally settle myself on the couch.  He gets the hiccups daily!

What I miss:  My wedding band.  I took it off after posting a belly pic that had my ring finger in it.  I didn't realize what an accomplishment it was to still be wearing it until someone pointed it out.  I immediately tried to take it off and struggled.  Once I got it off I decided that it was not going back on.

What I'm looking forward to:  Weekly doctor appointments!  My belly is measuring small, but not small enough for concern from the doctor yet.  I am anxious to go back on Monday and see the growth.

Weekly wisdom: Making it full term is a wonderful feeling (not physically of course!).

Milestones: I can no longer wear my shoes comfortably.  My flats squeeze my feet and my sneakers can barely be tied. 

Due date: 3-13-13

The Great List {02.18.13}

It's nice to get a fresh start to the week.  Letting go of all the chaos, and focusing on the joy helps me start the week off right!  

See-food anyone?  What can I say, I still think she's cute even with food in her mouth!

1.  San Diego has been having the best weather lately.  I love winters here because it can get really warm for a bit and then a few days later it feels like "winter" again.  Leila and I finally made it to our favorite park two days this week. The park use to be a staple in our weekly routine, but lately we've been too busy with family and work to hang out there. I could really tell she missed it!  She was all over the placing...the swings, climbing, digging in the sand...it was even warm enough to play with our feet in the water!
    

2.  My friend Amy had her baby boy this week!  She has yet to publicly share any details, so I'll just keep it at that.  My turn is next!

3.  Jeff's had a surprise day off this Thursday, a work day for me.  He spent the day with her and was EXHAUSTED by the time I got home.  It was very validating to hear that he thought staying home with her all day was hard work.  He had to take a nap mid-day and then felt a sense of relief when she was finally in bed.  Two is a busy age!

Source: moneysavingmom.com via Jen on Pinterest

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Come back each week for my newest list and don't forget to check out Betsy's list each week too.  Warning...positive thinking is addicting!

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It's tough being two.

A few weeks ago posted this status on Facebook while eating breakfast with Leila:

You would think the world has ended over here...there are blueberries in Leila's blueberry pancakes and she cannot seem to put the cut pieces of pancake back together. Oh crap, her napkin just dropped on the floor. This is it. Brace yourselves.

It made me laugh to see her strong reaction to such common, normal, everyday things. But more than that, it made me step back and see the world through her eyes for a moment.  I am sure glad I am not two.

The world ends over here on a  regular basis.

Wrong color cup, plate, or utensils...hysterics.
Mommy running upstairs to grab something...screams for me to pick her up.
Daddy wants a hug...runs away like he has the plague.
Forgetting Elmo (or the stuffed friend of the day) in the house...the crazy cry.
Offering to help her with anything...Nooooooo!

The craziest part of living with a two-year old is that she forgets in a minute (or less) that she just freaked out.  As quick as the crazy comes...it goes. I wish I could learn to let go like that.  Maybe being two wouldn't be so bad.

Perfectly content for now, until she realizes I expect her to eat a piece of chicken.

What causes the world to end for your child(ren)?

Valentine's Day...our way {Toddler art}

For some reason, I never associated Valentine's Day with traditions, until recently.  Other bloggers were asking their readers to share one of their Valentine's day traditions and it took me a minute to think about ours.

As a kid, I don't remember our classroom Valentine's Day parties, filling out all the cards to my friends, or even all the chocolate.  I remember going shopping on Valentine's Day with my mom and sisters.  Now, my memory tells me this was a tradition of ours, but I may only remember the years that we actually did this (at least one year, I'm sure!)  

As a wife, I have yet to establish any traditions for Valentine's Day in this house and I am not sure that we ever will.  Not because I don't like traditions, but because Valentine's Day has never been a big deal to me or Jeff. Tonight I plan to make a "nothing-fancy" dinner.  We won't share a bottle of nice wine (although I would like to do that!).  We probably won't even exchange cards.  Valentine's Day around here is just another day.  Hallmark doesn't tell me what to do.  

But as a mom to a toddler, I will take every opportunity to make our days special, as I know she will grow up too fast.  

I just love this sun catcher Leila made!  It's perfect for this San Diego sunshine. 

We spent yesterday morning with friends making Valentine's Day crafts.  Kari, from Mommy to Elodie, is the BEST when it comes to planning toddler art activities.

Isn't this "I love you" card adorable?!

Leila doesn't know Valentine's Day from Saturday, but that didn't stop her from enjoying herself!  She won't really understand why she's giving Daddy that card, and she'll probably assume it's his birthday.  But like I said, anything to make our days together a little more special...even if it is just a Hallmark holiday.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!  Are you celebrating?

36 weeks {Bumpdate}

I no longer like myself in this shirt after seeing how it photographs. Way too short! But bonus...these pants still fit!

How far along: 36 weeks

Weight gain/loss:  Up one pound this week. Total weight gain= 22.5 lbs. The guilt I have for not exercising lately is overwhelming.  I am not good at relaxing but am finding there is too much to do so exercise gets pushed aside.

Feeling: Like the hungriest woman alive!  I cannot get enough food. Last week I felt tiny, this week I feel huge...my face, my feet, my fingers, and of course, my belly.  After measuring small at my most recent doctor appointment, I feel like we have both grown this week.

Maternity clothes: Yeah. Like I mentioned with my picture, some of these shirts are just not cute anymore.  It's hard enough to feel cute 9 months pregnant, so from now on, I vow to only wear outfits I like myself in.

Stretch marks:  Nope.

Sleep: I've been skipping my nap and found I am sleeping better at night.  Hooray!

Best moment(s) this week:  Celebrating baby Carson with my friends and family.  Lauren threw him a wonderful baby party on Saturday.  It is probably one of the last times I will be with friends and without a child(ren) for quite a while. 

Food cravings: More sweets please. 

Gender: Oh BOY!

Movement: Lots at night when I finally settle myself on the couch.

What I miss:  Feeling cute.  

What I'm looking forward to:  Hearing the news that my longtime BFF Amy is in labor.  She is due on the 20th so it could be any day now!

Weekly wisdom: I will not be pregnant forever or EVER again. Phew.  

Milestones:  One more month!  Thank goodness.  I have been dreading this last month of pregnancy.  Here it is...

Due date: 3-13-13

Newborns {Sleep tip of the month}

I think it's only fitting that my sleep tip this month be focused on newborns as the arrival of Jen's second baby, Carson, is just around the corner! I look forward to being able to help Jen get little C sleeping like a champ.

Newborns don't know night from day, so you will have to help them learn the difference.

During the day...

• Keep the curtains open and the lights on when he's awake.
• Get outside when the weather is nice - research has shown that exposure to sunlight during the day helps babies sleep better at night (this won't be hard since we live in a city with 321 sunny days each year!)
• Feed him every 3 hours - even if you have to wake him up.

During the night...

• Pull down the shades, dim the lights.
• Switch to quiet activities, like massage, quiet reading or singing.
• Keep nighttime feedings brief and boring.

I feel so lucky knowing Lauren will be here to help me get Carson on the right track with his sleep! 

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Lauren is a certified sleep coach and DONA trained postpartum doula.  Her passion for helping tired parents began when her own newborn daughter's constant crying and terrible sleep habits finally got the best of her. Visit her blog and Facebook page for more information.

Check out Lauren's other featured posts on Leilaland:

Sleep coach * Postpartum doula {Guest post}

Babies and Children Sleep Better with a Friend

Sleep: Quality vs. Quantity 

Falling asleep too fast?

Less is not always more

The Great List {02.11.13}

Happy Monday!  This post is a little late because we've been BUSY doing some great things!

1. We had a party Saturday to celebrate this little guy with friends and family.  Lauren hosted the small gathering complete with delicious food, sweets, and decorations.  Carson got spoiled with all the gifts!  My favorite part was reading all the wishes people wrote for him.  One to fill out was "I wish you grow..." and most people responded, "taller than Jeff."

2. Amy and I sold most of our baby girl clothes at two local consignment stores. It feels good to have that DONE.  No more baby girls in this house!

3. We started going to Teacher Lee's Play to Learn Preschool a year ago.  Because of my new work schedule we haven't been able to attend for almost two months. Luckily she has just opened up a Monday class that we can go to.  Leila loves Teacher Lee and I love what she does for San Diego families.

4. Nesting hit me hard this week.  I organized Carson's dresser full of all his washed clothes, re-organized and purged items from the downstairs closet, and helped Jeff rearrange the kids' room...complete with bunk beds!  It feels so good to have that done.  My list is still long, but nothing left will take us full DAYS to complete.

“The more you appreciate, the more you have to appreciate.” ― Carma Spence

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Come back each week for my newest list and don't forget to check out Betsy's list each week too.  Warning...positive thinking is addicting!

Want to write your own list?  

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Baking with a toddler

Usually I bake when Leila is napping.  It just seems easier (and not so messy) that way.  Today I decided to try to make these easy healthy breakfast muffins I saw on Betsylife with Leila's help.  The entire experience was a success!

You were thrilled to mix the dry ingredients...

eager to measure the pumpkin puree... 

...and mindful that the mix made it into each paper liner.

The best part, of course, was tasting the muffins.  They were perfectly moist and delicious. I loved sharing this experience with Leila and am so excited to have a helper in the kitchen. 

Do you bake with your toddler?  What are some of your easy, healthy, go-to recipes?       

You make Mommy proud!

Dear Leila,

It's official...you are not my little baby anymore.  At 28 months old you are out of diapers and wearing underwear.

Yep, Daddy is proud of you too.  (He even dressed you today!)

I really thought I would never be ready to potty-train you.  Not because I want you to stay little forever, but because I was afraid I would fail at potty-training you. This potty-training experience has taught me not to be afraid to fail, not to be afraid of change, and that together we can do anything!

You have made me so proud these past few days.  You have had only a few little pee-dribble accidents (and one big one that scared you) and have stayed dry more often than not.  Today we went for a walk to a park with no bathroom nearby and you stayed dry!  The best moment so far was Daddy catching you trying to hide and poop in your underwear.  He stopped you just in time and you went on your little potty instead.  I was surprised you actually made me stay in the bathroom with you while you did your business.  You've got this girl!

This change has not been easy on us though.  You continue to resist my suggestions to use the toilet every half hour, but Mommy knows best.  Soon enough you will be able to initiate going on your own, but until then we will be practicing a lot.  I want you to be successful, yet I realize at the same time that you will learn from your accidents.  My plan is to remain consistent so you learn what is expected.

I am not sure what challenges we will face in this potty-training adventure, but I do know that we will not be looking back!

Keep up the great work Leila.  I love you!

Love, 

Mommy   

35 weeks {Bumpdate}

How far along: 35 weeks

Weight gain/loss:  Up two pounds this week (to make up for last week!) Total weight gain = 21.5 lbs

Feeling: Tiny compared to the pregnant ladies (Amy, 37 weeks and Eve, 35 weeks with twins!) I hung with at the Superbowl party this weekend.  It really put things into perspective seeing these ladies waddle (sorry, you do!) and look generally uncomfortable even sitting down. 

Maternity clothes: Uh huh!  I love the new comfortable
clothes I ordered from Old Navy...worth every penny. 

Stretch marks:  Nope.

Sleep: Dealing with typical pregnancy insomnia.  It's been taking me over an hour and a half to fall asleep at night.  Wondering if the mid-day naps are making it worse?!

Best moment(s) this week:  Potty training is OVER!  We did it all out for one day and are done.  

Food cravings: Sweets are my thing again this week. 

Gender: Baby BOY!

Movement: Yes, but way less active than Leila was...or maybe I am just busier and don't notice it as much.

What I miss:  Order.  We are in the midst of too many organizing projects.  I enjoy organizing but not the chaos that comes with the process.

What I'm looking forward to:  My friend Lauren is throwing Carson a party this weekend!  I am excited to celebrate this little guy.

Weekly wisdom: All great things...I can still cross my legs, shave them with ease, and touch my toes.

Milestones:  35 more days! Carson is about the size of a coconut and his hearing is fully developed.  He'll be spending the next 35 days putting on some weight (as will I).

Due date: 3-13-13

The Great List {02.04.13}

Starting off the week with The Great List has been a great way to let go of all the negative and focus on the positive for the week ahead.

So proud of this girl!

1.  This was a BIG week for my favorite girl (and me too!).  We tossed the diapers and charged full speed ahead with potty-training.  I'm not going to lie, potty-training is exhausting!  But I am so glad that I finally sucked it up and did it. There's no looking back now and that is the best part.  We're done!  Yes, there will be set-backs (accidents, meltdowns, and possible regression when Carson is born) but knowing that she is diaper free is quite freeing.

2.  I got my first paycheck in nineteen months!  Even though it was half of what I expected, due to an adjustment for starting so late in the school year, it feels great to make some money for doing what I love.

3.  It's been warmer than I remember for this time of year, even in San Diego.  I welcome it after some frigid nights.  Perfect weather for me is year round flip-flop weather.  Even if I don't wear flip-flops daily, I want to know I can.

Source: google.com via Jen on Pinterest

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Come back each week for my newest list and don't forget to check out Betsy's list each week too.  Warning...positive thinking is addicting!

Want to write your own list?  

Just grab the button, add it to your post, and come back to tell us about it.

Share some joy...

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